bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intravenous ketamine for depression: A clinical discussion reconsidering best practices in acute hypertension management
Authors: Yip Ryan , Swainson Jennifer , Khullar Atul , McIntyre Roger S. , Skoblenick Kevin
Published: September 2022

Ketamine is a versatile medication with an emerging role for the treatment of numerous psychiatric conditions, including treatment resistant depression. Current psychiatry guidelines for its intravenous administration to treat depression recommend regular blood pressure monitoring and an aggressive approach to potential transient hypertensive episodes induced by ketamine infusions. While this approach is aimed at ensuring patient safety, it should be updated to align with best practice guidelines in the management of hypertension. This review defines and summarizes the currently recommended approach to the hypertensive emergency, the asymptomatic hypertensive urgency, and discusses their relevance to intravenous ketamine therapy. With an updated protocol informed by these best practice guidelines, ketamine treatment for depression may be more accessible to facilitate psychiatric treatment.
Residential greenness attenuated association of long-term air pollution exposure with elevated blood pressure: Findings from polluted areas in Northern China
Authors: Mei Yayuan , Zhao Jiaxin , Zhou Quan , Zhao Meiduo , Xu Jing , Li Yanbing , Li Kai , Xu Qun
Published: September 2022

Background

Evidence on the hypertensive effects of long-term air pollutants exposure are mixed, and the joint hypertensive effects of air pollutants are also unclear. Sparse evidence exists regarding the modifying role of residential greenness in such effects.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in typically air-polluted areas in northern China. Particulate matter with diameter < 1 μm (PM1), particulate matter with diameter < 2.5 μm (PM2.5), particulate matter with diameter < 10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) were predicted by space–time extremely randomized trees model. We used the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to reflect residential green space. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were examined. We also calculated the pulse pressure (PP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Generalized additive model and quantile g-computation were, respectively, conducted to investigate individual and joint effects of air pollutants on blood pressure. Furthermore, beneficial effect of NDVI and its modification effect were explored.

Results

Long-term air pollutants exposure was associated with elevated DBP and MAP. Specifically, we found a 10-μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM10, and SO2 were associated with 2.36% (95% CI: 0.97, 3.76), 1.51% (95% CI: 0.70, 2.34), and 3.54% (95% CI: 1.55, 5.56) increase in DBP; a 10-μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM10, and SO2 were associated with 1.84% (95% CI: 0.74, 2.96), 1.17% (95% CI: 0.52, 1.83), and 2.43% (95% CI: 0.71, 4.18) increase in MAP. Air pollutants mixture (one quantile increase) was positively associated with increased values of DBP (8.22%, 95% CI: 5.49, 11.02) and MAP (4.15%, 95% CI: 2.05, 6.30), respectively. These identified harmful effect of air pollutants mainly occurred among these lived with low NDVI values. And participants aged ≥50 years were more susceptible to the harmful effect of PM2.5 and PM10 compared to younger adults.

Conclusions

Our study indicated the harmful effect of long-term exposure to air pollutants and these effects may be modified by living within higher green space place. These evidence suggest increasing residential greenness and air pollution control may have simultaneous effect on decreasing the risk of hypertension.
Exploring the implementation of an outreach specialist program for nursing home residents in Macao: A multisite, qualitative study
Authors: Cen Zhifeng , Li Junlei , Hu Hao , Lei Ka Cheng , Loi Cheng I , Liang Zuanji , Chan Tek Fai , Ung Carolina Oi Lam
Published: September 2022

Background

The “Specialist Medical Outreach Project (SMOP)” involving inter-disciplinary hospital-based healthcare professionals is a government initiative that aims to provide integrative specialist care to high-risk residents at the nursing homes. However, research exploring the implementation and impact of SMOP is lacking. This study aimed to evidence the impact of SMOP on the quality of care at the nursing home and the key contextual determinants influencing SMOP outcomes.

Method

Semi-structured key informant audio-recorded face-to-face interviews were conducted with eight managers, six doctors, 28 nursing staff, and seven pharmacy staff at the nursing homes participating in the SMOP to collect insights about how SMOP was operated and performed, and the impact of SMOP as observed and expected. Participants were recruited with purposive sampling. A thematic analysis approach was employed and key themes were identified using open coding, grouping, and categorizing.

Results

Forty-nine interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis identified three principal themes: the overall perception about SMOP, the benefits as observed; and the areas of improvement. Together with the 10 subthemes, the results highlighted the expectations for SMOP to address the unmet needs and promote patient-centered care, and the benefits of SMOP in supporting effective use of resources for the nursing home, reducing the risks of adverse events for the residents, promoting communication and capacity building for the healthcare providers and facilitating efficient use of healthcare resources for the health system. Requests for more frequent visits by a larger inter-disciplinary specialist team were raised. Careful staff and workflow planning, and mechanisms for data-sharing and communication across care settings were deemed the most important actions for improvement.

Conclusion

It is a general perception that the SMOP is beneficial in enhancing the quality of care for high-risk residents in the nursing home in Macao. Cross-sector inter-disciplinary collaboration and efficient data-sharing and communication mechanism play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the program. A robust assessment framework to monitor and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the program is yet to be developed.
Perceptions of undergraduate nursing students toward providing care to COVID-19 patients
Authors: Faizi Fakhrudin , Moradian Seyed Tayeb
Published: September 2022

Background

Undergraduate nursing students were inevitably recruited to provide care in response to overloaded hospitals with COVID-19 patients. The placement was potentially a stressful event and we aimed to understand the students' perception of direct nursing care during the pandemic.

Methods

This qualitative content analysis study carried out in 2020 (May-June) in Tehran, I.R. Iran. Using explanatory questions, we interviewed 15 undergraduate nursing students who provided direct care for at least 2 months to patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the beginning of the pandemic to obtain their deep experiences. We applied the MAXQDA 10 to extract codes, used the qualitative content analysis method for investigation, and then applied the Lincoln and Guba criteria for rigor and trustworthiness. The study was approved by the National Committee for Ethics in Biomedical Research (IR.BMSU.REC.1399.070. available at:https://ethics.research.ac.ir).

Results

Four hundred and 54 codes were identified, which were then sorted into 12 categories underlying four main themes of “hard and unpredictable,” “posttraumatic growth,” “on the path to self-determination,” and “commitment.”

Conclusion

Even though the undergraduate nursing students experienced some stress in the beginning, with close support, their caregiving skills improved and they were able to meet the national healthcare needs. More studies are needed to confirm our findings regarding the experiences of the nursing students in combating COVID-19.
Medical expenditure and its inequity for people with disabilities: Evidence from the CHARLS 2018 data
Authors: Jin Shengxuan , Sun Ying , Tao Jun , Tian Lanlan , Lin Jiawei , Qian Dongfu
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Disabilities may raise heavy medical expenses and rich-poor inequalities. However, data is lacking for the Chinese older populations. This study aimed to measure socioeconomic inequalities in medical expenses amongst the Chinese adult 45 years or older, and explored the main determinants among different disability categories.

Method

Data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were used. Disabilities were divided into five categories: physical disabilities, intellectual disability, vision problems, hearing problems, and multiple disabilities. The two-part model was employed to identify the factors that are associated with medical expenditures. Socioeconomic inequalities were measured by the concentration index (CI), and the horizontal inequity index (HI) which adjusts for health needs. Decomposition analysis was further applied to evaluate the contribution of each determinant.

Results

Two thousand four hundred nineteen people were included in this study. The CIs and HIs of the expenditure were both positive. Amongst the varied types of medical expenses, the highest CIs were found for self-treatment expenses (0.0262). Amongst the five categories of disabilities, the group with vision problem disability reported the highest CIs and HIs for outpatient expenses (CI = 0.0843, HI = 0.0751), self-treatment expenses (CI = 0.0958, HI = 0.1119), and total expenses (CI = 0.0622, HI = 0.0541). The group of intellectual disability reported the highest CI and HI (CI = 0.0707, HI = 0.0625). The decomposition analysis showed that income (80.32%), education (25.14%) and living in the rural areas (13.96%) were the main determinants of medical expenses for HI amongst all types of disabilities.

Conclusion

For five types of disabilities, our data shows that medical expenses concentrated in the richer groups in China. Income, education, and rural areas factors were the main contributors to the economic-related inequalities. Health policies to improve the affordability of medical care are needed to decrease inequity of medical expenditures for people with disabilities.
Mediating role of social capital on the association between negative life events and quality of life among adults in China: A population-based study
Authors: Zhang Jianghui , Wang Songmei , Zhang Xuehui , Han Xiaoyu , Deng Haoyuan , Cheng Nan , Sun Yunrui , Song Chongwei , Hou Zhongxin , Yin Jianzhong , Meng Qiong
Published: September 2022

Objective

To evaluate whether social capital played a mediating role in the relationship between negative life events (NLE) and quality of life (QoL) among adults in China after proposed a conceptual model based on stress buffering theory.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted based on baseline survey from the Chinese Multi-ethnic Cohort (CMEC) in Yunnan province. A total of 22,866 adults were recruited by multistage stratified cluster sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the general demographic characteristics and the occurrence of NLE. A self-developed brief social capital scale was utilized to assess the social capital and the EQ-5D-5L scale was used to measure the QoL. The relationships among NLE, social capital and QoL were analyzed using multiple linear regression analyses. Structural equation models were used to evaluate whether social capital had a mediating effect on the relationship between NLE and QoL. The standardize coefficient (β) and it's 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated in this process.

Results

The mean age of participants was 52.70 years old. The mean of EQ-5D index value was 0.92 (SD = 0.12) and the mean of EQ-VAS score was 71.77 (SD = 13.80). NLE not only directly affected EQ-5D index value [β = −0.127, 95% CI (−0.144, −0.110)] but also indirectly negatively affected EQ-5D index value through social capital [β = −0.019, 95% CI (−0.023, −0.015)]. Social capital had a direct positive effect on EQ-5D index value [β = 0.114, 95% CI (0.097, 0.133)]. A similar pattern was identified for the association between NLE and EQ-VAS score. The direct effect of NLE on EQ-VAS score was negatively significant [β = −0.132, 95% CI (−0.146, −0.118)]. Moreover, the indirect effect through social capital was also negatively significant [β = −0.022, 95% CI (−0.026, −0.019)]. There was a positive direct effect of social capital on EQ-VAS score [β = 0.135, 95% CI (0.117, 0.151)].

Conclusion

Social capital played an important mediating role in the relationship between NLE and QoL, and it alleviated the negative effects of NLE on the QoL of the community residents in China. Providing reliable social capital for community residents experiencing NLE could effectively improve their quality of life.
Post-harvest quality changes and shelf-life determination of washed and blanched sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima)
Authors: Wirenfeldt Cecilie Bay , Sørensen Jonas Steenholdt , Kreissig Katharina Johanna , Hyldig Grethe , Holdt Susan Løvstad , Hansen Lisbeth Truelstrup
Published: September 2022

Sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) is a native European brown macroalga with the potential to become a vital part of the green transition of the food industry. Knowledge of the sugar kelp shelf-life is essential to designing the food supply chain to ensure safe and high-quality food. Establishing a single-compound quality index (SCQI) of freshness would be useful for the industry. However, information is currently lacking on how different post-harvest treatments affect the shelf-life of sugar kelp, even though it is important knowledge for manufacturers, authorities and consumers. The objective of this study was to establish the shelf-life of refrigerated sugar kelp following five post-harvest treatments and evaluate the effect of these treatments on changes in quality attributes (sensory, microbial, chemical and physical) during storage to select the SCQI. The post-harvest treatments included washing in sea water, washing in potable water, blanching for 2 min in sea water or potable water and untreated sugar kelp. Based on sensory analysis, the refrigerated (+ 2.8°C) shelf-lives for sugar kelp from all treatments were seven to 9 days. The end of the sensory shelf-life correlated with the development of >7 log (CFU g−1) aerobic viable counts, suggesting this attribute can be used as a SCQI to evaluate the shelf-life of sugar kelp. The microbiota was dominated by putative spoilage organisms from the Pseudoalteromonadaceae and Psychromonadaceae families. Untreated and washed sugar kelp continued to respire and consume carbohydrates up to 5 days post-harvest, indicating respiration rates may be used to determine freshness of non-blanched kelp. Favorable organoleptic properties, e.g., sweetness and umami, decreased during storage and coincided with a reduction in water-soluble mannitol and free glutamic acid. Both blanching treatments changed texture and color and reduced iodine and vitamin C contents while retaining components such as fucoxanthin, chlorophyll a and β-carotene. This study provides crucial documentation of quality changes during the post-harvest storage period of sugar kelp, including information about sugar kelp spoilage and nutrient changes, which would facilitate the development of best practices for manufacturers using sugar kelp in their production of food.
Flexible skill-based control for robot cells in manufacturing
Authors: Wiese Torben , Abicht Johannes , Friedrich Christian , Hellmich Arvid , Ihlenfeldt Steffen
Published: September 2022

Decreasing batch sizes lead to an increasing demand for flexible automation systems in manufacturing industries. Robot cells are one solution for automating manufacturing tasks more flexibly. Besides the ongoing unifications in the hardware components, the controllers are still programmed application specifically and non-uniform. Only specialized experts can reconfigure and reprogram the controllers when process changes occur. To provide a more flexible control, this paper presents a new method for programming flexible skill-based controls for robot cells. In comparison to the common programming in logic controllers, operators independently adapt and expand the automated process sequence without modifying the controller code. For a high flexibility, the paper summarizes the software requirements in terms of an extensibility, flexible usability, configurability, and reusability of the control. Therefore, the skill-based control introduces a modularization of the assets in the control and parameterizable skills as abstract template class methodically. An orchestration system is used to call the skills with the corresponding parameter set and combine them into automated process sequences. A mobile flexible robot cell is used for the validation of the skill-based control architecture. Finally, the main benefits and limitations of the concept are discussed and future challenges of flexible skill-based controls for robot cells are provided.
Statistics of geomagnetic storms: Global simulations perspective
Authors: Pulkkinen Tuija I. , Brenner Austin , Al Shidi Qusai , Toth Gabor
Published: September 2022

We present results of 131 geomagnetic storm simulations using the University of Michigan Space Weather Modeling Framework Geospace configuration. We compare the geomagnetic indices derived from the simulation with those observed, and use 2D cuts in the noon-midnight planes to compare the magnetopause locations with empirical models. We identify the location of the current sheet center and look at the plasma parameters to deduce tail dynamics. We show that the simulation produces geomagnetic index distributions similar to those observed, and that their relationship to the solar wind driver is similar to that observed. While the magnitudes of the Dst and polar cap potentials are close to those observed, the simulated AL index is consistently underestimated. Analysis of the magnetopause position reveals that the subsolar position agrees well with an empirical model, but that the tail flaring in the simulation is much smaller than that in the empirical model. The magnetotail and ring currents are closely correlated with the Dst index, and reveal a strong contribution of the tail current beyond 8REto the Dst index during the storm main phase.
Prevalence of Leptospira in murine in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Jian-Ming , Li Lian-Min , Shi Jun-Feng , Li Ting , Wang Qi , Ma Qing-Xia , Zheng Wei , Feng Hai-Feng , Liu Fei , Du Rui
Published: September 2022

Leptospirosis is an acute infectious disease caused by pathogenic bacteria from the genus Leptospira. The disease is widely distributed throughout China, causing harm to human and animal health. Murine may naturally carry a variety of pathogenic Leptospira, thus being important sources of infection by humans and livestock. The aim of this study was to assess and analyse the prevalence of Leptospira and its risk factors in murine. We collected 46 publications published between inception and 2022 through China Knowledge Network (CNKI), VIP Chinese Journal Database, Wanfang Database, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. In these studies, a total of 54,051 murine in 5 regions of China were investigated, and the prevalence of leptospirosis ranged from 1.11 to 35.29%. The prevalence of murine leptospirosis in south China was the highest, at 20.13%, and the lowest in northeast China, at 1.11% (P < 0.05). The prevalence of leptospirosis in male murine was 21.38%, which was significantly higher than that in females (17.07%; P < 0.05). Results according to detection method subgroup showed that the prevalence from serological testing was 15.94%, which was significantly higher than that of etiology and molecular biology methods (P < 0.01). In the sample subgroup, the positive rate of serum samples was 15.30%, which was significantly higher than that of tissue samples, at 7.97%. In addition, the influence of different geographical factors on prevalence was analyzed, indicating that the Yangtze River Basin was a high-incidence area for leptospirosis. The study showed that Leptospira were ubiquitous throughout the country, and factors such as environment, temperature and landform affect the murine distribution and their bacteria carrying rate. We suggest strengthening the continuous monitoring of leptospirosis and taking effective and comprehensive measures such as reducing water contact, vaccinating in high-incidence seasons, and avoiding human contamination caused by water pollution and contact with infected murine.
Lactobacillus delbrueckii might lower serum triglyceride levels via colonic microbiota modulation and SCFA-mediated fat metabolism in parenteral tissues of growing-finishing pigs
Authors: Hou Gaifeng , Yin Jie , Wei Liangkai , Li Rui , Peng Wei , Yuan Yong , Huang Xingguo , Yin Yulong
Published: September 2022

Gut microbiota and its metabolites play a key role in host metabolism. Our previous study found supplemental Lactobacillus delbrueckii affected lipid metabolism of pigs, however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of L. delbrueckii on colonic bacteria composition and its metabolites, serum lipids and hormone levels, fat metabolism related enzyme activity and gene expression in various tissues of growing-finishing pigs. Twelve pigs were randomly distributed into two groups (n = 6), and pigs in each group were fed diets with (Con + LD) or without (Con) 0.1 % L. delbrueckii for 28 days. Results exhibited the deceased triglyceride (TG) levels and elevated free fatty acid (FFA) contents in serum and increased concentrations of butyric acid in colonic digesta after L. delbrueckii supplementation. Dietary L. delbrueckii increased abundance of Lactobacillus and Butyrivibri and tended to increase abundance of Akkermansia and Megasphaera in colonic digesta. L. delbrueckii consumption up-regulated glucagon-like peptide1 (GLP-1), monocarboxylate transporter1 (MTC1) and sodium-dependent monocarboxylate transporter1 (SMCT1) expression in colonic tissue. Administration of L. delbrueckii tended to increase lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity, up-regulated CPT-1, angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angpt14), LPL and triglyceride hydrolase (TGH) expression and down-regulated fatty acid synthetase (FAS), G protein-coupled receptor 41(GPR41) and GPR43 expression in the liver. L. delbrueckii addition increased adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression in longissimus dorsi, upregulated LPL, CPT-1, Angptl4 and cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) expression in subcutaneous fat, and enhanced LPL, CPT-1, TGH, adipocyte determination and differentiation-dependent factor 1 (ADD1) and hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) expression in leaf lard. These findings suggested that L. delbrueckii might enhance lipolysis and fatty acid β-oxidation to lower serum TG levels via colonic microbiota modulation and short chain fatty acids-mediated lipid metabolism of growing-finishing pigs.
“Growth-Promoting Effect” of Antibiotic Use Could Explain the Global Obesity Pandemic: A European Survey
Authors: Ternák Gábor , Németh Márton , Rozanovic Martin , Márovics Gergely , Bogár Lajos
Published: September 2022

Clinical observations indicated a higher rate of obesity among children who received antibiotics at early ages. Experimental studies supported the role of the modified gut microbiome in the development of obesity as well. For identifying antibiotic classes that might promote or inhibit obesity-related dysbiosis, a database of the average yearly antibiotic consumption (2008–2018) has been developed using the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) yearly reports of antibiotic consumption in the community for the major antibiotic classes in 30 European countries, which were compared to the childhood and adult obesity prevalence featured in the Obesity Atlas. Pearson’s chi-square test was applied to estimate positive/negative correlations between antibiotic consumption and obesity. One-way ANOVA has been applied to test the differences in antibiotic consumption between groups, and logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the odds ratios (OR) of antibiotic consumption for obesity. Strong, positive associations were estimated between childhood obesity and the total consumption of systemic antibiotics, broad-spectrum, beta-lactamase-resistant penicillin, cephalosporin, and quinolone, and a negative correlation was found with the consumption of tetracycline, broad-spectrum, beta-lactamase-sensitive penicillin, and narrow-spectrum, beta-lactamase-sensitive penicillin. Our observation indicated that the “growth-promoting effect” of the consumption of certain antibiotic classes might be identified as a possible etiology in the development of obesity and might be the explanation for the obesity “pandemic”.
Incidence and Clinical Characteristics of Anaerobic Bacteremia at a University Hospital in Hungary: A 5-Year Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Kovács Krisztina , Nyul Adrienn , Lutz Zsolt , Mestyán Gyula , Gajdács Márió , Urbán Edit , Sonnevend Ágnes
Published: September 2022

Strict anaerobes have been reported to account for 0.5–13% of episodes of bacteremia in the adult population, with a growing awareness among clinicians regarding anaerobic bacteremia, especially in patients with specific predisposing factors. The aim of our present study was to assess the incidence and clinical characteristics of anaerobic bacteremia during a 5-year period (2016–2020) at a tertiary care teaching hospital, and to compare our findings with other studies in Hungary. Overall, n = 160 strict anaerobes were detected, out of which, 44.4% (n = 71; 0.1% of positive blood cultures, 0.1/1000 hospitalizations, 3.3/100,000 patient days) were clinically significant, while Cutibacterium spp. accounted for 55.6% (n = 89) of isolates. Among relevant pathogens, the Bacteroides/Parabacteroides spp. group (32.4%; n = 23), Clostridium spp. (22.5%; n = 16) and Gram-positive anaerobic cocci (15.5%; n = 11) were the most common. The mean age of patients was 67.1 ± 14.1 years, with a male majority (59.2%; n = 42). A total of 38.0% of patients were affected by a malignancy or immunosuppression, while an abscess was identified in 15.5% of cases. A total of 74.7% (n = 53) of patients received antibiotics prior to blood culture sampling; in instances where antimicrobials were reported, anaerobic coverage of the drugs was appropriate in 52.1% (n = 37) of cases. The 30-day crude mortality rate was 39.4% (n = 28); age ≥ 75 years was a significant predictor of 30-day mortality (OR: 5.0; CI: 1.8–14.4; p = 0.003), while malignancy and immunosuppression, lack of anti-anaerobic coverage or female sex did not show a significant relationship with the mortality of these patients. Early recognition of the role played by anaerobes in sepsis and timely initiation of adequate, effective antimicrobial treatment have proven efficient in reducing the mortality of patients affected by anaerobic bacteremia.
Cosmeceutical Potential of Extracts Derived from Fishery Industry Residues: Sardine Wastes and Codfish Frames
Authors: Cardeira Martim , Bernardo Ana , Leonardo Inês C. , Gaspar Frédéric B. , Marques Marta , Melgosa Rodrigo , Paiva Alexandre , Simões Pedro , Fernández Naiara , Serra Ana Teresa
Published: September 2022

The fishery industry generates large amounts of waste (20–75% (w/w) of the total caught fish weight). The recovery of bioactive compounds from residues and their incorporation in cosmetics represents a promising market opportunity and may contribute to a sustainable valorisation of the sector. In this work, protein-rich extracts obtained by high-pressure technologies (supercritical CO2 and subcritical water) from sardine (Sardina pilchardus) waste and codfish (Gadus morhua) frames were characterized regarding their cosmeceutical potential. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities were evaluated through chemical (ORAC assay), enzymatic (inhibition of elastase and tyrosinase), antimicrobial susceptibility (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes) and cell-based (in keratinocytes-HaCaT) assays. Sardine extracts presented the highest antibacterial activity, and the extract obtained using higher extraction temperatures (250 °C) and without the defatting step demonstrated the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values (1.17; 4.6; 0.59 mg/mL for K. pneumoniae, S. aureus and C. acnes, respectively). Codfish samples extracted at lower temperatures (90 °C) were the most effective anti-inflammatory agents (a concentration of 0.75 mg/mL reduced IL-8 and IL-6 levels by 58% and 47%, respectively, relative to the positive control). Threonine, valine, leucine, arginine and total protein content in the extracts were highlighted to present a high correlation with the reported bioactivities (R2 ≥ 0.7). These results support the potential application of extracts obtained from fishery industry wastes in cosmeceutical products with bioactive activities.
Optimization of Phlorizin Extraction from Annurca Apple Tree Leaves Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Maisto Maria , Piccolo Vincenzo , Novellino Ettore , Schiano Elisabetta , Iannuzzo Fortuna , Ciampaglia Roberto , Summa Vincenzo , Tenore Gian Carlo
Published: September 2022

Phlorizin is a plant-derived molecule with relevant anti-diabetic activity, making this compound a potential functional component in nutraceutical formulations for the management of glycemia. It is noteworthy that promising sources for the extraction of phlorizin include apple tree leaves, a by-product of apple fruit production. The main aim of this study was to optimize the extraction process of phlorizin from Annurca apple tree leaves (AALs) using response surface methodology (RSM), and to determine the potential nutraceutical application of the obtained extract. The results of the RSM analysis indicate a maximum phlorizin yield of 126.89 ± 7.579 (mg/g DW) obtained under the following optimized conditions: MeOH/H2O, 80:20 + 1% HCOOH as the extraction solvent; 37.7 °C as the extraction temperature; and 170 min as the time of extraction. The HPLC-DAD-HESI-MS/MS analysis performed on the extract obtained under such conditions, named optimized Annurca apple leaves extract (OAALE), led to the identification of twenty-three phenolic molecules, with fifteen of them quantified. To explore the nutraceutical potential of OAALE, the in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, resulting in 21.17 ± 2.30, 38.85 ± 0.69, and 34.14 ± 3.8 μmol Trolox equivalent/g of extract, respectively. Moreover, the IC50 of 0.330 mg/mL obtained from the advanced glycation end-product inhibition assay, further supported the antidiabetic potential of OAALE.
Biological Effects of Hydrogen Water on Subjects with NAFLD: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Kura Branislav , Szantova Maria , LeBaron Tyler W. , Mojto Viliam , Barancik Miroslav , Szeiffova Bacova Barbara , Kalocayova Barbora , Sykora Matus , Okruhlicova Ludmila , Tribulova Narcisa , Gvozdjakova Anna , Sumbalova Zuzana , Kucharska Jarmila , Faktorova Xenia , Jakabovicova Martina , Durkovicová Zuzana , Macutek Jan , Koscová Michaela , Slezak Jan
Published: September 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver pathology affecting around 25% of the population worldwide. Excess oxidative stress, inflammation and aberrant cellular signaling can lead to this hepatic dysfunction and eventual carcinoma. Molecular hydrogen has been recognized for its selective antioxidant properties and ability to attenuate inflammation and regulate cellular function. We administered hydrogen-rich water (HRW) to 30 subjects with NAFLD in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled manner for eight weeks. Phenotypically, we observed beneficial trends (p > 0.05) in decreased weight (≈1 kg) and body mass index in the HRW group. HRW was well-tolerated, with no significant changes in liver enzymes and a trend of improved lipid profile and reduced lactate dehydrogenase levels. HRW tended to non-significantly decrease levels of nuclear factor kappa B, heat shock protein 70 and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Interestingly, there was a mild, albeit non-significant, tendency of increased levels of 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine and malondialdehyde in the HRW group. This mild increase may be indicative of the hormetic effects of molecular hydrogen that occurred prior to the significant clinical improvements reported in previous longer-term studies. The favorable trends in this study in conjunction with previous animal and clinical findings suggest that HRW may serve as an important adjuvant therapy for promoting and maintaining optimal health and wellness. Longer term studies focused on prevention, maintenance, or treatment of NAFLD and early stages of NASH are warranted.
Body Mass Index Modulates the Impact of Short-Term Exposure to Air Particulate Matter on High-Density Lipoprotein Function
Authors: Ossoli Alice , Favero Chiara , Vigna Luisella , Pesatori Angela Cecilia , Bollati Valentina , Gomaraschi Monica
Published: September 2022

Air particulate matter (PM) exposure has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, especially in obesity. By triggering inflammation and oxidative stress, PM could impact atheroprotection by high-density lipoproteins (HDL). The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between short-term exposure to PM and HDL function, and the modifying effect of body mass index (BMI). Daily exposures to PM10 and PM2.5 of 50 subjects with overweight/obesity and 41 healthy volunteers with BMI < 30 kg/m2 were obtained from fixed monitoring stations. HDL function was assessed as promotion of nitric oxide (NO) release by endothelial cells and reduction in cholesterol in macrophages. HDL-induced NO release progressively declined with the increase in BMI. No association was found between HDL function and PM exposure, but a modifying effect of BMI was observed. The positive association between PM10 exposure at day −1 and NO production found at normal BMI values was lost in participants with higher BMI. Similar results were obtained for the reduction in macrophage cholesterol. The loss of the compensatory response of HDL function to PM exposure at increasing BMI levels could contribute to the endothelial dysfunction induced by PM and help to explain the susceptibility of subjects with obesity to air pollution.
Elucidation of Antiviral and Antioxidant Potential of C-Phycocyanin against HIV-1 Infection through In Silico and In Vitro Approaches
Authors: Jadaun Pratiksha , Seniya Chandrabhan , Pal Sudhir Kumar , Kumar Sanjit , Kumar Pramod , Nema Vijay , Kulkarni Smita S , Mukherjee Anupam
Published: September 2022

Antiretroviral therapy is the single existing therapy for patients infected with HIV; however, it has drawbacks in terms of toxicity and resistance. Thus, there is a continuous need to explore safe and efficacious anti-retroviral agents. C-Phycocyanin (C-PC) is a phycobiliprotein, which has been known for various biological properties; however, its effect on HIV-1 replication needs revelation. This study aimed to identify the inhibitory effects of C-PC on HIV-1 using in vitro and in silico approaches and to assess its role in the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) during HIV-1 infection. In vitro anti-HIV-1 activity of C-PC was assessed on TZM-bl cells through luciferase gene assay against four different clades of HIV-1 strains in a dose-dependent manner. Results were confirmed in PBMCs, using the HIV-1 p24 antigen assay. Strong associations between C-PC and HIV-1 proteins were observed through in silico molecular simulation-based interactions, and the in vitro mechanistic study confirmed its target by inhibition of reverse transcriptase and protease enzymes. Additionally, the generation of mitochondrial ROS was detected by the MitoSOX and DCF-DA probe through confocal microscopy. Furthermore, our results confirmed that C-PC treatment notably subdued the fluorescence in the presence of the virus, thus reduction of ROS and the activation of caspase-3/7 in HIV-1-infected cells. Overall, our study suggests C-PC as a potent and broad in vitro antiviral and antioxidant agent against HIV-1 infection.
Ultrasound-Assisted Alcoholic Extraction of Lesser Mealworm Larvae Oil: Process Optimization, Physicochemical Characteristics, and Energy Consumption
Authors: Gharibzahedi Seyed Mohammad Taghi , Altintas Zeynep
Published: September 2022

The ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of oil from lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus L.) larvae powders (LMLPs) using ethanol/isopropanol as the superior solvent was optimized. The evaluation of time (9.89–35.11 min), solvent-to-LMLPs (2.39–27.61 v/w), and temperature (16.36–83.64 °C) showed that the highest extraction efficiency (EE, 88.08%) and in vitro antioxidant activity (IVAA) of reducing power (0.651), and DPPH free-radical scavenging capacity (70.79%) were achieved at 22.5 v/w solvent-to-LMLPs and 70 °C for 22.64 min. Optimal ultrasound conditions significantly improved the EE than n-hexane extraction (60.09%) by reducing the electric energy consumption by ~18.5 times from 0.637 to 0.035 kWh/g. The oil diffusivity in ethanol-isopropanol during the UAE (0.97 × 10−9 m2/s) was much better than that of n-hexane (5.07 × 10−11 m2/s). The microstructural images confirmed the high efficiency of ethanol-isopropanol in the presence of ultrasounds to remove oil flakes from the internal and external surfaces of LMLPs. The improved IVAA was significantly associated with the total phenolic (4.306 mg GAE/g, r = 0.991) and carotenoid (0.778 mg/g, r = 0.937) contents (p < 0.01). Although there was no significant difference in the fatty acid profile between the two extracted oils, ethanol-isopropanol under sonication acceptably improved oxidative stability with lower peroxides, conjugated dienes and trienes, and free fatty acids.
Mercury Induced Tissue Damage, Redox Metabolism, Ion Transport, Apoptosis, and Intestinal Microbiota Change in Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii): Application of Multi-Omics Analysis in Risk Assessment of Hg
Authors: Zhang Lang , Zhou Yuntao , Song Ziwei , Liang Hongwei , Zhong Shan , Yu Yali , Liu Ting , Sha Hang , He Li , Gan Jinhua
Published: September 2022

As one of the most toxic elements, mercury (Hg) is a widespread toxicant in aquatic environments. Crayfish are considered suitable for indicating the impact of heavy metals on aquatic crustaceans. Nevertheless, Hg toxicity on Procambarus clarkii is largely unknown. In this research, the acute Hg-induced alterations of biochemical responses, histopathology, hepatopancreatic transcriptome, and intestinal microbiome of Procambarus clarkii were studied. Firstly, Hg induced significant changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malonaldehyde (MDA) content as well as antioxidant enzyme activity. Secondly, Hg exposure caused structural damage to the hepatopancreas (e.g., vacuolization of the epithelium and dilatation of the lumen) as well as to the intestines (e.g., dysregulation of lamina epithelialises and extension of lamina proprias). Thirdly, after treatment with three different concentrations of Hg, RNA-seq assays of the hepatopancreas revealed a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) linked to a specific function. Among the DEGs, a lot of redox metabolism- (e.g., ACOX3, SMOX, GPX3, GLO1, and P4HA1), ion transport- (e.g., MICU3, MCTP, PYX, STEAP3, and SLC30A2), drug metabolism- (e.g., HSP70, HSP90A, CYP2L1, and CYP9E2), immune response- (e.g., SMAD4, HDAC1, and DUOX), and apoptosis-related genes (e.g., CTSL, CASP7, and BIRC2) were identified, which suggests that Hg exposure may perturb the redox equilibrium, disrupt the ion homeostasis, weaken immune response and ability, and cause apoptosis. Fourthly, bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that Hg exposure decreased bacterial diversity and dysregulated intestinal microbiome composition. At the phylum level, there was a marked decrease in Proteobacteria and an increase in Firmicutes after exposure to high levels of Hg. With regards to genus, abundances of Bacteroides, Dysgonomonas, and Arcobacter were markedly dysregulated after Hg exposures. Our findings elucidate the mechanisms involved in Hg-mediated toxicity in aquatic crustaceans at the tissue, cellular, molecular as well as microbial levels.
In Silico Modeling Study of Curcumin Diffusion and Cellular Growth
Authors: Aquines Osvaldo , Saavedra-Hernández Annel , Urbina-Arias Natalia , Melchor-Martínez Elda M. , Sosa-Hernández Juan Eduardo , Robledo-Padilla Felipe , Iqbal Hafiz M. N. , Parra-Saldívar Roberto
Published: September 2022

Curcumin can enhance cutaneous wound healing by improving fibroblast proliferation. However, its therapeutic properties are dose-dependent: high concentrations produce cytotoxic effects, whereas low concentrations benefit cell proliferation. Similarly, the type of administration and its moderation are key aspects, as an erroneous distribution may result in null or noxious activity to the organism. In silico models for curcumin diffusion work as predictive tools for evaluating curcumin’s cytotoxic effects and establishing therapeutic windows. A 2D fibroblast culture growth model was created based on a model developed by Gérard and Goldbeter. Similarly, a curcumin diffusion model was developed by adjusting experimental release values obtained from Aguilar-Rabiela et al. and fitted to Korsmeyer–Peppas and Peleg’s hyperbolic models. The release of six key curcumin concentrations was achieved. Both models were integrated using Morpheus software, and a scratch-wound assay simulated curcumin’s dose-dependent effects on wound healing. The most beneficial effect was achieved at 0.25 μM, which exhibited the lowest cell-division period, the highest confluence (~60% for both release models, 447 initial cells), and the highest final cell population. The least beneficial effect was found at 20 μM, which inhibited cell division and achieved the lowest confluence (~34.30% for both release models, 447 initial cells). Confluence was shown to decrease as curcumin concentration increased, since higher concentrations of curcumin have inhibitory and cytotoxic effects.
Color Stability of Monolithic Zirconia in Various Staining Liquids: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Alnassar Talal M.
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to compare the color stability of monolithic zirconia (MLZ) after immersion in various staining liquids. Fifty MLZ samples (n = 50) were color infiltrated by brushing/painting the samples pre-sintering. All zirconia samples were then brushed inside a toothbrushing simulator machine to create abrasion. Ten samples each were immersed in artificial saliva (gp-1), coffee (gp-2), protein shake (gp-3), chlorhexidine mouthwash (gp-4), and a soft drink (gp-5). Besides chlorhexidine mouthwash (immersion time: 14 days), the samples were immersed in the liquids for 28 days. A spectrophotometer was utilized to observe the color differences (∆E) at the baseline vs. 28 days post-immersion. The means and standard deviations were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a multiple comparisons test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. The greatest ∆E (4.57) was observed after immersion in the coffee, followed by a soft drink (∆E: 4.03). Chlorhexidine mouthwash immersion of MLZ samples also significantly changed their color stability (∆E: 3.60). The inter-group comparisons revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) when ∆E values of gp-1 (artificial saliva) were compared with all other groups. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were also seen when ∆E values of gp-2 (coffee) were compared with gp-3 (protein shake) and gp-4 (chlorhexidine). All other inter-group comparisons revealed non-significant results (p > 0.05). The results of the present study demonstrate that coffee immersion of MLZ samples causes more significant discoloration (increased ∆E values) than other liquids. Further in vitro and clinical studies are warranted to corroborate the present study’s findings.
Research on Rock Strength Test Based on Electro-Hydraulic Servo Point Load Instrument
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxia , Qiao Lei , Wu Faquan , Wang Zhaoyuan , Chen Yinhong , Wu Jie
Published: September 2022

A new electro-hydraulic servo point load instrument was designed to address the problem that the existing point load instrument cannot be loaded continuously and uniformly; different loading rates (using three loading rates: 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 kN/s) were conducted on fine-crystalline granite, coarse-crystalline granite, and siltstone (each rock sample contains four sizes: 203, 303, 403, 503 mm3) for point load tests. Firstly, the influence of loading rate on the axial stress distribution of rock sample loading was investigated in conjunction with the rock strength damage theory. Next, the influence of rock sample size and loading rate on different standard point load strength evaluation methods was analyzed to find a reasonable evaluation method and loading rate and range of rock sample size. Finally, the relationship between standard point load strength and uniaxial compressive strength was analyzed on this basis to obtain its empirical conversion formula. The results show that: (1) With the increase in the loading rate of point load, the tensile and compressive stresses in the loading axis increase, and the compressive stresses near the center of the loading axis of the rock sample are more influenced by the loading rate; the standard point load strength increases with the increase in the loading rate, but the increase in the standard point load strength decreases when the loading rate increases to a certain range. (2) With the increase in size, the standard point load strength solved by method I, method III, and method IV has an obvious size effect, while the size effect of standard point load strength solved by method II is not obvious. (3) The conversion factors of fine-crystalline granite, coarse-crystalline granite, and siltstone were obtained by zero-intercept linear regression analysis as 16.80, 15.32, and 14.60, respectively, which indicated that the conversion factors of rocks with high strength were higher than those of rocks with low strength. The present research results can provide theoretical support for revising the existing point load strength calculation equations.