bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FeS2 Nanoparticles Encapsulated in S/N Co-Doped Carbon Nanofibers With a Three-Dimensional Multi-Channel Structure for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Cao Xiaochang , Zhang Yi , Luo Chujiang , Yin Yansheng , Huang Yingying 
Published: July 2022

Pyrite (FeS2) is one of the potential candidates for advanced rechargeable Li-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its inherent capacity (849 mAh g−1), environmental friendliness, and abundant natural resources. However, the volume expansion of FeS2 and the dissolution of polysulfide in the electrochemical reaction severely limit its application in the field of energy conversion and storage. Herein, FeS2 nanoparticles are encapsulated in S/N co-doped three-dimensional multi-channel structural carbon nanofibers (FeS2@CNFs) through the electrospinning method. As a cathode material for LIBs, FeS2@CNFs demonstrated excellent rate property and cyclic stability. The 3FeS2@CNFs (weight ratio of FeS2 is 30%) present the initial capacity of 1,336.7 mAh g−1 and the remaining 856.5 mAh g−1 at 0.02A g−1 after 100 circles. The favorable electrochemical properties have confirmed that carbon nanofibers can enhance the electroconductivity of electrodes, reduce the volume collapse of FeS2, and remit the dissolution of polysulfide during the Li+ ions insertion/de-insertion process. In addition, co-doped S/N can supply abundant active sites for electrochemical reactions, providing enough space for Li+ ion storage. The results indicate that 3FeS2@CNFs is a cathode with a developmental prospect for LIBs.
Optimized Treatment of Refractory Hypercholesterolemia in Patients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease or Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia With Alirocumab (OPTIMIZE)
Authors: Sudano Isabella , Mach Francois , Moccetti Tiziano , Burkard Thilo , Fahe Christian , Delabays Alain , Rickli Hans , Keller Pierre-Frédéric , Dopheide Jörn , Bodenmann Sereina , Fiolka Tom , Ehret Georg , Spirk David 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundLow-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In confirmatory trials, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor alirocumab substantially lowered LDL-C and reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the routine clinical use of alirocumab in Switzerland has not yet been studied.MethodsIn this prospective nation-wide cohort study, we aimed to investigate the patient profile and routine clinical efficacy and safety of alirocumab in 207 patients with ASCVD or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and increased LDL-C despite maximally tolerated statin therapy. LDL-C was measured at baseline and after 3-months follow-up.ResultsOverall, mean age was 63 ± 11 years, 138 (67%) were men, and 168 (81%) had statin intolerance (SI). Patients with SI had a higher baseline LDL-C (4.3 ± 1.4 vs. 3.3 ± 1.4 mmol/l; p &lt; 0.001) and less frequently ASCVD (71% vs. 95%; p = 0.002). After 3 months of treatment with alirocumab, LDL-C was reduced from 4.1 ± 1.5 to 2.0 ± 1.2 mmol/l (50.5%; p &lt; 0.001). Mean absolute and relative reductions in LDL-C were similar in patients with vs. without SI (2.2 ± 1.2 vs. 1.9 ± 1.3 mmol/l; p = 0.24 and 49.0 vs. 56.6%; p = 0.11, respectively). In total, adverse events were recorded in 25 (12%) patients, with no new safety signals.ConclusionsIn routine clinical practice, alirocumab was predominantly used in patients with SI suggesting that the great majority of patients with insufficient LDL-C control who would be candidates for alirocumab are not receiving this therapeutic option in Switzerland. LDL-C lowering was potent and similar in patients with and without SI, replicating the favorable efficacy-safety profile of alirocumab from randomized trials.
Reszinate—A Phase 1/2 Randomized Clinical Trial of Zinc and Resveratrol Utilizing Home Patient-Obtained Nasal and Saliva Viral Sampling
Authors: Kaplan Henry G. , Wang Kai , Reeves Kimberly M. , Scanlan James M. , Nunn Christopher C. , Kieper Douglas A. , Mark Joshua L. , Lee Inyoul , Liu Rachel , Jin Ruyun , Bolton Michael J. , Goldman Jason D. 
Published: July 2022

Background: Safe, effective, and inexpensive treatment for COVID-19 is an urgent unmet medical need. Zinc and resveratrol have been reported to have antiviral activity, and resveratrol may increase zinc activity at the site of replication by increasing intracellular zinc concentrations.Methods: A 1:1 randomized, placebo-controlled trial of zinc 150 mg plus resveratrol 4 g daily for 5 days versus placebos in outpatients with SARS-CoV-2 was carried out from 9/21/2020–1/22/2021 in Seattle, Washington. Viral shedding was followed with patient self-collected nasal and saliva samples by measuring qRT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 N gene days 1–7, 10, and 14. Patients filled out a web-based questionnaire on days 1–14 to report symptoms, vital signs and adherence to the study intervention. The study was posted as Clinical Trials.gov NCT04542993 on 9 September 2020.Results: A total of 30 participants (14 treatment; 16 placebos) had ≥1 day of the protocol treatment and were evaluable for the primary or secondary outcome. There was no difference in viral shedding between groups, nor in the resolution of symptoms. There was a trend toward a more rapid decrease in symptoms in the treatment group, though this was not statistically significant in the GLM model. Viral shedding was similar between patient self-collected mid-turbinate nasal swabs and expectorated saliva samples with a good correlation.Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 shedding and COVID-19 symptoms were not statistically significantly decreased by treatment. Viral shedding correlates well between patient-obtained home nasal swabs and saliva sampling.
Remote Sensing Quantitative Research on Soil Erosion in the Upper Reaches of the Minjiang River
Authors: Bing Deng , Lei Shi 
Published: July 2022

The upper reaches of the Minjiang River are an important ecological barrier to the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and Chengdu Plain. They are also the water resources of Chengdu Plain. To protect the headwater ecosystems, it is necessary to carry out quantitative research on soil erosion in this area. This study mainly applies the USLE model to quantitatively evaluate the spatial distribution of ecosystem services on soil erosion and soil conservation. The evaluation is based on the following data: remote sensing image, meteorological radiation data, DEM, soil types, physical and chemical properties of the soil, vegetation types, and land use status. With advanced Earth observation technology, satellite remote sensing images about terrestrial vegetation and other evaluation parameters can be obtained in real time. The seasonal changes in vegetation coverage and the physical and chemical properties of soil have been fully considered. The results show that 1) the value of rainfall erosivity factor (R) is between 85.02 and 588.69 MJ•mm/(hm2•h•a), and its spatial distribution is consistent with that of annual average precipitation. 2) Soil erodibility factor (K) is between 0.12 and 0.30 (t hm2 h) •(hm2 MJ mm), showing zonal distribution, and is related to soil types. 3) Slope length and gradient factor (LS) range from 0.03 to 46.16. It is positively correlated with topographic relief. 4) Soil conservation measure factor (P) ranges from 0 to 1 and is determined by the land use and coverage. 5) Rainfall has a dominant impact on soil erosion, and the study area with violent and intense erosion reaches 17,302.17 km2, accounting for 69.81% of the total area. The soil conservation amount (T) in the study area is 283.45 million tons, and the ecosystem services are worth 434.48 million yuan. 6) RS and GIS techniques enable quick estimation. However, this assessment contains considerable uncertainty. It is still hard to reveal the physical process of soil erosion with empirical models.
Natural Fractures in Low-Permeability Sandstone Reservoirs in the LD-A HPHT Gas Field, Yinggehai Basin: Implications for Hydrocarbon Exploration and Development
Authors: Li Hui , Fan Caiwei , Jiang Zhenxue , Li Jun , Li Chao , Xu Xuhui , Li Fang , Hu Gaowei 
Published: July 2022

Research on the characteristics and distribution of natural fractures is of great importance for the exploration and development of low-permeability sandstone gas reservoirs. In this study, fracture identification and characterization were carried out using cores and imaging logging. Then, comprehensive fracture development indicators were constructed to predict the distribution of fractures in wells by conventional logging. The main factors that affect the development of natural fractures and the implications of fractures on hydrocarbon exploration and development were discussed. The results showed that the natural fractures were mainly low-angle tectonic fractures in sandstone reservoirs. Most of fractures are unfilled, but the distribution of the fractures in the thin sections has a discrete fracture structure, indicating that the connectivity of the fracture system is poor. The development of natural fractures is mainly influenced by rock strength, petrographic composition, and petrology, and the fractures are more developed in sandstones with a higher content of brittle minerals. The fracture densities are mainly distributed below 0.05 m/m and up to 0.1 m/m. In the present in situ stress state, all of the natural fractures in the LD-A gas field are invalid fractures. The critical pressure of the natural fracture is approximately 16.5–25.4 MP/km; when the pore pressure exceeds this value, the fractures become effective fractures. These results provide new geological knowledge and guidance for the exploration and development of LD-A gas fields and other low-permeability tight sandstone reservoirs.
Systemic and Ocular Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms of Green Tea Extract on Endotoxin-Induced Ocular Inflammation
Authors: Chu Kai On , Chan Kwok Ping , Yip Yolanda Wong Ying , Chu Wai Kit , Wang Chi Chiu , Pang Chi Pui 
Published: July 2022

IntroductionGreen tea extract (GTE) alleviated ocular inflammations in endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) rat model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) but the underlying mechanism is unclear.ObjectivesTo investigate the systematic and local mechanisms of the alleviation by untargeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometryMethodsSprague-Dawley rats were divided into control group, LPS treatment group, and LPS treatment group treated with GTE two hours after LPS injection. The eyes were monitored by slip lamp and electroretinography examination after 24 hours. The plasma and retina were collected for metabolomics analysisResultsIn LPS treated rats, the iris showed hyperemia. Plasma prostaglandins, arachidonic acids, corticosteroid metabolites, and bile acid metabolites increased. In the retina, histamine antagonists, corticosteroids, membrane phospholipids, free antioxidants, and sugars also increased but fatty acid metabolites, N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulphate, pyrocatechol, and adipic acid decreased. After GTE treatment, the a- and b- waves of electroretinography increased by 13%. Plasma phosphorylcholine lipids increased but plasma prostaglandin E1, cholanic metabolites, and glutarylglycine decreased. In the retina, tetranor-PGAM, pantothenic derivatives, 2-ethylacylcarinitine, and kynuramine levels decreased but anti-oxidative seleno-peptide level increased. Only phospholipids, fatty acids, and arachidonic acid metabolites in plasma and in the retina had significant correlation (p &lt; 0.05, r &gt; 0.4 or r &lt; -0.4).ConclusionsThe results showed GTE indirectly induced systemic phosphorylcholine lipids to suppress inflammatory responses, hepatic damage, and respiratory mitochondrial stress in EIU rats induced by LPS. Phospholipids may be a therapeutic target of GTE for anterior chamber inflammation
Ankylosing Spondylitis and the Risk of Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis and Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Ao Yiyuan , Wen Yaokai , Li Yutian , Peng Haoxin , Wu Xiangrong , Wang Zhufeng , Jiang Yu , Lin Yuechun , Li Shuben 
Published: July 2022

Background: It remains uncertain whether ankylosing spondylitis is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the correlation between ankylosing spondylitis and lung cancer based on existing literature. Eligible studies were identified by searching the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library before 26 March 2021. Subgroup analyses based on regions were also carried out. To further explore their causality, a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was performed, with 25 ankylosing spondylitis-related single nucleotide polymorphisms derived from the largest sample genome-wide association study of ankylosing spondylitis (ebi-a-GCST005529, 22,647 individuals). The inverse variance-weighted method was applied to estimate the causality, and the pleiotropy was assessed utilizing the Mendelian randomization-Egger regression approach.Results: The meta-analysis including seven studies, with a total of 39,186 individuals, suggested no significant association between ankylosing spondylitis and lung cancer (relative risk, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.89–1.36; I2, 61.8%). After excluding one study leading to high heterogeneity, we found that ankylosing spondylitis was associated with a 19% increased risk of lung cancer (relative risk, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.40; I2, 0.0%). Subgroup analyses suggested that ankylosing spondylitis was not associated with increased risks of lung cancer in neither European (relative risk, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.80–1.39; I2, 0.0%) nor non-European (relative risk, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.84–1.55; I2, 79.6%) patients. Nevertheless, the Mendelian randomization results indicated that genetically determined ankylosing spondylitis was causally correlated with a remarkably increased risk of lung cancer among European populations (odds ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.48). Subgroup analyses further elucidated that genetically determined ankylosing spondylitis was causally associated with a notably higher risk of only squamous cell lung cancer (odds ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.83), rather than lung adenocarcinoma (odds ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.91–1.54). In addition, the results indicated the absence of pleiotropy.Conclusion: The results of both modified meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that ankylosing spondylitis was likely to be correlated with the development of lung cancer. Further research is warranted to clarify the specific mechanism regarding the causality between the two diseases.
High-Density Genomic Characterization of Native Croatian Sheep Breeds
Authors: Drzaic Ivana , Curik Ino , Lukic Boris , Shihabi Mario , Li Meng-Hua , Kantanen Juha , Mastrangelo Salvatore , Ciani Elena , Lenstra Johannes A. , Cubric-Curik Vlatka 
Published: July 2022

A recent comprehensive genomic analysis based on 50K SNP profiles has shown that the regional Balkan sheep populations have considerable genetic overlap but are distinctly different from surrounding breeds. All eight Croatian sheep breeds were represented by a small number of individuals per breed. Here, we genotyped 220 individuals representing the native Croatian sheep breeds (Istrian Sheep, Krk Island Sheep, Cres Island Sheep, Rab Island Sheep, Lika Pramenka, Pag Island Sheep, Dalmatian Pramenka, Dubrovnik Sheep) and mouflon using the Ovine Infinium® HD SNP BeadChip (606,006 SNPs). In addition, we included publicly available Balkan Pramenka and other Mediterranean sheep breeds. Our analyses revealed the complex population structure of Croatian sheep breeds and their origin and geographic barriers (island versus mainland). Migration patterns confirmed the historical establishment of breeds and the pathways of gene flow. Inbreeding coefficients (FROH&gt;2 Mb) between sheep populations ranged from 0.025 to 0.070, with lower inbreeding coefficients observed in Dalmatian Pramenka and Pag Island Sheep and higher inbreeding in Dubrovnik sheep. The estimated effective population size ranged from 61 to 1039 for Krk Island Sheep and Dalmatian Pramenka, respectively. Higher inbreeding levels and lower effective population size indicate the need for improved conservation management to maintain genetic diversity in some breeds. Our results will contribute to breeding and conservation strategies of native Croatian sheep breeds.
Detection of Genomic Imprinting for Carcass Traits in Cattle Using Imputed High-Density Genotype Data
Authors: Kenny David , Sleator Roy D. , Murphy Craig P. , Evans Ross D. , Berry Donagh P. 
Published: July 2022

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon defined as the silencing of an allele, at least partially, at a given locus based on the sex of the transmitting parent. The objective of the present study was to detect the presence of SNP-phenotype imprinting associations for carcass weight (CW), carcass conformation (CC) and carcass fat (CF) in cattle. The data used comprised carcass data, along with imputed, high-density genotype data on 618,837 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 23,687 cattle; all animal genotypes were phased with respect to parent of origin. Based on the phased genotypes and a series of single-locus linear models, 24, 339, and 316 SNPs demonstrated imprinting associations with CW, CC, and CF, respectively. Regardless of the trait in question, no known imprinted gene was located within 0.5 Mb of the SNPs demonstrating imprinting associations in the present study. Since all imprinting associations detected herein were at novel loci, further investigation of these regions may be warranted. Nonetheless, knowledge of these associations might be useful for improving the accuracy of genomic evaluations for these traits, as well as mate allocations systems to exploit the effects of genomic imprinting.
KIR- Ligand Interactions in Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy
Authors: Stefańska Katarzyna , Tomaszewicz Martyna , Dębska-Zielkowska Joanna , Zamkowska Dorota , Piekarska Karolina , Sakowska Justyna , Studziński Maciej , Tymoniuk Bogusław , Adamski Przemysław , Jassem-Bobowicz Joanna , Wydra Piotr , Leszczyńska Katarzyna , Świątkowska-Stodulska Renata , Kwiatkowski Sebastian , Preis Krzysztof , Trzonkowski Piotr , Marek-Trzonkowska Natalia , Zieliński Maciej 
Published: July 2022

HypothesisThe activity of natural killer (NK) cells is considered an important factor for the tolerance of the fetus during pregnancy. The complications of pregnancy, such as hypertensive disorders (HDP), may be therefore associated with this immune compartment.MethodsThe current study included 41 pregnant women diagnosed with HDPs (Gestational Hypertension; GH or Preeclampsia; PE) and 21 healthy women. All the patients were under continuous obstetric care during the pregnancy and labour. The number of mother-child mismatches within killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), their ligands [MM], and missing KIR ligands [MSLs] was assessed. KIRs and their ligands were assessed with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Polymerase Chain Reaction Sequence-Specific Oligonucleotide (PCR-SSO) typing. The subsets of NK cells were assessed with multicolor flow cytometry and correlated to the number of MSLs.ResultsThe number of MSLs was significantly higher in HDP patients when compared to healthy non-complicated pregnancy patients. Some MSLs, such as those with 2DS2 activating KIR, were present only in HDP patients. The percentage of CD56+CD16-CD94+ NK cells and CD56+CD16-CD279+ NK cells correlated with the number of MSLs with inhibiting KIRs only in healthy patients. In HDP patients, there was a correlation between the percentage of CD56-CD16+CD69+ NK cells and the number of MSLs with inhibiting and activating KIRs. As compared to the healthy group, the percentage of CD56+CD16-CD279+ NK cells and CD56-CD16+CD279+ NK cells were lower in HDP patients. HDP patients were also characterized by a higher percentage of CD56+CD16+perforin+ NK cells than their healthy counterparts.ConclusionsPatients with HDP were characterized by a higher number of MSLs within the KIRs receptors. It seemed that the number of MSLs in the healthy group was balanced by various receptors, such as CD94 or inhibitory CD279, expressed on NK cells. Conversely, in HDP patients the number of MSLs was associated with the activation detected as the increased level of CD69+ NK cells.
An evidence review of the association of immune and inflammatory markers with obesity-related eating behaviors
Authors: Meng Ying , Kautz Amber 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundEating behaviors contribute to disproportionate energy intake and are linked to the development of obesity. Animal studies support the role of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the regulation of obesity-related eating behaviors and offer a potential target to combat obesity through the modulation of inflammation. However, more complex eating behaviors are present in humans, and their relationships with immune/inflammation markers are unclear. The present study reviewed current literature to synthesize the evidence on the association of immune/inflammation markers with obesity-related eating behaviors in humans.MethodsA systematic search of three electronic databases yielded 811 articles, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria.ResultsThe majority of the included studies (91%) were either case-control or cross-sectional studies. A variety of immune/inflammation markers and obesity-related eating behaviors have been assessed in the chosen studies. Three out of four studies identified a positive relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP)/high-sensitivity CRP and loss of control eating. Other inflammatory markers that potentially have a positive relationship with obesity-related eating behaviors include fractalkine and fibrinogen. Additionally, immune molecules, including interferon gamma (INF-γ), interleukin (IL)-7, IL-10, and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-reactive immunoglobulin G (α-MSH/IgG) immune complex, may have negative associations with obesity-related eating behaviors. However, most findings were identified by single studies.ConclusionLimited studies have been conducted in humans. Current evidence indicates a potential bi-directional relationship between inflammatory/immune markers and obesity-related eating behaviors. Additional studies with sophisticated research design and comprehensive theoretical models are warranted to further delineate the relationship between immune/inflammation markers and obesity-related eating behaviors.