bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the financial capacity of Central Asian countries in the context of the rupture of trade chains caused by the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors:   Institut français d'études sur l'Asie centrale (IFEAC), MENU Dominique , DROBIAZKO Anatolii ,   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”
Published: July 2022

Introduction. The global epidemic of COVID-19, as well as armed aggression against Ukraine in 2022, significantly affected global trade and gave impetus to research on commodity supply chains. The strengthening of national protectionism tendencies requires experts to pay more attention to the financial situation of the countries - trade partners. For Ukraine, in particular, relations with the states of Central Asia - the former Soviet republics - remain important. Problem Statement. Study of the financial systems of the countries of Central Asia in the context of the influence of global and regional factors, taking into account the changes that occurred after the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The purpose of the article is a scientific and practical assessment of the current situation of the financial sector of the countries of Central Asia, taking into account the peculiarities of the internal and external environment. Methods. Comparative (comparative-historical) analysis, qualitative and quantitative, taking into account the geographical, political, socio-economic specifics of each country under consideration. Results. Since gaining independence in 1991, Central Asian countries have been affected by a variety of events and currently exhibit significant disparities in terms of GDP and per capita income. The situation in each of them is determined both by internal factors inherent in their political and socio-economic systems, and by the action of global, including geopolitical and historical, factors. The ability of local banking institutions to meet their external obligations is inversely proportional to the external debt of their countries. Conclusions. Currently, after the start of open armed aggression against Ukraine, based on the available statistical sources, it is impossible to predict the further development of the financial sector of the Central Asian countries, in particular due to the threat of direct annexation attempts by the Russian Federation. At the same time, due to the importance of trade and economic relations with these states, there is a need for its further research and monitoring, including using the resources of national academic research institutions.
Complete zygomatic arches in the Late Quaternary sloth Neocnus from La Altagracia province, Dominican Republic
Authors: McAfee Robert K , Almonte Juan N
Published: July 2022

Specimens of the extinct sloth genus Neocnus recovered from northwestern La Altagracia Province, Dominican Republic exhibit a unique zygomatic arch. The arch consists of the jugal anteriorly fused to the maxilla and the zygomatic arch ligament fully ossified between the jugal and the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. Evidence of the novel ossification is seen in adult and juvenile individuals. This occurrence is also unexpected as Neocnus individuals are 40 times smaller than the next sloth genus (e.g. Nothrotheriops) with a secondarily complete arch. No known species of Neocnus exhibits any of these jugal and zygomatic features and thus these specimens may represent a new species.
Una nueva especie de Oxyurostylis Calman, 1912 (Crustacea: Peracarida) de Cuba
Authors: Ortiz Manuel
Published: July 2022

Se describe una especie nueva del género Oxyurostylis para las aguas cubanas. La giba notable en el dorso del penúltimo segmento del pereón distingue con facilidad esta especie. La especie nueva es la sexta especie del género citada para el golfo de México y el mar Caribe, así como la décima que se conoce a nivel mundial.
Tips and Tricks and Clinical Outcome of Cryopreserved Human Amniotic Membrane Application for the Management of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ): A Pilot Study
Authors: Odet Stéphane , Meyer Christophe , Gaudet Camille , Weber Elise , Quenot Julie , Derruau Stéphane , Laurence Sebastien , Bompy Lisa , Girodon Marine , Chatelain Brice , Mauprivez Cédric , Brenet Esteban , Kerdjoudj Halima , Zwetyenga Narcisse , Marchetti Philippe , Hatzfeld Anne-Sophie , Toubeau David , Pouthier Fabienne , Lafarge Xavier , Redl Heinz , Fenelon Mathilde , Fricain Jean-Christophe , Di Pietro Roberta , Ledouble Charlotte , Gualdi Thomas , Parmentier Anne-Laure , Louvrier Aurélien , Gindraux Florelle
Published: July 2022

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a complication of certain pharmacological treatments such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, and angiogenesis inhibitors. There are currently no guidelines on its management, particularly in advanced stages. The human amniotic membrane (hAM) has low immunogenicity and exerts anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, antimicrobial, antiviral, and analgesic effects. It is a source of stem cells and growth factors promoting tissue regeneration. hAM acts as an anatomical barrier with suitable mechanical properties (permeability, stability, elasticity, flexibility, and resorbability) to prevent the proliferation of fibrous tissue and promote early neovascularization at the surgical site. In oral surgery, hAM stimulates healing and facilitates the proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells in the oral mucosa and therefore its regeneration. We proposed using cryopreserved hAM to eight patients suffering from cancer (11 lesions) with stage 2–3 MRONJ on a compassionate use basis. A collagen sponge was added in some cases to facilitate hAM grafting. One or three hAMs were applied and one patient had a reapplication. Three patients had complete closure of the surgical site with proper epithelialization at 2 weeks, and two of them maintained it until the last follow-up. At 1 week after surgery, three patients had partial wound dehiscence with partial healing 3 months later and two patients had complete wound dehiscence. hAM reapplication led to complete healing. All patients remained asymptomatic with excellent immediate significant pain relief, no infections, and a truly positive impact on the patients’ quality of life. No adverse events occurred. At 6 months of follow-up, 80% of lesions had complete or partial wound healing (30 and 50%, respectively), while 62.5% of patients were in stage 3. Radiological evaluations found that 85.7% of patients had stable bone lesions (n = 5) or new bone formation (n = 1). One patient had a worsening MRONJ but remained asymptomatic. One patient did not attend his follow-up radiological examination. For the first time, this prospective pilot study extensively illustrates both the handling and surgical application of hAM in MRONJ, its possible association with a collagen sponge scaffold, its outcome at the site, the application of multiple hAM patches at the same time, and its reapplication.
Exosome mediated biological functions within skeletal microenvironment
Authors: Wang Zhikun , Zhao Zhonghan , Gao Bo , Zhang Lingli
Published: July 2022

Exosomes are membranous lipid vesicles fused with intracellular multicellular bodies that are released into the extracellular environment. They contain bioactive substances, including proteins, RNAs, lipids, and cytokine receptors. Exosomes in the skeletal microenvironment are derived from a variety of cells such as bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes. Their biological function is key in paracrine or endocrine signaling. Exosomes play a role in bone remodeling by regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Genetic engineering technology combined with exosome-based drug delivery can therapy bone metabolic diseases. In this review, we summarized the pathways of exosomes derived from different skeletal cells (i.e., BMSCs, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts) regulate the skeletal microenvironment through proteins, mRNAs, and non-coding RNAs. By exploring the role of exosomes in the skeletal microenvironment, we provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of bone-related metabolic diseases, which may lay the foundation to improve bone tumor microenvironments, alleviate drug resistance in patients.
Identification and characterization of stem cell secretome-based recombinant proteins for wound healing applications
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Green Denethia S. , Ju Young Min , Harrison Mollie , Vaughan J. William , Atala Anthony , Lee Sang Jin , Jackson John D. , Nykiforuk Cory , Yoo James J.
Published: July 2022

Stem cells have been introduced as a promising therapy for acute and chronic wounds, including burn injuries. The effects of stem cell-based wound therapies are believed to result from the secreted bioactive molecules produced by stem cells. Therefore, treatments using stem cell-derived conditioned medium (CM) (referred to as secretome) have been proposed as an alternative option for wound care. However, safety and regulatory concerns exist due to the uncharacterized biochemical content and variability across different batches of CM samples. This study presents an alternative treatment strategy to mitigate these concerns by using fully characterized recombinant proteins identified by the CM analysis to promote pro-regenerative healing. This study analyzed the secretome profile generated from human placental stem cell (hPSC) cultures and identified nine predominantly expressed proteins (ANG-1, FGF-7, Follistatin, HGF, IL-6, Insulin, TGFβ-1, uPAR, and VEGF) that are known to contribute to wound healing and angiogenesis. These proteins, referred to as s (CMFs), were used in combination to test the effects on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Our results showed that CMF treatment increased the HDF growth and accelerated cell migration and wound closure, similar to stem cell and CM treatments. In addition, the CMF treatment promoted angiogenesis by enhancing new vessel formation. These findings suggest that the defined CMF identified by the CM proteomic analysis could be an effective therapeutic solution for wound healing applications. Our strategy eliminates the regulatory concerns present with stem cell-derived secretomes and could be developed as an off-the-shelf product for immediate wound care and accelerating healing.
Nanobiosensor Based on Sugar Code-AuNPs Aggregation: A Key to Opening New Gates in Rapid Diagnosis of Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Authors: Mohajeri Sahar , Moayedi Saeed , Azimi Leila , Akrami Mohammad , Rad-Malekshahi Mazda , Fazeli Mohammad Reza , Fallah Fatemeh , Haririan Ismaeil
Published: July 2022

Streptococcal pharyngitis is mainly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS), which if left untreated can lead to rheumatic heart disease. The accurate diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis is a challenge for clinicians because several symptoms of streptococcal pharyngitis are similar to viral pharyngitis. There are some commercially available biosensors for the rapid diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis. Nevertheless, they are not widely used by physicians, mainly because of their high price and dependence on the instrument. Serotype M1 GAS is the most prevalent cause of streptococcal pharyngitis and binds to H-1 antigen, a sugar code found on oral epithelial cells. Here, we present a nanobiosensor based on aggregation of H-1 antigen-conjugated gold nanoparticles for the rapid, qualitative, and quantitative detection of M1 GAS, which is inspired by the sugar code-lectin interaction. It is noteworthy that M1 GAS was detected in a wide concentration range (1 × 103–1×106 CFU/ml) with a linear response and a short detection time of 20 min. Good reproducibility, easy-to-use, and relatively low production cost are among other attractive features of this nanobiosensor. This work provides a strategic roadmap for developing a new generation of biosensors via targeting the sugar code-lectin interaction in future studies.
Biodegradable Silk Fibroin Nanocarriers to Modulate Hypoxia Tumor Microenvironment Favoring Enhanced Chemotherapy
Authors: Bin Li , Yang Yuxiao , Wang Feiyu , Wang Rong , Fei Hongxin , Duan Siliang , Huang Linling , Liao Na , Zhao Shimei , Ma Xinbo
Published: July 2022

Biopolymer silk fibroin (SF) is a great candidate for drug carriers characterized by its tunable biodegradability, and excellent biocompatibility properties. Recently, we have constructed SF-based nano-enabled drug delivery carriers, in which doxorubicin (Dox) and atovaquone (Ato) were encapsulated with Arg-Gly-Asp-SF-Polylactic Acid (RSA) to form micellar-like nanoparticles (RSA-Dox-Ato NPs). The RGD peptide was decorated on micellar-like nanoparticles, promoting tumor accumulation of the drug. Meanwhile, Ato, as a mitochondrial complex III inhibitor inhibiting mitochondrial respiration, would reverse the hypoxia microenvironment and enhance chemotherapy in the tumor. In vitro, the biopolymer alone showed extremely low cytotoxicity to 4T1 cell lines, while the RSA-Dox-Ato demonstrated a higher inhibition rate than other groups. Most significantly, the ROS levels in cells were obviously improved after being treated with RSA-Dox-Ato, indicating that the hypoxic microenvironment was alleviated. Eventually, SF-based targeted drug carrier provides biocompatibility to reverse hypoxia microenvironment in vivo for enhancing chemotherapy, strikingly suppressing tumor development, and thereby suggesting a promising candidate for drug delivery system.
Directed Self-Assembly of Heterologously Expressed Hagfish EsTKα and EsTKγ for Functional Hydrogel
Authors: Sun Ruishuang , Zheng Ruonan , Zhu Wenlong , Zhou Xiqin , Liu Luo , Cao Hui
Published: July 2022

Hagfish slime proteins have long been considered useful due to their potential applications in novel green, environmental, and functional bionic materials. The two main component proteins in the slime thread of hagfish, (opt)EsTKα and (opt)EsTKγ, were used as raw materials. However, the methods available to assemble these two proteins are time- and labor-intensive. The conditions affecting protein self-assembly, such as the pH of the assembly buffer, protein concentration, and the protein addition ratio, were the subject of the present research. Through a series of tests, the self-assembly results of a variety of assembly conditions were explored. Finally, a simplified protein self-assembly method was identified that allows for simple, direct assembly of the two proteins directly. This method does not require protein purification. Under the optimal assembly conditions obtained by exploration, a new gel material was synthesized from the hagfish protein through self-assembly of the (opt)EsTKα and (opt)EsTKγ. This assembly method has the benefits of being a simple, time-saving, and efficient. The self-assembled protein gel products were verified by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and contained (opt)EsTKα and (opt)EsTKγ proteins. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the self-assembled protein gel after freeze-drying, and it was observed that the self-assembled protein formed a dense, three-dimensional porous network structure, meaning that it had good water retention. Evaluation of the gel with atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicated that the surface of the protein fiber skeleton show the network-like structure and relatively smooth. Characterization by circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) demonstrated that the two proteins were successfully assembled, and that the assembled protein had a secondary structure dominated by α-helices. The rheological properties of the self-assembled products were tested to confirm that they were indeed hydrogel property.
The applications of polysaccharides in dentistry
Authors: Yang Zhijing , Liu Weiwei , Liu Huimin , Li Rong , Chang Lu , Kan Shaoning , Hao Ming , Wang Dongxu
Published: July 2022

Polysaccharides are natural polymers widely present in animals, plants, and several microorganisms. Polysaccharides have remarkable properties, including easy extractions, degradability, and renewability, and have no apparent toxicity, making them ideal for biomedical applications. Moreover, polysaccharides are suitable for repairing oral tissue defects and treating oral diseases due to their excellent biocompatibility, biosafety, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The oral cavity is a relatively complex environment vulnerable to numerous conditions, including soft tissue diseases, hard tissue disorders, and as well as soft and hard tissue diseases, all of which are complex to treat. In this article, we reviewed different structures of natural polysaccharides with high commercial values and their applications in treating various oral disease, such as drug delivery, tissue regeneration, material modification, and tissue repair.
Novel interaction interfaces mediate the interaction between the NEIL1 DNA glycosylase and mitochondrial transcription factor A
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Thompson Marlo K. , Arrington Jennifer F. , Terry Dava M. , Chakravarthy Srinivas , Prevelige Peter E. , Prakash Aishwarya
Published: July 2022

The maintenance of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is critical for proper cellular function as damage to mtDNA, if left unrepaired, can lead to a diverse array of pathologies. Of the pathways identified to participate in DNA repair within the mitochondria, base excision repair (BER) is the most extensively studied. Protein-protein interactions drive the step-by-step coordination required for the successful completion of this pathway and are important for crosstalk with other mitochondrial factors involved in genome maintenance. Human NEIL1 is one of seven DNA glycosylases that initiates BER in both the nuclear and mitochondrial compartments. In the current work, we scrutinized the interaction between NEIL1 and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), a protein that is essential for various aspects of mtDNA metabolism. We note, for the first time, that both the N- and C- terminal domains of NEIL1 interact with TFAM revealing a unique NEIL1 protein-binding interface. The interaction between the two proteins, as observed biochemically, appears to be transient and is most apparent at concentrations of low salt. The presence of DNA (or RNA) also positively influences the interaction between the two proteins, and molar mass estimates indicate that duplex DNA is required for complex formation at higher salt concentrations. Hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry data reveal that both proteins exchange less deuterium upon DNA binding, indicative of an interaction, and the addition of NEIL1 to the TFAM-DNA complex alters the interaction landscape. The transcriptional activity of TFAM appears to be independent of NEIL1 expression under normal cellular conditions, however, in the presence of DNA damage, we observe a significant reduction in the mRNA expression of TFAM-transcribed mitochondrial genes in the absence of NEIL1. Overall, our data indicate that the interaction between NEIL1 and TFAM can be modulated by local environment such as salt concentrations, protein availability, the presence of nucleic acids, as well as the presence of DNA damage.
Perspectives on strategies for improving ultra-deep desulfurization of liquid fuels through hydrotreatment: Catalyst improvement and feedstock pre-treatment
Authors: Dembaremba Tendai O. , Majodina Siphumelele , Walmsley Ryan S. , Ogunlaja Adeniyi S. , Tshentu Zenixole R.
Published: July 2022

Reliance on crude oil remains high while the transition to green and renewable sources of fuel is still slow. Developing and strengthening strategies for reducing sulfur emissions from crude oil is therefore imperative and makes it possible to sustainably meet stringent regulatory sulfur level legislations in end-user liquid fuels (mostly less than 10 ppm). The burden of achieving these ultra-low sulfur levels has been passed to fuel refiners who are battling to achieve ultra-deep desulfurization through conventional hydroprocessing technologies. Removal of refractory sulfur-containing compounds has been cited as the main challenge due to several limitations with the current hydroprocessing catalysts. The inhibitory effects of nitrogen-containing compounds (especially the basic ones) is one of the major concerns. Several advances have been made to develop better strategies for achieving ultra-deep desulfurization and these include: improving hydroprocessing infrastructure, improving hydroprocessing catalysts, having additional steps for removing refractory sulfur-containing compounds and improving the quality of feedstocks. Herein, we provide perspectives that emphasize the importance of further developing hydroprocessing catalysts and pre-treating feedstocks to remove nitrogen-containing compounds prior to hydroprocessing as promising strategies for sustainably achieving ultra-deep hydroprocessing.
RETRACTED: Effect of Bimetal Element Doping on the Low-Temperature Activity of Manganese-Based Catalysts for NH3-SCR
Authors: Li Haixia , Zhang Shuaibo , Zhang Anchao , Zhang Xinmin , Sun Zhijun , Yang Changze , Zhu Qifeng
Published: July 2022

A series of novel Mn6Zr1-xCox denitrification catalysts were prepared by the co-precipitation method. The effect of co-modification of MnOx catalyst by zirconium and cobalt on the performance of NH3-SCR was studied by doping transition metal cobalt into the Mn6Zr1 catalyst. The ternary oxide catalyst Mn6Zr0.3Co0.7 can reach about 90% of NOx conversion in a reaction temperature range of 100–275°C, and the best NOx conversion can reach up to 99%. In addition, the sulfur resistance and water resistance of the Mn6Zr0.3Co0.7 catalyst were also tested. When the concentration of SO2 is 200ppm, the NOx conversion of catalyst Mn6Zr0.3Co0.7 is still above 90%. 5 Vol% H2O has little effect on catalyst NOx conversion. The results showed that the Mn6Zr0.3Co0.7 catalyst has excellent resistance to sulfur and water. Meanwhile, the catalyst was systematically characterized. The results showed that the addition of zirconium and cobalt changes the surface morphology of the catalyst. The specific surface area, pore size, and volume of the catalyst were increased, and the reduction temperature of the catalyst was decreased. In conclusion, the doping of zirconium and cobalt successfully improves the NH3-SCR activity of the catalyst.
Mechanisms of bone remodeling and therapeutic strategies in chronic apical periodontitis
Authors: Luo Xutao , Wan Qianxue , Cheng Lei , Xu Ruoshi
Published: July 2022

Chronic periapical periodontitis (CAP) is a typical oral disease in which periodontal inflammation caused by an odontogenic infection eventually leads to bone loss. Uncontrolled infections often lead to extensive bone loss around the root tip, which ultimately leads to tooth loss. The main clinical issue in the treatment of periapical periodontitis is the repair of jawbone defects, and infection control is the first priority. However, the oral cavity is an open environment, and the distribution of microorganisms through the mouth in jawbone defects is inevitable. The subversion of host cell metabolism by oral microorganisms initiates disease. The presence of microorganisms stimulates a series of immune responses, which in turn stimulates bone healing. Given the above background, we intended to examine the paradoxes and connections between microorganisms and jaw defect repair in anticipation of new ideas for jaw defect repair. To this end, we reviewed the microbial factors, human signaling pathways, immune cells, and cytokines involved in the development of CAP, as well as concentrated growth factor (CGF) and stem cells in bone defect repair, with the aim of understanding the impact of microbial factors on host cell metabolism to inform the etiology and clinical management of CAP.
Metagenomic profiling of ocular surface microbiome changes in Demodex blepharitis patients
Authors: Fu Yana , Wu Jie , Wang Dandan , Li Tiankun , Shi Xinwei , Li Lu , Zhu Minying , Zhang Zuhui , Yu Xinxin , Dai Qi
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To compare the ocular surface and meibum microbial communities of humans with Demodex Blepharitis (DB) and healthy controls.

Methods

Conjunctival sac and meibum samples from 25 DB patients and 11 healthy controls were analyzed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS).

Results

The alpha-diversity of the conjunctival sac microbiome of the DB group (observed, Chao1, ACE) was lower than that of the control group, whereas all meibum diversity indicators were similar. In conjunctival samples, the relative abundance (RA) of the phylum Proteobacteria was significantly higher (p=0.023), and the RA of both phyla Actinobacteria and Firmicutes was significantly lower (p=0.002, 0.025, respectively) in the DB group than that in the control group. In meibum samples, the RA of the phyla Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were similar, whereas that of the phylum Firmicutes was significantly lower in the DB group (p=0.019) than that in the control group. Linear discriminant analysis with effect size measurement of the conjunctival and meibum microbiomes showed that Sphingobium sp. YG1 and Acinetobacter guillouiae were enriched in the DB group. Sphingobium sp. YG1, Acinetobacter guillouiae and Pseudomonas putida in the DB group were related to more severe ocular surface clinical parameters. Discriminative genera’s principal coordinate analysis separated all control and DB microbiomes into two distinct clusters.

Conclusions

Proteobacteria’s increased prevalence may indicate ocular microbial community instability. The species Sphingobium sp. YG1 and Acinetobacter guillouiae are potentially pathogenic bacterial biomarkers in DB. Demodex infection mainly affects the ocular surface microbiome rather than penetrating deeper into the meibomian gland.
Raman Spectroscopic Differentiation of Streptococcus pneumoniae From Other Streptococci Using Laboratory Strains and Clinical Isolates
Authors: Dahms Marcel , Eiserloh Simone , Rödel Jürgen , Makarewicz Oliwia , Bocklitz Thomas , Popp Jürgen , Neugebauer Ute
Published: July 2022

Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly referred to as pneumococci, can cause severe and invasive infections, which are major causes of communicable disease morbidity and mortality in Europe and globally. The differentiation of S. pneumoniae from other Streptococcus species, especially from other oral streptococci, has proved to be particularly difficult and tedious. In this work, we evaluate if Raman spectroscopy holds potential for a reliable differentiation of S. pneumoniae from other streptococci. Raman spectra of eight different S. pneumoniae strains and four other Streptococcus species (S. sanguinis, S. thermophilus, S. dysgalactiae, S. pyogenes) were recorded and their spectral features analyzed. Together with Raman spectra of 59 Streptococcus patient isolates, they were used to train and optimize binary classification models (PLS-DA). The effect of normalization on the model accuracy was compared, as one example for optimization potential for future modelling. Optimized models were used to identify S. pneumoniae from other streptococci in an independent, previously unknown data set of 28 patient isolates. For this small data set balanced accuracy of around 70% could be achieved. Improvement of the classification rate is expected with optimized model parameters and algorithms as well as with a larger spectral data base for training.
Multiethnic Investigation of Risk and Immune Determinants of COVID-19 Outcomes
Authors: Jun Tomi , Mathew Divij , Sharma Navya , Nirenberg Sharon , Huang Hsin-Hui , Kovatch Patricia , Wherry Edward John , Huang Kuan-lin
Published: July 2022

Background

Disparate COVID-19 outcomes have been observed between Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and White patients. The underlying causes for these disparities are not fully understood.

Methods

This was a retrospective study utilizing electronic medical record data from five hospitals within a single academic health system based in New York City. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify demographic, clinical, and lab values associated with in-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 3,086 adult patients with self-reported race/ethnicity information presenting to the emergency department and hospitalized with COVID-19 up to April 13, 2020, were included in this study. While older age (multivariable odds ratio (OR) 1.06, 95% CI 1.05–1.07) and baseline hypoxia (multivariable OR 2.71, 95% CI 2.17–3.36) were associated with increased mortality overall and across all races/ethnicities, non-Hispanic Black (median age 67, interquartile range (IQR) 58–76) and Hispanic (median age 63, IQR 50–74) patients were younger and had different comorbidity profiles as compared to non-Hispanic White patients (median age 73, IQR 62–84; p < 0.05 for both comparisons). Among inflammatory markers associated with COVID-19 mortality, there was a significant interaction between the non-Hispanic Black population and interleukin-1-beta (interaction p-value 0.04).

Conclusions

This analysis of a multiethnic cohort highlights the need for inclusion and consideration of diverse populations in ongoing COVID-19 trials targeting inflammatory cytokines.
Commensal Bacteria Augment Staphylococcus aureus septic Arthritis in a Dose-Dependent Manner
Authors: Fei Ying , Ali Abukar , Mohammad Majd , Jin Tao
Published: July 2022

Background

Septic arthritis is considered one of the most dangerous joints diseases and is mainly caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Human skin commensals are known to augment S. aureus infections. The aim of this study was to investigate if human commensals could augment S. aureus-induced septic arthritis.

Method

NMRI mice were inoculated with S. aureus alone or with a mixture of S. aureus together with either of the human commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) or Streptococcus mitis (S. mitis). The clinical, radiological and histopathological changes due to septic arthritis were observed. Furthermore, the serum levels of chemokines and cytokines were assessed.

Results

Mice inoculated with a mixture of S. aureus and S. epidermidis or S. mitis developed more severe and frequent clinical arthritis compared to mice inoculated with S. aureus alone. This finding was verified pathologically and radiologically. Furthermore, the ability of mice to clear invading bacteria in the joints but not in kidneys was hampered by the bacterial mixture compared to S. aureus alone. Serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 were elevated at the early phase of disease in the mice infected with bacterial mixture compared with ones infected with S. aureus alone. Finally, the augmentation effect in septic arthritis development by S. epidermidis was bacterial dose-dependent.

Conclusion

The commensal bacteria dose-dependently augment S. aureus-induced septic arthritis in a mouse model of septic arthritis.
An Efficient Modeling Approach for Probabilistic Assessments of Present-Day and Future Fluvial Flooding
Authors: Ngo Hieu , Ranasinghe Roshanka , Zevenbergen Chris , Kirezci Ebru , Maheng Dikman , Radhakrishnan Mohanasundar , Pathirana Assela
Published: July 2022

Risk-informed flood risk management requires a comprehensive and quantitative risk assessment, which often demands multiple (thousands of) river and flood model simulations. Performing such a large number of model simulations is a challenge, especially for large, complex river systems (e.g., Mekong) due to the associated computational and resource demands. This article presents an efficient probabilistic modeling approach that combines a simplified 1D hydrodynamic model for the entire Mekong Delta with a detailed 1D/2D coupled model and demonstrates its application at Can Tho city in the Mekong Delta. Probabilistic flood-hazard maps, ranging from 0.5 to 100 year return period events, are obtained for the urban center of Can Tho city under different future scenarios taking into account the impact of climate change forcing (river flow, sea-level rise, storm surge) and land subsidence. Results obtained under present conditions show that more than 12% of the study area is inundated by the present-day 100 year return period of water level. Future projections show that, if the present rate of land subsidence continues, by 2050 (under both RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 climate scenarios), the 0.5 and 100 year return period flood extents will increase by around 15- and 8-fold, respectively, relative to the present-day flood extent. However, without land subsidence, the projected increases in the 0.5 and 100 year return period flood extents by 2050 (under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) are limited to between a doubling to tripling of the present-day flood extent. Therefore, adaptation measures that can reduce the rate of land subsidence (e.g., limiting groundwater extraction), would substantially mitigate future flood hazards in the study area. A combination of restricted groundwater extraction and the construction of a new and more efficient urban drainage network would facilitate even further reductions in the flood hazard. The projected 15-fold increase in flood extent projected by 2050 for the twice per year (0.5 year return period) flood event implies that the “do nothing” management approach is not a feasible option for Can Tho.
Social media, peer norms, and betel nut susceptibility and use: Evidence from early adolescents in Guam
Authors: Dalisay Francis , Kawabata Yoshito , Buente Wayne , Pokhrel Pallav , Benitez Chantay , Herzog Thaddeus
Published: July 2022

Betel (areca) nut is an addictive psychoactive substance considered to be carcinogenic. Yet not much is known about factors that may be promoting betel nut use. To fill this void, the present study examines the roles of exposure to betel nut-related posts on social media and peer norms regarding betel nut use in explaining betel nut susceptibility and use among adolescents. We conducted a representative survey of early adolescents (N= 673) attending all public middle schools on Guam, a United States-Affiliated Pacific Island in the Western Pacific. Results showed that exposure to betel nut-related posts on social media was positively associated with peer descriptive norms regarding betel nut use. Specifically, the more frequent early adolescents were exposed to betel nut posts on social media, the more likely they were to perceive betel nut use to be more prevalent among their general peers and close friends. Additionally, early adolescents' exposure to betel nut-related posts on social media was positively associated with both their susceptibility to use betel nut and reported use. Descriptive norms regarding close friends' betel nut use was also positively associated with both susceptibility to and use of betel nut. However, descriptive norms regarding general peers' betel nut use was unrelated with either betel nut susceptibility or use. Descriptive norms regarding close friends' betel nut use mediated the relationships that exposure to betel nut posts on social media had with both betel nut susceptibility and betel nut use. Implications are discussed.
Accuracy Evaluation of Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Estimated by Smart Terminal Watch
Authors: Sun Ningling , Wang Luyan , Xi Yang , Wang Hongyi , Yang Fan , Chen Yuanyuan , Liu Jing , Cui Yuxian , Zeng Zhechun
Published: July 2022

To evaluate the accuracy of the smartwatch in estimating carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). A cohort of gender-matched volunteers aged 18–80 years were recruited. At the sitting and supine positions, cfPWV was measured alternately by smartwatch and CompliorAnalyse, for each participant, and nine sets of data were collected from each participant with a 60 s interval between measurements. The accuracy of cfPWV measurement for smartwatches was assessed using mean error (ME) and mean absolute error (MAE), while the consistency of the two methods was assessed using the Bland-Altman analysis and concordance class correlation. A total of 347 participants were enrolled. The mean cfPWV was 9.01 ± 2.29 m/s measured by CompliorAnalyse and 9.06 ± 1.94 m/s by smartwatch. The consistency correlation coefficient (CCC) was 0.9045 (95% CI 0.8853–0.9206), the ME was 0.046 ± 0.92, and the MAE was 0.66 (95% CI 0.59–0.73). Bland-Altman analysis showed that the error of 95% samples was in the range between −1.77 m/s and 1.86 m/s. The Kappa value of cfPWV greater than 10 m/s was 0.79, the area under the ROC curve was 0.97 (P < 0.001), sensitivity was 0.90, specificity was 0.93, positive predictive value was 0.83 and negative predictive value was 0.96. Smartwatch can accurately estimate cfPWV to evaluate arterial stiffness. This method is simple and feasible and is suitable for people to actively and early monitor vascular elasticity.
Potential of ATP5MG to Treat Metabolic Syndrome-Associated Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Liu Lianyong , Zhou Xinglu , Chen Juan , Li Xiangqi
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome-associated cardiovascular disease (MetS-CVD) is a cluster of metabolism-immunity highly integrated diseases. Emerging evidence hints that mitochondrial energy metabolism may be involved in MetS-CVD development. The physiopathological role of ATP5MG, a subunit of the F0 ATPase complex, has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

In this study, we selected ATP5MG to identify the immunity-mediated pathway and mine drugs targeting this pathway for treating MetS-CVD. Using big data from public databases, we dissected co-expressed RNA (coRNA), competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), and interacting RNA (interRNA) genes for ATP5MG.

Results

It was identified that ATP5MG may form ceRNA with COX5A through hsa-miR-142-5p and interplay with NDUFB8, SOD1, and MDH2 through RNA–RNA interaction under the immune pathway. We dug out 251 chemicals that may target this network and identified some of them as clinical drugs. We proposed five medicines for treating MetS-CVD. Interestingly, six drugs are being tested to treat COVID-19, which unexpectedly offers a new potential host-targeting antiviral strategy.

Conclusion

Collectively, we revealed the potential significance of the ATP5MG-centered network for developing drugs to treat MetS-CVD, which offers insights into the epigenetic regulation for metabolism-immunity highly integrated diseases.
Non-Parametric Simultaneous Reconstruction and Denoising via Sparse and Low-Rank Regularization
Authors: Meng Lingjun , Shi Zhanzhan , Ye Yan , Wang Yuanjun
Published: July 2022

Spatial irregular sampling and random noise are two important factors that restrict the accuracy of seismic imaging. Seismic wavefield reconstruction and denoising based on sparse representation are two popular antidotes to these two inevitable issues, respectively. This article presents a non-parametric simultaneous reconstruction and denoising via sparse and low-rank regularization that dealt with the prestack gathers efficiently and automatically. The proposed method makes no additional prior assumptions on original data other than that the seismic signal is compressible. The key parameters estimation adopts a data-driven framework without person-dependent intervention. The basic idea of the approach is to combine the two related algorithms. Thus, the sparse decomposition needs to be performed only once. We first extract the solution matrix via Fourier dictionary and then perform the reconstruction and denoising successively in the sparse domain. Obtaining a perfect interpolation result requires that the seismic data satisfy the Shannon–Nyquist sampling theorem. However, data with steep-dip events or gaps, which cannot be adequate for the procedure, are a challenge that must be faced. This work proposes to deal with the common-offset gathers, which is characterized by flat, even approximate horizontal events, to handle the under-sampling obstacle. Another excellent property of the common-offset gathers is the simple and periodic repetitive texture structure, which can be represented sparsely and accurately by the Fourier dictionary. Thus, the computational complexity of the sparse representation is reduced. Both synthetic and practical applications indicate that our algorithm is efficient and effective.
Mixed Impact of Climate Change on Cold Season Residential Electricity: A Case Study of Lanzhou and Lhasa
Authors: Xia Cuihui , Yao Tandong , Hou Haowen , Wang Pengling
Published: July 2022

Extreme weather induced by climate change has triggered large-scale power outages worldwide, particularly during the cold season. More insight into the climatic impacts (especially those of precipitation) on cold season residential electricity consumption (REC) is needed. This study quantified the climatic impacts on REC, with a focus on precipitation, and projected the associated changes under representative concentration pathways (RCPs) 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5 climate change scenarios in Lanzhou and Lhasa, two cities in China with distinctive cold season climates. The climatic impacts on REC in both cities are driven by heating-related demand. A stronger precipitation impact during the cold season was observed in both cities, since precipitation (particularly snowfall) boosts electricity consumption during the cold season. As the two cities become warmer and wetter, increased precipitation will offset the impact of warming on REC, with Lanzhou being more strongly affected. Based on the projections for Lanzhou, the offsetting effect will be more pronounced during the cold season across all scenarios, and will be particularly strong under RCP 2.6. For the remainder of the year, the effects of increased precipitation and warming will have competing importances under the RCP 4.5 scenario, whereas temperature effects will generally dominate the climatic impacts under the RCP 8.5 scenario. These results provide new insights for future cold season climate–energy studies and can be used to improve regional climate adaptation policies. We also propose a method to project climate-based REC changes which is compatible with potential early-warning projects to protect against extreme weather-induced power outages.
An Inside Sun: Lickanantay Volcanology in the Salar de Atacama
Authors: Ramos Chocobar Sonia , Tironi Manuel
Published: July 2022

The need of establishing more substantive dialogs between the mainstream and Indigenous knowledge on volcanoes has been increasingly recognized. To contribute to this endeavor, in this article we present the basic volcanological understandings of the Lickanantay people in the Salar de Atacama Basin. The Salar de Atacama Basin is an active volcanic territory within the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes (CVZA). From the El Tatio geothermal field to Socompa volcano, more than 19 active volcanoes surround the territory that the Lickanantay (Atacameño) people have inhabited for more than 11,000 years. Living around and with the geological dynamism of the CVZA for millennia, the Lickanantay communities have accumulated rich observational and ceremonial data on volcanoes and volcanism. Paradoxically, however, while the Atacameño people have thoroughly characterized the CVZA, the volcanology community has not been properly introduced to the ancestral knowledge articulated in the territory. In order to make traditional Atacameño perspectives on volcanoes, volcanic risk, and geo-cosmic interdependence more amply available to the volcanology community, in this article, we present a basic description of what we call Atacameño volcanology. By Atacameño volcanology, we understand the ancestral principles by which volcanoes are known and understood as partaking in larger processes of a cosmo-ecological formation. Specifically, we describe the basic volcanological notions arising from the Lickanantay ancestral knowledge—volcanic formation, functions, and behavior. Second, we focus on the El Tatio geothermal field to offer a situated example. Finally, we delineate some relevant elements of human–volcano interactions and volcanic risk management from an Atacameño perspective. In our conclusions we suggest that volcanology, particularly in the context of the Andes, needs to engage more substantially with the Atacameño or other ancestral systems of knowledge production to expand volcanological insights and respond to the call for decolonizing science.
The virtual flow cytometer: A new learning experience and environment for undergraduate teaching
Authors: Francis Nigel J. , Ruckley Dave , Wilkinson Thomas S.
Published: July 2022

Background

The use of simulations has been steadily rising in popularity in the biosciences, not only due to the COVID-19 pandemic restricting access to physical labs and equipment but also in the face of rising student numbers. In this study, we describe the development and implementation of a novel, open-access interactive simulation used to not only supplement a laboratory class but to enhance the student learning experience. The simulation provides students with the opportunity to interact with a virtual flow cytometer, design a simple experiment and then critically analyse and interpret raw experimental data.

Results

Results showed that this highly authentic assessment used a much broader range of the mark scheme acting as an excellent discriminatory for student ability compared to simple recall as assessed by multiple-choice questions. Overall, the student response to the new assessment was positive, highlighting the novelty of the assessment, however, some students did experience technical issues when the simulation was used for the first time.

Conclusion

Simulations can play a crucial role in the student learning cycle by providing a rich, engaging learning environment, however, they need to be used to supplement other hands-on experiences to ensure that students acquire the necessary kinematic skills expected of a successful science graduate.
Inconvenient truth? How different mentoring approaches impact student–teacher identity development
Authors: Prabjandee Denchai
Published: July 2022

This research attempted to illustrate how different mentoring approaches impact student-teacher identity development. Mentoring approaches in this study were categorized into transmission-oriented and constructivist-oriented. Guided by the biographical-narrative identity theory, the data in this study were extracted from interviews with four student teachers from Thailand while they were in the teaching practicum. It was found that student teachers who received the constructivist-oriented mentoring perceived themselves as teachers, were more confident about their teaching abilities, and expressed willingness to enter the teaching profession than those who received the transmission-oriented mentoring. Implications for selecting qualified school-based mentor teachers and the urgent need to offer an induction program to support mentors are discussed.