bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional components of Chinese rice wine can ameliorate diabetic cardiomyopathy through the modulation of autophagy, apoptosis, gut microbiota, and metabolites
Authors: Yang Jinjin , Song Jiaoying , Zhou Jiedong , Lin Hui , Wu Zhuonan , Liu Nan , Xie Wenqing , Guo Hangyuan , Chi Jufang 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundDietary polyphenols, polypeptides, and oligosaccharides modulate inflammation and immunity by altering the composition of gut microbiota. The polyphenols and polypeptides in Chinese rice wine have protective effects against cardiovascular disease. In this study, we hypothesized that the polyphenols, polypeptides, and oligosaccharides in Chinese rice wine can ameliorate diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) by altering gut microbiota and metabolites.MethodsMice with DCM and high glucose cells were treated with rice wine polyphenols (RWPH), rice wine polypeptides (RWPE), and rice wine oligosaccharides. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography and detection of myocardial injury markers. We observed the pathological structures using hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of autophagy-related proteins and stubRFP-sensGFP-LC3 fluorescence were measured to evaluate autophagy. We performed TUNEL staining and measured the levels of Bax, Bcl-2, and p53 to assess apoptosis. To analyze the effects of the rice wine functional components on the gut microbiota and metabolites of DCM mice, we performed fecal 16S-rDNA gene sequencing and serum untargeted metabolomics.ResultsOur results showed an increase in cardiac and mitochondrial function, promotion of autophagy, and inhibition of cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which indicates that RWPH and RWPE can ameliorate DCM. The abundance of Akkermansia and Desulfovibrio were reduced by the presence of RWPH and RWPE. The growth of the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Clostridiales-unclassified were promoted by the presence of RWPH. Tryptophan metabolism-associated metabolites were increased and phenylalanine levels were reduced by the presence of RWPH and RWPE. The biosynthesis of primary bile acids was enhanced by the presence of RWPH.ConclusionBoth RWPH and RWPE provided a protective effect against DCM by promoting autophagy, inhibiting apoptosis, and reversing both gut microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic dysregulation.
Long-term triggered seismicity on the Mosha fault by Damavand volcano, Iran: Implications on the seismic hazard of Tehran metropolis
Authors: Momeni Seyyedmaalek , Madariaga Raul 
Published: September 2022

The seismic history of the Mosha fault, the largest and most active fault of Eastern Tehran metropolis, and its relation to the Damavand active volcano, the highest mountain in the Middle East, is investigated. We deduce that the central Mosha, near the Damavand, has a higher seismicity than either its western or eastern segments. On 7 May 2020, an Mw 5.1 earthquake occurred on the central Mosha, about 40 km east of Tehran and 10 km southwest of the Damavand crest, and it was felt intensely in Tehran. Its rupture is imaged and located in a region that presented a relative seismic quiescence compared to its eastern and western parts, during the last 14 years, suggesting its partial locking and heterogeneous distribution of fault frictional strength on this segment of Mosha. Its significant directivity to the west is confirmed by the mainshock rupture model, its PGA distribution, and distribution of early aftershocks. The rupture model suggests a relatively small stress drop of 2.6 bar, which is consistent with the comparatively high rupture dimension of 9 km for a Mw 5.1 earthquake, and indicates the easy rupture expansion on the central Mosha near the Damavand Volcano. The central Mosha experienced earthquakes in 1930, 1955, and 1983, as well as high microseismic activity and the 2020 seismic sequence, all of which strongly point to a possible influence of the Damavand Volcano on the seismicity of the central Mosha. This is corroborated by the observation of hydrothermal zones on the Mosha fault and the extension of a sill-like Damavand young magma chamber until central Mosha in tomography studies. We propose that the existing heat may increase the pore pressure on the fault, which lowers the effective normal stress, facilitates the nucleation-expansion of the rupture, and unclamps the fault. Damavand could act as a fuse and nucleate earthquakes, and if the rupture extends toward the west, it could have a significant directivity effect on low-frequency seismic waves that reach Tehran without attenuation and affect tall structures. In addition, high site amplification for frequencies up to 16 Hz due to the deep sedimentary basin, mainly in the mid-city of Tehran, will be remarkable for short buildings.
Modification of the CSIRO method in the long-term monitoring of slope-induced stress
Authors: Jin Zhihao , Li Yuan , Li Qingwen , Liu Zibin , Wu Shibing , Wang Zhuo 
Published: September 2022

The in situ stress measurement technique can be used in long-term monitoring of induced stress to obtain three-dimensional stress states in slope engineering. In the monitoring, the ambient temperature fluctuation, “zero” drift of the logging data, and stable power supply should be considered. A dual temperature compensation circuit and experimental calibration techniques are proposed to increase accuracy based on the principle of the CSIRO method and considering the effect of a long-term disturbance of temperature in slope engineering. In view of the characteristics of the stress field distribution of the slope rock, the strain gauge layout scheme for induced stress monitoring of slope rock is modified to achieve the acquisition of three parallel measurements at one measurement and a stress–strain relationship equation for multilayer elastic layers is derived. An in situ stress logging system with the function of transient logging and data-connection in power cut condition is introduced to achieve a continuous correlation of measurement data under power cut conditions. An online cloud platform is established for the slope engineering of Au Mountain Iron Mine in Maanshan City. The results show that the data deviation of logging system is ±14 με with 24 days’ power off, and errors with amount of 15% were corrected by the dual temperature compensation method. The remotely transmitted data reflect the effect of temperature changes and the evolution of strain (induced stress) in real time to satisfy the demand of long-term monitoring of slope engineering.
Development and characterization of type I interferon receptor knockout sheep: A model for viral immunology and reproductive signaling
Authors: Davies Christopher J. , Fan Zhiqiang , Morgado Kira P. , Liu Ying , Regouski Misha , Meng Qinggang , Thomas Aaron J. , Yun Sang-Im , Song Byung-Hak , Frank Jordan C. , Perisse Iuri V. , Van Wettere Arnaud , Lee Young-Min , Polejaeva Irina A. 
Published: September 2022

Type I interferons (IFNs) initiate immune responses to viral infections. Their effects are mediated by the type I IFN receptor, IFNAR, comprised of two subunits: IFNAR1 and IFNAR2. One or both chains of the sheep IFNAR were disrupted in fetal fibroblast lines using CRISPR/Cas9 and 12 lambs were produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for IFN-stimulated gene expression showed that IFNAR deficient sheep fail to respond to IFN-alpha. Furthermore, fibroblast cells from anIFNAR2−/−fetus supported significantly higher levels of Zika virus (ZIKV) replication than wild-type fetal fibroblast cells. Although many lambs have died from SCNT related problems or infections, one fertileIFNAR2−/−ram lived to over 4 years of age, remained healthy, and produced more than 80 offspring. Interestingly, ZIKV infection studies failed to demonstrate a high level of susceptibility. Presumably, these sheep compensated for a lack of type I IFN signaling using the type II, IFN-gamma and type III, IFN-lambda pathways. These sheep constitute a unique model for studying the pathogenesis of viral infection. Historical data supports the concept that ruminants utilize a novel type I IFN, IFN-tau, for pregnancy recognition. Consequently, IFNAR deficient ewes are likely to be infertile, making IFNAR knockout sheep a valuable model for studying pregnancy recognition. A breeding herd of 32IFNAR2+/−ewes, which are fertile, has been developed for production ofIFNAR2−/−sheep for both infection and reproduction studies.
Providers' approaches to contraceptive provision in Cape Town
Authors: Fataar Kulthum , Zweigenthal Virginia , Harries Jane 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundHealth care providers can play a significant role in empowering women to make informed decisions when selecting suitable contraceptive methods during contraceptive counseling. This study explores primary care providers' perspectives and approaches to contraceptive service provision for women attending public sector clinics in South Africa, with the intention of ascertaining established practices and training needs.MethodsTen in-depth interviews were conducted at five primary health care facilities in urban areas in Cape Town, South Africa. Eligible participants included nurses providing contraceptive services and willing to participate in the study. The qualitative software package NVivo was used to sort and manage data. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.ResultsOverall, providers emphasized supporting women in contraceptive decision-making. Sexual and reproductive health training increased providers confidence to deliver appropriate contraceptive services. Contraceptive prescribing practices were influenced by women's medical history and preferred bleeding patterns. Providers' concerns about adherence to methods for younger women and suspected adverse events for older women impacted on prescribing. Challenges experienced when providing contraceptive services included: contraceptive stockouts; time constraints of employed women accessing the service; and their work pressure due to providing other health services.DiscussionHealth care providers play a critical role in facilitating women's right to access high quality contraceptive services. Providers saw themselves as negotiators during contraceptive counseling. They considered both women's preferences and their own recommendations for contraception, to provide information that would enable women to make informed contraceptive decisions. By reinforcing this approach to contraceptive counseling and focusing on shared decision-making, should encourage autonomy in method selection and limit the influence of provider's contraceptive method selection.
SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing camelid heavy-chain-only antibodies as powerful tools for diagnostic and therapeutic applications
Authors: Schlör Anja , Hirschberg Stefan , Amor Ghada Ben , Meister Toni Luise , Arora Prerna , Pöhlmann Stefan , Hoffmann Markus , Pfaender Stephanie , Eddin Omar Kamal , Kamhieh-Milz Julian , Hanack Katja 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation caused by SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern such as B.1.617.2 (Delta) and recently, B.1.1.529 (Omicron) is posing multiple challenges to humanity. The rapid evolution of the virus requires adaptation of diagnostic and therapeutic applications.ObjectivesIn this study, we describe camelid heavy-chain-only antibodies (hcAb) as useful tools for novel in vitro diagnostic assays and for therapeutic applications due to their neutralizing capacity.MethodsFive antibody candidates were selected out of a naïve camelid library by phage display and expressed as full length IgG2 antibodies. The antibodies were characterized by Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, surface plasmon resonance with regard to their specificity to the recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and to SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles. Neutralization assays were performed with authentic SARS-CoV-2 and pseudotyped viruses (wildtype and Omicron).ResultsAll antibodies efficiently detect recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles in different ELISA setups. The best combination was shown with hcAb B10 as catcher antibody and HRP-conjugated hcAb A7.2 as the detection antibody. Further, four out of five antibodies potently neutralized authentic wildtype SARS-CoV-2 and particles pseudotyped with the SARS-CoV-2 Spike proteins of the wildtype and Omicron variant, sublineage BA.1 at concentrations between 0.1 and 0.35 ng/mL (ND50).ConclusionCollectively, we report novel camelid hcAbs suitable for diagnostics and potential therapy.
Opti-4TB: A protocol for a prospective cohort study evaluating the performance of new biomarkers for active tuberculosis outcome prediction
Authors: Bahuaud Olivier , Genestet Charlotte , Hoffmann Jonathan , Dumitrescu Oana , Ader Florence 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionTuberculosis (TB) treatment requires the combination of multiple anti-TB drugs during 6 months or more depending on strain drug susceptibility profile. Optimizing the monitoring of anti-TB therapy efficacy is required to provide adequate care and prevent drug resistance emergence. Moreover, accurate monitoring tools are needed for the development of strategies aiming at reducing treatment duration. Opti-4TB is a “proof of concept” study aiming at developing a blood-based monitoring of TB outcome by deciphering host immune signatures associated with latency or disease activity through the combination of “omic” methods. The primary objective is to assess the performances of new biomarkers for TB outcome prediction and to determine specific profiles associated with the outcome of treated TB patients.Methods and analysisOpti-4TB is a prospective, single center study including adult patients hospitalized for pulmonary TB. A workflow will be set up to study the immune status of 40 TB patients and 20 controls with latent TB infection. Blood samples will be collected at four timepoints: before treatment initiation (V1), at day 15 (V2), at 2 months (V3) and at 6 months (V4). Mtb-specific immune responses will be assessed at each timepoint with three different assays: (1) A whole blood transcriptomic signature assessing the “RISK-6” score; (2) A proteomic signature based on 27 cytokines and chemokines measured in plasma; (3) An immunophenotypic monitoring of circulating T-cell subpopulations using spectral flow cytometry. This in depth characterization of Mtb-specific immune response throughout the treatment, correlated with clinical outcomes, will lay the basis for the elaboration of the most basic and universal stage-specific immune signatures associated with latency, active disease and cure.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the institutional review board (n°69HCL18_0757). Results will be communicated at scientific meetings and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT04271397.
Identification of glycogene signature as a tool to predict the clinical outcome and immunotherapy response in breast cancer
Authors: Lin Shuai , Tan Zengqi , Cui Hanxiao , Ma Qilong , Zhao Xuyan , Wu Jianhua , Dai Luyao , Kang Huafeng , Guan Feng , Dai Zhijun 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundBreast cancer is one of the most important diseases in women around the world. Glycosylation modification correlates with carcinogenesis and roles of glycogenes in the clinical outcome and immune microenvironment of breast cancer are unclear.MethodsA total of 1297 breast cancer and normal cases in the TCGA and GTEx databases were enrolled and the transcriptional and survival information were extracted to identify prognostic glycogenes using Univariate Cox, LASSO regression, Multivariate Cox analyses and Kaplan-Meier method. The immune infiltration pattern was explored by the single sample gene set enrichment method. The HLA and immune checkpoint genes expression were also compared in different risk groups. The expressions of a glycogene MGAT5 as well as its products were validated by immunohistochemistry and western blotting in breast cancer tissues and cells.ResultsA 19-glycogene signature was identified to separate breast cancer patients into high- and low-risk groups with distinct overall survival rates (P &lt; 0.001). Compared with the high-risk group, proportion of naive B cells, plasma cells and CD8+ T cells increased in the low-risk group (P &lt; 0.001). Besides, expressions of HLA and checkpoint genes, such as CD274, CTLA4, LAG3 and TIGIT3, were upregulated in low-risk group. Additionally, highly expressed MGAT5 was validated in breast cancer tissues and cells. Downstream glycosylation products of MGAT5 were all increased in breast cancer.ConclusionsWe identified a 19-glycogene signature for risk prediction of breast cancer patients. Patients in the low-risk group demonstrated a higher immune infiltration and better immunotherapy response. The validation of MGAT5 protein suggests a probable pathway and target for the development and treatment of breast cancer.
Patient-reported gastrointestinal symptoms following surgery for gastric cancer and the relative risk factors
Authors: Xu Rui , Gu Qiong , Xiao Shuomeng , Zhao Ping , Ding Zhi 
Published: September 2022

PurposeThe study aims to assess the incidence of short-term patient-reported postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms (PGISs) after gastric cancer surgery and explore the relative risk factors for the symptoms.MethodsPatients with radical gastrectomy were included for this retrospective and observational study. Symptoms extracted from the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory Gastrointestinal Cancer Module (MDASI-GI) were collected in postdischarge week (PDW) 1 and postoperative month (POM) 1. The distributing states of symptoms were analyzed in PDW1 and POM1. Logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for PGISs.ResultsAmong 356 patients with complete interviews, 156 (43.8%) patients reported abdominal distention in PDW1, which was significantly higher than patients in POM1 [103 (28.9%), p &lt; 0.001]. Pain (15.2% vs. 9.8%), dysphagia (5.6% vs. 7.0%), diarrhea (3.7% vs. 3.4%), and vomiting (2.5% vs. 2.8%) had no significant differences between PDW1 and POM1. Logistic models found that risk factors for PGISs were total gastrectomy [odds ratio (OR): 1.948; 95% CI: 1.097–3.459; p = 0.023] and disturbed sleep (OR: 3.116; 95% CI: 1.831–5.303; p &lt; 0.001) in PDW1 and female gender (OR: 1.726; 95% CI: 1.071–2.782; p = 0.025), total gastrectomy (OR: 1.729; 95% CI: 1.055–2.834; p = 0.030), and disturbed sleep (OR: 3.533; 95% CI: 1.757–7.106; p &lt; 0.001) in POM1.ConclusionsThe main symptom after gastric cancer surgery was abdominal distention. The relative risk factors for gastrointestinal symptoms after gastric cancer surgery were total gastrectomy and disturbed sleep. Timely symptom intervention may improve the quality of life of postgastrectomy patients.
Clinical outcomes following robotic versus conventional DIEP flap in breast reconstruction: A retrospective matched study
Authors: Lee Min Jeong , Won Jongmin , Song Seung Yong , Park Hyung Seok , Kim Jee Ye , Shin Hye Jung , Kwon Young In , Lee Dong Won , Kim Na Young 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundA robotic deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap created through a totally extraperitoneal approach minimizes violation of the donor site, which may lead to postoperative pain reduction and rapid recovery. The authors compared the clinical outcomes of robotic and conventional DIEP flap breast reconstructions.MethodsData from consecutive patients who underwent mastectomy with DIEP flaps for breast reconstruction between July 2017 and January 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into robotic and conventional DIEP groups, and the two groups were matched using the inverse probability of treatment weighting method. They were compared based on the reconstruction time, drainage amount, postoperative pain, rescue analgesics, hospital stay, complications, and BREAST-Q scores.ResultsAfter matching, a dataset of 207 patients was formed, including 21 patients in the robotic DIEP group and 186 patients in the conventional DIEP group. The mean reconstruction time was longer in the robotic DIEP group than in the conventional DIEP group (P&lt;0.001). In the robotic group, pain intensity during the postoperative 6–24 hours was significantly reduced (P=0.001) with less use of fentanyl (P=0.003) compared to the conventional DIEP group. The mean length of hospital stay for the robotic DIEP group was shorter than that for conventional DIEP (P=0.002). BREAST-Q scores indicated a higher level of the abdominal physical well-being domain in the robotic group (P=0.020). Complication rates were comparable between the two groups.ConclusionsThis study suggests that a robotic DIEP flap offers enhanced postoperative recovery, accompanied by a reduction in postoperative pain and hospital stay.
Albumin level and progression of coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xia Yuhan , Qiu Huixian , Wen Zhengwang , Shi Hongying , Yu Huan , Li Jie , Zhang Qihao , Wang Jianjie , Rong Xing , Wu Rongzhou , Chu Maoping 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundAlbumin (ALB) level is closely associated with the occurrence of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance and coronary artery lesions (CALs) in Kawasaki disease (KD). The association between ALB level and CALs progression, is critical to the prognosis of KD patients. But little is known about it. This study aims to investigate the effect of the ALB level on CALs progression in KD patients.MethodsA total of 3,479 KD patients from 1 January 2005 to 30 November 2020, in Wenzhou, China were recruited. A total of 319 KD patients who had CALs and ALB data, and finish the follow-up as requested were enrolled in this study. They were classified into the low ALB group and the normal ALB group, divided by 30 g/L. CALs outcomes were classified into two categories according to the CALs changes from the time that CALs were detected within 48 h before or after IVIG treatment to 1 month after disease onset: progressed and no progressed. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the independent effect of ALB level on CALs progression among KD patients. Stratified analysis was performed to verify the ALB level on CALs progression among patients in different subgroups.ResultsHigher proportion of IVIG resistance (P &lt; 0.001), receiving non-standard therapy (P &lt; 0.001), and receiving delayed IVIG treatment (P = 0.020) were detected in patients with lower ALB level. Patients with lower ALB level had higher C-reactive protein (CRP) level (P = 0.097) and white blood cell count (WBC) (P = 0.036). After adjustment for confounders, patients with lower ALB level had higher odds of CALs progression; the adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 3.89 (95% CI: 1.68, 9.02). Similar results were found using stratification analysis and sensitivity analysis. Male gender and age over 36 months, as covariates in multiple logistic regression models, were also associated with CALs progression.ConclusionLow ALB level is identified as an independent risk factor for CALs progression in KD patients. Male gender and age over 36 months are also proved to be risk factors for CALs progression. Further investments are required to explore its mechanisms.