bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fermented Jussara: Evaluation of Nanostructure Formation, Bioaccessibility, and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Giaconia Michele Amendoeira , Ramos Sergiana dos Passos , Fratelli Camilly , Assis Marcelo , Mazzo Tatiana Martelli , Longo Elson , de Rosso Veridiana Vera , Braga Anna Rafaela Cavalcante 
Published: March 2022

Among the species of plants present in the Atlantic Forest, the jussara (Euterpe edulisMart.) stands out for the contents of bioactive compounds present in its composition. Fermentation processes can be essential in converting bioproducts and bioactive compounds, improving their biological properties. In addition, the improvement of procedures for the maintenance of the features of bioactive compounds has been a research focus in recent years, and the nanotechnology features that can potentially solve this issue have been highlighted among the most reviewed paths. The present work focused on tailoring nanostructures applying polyethylene oxide, assembling fermented jussara pulp nanofibers, and assessing their characteristics. The results revealed the formation of fermented jussara nanofibers with a diameter of 101.2 ± 26.2 nm. Also, the obtained results allow us to state that it is possible to maintain or even increase the antioxidant activity of anthocyanins and their metabolites after fermentation processes.
Mechanical Stimulation Protects Against Chondrocyte Pyroptosis Through Irisin-Induced Suppression of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signal Pathway in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Jia Shuangshuo , Yang Yue , Bai Yishu , Wei Yingliang , Zhang He , Tian Yicheng , Liu Jiabao , Bai Lunhao 
Published: March 2022

Irisin, a myokine secreted by muscle during physical exercise, is known to have biological activities in different cell types. Chondrocyte inflammation and pyroptosis have been shown to play important roles in osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, we investigated the effects of exercise-induced irisin during different intensities of treadmill exercise in a rat OA model and the anti-inflammatory and antipyroptosis mechanism of irisin in OA chondrocytes. Forty-eight SD rats (n = 8) were randomly assigned to control (CG), OA (OAG), OA groups under different intensities of treadmill exercise (OAL, OAM, and OAH), OAM + irisin neutralizing antibodies group (OAM + irisin (NA)). The levels of irisin and the severity of OA between groups were detected using ELISA, histology, immunohistochemistry, X-ray and computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The anti-inflammatory and antipyroptosis mechanisms of irisin were investigated in vitro in OA chondrocytes preincubated with recombinant irisin (0, 5, or 10 ng/ml) for 1 h before treatment with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) for 24 h mRNA and protein expression levels were determined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analyses. Morphological changes and cell death associated with pyroptosis were examined using transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Moderate-intensity treadmill exercise increased the levels of irisin, exhibiting the best therapeutic effects on OA which could be suppressed by irisin neutralizing antibodies. Irisin not only recovered the expression of collagen II and attenuated that of MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5 in IL-1β-induced OA chondrocytes by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway, but also inhibited the activity of nod-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1, thus ameliorating pyroptosis in chondrocytes. In conclusion, moderate mechanical stimulation protects against chondrocyte pyroptosis through irisin-induced suppression of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signal pathway in osteoarthritis.
Construction and Validation of Two Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Progression Prognostic Scores Based on Gene Set Variation Analysis
Authors: He Qifan , Fan Baorui , Du Peng , Jin Yonghai 
Published: March 2022

Background: Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) remains a global health challenge with a low early diagnosis rate and high mortality. Therefore, finding new biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis is still one of the current research priorities.Methods: Based on the variation of gene expression patterns in different stages, the LIHC-development genes (LDGs) were identified by differential expression analysis. Then, prognosis-related LDGs were screened out to construct the LIHC-unfavorable gene set (LUGs) and LIHC-favorable gene set (LFGs). Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was conducted to build prognostic scoring models based on the LUGs and LFGs. ROC curve analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were carried out to verify the diagnostic and prognostic utility of the two GSVA scores in two independent datasets. Additionally, the key LCGs were identified by the intersection analysis of the PPI network and univariate Cox regression and further evaluated their performance in expression level and prognosis prediction. Single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) was performed to understand the correlation between the two GSVA enrichment scores and immune activity.Result: With the development of LIHC, 83 LDGs were gradually upregulated and 247 LDGs were gradually downregulated. Combining with LIHC survival analysis, 31 LUGs and 32 LFGs were identified and used to establish the LIHC-unfavorable GSVA score (LUG score) and LIHC-favorable GSVA score (LFG score). ROC curve analysis and univariate/multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested the LUG score and LFG score could be great indicators for the early diagnosis and prognosis prediction. Four genes (ESR1, EHHADH, CYP3A4, and ACADL) were considered as the key LCGs and closely related to good prognosis. The frequency of TP53 mutation and copy number variation (CNV) were high in some LCGs. Low-LFG score patients have active metabolic activity and a more robust immune response. The high-LFG score patients characterized immune activation with the higher infiltration abundance of type I T helper cells, DC, eosinophils, and neutrophils, while the high-LUG score patients characterized immunosuppression with the higher infiltration abundance of type II T helper cells, TRegs, and iDC. The high- and low-LFG score groups differed significantly in immunotherapy response scores, immune checkpoints expression, and IC50 values of common drugs.Conclusion: Overall, the LIHC-progression characteristic genes can be great diagnostic and prognostic signatures and the two GSVA score systems may become promising indices for guiding the tumor treatment of LIHC patients.
Left Atrial Function Post Radiofrequency and Cryoballoon Ablation Assessed by Volume-Pressure Loops
Authors: Karanasos Antonios , Tyrovolas Konstantinos , Tsiachris Dimitrios , Efremidis Michalis , Kordalis Athanasios , Karmpalioti Maria , Prappa Efstathia , Karagiannis Stefanos , Aggeli Constantina , Gatzoulis Konstantinos , Tousoulis Dimitrios , Tsioufis Costas , Toutouzas Konstantinos P. 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundLeft atrial (LA) function is linked to atrial fibrillation (AF) pathogenesis. AF catheter ablation decreases disease burden with potentially favorable effects on cardiac function. Atrial volume-pressure loops can optimally assess the LA function.ObjectiveTo investigate changes in LA function by volume-pressure loops after paroxysmal AF ablation and explored potential differences between the radiofrequency and cryoballoon ablation.MethodsWe analyzed 44 patients undergoing paroxysmal AF ablation from 2 centers, 22 treated with radiofrequency and 22 with cryoablation. Pre- and post-procedure, all patients underwent a real-time three-dimensional transthoracic ECG to evaluate LA volume, while simultaneously recording LA pressure following transseptal puncture. Volume-pressure loops pre- and post-procedure were created by paired data. Areas of A-loop (LA booster pump function) and V-loop (LA reservoir function), and the stiffness constant determining the slope of the exponential curve during LA filling were calculated.ResultsAverage LA pressure, A-wave amplitude, and V-wave amplitude were increased post-procedurally (p &lt; 0.001). Overall, A-loop area decreased (p = 0.001) and V-loop area tended to increase (p = 0.07). The change in both A-loop and V-loop areas was similar between radiofrequency- and cryoballoon-treated patients (p = 0.18 and p = 0.52, respectively). However, compared with cryoballoon-treated patients, radiofrequency-treated patients had higher increase in the stiffness constant (b = 0.059; 95% CI: 0.022–0.096; p = 0.006).ConclusionAF catheter ablation by the radiofrequency or cryoballoon is associated with the decrease of the booster pump function and increase of the reservoir function. Moreover, there is a post-procedural increase of LA pressure which is associated with an acute increase in LA stiffness in radiofrequency ablation, but not in cryoablation.
Long-Lasting Myocardial and Skeletal Muscle Damage Evidenced by Serial CMR During the First Year in COVID-19 Patients From the First Wave
Authors: Filippetti Laura , Pace Nathalie , Louis Jean-Sebastien , Mandry Damien , Goehringer François , Rocher Maria-Soledad , Jay Nicolas , Selton-Suty Christine , Hossu Gabriela , Huttin Olivier , Marie Pierre-Yves 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionThis observational CMR study aims to characterize left-ventricular (LV) damage, which may be specifically attributed to COVID-19 and is distant in time from the acute phase, through serial CMR performed during the first year in patients with no prior cardiac disease.MethodsThis study included consecutive patients without any prior history of cardiac disease but with a peak troponin-Ic &gt; 50 ng/ml at the time of the first COVID-wave. All had a CMR in the first months after the acute phase, and some had an additional CMR at the end of the first year to monitor LV function, remodeling, and abnormalities evocative of myositis and myocarditis - i.e., increased T1/T2 relaxation times, increased extracellular volume (ECV), and delayed contrast enhancement.ResultsNineteen consecutively admitted COVID-19 patients (17 men, median age 66 [57–71] years) were included. Eight (42%) had hypertension, six (32%) were obese, and 16 (84%) had suffered an acute respiratory distress syndrome. The 1st CMR, recorded at a median 3.2 [interquartile range: 2.6–3.9] months from the troponin peak, showed (1) LV concentric remodeling in 12 patients (63%), (2) myocardial tissue abnormalities in 11 (58%), including 9 increased myocardial ECVs, and (3) 14 (74%) increased ECVs from shoulder skeletal muscles. The 2nd CMR, obtained at 11.1 [11.0–11.7] months from the troponin peak in 13 patients, showed unchanged LV function and remodeling but a return to normal or below the normal range for all ECVs of the myocardium and skeletal muscles.ConclusionMany patients with no history of cardiac disease but for whom an increase in blood troponin-Ic ascertained COVID-19 induced myocardial damage exhibited signs of persistent extracellular edema at a median 3-months from the troponin peak, affecting the myocardium and skeletal muscles, which resolved within a one-year time frame. Associations with long-COVID symptoms need to be investigated on a larger scale now.Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT04753762 on the ClinicalTrials.gov site.
Phosphorus Cycle and Primary Productivity Changes in the Tethys Ocean During the Permian-Triassic Transition: Starving Marine Ecosystems
Authors: Müller Johann , Sun Yadong , Yang Fen , Fantasia Alicia , Joachimski Michael 
Published: March 2022

The ultimate cause(s) of the end-Permian mass extinction (∼252 Ma ago) has been disputed. A complex interplay of various effects, rather than a single, universal killing mechanism, were most likely involved. Climate warming as consequence of greenhouse gas emissions by contemporaneous Siberian Traps volcanism is widely accepted as an initial trigger. Synergetic effects of global warming include increasing stratification of the oceans, inefficient water column mixing, and eventually low marine primary productivity culminating in a series of consequences for higher trophic levels. To explore this scenario in the context of the end-Permian mass extinction, we investigated sedimentary total organic carbon, phosphorus speciation as well as nickel concentrations in two low-latitude Tethyan carbonate sections spanning the Permian-Triassic transition. Total organic carbon, reactive phosphorus and nickel concentrations all decrease in the latest Permian and are low during the Early Triassic, pointing to a decline in primary productivity within the Tethyan realm. We suggest that the productivity collapse started in the upper C. yini conodont Zone, approximately 30 ka prior to the main marine extinction interval. Reduced primary productivity would have resulted in food shortage and thus may serve as explanation for pre-mass extinction perturbations among marine heterotrophic organisms.
Depositional Record and Geochemistry Constraints on the Late Miocene–Quaternary Evolution of the Taiyuan Basin in Shanxi Rift System, China
Authors: Zhuang Qitian , Wei Rongzhu , He Honglin 
Published: March 2022

The formation and evolution of the Shanxi Rift System are topics of interest because of its unique geometry and critical position in the North China Plate. However, it is not easy to delineate the late Cenozoic tectonic processes. This is partly because it is difficult to preserve the normal faults’ movement evidence and related deposits for dating in the outcrop. Besides, the current studies are heavily weighted in the low-temperature thermochronology, whereas it is insensitive to the exhumation after the late Miocene. To decipher the late Cenozoic evolution, we offer a case of detailed depositional recording from the boreholes of the Taiyuan Basin in the Shanxi Rift System. Fluvial, deltaic, and lacustrine environments were identified by the systematic stratigraphic analysis of boreholes. Two mega transgressions generated basin-wide lakes at ca. 5.8–4.4 and ca. 2.2–1.6 Ma. We attribute the lake expansion events to tectonism because climatic variations from reconstruction of the paleoclimate with geochemistry index and previous work exhibited asynchronous processes with the transgression. Thus, the basin experienced two stages of extensive subsidence after the rift occurred. This result is conducive to obtaining a more complete late Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Shanxi Rift System.
Paper and Salt: Biodegradable NaCl-Based Humidity Sensors for Sustainable Electronics
Authors: Falco Aniello , Marín-Sánchez Antonio , Loghin Florin C. , Castillo Encarnación , Salinas-Castillo Alfonso , Salmerón José F. , Rivadeneyra Almudena 
Published: March 2022

Flexible and thin-film humidity sensors are currently attracting the attention of the scientific community due to their portability and reduced size, which are highly useful traits for use in the Internet o Things (IoT) industry. Furthermore, in order to perform efficient and profitable mass production, it is necessary to develop a cost-effective and reproducible fabrication process and materials. Green fabrication methods and biodegradable materials would also minimize the environmental impact and create a sustainable IoT development. In this paper, flexible humidity sensors based on a common salt (NaCl) sensing layer are reported. Our sensors and the fabrication techniques employed, such as dip and spray coating, provide a biodegradable, low cost, and highly reproducible device. One of the sensors reported presents a typical resistive behaviour from 40% RH up to 85% RH with a sensitivity of −0.21 (Z/%RH). The performance of the sensors obtained with several fabrication techniques is studied and reported at multiple frequencies from 100 Hz to 10 MHz, showcasing its versatility and robustness.
Dextroamphetamine Treatment in Children With Hypothalamic Obesity
Authors: van Schaik Jiska , Welling Mila S. , de Groot Corjan J. , van Eck Judith P. , Juriaans Alicia , Burghard Marcella , Oude Ophuis Sebastianus B. J. , Bakker Boudewijn , Tissing Wim J. E. , Schouten-van Meeteren Antoinette Y. N. , van den Akker Erica L. T. , van Santen Hanneke M. 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionHypothalamic obesity (HO) in children has severe health consequences. Lifestyle interventions are mostly insufficient and currently no drug treatment is approved for children with HO. Amphetamines are known for their stimulant side-effect on resting energy expenditure (REE) and suppressing of appetite. Earlier case series have shown positive effects of amphetamines on weight in children with acquired HO. We present our experiences with dextroamphetamine treatment in the, up to now, largest cohort of children with HO.MethodsA retrospective cohort evaluation was performed of children with HO treated with dextroamphetamine at two academic endocrine pediatric clinics. Off-label use of dextroamphetamine was initiated in patients with progressive, therapy-resistant acquired or congenital HO. Anthropometrics, REE, self-reported (hyperphagic) behavior and energy level, and side effects were assessed at start and during treatment.ResultsNineteen patients with a mean age of 12.3 ± 4.0 years had been treated with dextroamphetamine. In two patients, ΔBMI SDS could not be evaluated due to short treatment duration or the simultaneous start of extensive lifestyle treatment. Mean treatment duration of the 17 evaluated patients was 23.7 ± 12.7 months. Fourteen patients (n = 10 with acquired HO, n = 4 with congenital HO) responded by BMI decline or BMI stabilization (mean ΔBMI SDS of -0.6 ± 0.8, after a mean period of 22.4 ± 10.5 months). In three patients, BMI SDS increased (mean ΔBMI SDS of +0.5 ± 0.1, after a mean period of 29.7 ± 22.6 months). In 11 responders, measured REE divided by predicted REE increased with +8.9%. Thirteen patients (68.4%) reported decreased hyperphagia, improvement of energy level and/or behavior during treatment. Two patients developed hypertension during treatment, which resulted in dosage adjustment or discontinuation of treatment. Twelve children continued treatment at last moment of follow-up.ConclusionIn addition to supportive lifestyle interventions, dextroamphetamine treatment may improve BMI in children with HO. Furthermore, dextroamphetamines have the potential to decrease hyperphagia and improve resting energy expenditure, behavior, and energy level. In patients with acquired HO, these effects seem to be more pronounced when compared to patients with congenital HO. Future studies are needed to support these results.
The Programmed Death-1 Pathway Counter-Regulates Inflammation-Induced Osteoclast Activity in Clinical and Experimental Settings
Authors: Greisen Stinne R. , Kragstrup Tue W. , Thomsen Jesper Skovhus , Hørslev-Pedersen Kim , Hetland Merete Lund , Stengaard-Pedersen Kristian , Østergaard Mikkel , Ørnbjerg Lykke , Junker Peter , Sharpe Arlene H. , Freeman Gordon J. , Hvid Malene , Moestrup Søren K. , Hauge Ellen Margrethe , Deleuran Bent 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveThe programmed death-1 (PD-1) pathway is essential for maintaining self-tolerance and plays an important role in autoimmunity, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we investigated how membrane-bound and soluble (s)PD-1 influence bone homeostasis during chronic inflammation, exemplified in RA.MethodsBone mineral density and bone microstructure were examined in PD-1 and PD-L1 knockout (KO) mice and compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) was measured in serum, and the expression examined on activated bone marrow cells. Osteoclast formation was examined in cells from murine spleen and bone marrow and from human synovial fluid cells. sPD-1 was measured in chronic and early (e)RA patients and correlated to markers of disease activity and radiographic scores.ResultsPD-1 and PD-L1 KO mice showed signs of osteoporosis. This was supported by a significantly reduced trabecular bone volume fraction and deteriorated microstructure, as well as increased osteoclast formation and an increased RANKL/OPG ratio. The recombinant form of sPD-1 decreased osteoclast formationin vitro, but was closely associated with disease activity markers in eRA patients. Sustained elevated sPD-1 levels indicated ongoing inflammation and were associated with increased radiographic progression.ConclusionThe PD-1 pathway is closely associated with bone homeostasis, and lacking members of this pathway causes a deteriorated bone structure. The immunological balance in the microenvironment determines how the PD-1 pathway regulates osteoclast formation. In eRA patients, sPD-1 may serve as a biomarker, reflecting residual but clinically silent disease activity and radiographic progression.
Corneal in vivo Confocal Microscopy for Assessment of Non-Neurological Autoimmune Diseases: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gu Yuxiang , Liu Xin , Yu Xiaoning , Qin Qiyu , Yu Naiji , Ke Weishaer , Wang Kaijun , Chen Min 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the features of corneal nerve with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) among patients with non-neurological autoimmune (NNAI) diseases.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published until May 2021. The weighted mean differences (WMDs) of corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), tortuosity, reflectivity, and beadings per 100 μm with a 95% CI between NNAI and control group were analyzed using a random-effects model.ResultsThe results showed 37 studies involving collective totals of 1,423 patients and 1,059 healthy controls were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results manifested significantly decreased CNFL (WMD: −3.94, 95% CI: −4.77–−3.12), CNFD (WMD: −6.62, 95% CI: −8.4–−4.85), and CNBD (WMD: −9.89, 95% CI: −14–−5.79) in NNAI patients. In addition, the NNAI group showed more tortuous corneal nerve (WMD: 1.19, 95% CI:0.57–1.81). The comparison between NNAI patients and healthy controls in beadings per 100 μm corneal nerve length was inconsistent. No significant difference was found in the corneal nerve fiber reflectivity between NNAI and the control group (WMD: −0.21, 95% CI: −0.65–0.24, P = 0.361).ConclusionsThe parameters and morphology of corneal nerves observed by IVCM proved to be different in NNAI patients from healthy controls, suggesting that IVCM may be a non-invasive technique for identification and surveillance of NNAI diseases.