bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical investigation of groundwater flow systems and their evolution due to climate change in the arid Golmud river watershed on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xiao Yong , Liu Kui , Zhang Yuqing , Yang Hongjie , Wang Shengbin , Qi Zexue , Hao Qichen , Wang Liwei , Luo Yinfei , Yin Shiyang 
Published: September 2022

Climate warming is the greatest future challenge to the hydrosphere and the human community, especially in arid and semiarid regions. This study took the Golmud river watershed on the Tibetan Plateau as an example to numerically identify the development of groundwater flow systems in a large arid sedimentary basin and explore what would the dramatic climate warming pose on groundwater flow system. The numerical results show that the Golmud river watershed has developed three hierarchical groundwater flow systems. River seepage is the predominant recharge for the groundwater systems inside the basin. The local groundwater flow system discharges some 82.69% of all groundwater in the basin, followed by the intermediate system with 14.26% and the regional system with 3.05%. The local system is mainly distributed in the shallow area of the alluvial-pluvial fan at the piedmont and provides the dominant water resource for human exploitation and oasis ecological usages. Climate warming would increase about 30.78% of the quantity of the recharge water to the groundwater system inside the basin via river seepage due to the increasing precipitation and increased glacier melt in the headwater region of the watershed. These waters would pose disturbances to all groundwater flow systems but to different degrees. The local flow system exhibits the largest response to the climate warming with more than 90% of increased water cycled in and discharged through it. The significant groundwater level rising leads to the trailing edge of the overflow belt at the piedmont moving ∼5 km towards to the mountain pass, which would potentially pose a water disaster to the local region. The influences of climate warming on the intermediate and regional flow system are relatively limited. This study provides a preliminary understanding of the influences of climate warming on the groundwater flow systems in arid endorheic basins and is essential for tackling future climate change challenges faced by arid and semiarid regions.
Protective effect of tertiary lymphoid structures against hepatocellular carcinoma: New findings from a genetic perspective
Authors: Jia Weili , Yao Qianyun , Wang Yanfang , Mao Zhenzhen , Zhang Tianchen , Li Jianhui , Nie Ye , Lei Xinjun , Shi Wen , Song Wenjie 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundTertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) have an effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated.MethodsIntratumoral TLS (iTLS) was classified in the Cancer Genome Atlas-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) cohort using pathological sections from the Cancer Digital Slide Archive. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to validate the effect of iTLS on overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and disease-free survival (DFS). The genes differentially expressed between the iTLS-negative and iTLS-positive groups were analyzed in combination with sequencing data. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore the signaling pathways affected by these differentially expressed genes. The random forest algorithm was used to identify genes with the highest correlation with the iTLS in the training set. Multivariate logistic regression was used to build a model to predict iTLS in tissue samples. Spearman’s correlation was used to analyze the relationship between TLS-associated chemokines and signature genes, and CIBERSORT was used to calculate immune infiltration scores. Copy number variation and its relationship with immune cell infiltration and signature genes were assessed using the gene set cancer analysis (GSCA). The Correlation R package was used for gene ontology (GO), disease ontology (DO), and gene mutation analyses. The GSCA was used for drug sensitivity analysis. LASSO regression was used to build prognostic models, and external data were used to validate the models.ResultsThere were 218 positive and 146 negative samples for iTLS. iTLS was significantly associated with better RFS and DFS according to Cox regression analysis. Twenty signature genes that were highly associated with iTLS positivity were identified. GO and mutation analyses revealed that the signature genes were associated with immunity. Most signature genes were sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Risk scores calculated using a characteristic gene-based prognostic model were found to be an independent prognostic factor for OS.ConclusionsThe improvement of RFS in HCC by iTLS was not limited to the early period as previously reported. iTLS improved DFS in patients. Characteristic genes are closely related to the formation of iTLS and TLS chemokines in HCC. These genes are closely related to immunity in terms of cellular infiltration, biological functions, and signaling pathways. Most are sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors, and their expression levels can affect prognosis.
Low sensitivity of the COVID-19 antigen test (PANBIO™ COVID-19 Ag rapid test) to detect asymptomatic infections in health personnel of the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Becerril Vargas Eduardo , Cojuc-Konigsberg Gabriel , Alberto Mujica Sánchez Mario , García Colín María Del Carmen , Alfredo Camacho Corral Daniel , Hansel Chávez Morales Hugo , Aguirre Pineda José Nicolas , Martínez Bravo Eduardo , Ortiz Martínez Alejandro , Martínez Orozco José Arturo , Rodríguez-Sánchez Victor Manuel , Ochoa Jesús Ariel Mariscal , Pantoja Jiménez Brian , Morales Lozada Israel A. , Cuevas Rodriguez Andrea Iraís 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundCOVID-19 requires an early diagnosis to optimize management and limit transmission. SARS-CoV-2 is able to spread effectively. Infected asymptomatic individuals have been found to be contagious. RT-qPCR is the currently recommended laboratory method for diagnosing acute infection. However, rapid antigen detection (RAD) tests are not only fast, but require less specialized training. The possibility of using RAD tests to identify asymptomatic patients is attractive, as it could effectively contribute to minimizing the hospital spread of SARS-CoV-2. The objective of the study was to determine the performance of RAD vs. RT-qPCR for the detection of asymptomatic cases in INER health personnel.MethodsIn order to follow WHO guidelines, generalized tests, a test station for health care workers was implemented on demand. A rapid test was carried out and a second sample was taken to be processed by RT-qPCR. With the results of both tests we conducted a retrospective study. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and negative likelihood ratios were calculated.ResultsA total of 1640 RAD tests were performed in health care workers (mean age was 39, 69, 47% with a self-reported comorbidity). Participants provided 1,640 valid RAD/RT-qPCR test pairs with 2% testing positive via RT-qPCR. 12 RAD samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Overall sensitivity of the PANBIO ™ COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test test was 35.2%.ConclusionsRADs are not recommended for the detection of asymptomatic cases due to low performance.
An enhancer RNA-based risk model for prediction of bladder cancer prognosis
Authors: Xu Zhicheng , Xu Chao , Wang Qionghan , Ma Shanjin , Li Yu , Liu Shaojie , Peng Shiyuan , Tan Jidong , Zhao Xiaolong , Han Donghui , Zhang Keying , Yang Lijun 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundBladder cancer patients have a high recurrence and poor survival rates worldwide. Early diagnosis and intervention are the cornerstones for favorable prognosis. However, commonly used predictive tools cannot meet clinical needs because of their insufficient accuracy.MethodsWe have developed an enhancer RNA (eRNA)-based signature to improve the prediction for bladder cancer prognosis. First, we analyzed differentially expressed eRNAs in gene expression profiles and clinical data for bladder cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Then, we constructed a risk model for prognosis of bladder cancer patients, and analyzed the correlation between this model and tumor microenvironment (TME). Finally, regulatory network of downstream genes of eRNA in the model was constructed by WGCNA and enrichment analysis, then Real-time quantitative PCR verified the differentiation of related genes between tumor and adjacent tissue.ResultsWe first constructed a risk model composed of eight eRNAs, and found the risk model could be an independent risk factor to predict the prognosis of bladder cancer. Then, the log-rank test and time-dependent ROC curve analysis shown the model has a favorable ability to predict prognosis. The eight risk eRNAs may participate in disease progression by regulating cell adhesion and invasion, and up-regulating immune checkpoints to suppress the immunity in TME. mRNA level change in related genes further validated regulatory roles of eRNAs in bladder cancer. In summary, we constructed an eRNA-based risk model and confirmed that the model could predict the prognosis of bladder cancer patients.
Corynebacterium accolens inhibits Staphylococcus aureus induced mucosal barrier disruption
Authors: Huang Shuman , Hon Karen , Bennett Catherine , Hu Hua , Menberu Martha , Wormald Peter-John , Zhao Yulin , Vreugde Sarah , Liu Sha 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundCorynebacterium accolens (C. accolens) is a common nasal colonizer, whereas Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is typically regarded a pathogenic organism in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This study aims to evaluate the interaction of the two bacteria in vitro.MethodsClinical isolates of C. accolens and S. aureus from sinonasal swabs, as well as primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) cultured from cellular brushings of both healthy and CRS patients were used for this study. The cell-free culture supernatants of all isolates grown alone and in co-cultures were tested for their effects on transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), FITC-Dextran permeability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and IL-6 and IL-8 secretion of HNECs. Confocal scanning laser microscopy and immunofluorescence were also used to visualize the apical junctional complexes. C. accolens cell-free culture supernatants were also tested for antimicrobial activity and growth on planktonic and biofilm S. aureus growth.ResultsThe cell-free culture supernatants of 3\C. accolens strains (at 60% for S. aureus reference strain and 30% concentration for S. aureus clinical strains) inhibited the growth of both the planktonic S. aureus reference and clinical strains significantly. The C. accolens cell-free culture supernatants caused no change in the TER or FITC-Dextran permeability of the HNEC-ALI cultures, while the cell-free culture supernatants of S. aureus strains had a detrimental effect. Cell-free culture supernatants of C. accolens co-cultured with both the clinical and reference strains of S. aureus delayed the S. aureus-dependent mucosal barrier damage in a dose-dependent manner.ConclusionCorynebacterium accolens cell-free culture supernatants appear to inhibit the growth of the S. aureus planktonic bacteria, and may reduce the mucosal barrier damage caused by S. aureus.
Effects of insufficient serine on health and selenoprotein expression in rats and their offspring
Authors: Liu Yiqun , Wang Jianrong , Wang Qin , Han Feng , Shi Lili , Han Chao , Huang Zhenwu , Xu Liang 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveTo observe the impact of insufficient exogenous and/or endogenous serine on selenoprotein expression and health of pregnant rats and their offspring.MethodExperiment 1 was conducted in male rats, in which the dose-dependent effects of serine on selenoprotein expression and thyroid hormones (T3, T4 and TSH) were investigated by feeding either a serine adequate diet (20C), serine-deprived diet (20CSD) or 20CSD with different serine levels (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 times the amount of serine in 20C). In experiment 2, a PHGDH inhibitor was administrated to pregnant rats fed either 20C or 20CSD. Blood and organ tissues of pregnant rats and offspring were subjected to the analyses of thyroid hormone, serine and homocysteine and GPx3 and SELENOP in plasma and expression of GPx1 and DIO1, 2 in tissues respectively.ResultIn experiment 1, plasma SELENOP and GPx3 levels in adult male rats increased with the increasing dose of serine. Immunohistochemical results showed that GPx1 expression in liver and kidney of male rats also increased with increasing serine supplementation. Amongst all diet groups, only male rats fed 20CSD had significantly lower plasma TSH and T4 levels (P &lt; 0.05). In experiment 2, GPx1 and DIO2 expression in the liver and kidney were suppressed in pregnant rats administered with a PHGDH compared to those who were not (P &lt; 0.05). There were no significant differences in plasma T4 and T3 amongst all diet groups (P &gt; 0.05). Also, offspring born to pregnant rats administered with a PHGDH inhibitor exhibited slower growth rates and hyperhomocysteinemia compared to offspring from mothers not administered with the inhibitor (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Insufficient exogenous serine through the diet decreased selenoprotein synthesis in adult male rats. However, this was not observed in pregnant rats, whereby exogenous or endogenous serine deficiency had no effect on the selenoprotein levels. A possible explanation is that dams may have an adaptive mechanism to limit maternal serine utilization and ensure adequate supply to the fetus.
Relationships between plasma fatty acids in adults with mild, moderate, or severe COVID-19 and the development of post-acute sequelae
Authors: Stromberg Sophia , Baxter Bridget A. , Dooley Gregory , LaVergne Stephanie M. , Gallichotte Emily , Dutt Taru , Tipton Madison , Berry Kailey , Haberman Jared , Natter Nicole , Webb Tracy L. , McFann Kim , Henao-Tamayo Marcela , Ebel Greg , Rao Sangeeta , Dunn Julie , Ryan Elizabeth P. 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 has infected millions across the globe. Many individuals are left with persistent symptoms, termed post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), for months after infection. Hyperinflammation in the acute and convalescent stages has emerged as a risk factor for poor disease outcomes, and this may be exacerbated by dietary inadequacies. Specifically, fatty acids are powerful inflammatory mediators and may have a significant role in COVID-19 disease modulation.ObjectiveThe major objective of this project was to pilot an investigation of plasma fatty acid (PFA) levels in adults with COVID-19 and to evaluate associations with disease severity and PASC.Methods and proceduresPlasma from adults with (N = 41) and without (N = 9) COVID-19 was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to assess differences between the concentrations of 18 PFA during acute infection (≤14 days post-PCR + diagnosis) in adults with varying disease severity. Participants were grouped based on mild, moderate, and severe disease, alongside the presence of PASC, a condition identified in patients who were followed beyond acute-stage infection (N = 23).ResultsSignificant differences in PFA profiles were observed between individuals who experienced moderate or severe disease compared to those with mild infection or no history of infection. Palmitic acid, a saturated fat, was elevated in adults with severe disease (p = 0.04), while behenic (p = 0.03) and lignoceric acid (p = 0.009) were lower in adults with moderate disease. Lower levels of the unsaturated fatty acids, γ-linolenic acid (GLA) (p = 0.03), linoleic (p = 0.03), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (p = 0.007), were observed in adults with moderate disease. Oleic acid distinguished adults with moderate disease from severe disease (p = 0.04), and this difference was independent of BMI. Early recovery-stage depletion of GLA (p = 0.02) and EPA (p = 0.0003) was associated with the development of PASC.ConclusionPilot findings from this study support the significance of PFA profile alterations during COVID-19 infection and are molecular targets for follow-up attention in larger cohorts. Fatty acids are practical, affordable nutritional targets and may be beneficial for modifying the course of disease after a COVID-19 diagnosis. Moreover, these findings can be particularly important for overweight and obese adults with altered PFA profiles and at higher risk for PASC.Clinical trial registration[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04603677].
International cohort study indicates no association between alpha-1 blockers and susceptibility to COVID-19 in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients
Authors: Nishimura Akihiko , Xie Junqing , Kostka Kristin , Duarte-Salles Talita , Fernández Bertolín Sergio , Aragón María , Blacketer Clair , Shoaibi Azza , DuVall Scott L. , Lynch Kristine , Matheny Michael E. , Falconer Thomas , Morales Daniel R. , Conover Mitchell M. , Chan You Seng , Pratt Nicole , Weaver James , Sena Anthony G. , Schuemie Martijn J. , Reps Jenna , Reich Christian , Rijnbeek Peter R. , Ryan Patrick B. , Hripcsak George , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Suchard Marc A. 
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Alpha-1 blockers, often used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), have been hypothesized to prevent COVID-19 complications by minimising cytokine storm release. The proposed treatment based on this hypothesis currently lacks support from reliable real-world evidence, however. We leverage an international network of large-scale healthcare databases to generate comprehensive evidence in a transparent and reproducible manner.Methods: In this international cohort study, we deployed electronic health records from Spain (SIDIAP) and the United States (Department of Veterans Affairs, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, IQVIA OpenClaims, Optum DOD, Optum EHR). We assessed association between alpha-1 blocker use and risks of three COVID-19 outcomes—diagnosis, hospitalization, and hospitalization requiring intensive services—using a prevalent-user active-comparator design. We estimated hazard ratios using state-of-the-art techniques to minimize potential confounding, including large-scale propensity score matching/stratification and negative control calibration. We pooled database-specific estimates through random effects meta-analysis.Results: Our study overall included 2.6 and 0.46 million users of alpha-1 blockers and of alternative BPH medications. We observed no significant difference in their risks for any of the COVID-19 outcomes, with our meta-analytic HR estimates being 1.02 (95% CI: 0.92–1.13) for diagnosis, 1.00 (95% CI: 0.89–1.13) for hospitalization, and 1.15 (95% CI: 0.71–1.88) for hospitalization requiring intensive services.Conclusion: We found no evidence of the hypothesized reduction in risks of the COVID-19 outcomes from the prevalent-use of alpha-1 blockers—further research is needed to identify effective therapies for this novel disease.
The synergistic compatibility mechanisms of fuzi against chronic heart failure in animals: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Xingyu , Xie Xiaofang , Luo Maozhu , Zhao Yuting , Li Mengting , Peng Fu , Peng Cheng 
Published: September 2022

Background: Fuzi’s compatibilities with other medicines are effective treatments for chronic heart failure. Pre-clinical animal experiments have indicated many possible synergistic compatibility mechanisms of it, but the results were not reliable and reproducible enough. Therefore, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis of pre-clinical animal studies to integrate evidence, conducted both qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the compatibility and summarized potential synergistic mechanisms.Method: An exhaustive search was conducted for potentially relevant studies in nine online databases. The selection criteria were based on the Participants, Interventions, Control, Outcomes, and Study designs strategy. The SYRCLE risk of bias tool for animal trials was used to perform the methodological quality assessment. RevMan V.5.3 and STATA/SE 15.1 were used to perform the meta-analysis following the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.Result: 24 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. 12 outcomes were evaluated in the meta-analysis, including BNP, HR, HWI, ALD, LVEDP, LVSP, EF, FS, +dP/dtmax, −dP/dtmax, TNF-α and the activity of Na + -K + -ATPase. Subgroup analyses were performed depending on the modeling methods and duration.Conclusion: The synergistic Fuzi compatibility therapeutic effects against CHF animals were superior to those of Fuzi alone, as shown by improvements in cardiac function, resistance to ventricular remodeling and cardiac damage, regulation of myocardial energy metabolism disorder and RAAS, alleviation of inflammation, the metabolic process in vivo, and inhibition of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Variations in CHF modeling methods and medication duration brought out possible model–effect and time-effect relationships.
Diagnostic values of 2 different techniques for controversial lumbar disc herniation by conventional imaging examination: 3D-DESS vs. CT plain scan
Authors: Liu Wei , Chen Jinhua , Zhang Yanan , Wang Xu , Zheng Junwen , Huang Aibing , Chen Chunmao , Bian Jian , Yang Lei , Li Haijun 
Published: September 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the significance of three-dimensional double-echo steady-state (3D-DESS) sequence and multidetector computed tomography (CT) plain scan in the diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) remaining controversial in conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to compare the efficiency between 3D-DESS and CT in diagnosing controversial patients by conventional MRI.Methods: A total of 61 patients with controversial LDH diagnosed by conventional MRI were collected. Before operation, the disease of these patients was further confirmed by 3D-DESS sequences and continuous CT plain scan from L3 to S1. Finally, for patients whose postoperative curative effect was marked and symptoms were obviously alleviated, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.Results: Among, 59 patients with remarkably relieved symptoms after operation were included, and 2 patients with varying degrees of non-remission of pain and partial dysfunction after operation were excluded. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 3D-DESS were 94.6, 100 and 94.9%, respectively, and those of CT were 75.0, 33.3 and 72.9%, respectively.Conclusion: 3D-DESS is a very useful diagnostic method for patients with some special types of LDH that remain controversial in conventional imaging diagnostic methods. Through 3D-DESS, the morphology of lumbosacral nerve roots can be directly observed, which is conducive to the improvement of the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, thus further reducing the misdiagnosis rate. Moreover, 3D-DESS plays a guiding role in the formulation of operative methods.