bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Restitution Slope Affects the Outcome of Dominant Frequency Ablation in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: CUVIA-AF2 Post-Hoc Analysis Based on Computational Modeling Study
Authors: Park Je-Wook , Lim Byounghyun , Hwang Inseok , Kwon Oh-Seok , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Uhm Jae-Sun , Joung Boyoung , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Pak Hui-Nam 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionAlthough the dominant frequency (DF) localizes the reentrant drivers and the maximal slope of the action potential duration (APD) restitution curve (Smax) reflects the tendency of the wave-break, their interaction has never been studied. We hypothesized that DF ablation has different effects on atrial fibrillation (AF) depending on Smax.MethodsWe studied the DF and Smax in 25 realistic human persistent AF model samples (68% male, 60 ± 10 years old). Virtual AF was induced by ramp pacing measuring Smax, followed by spatiotemporal DF evaluation for 34 s. We assessed the DF ablation effect depending on Smax in both computational modeling and a previous clinical trial, CUVIA-AF (170 patients with persistent AF, 70.6% male, 60 ± 11 years old).ResultsMean DF had an inverse relationship with Smax regardless of AF acquisition timing (p &lt; 0.001). Virtual DF ablations increased the defragmentation rate compared to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone (p = 0.015), especially at Smax &lt;1 (61.5 vs. 7.7%, p = 0.011). In post-DF ablation defragmentation episodes, DF was significantly higher (p = 0.002), and Smax was lower (p = 0.003) than in episodes without defragmentation. In the post-hoc analysis of CUVIA-AF2, we replicated the inverse relationship between Smax and DF (r = −0.47, p &lt; 0.001), and we observed better rhythm outcomes of clinical DF ablations in addition to a PVI than of empirical PVI at Smax &lt;1 [hazard ratio 0.45, 95% CI (0.22–0.89), p = 0.022; log-rank p = 0.021] but not at ≥ 1 (log-rank p = 0.177).ConclusionWe found an inverse relationship between DF and Smax and the outcome of DF ablation after PVI was superior at the condition with Smax &lt;1 in both in-silico and clinical trials.
Mini-Invasive Bentall Procedure Performed via a Right Anterior Thoracotomy Approach With a Costochondral Cartilage Sparing
Authors: Ji Qiang , Wang YuLin , Liu FangYu , Yang Ye , Li Jun , Sun XiaoNing , Yang ZhaoHua , Pan Sun , Lai Hao , Wang ChunSheng 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesA right minithoracotomy approach with a sternal sparing technique is a minimally invasive option for surgeons performing aortic root surgery. This report presents our initial clinical results of the right minithoracotomy Bentall procedure.MethodsClinical data of 15 patients were retrospectively analyzed who underwent the minimally invasive Bentall procedure through the right anterior thoracotomy via the second intercostal incision without any costochondral cartilage invasion at our institution between October, 2019 and June, 2021. The operative time, length of intensive care unit stay and postoperative hospital stay, perioperative outcomes, and follow-up results were analyzed.ResultsThe median aortic cross-clamping time was 95.0 (85.5–98.8) min. Three (21.4%) patients received blood transfusion. The median drainage volume in the first 24 h was 200.0 ml, with no redo for bleeding. The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 12.5 (11.0–25.0) h, and median length of intensive care unit stay was 1.5 (1.0–3.0) day. All patients discharged 5.8 ± 1.2 days following surgery, with no dead patients found. At 6 months following surgery, all patients survived with an improved New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class.ConclusionThe right minithoracotomy Bentall procedure may be performed safely with low morbidity and mortality. This approach should be considered as an option in carefully selected patients requiring aortic root replacement.
Dissolved Nitrogen Speciation and Concentration During Spring Thaw in the Greenland Ice Sheet Dark Zone: Evidence for Microbial Activity
Authors: Holland Alexandra T. , Williamson Christopher J. , Tedstone Andrew J. , Anesio Alexandre M. , Tranter Martyn 
Published: March 2022

This study provides the first contemporaneous measurements of the concentration and speciation of dissolved nitrogen (N) in snow, meltwater and ice during the onset of the ablation season at a site within the Dark Zone of the Greenland Ice Sheet. The decaying, partially leached snow pack near S6 in south-west Greenland produced meltwater with relatively constant nitrate (NO3−) concentrations, approximating the snow pack average (1.1 µM). By contrast, ammonium (NH4+) (0–∼ 4 µM) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) (0–∼ 3 µM) concentrations were more variable, and sometimes higher than the average snow pack concentrations of 1.0 and 0.4 µM, respectively. This variability could be the result of microbial uptake and production within the melting snow pack. We observed pooled meltwater at the snow-ice interface that appeared to scavenge DON (∼1–8 µM) and possibly NO3− (∼1–2 µM) from the underlying ice, whose initial surface was a continuum of superimposed ice and weathering crust from the previous season. The shallow meteoric ice (∼10 cm–1 m) beneath the snow pack had high concentrations of DON and NH4+(6.5 and 2.6 µM, respectively), while NO3− concentrations were similar to the snow pack (1.1 µM). The absence of NH4+ in the snowmelt traversing the snow-ice interface may also point to microbial activity occurring at this boundary layer. Melt modelling indicated the presence of liquid meltwater at the snow-ice interface and that at least 10 cm of the surface ice below the snow pack was at 0°C. Solar radiation transmitted through the thin snow pack to the ice surface is absorbed by pigmented glacier algae causing melt of the surrounding ice, allowing the possibly of photosynthesis to begin under the thinning snowpack in these micro-melt environments. Hence, we conjecture that glacier algal blooms can commence before the snow pack has completely melted, occuring at a time when meltwaters are enhanced in nutrients scavenged from the snowpack, superimposed ice and the remnants of the weathering crust from the previous year.
Geometry and Segmentation of the Philippine Fault in Surigao Strait
Authors: Marfito Bryan J. , Llamas Deo Carlo E. , Aurelio Mario A. 
Published: March 2022

On 10 February 2017, a MS 6.7 earthquake, whose epicenter was located in Surigao Strait, struck the province of Surigao del Norte, causing numerous geologic impacts and damages to infrastructure. Field investigation conducted immediately after the earthquake revealed an NNW-SSE-striking surface rupture that extends 4.1 km inland. The remaining 20 km of the surface rupture, based on the computed magnitude-surface rupture length empirical relationship, was inferred to be located offshore along the Philippine Fault in Surigao Strait. We investigated the geometry of the fault in Surigao Strait by identifying morphotectonic features and geologic structures using offshore geophysical data that include multibeam bathymetry, sub-bottom profiles, and seismic reflection profiles. We interpreted several fault-related features such as pull-apart basin, offset channels, linear valleys, and folds and identified four fault segments, which are named the Maka-andog Strand, Surigao-Sanghid Strand, West Sanghid Strand, and Panaon Strand. Based on fault length, these segments are capable of generating MW 6.4 to 6.9 earthquakes. We have determined that surface rupture most probably extends along the entire length of the Surigao-Saghid Strand that generated the 2017 MS 6.7 earthquake. The identified morphotectonic features, presence of strike-slip with significant normal displacement in offshore geophysical imaging data, and focal mechanism all suggest that Philippine Fault in Surigao Strait is dominated by transtensional deformation, which supports the interpretations by previous authors.
Multi-Step Ahead Prediction of Reheat Steam Temperature of a 660 MW Coal-Fired Utility Boiler Using Long Short-Term Memory
Authors: Tan Peng , Zhu Hengyi , He Ziqian , Jin Zhiyuan , Zhang Cheng , Fang Qingyan , Chen Gang 
Published: March 2022

With increases in the penetration of renewables in grids, there is an increasing demand for coal-fired power plants to operate flexibly. Regulation of reheat steam temperature is of great importance for the safe and efficient operation of coal-fired power plants. However, the difficulty of reheat steam temperature regulation increases largely during flexible operation due to the large delay and nonlinear properties, especially those units designed to shoulder base load and with limited regulating strategy. A multistep prediction model on the reheat steam temperature of a 660-MW coal-fired utility boiler was developed based on long short-term memory. The results show that the multistep prediction model performs well. The average root mean square error and mean absolute percentage error values of the five-step prediction results are less than 0.52°C and 0.07%, respectively. The correlation coefficients of the five-step predictions are all greater than 0.95. With a sample interval of 30 s, the model provides an accurate prediction of reheat steam temperature within 2.5 min, which could supply an important reference for the reheat steam temperature regulation.
Reduced Nitrous Oxide Emissions From Drained Temperate Agricultural Peatland After Coverage With Mineral Soil
Authors: Wang Yuqiao , Paul Sonja M. , Jocher Markus , Alewell Christine , Leifeld Jens 
Published: March 2022

Peatlands drained for agriculture emit large amounts of nitrous oxide (N2O) and thereby contribute to global warming. In order to counteract soil subsidence and sustain agricultural productivity, mineral soil coverage of drained organic soil is an increasingly used practice. This management option may also influence soil-borne N2O emissions. Understanding the effect of mineral soil coverage on N2O emissions from agricultural peatland is necessary to implement peatland management strategies which not only sustain agricultural productivity but also reduce N2O emissions. In this study, we aimed to quantify the N2O emissions from an agriculturally managed peatland in Switzerland and to evaluate the effect of mineral soil coverage on these emissions. The study was conducted over two years on a grassland on drained nutrient-rich fen in the Swiss Rhine Valley which was divided into two parts, both with identical management. One site was not covered with mineral soil (reference “Ref”), and the other site had a ∼40 cm thick mineral soil cover (coverage “Cov”). The grassland was intensively managed, cut 5–6 times per year, and received c. 230 kg N ha−1 yr−1 of nitrogen fertilizer. N2O emissions were continuously monitored using an automatic time integrating chamber (ATIC) system. During the experimental period, site Ref released 20.5 ± 2.7 kg N ha−1 yr−1 N2O-N, whereas the N2O emission from site Cov was only 2.3 ± 0.4 kg N ha−1 yr−1. Peak N2O emissions were mostly detected following fertilizer application and lasted for 2–3 weeks before returning to the background N2O emissions. At both sites, N2O peaks related to fertilization events contributed more than half of the overall N2O emissions. However, not only the fertilization induced N2O peaks but also background N2O emissions were lower with mineral soil coverage. Our data suggest a strong and continued reduction in N2O emissions with mineral soil cover from the investigated organic soil. Mineral soil coverage, therefore, seems to be a promising N2O mitigation option for intensively used drained organic soils when a sustained use of the drained peatland for intensive agricultural production is foreseen, and potential rewetting and restoration of the peatland are not possible.
Transcriptome Sequencing-Based Mining of Genes Associated With Pubertal Initiation in Dolang Sheep
Authors: Zhang Zhishuai , Sui Zhiyuan , Zhang Jihu , Li Qingjin , Zhang Yongjie , Xing Feng 
Published: March 2022

Improving the fertility of sheep is an important goal in sheep breeding as it greatly increases the productivity. Dolang sheep is a typical representative breed of lamb in Xinjiang and is the main local sheep breed and meat source in the region. To explore the genes associated with the initiation of puberty in Dolang sheep, the hypothalamic tissues of Dolang sheep prepubertal, pubertal, and postpubertal periods were collected for RNA-seq analysis on the Illumina platform, generating 64.08 Gb clean reads. A total of 575, 166, and 648 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in prepuberty_vs._puberty, postpuberty_vs._prepuberty, and postpuberty_vs._puberty analyses, respectively. Based on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, the related genes involved in the initiation of puberty in Dolang sheep were mined. Ten genes that have direct or indirect functions in the initiation of puberty in Dolang sheep were screened using the GO and KEGG results. Additionally, quantitative real-time PCR was used to verify the reliability of the RNA-Seq data. This study provided a new approach for revealing the mechanism of puberty initiation in sheep and provided a theoretical basis and candidate genes for the breeding of early-pubertal sheep by molecular techniques, and at the same time, it is also beneficial for the protection, development, and utilization of the fine genetic resources of Xinjiang local sheep.
Whole Transcriptome Mapping Identifies an Immune- and Metabolism-Related Non-coding RNA Landscape Remodeled by Mechanical Stress in IL-1β-Induced Rat OA-like Chondrocytes
Authors: Zhang Jiaming , Hao Xiaoxia , Chi Ruimin , Liu Jiawei , Shang Xingru , Deng Xiaofeng , Qi Jun , Xu Tao 
Published: March 2022

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease. The aims of this study are to explore the effects of mechanical stress on whole transcriptome landscape and to identify a non-coding transcriptome signature of mechanical stress.Methods: Next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on IL-1β-induced OA-like chondrocytes stimulated by mechanical stress. Integrated bioinformatics analysis was performed and further verified by experimental validations.Results: A total of 5,022 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs), 88 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMIs), 1,259 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), and 393 differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) were identified as the transcriptome response to mechanical stress. The functional annotation of the DEMs revealed the effects of mechanical stress on chondrocyte biology, ranging from cell fate, metabolism, and motility to endocrine, immune response, and signaling transduction. Among the DELs, ∼92.6% were identified as the novel lncRNAs. According to the co-expressing DEMs potentially regulated by the responsive DELs, we found that these DELs were involved in the modification of immune and metabolism. Moreover, immune- and metabolism-relevant DELs exhibited a notable involvement in the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulation networks. Silencing lncRNA TCONS_00029778 attenuated cellular senescence induced by mechanical stress. Moreover, the expression of Cd80 was elevated by mechanical stress, which was rescued by silencing TCONS_00029778.Conclusion: The transcriptome landscape of IL-1β-induced OA-like chondrocytes was remarkably remodeled by mechanical stress. This study identified an immune- and metabolism-related ncRNA transcriptome signature responsive to mechanical stress and provides an insight of ncRNAs into chondrocyte biology and OA.
Landscape of Infiltrated Immune Cell Characterization in Uveal Melanoma to Improve Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy
Authors: Lv Xiaohui , Ding Min , Liu Yan 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundNumerous studies indicated that tumor-infiltrated immune cells (TIC) in the microenvironment are substantially linked to immunotherapy response and cancer prognosis. However, systematic studies of infiltrated immune cell characterization in uveal melanoma (UM) for prognosis and immune checkpoint blockade therapy are lacking.MethodsUM datasets were extracted from open access resources (TCGA and GEO databases). The tumor-infiltrated immune cells in the microenvironment were decoded by using the CIBERSORT algorithm, which was further applied to classify UM patients into subgroups using an unsupervised clustering method. The Boruta algorithm and principal component analysis were used to calculate the TIC scores for UM patients. Kaplan–Meier curves were plotted to prove the prognostic value of TIC scores. Besides, the correlations of the TIC score with clinical features, mutated characteristics, and the immune therapeutic response were subsequently investigated.ResultsAs a result, we defined three subtypes among 171 UM patients according to the TIC profiles and then calculated the TIC score to characterize the immune patterns for all patients. We discovered that high-TIC score patients with low BAP1 and high EIF1AX mutations have a better prognosis than low-TIC score patients. Activation of immune inflammatory response and increase in immune checkpoint-related genes in high-TIC score patients may account for good prognosis and immunotherapy response. Three melanoma cohorts received immunotherapy, proving that high-TIC score patients have substantial clinical and immune therapeutic improvements. Besides, several potential therapeutic agents were identified in the low-TIC score group.ConclusionOur study afforded a comprehensive view of infiltrated immune cell characterization to elucidate different immune patterns of UM. We also established a robust TIC-score signature, which may work as a prognostic biomarker and immune therapeutic predictor.
Clinical Analysis of Renal Failure Caused by Malakoplakia: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Zhenting , Ren Jiannan 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundA 52-year-old middle-aged woman developed fatigue, poor appetite and elevated CRE levels 6 months ago without known causes of these symptoms. After repeated anti-infective and renal function improvement treatment, her symptoms did not significantly improve and local progress. Pathological examination confirmed soft spot disease of left kidney and bladder.TestsPlain computed tomography (CT) scan of the lungs and urinary system; CT enhancement of the abdomen and pelvis, magnetic resonance (MR) enhancement of the abdomen and pelvis; positron emission tomography (PET)-CT; ultrasonography of the urinary system; cystoscopy, biopsy; and laboratory examination including urine routine and culture, urine protein quantification, cytology and culture of drainage fluid smear, routine blood test, and assessment of C-reactive protein, sedimentation, procalcitonin, liver function, renal function, electrolytes, thyroid function, parathyroid function, and cardiac enzymes.DiagnosisLeft-sided renal and bladder malakoplakia, chronic renal insufficiency (CKD stage 4), renal anemia, complicated urinary tract infection (Escherichia coli + smooth bacilli), chronic urinary retention, abscess of the left psoas major and iliac fossa, type II diabetes mellitus, grade III hypertension (very high risk), and post cholecystectomy.TreatmentHospitalized urinary catheterization, anti-infective treatment, diagnostic anti-tuberculosis treatment, gastrointestinal dialysis, correction of anemia treatment, nutritional support, left lumbar enlargement, iliac fossa abscess puncture drainage, left nephrectomy.
Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Population-Based Observational Studies
Authors: Wu Xinhui , Wang Jingxi , Ye Zhen , Wang Jin , Liao Xibei , Liv Mengsi , Svn Zhen 
Published: March 2022

Background and AimsEvidence on the association between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk is inconsistent. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether IBS leads to an increased risk for CRC using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach.MethodsPubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched to identify all relevant literature published through July 30, 2021. The pooled risk ratios (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CRC after diagnosis of IBS were computed using random-and fixed-effects models and stratified by age, follow-up time, gender, and study design. The quality of included studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.ResultsWe included six studies consisting of 1,085,024 participants. Overall, the risk of detecting CRC after the initial IBS diagnosis was significantly higher than non-IBS controls (RR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.04–2.22, P = 0.032). The peak of elevated risk occurred within the first year of IBS diagnosis (RR = 6.84, 95% CI: 3.70–12.65, P &lt; 0.001), and after 1 year, the risk of CRC was similar to that of the general population (RR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.88–1.18, P = 0.813). Notably, we found that the RR of CRC was more significant in IBS patients younger than 50 years compared to those older than 50 years (RR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.17-3.53, P = 0.012 vs. 1.28, 95%CI: 0.94-1.75, P = 0.118, respectively). Gender and study design did not affect the results.ConclusionThe risk of CRC within one year of the initial IBS diagnosis was increased approximately six-fold, whereas the long-term risk was not increased. However, current evidence does not support that IBS leads to an increased incidence of CRC, and the early excess risk is more likely attributable to misclassification resulting from overlapping symptoms rather than causation. Clinicians must remain vigilant for the CRC risk in patients younger than 50 years with IBS-like symptoms to avoid delaying necessary screening.
Dramatic Effect of Botulinum Toxin Type A on Hypertrophic Scar: A Promising Therapeutic Drug and Its Mechanism Through the SP-NK1R Pathway in Cutaneous Neurogenic Inflammation
Authors: Zhang Shunuo , Li Ke , Yu Zhixi , Chai Jun , Zhang Zheng , Zhang Yixin , Min Peiru 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundHypertrophic scar formation may be related to cutaneous neurogenic inflammation (CNI) through the substance P-neurokinin 1 receptor (SP-NK1R) signaling pathway. As a widely used drug in aesthetic clinical work, botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has a therapeutic effect on scars, but the actual mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the potential mechanism by which BTX-A inhibits CNI in hypertrophic scars both in vitro and in vivo.MethodsTissue samples were obtained from surgical excisions. Immunohistological analysis was used to locate SP in human hypertrophic scars and normal skin. RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to evaluate the expression of collagens after SP/BTX-A treatment. A rabbit ear scar model was used to explore the in vivo effect of BTX-A on scar treatment.ResultsSP and NK-1R were overexpressed in hypertrophic scars compared to normal skin tissues. Collagen secretion of hypertrophic scar-derived fibroblasts increased with increasing doses of SP. However, BTX-A may downregulate collagen expression through SP-NK1R pathway with or without the presence of SP inducing agent capsaicin. Meanwhile, SP inhibited the expression of NK-1R, and this inhibition was blocked by pretreatment with BTX-A. In vivo, intralesional BTX-A injection can also reduce the volume of scars and inhibit collagen secretion. Capsaicin may cause more severe scar manifestations, while the therapeutic effect of BTX-A remains.ConclusionOur research confirms that CNI stimulates fibroblasts during scar formation, while BTX-A can reduce collagen secretion by inhibiting the SP-NK1R signaling pathway, thus identifying a novel therapeutic target for this benign solid skin tumor.