bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empathy, Emotion Recognition, and Paranoia in the General Population
Authors: Beals Kendall , Sperry Sarah H. , Sheffield Julia M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Paranoia is associated with a multitude of social cognitive deficits, observed in both clinical and subclinical populations. Empathy is significantly and broadly impaired in schizophrenia, yet its relationship with subclinical paranoia is poorly understood. Furthermore, deficits in emotion recognition – a very early component of empathic processing – are present in both clinical and subclinical paranoia. Deficits in emotion recognition may therefore underlie relationships between paranoia and empathic processing. The current investigation aims to add to the literature on social cognition and paranoia by: (1) characterizing the relationship between paranoia and empathy, and (2) testing whether there is an indirect effect of emotion recognition on the relationship between empathy and paranoia.

Methods

Paranoia, empathy, and emotion recognition were assessed in a non-clinical sample of adults (n= 226) from the Nathan Kline Institute-Rockland (NKI-Rockland) dataset. Paranoia was measured using the Peters Delusions Inventory-21 (PDI-21). Empathy was measured using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), a self-report instrument designed to assess empathy using four subscales: Personal Distress, Empathic Concern, Perspective Taking, and Fantasy. Emotion recognition was assessed using the Penn Emotion Recognition Test (ER-40). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to estimate relationships between paranoia, the four measures of empathy and emotion recognition.

Results

Paranoia was associated with the Fantasy subscale of the IRI, such that higher Fantasy was associated with more severe paranoia (p< 0.001). No other empathy subscales were associated with paranoia. Fantasy was also associated with the emotion recognition of fear, such that higher Fantasy was correlated with better recognition of fear (p= 0.008). Paranoia and emotion recognition were not significantly associated. The Empathic Concern subscale was negatively associated with emotion recognition, with higher empathic concern related to worse overall emotion recognition (p= 0.002). All indirect paths through emotion recognition were non-significant.

Discussion

These results suggest that imaginative perspective-taking contributes to paranoia in the general population. These data do not, however, point to robust global relationships between empathy and paranoia or to emotion recognition as an underlying mechanism. Deficits in empathy and emotion recognition observed in schizophrenia may be associated with the broader pathology of schizophrenia, and therefore not detectable with subclinical populations.
Effects of Implementing the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability for Mechanical Restraint in a Forensic Male Population: A Stepped-Wedge, Cluster-Randomized Design
Authors: Hvidhjelm Jacob , Brandt-Christensen Mette , Delcomyn Christian , Møllerhøj Jette , Siersma Volkert , Bak Jesper
Published: February 2022

The assessment and formulation of the risk of violence and other unwanted behaviors at forensic psychiatric facilities have been attempted for decades. Structured professional judgment tools, such as the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START), are among the recent attempts to overcome the challenge of accomplishing these goals. This study examined the effect of implementing START in clinical practice for the most serious adverse events among the target group of severely mentally ill forensic psychiatric inpatients. Results were based on the use of mechanical restraints as an outcome. This study is a pragmatic, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized controlled trial and was conducted over 5 years. It included eight forensic psychiatric units. Fifty out of 156 patients who had a basic aggression score of more than 0 were included in the study. We found that the rate of mechanical restraint use within the START period were 82% [relative risk (RR) = 0.18], lower than those outside of the START period. Patients evaluated within the START period were also found to have a 36% (RR = 0.64) lower risk of having higher Brøset Violence Checklist scores than patients evaluated outside the START period. Previous studies on START have primarily focused on validation, the predictive capability of the assessment, and implementation. We were only able to identify one study that aimed to identify the benefits and outcomes of START in a forensic setting. This study showed a significant reduction in the chance for inpatients in a forensic psychiatric facility to become mechanically restrained during periods where the START was used as risk assessment.
Factors Associated With Severe Fever With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome in Endemic Areas of China
Authors: Jiang Xiaolin , Wang Yiguan , Zhang Xiaomei , Pang Bo , Yao Mingxiao , Tian Xueying , Sang Shaowei
Published: February 2022

Objective

To explore the influence of climatic, environmental and socioeconomic factors on SFTS occurrence in Shandong Province, China.

Methods

We used generalized additive model to estimate the association between SFTS cases and climatic factors, environmental factors and socioeconomic factors, including annual average temperature, precipitation, land cover, normalized difference vegetation index, altitude, population density, meat production, milk production, and gross domestic product (GDP).

Results

There were a total of 4,830 cases reported in 100 (70.9%) counties and districts in Shandong Province from 2010 to 2020. The results showed that the annual average temperature, precipitation, forest and grassland coverage rate, altitude and meat production (square root transform) had a reversed “V” relationship with SFTS occurrence, with the inflection points around 12.5–13.0°C in temperature, around 650 mm in precipitation, around 0.3 in forest and grassland coverage rate, around 300 m in altitude, and around 200–300 tons in meat production (square root transform), respectively. SFTS occurrence had a “V” relationship with milk production (square root transform) and GDP (square root transform), with the inflection points around 100–200 tons in milk production (square root transform), and around 150,000–200,000 yuan in GDP (square root transform), respectively.

Conclusions

Climatic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors contributed to the heterogeneous distribution of SFTS in Shandong Province, and the influence of these factors on SFTS occurrence was nonlinear.
Chinese Residents' Subjective Class Identity and Physical Activity Participation Mechanism
Authors: Yang Chuangjian , Li Zhifu , Liu Wei
Published: February 2022

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between participation in physical activity and subjective class identity of people in urban and rural areas of China. The effect of social class identity on residents' physical activity was tested using the Monte Carlo method. There is a positive correlation between physical activity and the subjective class identity of urban and rural residents (r = 0.351, p < 0.01). It has been also seen that subjective class identity can significantly improve residents' physical activity. The path coefficient of subjective class identity to residents' physical activity was 0.12 (p < 0.003). Therefore, national and local governments should promote the equalization of physical activities by providing public services and government transfer payments in urban and rural areas, improve the physical activity by improving subjective class identity and promote social progress.
Influence of Epoch Length and Recording Site on the Relationship Between Tri-Axial Accelerometry-Derived Physical Activity Levels and Structural, Functional, and Hemodynamic Properties of Central and Peripheral Arteries
Authors: Gómez-García Mariana , Torrado Juan , Bia Daniel , Zócalo Yanina
Published: February 2022

Background

It remains to be established to what extent physical activity (PA) levels among individuals are independently associated with deviations from the “optimal” state of the arterial system. Accelerometers have been proposed as means to obtain reliable, objective, and more comprehensive data of PA. Decisions at the time of data collection/processing could influence the association between accelerometry-derived indices and arterial properties.

Objectives

(i) To identify to what extent the strength of association between arterial properties and accelerometer-derived indices depend on the recording site and/or the epoch length; (ii) to determine whether some arterial characteristics (hemodynamic vs. structural vs. functional) or regions (elastic vs. transitional vs. muscular arteries; central vs. peripheral) have higher levels of association with accelerometry-derived indices.

Methods

Physical activity (PA), cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs), and cardiovascular properties were evaluated in 60 volunteers (general population; age: 23–62 years; women: 43%). PA was measured daily for 7 days (free-living situation; triaxial-accelerometers ActiGraph-GT3X+; hip and wrist; “Worn-to-wrist” option) and raw data was converted at epoch lengths of 1, 5, 10, 30, and 60-s. PA-related energy expenditure, daily time in moderate-to-vigorous PA, steps/minute, and counts-per-minute for vector magnitude were calculated. The cardiovascular evaluation included hemodynamic (central and peripheral pressure), structural (diameters and intima-media thickness), and functional (local and regional stiffness) parameters of carotids, femoral, and brachial arteries, and carotid-femoral and carotid-radial pathways. Arterial z-scores were obtained using age-related equations derived from healthy participants not exposed to CRFs (n = 1,688; age: 2–84 years; female: 51.2%) to evaluate at which degree each parameter deviates from the “optimal” value.

Methods

In general, hip recordings outperformed those obtained on the wrist regarding the strength of association with arterial parameters. Accelerometer-derived indices and their association with arterial properties vary depending on the recording site and epoch length. PA indices are stronger associated with functional (local) than structural variables and with central than peripheral arteries.

Conclusions

Regardless of the PA index, there were independent associations with central artery characteristics, which reinforces that these territories would be the most related to PA levels. Differences in data acquisition and processing could lead to differences in conclusions when addressing the association between accelerometer-derived indices and the cardiovascular system.
Using Gene Expression Analysis to Understand Complex Autoimmune Skin Disease Patients: A Series of Four Canine Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Cases
Authors: Amudzi Alice A. , Piedra-Mora Cesar , Ma Diana Junyue , Wong Neil B. , David Clement N. , Robinson Nicholas A. , Almela Ramón M. , Richmond Jillian M.
Published: February 2022

Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE) is an autoimmune skin disease that occurs in almost two-thirds of people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and can exist as its own entity. Despite its negative impact on the quality of life of patients, lupus pathogenesis is not fully understood. In recent years, the role of gene expression analysis has become important in understanding cellular functions and disease causation within and across species. Interestingly, dogs also develop CLE, providing a spontaneous animal model of disease. Here, we present a targeted transcriptomic analysis of skin biopsies from a case series of four dogs with complex autoimmunity with suspected CLE. We identified 92 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including type 1 interferon, B cell, and T cell-related genes, in the four cases compared to healthy skin margin controls. Additionally, we compared our results with existing CLE datasets from humans and mice and found that humans and canines share 49 DEGs, whereas humans and mice shared only 25 DEGs in our gene set. Immunohistochemistry of IFNG and CXCL10, two of the most highly upregulated inflammatory mediators, confirmed protein-level expression and revealed immune cells as the primary source of CXCL10 in dogs with SLE, whereas keratinocytes stained strongly for CXCL10 in dogs without SLE. We propose that gene expression analysis may aid the diagnosis of complex autoimmune skin diseases and that dogs may provide important insights into CLE and SLE pathogeneses, or more broadly, skin manifestations during systemic autoimmunity.
Intranasal Oxytocin Improves Social Behavior in Laboratory Beagle Dogs (Canis familiaris) Using a Custom-Made Social Test Battery
Authors: Turcsán Borbála , Román Viktor , Lévay György , Lendvai Balázs , Kedves Rita , Petró Eszter , Topál József
Published: February 2022

For a long time, oxytocin has been thought to have a generally positive effect on social cognition and prosocial behavior; however, recent results suggested that oxytocin has beneficial effects only under certain conditions. The aim of the present study was to explore potential associations between social competence and the effect of intranasal oxytocin on the social behavior of laboratory beagle dogs. We expected oxytocin treatment to have a more pronounced positive effect on dogs with lower baseline performance in a social test battery. Thirty-six adult dogs of both sexes received 32 IU intranasal oxytocin and physiological saline (placebo) treatment in a double-blind, cross-over design, with 17–20 days between the two sessions. Forty minutes after the treatment, dogs participated in a social test battery consisting of eight situations. The situations were carried out within one session and took 20–30 min to complete. Principal component analysis on the coded behaviors identified four components (Willingness to interact, Preference for social contact, Non-aversive response to nonsocial threat, and Non-aversive response to social threat). The subjects' behavior during the placebo condition was used to assess their baseline performance. We found that oxytocin treatment had a differential effect on the behavior depending on the baseline performance of the individuals in all components, but only two treatment × baseline performance interactions remained significant in a less sensitive analysis. In accordance with our hypothesis, oxytocin administration increased dogs' contact seeking and affiliative behaviors toward humans but only for those with low baseline performance. Dogs with low baseline performance also showed significantly more positive (friendly) reactions to social threat after oxytocin administration than after placebo, while for dogs with high baseline performance, oxytocin administration led to a more negative (fearful) reaction. These results indicate that similar to those on humans, the effects of oxytocin on dogs' social behavior are not universally positive but are constrained by individual characteristics and the context. Nevertheless, oxytocin administration has the potential to improve the social behavior of laboratory beagle dogs that are socially less proficient when interacting with humans, which could have both applied and animal welfare implications.
Ensiling Grape Pomace With and Without Addition of a Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strain: Effect on Polyphenols and Microbiological Characteristics, in vitro Nutrient Apparent Digestibility, and Gas Emission
Authors: De Bellis Palmira , Maggiolino Aristide , Albano Clara , De Palo Pasquale , Blando Federica
Published: February 2022

The present study investigated the effects of different grape pomace storage techniques on the effectiveness as feed on in vitro ruminant digestion efficiency. Grape pomace from an autochthonous red grape variety (cv Nero di Troia) was used as fresh (GP) or ensiled, both without additives (SIL) and with the addition of a bacterial strain, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 5BG (SIL+). All the different storage treatments were subject to chemical and microbiological evaluation, as well as in vitro digestibility, and gas production. Microbiological data revealed the good quality of grape pomace and silages due to the lactic acid bacteria populations and low presence, or absence, of undesirable microorganisms. The addition of L. plantarum 5BG influenced the chemical characteristics of the silage (SIL+). Ensiling technique deeply changed the polyphenolic composition, reducing anthocyanins, flavonols, and flavanols (condensed tannins precursors), particularly when L. plantarum 5BG was added. Antioxidant capacity was reduced by ensiling, in correlation with the polyphenolic content decrease. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value of SIL+ was the lowest (P < 0.01) and its total phenol content was lower than SIL (P < 0.01). No statistical differences were observed between GP, SIL, and SIL+ on the antioxidant capacity by TEAC assay (P > 0.05). Ensiling did not affect the grape pomace nutrient profile, except for the reduction in NFC content. Apparent in vitro digestibility showed how ensiling increased dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) disappearance (P < 0.01), particularly with the L. plantarum 5BG inoculation. Moreover, SIL+ showed the lowest propionic acid (P < 0.05) and the highest methane (P < 0.01), butyric acid (P < 0.01), and nitrogen (P < 0.05) in vitro production. Ensiling GP resulted in a better in vitro digestibility, particularly if L. plantarum 5BG strain is added, probably due to the reduction of flavanols and their lower microbial activity inhibition.
Real-Time Visualization of the Infection and Replication of a Mouse-Lethal Recombinant H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus
Authors: Lao Guangjie , Ma Kaixiong , Qiu Ziwen , Qi Wenbao , Liao Ming , Li Huanan
Published: February 2022

H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) continuously cross the species barrier to infect mammalians and are repeatedly transmitted to humans, posing a significant threat to public health. Importantly, some H9N2 AIVs were found to cause lethal infection in mice, but little is known about the viral infection dynamics in vivo. To analyze the real-time infection dynamics, we described the generation of a mouse-lethal recombinant H9N2 AIV, an influenza reporter virus (VK627-NanoLuc virus) carrying a NanoLuc gene in the non-structural (NS) segment, which was available for in vivo imaging. Although attenuated for replication in MDCK cells, VK627-NanoLuc virus showed similar pathogenicity and replicative capacity in mice to its parental virus. Bioluminescent imaging of the VK627-NanoLuc virus permitted successive observations of viral infection and replication in infected mice, even following the viral clearance of a sublethal infection. Moreover, VK627-NanoLuc virus was severely restricted by the K627E mutation in PB2, as infected mice showed little weight loss and a low level of bioluminescence. In summary, we have preliminarily established a visualized tool that enables real-time observation of the infection and replication dynamics of H9N2 AIV in mice, which contributes to further understanding the mechanisms underlying the pathogenic enhancement of H9N2 AIV to mice.
A Parallelized Genetic Algorithm to Evaluate Asteroid Impact Missions Using Electric Propulsion
Authors: Sankaran Kamesh , Griffith Scott A. , Thompson Noah C. , Lochridge Matthew D. , O’Kins Andrew S.
Published: February 2022

A streamlined genetic algorithm was developed and implemented on a GPU to evaluate low-thrust trajectories of spacecraft propelled by an ion thruster. It was then applied to examine the utility of a specific thruster for an asteroid impact mission. This method was validated by comparing impact speeds of non-thruster results with the DART mission, which does not significantly use the equipped ion thruster. Then, by utilizing the ion thruster for prolonged periods, this model demonstrated the possibility of significant increases in the impact speed and significant decreases in the trip times. This specific test case was used to examine the utility of the model and, by methodically varying relevant variables, this article shows the influence of the genetic algorithm on the results. By examining a range of electrical power levels, the results presented here provide hints as to the possible effects of spacecraft design trade-offs on impact speed. The analysis of the effects of the algorithm on the results and the evaluation of thruster operating parameters indicate the applicability of this model to a variety of spaceflight missions.
Efficiency of Phosphorus Fertilizers Derived from Recycled Biogas Digestate as Applied to Maize and Ryegrass in Soils with Different pH
Authors: Bach Inga-Mareike , Essich Lisa , Bauerle Andrea , Müller Torsten
Published: February 2022

Three phosphorus (P) fertilizer fractions recycled from biogas digestates were tested alone and in combination for their efficiency in two agricultural surface soils with different pH: a silty sandy loam and a clay loam. The experiments were carried out in pots under greenhouse conditions, using mineral triple superphosphate (TSP) as a reference. Maize was cultivated for 50 days, followed by ryegrass cultivation for an additional 84 days in the same soil, without additional fertilization. The variables investigated were above-ground plant biomass production, plant phosphorus concentration and content, and plant available phosphorus concentration in soil. The dry matter (DM) yield of maize was increased by the organic P fertilizers equal to or more than TSP in both soils. In the neutral soil, biomass was almost doubled compared to TSP when using one of the fractions (Struvite containing P-Salt) alone or in combination with dried solid fractions. P concentration in maize cultivated in the neutral soil was not significantly different between the P fertilization treatments. However, associated with biomass increase, the total P content in maize plants was equal to or higher than that with TSP. In the acidic soil, P concentration and total P content in maize plants, as well as the calcium-acetate-lactate extractable P (CAL-P) concentration in soil, were equal to or even higher than TSP. Ryegrass DM yield was unaffected by all P fertilizers, independent of the soil, although P concentration and total P content increased in the acidic soil with all fertilizers. Our results show that recycled P fertilizers from biogas digestates are effective P fertilizer alternatives to mineral TSP for maize cultivation under acidic and neutral soil conditions. The lack of growth effects in ryegrass indicates that recycled P fertilizers do not require changes in weed control. On the other hand, P extraction by ryegrass in overfertilized acidic soils as an option for soil remediation also works in soils fertilized with biogas digestate fractions.
The Impact of Salinity Stress on Antioxidant Response and Bioactive Compounds of Nepeta cataria L.
Authors: Lungoci Constantin , Motrescu Iuliana , Filipov Feodor , Jitareanu Carmenica Doina , Teliban Gabriel-Ciprian , Ghitau Carmen Simona , Puiu Ioan , Robu Teodor
Published: February 2022

In this study, the ability of Nepeta cataria L. to grow and synthesize bioactive compounds on soil treated with different salt concentrations was tested to evaluate the opportunity of cultivating it in soils affected by salinization. N. cataria L. was grown in soil containing specific amounts of NaCl, Na2SO4, and their mixture. After harvesting, the plants were analyzed from the morphological and physiological point of view. Salinity stress inhibited the growth, with the highest decrease of the plant yield up to about 70% in the case of salt mixture, and smaller values for the separate salt treatments. In the same time, as a defense mechanism, there was an increase of granular trichomes’ density, as observed with the scanning electron microscope. For mild concentrations of salt, the amount of chlorophyll pigments was enhanced, while for stronger salinity stress, it decreased. The opposite behavior was evidenced for the polyphenol content, as antioxidant activity was used as a protective mechanism against reactive oxygen species produced under salinity stress. The antioxidant activity was considerably higher for separate NaCl and Na2SO4 treatments than for the salt mixture variants. The results showed that the species Nepeta cataria L. reacts well to high salinity levels, with an increased content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity even for the highest studied salinity conditions.
Is It Possible to Assess Heatwave Impact on Grapevines at the Regional Level with Time Series of Satellite Images?
Authors: Lopez-Fornieles Eva , Brunel Guilhem , Devaux Nicolas , Roger Jean-Michel , Tisseyre Bruno
Published: February 2022

Unexpected climatic conditions or extreme climatic events in vineyards are a worldwide problem that requires accurate spatial and temporal monitoring. Satellite-based remote sensing is an important source of data to assess this challenge in a climate-change context. This paper provides a first insight into the capacity of a multiway analysis method applied to Sentinel-2 time series to assess heatwave impacts in vineyards at a regional scale. Multi-way partial least squares (N-PLS) regression was used as a supervised technique to predict the intensity of damage caused to vineyards by the heatwave phenomenon that impacted the vineyards in the south of France in 2019. The model was developed based on available ground truth data of yield losses for 107 vineyard blocks in the Languedoc-Roussillon region and multispectral time-series predictor data for the period May to August 2019. The model showed a performance accuracy (R2) of 0.56 in the calibration set and of 0.66 in the validation set, with a standard error of cross-validation in the calibration set of 12.4% and a standard error of the prediction of yield losses in the validation set of 10.7. The model was applied at a regional scale on 4978 vineyard blocks to predict yield losses using spectral and temporal attributes. The prediction of the yield loss due to heat stress at a regional scale was related to the spatial pattern of maximum temperatures recorded during the extreme weather event. This relation was confirmed by a chi-square test (p < 5%). The introduction of N-PLS insights into the analysis enables the characterisation of heat stress responses in vineyards and the identification of spectro-temporal profiles relevant for understanding the effects of heatwaves on vine blocks at a regional scale.
Precision Genome Editing Toolbox: Applications and Approaches for Improving Rice’s Genetic Resistance to Pathogens
Authors: Chattopadhyay Anirudha , Purohit Jyotika , Mehta Sahil , Parmar Hemangini , Karippadakam Sangeetha , Rashid Afreen , Balamurugan Alexander , Bansal Shilpi , Prakash Ganesan , Achary V. Mohan Murali , Reddy Malireddy K.
Published: February 2022

In the present scenario of a looming food crisis, improving per hectare rice productivity at a greater pace is among the topmost priorities of scientists and breeders. In the past decades, conventional, mutational, and marker-assisted breeding techniques have played a significant role in developing multiple desired rice varieties. However, due to certain limitations, these techniques cannot furnish the projected food security of the 2050 population’s aching stomachs. One of the possible options would be precise crop genome editing using various tools, viz., TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 to resolve this multifaceted crisis. Initially, the potentiality of these technologies was tested only in the rice protoplasts. Later, the techniques were employed to edit calli with help of modified vectors, CRISPR variants, cassette cloning systems, and delivery methods. With the continuous technological advancements such as base editing, multiplexing, etc., the precision, rapidness, efficiency, reliability, potency, and range of applications of these platforms have increased and even been used for gene function studies. This leads to a revolution in the field of the rice improvement program, especially the stress tolerance against various pests and pathogens in which the susceptibility factors located within the rice genome are targeted through genome editing tools. Therefore, in this current article, we have summarized the advancements in the rice genome editing tools during the last decade concerning enhanced biotic stress tolerance. Additionally, we have focused on the regulatory aspects of genome editing with associated risks and limitations, and the prospects to reshape the rice genome for durable resistance to complex biotic stress.
Alternatives to Subcutaneous Immunotherapy for Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Terada Tetsuya , Kawata Ryo
Published: February 2022

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an important public health issue worldwide due to its increasing prevalence and impact on quality of life, school performance, and work productivity. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is used to treat AR and involves repeated injections of allergen extracts. SCIT is used for cases of severe AR with symptoms that are not adequately controlled by medication, when the side effects of medication limit treatment options, or where the aim is to cure rather than symptomatically treat. Although SCIT is effective, it is not necessarily curative. Furthermore, there is also a low but present risk of systemic allergic reactions, with systemic side effects occurring in less than 0–1% of treated patients. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has emerged as an effective and safe alternative to SCIT. SCIT and SLIT are the only immunotherapies currently available for AR. In addition to sublingual administration as an alternative to SCIT, other routes of antigen administration have been attempted with the goal of increasing safety while maintaining efficacy. This review discusses the efficacies of SCIT and SLIT, their mechanisms, the utility of intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) as an alternative route of antigen administration, and the potential for immunotherapy using other routes of antigen administration.
Effects of Graded Levels of Mimosa (Acacia mearnsii) Tannin Purified with Organic Solvents on Gas, Methane, and In Vitro Organic Matter Digestibility of Eragrostis curvula Hay
Authors: Ibrahim Shehu Lurwanu , Hassen Abubeker
Published: February 2022

The higher contribution of methane (CH4) to global anthropogenic potential is a cause of concern to livestock producers. Mimosa tannin gained recent acceptance as an additive for enteric CH4 mitigation. However, rumen fermentation and digestibility are compromised when large quantities of tannins are supplemented due to the presence of hydrolysable tannin and other non-tannin molecules in mimosa extract, which are toxic to animals. Purification could eliminate the toxins, and thus, reduce the CH4 yield without negative effects on rumen microbial activities and organic matter degradation. The Soxhlet extraction method was used to purify the tannin using organic solvents (ethyl acetate and pentanol). The unpurified, ethyl acetate purified, and pentanol purified tannins at the dosages of 10, 20, 30, and 40 g/kg DM of substrate (Eragrostis curvula hay) were evaluated for gas, CH4, and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) in comparison with substrate alone. Gas kinetics were tested using a simple exponential model with lag. The results showed that compared with control, gas, CH4, IVOMD, CH4/gas, CH4/IVOMD, gas/IVOMD, asymptotic gas volume (v), and rate of gas production (k) decreased (p < 0.01) linearly with the increase in the inclusion levels of all tannin extracts. Also, ethyl acetate purified and pentanol purified tannin extracts reduced gas and CH4 at lower dosage (30 g/kg DM) compared to unpurified tannin extract at a higher level (40 g/kg). Pentanol purified tannin was more effective at lower dosage (20 g/kg DM) in terms of CH4/gas and CH4/IVOMD. It was concluded that the purification of mimosa tannin with ethyl acetate and pentanol reduced potential gas production and CH4 without much reduction in substrate digestibility when up to 30 g/kg DM of feed was used. Lower inclusion levels of ethyl acetate and pentanol purified extracts could give a similar result with a higher dosage of unpurified tannin.
Hepatoprotective Effect of the Penthorum Chinense Pursh Extract against the CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury via NF-κB and p38-MAPK PATHWAYS in Dogs
Authors: Tao Weilai , Yue Xin , Ye Ruiling , Nabi Fazul , Shang Yangfei , Zhu Zhaorong , Ahmed Bhutto Zohaib , Liu Juan
Published: February 2022

Acute liver injury (ALI), manifested by acute hepatocellular damages and necrosis, is a life-threatening clinical syndrome and Penthorum Chinense Pursh (PCP) is a well-known folk medicine practiced for liver-related diseases. This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of PCP extract (PCPE) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced ALI in dogs via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Healthy dogs were induced by CCl4 and treated with different dosage regimes of PCPE for 7 days. CCl4 produced acute liver injury and induced both oxidative stress and an inflammatory response in dogs. The PCPE significantly ameliorated and improved vacuolar inflammatory lesions in liver tissues during ALI, enhanced activity of superoxide dismutase, and restored glutathione peroxidase, further significantly reducing the indices of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in serum. Inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were declined and anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10) were increased by the application of PCPE. PCPE treatment, down-regulated the MEKK4, MKK3, p38MAPK, MSK1, and NF-κB, and upregulated the IkB mRNA levels (p < 0.01) in ALI affected dogs. In conclusion, PCPE repaired acute liver injury by improving antioxidant enzymes and by reducing oxidation products. Furthermore, the PCPE inhibited the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, which resulted in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on ALI-induced dogs. In the future, PCPE could be a useful ethnomedicine in veterinary clinical practices for the treatment of liver injuries or failures.
Possible COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis Due to Aspergillus niger in Greece
Authors: Katsiari Maria , Mavroidi Angeliki , Palla Eleftheria , Zourla Konstantina , Alonistiotis Theodoros , Ntorlis Kyriakos , Nikolaou Charikleia , Vrioni Georgia , Tsakris Athanasios
Published: February 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes direct damage to the pulmonary epithelium, enabling Aspergillus invasion. Rapid progression and high mortality of invasive aspergillosis have been reported. In the present study, we report a rare case of possible COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) caused by A. niger in a Greek patient. Diagnosis was based on ECMM/ISHAM specific criteria and the new algorithm “BM-AspICU” for the invasive pulmonary aspergillosis diagnostic strategy. The fungal isolate was recovered in a non-bronchoalveolar lavage (non-BAL) sample and its identification was performed by standard macroscopic and microscopic morphological studies. MALDI-TOF analysis confirmed the identification of A. niger. In addition, galactomannan antigen and Aspergillus real-time PCR testing were positive in the non-BAL sample, while in serum they proved negative. The A. niger isolate showed an MIC for fluconazole ≥128 μg/mL, for itraconazole and posaconazole 0.25 μg/mL, for voriconazole 0.5 μg/mL, for flucytosine 4 μg/mL, for amphotericin B 1 μg/mL, and for all echinocandins (caspofungin, anidulafungin, micafungin) >8 μg/mL. The patient was initially treated with voriconazole; amphotericin B was subsequently added, when a significant progression of cavitation was demonstrated on chest computed tomography. A. niger was not isolated in subsequent samples and the patient’s unfavorable outcome was attributed to septic shock caused by a pandrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strain.
Antibacterial Activity of Solanum torvum Leaf Extract and Its Synergistic Effect with Oxacillin against Methicillin-Resistant Staphyloccoci Isolated from Dogs
Authors: Khunbutsri Duangdaow , Naimon Nattakarn , Satchasataporn Khomson , Inthong Natnaree , Kaewmongkol Sarawan , Sutjarit Samak , Setthawongsin Chanokchon , Meekhanon Nattakan
Published: February 2022

Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) have been considered a veterinary and public health threat that needs to be addressed, as they are known to cause serious infections, with limited therapeutic options. Thus, in this study, we aimed to examine the potential antibacterial activity of the leaf extract of Solanum torvum against MRS isolated from clinically healthy dogs. In total, seven mecA-positive Staphylococcus isolates tested in this study were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and all of them were classified as multidrug-resistant using disk diffusion tests. According to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, the main phytochemical components found in the leaf extract were hexadecanoic acid and its ethyl ester and 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, ethyl ester, (Z,Z,Z). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoints for the leaf extract against all tested isolates ranged from 2 to 16 mg/mL, while the MIC breakpoints for oxacillin were from 2 to 512 mg/L. Although varying effects were found, the positive effects of the leaf extract were most evident in combination with oxacillin. These results suggested that S. torvum leaf extract may complement classical antibiotics and may potentially drive the development of an effective therapeutic option for MRS.
Nosocomial Pneumonia Caused in an Immunocompetent Patient by the Emergent Monophasic ST34 Variant of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium: Treatment-Associated Selection of Fluoroquinolone and Piperacillin/Tazobactam Resistance
Authors: Vázquez Xenia , Forcelledo Lorena , Balboa-Palomino Salvador , Fernández Javier , Rodicio María Rosario
Published: February 2022

The present report describes an uncommon case of nosocomial pneumonia caused by Salmonellaenterica in an immunocompetent patient. The patient was admitted to ICU of a tertiary hospital due to low level of consciousness, aphasia and seizure episodes. Four days after hospitalization, he developed nosocomial pneumonia, which evolved into septic shock. Gram-negative bacilli were recovered from blood, tracheal aspirate and fecal samples of the patient. The isolates, which were identified as Salmonella enterica, proved to be resistant to ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and piperacillin/tazobactam. Four months before, the same bacterial species was recovered from feces and blood cultures of the patient, admitted to the nephrology ward of the same hospital with diagnosis of gastroenteritis and acute renal failure. However, at that time, the isolates were susceptible to the above-mentioned antibiotics. Genome sequencing revealed that all isolates were closely related and belonged to the emergent ST34 monophasic variant of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium. Since the patient has received therapy with fluoroquinolones and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, these results support treatment-associated selection of the acquired resistances. In conclusion, this case represents a paradigm of selective pressure leading to in vivo development of resistance to highly relevant antibiotics, including the piperacillin/tazobactam combination used for empirical management of severe infections at ICU.
Polymyxin Induces Significant Transcriptomic Perturbations of Cellular Signalling Networks in Human Lung Epithelial Cells
Authors: Li Mengyao , Azad Mohammad A. K. , Ahmed Maizbha U. , Zhu Yan , Song Jiangning , Zhou Fanfan , Chan Hak-Kim , Velkov Tony , Zhou Qi Tony , Li Jian
Published: February 2022

Inhaled polymyxins are increasingly used to treat pulmonary infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. We have previously shown that apoptotic pathways, autophagy and oxidative stress are involved in polymyxin-induced toxicity in human lung epithelial cells. In the present study, we employed human lung epithelial cells A549 treated with polymyxin B as a model to elucidate the complex interplay of multiple signalling networks underpinning cellular responses to polymyxin toxicity. Polymyxin B induced toxicity (1.0 mM, 24 h) in A549 cells was assessed by flow cytometry and transcriptomics was performed using microarray. Polymyxin B induced cell death was 19.0 ± 4.2% at 24 h. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the control and polymyxin B treated cells were identified with Student’s t-test. Pathway analysis was conducted with KEGG and Reactome and key hub genes related to polymyxin B induced toxicity were examined using the STRING database. In total we identified 899 DEGs (FDR < 0.01), KEGG and Reactome pathway analyses revealed significantly up-regulated genes related to cell cycle, DNA repair and DNA replication. NF-κB and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NOD) signalling pathways were identified as markedly down-regulated genes. Network analysis revealed the top 5 hub genes (i.e., degree) affected by polymyxin B treatment were PLK1(48), CDK20 (46), CCNA2 (42), BUB1 (40) and BUB1B (37). Overall, perturbations of cell cycle, DNA damage and pro-inflammatory NF-κB and NOD-like receptor signalling pathways play key roles in polymyxin-induced toxicity in human lung epithelial cells. Noting that NOD-like receptor signalling represents a group of key sensors for microorganisms and damage in the lung, understanding the mechanism of polymyxin-induced pulmonary toxicity will facilitate the optimisation of polymyxin inhalation therapy in patients.
Applying Diagnostic Stewardship to Proactively Optimize the Management of Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Morado Faiza , Wong Darren W.
Published: February 2022

A urinary tract infection is amongst the most common bacterial infections in the community and hospital setting and accounts for an estimated 1.6 to 2.14 billion in national healthcare expenditure. Despite its financial impact, the diagnosis is challenging with urine cultures and antibiotics often inappropriately ordered for non-specific symptoms or asymptomatic bacteriuria. In an attempt to limit unnecessary laboratory testing and antibiotic overutilization, several diagnostic stewardship initiatives have been described in the literature. We conducted a systematic review with a focus on the application of molecular and microbiological diagnostics, clinical decision support, and implementation of diagnostic stewardship initiatives for urinary tract infections. The most successful strategies utilized a bundled, multidisciplinary, and multimodal approach involving nursing and physician education and feedback, indication requirements for urine culture orders, reflex urine culture programs, cascade reporting, and urinary antibiograms. Implementation of antibiotic stewardship initiatives across the various phases of laboratory testing (i.e., pre-analytic, analytic, post-analytic) can effectively decrease the rate of inappropriate ordering of urine cultures and antibiotic prescribing in patients with clinically ambiguous symptoms that are unlikely to be a urinary tract infection.
Reversible Electroporation and Post-Electroporation Resting of Thai Basil Leaves Prior to Convective and Vacuum Drying
Authors: Thamkaew Grant , Rasmusson Allan G. , Orlov Dmytro , Galindo Federico Gómez
Published: February 2022

Pretreatment by reversible electroporation followed by resting (storage under saturated moisture at 21 ± 2 °C) was evaluated for modification of the properties of dried and rehydrated Thai basil leaves. The treated leaves were dried by convection at 40 °C or in a vacuum at room temperature. The results showed that vacuum drying provoked more cell damage and tissue collapse than convective air drying at a moisture ratio (MR) of 0.2 and 0.1. Under this level of MR, the pulsed electric field (PEF) and resting pretreatment exerts a protective effect of the tissue for both drying methods. However, under complete dehydration (water activity, aw = 0.05) damage seems to be similar for both drying methods despite the PEF pretreatment. Remarkably, reversible electroporation followed by resting resulted in higher trichome preservation. At MR of 0.05, the area of trichomes on the surface of convective-dried, PEF-rested and fresh samples were not statistically different at 2267 ± 89 µm2 and 2218 ± 65 µm2, respectively, showing that this pretreatment still exerts a protective effect on trichomes when complete dehydration is achieved.
Protein Fluctuations in Response to Random External Forces
Authors: Scaramozzino Domenico , Khade Pranav M. , Jernigan Robert L.
Published: February 2022

Elastic network models (ENMs) have been widely used in the last decades to investigate protein motions and dynamics. There the intrinsic fluctuations based on the isolated structures are obtained from the normal modes of these elastic networks, and they generally show good agreement with the B-factors extracted from X-ray crystallographic experiments, which are commonly considered to be indicators of protein flexibility. In this paper, we propose a new approach to analyze protein fluctuations and flexibility, which has a more appropriate physical basis. It is based on the application of random forces to the protein ENM to simulate the effects of collisions of solvent on a protein structure. For this purpose, we consider both the Cα-atom coarse-grained anisotropic network model (ANM) and an elastic network augmented with points included for the crystallized waters. We apply random forces to these protein networks everywhere, as well as only on the protein surface alone. Despite the randomness of the directions of the applied perturbations, the computed average displacements of the protein network show a remarkably good agreement with the experimental B-factors. In particular, for our set of 919 protein structures, we find that the highest correlation with the B-factors is obtained when applying forces to the external surface of the water-augmented ANM (an overall gain of 3% in the Pearson’s coefficient for the entire dataset, with improvements up to 30% for individual proteins), rather than when evaluating the fluctuations obtained from the normal modes of a standard Cα-atom coarse-grained ANM. It follows that protein fluctuations should be considered not just as the intrinsic fluctuations of the internal dynamics, but also equally well as responses to external solvent forces, or as a combination of both.
Design of a Wearable Healthcare Emergency Detection Device for Elder Persons
Authors: Amato Flora , Balzano Walter , Cozzolino Giovanni
Published: February 2022

Improving quality of life in geriatric patients is related to constant physical activity and fall prevention. In this paper, we propose a wearable system that takes advantage of sensors embedded in a smart device to collect data for movement identification (running, walking, falling and daily activities) of an elderly user in real-time. To provide high efficiency in fall detection, the sensor’s readings are analysed using a neural network. If a fall is detected, an alert is sent though a smartphone connected via Bluetooth. We conducted an experimental session using an Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense board in inside and outside environments. The results of the experiment have shown that the system is extremely portable and provides high success rates in fall detection in terms of accuracy and loss.