bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of β1 Adrenergic Receptor Autoantibody and Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity-2 in Patients With Acutely Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Sun Yanxiang , Feng Li , Hu Bing , Dong Jianting , Zhang Liting , Huang Xuansheng , Yuan Yong 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundBoth β1 adrenergic receptor autoantibody (β1-AA) and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2) take a role in the pathological remodeling of heart failure. However, limited studies investigated the correlation between the expression of β1-AA and sST2 in patients with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF).ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between β1-AA and sST2, and evaluate their prognostic value in patients with ADHF.MethodsPatients who were admitted for ADHF were included. The N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), sST2, and β1-AA in blood samples were tested at hospital admission and then followed up for assessing the outcomes. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between β1-AA and sST2. The effects of β1-AA, sST2, or the combination of them on the all-cause mortality of patients with ADHF were assessed by Multivariate Cox regression analysis.ResultsThere were 96 patients with ADHF and 96 control populations enrolled. The β1-AA was significantly higher in ADHF than in the control group (0.321 ± 0.06 vs. 0.229 ± 0.04, P = 0.000). Pearson correlation analysis showed that β1-AA was positively correlated with sST2 (r = 0.593), NT-proBNP (r = 0.557), Procalcitonin (r = 0.176), and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (r = 0.315), but negatively correlated with triglycerides (r = −0.323), and left ventricular ejection fraction (r = −0.430) (all P &lt; 0.05) in ADHF. Patients with ADHF, complicated with both high β1-AA and sST2, showed the highest all-cause mortality during an average of 25.5 months of follow-up. Multivariate Cox regression showed the combination of both high β1-AA and sST2 independently correlated with the all-cause mortality after adjustment for other risk factors (hazard ratio 3.348, 95% CI 1.440 to 7.784, P = 0.005). After adding with β1-AA and sST2, the area under the curves for the prognostic all-cause mortality could increase from 0.642 to 0.748 (P = 0.011).ConclusionThe β1-AA is positively correlated with sST2 in patients with ADHF. Elevated plasma β1-AA and sST2 level in patients with ADHF are associated with poorer prognoses.
A Novel Three-Dimensional and Tissue Doppler Echocardiographic Index for Diagnosing and Prognosticating Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Wang Weiding , Mu Guanyu , Liu Changle , Xie Juan , Zhang Hao , Zhang Xiaowei , Che Jingjin , Tse Gary , Liu Tong , Li Guangping , Fu Huaying 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains challenging. In this study, a novel echocardiography index based on three-dimensional and tissue Doppler echocardiography for diagnosing and estimating prognosis in HFpEF.Materials and MethodsPatients with symptoms and/or signs of heart failure and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥50%) who underwent right heart catheterization were screened. Patients were divided based on pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) of ≥15 mmHg and PCWP &lt;15 mmHg. A diagnosis of HFpEF was confirmed by PCWP of ≥15 mmHg according to ESC guidelines. A novel index was calculated by the ratio between stroke volume standardized to body surface area (SVI) and tissue Doppler mitral annulus systolic peak velocity S' (SVI/S'). Its diagnostic and prognostic values were determined.ResultsA total of 104 patients (mean age 64 ± 12 years) were included. Of these, 63 had PCWP ≥15 mmHg and 41 patients had PCWP &lt;15 mmHg. Compared to the PCWP &lt;15 mmHg group, the ≥15 mmHg group had a significantly lower SVI/S' (P &lt; 0.001). Logistic regression showed that SVI/S' was associated with high PCWP measured invasively. The SVI/S' had an area under the curve of 0.761 for diagnosing classifying between PCWP ≥15 mmHg and &lt;15 mmHg. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the lower SVI/S' group showed a poorer prognosis.ConclusionsSVI/S' is a non-invasive index calculated by three-dimensional and tissue Doppler echocardiography. It is a surrogate measure of PCWP and can be used to diagnose and determine prognosis in HFpEF.
Hydrocarbon Generation Potential of Microbial Carbonate in the Western Qaidam Basin, China: Implication From Thermocompression Experiment
Authors: She Min , Hu Anping , Lv Yuzhen , Chen Wei , Liang Jintong , Zheng Lunju 
Published: February 2022

The potential of microbial carbonate rocks as hydrocarbon source rocks still remains uncertain. To evaluate the hydrocarbon generation and expulsion capability of microbial carbonate rocks, stromatolite obtained from the Xiaganchaigou formation of the western Qaidam Basin has been used for thermocompression experiments to simulate hydrocarbon generation and expulsion at temperature of 280 to 380°C. The results show that the generation potentials of total oil, residual oil, expelled oil, and hydrocarbon gases for stromatolite are 143.39 to 379.99 mg/g total organic carbon (TOC), 47.08 to 223.92 mg/gTOC, 71.12 to 170.81 mg/gTOC, and 6.60 to 101.74 mg/gTOC, respectively. A three-stage model of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion evolution has been constructed for stromatolite. The results show that the first stage is characterized by relatively slow oil generation with associated hydrocarbon gases, having limited capability of oil expulsion in the temperature range of 280 to 360°C (0.50% ≤ Ro ≤ 0.70%). The second stage is characterized by rapid oil generation with associated hydrocarbon gases, having incremental capability of oil expulsion in the temperature range of 320 to 360°C (0.70% ≤ Ro ≤ 1.15%). The third stage is characterized by hydrocarbon gas generation with associated oil, having efficient oil expulsion capability in the temperature range of 360 to 380°C (1.15% ≤ Ro ≤ 1.45%). The experimental data of argillaceous dolostone, gray mudstone, and marlstone, which were reported with the same hydrocarbon generation experimental method, was compared with the data for stromatolite. Compared with traditional source rocks, the oil generation potential of stromatolite is less than that of argillaceous dolostone and gray mudstone but greater than that that of marlstone in the same amount of organic carbon. Especially, the hydrocarbon gas generation potential of stromatolite is approximately double than that of traditional source rocks. Therefore, the experiments indicate that the microbial carbonate rocks in the western Qaidam Basin could be effective source rocks.
Experimental Research on the Bearing Properties of Red Mud Geopolymer Foundations
Authors: Zhang Haiqing , Qin Lusheng , Nie Qingke , Wang Yinghui , Jia Xiangxin 
Published: February 2022

In this study, the mechanical properties of composite foundations in red mud ground were examined, and the reinforcement effect of composite foundation dams with mixed geopolymer piles of fly ash and red mud were determined. The feasibility of red mud geopolymers as pile materials for composite foundations was verified by laboratory and field tests. The static load test of the red mud geopolymer foundation showed that the effective length of the pile body in the red mud foundation is approximately 8 m, and the stress of the soil layer is generally limited within 2 m below the ground surface. The results also showed that the principal load is supported by the pile body, while the bearing capacity of this kind of foundation is mainly provided by the side friction of the pile. The bearing mechanism of the new foundation is similar to that of conventional mixed composite ground. This is of great significance to optimize the red mud geopolymer foundation design and maximize the use of the pile bearing properties. Overall, there is a positive role in promoting the development of red mud dam reinforcement technology.
Case Report: A Novel Mutation in the CRYGD Gene Causing Congenital Cataract Associated with Nystagmus in a Chinese Family
Authors: Gao Yunxia , Ren Xiang , Fu Xiangyu , Lin Yu , Xiao Lirong , Wang Xiaoyue , Yan Naihong , Zhang Ming 
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Congenital cataract (CC) is a common disease resulting in leukocoria and the leading cause of blindness in children worldwide. Approximately 50% of congenital cataract is inherited. Our aim is to identify mutations in a Chinese family with congenital cataract.Methods: A four-generation Chinese family diagnosed with congenital cataract was recruited in West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of these participants. All coding exons and flanking regions were amplified and sequenced, and the variants were validated using Sanger sequencing. AlphaFold2 was used to predict possible protein structural changes in this variant.Results: The proband had congenital nuclear cataract with nystagmus. A heterozygous variant c.233C &gt; T was identified in exon 2 of the CRYGD gene in chromosome 2. This mutation resulted in a substitution of serine with phenylalanine at amino acid residue 78 (p.S78F). The variant might result in a less stable structure with a looser loop and broken hydrogen bond predicted by AlphaFold2, and this mutation was co-segregated with the disease phenotype in this family.Conclusion: We described cases of human congenital cataract caused by a novel mutation in the CRYGD gene and provided evidence of further phenotypic heterogeneity associated with this variant. Our study further extends the mutation spectrum of the CRYGD gene in congenital cataract.
Fabrication of Nanodevices Through Block Copolymer Self-Assembly
Authors: Hu Xiao-Hua , Xiong Shisheng 
Published: February 2022

Block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly, as a novel bottom-up patterning technique, has received increasing attention in the manufacture of nanodevices because of its significant advantages of high resolution, high throughput, low cost, and simple processing. BCP self-assembly provides a very powerful approach to constructing diverse nanoscale templates and patterns that meet large-scale manufacturing practices. For the past 20 years, the self-assembly of BCPs has been extensively employed to produce a range of nanodevices, such as nonvolatile memory, bit-patterned media (BPM), fin field-effect transistors (FinFETs), photonic nanodevices, solar cells, biological and chemical sensors, and ultrafiltration membranes, providing a variety of configurations for high-density integration and cost-efficient manufacturing. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the fabrication of nanodevices using the templates of BCP self-assembly, and present current challenges and future opportunities.
The Use and Outcomes of Motor Rehabilitation Services Among People With Cerebral Palsy Change Across the Lifespan
Authors: Cornec Gwenaël , Brochard Sylvain , Drewnowski Gaelle , Desguerre Isabelle , Toullet Philippe , Fontaine Audrey , Le Lay Yann , Boivin Julia , Bérard Eric , Bodoria Maria , Gautheron Vincent , De la Cruz Javier 
Published: February 2022

Background and AimsThe provision of coordinated and multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs that adapt to the individual with cerebral palsy (CP) evolving rehabilitation needs throughout the different phases of life is highly challenging for healthcare systems. The aim of this study was to report the changes in motor rehabilitation (MR) environmental factors, service use and patient outcomes between children and adults with cerebral palsy and to identify if changes took place earlier or later than the standard division between pediatric and adult healthcare systems at 18 years.MethodsWe used data from the French ESPaCe survey to select a set of indicators for MR environmental factors, service use and patient outcomes, highlighted by patients and families in previous studies. We then compared the distribution of the indicator data between children and adults, as well as between four transition age groups: children under 12, adolescents up to 17 years, young adults, and adults over 25 years of age. We estimated odds ratios adjusted for motor involvement, associated impairments and informant type.ResultsA total of 997 respondents over 2 years of age were included in this study (484 children and 513 adults). Finding an available physiotherapist was very difficult for almost half of the children, and a greater proportion of adolescents and adults. Physiotherapy was provided in a private outpatient practice for twice as many adults over 25 years as children and adolescents. The weekly amount of physical therapy decreased as outpatient practice increased. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation decreased sharply from adolescence and was halved at adulthood. Satisfaction with the MR program decreased from childhood into adolescence and adulthood. Perceived impact of physiotherapy on people with CP and their main carers were less positive in adolescents.ConclusionsHealthcare policies should focus on accessibility issues at all ages, consider adolescents as a specific population, consider a wide transition phase (12–25 yo) and maintain a multidisciplinary approach at adulthood. There is a strong need for national rehabilitation strategies for individuals with CP.
Comparing the Effects of Short-Term Liuzijue Exercise and Core Stability Training on Balance Function in Patients Recovering From Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Chen , Yang JianZhong , Qiao Lei , Xu Ying , Yu Long , Wang Jie , Ni Weidong , Wang Yan , Yao Yue , Yong ZhiJie , Ding ShanShan 
Published: February 2022

AimsLiuzijue Qigong (LQG) exercise is a traditional Chinese exercise method in which breathing and pronunciation are combined with movement guidance. Breathing is closely related to balance, and LQG, as a special breathing exercise, can be applied to balance dysfunction after stroke. The purpose of this study was to observe the clinical effects of short-term LQG exercise on balance function in patients recovering from stroke.MethodsStroke patients were randomly divided into an Intervention Group (IG) (n = 80) and a Control Group (CG) (n = 80). The IG received conventional rehabilitation training plus LQG and the CG received conventional rehabilitation training plus Core Stability Training (CST). All patients received treatment once a day, 5 times a week for 2 weeks. The primary outcome was Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Secondary outcome measures were static standing and sitting balance with eyes open and closed, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Maximum Phonation Time (MPT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and diaphragm thickness and mobility during quiet breath (QB) and deep breath (DB).ResultsCompared with the CG, the IG showed significant improvement in the BBS (10.55 ± 3.78 vs. 9.06 ± 4.50, P = 0.039), MPT (5.41 ± 4.70 vs. 5.89 ± 5.24, P = 0.001), MBI (12.88 ± 6.45 vs. 10.00 ± 4.84, P = 0.003), diaphragmatic mobility during QB (0.54 ± 0.73 vs. 0.33 ± 0.40, P = 0.01) and diaphragmatic mobility during DB (0.99 ± 1.32 vs. 0.52 ± 0.77, P = 0.003), Cop trajectory in the standing position with eyes open (−108.34 ± 108.60 vs. −89.00 ± 140.11, P = 0.034) and Cop area in the standing positions with eyes open (−143.79 ± 431.55 vs. −93.29 ± 223.15, P = 0.015), Cop trajectory in the seating position with eyes open (−19.95 ± 23.35 vs. −12.83 ± 26.64, P = 0.001) and Cop area in the seating position with eyes open (−15.83 ± 9.61 vs. −11.29 ± 9.17, P = 0.002).ConclusionsThe short-term LQG combined with conventional rehabilitation training significantly improved the balance functions of stroke patients. It also improved static standing and sitting balance with the eyes open, diaphragm functions, maximum phonation time and the quality of daily life for stroke patients.Clinical Trial Registrationhttp://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=25313&amp;htm=4, Identifier: ChiCTR1800014864.
Patterns of Domain-Specific Learning Among Medical Undergraduate Students in Relation to Confidence in Their Physiology Knowledge: Insights From a Pre–post Study
Authors: Roeper Jochen , Reichert-Schlax Jasmin , Zlatkin-Troitschanskaia Olga , Klose Verena , Weber Maruschka , Nagel Marie-Theres 
Published: February 2022

Research FocusThe promotion of domain-specific knowledge is a central goal of higher education and, in the field of medicine, it is particularly essential to promote global health. Domain-specific knowledge on its own is not exhaustive; confidence regarding the factual truth of this knowledge content is also required. An increase in both knowledge and confidence is considered a necessary prerequisite for making professional decisions in the clinical context. Especially the knowledge of human physiology is fundamental and simultaneously critical to medical decision-making. However, numerous studies have shown difficulties in understanding and misconceptions in this area of knowledge. Therefore, we investigate (i) how preclinical medical students acquire knowledge in physiology over the course of their studies and simultaneously gain confidence in the correctness of this knowledge as well as (ii) the interrelations between these variables, and (iii) how they affect thedevelopmentof domain-specific knowledge.MethodIn a pre–post study, 169 medical students’ development of physiology knowledge and their confidence related to this knowledge were assessedviapaper-pencil questionnaires before and after attending physiology seminars for one semester. Data from a longitudinal sample ofn= 97 students were analyzed using mean comparisons, regression analyses, and latent class analyses (LCAs). In addition, four types of item responses were formed based on confidence and correctness in the knowledge test.ResultsWe found a significant and large increase in the students’ physiology knowledge, with task-related confidence being the strongest predictor (apart from learning motivation). Moreover, a significantly higher level of confidence at t2 was confirmed, with the level of prior confidence being a strong predictor (apart from knowledge at t2). Furthermore, based on the students’ development of knowledge and confidence levels between measurement points, three empirically distinct groups were distinguished: knowledge gainers, confidence gainers, and overall gainers. The students whose confidence in incorrect knowledge increased constituted one particularly striking group. Therefore, the training of both knowledge and the ability to critically reflect on one’s knowledge and skills as well as an assessment of their development in education is required, especially in professions such as medicine, where knowledge-based decisions made with confidence are of vital importance.
Do Residents and Healthcare Providers Differ in Preference for Family Doctor Contract Service? Evidence From a Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Zhang Jiao , Xu Lingzhong , Qin Wenzhe , Xu Aijun 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveFew are known on how and to what extent residents and healthcare providers have different preferences for family doctor contract service (FDCS). This study aimed to elicit and compare the residents' and healthcare providers' preferences for FDCS through a discrete choice experiment (DCE).MethodsResidents and healthcare providers recruited for the DCE were asked to choose repeatedly between two hypothetical service plans, which differed in six attributes: cost, service package, service delivery, type of service, accessibility of medicine, and level of healthcare team. We use mixed logit regression models to determine preferences for potential attributes.ResultsA total of 2,159 residents and 729 healthcare providers completed valid DCE questionnaires. The mixed logit model results suggested that cost, service package, service delivery, type of service, accessibility of medicine, and level of healthcare team all had a significant impact on residents' and healthcare providers' preference. The level of healthcare team was the most important characteristic of FDCS to both residents and healthcare providers, followed by types of service. They have different preferences on the cost and way of service delivery.ConclusionsThis study provides new evidence on how and to what extent residents and healthcare providers have different preferences for FDCS by determining their perception of various service attributes. These findings suggested that the optimal design and improvement of FDCS plans should consider not only residents but also healthcare providers' preferences to maximize contract service uptake.
Hypoglycemia Impairs the Heat Shock Protein Response: A Risk for Heat Shock in Cattle?
Authors: Atkin Samuel A. , Moin Abu Saleh Md , Atkin Stephen L. , Butler Alexandra E. 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundHeat stress (HS) in cattle is a major debilitating problem, affecting health and milk yield. Physiologically, HS has been shown to lower blood glucose levels to 2.5 mmol/l (45 mg/dl) and results in upregulation of heat shock proteins (HSPs), eliciting the heat shock response (HSR) of which HSP90, 70 and 27 have been shown to be protective. However, it is unclear if the HSP response is blunted by decreased glucose, thereby preventing adaptive mechanisms. To address this question, this exploratory reverse translational study on the effects of hypoglycemia on the HSP pathway was undertaken.MethodsA human prospective, study in healthy control individuals (n = 23) was undertaken. Subjects underwent hyperinsulinemic-induced hypoglycemia [≤2.0 mmol/L (36 mg/dl)] with blood sampling at baseline, at hypoglycemia and for a 24-h post-hypoglycemia follow-up period. Proteomic analysis of the heat shock-related protein pathway, the pathway associated with HS in cattle, was performed.ResultsIn response to hypoglycemia, HS pathway proteins were significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.05): HSP70 and HSP27 (at hypoglycemia); DnaJ homolog subfamily B member 1 (DNAJB1), Stress-induced-phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1) and the ubiquitin pathway proteins, Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (UBE2L3) and Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 N (UBE2N) (at 30-min post-hypoglycemia); HSP90 (at 2-h post-hypoglycemia). STIP1, UBE2L3, and UBE2N remained suppressed at 24-h.ConclusionHeat stress in cattle reduces blood glucose that, in turn, may blunt the HS pathway protective response, including HSP 90, 70, 27 and the ubiquitin proteins, leading to adverse outcomes. Monitoring of blood glucose in susceptible cattle may allow for earlier intervention and may also identify those animals at greatest risk to ensure that milk yield is not compromised.