bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Coding RNAs in Hereditary Kidney Disorders
Authors: Zhou Julie Xia , Li Xiaogang
Published: March 2021

Single-gene defects have been revealed to be the etiologies of many kidney diseases with the recent advances in molecular genetics. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), as one of the most common inherited kidney diseases, is caused by mutations of PKD1 or PKD2 gene. Due to the complexity of pathophysiology of cyst formation and progression, limited therapeutic options are available. The roles of noncoding RNAs in development and disease have gained widespread attention in recent years. In particular, microRNAs in promoting PKD progression have been highlighted. The dysregulated microRNAs modulate cyst growth through suppressing the expression of PKD genes and regulating cystic renal epithelial cell proliferation, mitochondrial metabolism, apoptosis and autophagy. The antagonists of microRNAs have emerged as potential therapeutic drugs for the treatment of ADPKD. In addition, studies have also focused on microRNAs as potential biomarkers for ADPKD and other common hereditary kidney diseases, including HNF1β-associated kidney disease, Alport syndrome, congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease, and Fabry disease. This review assembles the current understanding of the non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs, in polycystic kidney disease and these common monogenic kidney diseases.
A Comparative Study of the Effects of Platinum (II) Complexes on β-Amyloid Aggregation: Potential Neurodrug Applications
Authors: Manna Sara La , Florio Daniele , Iacobucci Ilaria , Napolitano Fabiana , Benedictis Ilaria De , Malfitano Anna Maria , Monti Maria , Ravera Mauro , Gabano Elisabetta , Marasco Daniela
Published: March 2021

Herein the effects of three platinum complexes, namely (SP-4-2)-(2,2′-bipyridine)dichloridoplatinum(II), Pt-bpy, (SP-4-2)-dichlorido(1,10-phenanthroline) platinum(II), Pt-phen, and (SP-4-2)-chlorido(2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine)platinum(II) chloride, Pt-terpy, on the aggregation of an amyloid model system derived from the C-terminal domain of Aβ peptide (Aβ21–40) were investigated. Thioflavin T (ThT) binding assays revealed the ability of Pt(II) compounds to repress amyloid aggregation in a dose-dependent way, whereas the ability of Aβ21–40 peptide to interfere with ligand field of metal complexes was analyzed through UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Spectroscopic data provided micromolar EC50 values and allowed to assess that the observed inhibition of amyloid aggregation is due to the formation of adducts between Aβ21–40 peptide and complexes upon the release of labile ligands as chloride and that they can explore different modes of coordination toward Aβ21–40 with respect to the entire Aβ1–40 polypeptide. In addition, conformational studies through circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy suggested that Pt-terpy induces soluble β-structures of monomeric Aβ21–40, thus limiting self-recognition. Noticeably, Pt-terpy demonstrated the ability to reduce the cytotoxicity of amyloid peptide in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Presented data corroborate the hypothesis to enlarge the application field of already known metal-based agents to neurodegenerative diseases, as potential neurodrugs.
Extracellular Vesicles from Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for the Treatment of Inflammation-Related Conditions
Authors: Ryan Sean T. , Hosseini-Beheshti Elham , Afrose Dinara , Ding Xianting , Xia Binbin , Grau Georges E. , Little Christopher B. , McClements Lana , Li Jiao Jiao
Published: March 2021

Over the past two decades, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have demonstrated great potential in the treatment of inflammation-related conditions. Numerous early stage clinical trials have suggested that this treatment strategy has potential to lead to significant improvements in clinical outcomes. While promising, there remain substantial regulatory hurdles, safety concerns, and logistical issues that need to be addressed before cell-based treatments can have widespread clinical impact. These drawbacks, along with research aimed at elucidating the mechanisms by which MSCs exert their therapeutic effects, have inspired the development of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents. The use of MSC-derived EVs for treating inflammation-related conditions has shown therapeutic potential in both in vitro and small animal studies. This review will explore the current research landscape pertaining to the use of MSC-derived EVs as anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative agents in a range of inflammation-related conditions: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and preeclampsia. Along with this, the mechanisms by which MSC-derived EVs exert their beneficial effects on the damaged or degenerative tissues will be reviewed, giving insight into their therapeutic potential. Challenges and future perspectives on the use of MSC-derived EVs for the treatment of inflammation-related conditions will be discussed.
Microglia Diversity in Healthy and Diseased Brain: Insights from Single-Cell Omics
Authors: Ochocka Natalia , Kaminska Bozena
Published: March 2021

Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) that have distinct ontogeny from other tissue macrophages and play a pivotal role in health and disease. Microglia rapidly react to the changes in their microenvironment. This plasticity is attributed to the ability of microglia to adapt a context-specific phenotype. Numerous gene expression profiling studies of immunosorted CNS immune cells did not permit a clear dissection of their phenotypes, particularly in diseases when peripheral cells of the immune system come to play. Only recent advances in single-cell technologies allowed studying microglia at high resolution and revealed a spectrum of discrete states both under homeostatic and pathological conditions. Single-cell technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and mass cytometry (Cytometry by Time-Of-Flight, CyTOF) enabled determining entire transcriptomes or the simultaneous quantification of >30 cellular parameters of thousands of individual cells. Single-cell omics studies demonstrated the unforeseen heterogeneity of microglia and immune infiltrates in brain pathologies: neurodegenerative disorders, stroke, depression, and brain tumors. We summarize the findings from those studies and the current state of knowledge of functional diversity of microglia under physiological and pathological conditions. A precise definition of microglia functions and phenotypes may be essential to design future immune-modulating therapies.
Characterization of Biological Pathways Regulating Acute Cold Resistance of Zebrafish
Authors: Ren Jing , Long Yong , Liu Ran , Song Guili , Li Qing , Cui Zongbin
Published: March 2021

Low temperature stress represents a major threat to the lives of both farmed and wild fish species. However, biological pathways determining the development of cold resistance in fish remain largely unknown. Zebrafish larvae at 96 hpf were exposed to lethal cold stress (10 °C) for different time periods to evaluate the adverse effects at organism, tissue and cell levels. Time series RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) experiments were performed to delineate the transcriptomic landscape of zebrafish larvae under cold stress and during the subsequent rewarming phase. The genes regulated by cold stress were characterized by progressively enhanced or decreased expression, whereas the genes associated with rewarming were characterized by rapid upregulation upon return to normal temperature (28 °C). Genes such as trib3, dusp5 and otud1 were identified as the representative molecular markers of cold-induced damages through network analysis. Biological pathways involved in cold stress responses were mined from the transcriptomic data and their functions in regulating cold resistance were validated using specific inhibitors. The autophagy, FoxO and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathways were revealed to be survival pathways for enhancing cold resistance, while apoptosis and necroptosis were the death pathways responsible for cold-induced mortality. Functional mechanisms of the survival-enhancing factors Foxo1, ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and p38 MAPK were further characterized by inhibiting their activities upon cold stress and analyzing gene expression though RNA-seq. These factors were demonstrated to determine the cold resistance of zebrafish through regulating apoptosis and p53 signaling pathway. These findings have provided novel insights into the stress responses elicited by lethal cold and shed new light on the molecular mechanisms underlying cold resistance of fish.
The Serine Biosynthesis of Paenibacillus polymyxa WLY78 Is Regulated by the T-Box Riboswitch
Authors: Zhang Haowei , Li Qin , Li Yongbin , Chen Sanfeng
Published: March 2021

Serine is important for nearly all microorganisms in protein and downstream amino acids synthesis, however, the effect of serine on growth and nitrogen fixation was not completely clear in many bacteria, besides, the regulatory mode of serine remains to be fully established. In this study, we demonstrated that L-serine is essential for growth and nitrogen fixation of Paenibacillus polymyxa WLY78, but high concentrations of L-serine inhibit growth, nitrogenase activity, and nifH expression. Then, we revealed that expression of the serA whose gene product catalyzes the first reaction in the serine biosynthetic pathway is regulated by the T-box riboswitch regulatory system. The 508 bp mRNA leader region upstream of the serA coding region contains a 280 bp T-box riboswitch. The secondary structure of the T-box riboswitch with several conserved features: three stem-loop structures, a 14-bp T-box sequence, and an intrinsic transcriptional terminator, is predicted. Mutation and the transcriptional leader-lacZ fusions experiments revealed that the specifier codon of serine is AGC (complementary to the anticodon sequence of tRNAser). qRT-PCR showed that transcription of serA is induced by serine starvation, whereas deletion of the specifier codon resulted in nearly no expression of serA. Deletion of the terminator sequence or mutation of the continuous seven T following the terminator led to constitutive expression of serA. The data indicated that the T-box riboswitch, a noncoding RNA segment in the leader region, regulates expression of serA by a transcription antitermination mechanism.
IJNS Turns Seven—High Impact for Neonatal Screening
Authors: Fingerhut Ralph , Schielen Peter C. J. I.
Published: March 2021

Since our inaugural issue in 2015, the International Journal of Neonatal Screening (IJNS) has solidified its position as the preferred platform to publish the scientific output of the members of the International Society of Neonatal screening (ISNS) and professionals in fields related to neonatal screening [...]
The Decline of User Experience in Transition from Automated Driving to Manual Driving
Authors: Johansson Mikael , Mullaart Söderholm Mattias , Novakazi Fjollë , Rydström Annie
Published: March 2021

Automated driving technologies are rapidly being developed. However, until vehicles are fully automated, the control of the dynamic driving task will be shifted between the driver and automated driving system. This paper aims to explore how transitions from automated driving to manual driving affect user experience and how that experience correlates to take-over performance. In the study 20 participants experienced using an automated driving system during rush-hour traffic in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA. The automated driving system was available in congested traffic situations and when active, the participants could engage in non-driving related activities. The participants were interviewed afterwards regarding their experience of the transitions. The findings show that most of the participants experienced the transition from automated driving to manual driving as negative. Their user experience seems to be shaped by several reasons that differ in temporality and are derived from different phases during the transition process. The results regarding correlation between participants’ experience and take-over performance are inconclusive, but some trends were identified. The study highlights the need for new design solutions that do not only improve drivers’ take-over performance, but also enhance user experience during take-over requests from automated to manual driving.
Diversity of the Fossil Genus Palaeoglaesum Wagner (Diptera, Psychodidae) in the Upper Cretaceous Amber of Myanmar
Authors: Skibińska Kornelia , Albrycht Marzena , Zhang Qingqing , Giłka Wojciech , Zakrzewska Marta , Krzemiński Wiesław
Published: March 2021

Cretaceous Myanmar amber is abundant in inclusions belonging to the genus Palaeoglaesum. In addition, a significant morphological diversity among representatives of Palaeoglaesum can be observed. However, none of its representatives have been found in other fossil materials. Herein three new species: P. stebneri sp. nov., Skibińska and Krzemiński P. teres sp. nov. Skibińska and Albrycht, and P. pilosus sp. nov. Skibińska, Krzemiński and Zhang from Cretaceous Myanmar amber are described and illustrated. The very small size and characters of male hypopygium with aedeagus strongly bent and apically forked are pertinent to diagnosing the genus and species. New materials show that this genus and the whole subfamily Bruchomyiinae were probably more abundant and more diverse than the presently known extant fauna.
Secondary Patellar Resurfacing in TKA: A Combined Analysis of Registry Data and Biomechanical Testing
Authors: Bauer Leandra , Woiczinski Matthias , Thorwächter Christoph , Melsheimer Oliver , Weber Patrick , Grupp Thomas M. , Jansson Volkmar , Steinbrück Arnd
Published: March 2021

The German Arthroplasty registry (EPRD) has shown that different prosthesis systems have different rates of secondary patellar resurfacing: four years after implantation, the posterior-stabilized (PS) Vega prosthesis has a 3.2% risk of secondary patellar resurfacing compared to the cruciate-retaining (CR) Columbus prosthesis at 1.0% (both Aesculap AG, Tuttlingen, Germany). We hypothesized that PS implants have increased retropatellar pressure and a decreased retropatellar contact area compared to a CR design, which may lead to an increased likelihood of secondary patellar resurfacing. Eight fresh frozen specimens (cohort 1) were tested with an established knee rig. In addition, a possible influence of the registry-based patient collective (cohort 2) was investigated. No significant differences were found in patient data–cohort 2-(sex, age). A generally lower number of PS system cases is noteworthy. No significant increased patella pressure could be detected with the PS design, but a lower contact area was observed (cohort 1). Lower quadriceps force (100°–130° flexion), increased anterior movement of the tibia (rollback), greater external tilt of the patella, and increasing facet pressure in the Vega PS design indicate a multifactorial cause for a higher rate of secondary resurfacing which was found in the EPRD patient cohort and might be related to the PS’ principle function.
Left Ventricular Noncompaction—A Systematic Review of Risk Factors in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Łuczak-Woźniak Katarzyna , Werner Bożena
Published: March 2021

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a heterogeneous, often hereditary group of diseases, which may have diverse clinical manifestations. This article reviews the risk factors for unfavorable outcomes of LVNC in children, as well as discuss the diagnostic methods and the differences between pediatric and adult LVNC. Through a systematic review of the literature, a total of 1983 articles were outlined; 23 of them met the inclusion criteria. In echocardiography the following have been associated with adverse outcomes in children: Left ventricular ejection fraction, end-diastolic dimension, left ventricular posterior wall compaction, and decreased strains. T-wave abnormalities and increased spatial peak QRS-T angle in ECG, as well as arrhythmia, were observed in children at greater risk. Cardiac magnetic resonance is a valuable tool to identify those with systolic dysfunction and late gadolinium enhancement. Genetic testing appears to help identify children at risk, because mutations in particular genes have been associated with worse outcomes. ECG and imaging tests, such as echocardiography and magnetic resonance, help outline risk factors for unfavorable outcomes of LVNC in children and in identifying outpatients who require more attention. Refining the current diagnostic criteria is crucial to avoid inadequate restrain from physical activity.
Caspase-Cleaved Keratin 18 Measurements Identified Ongoing Liver Injury after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Hempel Felix , Roderfeld Martin , Müntnich Lucas John , Albrecht Jens , Oruc Ziya , Arneth Borros , Karrasch Thomas , Pons-Kühnemann Jörn , Padberg Winfried , Renz Harald , Schäffler Andreas , Roeb Elke
Published: March 2021

Bariatric surgery has emerged as an effective treatment option in morbidly obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, worsening or new onset of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis have been observed. Caspase-cleaved keratin 18 (ccK18) has been established as a marker of hepatocyte apoptosis, a key event in NASH development. Thus, ccK18 measurements might be feasible to monitor bariatric surgery patients. Clinical data and laboratory parameters were collected from 39 patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at six timepoints, prior to surgery until one year after the procedure. ccK18 levels were measured and a high-throughput analysis of serum adipokines and cytokines was carried out. Half of the cohort’s patients (20/39) presented with ccK18 levels indicative of progressed liver disease. 21% had a NAFLD-fibrosis score greater than 0.676, suggesting significant fibrosis. One year after surgery, a mean weight loss of 36.87% was achieved. Six and twelve months after surgery, ccK18 fragments were significantly reduced compared to preoperative levels (p < 0.001). Yet nine patients did not show a decline in ccK18 levels ≥ 10% within one year postoperatively, which was considered a response to treatment. While no significant differences in laboratory parameters or ccK18 could be observed, they presented with a greater expression of leptin and fibrinogen before surgery. Consecutive ccK18 measurements monitored the resolution of NAFLD and identified non-responders to bariatric surgery with ongoing liver injury. Further studies are needed to elicit the pathological mechanisms in non-responders and study the potential of adipokines as prognostic markers.
Numerical Analysis of Storm Surges on Canada’s Western Arctic Coastline
Authors: Kim Joseph , Murphy Enda , Nistor Ioan , Ferguson Sean , Provan Mitchel
Published: March 2021

A numerical study was conducted to characterize the probability and intensity of storm surge hazards in Canada’s western Arctic. The utility of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis 5th Generation (ERA5) dataset to force numerical simulations of storm surges was explored. Fifty historical storm surge events that were captured on a tide gauge near Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, were simulated using a two-dimensional (depth-averaged) hydrodynamic model accounting for the influence of sea ice on air-sea momentum transfer. The extent of sea ice and the duration of the ice season has been reducing in the Arctic region, which may contribute to increasing risk from storm surge-driven hazards. Comparisons between winter storm events under present-day ice concentrations and future open-water scenarios revealed that the decline in ice cover has potential to result in storm surges that are up to three times higher. The numerical model was also used to hindcast a significant surge event that was not recorded by the tide gauge, but for which driftwood lines along the coast provided insights to the high-water marks. Compared to measurements at proximate meteorological stations, the ERA5 reanalysis dataset provided reasonable estimates of atmospheric pressure but did not accurately capture peak wind speeds during storm surge events. By adjusting the wind drag coefficients to compensate, reasonably accurate predictions of storm surges were attained for most of the simulated events. The extreme value probability distributions (i.e., return periods and values) of the storm surges were significantly altered when events absent from the tide gauge record were included in the frequency analysis, demonstrating the value of non-conventional data sources, such as driftwood line surveys, in supporting coastal hazard assessments in remote regions.
Cryptococcus gattii in Patients with Lymphoid Neoplasms: An Illustration of Evolutive Host–Fungus Interactions
Authors: Paccoud Olivier , Bougnoux Marie-Elisabeth , Desnos-Ollivier Marie , Varet Bruno , Lortholary Olivier , Lanternier Fanny
Published: March 2021

Recent outbreaks of Cryptococcus gattii (CG) infections in North America have sparked renewed interest in the pathogenic potential of CG, and have underscored notable differences with Cryptococcus neoformans in terms of geographic distribution, pathogen virulence, and host susceptibility. While cases of CG are increasingly reported in patients with a wide variety of underlying conditions, only very few have been reported in patients with lymphoid neoplasms. Herein, we report a case of autochthonous CG meningitis in a patient receiving ibrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukemia in France, and review available data on the clinical epidemiology of CG infections in patients with lymphoid neoplasms. We also summarise recent data on the host responses to CG infection, as well as the potential management pitfalls associated with its treatment in the haematological setting. The clinical epidemiology, clinical presentation, and course of disease during infections caused by CG involve complex interactions between environmental exposure to CG, infecting genotype, pathogen virulence factors, host susceptibility, and host immune responses. Future treatment guidelines should address the challenges associated with the management of antifungal treatments in the onco-haematological setting and the potential drug-drug interactions.
Culture-Dependent and Amplicon Sequencing Approaches Reveal Diversity and Distribution of Black Fungi in Antarctic Cryptoendolithic Communities
Authors: Selbmann Laura , Stoppiello Gerardo A. , Onofri Silvano , Stajich Jason E. , Coleine Claudia
Published: March 2021

In the harshest environmental conditions of the Antarctic desert, normally incompatible with active life, microbes are adapted to exploit the cryptoendolithic habitat (i.e., pore spaces of rocks) and represent the predominant life-forms. In the rocky niche, microbes take advantage of the thermal buffering, physical stability, protection against UV radiation, excessive solar radiation, and water retention—of paramount importance in one of the driest environments on Earth. In this work, high-throughput sequencing and culture-dependent approaches have been combined, for the first time, to untangle the diversity and distribution of black fungi in the Antarctic cryptoendolithic microbial communities, hosting some of the most extreme-tolerant microorganisms. Rock samples were collected in a vast area, along an altitudinal gradient and opposite sun exposure—known to influence microbial diversity—with the aim to compare and integrate results gained with the two approaches. Among black fungi, Friedmanniomyces endolithicus was confirmed as the most abundant taxon. Despite the much stronger power of the high-throughput sequencing, several species were not retrieved with DNA sequencing and were detectable by cultivation only. We conclude that both culture-dependent and -independent analyses are needed for a complete overview of black fungi diversity. The reason why some species remain undetectable with molecular methods are speculated upon. The effect of environmental parameters such as sun exposure on relative abundance was clearer if based on the wider biodiversity detected with the molecular approach.
PharmaKU: A Web-Based Tool Aimed at Improving Outreach and Clinical Utility of Pharmacogenomics
Authors: John Sumi Elsa , Channanath Arshad Mohamed , Hebbar Prashantha , Nizam Rasheeba , Thanaraj Thangavel Alphonse , Al-Mulla Fahd
Published: March 2021

With the tremendous advancements in genome sequencing technology in the field of pharmacogenomics, data have to be made accessible to be more efficiently utilized by broader clinical disciplines. Physicians who require the drug–genome interactome information, have been challenged by the complicated pharmacogenomic star-based classification system. We present here an end-to-end web-based pharmacogenomics tool, PharmaKU, which has a comprehensive easy-to-use interface. PharmaKU can help to overcome several hurdles posed by previous pharmacogenomics tools, including input in hg38 format only, while hg19/GRCh37 is now the most popular reference genome assembly among clinicians and geneticists, as well as the lack of clinical recommendations and other pertinent dosage-related information. This tool extracts genetic variants from nine well-annotated pharmacogenes (for which diplotype to phenotype information is available) from whole genome variant files and uses Stargazer software to assign diplotypes and apply prescribing recommendations from pharmacogenomic resources. The tool is wrapped with a user-friendly web interface, which allows for choosing hg19 or hg38 as the reference genome version and reports results as a comprehensive PDF document. PharmaKU is anticipated to enable bench to bedside implementation of pharmacogenomics knowledge by bringing precision medicine closer to a clinical reality.
Do Investors Value Environmental Corporate Policies? Evidence from the Australian Market
Authors: Chandra Mohinesh , Tourani-Rad Alireza
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we explore the relationship between a firm’s environmental policies and their risk-adjusted stock returns, using a sample of stock exchange-listed Australian firms over the period of 2010–2018. We observed a positive and statistically significant relationship suggesting that a firm’s environmental policies partially explain their stock performance. Moreover, we found that investors in the Australian market significantly value a companies’ efforts to reduce emissions, and that this primarily drives the investors’ observed reaction to a firm’s social corporate policies. Next, we formed portfolios and observed that portfolios formed on high environmental, social, and governance (ESG) Environmental Pillar scores consistently outperformed those formed on low-ESG Environmental Pillar scores. Overall, our results lend support to the notion that investors in the Australian market value information about a firm’s social policies.
German or Not German: That Is the Question! On the Status of the Autochthonous Dialects in East Lorraine (France)
Authors: Beyer Rahel , Plewnia Albrecht
Published: March 2021

The European language world is characterized by an ideology of monolingualism and national languages. This language-related world view interacts with social debates and definitions about linguistic autonomy, diversity, and variation. For the description of border minorities and their sociolinguistic situation, however, this view reaches its limits. In this article, the conceptual difficulties with a language area that crosses national borders are examined. It deals with the minority in East Lorraine (France) in particular. On the language-historical level, this minority is closely related to the language of its (big) neighbor Germany. At the same time, it looks back on a conflictive history with this country, has never filled a (subordinated) political–administrative unit, and has experienced very little public support. We want to address the questions of how speakers themselves reflect on their linguistic situation and what concepts and argumentative figures they bring up in relation to what (Germanic) variety. To this end, we look at statements from guideline-based interviews. In the paper, we present first observations gained through qualitative content analysis.
Autologous Matrix Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) Compared to Microfractures for Chondral Defects of the Talar Shoulder: A Five-Year Follow-Up Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Eschweiler Jörg , Maffulli Nicola , Schenker Hanno , Driessen Arne , Rath Björn , Tingart Markus
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Many procedures are available to manage cartilage defects of the talus, including microfracturing (MFx) and Autologous Matrix Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC). Whether AMIC or MFx are equivalent for borderline sized defects of the talar shoulder is unclear. Thus, the present study compared the efficacy of primary isolated AMIC versus MFx for borderline sized focal unipolar chondral defects of the talar shoulder at midterm follow-up. Methods: Patients undergoing primary isolated AMIC or MFx for focal unipolar borderline sized chondral defects of the talar shoulder were recruited prospectively. For those patients who underwent AMIC, a type I/III collagen resorbable membrane was used. The outcomes of interest were: Visual Analogic Scale (VAS), Tegner Activity Scale, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS). The Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) was assessed by a blinded radiologist, who had not been involved in the clinical management of the patients. Data concerning complication rate and additional procedures were also collected. Results: The mean follow-up was 43.5 months. The mean age of the 70 patients at operation was 32.0 years, with a mean defect size of 2.7 cm2. The mean length of hospitalization was shorter in the MFx cohort (p = 0.01). No difference was found between the two cohorts in terms of length of prior surgery symptoms and follow-up, mean age and BMI, sex and side, and defect size. At a mean follow-up of 43.5 months, the AOFAS (p = 0.03), VAS (p = 0.003), and Tegner (p = 0.01) scores were greater in the AMIC group. No difference was found in the MOCART score (p = 0.08). The AMIC group evidenced lower rates of reoperation (p = 0.008) and failure (p = 0.003). Conclusion: At midterm follow-up, AMIC provides better results compared to MFx.
Postoperative Complications Are Associated with Long-Term Changes in the Gut Microbiota Following Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Schmitt Felix C. F. , Schneider Martin , Mathejczyk William , Weigand Markus A. , Figueiredo Jane C. , Li Christopher I. , Shibata David , Siegel Erin M. , Toriola Adetunji T. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Ulrich Alexis B. , Boutin Sébastien , Gigic Biljana
Published: March 2021

Changes in the gut microbiome have already been associated with postoperative complications in major abdominal surgery. However, it is still unclear whether these changes are transient or a long-lasting effect. Therefore, the aim of this prospective clinical pilot study was to examine long-term changes in the gut microbiota and to correlate these changes with the clinical course of the patient. Methods: In total, stool samples of 62 newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients undergoing primary tumor resection were analyzed by 16S-rDNA next-generation sequencing. Stool samples were collected preoperatively in order to determine the gut microbiome at baseline as well as at 6, 12, and 24 months thereafter to observe longitudinal changes. Postoperatively, the study patients were separated into two groups—patients who suffered from postoperative complications (n = 30) and those without complication (n = 32). Patients with postoperative complications showed a significantly stronger reduction in the alpha diversity starting 6 months after operation, which does not resolve, even after 24 months. The structure of the microbiome was also significantly altered from baseline at six-month follow-up in patients with complications (p = 0.006). This was associated with a long-lasting decrease of a large number of species in the gut microbiota indicating an impact in the commensal microbiota and a long-lasting increase of Fusobacterium ulcerans. The microbial composition of the gut microbiome shows significant changes in patients with postoperative complications up to 24 months after surgery.
Effect of Molybdenum on the Impact Toughness of Heat-Affected Zone in High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Xiao Pengcheng , Wu Shujing , Yan Chunliang , Ma Xuegang , Liu Zengxun , Chen Wei , Zhu Liguang , Zhang Qingjun
Published: March 2021

The microstructure, precipitates, and austenite grain in high-strength low-alloy steel were characterized by optical microscope, transmission electron microscope, and laser scanning confocal microscopy to investigate the effect of Mo on the toughness of steel. The microstructure was refined and the toughness was enhanced after the addition of 0.07% Mo in steel. The addition of Mo can suppress the Widmanstätten ferrite (WF) formation and promote the transformation of acicular ferrite (AF), leading to the fine transformed products in the heat-affected zone (HAZ). The chemical composition of precipitates changed from Nb(C, N) to (Nb, Mo)(C, N) because of the addition of Mo. The calculated lattice misfit between Nb(C, N) and ferrite was approximately 11.39%, while it was reduced to 5.40% for (Nb, Mo)(C, N), which significantly affected the size and number density of precipitates. A detailed analysis of the precipitates focusing on the chemical composition, size, and number density has been undertaken to understand the contribution of Mo on the improvement of steel toughness.
Strategies for Cancer Treatment Based on Photonic Nanomedicine
Authors: de Oliveira Sueli Aparecida , Borges Roger , dos Santos Rosa Derval , de Souza Ana Carolina Santos , Seabra Amedea B. , Baino Francesco , Marchi Juliana
Published: March 2021

Traditional cancer treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are still the most effective clinical practice options. However, these treatments may display moderate to severe side effects caused by their low temporal or spatial resolution. In this sense, photonic nanomedicine therapies have been arising as an alternative to traditional cancer treatments since they display more control of temporal and spatial resolution, thereby yielding fewer side effects. In this work, we reviewed the challenge of current cancer treatments, using the PubMed and Web of Science database, focusing on the advances of three prominent therapies approached by photonic nanomedicine: (i) photothermal therapy; (ii) photodynamic therapy; (iii) photoresponsive drug delivery systems. These photonic nanomedicines act on the cancer cells through different mechanisms, such as hyperthermic effect and delivery of chemotherapeutics and species that cause oxidative stress. Furthermore, we covered the recent advances in materials science applied in photonic nanomedicine, highlighting the main classes of materials used in each therapy, their applications in the context of cancer treatment, as well as their advantages, limitations, and future perspectives. Finally, although some photonic nanomedicines are undergoing clinical trials, their effectiveness in cancer treatment have already been highlighted by pre-clinical studies.
The Role of Biomaterials in Upper Digestive Tract Transoral Reconstruction
Authors: Grigore Raluca , Popescu Bogdan , Berteşteanu Şerban Vifor Gabriel , Nichita Cornelia , Oașă Irina Doinita , Munteanu Gloria Simona , Nicolaescu Alexandru , Bejenaru Paula Luiza , Simion-Antonie Catrinel Beatrice , Ene Dragoș , Ene Răzvan
Published: March 2021

This study aims to establish whether the use of biomaterials, particularly polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), for surgical reconstruction of the esophagus with templates, Montgomery salivary tube, after radical oncology surgery for malignant neoplasia is an optimal choice for patients’ safety and for optimal function preservation and organ rehabilitation. Structural analysis by Raman spectrometry and biomechanical properties with dynamic mechanical analysis are performed for fatigue strength and toughness, essential factors in durability of a prosthesis in the reconstruction practice of the esophagus. Nanocomposites with silicone elastomers and nanoparticles used in implantable devices and in reconstruction surgery present risks of infection and fatigue strength when required to perform a mechanical effort for long periods of time. This report takes into account the effect of silver (Ag) nanoparticles on the fatigue strength using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix, representative for silicon elastomers used in implantable devices. PDMS with 5% (wt) Ag nanoparticles of 100–150 nm during mechanical fatigue testing at shear strength loses elasticity properties after 400 loading-unloading cycles and up to 15% shear strain. The fatigue strength, toughness, maximum shear strength, as well as clinical properties are key issues in designing Montgomery salivary tube and derivates with appropriate biomechanical behavior for each patient. Prosthesis design needs to indulge both clinical outcomes as well as design methods and research in the field of biomaterials.
Studies on Preparation, Characterization and Application of Porous Functionalized Glycidyl Methacrylate-Based Microspheres
Authors: Pączkowski Przemysław , Gawdzik Barbara
Published: March 2021

A one-step swelling and polymerization technique was used in the synthesis of porous glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) monodisperse polymeric microspheres. The polystyrene (PS) seed obtained in the dispersion polymerization was used as a shape template. The presence of epoxide rings in the chemical structure of microspheres enables their post-polymerization chemical modifications involving: the Diels-Alder reaction with sodium cyclopentadienide and maleic anhydride, the reaction with 4,4′-(bismaleimido)diphenylmethane, and the thiol-Michael reaction with methacryloyl chloride and 2-mercaptopropionic acid. Changing the reaction mixture composition—the amounts of crosslinking monomer and PS seed as well as the type and concentration of porogen porous microspheres of different porous structures were obtained. Their porous structures were characterized in the dry and swollen states. The copolymers obtained from the equimolar monomers mixture modified in the above way were applied as the column packing materials and tested in the reverse-phase HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography). A few factors influencing morphology and porous structure of microspheres were studied.
Jumping Wave Characteristic during Low Plasticity Burnishing Process
Authors: Dzionk Stefan , Dobrzynski Michal , Ścibiorski Bogdan
Published: March 2021

During the low plasticity burnishing process of soft materials such as carbon steel with a hardness of up to 40 HRC (Rockwell grade) a raised structure of the material known as the Jumping Wave forms in front of the tool roll. This phenomenon significantly disturbs the burnishing process, but is very poorly described in the literature. This article presents studies of this phenomenon on the example of burnished 1.0562 steel. The research concerns the changes in the surface structure of the processed material as well as changes in the structure of the material during this process. The research shows changes in the geometric structure of the surface made in the 3D system and their parametric description. Moreover, the work presents an analysis of the metallographic structure in the tool zone. The research showed occurrence of material slippages in the wave in front of the tool, which creates an additional structure on the surface. These tests make it possible to better understand the process of changes that take place in the surface layer of the processed element in the low plasticity burnishing process.
Antibacterial Effect of Amino Acid–Silver Complex Loaded Montmorillonite Incorporated in Dental Acrylic Resin
Authors: Yoshihara Kumiko , Nagaoka Noriyuki , Umeno Aya , Sonoda Akinari , Obika Hideki , Yoshida Yasuhiro , Van Meerbeek Bart , Makita Yoji
Published: March 2021

Several dental materials contain silver for antibacterial effect, however the effect is relatively low. The reason for the lower antibacterial efficacy of silver is considered to be the fact that silver ions bind to chloride ions in saliva. To develop new effective silver antibacterial agents that can be useful in the mouth, we synthesized two novel amino acid (methionine or histidine)–silver complexes (Met or His–Ag) loaded with montmorillonite (Mont) and analyzed their antibacterial efficacy. At first the complexes were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and amino acid–Ag complex-loaded Mont (amino acid–Ag–Mont) were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antibacterial efficacy of these materials in dental acrylic resin was then investigated by bacterial growth measurement using a spectrophotometer. As controls, commercially available silver-loaded zeolite and silver-zirconium phosphate were also tested. Dental acrylic resin incorporating His–Ag–Mont strongly inhibited Streptococcus mutans growth. This was explained by the fact that His-Ag complex revealed the highest amounts of silver ions in the presence of chloride. The structure of the amino acid–Ag complexes affected the silver ion presence in chloride and the antibacterial efficacy. His–Ag–Mont might be used as antibacterial agents for dental materials.
Research on Improving the Durability of Bridge Pavement Using a High-Modulus Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Wang Wenfeng , Duan Shaochan , Zhu Haoran
Published: March 2021

In order to improve the durability of the asphalt pavement on a cement concrete bridge, this study investigated the effect of the modulus of the asphalt mixture at the bottom layer on the mechanical response of bridge pavement, along with a type of emerging bridge pavement structure. In addition, the design method and pavement performance of a high-modulus asphalt mixture were investigated using laboratory and field tests, and the life expectancy of the deck pavement structure was predicted based on the rutting deformation. The results showed that the application of a high-modulus asphalt mixture as the bottom asphalt layer decreased the stress level of the pavement structure. The new high-modulus asphalt mixture displayed excellent comprehensive performance, i.e., the dynamic stability reached 9632 times/mm and the fatigue life reached 1.65 million cycles. Based on the rutting depth prediction, using high-modulus mixtures for the bridge pavement prolonged the service life from the original 5 years to 10 years, which significantly enhanced the durability of the pavement structure. These research results could be of potential interest for practical applications in the construction industry.
MOC Doped with Graphene Nanoplatelets: The Influence of the Mixture Preparation Technology on Its Properties
Authors: Záleská Martina , Pavlíková Milena , Pivák Adam , Marušiak Šimon , Jankovský Ondřej , Lauermannová Anna-Marie , Lojka Michal , Antončík Filip , Pavlík Zbyšek
Published: March 2021

The ongoing tendency to create environmentally friendly building materials is nowadays connected with the use of reactive magnesia-based composites. The aim of the presented research was to develop an ecologically sustainable composite material based on MOC (magnesium oxychloride cement) with excellent mechanical, chemical, and physical properties. The effect of the preparation procedure of MOC pastes doped with graphene nanoplatelets on their fresh and hardened properties was researched. One-step and two-step homogenization techniques were proposed as prospective tools for the production of MOC-based composites of advanced parameters. The conducted experiments and analyses covered X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, sorption analysis, X-ray diffraction, and optical microscopy. The viscosity of the fresh mixtures was monitored using a rotational viscometer. For the hardened composites, macro- and micro-structural parameters were measured together with the mechanical parameters. These tests were performed after 7 days and 14 days. The use of a carbon-based nanoadditive led to a significant drop in porosity, thus densifying the MOC matrix. Accordingly, the mechanical resistance was greatly improved by graphene nanoplatelets. The two-step homogenization procedure positively affected all researched functional parameters of the developed composites (e.g., the compressive strength increase of approximately 54% after 7 days, and 37% after 14 days, respectively) and can be recommended for the preparation of advanced functional materials reinforced with graphene.
Study of Interaction Mechanism between Positrons and Ag Clusters in Dilute Al–Ag Alloys at Low Temperature
Authors: Liu Xiaoshuang , Zhang Peng , Wang Baoyi , Cao Xingzhong , Jin Shuoxue , Yu Runsheng
Published: March 2021

The microstructural evolution of dilute Al–Ag alloys in its early aging stage and at low temperatures ranging from 15 K to 300 K was studied by the combined use of Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and positron annihilation Coincidence Doppler broadening (CDB) techniques. It is shown that at low temperatures below 200 K, an Ag–vacancy complex is formed in the quenched alloy, and above 200 K, it decomposes into Ag clusters and monovacancies. Experimental and calculation results indicate that Ag clusters in Al–Ag alloys can act as shallow trapping sites, and the positron trapping rate is considerably enhanced by a decreasing measurement temperature.
Improved Sensitivity in Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray-Mass Spectrometry after Removal of Sodium and Potassium Ions from Biological Samples
Authors: Erngren Ida , Nestor Marika , Pettersson Curt , Hedeland Mikael
Published: March 2021

Inorganic ions, such as sodium and potassium, are present in all biological matrices and are sometimes also added during sample preparation. However, these inorganic ions are known to hamper electrospray ionization -mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) applications, especially in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) where they are retained and can be detected as adducts and clusters with mobile phase components or analytes. The retention of inorganic ions leads to co-elution with analytes and as a result ion-suppression, extensive adduct formation and problems with reproducibility. In the presented work, a sample preparation method using cation exchange solid phase extraction (SPE) was developed to trap Na+ and K+ ions from human blood plasma and head and neck cancer cells for the analysis of small cationic, anionic as well as neutral organic analytes. The investigated analytes were small, hydrophilic compounds typically in focus in metabolomics studies. The samples were analyzed using full-scan HILIC-ESI-quadrupole time of flight (QTOF)-MS with an untargeted, screening approach. Method performance was evaluated using multivariate data analysis as well as relative quantifications, spiking of standards to evaluate linearity of response and post-column infusion to study ion-suppression. In blood plasma, the reduction of sodium and potassium ion concentration resulted in improved sensitivity increased signal intensity for 19 out of 28 investigated analytes, improved linearity of response, reduced ion-suppression and reduced cluster formation as well as adduct formation. Thus, the presented method has significant potential to improve data quality in metabolomics studies.