bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploiting Blockchain and Secure Access Control Scheme to Enhance Privacy-Preserving of IoT Publish-Subscribe System
Authors: Tian Hongliang , Ge Xiaonan , Wang Jiayue , Li Chenxi
Published: June 2021

With the dramatically increasing deployment of intelligent devices, the Internet of Things (IoT) has attracted more attention and developed rapidly. It effectively collects and shares data from the surrounding environment to achieve better IoT services. For data sharing, the publish-subscribe (PS) paradigm provides a loosely-coupled and scalable communication model. However, due to the loosely-coupled nature, it is vulnerable to many attacks, resulting in some security threats to the IoT system, but it cannot provide the basic security mechanisms such as authentication and confidentiality to ensure the data security. Thus, in order to protect the system security and users’ privacy, this paper presents a secure blockchain based privacy-preserving access control scheme for PS system, which adopt the fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) to ensure the confidentiality of the publishing events, and leverage the ledger to store the large volume of data events and access cross-domain information. Finally, we analyze the correctness and security of our scheme, moreover, we deploy our proposed prototype system on two computers, and evaluate its performance. The experimental results show that our PS system can efficiently achieve the equilibrium between the system cost and the security requirement.
Biodegradation of p-xylene – A comparison for three Cold-active Pseudomonas strains
Authors: Miri Saba , Rasooli Azadeh , Brar Satinder Kaur , Rouissi Tarek , Martel Richard
Published: June 2021

p-xylene is considered a recalcitrant compound despite the similar aromatic structure with BTE (Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene). This study evaluated the biodegradation potential of p-xylene by three cold-active Pseudomonas strains (named Pseudomonas putida S2TR-01, Pseudomonas S2TR-20, and Pseudomonas S2TR-09). The catabolic genes (xylM, xylA and xylE) and their regulatory genes (xylR and xylS) were investigated for the p-xylene metabolism. The biodegradation results showed that only strain S2TR-09 was able to degrade 200 mg/L of p-xylene after 60 h at 15 °C. The gene expression study indicated that xylE (encoding catechol 2, 3-dioxygenase) represents the bottleneck for p-xylene biodegradation and lack of its expression leads to the accumulation of intermediates and inhibits biomass production as well as carbon recovery. The activity of xylene monooxygenase and catechol 2,3 dioxygenase was significantly high in P. azotoformans S2TR-09 (0.5 and 0.08 U/mg) in the presence of p-xylene. The expression of ring cleavage enzyme, its encoding genes (xylE), and its activator (xylS) enabled to link the differences in p-xylene metabolism and can be used as a novel biomarker for efficient p-xylene biodegradation in contaminated sites.
Jackfruit trees as seed attractors and nurses of early recruitment of native plant species in a secondary forest in Brazil.
Authors: Gomes Milena , Cazetta Eliana , Bovendorp Ricardo , Faria Deborah
Published: June 2021

The Atlantic Forest is one of the most threatened tropical forests in the world, being drastically reduced, fragmented and disturbed. The drastic process of anthropic occupation and exploitation of this biome has, in many cases, led to the introduction of exotic species, such as the jackfruits (Artocarpus heterophyllus). However, studies on the influence of jackfruits on the native biota are still scarce. Here we investigated the influence of fruit trees on the seed rain and early recruitment of seedlings in native remnants, comparing these patterns with those observed for a native species tapirira (Tapirira guianensis), which similarly to jackfruits, produces many fruits thruought the year, attracting a variety of frugivore species. Seed rain and seedlings observed under the jackfruits were both more abundant and equally rich to the assemblages reported under the native tapirira trees. In both species, co-specifics comprise a large part of the number of seeds (> 70%) and seedlings (> 45%) individuals and, although they attract similar seed assemblages, seedling composition diverge, particularly when co-specifics are excluded. We reported that jackfruits can attract a diverse seed and seedling assemblages, and we find no evidence that the presence of jackfruits negatively affects the arrival and initial recruitment of native plant species in the study area. These results should be analysed with caution but considered when evaluating costs and benefits of management options to control exotic species.
The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Clerodendranthus Spicatus, A Medicinal Plant For Preventing And Treating Kidney Diseases From Lamiaceae Family
Authors: Du Qing , Jiang Mei , Sun Sihui , Wang Liqiang , Liu Shengyu , Jiang Chuanbei , Gao Haidong , Chen Haimei , Liu Chang
Published: June 2021

Clerodendranthus spicatus (Thunb.) C.Y.Wu is one of the most important medicine for the treatment of nephrology which distributes in south-east of China. In this study, we obtained the complete chloroplast genome of C. spicatus with a length of 152155bp, including a large single copy (LSC) region of 83098bp, small single copy (SSC) region of 17665bp and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25696bp with the GC content of 37.86%. The genome contains 36 tRNA, 8 rRNA and 87 protein-coding genes. Most of them have one intron except the ycf3, rps12 and clpP genes. The length of rRNAs varies from 131bp to 2811bp and the GC contents are between 45.28% and 56.54%. The frequency of Isoleucine is fruitful accounting for 4.17%. The codons of AUG, UUA and AGA codon had presence of higher codon usage bias. For the repetitive sequence analysis, Thirty-six tandem repeats were identified with certain conditions. Forty interspersed repeats were identified, including 22 palindromic repeats and 18 direct repeats. The diverse positions of the specific rps19, ycf1, rpl2, trnH, psbA genes within the IR boundary analysis. The genetic distance analysis of the intergenic spacer regions for 5 relative species showed the areas of ndhG-ndhI, accD-psaI, rps15-ycf1, rpl20-clpP, ccsA-ndhD had high K2p value to distinguish the species through developing the molecular markers. From phylogenetic tree, C. spicatu was closely related to the genus of two Salvia speices, Tectona grandis, Cistanche deserticola and Glechoma longituba belonged to the Lamiales.
It’s How We Practice That Matters: Professional Identity Formation and Legitimate Peripheral Participation in Medical Students: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Orsmond Paul , McMillan Helen , Zvauya Remigio
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe process of Legitimate Peripheral Participation (LPP) within a community of practice framework (CoP) was used to explore graduate entry medical students’ professional identity formation (PIF) during their first year of study. A conceptual model has been developed that can be used by medical educators to better understand PIF and to aid the explicit incorporation of PIF activity within the undergraduate curriculum. MethodsTen students from one UK medical school participated in the longitudinal study and were interviewed at three points during the first year. Semi-structured group interviews were used to explore students’ experience of the clinical environment and the nature of their interactions with both clinicians and patients in a community-based medicine practice. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify overarching themes which are represented as facets in the model of PIF. ResultsResults demonstrate that students are legitimately peripherally participating within both medical student CoPs and wider medical CoPs. Themes identified within the narratives have allowed the development of a new model to understand PIF within the context of LPP in a CoP. This has five facets: Awareness, Collaboration, Negotiation, Evaluation and Realisation. Sophisticated reflection-in-action is shown to be an important aspect of PIF and enables a more conscious understanding of the change that is occurring in our students. ConclusionPIF is a complex, non-linear process that is supported by reflection-in-action and early student introduction to clinical practice. It can be recognised in students’ narratives in their changing use of language, their understanding of the medical COP, and their evolving relational participation with those around them. This study adds to those that have previously explored PIF. The model of PIF developed in this study illustrates how experiences in the clinical environment support PIF. Medical educators may find this model helpful when considering how PIF can be explicitly encouraged in the medical curriculum and how reflection may be used for the purpose of identity change.
Air Pollutants Reduce The Physical Activity Of Professional Soccer Players.
Authors: Zacharko Michał , Cichowicz Robert , Andrzejewski Marcin , Chmura Paweł , Kowalczuk Edward , Chmura Jan , Konefał Marek
Published: June 2021

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of air quality – analyzed on the basis of the model of integrating three types of air pollutants (ozone – O3, particulate matter - PM, nitrogen dioxide – NO2) – on the physical activity of soccer players. Study material consisted of 8927 individual match observations of 461 players competing in the German Bundesliga during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 domestic seasons. The measured indices included players’ physical activities: total distance (TD) and high intensity effort (HIE). Statistical analysis showed that with increasing levels of air pollution, both TD (F = 13.900(3); p = 0.001) and HIE (F = 8.060(3); p = 0.001) decrease significantly. The worsening of just one parameter of air pollution results in a significant reduction in performance. This is important information as air pollution is currently a considerable problem for many countries. Improving air quality during training sessions and sports competitions will result in better well-being and sporting performance of athletes, and will also help protect athletes from negative health effects caused by air pollution.
Pacific Decadal Oscillation Causes Fewer
Near-Equatorial Cyclones in North Indian Ocean
Authors: Roose Shinto , Ravindran Ajayamohan , Ray Pallav , Xie Shang-Ping , Sabeerali Cherumadanakadan Thelliyil , Mohapatra M , Taraphdar Sourav , Mohanakumar Kesavapillai , Rajeevan M
Published: June 2021

Tropical cyclones do not form easily near the equator but can intensify rapidly, leaving little time for preparation. We investigated the number of near-equatorial (originating between 5°N and 11°N) tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean during post-monsoon seasons (October to December) over the past 60 years. A marked 43% decline in the number of such cyclones was detected in recent decades (1981-2010) compared to earlier (1951-1980). This decline in tropical cyclone frequency is primarily due to the weakened low-level vorticity modulated by the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). In the presence of basin-wide warming at low latitudes, and a favorable phase of the PDO, both the intensity and frequency of such cyclones is expected to increase. Such dramatic and unique changes in tropical cyclonic activity due to the interplay between natural variability and climate change call for appropriate planning and mitigation strategies.
Identification of the Combining Ability of Grain Yield and Its Components in Hybrid Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.) Populations Based on Top Cross Analysis
Authors: Akhmedova Gulmira , Tokhetova Laura , Serikbai Umirzakov , Demesinova Ainur , Tautenov Ibadulla , Bekzhanov Serik , Omarov Kali , Shayanbekova Bakhytzhan
Published: June 2021

The top cross method for assessing combining ability more economical and less laborious compared to diallel analysis, and also allows the breeder to obtain quite valuable information about the inbred material. In this research, the determination of the general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) hybrids in two regions of Kazakhstan contrasting in soil and climatic conditions, the role of additive and non-additive genes in the determination of the traits under study has been revealed. It is concluded that the predominance of additive gene interactions in the control of the traits understudying the conditions of the Aral Sea region indicates the possibility of effective selection already in the F2 generation, and in the piedmont zone of the Almaty region, due to the high determination of these traits by dominant genes, it is necessary to differentiate the populations of hybrids, starting from the first generation and further selection shall be carried out in several cycles until the achievement of homozygosity of loci carrying dominant genes. Consequently, the genetic contribution of the additive and non-additive effects of genes to the determination and inheritance of the studied traits significantly depends on the conditions of growing the genotypes of spring barley. Of greatest practical interest are the varieties Rihane, WI2291/Roho/WI2269 from the International Center ICARDA and the variety-tester Odessa 100 (Odessa Selection and Genetic Institute, Ukraine) with high GCA and SCA effects, little dependent on growing conditions, which are recommended to be used as reliable donors in breeding programs.
Effect of Intensive Training on Stroke Prevention and Management Ability of Community Doctors: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhong Xuemin , Huang Yao , He Lanying , Wang Jian
Published: June 2021

Background: Prevention and treatment of stroke are very important to reduce the incidence of stroke-related disability and the associated death. This study aimed to investigate the current ability of community doctors in stroke management in the Jinjiang district of Chengdu, China, and the effect of intensive training on stroke prevention and management ability of these doctors.Methods: A self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate the current status of stroke management by community doctors in the Jinjiang district. Subsequently, a series of intensive stroke management training courses for community doctors was designed according to the relevant guidelines for cerebrovascular accident prevention and treatment in China. All community doctors were trained, and their ability to treat and prevent stroke was reassessed using the self-designed questionnaire.Results: Of the 450 questionnaires issued, 370 (74%) and 389 (77.8%) community doctors were enrolled before and after intensive training, respectively. The results showed that the stroke management ability of community doctors improved after intensive training (p < 0.05), including pre-hospital identification and management of stroke, and management of its risk factors.Conclusions: The stroke management ability of community doctors in the Jinjiang district of Chengdu can be improved by promoting intensive training.
On the Sustainability Performance of the European Union’s Economic Recovery Strategy – A Case Study with Lessons for Policymakers
Authors: Zachariadis Theodoros
Published: June 2021

The European Union pursues an economic recovery strategy with explicit environmental considerations but less clear alignment with broader sustainable development objectives. Using as a case study one national Recovery Plan that was published in May 2021, we perform a rapid but detailed sustainability assessment of its measures. At times when policymakers need immediate advice, this framework helps identify weaknesses and guide the inclusion of sustainability-oriented policies in national budgets.
Novel P/Si Based Nanoparticles for Durable Flame Retardant Application on Cotton
Authors: Li Na , Chen Panpan , Liu Dongni , Kang Gaowei , Liu Liu , Xu Liyun , Yu Jianyong , Li Faxue , Wu Dequn
Published: June 2021

Cotton fibers as original materials of cotton fabrics have a widely application due to its perfect hygroscopicity, air permeability and largest annual output. However, cotton materials have potential safety hazard during its application because of flammability (limiting oxygen index is about 18%). In order to improve the flame retardancy of cotton fibers and reduce the damage of its mechanical properties, novel P/Si based flame retardant (PFR) nanoparticles were synthesized by one-step radical polymerization. Vinyl phosphoric acid and tetramethyl divinyl disiloxane were introduced into the nanoparticles. The structure, morphology and thermal stability of PFR was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), thermogravimetric analysis test (TGA). Durable flame retardant cotton fibers were prepared by dip-coating and plasma induced crosslinking methods. Micro-calorimeter (MCC) characterization showed that the peak of heat release rate (pHRR) and the total heat release were reduced by 47.3% and 29.8% for modified cotton fibers compared with pure cotton fibers. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) of modified cotton fibers was increased to 27%. The residue carbon of modified cotton fibers was 19.0% at 700 o C, while the value of pure cotton fibers was 3.0%. Besides, durability of the modified cotton fibers was approved by cyclic washing test. In addition, flame retardant mechanism was revealed by collecting and analyzing condensed and gaseous pyrolysis products. The data of FE-SEM for residue carbon, FT-IR spectra of products at different pyrolysis temperatures and pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) showed that PFR was a synergistic flame retardant contained barrier and quenching effecting applied on cotton materials.
The Dynamics of Carbon on Green Energy Equity Investment: Utilizing the Quantile-on-Quantile and Quantile Coherency Approach
Authors: Mo Bin , Li Zhenghui , meng juan
Published: June 2021

we analyze the dynamic correlation between the carbon price and the stock returns of green energy companies and calculate the hedging effect of the carbon price on stock returns in green energy sectors. The results show that the coefficients of the carbon price change with time and are vulnerable to extreme events like the COVID-19. The quantile-on-quantile (QQ) model results reveal a dynamic effect from the carbon price to the stock returns of green energy sectors. The quantile coherency (QC) approach results show that investors can benefit more in the short term with high-frequency trading to hedge between carbon trading and the green energy stock market. What’s more, the hedging effects are heterogenetic and investors should adjust their hedging strategies in different quantiles.
The Art of Counselling in the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer: Explorative Investigation Among Perceptions of Health Professionals in Southern Italy.
Authors: Addeo Raffaele , Bocchetti Marco , Perri Francesco , Salvato Angela , Bocchino Ida , Luce Amalia , Caraglia Michele
Published: June 2021

Background. Recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) patients show a poor prognosis, which has not changed significantly for 30 years. Preserve the quality of life represent a primary aim for this subset of patients.Methods. A group of 19 nineteen physicians, working in South of Italy, and daily involved in H&N cancer care took an online anonymous survey aiming to disclose the knowledge level and communication techniques application in the daily patients care. Results. Several specialists consider that patient involvement in therapeutic choices is mandatory. The main obstacles for a complete and reciprocate communication still consist in the lack of time and staff but also in the need for greater organization, which goes beyond the multidisciplinary strategy already used. Conclusions. A greater impulse to training and updating on issues related to counselling my improve communication between the different clinicians involved in the treatment plan.
Chinese Aid Guyana Medical Team Member HAMA Under the COVID-19 Epidemic Correlation Study with TCSQ
Authors: Zhengxi Jin , Xiangxin Zhang , Zhiming Qiao
Published: June 2021

[Purpose]: To understand the mental health level (HAMA) and trait coping style (TCSQ) of the Chinese aid Guyana medical team members (CAGMTM) under the new coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, in order to take effective measures to improve the CAGMTM Mental health provides a theoretical basis. [Method]: From October 2020 to March 2021, the team members have worked and lived in Guyana for 6 months. The mental health level (Hamilton Anxiety Scale, HAMA) and trait coping styles were investigated for 16 team members who aided Guyana. [Results]: The HAMA score of the CAGMTM was (14.75±5.12); 14 doctors had a score of (15.57+6.01); 2 chefs had a score of (17.5+7.78). The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that among the CAGMTM. Whether there are team members in isolation (t=3.383, p<0.05), and whether any medical staff in the hospital where the CAGMTM are located have tested positive for COVID-19 (t=-2.831, p<0.05) are important factors affecting the mental health of the team members during the epidemic. factor. The score of active coping in the coping style is (29.38±6.28) points, which is lower than the Chinese conventional model (t=-0.392, p<0.05); the negative coping score is (30.37±5.05) points, which is higher than the Chinese conventional model (t=4.908) , p<0.05); the HAMA score of the CAGMTM in the COVID-19 epidemic was negatively correlated with the positive response in TCSQ (r=-0.654, p<0.05); the HAMA score was positively correlated with the negative response in TCSQ (r=0.654) ,p<0.05). [Conclusion]: The mental health level of the CAGMTM under the COVID-19 epidemic is closely related to their idiosyncratic coping styles. For foreign aid medical team members working in countries with severe epidemics, attention should be paid to the mental health of foreign aid medical team members, timely intervention should be given, and psychological counseling should be carried out regularly, so that the aid team members can work and live better.
Low-Dose Cold Atmospheric Plasma Promoting Schwann Cells Proliferation By Activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Ge Bibo , Bao Jie , Chen Jinwu , Xu Xinzhong , Jing Juehua , Song Wencheng , Xu Chungui
Published: June 2021

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is an emerging technology that has attracted the attention of many researchers in many fields and disciplines. In this study, a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma device was used to treat Schwann cells (SCs) cultured in vitro, and the effect of CAP on SCs proliferation was evaluated by cell morphology, cell viability, cell cycle and expression of related proteins in SCs. The results showed that the production of intracellular ROS and RNS increased with the increase of CAP treatment time. Compared with the control group, the proliferation of SCs treated with CAP for less than 14 s significantly increased, and and then gradually decreased. Besides, the cell cycle results also showed that more cells were in the S+G2/M phase at this time.The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was activated by low-dose CAP, and the expression of cyclinD1 was consistent with the trend of cell proliferation. In addition, n-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) preconditioning significantly prevented CAP-induced cellular changes. In conclusion, low-dose CAP-induced of SCs proliferation was closely related to the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This study provides a new idea for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury.
Copper Sulfate Drowning: A Case Report
Authors: zhu xiuqi , Wang Shengchao , Zheng honjuan , Ji Xuqing , Li Ji , He Jingmei , Zhu Li , Xu Xiao , Chen Kun
Published: June 2021

Cases of copper sulfate poisoning are rarely reported with a higher mortality rate. Herein, we reported a middle-aged man who had a copper sulfate drowning accident at work, resulting in airway damage, respiratory failure, intravascular hemolysis, hemolytic anemia, impaired liver function, and skin and conjunctival damage. After the rapid and effective treatments, including plasma exchange, irrigation under tracheoscopy, blood transfusion, liver and kidney protection and chelation therapy, the patient finally recovered and was discharged from hospital.
The Expression and Clinical Significance of Programmed Cell Death Receptor 1 and Its Ligand in Tumor Tissues of Patients with Extranodal Nasal NK/T Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Feng Yu , Feng Xia , Jing Caixia , Yu Xinmei , Xu Caigang
Published: June 2021

Appropriate biomarkers may help distinguish the biological behavior of different types of lymphoma and their response to traditional chemotherapy. Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL) belong to different subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the biological behavior and prognosis of them are very different, programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) have been investigated in these two types of diseases. However, few studies addressed the difference of PD-1/PD-L1 levels between ENKTL and DLBCL, in order to find out the difference and related clinical application value, the clinical data and tumor tissue paraffin sections of 24 newly diagnosed ENKTL patients and 42 newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) were collected. PD-1/PD-L1 levels in tumor tissues were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The relationship between the PD-1/PD-L1 levels and clinical data of patients with ENKTL patients was analyzed. Both patient groups showed PD-1 level in tumor tissue of ENKTL patients was significantly lower than that of DLBCL patients (P < 0.05), while the PD-L1 level in tumor tissues of ENKTL patients was not different from DLBCL (P < 0.05). In addition, the ENKTL patients with B symptoms, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and decreased hemoglobin (HGB) concentrations had lower level of PD-1 in tumor tissue. PD-L1 level in tumor tissues, the LDH level, Epstein-Barr genome (EBV-DNA) copy and Ki-67 index may affect the efficacy of ENKTL patients (P < 0.05), but they were not independent factors. PD-L1 levels in tumor tissues has clinical significance in ENKTL patients, which suggested that the PD-1/PD-L1 signal pathway may be involved in the immune escape of ENKTL and play different roles in different lymphoma subtypes.
Arterial Lactate Concentration At The End of Liver Transplantation is Independently Associated with One-Year Mortality
Authors: Coeckelenbergh Sean , Drouard Leonard , Ickx Brigitte , Lucidi Valerio , Germanova Dessy , Desebbe Olivier , Moussa Maya , Naili Salima , Vibert Eric , Samuel Didier , Duranteau Jacques , Vincent Jean-Louis , Rinehart Joseph , Linden Philippe Van der , Joosten Alexandre
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUNDLiver transplant patients who develop hyperlactatemia are at increased risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality, but there are few data on longer-term outcomes. We therefore investigated whether arterial lactate concentration obtained immediately after surgery, at the time of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), was associated with 1-year mortality. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, all patients who underwent liver transplant surgery between September 2013 and December 2019 were screened for inclusion. Patients who underwent combined transplantation surgery and those with a history of previous liver transplantation (i.e., redo surgery) were not included. Logistic regression modeling included univariate and multivariate analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and areas under the curves (AUROCs) were calculated. Lactate thresholds and association with outcome were analyzed for specificity, sensitivity, and Youden’s index.RESULTS: Of 226 patients included, 18.4% died within 1-year of liver transplantation. Immediate postoperative lactate concentration was independently associated with 1-year mortality with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.35 (95% CI: 1.16 to 1.59; p<0.001) per mEq/L increase in lactate and an AUROC of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.72 to 0.87; p<0.001). A lactate concentration of 2.25 mEq/L (cut-off determined using Youden’s index) was associated with increased 1-year mortality with a sensitivity of 0.71 and a specificity of 0.72. CONCLUSION: Increased arterial lactate concentration on admission to the ICU immediately after orthotopic liver transplantation is independently associated with increased 1-year mortality.Trial Registration: Not Applicable
Genetic mechanisms underlying East Asian and European Facial differentiation
Authors: Wang Sijia , Zhang Manfei , Wu Sijie , Du Siyuan , Qian Wei , Chen Jieyi , Qiao Lu , Yang Yajun , Tan Jingze , Navarro Nicolas , Tang Kun , Ruiz-Linares Andres , Claes Peter , Jin Li , Li Jiarui
Published: June 2021

Facial morphology, the most conspicuous feature of human appearance, is highly heritable. Previous studies on the genetic basis of facial morphology were mainly performed in European populations. Applying a proven data-driven phenotyping and multivariate genome-wide scanning protocol to the largest collection of 3D facial images of an East Asian population to date, we identified 244 leading variants associated with normal-range facial variation, of which 130 are novel. A newly proposed polygenic shape analysis indicates that the effects of the variants on East Asian facial shape can be generalized into the European population. Based on this analysis, we further identified 13 variants mainly related to differences between European and East Asian facial shape. Natural selection analyses suggest that the difference in European and East Asian nose shape is caused by a directional selection, mainly due to a local adaptation in Europeans. Our results expand the knowledge of human facial genetics and illustrates for the first time the underlying genetic basis for facial differences across populations.
NtrC, The Master Regulator Controls the Utilization of Alternative Nitrogen Sources in Pseudomonas Stutzeri A1501
Authors: Yang Zhimin , Li Qin , Yan Yongliang , Ke Xiubin , Han Yueyue , Wu Shaoyu , Lv Fanyang , Shao Yahui , Jiang Shanshan , Lin Min , Zhang Yunhua , Zhan Yuhua
Published: June 2021

Pseudomonas stutzeri A1501 is the model strain for studying associative nitrogen fixation and possesses the nitrogen regulatory NtrC protein in the core genome. Nitrogen source is one of the important factors affecting the efficiency of biological nitrogen fixation in the natural environment. However, the regulation of NtrC in nitrogen metabolism of P. stutzeri A1501 is not clear. In this work, phenotypic analysis of the ntrC mutant characterized the roles of NtrC for the nitrogen metabolism and oxidative stress response of P. stutzeri A1501. To systematically identify NtrC-controlled gene expression, RNA-seq was performed to further analyze the gene expression differences between the wild type strain and the ∆ntrC mutant under nitrogen fixation conditions. A total of 1431 genes were found to be significantly altered by the ntrC deletion, among which 147 associative genes had NtrC-binding sites, and pathways for nitrogen fixation regulation, the acquisition and catabolism of nitrogenous compounds and nitrate assimilation were particularly discussed. Furthermore, the oxidative stress-related gene (katB), upregulated by the ntrC deletion, was suggested to be the potential target gene of NtrC, underlining the importance of NtrC to nitrogenase protection against oxygen damage. Based on these findings, we propose that NtrC is a high-ranked element in the regulatory network of P. stutzeri A1501 that controls a variety of nitrogen metabolic and oxidative stress responsive traits required for adaptation to complex rhizosphere environment.
Tight Gas Reservoir Dynamic Reserve Calculation with Modified Flowing Material Balance Method
Authors: He Jie , Guo Xiangdong , Cui Hongjun , Lei Kaiyu , Lei Yanyun , Zhou Lin , Liu Qinghai , Zhu Yushuang , Liu Linyu
Published: June 2021

The determination of dynamic reserves of gas well is an important basis for rational production allocation and development of a single well. The commonly used flow material balance method (FMB method) uses the slope of the curve of wellhead pressure and cumulative production after stable production of gas well to replace the slope of the curve of average formation pressure and cumulative production to calculate the controlled reserves of single well. However, based on the theoretical calculation, the FMB method ignores the change of natural gas compression coefficient, viscosity and deviation coefficient in the production process. After considering these changes, the slope of the curve of the relationship between bottom hole pressure and cumulative production and the slope of the curve of the relationship between average formation pressure and cumulative production are not equal. In order to solve this problem, the influence of pressure on each parameter is considered, and the equation of modified flowing material balance method is derived. The application of Yan'an gas field in Ordos Basin shows that: compared with the results of the material balance method, the result of the flow material balance method is smaller, and the maximum error is 58.816%. The consequence of the modified mobile material balance method is more accurate, and the average error is 2.114%, which has good applicability. This study provides technical support for an accurate evaluation of dynamic reserves of tight gas wells in Yan'an gas field, and has important guiding significance for economic and efficient development of gas reservoir.
Immuno-Genomic Landscape of Cutaneous Melanoma Identifies a Prognostic and Immunotherapeutically Relevant Gene Signature
Authors: Yang Ronghua , Sun Yidan , Chen Tianqi , Li Jiehua , Pi Xiaobing , Xiang Shijian , Gao Runxing , Chen Xiaodong , Zhou Sitong
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe tumorigenesis of Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is still a mystery. Our study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the immune cell infiltration in the TME of SKCM. Based on the differential expression genes in the cluster grouped by the immune infiltration status, a set of hub genes related to the clinical prognosis of SKCM and tumor immune infiltration were explored.MethodsWe analyzed the immune cell infiltration in two independent cohorts, and then assessed the relationship between the internal pattern of immune cell infiltration and SKCM characteristics, including clinicopathological features, potential biological pathways and gene mutations. We further divided the three clusters of differential genes into two groups with different unique biological processes. The Signature gene-A gene set was mainly manifested as exon skipping (ES) in SKCM patients, while the Signature gene-B gene set has no obvious alternative splicing form. Subsequently, we not only analyzed the genetic variation of the two signatures, but also constructed a ceRNA regulatory network..LASSO Cox regression was utilized to find the immune infiltration signature and the risk score of SKCM. ResultWe finally obtained 13 Hub genes, and calculated the risk score based on the coefficient of each gene to further explore the impact of the high and low-risk score on the biologically related functions and prognosis of SKCM patients.The correlation between the risk score and the clinicopathological characteristics of SKCM patients indicated that the low risk score was associated with TMECluster-A classification (P <0.001) and metastatic SKCM (P <0.001). We finally obtained 13 Hub genes which showed different prognostic effects in pan-cancers. The IHC staining results showed that Ube2L6, SRPX2, IFIT2 were higher expression while CLEC4E, END3, KIR2DL4 were lower expression in 25 melanoma specimens.ConclusionWe performed a comprehensive assessment of SKCM's immune environment and constructed a set of unprecedented immune signatures related to the immune landscape (EDN3、CLEC4E、SRPX2、KIR2DL4、UBE2L6、IFIT2), which are correlated with the different prognosis and drug response of SKCM. The immune gene signature we constructed can be used as a robust prognostic biomarker of SKCM and a predictor of immunotherapy effect.
Sentinel Node Biopsy or Neck Dissection for Early-Stage Oral Cancer For Long Term Follow-Up: Matched-Pair Analysis for pN0 Necks
Authors: Chone Carlos Takahiro , de Carvalho Guilherme M. , Kruschewsky Maria , Crespo Agricio N. , Etchebehere Elba C. , Altemani Albina
Published: June 2021

Background: Oral cancer spreads preferentially through lymphatics with a high rate of micrometastases. We studied the rate of neck recurrence in patients with T1/T2 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of oral cavity with clinically negative necks (cN0) submitted to elective neck dissection (END) or sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) with a histopathologically negative specimen of END (pN0) or sentinel nodes (SN). Methods: Prospective study matched paired with a retrospective control group. We studied forty-three patients: 25 in the SLNB group and 18 in the control group (END), and compared both patient cohorts, with negative lymph node metastases with more than five years of follow-up. We matched both groups by gender, age, site, stage, pathological status of the primary lesion, adjuvant treatment, length of follow-up by Odds ratio analysis with 95% confidence interval and t-test without significant difference all categories(p>0.05). Results: Both SLNB and END groups had a similar recurrence rate in the neck, without significant difference. Conclusions: Elective neck dissection may be unnecessary in this study population when SN comes out without metastases after extensive histopathological evaluation.
Comparison of the Discrimination Capacity of the ROX and HACOR Scales to Predict High-flow Nasal Cannula Failure in Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia
Authors: Lucero Oscar , Valencia Carlos Fernando , Castro Onofre Casas , Sanko Andrey , Olejua Peter Alfonso
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe pandemic of SARSCov2 infection has created a challenge in health services worldwide. Some scales have been applied to evaluate the risk of intubation, such as the ROX and HACOR. The objective of this study is to compare the predictive capacity of the HACOR scale and the ROX index and define the optimal cut-off points.MethodsStudy of diagnostic tests based on a retrospective cohort. Composite outcome was the proportion of patients that needed orotracheal intubation or died of COVID19 pneumonia. Discrimination capacity was compared by the area under the curve of each of the two scales and the optimal cut-off point was determined using the Liu method.Results245 patients were included, of which 140 (57.14%) required OTI and 152 (62.04%) had the composite end result of HFNC failure. The discrimination capacity was similar for the two scales with an AUROC of 0.71 and 0.72 for the HACOR scale for the ROX index, respectively. The optimal cut-off point for the ROX index was 5.62 (sensitivity 62% specificity 65%), while the optimal cut-off point for the HACOR scale was 5.5 (sensitivity 66% specificity 65%).ConclusionsThe HACOR scale and the ROX index have a moderate predictive capacity to predict failures to the HFNC strategy. They can be used in conjunction with other clinical variables to define which patients may require invasive mechanical ventilation.
Treatment of De Novo Chronic Total Occlusions with Drug-Coated Balloon-Only
Authors: Shin Eun-Seok , jun Eun Jung , Teoh Eu-Vin , Bhak Youngjune , Yuan Song Lin , Chu Chong-Mow , Garg Scot , Liew Houng Bang
Published: June 2021

The study aimed to investigate the impact of angiographic and clinical outcomes of the drug-coated balloon (DCB)-only treatment for de novo coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO). One hundred one vessels with de novo CTO lesions dilated by balloon angioplasty with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow-grade 3 were assigned. Among them, we analyzed 93-vessel treated using DCB-only treatment. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR), and target vessel thrombosis. The secondary endpoint was late lumen loss (LLL) on follow-up coronary angiography. All 84-patient were followed up clinically, and 67-vessel underwent scheduled coronary angiography after 6-month. There were no procedural complications, and three vessels required bailout-stenting. MACE occurred in 14 patients, including 2 cardiac deaths, 3 non-fatal MIs, and 11 TVRs. There was no target vessel thrombosis. The mean LLL was 0.03 ± 0.53mm. Binary restenosis occurred in 10 and re-occlusion in 2 vessels. The results from a 2-year follow-up with DCB-only treatment are encouraging, with a low rate of hard endpoints and acceptable MACE rates. It may offer an alternative to the implantation of a drug-eluting stent if the CTO lesions have TIMI flow-grade 3 after pre-dilation.
Araloside C Prevent Myocardial Cell Apoptosis Through Regulating PI3K/AKt to Relieve Heart Failure
Authors: Zhao Xingsheng , Ren Yu , Ren Hongkun , Wu Yun , Liu Xi , Chen Hua , Ying Chun
Published: June 2021

Background Araloside C (AsC), a natural saponin isolated from Aralia elata, has a wide range of anti-inflammatory properties and has been found in recent years to have heart-protective effects. Present study aimed to determine the effects of AsC on myocardial cell apoptosis through regulating PI3K/AKt. Methods and Results Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPadPrism7.0 software. The differences between two groups and multiple groups were analyzed using t-test and one-way ANOVA, respectively. In vivo results showed that AsC administration could improve cardiac functions and apoptotic rate in HF model through PI3K/AKt signaling pathway, including increasing left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), and decreasing left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD) and left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) in detection of myocardial function, inhibiting LDH, CK, CK-MB, CK and HBDH in biochemical index level assessment, inhibiting BNP, ANG II, IL-1b, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-a in immunological index level. ASC regulates the expression of key apoptotic molecules, including increasing the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax. ASC also regulates phosphorylation of p-PI3K and p-Akt.Conclusion This study suggested for the first time that AsC could partially regulate the PI3K/AKt signaling pathway to prevent myocardial cell apoptosis. This study provided a basis for further research on effective substances in the treatment of HF.
Construction and Validation of Convenient Clinicopathologic Signatures for Predicting the Prognosis of Stage I-III Gastric Cancer
Authors: You Weiqiang , Cai Zerong , Sheng Nengquan , Yan Li , Wan Huihui , Wang Yongkun , Ouyang Jian , Xie Lu , Wu Xiaojian , Wang Zhigang
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPatients with stage I-III gastric cancer (GC) undergoing R0 radical resection display extremely different prognosis. How to discriminate high-risk patients with poor survival conveniently is a clinical conundrum to be solved urgently.MethodsPatients with stage I-III GC from 2010 to 2016 at Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital were included in our study. The associations of clinicopathological features with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were examined via Cox proportional hazard model. Nomograms were developed which systematically integrated prognosis-related features. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to compare DFS and OS among groups. The results were then externally validated by The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University.ResultsA total of 585 and 410 patients were included in the discovery cohort and in the validation cohort. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that T stage, N stage, lymphatic/vascular/nerve infiltration, preoperative CEA and CA199 were independent prognostic factors (P < 0.05). The 3-year and 5-year calibration curves based on the nomograms showed perfect correlation between predicted and observed outcomes. Distinct differences were noticed in the survival of different risk groups (p < 0.001). Patients with low risk signature had a 5-year rate of 84.0% for DFS and 83.0% for OS, whereas high risk signature had the worst 5-year rate (only 35.0% for DFS and 24.0% for OS). Similar results were achieved in validation cohort.ConclusionsThe signatures based on clinicopathologic features demonstrate the powerful ability to conveniently identify distinct subpopulations, which may provide significant suggestions for individual follow-up and adjuvant therapy.
Role and Mechanism of Chronic Restraint Stress in Regulating Energy Metabolism and Reproductive Function Through Hypothalamic Kisspeptin Neurons
Authors: Huang Yin-qiong , Wen Junping , Chen Gang
Published: June 2021

Background: Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, affecting energy homeostasis and reproductive function. The hypothalamic Kisspeptin neurons might be a new important central target in stress affecting energy metabolism and reproductive function.The aim of this study is to investigate whether stress affected energy metabolism and reproductive function through the glucocorticoid receptor on Kisspeptin neurons in the hypothalamus. Methods: There were four groups, that were control group, chronic restraint stress group (stress group), Kisspeptin specific glucocorticoid receptor knock out group (KGRKO group) and KGRKO+stress group. Body weight, food intake, the estrous cycle of female mice, serum sex hormone levels, serum corticosterone and prolactin, Kisspeptin expression in the hypothalamus were measured. Results: The restraint stress group showed a significant weight loss compared with the control group. Compared with the restraint stress group, the KGRKO+restraint stress group had a reduced weight loss, suggesting that restraint stress might partially affect the energy metabolism through GR on Kisspeptin neurons. In terms of reproductive function, the restraint stress group and the KGRKO+restraint stress group showed missing pre-estrus period or prolonged estrous cycles. Serum LH and FSH in KGRKO + restraint stress group decreased significantly compared with KGRKO group. However, no significant difference in the level of serum testosterone was observed. After restraint stress, the levels of serum cortisol and prolactin in male and female mice were significantly higher than the control group, and the hypothalamus Kiss1 gene mRNA expression and Kisspeptin protein expression were significantly decreased. Conclusion: Chronic restraint stress induced weight loss in mice. Chronic restraint stress played a negative role in regulating reproductive function. The effects of chronic restraint stress on energy metabolism and reproduction were partially mediated by glucocorticoid receptor on Kisspeptin neurons in the hypothalamus.