bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Present-Day CMIP6 Model Simulations of Extreme Precipitation and Temperature over the Australian Continent
Authors: Nishant Nidhi , Di Virgilio Giovanni , Ji Fei , Tam Eugene , Beyer Kathleen , Riley Matthew L.
Published: September 2022

Australia experiences a variety of climate extremes that result in loss of life and economic and environmental damage. This paper provides a first evaluation of the performance of state-of-the-art Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) global climate models (GCMs) in simulating climate extremes over Australia. Here, we evaluate how well 37 individual CMIP6 GCMs simulate the spatiotemporal patterns of 12 climate extremes over Australia by comparing the GCMs against gridded observations (Australian Gridded Climate Dataset). This evaluation is crucial for informing, interpreting, and constructing multimodel ensemble future projections of climate extremes over Australia, climate-resilience planning, and GCM selection while conducting exercises like dynamical downscaling via GCMs. We find that temperature extremes (maximum-maximum temperature -TXx, number of summer days -SU, and number of days when maximum temperature is greater than 35 °C -Txge35) are reasonably well-simulated in comparison to precipitation extremes. However, GCMs tend to overestimate (underestimate) minimum (maximum) temperature extremes. GCMs also typically struggle to capture both extremely dry (consecutive dry days -CDD) and wet (99th percentile of precipitation -R99p) precipitation extremes, thus highlighting the underlying uncertainty of GCMs in capturing regional drought and flood conditions. Typically for both precipitation and temperature extremes, UKESM1-0-LL, FGOALS-g3, and GCMs from Met office Hadley Centre (HadGEM3-GC31-MM and HadGEM3-GC31-LL) and NOAA (GFDL-ESM4 and GFDL-CM4) consistently tend to show good performance. Our results also show that GCMs from the same modelling group and GCMs sharing key modelling components tend to have similar biases and thus are not highly independent.
Properties and Atmospheric Oxidation of Norpinic Acid Aerosol
Authors: Kostenidou Evangelia , Jorga Spiro , Kodros John K. , Florou Kalliopi , Kołodziejczyk Agata , Szmigielski Rafal , Pandis Spyros N.
Published: September 2022

Norpinic acid is a major semi-volatile oxidation product of α-pinene and β-pinene, two of the most important biogenic atmospheric volatile organic compounds. In this study we characterized the physicochemical properties of norpinic acid aerosol using a variety of techniques, and we investigated its reaction with OH radicals. The Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) spectrum of norpinic acid was characterized by a pronounced peak at m/z 82 (C5H6O+), which can be used as its chemical signature. The measured density of norpinic acid particles was 1.3 g cm−3. Its saturation concentration at 298 K was estimated to be equal to 8.9 μg m−3 using thermodenuder measurements and 12.8 μg m−3 using isothermal dilution. Its vaporization enthalpy was equal to 71 kJ mol−1. After reaction with OH radicals for an equivalent atmospheric period of 0.6–5 days under UV radiation and low RH, there were no noticeable changes in the AMS spectrum of the particles, while the wall-loss corrected mass concentration slightly decreased. This suggests that the atmospheric aging products of norpinic acid particles are quite similar to the parent molecule when measured by the AMS, and the aging reactions lead to a small change in particle mass concentration.
A Study of Team Recommended Generalized Assignment Methods
Authors: Li Fachao , Fan Ruya , Jin Chenxia
Published: September 2022

This study considers the team recommendation problem as a generalized assignment problem. Firstly, a formal description of the team recommendation problem is given; secondly, a team-recommended generalized assignment model (TRGAM) is established based on the work ability value of alternative members, the comprehensive work ability value of the team as the core concern index, the importance weight of team tasks and the energy allocation weight of team members as the fusion strategy of the data; thirdly, a solution method for the standard case of TRGAM is designed using the enumeration method and Hungarian algorithms (BEM⊕HM–TRGAMs) as local computational tools; fourthly, the alternative member set refinement methods and standardization measures for TRGAM are given; finally, BEM⊕HM–TRGAMs are analyzed using specific arithmetic examples. The theoretical analysis and experimental results show that TRGAM has good structural features and interpretability and BEM⊕HM–TRGAMs can effectively solve the TRGAM solving problem.
Pointwise Wavelet Estimations for a Regression Model in Local Hölder Space
Authors: Kou Junke , Huang Qinmei , Guo Huijun
Published: September 2022

This paper considers an unknown functional estimation problem in a regression model with multiplicative and additive noise. A linear wavelet estimator is first constructed by a wavelet projection operator. The convergence rate under the pointwise error of linear wavelet estimators is studied in local Hölder space. A nonlinear wavelet estimator is provided by the hard thresholding method in order to obtain an adaptive estimator. The convergence rate of the nonlinear estimator is the same as the linear estimator up to a logarithmic term. Finally, it should be pointed out that the convergence rates of two wavelet estimators are consistent with the optimal convergence rate on pointwise nonparametric estimation.
A Geometric Morphometric Study on Sexual Dimorphism in Viscerocranium
Authors: Toneva Diana , Nikolova Silviya , Tasheva-Terzieva Elena , Zlatareva Dora , Lazarov Nikolai
Published: September 2022

The level of sexual dimorphism manifested by human bones is an important factor for development of effective sex estimation methods. The aim of the study was to investigate the sexual dimorphism in the size and shape of the viscerocranium using geometric morphometric techniques. It also aimed to explore the sex differences in distinct viscerocranial regions and to establish the most dimorphic region with regard to size and shape. Computed tomography images of 156 males and 184 females were used in the study. Three-dimensional coordinates of 31 landmarks were acquired. Five landmark configurations were constructed from the viscerocranium and its orbital, nasal, maxillary, and zygomatic region. Generalized Procrustes superimposition, principal component analysis, and discriminant analysis were applied to each configuration. The significance of the sex differences in size and shape was assessed and significant differences were found in all configurations. The highest accuracy was obtained from both shape and size of the whole viscerocranium. Based on size only, the highest accuracy was achieved by the nasal region. The accuracy based on shape was generally low for all configurations, but the highest result was attained by the orbital region. Hence, size is a better sex discriminator than shape.
Usefulness of Surface Electromyography Complexity Analyses to Assess the Effects of Warm-Up and Stretching during Maximal and Sub-Maximal Hamstring Contractions: A Cross-Over, Randomized, Single-Blind Trial
Authors: Babault Nicolas , Hitier Marion , Cometti Carole
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to apply different complexity-based methods to surface electromyography (EMG) in order to detect neuromuscular changes after realistic warm-up procedures that included stretching exercises. Sixteen volunteers conducted two experimental sessions. They were tested before, after a standardized warm-up, and after a stretching exercise (static or neuromuscular nerve gliding technique). Tests included measurements of the knee flexion torque and EMG of biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles. EMG was analyzed using the root mean square (RMS), sample entropy (SampEn), percentage of recurrence and determinism following a recurrence quantification analysis (%Rec and %Det) and a scaling parameter from a detrended fluctuation analysis. Torque was significantly greater after warm-up as compared to baseline and after stretching. RMS was not affected by the experimental procedure. In contrast, SampEn was significantly greater after warm-up and stretching as compared to baseline values. %Rec was not modified but %Det for BF muscle was significantly greater after stretching as compared to baseline. The a scaling parameter was significantly lower after warm-up as compared to baseline for ST muscle. From the present results, complexity-based methods applied to the EMG give additional information than linear-based methods. They appeared sensitive to detect EMG complexity increases following warm-up.
Intraoperative Flow Cytometry for the Characterization of Gynecological Malignancies
Authors: Anastasiadi Zoi , Mantziou Stefania , Akrivis Christos , Paschopoulos Minas , Balasi Eufemia , Lianos Georgios D. , Alexiou George A. , Mitsis Michail , Vartholomatos George , Markopoulos Georgios S.
Published: September 2022

Cell-cycle analysis has shown the presence of aneuploidy to be associated with poor prognosis. We developed an innovative rapid cell-cycle analysis protocol (the Ioannina protocol) that permitted the intraoperative identification of neoplastic cells in a plethora of malignancies. Herein, we aimed to investigate the potential role of cell-cycle analysis in the intraoperative characterization of gynecological malignancies. Women who underwent surgery for gynecological malignancies in our institution over a three-year period were included in this study. Permanent section pathology evaluation was used as the gold standard for malignancy evaluation. Total accordance was observed between flow cytometry and pathology evaluation. In total, 21 aneuploid cancers were detected following DNA index calculation. Of these, 20 were hyperploid and 1 was hypoploid. In addition, tumor samples were characterized by a significantly lower percentage of cells in G0/G1, as well as an induced tumor index. The response time for flow cytometry to obtain results was 5–6 min per sample. It seems that flow cytometry analyses for intraoperative tumor evaluation can be safely expanded to gynecological malignancies. This is a novel practical approach that has been proven valuable in several tumor types to date, and also seems to be reliable for gynecological malignancies. Intraoperative flow cytometry is expected to be crucial in decisions of lymph node dissection in endometrial cancers, due to its rapid response regarding the tumor invasion of part or all of the myometrial thickness. In this way, the surgeon can quickly modify the plane of dissection. Our results warrant the further investigation of applying iFC in larger, multicenter studies.
Wheat Antipodal Cells with Polytene Chromosomes in the Embryo Sac Are Key to Understanding the Formation of Grain in Cereals
Authors: Doronina Tatiana V. , Ashapkin Vasily V. , Lazareva Elena M.
Published: September 2022

The ultrastructure of antipodal cells of the Triticum aestivum embryo sac was studied at different stages of differentiation and programmed cell death. The importance of cell function in the antipodal complex is evidenced by the fact that it is fully formed before double fertilization, past the stages of proliferation of three initial cells, and several rounds of genome endoreduplication during differentiation. In this study, we showed that the actively synthesizing organelles, the granular reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, alter their structure during differentiation and death. The polymorphism of the shape of the mitochondria and plastids was demonstrated. For the first time, the actin filaments of the cytoskeleton and numerous multivesicular bodies associated with the plasma membrane were detected in the cytoplasm. The transfer of cytoplasm and organelles between antipodal cells and into the coenocyte of the endosperm was confirmed. DNA breaks and the release of cytochrome c at various stages of death were revealed. To understand the function of the antipodal cells, a quantitative PCR analysis of the expression of wheat genes involved in protective, antistress, and metabolic processes was carried out. We found that gene expression in the antipodal cell fraction was increased compared with that in the whole embryo sac. On the basis of the data, we assume that antipodal cells produce both nutrients and numerous antistress factors that ensure the normal development of the endosperm of the grain, which, in turn, further ensures the development of the embryo.
Hepatic Gene Expression Profiling of American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) Exposed In Ovo to Three Alternative Brominated Flame Retardants
Authors: Goodchild Christopher G. , Karouna-Renier Natalie K. , Braham Ryan P. , Henry Paula F. P. , Letcher Robert J. , Fernie Kim J.
Published: September 2022

A number of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have been reported to interfere with the thyroid signaling pathway and cause oxidative stress in birds, yet the underlying shifts in gene expression associated with these effects remain poorly understood. In this study, we measured hepatic transcriptional responses of 31 genes in American kestrel (Falco sparverius) hatchlings following in ovo exposure to one of three high-volume alternative BFRs: 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTPBE), bis(2-ethylhexyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH), or 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EHTBB). Hatchling kestrels exhibited shifts in the expression of genes related to oxidative stress (CYP, GSTA, SOD, and GPX1), thyroid hormone metabolism and transport (DIO1, DIO2, and TTR), lipid and protein metabolism (PPAR, HMGCR, FAB1, and LPL), and cytokine-mediated inflammation (TLR3, IL18, IRF7, STAT3, RACK1, and CEBPB). Male and female hatchlings differed in which genes were differentially expressed, as well as the direction of the effect (up- vs. downregulation). These results build upon our previous findings of increased oxidative stress and disrupted thyroid signaling pathway in the same hatchlings. Furthermore, our results indicate that inflammatory responses appear to occur in female hatchlings exposed to BTBPE and EHTBB in ovo. Gene expression analysis revealed multiple affected pathways, adding to the growing evidence that sublethal physiological effects are complex and are a concern for birds exposed to BTBPE, EHTBB, or TBPH in ovo.
Virulence Characteristics and Emerging Therapies for Biofilm-Forming Acinetobacter baumannii: A Review
Authors: Dolma Karma G. , Khati Rachana , Paul Alok K. , Rahmatullah Mohammed , de Lourdes Pereira Maria , Wilairatana Polrat , Khandelwal Bidita , Gupta Chamma , Gautam Deepan , Gupta Madhu , Goyal Ramesh K. , Wiart Christophe , Nissapatorn Veeranoot
Published: September 2022

Acinetobacter species is one of the most prevailing nosocomial pathogens with a potent ability to develop antimicrobial resistance. It commonly causes infections where there is a prolonged utilization of medical devices such as CSF shunts, catheters, endotracheal tubes, and similar. There are several strains of Acinetobacter (A) species (spp), among which the majority are pathogenic to humans, but A. baumannii are entirely resistant to several clinically available antibiotics. The crucial mechanism that renders them a multidrug-resistant strain is their potent ability to synthesize biofilms. Biofilms provide ample opportunity for the microorganisms to withstand the harsh environment and further cause chronic infections. Several studies have enumerated multiple physiological and virulence factors responsible for the production and maintenance of biofilms. To further enhance our understanding of this pathogen, in this review, we discuss its taxonomy, pathogenesis, current treatment options, global resistance rates, mechanisms of its resistance against various groups of antimicrobials, and future therapeutics.
Identification of Putative Neuropeptides That Alter the Behaviour of Schistosoma mansoni Cercariae
Authors: Fogarty Conor E. , Suwansa-ard Saowaros , Phan Phong , McManus Donald P. , Duke Mary G. , Wyeth Russell C. , Cummins Scott F. , Wang Tianfang
Published: September 2022

Elucidating the infectivity of Schistosoma mansoni, one of the main etiological agents of human schistosomiasis, requires an improved understanding of the behavioural mechanisms of cercariae, the non-feeding mammalian infective stage. This study investigated the presence and effect of cercariae-derived putative neuropeptides on cercarial behaviour when applied externally. Cercariae were peptidomically analysed and 11 neuropeptide precursor proteins, all of which were specific to the Schistosoma genus and most of which highly expressed in the cercarial stage, were identified in cercariae for the first time. Protein–protein interaction analysis predicted the interaction of various neuropeptide precursors (e.g., Sm-npp-30, Sm-npp-33, Sm-npp-35) with cercarial structural proteins (e.g., myosin heavy chain and titin). In total, nine putative neuropeptides, selected based on their high hydrophobicity and small size (~1 kilodalton), were tested on cercariae (3 mg/mL) in acute exposure (1 min) and prolonged exposure (360 min) behavioural bioassays. The peptides AAYMDLPW-NH2, NRKIDQSFYSYY-NH2, FLLALPSP-OH, and NYLWDTRL-NH2 stimulated acute increases in cercarial spinning, stopping, and directional change during active states. However, only NRKIDQSFYSYY-NH2 caused the same behavioural changes at a lower concentration (0.1 mg/mL). After prolonged exposure, AAYMDLPW-NH2 and NYLWDTRL-NH2 caused increasing passive behaviour and NRKIDQSFYSYY-NH2 caused increasing body-first and head-pulling movements. These findings characterise behaviour-altering novel putative neuropeptides, which may inform future biocontrol innovations to prevent human schistosomiasis.
Mendelian Randomization and GWAS Meta Analysis Revealed the Risk-Increasing Effect of Schizophrenia on Cancers
Authors: Yuan Kai , Song Weichen , Liu Zhe , Lin Guan Ning , Yu Shunying
Published: September 2022

The causal relationship between cancer and Schizophrenia (SCZ) remains controversial. Some researchers have found that SCZ is a cancer-preventive factor in cohort studies or meta-analyses, whereas others have found the opposite. To understand more about this issue, we used two-sample Mendelian randomization (2SMR) on available GWAS summary results to evaluate potential genetic connections between SCZ and 13 cancers. We discovered that the genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia lead to an increasing risk of breast cancer (odds ratio [OR] per log-odds increase in schizophrenia risk: 1.049, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.023–1.075; p = 0.00012; FDR = 0.0017), ovarian cancer (OR, 1.326; 95% CI, 1.267–1.387; p = 0.0007; FDR = 0.0045), and thyroid cancer (OR, 1.575; 95% CI, 1.048–2.365; p = 0.0285; FDR = 0.123). Secondly, we performed a meta-analysis based on the GWAS summary statistics of SCZ and the three significant cancers. Next, we associated genetic variants to genes using two gene mapping strategies: (a) positional mapping based on genomic proximity and (b) expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping based on gene expression linkage across multiple tissues. As a result, we identified 114 shared loci and 437 shared genes in three groups, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis shows that the most enriched biological pathways are related to epigenetic modification. In addition, we noticed that SCZ would affect the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (OR, 1.095; 95% CI, 1.006–1.191; p = 0.0354; FDR = 0.177), which may further affect the level of estrogen and the risk of the above three cancers. In conclusion, our findings under the 2SMR assumption provide crucial insights into the risk-increasing effect of SCZ on three cancers’ risk. Furthermore, these results may provide insights into understanding the genetic predisposition and underlying biological pathways of comorbid SCZ and cancers.
Antibacterial and Antifungal Sesquiterpenoids: Chemistry, Resource, and Activity
Authors: Li Hang-Ying , Yang Wen-Qian , Zhou Xin-Zhu , Shao Fei , Shen Tong , Guan Hui-Ying , Zheng Jie , Zhang Li-Ming
Published: September 2022

Infectious diseases caused by bacteria and fungi are threatening human health all over the world. It is an increasingly serious problem that the efficacies of some antibacterial and antifungal agents have been weakened by the drug resistance of some bacteria and fungi, which makes a great need for new antibiotics. Sesquiterpenoids, with abundant structural skeleton types and a wide range of bioactivities, are considered as good candidates to be antibacterial and antifungal agents. In the past decades, many sesquiterpenoids were isolated from plants and fungi that exhibited good antibacterial and antifungal activities. In this review, the names, source, structures, antibacterial and antifungal degrees, and mechanisms of sesquiterpenoids with antibacterial and antifungal activity from 2012 to 2022 are summarized, and the structure-activity relationship of these sesquiterpenoids against bacteria and fungi is also discussed.
New Insights into the Alveolar Epithelium as a Driver of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Sanches Santos Rizzo Zuttion Marilia , Moore Sarah Kathryn Littlehale , Chen Peter , Beppu Andrew Kota , Hook Jaime Lynn
Published: September 2022

The alveolar epithelium serves as a barrier between the body and the external environment. To maintain efficient gas exchange, the alveolar epithelium has evolved to withstand and rapidly respond to an assortment of inhaled, injury-inducing stimuli. However, alveolar damage can lead to loss of alveolar fluid barrier function and exuberant, non-resolving inflammation that manifests clinically as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This review discusses recent discoveries related to mechanisms of alveolar homeostasis, injury, repair, and regeneration, with a contemporary emphasis on virus-induced lung injury. In addition, we address new insights into how the alveolar epithelium coordinates injury-induced lung inflammation and review maladaptive lung responses to alveolar damage that drive ARDS and pathologic lung remodeling.
The Regulators of Human Endometrial Stromal Cell Decidualization
Authors: Murata Hiromi , Tanaka Susumu , Okada Hidetaka
Published: September 2022

Several factors are important for implantation and subsequent placentation in the endometrium, including immunity, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix, glucose metabolism, reactive oxidative stress, and hormones. The involvement or abnormality of these factors can impair canonical decidualization. Unusual decidualization can lead to perinatal complications, such as disruption of trophoblast invasion. Drastic changes in the morphology and function of human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) are important for decidualization of the human endometrium; hESCs are used to induce optimal morphological and functional decidualization in vitro because they contain estrogen and progesterone receptors. In this review, we will focus on the studies that have been conducted on hESC decidualization, including the results from our laboratory.
Preparation, Characterization and Multiple Biological Properties of Peptide-Modified Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Mengjun , He Hongliang , Liu Di , Ma Ming , Zhang Yu
Published: September 2022

Although cerium oxide nanoparticles are attracting much attention in the biomedical field due to their unique physicochemical and biological functions, the cerium oxide nanoparticles greatly suffer from several unmet physicochemical challenges, including loss of enzymatic activity during the storage, non-specific cellular uptake, off-target toxicities, etc. Herein, in order to improve the targeting property of cerium oxide nanoparticles, we first modified cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2) with polyacrylic acid (PAA) and then conjugated with an endothelium-targeting peptide glycine-arginine-aspartic acid (cRGD) to construct CeO2@PAA@RGD. The physiochemical characterization results showed that the surface modifications did not impact the intrinsic enzymatic properties of CeO2, including catalase-like (CAT) and superoxide dismutase-like (SOD) activities. Moreover, the cellular assay data showed that CeO2@PAA@RGD exhibited a good biocompatibility and a higher cellular uptake due to the presence of RGD targeting peptide on its surface. CeO2@PAA@RGD effectively scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) to protect cells from oxidative-stress-induced damage. Additionally, it was found that the CeO2@PAA@RGD converted the phenotype of macrophages from proinflammatory (M1) to anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotype, inhibiting the occurrence of inflammation. Furthermore, the CeO2@PAA@RGD also promoted endothelial cell-mediated migration and angiogenesis. Collectively, our results successfully demonstrate the promising application of CeO2@PAA@RGD in the future biomedical field.
Effects of Nickel at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations on Human Corneal Epithelial Cells: Oxidative Damage and Cellular Apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Ning , Liu Hai , Liu Mi-Mi , Yang Dan-Lei , Bi Jue , Chen Qian-Qian , Chen Wei , Xiang Ping
Published: September 2022

Nickel (Ni) is ubiquitous in the environment and evidence has suggested that Ni can cause ocular surface inflammation, especially in fine particulate matter and personal products. Continuous daily exposure to Ni-containing dust may adversely impact the human cornea, whereas the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon remains not fully understood. Here, human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) were employed to analyze the toxicity of Ni via detections of cell morphology, cell viability, reactive oxygen species production, cell apoptosis rate, and apoptotic gene expression levels after exposure for 24 h to uncover the damage of Ni to the cornea. A concentration-dependent inhibition of HCECs’ viability and growth was observed. In particular, Ni at 100 μM significantly decreased cell viability to 76%, and many cells displayed an abnormal shape and even induced oxidative damage of HCEC by increasing ROS to 1.2 times, and further led to higher apoptosis (24%), evidenced by up-regulation of apoptotic genes Caspase-8, Caspase-9, NF-κB, IL-1β, and Caspase-3, posing a risk of dry eye. Our study suggested that Ni induces apoptosis of HCEC through oxidative damage. Therefore, Ni pollution should be comprehensively considered in health risks or toxic effects on the ocular surface.
Biomedical Applications of an Ultra-Sensitive Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor Based on Smart MXene Quantum Dots (SMQDs)
Authors: Mousavi Seyyed Mojtaba , Hashemi Seyyed Alireza , Kalashgrani Masoomeh Yari , Rahmanian Vahid , Gholami Ahmad , Chiang Wei-Hung , Lai Chin Wei
Published: September 2022

In today’s world, the use of biosensors occupies a special place in a variety of fields such as agriculture and industry. New biosensor technologies can identify biological compounds accurately and quickly. One of these technologies is the phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in the development of biosensors based on their optical properties, which allow for very sensitive and specific measurements of biomolecules without time delay. Therefore, various nanomaterials have been introduced for the development of SPR biosensors to achieve a high degree of selectivity and sensitivity. The diagnosis of deadly diseases such as cancer depends on the use of nanotechnology. Smart MXene quantum dots (SMQDs), a new class of nanomaterials that are developing at a rapid pace, are perfect for the development of SPR biosensors due to their many advantageous properties. Moreover, SMQDs are two-dimensional (2D) inorganic segments with a limited number of atomic layers that exhibit excellent properties such as high conductivity, plasmonic, and optical properties. Therefore, SMQDs, with their unique properties, are promising contenders for biomedicine, including cancer diagnosis/treatment, biological sensing/imaging, antigen detection, etc. In this review, SPR biosensors based on SMQDs applied in biomedical applications are discussed. To achieve this goal, an introduction to SPR, SPR biosensors, and SMQDs (including their structure, surface functional groups, synthesis, and properties) is given first; then, the fabrication of hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) based on SMQDs and the biomedical applications of SMQDs are discussed. In the next step, SPR biosensors based on SMQDs and advanced 2D SMQDs-based nanobiosensors as ultrasensitive detection tools are presented. This review proposes the use of SMQDs for the improvement of SPR biosensors with high selectivity and sensitivity for biomedical applications.
Nanoparticle-Based Visual Detection of Amplified DNA for Diagnosis of Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Kim Soo-Kyung , Oh Yoon-Hee , Ko Dae-Hyun , Sung Heungsup , Oh Heung-Bum , Hwang Sang-Hyun
Published: September 2022

Rapid, simple, and inexpensive diagnostic point-of-care tests (POCTs) are essential for controlling infectious diseases in resource-limited settings. In this study, we developed a new detection system based on nanoparticle–DNA aggregation (STat aggregation of tagged DNA, STAT-DNA) to yield a visual change that can be easily detected by the naked eye. This simplified optical detection system was applied to detect hepatitis C virus (HCV). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using primers labeled with biotin and digoxigenin. Streptavidin-coated magnetic particles (1 μm) and anti-digoxigenin antibody-coated polystyrene particles (250–350 nm) were added to form aggregates. The limit of detection (LoD) and analytical specificity were analyzed. The STAT-DNA results were compared with those of the standard real-time PCR assay using serum samples from 54 patients with hepatitis C. We achieved visualization of amplified DNA with the naked eye by adding nanoparticles to the PCR mixture without employing centrifugal force, probe addition, incubation, or dilution. The LoD of STAT-DNA was at least 101 IU/mL. STAT-DNA did not show cross-reactivity with eight viral pathogens. The detection using STAT-DNA was consistent with that using standard real-time PCR.
Ultrasensitive and Rapid Detection of N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) Using Fiber Optic Nanogold-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Liu Han-Long , Tseng Yen-Ta , Lai Mei-Chu , Chau Lai-Kwan
Published: September 2022

The N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is considered an important blood biomarker for heart failure. Herein, we report about a fiber optic nanogold-linked immunosorbent assay (FONLISA) method for the rapid, sensitive, and low-cost detection of NT-proBNP. The method is based on a sandwich immunoassay approach that uses two monoclonal NT-proBNP antibodies, a capture antibody (AbC), and a detection antibody (AbD). AbD is conjugated to a free gold nanoparticle (AuNP) to form the free AuNP@AbD conjugate, and AbC is immobilized on an unclad segment of an optical fiber. The detection of analyte (A), in this case NT-proBNP, is based on the signal change due to the formation of an AuNP@AbD–A–AbC complex on the fiber core surface, where a green light transmitted through the optical fiber will decrease in intensity due to light absorption by AuNPs via the localized surface plasmon resonance effect. This method provides a wide linear dynamic range of 0.50~5000 pg·mL−1 and a limit of detection of 0.058 pg·mL−1 for NT-proBNP. Finally, the method exhibits good correlation (r = 0.979) with the commercial central laboratory-based electrochemiluminescent immunoassay method that uses a Roche Cobas e411 instrument. Hence, our method is potentially a suitable tool for point-of-care testing.
Facile Label-Free Electrochemical DNA Biosensor for Detection of Osteosarcoma-Related Survivin Gene
Authors: Chen Yao , Zhong Yu , Ye Ji-Xing , Lei Yun , Liu Ai-Lin
Published: September 2022

A sensitive and selective electrochemical deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) biosensor was developed for the determination of a osteosarcoma-related survivin gene by using celestine blue (CB) as a label-free hybridization indicator. The proposed strategy adopted a facile and low-cost working electrode with no need for other substances for electrode or DNA functionalization. The interaction mode between CB and DNA was studied by electrochemical and spectroscopic approaches, illustrating that the possible mode was intercalation with a binding number of 2 and a binding constant β of 1012.87. Moreover, the label-free electrochemical DNA biosensor exhibited a good linear relationship toward the target gene in a range from 1.00 nM to 50.00 nM with a detection limit as low as 0.046 nM using 3σ estimating system. This facile and low-cost electrochemical method realized the rapid detection and accurate quantification of the target sequence in complicated serum samples, endowing its promising potential in the diagnosis and monitoring of genetic diseases.
Strategies for Enhancing the Sensitivity of Electrochemiluminescence Biosensors
Authors: Huang Yueyue , Yao Yuanyuan , Wang Yueliang , Chen Lifen , Zeng Yanbo , Li Lei , Guo Longhua
Published: September 2022

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) has received considerable attention as a powerful analytical technique for the sensitive and accurate detection of biological analytes owing to its high sensitivity and selectivity and wide dynamic range. To satisfy the growing demand for ultrasensitive analysis techniques with high efficiency and accuracy in complex real sample matrices, considerable efforts have been dedicated to developing ECL strategies to improve the sensitivity of bioanalysis. As one of the most effective approaches, diverse signal amplification strategies have been integrated with ECL biosensors to achieve desirable analytical performance. This review summarizes the recent advances in ECL biosensing based on various signal amplification strategies, including DNA-assisted amplification strategies, efficient ECL luminophores, surface-enhanced electrochemiluminescence, and ratiometric strategies. Sensitivity-enhancing strategies and bio-related applications are discussed in detail. Moreover, the future trends and challenges of ECL biosensors are discussed.
Assessing Multi-Site rs-fMRI-Based Connectomic Harmonization Using Information Theory
Authors: Roffet Facundo , Delrieux Claudio , Patow Gustavo
Published: September 2022

Several harmonization techniques have recently been proposed for connectomics/networks derived from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) acquired at multiple sites. These techniques have the objective of mitigating site-specific biases that complicate its subsequent analysis and, therefore, compromise the quality of the results when these images are analyzed together. Thus, harmonization is indispensable when large cohorts are required in which the data obtained must be independent of the particular condition of each resonator, its make and model, its calibration, and other features or artifacts that may affect the significance of the acquisition. To date, no assessment of the actual efficacy of these harmonization techniques has been proposed. In this work, we apply recently introduced Information Theory tools to analyze the effectiveness of these techniques, developing a methodology that allows us to compare different harmonization models. We demonstrate the usefulness of this methodology by applying it to some of the most widespread harmonization frameworks and datasets. As a result, we are able to show that some of these techniques are indeed ineffective since the acquisition site can still be determined from the fMRI data after the processing.
Pre-Sleep Cognitive Arousal Is Unrelated to Sleep Misperception in Healthy Sleepers When Unexpected Sounds Are Played during Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep: A Polysomnography Study
Authors: Sharman Rachel L. , Bastien Célyne H. , Perlis Michael L. , Wetherell Mark A. , Barclay Nicola L. , Santhi Nayantara , Ellis Jason G. , Elder Greg J.
Published: September 2022

Background: It is well-established that environmental noise can disrupt sleep, and cause a mismatch between subjective and objective sleep, which is known as “sleep misperception”. Naturalistic studies indicate that pre-sleep cognitive arousal and sleep misperception are associated in the context of noise. However, it is not known if this is the case when ecologically valid noises are specifically played during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which is susceptible to noise-related disruption. The present study evaluated if pre-sleep cognitive arousal was associated with sleep misperception in healthy normal sleepers, when unexpected ecologically valid common nocturnal noises were played during NREM sleep. Methods: Eighteen healthy sleepers (Mage = 23.37 years, SDage = 3.21 years) participated. Sleep was measured objectively on three consecutive nights using polysomnography, in a sleep laboratory environment, and subjectively, through participant estimates of total sleep time (TST). Night 1 was a baseline night where no noises were played. On Night 2, noises, which were chosen to be representative of habitual nocturnal noises heard in home environments, were played to participants via in-ear headphones after 5 min of objective sleep. Results: Unexpectedly, habitual pre-sleep cognitive arousal was not associated with subjective–objective TST discrepancy on Night 2. Conclusions: These results suggest that in healthy sleepers, when ecologically valid noises are played unexpectedly during NREM sleep in an unfamiliar sleep laboratory environment the subjective experience of sleep is not associated with pre-sleep cognitive arousal, or negatively impacted by noise exposure.
Experiential Characteristics among Individuals with Tinnitus Seeking Online Psychological Interventions: A Cluster Analysis
Authors: Beukes Eldre W. , Chundu Srikanth , Ratinaud Pierre , Andersson Gerhard , Manchaiah Vinaya
Published: September 2022

Objective: This study was designed to gain insights regarding patterns of social representations (values, ideas, beliefs) of tinnitus and their relation to demographic and clinical factors. Method: A cross-sectional survey design was used including 399 adults seeking help and reporting interest in internet-based cognitive behavior therapy for tinnitus. Data were collected using a free association task and analysis used qualitative (content analysis) and quantitative (cluster analysis and chi-square analysis) using the Iramuteq software. Results: The social representations identified the negative impact of tinnitus and included the way it sounded (descriptions of the way tinnitus sounds (18%), annoyance (13.5%), and persistence (8%)). Four clusters were identified representing four levels of tinnitus severity, namely debilitating tinnitus (24%), distressing tinnitus (10%), annoying tinnitus (46%), and accepting tinnitus (20%). Cluster identity was associated with demographic and clinical variables. Discussion: The identified clusters represented tinnitus severity experience in four stages, ranging from debilitating tinnitus to acceptance of tinnitus. These findings are important for clinical practice where tinnitus descriptions can indicate the stage of the tinnitus experience and which intervention pathway may be most appropriate.
Frequency-Tagging EEG of Superimposed Social and Non-Social Visual Stimulation Streams Provides No Support for Social Salience Enhancement after Intranasal Oxytocin Administration
Authors: Qiao Zhiling , Van der Donck Stephanie , Moerkerke Matthijs , Dlhosova Tereza , Vettori Sofie , Dzhelyova Milena , van Winkel Ruud , Alaerts Kaat , Boets Bart
Published: September 2022

The social salience hypothesis proposes that the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) can impact human social behavior by modulating the salience of social cues. Here, frequency-tagging EEG was used to quantify the neural responses to social versus non-social stimuli while administering a single dose of OT (24 IU) versus placebo treatment. Specifically, two streams of faces and houses were superimposed on one another, with each stream of stimuli tagged with a particular presentation rate (i.e., 6 and 7.5 Hz or vice versa). These distinctive frequency tags allowed unambiguously disentangling and objectively quantifying the respective neural responses elicited by the different streams of stimuli. This study involved a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial with 31 healthy adult men. Based on four trials of 60 s, we detected robust frequency-tagged neural responses in each individual, with entrainment to faces being more pronounced in lateral occipito-temporal regions and entrainment to houses being focused in medial occipital regions. However, contrary to our expectation, a single dose of OT did not modulate these stimulus-driven neural responses, not in terms of enhanced social processing nor in terms of generally enhanced information salience. Bayesian analyses formally confirmed these null findings. Possibly, the baseline ceiling level performance of these neurotypical adult participants as well as the personal irrelevance of the applied stimulation streams might have hindered the observation of any OT effect.
Sociomoral Reasoning Skills during Childhood: A Comprehensive and Predictive Approach
Authors: Morasse Frédérick , Bernier Annie , Lalonde Gabrielle , Hétu Sébastien , Beauchamp Miriam H.
Published: September 2022

Sociomoral reasoning (SMR) is an essential component of social functioning allowing children to establish judgments based on moral criteria. The progressive emergence and complexification of SMR during childhood is thought to be underpinned by a range of characteristics and abilities present in the preschool years. Past studies have mostly examined concurrent associations between individual factors and SMR. Using a more comprehensive and predictive approach to identify early predictors of school-age SMR would contribute to a more complete picture of SMR development. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of four domains of preschool predictors to SMR at school-age: demographic (age, sex, parental education), cognitive (executive and sociocognitive functions), behavioral (internalizing and externalizing behaviors), and familial (parent–child interactions, parental stress) factors. Parents of 122 children 3 to 5 years (M = 3.70, SD = 0.66 years, 51% girls) completed questionnaires and children were administered executive and sociocognitive tasks. Parent–child interactions were assessed using an observational approach. SMR was measured four years later using the SoMoral task. A four-step hierarchical regression analysis revealed that executive functions and internalizing problems were significant independent predictors of SMR. These findings provide a more comprehensive understanding of the early precursors of SMR during childhood.
The Online Processing of Korean Case by Native Korean Speakers and Second Language Learners as Revealed by Eye Movements
Authors: Frenck-Mestre Cheryl , Choo Hyeree , Zappa Ana , Herschensohn Julia , Kim Seung-Kyung , Ghio Alain , Koh Sungryung
Published: September 2022

Previous experimental studies have reported clear differences between native speakers and second language (L2) learners as concerns their capacity to extract and exploit morphosyntactic information during online processing. We examined the online processing of nominal case morphology in Korean by native speakers and L2 learners by contrasting canonical (SOV) and scrambled (OSV) structures, across auditory (Experiment 1) and written (Experiment 2) formats. Moreover, we compared different instances of nominal case marking: accusative (NOM-ACC) and dative (NOM-DAT). During auditory processing, Koreans showed incremental processing based on case information, with no effect of scrambling or specific case marking. In contrast, the L2 group showed no evidence of predictive processing and was negatively impacted by scrambling, especially for the accusative. During reading, both Koreans and the L2 group showed a cost of scrambling on first pass reading times, specifically for the dative. Lastly, L2 learners showed better comprehension for scrambled dative than accusative structures across formats. The current set of results show that format, the specific case marking, and word order all affect the online processing of nominal case morphology.
Severe Acquired Brain Injury: Prognostic Factors of Discharge Outcome in Older Adults
Authors: Fusco Augusto , Galluccio Caterina , Castelli Letizia , Pazzaglia Costanza , Pastorino Roberta , Pires Marafon Denise , Bernabei Roberto , Giovannini Silvia , Padua Luca
Published: September 2022

Severe Acquired Brain Injury (sABI) is a leading cause of disability and requires intensive rehabilitation treatment. Discharge from the rehabilitation ward is a key moment in patient management. Delays in patient discharge can adversely affect hospital productivity and increase healthcare costs. The discharge should be structured from the hospital admission toward the most appropriate environment. The purpose of our study is to investigate early predictors of outcome for discharge in older adults with sABI. A retrospective study was performed on 22 patients who were admitted to an intensive neurorehabilitation unit between June 2019 and December 2021. Patients were divided into two outcome categories, good outcome (GO) or poor outcome (PO), based on discharge destination, and the possible prognostic factors were analyzed at one and two months after admission. Among the factors analyzed, changes in the Disability Rating Scale (DRS) and Level of Cognitive Functioning (LCF) at the first and second month of hospitalization were predictive of GO at discharge (DRS, p = 0.025; LCF, p = 0.011). The presence of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy at two months after admission was also significantly associated with PO (p = 0.038). High Body Mass Index (BMI) and the presence of sepsis at one month after admission were possible predictors of PO (BMI p = 0.048; sepsis p = 0.014). An analysis of dynamic predictors could be useful to guarantee an early evaluation of hospital discharge in frail patients with sABI.
Analyzing the Housing Consumer Preferences via Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Jung Chuloh , Al Qassimi Nahla , Abdelaziz Mahmoud Naglaa Sami , Lee Sang Yeal
Published: September 2022

Dubai was one of the top three real estate destinations in the world for investment in 2020. This paper aims to understand the order of preference for various housing determinants by housing consumers in Dubai. As a methodology, a survey was conducted on Dubai residents, and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was performed to identify the housing determinants and consumers’ preferences. In addition, the respondents’ demographic characteristics identified priorities by income, place of residence, age, gender, and type of house. The results showed that housing consumers place importance on housing price and rent (0.0918), and the investment value (0.0866). However, there was no serious consideration for social and psychological factors, other than safety (0.0730). Regarding gender, men place more importance on the housing price and rent (0.113), and the investment value (0.110). In comparison, women place more importance on factors such as the convenience of transportation (0.104), safety (0.093), and residential environment (0.082). In the age groups, the interest in the educational environment (0.081) among the 40-year-olds was relatively high. In terms of monthly income, the higher the income, the higher the interest in investment value (0.086).