bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rationale and Design of the ISOLATION Study: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study Identifying Predictors for Successful Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in an Integrated Clinical Care and Research Pathway
Authors: Verhaert Dominique V. M. , Linz Dominik , Chaldoupi Sevasti Maria , Westra Sjoerd W. , den Uijl Dennis W. , Philippens Suzanne , Kerperien Mijke , Habibi Zarina , Vorstermans Bianca , ter Bekke Rachel M. A. , Beukema Rypko J. , Evertz Reinder , Hemels Martin E. W. , Luermans Justin G. L. M. , Manusama Randolph , Lankveld Theo A. R. , van der Heijden Claudia A. J. , Bidar Elham , Hermans Ben J. M. , Zeemering Stef , Bijvoet Geertruida P. , Habets Jesse , Holtackers Robert J. , Mihl Casper , Nijveldt Robin , van Empel Vanessa P. M. , Knackstedt Christian , Simons Sami O. , Buhre Wolfgang F. F. A. , Tijssen Jan G. P. , Isaacs Aaron , Crijns Harry J. G. M. , Maesen Bart , Vernooy Kevin , Schotten Ulrich
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Continuous progress in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation techniques has led to an increasing number of procedures with improved outcome. However, about 30–50% of patients still experience recurrences within 1 year after their ablation. Comprehensive translational research approaches integrated in clinical care pathways may improve our understanding of the complex pathophysiology of AF and improve patient selection for AF ablation.

Objectives

Within the “IntenSive mOlecular and eLectropathological chAracterization of patienTs undergoIng atrial fibrillatiOn ablatioN” (ISOLATION) study, we aim to identify predictors of successful AF ablation in the following domains: (1) clinical factors, (2) AF patterns, (3) anatomical characteristics, (4) electrophysiological characteristics, (5) circulating biomarkers, and (6) genetic background. Herein, the design of the ISOLATION study and the integration of all study procedures into a standardized pathway for patients undergoing AF ablation are described.

Methods

ISOLATION (NCT04342312) is a two-center prospective cohort study including 650 patients undergoing AF ablation. Clinical characteristics and routine clinical test results will be collected, as well as results from the following additional diagnostics: determination of body composition, pre-procedural rhythm monitoring, extended surface electrocardiogram, biomarker testing, genetic analysis, and questionnaires. A multimodality model including a combination of established predictors and novel techniques will be developed to predict ablation success.

Discussion

In this study, several domains will be examined to identify predictors of successful AF ablation. The results may be used to improve patient selection for invasive AF management and to tailor treatment decisions to individual patients.
Initial Experience in Transvenous Implantation of a Left Ventricular Lead With a Novel Venogram Balloon Catheter
Authors: Duan Jiangbo , Yang Dandan , He Jinshan , Li Xuebin , Wang Long , Wu Cuncao , Li Ding , Ze Feng , Yuan Cuizhen , Zhou Jingliang , Zhou Xu
Published: June 2022

Aim

The most challenging and time-consuming stage of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implantation is coronary sinus (CS) cannulation and left ventricular epicardial electrode implantation. This paper reports the initial clinical experience of CS cannulation and left ventricular lead implantation guided by a novel venogram balloon catheter (Lee’s venogram balloon catheter).

Methods and Results

Consecutive patients eligible for CRT were deemed suitable for this novel venogram balloon catheter. Parameters such as left ventricular lead implantation time, procedure time, and fluoroscopy time were recorded. CS cannulation with LV lead implantation guided by Lee’s venogram balloon catheter was successful in all 5 patients, including 4 challenging cases. The total fluoroscopy and procedural durations were 5.0 ± 3.0 and 57.4 ± 12.5 min, respectively. No adverse catheter-related events occurred during the procedures.

Conclusion

This initial study of an innovative venogram balloon catheter demonstrated that it greatly facilitated CS cannulation and successful LV lead placement in all patients undergoing CRT system implantation. This significantly shortened the learning curve and showed a decrease in left ventricular lead implantation time, procedure time, and fluoroscopy time.
Pemafibrate Prevents Rupture of Angiotensin II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Amioka Naofumi , Miyoshi Toru , Yonezawa Tomoko , Kondo Megumi , Akagi Satoshi , Yoshida Masashi , Saito Yukihiro , Nakamura Kazufumi , Ito Hiroshi
Published: June 2022

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening disease that lacks effective preventive therapies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pemafibrate, a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist, on AAA formation and rupture.

Methods

Experimental AAA was induced by subcutaneous angiotensin II (AngII) infusion in ApoE–/– mice for 4 weeks. Pemafibrate (0.1 mg/kg/day) was administered orally. Dihydroethidium staining was used to evaluate the reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Results

The size of the AngII-induced AAA did not differ between pemafibrate- and vehicle-treated groups. However, a decreased mortality rate due to AAA rupture was observed in pemafibrate-treated mice. Pemafibrate ameliorated AngII-induced ROS and reduced the mRNA expression of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the aortic wall. Gelatin zymography analysis demonstrated significant inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity by pemafibrate. AngII-induced ROS production in human vascular smooth muscle cells was inhibited by pre-treatment with pemafibrate and was accompanied by an increase in catalase activity. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of catalase or PPARα significantly attenuated the anti-oxidative effect of pemafibrate.

Conclusion

Pemafibrate prevented AAA rupture in a murine model, concomitant with reduced ROS, inflammation, and extracellular matrix degradation in the aortic wall. The protective effect against AAA rupture was partly mediated by the anti-oxidative effect of catalase induced by pemafibrate in the smooth muscle cells.
Modulation of mTOR Signaling in Cardiovascular Disease to Target Acute and Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Kaldirim Madlen , Lang Alexander , Pfeiler Susanne , Fiegenbaum Pia , Kelm Malte , Bönner Florian , Gerdes Norbert
Published: June 2022

Inflammation is a key component in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases causing a significant burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent research shows that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling plays an important role in the general and inflammation-driven mechanisms that underpin cardiovascular disease. mTOR kinase acts prominently in signaling pathways that govern essential cellular activities including growth, proliferation, motility, energy consumption, and survival. Since the development of drugs targeting mTOR, there is proven efficacy in terms of survival benefit in cancer and allograft rejection. This review presents current information and concepts of mTOR activity in myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis, two important instances of cardiovascular illness involving acute and chronic inflammation. In experimental models, inhibition of mTOR signaling reduces myocardial infarct size, enhances functional remodeling, and lowers the overall burden of atheroma. Aside from the well-known effects of mTOR inhibition, which are suppression of growth and general metabolic activity, mTOR also impacts on specific leukocyte subpopulations and inflammatory processes. Inflammatory cell abundance is decreased due to lower migratory capacity, decreased production of chemoattractants and cytokines, and attenuated proliferation. In contrast to the generally suppressed growth signals, anti-inflammatory cell types such as regulatory T cells and reparative macrophages are enriched and activated, promoting resolution of inflammation and tissue regeneration. Nonetheless, given its involvement in the control of major cellular pathways and the maintenance of a functional immune response, modification of this system necessitates a balanced and time-limited approach. Overall, this review will focus on the advancements, prospects, and limits of regulating mTOR signaling in cardiovascular disease.
Improved Functional Assessment of Ischemic Severity Using 3D Printed Models
Authors: Kolli Kranthi K. , Jang Sun-Joo , Zahid Abdul , Caprio Alexandre , Alaie Seyedhamidreza , Moghadam Amir Ali Amiri , Xu Patricia , Shepherd Robert , Mosadegh Bobak , Dunham Simon
Published: June 2022

Objective

To develop a novel in vitro method for evaluating coronary artery ischemia using a combination of non-invasive coronary CT angiograms (CCTA) and 3D printing (FFR3D).

Methods

Twenty eight patients with varying degrees of coronary artery disease who underwent non-invasive CCTA scans and invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) of their epicardial coronary arteries were included in this study. Coronary arteries were segmented and reconstructed from CCTA scans using Mimics (Materialize). The segmented models were then 3D printed using a Carbon M1 3D printer with urethane methacrylate (UMA) family of rigid resins. Physiological coronary circulation was modeled in vitro as flow-dependent stenosis resistance in series with variable downstream resistance. A range of physiological flow rates (Q) were applied using a peristaltic steady flow pump and titrated with a flow sensor. The pressure drop (ΔP) and the pressure ratio (Pd/Pa) were assessed for patient-specific aortic pressure (Pa) and differing flow rates (Q) to evaluate FFR3D using the 3D printed model.

Results

There was a good positive correlation (r = 0.87, p < 0.0001) between FFR3D and invasive FFR. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a good concordance between the FFR3D and invasive FFR values with a mean bias of 0.02 (limits of agreement: −0.14 to 0.18; p = 0.2).

Conclusions

3D printed patient-specific models can be used in a non-invasive in vitro environment to quantify coronary artery ischemia with good correlation and concordance to that of invasive FFR.
Pneumonia After Cardiovascular Surgery: Incidence, Risk Factors and Interventions
Authors: Wang Dashuai , Lu Yang , Sun Manda , Huang Xiaofan , Du Xinling , Jiao Zhouyang , Sun Fuqiang , Xie Fei
Published: June 2022

Postoperative pneumonia (POP) is prevalent in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery, associated with poor clinical outcomes, prolonged hospital stay and increased medical costs. This article aims to clarify the incidence, risk factors, and interventions for POP after cardiovascular surgery. A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify previous reports involving POP after cardiovascular surgery. Current situation, predictors and preventive measures on the development of POP were collected and summarized. Many studies showed that POP was prevalent in various cardiovascular surgical types, and predictors varied in different studies, including advanced age, smoking, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease, cardiac surgery history, cardiac function, anemia, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, surgical types, cardiopulmonary bypass time, blood transfusion, duration of mechanical ventilation, repeated endotracheal intubation, and some other risk factors. At the same time, several targeted interventions have been widely reported to be effective to reduce the risk of POP and improve prognosis, including preoperative respiratory physiotherapy, oral care and subglottic secretion drainage. Through the review of the current status, risk factors and intervention measures, this article may play an important role in clinical prevention and treatment of POP after cardiovascular surgery.
Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance in Young Adulthood and Risk of Incident Congestive Heart Failure in Midlife: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study
Authors: Zeng Xianghui , Han Dunzheng , Zhou Haobin , Xue Yuting , Wang Xiao , Zhan Qiong , Bai Yujia , Huang Xingfu , Zeng Qingchun , Zhang Hao , Ma Zhuang , Ren Hao , Xu Dingli
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aimed to assess the association between triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index/homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) within young adults and congestive heart failure (CHF), and to explore whether TyG index can replace HOMA-IR as a surrogate marker for IR in predicting the risk of CHF.

Methods

A total of 4,992 participants between the ages of 18 and 30 years were enrolled from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) investigation [from 1985 to 1986 (year 0)]. A Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted for assessing correlations between baseline TyG index/HOMA-IR and CHF events, together with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve employed for scrutinizing TyG index/HOMA-IR and the risk of CHF.

Results

During the 31-year follow-up period, 64 (1.3%) of the 4,992 participants developed CHF. In multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for confounding factors for CHF, an increased risk of CHF was associated with a per-unit increase in the TyG index [hazard ratio (HR) 2.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.7–4.7] and HOMA-IR (HR 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1–1.3). A Kaplan–Meier curve analysis showed that participants in the TyG index and HOMA-IR index Q4 group had a higher risk of CHF than those in the Q1 group. The area under curve (AUC) for the TyG index and HOMA-IR consisted of 0.67 (95% CI, 0.6–0.742) and 0.675 (95% CI, 0.604–0.746), respectively. There were no significant differences between the TyG index and HOMA-IR for AUC (p = 0.986).

Conclusion

The higher TyG index and HOMA-IR are independent risk factors for CHF. The TyG index can replace HOMA-IR in young adulthood as a surrogate marker for IR to predict the risk of CHF.
Case Report: A Mysterious Giant Thrombus in the Right Atrium in a Patient With Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lian Ping-an , Long Xia , Zhu Wen-qiang , Huang Xian-sheng
Published: June 2022

An isolated right atrial thrombus is a life-threatening entity that is extremely rare in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is characterized by a reduced left ventricular function and consequent left ventricular thrombosis. Here, we present the case of a mysterious isolated giant right atrial thrombus in a male patient with DCM. The presence of deep vein thrombosis prompted us to investigate for other underlying diseases for his right atrial thrombus. Interestingly, the elevation of two tumor markers indicated the likelihood of cancer-associated thrombosis. Further, the computed tomography demonstrated a spiculated mass in the lower right lung that was confirmed by an endobronchial biopsy as lung squamous cell carcinoma. Consequently, the giant thrombus in the right atrium should be attributed principally to lung squamous cell carcinoma on the background of DCM. After 3 weeks of enoxaparin, the echocardiogram indicated partial resolution of the thrombus. However, the patient suffered sudden death due to pulmonary embolism.
The Tension-Shear and Compression-Shear Joint Strength Model for Unsaturated Clay and Its Application to Slopes
Authors: Kong Xiaoang , Cheng Yongfeng , Zhao Binbin , Liu Yi , Han Jingshan
Published: June 2022

The capillary component and adsorptive component of matric suction differently impact the soil strength. Due to the cavitation effects of pore water, the adsorption effect dominates the behavior of soil when matric suction exceeds the cavitation tension. Based on the binary medium theory, a compression-shear strength model for unsaturated soils considering both capillary effect and adsorption effect is established. Compared with test data, the proposed compression-shear strength model has better prediction performance on the compression-shear strength of soil over a range of wide suction. The soil failure depends both on tension-shear stress and compression-shear stress. The tension-shear coupling mechanism in the soil is first investigated. A concept of closed stress point is introduced to divide the two zones of tension-shear coupling stress and compression-shear stress. According to the compression-shear strength model and tension-shear failure mechanism, the tension-shear and compression-shear joint strength model applicable to plane stress conditions is then established. Compared with test data, the proposed model in this article can better predict the nonlinear strength characteristics of clays and has better applicability. Finally, using the user material subroutine (UMAT), the secondary development of the joint strength model is conducted in ABAQUS and then applied to the slope stability analysis. The calculation results show that the established strength model presents a reasonable description of the development of the tension-shear coupling plastic zone in slope and gives an accurate safety factor.
Optical Dating of Quartz Grains From the Minjiang Fluvial Terraces in the Sonpan Area on the Eastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Han Ye-Song , Zhang Jia-Fu , Liu Geng-Nian , Cui Zhi-Jiu
Published: June 2022

The fluvial terraces along the banks of the Minjiang River are very important for understanding the tectonic activities of the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and have been widely investigated. However, the reliability of the ages previously reported for the terraces needs further evaluation. In this study, the Minjiang River terraces in the Sonpan area from Hongqiaoguan to the Songpan town were investigated and dated using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) techniques on quartz grains. Seven strath terraces (T1–T7) were recognized based on the exposures of fluvial sediment and the elevation of bedrock strath, and two of them have been reported by previous studies. The terrace deposits and overlying loess were sampled for OSL dating. The samples exhibited a large scatter inDe, even for loess samples, which could be attributed to poor bleaching at deposition. However, the OSL ages obtained using the minimum age model were underestimated, and those obtained using the central age model are considered relatively reliable based on stratigraphic and geomorphological consistency and the comparison of the ages between stratigraphically parallel samples. The results show that the loess samples overlying fluvial terrace sediments were deposited later than terrace formation and their OSL ages cannot represent the terrace formation ages. The T1, T3, T4, T5, and T6 terraces were dated to 13.5 ± 0.6, 29.0 ± 1.7, 48.0 ± 3.3, 44.3 ± 5.2 and 63.8 ± 4.7 ka, respectively. The T4 and T5 terraces may be the same terrace with a weighted mean age of 46.9 ± 2.8 ka. The ages of the T2 and T7 terraces were inferred to be ∼20 and ∼80 ka, respectively, based on the relationship between strath ages and elevations of the other terraces. The mean bedrock river incision rates were calculated to be 1.2 ± 0.1 mm/a for the time period of 64 ka for the T6 terrace—14 ka for the T1 terrace, and 0.15 mm/a for the past 14 ka.
Children’s Views of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Preventive Practices: Comparing Verbal and Visual Empirical Evidence
Authors: Christidou Vasilia , Bonoti Fotini , Papadopoulou Pinelopi , Hatzinikita Vassilia , Doumpala Polixeni
Published: June 2022

Despite the growing body of research on the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s wellbeing, few studies so far have explored children’s points of view, while the majority were based on data collected during the first year of the pandemic. The present study attempted to capture children’s views 1 year after the beginning of the pandemic, and to this end, data were collected during Spring 2021 in Greece. Specifically, by combining verbal and visual data, the study attempted to explore children’s views of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 preventive practices. Participants involved 320 children, ranging in age from 4 to 12 years, who were asked to verbally describe and draw (a) Coronavirus and (b) the preventive measures adopted to mitigate the pandemic. Data analysis indicated that overall, children’s views involve elements of scientifically appropriate information since from an early age they are able to describe and depict SARS-CoV-2 in ways that reflect the abundance of available verbal and visual information in the public sphere. Moreover, children recommended suitable COVID-19 preventive practices since their verbal and drawing responses included references to both the Hygienic and Social preventive practices that prevailed during the time of data collection. Age-related differences in children’s views, as well as differences between the two data collection techniques, were also found. Results also showed that children who described SARS-CoV-2 as a virus or a germ tended to report more hygienic practices than those who failed to describe the term appropriately. The findings shed light on the way children form their views of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 and raise research educational implications.
Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Accumulation Is an Independent Risk Factor of Urinary Stone in Young People
Authors: Ye Zixing , Xiao He , Liu Guanghua , Qiao Yi , Zhao Yi , Ji Zhigang , Fan Xiaohong , Li Rongrong , Wang Ou
Published: June 2022

Background

Urinary stones usually start at a young age and tend to recur. Therefore, preventing stone occurrence and recurrence in young people is crucial. We aimed to investigate the association between subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, and stone episodes in young people.

Methods

We retrospectively studied patients aged below 40 years with kidney or ureteral stones. Data on demographic and metabolic characteristics, urolithiasis history, subcutaneous fat area (SFA), and visceral fat area (VFA) were collected. We evaluated the association between SFA or VFA and the occurrence or recurrence of stone episodes using binary logistic regression and Poisson regression analyses.

Results

In total, 120 patients were included. Abdominal obesity, overweight or obesity, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, SFA, and VFA increased with the number of stone episodes (all p < 0.05). The increase in SFA was independently associated with episode occurrence (p = 0.015). Patients with an SFA > 97 cm2 had a higher risk of episode occurrence. SFA and VFA accumulation were independently associated with episode recurrence (all p < 0.05), and SFA had a stronger association than VFA did.

Conclusions

In young people, SFA accumulation is an independent and early risk factor for the occurrence and recurrence of stone episodes. Subcutaneous fat could be a convenient and effective indicator to assess the risk of stone episodes before the development of metabolic disorders.
Autophagy in Bone Remodeling: A Regulator of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Zhu Chenyu , Shen Shiwei , Zhang Shihua , Huang Mei , Zhang Lan , Chen Xi
Published: June 2022

Bone homeostasis involves bone formation and bone resorption, which are processes that maintain skeletal health. Oxidative stress is an independent risk factor, causing the dysfunction of bone homeostasis including osteoblast-induced osteogenesis and osteoclast-induced osteoclastogenesis, thereby leading to bone-related diseases, especially osteoporosis. Autophagy is the main cellular stress response system for the limination of damaged organelles and proteins, and it plays a critical role in the differentiation, apoptosis, and survival of bone cells, including bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs), osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes. High evels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by oxidative stress induce autophagy to protect against cell damage or even apoptosis. Additionally, pathways such as ROS/FOXO3, ROS/AMPK, ROS/Akt/mTOR, and ROS/JNK/c-Jun are involved in the regulation of oxidative stress-induced autophagy in bone cells, including osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts. This review discusses how autophagy regulates bone formation and bone resorption following oxidative stress and summarizes the potential protective mechanisms exerted by autophagy, thereby providing new insights regarding bone remodeling and potential therapeutic targets for osteoporosis.
Anesthesia and Outcome of 33 Surgeries in 24 Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2A (MEN2A) Patients: A National Rare Disease Center’s Experience
Authors: Li Yaohan , Jin Di , Shen Le , Huang Yuguang
Published: June 2022

Background

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) is a rare syndrome that presents as medullary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, and hyperparathyroidism. Experience is lacking in the anesthetic management of patients with this syndrome, particularly in those who present with pheochromocytoma receiving nonpheochromocytoma resection. We aimed to share our experience with the anesthetic management of MEN2A patients.

Method

We retrospectively enrolled 24 MEN2A patients who had received different types of surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2021. All the medical records were reviewed and analyzed.

Result

In total, 33 surgeries were performed in 24 MEN2A patients, with 20 surgeries comprising pheochromocytoma resection in 17 patients. Most of these patients who had received pheochromocytoma resection had typical hemodynamic changes during surgery and anesthesia. Regarding the other 13 nonpheochromocytoma resections in 13 patients, 10 were performed in patients without pheochromocytoma, and 3 surgeries were performed with either functional primary (1, bilateral tumor whose patient refused adrenalectomy) or metastatic pheochromocytoma (2, unresectable and malign tumors developed years after bilateral adrenalectomy). Regarding the latter 3 patients, 1 showed hypertension and tachycardia during anesthesia induction, 1 showed tachycardia during surgery and the other showed stability during surgery. Patients who had received pheochromocytoma resection (n=17) required longer postoperative hospital stays than those who had received nonpheochromocytoma resection without pheochromocytoma (n=10) (5.8 ± 1.8 vs. 4.3 ± 1.6; P = 0.031).

Conclusions

Whenever MEN2A patients are diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, surgical resection of the pheochromocytoma remains the primary choice for MEN2A treatment. Nonpheochromocytoma surgeries performed with existing pheochromocytoma could be risky and require full caution and preparation.
Cover Crops and Mechanical Scarification in the Yield and Industrial Quality of Upland Rice
Authors: Nascimento Vagner do , Arf Orivaldo , Alves Marlene Cristina , Souza Epitácio José de , Silva Paulo Ricardo Teodoro da , Kaneko Flávio Hiroshi , Teixeira Filho Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto , Jalal Arshad , Oliveira Carlos Eduardo da Silva , Sabundjian Michelle Traete , Ferrari Samuel , Prado Evandro Pereira , Lustosa Sobrinho Renato , Al-Hashimi Abdulrahman , Okla Mohammad Kheir , Alwasel Yasmeen Abdelrhaman , AbdElgawad Hamada
Published: June 2022

Mechanical soil scarification and cover crops cultivation are promising tools to minimize surface soil layer compaction in no-tillage systems. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of mechanical soil scarification associated with predecessor and successive growth of cover crops on grain yield and industrial quality of upland rice in a no-tillage system. The research was carried out in randomized block design in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme with four replications in a Rhodic Haplustox soil with a clayey texture. The treatments consisted of five cover crops (Cajanus cajan, Crotalaria juncea, Urochloa ruziziensis, Pennisetum glaucum and fallow) andmechanical soil scarification (without and with). The fallow and C. cajan as a cover crop in mechanical soil scarification increased number of panicles plant−1 while cultivation of C. cajan, P. glaucum and C. juncea as covers crop in without scarification increased number of grains panicle−1, total number of grains panicle−1 and filled grains. Rice milling yield was increased in mechanical soil scarification regardless of the cover crop as well as scarification, and C. cajan as covers crop has increased grain yield of upland rice.
Soil CO2 Efflux Response to Combined Application of Adaptation Technologies, Nitrogen Fertilization, and External Carbon Amendment in Wheat and Barley Field
Authors: Darenova Eva , Findurova Hana , Holub Petr , Klem Karel
Published: June 2022

Agricultural practices applied to increase crop production and secure future food demands can have a large negative impact on the environmental quality. They should be, therefore, also evaluated in terms of an impact on soil organic carbon (C) content and greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of adaptation technology (AT) based on no-till crop sowing into cover crop mulch, nitrogen (N) fertilization, and external C supply in the form of biochar, compost, and composted biochar on soil CO2 efflux (Rs). Rs was measured using a closed gas-exchange system in biweekly to monthly intervals during 2 consecutive years when winter wheat (first year) and spring barley (second year) were cultivated. Biochar, compost, and composted biochar had no significant effects on Rs. N fertilization with the medium fertilizer dose tended to increase Rs compared to the control at the beginning of the growing season, followed by Rs decrease later in the season. On the other hand, fertilization with the maximum fertilizer dose mostly decreased Rs throughout the whole growing season. AT affected the dynamics of Rs substantially, depending on the year, site, and N fertilization, resulting in significant interactions between technology and date of measurement and also between site and technology. However, the mean effect of AT across the whole season was insignificant. The results show that the C increase in the soil that occurs after the application of compost and the combination of composted biochar application with AT is not accompanied by an increase in Rs and, thus, leads to at least short-term C storage in the soil. The reduction in CO2 emissions from soil to the atmosphere under AT represents a positive aspect of such management practice for mitigating climate change.
Analyzing the Mechanism Between Local Government Debts and China’s Economic Development: Spatial Spillover Effects and Environmental Consequences
Authors: Cai Xuesen , Song Xiaowei
Published: June 2022

Under the new normal of economy, a series of active fiscal policies such as tax reduction and fee reduction and new infrastructure construction in China have reduced the source of local government revenue, while the expansion of fiscal expenditure and the widening gap between revenue and expenditure have further exacerbated the motivation of local governments to borrow. Using the spatial econometric model and based on the data of 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2018, this article deeply studies the impact of local government debt on economic growth and its spatial spillover effect and discusses the regional location heterogeneity of this growth effect. The research shows that: (1) local government debt has significantly promoted regional economic growth; (2) the growth promoting effect of local government borrowing has significant spatial spillover; (3) borrowing debt has the greatest effect on promoting economic growth in the central region, followed by the east, and the west is almost unaffected. Therefore, the Chinese government needs to continue to implement an active fiscal policy, improve the promotion and assessment mechanism of local officials, and adhere to the goal of balanced regional development.
Urban Sprawl and Haze Pollution: Based on Raster Data of Haze PM2.5 Concentrations in 283 Cities in Mainland China
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Yang Jian , Jiang Jinqi
Published: June 2022

Incorporating the urban sprawl and its quadratic term into the analytical framework of the environmental Kuznets curve and considers the spatial and threshold effects of pollution, this paper used the raster data of haze PM2.5 concentrations in 283 cities in mainland China to verify the non-linear effects of urban sprawl on urban haze pollution. It finds that: the inter-city spillover effect of haze pollution is significant, and the environmental Kuznets curve holds on haze pollution; there is an inversed “U” relationship between urban population size and haze pollution; the enlarge of the urban built-up area of city would increase haze pollution significantly; the impact of urban population size on haze pollution has a threshold effect that it would decline with the urban built-up area expansion; the coordination between population urbanization and land urbanization has an notable effect on haze pollution that its incoordination in China’s urbanization has aggravated haze pollution in city and this impact would lagged 1–2 period in time.
Can Application of Artificial Intelligence in Enterprises Promote the Corporate Governance?
Authors: Cui Xiuli , Xu Bo , Razzaq Amar
Published: June 2022

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the economy and industry has gradually extended from the macroeconomic to the microeconomic level. Artificial intelligence technology has brought great innovation and impact to the company’s operation and management and has a strong role in promoting the level of corporate governance. Based on an in-depth analysis of the theoretical mechanism of artificial intelligence affecting corporate governance, and based on the balanced panel data of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2020, this paper empirically analyzes the mechanism and intermediary effect of artificial intelligence affecting corporate governance. The study found that AI applications can significantly improve corporate governance levels, and a higher level of artificial intelligence application can produce a higher level of corporate governance. From the perspective of the impact path, artificial intelligence technology can significantly improve the degree of information symmetry required for corporate governance, thereby providing favorable technical conditions and decision support for improving the level of corporate governance. Artificial intelligence technology has a positive and effective impact on corporate governance through the information symmetry effect.
Anthropogenic Induced Beta Diversity in Plant–Pollinator Networks: Dissimilarity, Turnover, and Predictive Power
Authors: White Cian D. , Collier Marcus J. , Stout Jane C.
Published: June 2022

Biogeography has traditionally focused on the distribution of species, while community ecology has sought to explain the patterns of community composition. Species interactions networks have rarely been subjected to such analyses, as modeling tools have only recently been developed for interaction networks. Here, we examine beta diversity of ecological networks using pollination networks sampled along an urbanization and agricultural intensification gradient in east Leinster, Ireland. We show, for the first time, that anthropogenic gradients structure interaction networks, and exert greater structuring force than geographical proximity. We further showed that species turnover, especially of plants, is the major driver of interaction turnover, and that this contribution increased with anthropogenic induced environmental dissimilarity, but not spatial distance. Finally, to explore the extent to which it is possible to predict each of the components of interaction turnover, we compared the predictive performance of models that included site characteristics and interaction properties to models that contained species level effects. We show that if we are to accurately predict interaction turnover, data are required on the species-specific responses to environmental gradients. This study highlights the importance of anthropogenic disturbances when considering the biogeography of interaction networks, especially in human dominated landscapes where geographical effects can be secondary sources of variation. Yet, to build a predictive science of the biogeography of interaction networks, further species-specific responses need to be incorporated into interaction distribution modeling approaches.
Variation Among Species and Populations, and Carry-Over Effects of Winter Exposure on Mercury Accumulation in Small Petrels
Authors: Quillfeldt Petra , Cherel Yves , Navarro Joan , Phillips Richard A. , Masello Juan F. , Suazo Cristián G. , Delord Karine , Bustamante Paco
Published: June 2022

Even in areas as remote as the Southern Ocean, marine organisms are exposed to contaminants that arrive through long-range atmospheric transport, such as mercury (Hg), a highly toxic metal. In previous studies in the Southern Ocean, inter-specific differences in Hg contamination in seabirds was generally related to their distribution and trophic position. However, the Blue Petrel (Halobaena caerulea) was a notable exception among small seabirds, with higher Hg levels than expected. In this study, we compared the Hg contamination of Blue Petrels and Thin-billed Prions (Pachyptila belcheri), which both spend the non-breeding season in polar waters, with that of Antarctic Prions (Pachyptila desolata), which spend the winter in subtropical waters. We collected body feathers and blood samples, representing exposure during different time-frames. Hg concentrations in feathers, which reflect contamination throughout the annual cycle, were related to δ13C values, and varied with ocean basin and species. Blue Petrels from breeding colonies in the southeast Pacific Ocean had much higher feather Hg concentrations than expected after accounting for latitude and their low trophic positions. Both Hg concentrations and δ15N in blood samples of Blue Petrels were much lower at the end than at the start of the breeding period, indicating a marked decline in Hg contamination and trophic positions, and the carry-over of Hg burdens between the wintering and breeding periods. Elevated Hg levels may reflect greater reliance on myctophids or foraging in sea-ice environments. Our study underlines that carry-over of Hg concentrations in prey consumed in winter may determine body Hg burdens well into the breeding season.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Cellular and Transcriptional Changes Associated With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Xing Jin , Ren Li , Xu Hao , Zhao Liang , Wang Zhi-Han , Hu Guang-Dong , Wei Zi-Long
Published: June 2022

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is currently a substantial public health problem and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, the cellular and transcriptional changes in TBI at single-cell level have not been well characterized. In this study, we reanalyzed a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset of mouse hippocampus to identify the key cellular and transcriptional changes associated with TBI. Specifically, we found that oligodendrocytes were the most abundant cell type in mouse hippocampus, and detected an expanded astrocyte population, which was significantly activated in TBI. The enhanced activity of inflammatory response-related pathways in the astrocytes of TBI samples suggested that the astrocytes, along with microglia, which were the major brain-resident immune cells, were responsible for inflammation in the acute phase of TBI. Hormone secretion, transport, and exocytosis were found upregulated in the excitatory neurons of TBI, which gave us a hint that excitatory neurons might excessively transport and excrete glutamate in response to TBI. Moreover, the ependymal subpopulation C0 was TBI-specific and characterized by downregulated cilium movement, indicating that the attenuated activity of cilium movement following TBI might decrease cerebrospinal fluid flow. Furthermore, we observed that downregulated genes in response to candesartan treatment were preferentially expressed in excitatory neurons and were related to pathways like neuronal systems and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, indicating that candesartan might promote recovery of neurons after traumatic brain injury via mediating neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions and reducing excitotoxicity. In conclusion, our study identified key cell types in TBI, which improved our understanding of the cellular and transcriptional changes after TBI and offered an insight into the molecular mechanisms that could serve as therapeutic targets.
RNA-SSNV: A Reliable Somatic Single Nucleotide Variant Identification Framework for Bulk RNA-Seq Data
Authors: Long Qihan , Yuan Yangyang , Li Miaoxin
Published: June 2022

The usage of expressed somatic mutations may have a unique advantage in identifying active cancer driver mutations. However, accurately calling mutations from RNA-seq data is difficult due to confounding factors such as RNA-editing, reverse transcription, and gap alignment. In the present study, we proposed a framework (named RNA-SSNV, https://github.com/pmglab/RNA-SSNV) to call somatic single nucleotide variants (SSNV) from tumor bulk RNA-seq data. Based on a comprehensive multi-filtering strategy and a machine-learning classification model trained with comprehensively curated features, RNA-SSNV achieved the best precision–recall rate (0.880–0.884) in a testing dataset and robustly retained 0.94 AUC for the precision–recall curve in three validation adult-based TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) datasets. We further showed that the somatic mutations called by RNA-SSNV tended to have a higher functional impact and therapeutic power in known driver genes. Furthermore, VAF (variant allele fraction) analysis revealed that subclonal harboring expressed mutations had evolutional selection advantage and RNA had higher detection power to rescue DNA-omitted mutations. In sum, RNA-SSNV will be a useful approach to accurately call expressed somatic mutations for a more insightful analysis of cancer drive genes and carcinogenic mechanisms.
MicroRNAs miR-142-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-320a-3p, and miR-4433b-5p in Serum and Tissue: Potential Biomarkers in Sporadic Breast Cancer
Authors: Carvalho Tamyres Mingorance , Brasil Guillermo Ortiz , Jucoski Tayana Schultz , Adamoski Douglas , Lima Rubens Silveira de , Spautz Cleverton C. , Anselmi Karina Furlan , Ozawa Patricia Midori Murobushi , Cavalli Iglenir João , Carvalho de Oliveira Jaqueline , Gradia Daniela Fiori , Ribeiro Enilze Maria de Souza Fonseca
Published: June 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease, and establishing biomarkers is essential to patient management. We previously described that extracellular vesicle–derived miRNAs (EV-miRNAs) miR-142-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-320a, and miR-4433b-5p in serum discriminated BC from control samples, either alone or combined in a panel. Using these previously described markers, we intend to evaluate whether the same markers identified in EVs are also potential biomarkers in tissue and serum. Expression analysis using RT-qPCR was performed using serum of 67 breast cancer patients (BC-S), 19 serum controls (CT), 83 fresh tumor tissues (BC-T), and 29 adjacent nontumor tissue samples (NT). In addition, analysis from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data (832 BC-T and 136 NT) was performed. In all comparisons, we found concordant high expression levels of miR-320a and miR-4433b-5p in BC-S compared to CT in both EVs and cell-free miRNAs (cf-miRNAs). Although miR-150-5p and miR-142-5p were not found to be differentially expressed in serum, panels including these miRNAs improved sensitivity and specificity, supporting our previous findings in EVs. Fresh tissue and data from the TCGA database had, in most comparisons, an opposite behavior when compared to serum and EVs: lower levels of all miRNAs in BC-T than those in NT samples. TCGA analyses revealed reduced expression levels of miR-150-5p and miR-320a-3p in BC-T than those in NT samples and the overexpression of miR-142-5p in BC-T, unlike our RT-qPCR results from tissue in the Brazilian cohort. The fresh tissue analysis showed that all miRNAs individually could discriminate between BC-T and NT in the Brazilian cohort, with high sensitivity and sensibility. Furthermore, combining panels showed higher AUC values and improved sensitivity and specificity. In addition, lower levels of miR-320a-3p in serum were associated with poor overall survival in BC Brazilian patients. In summary, we observed that miR-320a and miR-4433b-5p distinguished BC from controls with high specificity and sensibility, regardless of the sample source. In addition, lower levels of miR-150-5p and higher levels of miR-142-5p were statistically significant biomarkers in tissue, according to TCGA. When combined in panels, all combinations could distinguish BC patients from controls. These results highlight a potential application of these miRNAs as BC biomarkers.
Genome-Wide Identification and Comparative Analysis of WOX Genes in Four Euphorbiaceae Species and Their Expression Patterns in Jatropha curcas
Authors: Wang Zhanjun , Cai Qianwen , Xia Haimeng , Han Bingqing , Li Minhui , Wang Yue , Zhu Minhui , Jiao Chunyan , Wang Dandan , Zhu Junjie , Yuan Wenya , Zhu Di , Xu Congcong , Wang Hongyan , Zhou Minghui , Zhang Xie , Shi Jisen , Chen Jinhui
Published: June 2022

The WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) proteins are widely distributed in plants and play important regulatory roles in growth and development processes such as embryonic development and organ development. Here, series of bioinformatics methods were utilized to unravel the structural basis and genetic hierarchy of WOX genes, followed by regulation of the WOX genes in four Euphorbiaceae species. A genome-wide survey identified 59 WOX genes in Hevea brasiliensis (H. brasiliensis: 20 genes), Jatropha curcas (J. curcas: 10 genes), Manihot esculenta (M. esculenta: 18 genes), and Ricinus communis (R. communis: 11 genes). The phylogenetic analysis revealed that these WOX members could be clustered into three close proximal clades, such as namely ancient, intermediate and modern/WUS clades. In addition, gene structures and conserved motif analyses further validated that the WOX genes were conserved within each phylogenetic clade. These results suggested the relationships among WOX members in the four Euphorbiaceae species. We found that WOX genes in H. brasiliensis and M. esculenta exhibit close genetic relationship with J. curcas and R. communis. Additionally, the presence of various cis-acting regulatory elements in the promoter of J. curcas WOX genes (JcWOXs) reflected distinct functions. These speculations were further validated with the differential expression profiles of various JcWOXs in seeds, reflecting the importance of two JcWOX genes (JcWOX6 and JcWOX13) during plant growth and development. Our quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis demonstrated that the JcWOX11 gene plays an indispensable role in regulating plant callus. Taken together, the present study reports the comprehensive characteristics and relationships of WOX genes in four Euphorbiaceae species, providing new insights into their characterization.