bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender Differential Expression of AR/miR-21 Signaling Axis and Its Protective Effect on Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Huang Gaomin , Yao Qiu , Ye Zhenfeng , Huang Yawei , Zhang Chiyu , Jiang Yi , Xi Xiaoqing 
Published: April 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences after renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice and the effects of androgen receptor (AR) and microRNA-21 (miR-21) on apoptosis in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods: Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury model was induced by 45 min of bilateral renal artery ischemia and reperfusion. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into groups according to different experimental protocols. The levels of renal function were evaluated by serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. TUNEL staining was used to analyze the pathological changes and apoptosis levels of renal tissue, and western blotting and qPCR were used to detect the expressions of miR-21, AR, PDCD4 and caspase3.Results: After renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice with different genders, the levels of plasma urea nitrogen and creatinine in female and male mice increased, the histopathological score increased, and TUNEL staining in renal tissue indicated increased apoptosis. The expressions of miR-21, PDCD4, and active caspase-3 protein were up-regulated. The above trend was more pronounced in male mice, and a significant decrease in AR mRNA expression was detected. Silencing the expression of AR aggravated the decline of renal function and renal tubular injury after renal ischemia in mice. The expression of PDCD4 and active caspase-3 increased, while the level of miR-21 was correspondingly decreased. Up-regulation of miR-21 expression by pre-miR-21 could negatively regulate PDCD4, reduce the expression level of active caspase3, and yet induce AR expression accordingly. MiR-21 alleviated renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis. The effect of antagomiR-21 was the opposite, which aggravated renal ischemia-reperfusion injury.Conclusion: There are gender differences in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Male mice are more susceptible to renal ischemia-reperfusion injury than female. Silencing AR expression or down-regulating the level of miR-21 can promote the expression of PDCD4 and apoptosis protein caspase3, thereby aggravating ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice. The protective effect of AR and miR-21 in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury has a certain synergy.
Low Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Dogs From Central China
Authors: Zhu Niuping , Yang Liulu , Xin Shilin , Huang Wei , Jiang Yibao , Yang Yurong 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundToxoplasma gondii can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans and dogs. Humans can become infected with T. gondii by petting dogs that have eaten or contacted infected cat feces. The aim of this study was to evaluate T. gondii infections in dogs from central China. From 2015 to 2021, a total of 536 dog samples (195 fecal, 81 hearts, and 260 serum samples) from Henan Province were collected. Heart juice or serum samples (n = 341) were tested for T. gondii antibodies using the modified agglutination test (MAT). Fresh myocardium (n = 6) and blood (n = 2) samples were bioassayed in mice.ResultsThe present study showed that 4.40% (15/341) of the dogs were seropositive for T. gondii by MAT (cut-off, 1:25) and 4.10% (8/195) of dog feces contained T. gondii DNA. No T. gondii DNA was found in any myocardium (n = 81) or blood (n = 2) samples. The viable T. gondii strain was not isolated from any myocardium or blood samples (n = 8). Compared to the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in dogs sampled from 2015 to 2018, the prevalence significantly declined from 2020 to 2021 (P &lt; 0.05). Gender and age were not risk factors for dogs infected with T. gondii in this study. However, compared to other sources, dogs from Zhoukou City (close to the Yellow River) or from pet shops showed significantly higher prevalence for T. gondii (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionA total of 4.29% dogs were infected by T. gondii (23/536, 8 of 195 fecal samples, 2 of 260 serum, and 13 of 81 heart juice samples). This is the first survey of T. gondii infection in dog feces from China. Dogs were exposed to T. gondii, and they could act as mechanical transmitters of T. gondii.
The rs7404339 AA Genotype in CDH5 Contributes to Increased Risks of Kawasaki Disease and Coronary Artery Lesions in a Southern Chinese Child Population
Authors: Wang Yishuai , Lin Kun , Zhang Linyuan , Lin Yueling , Yu Hongyan , Xu Yufen , Fu Lanyan , Pi Lei , Li Jinqing , Mai Hanran , Wei Bing , Jiang Zhiyong , Che Di , Gu Xiaoqiong 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundKawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limited febrile illness of unknown cause. And it predominantly affects children &lt;5 years and the main complication is coronary artery lesion (CAL). Studies demonstrated that vascular endothelial cells (VECs) played a very important role in the CAL of KD. VE-cad encoded by CDH5 may exert a relevant role in endothelial cell biology through controlling the cohesion of the intercellular junctions. The pathogenesis of KD remains unclear and genetic factors may increase susceptibility of KD. However, the relationship between CDH5 polymorphisms and KD susceptibility has not been reported before. The present study is aimed at investigating whether the rs7404339 polymorphism in CDH5 is associated with KD susceptibility and CAL in a southern Chinese child population.Methods and ResultsWe recruited 1,335 patients with KD and 1,669 healthy children. Each participant had supplied 2 mL of fresh blood in the clinical biologic bank at our hospital for other studies. Multiplex PCR is used to assess the genotypes of rs7404339 polymorphism in CDH5. According to the results, we found significant correlated relationship between rs7404339 polymorphism in CDH5 and KD susceptibility [AA vs. GG: adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00–2.05; p = 0.0493; recessive model: adjusted OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.01–2.06, P = 0.0431]. In further stratified analysis, we found that children younger than 60 months (adjusted OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.01–2.10; p = 0.0424) and male (adjusted OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.09–2.65; p = 0.0203) with the rs7404339 AA genotype in CDH5 had a higher risk of KD than carriers of the GA/GG genotype. Furthermore, stratification analysis revealed that patients with the rs7404339 AA genotype exhibited the significantly higher onset risk for CAL than carriers of the GA/GG genotype (adjusted age and gender odds ratio = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.01–2.41; P = 0.0433).ConclusionOur results showed that rs7404339 AA genotype in CDH5 is significant associated with KD susceptibility. And children younger than 60 months and male with the rs7404339 AA genotype had a higher risk of KD than carriers with the GA/GG genotype. Furthermore, patients with the rs7404339 AA genotype exhibited a significantly higher risk of CAL complication than carriers of the GA/GG genotype.
The Relationship Between Body Mass Index and In-hospital Survival in Patients Admitted With Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Elbaz-Greener Gabby , Rozen Guy , Carasso Shemy , Yarkoni Merav , Wijeysundera Harindra C. , Alcalai Ronny , Gotsman Israel , Rahamim Eldad , Planer David , Amir Offer 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundThe association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and clinical outcomes following acute heart failure (AHF) hospitalization is debated in the literature. Our objective was to study the real-world relationship between BMI and in-hospital mortality in patients who were admitted with AHF.MethodsIn this retrospective, multi-center study, we utilized the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to identify a sampled cohort of patients who were hospitalized with AHF between October 2015 and December 2016. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality and length of stay (LOS). Patients were divided into 6 BMI (kg/m2) subgroups according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification: (1) underweight ≤ 19, (2) normal weight 20–25, (3) overweight 26–30, (4) obese I 31–35, (5) obese II 36–39, and (6) extremely obese ≥40. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality and to identify predictors of LOS.ResultsA weighted total of 219,950 hospitalizations for AHF across the US were analyzed. The mean age was 66.3 ± 31.5 years and most patients (51.8%) were male. The crude data showed a non-linear complex relationship between BMI and AHF population outcomes. Patients with elevated BMI exhibited significantly lower in-hospital mortality compared to the underweight and normal weight study participants (5.5, 5,5, 2,8, 1.6, 1.4, 1.6% in groups by BMI ≤ 19, 20–25, 26–30, 31–35, 36–39, and, ≥40 respectively, p &lt; 0.001) and shorter LOS. In the multivariable regression model, BMI subgroups of ≤ 25kg/m2 were found to be independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Age and several comorbidities, and also the Deyo Comorbidity Index, were found to be independent predictors of increased mortality in the study population.ConclusionA reverse J-shaped relationship between BMI and mortality was documented in patients hospitalized for AHF in the recent years confirming the “obesity paradox” in the real-world setting.
Long-Term Effect of Febuxostat on Endothelial Function in Patients With Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia: A Sub-Analysis of the PRIZE Study
Authors: Maruhashi Tatsuya , Higashi Yukihito , Yoshida Hisako , Tanaka Atsushi , Eguchi Kazuo , Tomiyama Hirofumi , Kario Kazuomi , Kato Toru , Oda Nozomu , Tahara Nobuhiro , Oguri Mitsutoshi , Watada Hirotaka , Node Koichi 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundXanthine oxidase is involved in the production of uric acid and the generation of superoxide anion. We evaluated the long-term effect of febuxostat, a non-purine selective xanthine oxidase inhibitor, on endothelial function in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia.MethodsIn the PRIZE study, patients with hyperuricemia were randomly assigned to either add-on febuxostat treatment (febuxostat group) or non-pharmacologic hyperuricemia treatment (control group). Among the 514 participants, endothelial function was assessed in 41 patients in the febuxostat group and 38 patients in the control group by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery at the beginning of the study and after 12 and/or 24 months of treatment (63 men; median age, 68.0 years).ResultsThe least squares mean concentration of serum uric acid was significantly lower in the febuxostat group than in the control group at 6 months (mean between-group difference [febuxostat group - control group], −2.09 mg/dL [95% confidence interval (CI), −2.520 to −1.659]; P &lt; 0.001), 12 months (mean between-group difference, −2.28 mg/dL [95% CI, −2.709 to −1.842]; P &lt; 0.001), and 24 months (mean between-group difference, −2.61 mg/dL [95% CI, −3.059 to −2.169]; P &lt; 0.001). No significant differences were found between groups in the least squares mean estimated percentage change in FMD at 12 months (mean between-group difference, −0.56% [95% CI, −1.670 to 0.548]; P = 0.319) and at 24 months (mean between-group difference, −0.60% [95% CI, −1.886 to 0.685]; P = 0.357).ConclusionFebuxostat treatment did not alter endothelial function assessed by FMD during a 2-year study period in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia.
Movable Fluid Distribution Characteristics and Microscopic Mechanism of Tight Reservoir in Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin
Authors: Wu Ke , Chen Dezhao , Zhang Weigang , Yang Hua , Wu Hanning , Cheng Xin , Qu Yiqian , He Mengqing 
Published: April 2022

Tight sandstone reservoirs have smaller pore throats, complex structures, strong heterogeneity in the pore throat system, and significant differences in fluid distribution. To reveal the occurrence characteristics of movable fluids in tight sandstone reservoirs, the typical tight sandstone core samples from the Chang 4+5 reservoir of the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation of the Ordos Basin were selected and the micro pore throat classification standard was established by using casting thin slices, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-pressure mercury injection (HPMI), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. The test analysis results showed that the Chang 4+5 tight sandstone reservoir can be divided into Type I, II, and III reservoirs by the different pore throat structure. Type I reservoirs have well-developed pore throats, good connectivity, low threshold pressure (0.42 MPa on average), high movable fluid saturation (46.82% on average), and a minimum pore throat radius of movable fluid (0.056 μm on average). The pore throat structure and fluid production degree of the other two reservoir types gradually deteriorated. Note that the tight sandstone reservoirs of the Chang 4+5 reservoirs have smaller pore throats but high movable fluid content in smaller pore throats (17% on average). With the deterioration of the pore throat structure in reservoir, the degree of fluid utilization in larger pore throats decreases (74.33%–57.33%), whereas the degree of fluid utilization in smaller pore throats does not change significantly (25.67%–13.82%). Many factors affect movable fluid parameters. The movable fluid parameters of tight sandstone reservoirs in the Chang 4+5 reservoir have a good positive correlation with permeability (R2 = 0.85) and sorting coefficients (R2 = 0.88). The movable fluid parameters of smaller and larger pore throats have no obvious correlation with a single factor. Multiple factors affect the fluid occurrence characteristics of different scale pore throats.
Geochronology and Paleoenvironmental Changes of Late Pleistocene Sediments in the Ross Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Li Guogang , Bu Ruyuan , Yi Liang , Hu Bangqi , Li Yunhai , Ji Youjun , Li Yixin , Wang Liang 
Published: April 2022

The palaeoceanographic studies are largely limited by poor carbonate preservation in high-latitude regions. To improve our knowledge in this key area, we studied a sediment core (ANT32-RA05C) in terms of paleomagnetic and 230Th dating and geochemical properties, collected from the continental slope of the Ross Sea, Antarctica. The two major results are as follows: 1) the sedimentation rate based on 230Th isotopes is 1.37 cm/kyr, agreeing well with the correlation of the relative paleomagnetic intensity of the core ANT32-RA05C to changes in Earth’s magnetic intensity and 2) the sediments contain ice-rafted debris (IRD) over 30%, with a considerable contribution of siliceous deposits. Integrating geochronological and geochemical properties of the studied core, a correlation of the regional paleoenvironmental process to the EPICA Dome C (EDC) Antarctic temperature is established, inferring that the IRD input and primary productivity are both enhanced in a warm climate. Moreover, a leading phase of biogenic processes to changes in the ice sheet in the Ross Ice Shelf is observed, highlighting a dominant role of the oceanic circulation in the ice-sheet retreat during the last deglaciation. Overall, the sedimentary record in the Ross Sea documents some key features of the paleoenvironmental processes in the Late Pleistocene, which could be correlated with large-scale changes in Antarctica and thus are worthy of further investigation in the future.
Spatial-Temporal Evolution of the Gas Hydrate Stability Zone and Accumulation Patterns of Double BSRs Formation in the Shenhu Area
Authors: Song Yingrui , Lei Yuhong , Zhang Likuan , Cheng Ming , Li Chao , Liu Naigui 
Published: April 2022

The current study examines the methane gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) in the Shenhu area in the northern South China Sea (SCS) as an example to calculate the thickness of the GHSZ and reconstruct its evolution since 8.2 Ma. Two mechanisms for typical double BSRs in the Shenhu area are shown, and the relationship between the evolving thickness of the GHSZ and the dynamic accumulation of NGHs at typical stations in the Shenhu area is clarified. The results show that the thickness of the GHSZ varies over time with overall thickening in the Shenhu area. The current thickness of the GHSZ is between 160.98 and 267.94 m. Two mechanisms of double BSRs in the Shenhu area are summarized: the double BSRs pattern based on changes in formation temperature, pressure and other conditions and the double BSRs pattern based on differences in gas source and composition. The formation process and occurrence characteristics of double BSRs and hydrate at site SH-W07-2016 in the Shenhu area are also closely related to the changes in thickness of the GHSZ. In addition, the age when gas source first enters the GHSZ has a considerable influence on the dynamic accumulation process of hydrate. Since the formation of hydrate above the BSR at site SH-W07-2016, the GHSZ has experienced up to two periods of thickening and two periods of thinning at this site. With the changes in the thickness of the GHSZ, up to two stages of hydrate formation and at most two stages of hydrate decomposition have occurred. This paper is of great value for understanding the formation of multiple bottom-simulating reflectors (BSRs) as well as the migration, accumulation and dissipation of natural gas hydrate (NGH) during the dynamic accumulation process.
Association of Mild Thyroid Dysfunction and Adverse Prognosis Among Chinese Patients With Acute ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Li Mei-Fang , Wei Ze-Tao , Li Shuai , Feng Qi-Ming , Li Jing-Bo 
Published: April 2022

AimsThyroid hormones widely affect the cardiovascular system, but the effects of mild thyroid dysfunction on the clinical prognosis of patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains unclear. Our aims were to analyze the relations between mild thyroid dysfunction at admission and clinical outcomes in Chinese patients with STEMI.MethodsA total of 1,176 STEMI patients with the available data of thyroid function and follow-up were analyzed, including 348 patients with mild thyroid dysfunction [subclinical hypothyroidism (n=81), hyperthyroidism (SHyper) (n=51), and low triiodothyronine syndrome (LT3S) (n=216)] and 828 patients with euthyroid function. During a median 4.4-year follow-up, in-hospital mortality, cardiac and all-cause mortalities were subsequently compared among the four groups.ResultsCompared with the euthyroid group, STEMI patients in the SHyper and LT3S groups faced obviously increased risks of in-hospital death [odds ratio (OR): 5.007, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.246–20.124, p = 0.023 and OR: 2.491, 95% CI: 1.054–5.887, p = 0.037, respectively) even after adjustment for various confounding factors. During a median 4.4-year follow-up, STEMI patients with LT3S at baseline had higher cardiovascular mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 1.880, 95% CI: 1.178–2.998, p = 0.008] and all-cause mortality HR: 1.647, 95% CI: 1.072–2.531, p = 0.023] than those with euthyroid at baseline, whereas no significantly increased mortality was found for STEMI patients with SCH and SHyper at baseline.ConclusionsSTEMI patients with SHyper at admission had increased risk of in-hospital mortality, and STEMI patients with LT3S at baseline had worse prognosis and higher incidences of in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular and all-cause deaths compared with euthyroid patients.
Formation of Solonchak in the Area of the Discharged Ancient Brine Wells (Perm Krai, Russia)
Authors: Khayrulina Elena , Mitrakova Natalya , Poroshina Natalya , Menshikova Elena , Perminova Anna 
Published: April 2022

The change in soil-forming processes and, as a result, in the ecosystem due to nearly 300-year long outflow of highly saline waters from ancient brine wells is considered for Perm Krai in Russia for the first time. The study area is located in the high floodplain of the Usolka River valley. Sodium-chloride ancient brine wells with mineralization of about 30 g/L flow in streams over the soil surface and enter the Usolka River. The paper considers three soil types at various distances from a saline stream. The main pedogenic processes are the sod-forming process and gleying in alluvial soils. Soils in Gleyic Fluvisols (background)—Gleyic Fluvisols (Sulfatic) (transition)—Solonchak (affected by sodium-chloride brines) series were studied in terms of occurring soil-forming processes. All studied soils are formed under hydromorphic conditions. It is evidenced by gleization. However, the morphological and physicochemical properties of the soils differ. The presence of water-soluble ions in the solonchak suggests that salinization is occurring. The sum of toxic salts was 0.94% which was several times higher than in the transition and background soils. The sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) ranged from 10.4 to 21.6, with a рН of 8.3–9.1. The saline soils were more alkaline (pH average 8.8 and 9.3) than the background soil (pH 8.1). SAR decreased significantly in the Solonchak—transition—background soil series from 16.9 to 0.7. The aforementioned observations, as well as physical properties of the saline soil, clearly show the entry of sodium into the solonchak adsorption complex, indicating the solonization process. The study area is characterized by the presence of salt-tolerant species of herbaceous plants and an obligate halophyte. Salicornia perennans Willd, a halophyte, was discovered in the wells’ discharge area at a distance of 0.2–1.5 m from saline streams. The analysis of the long-term impact of highly mineralized waters on the natural environment will aid in revealing and forecasting ecosystem changes caused by potash mining in Perm Krai for environmental risk assessment for new and existing potash enterprises.