bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Continuous 13.3-Ka Paleoseismic Record Constrains Major Earthquake Recurrence in the Longmen Shan Collision Zone
Authors: Shi Wei , Jiang Hanchao , Alsop G. Ian , Wu Guo 
Published: March 2022

Thrust collision zones with low slip rates along the plate boundary are significant areas of stress accumulation and prone to develop more destructive earthquakes with longer recurrence intervals. Such regions are often classified as low seismic risk if they lack continuous records of large earthquakes, such as the eastern Tibetan Plateau before the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake. Here, we provide a continuous seismic record in the Longmen Shan thrust fault zone spanning 13,000 years based on detailed investigation of the soft-sediment deformation structures and seismites in the Lixian lacustrine sequence. The recurrence time of large earthquakes (M ≥ 8.1) is 1,200 years, which is significantly shorter than the previous estimate of 2,000–6,000 years. The Maoxian-Wenchuan fault is the main fault that triggered the deformation in the Lixian lacustrine sediments. In addition, earthquake recurrence in the warm period is more frequent than that in the cold period, which should arouse our attention for the seismic study of tectonically active regions.
Crustal Structure and Anisotropy in the Lower Yangtze Region and its Metallogenic Implications
Authors: Han Rubing , Yang Dinghui , Li Qiusheng , Chen Hao , Zhang Hongshuang , Ye Zhuo , Cheng Yongzhi , Fu Wei 
Published: March 2022

In this study, we performed receiver function profiling and fitted harmonic functions to the arrival time variations of Pms phases to calculate the crustal seismic anisotropy with delay time and fast polarization direction, using broadband seismic data obtained from 55 temporary stations in two linear profiles and 39 stations in the Lower Yangtze and adjacent region. Moreover, we determined the crustal thickness and Poisson’s ratio using a novel H-κ-c stacking method. Our results revealed that the Middle-Lower Yangtze Metallogenic Belt and the north east section of the Qinzhou-Hangzhou Metallogenic Belt are characterized by Moho upliftment (&lt;32 km), a relatively high Poisson’s ratio (&gt;0.26), local lithospheric thinning (&lt;70 km), and a pattern of deep faults that connect the crust and asthenosphere and serve as conduits for magma upwelling. The NE-SW fast polarization direction was consistent with the SKS splitting results, and the average delay time was 0.45 s. Moreover, underplating of deep magma and upwelling along the weak zone caused local Moho uplift and ductile shear of the lower crust, resulting in the directional arrangement of amphibole and other minerals, which may be the controlling mechanism for the crustal anisotropy in the study area. The variations in crustal structure and anisotropy characteristics indicated that in the context of the northeastern Paleo-Pacific plate subduction, the existence of weak lithospheric zones and the northeastern asthenospheric flow are important conditions for metal supernormal enrichment in the Lower Yangtze region.
Nomogram Predicts Risk and Prognostic Factors for Bone Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer: A Population-Based Analysis
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ji Lichen , Wang Xijun , Zhu Senbo , Luo Junchao , Zhang Yin , Tong Yu , Feng Fabo , Kang Yao , Bi Qing 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe overall survival (OS) of pancreatic cancer (PC) patients with bone metastasis (BM) is extremely low, and it is pretty hard to treat bone metastasis. However, there are currently no effective nomograms to predict the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic cancer with bone metastasis (PCBM). Therefore, it is of great significance to establish effective predictive models to guide clinical practice.MethodsWe screened patients from Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2016. The independent risk factors of PCBM were identified from univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to determine independent prognostic factors affecting the prognosis of PCBM. In addition, two nomograms were constructed to predict the risk and prognosis of PCBM. We used the area under the curve (AUC), C-index and calibration curve to determine the predictive accuracy and discriminability of nomograms. The decision curve analysis (DCA) and Kaplan-Meier(K-M) survival curves were employed to further confirm the clinical effectiveness of the nomogram.ResultsMultivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that risk factors of PCBM included age, primary site, histological subtype, N stage, radiotherapy, surgery, brain metastasis, lung metastasis, and liver metastasis. Using Cox regression analyses, we found that independent prognostic factors of PCBM were age, race, grade, histological subtype, surgery, chemotherapy, and lung metastasis. We utilized nomograms to visually express data analysis results. The C-index of training cohort was 0.795 (95%CI: 0.758-0.832), whereas that of internal validation cohort was 0.800 (95%CI: 0.739-0.862), and the external validation cohort was 0.787 (95%CI: 0.746-0.828). Based on AUC of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA), we concluded that the risk and prognosis model of PCBM exhibits excellent performance.ConclusionNomogram is sufficiently accurate to predict the risk and prognostic factors of PCBM, allowing for individualized clinical decisions for future clinical work.
Identification of Major Organisms Involved in Nutritional Ecosystem in the Acidic Soil From Pennsylvania, USA
Authors: James Madison T. , Farrisi Sophia T. , Shah Shreya , Shah Vishal 
Published: March 2022

Microorganisms play a critical role in the structure and functioning of soil ecosystems. Within acidic soil across the northeastern United States and Canada, we have little understanding of the microbial diversity present and its relationship to the biochemical cycles. The current study is aimed at understanding the taxonomical and functional diversities in the acidic soil obtained from near various types of trees, how the diversities change as a function of depth, and the linkage between taxonomical and functional diversities. From eight sampling locations, soil samples were collected from three horizons (depths). The three depths were 0–10 cm (A), 11–25 cm (B), and 26–40 cm (C). Results indicate that across all the samples analyzed, Bradyrhizobium and Candidatus Solibacter are the most abundant bacteria in the soil microbiome. The differences in the soil microbiome across the samples were attributed to the abundance of individual organism’s present in the soil and not to the presence or absence of individual organisms. Subsystem level analysis of the soil microbiome sequences indicate that there is higher level of abundance of genes attributed to regulation and cell signaling. A low level of sequences were detected for sulfur metabolism, potassium metabolism, iron acquisition and metabolism, and phosphorous metabolism. Structure-functional analysis indicate that Bradyrhizobium, Rhodopseudomonas, and Burkholderia are the major organisms involved in the nutritional ecosystem functioning within acidic soil. Based on the results, we propose utilizing a consortium of these organisms as an environmentally friendly alternative to the use of chemicals to maintain soil fertility and ecosystem functioning.
Characterization of Somatic Mutations That Affect Neoantigens in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Liang Hongge , Xu Yan , Chen Minjiang , Zhao Jing , Zhong Wei , Liu Xiaoyan , Gao Xiaoxing , Li Shanqing , Li Ji , Guo Chao , Jia He , Wang Mengzhao 
Published: March 2022

PurposeImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have recently emerged as an important option for treating patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Neoantigens are important biomarkers and potential immunotherapy targets that play important roles in the prognosis and treatment of patients with NSCLC. This study aimed to evaluate and characterize the relationships between somatic mutations and potential neoantigens in specimens from patients who underwent surgical treatment for NSCLC.Patients and MethodsThis prospective study evaluated specimens from patients with NSCLC who underwent surgical treatment at the Peking Union Medical College, China, from June 2019 to September 2019. Whole-exome sequencing was performed for tumor tissues and corresponding normal tissues. Candidate neoantigens were predicted using generative software, and the relationships between various mutation characteristics and number of neoantigens were evaluated.ResultsNeoantigen-related gene mutations were less frequent than mutations affecting the whole genome. Genes with high neoantigen burden had more types and higher frequencies of mutations. The number of candidate neoantigens was positively correlated with missense mutations, code shift insertions/deletions, split-site variations, and nonsense mutations. However, in the multiple linear regression analysis, only missense mutations were positively correlated with the number of neoantigens. The number of neoantigens was also positively correlated with base transversions (A&gt;C/C&gt;A, T&gt;G/G&gt;T, and C&gt;G/G&gt;C) and negatively correlated with base transitions (A&gt;G/G&gt;A and C&gt;T/T&gt;C).ConclusionThe number of candidate neoantigens in NSCLC specimens was associated with mutation frequency, type of mutation, and type of base substitution.
Functional and Immune Modulatory Characteristics of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Patients With Aplastic Anemia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Atmar Khaled , Tulling Adam J. , Lankester Arjan C. , Bartels Marije , Smiers Frans J. , van der Burg Mirjam , Mohseny Alexander B. 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundIn most patients with aplastic anemia (AA), the diagnosis is limited to a description of the symptoms. Lack of understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms causing bone marrow failure (BMF), hampers tailored treatment. In these patients, auto-immune cell-mediated destruction of the bone marrow is often presumed to be the causative mechanism. The status of the bone marrow microenvironment, particularly the mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) component, was recently suggested as a potential player in the pathophysiology of AA. Therefore, functional, and immune modulatory characteristics of bone marrow MSCs might represent important parameters for AA.ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review to evaluate in vitro functional properties of MSCs derived from patients with AA compared to healthy controls.MethodsAccording to PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search strategy was performed by using online databases (Pubmed, ISI Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library). Studies reporting on phenotypical characterization, proliferation potential, differentiation capacity, immunomodulatory potential, and ability to support hematopoiesis were identified and screened using the Rayyan software tool.Results23 articles were included in this systematic review, describing a total of 324 patients with AA and 285 controls. None of the studies identified a significant difference in expression of any MSC surface marker between both groups. However, AA-MSCs showed a decreased proliferation potential, an increased tendency to differentiate into the adipogenic lineage and decreased propensity towards osteogenic differentiation. Importantly, AA-MSCs show reduced capacity of immunosuppression and hematopoietic support in comparison to healthy controls.ConclusionWe conclude that there are indications for a contribution of MSCs in the pathophysiology of AA. However, the current evidence is of poor quality and requires better defined study populations in addition to a more robust methodology to study MSC biology at a cellular and molecular level. Future studies on bone marrow microenvironment should aim at elucidating the interaction between MSCs, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and immune cells to identify impairments associated with/causing BMF in patients with AA.
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur Tri-doped Carbon A Coated NiCo2Se4 Needle Arrays Grown on Carbon Cloth as Binder-free Anode for Potassium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Fan Jinchen , Zheng Yujun , Zhao Zhongshu , Guo Wenyao , Zhu Sheng 
Published: March 2022

Bimetallic selenides are considered to be the promising high-capacity anode materials for potassium ion batteries (PIBs). However, the dramatic volume fluctuation of K+ ions and pulverization during cycling still limit their practical application in PIBs. Herein, the nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur tri-doped carbon (SPNC)-coated bimetallic NiCo2Se4 needle arrays grown on carbon cloth (NiCo2Se4⊂SPNC/CC) prepared as a binder-free anode for PIBs. The polyphosphazene (PSZ) was used as ingenious heteroatoms doping carbon source. The coated SPNC layer derived from the PSZ on the surfaces of NiCo2Se4 needle arrays not only effectively alleviate the volume expansion of NiCo2Se4 but also provide abundant active sites for the storage of K+ ions. As the PIB anode, the NiCo2Se4⊂SPNC/CC could deliver a high reversible capacity of 880.9 mA h g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1. After 500 cycles, the NiCo2Se4⊂SPNC/CC anode still maintains a high reversible capacity of 268.1 mA h·g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1.
Risk Factors for Post-operative Planned Reintubation in Patients After General Anesthesia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xie Zhiqin , Liu Jiawen , Yang Zhen , Tang Liping , Wang Shuilian , Du Yunyu , Yang Lina 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe occurrence of postoperative reintubation (POR) in patients after general anesthesia (GA) is often synonymous with a poor prognosis in patients. This is the first review analyzing scientific literature to identify risk factors of POR after general anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to collect currently published studies to determine the most common and consistent risk factors associated with POR after GA.MethodsWe have retrieved all relevant research published before April 2021 from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library electronic databases. These studies were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Z test determined the combined odds ratio (OR) of risk factors. We used OR and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) to identify significant differences in risk factors. The quality of the study was evaluated with the NOS scale, and meta-analysis was carried out with Cochrane Collaboration's Revman 5.0 software.ResultsA total of 10 studies were included, with a total of 7,789 recipients of POR. We identified 7 risk factors related to POR after GA: ASA ≥ 3 (OR = 3.58), COPD (OR = 2.09), thoracic surgery (OR = 17.09), airway surgery (OR = 9.93), head-and-neck surgery (OR = 3.49), sepsis (OR = 3.50), DVT (OR = 4.94).ConclusionOur meta-analysis showed that ASA ≥ 3, COPD, thoracic surgery, airway surgery, head-and-neck surgery, sepsis and DVT were associated with POR after GA.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?, Identifier: CRD42021252466.
Angiotensin System Autoantibodies Correlate With Routine Prognostic Indicators for COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Labandeira Carmen M. , Pedrosa Maria A. , Suarez-Quintanilla Juan A. , Cortes-Ayaso María , Labandeira-García José Luis , Rodríguez-Pérez Ana I. 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveWe previously showed that angiotensin type-1 receptor and ACE2 autoantibodies (AT1-AA, ACE2-AA) are associated with COVID-19 severity. Our aim is to find correlations of these autoantibodies with routine biochemical parameters that allow an initial classification of patients.MethodsIn an initial cohort of 119 COVID-19 patients, serum AT1-AA and ACE2-AA concentrations were obtained within 24 h after diagnosis. In 50 patients with a complete set of routine biochemical parameters, clinical data and disease outcome information, a Random Forest algorithm was used to select prognostic indicators, and the Spearman coefficient was used to analyze correlations with AT1-AA, ACE2-AA.ResultsHemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase and procalcitonin were selected. A decrease in one unit of hemoglobin, an increase in 0.25 units of procalcitonin, or an increase in 100 units of lactate dehydrogenase increased the severity of the disease by 35.27, 69.25, and 3.2%, respectively. Our binary logistic regression model had a predictive capability to differentiate between mild and moderate/severe disease of 84%, and between mild/moderate and severe disease of 76%. Furthermore, the selected parameters showed strong correlations with AT1-AA or ACE2-AA, particularly in men.ConclusionHemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase and procalcitonin can be used for initial classification of COVID-19 patients in the admission day. Subsequent determination of more complex or late arrival biomarkers may provide further data on severity, mechanisms, and therapeutic options.
Multimodal In-training Examination in an Emergency Medicine Residency Training Program: A Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Liu Pin , Chen Shou-Yen , Chang Yu-Che , Ng Chip-Jin , Chaou Chung-Hsien 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundIn-training examination (ITE) has been widely adopted as an assessment tool to measure residents' competency. We incorporated different formats of assessments into the emergency medicine (EM) residency training program to form a multimodal, multistation ITE. This study was conducted to examine the cost and effectiveness of its different testing formats.MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal study in a tertiary teaching hospital in Taiwan. Nine EM residents were enrolled and followed for 4 years, and the biannual ITE scores were recorded and analyzed. Each ITE consisted of 8–10 stations and was categorized into four formats: multiple-choice question (MCQ), question and answer (QA), oral examination (OE), and high-fidelity simulation (HFS) formats. The learner satisfaction, validity, reliability, and costs were analyzed.Results486 station scores were recorded during the 4 years. The numbers of MCQ, OE, QA, and HFS stations were 45 (9.26%), 90 (18.5%), 198 (40.7%), and 135 (27.8%), respectively. The overall Cronbach's alpha reached 0.968, indicating good overall internal consistency. The correlation with EM board examination was highest for HFS (ρ = 0.657). The average costs of an MCQ station, an OE station, and an HFS station were ~3, 14, and 21 times that of a QA station.ConclusionsMulti-dimensional assessment contributes to good reliability. HFS correlates best with the final training exam score but is also the most expensive format among ITEs. Increased testing domains with various formats improve ITE's overall reliability. Program directors must understand each test format's strengths and limitations to bring forth the best combination of exams under the local context.
Relationship Between Plasma Vitamin C and COVID-19 Susceptibility and Severity: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Chen Song , Zheng Changhua , Chen Tianlai , Huang Dianhua , Pan Yuancheng , Chen Shunyou 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundConsidering the antioxidant function of Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, it is widely used against viral infections such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) based on in vitro, observational, and ecological studies. Many confounding factors that can affect Vitamin C levels. Thus, the association described to date may not be causal. To determine the causal relationship between genetically predicted plasma Vitamin C and COVID-19 susceptibility and severity, we performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) based on large samples.MethodsThe summary-level data for Vitamin C was obtained from a GWAS meta-analysis, which included 52,018 individuals from four studies of European ancestry. Data for COVID-19 HGI results were obtained from the meta-analysis of 35 GWASs with more than 1,000,000 subjects of European ancestry, including 32,494 cases with COVID-19 susceptibility and 1,316,207 controls, 9,986 cases with COVID-19 hospitalization and 1,877,672 controls, and 5,101 cases with COVID-19 severe disease and 1,383,241 controls. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to examine the effect of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms and COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization, disease severity. Several sensitivity analyses were performed with inverse-variance weighted (random-effect model), inverse variance weighted (fixed-effect model), weighted median, and maximum likelihood methods for estimating the causal effects.ResultsIn this MR study, genetic predisposition to the levels of plasma Vitamin C was not associated with COVID-19 susceptibility (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.84–1.17, P = 0.91), hospitalization (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.71–1.71, P = 0.67) and severity (OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.43–1.59, P = 0.58). The association was consistent in complementary analyses. No potential heterogeneities and directional pleiotropies were observed for the analysis results.ConclusionAccording to our study, no correlation was observed between plasma Vitamin C levels and COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Further studies in different ethnics are necessary to explore the potential role and mechanisms of circulating serum Vitamin C levels on COVID-19.
2% Ganciclovir Eye Drops Control Posner-Schlossman Syndrome Relapses With/Without Cytomegalovirus Intraocular Reactivation
Authors: Sheng Qilian , Zhai Ruyi , Fan Xintong , Kong Xiangmei 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundTo observe and compare the efficacy of 2% ganciclovir eye drops in the treatment of Posner-Schlossman Syndrome relapses with/without cytomegalovirus intraocular reactivation.MethodsA prospective cohort study enrolling 101 patients diagnosed unilateral Posner-Schlossman Syndrome in Eye &amp; ENT hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Thorough ophthalmic examinations were given. Aqueous humor sample was collected from the attacked eye of each patient and all pathogen immunoglobulins tests were performed. All patients were treated with appropriate corticosteroids and intraocular pressure-lowering drugs. 2% ganciclovir eye drops were given to patients whose cytomegalovirus antibody aqueous humor/serum correction ratio &gt;0. Patients were followed up for 2 months. Ocular manifestations and cumulative drug dose were recorded.ResultsA cytomegalovirus ratio &gt;0.40 was considered cytomegalovirus reactivation. The reactivation group (N = 46) had significantly higher percent of iris depigmentation (78.26%, P &lt; 0.05) and endothelial cell loss rate (19.46%, P &lt; 0.001) than the latent group (N = 55, 58.18% and 10.86%, respectively). The cumulative treatment time and 2% ganciclovir doses were 6.50 ± 4.67 weeks and 181.70 ± 130.95 drops for the reactivation group; 5.95 ± 4.11 weeks and 161.89 ± 110.66 drops for the latent group (P &gt; 0.05). The median cumulative 2% ganciclovir estimated for inflammation control were 252.00 ± 50.71 and 224.00 ± 32.45 drops for the reactivation and latent group. The residual rate of uncontrolled cases was 0.19 ± 0.15 and 0.00, respectively (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsA treatment course of 8–9 weeks' 2% ganciclovir is recommended to relapses both with and without cytomegalovirus intraocular reactivation. Preventive ganciclovir application may benefit patients with historical cytomegalovirus infections.Clinical Trial Registrationwww.chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR1900022340, Date: 2019/04/06.