bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction and Analysis of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network Based on Competing Endogenous RNA in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ke Xiangyu , Zhang Junguo , Huang Xin , Li Shuai , Leng Meifang , Ye Zebing , Li Guowei 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundAccumulated studies have revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in human diseases by acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). However, functional roles and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA in atrial fibrillation (AF) remain unknown. In the present study, we aimed to construct the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network based on ceRNA theory in AF by using bioinformatic analyses of public datasets.MethodsMicroarray data sets of GSE115574 and GSE79768 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were downloaded. Twenty-one AF right atrial appendage (RAA) samples and 22 sinus rhythm (SR) subjects RAA samples were selected for subsequent analyses. After merging all microarray data and adjusting for batch effect, differentially expressed genes were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) categories and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were carried out. A ceRNA network was constructed.ResultA total of 8 lncRNAs and 43 mRNAs were significantly differentially expressed with fold change &gt;1.5 (p &lt; 0.05) in RAA samples of AF patients when compared with SR. GO and KEGG pathway analysis showed that cardiac muscle contraction pathway were involved in AF development. The ceRNA was predicted by co-expressing LOC101928304/ LRRC2 from the constructional network analysis, which was competitively combined with miR-490-3p. The expression of LOC101928304 and LRRC were up-regulated in myocardial tissue of patients with AF, while miR-490-3p was down-regulated.ConclusionWe constructed the LOC101928304/miR-490-3p/LRRC2 network based on ceRNA theory in AF in the bioinformatic analyses of public datasets. The ceRNA network found from this study may help improve our understanding of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of AF.
Perspectives on Fully Synthesized Sustainable Aviation Fuels: Direction and Opportunities
Authors: Kramer Stephen , Andac Gurhan , Heyne Joshua , Ellsworth Joseph , Herzig Peter , Lewis Kristin C. 
Published: January 2022

The aviation sector seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with manufacturers and airlines announcing “zero-emission” goals and plans. Reduced carbon aviation fuels are central to meeting these goals. However, current and near-term aircraft, which will remain flying for decades, are designed around the combustion of petroleum-based aviation kerosene (e.g., Jet A/A-1). Therefore, the industry has focused on the qualification and approval of synthesized (e.g., non-petroleum-based) aviation fuel components with maximum blend limit percentages to avoid the blended fuel having properties outside the accepted ranges for Jet A/A-1. The synthesized components approved for blending are not necessarily interchangeable with Jet A/A-1. They may lack certain required chemical components, such as aromatics, or may have other characteristics outside the allowable ranges. To ensure safety, these synthesized aviation fuel components are only qualified to be used in commercial aviation when blended up to approved limits. The sector seeks to move toward the capability of using 100% synthesized aviation fuels that also meet sustainability criteria, known as sustainable aviation fuels, or SAF. However, these fuels must be developed, assessed, and deployed appropriately. This paper explores key questions relating to the introduction of 100% SAF, concluding that:• Near-term unblended synthesized aviation fuels must be “drop-in,” meaning they are compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure.• Stand-alone complete fuels could be qualified within 1–2 years, with blends of blending components to reach 100% synthesized fuels to follow.• Sustainability criteria, while critical to sector acceptance, will continue to be assessed separately from technical performance.
Efficacy and Safety of Topical Therapy With Botanical Products for Melasma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Tianyun , Wang Youmei , Wang Jue , Chen Hongwei , Qu Biao , Li Zheng 
Published: January 2022

Botanical products have been increasingly popular in topical therapies for melasma, as presumed safer and milder than fully synthetic products. Although the efficacy of different topical botanicals has recently been substantiated through randomized controlled trials (RCTs), there is a lack of sufficiently pooled evidence on their efficacy and safety for the treatment of melasma. Herein, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on the efficacy and safety of topical botanical products for the treatment of melasma, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). All RCTs on the use of topical botanical products for the treatment of melasma in humans were included, except for trials enrolling pregnant patients. The primary outcome was Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) or its variation. The secondary outcomes included Mexameter® reading, melasma improvement evaluated by participants, and any reported adverse events (AEs). As a result, twelve eligible trials comprising 695 patients with melasma from 6 different countries were included. The topical botanical products contained active ingredients which varied among trials as follows: herb-derived molecule, extracts of a single herb, and extracts of compound herbs. Topical therapy with botanical products significantly improved melasma with a large effect on MASI reduction (SMD −0.79, 95% CI −1.14 to −0.44, p &lt; 0.00001), and a moderate effect on Mexameter® reading reduction (SMD −0.52, 95% CI −0.81 to 0.23, p = 0.0005), when compared with placebo. It also showed a similar improvement of melasma with a better safety profile (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15–0.88, p = 0.02), when compared with active-comparators. Botanical products were well-tolerated across studies, with no serious AEs reported. Despite the limitations such as small sample size, short duration of follow up and varied botanical products, this work still represents the best level of evidence currently available on topical use of botanical products on melasma. Moreover, it should be noted that more well-designed studies are needed before recommending topical botanical products as a viable treatment option for melasma.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021256328.
Case Report: Unusual Presentations of Loss-of-Function Mutations of the Calcium-Sensing Receptor
Authors: Palmieri Serena , Grassi Giorgia , Guarnieri Vito , Chiodini Iacopo , Arosio Maura , Eller-Vainicher Cristina 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundIn recent years, heterozygous loss-of-function mutations of the Calcium Sensing Receptor gene (CaSR) were implicated in different hypercalcemic syndromes besides familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH), including neonatal severe primary hyperparathyroidism (NSHPT) and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).Cases presentationHere we describe two unusual presentations of heterozygous inactivating CaSR mutations. Case 1: a case of NSHPT due to a de novo, p.(ArgR185Gln) CaSR mutation and successfully treated with cinacalcet monotherapy for 8 years until definitive surgical resolution. Case 2: a 37 years-old woman with PHPT complicated with hypercalcemia and nephrocalcinosis with a novel heterozygous p.(Pro393Arg) CaSR mutation and cured with parathyroidectomy.ConclusionsThese cases reinforce the fact that the clinical spectrum of inactivating mutations of the CaSR has widened and, although carrying a mutation suggestive of FHH, some patients may have different clinical phenotypes and complications requiring individualized therapies.
Fractional Anisotropy and Troponin T Parallel Structural Nerve Damage at the Upper Extremities in a Group of Patients With Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes – A Study Using 3T Magnetic Resonance Neurography
Authors: Jende Johann M. E. , Kender Zoltan , Morgenstern Jakob , Renn Pascal , Mooshage Christoph , Juerchott Alexander , Kopf Stefan , Nawroth Peter P. , Bendszus Martin , Kurz Felix T. 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundRecent studies have found that troponin T parallels the structural and functional decay of peripheral nerves at the level of the lower limbs in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of this study was to determine whether this finding can also be reproduced at the level of the upper limbs.MethodsTen patients with fasting glucose levels &gt;100 mg/dl (five with prediabetes and five with T2D) underwent magnetic resonance neurography of the right upper arm comprising T2-weighted and diffusion weighted sequences. The fractional anisotropy (FA), an indicator for the structural integrity of peripheral nerves, was calculated in an automated approach for the median, ulnar, and radial nerve. All participants underwent additional clinical, serological, and electrophysiological assessments.ResultsHigh sensitivity Troponin T (hsTNT) and HbA1c were negatively correlated with the average FA of the median, ulnar and radial nerve (r = −0.84; p = 0.002 and r = −0.68; p = 0.032). Both FA and hsTNT further showed correlations with items of the Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (r = −0.76; p = 0.010 and r = 0.87; p = 0.001, respectively). A negative correlation was found for hsTNT and HbA1c with the total Purdue Pegboard Test Score (r = −0.87; p = 0.001 and r = −0.68; p = 0.031).ConclusionThis study is the first to find that hsTNT and HbA1c are associated with functional and structural parameters of the nerves at the level of the upper limbs in patients with impaired glucose tolerance and T2D. Our results support the hypothesis that hyperglycemia-related microangiopathy, represented by elevated hsTNT levels, is a contributor to nerve damage in diabetic polyneuropathy.
Ischemic Infarction of Pituitary Apoplexy: A Retrospective Study of 46 Cases From a Single Tertiary Center
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Liang Yuchao , Fan Ziwen , Liu Yukun , Zhou Chunyao , Zhang Hong , Li Tianshi , Zhou Yanpeng , Yang Jianing , Wang Yinyan , Wang Lei 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveIschemic infarction of pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a rare type of pituitary apoplexy. This study aims to characterize ischemic PA via clinical presentations, imaging data, histopathological manifestations, and focus on the management and prognosis of the disease.MethodsThis study retrospectively identified 46 patients with ischemic PA confirmed using histopathology at a single institution from January 2013 to December 2020. The clinical presentations, imaging data, laboratory examination, management, and outcomes were collected. We then summarized the clinical presentations, imaging features, intraoperative findings, and histopathological manifestations, and compared the outcomes based on the timing of surgical intervention.ResultsHeadache was the most common initial symptom (95.65%, 44/46), followed by visual disturbance (89.13%, 41/46), and nausea and vomiting (58.70%, 27/46). 91.3% of the patients had at least one pituitary dysfunction, with hypogonadism being the most common endocrine dysfunction (84.78%, 39/46). Cortisol dysfunction occurred in 24 (52.17%) patients and thyroid dysfunction occurred in 17 (36.96%). Typical rim enhancement and thickening of the sphenoid sinus on MRI were seen in 35 (85.37%) and 26 (56.52%) patients, respectively. Except for one patient with asymptomatic apoplexy, the remaining patients underwent early (≤ 1 week, 12 patients) and delayed (&gt; 1 week, 33 patients) transsphenoidal surgery. Total tumor resection was achieved in 27 patients and subtotal tumor resection in 19 patients. At surgery, cottage cheese–like necrosis was observed in 50% (23/46) of the patients. At the last follow-up of 5.5 ± 2.7 years, 92.68% (38/41) of the patients had gained a significant improvement in visual disturbance regardless of surgical timing, and 65% of the patients were still receiving long-term hormone replacement therapy.ConclusionPatients with ischemic PA can be accurately diagnosed by typical imaging characteristics preoperatively. The timing of surgical intervention does not significantly affect the resolution of neurological and endocrinological dysfunctions. Preoperative endocrine dysfunctions are common and usually appear to be poor after surgical intervention.
A Smartphone App-Based Lifestyle Change Program for Prediabetes (D'LITE Study) in a Multiethnic Asian Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lim Su Lin , Ong Kai Wen , Johal Jolyn , Han Chad Yixian , Yap Qai Ven , Chan Yiong Huak , Zhang Zhi Peng , Chandra Cheryl Christine , Thiagarajah Anandan Gerard , Khoo Chin Meng 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionLandmark studies have established that lifestyle interventions focused on weight loss, diet modification and physical activity can prevent diabetes progression. However, the effectiveness of mobile health application among Asians with prediabetes remains largely unexamined. We aimed to assess whether a smartphone app-based lifestyle intervention program would lead to weight loss, normoglycemia and improved metabolic indices in a multiethnic Asian population with prediabetes.Research Design and MethodsThis multicentre prediabetes RCT is part of the Diabetes Lifestyle Intervention using Technology Empowerment (D'LITE) trial. Adults (n = 148) with prediabetes and BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 were randomly allocated either to the intervention group (n = 72) empowered by self-monitoring features of the Nutritionist Buddy Diabetes app with in-app dietitian coaching for 6 months, or the control group (n = 76) receiving standard diet counseling at baseline. Primary outcome was defined as change in body weight at 6 months, while secondary outcomes included glycemic control and other metabolic indices analyzed using Generalized Linear Mixed Model analysis with intention-to-treat approach.ResultsIntervention group achieved a significantly greater weight loss of 4.2 vs. 1.3 kg [mean difference of −3.1 kg (95% CI −4.5 to −1.7), p &lt; 0.001], and a 4.3-fold increased likelihood of achieving ≥ 5% weight loss, as compared to the control group at 6 months. The likelihood of achieving normoglycemia (defined as HbA1c &lt; 5.7%) was 2.1 times higher in intervention group than in the control group (p &lt; 0.018). Changes to blood pressure, total and LDL cholesterol were not statistically significant.ConclusionAn app-based lifestyle program led to clinically significant weight loss and improved glycemia, and can potentially augment current standard care in the prevention of diabetes among an Asian multiethnic population.Clinical Trial Registrationanzctr.org.au, identifier: ACTRN12617001112358.
A Comparative Study on the Accuracy and Efficacy Between Dalton and CINtec® PLUS p16/Ki-67 Dual Stain in Triaging HPV-Positive Women
Authors: Li Ying , Fu Yunfeng , Cheng Bei , Xie Xing , Wang Xinyu 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundCINtec® PLUS p16/Ki-67 dual-stained cytology (DS) is an alternative test to cytology in triaging human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive women. Dalton p16/Ki-67 Dual Stain kit employs the similar immunocytochemical detection and operating procedures with CINtec® PLUS, but its accuracy and efficacy in triaging HPV-positive women need to be evaluated.MethodsA total of 717 HPV-positive specimens of cervical exfoliated cells were included. Cytology, Dalton, and CINtec® PLUS were subsequently performed, and two DS tests were separately completed in each of the same specimens. The results of two DS tests were head-to-head compared, and their efficacies to identify high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) were evaluated, using histopathology of biopsy as the golden standard.ResultsThe overall positive rate of two DS tests were 28.31% for Dalton and 33.89% for CINtec® PLUS (p &lt; 0.05); both rose with the increased severity of histopathological and cytological abnormalities. Compared to CINtec® PLUS, the positive rate of Dalton was significantly lower in the normal histopathology group (p &lt; 0.05) and lower, but not significantly, in mild abnormal histopathology and cytology NILM and LSIL groups. Two DS tests showed a good consistency (Kappa value, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.557–0.688), with 100% of consistency in the cytology HSIL group. Inconsistency occurred mainly in the cytology NILM and LSIL groups, with more Dalton negative but CINtec® PLUS positive. Compared to CINtec® PLUS, Dalton showed similar sensitivity (94.59% vs. 91.89%), but significantly higher specificity (75.29% vs. 69.26%, p = 0.013) and accuracy (76.29% vs. 70.43%, p = 0.012), with a larger area under the curve (AUC) of 0.849 (95% CI, 0.800–0.899) for identifying CIN3+. The similar results were observed when identifying CIN2+.ConclusionsDalton presents the lower false positive rate and better efficacy in identifying high-grade CIN than CINtec® PLUS, suggesting that Dalton may be superior to CINtec® PLUS and an alternative technique for triaging primary HPV-positive women in cervical cancer screening.
Association Between Serum Lactate and Unsatisfactory Outcomes in Critically Ill Children in the Immediate Post-operative Period of Liver Transplantation
Authors: Fernández-Sarmiento Jaime , Wilches-Cuadros María Angélica , Hernandez-Sarmiento Ricardo , Mulett Hernando , Moreno-Medina Karen , Molano Nicolás , Dominguez Julián Augusto Palomar , Acevedo Lorena , Salinas Claudia , Rivera Jairo 
Published: January 2022

ObjectivesSerum lactate is a useful biomarker of tissue perfusion in critically ill patients. We evaluated the behavior of serum lactate in children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) immediately after liver transplantation and its association with surgical complications, graft dysfunction and 90-day mortality.Materials and MethodsA prospective observational study carried out between November 2009 and December 2019. Multidisciplinary PICU at the University Children's Hospital, Fundación Cardioinfantil-IC, Bogotá, Colombia.Measurements and Main ResultsPatients between 1 month and 18 years of age who were in the immediate post-operative period following living-donor or cadaveric liver transplantation were included. A total of 145 patients with a median age of 14 months (IQR 8–60) met the inclusion criteria. Biliary atresia was the main diagnosis in 56.5% of the cases. A serum lactate level &gt; 3.0 mmol/L on admission to the PICU was associated with biliary complications (AUC 0.73 95% CI 0.54–0.93; p = 0.05) and mortality (AUC 0.72 95% CI 0.63–0.8; p = 0.01). A lactate level &gt; 2 mmol/L after 6 h in the PICU was associated with mortality (AUC 0.70 95% CI 0.54–0.83; p = 0.02). Higher lactate levels and lack of clearance were associated with the presence of tardus et parvus waveforms (p = 0.001) on liver Doppler, primary dysfunction (p &lt; 0.001), arterial thrombosis (p &lt; 0.001) and neurological complications (p = 0.04). There was an inverse correlation between admission lactate and the volume of fluids administered during surgery (rho = 0.36; p &lt; 0.001). A total procedure time &gt; 350 min, along with a vasopressor score &gt; 7 and elevated lactate, were associated with worse outcomes (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsIn post-operative pediatric liver transplant patients, the level of serum lactate is associated with post-operative surgical complications and mortality.
Accuracy Enhancement of LIBS-XRF Coal Quality Analysis Through Spectral Intensity Correction and Piecewise Modeling
Authors: Bai Yu , Li Jiaxuan , Zhang Wanfei , Zhang Lei , Hou Jiajia , Zhao Yang , Chen Fei , Wang Shuqing , Wang Gang , Ma Xiaofei , Liu Zhenrong , Luo Xuebin , Yin Wangbao , Jia Suotang 
Published: January 2022

The combination of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy in the coal quality analysis was reported formerly. But in the practical test of the prototype instrument in the real power plant, the X-ray fluorescence signals suffered from intensity fluctuations over long-time measurements. The long-term signal fluctuations cause lower efficiency on the establishment of the calibration model and relatively larger root-mean-squared error of prediction (RMSEP) for unknown samples. Therefore, the spectral intensity correction was performed in the measurements; a randomly selected sample was measured several times in the whole measurements, including the modeling samples and unknown samples, recording the signal fluctuations and searching for a set of factors suitable for the intensity correction of a full-spectrum–based partial least square calibration model. In addition, as the signals of the coal samples of the power plant showed the potential of classification, the piecewise models were also established in case of further enhancement of the model or prediction accuracy. The RMSEPs of the calorific value, ash, volatile, and sulfur were lowered from 0.68 MJ/kg, 1.62%, 0.32%, and 0.24% to 0.51 MJ/kg, 1.34%, 0.16%, and 0.14% after spectral intensity correction, respectively. The piecewise modeling with spectral intensity correction achieved similar RMSEP for volatile and sulfur prediction but with more accurate models. The spectral intensity correction showed the ability to reduce the long-term signal fluctuation, and piecewise modeling also showed more efficiency in the model establishments for volatile and ash determination.
Climbing-Specific Exercise Tests: Energy System Contributions and Relationships With Sport Performance
Authors: Maciejczyk Marcin , Michailov Michail Lubomirov , Wiecek Magdalena , Szymura Jadwiga , Rokowski Robert , Szygula Zbigniew , Beneke Ralph 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate distinct performance indicators and energy system contributions in 3 different, new sport-specific finger flexor muscle exercise tests.MethodsThe tests included the maximal strength test, the all-out test (30 s) as well as the continuous and intermittent muscle endurance test at an intensity equaling 60% of maximal force, which were performed until target force could not be maintained. Gas exchange and blood lactate were measured in 13 experienced climbers during, as well as pre and post the test. The energy contribution (anaerobic alactic, anaerobic lactic, and aerobic) was determined for each test.ResultsThe contribution of aerobic metabolism was highest during the intermittent test (59.9 ± 12.0%). During continuous exercise, this was 28.1 ± 15.6%, and in the all-out test, this was 19.4 ± 8.1%. The contribution of anaerobic alactic energy was 27.2 ± 10.0% (intermittent), 54.2 ± 18.3% (continuous), and 62.4 ± 11.3% (all-out), while anaerobic lactic contribution equaled 12.9 ± 6.4, 17.7 ± 8.9, and 18.2 ± 9.9%, respectively.ConclusionThe combined analysis of performance predictors and metabolic profiles of the climbing test battery indicated that not only maximal grip force, but also all-out isometric contractions are equally decisive physical performance indices of climbing performance. Maximal grip force reflects maximal anaerobic power, while all-out average force and force time integral of constant isometric contraction at 60% of maximal force are functional measures of anaerobic capacity. Aerobic energy demand for the intermittent exercise is dominated aerobic re-phosphorylation of high-energy phosphates. The force-time integral from the intermittent test was not decisive for climbing performance.