Ecological network analysis reveals complex responses of tree species life stage interactions to stand variables

Tree interactions are essential for the structure,dynamics,and function of forest ecosystems,but variations in the architecture of life-stage interaction networks(LSINs)across forests is unclear.Here,we constructed 16 LSINs in the mountainous forests of northwest Hebei,China based on crown overlap from four mixed forests with two dominant tree species.Our results show that LSINs decrease the complexity of stand densities and basal areas due to the interaction cluster differentiation.In addition,we found that mature trees and saplings play different roles,the first acting as“hub”life stages with high connectivity and the second,as“bridges”controlling information flow with high centrality.Across the forests,life stages with higher importance showed better parameter stability within LSINs.These results reveal that the structure of tree interactions among life stages is highly related to stand variables.Our efforts contribute to the understanding of LSIN complexity and provide a basis for further research on tree interactions in complex forest communities.

CmMYB3-like negatively regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis and flower color formation during the post-flowering stage in Chrysanthemum morifolium

Color fading caused by a decrease in anthocyanin accumulation during the post-flowering stage significantly affects postharvest quality of chrysanthemum.However,the underlying mechanism by which anthocyanin accumulation decreases during the post-flowering stage still unclear,which greatly restricts design of molecular breeding in chrysanthemum.Here,a chrysanthemum SG7 R2R3 MYB transcription factor(TF),CmMYB3-like,was identified to have a function in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis during the post-flowering stage.Quantitative real time PCR(qRT-PCR)assays showed that the expression of CmMYB3-like was gradually downregulated when anthocyanin content increased during the flowering stage and was significantly upregulated during the post-flowering stage.Genetic transformation of chrysanthemum and dual-luciferase assays in N.benthamiana leaves showed that CmMYB3-like suppressed anthocyanin accumulation by inhibiting the transcription of CmCHS and CmANS directly and that of CmF3H indirectly.However,overexpression or suppression of CmMYB3-like did not affect the biosynthesis of flavones or flavonols.Genetic transformation of chrysanthemum revealed that the overexpression of CmMYB3-like inhibited anthocyanin accumulation,but its suppression prevented the decrease in anthocyanin accumulation during the post-flowering stage.Our results revealed a crucial role of CmMYB3-like in regulating the color of petals during the post-flowering stage and provided a target gene for molecular design breeding to improve the postharvest quality of chrysanthemum.

Dry eye rate and its relationship with disease stage in patients with primary hypertension:a cross-sectional study in Vietnam

AIM:To determine the dry eye(DE)rate and its relationship with disease stage in patients with primary hypertension.METHODS:A cross-sectional study included 432 patients with primary hypertension(with an equal number of patients in each group:144 in stage Ⅰ,Ⅱ,and Ⅲ hypertension)and 144 healthy subjects as a control group.The Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)and Schirmer Ⅰ test without anesthetics were conducted on all 576 subjects.Subjects with OSDI scores<13 and Schirmer Ⅰ values equal to or under 10 mm were diagnosed with DE.RESULTS:The ratio of DE in hypertension patients was higher than in the control group(41.7%versus 18.8%;P<0.001).The proportion of patients with DE increased gradually according to the hypertension stage:27.1% in stage Ⅰ,40.3% in stage Ⅱ,and 57.6% in stage Ⅲ,P<0.001.Age,duration of hypertension,plasma urea,creatinine,and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(CRP-hs)levels in hypertension patients with DE were higher than those without DE,P<0.001.Advanced age,a long duration of hypertension,diabetes mellitus,elevated plasma creatinine,and CRP-hs levels were independent factors associated with DE in primary hypertension patients,P<0.001.CONCLUSION:DE is a common disorder associated with advanced age,a long duration of hypertension,diabetes mellitus,elevated plasma CRP-hs,and creatinine levels in patients with primary hypertension.

Efficacy of peritoneal drainage in very-low-birth-weight neonates with Bell’s stage II necrotizing enterocolitis:A single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND Currently,pediatric surgeons are challenged by a lack of consensus on the optimal management strategy(conservative or surgical)for children with Bell’s stage II necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC).AIM To evaluate the clinical efficacy of peritoneal drainage in very-low-birth-weight(VLBW)neonates with modified Bell’s stage II NEC.METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of 102 NEC(modified Bell’s stage II)neonates born with VLBW who were treated at the Fujian Children’s Hospital(Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children’s Medical Center)between January 2017 and January 2020;these included 24 cases in the peritoneal drainage group,36 cases in the exploratory laparotomy group,and 42 cases in the conservative treatment group.RESULTS The general characteristics were comparable in the three groups(P>0.05).Compared with conservative treatment,peritoneal drainage was associated with significantly shorter fasting time,abdominal distension relief time,fecal occult blood(OB)negative conversion time,and reduced hospital length of stay(HLOS)(P<0.05 for all).Despite some advantages of peritoneal drainage over conservative treatment in terms of cure,conversion to laparotomy,intestinal perforation,intestinal stenosis,and abdominal abscess rates,the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Compared to exploratory laparotomy,the fecal OB negative conversion time was significantly shorter in the peritoneal drainage group(P<0.05);similarly,the exploratory laparotomy group showed longer fasting time,abdominal distension relief time,HLOS,and higher complication rate compared to peritoneal drainage group,but the between-group differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Peritoneal drainage,an easy-to-operate procedure,can improve the clinical symptoms of VLBW neonates with Bell’s stage II NEC and help reduce the HLOS.

Brassinosteroids Mediate Endogenous Phytohormone Metabolism to Alleviate High Temperature Injury at Panicle Initiation Stage in Rice

High temperatures cause physiological and biochemical changes and significantly affect young panicle development of rice(Oryza sativa L.).Brassinosteroids play important roles in enhancing crop stress resistance.In this study,we subjected rice cultivars Huanghuazhan(heat-resistant)and IR36(heat-sensitive)to high temperature(HT,40 oC)or normal temperature(NT,33 oC)for 7 d at the panicle initiation stage,in conjunction with application of 24-epibrassinolide[EBR,a synthetic brassinolide(BR)]or brassinazole(BRZ,a BR biosynthesis inhibitor)at the beginning of the treatments.HT exacerbated spikelet degeneration and inhibited young panicle growth,which were partially prevented by EBR application,while BRZ application aggravated the reduction in spikelet number.HT decreased the contents of BR,active cytokinins(aCTK),active gibberellins(aGA)and indole-3-acetic acid(IAA),but increased the content of abscisic acid(ABA)in young panicles.The activities of key enzymes involved in sucrose hydrolysis,glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle in young panicles were decreased with the change of endogenous hormone levels under HT.In addition,the contents of H2O2 and malondialdehyde(MDA)were increased and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were decreased in young panicles.Exogenous application of EBR induced the expression of phytohormone biosynthesis-related genes and down-regulated the expression of phytohormone catabolism-related genes to increase the contents of endogenous BR,aCTK,aGA and ABA,thus promoting the decomposition and utilization of sucrose in young panicles,enhancing the activities of superoxide dismutase,catalase and peroxidase,and reducing the accumulation of H2O2 and MDA in young panicles,whereas application of BRZ had the opposite physiological effects.These results showed that brassinosteroids mediate endogenous phytohormone metabolism to alleviate HT injury at the panicle initiation stage in rice.

Addition of rituximab is not associated with survival benefit compared with CHOP alone for patients with stage I diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Background： The role of rituximab in combination with CHOP regimen in patients with stage I diffuse large B-cell lymphoma （DLBCL） remains to be defined. We aimed to compare CHOP plus rituximab （R-CHOP） with CHOP alone and determine the value of radiotherapy in these patients. Methods： Between 2003 and 2009, 140 untreated patients with stage I DLBCL were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Results： Seventy-eight patients were treated in R-CHOP group and 62 in CHOP group. Ninety-one patients received additional radiotherapy at the end of chemotherapy. The different treatment groups were well-balanced with respect to baseline characteristics. Complete response （CR） rate was 77% both in R-CHOP and CHOP groups （P=0.945）. After a median follow-up period of 56 months, patients received R-CHOP regimen had similar 5-year progression-free survival （PFS） （76% vs. 85%; log-rank P=0.215） and 5-year overall survival （OS） （90% vs. 96%; log-rank P=0.175） compared with those with CHOP alone. Patients with radiotherapy had significantly increased 5-year PFS compared with those who had chemotherapy alone （86% vs. 71%; log-rank P=0.005）. At multivariate analysis, patients who had CR （P=0.008） and received radiotherapy （P=0.003） were significantly associated with superior PFS. Conclusions： CHOP alone could be as effective as R-CHOP regimen and additional radiotherapy would be necessary for stage I or stage I non-bulky DLBCL patients.

Prognostic Factors for Survival of Stage IB Upper Lobe Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Study in Shanghai, China

Objective: To identify clinical and pathologic factors that were associated with the survival of stage IB upper lobe non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods: A retrospective study of 147 subjects who had undergone curative resection for stage IB upper lobe NSCLC was performed. Patients who had received any adjuvant or neo-adjuvant chemotherapy were excluded. Survival function curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier procedure. Crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of potential prognostic factors were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Five factors, including age, tumor size, histologic grade of differentiation, number of removed superior mediastinal lymph node stations and presence of visceral pleura invasion, were significantly and independently associated with mortality risk. Adjusted HRs were 2.6 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.1?6.5] and 4.6 (95% CI: 1.9?11) for those aged 58?68 years and those >68 years, respectively, relative to those aged <58 years. HRs for those with poorly and moderately differentiated tumors were 6.4 (95% CI: 2.3?18) and 1.4 (95% CI: 0.7?2.8), respectively. HRs for those with tumor size 3.1?5 cm and >5 cm (vs ?3.0 cm) were 2.3 (95% CI: 1.1?4.9) and 4.3 (95% CI: 1.9?10), respectively. The presence of visceral pleura invasion also increased the risk of mortality (HR=4.0, 95% CI: 1.3?12). Conclusion: Advanced age, larger tumor size, poorly differentiated histology, smaller number of removed superior mediastinal lymph node stations, and presence of visceral pleura invasion were associated with poor survival of surgically treated stage IB upper lobe NSCLC patients.

COMBINED EFFECTS OF SELECTIVE PHOTOTHERMAL THERAPY AND IMMUNOADJUVANT AGAINST STAGE IV BREAST CANCER

Metastasis to distant sites is a severe treatment challenge and a major cause of death for breast cancer patients.Laser immunotherapy(LIT)is a novel technique,combining a selective photothermal therapy with local application of glycated chitosan,a potent immunoadjuvant.The pre-clinical studies of LIT have shown its unique characteristics in generating specific antitumor immunity.The clinical application of LIT in the treatment of melanoma patients has achieved preliminary success.Recently,LIT has been used to treat late-stage breast cancer patients.Here we report for the first time the clinical results of this combination therapy in breast cancer patients.The LIT treatment procedures are presented and the medical history of two stage Ⅳ breast cancer patients is reviewed.Most of the breast cancer lesions and the metastasis of lung and brain disappeared after repeated treatments of LIT.One patient achieved complete response;the other achieved partial response at the time of this report.Although there is still a long way for LIT to become a standard modality for breast cancer treatment,the results of this study indicated its promising future.

Prognostic value of ground glass opacity on computed tomography in pathological stage I pulmonary adenocarcinoma: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The clinical role of ground glass opacity(GGO)on computed tomography(CT)in stage I pulmonary adenocarcinoma patients currently remains unclear.AIM To explore the prognostic value of GGO on CT in lung adenocarcinoma patients who were pathologically diagnosed with tumor-node-metastasis stage I.METHODS A comprehensive and systematic search was conducted through the PubMed,EMBASE and Web of Science databases up to April 3,2021.The hazard ratio(HR)and corresponding 95%confidence interval(CI)were combined to assess the association between the presence of GGO and prognosis,representing overall survival and disease-free survival.Subgroup analysis based on the ratio of GGO was also conducted.STATA 12.0 software was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS A total of 12 studies involving 4467 patients were included.The pooled results indicated that the GGO predicted favorable overall survival(HR=0.44,95%CI:0.34-0.59,P<0.001)and disease-free survival(HR=0.35,95%CI:0.18-0.70,P=0.003).Subgroup analysis based on the ratio of GGO further demonstrated that the proportion of GGO was a good prognostic indicator in pathological stage I pulmonary adenocarcinoma patients,and patients with a higher ratio of GGO showed better prognosis than patients with a lower GGO ratio did.CONCLUSION This meta-analysis manifested that the presence of GGO on CT predicted favorable prognosis in tumor-node-metastasis stage I lung adenocarcinoma.Patients with a higher GGO ratio were more likely to have a better prognosis than patients with a lower GGO ratio.

Pathological response to neoadjuvant therapy with chemotherapy vs chemoradiotherapy in stage III NSCLC-contribution of IASLC recommendations

BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant treatment(NT)with chemotherapy(Ch)is a standard option for resectable stage III(N2)NSCLC.Several studies have suggested benefits with the addition of radiotherapy(RT)to NT Ch.The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer(IASLC)published recommendations for the pathological response(PHR)of NSCLC resection specimens after NT.AIM To contribute to the IASLC recommendations showing our results of PHR to NT Ch vs NT chemoradiotherapy(ChRT).METHODS We analyzed 67 consecutive patients with resectable stage III NSCLC with positive mediastinal nodes treated with surgery after NT Ch or NT ChRT between 2013 and 2020.After NT,all patients were evaluated for radiological response(RR)according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours criteria and evaluated for surgery by a specialized group of thoracic surgeons.All histological samples were examined by the same two pathologists.PHR was evaluated by the percentage of viable cells in the tumor and the resected lymph nodes.RESULTS Forty patients underwent NT ChRT and 27 NT Ch.Fifty-six(83.6%)patients underwent surgery(35 ChRT and 21 Ch).The median time from ChRT to surgery was 6 wk(3-19)and 8 wk(3-21)for Ch patients.We observed significant differences in RR,with disease progression in 2.5%and 14.8%of patients with ChRT and Ch,respectively,and partial response in 62.5%ChRT vs 29.6%Ch(P=0.025).In PHR we observed≤10%viable cells in the tumor in 19(54.4%)and 2 cases(9.5%),and in the resected lymph nodes(RLN)30(85.7%)and 7(33.3%)in ChRT and Ch,respectively(P=0.001).Downstaging was greater in the ChRT compared to the Ch group(80%vs 33.3%;P=0.002).In the univariate analysis,NT ChRT had a significant impact on partial RR[odds ratio(OR)12.5;95%confidence interval(CI):1.21-128.61;P=0.034],a decreased risk of persistence of cancer cells in the tumor and RLN and an 87.5%increased probability for achieving downstaging(OR 8;95%CI:2.34-27.32;P=0.001).CONCLUSION We found significant benefits in RR and PHR by adding RT to Ch as NT.A longer follow-up is necessary to assess the impact on clinical outcomes.

STAGE IB, HA AND PROXIMAL IIB, CARCINOMA OF THE UTERINE CERVIX, TREATED BY IRRADIATION ALONE OR IN COMBINATION WITH SURGERY

This is a report of a nonrandomized comparison of treatment results of 139 patients with stage IB, HA and proximal IIB carcinoma of the uterine cervix treated by radiation alone and 113 treated with a combination of radiation and surgery. The five-year tumor free acturial survival for the patients with stage IB either with irradiation alone (RT) or combined with surgery (RS) was approximately 87%. For stage Ⅱ the tumor free actuarial five-year survival 79% with patients of RS, and 76% with RT. In the 113 patients treated with RS there were 18 (16%). In the 139 patients treated by RT there were 18 (13%) recurrences of pelvic, 4 local recurrences, 11 combined with parametrial, and free parametrial recurrences. There was no significant difference in the survival and recurrence rate of the patients treated with either method. Major complications were comparable in both groups (RT approximately 25% and RS approximately 10%), but 2/3 of those complications recovered without sequelae. The most frequent minor complication in the patients treated with RT was rectosigmoiditis.

Preliminary studies on the diel vertical migrationof Clanus sinicus (nauplius-adult) larvae atevery stage in the North Huanghai Sea

There have been a lot of papers on the diel vertical migration of marine copepoda published at home and abroad. But so far, no report on the diel vertical migration of the larvae of Clanus sinicus has been seen. The present paper discusses this problem and the result obtained will provide useful reference for further researches on this subject. Moreover, exploring the law of diel vertical migration of the secondary productivity in the ocean will help the development of marieulture and fishing in a scientific way.

Deep diving in the PACIFIC:Practical issues in stage III non-small cell lung cancer to avoid shipwreck

After publication of the PACIFIC trial results,immune checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy was included in the treatment algorithm of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).The PACIFIC trial demonstrated that 12 mo of durvalumab consolidation therapy after radical-intent platinum doublet chemotherapy with concomitant radiotherapy improved both progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC.This is the first treatment in decades to successfully improve survival in this clinical setting,with manageable toxicity and without deterioration in quality of life.The integration of durvalumab in the management of locally advanced NSCLC accentuates the need for multidisciplinary,coordinated decision-making among lung cancer specialists,bringing new challenges and controversies as well as important changes in clinical work routines.The aim of the present article is to review—from a practical,multidisciplinary perspective—the findings and implications of the PACIFIC trial.We evaluate the immunobiological basis of durvalumab as well as practical aspects related to programmed cell death ligand 1 determination.In addition,we comprehensively assess the efficacy and toxicity data from the PACIFIC trial and discuss the controversies and practical aspects of incorporating durvalumab into routine clinical practice.Finally,we discuss unresolved questions and future challenges.In short,the present document aims to provide clinicians with a practical guide for the application of the PACIFIC regimen in routine clinical practice.

Extra-Oral Digital Panoramic Radiographic Interpretation and Clinical Findings of Stage IV Periodontitis among Some Samples Concerning Saudi/Non-Saudi Nationality

Background: There are associations between the severity of periodontal diseases and some predisposing factors, such as age, race, and income rate. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the extra-oral digital panoramic radiographic interpretation and clinical findings of stage IV periodontitis among some samples concerning Saudi/non-Saudi nationality. Material and Methods: The study comprised a random sample of 298 residents in Saudi Arabia referred to the internship program clinics at the College of Dentistry, King Khalid University. They were according to the age of participants as follows: youth (15 - 24 years), adults (25 - 64 years), and seniors (65 years and over) within two groups according to nationality (Saudi and non-Saudi). Clinical periodontal examination and radiographic extra oral digital panoramic radiographs were done, and then the periodontal parameters, the percentage of bone loss, and the pattern of bone loss were recorded. The data was collected, and the statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA test, Tukey’s test, Chi-square test, and T-test and considered a P-value at (p Results: The samples included 62 (20%) youth participants with mean of age (21.806 ± 3.390), 182 (57%) adults’ participants with mean age (42.802 ± 9.094), and 54 (23%) seniors participants with a mean age (69.074 ± 6.810). There were highly statistically significant differences in the comparison between the participants’ ages (P 0.05). Conclusion: At the end of this study, we concluded that there are alterations in clinical and radiographic and clinical findings of stage IV periodontitis with the alteration of participants’ ages and nationality.

Correlation of the Meishucunian Stage in South Asia

The determination of boundary points and their correlation are prerequisites for defining the PrecambrianCambrian boundary and the intercontinental correlation. A large number of good Precambrian-Cambrian boundary sections in South Asia not only possess the conditions for selection of a boundary stratotype, but also provide the basis for the long-distance correlation of those boundary sections.Through a detailed study of the latest data obtained from the typical sections in South China, the Lesser Himalaya Mountains and the Alborz Mountains. the locations of boundary points have been defined, and a correlation scheme is proposed, which contributes to the solution of the problem of worldwide correlation of boundary sections.

REMOTE SENSING APPLICATION RESEARCH OF WATER POWER AT THE INITIAL EXPLOITING STAGE IN THE LOWER REACHES OF YALONG RIVER

There are abundant water power resources in the Yalong River which are suitable for the large hydroelectric engineering. But a reliability study should be made for the valley which liable to frequent earthquakes. The color infrared aerophotos, multi-spectral photography and thermal infrared scanning had been specially done besides MSS image, processing. Researches on remote sensing applications to engineering geology, hydrogeology, deformation of neo-tectonics, Iandslide, mud-rock flow, ecological environment and geographical information system had been carried out by more than 20 research units.

Hip Tuberculosis at Stage IV: Outcomes and Some Conditions for Total Hip Replacement

Background: Treatment of hip disorders during active hip tuberculosis has long been a controversial issue. Some authors have reported performing hip replacement with different strategies with very good outcomes. This study aimed to describe the surgical outcomes and necessary conditions for total hip replacement in active hip tuberculosis. Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study. The study enrolled 40 patients with 42 active tuberculosis hips at stage IV treated by total hip replacement from October 2016 to December 2019 at the National Lung Hospital. We followed up with the patients for at least 12 months, evaluated surgical outcomes, and investigated the factors associated with these outcomes by logistic regression analysis. Results: Surgical outcomes showed that 37 patients (88.1%) had excellent hip function, no abscesses, and no sinus tract formation. Four cases (9.5%) had sinus tract formations. One case (2.4%) had good hip function. Binary logistic regression models revealed that sinus tract formation was associated with preoperative tuberculosis infection syndrome. The average time to obtain antituberculosis drug treatment preoperatively was 4.6 weeks. Conclusion: Total hip replacement for active hip tuberculosis is a practical and promising treatment method. Surgeons should consider improving patients’ conditions before performing total hip replacement, administering antitubercular drugs, and arthrotomy to eliminate all abscesses, and decrease the risk of tuberculosis infection syndrome and the inflammatory response.

Effective Yield Strength for Material Powder Consolidated at Stage II Compaction

This work is concerned with the estimation from the outside of effective yield strength for the stage II consolidated material package of axisymmetric solid particles. Once an appropriate simple representative axisymmetric unit cell is chosen, the kinematical approach of the yield design homogenization method is used in order to obtain external estimates which has been found depending on the loading history (isostatic and closed die compactions) as well as on the relative density of the material powder. For comparison purpose, finite element simulations that describe the behavior of spherical elastic plastic particles uniformly distributed inside the material powder are carried out.