bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of key molecules in COVID-19 patients significantly correlated with clinical outcomes by analyzing transcriptomic data
Authors: Dong Zehua , Yan Qiyu , Cao Wenxiu , Liu Zhixian , Wang Xiaosheng 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundAlthough several key molecules have been identified to modulate SARS-CoV-2 invasion of human host cells, the molecules correlated with outcomes in COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection remain insufficiently explored.MethodsThis study analyzed three RNA-Seq gene expression profiling datasets for COVID-19 and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between COVID-19 patients and normal people, commonly in the three datasets. Furthermore, this study explored the correlation between the expression of these genes and clinical features in COVID-19 patients.ResultsThis analysis identified 13 genes significantly upregulated in COVID-19 patients’ leukocyte and SARS-CoV-2-infected nasopharyngeal tissue compared to normal tissue. These genes included OAS1, OAS2, OAS3, OASL, HERC6, SERPING1, IFI6, IFI44, IFI44L, CMPK2, RSAD2, EPSTI1, and CXCL10, all of which are involved in antiviral immune regulation. We found that these genes’ downregulation was associated with worse clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients, such as intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilatory support (MVS) requirement, elevated D-dimer levels, and increased viral loads. Furthermore, this analysis identified two COVID-19 clusters based on the expression profiles of the 13 genes, termed COV-C1 and COV-C2. Compared with COV-C1, COV-C2 more highly expressed the 13 genes, had stronger antiviral immune responses, were younger, and displayed more favorable clinical outcomes.ConclusionsA strong antiviral immune response is essential in reducing severity of COVID-19.
In-situ radon-in-water detection for high resolution submarine groundwater discharge assessment
Authors: Zhao Shibin , Li Meng , Burnett William C. , Cheng Kai , Li Chunqian , Guo Jinjia , Yu Songling , Liu Wen , Yang Tong , Dimova Natasha T. , Chen Guangquan , Yu Zhigang , Xu Bochao 
Published: August 2022

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD), including both land-based fresh groundwater that enters the ocean from coastal aquifers as well as recirculated seawater that is continuously recharged and discharged on the seabed, has been considered as an important component of the global water and biogenic element (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon and carbon) sources and a significant pathway for material exchange at the land-sea interface of coastal ecosystems. Some researchers reported that SGD associated nutrient additions to coastal waters have caused unwanted ecological issues, including red tides, coastal acidification and hypoxia. Natural radon isotope (222Rn, t1/2 = 3.8 d) is an excellent tracer for studying SGD and other oceanographic processes including air-sea gas exchange, sediment-water diffusion, and earthquake prediction. However, the conventional radon measurement methods suffer many technical disadvantages. We consequently developed a convenient submersible radon determination approach (“OUC-Rn”) using a commercial pulsed ionization chamber (PIC) radon sensor and gas extraction membrane module to produce high precision and high resolution observations. We demonstrate the radon degassing efficiency of the membrane contactor is comparable to the shower-head type air-water exchanger but is independent of operating position. The radon measurement efficiency of the PIC is 2-fold higher than the RAD7 detector and is far less influenced by moisture. We successfully deployed the system in 2.5 meters water depth over a 100 hours period in an anthropogenic influenced bay. Based on our high temporal resolution observations, the SGD flux was estimated to be 0-43.0 cm/d (mean: 25.4 ± 14.5 cm/d). The SGD fluxes pattern plotted together with the tidal variations revealed that tidal pumping may be the main force driving seawater recirculation into aquifers and thus affecting nutrient, carbon and other dissolved matters dynamics in coastal regions.
Coastal carbonate system variability along an active lava–seawater interface
Authors: González-Santana David , Santana-Casiano Juana Magdalena , González Aridane G. , González-Dávila Melchor 
Published: August 2022

Lava flows from the 2021 volcanic eruption in La Palma, Canary Islands, reached the shoreline during three events on September 28th, November 10th, and November 22nd, strongly affecting the seawater properties as they interacted with the seawater. The evolution of surface and water column physicochemical properties (temperature, salinity, carbonate system variables, and dissolved oxygen) was characterized during 13 visits to the frontal zone of the newly formed deltas. A large volume of hot (50°C measured on November 12th) and high salinity seawater promoted pH values in the frontal zone of 7.0 with important decreases in alkalinity, ΔAT, and total dissolved inorganic carbon, ΔCT, that reached 566 and 272 µmol kg−1, respectively. The addition of acids generated during the lava–seawater interaction (44.4 mmol), together with those used in the titration of carbonate alkalinity (796 ± 72 mmol) plus acids used in metal dissolution (21 mmol), was estimated with an average added proton concentration of 0.31 µmol kg−1 of seawater in the affected 2.7 · 106 m3 for November 12th. During this event, the decrease in pH and the increase in temperature increased the partial pressure of CO2, outgassing 2 tons of CO2, 40 times the daily emitted CO2 for this area under non-eruptive conditions. One month after the eruption, the studied physicochemical properties of the seawater close to the new deltas returned to the usual non-eruptive normal values, which include the presence of low salinity, low pH, and high CO2 gas diffusive emissions through submarine groundwater discharges observed between the formed deltas. The new mineral-rich deltas and the increase in solubility due to the low pH conditions contributed to the recovery of the affected area.
Quick butt welding of steel sheets using the high-speed laser cladding method
Authors: Li Yongjian , Liu Xiaoting , Yan Shixing , He Peng 
Published: August 2022

Laser butt welding of thin steel sheets without filler material was widely used in many industrial fields. However, it was very difficult to focus the small laser spot on the narrow gap between the sheets during the laser butt welding process. In this study, a new method to weld thin steel sheets using a high-speed laser cladding technique is proposed. Stainless steel sheets with a thickness of 0.5 mm were welded using the high-speed laser cladding process. The results illustrated that good weld joints could be obtained without obvious cracks and pores in most of the specimens. The joints were well formed even if the sheets were not spliced together entirely. The average tensile strength of the specimens was about 500 MPa, which is almost the same as that of the substrate. The results also showed that most of the failures did not happen in the welding region, which could be concluded that the strength of joints was higher than that of the substrate. The microstructure was determined using an optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that it may be a good choice to use the high-speed laser cladding technique for butt welding of stainless steel sheets.
Effects of growth trajectory of shock index within 24 h on the prognosis of patients with sepsis
Authors: Xu Fengshuo , Zhang Luming , Huang Tao , Han Didi , Yang Rui , Zheng Shuai , Feng Aozi , Huang Liying , Yin Haiyan , Lyu Jun 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundSepsis is a serious disease with high clinical morbidity and mortality. Despite the tremendous advances in medicine and nursing, treatment of sepsis remains a huge challenge. Our purpose was to explore the effects of shock index (SI) trajectory changes on the prognosis of patients within 24 h after the diagnosis of sepsis.MethodsThis study was based on Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC- IV). The effects of SI on the prognosis of patients with sepsis were investigated using C-index and restricted cubic spline (RCS). The trajectory of SI in 24 h after sepsis diagnosis was classified by latent growth mixture modeling (LGMM). Cox proportional hazard model, double robust analysis, and subgroup analysis were conducted to investigate the influence of SI trajectory on in-hospital death and secondary outcomes.ResultsA total of 19,869 patients were eventually enrolled in this study. C-index showed that SI had a prognostic value independent of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment for patients with sepsis. Moreover, the results of RCS showed that SI was a prognostic risk factor. LGMM divided SI trajectory into seven classes, and patients with sepsis in different classes had notable differences in prognosis. Compared with the SI continuously at a low level of 0.6, the SI continued to be at a level higher than 1.0, and the patients in the class whose initial SI was at a high level of 1.2 and then declined had a worse prognosis. Furthermore, the trajectory of SI had a higher prognostic value than the initial SI.ConclusionBoth initial SI and trajectory of SI were found to be independent factors that affect the prognosis of patients with sepsis. Therefore, in clinical treatment, we should closely monitor the basic vital signs of patients and arrive at appropriate clinical decisions on basis of their change trajectory.
Group-based trajectory analysis of acute pain after spine surgery and risk factors for rebound pain
Authors: Li Yi-Shiuan , Chang Kuang-Yi , Lin Shih-Pin , Chang Ming-Chau , Chang Wen-Kuei 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundThis retrospective study was designed to explore the types of postoperative pain trajectories and their associated factors after spine surgery.Materials and methodsThis study was conducted in a single medical center, and patients undergoing spine surgery with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IVPCA) for postoperative pain control between 2016 and 2018 were included in the analysis. Maximal pain scores were recorded daily in the first postoperative week, and group-based trajectory analysis was used to classify the variations in pain intensity over time and investigate predictors of rebound pain after the end of IVPCA. The relationships between the postoperative pain trajectories and the amount of morphine consumption or length of hospital stay (LOS) after surgery were also evaluated.ResultsA total of 3761 pain scores among 547 patients were included in the analyses and two major patterns of postoperative pain trajectories were identified: Group 1 with mild pain trajectory (87.39%) and Group 2 with rebound pain trajectory (12.61%). The identified risk factors of the rebound pain trajectory were age less than 65 years (odds ratio [OR]: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.12–3.20), female sex (OR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.24–4.19), and moderate to severe pain noted immediately after surgery (OR: 3.44; 95% CI: 1.65–7.15). Group 2 also tended to have more morphine consumption (p &lt; 0.001) and a longer length of hospital stay (p &lt; 0.001) than Group 1.ConclusionThe group-based trajectory analysis of postoperative pain provides insight into the patterns of pain resolution and helps to identify unusual courses. More aggressive pain management should be considered in patients with a higher risk for rebound pain after the end of IVPCA for spine surgery.
Immunomodulatory effects of new phytotherapy on human macrophages and TLR4- and TLR7/8-mediated viral-like inflammation in mice
Authors: Schapovalova Olesia , Gorlova Anna , de Munter Johannes , Sheveleva Elisaveta , Eropkin Mikhail , Gorbunov Nikita , Sicker Michail , Umriukhin Aleksei , Lyubchyk Sergiy , Lesch Klaus-Peter , Strekalova Tatyana , Schroeter Careen A. 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundWhile all efforts have been undertaken to propagate the vaccination and develop remedies against SARS-CoV-2, no satisfactory management of this infection is available yet. Moreover, poor availability of any preventive and treatment measures of SARS-CoV-2 in economically disadvantageous communities aggravates the course of the pandemic. Here, we studied a new immunomodulatory phytotherapy (IP), an extract of blackberry, chamomile, garlic, cloves, and elderberry as a potential low-cost solution for these problems given the reported efficacy of herbal medicine during the previous SARS virus outbreak.MethodsThe key feature of SARS-CoV-2 infection, excessive inflammation, was studied in in vitro and in vivo assays under the application of the IP. First, changes in tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) and lnteurleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) concentrations were measured in a culture of human macrophages following the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge and treatment with IP or prednisolone. Second, chronically IP-pre-treated CD-1 mice received an agonist of Toll-like receptors (TLR)-7/8 resiquimod and were examined for lung and spleen expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and blood formula. Finally, chronically IP-pre-treated mice challenged with LPS injection were studied for “sickness” behavior. Additionally, the IP was analyzed using high-potency-liquid chromatography (HPLC)-high-resolution-mass-spectrometry (HRMS).ResultsLPS-induced in vitro release of TNF and IL-1β was reduced by both treatments. The IP-treated mice displayed blunted over-expression of SAA-2, ACE-2, CXCL1, and CXCL10 and decreased changes in blood formula in response to an injection with resiquimod. The IP-treated mice injected with LPS showed normalized locomotion, anxiety, and exploration behaviors but not abnormal forced swimming. Isoquercitrin, choline, leucine, chlorogenic acid, and other constituents were identified by HPLC-HRMS and likely underlie the IP immunomodulatory effects.ConclusionsHerbal IP-therapy decreases inflammation and, partly, “sickness behavior,” suggesting its potency to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection first of all via its preventive effects.
Imaging and biopsy of HIV-infected individuals undergoing analytic treatment interruption
Authors: Lau Chuen-Yen , Adan Matthew A. , Earhart Jessica , Seamon Cassie , Nguyen Thuy , Savramis Ariana , Adams Lindsey , Zipparo Mary-Elizabeth , Madeen Erin , Huik Kristi , Grossman Zehava , Chimukangara Benjamin , Wulan Wahyu Nawang , Millo Corina , Nath Avindra , Smith Bryan R. , Ortega-Villa Ana M. , Proschan Michael , Wood Bradford J. , Hammoud Dima A. , Maldarelli Frank 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundHIV persistence during antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the principal obstacle to cure. Lymphoid tissue is a compartment for HIV, but mechanisms of persistence during ART and viral rebound when ART is interrupted are inadequately understood. Metabolic activity in lymphoid tissue of patients on long-term ART is relatively low, and increases when ART is stopped. Increases in metabolic activity can be detected by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) and may represent sites of HIV replication or immune activation in response to HIV replication.MethodsFDG-PET imaging will be used to identify areas of high and low metabolic uptake in lymphoid tissue of individuals undergoing long-term ART. Baseline tissue samples will be collected. Participants will then be randomized 1:1 to continue or interrupt ART via analytic treatment interruption (ATI). Image-guided biopsy will be repeated 10 days after ATI initiation. After ART restart criteria are met, image-guided biopsy will be repeated once viral suppression is re-achieved. Participants who continued ART will have a second FDG-PET and biopsies 12–16 weeks after the first. Genetic characteristics of HIV populations in areas of high and low FDG uptake will be assesed. Optional assessments of non-lymphoid anatomic compartments may be performed to evaluate HIV populations in distinct anatomic compartments.Anticipated resultsWe anticipate that PET standardized uptake values (SUV) will correlate with HIV viral RNA in biopsies of those regions and that lymph nodes with high SUV will have more viral RNA than those with low SUV within a patient. Individuals who undergo ATI are expected to have diverse viral populations upon viral rebound in lymphoid tissue. HIV populations in tissues may initially be phylogenetically diverse after ATI, with emergence of dominant viral species (clone) over time in plasma. Dominant viral species may represent the same HIV population seen before ATI.DiscussionThis study will allow us to explore utility of PET for identification of HIV infected cells and determine whether high FDG uptake respresents areas of HIV replication, immune activation or both. We will also characterize HIV infected cell populations in different anatomic locations. The protocol will represent a platform to investigate persistence and agents that may target HIV populations.Study protocol registrationIdentifier: NCT05419024.
Antimicrobial therapy in complicated rhinosinusitis
Authors: Beatrice Simion-Antonie Catrinel , Luiza Bejenaru Paula , Bogdan Popescu , Simona Berteșteanu Gloria , Mihnea Condeescu-Cojocărița , Ionela Cîrstea Anca , Elena Diaconu Teodora , Petra Taher Bianca , Simona-Andreea Rujan , Doinița Oașă Irina , Gabriel Berteșteanu Șerban Vifor , Raluca Grigore 
Published: August 2022

IntroductionComplicated rhinosinusitis is a rare but life-threatening pathology that requires both medical and surgical treatment as soon as possible. The spread of the infection from the paranasal sinuses affects, most often, the orbit, patients presenting diplopia, preseptal cellulitis, orbital cellulitis, or even blindness alongside exteriorization of puss from the middle meatus and nasal obstruction.Materials and methodsWe carried out a retrospective review of 32 patients that were diagnosed in our clinic with complicated rhinosinusitis from 2015 to 2022. All the patients received at least one intravenous antibiotic, and some also received antifungal drugs. All patients underwent surgery, either endoscopically or combined approach. Nasal washout or nasal swabs during surgery were sent for laboratory examination in all patients, and we studied the microbial etiology in these extensive infections. A database with all the information regarding demographic and medical data was established.Results78% of the patients were male, with a mean age of 50.55. A wide range of antibiotics were used, while some patients, diagnosed with mucormycosis also received antifungal drugs. The mean hospitalization period was 12 days. We correlated the type of antibiotic with the hospitalization period and the outcome but also the degree of involvement of the orbit and the microbial strains identified.DiscussionThe management of patients with complicated rhinosinusitis is complex and dynamic and it must be tailored to every patient, after an interdisciplinary meeting with the infectious disease specialist, ophthalmologist, and rhinologist. The microbial strains that produce such important infections are sometimes multi-resistant or combined, patients usually already had followed a course of antibiotics at home, and choosing the right treatment is sometimes challenging.
Correlation of matrix metalloproteinase 3 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 levels with non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Liu Chuan Ze , Guo Da Shuai , Ma Jian Jun , Dong Lin Rui , Chang Qing Qing , Yang Hong Qi , Liang Ke Ke , Li Xiao Huan , Yang Da Wei , Fan Yong Yan , Gu Qi , Chen Si Yuan , Li Dong Sheng 
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential for tissue formation, neuronal network remodeling, and blood–brain barrier integrity. MMPs have been widely studied in acute brain diseases. However, the relationship with Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the serum MMP3 and MMP9 levels of PD patients and analyze their correlation with non-motor symptoms.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we recruited 73 patients with idiopathic PD and 64 healthy volunteers. Serum MMP3 and MMP9 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patients with PD were assessed for non-motor symptoms using the Non-motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) and Parkinson’s disease sleep scale (PDSS) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE).ResultsSerum MMP3 levels were significantly decreased in PD patients, predominantly those with early-stage PD, compared with controls [12.56 (9.30, 17.44) vs. 15.37 (11.33, 24.41) ng/ml;P= 0.004], and the serum MMP9 levels of PD patients were significantly higher than those of healthy controls [522 (419, 729) vs. 329 (229, 473) ng/ml;P&lt; 0.001]. MMP3 levels were positively correlated with the NMSS total score (r= 0.271,P= 0.020) and the single-item scores for item six, assessing the gastrointestinal tract (r= 0.333,P= 0.004), and there was an inverse correlation between serum MMP3 levels and PDSS score (r= –0.246,P= 0.036); meanwhile, MMP9 levels were positively correlated with the NMSS total score (r= 0.234,P= 0.047), and higher serum MMP9 levels were detected in the cognitive dysfunction subgroup than in the cognitively intact subgroup [658 (504, 877) vs. 502 (397, 608) ng/ml,P= 0.008].ConclusionThe serum MMP3 level of PD patients (especially early-stage patients) was significantly lower than that of the healthy control group, and the MMP9 level was significantly higher than that of the healthy control group. MMP3 and MMP9 levels correlate with sleep disturbance and cognitive function in PD patients, respectively.
Association between risk polymorphisms for neurodegenerative diseases and cognition in colombian patients with frontotemporal dementia
Authors: López-Cáceres Andrea , Cruz-Sanabria Francy , Mayorga Pilar , Sanchez Ana Isabel , Gonzalez-Nieves Silvia , Ayala-Ramírez Paola , Zarante Ignacio , Matallana Diana 
Published: August 2022

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disease of presenile onset. A better characterization of neurodegenerative disorders has been sought by using tools such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), where associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and cognitive profiles could constitute predictive biomarkers for these diseases. However, in FTD, associations between genotypes and cognitive phenotypes are yet to be explored. Here, we evaluate a possible relationship between genetic variants and some cognitive functions in an FTD population.MethodologyA total of 47 SNPs in genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases were evaluated using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform along with their possible relationship with performance in neuropsychological tests in 105 Colombian patients diagnosed with FTD.Results and discussionThe SNPs rs429358 (APOE), rs1768208 (MOBP), and rs1411478 (STX6), were identified as risk factors for having a low cognitive performance in inhibitory control and phonological verbal fluency. Although the significance level was not enough to reach the corrected alpha for multiple comparison correction, our exploratory data may constitute a starting point for future studies of these SNPs and their relationship with cognitive performance in patients with a probable diagnosis of FTD. Further studies with an expansion of the sample size and a long-term design could help to explore the predictive nature of the potential associations we identified.