bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Among Children in Beijing Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Cheng Yijing , Dai Shuzhi , Hou Dongqing , Ge Menglei , Zhang Yi , Fan Lei , Pei Yingying , Yu Li , Xue Guanhua , Ma Lijuan , Sun Hongmei
Published: April 2022

Objective

Mycoplasma pneumoniae(M. pneumoniae) is an important pathogen of community acquired pneumonia. With the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the prevalence of some infectious respiratory diseases has varied. Epidemiological features ofM. pneumoniaein children from Beijing (China) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were investigated.

Methods

Between June 2016 and May 2021, a total of 569,887 children with respiratory infections from Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics (Beijing, China) were included in this study.M. pneumoniaespecific-IgM antibody in serum specimens of these patients was tested by a rapid immunochromatographic assay kit. The relevant clinical data ofM. pneumoniae-positive cases were also collected, and analyzed by RStudio software.

Results

The results showed that 13.08% of collected samples were positive forM. pneumoniaespecific-IgM antibody. The highest annual positive rate was 17.59% in 2019, followed by 12.48% in 2018, 12.31% in 2017, and 11.73% in 2016, while the rate dropped to 8.9% in 2020 and 4.95% in 2021, with significant difference. Among the six years, the positive rates in summer and winter seasons were significantly higher than those in spring and autumn seasons (p< 0.001). The positive rate was the highest in school-age children (22.20%), and lowest in the infant group (8.76%,p< 0.001). The positive rate in boys (11.69%) was lower than that in girls (14.80%,p< 0.001). There were no significant differences in different seasons, age groups, or genders before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (p> 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that anM. pneumoniaeoutbreak started from the summer of 2019 in Beijing. After the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in the end of 2019, theM. pneumoniaepositive rates dropped dramatically. This may be due to the restrictive measures of the COVID-19 pandemic, which effectively controlled the transmission ofM. pneumoniae. The relationships betweenM. pneumoniaepositive rates and season, age, and gender were not statistically significant before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Regulatory Effect of Coaggregation Between Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus gordonii on the Synergistic Virulence to Human Gingival Epithelial Cells
Authors: Yang Ruiqi , Liu Tingjun , Pang Chunfeng , Cai Yanling , Lin Zhengmei , Guo Lihong , Wei Xi
Published: April 2022

In subgingival plaque biofilms, Fusobacterium nucleatum is closely related to the occurrence and development of periodontitis. Streptococcus gordonii, as an accessory pathogen, can coaggregate with periodontal pathogens, facilitating the subgingival colonization of periodontal pathogens. Studies have shown that F. nucleatum can coaggregate with S. gordonii and colonize the subgingival plaque. However, most studies have focused on monocultures or coinfection of species and the potential impact of coaggregation between the two species on periodontal interactions to human gingival epithelial cells (hGECs) remains poorly understood. The present study explored the effect of coaggregation between F. nucleatum and S. gordonii on subgingival synergistic virulence to hGECs. The results showed that coaggregation inhibited the adhesion and invasion of F. nucleatum to hGECs compared with that in the F. nucleatum monoculture and coinfection group. Coaggregation and coinfection with F. nucleatum both enhanced S. gordonii adhesion to hGECs, but neither of the two groups affected S. gordonii invasion to hGECs compared with S. gordonii monoculture. The gene expression levels of TLR2 and TLR4 in hGECs in the coaggregation group were higher than those in the monoculture groups but lower than those in the coinfection group. Compared with coinfection, the coaggregation inhibited apoptosis of hGECs and promoted the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 by hGECs, showed a synergistic inflammatory effect, while coaggregation inhibited the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β1. Coaggregation enhanced the phosphorylation of p65, p38, and JNK proteins and therefore activated the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Pretreatment with a pathway antagonist/inhibitor decreased the phosphorylation levels of proteins and the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6. In conclusion, coaggregation inhibited the adhesion and invasion of F. nucleatum to hGECs. However, it enhanced the adhesion of S. gordonii to hGECs. Compared with coinfection, coaggregation inhibited the apoptosis of hGECs. The coaggregation coordinately promoted the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 by hGECs through the TLR/NF-κB and TLR/MAPK signaling pathways while inhibiting the secretion of TGF-β1, thus aggravating the inflammatory response of hGECs.
Aerosol Transmission of the Pandemic SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A Virus Was Blocked by Negative Ions
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Cui Huan , Zhang Chunmao , Chen Zhaoliang , Jiang Xinyun , Liu Jun , Wan Zhonghai , Li Jiping , Liu Juxiang , Gao Yuwei , Jin Ningyi , Guo Zhendong
Published: April 2022

The pandemic of respiratory diseases, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and influenza, has imposed significant public health and economic burdens on the world. Wearing masks is an effective way to cut off the spread of the respiratory virus. However, due to cultural differences and uncomfortable wearing experiences, not everyone is willing to wear masks; there is an urgent need to find alternatives to masks. In this study, we tested the disinfection effect of a portable ionizer on pandemic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (strain V34) and influenza A virus (strain CA04). Negative ions significantly reduced the concentration of particulate matter in the air above and effectively disinfected viruses stuck to the solid plate at the level of both nucleic acid and virus titer. The disinfection efficiency was >99.8% after 1-h exposure. Moreover, negative ions effectively disinfected aerosolized viruses; the disinfection efficiency was more than 87.77% after purification for 10 min. Furthermore, negative ions had a significant protective effect on susceptible animals exposed to viral aerosols. When the negative ionizer was switched from off to on, the inhalation 50% infective dose (ID50) for golden hamsters challenged with SARS-CoV-2 rose from 9.878 median tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) [95% confidence interval (CI), 6.727–14.013 TCID50] to 43.891 TCID50 (95% CI, 29.31–76.983 TCID50), and the inhalation ID50 for guinea pigs challenged with influenza A virus rose from 6.696 TCID50 (95% CI, 3.251–9.601 TCID50) to 28.284 TCID50 (95% CI, 19.705–40.599 TCID50). In the experiment of transmission between susceptible animals, negative ions 100% inhibited the aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus. Finally, we tested the safety of negative ion exposure. Balb/c mice exposed to negative ions for 4 weeks showed no abnormalities in body weight, blood routine analysis, and lung pathology. Our study demonstrates that air ions can be used as a safe and effective means of blocking respiratory virus transmission and contribute to pandemic prevention and control.
Occurrence and Risk Factors of Adverse Drug Reactions in Patients Receiving Bivalirudin as Anticoagulant During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Prospective, Multi-Center, Intensive Monitoring Study
Authors: Li Ping , Zhang Hongyan , Luo Caidong , Ji Zheng , Zheng Zeqi , Li Zhenyong , Wu Fan , Li Jinlong , Hong Lang
Published: April 2022

Background

Bivalirudin is a common anticoagulant during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); however, since its application in China, it still lacks comprehensive evaluation of adverse events (AEs) or adverse drug reactions (ADRs) under the real-clinical setting conditions with a large-sample-size population. Therefore, this prospective, multi-center, intensive monitoring study aimed to comprehensively investigate the occurrence and risk factors of AEs and ADRs during PCI with bivalirudin as an anticoagulant.

Methods

A total of 3,049 patients who underwent PCI with bivalirudin as anticoagulant from 27 Chinese medical centers were enrolled. Safety data (AEs/ADRs) were collected from hospital admission to 72 h after bivalirudin administration; then, patients were followed up at the 30th day with the safety data collected as well.

Results

A total of 414 (13.58%) patients occurred AEs, among which 31 (1.02%) cases suffered from severe AEs and 8 (0.26%) cases died due to AEs. Importantly, 118 (3.87%) patients occurred bivalirudin related ADRs, among which 7 (0.23%) cases suffered from severe ADRs while no case (0%) died due to ADRs. Of note, 7 (0.23%) patients showed new ADRs, 34 (1.12%) patients experienced bleeding, and 79 (2.59%) patients had thrombocytopenia. Furthermore, age, renal function impairment, CRUSADE high risk stratification independently correlated with total ADRs risk; CRUSADE high risk stratification, emergency operation, full dose bivalirudin independently associated with bleeding risk; age, renal function impairment independently related to thrombocytopenia risk.

Conclusion

Bivalirudin is well-tolerated as an anticoagulant for PCI procedure; meanwhile, older age, renal function impairment, and CRUSADE high risk stratification serve as independent risk factors of bivalirudin related ADRs.
Circulating MicroRNA-505 May Serve as a Prognostic Biomarker for Hypertension-Associated Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation
Authors: Yang Qinbo , Wang Peiwei , Cai Yiqing , Cui Yimeng , Cui Jingang , Du Xiaoye , Chen Yu , Zhang Teng
Published: April 2022

Our previous study has reported that the plasma microRNA-505 (miR-505) is elevated in hypertensive patients. However, the pathophysiological significance of miR-505 in hypertension remains to be elucidated. Hypertension is not only a vascular disorder, but also an inflammatory condition. The current study therefore aims to further investigate the pathophysiological implications of miR-505 in hypertension-associated vascular and inflammatory changes. In vivo experiments reveal that the plasma level of miR-505 is elevated in spontaneously hypertensive rats and angiotensin II-infused mice. In addition, miR-505 agomir treatment results in elevated blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction, increased vascular expression of inflammatory genes and renal inflammatory injuries as well as pre-activation of PBMCs in mice. In vitro experiments further demonstrate that miR-505 agomir increases the expression of IL1B and TNFA, whereas miR-505 antagomir attenuates TNF-α-induced upregulation of IL1B and TNFA in endothelial cells, HUVECs. In addition, miR-505 modulates the levels of endothelial activation markers VCAM1 and E-selectin in HUVECs as well as the adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to HUVECs. Lastly, the plasma level of miR-505 is positively correlated with systolic blood pressure and the level of C-reactive protein in human subjects. Our work links for the first time miR-505 to endothelial dysfunction and inflammation under hypertensive conditions, supporting the translational value of miR-505 in prognosticating hypertension-associated endothelial impairment and inflammatory injuries in target organs such as the vessels and kidneys.
The Prognostic Nutritional Index May Predict Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus or Dense Spontaneous Echo Contrast in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wang Zhao , Wang Binhao , Fu Guohua , He Bin , Chu Huimin , Zhang Shengmin
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The presence of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) or spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) is associated with ischemic stroke. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the PNI and LAAT/dense SEC in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

In patients with non-valvular AF, we compared demographics, clinical characteristics, and prevalence of LAAT/dense SEC according to the levels of the PNI. The relationship between the PNI and LAAT/dense SEC was observed.

Results

A total of 406 patients with non-valvular AF were consecutively included from March 2015 to February 2019. Of the study population, 53 patients had LAAT/dense SEC. The percentages of LAAT/dense SEC were 20.4, 14.1, and 4.5% in subjects from the lowest to the highest tertile of the PNI, respectively. Multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that the PNI was an independent predictor for LAAT/dense SEC (OR 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82–0.97; P = 0.007). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the optimal cutoff value of the PNI for predicting LAAT/dense SEC was 48.0 (area under the curve: 0.68; 95% CI, 0.61–0.75; P < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity were 83.0 and 47.6%, respectively. The risk of LAAT/dense SEC in patients with a PNI ≤ 48.0 was 2.57-fold higher than that in those with a PNI > 48.0.

Conclusion

The PNI, calculated based on serum albumin and lymphocyte count, was inversely correlated with LAAT/dense SEC in patients with non-valvular AF. Therefore, it may be considered a predictor for LAAT/dense SEC.
Reduction of Cardiac Autonomic Modulation and Increased Sympathetic Activity by Heart Rate Variability in Patients With Long COVID
Authors: Marques Karina Carvalho , Silva Camilla Costa , Trindade Steffany da Silva , Santos Márcio Clementino de Souza , Rocha Rodrigo Santiago Barbosa , Vasconcelos Pedro Fernando da Costa , Quaresma Juarez Antônio Simões , Falcão Luiz Fábio Magno
Published: April 2022

Although several clinical manifestations of persistent long coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been documented, their effects on the cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system over the long term remain unclear. Thus, we examined the presence of alterations in cardiac autonomic functioning in individuals with long-term manifestations. The study was conducted from October 2020 to May 2021, and an autonomic assessment was performed to collect heart rate data for the heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. The study participants were divided into the long COVID clinical group, the intragroup, which included patients who were hospitalized, and those who were not hospitalized and were symptomatic for different periods (≤3, >3, ≤6, and >6 months), with and without dyspnoea. The control group, the intergroup, comprised of COVID-free individuals. Our results demonstrated that the long COVID clinical group showed reduced HRV compared with the COVID-19-uninfected control group. Patients aged 23–59 years developed COVID symptoms within 30 days after infection, whose diagnosis was confirmed by serologic or reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (swab) tests, were included in the study. A total of 155 patients with long COVID [95 women (61.29%), mean age 43.88 ± 10.88 years and 60 men (38.71%), mean age 43.93 ± 10.11 years] and 94 controls [61 women (64.89%), mean age 40.83 ± 6.31 and 33 men (35.11%), mean age 40.69 ± 6.35 years] were included. The intragroup and intergroup comparisons revealed a reduction in global HRV, increased sympathetic modulation influence, and a decrease in parasympathetic modulation in long COVID. The intragroup showed normal sympathovagal balance, while the intergroup showed reduced sympathovagal balance. Our findings indicate that long COVID leads to sympathetic excitation influence and parasympathetic reduction. The excitation can increase the heart rate and blood pressure and predispose to cardiovascular complications. Short-term HRV analysis showed good reproducibility to verify the cardiac autonomic involvement.
EGCG Alleviates Obesity-Induced Myocardial Fibrosis in Rats by Enhancing Expression of SCN5A
Authors: Yi Haoan , Liu Cong , Shi Jing , Wang Shuo , Zhang Haoxin , He Yongshu , Tao Jianping , Li Shude , Zhang Renfa
Published: April 2022

Object

Obesity is an increase in body weight beyond the limitation of skeletal and physical requirement, as the result of an excessive accumulation of fat in the body. Obesity could increase the risk of myocardial fibrosis. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant substance in green tea and has been reported to have multiple pharmacological activities. However, there is not enough evidence to show that EGCG has a therapeutic effect on obesity-induced myocardial fibrosis. This study aims to investigate whether EGCG is a potential drug for obesity-induced myocardial fibrosis.

Methods

Obesity-induced myocardial fibrosis rat model was established by HFD feeding for 36 weeks. EGCG was intragastrically administered at 160 mg/kg/d for the last 4 weeks. The pathological changes of myocardial fibrosis were evaluated by tissue pathological staining and collagen quantification. Furthermore, total RNA was extracted from the heart for RNA-seq to identify the changes in the transcript profile, and the relevant hub genes were verified by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot.

Results

EGCG significantly relieved HFD diet-induced obesity and alleviated the pathology of myocardial fibrosis. Biochemical analysis showed that EGCG could relieve the burden of lipid metabolism and injury to the myocardium and transcript profile analysis showed that EGCG could alleviate obesity-induced myocardial fibrosis by increasing the level of Scn5a in the heart. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis for SCN5A also confirmed this finding.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results suggest that EGCG could protect against the obesity-induced myocardial fibrosis. EGCG plays an anti-myocardial fibrosis role by regulating the expression of SCN5A in the heart.
Updated Understanding of the Crosstalk Between Glucose/Insulin and Cholesterol Metabolism
Authors: Xiao Xuan , Luo Yonghong , Peng Daoquan
Published: April 2022

Glucose and cholesterol engage in almost all human physiological activities. As the primary energy substance, glucose can be assimilated and converted into diverse essential substances, including cholesterol. Cholesterol is mainly derived from de novo biosynthesis and the intestinal absorption of diets. It is evidenced that glucose/insulin promotes cholesterol biosynthesis and uptake, which have been targeted by several drugs for lipid-lowering, e.g., bempedoic acid, statins, ezetimibe, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. Inversely, these lipid-lowering drugs may also interfere with glucose metabolism. This review would briefly summarize the mechanisms of glucose/insulin-stimulated cholesterol biosynthesis and uptake, and discuss the effect and mechanisms of lipid-lowering drugs and genetic mutations on glucose homeostasis, aiming to help better understand the intricate relationship between glucose and cholesterol metabolism.
Validation of Risk Scores for Predicting Atrial Fibrillation Detected After Stroke Based on an Electronic Medical Record Algorithm: A Registry-Claims-Electronic Medical Record Linked Data Study
Authors: Hsieh Cheng-Yang , Kao Hsuan-Min , Sung Kuan-Lin , Sposato Luciano A. , Sung Sheng-Feng , Lin Swu-Jane
Published: April 2022

Background

Poststroke atrial fibrillation (AF) screening aids decisions regarding the optimal secondary prevention strategies in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We used an electronic medical record (EMR) algorithm to identify AF in a cohort of AIS patients, which were used to validate eight risk scores for predicting AF detected after stroke (AFDAS).

Methods

We used linked data between a hospital stroke registry and a deidentified database including EMRs and administrative claims data. EMR algorithms were constructed to identify AF using diagnostic and medication codes as well as free clinical text. Based on the optimal EMR algorithm, the incidence rate of AFDAS was estimated. The predictive performance of 8 risk scores including AS5F, C2HEST, CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, CHASE-LESS, HATCH, HAVOC, and Re-CHARGE-AF scores, were compared using the C-index, net reclassification improvement, integrated discrimination improvement, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis.

Results

The algorithm that defines AF as any positive mention of AF-related keywords in electrocardiography or echocardiography reports, or presence of diagnostic codes of AF was used to identify AF. Among the 5,412 AIS patients without known AF at stroke admission, the incidence rate of AFDAS was 84.5 per 1,000 person-year. The CHASE-LESS and AS5F scores were well calibrated and showed comparable C-indices (0.741 versus 0.730, p = 0.223), which were significantly higher than the other risk scores.

Conclusion

The CHASE-LESS and AS5F scores demonstrated adequate discrimination and calibration for predicting AFDAS. Both simple risk scores may help select patients for intensive AF monitoring.
Severe Damage Law on the Ground Surface Induced by High-Strength Mining: A Case Study From the Shendong Coal Field in China
Authors: Yan Weitao , Guo Junting , Chen Junjie , Tan Yi , Yan Shaoge , Yan Yueguan
Published: April 2022

High-strength mining has the characteristics of shallow buried depth, large mining height, and fast mining speed. Under the condition of high-strength mining, the overburden moves violently and the surface damage is serious. It has caused serious ecological security problems in the mining area. In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to adopt the technology of restoration while mining. The key to the effective implementation of this technology is to clarify the real-time distribution law and generation mechanism of surface damage. In this paper, field investigation and the theoretical analysis method are used for related research. The results show that the surface strenuous move duration is long, the strenuous move area is large, and the surface discontinuous deformation is fully developed. With the characteristics of stepped crack lags behind the location of the working face, the stepped crack spacing and periodic weighting interval are equivalent. Through discussion and analysis, it is found that the cause of serious damage is the strata movement mode of high-strength mining in “two zones” mode. Under the “two zones” mode, the roof has easy-to-slip instability, the bedrock is completely broken along the direction of the bedrock breaking angle, and the weak anti-disturbance ability of the loose layer leads to the surface becoming severely damaged. The research results can provide reference for the formulation of follow-up ecological real-time restoration measures in similar mines.
The Link Between Memory, Narrative and Empathy in Teaching Difficult Knowledge in Holocaust Education
Authors: Shalom Maya , Gross Zehavit
Published: April 2022

Research has shown that the use of first-person narrative can foster a high level of identification, empathy, and an increase in memory. However, little is known about the effect of first-person narrative in the teaching of difficult knowledge. In this study, we examine how pre-service teachers (PSTs) (N = 55) process difficult knowledge presented in a first-person narrative and a third-person narrative film, using behavioral measures of empathy, level of previous knowledge and of short-term and long-term memory. What was surprising about the findings in this study was that the third-person narrative film contributed to a higher performance in both short-term and long-term memory compared to the first-person narrative film.
Disrupted and Disconnected: Child Activities, Social Skills, and Race/Ethnicity During the Pandemic
Authors: Hernández Racquel , Jabbari Jason
Published: April 2022

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, parents reported that their children spent the majority of their time at home, which can dramatically change their activities and negatively impact their social skills. However, research has yet to uncover the relationships between changes in activities during the pandemic and children’s social skills, nor the degree to which these relationships might differ across race and ethnicity. To fill this gap in knowledge, we leverage a nationally representative survey with 948 parents conducted in May 2021 and use Likert scaled questions to explore the relationships between increases or decreases across a range of child activities (e.g., outdoor activities, schoolwork activities, friend activities, extracurricular activities, and screen activities) and better or worse child social skills during COVID-19. By exploring the relationship between changes in children’s activities and changes in children’s social skills during the first 15 months of the pandemic, we provide new evidence for the long-term effects of COVID-19’s disruptions on children’s social development, while highlighting opportunities to improve children’s social skills through targeted activities. First, we used a multivariate linear regression strategy to capture associations between changes in child activities and changes in child social skills, while accounting for a robust set of student, school, and parent covariates. Then, we used interaction terms to examine the moderating role of race and ethnicity on the associations between changes in child activities and changes in child social skills. We found that an increase in outdoor activities, schoolwork activities, friend activities, and extracurricular activities were significantly associated with an increase in social skills. We also found evidence that for Hispanic households an increase in schoolwork activities was especially important for the development of social skills, and that for Black and Hispanic households, an increase in screen time was associated with an increase in social skills.
School Mobility and High School Dropout: Seasonal and Developmental Timing Matters
Authors: Stamp Julia , Frigon Catherine , Dupéré Véronique , Dion Eric , Olivier Elizabeth , Archambault Isabelle
Published: April 2022

Non-promotional school changes are fairly common, and although most mobile students successfully adjust to new peers, routines, and teachers, school mobility can sometimes indicate risk of disengagement and even dropout. To identify which mobile students are at risk and in need of support, it is important to differentiate when mobility may pose a threat and when it does not. The goal of this study was to examine the role of temporality in the relationship between non-promotional school changes and high school dropout, in a sample of N = 545 secondary school students (52% boys; Mage = 16.3 years) followed over a 6-month period. Participants were recruited in 12 socioeconomically disadvantaged public secondary schools with high dropout rates in Quebec (Canada). Logistic regression analyses (taking into account key potential confounding variables) revealed that non-promotional secondary school changes were associated with dropout, but only when they occurred during school years or in later secondary grades, and not when they occurred between school years (i.e., during the summer break) or in early secondary grades. These findings indicate that non-promotional school changes occurring at certain key time points are clear indicators of increased risk of high school dropout. Students who experience such changes would benefit from targeted support to help them integrate into their new school and cope with other problems often associated with mobility.
Effect of Regulator of G Protein Signaling Proteins on Bone
Authors: Yuan Gongsheng , Yang Shuying
Published: April 2022

Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins are critical negative molecules of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, which mediates a variety of biological processes in bone homeostasis and diseases. The RGS proteins are divided into nine subfamilies with a conserved RGS domain which plays an important role in regulating the GTPase activity. Mutations of some RGS proteins change bone development and/or metabolism, causing osteopathy. In this review, we summarize the recent findings of RGS proteins in regulating osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and osteoclasts. We also highlight the impacts of RGS on bone development, bone remodeling, and bone-related diseases. Those studies demonstrate that RGS proteins might be potential drug targets for bone diseases.
The Effect of Subclinical Hypothyroidism on Coagulation and fibrinolysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Qinglei , Wang Yulong , Shen Xue , Zhang Yunfeng , Fan Qingyun , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2022

Background

Despite patients with thyroid dysfunction show obvious abnormal hemostatic indicators in the peripheral blood, the current research on whether and how subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) influence hemostatic function (the coagulation and fibrinolytic system) still remains controversial.

Objective

We conducted this study to evaluate how SCH influence on the coagulation and fibrinolytic system in human body.

Methods

Prior to March 2022, Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, WanFang, CNKI data and reference lists were searched to identify eligible researches. Two of us independently extracted the data and evaluated study quality. The effect size is represented by standard mean difference (SMD). Both fixed and random-effects models were used where appropriate. Review Manager 5.3 and STATA 16.0 were used to analyze the eligible data.

Results

1325 patients from twelve observational studies were involved in our research. Our study revealed that SCH changed the heamostatic balance towards hypercoagulable and hypofibrinolytic conditions accompanied by an increase in tissue fibrinogen, plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. By contrast, there was no statistically difference in acivated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and D-Dimer in SCH group compared with that in control subjects.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed that SCH is related with a prothrombotic state, as reflected by changes in both coagulation and fibrinolysis. It is highly recommended for screening cardiovascular risk factors in combination with an adequate evaluation of SCH state.

Systematic Review Registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails] PROSPERO [CRD42021275313]
Detection and Tertiary Treatment Technologies of Poly-and Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Araújo Rafael G. , Rodríguez-Hernandéz Jesús A. , González-González Reyna Berenice , Macias-Garbett Rodrigo , Martínez-Ruiz Manuel , Reyes-Pardo Humberto , Hernández Martínez Saúl Antonio , Parra-Arroyo Lizeth , Melchor-Martínez Elda M. , Sosa-Hernández Juan Eduardo , Coronado-Apodaca Karina G. , Varjani Sunita , Barceló Damià , Iqbal Hafiz M. N. , Parra-Saldívar Roberto
Published: April 2022

PFAS are a very diverse group of anthropogenic chemicals used in various consumer and industrial products. The properties that characterize are their low degradability as well as their resistance to water, oil and heat. This results in their high persistence in the environment and bioaccumulation in different organisms, causing many adverse effects on the environment as well as in human health. Some of their effects remain unknown to this day. As there are thousands of registered PFAS, it is difficult to apply traditional technologies for an efficient removal and detection for all. This has made it difficult for wastewater treatment plants to remove or degrade PFAS before discharging the effluents into the environment. Also, monitoring these contaminants depends mostly on chromatography-based methods, which require expensive equipment and consumables, making it difficult to detect PFAS in the environment. The detection of PFAS in the environment, and the development of technologies to be implemented in tertiary treatment of wastewater treatment plants are topics of high concern. This study focuses on analyzing and discussing the mechanisms of occurrence, migration, transformation, and fate of PFAS in the environment, as well the main adverse effects in the environment and human health. The following work reviews the recent advances in the development of PFAS detection technologies (biosensors, electrochemical sensors, microfluidic devices), and removal/degradation methods (electrochemical degradation, enzymatic transformation, advanced oxidation, photocatalytic degradation). Understanding the risks to public health and identifying the routes of production, transportation, exposure to PFAS is extremely important to implement regulations for the detection and removal of PFAS in wastewater and the environment.
Research on the Green Technology Innovation Cultivation Path of Manufacturing Enterprises Under the Regulation of Environmental Protection Tax Law in China
Authors: Chen Yongqing , Zhang Tongjian , Ostic Dragana
Published: April 2022

In the context of China’s path to industrialization advancement, environmental problems are becoming increasingly serious. Therefore, the cultivation of green technology innovation has become an urgent task during the current industrialization development. According to the “Porter hypothesis,” environmental regulation is an important driving force for green technology innovation. Environmental tax is a typical environmental regulation, although it was implemented late in China. Green technology innovation is one of the long-term effects of environmental tax collection. Using multiple regression analysis and taking Chinese manufacturing enterprises as samples, this study constructs and tests a model of environmental tax promotion and its effect on green technology innovation, revealing the micro-mechanism of environmental tax incentives and also finding that sufficient environmental tax incentives are lacking. The strategy of green technology innovation cultivation for manufacturing enterprises in China under the current environmental tax regulation is provided in this article in order to provide a current theoretical reference point for the development of China’s ecological economy.
Spatial, Temporal and Ecological Patterns of Peri-Urban Forest Transitions. An Example From Subtropical Argentina
Authors: Jimenez Yohana G. , Ceballos Sergio J. , Aráoz Ezequiel , Blundo Cecilia , Carilla Julieta , Malizia Agustina , Grau H. Ricardo
Published: April 2022

Most studies on forest transition (FT) have focused on temporal patterns of forest cover across whole countries or regions, without much consideration of the local spatio-temporal heterogeneity or the species composition of new forests. We hypothesize that peri-urban forest transitions are driven by processes associated with urban-based economies and functioning, which define spatial characteristics of new forests. We analyzed the patterns of peri-urban forest expansion detected during the past three decades in the Lules watershed, a montane area of ca. 100,000 ha around San Miguel de Tucumán (SMT), an urban center of ca. one million inhabitants in the Andean foothills of subtropical Argentina. New forests (4,600 ha) were observed through the watershed, but they were more frequent at short distances (1–15 km) from the urban and second home residential areas. New forests nearby SMT are characterized by higher plant diversity largely due to a higher proportion of exotic species. In some cases, these exotic species dominated new forests diminishing stand-level biodiversity. Second-home residential areas, a byproduct of the urban centers in intermontane valleys, replicate the spatial patterns of exotic-dominated forest transition observed around SMT. We argue that peri-urban FT provides an early characterization of the future patterns of spontaneous forest transition with increased presence of globalized species which may locally increase species richness. We use the case study to discuss emerging research lines and to emphasize the importance of urban-centered land use policies (e.g., associated to urban-based uses such as recreation or watershed conservation) as key targets for promoting new forests more beneficial for future generations.
TLR2/TLR4-Enhanced TIPE2 Expression Is Involved in Post-Hemorrhagic Shock Mesenteric Lymph-Induced Activation of CD4+T Cells
Authors: Du Hui-Bo , Jiang Sun-Ban , Zhao Zhen-Ao , Zhang Hong , Zhang Li-Min , Wang Zhao , Guo Ya-Xiong , Zhai Jia-Yi , Wang Peng , Zhao Zi-Gang , Niu Chun-Yu , Jiang Li-Na
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Post hemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph (PHSML) return contributes to CD4+ T cell dysfunction, which leads to immune dysfunction and uncontrolled inflammatory response. Tumor necrosis factor α induced protein 8 like-2 (TIPE2) is one of the essential proteins to maintain the immune homeostasis. This study investigated the role of TIPE2 in regulation of CD4+ T lymphocyte function in interaction of PHSML and TLR2/TLR4.

Methods

The splenic CD4+ T cells were isolated from various mice (WT, TLR2-/-, TLR4-/-) by immunomagnetic beads, and stimulated with PHSML, normal lymphatic fluid (NML), respectively. Application of TIPE2-carrying interfering fragments of lentivirus were transfected to WT, TLR4-/-, and TLR2-/- CD4+ T cells, respectively. After interference of TIPE2, they were stimulated with PHSML and NML for the examinations of TIPE2, TLR2, and TLR4 mRNA expressions, proliferation, activation molecules on surface, and cytokine secretion function.

Results

PHSML stimulation significantly upregulated TIPE2, TLR2, and TLR4 mRNA expressions, decreased proliferation, CD25 expression, and IFN-γ secretion, and increased the secretion ability of IL-4 in WT CD4+ T cells. TIPE2 silencing enhanced proliferative capacity, upregulated CD25 expression, and increased IFNγ secretion in CD4+ T cells. PHSML stimulated TLR2-/-CD4+ T or TLR4-/-CD4+ T cells of which TIPE2 were silenced. TLR2 or TLR4 knockout attenuated PHSML-induced CD4+ T cells dysfunction; PHSML stimulation of silent TIPE2-expressing TLR2-/-CD4+ T or TLR4-/-CD4+ T revealed that the coexistence of low TIPE2 expression with lack of TLR2 or TLR4 eliminated this beneficial effect.

Conclusion

TIPE2 improves the PHSML-mediated CD4+T cells dysfunction by regulating TLR2/TLR4 pathway, providing a new intervention target following hemorrhagic shock-induced immune dysfunction.
Oxytocin and Related Peptide Hormones: Candidate Anti-Inflammatory Therapy in Early Stages of Sepsis
Authors: Mehdi Syed Faizan , Pusapati Suma , Khenhrani Raja Ram , Farooqi Muhammad Saad , Sarwar Sobia , Alnasarat Ahmad , Mathur Nimisha , Metz Christine Noel , LeRoith Derek , Tracey Kevin J. , Yang Huan , Brownstein Michael J. , Roth Jesse
Published: April 2022

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening systemic inflammatory syndrome characterized by dysregulated host immunological responses to infection. Uncontrolled immune cell activation and exponential elevation in circulating cytokines can lead to sepsis, septic shock, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and death. Sepsis is associated with high re-hospitalization and recovery may be incomplete, with long term sequelae including post-sepsis syndrome. Consequently, sepsis continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across the world. In our recent review of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), we noted that its major properties including promotion of fertility, parturition, and lactation were described over a century ago. By contrast, the anti-inflammatory properties of this hormone have been recognized only more recently. Vasopressin, a hormone best known for its anti-diuretic effect, also has anti-inflammatory actions. Surprisingly, vasopressin’s close cousin, oxytocin, has broader and more potent anti-inflammatory effects than vasopressin and a larger number of pre-clinical studies supporting its potential role in limiting sepsis-associated organ damage. This review explores possible links between oxytocin and related octapeptide hormones and sepsis-related modulation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory activities.
Epigenetic Underpinnings of Inflammation: A Key to Unlock the Tumor Microenvironment in Glioblastoma
Authors: Chen Nian , Peng Cheng , Li Dan
Published: April 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults, and immunotherapies and genetic therapies for GBM have evolved dramatically over the past decade, but GBM therapy is still facing a dilemma due to the high recurrence rate. The inflammatory microenvironment is a general signature of tumors that accelerates epigenetic changes in GBM and helps tumors avoid immunological surveillance. GBM tumor cells and glioma-associated microglia/macrophages are the primary contributors to the inflammatory condition, meanwhile the modification of epigenetic events including DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs, and histone methylation and deacetylases involved in this pathological process of GBM, finally result in exacerbating the proliferation, invasion, and migration of GBM. On the other hand, histone deacetylase inhibitors, DNA methyltransferases inhibitors, and RNA interference could reverse the inflammatory landscapes and inhibit GBM growth and invasion. Here, we systematically review the inflammatory-associated epigenetic changes and regulations in the microenvironment of GBM, aiming to provide a comprehensive epigenetic profile underlying the recognition of inflammation in GBM.
Perspectives of at-Risk Individuals on Preventive Intervention for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Mini Review
Authors: Falahee Marie , Raza Karim
Published: April 2022

There has been intense research focus on the biological mechanisms underlying the transition from health to disease for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over recent years, and it is now well established that a state of autoimmunity precedes the development of symptoms for a large proportion of patients. This has led to an increased interest in the identification of at-risk groups and the potential for preventive intervention. The ability of several immunomodulatory agents to delay or prevent RA is under investigation and novel cellular therapies are in development. Preventive approaches are also being assessed in other chronic autoimmune diseases. For example, an anti-CD3 antibody has recently been shown to delay progression to type 1 diabetes in non-diabetic relatives of patients identified as being at high risk. The identification and treatment of individuals as being at risk of a disease where there is a degree of uncertainty around the potential for benefit is socially and ethically challenging. Recently reported difficulties in recruitment to RA prevention trials have underlined the importance of understanding the perspectives of at-risk individuals to identify barriers and facilitators that need to be addressed in order for preventive strategies to be acceptable. Understanding of their preferences for benefits and risks of preventive interventions can inform efficient intervention prioritization, prevention trial design and the development of informational resources for those at risk. In this review we summarize current knowledge of preferences for RA prevention and make recommendations for further research needed to ensure efficient development of preventive therapies and clinical implementation.
Assessing Magnesium Chloride as a Chemical for Immobilization of a Symbiotic Jellyfish (Cassiopea sp.)
Authors: Arossa Silvia , Klein Shannon G. , Parry Anieka J. , Aranda Manuel , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: April 2022

Immobilization of marine invertebrates for research purposes has been commonly used and is often necessary to obtain high-quality findings. Despite these approaches being standard procedures, they can affect the specimens, and their responses as well. The effectiveness of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) to “narcotize” marine invertebrates has been recognized since 1946. Here, we determine the concentration of MgCl2 that immobilizes Cassiopea sp., at jellyfish stage, effectively and quickly, without causing mortality. The specimens were exposed to different concentrations of MgCl2, until the range was narrowed, and the most effective concentration was found (0.092M). In the final experiment, the jellyfish (~ 8.68 cm ± 1.70 SD of diameter) were exposed to a 0.092M MgCl2 solution for 2 and 24 hours. Before, during, and after the exposure we monitored the following biological responses: (1) cessation of bell pulsations, (2) responsiveness to bell-tap stimulus, (3) photochemical efficiency, (4) bell pulsation, (5) recovery time, and (6) survival after 24 and 48 hours from exposure. Environmental conditions (pH and dissolved oxygen, dO2) were monitored as well. Our findings indicate that, despite being an effective concentration for immobilization of Cassiopea sp. at jellyfish stage, their bell pulsations were significantly affected both after 2 and 24 hours when comparing the values measured in the “pre-incubation” and “immediate post-incubation” phases, whereas bell size was significantly affected only in the 24 hours incubation. In conclusion, we suggest that this concentration can be used to immobilize Cassiopea sp.at jellyfish stage for short-term analyses. However, the limitations related to the use of this chemical should be reported, as it could lead scientists to misleading conclusions.
The Effects of Activation Treatments for Crumb Rubber on the Compatibility and Mechanical Performance of Modified Asphalt Binder and Mixture by the Dry Method
Authors: Liang Ming , Qiu Zhengmei , Luan Xuehao , Qi Cong , Guo Ning , Liu Zhaoxin , Su Linping , Yao Zhanyong , Zhang Jizhe
Published: April 2022

Compatibility and mechanical performance of crumb rubber (CR)-modified asphalt and mixtures prepared by the dry method are poor at present, which limits the application of dry-mixed asphalt rubber in paving engineering. To solve this problem, various activated treatments for CR were performed, and the modified asphalt binder was prepared by the dry process in this study, aiming to activate the CR as the modifier and improve the compatibility of CR-asphalt blends. The effects of pre-treating methods of high temperature, pre-swelling, and microwave treatment on rutting resistance and compatibility of the asphalt binder and asphalt mixture were evaluated. Furthermore, the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) of temperature sweep, Brookfield rotary viscosity, physical properties, rutting resistance, and microstructure of modified asphalt were measured. The results indicated that the three treatments have a pronounced effect on the high temperature performance of the crumb rubber-modified asphalt (CRMA) binder in the dry process and modified asphalt storage stability improvement. The high-temperature and microwave pre-treatment for CR lead to the largest complex modulus, viscosity, and rutting factor. Moreover, high-temperature, pre-swelling, and microwave treatment for CR significantly increases the dynamic stability of dry-mixed asphalt mixtures, which indicates the enhanced resistance to permanent deformation. In microscopy, homogeneous and compatible states were obtained for asphalt modified by high temperature-treated CR and pre-swelled CR, in which the strong interaction occurs among rubber molecules and the asphalt component. The microstructure of dry CR-asphalt blends sheds light on the mechanical performance. Consequently, activated CR modification for the asphalt binder by the dry process in this study is a promising technology, and other properties need to be verified in the future.