bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Elevated Non-HDL-C and LDL-C with Carotid atherosclerosis among Tibetans Living at High Altitudes: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Hu Xianjin , Zhang Xin , Gou Qiling , Ye Runyu , Zhang Zhipeng , Li Xinran , Chen Xiaoping 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Hypoxic circumstances impair endothelial function and may contribute to carotid atherosclerosis. In high-altitude areas, there is a scarcity of data on the correlation between lipid particles and carotid atherosclerosis. Methods: A total of 587 patients who underwent carotid artery ultrasound and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in our cross-sectional study. All participants resided in Luhuo County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China (mean altitude: 3,860 meters). We used questionnaires, physical examination, blood sample testing, and ultrasound in our investigation. Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to explore the association between lipid particles and carotid atherosclerosis. We compared the disparity between lipid particles in predicting atherosclerosis using the receiver operator characteristic curve.Results: We found a statistically significant association between lipid particles and carotid atherosclerosis. After adjustment for certain variables, including age, gender, mean arterial pressure, and fasting blood glucose, we discovered that non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) was a risk factor for carotid intima-media thickness (β = 0.012, p = 0.032) but not for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.073). In terms of lifestyle, non-HDL-C was also found to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis independent of cigarette smoking and vegetarian (β = 0.012, p = 0.049). The area under the curve (AUC) of non-HDL-C was 0.644 (CI: 0.583 – 0.706) while LDL-C was 0.599 (CI: 0.534 - 0.664) in predicting carotid atherosclerosis. The optimal cut-off value of non-HDL-C was 3.625 mmol/L in predicting carotid plaques. Conclusions: Among Tibetans living in high-altitude areas, non-HDL-C is a better biomarker than LDL-C for carotid artery atherosclerosis independent of conventional risk factors. It is crucial to resolve non-HDL-C dyslipidemia in order to mitigate carotid atherosclerosis in Tibetans living at high-altitude settings.
SARS-CoV-2 Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses in COVID-19 Convalescent Individuals With HIV
Authors: Giannone Denise , Vecchione Maria Belén , Czernikier Alejandro , Polo Maria Laura , Polo Virginia Gonzalez , Cruces Leonel , Ghiglione Yanina , Balinotti Silvia , Longueira Yesica , Turk Gabriela , Laufer Natalia , Quiroga Maria Florencia 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background

SARS-CoV-2-specific immune response features in people with HIV infection (PWH) remain to be fully elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the impact of HIV over humoral and cellular responses in COVID-19 convalescent PWH.
Methods

Blood samples from 29 PWH with preserved CD4+T-cell counts on ART and 29 HIV-negative (HIVneg) donors were included. SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG levels and IgG titers were determined by ELISA. Antibody neutralization capacity was evaluated against the reference B1 strain SARS-CoV-2. IFN-γ-secreting cells were detected by ELISpot using SARS-CoV-2 Spike, RBD, or Nucleocapsid protein or overlapping peptide pools. Frequency and phenotype of T, B and NK cells and levels of soluble cytokines and chemokines were assessed by flow cytometry.
Results

SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies were detected on 65.5% of PWH and 79.3% of HIVneg individuals, with no differences in serum IgG levels and anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies. All donors exhibited SARS-CoV-2-specific cellular immunity, including those with undetectable antibody responses. PWH showed diminished percentages of antibody-secreting cells compared to HIVneg cohort, with similar B cell proportions between groups. PWH presented an increment in T follicular helper (Tfh, CD4+CXCR5+) percentage, which negatively correlated with IgG titers. Additionally, CD4+PD1+ and CD8+HLA-DR+ cell frequencies were augmented in PWH. Moreover, PWH presented a high proportion of CD95+, CD25+, NKp46+, HLA-DR+, and CD38+/HLA-DR+ NK cells. Both groups displayed similar Tregs frequency, effector/memory, and T-helper profile for CD4TL, exhaustion and memory phenotypes for CD8TL and subtle differences in classical monocytes. Profile of circulating cytokines and chemokines was significantly different between both groups. Magnitude of IFN-γ responses to S or N proteins, and RBD was lower in PWH compared to HIVneg donors. Correlation analysis of immune and clinical parameters showed a distinct immune landscape in the PWH group.
Conclusions

PWH showed a distinctive immune profile although severity of COVID-19 was not exacerbated. PWH with conserved CD4+T-cell counts exerted both humoral and cellular responses against SARS-CoV-2. Even though cellular response was lower compared to HIVneg individuals, PWH achieved similar antibody responses with a high neutralization capacity. These data reinforce the impact of ART, not only in controlling HIV but also other infections.
Lelliottia Rebaudianalis Sp. Nov. Isolated From Wild Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni
Authors: Lin Jing , Huang Ke , Huang Jing-Yu , Xiong Yuan-Ru , Wei Meng-Meng , Xiao Na , Gao Jia , Ding Xuan-Kai , Ma Zi-Yang , Sang Jun-Hao , Kong Ling-Xian , Hong Zhi-Yun , Li Ou 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, chemoheterotrophic bacterium, characterized with rod shape and mobility, designated as LST-1T, was isolated from wild Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic analysis. The LST-1T strain grew optimally at 37 °C and pH 6.0–7.0 in the presence of 0.5 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic sequence analysis based on 16S rDNA from LST-1 indicated that it is close to Lelliottia jeotgali (99.85%), Lelliottia nimipressuralis (98.82%), and Lelliottia amnigena (98.54%). Multi-locus sequence typing analysis of concatenated partial recA, atpD, and infB was performed to improve resolution, and clear distinctions between the closest related type strains were exhibited. Meanwhile, the results from average nucleotide identify analyses and DNA–DNA hybridization with four species (16S rDNA similarity > 98.65%) were less than 90% and 40% respectively, verifying the distinct characteristics from other species of Lelliottia, The cellular fatty acid profile of the strain consisted of C16:0, Summed Feature3, and Summed Feature8 (may be 16:1 w6c/16:1 w7c and 18:1 w6c) as major components. The major polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, aminophospholipid, three non-characteristic phospholipids, and a non-characteristic lipid. The genome of LST-1T is 4,611,055 bp, with a DNA G + C content of 55.02%. Combination of several phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic characteristics proved that the LST-1T strain does represent a novel genus, for which the name Lelliottia sp. LST-1 was proposed. The type strain is LST-1T (= CGMCC 1.19175T = JCM 34938T).
Prognostic Value of Diastolic Function Parameters In Significant Aortic Regurgitation. The Role of The Left Atrial Strain
Authors: García-Martín Ana , Sequeiros María Abellás , Gómez Ariana González , Díaz Luis Miguel Rincón , Ruiz Juan Manuel Monteagudo , Baydés Rocío Hinojar , Mur Jose Luis Moya , Gómez José Luis Zamorano , Fernández-Golfín Covadonga 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
AimsThe management of patients with asymptomatic significant aortic regurgitation (sAR) is often challenging and appropriate timing of aortic valve surgery remains controversial. Prognostic value of diastolic parameters has been demonstrated in several cardiac diseases. In particular, left atrial (LA) function has been shown to be an important determinant of morbimortality. The purpose of this study was to analyze the prognostic significance of diastolic function in asymptomatic patients with sAR.Methods and resultsA total of 126 patients with asymptomatic sAR were included. Conventional echocardiographic systolic and diastolic function parameters were assessed. LA and left ventricular (LV) auto-strain analysis was performed in a subgroup of 57 patients. During a mean follow up of 33±19 months, 25(19,8%) patients reached the combined end-point. Univariate analysis showed that LV volumes, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV-GLS, E wave, E/e’ ratio, LA volume and LA reservoir strain (LASr) were significant predictors of events. Multivariate model-1 that tested all classical echocardiographic variables statistically significant in the univariate model showed that LVEDV [HR=1,02;95% CI:1,01-1,03;(p<0,001)] and E/e’ ratio [HR=1,12;95% CI:1,03-1,23;(p=0,01)] were significant predictors of events. In the subgroup of patients with auto-strain analyzed, a multivariate model-2 including the previous significant variables for the first model as well as LASr, showed that LVEDV [HR=1,05;95% CI:1,01-1,08;(p=0,016)] and LASr [HR=0,8;95% CI:0,65-0,98;(p<0,035)] were the most significant predictors of cardiovascular events.ConclusionsIn this population of asymptomatic patients with sAR and normal LV systolic function, baseline diastolic parameters were prognostic markers of cardiovascular events; among them, LASr played a strong independent predictor role.
AMOC Trends From 1850 to 2100 At Interannual To Multi-Decadal Time Scales Corroborated By Changes In Salinity Budget
Authors: Lobelle Delphine , Sévellec Florian , Beaulieu Claudie , Livina Valerie , Frajka-Williams Eleanor 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a key player in the global coupled ocean-atmosphere climate system. To characterise the potential of an AMOC slowdown, a past and future trend probability analysis is applied using 16 models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5. We determine the probability of AMOC annual to multidecadal trends under the historical period and two future climate scenarios (`business-as-usual’ scenario - RCP8.5 and `stabilisation’ scenario - RCP4.5). We show that the probability of a AMOC decline in model data shifts outside its range of intrinsic variability (determined from the pre-industrial control runs) for sustained 5-year trend or longer. This suggests that interannual AMOC events are not significantly affected by future climate scenario, and so potentially neither by anthropogenic forcing. Furthermore, under the ‘business-as-usual’ scenario the probability of a 20-year decline remains high (87\%) until 2100, however in a ‘stabilisation’ scenario the trend probability recovers its pre-industrial values by 2100. A 20-year unique event is identified from 1995 to 2015, marked by simultaneous unique features in the AMOC and salinity transport that are not replicated over any other 20-year period within the 250 years studied. These features include the maximum probability and magnitude of an `intense’ AMOC decline, and a sustained 20-year decline in subpolar salinity transport caused by internal oceanic processes (as opposed to external atmospheric forcing). This work therefore highlights the potential use of direct salinity transport observations, and ensemble mean numerical models to represent and understand changes in past, present, and future AMOC.
Morphological Characteristics of the Lacrimal Apparatus in its Obstruction of Various Genesis
Authors: Demyashkin Grigory A. , Yartsev Vasily D. , Atkova Eugenia L. , Ekaterinchev Maxim A. , Shchekin Vladimir I. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose: morphological assessment of the lacrimal ducts at various anatomical levels in patients with primary (PANDO) and secondary (SALDO) obstruction after radioactive iodine therapy.Methods. The material was obtained during endoscopic dacryocystorinostomy with revision of Hasner's valve in patients with PANDO (n=7) in the distal segments of the nasolacrimal duct and in patients with SALDO (n=7) after radioactive iodine therapy. During the surgery, a biopsy of Hasner's valve, as well as a biopsy of the lacrimal sac wall were performed. The resulting material was stained with hemotoxylin and eosin, alcyan blue and by Masson method. Morphological and morphometric analyses were performed in semi-automatic mode. The results of histochemical staining of sections were translated into points taking into account the area and optical density (chromogenicity) in relative units: 1 – weak (0 – 0.3); 2 – moderate (0.3 – 0.6); 3 – significant (>0.6). The nonparametric Mann-Whitney criterion was used for statistical analysis. The differences were considered significant at p<0.05.Results. The comparative morphological study both confirmed the available information concerning the radiation nature of the obstruction and allowed to quantify the fibrosis level of the stromal component and other lacrimal ducts structures.Conclusion. It was shown that the nasolacrimal duct sclerosis is significantly lower (p=0.029) in patients with SALDO than in patients with PANDO while fibrosis in the lacrimal sac is the same in patients of the compared groups.
Socioeconomic Factors Associated with Poor Prognosis in Patients with Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Kushibuchi Mio , Okuse Chiaki , Ie Kenya , Matsunaga Kotaro , Tsuchida Tomoya , Motohashi Iori , Hirose Masanori , Otsuki Takuya , Aihara Mari , Matsuda Takahide 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Alcohol liver cirrhosis is a life-threatening condition, especially if alcohol cessation is not accomplished. Past studies have shown that alcohol abuse is closely linked to low socioeconomic status and social marginalization. Public assistance (PA), or Seikatsu-hogo, a Japanese public assistance ensuring medical care to low-income population, was employed as a proxy for social marginalization. This study aims to investigate the prognostic effect of being a PA recipient on overall mortality in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis.Methods: Patients diagnosed as alcoholic liver cirrhosis in a community hospital between 2006 to 2017 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Baseline demographics and mortality data were extracted from electronic health records. Cirrhosis severity at baseline was measured by mean model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score and Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) score. Primary outcome was survival probability obtained by the Kapan Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: 244 participants were included, among which 62 were PA recipients. Baseline cirrhosis severity score was not different between the two groups. Incidence proportion for overall mortality was 48.4% and 31.9% for PA recipients and non-PA recipients, respectively (p=0.002). In cox regression model, adjusted for age, ALBI score and HCV infection, hazard ratio for PA reception was1.57 (95% CI: 0.97-2.5, p=0.06). Conclusions: Being a PA recipient may be a poor prognostic factor of mortality in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis.
In-vitro and In-vivo effects of Cu-Melo Seed´trypsinseed´trypsin Inhibitor on Angiogenesis and Tumor Characteristics in Balb-c Mice With Breast Cancer
Authors: Rezaei Shahla , Azarpira Negar , Koohpeyma Farhad , Yousefi Reza , Heidari Mojdeh , Doaei Saeid , Haghshenas Mohammad Reza , Mazloom Zohreh 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
BackgroundMelon seeds as an excellent supply of protease inhibitors may have a protective role against tumor progression and angiogenesis. However, its effects on angiogenesis and the mechanism of its motion on cancer progression remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the effect of bioactive compounds of melon seed on the expression of angiogenesis genes in breast cancer cell lines.MethodsTrypsin inhibitor (TI) was purified from the seed powder of Cucumis Melo. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined for TI, extract of melon seed powder (EXT), and tamoxifen (TAM) by MTT test. Also, breast tumor was induced by subcutaneous injection of MC4-L2 cell line in blab-c inbreed mice breast tissue. After tumor growth, mice were treated with TI, EXT, and TAM to examine their effects on the tumor characteristics and the expression of the angiogenesis-related genes including MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGF using the RT-PCR method.ResultsTI, EXT, TAM, and adjuvant treatment of TI+TAM resulted a reduction in expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGF. All treatments improved the breast tumor characteristics and the necrosis. The Real Time-PCR method verified the positive effects of the treatments on the breast cancer cell line and tumors.ConclusionThe results indicated that treatments with trypsin Inhibitor Purified from Cucumis Melo Seeds and also combination therapy of trypsin inhibitor and tamoxifen can be considered as an alternative therapy in breast cancer patients. Further studies are warranted.
A Pan-cancer Analysis of Thioredoxin-interacting Protein as an Immunological and Prognostic Biomarker
Authors: Guo Xuxue , Huang Mei , Zhang Haonan , Chen Qianhui , Hu Ying , Meng Yan , Wu Changjie , Tu Chenge , Liu Yongfeng , Li Aimin , Li Qingyuan , Zhou Peirong , Liu Side 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThe critical role of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) in cellular sulfhydryl redox homeostasis and inflammasome activation is already widely known, however, no pan-cancer analysis is currently available. MethodsWe thus first explored the potential roles of TXNIP across thirty-three tumors mainly based on The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. ResultsTXNIP is lowly expressed in most cancers, and distinct associations exist between TXNIP expression and the prognosis of tumor patients. TXNIP expression was associated with tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, mismatch repair genes, tumor infiltrating immune cell abundance as well as cancer-associated fibroblasts. Moreover, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, protein post-translational modification and other related pathways were involved in the functional mechanisms of TXNIP. ConclusionsOur first pan-cancer study offers a relatively comprehensive understanding of the carcinostatic roles of TXNIP across different tumors. And this molecule may be considered as a potential immunological and prognostic biomarker.
Nanodiamonds in Oil Emulsions as Effective Vaccine Adjuvants and Antitumor Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Lin Hsin-Hung , Wang Chih-Yen , Hsieh Feng-Jen , Liao Fang-Zhen , Su Yu-Kai , Pham Minh Dinh , Hsu Hsao-Hsun , Chang Huan-Cheng 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background

Composed of mineral oil and mycobacteria pathogens, complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) is one of the most commonly used adjuvants for antibody production and scientific research due to its high efficiency. However, the dead mycobacteria in CFA can cause many allergic reactions. We propose here a new formulation based on the use of nanodiamonds (NDs) as biocompatible non-allergic additives in incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA) to avoid these adverse effects.
Methods

Chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA) was used as the antigens and 100-nm NDs after purification by air oxidation and strong oxidative acid washes were used as the additives. Levels of OVA-specific IgG antibody in mouse sera were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) after the second and third immunizations of healthy mice with OVA and OVA/ND in IFA or CFA. Abilities of the OVA/ND/IFA vaccination to inhibit the tumor growth of mice inoculated with EL4 cells or OVA-expressing E.G7 cells were examined over 1 month.
Results

The new formulation worked well as a potent vaccine adjuvant, which could boost the immune responses and reduce the consumption of antigens in producing antibodies of interest in model animals like mice. Additionally, the composites showed distinct therapeutic activities, as proven by the OVA/ND/IFA treatment that effectively inhibited the tumor progression of E.G7-inoculated mice, allowing the animals to survive over 35 days post tumor-cell challenges. About 0.2% of the injected ND particles were found in mouse spleens on day 24 after vaccination of the E.G7-inoculated mice with OVA/ND/IFA.
Conclusions

The multiple functionality of ND makes it useful as an active and trackable component of a vaccine adjuvant not only to enhance antibody production but also to suppress tumor growth in vivo. The ND-based new formulation can be developed into single-dose vaccines with promising potential for real-world applications.
The Effects of First-trimester Subchorionic Hematoma on Pregnancy Outcomes:A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gu Chongjuan , He Yaojuan , Li Xiaojun , Li Qingfeng , Xuan Qingshan , Li Kuanrong 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Although first-trimester subchorionic hematoma (SCH) always concerns expectant parents, its clinical significance remains controversial. This study aimed to examine the relationship between first-trimester SCH and its association with subsequent miscarriage and other perinatal outcomes.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 43,660 women who underwent routine prenatal care since the first trimester and then were followed up for maternal and neonatal outcomes. SCH was detected in the first-trimester ultrasound examinations. Robust Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted risk associations between SCH maternal and neonatal outcomes.Results: A total of 815 (1.87%) SCH were detected in the first-trimester ultrasound examination. The rate of miscarriage was statistically significantly higher in women with SCH than in those without [35.2% vs. 23.9%, P<0.01; adjusted relative risk (RR):1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31-1.58]. Subgroup analysis of women with SCH showed a clear trend that the earlier SCH occurred, the higher the risk of miscarriage was [adjusted RR and 95% CI for onset at the gestational weeks of 8-9, 6- 7, and <6 vs. ≥10: 1.30 (0.69-2.46), 2.33 (1.28-4.23), and 4.18 (2.30-7.58), respectively; Ptrend<0.01]. In addition, women with SCH volume ≥1ml showed higher risk than those <1 ml [adjusted RR and 95% CI for 1-4.9 ml, and ≥5 ml vs. <1 ml: 1.36 (1.10-1.68) and 1.56 (1.18-2.07), respectively]. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of other pregnancy outcomes between women with and without SCH.Conclusions: First-trimester SCH might significantly increase the risk of miscarriage, particularly the one that occurs early and the one with large size. Data from this study do not suggest adverse effects of SCH on other maternal and neonatal outcomes.