bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epitaxial Growth of Flower-Like MoS2 on One-Dimensional Nickel Titanate Nanofibers: A “Sweet Spot” for Efficient Photoreduction of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Khan Haritham , Kang Suhee , Charles Hazina , Lee Caroline Sunyong 
Published: January 2022

Herein, a full spectrum-induced hybrid structure consisting of one-dimensional nickel titanate (NiTiO3) nanofibers (NFs) decorated by petal-like molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) particles was designed through a facile hydrothermal method. The key parameters for tailoring the morphology and chemical, surface, and interfacial properties of the heterostructure were identified for efficient and selective conversion of CO2 into valuable chemicals. Introducing MoS2 layers onto NiTiO3 NFs provided superior CO2 conversion with significantly higher yields. The optimized hybrid structure produced CO and CH4 yields of 130 and 55 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively, which are 3.8- and 3.6-times higher than those from pristine NiTiO3 nanofibers (34 and 15 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively) and 3.6- and 5.5-times higher than those from pristine MoS2 (37 and 10 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively). This improved performance was attributed to efficient absorption of a wider spectrum of light and efficient transfer of electrons across the heterojunction. Effective charge separation and reduced charge carrier recombination were confirmed by photoluminescence and impedance measurements. The performance may also be partly due to enhanced hydrophobicity of the hierarchical surfaces due to MoS2 growth. This strategy contributes to the rational design of perovskite-based photocatalysts for CO2 reduction.
Experimental Findings and Clinical-Pathologic Correlation of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation at the Left Ventricle Para-Hisian Region
Authors: Fu Zuyi , Liao Zili , Zhang Jinlin , Zhan Xianzhang , Lin Weidong , Liu Fang Zhou , Su Xi , Deng Hai , Fang Xianhong , Liao Hongtao , Wang Hongyue , Wu Shulin , Xue Yumei , Ouyang Feifan 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundCatheter ablation target at the site with large His activation in the left ventricle poses a high risk of atrioventricular (AV) block. We aimed to identify far-field (FF) and near-field (NF) His activation at left upper septum (LUS).MethodsThree-D mapping of the aortic root and left ventricle was performed in 12 dogs. Two sites located at either the base or apex of the triangle interposed between the hinges of the the noncornary coronary cusp (NCC) - right coronary cusp (RCC) were chosen for a single radiofrequency (RF) application. Bipolar and unipolar pacing with different outputs at both sites was attempted to discern NF and FF His activation.ResultsThe sites chosen for NF and FF ablation were located at the base and apex of the triangle, which were 8.03 ± 1.18 mm (group 1) and 3.42 ± 0.61 mm (group 2) away from the RCC-NCC junction. Lower A/V ratios were found in group 1. Pacing could not differentiate NF from FF His activation. In group 1, ablation resulted in III degree AV block in all 6 dogs, whereas neither PR prolongation nor AV block occurred in group 2. Pathologic examination of group 1 showed complete/partial necrosis of the His bundle (HB) and left bundle branch in all 6 dogs. In group 2, no necrosis of the HB was seen in the 6/6 dogs.ConclusionAnatomical localization in the triangle of RCC-NCC junction can help differentiate NF from FF His activation.
Paracrine Interleukin 6 Induces Cerebral Remodeling at Early Stages After Unilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion in Mice
Authors: Kuffner Melanie T. C. , Koch Stefan P. , Kirchner Marieluise , Mueller Susanne , Lips Janet , An Jeehye , Mertins Philipp , Dirnagl Ulrich , Endres Matthias , Boehm-Sturm Philipp , Harms Christoph , Hoffmann Christian J. 
Published: January 2022

AimsCarotid artery disease is frequent and can result in chronic modest hypoperfusion of the brain. If no transient ischemic attack or stroke occur, it is classified asymptomatic. In the long-term, though, it can lead to cognitive impairment. Fostering cerebral remodeling after carotid artery occlusion might be a new concept of treatment. Paracrine Interleukin 6 (IL-6) can induce such remodeling processes at early stages. However, it has neurodegenerative long-term effects. With this exploratory study, we investigated the effect of paracrine IL-6 on cerebral remodeling in early stages after asymptomatic carotid artery occlusion to identify new treatment targets.Methods and ResultsTo mimic a human asymptomatic carotid artery disease, we used a mouse model of unilateral common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion. We developed a mouse model for inducible paracrine cerebral IL-6 expression (Cx30-Cre-ERT2;FLEX-IL6) and induced IL-6 2 days after CCA occlusion. We studied the effects of paracrine IL-6 after CCA occlusion on neuronal connectivity using diffusion tensor imaging and on local proteome regulations of the hypo-perfused striatum and contralateral motor cortex using mass spectrometry of laser capture micro-dissected tissues. Paracrine IL-6 induced cerebral remodeling leading to increased inter-hemispheric connectivity and changes in motor system connectivity. We identified changes in local protein abundance which might have adverse effects on functional outcome such as upregulation of Synuclein gamma (Sncg) or downregulation of Proline Dehydrogenase 1 (Prodh). However, we also identified changes in local protein abundance having potentially beneficial effects such as upregulation of Caprin1 or downregulation of GABA transporter 1 (Gat1).ConclusionsParacrine cerebral IL-6 at early stages induces changes in motor system connectivity and the proteome after asymptomatic CCA occlusion. Our results may help to distinguish unfavorable from beneficial IL-6 dependent protein regulations. Focusing on these targets might generate new treatments to improve long-term outcome in patients with carotid artery disease.
A Simple Logistic Regression Model for Predicting the Likelihood of Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation Within 1 Year After Initial Radio-Frequency Catheter Ablation Therapy
Authors: Jia Sixiang , Mou Haochen , Wu Yiteng , Lin Wenting , Zeng Yajing , Chen Yiwen , Chen Yayu , Zhang Qi , Wang Wei , Feng Chao , Xia Shudong 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThe clinical factors associated with the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (Af) in patients undergoing catheter ablation (CA) are still ambiguous to date.Purpose1. To recognize preoperative serologic factors and clinical features associated with Af recurrence after the first ablation treatment. 2. To Develop a Logical Regression Model for Predicting the Likelihood of Recurrence Within 1 Year After the Initial Radio-Frequency Catheter Ablation (RFCA) Therapy.MethodsAtrial fibrillation patients undergoing RFCA at our institution from January 2016 to June 2021 were included in the analysis (n = 246). A combined dataset of relevant parameters was collected from the participants (clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and time to recurrence) (n = 200). We performed the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression with 100 cycles, selecting variables present in all 100 cycles to identify factors associated with the first recurrence of atrial fibrillation. A logistic regression model for predicting whether Af would recur within a year was created using 70% of the data as a training set and the remaining data to validate the accuracy. The predictions were assessed using calibration plots, concordance index (C-index), and decision curve analysis.ResultsThe left atrial diameter, albumin, type of Af, whether other arrhythmias were combined, and the duration of Af attack time were associated with Af recurrence in this sample. Some clinically meaningful variables were selected and combined with recognized factors associated with recurrence to construct a logistic regression prediction model for 1-year Af recurrence. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for this model was 0.8695, and the established prediction model had a C-index of 0.83. The performance was superior to the extreme curve in the decision curve analysis.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that several clinical features and serological markers can predict the recurrence of Af in patients undergoing RFCA. This simple model can play a crucial role in guiding physicians in preoperative evaluation and clinical decision-making.
Prevalence and Prognostic Importance of Massive Tricuspid Regurgitation in Patients Undergoing Tricuspid Annuloplasty With Concomitant Left-Sided Valve Surgery: A Study on Rheumatic Valvular Heart Disease
Authors: Chen Yan , Chan Yap-Hang , Wu Mei-Zhen , Yu Yu-Juan , Lam Yui-Ming , Sit Ko-Yung , Chan Daniel Tai-Leung , Ho Cally Ka-Lai , Ho Lai-Ming , Lau Chu-Pak , Au Wing-Kuk , Tse Hung-Fat , Yiu Kai-Hang 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThe presence of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is very common in patients with concomitant left-sided valve disease. Recent studies have advocated an additional grading of massive TR that is beyond severe. The present study sought to characterize the spectrum of TR in patients undergoing tricuspid annuloplasty (TA) and to evaluate the prognostic value of TR severity for post-operative outcome following TA.MethodsA total of 176 patients who underwent TA with combined left-sided valve surgery, secondary to rheumatic valvular heart disease, were prospectively evaluated. The severity of TR was quantified by effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) using the proximal isovelocity surface area method. Patients were categorized as having non-massive TR (EROA &lt; 0.6 cm2) or massive TR (EROA ≥ 0.6 cm2). Adverse outcome was defined as all-cause mortality or heart failure requiring hospital admission following TA.ResultsA total of 55 (31%) patients were considered to have massive TR. Patients with massive TR had a greater right ventricular dimension but a smaller left ventricular dimension compared with those with non-massive TR. After a median follow-up of 39 months, 35 adverse events occurred. Cox-regression analysis showed that both continuous EROA and dichotomized EROA (massive vs. non-massive TR) were independently associated with adverse events even after multivariable adjustment. Further, Harrell C index demonstrated that the addition of massive TR provided better discrimination ability of a prediction model to known prognosticators following TA.ConclusionsMassive TR is common and up to 31% of study population had massive TR. Massive TR was associated with adverse outcome in patients undergoing TA. Classification of the severity of TR by quantitative measures and identification of massive TR in patients with concomitant left-sided valve disease are essential when considering the optimal timing of corrective surgery.
Regional Characteristics of Porosity and Permeability of Dahebian Syncline Coal and Its Application
Authors: Zhao Fuping , Wei Yuanlong 
Published: January 2022

In order to study the basic properties of coal seam thus to provide reference for coalbed methane (CBM) production, the porosity and permeability of coal from DH and WJZ regions of Dahebian syncline in Liupanshui Coalfield were systematically studied. The results shows that the porosity and permeability of coal samples in DH region are between 7.4–10.1% and 0.01 mD∼0.04 mD respectively. The permeability is obviously anisotropic, and it is distributed in a U-shape along bedding angle. The porosity and permeability in the WJZ region are between 12.4–24.85% and 0.3 mD–4.8 mD, but the correlation of permeability and bedding angle is not obvious. There are many primary cracks in coal matrix of WJZ region, while the coal of DH region is relatively complete. As a result, the porosity and permeability of WJZ coal samples are much higher than that of DH coal samples. With the change of confining pressure, obvious change has taken place in the permeability of coal in the two regions. When the confining pressure decreases from 2 to 8 MPa, the permeability loss rate of coal samples is close to 80%. The internal mechanism of the permeability loss is related to crack closure and plastic deformation caused by confining pressure. In contrast, the porosity and permeability of coal in WJZ region are much higher than those in DH region, which indicates that the permeability of the same coal seam in the same structural will have great differences and inhomogeneities. Therefore, the WJZ region is the preferred area, which can be included in the preferential exploitation plan of CBM. In addition, for the typical syncline gas reservoir in Liupanshui Coalfield, it is necessary to consider the block division according to the porosity and permeability indexes, and select the optimal block and give priority to development of CBM. Furthermore, we should pay attention to the difference and adaptability of CBM development in different regions.
Prevalence and Spectrum of Predisposition Genes With Germline Mutations Among Chinese Patients With Bowel Cancer
Authors: Xie Zhengyong , Ke Yongli , Chen Junyong , Li Zehang , Wang Changzheng , Chen Yuhong , Ding Hongliang , Cheng Liyang 
Published: January 2022

Background: Bowel cancer is the third-most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Bowel cancer has a substantial hereditary component; however, additional hereditary risk factors involved in bowel cancer pathogenesis have not been systematically defined.Materials and Methods: A total of 573 patients with bowel cancer were enrolled in the present study, of whom 93.72% had colorectal cancer (CRC). Germline mutations were integrated with somatic mutation information via utilizing target next-generation sequencing.Results: Pathogenic/Likely Pathogenic (P/LP) germline alterations were identified in 47 (8.2%) patients with bowel cancer and the ratio of the number of these patients with family history was significantly higher in the P/LP group than that noted in the non-pathogenic (Non-P) group. Certain rare germline alterations were noted, such as those noted in the following genes: FANCD2, CDH1, and FLCN. A total of 32 patients (68.1%) had germline alterations in the DNA-damage repair (DDR) genes and homologous recombination (HR) accounted for the highest proportion of this subgroup. By comparing 573 patients with bowel cancer with reference controls (China_MAPs database), significant associations (p &lt; 0.01) were observed between the incidence of bowel cancer and the presence of mutations in APC, ATM, MLH1, FANCD2, MSH3, MSH6, PMS1, and RAD51D. Somatic gene differential analysis revealed a marked difference in 18 genes and a significant difference was also noted in tumor mutation burden (TMB) between germline mutation carriers and non-germline mutation subjects (p &lt; 0.001). In addition, TMB in DDR mutation groups indicated a dramatic difference compared with the non-DDR mutation group (p &lt; 0.01). However, no statistically significant differences in TMB were noted among detailed DDR pathways for patients with bowel cancer, irrespective of the presence of germline mutations. Moreover, a significantly higher level (p &lt; 0.0001) of mutation count was observed in the DDR group from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the DDR and non-DDR alteration groups displayed various immune profiles.Conclusion: Chinese patients with bowel cancer exhibited a distinct spectrum of germline variants, with distinct molecular characteristics such as TMB and DDR. Furthermore, the information on somatic mutations obtained from TCGA database indicated that a deeper understanding of the interactions among DDR and immune cells would be useful to further investigate the role of DDR in bowel cancer.
Assessment of Heterozygosity and Genome-Wide Analysis of Heterozygosity Regions in Two Duroc Pig Populations
Authors: Ruan Donglin , Yang Jie , Zhuang Zhanwei , Ding Rongrong , Huang Jinyan , Quan Jianping , Gu Ting , Hong Linjun , Zheng Enqin , Li Zicong , Cai Gengyuan , Wang Xiaopeng , Wu Zhenfang 
Published: January 2022

Heterozygosity can effectively reflect the diverse models of population structure and demographic history. However, the genomic distribution of heterozygotes and the correlation between regions of heterozygosity (runs of heterozygosity, ROHet) and phenotypes are largely understudied in livestock. The objective of this study was to identify ROHet in the Duroc pig genome, and investigate the relationships between ROHet and eight important economic traits. Here, we genotyped 3,770 American Duroc (S21) and 2,096 Canadian Duroc (S22) pigs using 50 K single nucleotide polymorphism array to analyze heterozygosity. A total of 145,010 and 84,396 ROHets were characterized for S21 and S22 populations, respectively. ROHet segments were mostly enriched in 1–2 Mb length classification (75.48% in S21 and 72.25% in S22). The average genome length covered by ROHet was 66.53 ± 12.20 Mb in S21 and 73.32 ± 13.77 Mb in S22 pigs. Additionally, we detected 20 and 13 ROHet islands in S21 and S22 pigs. Genes in these genomic regions were mainly involved in the biological processes of immunity and reproduction. Finally, the genome-wide ROHet-phenotypes association analysis revealed that 130 ROHets of S21 and 84 ROHets of S22 were significantly associated with eight economic traits. Among the candidate genes in the significant ROHet regions, 16 genes related to growth, metabolism, and meat quality were considered as candidate genes for important economic traits of pigs. This work preliminarily explores the effect of heterozygosity-rich regions in the pig genome on production performance and provides new insights for subsequent research on pig genetic improvement.
Integration of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing and Bulk RNA Sequencing Data to Establish and Validate a Prognostic Model for Patients With Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jiang Aimin , Wang Jingjing , Liu Na , Zheng Xiaoqiang , Li Yimeng , Ma Yuyan , Zheng Haoran , Chen Xue , Fan Chaoxin , Zhang Rui , Fu Xiao , Yao Yu 
Published: January 2022

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains a lethal disease worldwide, with numerous studies exploring its potential prognostic markers using traditional RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data. However, it cannot detect the exact cellular and molecular changes in tumor cells. This study aimed to construct a prognostic model for LUAD using single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) and traditional RNA-seq data.Methods: Bulk RNA-seq data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. LUAD scRNA-seq data were acquired from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) was used for dimensionality reduction and cluster identification. Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to identify key modules and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) algorithm was used to identify different subtypes based on DEGs. The Cox regression analysis was used to develop the prognostic model. The characteristics of mutation landscape, immune status, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) related genes between different risk groups were also investigated.Results: scRNA-seq data of four samples were integrated to identify 13 clusters and 9cell types. After applying differential analysis, NK cells, bladder epithelial cells, and bronchial epithelial cells were identified as significant cell types. Overall, 329 DEGs were selected for prognostic model construction through differential analysis and WGCNA. Besides, NMF identified two clusters based on DEGs in the TCGA cohort, with distinct prognosis and immune characteristics being observed. We developed a prognostic model based on the expression levels of six DEGs. A higher risk score was significantly correlated with poor survival outcomes but was associated with a more frequent TP53 mutation rate, higher tumor mutation burden (TMB), and up-regulation of PD-L1. Two independent external validation cohorts were also adopted to verify our results, with consistent results observed in them.Conclusion: This study constructed and validated a prognostic model for LUAD by integrating 10× scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data. Besides, we observed two distinct subtypes in this population, with different prognosis and immune characteristics.
The Impact of Esophageal Oncological Surgery on Perioperative Immune Function; Implications for Adjuvant Immune Checkpoint Inhibition
Authors: Donlon Noel E. , Davern Maria , Sheppard Andrew D. , O’Connell Fiona , Dunne Margaret R. , Hayes Conall , Mylod Eimear , Ramjit Sinead , Temperley Hugo , Mac Lean Michael , Cotter Gillian , Bhardwaj Anshul , Butler Christine , Conroy Melissa J. , O’Sullivan Jacintha , Ravi Narayanasamy , Donohoe Claire L. , Reynolds John V. , Lysaght Joanne 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are being investigated for their role as an adjunct in the multimodal treatment of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The most effective time to incorporate ICIs remains unknown. Our study profiles systemic anti-tumor immunity perioperatively to help inform the optimal timing of ICIs into current standards of care for EAC patients.MethodsSystemic immunity in 11 EAC patients was phenotyped immediately prior to esophagectomy (POD-0) and post-operatively (POD)-1, 3, 7 and week 6. Longitudinal serological profiling was conducted by ELISA. The frequency of circulating lymphocytes, activation status, immune checkpoint expression and damage-associated molecular patterns was assessed by flow cytometry.ResultsThe frequency of naïve T-cells significantly increased in circulation post-esophagectomy from POD-0 to POD-7 (p&lt;0.01) with a significant decrease in effector memory T-cells by POD7 followed by a subsequent increase by week 6 (p&lt;0.05). A significant increase in activated circulating CD27+ T-cells was observed from POD-0 to POD-7 (p&lt;0.05). The percentage of PD-1+ and CTLA-4+ T-cells peaked on POD-1 and was significantly decreased by week 6 (p&lt;0.01). There was a significant increase in soluble PD-1, PD-L2, TIGIT and LAG-3 from POD-3 to week 6 (p&lt;0.01). Increased checkpoint expression correlated with those who developed metastatic disease early in their postoperative course. Th1 cytokines and co-stimulatory factors decreased significantly in the immediate post-operative setting, with a reduction in IFN-γ, IL-12p40, IL-1RA, CD28, CD40L and TNF-α. A simultaneous increase was observed in Th2 cytokines in the immediate post-operative setting, with a significant increase in IL-4, IL-10, IL-16 and MCP-1 before returning to preoperative levels at week 6.ConclusionOur study highlights the prevailing Th2-like immunophenotype post-surgery. Therefore, shifting the balance in favour of a Th1-like phenotype would offer a potent therapeutic approach to promote cancer regression and prevent recurrence in the adjuvant setting and could potentially propagate anti-tumour immune responses perioperatively if administered in the immediate neoadjuvant setting. Consequently, this body of work paves the way for further studies and appropriate trial design is needed to further interrogate and validate the use of ICI in the multimodal treatment of locally advanced disease in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting.