bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of the Sex Steroid Hormone Estradiol on Biofilm Growth of Cystic Fibrosis Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates
Authors: Al-Zawity Jiwar , Afzal Faria , Awan Aysha , Nordhoff Daniela , Kleimann Alexander , Wesner Daniel , Montier Tristan , Le Gall Tony , Müller Mareike 
Published: July 2022

Women with cystic fibrosis (CF) have a significantly lower life expectancy compared to men, which is indicated by an earlier impairment of lung function due to chronic colonization with biofilm formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There is growing evidence that blood serum concentrations of the steroid sex hormone estradiol (E2) correlate with the occurrence of pulmonary exacerbations in CF but also play a role in the mucoid switch of P. aeruginosa. This study aims to shed light on possible microbiological reasons for sexual dimorphism in CF by investigating the influence of E2 on biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa CF isolates. For this purpose, 10 CF isolates of the respiratory tract derived from different CF patients have been treated with E2 in a microtiter plate biofilm model. Biofilms have been examined by crystal violet assays, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), 3D laser scanning microscopy (LSM), and quorum sensing (QS) reporter assays of the supernatants taken from biofilms. This allowed us to simultaneously investigate the effects of E2 on attached biofilm mass, biofilm ultrastructure, and QS activity. Upon E2 treatment, six out of 10 investigated CF isolates showed an increase of attached biofilm mass, whereas biofilms from two tested non-CF laboratory strains (PAO1 and ATCC19660) did not. Moreover, FE-SEM and 3D LSM analyses of the E2 responsive CF biofilms revealed ultrastructural remodeling of biofilm structure at different scales with increased formation of prominent biofilm spots, enhanced coverage with extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), and extended average surface roughness. QS activity measurements performed in biofilm supernatants via luminescence acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) reporter assays further showed that E2 treatment may also modulate QS signaling, as shown in an E2 sensitive CF isolate. Together, our results suggest the biofilm modulating effects of E2 on various clinical CF isolates that are documented by both biomass and ultrastructural changes of biofilms. The gained new insight into the influence of steroid hormones on P. aeruginosa biofilm phenotypes might pave the way for novel future approaches in personalized medicine based on the patients’ sex and hormonal status.
Platelet Aggregation Before Aspirin Initiation in Pediatric Patients With Congenital Heart Disease at High Risk of Thrombosis
Authors: Lu Zhong-Yuan , Zhu Zhi-Yuan , Yang Ju-Xian , Zhou Yu-Zi , Jiang Ya-Zhou , Wei Wei , Wang Xu , Li Shou-Jun 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundAspirin following unfractionated heparin is the most common anticoagulation strategy for pediatric patients who experienced cardiac surgery at high risk of thrombosis. The platelet aggregation test is the golden method to evaluate the aspirin effect on platelet function. However, the platelet aggregation basal status before postoperative aspirin initiation and the related clinical influencing factors hasn't been investigated systemically in this population.MethodsIn a prospective cohort of 247 children, arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation (PAG-AA) was measured by means of light transmission aggregometry (LTA) before the first dose of aspirin after cardiac surgical procedure and the perioperative variables were also collected. Distribution of this population's PAG-AA basal status was described. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the main influencing factors of PAG-AA.ResultsThe median time of aspirin administration was 2 (1–27) days after surgery and the corresponding median value of basal PAG-AA was 20.70% (1.28–86.49%), with 67.6% population under 55% and 47.8% population under 20%. Patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) had a significantly lower basal PAG-AA than those without (30.63 ± 27.35 vs. 57.91 ± 27.58, p = 0.013). While patients whose test done within 3 days after CPB had a significantly lower PAG-AA than those out of 3 days (25.61 ± 25.59 vs. 48.59 ± 26.45, p = 0.001). Univariate analysis implied that the influencing factors of the basal PAG-AA including CPB use, test time point, cyanosis, and platelet count. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that only CPB use, test time point, and platelet count were the main independent influencing factors for the basal PAG-AA.ConclusionThe majority of children have impaired basal platelet aggregometry responses before postoperative aspirin initiation. The main influencing factors are CPB use, test time point, and platelet count. To establish the platelet aggregometry baseline prior to commencement of aspirin therapy, testing should be performed 3 days later following the procedure when effect of CPB is basically over.
Surgical Strategies for Preservation of Pulmonary Valve Function in a Radical Operation for Tetralogy of Fallot: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yi Kang , Wang Dan , Xu Jianguo , Zhang Xin , Wang Wenxin , Gao Jie , Wang Wei , You Tao , Tian Jinhui 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of different surgical strategies to preserve pulmonary valve function. Surgical procedures evaluated include intraoperative balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (IBPV), pulmonary valve reconstruction, and commissurotomy and pulmonary cusp augmentation (PCA) in patients who underwent a radical operation for Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF).Materials and MethodsThe five databases searched in the current study included the Cochrane Library, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and WanFang data. A systematic search for control trials was performed in each database from the start date of each database until December 2021. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of included studies.ResultsA total of 15 retrospective studies with a total number of 1,396 participants were included in this study. In subgroup 1 (IBPV vs. TAP), patients undergoing IBPV had a less degree of regurgitation at 1–2 years after the surgery. The reintervention rate increased in the IBPV group at 5 years. In subgroup 2 (pulmonary valve reconstruction vs. TAP), the degree of regurgitation decreased in the pulmonary valve reconstruction group at 1 month after the surgery. In subgroup 3 (valve-sparing operation vs. TAP), the comparison demonstrated decreased rates for surgical mortality and reintervention at 5–10 years after the surgery.ConclusionWe proposed that pulmonary valve function in a radical operation for ToF was preserved. IBPV, pulmonary valve reconstruction, and commissurotomy and PCA can be performed during the surgical procedure based on the developmental status and anatomical characteristics of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), pulmonary valve, and pulmonary artery.Systematic Review Registration[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42022300987].
Patient-Centered Data Home: A Path Towards National Interoperability
Authors: Williams Karmen S. , Grannis Shaun J. 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveNational interoperability is an agenda that has gained momentum in health care. Although several attempts to reach national interoperability, an alerting system through interconnected network of Health Information Exchange (HIE) organizations, Patient-Centered Data Home (PCDH), has seen preliminary success. The aim was to characterize the PCDH initiative through the Indiana Health Information Exchange's participation in the Heartland Region Pilot, which includes HIEs in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee.Materials and MethodsAdmission, Discharge, and Transfer (ADT) transactions were collected between December 2016 and December 2017 among the seven HIEs in the Heartland Region. ADTs were parsed and summarized. Overlap analyses and patient matching software were used to characterize the PCDH patients. R software and Microsoft Excel were used to populate descriptive statistics and visualization.ResultsApproximately 1.5 million ADT transactions were captured. Majority of patients were female, ages 56–75 years, and were outpatient visits. Top noted reasons for visit were labs, screening, and abdominal pain. Based on the overlap analysis, Eastern Tennessee HIE was the only HIE with no duplicate service areas. An estimated 80 percent of the records were able to be matched with other records.DiscussionThe high volume of exchange in the Heartland Region Pilot established that PCDH is practical and feasible to exchange data. PCDH has the posture to build better comprehensive medical histories and continuity of care in real time.ConclusionThe value of the data gained extends beyond clinical practitioners to public health workforce for improved interventions, increased surveillance, and greater awareness of gaps in health for needs assessments. This existing interconnection of HIEs has an opportunity to be a sustainable path toward national interoperability.
Elevated Adipsin and Reduced C5a Levels in the Maternal Serum and Follicular Fluid During Implantation Are Associated With Successful Pregnancy in Obese Women
Authors: Ramanjaneya Manjunath , Diboun Ilhame , Rizwana Najeha , Dajani Yaser , Ahmed Lina , Butler Alexandra E. , Almarzooqi Thoraya Ali , Shahata Mohammed , Al Bader Moza Khalaf , Elgassim Einas , Burjaq Hasan , Atkin Stephen L. , Abou-Samra Abdul-Badi , Elrayess Mohamed A. 
Published: July 2022

IntroductionComplement factors mediate the recruitment and activation of immune cells and are associated with metabolic changes during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine whether complement factors in the maternal serum and follicular fluid (FF) are associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in overweight/obese women.MethodsForty overweight/obese (BMI = 30.8 ± 5.2 kg/m2) female patients, 33.6 ± 6.3 years old, undergoing IVF treatment for unexplained infertility were recruited. Baseline demographic information, including biochemical hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory markers, and pregnancy outcome, was collected. Levels of 14 complement markers (C2, C4b, C5, C5a, C9, adipsin, mannose-binding lectin, C1q, C3, C3b/iC3b, C4, factor B, factor H, and properdin) were assessed in the serum and FF and compared to IVF outcome, inflammatory, and metabolic markers using multivariate and univariate models.ResultsOut of 40 IVF cycles, 14 (35%) resulted in pregnancy. Compared to women with failed pregnancies, women with successful pregnancies had higher levels of adipsin in the serum and FF (p = 0.01) but lower C5a levels (p = 0.05). Serum adipsin levels were positively correlated with circulating levels of vitamin D (R = 0.5, p = 0.02), glucagon (R = 0.4, p = 0.03), leptin (R = 0.4, p = 0.01), resistin (R = 0.4, p = 0.02), and visfatin (R = 0.4, p = 0.02), but negatively correlated with total protein (R = −0.5, p = 0.03). Higher numbers of top-quality embryos were associated with increased levels of C3, properdin, C1q, factors H and B, C4, and adipsin, but with reduced C2 and C5a levels (p ≤ 0.01).ConclusionsHigher adipsin and lower C5a levels in the maternal serum during implantation are potential markers of successful outcome in obese women undergoing IVF-assisted pregnancies.
GLP-1 RAs and SGLT-2 Inhibitors for Insulin Resistance in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yan Hongle , Huang Chunyi , Shen Xuejun , Li Jufang , Zhou Shuyi , Li Weiping 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveGlucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors reduce glycaemia and weight and improve insulin resistance (IR) via different mechanisms. We aim to evaluate and compare the ability of GLP-1 RAs and SGLT-2 inhibitors to ameliorate the IR of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients.Data SynthesisThree electronic databases (Medline, Embase, PubMed) were searched from inception until March 2021. We selected randomized controlled trials comparing GLP-1 RAs and SGLT-2 inhibitors with control in adult NAFLD patients with or without T2DM. Network meta-analyses were performed using fixed and random effect models, and the mean difference (MD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined. The within-study risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane collaborative risk assessment tool RoB.Results25 studies with 1595 patients were included in this network meta-analysis. Among them, there were 448 patients, in 6 studies, who were not comorbid with T2DM. Following a mean treatment duration of 28.86 weeks, compared with the control group, GLP-1 RAs decreased the HOMA-IR (MD [95%CI]; -1.573[-2.523 to -0.495]), visceral fat (-0.637[-0.992 to -0.284]), weight (-2.394[-4.625 to -0.164]), fasting blood sugar (-0.662[-1.377 to -0.021]) and triglyceride (- 0.610[-1.056 to -0.188]). On the basis of existing studies, SGLT-2 inhibitors showed no statistically significant improvement in the above indicators. Compared with SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1 RAs decreased visceral fat (-0.560[-0.961 to -0.131]) and triglyceride (-0.607[-1.095 to -0.117]) significantly.ConclusionsGLP-1 RAs effectively improve IR in NAFLD, whereas SGLT-2 inhibitors show no apparent effect.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42021251704
Time Series Multi-Sensors of Interferometry Synthetic Aperture Radar for Monitoring Ground Deformation
Authors: Zhu Chuanguang , Long Sichun , Zhang Jixian , Wu Wenhao , Zhang Liya 
Published: July 2022

A stack of images is a prerequisite for the multi-temporal interferometric synthetic aperture radar (MT-InSAR) due to the wrapped nature of the interferometric phase. Although the SBAS technique can relieve the requirement of the amount of SAR data, dozens of SAR acquisitions could be regarded as the minimum requirement. However, due to the limitation of the imaging capability of the spaceborne SAR system, the amount of available SAR data acquired from only one SAR sensor is often not enough to satisfy the requirement for phase unwrapping based on the Nyquist sampling assumption. Fortunately, there sometimes may be more than one SAR stack, that is, stacks of SAR data acquired from different SAR systems. In this study, we propose a methodology to detect ground deformation by combining multiple SAR images acquired from different satellite systems for MT-InSAR analysis. First, the low-pass deformation is estimated based on time series SAR acquisitions with low spatial resolution and long wavelengths such as ENVISAT ASAR (ASAR). This information is then incorporated into the processing of time series of SAR acquisitions with high spatial resolution and short wavelength, such as TerraSAR-X (TSX). Specifically, the low-pass deformation will be subtracted from each differential interferogram generated from short-wavelength SAR images, and the rest of the MT-InSAR analysis will be based on the double-differentiation interferograms. Then, the residual deformation will be calculated from these double-differentiation interferograms and together with the low-pass deformation forms the full deformation. As the principal component of deformation has already been subtracted, the phase gradient of those double-differentiated interferograms will be smooth enough to facilitate the phase unwrapping. Between January 2009 and September 2010, 14 ASAR images and 11 TSX images acquired from Tianjin, China are selected as the test data. A root means square error (RMSE) of 9.1 mm/year is achieved from 11 TSX images, while a root means square error of 3.7 mm/year is achieved from 14 ASAR images. However, an RMSE of 1.6 mm/year is achieved when integrating 11 TSX images and 14 ASAR images for MT-InSAR analysis. The experiments show that the proposed method can effectively detect ground deformation.
Reforestation in Southern China Enhances the Convective Afternoon Rainfall During the Post-flood Season
Authors: Li Xing , Li Xiao , Ma Hedi , Hua Wenjian , Chen Haishan , Wen Xiaohang , Zhang Wanxin , Lu Yiwen , Pang Xueqi , Zhang Xuanwen 
Published: July 2022

Dynamic and continuous land use and cover change (LUCC) is one of the external forcing factors affecting regional climate in China. Based on the annual dynamic global land cover dataset derived from the Global Land Surface Satellite (GLASS-GLC), this paper modelled and investigated the effects of annual transient LUCC on precipitation over China using the regional climate model RegCM4.8.2. Analysis of the GLASS-GLC data revealed that considerable conversions of cropland to forest, grassland to cropland and bare ground to grassland had occurred during the last 3 decades (1984–2013) in southern, northeastern and northwestern China respectively. By comparing the differences between the two sets of experiments under the fixed LUCC and dynamic LUCC scenarios, the results showed that reforestation in southern China during the past 3 decades significantly enhanced local convective afternoon rainfall (CAR; ∼2 mm/day) during the post-flood season (POF; July-August-September). This reforestation effect on CAR also increased with the intensity of LUCC. However, the realistic LUCC effects were weak and negligible for other periods, regions and large-scale precipitation. Furthermore, we have identified two possible reasons that favored the occurrence of POFCAR, namely that the moisture and instability conditions required to trigger convections were both enhanced by reforestation. This was evidenced by increases (decreases) in convective available potential energy (lifting condensation level), increases in atmospheric water vapor content and declining tendencies of equivalent potential temperature with height. Overall, this study highlights the importance of reforestation impacts on the diurnal variations of the precipitation.
Prenatal Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Exposure Is Associated With Lower Infant Birthweight Within the MADRES Pregnancy Cohort
Authors: Peterson Alicia K. , Eckel Sandrah P. , Habre Rima , Yang Tingyu , Faham Dema , Farzan Shohreh F. , Grubbs Brendan H. , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Robinson Morgan , Lerner Deborah , Al-Marayati Laila A. , Walker Daphne K. , Grant Edward G. , Bastain Theresa M. , Breton Carrie V. 
Published: July 2022

IntroductionPerfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic chemicals found in household products that can cross the placenta during pregnancy. We investigated whether PFAS exposure during pregnancy was associated with infant birth outcomes in a predominantly urban Hispanic population.MethodsSerum concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) were measured in 342 prenatal biospecimens (mean gestational age: 21 ± 9 weeks) from participants in the ongoing Maternal And Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors (MADRES) cohort. PFAS compounds were modeled continuously or categorically, depending on the percentage of samples detected. The birth outcomes assessed were birthweight, gestational age at birth, and birthweight for gestational age (BW-for-GA) z-scores that accounted for parity or infant sex. Single pollutant and multipollutant linear regression models were performed to evaluate associations between PFAS exposures and birth outcomes, adjusting for sociodemographic, perinatal, and study design covariates.ResultsMaternal participants (n = 342) were on average 29 ± 6 years old at study entry and were predominantly Hispanic (76%). Infants were born at a mean of 39 ± 2 weeks of gestation and weighed on average 3,278 ± 522 g. PFOS and PFHxS were detected in 100% of the samples while PFNA, PFOA, and PFDA were detected in 70%, 65%, and 57% of the samples, respectively. PFAS levels were generally lower in this cohort than in comparable cohorts. Women with detected levels of PFOA during pregnancy had infants weighing on average 119.7 g less (95% CI −216.7, −22.7) than women with undetected levels of PFOA in adjusted single pollutant models. PFOA results were also statistically significant in BW-for-GA z-score models that were specific for sex or parity. In models that were mutually adjusted for five detected PFAS compounds, PFOA results remained comparable; however, the association was only significant in BW-for-GA z-scores that were specific for parity (β = −0.3; 95% CI −0.6, −0.01). We found no significant adjusted associations with the remaining PFAS concentrations and the birth outcomes assessed.ConclusionPrenatal exposure to PFOA was associated with lower birthweight in infants, suggesting that exposure to these chemicals during critical periods of development might have important implications for children's health.
Case Report: DPM1-CDG: Novel Variant with Severe Phenotype and Literature Review
Authors: Lausmann Hanna , Zacharias Martin , Neuhann Teresa M. , Locher Melanie K. , Schettler Karl F. 
Published: July 2022

Background: Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) type I include variants in the DPM1 gene leading to DPM1-CDG. The nine previously reported patients showed developmental delay, seizures, electroencephalography abnormalities and dysmorphic features with varying disease onset and severity.Methods: Clinical features of a new patient are described. Whole exome sequencing using NGS was performed, followed by molecular simulation of the structural changes in the protein.Results: Our patient with DPM1-CDG presented with more severe symptoms and an earlier onset, specifically non-febrile seizures from the age of 3 weeks, global developmental delay, and severely retarded motor skills. She died at the age of 11 weeks after fulminant sepsis. We identified compound heterozygous variants in the DPM1 gene, one previously reported point mutation c.1A &gt; C p.? as well as the novel variant c.239_241del p.(Lys80del), resulting in the first in-frame deletion located in exon 2. Loss of Lys80 may lead to an impaired α-helical configuration next to the GDP/GTP binding site.Conclusion: The presented case extends the spectrum of DPM1-CDG to a very young and severely affected child. The deletion of Lys80 in DPM1 results in an impaired helical configuration. This has implications for further understanding the association of structure and function of DPM1.