bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression in polycystic ovary syndrome: Focusing on pathogenesis and treatment
Authors: Xing Liwei , Xu Jinlong , Wei Yuanyuan , Chen Yang , Zhuang Haina , Tang Wei , Yu Shun , Zhang Junbao , Yin Guochen , Wang Ruirui , Zhao Rong , Qin Dongdong
Published: August 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent gynecological endocrine conditions affecting reproductive women. It can feature a variety of symptoms, such as obesity, insulin resistance, skin conditions, and infertility. Women with PCOS are susceptible to illnesses including mood disorders, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Among them, depression is the most common in PCOS and has a detrimental effect on quality of life. Depression may occasionally develop due to the pathological traits of PCOS, but its exact pathogenesis in PCOS have eluded researchers to date. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore the pathogenesis and treatments of depression in PCOS. The present review discusses the epidemiology of depression in PCOS, potential pathogenic mechanisms underlying PCOS and depression, as well as some potential factors causing depression in PCOS, including obesity, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, inflammation, and infertility. Meanwhile, some common treatment strategies for depression in PCOS, such as lifestyle intervention, acupuncture, oral contraceptive pills, psychological intervention, and insulin-sensitizer, are also reviewed. To fully understand the pathogenesis and treatment of depression in PCOS, a need remains for future large-scale multi-center randomized controlled trials and in-depth mechanism studies.
Promotion and implementation effectiveness of World Health Organization's Caregiver Skills Training program in Taiwan
Authors: Seng Guan-Jye , Chiu Yen-Nan , Tsai Wen-Che , Lin Hsiang-Yuan , Li Su-Chen , Hsiao Mei-Ni , Liu Tseng-Jung , Chen Heng-Man , Shih Andy , Chang Ya-Chih , WHO CST Team  , Soong Wei-Tsuen
Published: August 2022

The World Health Organization (WHO) developed the Caregiver Skills Training for Families of Children with Developmental Delays and Disabilities (CST) with support from Autism Speaks to address the resource gaps and worldwide needs for interventions for children with developmental disorders or delays, especially those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and their families. Evidence has indicated that parent-mediated interventions benefit both caregivers and children by strengthening caregivers' knowledge and confidence and children's social communication skills and behavioral regulation. The CST-Taiwan team began the prepilot field trial in 2017 and developed the project to serve families in various locations. This study (1) delineated the adaptations and promotion of CST-Taiwan; (2) determined the program's effectiveness in the promotional stage, in terms of caregiver and child outcomes, and (3) examined the maintenance of its effects. The materials, delivery, and facilitator training procedure of the original CST were adapted to Taiwan. The quantitative data indicated that CST-Taiwan is a promising program, it positively affected caregiver knowledge and confidence and reduced the severity of the children's autistic symptoms. The 3-month follow-up results suggested that the effects persisted. Thus, CST-Taiwan, and its promotional strategies are feasible and effective.
Caregivers' experiences and perceptions of suicidality among their children and youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Authors: Harding Kelly D. , Turner Kailyn , Howe Stephanie J. , Bagshawe Mercedes Jayne , Flannigan Katherine , Mela Mansfield , McMorris Carly A. , Badry Dorothy
Published: August 2022

Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) experience a range of biopsychosocial vulnerabilities that can increase the possibility of adverse life outcomes, including a heightened risk of suicidality. In this study, we explored the lived experiences of caregivers of children and youth with FASD and suicidality, including their perceptions of their child and youth's suicidal experiences. Between March and June 2021, six comprehensive, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five caregivers of children and youth with FASD (Mage = 14.5 years, range 11–22) who were currently experiencing suicidality or had a history of suicidality. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis and then developed into a composite vignette informed and organized by the social-ecological suicide prevention model (SESPM). The composite vignette revealed the narratives of families living with and caring for children and youth with FASD who experience suicidality in relation to the complex and intersectional individual, relational, community, and societal level contextual and protective factors. Findings from this study highlight the critical need for comprehensive FASD-informed suicide prevention and intervention approaches to promote the mental health and wellbeing of children and youth with FASD and their caregivers.
The correlation of body mass index with clinical factors in patients with first-episode depression
Authors: Jieqiong Hu , Yunxin Ji , Ni Dai , Chen Lin , Ying Chai
Published: August 2022

Depression is one of the major disease burdens worldwide. Few studies have addressed body mass index (BMI) in Chinese depression patients. This current study aimed to investigate the BMI in patients with depression and the correlation with clinical factors. A total of 211 inpatients with first-episode depression were enrolled. General and clinical data were collected by standardized questionnaires and the levels of hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, uric acid, and blood lipid were measured. In total, 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and 14-item Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were rated for all the patients. The BMI of 211 patients with depression was 37 (17.5%) in the underweight group, 117 (55.5%) in the normal-weight group, 43 (20.4%) in the overweight group, and 14 (6.6%) in the obesity group. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that uric acid was the only risk factor for BMI. The ordered logit model showed that the risk of elevated uric acid increased with BMI grade. And the risk of severe depression was significantly greater in patients with underweight than those in normal-weight. The level of uric acid in patients with first-episode depression is positively correlated with BMI, and the score of depressive symptoms is higher in patients with underweight.
Exploring problems for school reintegration following spinal cord injury: Perspectives on the kindergarten through fifth-grade population
Authors: Reeves Brooke , Martin Rebecca
Published: August 2022

When a child acquires a spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D), they are faced with sudden onset of changes. Engagement in education, play, and leisure is immediately impacted. Using survey methodology, return to school for children in kindergarten through fifth grade following SCI/D was examined. Families at a large spinal cord rehabilitation center for the pediatric population on the East Coast of the United States were surveyed via email about their child's return to school to understand support and barriers a child faces when returning to school following SCI/D. Survey findings indicated that children face barriers related to school access, transportation, and educational support upon return to school. The primary barrier identified was access to educational support. Using survey findings, an in-clinic outpatient return-to-school recommendation form was developed to bridge the gap between medical model therapists and school staff that is specific to each child's needs. The curriculum is being developed to support families and therapists in preparing a child to return to school following SCI/D and to educate families to advocate for their child in the school setting. Future recommendations include further research regarding the placement of children in the school environment following SCI/D.
Dynamic observation and qualitative analysis of a psychological crisis hotline during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ouyang Mengyuan , Song Shasha , Ma Hui , Yang Hua , Leng Jing , Zhou Ping , Teng Changjun , Ou Hongxia , Li Jijun , Liu Na , Zhang Ning
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the chief complaints of psychological crisis hotlines during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Jiangsu, China, and to summarize the psychological characteristics of the public during the different stages of COVID-19.

Methods

The chief complaints of calls to the psychological crisis hotline from 27 January 2020 to 30 June 2020. A total of 578 calls were extracted and grouped using thematic analysis into categories. After statistical analysis, the monthly and three-period trends were observed dynamically to determine whether there were statistical differences in the proportion of specific chief complaints over the phases.

Results

There were a total of 495 cases of psychological problems or physical discomfort, accounting for 85.64% of the total sample number of hotline calls related to the pandemic. The numbers of callers with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, illness anxiety, insomnia, and physical discomfort were 370 (64.01%), 103 (17.99%), 33 (5.71%), 36 (6.23%), 51 (8.82%), and 72 (12.46%), respectively, and 83 (14.36%) callers consulted other problems. The monthly main complaints showed a fluctuating trend, and each main complaint peaked at different stages. The main complaints during the three stages had distinct features, respectively, and the proportions of calls for the specific complaints differed statistically over the phases.

Conclusion

Dynamic observation and qualitative analysis of psychological crisis hotline data might indicate dynamic changes and accordingly provide guidance for online crisis intervention when other public health crises occur.
Time, scarcity, and abundance
Authors: Ghosh Shubha
Published: August 2022

Scarcity abounds in law just as abundance is subject to law's limitations. This Article builds on legal theory, economics, and social psychology to present the dialectic of scarcity and abundance as they interplay in our relationship to information and time. This Article has made two overarching arguments: one about scarcity, abundance, and regulation generally and a second about time as an instrument of regulation subject to terms of scarcity and of abundance. The first argument is that scarcity and abundance are rhetorical constructs that inform different regulatory institutions. Scarcity traditionally has mapped onto limits on freedom. Abundance, by contrast, props freedom's unlimited potential. Under the language of scarcity, limits promote outcomes, for example through rights to exclude, deprivation of a benefit, or imposition of a burden. Under the language of abundance, identified freedoms promote outcomes through rights of access or rights to use. Scarcity is distinct from absolute deprivation, and abundance, from unbounded and infinite possibility. Each are building blocks understood relative to the goals of institutional design. Furthermore, scarcity and abundance have an intertwined relationship, a dialectic of famine and plenty. Similarly, freedom and limitations coexist each supporting the other. The second argument of this Article is that time as an instrument of regulation illustrates the uses of scarcity and abundance. Time can be regimented to regulate activities such as work, travel, diet, reproductive rights, social relations, and interaction with media. Time can also be liberating, seemingly abundant using perpetuities, technologies for fast forwarding, rewinding, or shifting content, and increases in the velocity of access and movement. Information retrieval, processing, and sharing are connected to time. It is no surprise that reform proposals for the problems confronting the information economy rest up regulation of time. This Article has demonstrated what these reform proposals share is an attempt to make time scarce, to return to perhaps an idealized era of regimented broadcast within an era of multivalent technological means for information creation and dissemination. But imposing scarcity on abundance ignores the deeper challenges of information glut and distortion: how to manage and assess content.
Model-free reinforcement learning for robust locomotion using demonstrations from trajectory optimization
Authors: Bogdanovic Miroslav , Khadiv Majid , Righetti Ludovic
Published: August 2022

We present a general, two-stage reinforcement learning approach to create robust policies that can be deployed on real robots without any additional training using a single demonstration generated by trajectory optimization. The demonstration is used in the first stage as a starting point to facilitate initial exploration. In the second stage, the relevant task reward is optimized directly and a policy robust to environment uncertainties is computed. We demonstrate and examine in detail the performance and robustness of our approach on highly dynamic hopping and bounding tasks on a quadruped robot.
Women in sustainability research: Examining gender authorship differences in peer-reviewed publications
Authors: Barreiro-Gen Maria , Bautista-Puig Núria
Published: August 2022

Higher education institutions (HEIs) have been undertaking considerable efforts to embed sustainability into their system; however, there have been limited studies on the incorporation of sustainability into research. In parallel, it has been found that women have an important role in contributing to sustainability since they are more engaged and have a more holistic perspective on sustainability than men. These two phenomena have resulted in limited studies about the contribution of women to sustainability research (i.e., in scientific publishing). A bibliometric analysis of more than 39,000 documents (with 147,090 authorships) was done to fill this gap, focusing on sustainability peer-review publications in Europe between 2015 and 2020. The results show that women's presence in sustainability research has been increasing during the last years; however, there are still few female authorship publications, even in fields that have been traditionally women-oriented. In addition, their publications have been less recognized by the scientific community. The results also show substantial gender differences in terms of author leadership, where female senior researchers are more likely to mentor female junior researchers than men. Female researchers tend to collaborate nationally, but they could improve their international collaboration since this can improve their research and impact. More support should be provided to female researchers to help foster women's sustainability engagement and holistic perspectives, reduce existing negative feedback loops, and increase positive ones. Achieving gender equality is sine qua non in achieving sustainable societies.
Evolution of telemedicine utilization for pediatric urology during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: A single center experience
Authors: Gan Zoe S. , Shah Yash B. , Plachter Natalie , Weiss Dana A. , Van Batavia Jason , Zderic Stephen A. , Shukla Aseem R. , Srinivasan Arun K. , Kolon Thomas F. , Zaontz Mark R. , Canning Douglas A. , Long Christopher J.
Published: August 2022

Telemedicine utilization rapidly expanded throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and yielded numerous patient benefits. However, its future remains uncertain, limiting further institutional investments in telemedicine. We aimed to evaluate trends in the volume of telemedicine visits throughout the pandemic and patient factors associated with telemedicine usage to inform the future role of telemedicine in pediatric urology. An Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved registry of pediatric urology outpatient visits was queried from June 2019 to November 2021 at a single institution. Variables of interest included patient demographics, travel distance for care, insurance status, primary visit diagnosis, and visit type (in-person visits, IPVs; or video visits, VVs). IPVs and VVs were further categorized as new patient visits (NPVs), return patient visits (RPVs), and post-operative visits (post-ops). Monthly trends in descriptive variables were summarized. A total of 51,605 pediatric urology outpatient visits occurred during the study period. Patients had a median age of 5 years [interquartile range (IQR), 1–11] and were predominantly male (71.6%), white (61.6%), and held private insurance (69%). VVs increased substantially from 0% in February 2020 to 100% in April 2020 and then subsequently declined through November 2021, although total visit volumes were increasing throughout the period. As the pandemic progressed, compared to IPVs, VVs were more likely to have an RPV visit type (80% vs. 50%–60%) and longer median travel distance (30+ vs. 14 miles). VVs were less frequently covered by subsidized insurance (20%–30% vs. 50%–70%). In summary, this study found that telemedicine usage has declined since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, although its use remains higher than pre-pandemic levels and appears to be associated with RPVs, longer travel distance, and private insurance coverage. Utilization has stabilized as we have emerged from peak pandemic restrictions. Further work is required to elucidate the optimal role of telemedicine and its effects on access to care in pediatric urology.
The Average Radial Speed of Light From Near to Far Space Surrounding the Kerr–Newman Super-Gravitational Source
Authors: Pei Ting-Hang
Published: August 2022

The Kerr–Newman metric is used to discuss the average radial speed of light from near to far space surrounding the super-gravitational source like a black hole which can be observed by a weak-gravitational reference frame such as an observer on the Earth. The velocity equation of light near the black hole is represented by the Boyer–Lindquist coordinates (t, r, θ, and ϕ), and the main parameters are the Schwarzschild radius RS, the rotation term a, and the charged term RQ. From the calculations, the average radial speed of light from r = RS to r = αRS with α>1 is possibly observed exceeding c by an observer on the Earth. The result can extend to the large r place when the rotation of the black hole is high or the charge is very large. This average radial speed finally approaches c far away from the black hole. We also propose a new explanation based on our results that the observation of the faster-than-light particle is due to the light bending near the Kerr–Newman black hole or supermassive star with very strong gravity. In addition, two superluminal theories used to explain the speed of light in astronomy are compared. One is the Doppler effect in special relativity, and the other is the change in the photon speed due to the QED contribution of one-loop vacuum polarization to the photon effective action. The former seems to mainly appear as the change of the observed wavelength or frequency, while the latter is probably the random and irregular occurrences. Our explanation is based on the Kerr–Newman metric in general relativity, and it extends the discussion from the flat spacetime in special relativity to the curved spacetime which is suitable for many superluminal observations near the super-gravitational sources like the black hole. Our calculations are used to verify tangible observations like the M87 jet.
Comprehensive acetyl-proteomic analysis of Cytospora mali provides insight into its response to the biocontrol agent Bacillus velezensis L-1
Authors: Sun Pingping , Ma Qiang , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2022

Cytospora mali is an important factor for apple valsa canker, and Bacillus veleznesis L-1 is an effective biocontrol agent against apple valsa canker. Quantitative acetyl-proteomics is known to regulate transcriptional activity in different organisms; limited knowledge is available for acetylation modification in C. mali, and its response to biocontrol agents. In this study, using Tandem Mass tag proteomic strategies, we identified 733 modification sites on 416 proteins in C. mali, functions of these proteins were analyzed using GO enrichment and KEGG pathway. Some lysine acetylated proteins are found to be important to the fungal pathogenicity of C. mali, and also the response of fungi to biostress. B. velezensis L-1 suppressed the C. mali QH2 by causing the energy shortage and reduced virulence. Correspondingly, the C. mali QH2 could alleviate the suppression of biostress by upregulation of autophagy, peroxidase, cytochrome P450, ABC transporter and Heat shock protein 70. In summary, our results provided the first lysine acetylome of C. mali and its response to B. velezensis L-1.
A Multi-Target Consensus-Based Auction Algorithm for Distributed Target Assignment in Cooperative Beyond-Visual-Range Air Combat
Authors: Li Weihua , Lyu Yongxi , Dai Sifan , Chen Huakun , Shi Jingping , Li Yongfeng
Published: August 2022

With recent advances in airborne weapons, air combat tends to occur in the form of beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat and multi-aircraft cooperation. Target assignment is critical in multi-aircraft BVR air combat decision-making. Most previous research on target assignment for multi-aircraft cooperative BVR air combat has focused on centralized algorithms, which can be time-consuming and unreliable. This paper proposes an efficient distributed target assignment algorithm called the multi-target consensus-based auction algorithm (MTCBAA). First, by analyzing the main geometric aspects of BVR air combat, a target assignment model for cooperative BVR air combat was established. Next, based on a consensus-based auction algorithm (CBAA), the MTCBAA was developed to solve the target assignment problem by introducing a cooperative decision-making variable. Although the MTCBAA is based on a greedy mechanism, it can guarantee at least 50% global optimization performance, which was proven through a demonstration of the minimum optimization performance of a centralized target assignment algorithm, since the centralized algorithm is equivalent to the MTCBAA. Finally, experiments were conducted, including an experiment that illustrates the operation of the proposed algorithm, Monte Carlo comparisons with a centralized target assignment method based on the immune algorithm, and deployment experiments on a semi-physical simulation platform. Compared with the heuristic target assignment algorithm, the proposed algorithm significantly improved the target assignment efficiency. The practicality of the proposed algorithm was further verified through a distributed semi-physical simulation experiment.
The Upgrading of Fishery Industrial Structure and Its Influencing Factors: Evidence from China
Authors: Ji Jianyue , Liu Luping , Wang Pingping , Wu Chao , Dong Hongxiao
Published: August 2022

Aquatic products have made an increasingly important contribution to ensuring food security and nutrition. The huge and dynamic aquatic product consumption market in China has created a new consumption pattern, and the transformation and upgrading of the aquatic industry is essential. Using system generalized method of moments (GMM) and fishery industry data from 2003 to 2019 in 31 provinces and regions, this paper constructs the upgrading index of fishery industrial structure and finds that: (1) In general, the upgrading level of China’s fishery industrial structure is on the rise, but it is still in its infancy. (2) The upgrading level of the fishery industrial structure in coastal areas is greater than that of inland areas. (3) The level of economic development and the labor productivity of primary fishery industry are the key influencing factors of China’s fishery industrial upgrading. (4) By comparing the heterogeneity of the impact of various factors on the upgrading of fishery industrial structure in coastal and inland areas, the impact is mainly in coastal areas. To promote the upgrading of China’s fishery industrial structure, this paper puts forward some suggestions.
Agronomic Improvements, Not Climate, Underpin Recent Rice Yield Gains in Changing Environments
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Yujie
Published: August 2022

Food security depends not only on the extent of climate change but also on the compensatory potentials of agronomic improvements. However, the separate contribution of these agronomic factors to rice yield remains largely unknown. Here we distinguished the impacts and relative contributions on rice yield based on statistical models and machine learning by using an observation database collected from 52 agro-meteorological stations in China from 1981 to 2018. Agronomic improvements are responsible for more than 40% of the observed rice yield change, ranging from 42.9% to 96.5% in different cropping types, and the effect increased with the latitude. Among the management considered, sowing date adjustment contributes most to late and early rice yield. Response of rice yield to nighttime temperature was stronger than that to daytime temperature, and wind speed is the main climatic contributing factor to early rice yield. The effects of wind speed on rice yield should be considered for the adaptation measures. This observation-based evidence may help guide agricultural priorities in mitigating the impact of climate change on rice yield.
“It’s Not Good for the Animals, but I Think It Should Be Done”—Using Focus Group Interviews to Explore Adolescent Views on Animal Experimentation
Authors: Enzinger Sonja M. , Dürnberger Christian
Published: August 2022

The present study focused on an in-depth analysis of adolescents’ (aged 15–16) attitudes towards animal experimentation. Focus group interviews were conducted to gain a deeper understanding regarding the ethical considerations of this age group. The data were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis. All participants considered their own knowledge about the whole topic as low. Our results show that adolescents in the study had considerably more positive attitudes toward animal experimentation than the literature had suggested. All groups identified positive aspects of animal experimentation and accepted at least one scenario of animal experimentation. Most of the groups rated half of the examples presented as acceptable. The participants tended to make specific assessments in view of a concrete scenario and seemed to form their positions anew. In their discussion, students focused mainly on the following criteria: the relevance of research, the extent of animal suffering, and the existence of alternatives. Generally, we hypothesize that the focus group discussions took place largely within the framework of anthropocentric ethics.
Echocardiographic Features of the Ductus Arteriosus and the Foramen Ovale in a Hospital-Based Population of Neonatal Foals
Authors: De Lange Lisa , Vernemmen Ingrid , van Loon Gunther , Decloedt Annelies
Published: August 2022

The ductus arteriosus (DA) and foramen ovale (FO), including the septum primum (SP) and septum secundum (SS), are important structures in fetal circulation and are unexplored in neonatal equids. The objective of this study is to describe echocardiographic characteristics in a hospital-based population of neonatal foals. On days 2, 5 and 10 after parturition, cardiac ultrasound was performed, and clinical data were collected in healthy and diseased Warmblood foals. Fifty healthy (n = 15) and diseased (n = 35) Warmblood foals were examined. A left-sided and right-sided holosystolic murmur was audible in 98% (n = 42) and 51% (n = 22), respectively, on day 2; in 81% (n = 25) and 19% (n = 6) on day 5; and in 44% (n = 4) and 11% (n = 1) on day 10. The median grade of the systolic murmurs was higher when the DA was open. Flow through the DA could be visualized with color flow and continuous wave (CW) Doppler from the left parasternal long-axis view of the pulmonary artery in 40/43 foals on day 2, 9/31 foals on day 5 and 2/9 foals on day 10. The DA diameter was 2 ± 1 mm on day 2, 2 ± 1 mm on day 5 and 1 mm on day 10. The thickness of both septa of the FO was similar. The SP fluttered into the left atrium at all ages, but the maximal distance between the SP and SS decreased over time. In conclusion, cardiac murmurs, a patent DA and fluttering FO are frequent findings in neonatal foals. While these findings are probably physiological, the clinical importance needs to be further elucidated.
Correction: Papp, M.; Solymosi, N. Review and Comparison of Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Databases. Antibiotics 2022, 11, 339
Authors: Papp Márton , Solymosi Norbert
Published: August 2022

While preparing our next manuscript, we noticed a few errors in our published paper [...]
Characterization of Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Two Romanian Hospitals Co-Presenting Resistance and Heteroresistance to Colistin
Authors: Főldes Annamária , Oprea Mihaela , Székely Edit , Usein Codruța-Romanița , Dobreanu Minodora
Published: August 2022

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a notorious human pathogen involved in healthcare-associated infections. The worldwide expansion of infections induced by colistin-resistant and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) isolates has been increasingly reported. This study aims to analyze the phenotypic and molecular profiles of 10 colistin-resistant (CR) isolates and 2 pairs of colistin-heteroresistant (ChR) (parental and the corresponding resistant mutants) isolates of K. pneumoniae CPE sourced from two hospitals. The phenotypes of strains in the selected collection had been previously characterized. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using a Vitek 2 Compact system (BioMérieux SA, Marcy l’Etoile, France), the disc diffusion method, and broth microdilution (BMD) for colistin. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) did not uncover evidence of any mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes, although the mgrB gene of seven isolates appeared to be disrupted by insertion sequences (ISKpn25 or ISKpn26). Possible deleterious missense mutations were found in phoP (L4F), phoQ (Q426L, L26Q, L224Q, Q317K), pmrB (R256G, P95L, T157P, V352E), and crrB (P151S) genes. The identified isolates belonged to the following clonal lineages: ST101 (n = 6), ST147 (n = 5), ST258 (n = 2), and ST307 (n = 1). All strains harbored IncF plasmids. OXA-48 producers carried IncL and IncR plasmids, while one blaNDM-1 genome was found to harbor IncC plasmids. Ceftazidime–avibactam remains a therapeutic option for KPC-2 and OXA-48 producers. Resistance to meropenem–vaborbactam has emerged in some blakPC-2-carrying isolates. Our study demonstrates that the results of WGS can provide essential evidence for the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance.
Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Effect of Maternal Zinc (ZnSO4 or Zn-Gly) against Heat Stress-Induced Oxidative Stress in Chicken Embryo
Authors: Zhang Yunfeng , Xie Lingyu , Ding Xiaoqing , Wang Yuanyuan , Xu Yibin , Li Danlei , Liang Shuang , Wang Yongxia , Zhang Ling , Fu Aikun , Zhan Xiuan
Published: August 2022

Environmental factors such as high temperature can cause oxidative stress and negatively affect the physiological status and meat quality of broiler chickens. The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary maternal Zn-Gly or ZnSO4 supplementation on embryo mortality, hepatocellular mitochondrial morphology, liver antioxidant capacity and the expression of related genes involved in liver oxidative mechanisms in heat-stressed broilers. A total of 300 36-week-old Lingnan Yellow broiler breeders were randomly divided into three treatments: (1) control (basal diet, 24 mg zinc/kg); (2) inorganic ZnSO4 group (basal diet +80 mg ZnSO4/kg); (3) organic Zn-Gly group (basal diet +80 mg Zn-Gly/kg). The results show that maternal zinc alleviated heat stress-induced chicken embryo hepatocytes’ oxidative stress by decreasing the content of ROS, MDA, PC, 8-OHdG, and levels of HSP70, while enhancing T-SOD, T-AOC, CuZn-SOD, GSH-Px, CTA activities and the content of MT. Maternal zinc alleviated oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial damage in chick embryo hepatocytes by increasing mitochondrial membrane potential and UCP gene expression; and Caspase-3-mediated apoptosis was alleviated by increasing CuZn-SOD and MT gene expression and decreasing Bax gene expression and reducing the activity of caspase 3. Furthermore, maternal zinc treatment significantly increased Nrf2 gene expression. The results above suggest that maternal zinc can activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway in developing chick embryos, enhance its antioxidant function and reduce the apoptosis-effecting enzyme caspase-3 activities, thereby slowing oxidative stress injury and tissue cell apoptosis.
Polyphenols–Gut–Heart: An Impactful Relationship to Improve Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Bianchi Francesca , Cappella Annalisa , Gagliano Nicoletta , Sfondrini Lucia , Stacchiotti Alessandra
Published: August 2022

A healthy gut provides the perfect habitat for trillions of bacteria, called the intestinal microbiota, which is greatly responsive to the long-term diet; it exists in a symbiotic relationship with the host and provides circulating metabolites, hormones, and cytokines necessary for human metabolism. The gut–heart axis is a novel emerging concept based on the accumulating evidence that a perturbed gut microbiota, called dysbiosis, plays a role as a risk factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Consequently, recovery of the gut microbiota composition and function could represent a potential new avenue for improving patient outcomes. Despite their low absorption, preclinical evidence indicates that polyphenols and their metabolites are transformed by intestinal bacteria and halt detrimental microbes’ colonization in the host. Moreover, their metabolites are potentially effective in human health due to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the causal role of gut dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure; to discuss the beneficial effects of polyphenols on the intestinal microbiota, and to hypothesize polyphenols or their derivatives as an opportunity to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases by shaping gut eubiosis.
Icariside II Exerts Anti-Type 2 Diabetic Effect by Targeting PPARα/γ: Involvement of ROS/NF-κB/IRS1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Yiqi , Li Yeli , Chen Nana , Feng Linying , Gao Jianmei , Zeng Nan , He Zhixu , Gong Qihai
Published: August 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multisystem and complex metabolic disorder which is associated with insulin resistance and impairments of pancreatic β-cells. Previous studies have shown that icariside II (ICS II), one of the main active ingredients of Herba Epimedii, exerts potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. In this study, we investigated whether ICS II exerted anti-T2DM profile and further explored its possible underlying mechanism both in vivo and in vitro. db/db mice were administered ICS II (10, 20, 40 mg·kg−1) for 7 weeks. We found that ICS II dose-dependently attenuated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, as well as inhibited hepatic steatosis and islet architecture damage in db/db mice. Moreover, ICS II not only dramatically reduced inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, but also up-regulated PPARα/γ protein expressions, phosphorylation of Akt, GSK3β and IR, meanwhile, down-regulated phosphorylation of NF-κB(p65) and IRS1 in db/db mice. In palmitic acid (PA)-treated HepG2 or MIN6 cells, ICS II (5−20 μM) concentration-dependently promoted the cell viability via mediating PPARα/γ/NF-κB signaling pathway. PPARα/γ knockout by CRISPR-Cas9 system partly abolished the protective effects of ICS II on HepG2 or MIN6 cells following PA insults. These findings reveal that ICS II effectively confer anti-T2DM property by targeting PPARα/γ through mediation of ROS/NF-κB/IRS1 signaling pathway.
Bile Acids Induce Alterations in Mitochondrial Function in Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Authors: Abrigo Johanna , Olguín Hugo , Gutierrez Danae , Tacchi Franco , Arrese Marco , Cabrera Daniel , Valero-Breton Mayalen , Elorza Alvaro A. , Simon Felipe , Cabello-Verrugio Claudio
Published: August 2022

Cholestatic chronic liver disease is characterized by developing sarcopenia and elevated serum levels of bile acids. Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle disorder with the hallmarks of muscle weakness, muscle mass loss, and muscle strength decline. Our previous report demonstrated that deoxycholic acid (DCA) and cholic acid (CA), through the membrane receptor TGR5, induce a sarcopenia-like phenotype in myotubes and muscle fibers. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of DCA and CA on mitochondrial mass and function in muscle fibers and the role of the TGR5 receptor. To this end, muscle fibers obtained from wild-type and TGR5−/− mice were incubated with DCA and CA. Our results indicated that DCA and CA decreased mitochondrial mass, DNA, and potential in a TGR5-dependent fashion. Furthermore, with TGR5 participation, DCA and CA also reduced the oxygen consumption rate and complexes I and II from the mitochondrial electron transport chain. In addition, DCA and CA generated more mitochondrial reactive oxygen species than the control, which were abolished in TGR5−/− mice muscle fibers. Our results indicate that DCA and CA induce mitochondrial dysfunction in muscle fibers through a TGR5-dependent mechanism.
Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant Potential and Toxicity Evaluation of the Essential Oils from Duguetia and Xylopia Species (Annonaceae) from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Cascaes Márcia Moraes , De Moraes Ângelo Antônio Barbosa , Cruz Jorddy Neves , Franco Celeste de Jesus Pereira , E Silva Renan Campos , Nascimento Lidiane Diniz do , Ferreira Oberdan Oliveira , Anjos Tainá Oliveira dos , de Oliveira Mozaniel Santana , Guilhon Giselle Maria Skelding Pinheiro , Andrade Eloisa Helena de Aguiar
Published: August 2022

The essential oils (EOs) of Duguetia echinophora, D. riparia, Xylopia emarginata and X. frutescens (Annonaceae) were obtained by hydrodistillation and the chemical composition was analyzed by GC-MS. An antioxidant assay using the ABTS and DPPH radicals scavenging method and cytotoxic assays against Artemia salina were also performed. We evaluated the interaction of the major compounds of the most toxic EO (X. emarginata) with the binding pocket of the enzyme Acetylcholinesterase, a molecular target related to toxicity in models of Artemia salina. The chemical composition of the EO of D. echinophora was characterized by β-phellandrene (39.12%), sabinene (17.08%) and terpinolene (11.17%). Spathulenol (22.22%), caryophyllene oxide (12.21%), humulene epoxide II (11.86%) and allo-aromadendrene epoxide (10.20%) were the major constituents of the EO from D. riparia. Spathulenol (5.65%) and caryophyllene oxide (5.63%) were the major compounds of the EO from X. emarginata. The EO of X. frutescens was characterized by α-pinene (20.84%) and byciclogermacrene (7.85%). The results of the radical scavenger DPPH assays ranged from 15.87 to 69.38% and the highest percentage of inhibition was observed for the EO of X. emarginata, while for ABTS radical scavenging, the antioxidant capacity of EOs varied from 14.61 to 63.67%, and the highest percentage of inhibition was observed for the EO of X. frutescens. The EOs obtained from D. echinophora, X. emarginata and X. frutescens showed high toxicity, while the EO of D. riparia was non-toxic. Because the EO of X. emarginata is the most toxic, we evaluated how its major constituents were able to interact with the Acetylcholinesterase enzyme. The docking results show that the compounds are able to bind to the binding pocket through non-covalent interactions with the residues of the binding pocket. The species X. emarginata and X. frutescens are the most promising sources of antioxidant compounds; in addition, the results obtained for preliminary cytotoxicity of the EOs of these species may also indicate a potential biological activity.
Preliminary Investigation of the Effects of Rosemary Extract Supplementation on Milk Production and Rumen Fermentation in High-Producing Dairy Cows
Authors: Kong Fanlin , Wang Shuo , Dai Dongwen , Cao Zhijun , Wang Yajing , Li Shengli , Wang Wei
Published: August 2022

Rosemary extract (RE) has been used as an antioxidant in cosmetics and food additives, indicating its potential as a feed additive to improve adaptation in high-producing dairy cows. Here, we investigated the effects of RE supplementation on lactation performance and rumen fermentation in high-producing dairy cows. Thirty multiparous cows were blocked into 15 groups based on milk production and were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 0 or 28 g/d of RE supplementation to the basic diet per cow. The experiment was conducted over a 74-day period, which included an initial two-week adaptation period. We observed significant increases in milk and milk lactose yields following RE supplementation. Somatic cell count tended to decrease by treatment. Additionally, superoxide dismutase concentration significantly increased and malonaldehyde level decreased after RE supplementation. Sequencing of 16S rRNA revealed that RE supplementation significantly affected the microbial composition and decreased the richness of the microbiota. Specifically, the abundance of the genus Prevotella was significantly decreased by RE supplementation and was correlated with volatile fatty acids in the Mantel test, whereas no significant correlation was found for other genera. Our findings provide fundamental information on the potential for RE as a feed additive for dairy cows to improve antioxidant status and enhance propionate generation.
Low Plasma Ergothioneine Predicts Cognitive and Functional Decline in an Elderly Cohort Attending Memory Clinics
Authors: Wu Liu-Yun , Kan Cheuk Ni , Cheah Irwin K. , Chong Joyce Ruifen , Xu Xin , Vrooman Henri , Hilal Saima , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Chen Christopher P. , Halliwell Barry , Lai Mitchell K.P.
Published: August 2022

Low blood concentrations of the diet-derived compound ergothioneine (ET) have been associated with cognitive impairment and cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) in cross-sectional studies, but it is unclear whether ET levels can predict subsequent cognitive and functional decline. Here, we examined the temporal relationships between plasma ET status and cognition in a cohort of 470 elderly subjects attending memory clinics in Singapore. All participants underwent baseline plasma ET measurements as well as neuroimaging for CeVD and brain atrophy. Neuropsychological tests of cognition and function were assessed at baseline and follow-up visits for up to five years. Lower plasma ET levels were associated with poorer baseline cognitive performance and faster rates of decline in function as well as in multiple cognitive domains including memory, executive function, attention, visuomotor speed, and language. In subgroup analyses, the longitudinal associations were found only in non-demented individuals. Mediation analyses showed that the effects of ET on cognition seemed to be largely explainable by severity of concomitant CeVD, specifically white matter hyperintensities, and brain atrophy. Our findings support further assessment of plasma ET as a prognostic biomarker for accelerated cognitive and functional decline in pre-dementia and suggest possible therapeutic and preventative measures.
Oxidative Stress and Cell Senescence Process
Authors: Faraonio Raffaella
Published: August 2022

Oxidative stress due to excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) plays a leading role in damages to macromolecules and, as such, it represents a key driver of numerous physio-pathological events, including cellular senescence [...]
New Application of the Commercially Available Dye Celestine Blue B as a Sensitive and Selective Fluorescent “Turn-On” Probe for Endogenous Detection of HOCl and Reactive Halogenated Species
Authors: Reut Veronika E. , Kozlov Stanislav O. , Kudryavtsev Igor V. , Grudinina Natalya A. , Kostevich Valeria A. , Gorbunov Nikolay P. , Grigorieva Daria V. , Kalvinkovskaya Julia A. , Bushuk Sergey B. , Varfolomeeva Elena Yu , Fedorova Natalia D. , Gorudko Irina V. , Panasenko Oleg M. , Vasilyev Vadim B. , Sokolov Alexey V.
Published: August 2022

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) derived from hydrogen peroxide and chloride anion by myeloperoxidase (MPO) plays a significant role in physiological and pathological processes. Herein we report a phenoxazine-based fluorescent probe Celestine Blue B (CB) that is applicable for HOCl detection in living cells and for assaying the chlorinating activity of MPO. A remarkable selectivity and sensitivity (limit of detection is 32 nM), along with a rapid “turn-on” response of CB to HOCl was demonstrated. Furthermore, the probe was able to detect endogenous HOCl and reactive halogenated species by fluorescence spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry techniques. Hence, CB is a promising tool for investigating the role of HOCl in health and disease and for screening the drugs capable of regulating MPO activity.
Diosmin and Trolox Have Anti-Arthritic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Potencies in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-Induced Arthritic Male Wistar Rats: Roles of NF-κB, iNOS, Nrf2 and MMPs
Authors: Shaaban Huda H. , Hozayen Walaa G. , Khaliefa Amal K. , El-Kenawy Ayman E. , Ali Tarek M. , Ahmed Osama M.
Published: August 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, autoimmune disease caused by a malfunction of the immune system. The aim of this study was to examine the anti-arthritic effects and suggest the mechanisms of actions of diosmin and trolox in male Wistar rats. Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) was used to establish RA in the animals by subcutaneous injection of 100 µL CFA/rat into plantar region of right hind leg in two consecutive days. Diosmin and/or trolox were administered orally at a dosage of 20 mg/kg/day to CFA-induced arthritic rats for 2 weeks. The normal and arthritic control groups were orally given the same equivalent volume of a vehicle (1% carboxymethyl cellulose) in which treatment agents were dissolved. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from the jugular vein for the detection of the total leukocyte count (TLC) and differential leukocyte count (DLC) in blood and the detection of rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-13 (IL-13), and interleukin-17 (IL-17) levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), as well as markers of oxidative stress and the antioxidant defense system in serum. The right hind ankle regions of three rats from each group were dissected out and fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin for histological examination and the other three were kept at −30 °C for Western blot analysis of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) protein 50 (NF-κB p50), NF-κB p65, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 (MMP-1), MMP-3, and MMP-9. The CFA injection was deleterious to the ankle joint’s histological architecture, manifesting as infiltration of inflammatory cells into the articular cartilage, hyperplasia of the synovium, and erosion of the cartilage. All these effects were ameliorated by diosmin and/or trolox, with the combined dose being the most effective. The two compounds significantly lowered the elevated serum levels of RF, ACPA, TNF-α, and IL-17, as well as other pro-inflammatory mediators, such as NF-κB p50, NF-κB p65, iNOS, MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9. They also increased the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-13, and the cytoprotective transcription factor Nrf2. The compounds stimulated higher activities of antioxidants, such as glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase, and reduced lipid peroxidation in the serum of arthritic rats. In conclusion, diosmin, trolox, and their combination, which was the most potent, exerted anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by suppressing NF-κB signaling, inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases, and activating Nrf2.