bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 vaccine booster significantly decreases the risk of intensive care unit hospitalization in heart failure patients during the Omicron variant wave: A population-based study
Authors: Parenica Jiri , Benesova Klara , Radvan Martin , Sanca Ondrej , Hlasensky Jiri , Lokaj Petr , Ondrus Tomas , Helanova Katerina , Kala Petr , Dusek Ladislav , Jarkovsky Jiri 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) patients are at higher risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Omicron variant has many novel mutations including those in the spike protein, leading to questions about vaccine effectiveness. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine with or without a booster (i.e., after the third dose) during the Omicron variant wave.MethodsChronic heart failure patients in the Czech Republic were included in the analysis. COVID-19 infection was monitored from January 1st 2022 to March 31st 2022. The analysis was conducted on data collected in the National Health Information System. Vaccine effectiveness of vaccinated (with or without booster) vs. unvaccinated patients was analyzed for incidence of COVID-19, COVID-19-related hospitalizations, COVID-19 related intensive care unit admissions, and COVID-19 related mechanical ventilation/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment.FindingsFrom a total 165,453 HF patients in the Czech Republic, 9,728 contracted COVID-19 (22.9% of them not vaccinated, 23.2% vaccinated and 53.8% vaccinated and boosted). Risk of intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization was 7.6% in the unvaccinated group, 4.8% in the vaccinated group and 2.9% in the boosted group. The calculated effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in prevention of ICU hospitalization in the vaccinated group was 41.9 and 76.6% in the boosted group.InterpretationThe results demonstrated moderate vaccine effectiveness in the prevention of severe COVID-19 in vaccinated but not boosted HF patients. Much stronger effectiveness was found in those who were vaccinated and boosted.
Cardiovascular abnormalities and its correlation with genotypes of children with osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Zhao Dichen , Liu Yongtai , Liu Jidong , Hu Jing , Zhang Qian , Wang Ou , Jiang Yan , Xia Weibo , Xing Xiaoping , Li Mei 
Published: October 2022

Background and objectivesOsteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare disorder of abnormal production or modification of type I collagen, which is caused by mutations in COL1A1, COL1A2 or other genes. We investigate the cardiac abnormalities and its correlation with pathogenic mutations in OI children.MethodsA cross-sectional comparative study was completed in a relatively large sample of OI children, who were matched in body surface area (BSA) with healthy controls. All echocardiography was performed by experienced cardiologists using Vivid 7 equipment (GE Medical Systems, Horton, Norway). The resting standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) were obtained in OI patients by FX-8600 machine. Skeletal phenotypes of OI patients were evaluated, including information of bone fractures, deformities, motility, and bone mineral density (BMD). Pathogenic mutations of OI were detected by a next-generation sequencing panel and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.ResultsA total of 69 OI children and 42 healthy children matched in BSA were enrolled. Abnormalities of echocardiography were found in 6 OI children, including enlarged left atrium (n=5), increased internal diameter of the left ventricle (n=1), who all carried the COL1A1 mutation. Mild regurgitation of mitral or tricuspid valves was observed in 26 OI patients. Abnormal ECG manifestations were found in 8 OI children, including deep Q wave, T wave change, premature ventricular complexes, short P-R interval, incomplete bundle branch block and high voltage of left ventricular. Compared with healthy controls, OI children had significant larger values in the main pulmonary artery (1.84 vs 1.60 cm, P &lt; 0.01), left atrial diameter (2.58 vs 2.11 cm, P &lt; 0.001), left ventricular internal dimension at end-diastolic (LVEDd) (3.85 vs 3.50 cm, P &lt; 0.05) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (68.40% vs 71.74%, P &lt; 0.01). Moreover, OI patients with COL1A1 mutation tended to have greater main pulmonary artery, larger diameters of left atrial and LVEDd, and lower LVEF than healthy controls. COL1A1 mutation was correlated to dilated MPA (β = 1.557, P &lt; 0.01), LAD (β = 3.915, P &lt; 0.001), and LVEDd (β = 2.714, P &lt; 0.01), and decreased LVEF (β = -3.249, P &lt; 0.01).ConclusionsCardiovascular alterations were identified in OI children, including increased dimensions of the main pulmonary artery and left chamber, and low LVEF. The cardiovascular abnormalities seemed to be correlated to COL1A1 mutation and defects of type I collagen, which expanded our understandings of the cardiac phenotypes of OI children.
Preventing type 1 diabetes in late-stage pre-diabetic NOD mice with insulin: A central role for alum as adjuvant
Authors: Martens Pieter-Jan , Ellis Darcy , Bruggeman Ylke , Viaene Marijke , Laureys Jos , Teyton Luc , Mathieu Chantal , Gysemans Conny 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundRestoration of immune tolerance to disease-relevant antigens is an appealing approach to prevent or arrest an organ-specific autoimmune disease like type 1 diabetes (T1D). Numerous studies have identified insulin as a key antigen of interest to use in such strategies, but to date, the success of these interventions in humans has been inconsistent. The efficacy of antigen-specific immunotherapy may be enhanced by optimising the dose, timing, and route of administration, and perhaps by the inclusion of adjuvants like alum. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of an insulin peptide vaccine formulated with alum to prevent T1D development in female non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice when administered during late-stage pre-diabetes.MethodsStarting at 10 weeks of age, female NOD mice received four weekly subcutaneous injections of an insulin B:8-24 (InsB:8-24) peptide with (Ins+alum) or without Imject® alum (Ins) as adjuvant. Diabetes incidence was assessed for up to 30 weeks of age. Insulin autoantibodies and C-peptide concentrations were measured in plasma and flow cytometric analysis was performed on pancreatic-draining lymph nodes (PLN) and pancreas using an InsB:12-20-reactive tetramer.ResultsInsB:8-24 peptide formulated in alum reduced diabetes incidence (39%), compared to mice receiving the InsB:8-24 peptide without alum (71%, P &lt; 0.05), mice receiving alum alone (76%, P &lt; 0.01), or mice left untreated (70%, P &lt; 0.01). This was accompanied by reduced insulitis severity, and preservation of C-peptide. Ins+alum was associated with reduced frequencies of pathogenic effector memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the pancreas and increased frequencies of insulin-reactive FoxP3+ Tregs in the PLN. Of interest, insulin-reactive Tregs were enriched amongst populations of Tregs expressing markers indicative of stable FoxP3 expression and enhanced suppressive function.ConclusionAn InsB:8-24 peptide vaccine prevented the onset of T1D in late-stage pre-diabetic NOD mice, but only when formulated in alum. These findings support the use of alum as adjuvant to optimise the efficacy of antigen-specific immunotherapy in future trials.
Ambient non-methane hydrocarbons and their contribution to ozone formation potential in a super coal chemical industry in China’s Energy Golden Triangle
Authors: Wang Jinxiang , Ma Jianmin , Liu Panliang 
Published: October 2022

Ambient non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) were investigated at Shenhua coal chemical industrial park (SH), and Baofeng coal chemical industrial park (BF) in Ningdong Energy and Chemical Industrial Base (NECIB) in China’s Energy Golden Triangle (EGT). Ambient air samples were collected using pre-evacuated 2-L electro-polished stainless steel canisters at SH and BF from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (UTC+8) from 22 to 31 December 2016. Fifty-seven NMHCs were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass selective detector/flame ionization detector. The average NMHCs mixing ratios were 49.05 ± 44.37 ppbv in SH, and 39.31 ± 18.77 ppbv in BF. Overall, alkanes took up the largest proportion (＞60%), followed by alkenes, acetylene, and aromatics. The propylene-equivalent (Prop-Equiv) concentration and the ozone formation potential (OFP) of NMHCs were calculated to estimate their chemical reactivities. Alkenes played a predominant role in NMHCs reactivity, among which propylene and ethylene were the largest contributors. OFP values show that alkenes and acetylene were the largest contributors (60%) to measured total NMHCs. Ethylene, propylene, m/p-xylene, n-butane, 1-butene, propane and acetylene were the major precursors in ground-level ozone formation in this region, which accounted for 66% and 62% of the total ozone formed by NMHCs at BF and SH, respectively. This study identified that industrial activities were the primary sources of NMHCs, confirmed by the high ratios of benzene to toluene (B/T = 2.23). Therefore, these organic pollutants should be monitored further based on their high toxicities.
Responses of ozone concentrations to the synergistic control of NOx and VOCs emissions in the Chengdu metropolitan area
Authors: Du Xiaohui , Tang Wei , Zhang Zhongzhi , Chen Junhui , Han Li , Yu Yang , Li Yang , Li Yingjie , Li Hong , Chai Fahe , Meng Fan 
Published: October 2022

Simulations of 108 emission reduction scenarios for NOx and VOCs using Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extensions (CAMx) were conducted for eight cities in the Chengdu metropolitan area (CMA). The isopleth diagrams were drawn to explore the responses and differences of ozone (O3) concentrations to NOx and VOCs emission changes under Chengdu, CMA and Sichuan Province emission reduction scenarios. The results show that the O3-sensitive regimes of eight cities may change under different emission reduction scenarios. Under Chengdu emission reduction scenario, the Chengdu city is in the transition regime and O3 formation will shift from transition to VOC-limited when the VOCs emissions decreased by 50%, and the decreases in O3 concentrations caused by VOCs emission reductions are small. For the CMA and Sichuan Province emission reduction scenarios, all cities are NOx-limited in the baseline cases and with at least a 66% and a 77% reduction in NOx emissions, respectively, the daily maximum 8-h average O3 (MDA8) can attain the O3 standard (160 μg m−3). Although reductions in VOCs emissions can also lessen the O3 concentration, the effectiveness is relatively small. The changes in O3 concentrations under different VOCs to NOx emission reduction ratios indicate that all cities achieve a relatively high O3 concentration decrement with low VOCs to NOx emission reduction ratios and that the decreasing O3 concentrations caused by non-local emission reductions are much higher than those achieved by local emission reductions. In addition, the decreases in O3 concentrations in Chengdu are quite close when the total NOx and VOCs emissions reduction percentages are less than 30% under the CMA and Sichuan emission reduction scenarios.
Transcriptome analysis revealed potential genes involved in thermogenesis in muscle tissue in cold-exposed lambs
Authors: Ji Kaixi , Jiao Dan , Yang Guo , Degen Abraham Allan , Zhou Jianwei , Liu Hu , Wang Wenqiang , Cong Haitao 
Published: October 2022

Cold tolerance is an important trait for sheep raised at high altitudes. Muscle tissue, comprising 30–40% of the total body mass, produces heat during cold exposure. However, little is known about the genetic mechanisms of this tissue and its role in thermogenesis in lambs. We examined genes in skeletal muscle tissue in a cold-adapted sheep breed, Altay, and a cold-intolerant sheep breed, Hu, when exposed to low air temperature. Three ewe-lambs of each breed were maintained at −5°C and three ewe-lambs of each breed were maintained at 20°C. After cold exposure for 25 days, the longissimus dorsi of each lamb was collected, and transcriptome profiles were sequenced and analyzed. The results of RNA-seq showed that the average reads among the four groups were 11.0 Gbase. The genome mapping rate averaged 88.1% and the gene mapping rate averaged 82.5%. The analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) indicated that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), cAMP, and calcium signaling pathways and muscle contraction in muscle tissue were linked to thermogenesis in cold-exposed lambs. Furthermore, PCK1 (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase1) increased glyceroneogenesis in cold-exposed Altay lambs, and APOC3 (apolipoprotein C3), LPL (lipoprotein lipase), and FABP4 (fatty acid binding protein 4, adipocyte) were involved in the intake and transport of free fatty acids. In Hu sheep, cAMP biosynthesis from ATP hydrolysis was regulated by ADCY10 (adenylate cyclase) and ADORA2a (adenosine A2a receptor). Skeletal muscle contraction was regulated by MYL2 (myosin light chain 2). In conclusion, cold exposure altered the expression level of genes involved in heat production in muscle tissue. Some potential mechanisms were revealed, including calcium ion transport in the calcium signaling pathway, fatty acid metabolism in the PPAR signaling pathway, and cAMP biosynthesis in the cAMP signaling pathway. This study implied that skeletal muscle plays an important role in thermoregulation in lambs.
Calreticulin as a prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infiltrate in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Sun Ming , Qi Shanshan , Wu Min , Xia Wei , Xiong Hao 
Published: October 2022

Background: Calreticulin (CALR) has been investigated in several malignant diseases and is associated with immune-cell infiltration. However, the prognostic value of CALR in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is still unknown.Methods: Based on the computational analysis, data from 530 KIRC cases and 72 normal kidney samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TGCA-KIRC) database were analyzed in this study. The expression of CALR mRNA in pan-cancer and immune infiltrates was analyzed using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database. The CALR protein expression was obtained from the UALCAN and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases. Survival, functional, and statistical analyses were conducted using R software.Results: The CALR expression was higher in KIRC cases than in normal kidneys. A high CALR expression was correlated with TNM stage, pathological stage, and histological grade. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that a high CALR expression was associated with poor overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free interval. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) indicated that CALR was enriched in IL-6 and IL-2 signaling, interferon signaling, TNF signaling, inflammatory response, apoptosis, and the p53 pathway. CALR is correlated with immune-infiltrating cells. A significant correlation was observed between CALR expression and immunomodulators.Conclusion: We identified CALR as a prognostic biomarker of KIRC. Meanwhile, the CALR expression associated with immune infiltration indicated that CALR might be a potential immunotherapy target for patients with KIRC.
Integrated metabolomics and lipidomics study of patients with atopic dermatitis in response to dupilumab
Authors: Zhang Lishan , Wen Xueyi , Hou Yibo , Yang Yongshi , Song Wei , Zeng Yueping , Sun Jinlyu 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets the interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 receptors, has been widely used in AD because of its efficacy. However, metabolic changes occurring in patients with AD in response to dupilumab remains unknown. In this study, we integrated metabolomics and lipidomics analyses with clinical data to explore potential metabolic alterations associated with dupilumab therapeutic efficacy. In addition, we investigated whether the development of treatment side effects was linked to the dysregulation of metabolic pathways.MethodsA total of 33 patients with AD were included in the current study, with serum samples collected before and after treatment with dupilumab. Comprehensive metabolomic and lipidomic analyses have previously been developed to identify serum metabolites (including lipids) that vary among treatment groups. An orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis model was established to screen for differential metabolites and metabolites with variable importance in projection &gt; 1 and p &lt; 0.05 were considered potential metabolic biomarkers. MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was used to identify related metabolic pathways. Patients were further classified into two groups, well responders (n = 19) and poor responders (n = 14), to identify differential metabolites between the two groups.ResultsThe results revealed significant changes in serum metabolites before and after 16 weeks of dupilumab treatment. Variations in the metabolic profile were more significant in the well-responder group than in the poor-responder group. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that differential metabolites derived from the well-responder group were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, the citrate cycle, arachidonic acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism.ConclusionSerum metabolic profiles of patients with AD varied significantly after treatment with dupilumab. Differential metabolites and their related metabolic pathways may provide clues for understanding the effects of dupilumab on patient metabolism.
Bibliometric and visual analysis of neutrophil extracellular traps from 2004 to 2022
Authors: Wan Yantong , Shen Junyi , Ouyang Jiafu , Dong Peng , Hong Yinghao , Liang Lixin , Liu Jinghua 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundNeutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are specialized structures formed by neutrophils that were initially found to be important in killing pathogenic bacteria during infection. With the development of related research, the relationship between NETs and diseases such as sepsis, cancer, and systemic lupus erythematosus has received close attention. However, there is a lack of reports that comprehensively and objectively present the current status of NETs-related studies. Therefore, this study aims to visually analyze the current status and trends of NETs-related research by means of bibliometrics and knowledge mapping.MethodsNETs-related articles and reviews were retrieved using the Web of Science core collection subject search, and bibliometric analysis was performed in Excel 365, CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix (R-Tool of R-Studio).ResultsA total of 4866 publications from 2004 to 2022 were included in the bibliometric analysis. The number of publications shows an increasing trend from year to year. Collaborative network analysis shows that the United States and Germany are the most influential countries in this field, with the highest number of publications and citations. The journal with the most publications is Frontiers in Immunology. Brinkmann Volker is an authoritative author in this field, and his publication “Neutrophil extracellular traps kill bacteria” is the most frequently cited. The literature and keyword analysis shows that the relationship between NETs and diseases (hematological diseases, sepsis, cancer, etc.) and cell death (apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, etc.) is a popular research topic. Currently, NETs and SARS-CoV-2-related studies are at the forefront of the field.ConclusionThis study is the first to visualize the research in NETs-related fields using bibliometric methods, revealing the trends and frontiers of NETs research. This study will provide valuable references for scholars to find research focus questions and partners.
Saliva antibody-fingerprint of reactivated latent viruses after mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 is unique in patients with myalgic-encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Apostolou Eirini , Rizwan Muhammad , Moustardas Petros , Sjögren Per , Bertilson Bo Christer , Bragée Björn , Polo Olli , Rosén Anders 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundMyalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic disease considered to be triggered by viral infections in a majority of cases. Symptoms overlap largely with those of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19/long-COVID implying common pathogenetic mechanisms. SARS-CoV-2 infection is risk factor for sustained latent virus reactivation that may account for the symptoms of post-viral fatigue syndromes. The aim of this study was first to investigate whether patients with ME/CFS and healthy donors (HDs) differed in their antibody response to mild/asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Secondly, to analyze whether COVID-19 imposes latent virus reactivation in the cohorts.MethodsAnti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were analyzed in plasma and saliva from non-vaccinated ME/CFS (n=95) and HDs (n=110) using soluble multiplex immunoassay. Reactivation of human herpesviruses 1-6 (HSV1, HSV2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV6), and human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) was detected by anti-viral antibody fingerprints in saliva.ResultsAt 3-6 months after mild/asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, virus-specific antibodies in saliva were substantially induced signifying a strong reactivation of latent viruses (EBV, HHV6 and HERV-K) in both cohorts. In patients with ME/CFS, antibody responses were significantly stronger, in particular EBV-encoded nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1) IgG were elevated in patients with ME/CFS, but not in HDs. EBV-VCA IgG was also elevated at baseline prior to SARS-infection in patients compared to HDs.ConclusionOur results denote an altered and chronically aroused anti-viral profile against latent viruses in ME/CFS. SARS-CoV-2 infection even in its mild/asymptomatic form is a potent trigger for reactivation of latent herpesviruses (EBV, HHV6) and endogenous retroviruses (HERV-K), as detected by antibody fingerprints locally in the oral mucosa (saliva samples). This has not been shown before because the antibody elevation is not detected systemically in the circulation/plasma.