bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Cardiac Myxoma: A Case Series and Pooled Analysis
Authors: Rao Jie , Tao Zi , Bao Qiongqiong , Xu Mengbei , Jiang Mingxia , Weng Xiongpeng , Yin Bo , Li Dandong , Li Yan , Cai Xueli , Fu Fangwang
Published: April 2022

Background and Purpose

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a common and life-threatening complication of patients with cardiac myxoma (CM). The role of the mechanical thrombectomy (MT) technique in CM-AIS patients remains unclear, and no guidelines exist for this population. Therefore, we conducted a case series study of MT in CM-AIS patients to investigate its safety and efficacy via a pooled analysis of published literature.

Methods

Eleven CM-AIS patients who underwent MT between 2016 and 2021 were screened from multicenter stroke databases. Clinical, procedural, and outcome data were obtained from medical records. A systematic review was conducted to identify additional cases from published studies by searching PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. We then performed a pooled analysis of the published cases.

Results

In the case series study, most patients were male (81.8%), with a median age of 51 years. All patients had CM located in the left atrium. The rate of successful reperfusion using the first-line thrombectomy technique was 100% with stent retriever (SR) and 66.7% with direct aspiration (DA), which resulted in overall successful reperfusion in 94.1% of all occlusions. The retrieved emboli of the five patients who underwent histopathology examination were identified as myxoma components. Hemorrhagic transformation was observed in five (45.5%) patients, of whom one was symptomatic (9.1%). Three-month favorable functional outcomes were achieved in five (45.5%) patients with a 3-month mortality rate of 18.2%. For the literature review, 35 cases with 51 target vessel occlusions were identified and included in the pooled analysis. The rate of successful reperfusion following first-line thrombectomy did not differ between SR (30 patients, 90.9%) and DA (10 patients, 83.3%). The overall successful reperfusion rate was 91.8% of all occlusions. Three-month favorable functional outcomes were achieved in 21 (60.0%) patients, and the mortality rate was 8.6%.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that MT is not only an effective technique but also a safe option for CM-AIS patients with large vessel occlusion. MT has several advantages for this population, which include a high recanalization rate, low bleeding risk, and the ability to evaluate the source of emboli and the etiology of stroke.
The Ogival Palate: A New Risk Marker of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy?
Authors: Ducloyer Mathilde , Wargny Matthieu , Medo Charlotte , Gourraud Pierre-Antoine , Clement Renaud , Levieux Karine , Gras-Le Guen Christèle , Corre Pierre , Rambaud Caroline
Published: April 2022

Objective

Ogival palate (i.e., a narrow and high-arched palate) is usually described in obstructive breath disorder but has been found in infants unexpectedly deceased. We studied the association between ogival palate and sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) on the basis of a computed tomography (CT) evaluation.

Methods

We conducted a monocentric case-control study of children under 2 years of age who died of SUDI, for which a head CT scan and an autopsy were performed between 2011 and 2018. Each case was matched by sex and age (± 30 days) to two controls selected among living children in the same center who benefited from a cranio-encephalic CT scan. Four parameters of the hard palate were measured by CT: height, width, length, and sagittal angle; the height/width ratio was calculated. The presence of an ogival palate was also subjectively evaluated by the radiologists, independently from the measurements. Standardized odds ratios (OR) were calculated using conditional logistic regression models, all expressed for +1 standard deviation (SD).

Results

Thirty-two deceased children were matched to 64 living control children. Mean ages were 5.0 and 5.3 months, respectively. Twenty-eight cases were considered to have died as a result of SIDS. The mean heights of the hard palate were significantly higher in the deceased children [4.1 (± 0.7) millimeters (mm)] than in the living children [3.2 (± 0.6) mm], with OR (+1SD) = 4.30 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.04–9.06, P = 0.0001). The mean widths of the hard palate were 21.0 (± 1.9) mm and 23.2 (± 2.1) mm, respectively, with OR = 0.15 (95% CI, 0.06–0.40, P = 0.0001). The mean sagittal angles were significantly more acute in deceased children [134.5° (± 9.3)] than in living children [142.9° (± 8.1)], with OR = 0.28 (95% CI, 0.14–0.56, P = 0.0003). The mean height/width ratios were 19.8 (± 3.7) and 14.1 (± 3.3), respectively, with OR = 6.10 (95% CI, 2.50–14.9, P = 0.0001). The hard palate was subjectively considered as ogival in 59.4% (19/32) of the cases versus 12.5% (8/64) of the controls.

Conclusion

Radiological features of the ogival palate were strongly associated with SUDI. This observation still needs to be confirmed and the corresponding clinical features must be identified.
Real-Time Visualization of Scent Accumulation Reveals the Frequency of Floral Scent Emissions
Authors: Kim Hyoungsoo , Lee Gilgu , Song Junyong , Kim Sang-Gyu
Published: April 2022

Flowers emit a bouquet of volatiles to attract pollinators or to protect flowers from pathogen and herbivore attacks. Most floral volatiles are synthesized in the cytoplasm of petals and released into the headspace at a specific time of day. Various floral scent sampling methods coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry have been used to measure the quality and quantity of floral volatiles. However, little is known about the emission patterns of floral scents. In most cases, it is still unclear whether floral scents emit continuously or discontinuously. Here we measured the frequency with which lily flowers emit scents using optical interferometry. By analyzing the refractive index difference between volatile organic compounds and ambient air, we were able to visualize the accumulation of the volatile vapors. The frequency of volatile emission was calculated from the unique footprint of temporal power spectrum maps. Based on these real-time measurements, we found that lily flowers emit the volatile compounds discontinuously, with pulses observed around every 10–50 min.
Isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantitation Identification of Blood Proteins Relevant to Paroxetine Response in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Lin Chin-Chuen , Su Hung , Shiea Jentaie , Huang Tiao-Lai
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) is a proteomic investigation that could be utilized for rapid identification and quantification of proteins, which we would use to identify differentially expressed proteins in treatment responsive patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

Six treatment responsive patients of MDD were recruited, and their peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) were collected before and after 4 weeks of paroxetine treatment. iTRAQ and Mascot search engine were used to detect differentially expressed proteins, which were then validated by Western blot.

Results

Two thousand one hundred and fifty three proteins were screened, and seven proteins showed differences of more than two-fold and 62 proteins with a differences of less than two-fold. Six proteins with commercially available antibodies were identified, and were validated by Western blot in 10 paroxetine responsive MDD patients. Putative hydroxypyruvate isomerase (HYI), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4H (eIF4H), and RNA binding motif 8A (RBM8A) had statistically significant differences before and after treatment in the validation. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD028947.

Conclusions

By using iTRAQ and Western blot, we were able to identify HYI, eIF4H, and RAM8a to be the potential predictors of paroxetine treatment response in patients with MDD. This finding could help establish future individualized medicine.
Association Between Wisdom and Psychotic-Like Experiences in the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wu Zhipeng , Jiang Zhengqian , Wang Zhipeng , Ji Yuqiao , Wang Feiwen , Ross Brendan , Sun Xiaoqi , Liu Zhening , Long Yicheng
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Wisdom has been empirically researched as a complex psychological characteristic that is associated with many mental health outcomes. However, its association with psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) remains unclear. This is the first work to assess wisdom, explore its association with PLEs, and test its moderating effect on the relation between the frequency of PLEs and their associated distress in the general population.

Methods

From January 29th to February 5th, 2021, our online self-administered survey recruited 927 participants (ages 14 to 65) from thirteen Chinese provinces. Convenience sampling was employed. We measured wisdom with the 12-item three-dimensional wisdom scale (3D-WS-12) and PLEs with the 15-item positive subscale of the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE-P15).

Results

Using the cut-off value of 1.47 in the mean frequency score, we divided our participants into high-PLEs group (188, 22.1%) and low-PLEs group (663, 77.9%). Three-dimensional wisdom score was decreased in the high-PLEs group compared to the low-PLEs group (Kruskal-Wallis t = 59.9, p < 0.001). Wisdom was associated with less frequent PLEs (Spearman’s rho = −0.21, p < 0.01) and lower distress related to PLEs (Spearman’s rho = −0.28) in the high-PLEs group (all above p < 0.001), which were replicated in the low-PLEs group. Notably, wisdom significantly attenuated the distress associated with PLEs [coefficient = −0.018, Bootstrap 95% CI (−0.029, −0.008)], but only in the low-PLEs group.

Conclusion

Our results implicated that wisdom could protect individuals from distressful subclinical psychotic symptoms and wiser individuals have better general mental health.
Structure of Hypomanic Symptoms in Adolescents With Bipolar Disorders: A Network Approach
Authors: Yang Yuan , Zhang Wu-Yang , Zhang Yao , Li Shuying , Cheung Teris , Zhang Dexing , Jackson Todd , He Fan , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: April 2022

Background

Bipolar disorders (BD) are severe mental illnesses that are often misdiagnosed or under-diagnosed. The self-report 33-item Hypomania Checklist (HCL-33) and the 33-item Hypomania Checklist – external assessment (HCL-33-EA) are well-validated scales for BD symptom detection. This study compared the network structure, central symptoms, and network stability of hypomanic symptoms measured by the HCL-33 vs. the HCL-33-EA.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2019. Adolescents (aged between 12 and 18 years) with BD were recruited from the outpatient department of Child Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. All participants were asked to complete the HCL-33, and their caregivers completed the HCL-33-EA. Network analyses were conducted.

Results

A total of 215 adolescents with BD and their family caregivers were recruited. Node HCL17 (“talk more,” node strength = 4.044) was the most central symptom in the HCL-33 network, followed by node HCL2 (“more energetic,” node strength = 3.822), and HCL18 (“think faster,” node strength = 3.801). For the HCL-33-EA network model, node HCL27 (“more optimistic,” node strength = 3.867) was the most central node, followed by node HCL18 (“think faster,” node strength = 3.077), and HCL17 (“talk more,” node strength = 2.998). In the network comparison test, there was no significant difference at the levels of network structure (M = 0.946, P = 0.931), global strength (S: 5.174, P = 0.274), or each specific edge (all P’s > 0.05 after Holm–Bonferroni corrections) between HCL-33 and HCL-33-EA items. Network stabilities for both models were acceptable.

Conclusion

The nodes “talk more” and “think faster” acted as central symptoms in BD symptom network models based on the HCL-33 and HCL-33-EA. Although the most prominent central symptom differed between the two models (“talk more” in HCL-33 vs. “more optimistic” in HCL-33-EA model), networks based on each measure were highly similar and underscored similarities in BD symptom relations perceived by adolescents and their caregivers. This research provides foundations for future studies with larger sample sizes toward improving the accuracy and robustness of observed network structures.
Characterization of the Core Determinants of Social Influence From a Computational and Cognitive Perspective
Authors: Lee Hyeji , Chung Dongil
Published: April 2022

Most human decisions are made among social others, and in what social context the choices are made is known to influence individuals' decisions. Social influence has been noted as an important factor that may nudge individuals to take more risks (e.g., initiation of substance use), but ironically also help individuals to take safer actions (e.g., successful abstinence). Such bi-directional impacts of social influence hint at the complexity of social information processing. Here, we first review the recent computational approaches that shed light on neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying social influence following basic computations involved in decision-making: valuation, action selection, and learning. We next review the studies on social influence from various fields including neuroeconomics, developmental psychology, social psychology, and cognitive neuroscience, and highlight three dimensions of determinants—who are the recipients, how the social contexts are presented, and to what domains and processes of decisions the influence is applied—that modulate the extent to which individuals are influenced by others. Throughout the review, we also introduce the brain regions that were suggested as neural instantiations of social influence from a large body of functional neuroimaging studies. Finally, we outline the remaining questions to be addressed in the translational application of computational and cognitive theories of social influence to psychopathology and health.
Autism Spectrum Disorder and IQ – A Complex Interplay
Authors: Wolff Nicole , Stroth Sanna , Kamp-Becker Inge , Roepke Stefan , Roessner Veit
Published: April 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized as a very heterogeneous child-onset disorder, whose heterogeneity is partly determined by differences in intelligence quotient (IQ). Older epidemiological studies suggested that the IQ-related spectrum tends to be skewed to the left, i.e., a larger proportion of individuals with ASD have below average intelligence, while only few individuals with ASD may have an IQ above average. This picture changed over time with broadening the spectrum view. Within the present perspective article, we discuss discrepancies in IQ profiles between epidemiological and clinical studies and identify potential underlying aspects, for example, the influence of external factors such as sample biases or differences in availability of autism health services. Additionally, we discuss the validity and reciprocal influences of ASD diagnostics and IQ measurement. We put the impact of these factors for diagnostic as well as care and support situations of patients into perspective and want to encourage further research to contribute to the conceptualization of “autism” more comprehensively including the IQ as well as to examine broader (life) circumstances, interacting factors and diagnostic requirements of given diagnoses in childhood as compared to adulthood.
Adaptability Protects University Students From Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia During Remote Learning: A Three-Wave Longitudinal Study From China
Authors: Zhang Keshun , Mi Zhenhong , Parks-Stamm Elizabeth J. , Cao Wanjun , Ji Yaqi , Jiang Runjie
Published: April 2022

The longitudinal relationship between students’ pre-existing adaptability and subsequent sleep and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic has not been studied. The present study examines the relationship between adaptability and students’ anxiety, depression, and insomnia during and after the lockdown related to COVID-19. 5,235 university students participated in a longitudinal study with three time points. Students completed the Adaptability Scale before the outbreak (October 2019; Time 1), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) both during (April 2020; Time 2) and after lockdown (March 2021; Time 3), the Anxiety and Depression subscales of the SCL-90 (at Time 1 and 3), and the SAS/SDS (at Time 2). The results showed that self-reported adaptability is significantly negatively correlated with anxiety and depression, and that anxiety and depression are positively correlated with insomnia. Furthermore, adaptability protects from insomnia both directly and through its negative relationship with anxiety and depression. This study sheds light on the internal mechanisms mediating the relationship between students’ adaptability and experience of insomnia in challenging circumstances. Implications for curtailing the negative effects of stressful events on students’ sleep health by improving their adaptability and reducing their anxiety and depression are discussed.
Exhausted Heart Rate Responses to Repeated Psychological Stress in Women With Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Schiweck Carmen , Gholamrezaei Ali , Hellyn Maxim , Vaessen Thomas , Vrieze Elske , Claes Stephan
Published: April 2022

Past research links depression and blunted cardiac vagal reactivity to chronic stress. Yet, to our knowledge no experiment investigates heart rate (variability) responses to a repeated laboratory stressor in patients with depression. Repeated exposure may provide valuable information on stress reactivity in depression. Fifty-nine women (30 inpatients diagnosed with depression and 29 matched controls) underwent two consecutive runs of a mental arithmetic stress paradigm consisting of one baseline and two exposures to control, stress, and recovery phases of 5 min each, in a case-control design. Subjective stress and electrocardiography were recorded. Variance of heart rate (HR) and root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD) were analyzed using linear mixed models. Overall, physiological parameters (HR and RMSSD) and subjective stress showed a strong group effect (all p < 0.001). In both groups, subjective stress and HR increased in response to stress, but the subjective stress levels of patients with depression did not return to baseline levels after the first stressor and for the remainder of the experiment (all p < 0.004 compared to baseline). Patients’ HR reactivity responded oppositely: while HR recovered after the first stress exposure, no reactivity was observed in response to the second exposure. These findings may suggest that the often-reported blunted HR/HRV response to stressors results from exhaustion rather than an incapacity to react to stress. The altered HR reactivity could indicate allostatic (over-) load in depression.
Deciphering Risperidone-Induced Lipogenesis by Network Pharmacology and Molecular Validation
Authors: Fu Yun , Yang Ke , Huang Yepei , Zhang Yuan , Li Shen , Li Wei-Dong
Published: April 2022

Background

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic that can cause substantial weight gain. The pharmacological targets and molecular mechanisms related to risperidone-induced lipogenesis (RIL) remain to be elucidated. Therefore, network pharmacology and further experimental validation were undertaken to explore the action mechanisms of RIL.

Methods

RILs were systematically analyzed by integrating multiple databases through integrated network pharmacology, transcriptomics, molecular docking, and molecular experiment analysis. The potential signaling pathways for RIL were identified and experimentally validated using gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis.

Results

Risperidone promotes adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation through Oil Red O staining and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). After network pharmacology and GO analysis, risperidone was found to influence cellular metabolism. In addition, risperidone influences adipocyte metabolism, differentiation, and lipid accumulation-related functions through transcriptome analysis. Intersecting analysis, molecular docking, and pathway validation analysis showed that risperidone influences the adipocytokine signaling pathway by targeting MAPK14 (mitogen-activated protein kinase 14), MAPK8 (mitogen-activated protein kinase 8), and RXRA (retinoic acid receptor RXR-alpha), thereby inhibiting long-chain fatty acid β-oxidation by decreasing STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) expression and phosphorylation.

Conclusion

Risperidone increases adipocyte lipid accumulation by plausibly inhibiting long-chain fatty acid β-oxidation through targeting MAPK14 and MAPK8.
Does Childhood Adversity Lead to Drug Addiction in Adulthood? A Study of Serial Mediators Based on Resilience and Depression
Authors: He Jingzhen , Yan Xinyu , Wang Rufang , Zhao Juyou , Liu Jun , Zhou Changwei , Zeng Yumei
Published: April 2022

Drug addiction is a common problem worldwide. Research has shown adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to be an important factor related to drug addiction. However, there are few studies on how ACEs lead to drug addiction and the role of resilience and depression in this process. Thus, the main purposes of the study were to determine the proportion of those with adverse childhood experiences who take drugs in adulthood and how resilience and depression affect this relationship. The results showed that (1) greater severity of ACEs made individuals more likely to take drugs; (2) ACEs were positively correlated with depression, and resilience was negatively correlated with ACEs and depression; and (3) ACEs not only affected drug addiction through resilience or depression alone but also through the combined action of resilience and depression, indicating that depression led to drug addiction while resilience weakened the effect of ACEs on depression and drug addiction. Furthermore, in the serial mediation model, abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction were significant predictors of drug addiction. Our results are encouraging in that they provide guidance in understanding the complex relationships among ACEs, resilience, depression, and drug addiction.
COVID-19 Shock, Financial Flexibility, and Hotels' Performance Nexus
Authors: Zhang XueHui , Chang Bao-Guang , Wu Kun-Shan
Published: April 2022

This study investigates the nexus of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) shock, financial flexibility (FF), and firm performance (FP) in Taiwan listed hotel firms. Quantile regression (QR) methods were used to analyze the data from Taiwan Stock Exchange listed hotel firms between 2020 Q1 and 2021 Q2. The results evidence that there is an inversed U-shaped linkage between FF and FP for the hotel industry. Additionally, FF has an inverted U-shaped effect on FP for the asset-light hotel firms for all quantiles except the 50th quantile. In addition, FF also has an inverted U-shaped impact on FP for the asset-heavy hotel firms in the 10th and 90th quantiles. A significant finding in this study is that there is a concave non-linear relationship between FF and FP, consistent with the law of diminishing marginal return. That is, with an increase in FF, the FP is on the rise; when FF exceeds the inflection point level, the FP begins to decline. Thus, a firm must ensure that the FF strategy it adopts must be the most efficient and effective, i.e., it must bring the trade-off between costs and benefits. The empirical results highlight the need for the hotel industry of Taiwan to take the rolling adjustment and optimization of FF after the COVID-19 pandemic for long-term sustainability.
Injustices in Black Maternal Health: A Call for Different Research Questions, Orientations, and Methodologies
Authors: Sealy-Jefferson Shawnita
Published: April 2022

For decades, Black mothers have been most likely to suffer the worst outcomes of pregnancy, including death. Even though traditional individual level risk factors do not explain racial inequities in maternal morbidity, most studies identify Black race as a predictor, instead of the ways in which our society is structured around racism that makes Black mothers vulnerable to adverse health outcomes. As an example, the U.S is exceptional in incarcerating its residents, and Black men are six times and Black women are three times more likely than their white counterparts to be incarcerated. Relatedly, violent death caused by homicides disproportionately impacts Black communities, such that is the leading cause of death for males and females aged 10–34 years. Estimates suggest that more than 50% of urban residents know more than 10 murder victims, and approximately 200 people are affected by each neighborhood murder. Recent research has begun to shed light on the impacts of stressful neighborhood social conditions on risk of the adverse birth outcomes among Black mothers however, few studies have quantified the impact of macro-social neighborhood factors like violent death exposures and mass incarceration on Black maternal health. Future research that leverages relevant theoretical frameworks, is co-created and co-led with affected communities, and focuses on relevant neighborhood level traumas is warranted if we are to address the longstanding racial inequities in maternal health.
Dental Evaluation Prior to Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yong Chee Weng , Robinson Andrew , Hong Catherine
Published: April 2022

A comprehensive oral examination and dental care prior to the start of cancer therapy is the standard of care in many cancer centers. This is because good oral health will likely minimize the undesirable complications such as opportunistic infections during cancer therapy. As the considerations differ between anti-neoplastic regimens, this chapter discusses the indications and rationale when planning and executing a treatment plan for patients undergoing various cancer therapies.
Identification of Common Hub Genes in Human Dermal Fibroblasts Stimulated by Mechanical Stretch at Both the Early and Late Stages
Authors: Dong Chen , Liu Wei , Zhang Yu , Song Yajuan , Du Jing , Huang Zhaosong , Wang Tong , Yu Zhou , Ma Xianjie
Published: April 2022

Background

Mechanical stretch is vital for soft tissue regeneration and development and is utilized by plastic surgeons for tissue expansion. Identifying the common hub genes in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) stimulated by mechanical stretch at different stages will help elucidate the mechanisms involved and improve the efficiency of tissue expansion.

Methods

A gene expression dataset (GSE58389) was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HDFs between cyclic mechanical stretching and static samples were identified at 5 and 24 h. Common DEGs overlapped in both the 5 h and 24 h groups. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to determine the functions of the DEGs. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using the STRING database. The top 10 hub genes were selected using the plug-in Cytohubba within Cytoscape. The regulatory network of hub genes was predicted using NetworkAnalyst.

Results

A total of 669 and 249 DEGs were identified at the early (5 h) and late stages (24 h), respectively. Of these, 152 were present at both stages and were designated as common DEGs. The top enriched GO terms were “regulation of autophagy” at the early stage, and “sterol biosynthetic processes” at the late stage. The top KEGG terms were “pyrimidine metabolism” and “synaptic vesicle cycle” at the early and late stages, respectively. Seven common DEGs [DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17), exocyst complex component 7 (EXOC7), CASK interacting protein 1 (CASKIN1), ribonucleoprotein PTB-binding 1 (RAVER1), late cornified envelope 1D (LCE1D), LCE1C, and polycystin 1, transient receptor potential channel interacting (PKD1)] and three common DEGs [5′-3′ exoribonuclease 2 (XRN2), T-complex protein 1 (TCP1), and syntaxin 3 (STX3)] were shown to be downregulated and upregulated hub genes, respectively. The GO terms of the common hub genes were “skin development” and “mRNA processing.” After constructing the regulatory network, hsa-mir-92a-3p, hsa-mir-193b-3p, RNA polymerase II subunit A (POLR2A), SMAD family member 5 (SMAD5), and MYC-associated zinc finger protein (MAZ) were predicted as potential targets in both stages.

Conclusion

At the early stage, there were clear changes in gene expression related to DNA and chromatin alterations; at late stages, gene expression associated with cholesterol metabolism was increased. Common DEGs related to skin development, transcriptional regulation, and cytoskeleton rearrangement identified in both stages were found to be potential targets for promoting HDF growth and alignment under mechanical stretch.
Comparison of Virulence Patterns Between Streptococcus uberis Causing Transient and Persistent Intramammary Infection
Authors: Srithanasuwan Anyaphat , Pangprasit Noppason , Suriyasathaporn Witaya
Published: April 2022

The objectives of this study were determined by two experiments including Experiment 1 (EXP1) using Streptococcus uberis obtained from a weekly longitudinal study to compare virulence patterns between transient and persistent intramammary infection (IMI), and Experiment 2 (EXP2) using a stored-known-appearance PFGE strain of a contagious S. uberis to determine a change of virulence patterns after long-term transmission. For EXP1, quarter milk samples from 31 milking cows were aseptically and longitudinally collected once a week for 10 weeks. A total of 14 S. uberis isolates from quarters with 1 and >4 weeks of duration of IMI were categorized as transient and persistent IMI, respectively. For EXP2, 11 isolates of a stored-known-appearance PFGE strain of S. uberis from our previous study (1) were randomly selected, including 5 from transient IMI (1 month) and 6 from persistent IMI (>1 month). The virulence profiles of all isolates were investigated, including sua, hasAB, hasC, gapC, pauA, and CAMP factor or cfu, using PCR. The Kaplan–Meier estimates were used to calculate the duration of IMI in EXP1. Approximately 50% of field S. uberis IMI was spontaneously cured within 1 week, while 25% was not cured within 10 weeks. From EXP1, 4 virulence patterns were found in 14 isolates. The majority of patterns for transient S. uberis did not include hasAB (63.6%), the gene relating to capsule formation. Regardless of transient or persistent IMI, a high similarity of the virulence pattern within a PFGE strain was found in EXP2. Few changes of virulence pattern within a PFGE strain were found or were related to its subsequently changing to transient IMI.
Case Report: Indocyanine Green-Based Angiography for Real-Time Assessment of Superficial Brachialis Axial Pattern Flap Vascularization in Two Dogs
Authors: Michalik David , Nolff Mirja Christine
Published: April 2022

This case report describes the method and feasibility of near-infrared angiography (NIRA) to improve the surgical procedure of two superficial brachial axial pattern flaps intraoperatively using two camera systems. Two client-owned dogs were treated for tumors on their antebrachia with wide surgical excision. The defects were closed with a superficial brachial flap in both cases. A different NIRA camera system was used for each case to identify the perforator vessel and flap margins accordingly. Case 1 developed a seroma and healed without further complications. Case 2 developed partial flap necrosis, underwent revision surgery, and healed by secondary intent. NIRA proved useful intraoperatively in identifying the perforator vessel and determining flap margins. As these are only two cases, caution should be used in extrapolating the results.
Feasibility Study of Electrified Light-Sport Aircraft Powertrains
Authors: McQueen Madeline , Karataş Ahmet E. , Bramesfeld Götz , Demir Eda , Arenas Osvaldo
Published: April 2022

A theory-based aerodynamic model developed and applied to electrified powertrain configurations was intended to analyze the feasibility of implementing fully electric and serial hybrid electric propulsion in light-sport aircraft. The range was selected as the primary indicator of feasibility. A MATLAB/Simulink environment was utilized to create the models, involving the combination of proportional-integral-derivative controllers, aerodynamic properties of a reference aircraft, and powertrain limitations taken from off-the-shelf components. Simulations conducted by varying missions, batteries, fuel mass, and energy distribution methods provided results showcasing the feasibility of electrified propulsion with current technology. Results showed that the fully electric aircraft range was only 5% of a traditionally powered aircraft with current battery technology. Hybrid electric aircraft could achieve 44% of the range of a traditionally powered aircraft, but this result was found to be almost wholly related to fuel mass. Hybrid electric powertrains utilizing an energy distribution with their optimal degree of hybridization can achieve ranges up to 3% more than the same powertrain utilizing a different energy distribution. Results suggest that improvements in the power-to-weight ratio of the existing battery technology are required before electrified propulsion becomes a contender in the light-sport aircraft segment.
Integrative Transcriptomics and Proteomics Elucidate the Regulatory Mechanism of Hydrangea macrophylla Flower-Color Changes Induced by Exogenous Aluminum
Authors: Chen Haixia , Wang Denghui , Zhu Yali , Li Wenfang , Chen Jiren , Li Yufan
Published: April 2022

The mechanism through which Hydrangea macrophylla are able to change color has been the focus of investigation for many studies. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the complexation of aluminum ions and anthocyanins to regulate the color change remains unclear. Here, the color-changing mechanism was investigated in Hydrangea macrophylla plants under aluminum stress using proteome and transcriptome sequencing methods. Catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, 3-O-delphinidin and Al3+ contents in sepal were significantly upregulated upon Al3+ treatment. Moreover, 1628 differentially expressed genes and 448 differentially expressed proteins were identified between the treated and untreated conditions. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that the differentially expressed genes and differentially expressed proteins were enriched in categories related to the cell wall, peroxidase activity, and peroxisome pathways. Importantly, eight genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis were significantly downregulated at the transcript and protein levels under aluminum stress. These results suggest that aluminum ions induce expression changes of related key genes, which regulate the hydrangea’s flower color. Overall, this study provides a valuable reference for the molecular mechanism relating to the color change and adaptation of Hydrangea macrophylla in response to aluminum stress.
An Assessment Framework to Analyze Drought Management Plans: The Case of Spain
Authors: Urquijo-Reguera Julia , Gómez-Villarino María Teresa , Pereira David , De Stefano Lucia
Published: April 2022

Droughts affect all socio-economic sectors and have negative impacts on the environment. Droughts are expected to increase in frequency and severity due to climate change, which makes their effective management a high priority for policy makers and water managers. Drought Management Plans (DMPs) are a key instrument to deal with droughts and help to prepare for them in a proactive way as a framework for coordinated action before and during droughts. The development of DMPs is still incipient worldwide and their assessment remains limited. In Spain, DMPs at a river basin level were first approved in 2007. Following the legal obligation set in Spanish law, those plans were revised after ten years and a new version was approved in 2018. A content analysis was developed for assessing the 2018 DMPs of eight river basins managed by their corresponding River Basin Authorities, which depend on the Spanish central government. The evaluation criteria were set using the extant scientific literature and official guidelines on drought preparedness and management. The analysis showed that some aspects of the DMPs are especially well-developed, e.g., the distinction between drought and water scarcity, the definition of thresholds to trigger different levels of drought and water scarcity alerts and actions for drought management and coordination. Other issues still need further improvement, especially those related to the analysis of drought impacts, the assessment of vulnerability and the ex-post evaluation of DPM performance.
Effect of Ammonium Sulphate Incorporated with Calcium Nitrate Fertilizers on Nutritional Status, Fruit Set and Yield of Pomegranate Trees cv. Wonderful
Authors: Al-Dosary Naji Mordi Naji , Abdel-Sattar Mahmoud , Aboukarima Abdulwahed M.
Published: April 2022

The effect of (NH4)2SO4:Ca(NO3)2 ratios applied by fertigation on nutritional status, fruit set, yield, and marketable yield of pomegranate trees cv. Wonderful was evaluated. The trees were provided with five nutrient solutions with the same total nitrogen level (200 units/ha) but with different (NH4)2SO4:Ca(NO3)2 ratios (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40). Increasing the (NH4)2SO4 ratio from 60 to 100% significantly reduced the nitrogen (N), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K) concentrations while significantly increasing P and Fe concentrations in pomegranate leaves. The highest (NH4)2SO4 proportion (100%) induced a reduction in both chlorophyll content and dry matter values in pomegranate leaves. The maximum fruit set (33.65% and 31.40%) and the minimum fruit drop (6.74% and 6.25%) were recorded at the applied ratio of 60% of (NH4)2SO4:40% of Ca(NO3)2. The applied proportion of 70% of (NH4)2SO4:30% of Ca(NO3)2 provided the minimum fruit sunburn (9.54% and 9.74%) and fruit cracking (6.45% and 5.64%), maximum yield (33.62 and 33.00 kg/tree), and marketable yield (27.41 and 27.93 kg/tree) in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, respectively. Our results provide valuable information about the effects of partial replacement of nitrogen fertilizer from (NH4)2SO4 with nitrogen fertilizer from Ca(NO3)2 on the growth characteristics of pomegranate trees cv. Wonderful.
Wheat and Barley Grass Juice Addition to a Plant-Based Feed Improved Growth and Flesh Quality of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Burducea Marian , Dincheva Ivayla , Dirvariu Lenuta , Oprea Eugen , Zheljazkov Valtcho D. , Barbacariu Cristian-Alin
Published: April 2022

Phytogenics are plant extract additives used for their bioactive properties. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of plant extracts, wheat grass juice (WGJ) and barley grass juices (BGJ) addition to fish diet on growth and meat quality of common carp. Fish (51 ± 33 g initial weight) were fed for four weeks with three plant-based diets: (1) control feed (Con), (2) control feed supplemented with 2% WGJ (Con+WGJ), and (3) control feed supplemented with 2% BGJ (Con+BGJ). The results showed that the inclusion of the two juices in the plant-based feed stimulated the growth and improved meat quality by lowering the fat and ash content. Feed conversion ratio and condition factor were not affected. There were no significant differences in Fe and Zn contents of meat; however, Cu decreased, while Mn was lower in the Con+WGJ group and higher in the Con+BGJ group compared to Con. A high content of unsaturated fatty acids (FA, oleic acid and linoleic acid) and desirable ratios of saturated/unsaturated FA (0.27–0.29) and Ω6/Ω3 (2.5–2.78) were found in all groups. The juices were characterized in terms of lipid profile and polar compounds by GC-MS technique. The observed positive effects can be attributed to the rich composition of juices that included unsaturated FA, amino acids, sugars and organic compounds.
Companion Animals—An Overlooked and Misdiagnosed Reservoir of Carbapenem Resistance
Authors: Silva Joana Moreira da , Menezes Juliana , Marques Cátia , Pomba Constança Ferreira
Published: April 2022

The dissemination of antimicrobial-resistance is a major global threat affecting both human and animal health. Carbapenems are human use β-lactams of last resort; thus. the dissemination of carbapenemase-producing (CP) bacteria creates severe limitations for the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacteria in hospitalized patients. Even though carbapenems are not routinely used in veterinary medicine, reports of infection or colonization by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in companion animals are being reported. NDM-5 and OXA-48-like carbapenemases are among the most frequently reported in companion animals. Like in humans, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are the most represented CP Enterobacterales found in companion animals, alongside with Acinetobacter baumannii. Considering that the detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales presents several difficulties, misdiagnosis of CP bacteria in companion animals may lead to important animal and public-health consequences. It is of the upmost importance to ensure an adequate monitoring and detection of CP bacteria in veterinary microbiology in order to safeguard animal health and minimise its dissemination to humans and the environment. This review encompasses an overview of the carbapenemase detection methods currently available, aiming to guide veterinary microbiologists on the best practices to improve its detection for clinical or research purposes.
Fecal Shedding of Multidrug Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates in Dogs Fed with Raw Meat-Based Diets in Brazil
Authors: Ramos Carolina Pantuzza , Kamei Carolina Yumi Iceri , Viegas Flávia Mello , de Melo Barbieri Jonata , Cunha João Luís Reis , Hounmanou Yaovi Mahuton Gildas , Coura Fernanda Morcatti , Santana Jordana Almeida , Lobato Francisco Carlos Faria , Bojesen Anders Miki , Silva Rodrigo Otávio Silveira
Published: April 2022

The practice of feeding dogs raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) is growing in several countries, and the risks associated with the ingestion of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in dogs fed these diets are largely unknown. We characterized E. coli strains isolated from dogs fed either an RMBD or a conventional dry feed, according to the phylogroup, virulence genes, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the bacteria. Two hundred and sixteen E. coli strains were isolated. Dogs fed RMBDs shed E. coli strains from the phylogroup E more frequently and were positive for the E. coli heat-stable enterotoxin 1-encoding gene. Isolates from RMBD-fed dogs were also frequently positive for multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates including extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers. Whole-genome sequencing of seven ESBL-producing E. coli strains revealed that they predominantly harbored blaCTX-M-55, and two strains were also positive for the colistin-resistant gene mcr-1. These results suggest that feeding an RMBD can affect the dog’s microbiota, change the frequency of certain phylogroups, and increase the shedding of diarrheagenic E. coli. Also, feeding an RMBD seemed to be linked with the fecal shedding of multidrug-resistant E. coli, including the spread of strains harboring mobilizable colistin resistance and ESBL genes. This finding is of concern for both animal and human health.
Overview of Research on Vanadium-Quercetin Complexes with a Historical Outline
Authors: Ścibior Agnieszka
Published: April 2022

The present review was conducted to gather the available literature on some issues related to vanadium-quercetin (V-QUE) complexes. It was aimed at collecting data from in vitro and in vivo studies on the biological activity, behavior, antioxidant properties, and radical scavenging power of V-QUE complexes. The analysis of relevant findings allowed summarizing the evidence for the antidiabetic and anticarcinogenic potential of V-QUE complexes and suggested that they could serve as pharmacological agents for diabetes and cancer. These data together with other well-documented biological properties of V and QUE (common for both), which are briefly summarized in this review as well, may lay the groundwork for new therapeutic treatments and further research on a novel class of pharmaceutical molecules with better therapeutic performance. Simultaneously, the results compiled in this report point to the need for further studies on complexation of V with flavonoids to gain further insight into their behavior, identify species responsible for their physiological activity, and fully understand their mechanism of action.
The Antioxidant Effect of the Metal and Metal-Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Ge Xuemei , Cao Zhaoxin , Chu Lanling
Published: April 2022

Inorganic nanoparticles, such as CeO3, TiO2 and Fe3O4 could be served as a platform for their excellent performance in antioxidant effect. They may offer the feasibility to be further developed for their smaller and controllable sizes, flexibility to be modified, relative low toxicity as well as ease of preparation. In this work, the recent progress of these nanoparticles were illustrated, and the antioxidant mechanism of the inorganic nanoparticles were introduced, which mainly included antioxidant enzyme-mimetic activity and antioxidant ROS/RNS scavenging activity. The antioxidant effects and the applications of several nanoparticles, such as CeO3, Fe3O4, TiO2 and Se, are summarized in this paper. The potential toxicity of these nanoparticles both in vitro and in vivo was well studied for the further applications. Future directions of how to utilize these inorganic nanoparticles to be further applied in some fields, such as medicine, cosmetic and functional food additives were also investigated in this paper.
An Intelligent Handover Mechanism Based on MOS Predictions for Real-Time Video Conference Services in Mobile Networks
Authors: Lee Tsung-Han , Chang Lin-Huang , Chan Ya-Shu
Published: April 2022

In mobile networks, handover mechanisms provide fast and smooth access service for mobile users. However, one of the main challenges in mobile networks is the handover management with increased mobility and bandwidth demand of the required network services. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a MOS-aware (mean opinion score-aware) mobile network handover mechanism based on deep learning to determine the appropriate handover time for real-time video conference services in mobile networks. We construct a wireless network topology with LTE characteristics in a Mininet-WiFi simulation. User equipment (UE) can determine the service-required MOS (Mean Opinion Score) from the proposed deep-learning-based handover mechanism with appropriate handover time. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme provides higher performance than the original A3 handover mechanism. The contribution of this paper is to combine the real-time video conferencing services with a deep-learning-based handover mechanism by predicting MOS values to improve the quality of service for users in mobile networks.