bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of oral microbiota in 6–8-month-old small breed dogs
Authors: Morita Masahiro , Nambu Takayuki , Yamasaki Ryota , Nagai-Yoshioka Yoshie , Inoue Maki , Nishihara Tatsuji , Okinaga Toshinori , Ariyoshi Wataru 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Periodontitis is the most common oral disease in dogs, and its progression and severity are influenced by risk factors, such as age and body size. Recent studies have assessed the canine oral microbiota in relation to different stages of periodontitis and niches within the oral cavity. However, knowledge of the bacterial composition at different ages and body sizes, especially in puppies, is limited. This study aimed to characterize the oral microbiota in the healthy gingiva of small breed puppies using next-generation sequencing. Additionally, we assessed the impact of dental care practices and the presence of retained deciduous teeth on the oral microbiota.

Results
In this study, plaque samples were collected from the gingival margin of 20 small breed puppies (age, 6.9 ± 0.6 months). The plaque samples were subjected to next-generation sequencing targeting the V3-V4 region of the 16 S rRNA. The microbiota of the plaque samples was composed mostly of gram-negative bacteria, primarily Proteobacteria (54.12%), Bacteroidetes (28.79%), and Fusobacteria (5.11%). Moraxella sp. COT-017, Capnocytophaga cynodegmi COT-254, and Bergeyella zoohelcum COT-186 were abundant in the oral cavity of the puppies. In contrast, Neisseria animaloris were not detected. The high abundance of Pasteurellaceae suggests that this genus is characteristic of the oral microbiota in puppies. Dental care practices and the presence of retained deciduous teeth showed no effects on the oral microbiota.

Conclusions
In this study, many bacterial species previously reported to be detected in the normal oral cavity of adult dogs were also detected in 6–8-month-old small breed dogs. On the other hand, some bacterial species were not detected at all, while others were detected in high abundance. These data indicate that the oral microbiota of 6–8-month-old small breed dogs is in the process of maturating in to the adult microbiota and may also have characteristics of the small dog oral microbiota.
Repressive H3K27me3 drives hyperglycemia-induced oxidative and inflammatory transcriptional programs in human endothelium
Authors: Sánchez-Ceinos Julia , Hussain Shafaat , Khan Abdul Waheed , Zhang Liang , Almahmeed Wael , Pernow John , Cosentino Francesco 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Histone modifications play a critical role in chromatin remodelling and regulate gene expression in health and disease. Histone methyltransferases EZH1, EZH2, and demethylases UTX, JMJD3, and UTY catalyse trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3). This study was designed to investigate whether H3K27me3 triggers hyperglycemia-induced oxidative and inflammatory transcriptional programs in the endothelium.

Methods
We studied human aortic endothelial cells exposed to high glucose (HAEC) or isolated from individuals with diabetes (D-HAEC). RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-qPCR), and confocal microscopy were performed to investigate the role of H3K27me3. We determined superoxide anion (O2−) production by ESR spectroscopy, NF-κB binding activity, and monocyte adhesion. Silencing/overexpression and pharmacological inhibition of chromatin modifying enzymes were used to modulate H3K27me3 levels. Furthermore, isometric tension studies and immunohistochemistry were performed in aorta from wild-type and db/db mice.

Results
Incubation of HAEC to high glucose showed that upregulation of EZH2 coupled to reduced demethylase UTX and JMJD3 was responsible for the increased H3K27me3. ChIP-qPCR revealed that repressive H3K27me3 binding to superoxide dismutase and transcription factor JunD promoters is involved in glucose-induced O2− generation. Indeed, loss of JunD transcriptional inhibition favours NOX4 expression. Furthermore, H3K27me3-driven oxidative stress increased NF-κB p65 activity and downstream inflammatory genes. Interestingly, EZH2 inhibitor GSK126 rescued these endothelial derangements by reducing H3K27me3. We also found that H3K27me3 epigenetic signature alters transcriptional programs in D-HAEC and aortas from db/db mice.

Conclusions
EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 represents a key epigenetic driver of hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction. Targeting EZH2 may attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation and, hence, prevent vascular disease in diabetes.

Graphical Abstract
Functional CRISPR screens in T cells reveal new opportunities for cancer immunotherapies
Authors: Xiang Minghua , Li Huayi , Zhan Yuanyuan , Ma Ding , Gao Qinglei , Fang Yong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractT cells are fundamental components in tumour immunity and cancer immunotherapies, which have made immense strides and revolutionized cancer treatment paradigm. However, recent studies delineate the predicament of T cell dysregulation in tumour microenvironment and the compromised efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. CRISPR screens enable unbiased interrogation of gene function in T cells and have revealed functional determinators, genetic regulatory networks, and intercellular interactions in T cell life cycle, thereby providing opportunities to revamp cancer immunotherapies. In this review, we briefly described the central roles of T cells in successful cancer immunotherapies, comprehensively summarised the studies of CRISPR screens in T cells, elaborated resultant master genes that control T cell activation, proliferation, fate determination, effector function, and exhaustion, and highlighted genes (BATF, PRDM1, and TOX) and signalling cascades (JAK-STAT and NF-κB pathways) that extensively engage in multiple branches of T cell responses. In conclusion, this review bridged the gap between discovering element genes to a specific process of T cell activities and apprehending these genes in the global T cell life cycle, deepened the understanding of T cell biology in tumour immunity, and outlined CRISPR screens resources that might facilitate the development and implementation of cancer immunotherapies in the clinic.
Effect of melatonin on developmental competence, mitochondrial distribution, and intensity of fresh and vitrified/thawed in vitro matured buffalo oocytes
Authors: Kandil Omaima Mohamed , Rahman Samar Mahfouz Abd El , Ali Rania S. , Ismail Esraa Aly , Ibrahim Nehad M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground: In livestock breeding, oocyte cryopreservation is crucial for preserving and transferring superior genetic traits. This study was conducted to examine the additional effect of melatonin to maturation and vitrification media on the in vitro developmental capacity, mitochondrial distribution, and intensity of buffalo oocytes. The study involved obtaining ovaries from a slaughterhouse and conducting two phases. In the first phase, high-quality oocytes were incubated in a maturation medium with or without 10−9M melatonin for 22 h (at 38.5°C in 5% CO2). Matured oocytes were fertilized in vitro and cultured in SOF media for seven days. In the second phase, vitrified in vitro matured oocytes were stored in vitrified media (basic media (BM) containing a combination of cryoprotectants (20% Ethyl Glycol and 20% Dimethyl sulfoxide), with or without melatonin, and then stored in liquid nitrogen. Normal vitrified/thawed oocytes were fertilized in vitro and cultured as described. Finally, the matured oocytes from the fresh and vitrified/thawed groups, both with and without melatonin, were stained using DAPI and Mitotracker red to detect their viability (nuclear maturation), mitochondrial intensity, and distribution using a confocal microscope. The study found that adding 10−9M melatonin to the maturation media significantly increased maturation (85.47%), fertilization rate (84.21%)cleavage (89.58%), and transferable embryo (48.83%) rates compared to the group without melatonin (69.85%,79.88%, 75.55%, and 37.25% respectively). Besides that, the addition of melatonin to the vitrification media improved the recovery rate of normal oocytes (83.75%), as well as the cleavage (61.80%) and transferable embryo (27.00%) rates when compared to the vitrified TCM group (67.46%, 51.40%, and 17.00%, respectively). The diffuse mitochondrial distribution was higher in fresh with melatonin (TCM + Mel) (80%) and vitrified with melatonin (VS2 + Mel groups) (76.70%), Furthermore, within the same group, while the mitochondrial intensity was higher in the TCM + Mel group (1698.60) than other group. In conclusion, Melatonin supplementation improves the developmental competence and mitochondrial distribution in buffalo oocytes in both cases(in vitro maturation and vitrification).
Right ventricular myocardial edema leading to severe heart failure after open heart surgery – possible effect of high-dose corticosteroid therapy
Authors: Jeppesen Karoline Korsholm , Riber Lars Peter , Dahl Jordi Sanchez 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Cardiopulmonary bypass induces a systemic inflammatory response and alterations in fluid homeostasis, resulting in generalized tissue edema. Additionally, ischemia-reperfusion injury following cardioplegic arrest presumably prompts organ-specific myocardial edema.

Case presentation
The case report presents a 75-year-old Caucasian male diagnosed with aortic dissection, Stanford type A, who underwent complicated open-heart surgery. Postoperatively, the patient developed excessive myocardial edema, particularly affecting the right ventricle myocardium to an extent where the right ventricle surpassed the sternal rim, making it impossible to close the sternum. Ischemia was ruled out by performing coronary angiography, demonstrating well-calibrated coronary arteries. Transoesophageal echocardiography showed a restrictive right ventricle with free-wall thickness of 30 mm, severely reduced right ventricle systolic function and a volume-depleted left ventricle consistent with right ventricular heart failure due to right ventricular edema. The patient presented with unstable haemodynamics despite use of inotropes and continuation of open sternotomy. In an attempt to reduce myocardial edema, the patient was started on corticosteroid treatment despite of ongoing mediastinitis. Corticosteroid treatment reduced myocardial edema and enabled the closure of sternum on the 44th postoperative day.

Conclusions
The case report addresses the clinical relevance of corticosteroid treatment in selective cases of intractable haemodynamically significant postoperative myocardial edema.
The clinical trial activation process: a case study of an Italian public hospital
Authors: Pelazza Carolina , Betti Marta , Marengo Francesca , Roveta Annalisa , Maconi Antonio 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background/aims
In order to make the centers more attractive to trial sponsors, in recent years, some research institutions around the world have pursued projects to reorganize the pathway of trial activation, developing new organizational models to improve the activation process and reduce its times.
This study aims at analyzing and reorganizing the start-up phase of trials conducted at the Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI) of the Public Hospital of Alessandria (Italy).

Methods
A project was carried out to reorganize the trial authorization process at DAIRI by involving the three facilities responsible for this pathway: clinical trial center (CTC), ethics committee secretariat (ESC), and administrative coordination (AC).
Lean Thinking methodology was used with the A3 report tool, and the analysis was carried out by monitoring specific key performance indicators, derived from variables representing highlights of the trials’ activation pathway.
The project involved phases of analysis, implementation of identified countermeasures, and monitoring of timelines in eight 4-month periods.
The overall mean and median values of studies activation times were calculated as well as the average times for each facility involved in the process.

Results
In this study, 298 studies both sponsored by research associations and industry with both observational and interventional study design were monitored.
The mean trial activation time was reduced from 218 days before the project to 56 days in the last period monitored.
From the first to the last monitoring period, each facility involved achieved at least a halving of the average time required to carry out its activities in the clinical trials’ activation pathway (CTC: 55 days vs 23, ECS: 25 days vs 8, AC 29 days vs 10).
Average activation time for studies with agreement remains longer than those without agreement (100 days vs. 46).

Conclusions
The reorganization project emphasized the importance of having clinical and administrative staff specifically trained on the trial activation process.
This reorganization led to the development of a standard operating procedure and a tool to monitor the time (KPIs of the process) that can also be implemented in other clinical centers.
Histone deacetylases regulate organ-specific growth in a horned beetle
Authors: Hu Yonggang , Crabtree Jordan R. , Macagno Anna L. M. , Moczek Armin P. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Nutrient availability is among the most widespread means by which environmental variability affects developmental outcomes. Because almost all cells within an individual organism share the same genome, structure-specific growth responses must result from changes in gene regulation. Earlier work suggested that histone deacetylases (HDACs) may serve as epigenetic regulators linking nutritional conditions to trait-specific development. Here we expand on this work by assessing the function of diverse HDACs in the structure-specific growth of both sex-shared and sex-specific traits including evolutionarily novel structures in the horned dung beetle Onthophagus taurus.

Results
We identified five HDAC members whose downregulation yielded highly variable mortality depending on which HDAC member was targeted. We then show that HDAC1, 3, and 4 operate in both a gene- and trait-specific manner in the regulation of nutrition-responsiveness of appendage size and shape. Specifically, HDAC 1, 3, or 4 knockdown diminished wing size similarly while leg development was differentially affected by RNAi targeting HDAC3 and HDAC4. In addition, depletion of HDAC3 transcript resulted in a more rounded shape of genitalia at the pupal stage and decreased the length of adult aedeagus across all body sizes. Most importantly, we find that HDAC3 and HDAC4 pattern the morphology and regulate the scaling of evolutionarily novel head and thoracic horns as a function of nutritional variation.

Conclusion
Collectively, our results suggest that both functional overlap and division of labor among HDAC members contribute to morphological diversification of both conventional and recently evolved appendages. More generally, our work raises the possibility that HDAC-mediated scaling relationships and their evolution may underpin morphological diversification within and across insect species broadly.
Impact of tree planting on household well-being: evidence from the central highlands of Vietnam
Authors: Dinh Hoang Huu , Basnet Shyam , Zuo Alec 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHousehold land use decisions in the tropics have a wide range of outcomes and impacts on economic development, environmental conservation, and social development. This study seeks to contribute to this debate by examining the effects of tree planting on poverty alleviation and welfare improvement in Vietnam. We employ a combination of multinomial endogenous treatment effect and propensity score matching, using survey data collected from 239 households in 11 communes in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region. We find that households engaged in tree planting can increase their income and alleviate poverty compared to non-engaging households. Specifically, long-term cashew plantations provide early harvests and have proven to be a preferred crop for households dealing with immediate livelihood needs. However, short-term acacia timber crops contribute insignificantly to poverty reduction and may be more suitable for households with greater financial resources. The policy implication underscores the importance of interventions tailored to support impoverished households with urgent livelihood needs. Prioritizing immediate necessities is crucial before households can invest in long-term tree planting.
Toward a Robust Definition of Sport Sex
Authors: Handelsman David J 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Elite individual sports in which success depends on power, speed, or endurance are conventionally divided into male and female events using traditional binary definitions of sex. Male puberty creates durable physical advantages due to the 20- to 30-fold increase in circulating testosterone producing a sustained uplift in men's muscle, bone, hemoglobin, and cardiorespiratory function resulting from male puberty and sustained during men's lives. These male physical advantages provide strong justification for a separate protected category of female events allowing women to achieve the fame and fortune from success they would be denied if competing against men. Recent wider social acceptance of transgender individuals, together with the less recognized involvement of intersex individuals, challenge and threaten to defeat the sex classifications for elite individual female events. This can create unfair advantages if seeking inclusion into elite female events of unmodified male-bodied athletes with female gender identity who have gained the physical advantages of male puberty. Based on reproductive physiology, this paper proposes a working definition of sport sex based primarily on an individual's experience of male puberty and can be applied to transgender and various XY intersex conditions. Consistent with the multidimensionality of biological sex (chromosomal, genetic, hormonal, anatomical sex), this definition may be viewed as a multistrand cable whose overall strength survives when any single strand weakens or fails, rather than as a unidimensional chain whose strength is only as good as its weakest link.
Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome: Association with Adverse Events After Major Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Roth Sebastian , M’Pembele René , Matute Purificación , Kotfis Katarzyna , Larmann Jan , Lurati Buse Giovanna 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:
The American Heart Association (AHA) recently defined the cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome (CKM) as a new entity to address the complex interactions between heart, kidneys, and metabolism. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome impact of CKM syndrome in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

METHODS:
This is a secondary analysis of a prospective international cohort study including patients aged ≥45 years with increased cardiovascular risk undergoing noncardiac surgery. Main exposure was CKM syndrome according to the AHA definition. The primary end point was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) 30 days after surgery. Secondary end points included all-cause mortality and non-MACE complications (Clavien-Dindo class ≥3).

RESULTS:
This analysis included 14,634 patients (60.8% male, mean age = 72±8 years). MACE occurred in 308 patients (2.1%), and 335 patients (2.3%) died. MACE incidence by CKM stage was as follows: CKM 0: 5/367 = 1.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4%-3.2%); CKM 1: 3/367 = 0.8% (95% CI, 0.2%-2.4%); CKM 2: 102/7440 = 1.4% (95% CI, 1.1%-1.7%); CKM 3: 27/953 = 2.8% (95% CI, 1.9%-4.1%); CKM 4a: 164/5357 = 3.1% (95% CI, 2.6%-3.6%); CKM 4b: 7/150 = 4.7% (95% CI, 1.9%-9.4%). In multivariate logistic regression, CKM stage ≥3 was independently associated with MACE, mortality, and non-MACE complications, respectively (MACE: OR 2.26 [95% CI, 1.78-2.87]; mortality: OR 1.42 [95% CI: 1.13 -1.78]; non-MACE complications: OR 1.11 [95% CI: 1.03-1.20]).

CONCLUSION:
The newly defined CKM syndrome is associated with increased morbidity and mortality after non-cardiac surgery. Thus, cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic disorders should be regarded in mutual context in this setting.
Three-Dimensional Structure Light Robot-Assisted Frameless Stereotactic Brain Biopsy
Authors: Chen Jie , Cheng Xing , Huang Jiashang , Luo Pengren , Mao Deqiang , Yang Haifeng 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
To assess the feasibility, accuracy, and safety of 3-dimensional (3D) structure light robot-assisted frameless stereotactic brain biopsy.

METHODS:
Five consecutive patients (3 males, 2 females) were included in this study. The patients' clinical, imaging, and histological data were analyzed, and all patients received a 3D structure light robot-assisted frameless stereotactic brain biopsy. The raw and/or analyzed data of the study are available from the corresponding author.

RESULTS:
The statistical results showed a mean age of 59.6 years (range 40-70 years), a mean target depth of 60.9 mm (range 53.5-65.8 mm), a mean radial error of 1.2 ± 0.7 mm (mean ± SD), a mean depth error of 0.7 ± 0.3 mm, and a mean absolute tip error of 1.5 ± 0.6 mm. The calculated Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r = 0.23) revealed no correlation between target depth and absolute tip error. All biopsy needles were placed in line with the planned trajectory successfully, and diagnostic specimens were harvested in all cases. Histopathological analysis revealed lymphoma (2 cases), lung adenocarcinoma (1 case), glioblastoma multiforme (1 case), and oligodendroglioma (1 case).

CONCLUSION:
Surface registration using the 3D structure light technique is fast and precise because of the achievable million-scale point cloud data of the head and face. 3D structure light robot-assisted frameless stereotactic brain biopsy is feasible, accurate, and safe.
Swimming-Induced Pulmonary Edema: Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: Steele Stephen , Brahmbhatt Sunny , Patel Devak 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Swimming-induced pulmonary edema (SIPE) is a rare but life-threatening acute illness that can occur in otherwise healthy athletes and individuals. Also known as immersion pulmonary edema, SIPE presents in swimmers, snorkelers, and SCUBA divers. It occurs in persons under heavy exertion in cold water temperatures, leading to coughing, shortness of breath, and sometimes blood-tinged sputum. Under these conditions, there is increased pulmonary vascular pressure, which may ultimately lead to pulmonary edema. This article synthesizes the latest data on the prevalence, pathophysiology, etiology, risks, short- and long-term complications, and the efficacy of supportive medical treatment interventions.
Oxygen Straight to the Brain: An Overview of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for a Variety of Brain Morbidities
Authors: Leighton Terrance , VanHorne Edgar , Parsons Dale 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a treatment for conditions like traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, and migraines would seem intuitive, given its effect on condition-related ischemia and inflammation. However, hyperbaric therapeutic impacts for these in acute and chronic, or prolonged symptoms are elusive. This narrative review of hyperbaric's utility provided in sections per disease renders first a review of conventional pathological mechanisms and then articulates hyperbaric treatment targets versus their respective impacts. Multiple challenges exist using hyperbaric oxygen therapy for each morbidity, even in tertiary and adjunctive treatments. An almost universal shortfall across studies includes a lack of consistent, appropriate patient selection criteria intersected with delivery timing of therapy to symptomatic target, necessary to provide a higher fidelity in treatment metrics. Further research into these respective conditions is needed along with a revisitation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy's application to their conventional pathological mechanisms, lending new perspective to their employment and efficacy.