bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective Study of the Reasons and Time Involved for Dental Providers' Medical Consults
Authors: Li Shuning , Williams Karmen S. , Medam Jayanth Kumar , Patel Jay S. , Gonzalez Theresa , Thyvalikakath Thankam P.
Published: May 2022

Background

Patient-reported medical histories and medical consults are primary approaches to obtaining patients' medical histories in dental settings. While patient-reported medical histories are reported to have inconsistencies, sparse information exists regarding the completeness of medical providers' responses to dental providers' medical consults. This study examined records from a predoctoral dental student clinic to determine the reasons for medical consults; the medical information requested, the completeness of returned responses, and the time taken to receive answers for medical consult requests.

Methods

A random sample of 240 medical consult requests for 179 distinct patients were selected from patient encounters between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2017. Descriptive statistics and summaries were calculated to determine the reasons for the consult, the type of information requested and returned, and the time interval for each consult.

Results

The top two reasons for medical consults were to obtain more information (46.1%) and seek medical approval to proceed with treatment (30.3%). Laboratory and diagnostic reports (56.3%), recommendations/medical clearances (39.6%), medication information (38.3%), and current medical conditions (19.2%) were the frequent requests. However, medical providers responded fewer times to dental providers' laboratory and diagnostic report requests (41.3%), recommendations/medical clearances (19.2%), and current medical conditions (13.3%). While 86% of consults were returned in 30 days and 14% were completed after 30 days.

Conclusions

The primary reasons for dental providers' medical consults are to obtain patient information and seek recommendations for dental care. Laboratory/diagnostic reports, current medical conditions, medication history, or modifications constituted the frequently requested information. Precautions for dental procedures, antibiotic prophylaxis, and contraindications included reasons to seek medical providers' recommendations. The results also highlight the challenges they experience, such as requiring multiple attempts to contact medical providers, the incompleteness of information shared, and the delays experienced in completing at least 25% of the consults.

Practical Implications

The study results call attention to the importance of interdisciplinary care to provide optimum dental care and the necessity to establish systems such as integrated electronic dental record-electronic health record systems and health information exchanges to improve information sharing and communication between dental and medical providers.
Influence of Meteorological Processes on cGPS Measurements of Crustal Movements
Authors: Gomo Sikelela , Cooper Gordon R. J. , Durrheim Raymond J. , Manzi Musa S. D.
Published: May 2022

Surface displacement measurements collected using continuous Global Positioning System (cGPS) stations include the contribution of both endogenic processes (e.g., plate tectonics, isostasy) and exogenic processes that show seasonal variation (e.g., climate). These seasonal variations distort the tectonic signals and limit the usefulness of short-term investigations. This paper explores cGPS and meteorological time series collected in southern Africa and investigates whether the usefulness of cGPS time series can be improved by accounting for the seasonal effects of the dominant meteorological processes. The study is carried out using time, frequency, and time-frequency domain signal processing (inferential) analysis techniques. It was found that from the considered atmospheric processes, thermally-induced effects, which are not corrected for in the cGPS data, are the most prominent meteorological contributors in the vertical annual deformation component observed in cGPS time series. The effects of heave action (due to seasonal subsurface water infiltration and absorption, as well as changes in the water table) and changes of water mass distribution (caused by infiltration, transportation, extractions, and evaporation) on the displacement time series are much smaller. This suggests that correcting for thermal expansion, contraction, and thermal-induced errors could reduce the annual seasonal deformation component observed in cGPS position measurements in southern Africa and, most probably, in other parts of the world subjected to large seasonal variations in atmospheric temperatures. Reducing the magnitude of the seasonal components would increase the usefulness of short-term cGPS campaigns.
Characteristics and Accumulation Model of Silurian Tight Sandstone Gas Reservoir: A Case Study in the Shajingzi Belt, Northwest Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Yuanyin , Zhang Junfeng , Gao Yongjin , Liu Yalei , Miao Miaoqing , Li Qingyao , Sun Zhichao
Published: May 2022

The first industrial gas flow has been recently achieved in the Shajingzi Belt, northwest Tarim Basin, China, although that area is always characterized as a monoclinic structure background, typical tight bituminous sandstones, and poor hydrocarbon accumulation conditions. Based on drilling, oil testing, geophysics, geological, and geochemical data, a comprehensive research including reservoir description, hydrocarbon tracing, and accumulation history analysis in the Shajingzi Belt was carefully conducted to establish a meaningful Silurian hydrocarbon accumulation model and discover potential areas in this study. It is found that 1) the Silurian reservoirs in the Shajingzi Belt mainly bear gas and could be defined as the typical tight sandstone reservoir with ultralow porosity generally less than 10% and low-permeability distributed between 0.1 and 10 mD, respectively; 2) petroleum substantially comes from the Cambrian–Ordovician source rocks, especially in the Awati Sag, possessing the dominant contribution from the shales in Cambrian Yuertusi Formation; 3) synthetically, three major hydrocarbon accumulation periods can be determined in the Shajingzi Belt, namely, the Late Caledonian, the Late Hercynian–Early Indosinian, and the middle Himalayan, respectively; 4) the evolution of Shajingzi Fault system apparently dominated the formation of various Silurian structural–lithologic traps in the monoclinic structure background and efficiently connected the deep source rocks in the Awati Sag, especially during Himalayan period when the current tight sandstone gas reservoirs were formed. This research could find its benefit for exploration in similar basin–range junction areas.
Cultural Values' Integration in Character Development in Elementary Schools: The Sukuraga as Learning Media
Authors: Nurasiah Iis , Sumantri Mohamad Syarif , Nurhasanah Nina , Casmana Asep Rudi
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to analyze the character development of students through the use of the Puppet Sukuraga application. It can be seen that, during the Covid-19 pandemic, fulfilling the affective dimension tended to be ignored by teachers, who instead emphasized the cognitive dimension. In the affective dimension, Puppet Sukuraga is used as a character education tool in the form of applications that can develop students' character. This puppet can also be used on mobile phones by students who understand the Sukuraga wayang in depth. This study uses a mix-method conducted in one of the elementary schools in Indonesia that already uses the Puppet Sukuraga application. The number of participants in this study were two 10 teachers and 60 students in the second grade, so that overall, there were 60 participants. Data is provided in the form of a detailed description of the subject's activities from the subject's perspective through interviews and group discussion forums. Online survey for the descriptive statistical analysis was used and in-depth interviews were also used for teachers and students. It was conducted 45 min before and after learning in class. The results of the study show that the use of the Puppet Sukuraga application can develop students' character, particularly characteristics of tolerance and responsibility. Students' tolerance is more developed, and it can be seen from the attitude of respect for differences in religion, ethnicity, habits, and differences of opinions. The characteristic of responsibility is also more developed, such as being responsible for their duties in doing homework, being responsible for carrying out the teacher's orders, and being responsible for carrying out useful activities. This research has implications for elementary school teachers in Indonesia during the limited online and face-to-face learning period. It can be concluded that the cultural values on the Sukuraga Puppet Application can help teachers in schools teach students about character enhancement.
Surgical Experience of Transcranial Approaches to Large-to-Giant Pituitary Adenomas in Knosp Grade 4
Authors: Guan Xiudong , Wang Yangyang , Zhang Chengkai , Ma Shunchang , Zhou Wenjianlong , Jia Guijun , Jia Wang
Published: May 2022

Pituitary adenomas in Knosp grade 4 are difficult to resect completely and are generally involved in poor prognosis, because of the close relationship between the tumor and internal carotid. In this study, the authors retrospectively reviewed the outcome of different transcranial approaches in the management of large-to-giant pituitary adenomas in Knosp grade 4. A total of 42 patients with large-to-giant pituitary adenomas in Knosp grade 4, who underwent craniotomy in the Pituitary Disease Subdivision, Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, between March 2012 and March 2015 were included in this study. Clinical characteristics, surgical methods, complications, and outcomes were evaluated. The median age was 45 years (range, 19–73 years old), and 42.9% of the enrolled cases were men. The mean tumor diameter was 43.6 mm, and the mean volume was 30.9 cm3. 26 patients underwent the frontolateral approach, while 16 cases accepted the frontotemporal approach. Gross total resection was achieved in 11 patients (26.2%), near total in 26 (61.9%), and subtotal in 5 (11.9%). The adenomas were larger, and the distance of the tumor extending to the lateral skull base was also further in the frontotemporal approach cases. The surgical time was shorter, and the bleeding volume was less in the frontolateral approach cases. Subsellar extension was associated with incomplete resection in pituitary macroadenomas of Knosp grade 4. The craniotomy is still an effective treatment for pituitary macroadenomas in Knosp grade 4.
Role of the Gut Microbiome in Beta Cell and Adipose Tissue Crosstalk: A Review
Authors: Martínez-Montoro José Ignacio , Damas-Fuentes Miguel , Fernández-García José Carlos , Tinahones Francisco J.
Published: May 2022

In the last decades, obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Obesity is a chronic disease associated with a wide range of comorbidities, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), which results in significant burden of disease and major consequences on health care systems. Of note, intricate interactions, including different signaling pathways, are necessary for the establishment and progression of these two closely related conditions. Altered cell-to-cell communication among the different players implicated in this equation leads to the perpetuation of a vicious circle associated with an increased risk for the development of obesity-related complications, such as T2D, which in turn contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease. In this regard, the dialogue between the adipocyte and pancreatic beta cells has been extensively studied, although some connections are yet to be fully elucidated. In this review, we explore the potential pathological mechanisms linking adipocyte dysfunction and pancreatic beta cell impairment/insulin resistance. In addition, we evaluate the role of emerging actors, such as the gut microbiome, in this complex crosstalk.
Carrying Capacity of Water Resources for Renewable Energy Development in Arid Regions in Northwest China: A Case Study of Golmud, Qinghai
Authors: Hou Wenjuan , Li Xiaojie , Yang Linsheng , Ta Wanquan , Jia Xiaopeng
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Northwest China has become a base for wind and solar energy development due to its rich wind and solar resources and large area of desert and unutilized land. However, whether the scarce water resources in the arid regions there can meet the requirements for renewable energy development is currently a pressing, critical problem. Therefore, the life cycle water footprint (WF) of the renewable energy industry—its wind energy, photovoltaic (PV), and concentrated solar power (CSP) electricity generation enterprises—in the basin area of Golmud, Qinghai, a typical arid region in Northwest China, has been investigated in this study. Water consumption by local renewable energy enterprises was estimated under current (2020) scenarios [i.e., different (local/vs. nonlocal) origins of equipment and raw materials used, and employees hired by these enterprises] and three future scenarios (i.e., different ratios between installed capacities of wind energy, PV, and CSP at a fixed total renewable energy electricity generation capacity assuming China’s carbon emission will peak then). The results revealed that water consumption by local renewable energy enterprises in 2020 was 1.62 × 106–1.31 × 107 m3, accounting for 0.07–0.6% of the current total water resources in the basin area of Golmud. Water consumption by the local salt chemistry industry, a pillar industry in Golmud whose water consumption is high, accounted for 2.69% of the total water resources being 4.24–34.37 times that of the local renewable energy industry. To reach the goal of carbon emissions peaking by 2030 requires an increase of 6.17 × 106 kW in the installed capacity for wind and solar power generation in Golmud, would translate into an increase of 1.57 × 107–6.46 × 107 m3 in water consumption, this accounting for 7.15–19.35% of the remaining available water resources in the basin area of Golmud. Our results indicate that the expansion of the local renewable energy industry has exerted significant pressure on the already scarce water resources in Golmud. Therefore, future increases in the installed capacity for renewable energy electricity generation should be planned scientifically, by considering the availability of water resources as a constraint.
Debt Risk of Green Bonds Issued by Local Governments in Shandong Province Based on KMV-Logistics Mixed Early Warning Model
Authors: Wang Chuanhui , Zhu Yong , Gong Weifeng , Yu Fanglin
Published: May 2022

In recent years, China’s green development has entered a new stage with profound changes in development conditions. Progress in development has put forward higher requirements for the safe and stable operation of the financial and economic environment. This paper predicts the default probability of the scale of green bond debt that should be repaid by municipal governments in Shandong Province from 2020 to 2022 and combines the KMV-Logistics mixed model to provide new ideas for the existing local government debt early warning indicator system. This paper draws the following main conclusions: On the whole, it is predicted that the debt situations faced by local governments in Shandong Province in issuing green bonds from 2020 to 2022 are as follows: the municipalities with high debt risks in 2020 include Dezhou, Liaocheng, and Zaozhuang; the cities with high debt risk in Shandong Province in 2021 include Linyi, Heze, Dezhou, and Weihai; the cities in Shandong Province with high debt risk in 2022 include Dezhou, Heze, Rizhao, and Zaozhuang, among which, Zaozhuang and Dezhou have been in high-risk states for three consecutive years. Therefore, in order to reasonably control the debt risks faced by local governments in Shandong Province issuing green bonds, it is necessary to take multiple measures to strengthen the supervision of local government debt borrowing methods, dynamically monitor and prevent local government debt risks, and effectively strengthen the management of local government debt funds.
Monitoring the Wetland of the Yellow River Delta by Combining GF-3 Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar and Sentinel-2A Multispectral Data
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Ye Kaile , Zhang Mengyue , Li Hao , Li Zhenjin , Zhu Yuandong , Liu Xiaotong , Tian Kang
Published: May 2022

Wetlands in estuary deltas functionally protect biodiversity, store water, and regulate ecological balance. However, wetland monitoring accuracy is low when using only synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images or optical images. This study proposes a novel method for extracting ground objects in a wetland using principal component analysis (PCA) and random forest (RF) classification, which combines the features of fully polarimetric SAR images and optical images. Firstly, polarization decomposition features and texture features were extracted based on polarimetric SAR data, and spectral features were extracted based on optical data. Secondly, the optical image was registered to SAR image. Then PCA was performed on the nine polarimetric features of the SAR images and the four spectral features of the optical images to obtain the first two principal components of each. After combining these components, a RF classification algorithm was used to extract the objects. The objects in the Yellow River Delta wetland were successfully extracted using our proposed method with Gaofen-3 fully polarimetric SAR data and Sentinel-2A optical data acquired in November 2018. The overall accuracy of the proposed method was 86.18%, and the Kappa coefficient was 0.84. This was an improvement of 18.96% and 0.22, respectively, over the GF-3 polarimetric features classification, and 11.02% and 0.13, respectively, over the Sentinel-2A spectral features classification. Compared with the results of the support vector machine, maximum likelihood, and minimum distance classification algorithms, the overall accuracy of the RF classification based on joint features was 2.03, 5.69, and 23.36% higher, respectively, and the Kappa coefficient was 0.03, 0.07, and 0.27 higher, respectively. Therefore, this novel method can increase the accuracy of the extraction of objects in a wetland, providing a reliable technical means for wetland monitoring.
Three Novel De Novo ZEB2 Variants Identified in Three Unrelated Chinese Patients With Mowat-Wilson Syndrome and A Systematic Review
Authors: Fu Youqing , Xu Wanfang , Wang Qingming , Lin Yangyang , He Peiqing , Liu Yanhui , Yuan Haiming
Published: May 2022

Background:ZEB2 gene mutations or deletions cause Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS), which is characterized by distinctive facial features, global developmental delay, intellectual disability, epilepsy, friendly and happy personalities, congenital heart disease, Hirschsprung disease and multiple congenital anomalies. Currently, more than 300 MWS patients have been described in the literature, and nearly 280 variants in ZEB2 have been identified.

Methods: In this study, we report three unrelated Chinese patients presenting multiple congenital anomalies that were consistent with those of MWS. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used to identify the causative variants.

Results: WES identified two novel de novo frameshift variants in ZEB2 (NM_014795.4:c.2136delC, p. Lys713Serfs*3 and c.2740delG, p. Gln914Argfs*16) in patients 1 and 2, respectively, and a novel de novo splicing variant in ZEB2 (NM_014795.4:c.808-2delA) in patient 3, all of which were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Next, we systematically reviewed the clinical characteristics of Chinese and Caucasian MWS patients. We revealed a higher incidence of constipation in Chinese MWS patients compared to that previously reported in Caucasian cohorts, while the incidence of Hirschsprung disease and happy demeanor was lower in Chinese MWS patients and that epilepsy in Chinese MWS patients could be well-controlled compared to that in Caucasian MWS individuals.

Conclusion: Our study expanded the mutation spectrum of ZEB2 and enriched our understanding of the clinical characteristics of MWS. Definitive genetic diagnosis is beneficial for the genetic counseling and clinical management of individuals with MWS.
High-Throughput Sequencing to Investigate lncRNA-circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Networks Underlying the Effects of Beta-Amyloid Peptide and Senescence on Astrocytes
Authors: Deng Yuxin , Song Hui , Xiao Yan , Zhao Yi , Chu Liangzao , Ding Jiuyang , Shen Xiangchun , Qi Xiaolan
Published: May 2022

Astrocytes are widely distributed in the central nervous system and play an essential role in the function of neuronal cells. Associations between astrocytes and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been noted, and recent work has implicated circular RNA (circRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in the development of AD. However, few reports have investigated which lncRNA and circRNA are involved in the influence of amyloid beta (Aβ) and senescence on astrocytes. This study therefore examines changes at the transcriptome level to explore the effects of Aβ and senescence on astrocytes. Primary cultured astrocytes were treated with Aβ and cultured for 90 days in vitro, and high-throughput sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed RNAs. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses revealed that differentially expressed genes were associated with the focal adhesion signaling pathway, extracellular matrix receptor signaling pathway, and the extracellular matrix. The protein–protein interaction network was then constructed, and 103 hub genes were screened out; most of these were strongly associated with the expression of the extracellular matrix, extracellular matrix receptor signaling pathway, and focal adhesion. Two competing endogenous RNA networks were constructed based on the selected hub gene and differential RNAs, and we identified multiple competing endogenous RNA regulatory axes that were involved in the effects of Aβ and senescence on astrocytes. This is the first study to explore the molecular regulation mechanism of Aβ and senescence on primary astrocytes from the perspective of the whole transcriptome. In uncovering the signaling pathways and biological processes involved in the effects of Aβ and senescence on astrocytes, this work provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of AD at the level of competing endogenous RNA network regulation.
Identification and Verification of Feature Biomarkers Associated With Immune Cells in Dilated Cardiomyopathy by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Zhu Tingfang , Wang Mingjie , Quan Jinwei , Du Zunhui , Li Qiheng , Xie Yuan , Lin Menglu , Xu Cathy , Xie Yucai
Published: May 2022

Objective: To explore immune-related feature genes in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Methods: Expression profiles from three datasets (GSE1145, GSE21610 and GSE21819) of human cardiac tissues of DCM and healthy controls were downloaded from the GEO database. After data preprocessing, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by the ‘limma’ package in R software. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were then performed to identify biological functions of the DEGs. The compositional patterns of stromal and immune cells were estimated using xCell. Hub genes and functional modules were identified based on protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis by STRING webtool and Cytoscape application. Correlation analysis was performed between immune cell subtypes and hub genes. Hub genes with |correlation coefficient| > 0.5 and p value <0.05 were selected as feature biomarkers. A logistic regression model was constructed based on the selected biomarkers and validated in datasets GSE5406 and GSE57338.

Results: A total of 1,005 DEGs were identified. Functional enrichment analyses indicated that extracellular matrix remodeling and immune and inflammation disorder played important roles in the pathogenesis of DCM. Immune cells, including CD8+ T-cells, macrophages M1 and Th1 cells, were proved to be significantly changed in DCM patients by immune cell infiltration analysis. In the PPI network analysis, STAT3, IL6, CCL2, PIK3R1, ESR1, CCL5, IL17A, TLR2, BUB1B and MYC were identified as hub genes, among which CCL2, CCL5 and TLR2 were further screened as feature biomarkers by using hub genes and immune cells correlation analysis. A diagnosis model was successfully constructed by using the three biomarkers with area under the curve (AUC) scores 0.981, 0.867 and 0.946 in merged dataset, GSE5406 and GSE57338, respectively.

Conclusion: The present study identified three immune-related genes as diagnostic biomarkers for DCM, providing a novel perspective of immune and inflammatory response for the exploration of DCM molecular mechanisms.
Systemic Inflammation Evaluated by Interleukin-6 or C-Reactive Protein in Critically Ill Patients: Results From the FROG-ICU Study
Authors: Picod Adrien , Morisson Louis , de Roquetaillade Charles , Sadoune Malha , Mebazaa Alexandre , Gayat Etienne , Davison Beth A. , Cotter Gad , Chousterman Benjamin Glenn
Published: May 2022

Background

The prognostic impact of high concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) or C-reactive protein (CRP), two routinely available markers of systemic inflammation in the general population of critically ill patients, remains unclear. In a large cohort of critically ill patients including septic and non-septic patients, we assessed the relationship between baseline IL-6 or CRP and mortality, organ dysfunction, and the need for organ support.

Methods

This was an ancillary analysis of the prospective French and euRopean Outcome reGistry in Intensive Care Units (FROG-ICU) study including patients with a requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation and/or vasoactive drug support for more than 24 h following intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The primary objective was to determine the association between baseline IL-6 or CRP concentration and survival until day 90. Secondary outcomes included organ dysfunction as evaluated by the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and the need for organ support, including vasopressors/inotropes and/or renal replacement therapy (RRT).

Results

Median IL-6 and CRP concentrations (n = 2,076) at baseline were 100.9 pg/ml (IQR 43.5–261.7) and 143.7 mg/L (IQR 78.6–219.8), respectively. Day-90 mortality was 30%. High IL-6 or CRP was associated with worse 90-day survival (hazard ratios 1.92 [1.63–2.26] and 1.21 [1.03–1.41], respectively), after adjustment on the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS-II). High IL-6 was also associated with the need for organ-support therapies, such as vasopressors/inotropes (OR 2.67 [2.15–3.31]) and RRT (OR 1.55 [1.26–1.91]), including when considering only patients independent from those supports at the time of IL-6 measurement. Associations between high CRP and organ support were inconsistent.

Conclusion

IL-6 appears to be preferred over CRP to evaluate critically ill patients’ prognoses.
On the Prognostic Power of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes – A Critical Commentary
Authors: Elkoshi Zeev
Published: May 2022

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are extensively used as prognostic biomarkers in cancer. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) or CD8+ T cells frequencies in tumor site, or their ratio, are the most common markers used to assess prognosis. This work offers a possible explanation for the opposite correlations between intra-tumoral Tregs and survival, associated with different types of cancer. The complexity involved with the selection of a preferred marker, including the effect of variability, is presented and discussed. The lymphocytes frequency ratio is proposed as the marker of choice in most types of cancer. The ratio correlates directly with survival, irrespective of cancer type and is also less variable than the frequencies of each of the two lymphocytes, if these frequencies correlate with each other in the tumor microenvironment. However, if the frequency of one of the two lymphocytes is highly variable, abandoning the ratio in favor of the lymphocyte with less variable frequency will improve correlation with survival, especially when the intra-tumoral frequencies of the two species are inversely correlated. It is plausible, that the best prognostic marker selected this way, will be also be the best predictor of checkpoint inhibitor therapy success.
The Controversial Role of IL-33 in Lung Cancer
Authors: Yang Keshan , Tian Cheng , Zhang Chengliang , Xiang Ming
Published: May 2022

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) belongs to the interleukin-1 (IL-1) family, and its structure is similar to IL-18. When cells are damaged or undergo necrosis, mature form of IL-33 is secreted as a cytokine, which can activate the immune system and provide danger signals. The IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway is composed of IL-33, suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2), and IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP). IL-33 has been reported to be strongly associated with lung cancer progression, and can exhibit opposite effects on lung cancer under different conditions. In this review, we have summarized the structure and basic functions of IL-33, its possible function in immune regulation, and its role in pulmonary fibrosis as well as in lung cancer. We have highlighted the dual regulation of IL-33 in lung cancer and proposed potential lung cancer treatment regimens, especially new immunotherapies, based on its mechanism of action.
A Real-Time Acoustic Observatory for Sperm-Whale Localization in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Skarsoulis Emmanuel K. , Piperakis George S. , Orfanakis Emmanuel , Papadakis Panagiotis , Pavlidi Despoina , Kalogerakis Michael A. , Alexiadou Paraskevi , Frantzis Alexandros
Published: May 2022

A deep-water acoustic observatory for real-time detection and localization of vocalizing sperm whales was developed, deployed and operated for two 3-month periods in summer 2020 and 2021, off south-west Crete in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, in the framework of the SAvEWhales project. Regular clicks, pulsed sounds produced by the diving animals, were detected and localized using a large-aperture array of three hydrophones suspended from surface buoys at depths of about 100 m and 1-2 km apart. Travel times of significant arrivals, arrivals with magnitude above a certain threshold, were extractedin situand transmitted, together with other supporting data,viamobile broadband to a land-based analysis center. Upon reception, the data from all buoys were combined to enable detection and 3D localization of vocalizing animals exploiting direct and surface-reflected arrivals and using a Bayesian approach. The large separations between hydrophones resulted in small localization uncertainties for ranges up to 7 km; on the other hand, they posed significant challenges related to synchronization and peak association between the buoys, as well as because of the directionality of sperm whale clicks. The integrated observing system which has been successfully tested in detecting and localizing sperm whales can have a significant effect in mitigating ship strikes on whales, the prominent threat for sperm whales in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, by providing information about the presence and location of the animals in real time. The design and implementation, as well as results from the operation and validation of the acoustic observatory are presented.
Case Report: Combining Molar Interradicular Osteotomy With Immediate Implant Placement: A Three-Year Case-Series Study
Authors: Alagl Adel S. , Madi Marwa
Published: May 2022

Background: Immediate implant placement in the area of multirooted molars includes many anatomical challenges, particularly with osteotomy preparation in the interradicular bone.

Methods: In this article, we are reporting ten cases in which implant beds were prepared before root extraction. After coronectomy, pre-extractive interradicular implant bed preparations were performed through the retained root complexes. A dimple in the roof of the furcation was created using a no. 8 round surgical bur. The osteotomies were then completed through the tooth’s initially retained root complex in the regular sequence of drilling. Before implant placement, the remaining root segments were removed. The retained root parts guided the osteotomy drills and allowed for precise positioning and angulation of the implant bed preparation with respect to the emergence profile of the tooth.

Results: Data from a 3-year follow-up of the crestal bone showed good bone levels in relation to the implant platform.

Conclusion: The technique described permitted accurate implant placement in the prepared osteotomy, thus enabling immediate implant positioning in multirooted extraction sites.
Plasma Technology–Preparing for the Electrified Future
Authors: Cha Min Suk , Snoeckx Ramses
Published: May 2022

We refer to the fourth state of matter as plasma, indicating ionized, electrically quasi-neutral gas. Electrical discharge in a gas medium is a normal and easy way of turning the gas into plasma in a moderate pressure condition. The electron temperature, electron density, and gas temperature characterize a quality of plasma. Particularly in the domain in terms of the electron temperature and gas temperature, we have room to design discharges to be a thermal plasma (both electron and gas temperature are in equilibrium) or non-thermal plasma (a couple of orders magnitude higher electron temperature than gas temperature). This indicates that the plasma chemistry, consisting of electron impact reactions and thermochemistry governed by the electron temperature and gas temperature, respectively, can be tailored to a certain extent. In this regard, we believe that plasma technology can be considered as a versatile reaction platform, which can replace and reinforce conventional combustion and catalyst-based ones in an electrified future. This perspective particularly highlights the opportunities for the combustion community in the field of low-temperature plasma technology, elaborating on the leashed potential of plasma chemistry and its similarities with combustion studies.
The Impact of Initial COVID-19 Episode Inflammation Among Adults on Mortality Within 12 Months Post-hospital Discharge
Authors: Mainous Arch G. , Rooks Benjamin J. , Orlando Frank A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Inflammation in the initial COVID-19 episode may be associated with post-recovery mortality. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between systemic inflammation in COVID-19 hospitalized adults and mortality after recovery from COVID-19.

Methods

An analysis of electronic health records (EHR) for patients from 1 January, 2020 through 31 December, 2021 was performed for a cohort of COVID-19 positive hospitalized adult patients. 1,207 patients were followed for 12 months post COVID-19 episode at one health system. 12-month risk of mortality associated with inflammation, C-reactive protein (CRP), was assessed in Cox regressions adjusted for age, sex, race and comorbidities. Analyses evaluated whether steroids prescribed upon discharge were associated with later mortality.

Results

Elevated CRP was associated other indicators of severity of the COVID-19 hospitalization including, supplemental oxygen and intravenous dexamethasone. Elevated CRP was associated with an increased mortality risk after recovery from COVID-19. This effect was present for both unadjusted (HR = 1.60; 95% CI 1.18, 2.17) and adjusted analyses (HR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.19, 2.20) when CRP was split into high and low groups at the median. Oral steroid prescriptions at discharge were found to be associated with a lower risk of death post-discharge (adjusted HR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.33, 0.74).

Discussion

Hyperinflammation present with severe COVID-19 is associated with an increased mortality risk after hospital discharge. Although suggestive, treatment with anti-inflammatory medications like steroids upon hospital discharge is associated with a decreased post-acute COVID-19 mortality risk.
The Effects of Alda-1 Treatment on Renal and Intestinal Injuries After Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Pigs
Authors: Yu Qian , Gao Jianbo , Shao Xuebo , Lu Wei , Chen Linling , Jin Lili
Published: May 2022

Aim

After successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), most survivors will develop acute kidney injury and intestinal barrier dysfunction, both of which contribute to the poor outcomes of cardiac arrest (CA) victims. Recently, the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) agonist, Alda-1 was shown to effectively alleviate regional ischemia/reperfusion injury of various organs. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Alda-1 treatment on renal and intestinal injuries after CA and resuscitation in pigs.

Methods

Twenty-four male domestic pigs were randomly divided into one of the three groups: sham (n = 6), CPR (n = 10), or CPR+Alda-1 (n = 8). CA was induced and untreated for 8 min, and then CPR was performed for 8 min in the CPR and CPR+Alda-1 groups. At 5 min after resuscitation, a dose of 0.88 mg/kg of Alda-1 was intravenously administered in the CPR+Alda-1 group. The biomarkers of renal and intestinal injuries after resuscitation were regularly measured for a total of 24 h. Subsequently, the animals were euthanized, and then renal and intestinal tissues were obtained for the measurements of ALDH2 activity and expression, and cell apoptosis and ferroptosis.

Results

Five of the 10 animals in the CPR group and six of the eight animals in the CPR+Alda-1 group were successfully resuscitated. After resuscitation, the levels of biomarkers of renal and intestinal injuries were significantly increased in all animals experiencing CA and resuscitation compared with the sham group; however, Alda-1 treatment significantly alleviated renal and intestinal injuries compared to the CPR group. Post-resuscitation ALDH2 activity was significantly decreased and its expression was markedly reduced in the kidney and intestine in those resuscitated animals compared with the sham group; nevertheless, both of them were significantly greater in those animals receiving Alda-1 treatment compared to the CPR group. In addition, renal, intestinal apoptosis and ferroptosis after resuscitation were observed in the CPR and CPR+Alda-1 groups, in which both of them were significantly milder in the CPR+Alda1 group than in the CPR group.

Conclusions

The activation of ALDH2 by Alda-1 treatment significantly alleviated post-resuscitation renal and intestinal injuries through the inhibition of cell apoptosis and ferroptosis in a pig model of CA and resuscitation.
Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis Reveals TXNRD1 as a Novel Biomarker and Potential Therapeutic Target in Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Lin Wenchao , Tang Yiyang , Zhang Mengqiu , Liang Benhui , Wang Meijuan , Zha Lihuang , Yu Zaixin
Published: May 2022

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a life-threatening cardiopulmonary disease lacking specific diagnostic markers and targeted therapy, and its mechanism of development remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to explore novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in IPAH by integrated bioinformatics analysis. Four eligible datasets (GSE117261, GSE15197, GSE53408, GSE48149) was firstly downloaded from GEO database and subsequently integrated by Robust rank aggregation (RRA) method to screen robust differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Then functional annotation of robust DEGs was performed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed followed by using MCODE and CytoHubba plug-in to identify hub genes. Finally, 10 hub genes were screened including ENO1, TALDO1, TXNRD1, SHMT2, IDH1, TKT, PGD, CXCL10, CXCL9, and CCL5. The GSE113439 dataset was used as a validation cohort to appraise these hub genes and TXNRD1 was selected for verification at the protein level. The experiment results confirmed that serum TXNRD1 concentration was lower in IPAH patients and the level of TXNRD1 had great predictive efficiency (AUC:0.795) as well as presents negative correlation with mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Consistently, the expression of TXNRD1 was proved to be inhibited in animal and cellular model of PAH. In addition, GSEA analysis was performed to explore the functions of TXNRD1 and the results revealed that TXNRD1 was closely correlated with mTOR signaling pathway, MYC targets, and unfolded protein response. Finally, knockdown of TXNRD1 was shown to exacerbate proliferative disorder, migration and apoptosis resistance in PASMCs. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that TXNRD1 is a promising candidate biomarker for diagnosis of IPAH and plays an important role in PAH pathogenesis, although further research is necessary.
Farm and Companion Animal Organoid Models in Translational Research: A Powerful Tool to Bridge the Gap Between Mice and Humans
Authors: Kawasaki Minae , Goyama Takashi , Tachibana Yurika , Nagao Itsuma , Ambrosini Yoko M.
Published: May 2022

Animal organoid models derived from farm and companion animals have great potential to contribute to human health as a One Health initiative, which recognize a close inter-relationship among humans, animals and their shared environment and adopt multi-and trans-disciplinary approaches to optimize health outcomes. With recent advances in organoid technology, studies on farm and companion animal organoids have gained more attention in various fields including veterinary medicine, translational medicine and biomedical research. Not only is this because three-dimensional organoids possess unique characteristics from traditional two-dimensional cell cultures including their self-organizing and self-renewing properties and high structural and functional similarities to the originating tissue, but also because relative to conventional genetically modified or artificially induced murine models, companion animal organoids can provide an excellent model for spontaneously occurring diseases which resemble human diseases. These features of companion animal organoids offer a paradigm-shifting approach in biomedical research and improve translatability of in vitro studies to subsequent in vivo studies with spontaneously diseased animals while reducing the use of conventional animal models prior to human clinical trials. Farm animal organoids also could play an important role in investigations of the pathophysiology of zoonotic and reproductive diseases by contributing to public health and improving agricultural production. Here, we discuss a brief history of organoids and the most recent updates on farm and companion animal organoids, followed by discussion on their potential in public health, food security, and comparative medicine as One Health initiatives. We highlight recent evolution in the culturing of organoids and their integration with organ-on-a-chip systems to overcome current limitations in in vitro studies. We envision multidisciplinary work integrating organoid culture and organ-on-a-chip technology can contribute to improving both human and animal health.
A Review of Current Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics in Food Animals
Authors: Xu Chunming , Kong Lingqiang , Gao Hanfang , Cheng Xiyu , Wang Xiumin
Published: May 2022

The overuse of antibiotics in food animals has led to the development of bacterial resistance and the widespread of resistant bacteria in the world. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in food animals are currently considered emerging contaminants, which are a serious threat to public health globally. The current situation of ARB and ARGs from food animal farms, manure, and the wastewater was firstly covered in this review. Potential risks to public health were also highlighted, as well as strategies (including novel technologies, alternatives, and administration) to fight against bacterial resistance. This review can provide an avenue for further research, development, and application of novel antibacterial agents to reduce the adverse effects of antibiotic resistance in food animal farms.
Identification and Comparative Genomic Analysis of Type VI Secretion Systems and Effectors in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Li Wanzhen , Liu Xiaofen , Tsui Waitang , Xu An , Li Dan , Zhang Xuefei , Li Pei , Bian Xingchen , Zhang Jing
Published: May 2022

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a nosocomial opportunistic pathogen that can cause pneumonia, liver abscesses, and infections of the bloodstream. The resistance and pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae pose major challenges to clinical practice. However, the ecology and pathogenic mechanisms of K. pneumoniae have not been fully elucidated. Among these mechanisms, the secretion systems encoded by strains of the bacteria confer adaptive advantages depending on the niche occupied. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a multi-protein complex that delivers effector proteins to the extracellular environment or directly to eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells. T6SSs are widely distributed in Gram-negative bacteria and play an important role in bacterial virulence and the interactions between bacteria and other microorganisms or the environment. This study aimed to enhance the understanding of the characteristics of T6SSs in K. pneumoniae through an in-depth comparative genomic analysis of the T6SS in 241 sequenced strains of K. pneumoniae. We identified the T6SS loci, the synteny of the loci in different species, as well as the effectors and core T6SS-related genes in K. pneumoniae. The presence of a T6SS was a common occurrence in K. pneumoniae, and two T6SS clusters are the most prevalent. The variable region downstream of the gene vgrG usually encodes effector proteins. Conserved domain analysis indicated that the identified putative effectors in K. pneumoniae had the functions of lipase, ribonuclease, deoxyribonuclease, and polysaccharide hydrolase. However, some effectors did not contain predicted functional domains, and their specific functions have yet to be elucidated. This in silico study represents a detailed analysis of T6SS-associated genes in K. pneumoniae and provides a foundation for future studies on the mechanism(s) of T6SSs, especially effectors, which may generate new insights into pathogenicity and lead to the identification of proteins with novel antimicrobial properties.