bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Lesion Characteristics on Procedures and Outcomes of Chronic Total Occlusion Recanalization With Antegrade Guidewire True Lumen Tracking Techniques: A Substudy of Taiwan True Lumen Tracking Registry
Authors: Chang Chi-Jen , Liu Shih-Chi , Tsai Cheng-Ting , Cheng Jen-Fang , Lee Chien-Lin , Lin Chia-Pin , Huang Chi-Hung , Liou Jun-Ting , Wang Yi-Chih , Hwang Juey-Jen
Published: March 2022

Background

Lesion characteristics were shown to predict procedural success and outcomes in chronic total occlusion (CTO) recanalization. However, diverse techniques involved in these studies might cause potential heterogeneity.

Objective

The study aimed to test the impacts of lesion characteristics on CTO intervention with a pure antegrade wiring-based technique.

Methods and Results

We studied consecutive 325 patients (64.5 ± 11.1 years, 285 men) with native CTO lesions intervened by a single operator with an antegrade-based technique between August 2014 and July 2020. Forty-seven patients with antegrade procedural failure (20 with pure antegrade wiring failure and 27 with back-up retrograde techniques) were compared to 278 patients with antegrade-only procedural success. With a median follow-up of 30.8 (16.1–48.6) months, 278 patients with procedural success were further assessed for target vessel failure (TVF: cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction [MI], and target lesion revascularization [TLR]). Patients with antegrade procedural success had a lower percentage of history with bypass graft (4 vs. 15%, p = 0.004) and lower Multicenter Chronic Total Occlusion Registry of Japan (J-CTO) score (2.1±1.3 vs. 3.4 ± 1.0, p < 0.001), when compared to those with antegrade failure. The J-CTO score was independently associated with procedural failure (odds ratio = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.8–3.4) in multivariate analysis. However, only clinical features, such as female gender (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.3, 95% CI = 1.4–13.1), estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (HR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.0–9.9), and old MI (HR = 4.5, 95% CI = 1.5–12.8), but not J-CTO score, could predict long-term TVF in multivariate Cox regression model.

Conclusion

The feasibility of the antegrade guidewire-crossing technique for native CTO intervention was highly determined by lesion characteristics. With such a simpler technique, the prognostic impact of lesion complexity shown in studies with multiple recanalization techniques was negligible. This suggested antegrade true lumen tracking techniques deserved to be tried better even for CTO lesions with higher complexity.
Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area Is Associated With Increased Gestational Blood Pressure and Uric Acid Levels Among Pregnant Women From Rural North China
Authors: Hu Shaonan , Yu Feifan , Jiang Hong , Shang Wei , Miao Hui , Li Simin , Zhao Jianjiang , Xiao Hui
Published: March 2022

Background

Periodontal disease has been associated with gestational complications and both conditions have a high prevalence in rural populations from developing regions. A cross-sectional study was carried out to explore the relationship between periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), blood pressure (BP), and, serum uric acid levels (UA) in a group of rural North Chinese pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Methods

Three hundred and thirty-five rural women aged 20–34 years, with normal body mass index (BMI) were examined in a cross-sectional study during their third trimester of gestation. Exclusion criteria were history of pregnancy complications, multiple pregnancy, smoking habits, diabetes, hypertension or any known infectious disease. Socio-demographic variables, including age and socioeconomic status (SES), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings, serum UA levels, and PISA values were recorded. A structural equation model was implemented with two constructed latent variables including “Dem” (comprising of age and SES category to represent unobserved demographic variables) and, “BP” (comprising of SBP and DBP to account for measurement error and lack of multiple BP readings). The model accounted for co-variance of BP and UA, and implemented simultaneous regressions for BP and UA as outcomes, upon Dem and PISA values as exogenous variables.

Results

The median PISA score was 1,081.7 (IQR = 835.01), reflecting high levels of periodontal inflammation in the sample. SEM showed a significant association of PISA with BP (estimate = 0.011, 95% CI = 0.009–0.012 p < 0.001) and UA (estimate = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.001–0.001, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Higher PISA values were significantly associated with higher blood pressure and uric acid levels among rural pregnant women in a cross-sectional sample from a center in North China after accounting for a latent demographic construct derived from age and SES.
Pore Characterization of Pyrite in the Longmaxi Formation Shale in the Upper Yangtze Area of China
Authors: Chen Xin , Chen Lei , Tan Xiucheng , Wang Chao , Ji Yubing , Xiong Min , Wang Gaoxiang
Published: March 2022

Pyrite is widely distributed in the Longmaxi marine shale in the Upper Yangtze area of China. Pyrite, one of the important components of shale, has an important influence on the enrichment of shale gas. However, there are currently only a few studies on this topic. Based on shale samples from drilling cores using field emission scanning electron microscopy, the pore characteristics of pyrite from the Longmaxi Formation in the Upper Yangtze area of China are studied. The results showed that the intergranular pores of pyrite and abundant organic pores in the organic matter pyrite assemblages are developed in the Longmaxi Formation shale in the study area. Most pyrite framboid pores have triangular or irregular quadrilateral shapes, with pore diameters ranging from 0 to 240 nm. Pores with diameters of 80–240 nm are the major reservoir spaces for shale gas within the pyrite framboids. The average contribution rate of pyrite framboids to shale pores reaches 3.21%, and the highest contribution is 5.66%, indicating that the pyrite pores may have a favorable contribution to the shale reservoir pore system, but the contribution degree is low.
HNF1A：From Monogenic Diabetes to Type 2 Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Li Li-Mei , Jiang Bei-Ge , Sun Liang-Liang
Published: March 2022

Diabetes, a disease characterized by hyperglycemia, has a serious impact on the lives and families of patients as well as on society. Diabetes is a group of highly heterogeneous metabolic diseases that can be classified as type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), or other according to the etiology. The clinical manifestations are more or less similar among the different types of diabetes, and each type is highly heterogeneous due to different pathogenic factors. Therefore, distinguishing between various types of diabetes and defining their subtypes are major challenges hindering the precise treatment of the disease. T2D is the main type of diabetes in humans as well as the most heterogeneous. Fortunately, some studies have shown that variants of certain genes involved in monogenic diabetes also increase the risk of T2D. We hope this finding will enable breakthroughs regarding the pathogenesis of T2D and facilitate personalized treatment of the disease by exploring the function of the signal genes involved. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 homeobox A (HNF1α) is widely expressed in pancreatic β cells, the liver, the intestines, and other organs. HNF1α is highly polymorphic, but lacks a mutation hot spot. Mutations can be found at any site of the gene. Some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) cause maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 3 (MODY3) while some others do not cause MODY3 but increase the susceptibility to T2D or GDM. The phenotypes of MODY3 caused by different SNPs also differ. MODY3 is among the most common types of MODY, which is a form of monogenic diabetes mellitus caused by a single gene mutation. Both T2D and GDM are multifactorial diseases caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Different types of diabetes mellitus have different clinical phenotypes and treatments. This review focuses on HNF1α gene polymorphisms, HNF1A-MODY3, HNF1A-associated T2D and GDM, and the related pathogenesis and treatment methods. We hope this review will provide a valuable reference for the precise and individualized treatment of diabetes caused by abnormal HNF1α by summarizing the clinical heterogeneity of blood glucose abnormalities caused by HNF1α mutation.
Empirical Relationship Between Creativity and Carbon Intensity: A Case of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aziz Ghazala , Khan Mohd Saeed
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the impact of GDP, renewable energy consumption, patents, and innovation on carbon intensity in Saudi Arabia. For this purpose, we use panel data from 1990 to 2019 and applied pooled OLS with fixed effect and quantile regression techniques to check the long-run association between variables. The results show that GDP is enhancing carbon intensity in Saudi Arabia. However, renewable energy consumption is a significant factor in reducing carbon emission. Further, it is also confirmed that patents and innovation can help reduce carbon intensity in Saudi Arabia. These results are also confirmed through quantile regression analysis. Our results are robust to alternative tests as well. Capital subsidies and feed-in-trade are important policy implications to promote the use of renewable energy.
Density Dependent Refueling of Migratory Songbirds During Stopover Within an Urbanizing Coastal Landscape
Authors: Cohen Emily B. , Lafleur Jill M. , Moore Frank R.
Published: March 2022

Refueling performance is the primary currency of a successful migration as birds must maintain energy stores to achieve an optimal travel schedule. Migrating birds can anticipate heightened energy demand, not to mention increased uncertainty that energy demands will be satisfied, especially within an urbanizing landscape following long-distance flights. We tested the expectation that refueling performance of songbirds is reduced as densities increase at stopover sites in an urbanizing coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. We measured the density of migrating birds, their refueling performance, and arthropod abundance in two large tracts of contiguous forest paired with two small isolated patches embedded within residential settings throughout spring migration over the course of 2 years. Refueling performance declined with increasing migrant densities, even though the overall daily densities of birds stopping in these landscapes were relatively low and arthropod densities were low throughout. Habitat patch size alone did not account for differences in refueling performance, but smaller habitat patches more often concentrated migrants in higher densities where they experienced reduced refueling performance. We found support for density-dependent refueling performance during spring migration through a region where overall passage and stopover densities are low; suggesting that larger contiguous forest tracks within urban landscapes provide higher quality habitat for refueling and that effect is likely even more pronounced in landscapes within higher density migratory corridors. The nutritional challenges encountered during migration influence the overall pace of migration and changes in access to food resources due to increasing urbanization may ultimately impact optimal travel schedules.
Incidence of and Risk Factors for Paradoxical Psoriasis or Psoriasiform Lesions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Receiving Anti-TNF Therapy: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xie Wenhui , Xiao Shiyu , Huang Hong , Zhang Zhuoli
Published: March 2022

Background

Paradoxical psoriasis or psoriasiform lesions induced by anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapies receive increasing attention worldwide. However, no comprehensive meta-analysis investigating the incidence estimates and risk factors for anti-TNF-induced psoriasis is currently available. We aimed to precisely quantify its incidence as well as risk factors in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

This study was registered on PROSPERO database under review registration number CRD42021233695. The electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library were comprehensively searched for observational studies published as full-length papers in English and reporting the incidence and/or predictors for psoriasis or psoriasiform lesions in IBD patients. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled incidence. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval for potential predictors were combined using a fixed-effects or random-effects model.

Results

In total, 30 articles comprising 24,547 IBD patients treated by anti-TNF were finally included. The overall pooled incidence of psoriasis and/or psoriasiform lesions following anti-TNF therapy was 6.0% (5.0–7.0%; I2 = 93.9%), with 6.9% (5.1–8.7%; I2 = 92.4%) for psoriasiform lesions and 4.6% (3.6–5.6%; I2 = 93.9%) for psoriasis. Multivariable meta-regression analysis indicated regions and populations that significantly contributed to the heterogeneity. A statistically higher risk for psoriasis or psoriasiform lesions during anti-TNF therapy was observed in female patients (OR 1.46, 1.23–1.73), those who are at a younger age at anti-TNF initiation (OR 1.03, 1.00–1.05), smokers (OR 1.97, 1.56–2.48), ileocolonic Crohn’s disease patients (OR 1.48, 1.03–2.13), and those who are using adalimumab or certolizumab (vs. infliximab) (OR: 1.48 and 2.87 respectively).

Conclusions

The incidence of psoriasis or psoriasiform lesions was not uncommon in IBD patients following anti-TNF therapy. Female, younger age, smoker, ileocolonic Crohn’s disease, and the types of anti-TNF were significantly associated with such risk. These findings may help gastroenterologists to make more individualized decisions and understand the mechanisms of this paradoxical phenomenon.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=233695, identifier CRD42021233695.
Band Structure Analysis of SH Wave Propagating in Nanoscale Layered Metamaterial Structures
Authors: Yan Zhizhong , Yang Xiaotong
Published: March 2022

This study is devoted to the analysis of the band structures of the anti-plane transverse wave (SH wave) in nanoscale layered metamaterial structures. Attention is restricted to normal incidence of waves. The localization factor is introduced to characterize the band structures. The general transfer matrix method based on the nonlocal elastic continuum theory is employed to calculate the localization factor. Based on the analysis of band structures, the influences of random disorder of the internal characteristic length and the external thickness of each sub-layer, the aperiodic arrangements, the location of different material components, the ratio of mass density, the ratio of the transverse wave velocity, the ratio of the internal characteristic length or the external thickness of each sub-layer on the band structures, the cut-off frequency, the peak points and the dense band zones are investigated and discussed in detail, which can provide some new thoughts for the designs and applications of the nanoscale wave devices.
Strategies of Improving CsPbX3 Perovskite Quantum Dots Optical Performance
Authors: Wu Yuejia , Jia Ruijun , Xu Jian , Song Lei , Liu Yuxin , Zhang Yuman , Ullah Shahid , Dai Jun
Published: March 2022

All-inorganic perovskite quantum dots (QDs) (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br, I) become promising candidate materials for the new generation of light-emitting diodes for their narrow emission spectrum, high photoluminescence quantum yield, and adjustable emission wavelength. However, the perovskite QDs materials still face instability against moisture, high-temperature, and UV-light. Many strategies have been reported to improve the photoluminescence (PL) performance of QDs while increasing their stability. These strategies can be divided into three main categories: doping engineering, surface ligand modification, coating strategies. This paper reviews the recent research progress of surface ligands, inorganic and polymer coating, and metal ions doping of CsPbX3 QDs. Partial substitution of Pb2+ with non-toxic or low-toxic metal ions can improve the formation energy of the perovskite lattice and reduce its toxicity. The surface polymer modification can use their ligands to bond with the uncoordinated lead and halogen ions on perovskite QDs surface to reduce surface defects, thereby improving the PL intensity and stability. In addition, the organic or inorganic coating materials on perovskite QDs can effectively avoid their contact with the external environment, thereby improving the stability of the perovskite. The optical properties of the modified QDs, including transient absorption spectra, temperature-dependent PL spectra, time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectra properties, etc. were discussed to explain the physical mechanism. The potential applications of all-inorganic perovskite QDs as down-conversion fluorescent materials in light-emitting diodes are presented. Finally, we provide some possible methods to further improve the PL performance of the all-inorganic perovskite QDs.
The Variation of Duck RIG-I-Mediated Innate Immune Response Induced by Different Virulence Avian Influenza Viruses
Authors: Zhai Boyu , Liu Lanlan , Li Xiang , Lv Xinru , Wu Jinyan , Li Jing , Lin Shengze , Yin Yuxiang , Lan Jiaqi , Du Jianan , Wu Chenwei , Wen Yi , Wang Yajun , Wang Yulong , Hou Zhijun , Li Yanbing , Chai Hongliang , Zeng Xiangwei
Published: March 2022

In recent years, the emerging highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N8) virus has been reported with features of widely spread, an expanding host range, and cross-species transmission, attracting wide attention. The domestic duck plays a major role in the epidemiological cycle of the HPAI H5N8 virus, but little is known concerning innate immune responses during influenza infection in duck species. In this study, we used two wild-bird-origin viruses, H5N8 and H4N6, to conduct duck infection experiments, and detect the load of the two viruses, and retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and interferon β (IFN-β) in the host’s natural immune response. Through comparison, it is found that the expression levels of RIG-I and IFN-β are both fluctuating. The innate immunity starts rapidly within 6 h after infection and is inhibited by the virus to varying degrees. The expression of RIG-I and IFN-β decreased on 1–2 days post-infection (dpi). The HPAI H5N8 virus has a stronger inhibitory effect on RIG-I than the low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H4N6 virus and is the strongest in the lungs. After infection with HPAI H5N8 virus, 2 dpi, viral RNA replicates in large amounts in the lungs. It has been proven that RIG-I and IFN-β play an important role in the innate immune response of ducks to HPAI H5N8 virus infection, especially in the lungs. The main battlefield of RIG-I and IFN-β after infection with the LPAI H4N6 virus is in the rectum. Both viruses have been effectively controlled after 7 dpi. These results will help to understand the transmission mechanisms of avian influenza virus in wild ducks and help effectively prevent and control avian influenza.
FAT10 is a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated With Immune Infiltrates in Skin Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhang Haiyue
Published: March 2022

Background: Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (SKCM) is the deadliest cutaneous neoplasm. Previous studies have proposed ubiquitin-like protein FAT10 plays key roles in the initiation and progression of several types of human cancer, but little is known about the interrelation between FAT10 gene expression, tumor immunity, and prognosis of patients with SKCM.

Methods: Here, we first performed pan-cancer analysis for FAT10’s expression and prognosis using the Cancer Genome Atlas and the Genotype-Tissue Expression data. Subsequently, we investigated the mRNA expression level, prognostic value, and gene-gene interaction network of FAT10 in SKCM using the Oncomine databases, GEPIA, TIMER, UALCAN, and starBase. The relationship between FAT10 expression and tumor immune invasion was studied by using the TIMER database. Additionally, the expression and functional status of FAT10 in SKCM were evaluated by the single-cell RNA sequencing and CancerSEA databases.

Results: In this study, we found that FAT10 expression was increased in SKCM and was correlated with a better survival rate in patients with SKCM. Moreover, we identified FAT10 level was significantly positively associated with immune infiltrates, biomarkers of immune cells, and immune checkpoint expression, and negatively correlated with tumor cell invasion and DNA damage, indicating that increased FAT10 expression in SKCM was a favorable response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that upregulation of FAT10 correlated with better prognosis and tumor immune infiltration in SKCM.
The Longitudinal Association of Subclinical Hearing Loss With Cognition in the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
Authors: Chern Alexander , Irace Alexandria L. , Sharma Rahul K. , Zhang Yuan , Chen Qixuan , Golub Justin S.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To examine the longitudinal association between subclinical hearing loss (SCHL) and neurocognitive performance.

Design

Longitudinal analyses were conducted among 2,110 subjects who underwent audiometric testing in a US multi-centered epidemiologic cohort study. The primary exposure was better ear hearing (pure tone average). SCHL was defined as hearing ≤ 25 dB. The primary outcome was neurocognitive performance, measured by Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Modified Mini Mental State Examination (3MS), and CLOX1. Linear mixed models were performed to assess the longitudinal association between hearing and cognitive performance, adjusting for covariates. Models were fit among all individuals and among individuals with SCHL only.

Results

Among 2,110 participants, mean (SD) age was 73.5 (2.9) years; 52.3% were women. Mean (SD) better ear pure tone average was 30.0 (13.1) dB. Mean follow-up was 9.1 years (range 3–16). Among all participants, worse hearing was associated with significantly steeper cognitive decline measured by the DSST [0.054-point/year steeper decrease per 10 dB worse hearing, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.026–0.082] and 3MS (0.044-point/year steeper decrease per 10 dB worse hearing, CI: 0.026–0.062), but not CLOX1. Among those with SCHL, worse hearing was associated with significantly steeper cognitive performance decline as measured by DSST (0.121-point/year steeper decrease per 10 dB worse hearing, CI: 0.013–0.228), but not CLOX1 or 3MS.

Conclusion

Among those with SCHL, worse hearing was associated with steeper cognitive performance declines over time as measured by DSST. The relationship between hearing loss and cognition may begin at earlier levels of hearing loss than previously recognized.
Association Between Atrial Fibrillation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality Among Elderly Adults With Ischemic Stroke in Northeast China: A Community-Based Prospective Study
Authors: Xia Zhenwei , Dang Wei , Jiang Yang , Liu Shuang , Yue Ling , Jia Fengshuo , Sun Qun , Shi Lei , Sun Jixu , Li Jiao , Chen Hongyun
Published: March 2022

Background

Elderly people are susceptible to atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischemic stroke (IS); however, less information is known about the association between AF and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in elderly population with IS. We aimed to investigate the features of AF among aged people with IS and to illustrate whether AF accounted for CVD mortality.

Methods

At baseline, 790 patients with IS were enrolled from the general northeast Chinese elderly population (>60 years) between September 2017 to March 2019. The prevalence, awareness, and treatment of AF in each age group were analyzed, as well as major-related cardiovascular risk factors. The population was followed until July 31, 2021, and information on CVD death was obtained.

Results

A total of 25 people had AF, and the prevalence of AF in the elderly population with IS was 3.2%. The AF prevalence grew along with age from 1% (60–64 years) to 4.3% (70–74 years) and 4.2% (≥75 years), which was higher in the urban residents than in the rural residents (5.7 vs. 2.2%, P = 0.014). The awareness and treatment rates of patients with AF were 80 and 8%. After a median follow-up period of 3.3 years, 58 subjects died due to CVD and 5 subjects were accompanied with AF (rate 70.6/1,000 person-years). Elderly IS patients with AF had a 3.65-fold increased risk of CVD death in the fully adjusted model when compared with non-AF participants.

Conclusion

The AF prevalence increased with age among the elderly population with IS. Moreover, elderly patients with IS in northeast China with AF had a higher CVD mortality. Therefore, early screening and prompt management of AF in elderly population with IS in northeast China are required.
Parvalbumin Neurons in Zona Incerta Regulate Itch in Mice
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Bai Yang , Liang Yi , Zhang Yiwen , Zhao Qiuying , Ge Junye , Li Dangchao , Zhu Yuanyuan , Cai Guohong , Tao Huiren , Wu Shengxi , Huang Jing
Published: March 2022

Pain and itch are intricately entangled at both circuitry and behavioral levels. Emerging evidence indicates that parvalbumin (PV)-expressing neurons in zona incerta (ZI) are critical for promoting nocifensive behaviors. However, the role of these neurons in itch modulation remains elusive. Herein, by combining FOS immunostaining, fiber photometry, and chemogenetic manipulation, we reveal that ZI PV neurons act as an endogenous negative diencephalic modulator for itch processing. Morphological data showed that both histamine and chloroquine stimuli induced FOS expression in ZI PV neurons. The activation of these neurons was further supported by the increased calcium signal upon scratching behavior evoked by acute itch. Behavioral data further indicated that chemogenetic activation of these neurons reduced scratching behaviors related to histaminergic and non-histaminergic acute itch. Similar neural activity and modulatory role of ZI PV neurons were seen in mice with chronic itch induced by atopic dermatitis. Together, our study provides direct evidence for the role of ZI PV neurons in regulating itch, and identifies a potential target for the remedy of chronic itch.
RB1 Is an Immune-Related Prognostic Biomarker for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Xie Biao , Tan Guangqing , Ren Jingyi , Lu Weiyu , Pervaz Sadaf , Ren Xinyi , Otoo Antonia Adwoa , Tang Jing , Li Fangfang , Wang Yingxiong , Wang Meijiao
Published: March 2022

Background

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal gynecologic malignancies and a leading cause of death in the world. Thus, this necessitates identification of prognostic biomarkers which will be helpful in its treatment.

Methods

The gene expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GSE31245 were selected as the training cohort and validation cohort, respectively. The Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival analysis was used to analyze the difference in overall survival (OS) between high and low RB transcriptional corepressor 1 (RB1) expression groups. To confirm whether RB1 was an independent risk factor for OC, we constructed a multivariate Cox regression model. Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways enrichment analyses were conducted to identify the functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The associations of RB1 with immune infiltration and immune checkpoints were studied by the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER 2.0) and the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). The immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to compare the expression level of RB1 in normal tissues and tumor samples, and to predict the prognosis of OC.

Results

The KM survival curve of the TCGA indicated that the OS in the high-risk group was lower than that in the low-risk group (HR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.28-2.02, P = 3×10-5), which was validated in GSE31245 (HR = 4.08, 95% CI: 1.21–13.74, P = 0.01) and IHC. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that RB1 was an independent prognostic biomarker (HR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.31-2.10, P = 2.02×10-5). Enrichment analysis suggested that the DEGs were mainly involved in cell cycle, DNA replication, and mitochondrial transition. The infiltration levels of fibroblast, neutrophil, monocyte and macrophage were positively correlated with RB1. Furthermore, RB1 was associated with immune checkpoint molecules (CTLA4, LAG3, and CD274). The IHC staining revealed higher expression of RB1 in tumor tissues as compared to that in normal tissues (P = 0.019). Overexpression of RB1 was associated with poor prognosis of OC (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that RB1 was a novel and immune-related prognostic biomarker for OC, which may be a promising target for OC treatment.
Multi-Cutting Improves Forage Yield and Nutritional Value and Maintains the Soil Nutrient Balance in a Rainfed Agroecosystem
Authors: Li Tengfei , Peng Luxi , Wang Hua , Zhang Yu , Wang Yingxin , Cheng Yunxiang , Hou Fujiang
Published: March 2022

Increasing forage yield and nutritional quality under the premise of maintaining relatively stable land area and soil nutrient content is a necessary condition for the sustainable development of grassland animal husbandry. Different cutting models [simulated grazing (SG), hay harvesting (H)] of oat (Avena sativa), common vetch (Vicia sativa) and their mixture (Avena sativa + Vicia sativa) were studied on the Loess Plateau. The results show that (1) SG could increase forage yield, crude protein, and crude fat content and decrease crude ash content. In 2014, the yield of Avena sativa per hectare was 3,578.11 kg higher than that of H; (2) the model analysis for predicting nutritional components showed that the Crude protein (CP) and EE contents of forages in each variety (combination) showed a linear downward trend with increasing forage yield. Redundancy analysis showed that precipitation, especially in the growing season, was positively correlated with grass yield and CP content; and (3) there were significant differences in soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, NO3−-N, and NH4+-N contents for the different forage varieties (combinations) under different use modes; the values first decreased, then increased, and finally decreased. According to the comprehensive evaluation value calculated by Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution, mixed sowing was better than monoculture, and SG obtained better results than H. Overall, mixed sowing under SG can improve forage yield and nutritional quality. At the same time, precipitation regulation is the key factor affecting the production performance of rainfed cultivated grassland on the Loess Plateau.
Heat Stress-Induced Dysbiosis of Porcine Colon Microbiota Plays a Role in Intestinal Damage: A Fecal Microbiota Profile
Authors: Hu Canying , Patil Yadnyavalkya , Gong Dongliang , Yu Tianyue , Li Junyu , Wu Lianyun , Liu Xiaoxi , Yu Zhichao , Ma Xinbing , Yong Yanhong , Chen Jinjun , Gooneratne Ravi , Ju Xianghong
Published: March 2022

The pathological mechanisms of gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in pigs are poorly understood. We report the induction of intestinal inflammation in heat-stressed (HS) pigs, fecal microbiota transplantation from pigs to mice, and explain the role of microorganisms in IBD. 24 adult pigs were subjected to HS (34 ± 1 °C; 75–85% relative humidity for 24h) while 24 control pigs (CP) were kept at 25 ± 3°C and the same humidity. Pigs were sacrificed on days 1, 7, 14, 21. Colonic content microbiome analyses were conducted. Pseudo-germ-free mice were fed by gavage with fecal microbiota from HS-pigs and CP to induce pig-like responses in mice. From 7 d, HS-pigs exhibited fever and diarrhea, and significantly lower colonic mucosal thickness, crypt depth/width, and goblet cell number. Compared with each control group, the concentration of cortisol in the peripheral blood of HS pigs gradually increased, significantly so on days 7, 14, and 21 (P < 0.01). While the concentration of LPS in HS pigs' peripheral blood was significantly higher on days 7, 14 (P < 0.01), and 21 (P < 0.05) compared with that of the control group. The colonic microbiome composition of HS-pigs was different to that of CP. By day 14, opportunistic pathogens (e.g., Campylobacterales) had increased in HS-pigs. The composition of the colonic microbiome in mice administered feces from HS-pigs was different from those receiving CP feces. Bacteroides were significantly diminished, Akkermansia were significantly increased, and intestinal damage and goblet cell numbers were higher in mice that received HS-pig feces. Moreover, we verified the relevance of differences in the microbiota of the colon among treatments. Heat stress promotes changes in gut microbiome composition, which can affect the colonic microbial structure of mice through fecal microbiota transplantation; the molecular mechanisms require further investigation. This study enhanced our understanding of stress-induced inflammation in the colon and the increase in diarrhea in mammals subjected to prolonged HS. Our results provide useful information for preventing or ameliorating deficits in pig production caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Focused Cardiac Ultrasound to Detect Pre-capillary Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Lyssens Aurélie , Lekane Marine , Gommeren Kris , Merveille Anne-Christine
Published: March 2022

Background

Early recognition of pre-capillary (PC) pulmonary hypertension (PH) benefits dogs, allowing earlier treatment and improving prognosis. The value of focused cardiac ultrasound (FCU) to diagnose PH and assess its severity has not been investigated yet.

Hypothesis

A subjective 10-point FCU pulmonary hypertension score (PHS) allows diagnosis and assessment of severity of PCPH.

Animals

This study involved fifty client-owned dogs.

Methods

Dogs, recruited between September 2017 and February 2020, were classified into four categories (no, mild, moderate, and severe PH; C1 to C4, respectively). C1 and C2, and C3 and C4 were regrouped as group 1 and group 2, respectively. A blinded general practitioner assessed four FCU cineloops. Five echocardiographic parameters were subjectively scored, resulting in a total score of 0–10. Non-parametric tests compared global scores between categories and groups. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve determined the cutoff value to differentiate group 1 and group 2. A gray zone approach allowed diagnosing or excluding moderate to severe PH with 90% certitude.

Results

Global scores were significantly higher for C4 than for C1, C2, and C3. Global scores of G2 were significantly higher than G1. The ROC curve indicated a cutoff value of 5, discriminating group 1 from group 2 with a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 100%. A score of ≥5/10 allowed diagnosing moderate to severe PH with ≥90% certainty while a score of ≤2/10 excluded PH with ≥90% certainty.

Conclusions and Clinical Significance

Moderate to severe PCPH can be accurately detected by non-cardiologists using a 10-point FCU PHS score.
Study on Seismic Isolation of Long Span Double Deck Steel Truss Continuous Girder Bridge
Authors: Chen Yongjian , Sun Honglie , Feng Zhenfa
Published: March 2022

In order to improve the seismic performance of long-span double deck steel truss continuous girder bridge, taking Dao Qing Chau Bridge in Fuzhou as an engineering background, the isolation scheme of friction pendulum bearing (FPB) and friction pendulum bearing combined with viscous dampers is applied to study seismic performance. A three-dimensional dynamic model of the bridge is established using SAP2000. Taking three artificial seismic waves as seismic excitation, the seismic response of the seismic structure is calculated by nonlinear time history integration, and is then compared with the seismic response of the seismic reduction and isolation structure. The results show that the friction pendulum bearing (FPB) scheme and combined seismic dissipation and isolation (CSDI) scheme show a good seismic dissipation and isolation effect and ensure the safety of the bridge structure. However, for whole-bridge isolation, friction pendulum bearing (FPB) will produce certain residual deformations and additional stress of the bearing under the conditions of temperature and external load. For the purpose of protecting the bearing, it is recommended to use the combined seismic dissipation and isolation (CSDI) scheme.
Current Surgical Indications for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Deboever Nathaniel , Mitchell Kyle G. , Feldman Hope A. , Cascone Tina , Sepesi Boris
Published: March 2022

With recent strides made within the field of thoracic oncology, the management of NSCLC is evolving rapidly. Careful patient selection and timing of multi-modality therapy to permit the optimization of therapeutic benefit must be pursued. While chemotherapy and radiotherapy continue to have a role in the management of lung cancer, surgical therapy remains an essential component of lung cancer treatment in early, locally and regionally advanced, as well as in selected, cases of metastatic disease. Recent and most impactful advances in the treatment of lung cancer relate to the advent of immunotherapy and targeted therapy, molecular profiling, and predictive biomarker discovery. Many of these systemic therapies are a part of the standard of care in metastatic NSCLC, and their indications are expanding towards surgically operable lung cancer to improve survival outcomes. Numerous completed and ongoing clinical trials in the surgically operable NSCLC speak to the interest and importance of the multi-modality therapy even in earlier stages of NSCLC. In this review, we focus on the current standard of care indications for surgical therapy in stage I-IV NSCLC as well as on the anticipated future direction of multi-disciplinary lung cancer therapy.
Interfacial Stresses of Thermal Barrier Coating with Film Cooling Holes Induced by CMAS Infiltration
Authors: Chiu Chenchun , Tseng Shaochen , Chao Chingkong , Fan Xueling , Cheng Weihung
Published: March 2022

To obtain high gas turbine efficiency, a film cooling hole is introduced to prevent the destruction of thermal barrier coating systems (TBCs) due to hot gases. Furthermore, environmental calcium-magnesium-aluminum-silicate (CMAS) particulates plug the film cooling hole and infiltrate the TBCs to form a CMAS-rich layer, which results in phase transformations and significant modifications in the thermomechanical properties that impact the TBCs during cooling. This study aimed to establish a three-dimensional thermo-fluid-solid coupling TBCs model with film cooling holes and CMAS infiltration to analyze the temperature and residual stress distribution via simulations. For the interfacial stress around the cooling hole at the TC/BC interface, the film cooling holes alleviated the interfacial residual stress by 60% due to the reduction in temperature by 40%. In addition, CMAS infiltration intensified the interfacial residual stress via phase transformation. As a result of the influence of larger penetration depths and expansion rates of phase transformation, a significant increase in residual stress was observed. At the beginning of CMAS infiltration, the interfacial stress would be more dominated by the effect of infiltration depth. In addition, the failure due to interfacial normal and tangential stresses was more likely to be found at the infiltration zone near the cooling hole.
Co-Designing Spaces for Public Service
Authors: Collina Luisa , Galluzzo Laura , Borin Ambra , Mastrantoni Claudia
Published: March 2022

Services of public interest concern the design of spaces and services in their most systemic and transformative conception, offering access to the essential functions of everyday life, and developing open solutions for a social collective understood as a ‘public’. Public services have been changing in recent years due to a digitalisation of services and tools. At the same time as there is a great deal of discussion on these issues, involving different opinions and continuous evolutions, the space as a container for these services is less subject to reflection and not considered for any evolution in design. Through the project of the requalification of the Salone Anagrafico of the Chamber of Commerce in Milan, or the Hall of the Future project, a research experiment is described, which highlights the importance of spatial heritage, and which can be replicated in other contexts, regardless of usage.
Generation of a Strength Gradient in Al-Cu-Ca Alloy Foam via Graded Aging Treatment
Authors: Zhao Wei , He Siyuan , Zhang Chen , Li Yuxuan , Zhang Yi , Dai Ge
Published: March 2022

In this study, a strength gradient is produced in Al-Cu-Ca alloy foam by aging treatment with a temperature gradient. The microscopic results show that the morphology and the amount of Al2Cu strengthening precipitates in the base alloy change with the local aging temperature. Graded microstructures in the base alloy are realized along with the temperature gradient, subsequently producing the strength gradient in the Al-Cu-Ca foam. Under compression, the lower strength portion of the foam sample firstly collapsed until complete densification and then extended to the higher strength portion, suggesting a notable strength gradient. The tailorable graded aging treatment provided a higher degree of freedom in designing and producing the strength gradient in aluminum foam.
Molecular Simulation on Competitive Adsorption Differences of Gas with Different Pore Sizes in Coal
Authors: Han Qing , Deng Cunbao , Gao Tao , Jin Zhixin
Published: March 2022

Micropores are the primary sites for methane occurrence in coal. Studying the regularity of methane occurrence in micropores is significant for targeted displacement and other yield-increasing measures in the future. This study used simplified graphene sheets as pore walls to construct coal-structural models with pore sizes of 1 nm, 2 nm, and 4 nm. Based on the Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) and molecular dynamics theory, we simulated the adsorption characteristics of methane in pores of different sizes. The results showed that the adsorption capacity was positively correlated with the pore size for pure gas adsorption. The adsorption capacity increased with pressure and pore size for competitive adsorption of binary mixtures in pores. As the average isosteric heat decreased, the interaction between the gas and the pore wall weakened, and the desorption amount of CH4 decreased. In ultramicropores, the high concentration of CO2 (50–70%) is more conducive to CH4 desorption; however, when the CO2 concentration is greater than 70%, the corresponding CH4 adsorption amount is meager, and the selected adsorption coefficient SCO2/CH4 is small. Therefore, to achieve effective desorption of methane in coal micropores, relatively low pressure (4–6 MPa) and a relatively low CO2 concentration (50–70%) should be selected in the process of increasing methane production by CO2 injection in later stages. These research results provide theoretical support for gas injection to promote CH4 desorption in coal pores and to increase yield.
Chemometric Optimization of Biologically Active Compounds Extraction from Grape Marc: Composition and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Ghendov-Mosanu Aliona , Cojocari Daniela , Balan Greta , Patras Antoanela , Lung Ildiko , Soran Maria-Loredana , Opriş Ocsana , Cristea Elena , Sturza Rodica
Published: March 2022

The article focuses on the optimization of the extraction process of biologically active compounds (BAC) from grape marc—a by-product of the wine industry. The influence of temperature, specifically 30 °C, 45 °C and 65 °C, and ethanol concentration in solutions, specifically 0–96% (v/v) on the extraction yield of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and anthocyanins, were investigated. The composition of individual polyphenols, anthocyanins and organic acids, antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS) and CIELab chromatic characteristics of the grape marc extracts (GME), were characterized. The microbiostatic and microbicidal effects in direct contact of GME with pathogenic microorganisms, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, were determined in vitro. The influence of extraction parameters on the total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), tannin content (TC), total anthocyanin content (TAC) and their interdependencies were studied using information analysis. A mathematical model was developed on cubic spline functions. The analysis of individual compounds showed the presence of a wide range of flavonoids (procyanidin B2, procyanidin B1, hyperoside and quercetin), flavones (catechin), hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives (gallic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic acids, m-hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid), hydroxycinic acid derivatives and ferulic acid methyl ester. The malvidol-3-glucoside was the main anthocyanin identified in the extract. A high amount of tartaric acid was also found. GME showed significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and lower activity against Gram-negative bacteria.
Investigation on Energy-Effectiveness Enhancement of Medium-Frequency Induction Furnace Based on an Adaptive Chaos Immune Optimization Algorithm with Mutative Scale
Authors: Zuo Hongyan , Zhu Yun , Tan Dongli , Cui Shuwan , Tan Jiqiu , Zhong Dingqing
Published: March 2022

Based on the chaos algorithm and immune algorithm theory, an adaptive chaotic immune optimization algorithm (ACIOA) with a mutative scale was proposed and subsequently validated by the experiment result in this paper, and then the adaptive chaotic immune optimization algorithm with mutative scale was applied to investigate the performance characteristics of the medium-frequency induction furnace. The obtained results include the effects on the performance characteristics of a medium-frequency induction furnace of the diameter of the heated cylindrical material, the thickness of the crucible wall, the fullness degree of the induction coil, the ratio of diameter to current penetration depth, and the power frequency. The results showed that the optimization algorithm could continuously modify the variable search space and take the optimal number of cycles as the control index to carry out the search. In addition, the suitable ratio of diameter to current penetration depth was between 3.5 and 6.0, and was beneficial to the improvements of in power factor and thermal efficiency. This method had the characteristics of small calculation delay, high anti-noise ability, and high detection rate. Moreover, the maximum errors of KFF, Random, and PSO were 6.4%, 6.2%, and 5.4%, respectively. The improved method had good estimation accuracy and an excellent global optimization. Meanwhile, the suitable ratio of diameter to current penetration depth, the thickness of crucible wall, and power frequency were beneficial to the improvements in power factor and thermal efficiency. Thus, the finding is helpful as a guide to determining the design of a medium-frequency induction furnace, which may be of interest for improvements in performance under different operating conditions.