bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered mRNAs Profiles in the Testis of Patients With “Secondary Idiopathic Non-Obstructive Azoospermia”
Authors: Tang Dongdong , Li Kuokuo , Lv Mingrong , Xu Chuan , Geng Hao , Wang Chao , Cheng Huiru , He Xiaojin , Zhang Yan , Cao Yunxia 
Published: May 2022

Background: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe form of male infertility. Currently, known causative factors, including congenital and several acquired causes only account for approximately 30% of NOA cases. The causes for NOA remain unclear for most patients, which is known as idiopathic (iNOA). However, whether iNOA is due to congenital defects or acquired abnormalities is a confusing problem due to the delayed diagnosis of this frustrating condition until the childbearing age. Therefore, we collected several cases with “secondary idiopathic NOA” and detected the altered mRNAs profiles in the testicular tissues to explore the possible molecular basis.Materials and Methods: In this study, several patients with a previous history of natural pregnancy with their partners before, who were diagnosed as iNOA based on the outcomes of routine semen analysis and multiple testis biopsies now, were enrolled. Some known risk factors and genetic factors were excluded. Therefore, we defined this phenotype as “secondary idiopathic NOA.” To explore the possible molecular basis of this disease, we performed mRNA expression analysis through next-generation sequencing on three cases and other three patients with obstructive azoospermia as controls. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to assess differentially expressed genes and possible biological mechanisms involved in the disease. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays were applied to confirm the results in several selected mRNAs involved in stages and metabolism of Sertoli cells.Results: A series of mRNAs were found to be altered in testicular tissues between patients with “secondary idiopathic NOA” and controls, including 6,028 downregulated and 3,402 upregulated mRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) analyses revealed a range of GO and KEGG terms, such as cellular process involved in reproduction, protein degradation, and absorption.Conclusion: The present study introduces a novel classification called “secondary idiopathic NOA.” We provide a global view of the altered mRNAs involved in spermatogenetic failure in these cases. Regarding the limited samples, further studies should be taken to understand this new classification.
The Core Role of Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio to Predict All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality: A Research of the 2005–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Gu Linguo , Xia Zhenkun , Qing Bei , Chen Hongzuo , Wang Wei , Chen Ying , Yuan Yunchang 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveTo further supplement the previous research on the relationship between neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and construct clinical models to predict mortality.MethodsA total number of 2,827 observers were included from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database in our research. NLR was calculated from complete blood count. According to the quartile of baseline NLR, those observers were divided into four groups. A multivariate weighted Cox regression model was used to analyze the association of NLR with mortality. We constructed simple clinical prognosis models by nomograms. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to depict cause-specific mortality. Restricted cubic spline regression was used to make explicit relationships between NLR and mortality.ResultsThis study recruited 2,827 subjects aged ≥ 18 years from 2005 to 2014. The average age of these observers was 51.55 ± 17.62, and 57.69% were male. NLR is still an independent predictor, adjusted for age, gender, race, drinking, smoking, dyslipidemia, and other laboratory covariates. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of NLR for predicting all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality were 0.632(95% CI [0599, 0.664]) and 0.653(95% CI [0.581, 0.725]), respectively, which were superior to C-reactive protein (AUCs: 0.609 and 0.533) and WBC (AUCs: 0.522 and 0.513). The calibration and discrimination of the nomograms were validated by calibration plots and concordance index (C-index), and the C-indexes (95% CIs) of nomograms for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were 0.839[0.819,0.859] and 0.877[0.844,0.910], respectively. The restricted cubic spline showed a non-linear relationship between NLR and mortality. NLR &gt; 2.053 might be a risk factor for mortality.ConclusionThere is a non-linear relationship between NLR and mortality. NLR is an independent factor related to mortality, and NLR &gt; 2.053 will be a risk factor for prognosis. NLR and nomogram should be promoted to medical use for practicality and convenience.
Sulodexide Significantly Improves Endothelial Dysfunction and Alleviates Chest Pain and Palpitations in Patients With Long-COVID-19: Insights From TUN-EndCOV Study
Authors: Charfeddine Salma , Ibnhadjamor Hassen , Jdidi Jihen , Torjmen Slim , Kraiem Salma , Bahloul Amine , Makni Ahmed , Kallel Nesrine , Moussa Nedia , Boudaya Mariem , Touil Imen , Ghrab Aiman , Elghoul Jamel , Meddeb Zeineb , Thabet Yamina , Ben Salem Kais , Addad Faouzi , Bouslama Kamel , Milouchi Sami , Hammami Rania , Abdessalem Salem , Abid Leila 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveNon-respiratory long-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms are mainly related to a long-lasting endothelial dysfunction and microcirculation impairment. We hypothesized that Sulodexide, a purified glycosaminoglycan mixture with a beneficial endothelial effect in arterial and venous peripheral diseases, may be effective in a subset of patients with long COVID-19.Approach and ResultsWe conducted a multicenter prospective quasi-experimental study. A total of 290 patients from the TUN-EndCOV study with long-COVID-19 symptoms and endothelial dysfunction were included. The endothelial function was clinically assessed using a post-occlusive reactive hyperemia protocol with finger thermal monitoring device. Endothelial quality index (EQI) was assessed at inclusion and at 21 days later. The study population was assigned to a sulodexide group (144 patients) or a no-medical treatment group (146 patients). Clinical characteristics were similar at inclusion in the two groups. Fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain were the most common symptoms, respectively, 54.5, 53.8, and 28.3%. At 21 days, the sulodexide group improved significantly better than the no-medical treatment group in chest pain (83.7 vs. 43.6%, p &lt; 10−3), palpitations (85.2 vs. 52.9%, p = 0.009), and endothelial function [median delta-EQI 0.66 (0.6) vs. 0.18 (0.3); p &lt; 10−3]. Endothelial function improvement was significantly correlated with chest pain and palpitations recovery (AUC, i.e., area under the curve = 0.66, CI [0.57– 0.75], p = 0.001 and AUC = 0.60, CI [0.51– 0.69], p = 0.03, respectively).ConclusionSulodexide significantly improves long-lasting post-COVID-19 endothelial dysfunction and alleviates chest pain and palpitations.
Holocene Temperature Variations in Semi-Arid Central Mongolia—A Chronological and Sedimentological Perspective From a 7400-year Lake Sediment Record From the Khangai Mountains
Authors: Bliedtner Marcel , Strobel Paul , Struck Julian , Salazar Gary , Szidat Sönke , Nowaczyk Norbert , Bazarradnaa Enkhtuya , Lloren Ronald , Dubois Nathalie , Haberzettl Torsten , Zech Roland 
Published: May 2022

Semi-arid Mongolia is a highly sensitive region to climate changes, but the region’s Holocene paleoclimatic evolution and its underlying forcing mechanisms have been the subject of much recent debate. Here we present a continuous 7.4 ka sediment record from the high-altitude Shireet Naiman Nuur (Nuur = lake) in the central Mongolian Khangai Mountains. We extensively dated the sediments and analyzed elemental composition and bulk isotopes for lake sediment characterization. Our results show that 14C-dating of bulk organic carbon and terrestrial macrofossils provide a robust and precise chronology for the past 7.4 ± 0.3 cal ka BP at Shireet Naiman Nuur and 14C-ages are mostly in stratigraphic order. The 14C-based chronology is confirmed by paleomagnetic secular variations, which resemble the predictions of spherical harmonic geomagnetic field models. The very good chronological control makes paleomagnetic secular variation stratigraphy a powerful tool for evaluating and refining regional 14C-chronologies when compared to the record presented here. The lake sediment proxies TOC, N, log (Ca/Ti) and log (Si/Ti) reveal increased lake primary productivity and high growing season temperatures from 7.4 ± 0.3 to 4.3 ± 0.2 cal ka BP, which is likely the result of stronger summer insolation and pronounced warming. Reduced summer insolation thereafter results in decreased productivity and low growing season temperatures at Shireet Naiman Nuur from 4.3 ± 0.3 cal ka BP until present day. The globally acknowledged 4.2 ka event also appears as a pronounced cooling event at Shireet Naiman Nuur, and additional abrupt cooling events occurred during minima in total solar irradiance at ∼3.4, 2.8 and 2.4 ka BP. Low lake primary productivity and growing season temperatures are likely the result of longer ice cover periods at the high-altitude (2,429 m a.s.l.) Shireet Naiman Nuur. This leads to shorter mixing periods of the lake water which is supported by more positive δ13CTOC because of increased incorporation of dissolved HCO3− by aquatic producers during periods of longer ice cover.
Concentrations and Species of Mercury in Municipal Sludge of Selected Chinese Cities and Potential Mercury Emissions From Sludge Treatment and Disposal
Authors: Liu Jing , Lin Li , Wang Keyun , Ding Rui , Xie Zhouqing , Zhang Pengfei 
Published: May 2022

Municipal sewage has been identified as an important source of mercury (Hg) to the environment, and sewage sludge is the major sink of sewage-borne Hg. Knowledge of Hg species in sludge and potential Hg emissions during sludge treatment/disposal is still limited. A survey on Hg concentrations and species in sewage sludge of 16 provinces and municipalities in China was conducted. Hg was detected in all sewage sludge samples, with total Hg (THg) concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 7.7 mg/kg. Results from sequential chemical extractions (SCE) indicated that sludge-borne Hg mainly occurred in the form of Hg sulfide, with a small amount of organo-chelated Hg (Hg-OM) and HgO, and a negligible amount of soluble Hg. Thermal decomposition results indicated that Hg is generally released from sludge at a temperature range of 200–400°C, with the highest release at 250–350°C (38%–86%), consistent with the thermal decomposition of HgS, Hg-OM, and HgO. THg in sewage samples under ventilation at room temperature remained constant over a month period, indicating negligible Hg emission under such conditions. The mass loading of sludge-borne THg in China for year 2019 was estimated to be 30 tons, about 3.6% of the total anthropogenic THg released (including direct and secondary anthropogenic releases) in China. At the temperature range for sludge incineration, sludge carbonization, and sludge/brick/cement production, most of the Hg in sludge will be released to air due to thermal decomposition of Hg compounds. As such, Hg-capture systems are essential in sludge treatment processes involving high temperatures.
Analysis of the Expression and Role of Keratin 17 in Human Tumors
Authors: Zhang Hanqun , Zhang Yun , Feng Zhiyu , Lu Liang , Li Yong , Liu Yuncong , Chen Yanping 
Published: May 2022

Objective: We aimed to explore the expression and carcinogenic effect of KRT17 in human tumors and provide useful information for the study of KRT17.Methods: We used databases including the Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, GTEx, and GEPIA2 to analyze the expression, mutation, and prognosis of KRT17 in human tumors. Through webservers, including UALCAN, TIMER2.0, and STRING, we learned about the genetic variation, immune cell penetration, and enrichment analysis of KRT17-related genes.Results: KRT17 was highly expressed in most tumors (such as esophageal cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, etc.), and the high expression level correlated with tumor stage and prognosis. In addition, amplification was the main type of KRT17 tumor variation, with an amplification rate of about 9%, followed by mutation, with a mutation rate of 4%. Moreover, KRT17 was strongly associated with tumor-infiltrating immune cells (such as macrophages, CD8+T, Tregs, and cancer-associated fibroblasts). KEGG analysis suggested that KRT17 may play a role in tumor pathogenesis following human papillomavirus infection, and the gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated that the carcinogenicity of KRT17 can be attributed to cadherin binding, intermediate fibrocytoskeleton and epidermal development.Conclusion: KRT17 may play an important role in the occurrence, development, and prognosis of malignant tumors. We provided a relatively comprehensive description of the carcinogenic role of KRT17 in different tumors for the first time.
Protocol for a Sepsis Model Utilizing Fecal Suspension in Mice: Fecal Suspension Intraperitoneal Injection Model
Authors: Tsuchida Takumi , Wada Takeshi , Mizugaki Asumi , Oda Yoshitaka , Kayano Katsuhide , Yamakawa Kazuma , Tanaka Shinya 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundVarious animal models of sepsis have been developed to optimize sepsis treatment. However, therapeutic agents that were successful in animal models were rarely effective in human clinical trials. The cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model is currently the gold standard for sepsis studies. However, its limitations include the high variability among researchers and the difficulty in comparing animals with different cecum shapes and sizes. In this study, we established a protocol for the creation of a simple and accessible sepsis rodent model using fecal suspensions that minimized differences in technical effects among researchers and individual differences in animals.MethodsA mouse model of sepsis using fecal suspension intraperitoneal injection (FSI) was created using fresh stool excreted within 24 h. The collected fresh stool was dissolved in saline solution and filtered. The obtained fecal suspension was injected intraperitoneally into the mice. Moreover, fecal suspensions with different concentrations were prepared, and the survival rates were compared among the fecal suspensions for each concentration. To assess the validity of the FSI as a sepsis model, CLP and FSI with similar mortality rates were compared pathologically, physiologically, immunologically, and bacteriologically. Histopathological comparison was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin and Gram staining of the parenchymal organs. Physiological evaluation was performed by comparing the respiratory rate, body temperature, and blood gas analysis results. Immunological assessment was performed using multiplex analysis. Bacteriological comparisons were performed by culturing ascites fluid.ResultsThe FSI model increased mortality in proportion to the fecal suspension concentration. The mortality rate was reduced with antibiotic administration. In various comparative experiments conducted using the FSI and CLP models, both models showed findings consistent with sepsis. Furthermore, the FSI model showed less variability among the individuals in each test.ConclusionThis is the first detailed and accurate report of a protocol for creating a sepsis model using fecal suspension. The FSI model is a minimally invasive and accessible sepsis rodent model. Its clinical validity as a sepsis model was proven via histological, physiological, microbiological, and immunological evaluation methods. The FSI model minimizes individual differences between mice and helps to conduct accurate studies after the onset of sepsis.
Spatial and Temporal Trends in HIV/AIDS Burden Among Worldwide Regions From 1990 to 2019: A Secondary Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: He Huan , Ou Zejin , Yu Danfeng , Li Yongzhi , Liang Yuanhao , He Wenqiao , Gao Yuhan , Wu Fei , Chen Qing 
Published: May 2022

PurposeHIV/AIDS is a critical public health concern worldwide. This article investigated the spatial and temporal trends in HIV/AIDS burden from 1990 to 2019.MethodsData were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and the age-standardized rate (ASR) were used to quantify the change in trends at the global, regional, and national levels.ResultsIn terms of temporal trends, during the period 1990–2004, increasing trends in prevalence (EAPC = 7.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.84, 9.12), death (EAPC = 10.85, 95% CI 8.90–12.84), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) (EAPC = 10.40, 95% CI 8.47–12.36) of HIV/AIDS were observed. During the period 2005–2019, the global trends in HIV/AIDS incidence, death, and DALYs of HIV/AIDS decreased, with the EAPCs of −2.68 (95% CI−2.82–−2.53), −6.73 (95% CI −6.98–−6.47), and −6.75 (95% CI −6.95–−6.54), respectively. However, the disease prevalence showed a slight increasing trend (EAPC = 0.71, 95% CI 0.54–0.87). In terms of spatial trends, over the past 15 years, trends in HIV/AIDS incidence of HIV/AIDS appeared upward in High-middle and High sociodemographic index (SDI) areas (EAPC = 6.51, 95% CI 5.50–7.53; EAPC = 2.31, 95% CI 2.02–2.60, respectively).ConclusionDecreasing trends in HIV/AIDS incidence, death, and DALYs have been observed worldwide over the past 15 years, especially in death and DALYs rates. However, the global population living with HIV/AIDS is still increasing. It is worth noting that an unfavorable trend emerged in High-middle and High SDI areas. Prevention and control of HIV/AIDS still need to be strengthened to counteract these concerning trends.
Innovative Tele-Instruction Approach Impacts Basic Life Support Performance: A Non-inferiority Trial
Authors: Schauwinhold Michael Tobias , Schmidt Michelle , Rudolph Jenny W. , Klasen Martin , Lambert Sophie Isabelle , Krusch Alexander , Vogt Lina , Sopka Saša 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundSustaining Basic Life Support (BLS) training during the COVID-19 pandemic bears substantial challenges. The limited availability of highly qualified instructors and tight economic conditions complicates the delivery of these life-saving trainings. Consequently, innovative and resource-efficient approaches are needed to minimize or eliminate contagion while maintaining high training standards and managing learner anxiety related to infection risk.MethodsIn a non-inferiority trial 346 first-year medical, dentistry, and physiotherapy students underwent BLS training at AIXTRA—Competence Center for Training and Patient Safety at the University Hospital RWTH Aachen. Our objectives were (1) to examine whether peer feedback BLS training supported by tele-instructors matches the learning performance of standard instructor-guided BLS training for laypersons; and (2) to minimize infection risk during BLS training. Therefore, in a parallel group design, we compared arm (1) Standard Instructor Feedback (SIF) BLS training (Historical control group of 2019) with arm (2) a Tele-Instructor Supported Peer-Feedback (TPF) BLS training (Intervention group of 2020). Both study arms were based on Peyton's 4-step approach. Before and after each training session, objective data for BLS performance (compression depth and rate) were recorded using a resuscitation manikin. We also assessed overall BLS performance via standardized instructor evaluation and student self-reports of confidence via questionnaire. Non-inferiority margins for the outcome parameters and sample size calculation were based on previous studies with SIF. Two-sided 95% confidence intervals were employed to determine significance of non-inferiority.ResultsThe results confirmed non-inferiority of TPF to SIF for all tested outcome parameters. A follow-up after 2 weeks found no confirmed COVID-19 infections among the participants.ConclusionTele-instructor supported peer feedback is a powerful alternative to in-person instructor feedback on BLS skills during a pandemic, where infection risk needs to be minimized while maximizing the quality of BLS skill learning.Trial registrationhttps://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&amp;TRIAL_ID=DRKS00025199, Trial ID: DRKS00025199.
Association Between Hair Diseases and COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Stress: A Cross-Sectional Study Analysis
Authors: Mahadi Ashrafur Rahaman , Rafi Md. Abdur , Shahriar Tasnim , Seemanta Senjuti , Rabbani Md. Golam , Akter Munjarin , Majumder Mahabubul Islam , Hasan M. Tasdik 
Published: May 2022

Introduction:Psychological stress from the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic can potentially aggravate the course of several stress-sensitive skin and hair diseases. This study aimed to determine the potential association of COVID-19 stress with hair diseases, such as telogen effluvium (TE), alopecia areata (AA), and seborrheic dermatitis (SD), among medical students in Bangladesh.MethodsThis online-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 404 medical students of Bangladesh using a self-administered questionnaire, including sociodemographic information, status of hair diseases (i.e., TE, AA, and SD), COVID-19 fear scale, impact of event scale specific for COVID-19 (IES-COVID-19), and COVID-19 student stress questionnaire (CSSQ) scale, to determine pandemic-related stress. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the association.ResultsOverall prevalence of TE, AA, and SD was 61.1, 24.7, and 57.7%, respectively, with female predominance in case of TE and male predominance in case of AA and SD. More than half of the participants had COVID-19-related fear and traumatic stress symptoms. In the multiple logistic regression model, smoking [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.93, 95% CI 1.29–6.65 for AA and aOR 4.19, 95% CI 1.83–9.56 for TE], COVID-19-related fear (aOR 1.70, 95% CI 1.01–2.89 for AA and aOR 2.620, 95% CI 1.25–5.48 for TE), and COVID-19-related traumatic stress symptoms (aOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.08–3.13 for AA, aOR 2.61, 95% CI 1.19–5.68 for TE, and aOR 1.92, 95% CI 1.14–3.25 for SD) were the risk factors of hair fall disorders.ConclusionOur study showed that a large number of medical students experienced TE, AA, and SD during the pandemic era. COVID-19-related stress and fear potentially have an association with these diseases.