bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and internal validation of simplified predictive scoring (ICU-SEPSA score) for mortality in patients with multidrug resistant infection
Authors: Sirichayanugul Taranee , Srisawat Chansinee , Thummakomut Chawin , Prawang Abhisit , Huynh Nina S , Saokaew Surasak , Phisalprapa Pochamana , Kanchanasurakit Sukrit
Published: August 2022

Background: Mortality from multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens is an urgent healthcare crisis worldwide. At present we do not have any simplified screening tools to predict the risk of mortality associated with MDR infections. The aim of this study was to develop a screening tool to predict mortality in patients with multidrug-resistant organisms.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study to evaluate mortality risks in patients with MDR infections was conducted at Phrae Hospital. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to classify possible risk factors. The model performance was internally validated utilizing the mean of three measures of discrimination corrected by the optimism using a 1000-bootstrap procedure. The coefficients were transformed into item scores by dividing each coefficient with the lowest coefficient and then rounding to the most adjacent number. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AuROC) was used to determine the performance of the model.

Results: Between 1 October 2018 and 30 September 2020, a total of 504 patients with MDR infections were enrolled. The ICU-SEPSA score composed of eight clinical risk factors: 1) immunocompromised host, 2) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 3) urinary tract infection, 4) sepsis, 5) placement of endotracheal tube, 6) pneumonia, 7) septic shock, and 8) use of antibiotics within the past 3 months. The model showed good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow χ2 = 19.27; p-value = 0.50) and good discrimination after optimism correction (AuROC 84.6%, 95% confidence interval [Cl]: 81.0%–88.0%). The positive likelihood ratio of low risk (score ≤ 5) and high risk (score ≥ 8) were 2.07 (95% CI: 1.74–2.46) and 12.35 (95% CI: 4.90–31.13), respectively.

Conclusion: A simplified predictive scoring tool wad developed to predict mortality in patients with MDR infections. Due to a single-study design of this study, external validation of the results before applying in other clinical practice settings is warranted.
Amelioration of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in diabetes: A narrative review of the mechanisms and clinical applications of dexmedetomidine
Authors: Sun Meng , Wang Rong , Xia Rui , Xia Zhengyuan , Wu Zhilin , Wang Tingting
Published: August 2022

Mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury are complex and multifactorial. Many strategies have been developed to ameliorate myocardial I/R injuries based on these mechanisms. However, the cardioprotective effects of these strategies appear to diminish in diabetic states. Diabetes weakens myocardial responses to therapies by disrupting intracellular signaling pathways which may be responsible for enhancing cellular resistance to damage. Intriguingly, it was found that Dexmedetomidine (DEX), a potent and selective α2-adrenergic agonist, appears to have the property to reverse diabetes-related inhibition of most intervention-mediated myocardial protection and exert a protective effect. Several mechanisms were revealed to be involved in DEX’s protection in diabetic rodent myocardial I/R models, including PI3K/Akt and associated GSK-3β pathway stimulation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) alleviation, and apoptosis inhibition. In addition, DEX could attenuate diabetic myocardial I/R injury by up-regulating autophagy, reducing ROS production, and inhibiting the inflammatory response through HMGB1 pathways. The regulation of autonomic nervous function also appeared to be involved in the protective mechanisms of DEX. In the present review, the evidence and underlying mechanisms of DEX in ameliorating myocardial I/R injury in diabetes are summarized, and the potential of DEX for the treatment/prevention of myocardial I/R injury in diabetic patients is discussed.
Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 expression is not associated with an activated fibroblast phenotype in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Kadefors Måns , Berlin Frida , Wildt Marie , Dellgren Göran , Rolandsson Enes Sara , Aspberg Anders , Westergren-Thorsson Gunilla
Published: August 2022

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) has been proposed as a marker for activated fibroblasts in fibrotic disease. We aimed to investigate whether a profibrotic DPP4 phenotype is present in lung tissue from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The presence of DPP4+ fibroblasts in normal and IPF lung tissue was investigated using flow cytometry and immunohistology. In addition, the involvement of DPP4 in fibroblast activation was examined in vitro, using CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genetic inactivation to generate primary DPP4 knockout lung fibroblasts. We observed a reduced frequency of primary DPP4+ fibroblasts in IPF tissue using flow cytometry, and an absence of DPP4+ fibroblasts in pathohistological features of IPF. The in vivo observations were supported by results in vitro showing a decreased expression of DPP4 on normal and IPF fibroblasts after profibrotic stimuli (transforming growth factor β) and no effect on the expression of activation markers (α-smooth muscle actin, collagen I and connective tissue growth factor) upon knockout of DPP4 in lung fibroblasts with or without activation with profibrotic stimuli.
The Chinese herb Styrax triggers pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions via inhibiting intestinal CYP3A
Authors: Zhang Feng , Zhang Tiantian , Gong Jiahao , Fang Qinqin , Qi Shenglan , Li Mengting , Han Yan , Liu Wei , Ge Guangbo
Published: August 2022

Human cytochrome P450 3A4 (hCYP3A4) is a predominant enzyme to trigger clinically relevant drug/herb-drug interactions (DDIs or HDIs). Although a number of herbal medicines have been found with strong anti-hCYP3A4 effects in vitro, the in vivo modulatory effects of herbal medicines on hCYP3A4 and their potential risks to trigger HDIs are rarely investigated. Herein, we demonstrate a case study to efficiently find the herbal medicine(s) with potent hCYP3A4 inhibition in vitro and to accurately assess the potential HDIs risk in vivo. Following screening over 100 herbal medicines, the Chinese herb Styrax was found with the most potent hCYP3A4 inhibition in HLMs. In vitro assays demonstrated that Styrax could potently inhibit mammalian CYP3A in liver and intestinal microsomes from both humans and rats. In vivo pharmacokinetic assays showed that Styrax (i.g., 100 mg/kg) significantly elevated the plasma exposure of two CYP3A-substrate drugs (midazolam and felodipine) when midazolam or felodipine was administered orally. By contrast, the plasma exposure of either midazolam or felodipine was hardly affected by Styrax (i.g.) when the victim drug was administered intravenously. Further investigations demonstrated that seven pentacyclic triterpenoid acids (PTAs) in Styrax were key substances responsible for CYP3A inhibition, while these PTAs could be exposed to intestinal tract at relatively high exposure levels but their exposure levels in rat plasma and liver were extremely low. These findings well explained why Styrax (i.g.) could elevate the plasma exposure of victim drugs only when these agents were orally administrated. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that Styrax can modulate the pharmacokinetic behavior of CYP3A-substrate drugs via inhibiting intestinal CYP3A, which is very helpful for the clinical pharmacologists to better assess the HDIs triggered by Styrax or Styrax-related herbal products.
The neuroprotective effects of melatonin against diabetic neuropathy: A systematic review of non-clinical studies
Authors: Hosseini Asieh , Samadi Mahedeh , Baeeri Maryam , Rahimifard Mahban , Haghi-Aminjan Hamed
Published: August 2022

Backgrounds: Diabetes can cause diabetic neuropathy (DN), a nerve injury. High blood sugar (glucose) levels can harm nerves all over your body. The nerves in your legs and feet are the most commonly affected by DN. The purpose of this study was to conduct a review of melatonin’s potential neuroprotective properties against DN.

Method: A full systematic search was conducted in several electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) up to March 2022 under the PRISMA guidelines. Forty-seven studies were screened using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, the current systematic review included nine publications that met the inclusion criteria.

Result: According to in vivo findings, melatonin treatment reduces DN via inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. However, compared to the diabetes groups alone, melatonin treatment exhibited an anti-oxidant trend. According to other research, DN also significantly produces biochemical alterations in neuron cells/tissues. Additionally, histological alterations in neuron tissue following DN were detected.

Conclusion: Nonetheless, in the majority of cases, these diabetes-induced biochemical and histological alterations were reversed when melatonin was administered. It is worth noting that the administration of melatonin ameliorates the neuropathy caused by diabetes. Melatonin exerts these neuroprotective effects via various anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other mechanisms.
Analysis of the absorbed constituents and mechanism of liquidambaris fructus extract on hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Shuai , Yang Xin-Xin , Li Tian-Jiao , Zhao Lin , Bao Yong-Rui , Meng Xian-Sheng
Published: August 2022

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) refers to one of the top 10 cancers in terms of morbidity and mortality globally, seriously influencing people’s lives. First recorded in Compendium of Materia Medica, liquidambaris fructus (LF) generates definite anti-liver tumor effect. However, its effective substances and mechanism remain to be elucidated.

Methods: Serum pharmacochemistry and UPLC-QTOF-MS technologies were employed to explore the plasma of rats after intragastric administration of liquidambaris fructus extract (LFE) in order to find the active ingredients. Subsequently, DEN-induced rat liver cancer model was established with the purpose of investigating the anti-tumor activity of LFE from physiological, pathological and biochemical aspects. Finally, non-target metabonomics combined with q-PCR and Western blot methods were adopted for revealing the mechanism.

Results: Totally 11 prototype blood transfused ingredients, including imperatorin and phellopterin were detected. LFE presents excellent impact on enhancing the quality of life, prolonging the life cycle, reducing inflammatory reaction, protecting hepatocytes, improving body immunity and killing liver tumor cells. Altogether 82 endogenous differential metabolites were found in metabonomics, suggesting that LFE can treat HCC by acting on key targets of PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway and fatty acid metabolism. Further research also verified that LFE can upregulate the relative expression levels of PTEN, PDCD4, Caspase 9, Caspase 3, Bax and Bad as well as lower the relative expression levels of PI3K, AKT, VEGFA and Bcl-2.

Conclusion: This study revealed the pharmacodynamic material basis of LFE in the treatment of HCC, and from the perspective of metabolomics proved that the effects of inhibiting the growth of tumor cells, promoting tumor cell apoptosis, reducing inflammatory reaction, protecting hepatocytes, improving the survival state of tumor rats, and prolonging the life cycle are related to its impact on PTEN/PI3K/Akt, fatty acid metabolism and other key signal pathways.
On the Numerical Determination of the Density and Energy Spatial Distributions relevant for in-Plasma β-Decay Emission Estimation
Authors: Galatà A. , Mascali D. , Mishra B. , Naselli E. , Pidatella A. , Torrisi G.
Published: August 2022

Aim of the PANDORA (Plasmas for Astrophysics, Nuclear Decays Observation and Radiation for Archeometry) project is the in-plasma measurements of decay rates of beta radionuclides as a function of the ionization stage. In this view, a precise calculation of plasma electrons density and energy is mandatory, being responsible for ions’ creations and their spatial distribution following plasma neutrality. This paper describes the results of the INFN simulation tools applied for the first time to the PANDORA plasma, including electromagnetic calculations and electrons’ dynamics within the so-called self-consistent loop. The distribution of the various electrons’ population will be shown, with special attention to the warm component on which depends the obtained ions’ charge state distribution. The strict relation of the results with the evaluation of the in-plasma nuclear decays will be also explained.
Biological control and plant growth promotion properties of Streptomyces albidoflavus St-220 isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza rhizosphere
Authors: Du Yongxi , Wang Tielin , Jiang Jingyi , Wang Yiheng , Lv Chaogeng , Sun Kai , Sun Jiahui , Yan Binbin , Kang Chuanzhi , Guo Lanping , Huang Luqi
Published: August 2022

Root rot disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum is a devastating disease of Salvia miltiorrhiza and dramatically affected the production and quality of Sa. miltiorrhiza. Besides the agricultural and chemical control, biocontrol agents can be utilized as an additional solution. In the present study, an actinomycete that highly inhibited F. oxysporum was isolated from rhizosphere soil and identified as based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Greenhouse assay proved that the strain had significant biological control effect against Sa. miltiorrhiza root rot disease and growth-promoting properties on Sa. miltiorrhiza seedlings. To elucidate the biocontrol and plant growth-promoting properties of St-220, we employed an analysis combining genome mining and metabolites detection. Our analyses based on genome sequence and bioassays revealed that the inhibitory activity of St-220 against F. oxysporum was associated with the production of enzymes targeting fungal cell wall and metabolites with antifungal activities. Strain St-220 possesses phosphate solubilization activity, nitrogen fixation activity, siderophore and indole-3-acetic acid production activity in vitro, which may promote the growth of Sa. miltiorrhiza seedlings. These results suggest that St. albidoflavus St-220 is a promising biocontrol agent and also a biofertilizer that could be used in the production of Sa. miltiorrhiza.
Emotional processes, collective behavior, and social movements: A meta-analytic review of collective effervescence outcomes during collective gatherings and demonstrations
Authors: Pizarro José J. , Zumeta Larraitz N. , Bouchat Pierre , Włodarczyk Anna , Rimé Bernard , Basabe Nekane , Amutio Alberto , Páez Darío
Published: August 2022

In this article, we review the conceptions of Collective Effervescence (CE) –a state of intense shared emotional activation and sense of unison that emerges during instances of collective behavior, like demonstrations, rituals, ceremonies, celebrations, and others– and empirical approaches oriented at measuring it. The first section starts examining Émile Durkheim's classical conception on CE, and then, the integrative one proposed by the sociologist Randall Collins, leading to a multi-faceted experience of synchronization. Then, we analyze the construct as a process emerging in collective encounters when individuals contact with social ideal and values, referring to the classical work of Serge Moscovici as well as those more recent empirical approaches. Third, we consider CE as a set of intense positive emotions linked to processes of group identification, as proposed by authors of the Social Identity Theory tradition. Finally, we describe CE from the perspective of self-transcendence (e.g., emotions, experiences), and propose a unified description of this construct. The second section shows the results of a meta-analytical integration (k= 50,N= 182,738) aimed at analyzing CE's proximal effects or construct validity (i.e., Individual Emotions and Communal Sharing) as well as its association with more distal variables, such as Collective Emotions, Social Integration, Social Values and Beliefs and Empowerment. Results indicate that CE strongly associates with Individual Emotions –in particular, Self-Transcendent Emotions– and Communal Sharing constructs (e.g., Group Identity, Fusion of Identity), providing construct validity. Among the distal effects of CE, it is associated with Collective Positive Emotions, long-term Social Integration (e.g., Ingroup Commitment), Social Values and Beliefs and Empowerment-related variables (e.g., Wellbeing, Collective Efficacy, Collective Self-Esteem). Among the moderation analyses carried out (e.g., study design, CE scale, type of collective gathering), the effects of CE in demonstrations are noticeable, where this variable is a factor that favors other variables that make collective action possible, such as Group Identity (rpooled= 0.52), Collective Efficacy (rpooled= 0.37), Negative and Self-Transcendent Emotions (rpooled= 0.14 and 0.58), and Morality-related beliefs (rpooled= 0.43).
Contaminant film thickness affects walkway friction measurements
Authors: Chimich Dennis D. , Al-Salehi Loay , Elkin Benjamin S. , Siegmund Gunter P.
Published: August 2022

Walkway tribometers are used to measure available friction for evaluating walkway safety and pedestrian slip risk. Numerous variables can affect tribometer measurements, including the type and distribution of contaminants on the surface. Here, we quantified the effect of application method on contaminant film thickness, and the effect of film thickness on tribometer measurements on the four reference walkway surfaces used in ASTM F2508-16e. Distilled water, 0.05% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) solution, and 0.04% Triton X-100 solution were poured, squirted, and sprayed onto the surfaces to quantify their naturally occurring film thicknesses. These application methods had a significant effect on the resulting film thickness (p < 0.038), with the pour method consistently generating the thickest films and the spray method generating the thinnest films. We then quantified the effect of film thickness for the three contaminants (thickness range 0.3–3.3 mm) on the friction measurements of three common tribometers (Mark IIIB, English XL, and BOT 3000E) on each reference surface. A separate ANOVA was used for each of the 3 × 4 × 3 = 36 combinations of tribometer, surface, and contaminant. Friction measured with the Mark IIIB decreased with increasing film thickness on one surface across all three contaminants and on a second surface with the SLS contaminant. Friction measured with the BOT 3000E was sensitive to film thickness on two surfaces with water and one surface with Triton. The XL was unaffected by contaminant film thickness. Overall, despite significant differences in film thickness with contaminant application method, friction measurements were either insensitive to film thickness or varied only a small amount in all cases except for the Mark IIIB on the roughest surface. Film thickness did not alter the relative slip resistance of the four ASTM F2508 reference surfaces.
Carbonaceous aerosol variability and SOA formation during foggy days in Delhi, India
Authors: Sonwani Saurabh , Saxena Pallavi , Srivastava Anju
Published: August 2022

The variability of organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and their relationship with meteorological parameters have been studied during foggy and non-foggy days in the peak winter months (December–January) from 2015 to 2016 in Delhi, India. Different sectoral locations were chosen based on predominant industrial, traffic, and residential activities with a background location. The average level of OC, EC, and SOA was found to be 7.47 ± 7.74, 0.69 ± 0.7, and 10.46 ± 10.76 μg/m3, respectively, during the foggy period and 6.1 ± 6.8, 0.9 ± 1.1, and 9.1 ± 10.6 μg/m3, respectively, during the non-foggy period in Delhi. A relatively higher SOA level was observed at industrial and traffic intersection sites, which indicates the proximity of the dominant source of OC that play a significant role in SOA formation. It was also found that SOA production is associated with the OC/EC ratio and may vary from site to site. Correlation analysis has confirmed that OC is having a significant strong positive correlation with EC and SOA, while EC is showing a significant moderate positive correlation with SOA. Ambient temperature (AT) shows a significant negative moderate correlation with OC levels and SOA and formation. Due to hydrophilicity (hydrophobicity) of OC (EC), its average concentration was found high (less) due to its high (less) scavenging during foggy days in comparison to non-foggy days. The study further suggests the significant impact of source variability on SOA formation due to the different nature of sector-wise sites during foggy days in Delhi.
What Is Next-Generation Sequencing and Why do we Need it?
Authors: Barua Subhrajit , Bandopadhyay Shinjini , Biswas Soham , Gupta Prabuddha
Published: August 2022

Did you know that your DNA can be read? We know that DNA is a storehouse of information that makes us who we are. But to truly understand information, we must first learn to read it. Genes are sections of DNA that, together, act as an instruction manual governing our cells, just like the codes that tell a computer what to do. For many years, we had no way to read these genetic codes. In the 1970s, the invention of a technology known as DNA sequencing made reading the DNA possible. DNA sequencing allowed scientists to read, understand, and compare genetic information, which was a major breakthrough in our understanding of biology. Today, sequencing technologies play an important role in everything from disease treatment to agriculture. In fact, DNA sequencing was crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping us to study the coronavirus and rapidly develop vaccines.
Food safety knowledge and risk perception among pregnant women: A cross-sectional study in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Almanasrah Safaa , Osaili Tareq M. , Al-Nabulsi Anas A. , Obeidat Nail A. , Sindiani Amer M. , Elsalem Lina , Alkhalidy Hana , Mohamad Maysm N. , Saleh Sheima T. , Al Daour Rameez , Al Dhaheri Ayesha S. , Cheikh Ismail Leila
Published: August 2022

Background

Pregnant women are at a higher risk of food poisoning compared to the general population. This can be detrimental to both the mother and the fetus. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and risk perception of basic food safety and handling among pregnant women in Jordan amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study among pregnant women in Jordan was conducted using an online questionnaire between November 2020 and January 2021. The survey included socio-demographic data, food safety knowledge, and risk perception questions as well as COVID-19 related questions. A total score for food safety awareness out of 50 was derived for each participant based on the sum of scores from all domains. Student t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were conducted using SPSS (Version 26) to compare the mean sum of correct responses of every section (knowledge score) by sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

A total of 325 participants completed the web-based survey. Most of the participants reported receiving food safety-related information during pregnancy (64.9%). The mean total score for the participants was 23.3 ± 4.6 out of 50 (score percentage 46.6%). Participants were mostly aware of foodborne diseases (82.7%) followed by cleaning and sanitation (51.2%), and personal hygiene (49.1%). The least amount of awareness was observed in the cross-contamination (35.0%), food consumption and safety (35.0%), and temperature control (32.8%) domains. Older participants and those with higher education had significantly higher mean scores (p < 0.001). Most participants agreed that the pandemic had a positive impact on enhancing the measures taken to maintain food safety during the pandemic.

Conclusions

This study identified gaps in food safety-related knowledge. Educational programs for pregnant women need robust reinforcement within the community. Efficient educational approaches related to food safety should be provided by health care providers and local health authorities. While the COVID-19 pandemic persists, pregnant women must be well-educated about the virus and its prevention strategies to avoid being infected and ensure their baby's safety as well as their own.
The role of bariatric and metabolic surgery in the development, diagnosis, and treatment of endometrial cancer
Authors: Ross Robert C. , Akinde Yetunde M. , Schauer Philip R. , le Roux Carel W. , Brennan Donal , Jernigan Amelia M. , Bueter Marco , Albaugh Vance L.
Published: August 2022

The obesity pandemic continues to contribute to a worsening burden of disease worldwide. The link between obesity and diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer has been well established, yet most patients living with obesity remain untreated or undertreated. Metabolic and bariatric surgery is the most effective and durable treatment for obesity, is safe, and may have a protective benefit with respect to cancer incidence. In this review, an overview of the link between obesity, metabolic surgery, and cancer is discussed with emphasis on indications for endometrial cancer, the malignancy most strongly associated with obesity. Considerable evidence from retrospective and prospective cohort studies supports a decreased risk of endometrial cancer in patients with obesity who undergo bariatric surgery compared with nonsurgical controls. Survivors of endometrial cancer are at increased risk of poor health outcomes associated with obesity, and women with endometrial cancer are more likely to die of cardiovascular disease and other obesity-related illnesses than of the malignancy itself. Recent advances in anticancer drug therapies have targeted pathways that may also be therapeutically altered with metabolic surgery. Metabolic surgery has significant potential to enter the treatment paradigm for endometrial cancer, and gynecologic oncologist visits present an opportunity to identify patients who may benefit the most.
Treatment of dorsal wrist ganglion cyst by establishing midcarpal volar portal using the “Kiss-in” method
Authors: Chen Bo , Wang Leining , Liang Kejiong , Wang Bing , Jiang Shuai , Shi Haifei
Published: August 2022

Introduction

This paper introduces the treatment and clinical outcome of the dorsal wrist ganglion cyst utilizing the Kiss-in method to establish a midcarpal volar portal.

Materials and methods

Patients with dorsal ganglia of the wrist (n = 12, 6 females, 6 males) underwent arthroscopic surgery using the Kiss-in method at our hospital between September 2018 and January 2021. All patients underwent preoperative radiological investigations, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 12 cases) or ultrasonography (12 cases). The mean age of patients was 30.7 years (range: 19–46 years). The time lost from work, the wrist motion and strength, the presence of scarring, residual symptoms, complications, and recurrence were recorded at a mean follow-up of 24 months.

Results

Eleven patients showed a good prognosis with active motion recovery. One patient showed the recurrence of ganglion, and the second arthroscopic resection was performed 5 months after the first surgery for this patient. After the surgery, the patient fully recovered.

Conclusions

Establishing the midcarpal volar portal by the Kiss-in method is safe. The dorsal ganglion cyst resection through the established midcarpal volar portal is a promising approach, allowing better visualization and a broader range motion of the arthroscope.
Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics Attenuated Association of Age at Menarche With Type 2 Diabetes in Rural China
Authors: Wu Xueyan , Bao Lei , Liu Xiaotian , Liao Wei , Kang Ning , Sang Shengxiang , Abdulai Tanko , Zhai Zhihan , Wang Chongjian , Li Yuqian
Published: August 2022

Objective: It is not clear whether ideal cardiovascular health (ICH) metrics have an impact on the association between age at menarche and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in rural postmenopausal Chinese women.

Methods: In all, 15,450 postmenopausal women were enrolled from the Henan Rural Cohort study. Logistic regression models and interaction plots were used to analyze associations between age at menarche, ICH metrics and T2DM and interactive effects.

Results: Age at menarche was inversely associated with risk of T2DM, with adjusted OR of 1.224, 1.116, 1.00 and 0.971, 0.850 for those with age at menarche ≤13, 14, 15–16 (reference), 17, and ≥18 years, respectively, and each year of delay in menarche age correlated with a 5.1% lower risk of T2DM. Negative interaction effects of age at menarche and number of ICH metrics on the risk of T2DM was observed.

Conclusion: Meeting more ICH metrics might attenuate the association between early menstrual age and increased risk of T2DM, implying that meeting a higher number of ICH metrics may be an effective way to prevent T2DM for women of early menarche age.
Accelerating the Sinkhorn Algorithm for Sparse Multi-Marginal Optimal Transport via Fast Fourier Transforms
Authors: Ba Fatima Antarou , Quellmalz Michael
Published: August 2022

We consider the numerical solution of the discrete multi-marginal optimal transport (MOT) by means of the Sinkhorn algorithm. In general, the Sinkhorn algorithm suffers from the curse of dimensionality with respect to the number of marginals. If the MOT cost function decouples according to a tree or circle, its complexity is linear in the number of marginal measures. In this case, we speed up the convolution with the radial kernel required in the Sinkhorn algorithm via non-uniform fast Fourier methods. Each step of the proposed accelerated Sinkhorn algorithm with a tree-structured cost function has a complexity of O(KN) instead of the classical O(KN2) for straightforward matrix–vector operations, where K is the number of marginals and each marginal measure is supported on, at most, N points. In the case of a circle-structured cost function, the complexity improves from O(KN3) to O(KN2). This is confirmed through numerical experiments.
Variation in Pathogenic Organisms as Affected by Using Hydroponic Nutrient Wastewater in Horticultural Facilities
Authors: Son Jinkwan , Kang Taegyeong , Park Minjung , Kong Minjae , Choi Hyun-Sug
Published: August 2022

Among the horticulture facilities in Korea, the hydroponic cultivation method has been increasingly used. This study aimed to identify fungi and bacterial species in hydroponic cultivation and highlight the need for sterilization to recycle the discharged drainage. Samples were collected from a number of paprika, tomato, and strawberry hydroponic greenhouses. Vinyl and glass greenhouses were studied, and the drainage discharge was of two types: direct discharge and collection after discharge. In total, 24 fungal and six bacterial species were detected from 399 and 151 densities, respectively. The primary fungal and bacterial species identified were from the genera Fusarium, Pythium, and Phytophthora as well as Agrobacterium and Pseudomonas. Statistical analysis revealed that the species number and density of fungi and bacteria were higher in strawberry than in tomato or paprika. These values were higher for vinyl greenhouses than for glass greenhouses. This study on the reuse of drainage from hydroponic greenhouses may contribute to the recycling of resources and reduction in water pollutant emission; this will thus help us to implement sustainable horticulture practices.
From Spatial Characterisation to Prediction Maps of the Naturally Occurring Radioactivity in Groundwaters Intended for Human Consumption of Duero Basin, Castilla y León (Spain)
Authors: Borrego-Alonso David , Martínez-Graña Antonio M. , Quintana Begoña , Lozano Juan Carlos
Published: August 2022

According to the European Council Directive 51/2013 EURATOM, the radionuclide content in human consumption waters must comply with the stated recommendations to ensure the protection of public health. The radiological characterisation assessed in Laboratorio de Radiaciones Ionizantes y Datación of Universidad de Salamanca, in more than 400 groundwater samples gathered from intakes intended for human consumption from the Castilla y León region (Spain), has provided worthwhile data for evaluating the spatial distribution of the radioactivity content in the Duero basin. For this purpose, geostatistical exploration and interpolation analysis, using the inverse distance weighting (IDW) method, was performed. The IDW prediction maps showed higher radioactivity occurrence in western and southern areas of the study region, mainly related to the mineralogical influence of the igneous and metamorphosed outcroppings in the Cenozoic sediments that formed the porous detritic aquifers of the Duero basin edges. The hydraulic characteristics promote the distribution of these radioactivity levels towards the centre of the basin as a consequence of the unconfined nature of the aquifers. Prediction maps provide a worthwhile tool that can be used for better planning and managing of groundwater monitoring programmes.
Extreme Weather and Grazing Management Influence Soil Carbon and Compaction
Authors: Subedi Anish , Franklin Dorcas , Cabrera Miguel , Dahal Subash , Hancock Dennis , McPherson Amanda , Stewart Lawton
Published: August 2022

Understanding the influence of cattle grazing on soil carbon and bulk density during extreme dry to wet periods can help us design more resilient and sustainable grazing systems for low-input management scenarios. A study was conducted to evaluate changes in loss-on-ignition (LOI) carbon and bulk density (BD) in the top 20 cm soil layer when eight continuous grazing (CG) pastures were converted to either continuous grazing with hay distribution (CHD-4) or strategic grazing (STR-4). STR included lure management of cattle with movable-equipages, exclusion and over-seeding erosion-vulnerable areas, and a relaxed rotational grazing. Changes in relationships between cattle density (CD), LOI, and BD were evaluated for change in grazing management from 2015 to 2018. Reduction in LOI carbon (0–5, 5–10, 10–20 cm) and BD (5–10 cm) were observed in both CHD and STR pastures in 2018. CD in 2015 had either no relationship or a negative relationship on LOI while in 2018, CD positively influenced LOI in CHD (0–5 cm) and STR (0–5 and 5–10 cm) pastures. STR had lower BD with higher CD further away from concentrated flow paths mirroring cattle movement. Exclusions in the STR pastures had the greatest reduction in BD. Even with reduced carbon in the 0–5 cm soil layer the reduction in BD in the 5–10 cm soil layer helped build resilience in grazing systems that experience extreme weather events such as going from very dry to extensively wet.
Analytics—Systematic Computational Analysis of Data
Authors: Aguilar-Ruiz Jesus S.
Published: August 2022

Since the envisioning of the concept of Artificial Intelligence in the 1950s, the interest in making machines emulate human behavior has increased, scientific dedication has grown, and, consequently, new concepts have appeared, with unequal success [...]
Vaccination with an Escherichia coli F4/F18 Vaccine Improves Piglet Performance Combined with a Reduction in Antimicrobial Use and Secondary Infections Due to Streptococcus suis
Authors: Vangroenweghe Frédéric A. C. J. , Boone Mieke
Published: August 2022

Post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) due to Escherichia coli (E. coli) remains a major cause of economic losses for the pig industry. Therapy to combat PWD typically consists of antibiotic treatment or supplementation of zinc oxide to the feed. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance to E. coli and new EU regulations prompt the need for alternative control strategies, such as immunization. The aim of the field study was to evaluate the effect of an oral live non-pathogenic E. coli vaccine on piglet performance, health, and antimicrobial use. We evaluated vaccination with an oral live non-pathogenic E. coli F4/F18 under field conditions in 10 consecutive batches against a standard antimicrobial treatment in 10 historical control batches. The vaccine-treated groups demonstrated a significant improvement in feed conversion rate, mortality weight, and antimicrobial use. From a general health perspective, secondary infections due to Streptococcus suis (S. suis) in the second part of nursery were markedly reduced, as indicated by the reduction in amoxicillin use. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the efficacy of an oral live non-pathogenic E. coli vaccine for active immunization of piglets against PWD under field conditions. The vaccine-treated groups showed an improvement in several economically important performance parameters while reducing the overall antimicrobial use and infection pressure due to S. suis. Therefore, vaccination against PWD may be considered a valuable alternative for consolidating piglet performance while meeting the new EU requirements concerning the prudent use of antimicrobials in intensive pig production.
Molecular Characterization, Expression Profiles of SMAD4, SMAD5 and SMAD7 Genes and Lack of Association with Litter Size in Tibetan Sheep
Authors: Sun Ruizhe , Li Mingming , He Na , Wen Xiaocheng , Zhang Junxia
Published: August 2022

SMAD4, SMAD5 and SMAD7 belonging to the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily are indispensable for oocyte formation and development, ovarian organogenesis and folliculogenesis. However, only a few studies have investigated the characteristics of SMAD4, SMAD5 and SMAD7 in Tibetan sheep and the effect of their polymorphism on litter size. In this study, we examined the expression of SMAD4, SMAD5 and SMAD7 in 13 tissues of Tibetan sheep by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Further, cDNA of these genes was cloned, sequenced and subjected to bioinformatics analysis. DNA sequencing was also used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, iM-LDRTM technology was used for SNP genotyping. Associations between polymorphisms and litter size were analyzed using data from genotyping of 433 Tibetan sheep. The results showed that the expression of SMAD4, SMAD5 and SMAD7 genes was ubiquitous in the tissues of Tibetan sheep, such as the ovary, uterus and oviduct, hypothalamus, hypophysis, heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, rumen, duodenum and longissimus dorsi. However, the expression was unbalanced and upregulated in the spleen, lung, ovary and uterus and downregulated in the longissimus dorsi. The bioinformatics analysis showed that SMAD4, SMAD5 and SMAD7 in Tibetan sheep encoded proteins of 533, 465 and 427 amino acids, respectively. Sequence homology analysis of the three proteins among other animals showed that the sequences of SMAD4, SMAD5 and SMAD7 of Tibetan sheep were similar to those in sheep, yak, cattle, dog, human, pig, chimpanzee, rhesus monkey and house mouse. Two synonymous mutations, g.51537A>G and g.319C>T, were detected in SMAD5 and SMAD7, respectively. The associations of these SNPs and litter size were determined, and it was found that both g.51537A>G and g.319C>T have no significant effect on the litter size of Tibetan sheep. The results provided novel insights into the molecular characterization, expression profiles and polymorphisms of SMAD4, SMAD5 and SMAD7 in Tibetan sheep, but our results do not support associations between these genes and the litter size of Tibetan sheep.
Adaptive Party Choice of Low-Ranking Males in Fission–Fusion Dynamics of Chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Uganda
Authors: Shibata Shohei , Furuichi Takeshi , Hashimoto Chie
Published: August 2022

Several studies have examined factors that regulate fission–fusion dynamics (FFD) in chimpanzee communities, such as receptive females, predation risks, and food availability. However, the effects of these factors vary between populations. In this study, we conducted focal animal observations of adult males in the M group in Kalinzu to examine the influence of male dominance rank, aggression from other males, the presence of females exhibiting maximum sexual swelling (MS), and fruit abundance on male tendencies of party attendance. We found that low-ranking males spent more time alone than other males when females with MS were absent. In contrast, when females with MS were present, males of all ranks showed a similar tendency of party attendance. We also found that the aggressive interactions increased with the number of males irrespective of the presence or absence of females with MS, and low-ranking males attracted aggression more frequently than higher-ranking males. These results suggest that low-ranking males frequently ranged alone to avoid aggression from other males unless they attended parties to seek mating opportunities. We conclude that low-ranking males have alternative tactics to balance the costs and benefits incurred or gained when attending parties.
The Effect of Feed Frequency on Growth, Survival and Behaviour of Juvenile Spiny Lobster (Panulirus ornatus)
Authors: Kropielnicka-Kruk Katarzyna , Fitzgibbon Quinn P. , Codabaccus Basseer M. , Trotter Andrew J. , Giosio Dean R. , Carter Chris G. , Smith Gregory G.
Published: August 2022

Spiny lobsters have a range of complex chemical communication pathways that contribute to feeding behaviour. Feed intake is modulated by feed availability and feed characteristics, such as attractiveness and palatability, with behavioural factors, such as social competition and circadian rhythm, providing an extra layer of complexity. In this study, we investigated the effect of feed frequency on survival and growth of early-stage (instar 2–6) juvenile Palunirus ornatus. In addition, we investigated the interactive effect of feed frequency and circadian rhythm on lobster feed response. Lobsters were fed a set ration at a frequency of either one, two, four, eight, sixteen or thirty-two times per day over 49 days. The effect of feed frequency on growth and survival was determined. Circadian feeding activity under these feeding treatments was assessed by time-lapse photography. Increased feed frequency from one to sixteen feeds daily improved growth by increasing apparent feed intake (AFI) and feed attraction, as confirmed by the increased presence of lobsters in the feeding area. The rapid leaching of feed attractant, particularly free amino acid, suggests a beneficial effect of multiple feeding frequencies on feed intake and growth. However, more than sixteen feeds per day resulted in decreased feed intake and a subsequent reduction in growth. The decrease in feed intake is thought to be associated with saturation of the culture environment with attractants, resulting in a reduced behavioural response to feed supplies. This may indicate the need for depletion of attractants to retrigger a feeding response. As lobsters were grown communally, faster growth at sixteen rations per day was also coupled with increased cannibalism, likely driven by increased vulnerability with the occurrence of more frequent ecdysis events. Whereas circadian rhythm indicated more activity at night, an interaction between daytime activity and feed frequency was not observed.
Dietary Epidermal Growth Factor Supplementation Alleviates Intestinal Injury in Piglets with Intrauterine Growth Retardation via Reducing Oxidative Stress and Enhancing Intestinal Glucose Transport and Barrier Function
Authors: Tang Xiaopeng , Xiong Kangning
Published: August 2022

EGF plays an important role in the intestinal repair and nutrients transport of animals. However, the effect of EGF on the intestinal health of piglets with IUGR has not been reported. Thus, the present study was performed to investigate the effects of EGF on the intestinal morphology, glucose absorption, antioxidant capacity, and barrier function of piglets with IUGR. A total of 6 NBW piglets and 12 IUGR piglets were randomly divided into three treatments: NC group (NBW piglets fed with basal diet, n = 6), IC group (IUGR piglets fed with basal diet, n = 6), and IE group (IUGR piglets fed with basal diet supplemented with 2 mg/kg EGF, n = 6). Growth performance, serum biochemical profile, jejunum histomorphology, jejunum glucose absorption and antioxidant capacity, and jejunal barrier function were measured. The results showed that EGF supplementation significantly increased the final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of piglets with IUGR; EGF supplementation significantly increased the total protein (TP), glucose (GLU), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels compared with the IUGR piglets in the IC group; EGF administration effectively exhibited an increased jejunum villus height (VH) and the villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio (V/C) of IUGR piglets compared with the IC group; EGF supplementation significantly increased sodium/potassium-transporting adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+-ATPase) activity, intestinal alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, glucose transporter sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1), glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), and AMP-activated protein kinase α1 (AMPK-α1) mRNA expressions in the jejunum of IUGR piglets compared with the IC group; EGF supplementation exhibited increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels, tended to increase glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activities, and tended to decrease the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the jejunum of IUGR piglets compared with the IC group; EGF supplementation significantly increased ZO-1, Claudin-1, Occludin, and MUC2 mRNA expressions and improved secreted immunoglobulin A (sIgA) secretion in the jejunum of IUGR piglets compared with the IC group and tended to decrease the interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels in the jejunum of IUGR piglets compared with the IC group. Pearson’s correlation analysis further showed that EGF can promote intestinal development and nutrient absorption by promoting intestinal barrier function, thus improving the growth performance of IUGR piglets.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Frequency of Antibiotic-Resistant Clostridium Species in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Banawas Saeed S.
Published: August 2022

Clostridium is a genus comprising Gram-positive, rod-shaped, spore-forming, anaerobic bacteria that cause a variety of diseases. However, there is a shortage of information regarding antibiotic resistance in the genus in Saudi Arabia. This comprehensive analysis of research results published up until December 2021 intends to highlight the incidence of antibiotic resistance in Clostridium species in Saudi Arabia. PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, SDL, and ScienceDirect databases were searched using specific keywords, and ten publications on antibiotic resistance in Clostridium species in Saudi Arabia were identified. We found that the rates of resistance of Clostridium difficile to antibiotics were as follows: 42% for ciprofloxacin, 83% for gentamicin, 28% for clindamycin, 25% for penicillin, 100% for levofloxacin, 24% for tetracycline, 77% for nalidixic acid, 50% for erythromycin, 72% for ampicillin, and 28% for moxifloxacin; whereas those of C. perfringens were: 21% for metronidazole, 83% for ceftiofur, 39% for clindamycin, 59% for penicillin, 62% for erythromycin, 47% for oxytetracycline, and 47% for lincomycin. The current findings suggest that ceftiofur, erythromycin, lincomycin, and oxytetracycline should not be used in C. perfringens infection treatments in humans or animals in Saudi Arabia.
Editorial for the Special Issue: Colistin Resistance—The Need for a One Health Approach
Authors: Bertelloni Fabrizio , Turchi Barbara
Published: August 2022

Colistin is an “old” antimicrobial belonging to the class of polymyxins, initially discovered in 1947 [...]