bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Doping of Sb into Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 absorber layer via Se&Sb2Se3 co-selenization strategy for enhancing open-circuit voltage of kesterite solar cells
Authors: Zhao Benhui , Deng Yueqing , Cao Lei , Zhu Jichun , Zhou Zhengji 
Published: August 2022

Kesterite-structured Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) thin film photovoltaics have attracted considerable attention in recent years because of its low-cost and eco-friendly raw material, as well as high theoretical conversion efficiency. However, its photovoltaic performance is hindered by large open-circuit voltage (VOC) deficiency due to the presence of intrinsic defects and defect clusters in the bulk of CZTSSe absorber films. The doping of extrinsic cation to the CZTSSe matrix was adopted as an effective strategy to ameliorate defect properties of the solar cell absorbers. Herein, a novel Se&amp;Sb2Se3 co-selenization process was employed to introduce Sb into CZTSSe crystal lattice. The results reveal that Sb-doping plays an active role in the crystallization and grain growth of CZTSSe absorber layer. More importantly, one of the most seriously detrimental SnZn deep defect is effectively passivated, resulting in significantly reduced deep-level traps and band-tail states compared to Sb free devices. As a result, the power conversion efficiency of CZTSSe solar cell is increased significantly from 9.17% to 11.75%, with a VOC especially enlarged to 505 mV from 449 mV. This insight provides a deeper understanding for engineering the harmful Sn-related deep defects for future high-efficiency CZTSSe photovoltaic devices.
Assessment of IgG3 as a serological exposure marker for Plasmodium vivax in areas with moderate–high malaria transmission intensity
Authors: Tayipto Yanie , Rosado Jason , Gamboa Dionicia , White Michael T. , Kiniboro Benson , Healer Julie , Opi D. Herbert , Beeson James G. , Takashima Eizo , Tsuboi Takafumi , Harbers Matthias , Robinson Leanne , Mueller Ivo , Longley Rhea J. 
Published: August 2022

A more sensitive surveillance tool is needed to identify Plasmodium vivax infections for treatment and to accelerate malaria elimination efforts. To address this challenge, our laboratory has developed an eight-antigen panel that detects total IgG as serological markers of P. vivax exposure within the prior 9 months. The value of these markers has been established for use in areas with low transmission. In moderate–high transmission areas, there is evidence that total IgG is more long-lived than in areas with low transmission, resulting in poorer performance of these markers in these settings. Antibodies that are shorter-lived may be better markers of recent infection for use in moderate–high transmission areas. Using a multiplex assay, the antibody temporal kinetics of total IgG, IgG1, IgG3, and IgM against 29 P. vivax antigens were measured over 36 weeks following asymptomatic P. vivax infection in Papua New Guinean children (n = 31), from an area with moderate–high transmission intensity. IgG3 declined faster to background than total IgG, IgG1, and IgM. Based on these kinetics, IgG3 performance was then assessed for classifying recent exposure in a cohort of Peruvian individuals (n = 590; age 3–85 years) from an area of moderate transmission intensity. Using antibody responses against individual antigens, the highest performance of IgG3 in classifying recent P. vivax infections in the prior 9 months was to one of the Pv-fam-a proteins assessed (PVX_125728) (AUC = 0.764). Surprisingly, total IgG was overall a better marker of recent P. vivax infection, with the highest individual classification performance to RBP2b1986-2653 (PVX_094255) (AUC = 0.838). To understand the acquisition of IgG3 in this Peruvian cohort, relevant epidemiological factors were explored using a regression model. IgG3 levels were positively associated with increasing age, living in an area with (relatively) higher transmission intensity, and having three or more PCR-detected blood-stage P. vivax infections within the prior 13 months. Overall, we found that IgG3 did not have high accuracy for detecting recent exposure to P. vivax in the Peruvian cohort, with our data suggesting that this is due to the high levels of prior exposure required to acquire high IgG3 antibody levels.
Base excess is associated with the risk of all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Luo Chaodi , Duan Zhenzhen , Zheng Tingting , Li Qian , Wang Danni , Wang Boxiang , Gao Pengjie , Han Dan , Tian Gang 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundBase excess (BE) represents an increase or decrease of alkali reserves in plasma to diagnose acid-base disorders, independent of respiratory factors. Current findings about the prognostic value of BE on mortality of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the prognostic significance of BE for short-term all-cause mortality in patients with AMI.MethodsA total of 2,465 patients diagnosed with AMI in the intensive care unit from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database were included in our study, and we explored the association of BE with 28-day and 90-day all-cause mortality using Cox regression analysis. We also used restricted cubic splines (RCS) to evaluate the relationship between BE and hazard ratio (HR). The primary outcomes were 28-day and 90-day all-cause mortality.ResultsWhen stratified according to quantiles, low BE levels at admission were strongly associated with higher 28-day and 90-day all-cause mortality. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models revealed that low BE was an independent risk factor of 28-day all-cause mortality [HR 4.158, 95% CI 3.203–5.398 (low vs. normal BE) and HR 1.354, 95% CI 0.896–2.049 (high vs. normal BE)] and 90-day all-cause mortality [HR 4.078, 95% CI 3.160–5.263 (low vs. normal BE) and HR 1.369, 95% CI 0.917–2.045 (high vs. normal BE)], even after adjustment for significant prognostic covariates. The results were also consistent in subgroup analysis. RCS revealed an “L-type” relationship between BE and 28-day and 90-day all-cause mortality, as well as adjusting for confounding variables. Meanwhile, Kaplan–Meier survival curves were stratified by combining BE with carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2), and patients had the highest mortality in the group which had low BE (&lt; 3.5 mEq/L) and high PaCO2 (&gt; 45 mmHg) compared with other groups.ConclusionOur study revealed that low BE was significantly associated with 28-day and 90-day mortality in patients with AMI and indicated the value of stratifying the mortality risk of patients with AMI by BE.
Empagliflozin prevents neointima formation by impairing smooth muscle cell proliferation and accelerating endothelial regeneration
Authors: Dutzmann Jochen , Bode Lena Marie , Kalies Katrin , Korte Laura , Knöpp Kai , Kloss Frederik Julius , Sirisko Mirja , Pilowski Claudia , Koch Susanne , Schenk Heiko , Daniel Jan-Marcus , Bauersachs Johann , Sedding Daniel G. 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundEmpagliflozin, an inhibitor of the sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) and developed as an anti-diabetic agent exerts additional beneficial effects on heart failure outcomes. However, the effect of empagliflozin on vascular cell function and vascular remodeling processes remains largely elusive.Methods/ResultsImmunocytochemistry and immunoblotting revealed SGLT2 to be expressed in human smooth muscle (SMC) and endothelial cells (EC) as well as in murine femoral arteries. In vitro, empagliflozin reduced serum-induced proliferation and migration of human diabetic and non-diabetic SMCs in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, empagliflozin significantly increased the cell count and migration capacity of human diabetic ECs, but not of human non-diabetic ECs. In vivo, application of empagliflozin resulted in a reduced number of proliferating neointimal cells in response to femoral artery wire-injury in C57BL/6J mice and prevented neointima formation. Comparable effects were observed in a streptozocin-induced diabetic model of apolipoprotein E–/– mice. Conclusive to the in vitro-results, re-endothelialization was not significantly affected in C57BL/6 mice, but improved in diabetic mice after treatment with empagliflozin assessed by Evan’s Blue staining 3 days after electric denudation of the carotid artery. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing (RNA-seq) of human SMCs identified the vasoactive peptide apelin to be decisively regulated in response to empagliflozin treatment. Recombinant apelin mimicked the in vitro-effects of empagliflozin in ECs and SMCs.ConclusionEmpagliflozin significantly reduces serum-induced proliferation and migration of SMCs in vitro and prevents neointima formation in vivo, while augmenting EC proliferation in vitro and re-endothelialization in vivo after vascular injury. These data document the functional impact of empagliflozin on vascular human SMCs and ECs and vascular remodeling in mice for the first time.
Pre-operative evaluation and mid-term outcomes of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery based on left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Xia Shu-Liang , Tao Hui-Kang , Ma Li , Cui Yan-Qing , Zou Ming-Hui , Li Jian-Ru , Li Feng-xiang , Li Jia , Zhang Xu , Chen Xin-Xin 
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognosis of patients with anomalous left coronary artery originating from pulmonary artery with varying cardiac function after surgical correction.MethodsThis was a single-center retrospective cohort study including 51 patients with anomalous left coronary artery originating from pulmonary artery, all of whom underwent surgery at our center.ResultsAll 5 deaths occurred in the pre-operative low cardiac function group (n = 39). After corrected by body surface area, parameters such as left coronary artery, right coronary artery, left atrial diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, and main pulmonary artery diameter, were lower in patients in the normal cardiac function group than in the low cardiac function group. The rate of collateral circulation formation was higher in the normal cardiac function group. The proportion of changes of T wave was higher in the low cardiac function group (P = 0.005), and the duration of vasoactive drugs (dopamine, milrinone, epinephrine, nitroglycerin.) was longer in the low cardiac function group. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, main pulmonary artery diameter, and left atrial diameter were smaller than those pre-operatively (P &lt; 0.05). Left ventricular ejection fraction was higher than that pre-operatively (P = 0.003). The degree of mitral regurgitation in the low cardiac function group was reduced post-operatively (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThere was a significant difference between the pre-operative baseline data of the low cardiac function group and the normal cardiac function group. After surgical repair, cardiac function gradually returned to normal in the low cardiac function group. The low cardiac function group required vasoactive drugs for a longer period of time. The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left atrial diameter, and main pulmonary artery diameter decreased and gradually returned to normal after surgery. The degree of mitral regurgitation in the low cardiac function group was reduced after surgery.
MiRNA and associated inflammatory changes from baseline to hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ramanjaneya Manjunath , Priyanka Ruth , Bensila Milin , Jerobin Jayakumar , Pawar Krunal , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Abou-Samra Abdul Badi , Halabi Najeeb M. , Moin Abu Saleh Md , Atkin Stephen L. , Butler Alexandra E. 
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveHypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes (T2D) increases morbidity and mortality but the underlying physiological response is still not fully understood, though physiological changes are still apparent 24 hours after the event. Small noncoding microRNA (miRNA) have multiple downstream biological effects that may respond rapidly to stress. We hypothesized that hypoglycemia would induce rapid miRNA changes; therefore, this pilot exploratory study was undertaken.MethodsA pilot prospective, parallel study in T2D (n=23) and controls (n=23). Insulin-induced hypoglycemia (2mmol/l: 36mg/dl) was induced and blood sampling performed at baseline and hypoglycemia. Initial profiling of miRNA was undertaken on pooled samples identified 96 miRNA that were differentially regulated, followed by validation on a custom designed 112 miRNA panel.ResultsNine miRNAs differed from baseline to hypoglycemia in control subjects; eight were upregulated: miR-1303, miR-let-7e-5p, miR-1267, miR-30a-5p, miR-571, miR-661, miR-770-5p, miR-892b and one was downregulated: miR-652-3p. None of the miRNAs differed from baseline in T2D subjects.ConclusionA rapid miRNA response reflecting protective pathways was seen in control subjects that appeared to be lost in T2D, suggesting that mitigating responses to hypoglycemia with blunting of the counter-regulatory response in T2D occurs even in patients with short duration of disease.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03102801?term=NCT03102801&amp;draw=2&amp;rank=1, identifier NCT03102801.
Dietary selenium sources alleviate immune challenge induced by Salmonella Enteritidis potentially through improving the host immune response and gut microbiota in laying hens
Authors: Kang Ruifen , Wang Weihan , Liu Yafei , Huang Shimeng , Xu Jiawei , Zhao Lihong , Zhang Jianyun , Ji Cheng , Wang Zhong , Hu Yanxin , Ma Qiugang 
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different selenium (Se) sources on the immune responses and gut microbiota of laying hens challenged with Salmonella enteritidis (S. Enteritidis). A total of 240 45-week-old layers were randomly divided into eight groups with six replicates per group according to a 4 × 2 factorial design, including a blank diet without Se supplementation (CON group) and three diets with 0.3 mg/kg Se supplementation from sodium selenite (IS group), yeast Se (YS group), and selenium-enriched yeast culture (SYC group), respectively. After 8 weeks of feeding, half of them were orally challenged with 1.0 ml suspension of 109 colony-forming units per milliliter of S. Enteritidis daily for 3 days. The serum was collected on days 3, 7, and 14, and the cecum content was collected on day 14 after challenge. There was no significant difference in laying performance among the eight groups before challenge. The S. Enteritidis challenge significantly decreased the laying performance, egg quality, GSH-Px, IgG, and IgM and increased the ratio of feed and egg, malondialdehyde (MDA), Salmonella-specific antibody (SA) titers, IL-6, IL-2, IL-1β, and INF-γ. However, SYC increased the level of GSH-Px and IgG and decreased IL-6, while YS decreased the level of IL-2 and IL-1β. What is more, Se supplementation decreased the SA titers to varying degrees and reduced the inflammatory cell infiltration in the lamina propria caused by S. Enteritidis infection. In addition, the S. Enteritidis challenge disrupted the intestinal flora balance by reducing the abundance of the genera Clostridium innocuum, Lachnospiraceae, and Bifidobacterium and increasing the genera Butyricimonas and Brachyspira, while Se supplementation increased the gut microbial alpha diversity whether challenged or not. Under the S. Enteritidis challenge condition, the alteration of microbial composition by the administration of different Se sources mainly manifested as IS increased the relative abundance of the genera Lachnospiraceae and Christensenellaceae, YS increased the relative abundance of the genera Megamonas and Sphingomonas, and SYC increased the genera Fusobacterium and Lactococcus. The alteration of gut microbial composition had a close relationship with antioxidant or immune response. To summarize, different Se sources can improve the egg quality of layers challenged by S. Enteritidis that involves elevating the immunity level and regulating the intestinal microbiota.
Protocol of Kupffer phase whole liver scan for metastases: A single-center prospective study
Authors: Wu Qiong , Liu Yilun , Sun Di , Wang Yan , Wei Xiaoer , Li Jing , Liu Beibei , Wang Shuhao , Zhou Yan , Hu Haiyan , Zhang Rui , Jiao Qiong , Li Yi , Ying Tao 
Published: August 2022

IntroductionAs the presence of hepatic metastases is very important to cancer patients' clinical stage which would directly affect the selection and application of anti-cancer treatments. Although conventional ultrasound is commonly performed as a screening tool, most of the examinations have relatively poor sensitivity and specificity for detecting liver metastases. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with Sonazoid has been reported to have the advantage of the diagnosis and therapeutic support of focal hepatic lesions and its specific Kupffer phase whole liver scan (KPWLS) is believed to be sensitive to detect liver metastases. And the purpose of this study is to determine the number, size, location and diagnosis of metastatic lesions, and to compare the results with conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), thus to clarify the application value, indications of Sonazoid-CEUS in screening liver metastasis.Methods and analysisKupffer phase whole liver scan for metastases (KPWLSM) is a self-control, blind map-reading, single-center, prospective superiority trial. Approved by the institutional review committee, the study period is planned to be from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2025. Our study will include 330 patients with history of malignant tumors that cling to metastasize to liver. All patients will undergo the examinations of conventional ultrasound, Sonazoid-CEUS, and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CEMRI), and 65 of them should have additional CECT scans. The primary endpoint is the comparative analysis of the numbers of detected liver metastatic lesions among Sonazoid-CEUS, conventional ultrasound and CECT in screening liver metastases. Subjective conditions of patient after injection of Sonazoid will be followed up 3 and 30 days after KPWLSM, and any short-term and long-term adverse events are to be recorded with telephone interviews.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been granted by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital (Approval No: 2021-197). When the KPWLSM is completed, we will publish it in an appropriate journal to promote further widespread use.RegistrationTrial Registration Number and Date of Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100054385, December 16, 2021.
Blood pressure control and risk of post-stroke dementia among the elderly: A population-based screening study
Authors: Wu Hao , Ren Zhihong , Gan Jinghuan , Lü Yang , Niu Jianping , Meng Xinling , Cai Pan , Li Yang , Gang Baozhi , You Yong , Lv Yan , Liu Shuai , Wang Xiao-Dan , Ji Yong 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundPost-stroke dementia (PSD) has adverse effects on the quality of work and life in elderly stroke survivors. There are inconsistent results on the impacts of blood pressure control on the risk of PSD in people aged 65 years and above.ObjectiveThis study was performed to explore whether poorly-controlled blood pressure was associated with an increasing risk of PSD.MethodsThe study population was enrolled from cross-sectional research conducted in 106 communities of rural northern China. In Phase I, a total of 7,448 people aged ≥65 years, including 830 with stroke history, completed a questionnaire, a physical examination, and a cognitive assessment. Phase II further confirmed the diagnosis of PSD. Well-controlled blood pressure was defined as an average systolic blood pressure of &lt;140 mmHg and average diastolic blood pressure of &lt;90 mmHg over two readings in person. Failure to meet these criteria was considered as poorly-controlled blood pressure.ResultsThe crude prevalence rate of PSD among stroke survivors aged 65 years and over was 17.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 15.2–20.4%]. Among the 830 stroke survivors, the proportions of PSD gradually increased with age and the crude prevalence rates for PSD were 10.2% (95% CI 5.6–14.9%), 14.8% (95% CI 10.1–19.5%), 18.8% (95% CI 14.1–23.5%), and 27.4% (95% CI 20.8–34.1%) in subjects aged 65–69, 70–74, 75–79 and ≥80 years, respectively. Participants in the poorly-controlled blood pressure group were more likely to suffer from PSD (28.4 vs.15.3%, P &lt; 0.001), be older (75.81 ± 4.97 vs. 74.74 ± 5.83, P &lt; 0.05), and have a worse cognitive level (22.26 ± 7.05 vs. 24.10 ± 6.02, P &lt; 0.05). Compared with well-controlled blood pressure patients, poorly-controlled blood pressure in stroke survivors significantly increased risk of PSD (odds ratio = 2.20, 95% CI 1.45–3.32) after adjusting for age, gender, and education.ConclusionsThe crude prevalence of PSD among stroke survivors aged ≥65 years was 17.8% at community level. In addition to lower education level and older age, poorly-controlled blood pressure was also an independent risk factor for PSD among the elderly, which is amenable to intervention. Therefore, it is essential to control blood pressure to reduce PSD incidence.
Adverse outcomes of artificial pneumothorax under right bronchial occlusion for patients with thoracoscopic-assisted oesophagectomy in the prone position versus the semiprone position
Authors: Li Qiongzhen , Zhao Mingye , Wu Dongjin , Guo Xufeng , Wu Jingxiang 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundThere are few studies on the impact of body position on variations in circulation and breathing, and it has not been confirmed whether body position changes can reduce the pulmonary complications of thoracoscopic-assisted oesophagectomy.MethodsA single-center retrospective study included patients undergoing thoracoscopic-assisted oesophagectomy in the prone position or semiprone position between 1 July 2020, and 30 June 2021, at the Shanghai Chest Hospital. There were 103 patients with thoracoscopic-assisted oesophagectomy in the final analysis, including 43 patients undergoing thoracoscopic-assisted oesophagectomy in the prone position. Postoperative pulmonary complication (PPC) incidence was the primary endpoint. The incidence of cardiovascular and other complications was the secondary endpoint. Chest tube duration, patient-controlled anaesthesia (PCA) pressing frequency within 24 h, ICU stay, and the postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS) were also collected.ResultsCompared with the semiprone position, the prone position decreased the incidence of atelectasis (12% vs. 30%, P = 0.032). Nevertheless, there were no considerable differences in the rates of cardiovascular and other complications, ICU stay, or LOS (P &gt;0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the prone position (OR = 0.196, P = 0.011), no smoking (OR = 0.103, P &lt;0.001), preoperative DLCO% ≥90% (OR = 0.230, P = 0.003), and an operative time &lt;180 min (OR = 0.268, P = 0.006) were associated with less atelectasis.ConclusionsOur study shows that artificial pneumothorax under right bronchial occlusion one-lung ventilation for patients with thoracoscopic-assisted oesophagectomy in the prone position can decrease postoperative atelectasis compared with the semiprone position.