bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular Benefits With Favorable Renal, Amputation and Hypoglycemic Outcomes of SGLT-2 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes From the Asian Perspective: A Population-Based Cohort Study and Systematic Review
Authors: Yang Chun-Ting , Peng Zi-Yang , Chen Yi-Chi , Ou Huang-Tz , Kuo Shihchen 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveWe assessed the effects of sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4is) in a large real-world Asian cohort with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and performed a systematic review with integrating the present study findings to provide up-to-date evidence from the Asian perspective.MethodsNew users of SGLT2is or DPP4is were identified from the Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database and followed until 2018. Primary outcomes were hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) and three-point major adverse cardiovascular event (3P-MACE; namely, myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, or cardiovascular death). Other outcomes included all-cause death, chronic kidney disease (CKD), amputation, and hospitalized hypoglycemia. Subdistribution hazard models were employed to assess treatment-associated clinical outcomes.ResultsA total of 21,329 SGLT2i and DPP4i propensity-score-matched pairs were analyzed. SGLT2is versus DPP4is showed lower risks of HHF (hazard ratio [95% CI]: 0.52 [0.45–0.59]), 3P-MACE (0.62 [0.55–0.70]), MI (0.63 [0.50–0.79]), stroke (0.60 [0.51–0.70]), all-cause death (0.57 [0.49–0.67]), CKD (0.46 [0.43–0.50]), amputation (0.64 [0.42–0.98]), and hospitalized hypoglycemia (0.54 [0.45–0.64]). Our results were consistent with findings from a systematic review.ConclusionAmong Asian patients with T2D, SGLT2is versus DPP4is showed benefits for several clinical outcomes. More research is warranted to explore the heterogeneous treatment effects of SGLT2is and DPP4is by race/ethnicity.
Effects of Stepwise Microwave Synergistic Process Water Recirculation During Hydrothermal Carbonization on Properties of Wheat Straw
Authors: Zhang Xinyan , Qin Qingyu , Liu Xian , Wang Wenlong 
Published: March 2022

In this study, wheat straw (WS) was treated using two-step synergistic techniques, which were process water recirculation (PWR) during hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and microwave energy activation (MEA). The physicochemical properties of solid and liquid products during the process of HTC PWR were characterized. The temperature-rising properties, yields, and fuel properties of hydrochar after MEA were explored. Then the optimal technique conditions were explored. When HTC PWR was twice, the carbon content (55.59%) and higher heating value (21.72 MJ/kg) were the highest, and the ash content (1.93%) and the O/C and H/C ratios were the lowest. When HTC PWR was three times, the fixed carbon content, mass yield, and energy yield were the highest: 18.53%, 58.25%, and 71.84%, respectively. Many more carbon microspheres and pores appeared on the surface of hydrochar after PWR, which could improve the fuel characteristics and mass yield. After HTC PWR, the concentration of organic acids and HMF in liquid by-products increased, which was conducive to the increase of carbon content and mass yield. The best effect was HTC PWR twice or three times. With the increase of microwave power or the extension of microwave activation duration, the temperature-rising properties of hydrochar significantly increased, and the mass and energy yields decreased. The volatile contents of hydrochar decreased and their fixed carbon contents and HHV increased with the increase of microwave power. The properties of hydrochar could be improved when MEA was 900 W or 1000 W for 4 min. Therefore, MEA had significant effects on the properties of hydrochar after different PWR conditions.
Back to the Future: Restoring Northern Drained Forested Peatlands for Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Escobar Daniel , Belyazid Salim , Manzoni Stefano 
Published: March 2022

Draining peatlands for forestry in the northern hemisphere turns their soils from carbon sinks to substantial sources of greenhouse gases (GHGs). To reverse this trend, rewetting has been proposed as a climate change mitigation strategy. We performed a literature review to assess the empirical evidence supporting the hypothesis that rewetting drained forested peatlands can turn them back into carbon sinks. We also used causal loop diagrams (CLDs) to synthesize the current knowledge of how water table management affects GHG emissions in organic soils. We found an increasing number of studies from the last decade comparing GHG emissions from rewetted, previously forested peatlands, with forested or pristine peatlands. However, comparative field studies usually report relatively short time series following rewetting experiments (e.g., 3 years of measurements and around 10 years after rewetting). Empirical evidence shows that rewetting leads to lower GHG emissions from soils. However, reports of carbon sinks in rewetted systems are scarce in the reviewed literature. Moreover, CH4 emissions in rewetted peatlands are commonly reported to be higher than in pristine peatlands. Long-term water table changes associated with rewetting lead to a cascade of effects in different processes regulating GHG emissions. The water table level affects litterfall quantity and quality by altering the plant community; it also affects organic matter breakdown rates, carbon and nitrogen mineralization pathways and rates, as well as gas transport mechanisms. Finally, we conceptualized three phases of restoration following the rewetting of previously drained and forested peatlands, we described the time dependent responses of soil, vegetation and GHG emissions to rewetting, concluding that while short-term gains in the GHG balance can be minimal, the long-term potential of restoring drained peatlands through rewetting remains promising.
BAFF Blockade Attenuates DSS-Induced Chronic Colitis via Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome and NF-κB Activation
Authors: Zhang Ying , Tao Meihui , Chen Chaoyue , Zhao Xi , Feng Qinyu , Chen Guang , Fu Yu 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundBAFF production is increased in IBD patients. However, the specific role of BAFF in IBD is still uncovered. This study aimed to investigate the expression and function of BAFF in experimental colitis and the potential mechanisms.MethodsBAFF levels in the serum and colon tissues were measured by ELISA in DSS-induced colitis mice. Mouse-derived BAFF antibody was administered in DSS mice. The changes of body weight, disease activity index (DAI) scores, colon length, spleen weight, histopathological damage, inflammatory indicators, NF-κB signaling, and NLRP3 inflammasome were assayed in DSS mice and control. LPS-primed RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) were treated with BAFF blockage and recombinant mouse BAFF. Inflammatory associated cytokines, NLRP3 inflammasomes and NF-κB signaling were detected among groups.ResultsBAFF production was elevated systemically and locally in colitis mice. BAFF blockade improved the body weight loss, DAI scores, colon length, spleen weight, and histopathological damage in colitis mice. Immunoflurescence analysis revealed that elevated macrophages in mucosal lamina propria were the primary source of BAFF in the colon. NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB signaling pathway activation were dramatically inhibited in DSS mice treated with BAFF blockage. In LPS-primed RAW264.7 cells/BMDMs, BAFF blockade decreased the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome (NLPR3, ASC, cleaved IL-1β, cleaved caspase 1) via inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, LPS synergizes with BAFF to promote inflammatory factor secretion and expression of NF-κB signaling pathway in RAW264.7 cells.ConclusionsThese results suggested that BAFF blockade protected against colitis partially by relieving inflammation, inhibiting intestinal NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB signaling pathway from macrophages. BAFF plays an important role in inflammation regulation in IBD, thus providing a novel idea for further research on colitis and experimental evidences for novel potential therapeutic target in IBD.
Surface Free Energy of Titanium Disks Enhances Osteoblast Activity by Affecting the Conformation of Adsorbed Fibronectin
Authors: Lin Jiating , Dong Hao , Wen Yin , Zhuang Xianxian , Li Shaobing 
Published: March 2022

This study evaluated the influence of surface free energy (SFE) of titanium disks on the adsorption and conformation of fibronectin (FN) and the biological behavior of osteoblasts cultured on the FN-treated modified surfaces. High [H]-SFE titanium disks were irradiated by a 30 W UV light, while low (L)-SFE titanium disks received no treatment. The surface characteristics of the titanium disks were examined using scanning electron microscope, optical surface profilometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. Adsorbed FN on different groups was investigated using attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. MG-63 cells were cultured on FN-treated titanium disks to evaluate the in vitro bioactivity. The experiment showed H-SFE titanium disks adsorbed more FN and acquired more ß-turn content than L-SFE group. MG-63 cells cultured on FN-treated H-SFE titanium disks showed better osteogenic responses, including adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization than that on FN-treated L-SFE titanium disks. Compared to L-SFE titanium disks, integrin-β1, integrin-α5 and Rac-1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in MG-63 cells on FN-treated H-SFE after 3 h of culture. These findings suggest that the higher SFE of H-SFE compared to L-SFE titanium disks induced changes in the conformation of adsorbed FN that enhanced the osteogenic activity of MG-63 cells.
Treatment Outcomes of Infectious and Non-infectious Acute Exacerbation of Myositis-Related Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Lee Hyun , Chung Sung Jun , Kim Sang Hyuk , Choi Hayoung , Kim Youlim , Park Tai Sun , Park Dong Won , Moon Ji-Yong , Kim Sang-Heon , Kim Tae Hyung , Yoon Ho Joo , Sohn Jang Won 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionAlthough respiratory infections are common causes of acute respiratory failure (ARF) in patients with myositis-interstitial lung disease (ILD), limited data are available regarding the treatment outcomes by the etiologies of acute exacerbation (AE) of myositis-related ILD (infectious vs. non-infectious). Our study aimed to investigate the treatment outcomes of AE in patients with myositis-related ILD focused on the infectious etiology.MethodsA single center-based retrospective cohort was performed at Hanyang University Hospital between January 2000 and December 2018. A total of 36 patients with AE of myositis-related ILD were consecutively included. The exposure was the etiologies of AE in myositis-related ILD, and the outcome was in-hospital mortality. The infectious etiology was defined as confirmation of bacteria, virus, or fungus in samples obtained from the respiratory tract.ResultsAmong the 36 patients, 17 were diagnosed with infectious AE. The overall in-hospital mortality rate of AE was 47.2%. Although the mortality rate in patients with infectious AE was lower (41.2%) than in those with non-infectious AE (52.6%), this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.724). A survival analysis showed no significant difference in mortality between patients with infectious AE versus those with non-infectious AE [risk ratio = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.38–1.59].ConclusionOur study showed that infectious AE is an important cause of mortality in patients with myositis-related ILD, showing a similar risk of mortality as non-infectious AE.
Is It an Outbreak of Health Care-Associated Infection? An Investigation of Binocular Conjunctival Congestion After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Was Traced to Chitosan Derivatives
Authors: Liu Sidi , Huang Xun , Fu Chenchao , Dou Qingya , Li Jie , Feng Xuelian , Mo Yang , Meng Xiujuan , Zeng Cui , Wu Anhua , Li Chunhui 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundFrom May 6 to May 23, 2019, 24 (80.00%) patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) developed binocular conjunctival congestion within 4–8 h after their operation in the day ward of a teaching hospital.MethodsNosocomial infection prevention and control staff undertook procedural and environmental investigations, performed a case-control retrospective study (including 24 cases and 48 controls), and reviewed all lot numbers of biological material products to investigate the suspected outbreak of health care-associated infection.FindingsInitially, an outbreak of health care-associated infection caused by bacteria was hypothesized. We first suspected the membranes that covered patients' eyes were cut using non-sterile scissors and thus contaminated, but they failed to yield bacteria. In addition, both corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining results were negative in case-patients and isolated bacteria were ubiquitous in the environment or common skin commensals or normal flora of conjunctiva from 218 samples from day surgery and the day ward. Hence, we considered a non-infectious factor as the most likely cause of the binocular conjunctival congestion. Then, we found that case-patients were more likely than LC surgery patients without binocular conjunctival congestion to be exposed to biological materials in a retrospective case-control study. When we reviewed lot numbers, duration of use, and the number of patients who received four biological material products during LC in the day ward, we found that the BLK1821 lot of a modified chitosan medical membrance (the main ingredient is chitosan, a linear cationic polysaccharide) was used concurrently to when the case aggregation appeared. Finally, we surmised there was a correlation between this product and the outbreak of binocular conjunctival congestion. Relapse of the pseudo-outbreak has not been observed since stopping usage of the product for 6 months.ConclusionA cluster of binocular non-infectious conjunctival congestion diagnosed after LC proved to be a pseudo-outbreak. We should pay more attention to adverse events caused by biomaterials in hospitals.
DOK2 Has Prognostic and Immunologic Significance in Adults With Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Novel Immune-Related Therapeutic Target
Authors: Xu Jiaxuan , Dong Xiaoqing , Wang Ruoyi , Chen Bing 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe role of downstream tyrosine kinase 2 (DOK2), a major member of the DOK family, remains poorly defined in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Herein, we investigated the expression levels, clinical outcomes, and biological functions of DOK2 in patients with AML.MethodsDatasets were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for transcriptomic and clinical information. Nomogram construction and assessment were conducted using Cox regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and calibration plots. Public databases, including the Gene Expression Omnibus, Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, LinkedOmics, GeneMANIA, TISIDB, and Gene Set Cancer Analysis, were employed for relevant bioinformatic studies. Moreover, we utilized the CIBERSORT algorithm to evaluate the level of infiltration of immune cells into the bone marrow microenvironment.ResultsWe observed that DOK2 transcription levels were markedly upregulated in AML samples (P &lt; 0.001), and its high expression was associated with inferior overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.17, P &lt; 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 2.50, P &lt; 0.001). ROC curve analysis also showed the reliable diagnostic efficiency of DOK2 in AML. For treatment regimens, patients with high DOK2 expression could significantly prolong OS by receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) (P &lt; 0.001), whereas those with low DOK2 expression were more likely to improve DFS by chemotherapy alone rather than HSCT. Nomograms constructed for predicting OS and DFS exhibited satisfactory discrimination and accuracy. Functional enrichment analysis identified that DOK2 was involved in important pathways associated with immune-related activities. Furthermore, CIBERSORT scores reflected negative correlations of DOK2 with activated mast cells and resting CD4+ memory T cells, which indicated its adverse immunomodulatory potential.ConclusionWe suggest that elevated DOK2 expression could be an unfavorable prognostic indicator of survival in patients with AML. Our findings provide new insights into the role of DOK2 in AML, with promising clinical implications.
Rectal Colonization and Nosocomial Transmission of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in an Intensive Care Unit, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Odih Erkison Ewomazino , Irek Emmanuel Oladayo , Obadare Temitope O. , Oaikhena Anderson O. , Afolayan Ayorinde O. , Underwood Anthony , Adenekan Anthony T. , Ogunleye Veronica O. , Argimon Silvia , Dalsgaard Anders , Aanensen David M. , Okeke Iruka N. , Aboderin A. Oladipo 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundAcinetobacter baumannii are of major human health importance because they cause life-threatening nosocomial infections and often are highly resistant to antimicrobials. Specific multidrug-resistant A. baumannii lineages are implicated in hospital outbreaks globally. We retrospectively investigated a suspected outbreak of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) colonizing patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria where genomic surveillance of Acinetobacter has hitherto not been conducted.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted among all patients admitted to the ICU between August 2017 and June 2018. Acinetobacter species were isolated from rectal swabs and verified phenotypically with the Biomerieux Vitek 2 system. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on the Illumina platform to characterize isolates from a suspected outbreak during the study period. Phylogenetic analysis, multilocus sequence typing, and antimicrobial resistance gene prediction were carried out in silico.ResultsAcinetobacter isolates belonging to the A. baumannii complex were recovered from 20 (18.5%) ICU patients. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and epidemiological information revealed a putative outbreak clone comprising seven CRAB strains belonging to the globally disseminated international clone (IC) 2. These isolates had ≤2 SNP differences, identical antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes, and were all ST1114/1841.ConclusionWe report a carbapenem-resistant IC2 A. baumannii clone causing an outbreak in an ICU in Nigeria. The study findings underscore the need to strengthen the capacity to detect A. baumannii in human clinical samples in Nigeria and assess which interventions can effectively mitigate CRAB transmission in Nigerian hospital settings.
Indian Polyvalent Antivenom Accelerates Recovery From Venom-Induced Consumption Coagulopathy (VICC) in Sri Lankan Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii) Envenoming
Authors: Silva Anjana , Scorgie Fiona E. , Lincz Lisa F. , Maduwage Kalana , Siribaddana Sisira , Isbister Geoffrey K. 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundVenom-induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC) is an important clinical consequence of Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) envenoming. There is limited evidence for antivenom effectiveness in resolving VICC. We aimed to compare the recovery of VICC in patients who received and did not receive antivenom following Russell’s viper envenoming.Patients and MethodsThis was a non-randomized observational study comparing patients with VICC from Russell’s viper envenoming given antivenom for systemic envenoming and those not given antivenom. Antivenom administration was decided by the treating physicians. We included 44 patients with confirmed Russell’s viper bites with one or more International Normalized Ratio (INR) value ≥ 1.5 (VICC). We compared five patients who did not receive antivenom with 39 patients who did receive antivenom. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with an INR &lt; 1.5 by 48 h post-bite.ResultsThe antivenom group had higher peak serum venom concentrations [median (IQR) = 272 (96–1,076) ng/mL versus 21 (8–58) ng/mL] and more severe VICC compared to the no antivenom group. Twenty seven of 39 patients (69%) in the antivenom group had an INR &lt; 1.5 at 48 h post-bite compared to none of the five patients (0%) in the no antivenom group (absolute difference: 69%; 95%CI: 13 to 83%; p = 0.006; Fisher’s exact test). The fibrinogen recovered in 32 of 39 patients (82%) in the antivenom group compared to one of five patients (20%) in the no antivenom group (absolute difference 62%; 95% CI: 28 to 95%; p = 0.001; Fisher’s exact test). Both INR and fibrinogen were significantly improved between 24 and 48 h post-bite in the antivenom group compared to the no antivenom group.ConclusionAntivenom accelerated the recovery of VICC in patients with Russell’s viper envenoming, compared to no recovery in a smaller group of patients with milder VICC not receiving antivenom. This supports the efficacy of antivenom in patients with VICC.
MicroCT Can Characterize Clots Retrieved With Mechanical Thrombectomy From Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients–A Preliminary Report
Authors: Dumitriu LaGrange Daniela , Braunersreuther Vincent , Wanke Isabel , Berberat Jatta , Luthman Siri , Fitzgerald Seán , Doyle Karen M. , Brina Olivier , Reymond Philippe , Platon Alexandra , Muster Michel , Machi Paolo , Poletti Pierre-Alexandre , Vargas Maria Isabel , Lövblad Karl-Olof 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundCharacterization of the clot occluding the arteries in acute ischemic stroke received ample attention, in terms of elucidating the relationship between the clot composition, its etiology and its amenability for pharmacological treatment and mechanical thrombectomy approaches. Traditional analytical techniques such as conventional 2D histopathology or electron microscopy sample only small parts of the clot. Visualization and analysis in 3D are necessary to depict and comprehend the overall organization of the clot. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of microCT for characterizing the clot composition, structure, and organization.MethodsIn a pilot study, we analyzed with microCT clots retrieved from 14 patients with acute ischemic stroke. The following parameters were analyzed: overall clot density, clot segmentation with various density thresholds, clot volume.ResultsOur findings show that human clots are heterogeneous in terms of CT intra-clot density distribution. After fixation in formalin, the clots display a shift toward negative values. On average, we found the mean HU values of red clots retrieved from patients to be −153 HU, with SD = 23.8 HU, for the intermediate clots retrieved from patients −193 HU, SD = 23.7 HU, and for the white clots retrieved from patients −229 HU, SD = 64.8 HU.ConclusionOur study shows that volumetric and density analysis of the clot opens new perspectives for clot characterization and for a better understanding of thrombus structure and composition.