bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors and the Risk for the Development of Gastric Cancers: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study Using Balanced Operational Definitions
Authors: Gong Eun Jeong , Bang Chang Seok , Kim Dong-Kyu , Lee Jae Jun , Baik Gwang Ho
Published: October 2022

Objectives: Previous cohort studies using national claim data in Korea have shown conflicting results about the association between the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and the risk of gastric cancer. This may be due to differences in the inclusion criteria or index dates of each study. This study aims to evaluate the association between PPI use and the risk of gastric cancer using balanced operational definitions. Design: A population-based cohort analysis was conducted using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Subjects who used PPIs or histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) for more than 60 days after Helicobacter pylori eradication were included. The study subjects were those who had never used H2RAs (PPI users) and controls were those who had never used PPIs (H2RA users). For comparison, the index dates of previous studies were adopted and analyzed. The subjects were followed until the development of gastric cancer, death, or study end. Results: A total of 10,012 subjects were included after propensity score matching. During a median follow-up of 6.56 years, PPI was not associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer (Hazard ratio: 1.30, 95% confidence interval: 0.75–2.27). This was consistent if the cumulative daily dose was adjusted (90/120/180 days), or if the index date was changed to the first day of PPI prescription or the last day of Helicobacter pylori eradication. There was no significant difference in mortality between both groups. Conclusion: PPI use was not associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer.
Cabozantinib Following Immunotherapy in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Storandt Michael H. , Gile Jennifer J. , Palmer Mathias E. , Zemla Tyler J. , Ahn Daniel H. , Bekaii-Saab Tanios S. , Jin Zhaohui , Tran Nguyen H. , Mahipal Amit
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Cabozantinib, a multikinase inhibitor, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following progression on sorafenib. Recently, atezolizumab plus bevacizumab has been approved in the first line setting for advanced HCC and has become the new standard of care. Whether cabozantinib improves outcomes following progression on immunotherapy remains unknown. We describe the clinical outcomes following treatment with immunotherapy in patients with advanced HCC who received cabozantinib. (2) Methods: We conducted a multicentric, retrospective analysis of patients with advanced HCC diagnosed between 2010–2021 at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida who received cabozantinib. Median overall survival and progression free survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Adverse events were determined using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). (3). Results: We identified 26 patients with advanced HCC who received cabozantinib following progression on immunotherapy. Median progression free survival on cabozantinib therapy was 2.1 months (95% CI: 1.3–3.9) and median overall survival from time of cabozantinib initiation was 7.7 months (95% CI: 5.3–14.9). (4) Conclusion: The optimal sequencing of therapy for patients with advanced HCC following progression on immunotherapy remains unknown. Our study demonstrates that patients may benefit from treatment with cabozantinib following progression on immunotherapy.
Discovery of Highly Functionalized 5-hydroxy-2H-pyrrol-2-ones That Exhibit Antiestrogenic Effects in Breast and Endometrial Cancer Cells and Potentiate the Antitumoral Effect of Tamoxifen
Authors: Guerra-Rodríguez Miguel , López-Rojas Priscila , Amesty Ángel , Aranda-Tavío Haidée , Brito-Casillas Yeray , Estévez-Braun Ana , Fernández-Pérez Leandro , Guerra Borja , Recio Carlota
Published: October 2022

Tamoxifen improves the overall survival rate in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients. However, despite the fact that it exerts antagonistic effects on the ERα, it can act as a partial agonist, resulting in tumor growth in estrogen-sensitive tissues. In this study, highly functionalized 5-hydroxy-2H-pyrrol-2-ones were synthesized and evaluated by using ERα- and phenotype-based screening assays. Compounds 32 and 35 inhibited 17β-estradiol (E2)-stimulated ERα-mediated transcription of the luciferase reporter gene in breast cancer cells without inhibition of the transcriptional activity mediated by androgen or glucocorticoid receptors. Compound 32 regulated E2-stimulated ERα-mediated transcription by partial antagonism, whereas compound 35 caused rapid and non-competitive inhibition. Monitoring of 2D and 3D cell growth confirmed potent antitumoral effects of both compounds on ER-positive breast cancer cells. Furthermore, compounds 32 and 35 caused apoptosis and blocked the cell cycle of ER-positive breast cancer cells in the sub-G1 and G0/G1 phases. Interestingly, compound 35 suppressed the functional activity of ERα in the uterus, as demonstrated by the inhibition of E2-stimulated transcription of estrogen and progesterone receptors and alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity. Compound 35 showed a relatively low binding affinity with ERα. However, its antiestrogenic effect was associated with an increased polyubiquitination and a reduced protein expression of ERα. Clinically relevant, a possible combinatory therapy with compound 35 may enhance the antitumoral efficacy of 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen in ER-positive breast cancer cells. In silico ADME predictions indicated that these compounds exhibit good drug-likeness, which, together with their potential antitumoral effects and their lack of estrogenic activity, offers a pharmacological opportunity to deepen the study of ER-positive breast cancer treatment.
Molecular Targeting of the Most Functionally Complex Gene in Precision Oncology: p53
Authors: Brown Douglas W. , Beatty Perrin H. , Lewis John D.
Published: October 2022

While chemotherapy is a key treatment strategy for many solid tumors, it is rarely curative, and most tumor cells eventually become resistant. Because of this, there is an unmet need to develop systemic treatments that capitalize on the unique mutational landscape of each patient’s tumor. The most frequently mutated protein in cancer, p53, has a role in nearly all cancer subtypes and tumorigenesis stages and therefore is one of the most promising molecular targets for cancer treatment. Unfortunately, drugs targeting p53 have seen little clinical success despite promising preclinical data. Most of these drug compounds target specific aspects of p53 inactivation, such as through inhibiting negative regulation by the mouse double minute (MDM) family of proteins. These treatment strategies fail to address cancer cells’ adaptation mechanisms and ignore the impact that p53 loss has on the entire p53 network. However, recent gene therapy successes show that targeting the p53 network and cellular dysfunction caused by p53 inactivation is now possible and may soon translate into successful clinical responses. In this review, we discuss p53 signaling complexities in cancer that have hindered the development and use of p53-targeted drugs. We also describe several current therapeutics reporting promising preclinical and clinical results.
STING Contributes to Cancer-Induced Bone Pain by Promoting M1 Polarization of Microglia in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxuan , Li Xin , Wang Wei , Zhang Yuxin , Gong Zhihao , Peng Yuan , Wu Jingxiang , You Xingji
Published: October 2022

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is the main cortical area for processing both sensory and affective aspects of pain. Recently, mPFC was reported to participate in cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) via the mechanism of central inflammation. STING is a key component of neuroinflammation in the central neuron system by activating downstream TBK1 and NF-κB signaling pathways. We aimed to investigate whether STING regulated neuroinflammation in the mPFC in rat models of CIBP. It is worth noting that we found a significant upregulation of STING in the mPFC after CIBP, accompanied by activation of TBK1 and NF-κB signaling pathways. In addition, pain and anxiety-like behaviors were alleviated by intraperitoneal injection of the STING inhibitor C-176. Furthermore, in microglia GMI-R1 cells, C-176 reversed LPS-induced M1 polarization. Collectively, this evidence indicated that STING may contribute to cancer-induced bone pain by activating TBK1 and NF-κB, and by promoting M1 polarization of microglia in the mPFC.
A Systematic Review on the Impact of Hypofractionated and Stereotactic Radiotherapy on Immune Cell Subpopulations in Cancer Patients
Authors: Takanen Silvia , Bottero Marta , Nisticò Paola , Sanguineti Giuseppe
Published: October 2022

We investigated how hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) may impact immune cells in different type of tumors. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched. Overall, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for the present analysis. Both HFRT and SBRT have different impact on lymphocyte subpopulations, confirming their immunomodulatory effect which may have a crucial role in future combined treatment with new emergent therapies such as immunotherapy. Further studies are needed to shed more light on this emerging topic to ultimately improve patient care, treatment and clinical benefits for cancer patients.
Both In Situ and Circulating SLC3A2 Could Be Used as Prognostic Markers for Human Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Dahua , An Min , Wen Guimin , Xing Yanan , Xia Pu
Published: October 2022

SLC3A2, the heavy chain of the CD98 protein, is highly expressed in many cancers, including lung cancer. It can regulate the proliferation and the metastasis of cancer cells via the integrin signaling pathway. Liquid biopsy is a novel method for tumor diagnosis. The diagnostic or prognostic roles of serum SLC3A2 in lung cancer are still not clear. In this study, we analyzed SLC3A2 mRNA levels in human lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) using the TCGA database and serum SLC3A2 protein levels using ELISA. We confirmed high SLC3A2 levels in both the serum and tissue of LUAD and LUSC patients. Both serum and tissue SLC3A2 could be used as prognostic markers for overall LUAD and subgroups of LUSC patients. SLC3A2 induced tumorigenesis via the MEK/ERK signaling pathway in LUAD and LUSC cells.
Occupational Exposure to Pesticides Affects Pivotal Immunologic Anti-Tumor Responses in Breast Cancer Women from the Intermediate Risk of Recurrence and Death
Authors: da Silva Janaína Carla , Scandolara Thalita Basso , Kern Rodrigo , Jaques Hellen dos Santos , Malanowski Jessica , Alves Fernanda Mara , Rech Daniel , Silveira Guilherme Ferreira , Panis Carolina
Published: October 2022

Breast cancer risk stratification is a strategy based using on clinical parameters to predict patients’ risk of recurrence or death, categorized as low, intermediate, or high risk. Both low and high risk are based on well-defined clinical parameters. However, the intermediate risk depends on more malleable parameters. It means an increased possibility for either suboptimal treatment, leading to disease recurrence, or systemic damage due to drug overload toxicity. Therefore, identifying new factors that help to characterize better the intermediate-risk stratification, such as environmental exposures, is necessary. For this purpose, we evaluated the impact of occupational exposure to pesticides on the systemic profile of cytokines (IL-12, IL-4, IL-17A, and TNF-α) and oxidative stress (hydroperoxides, total antioxidants, and nitric oxide metabolites), as well as TGF-β1, CTLA-4, CD8, and CD4 expression, investigated in tumor cells. Occupational exposure to pesticides decreased the levels of IL-12 and significantly increased the expression of TGF-β1 and CTLA-4 in the immune infiltrate. Nevertheless, we observed a decrease in CTLA-4 in tumor samples and CD8 in infiltrating cells of intermediate overweight or obese patients with at least one metastatic lymph node at the diagnosis. These findings indicate that occupational exposure to pesticides changes the molecular behavior of disease and should be considered for intermediate-risk stratification assessment in breast cancer patients.
Perspectives on the Management of Oligometastatic Disease in Esophago-Gastric Cancer
Authors: Goetze Thorsten Oliver , Al-Batran Salah-Eddin
Published: October 2022

Gastric adenocarcinoma and esophageal cancer are the fifth and seventh most common cancer types worldwide. At the time of initial diagnosis, up to 50% of esophagogastric cancers present with distant metastatic lesions and are candidates for chemotherapy. Curative surgery in this stage is still an experimental approach. Only a small number of these metastatic patients show an oligometastatic disease with no uniform definition of what oligometastatic means in gastric cancer. Nevertheless, the question remains unanswered as to whether these patients are still candidates for curative concepts. Some studies have attempted to answer this question but have not been adequately designed to address the role of a curative-intended multimodal therapy in this setting. The current FLOT-5 is designed to potentially provide a definitive answer to the question of whether curatively intended surgery plays a role or is a disadvantage in this setting.
Evaluation of Concomitant Use of Anticancer Drugs and Herbal Products: From Interactions to Synergic Activity
Authors: Berretta Massimiliano , Dal Lago Lissandra , Tinazzi Mattia , Ronchi Andrea , La Rocca Gaspare , Montella Liliana , Di Francia Raffaele , Facchini Bianca Arianna , Bignucolo Alessia , Montopoli Monica
Published: October 2022

CAM is used by about 40% of cancer patients in Western Countries, with peaks of 80% for breast cancer patients. Cancer patients use CAM to boost immune function, to control cancer symptoms and treatment-related side effects, and to improve health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and survival. Unfortunately, self-prescription of natural remedies in cancer patients can lead to unexpected toxicities and can reduce the effectiveness of cancer therapy. Although CAM usually refers to all the “natural or organic” products/methods that are generally considered less toxic, there are concerns about drug interactions, especially in patients participating in clinical trials with experimental agents. Despite the claims of the promising and potential benefits made by prescribers, many CAMs lack clear scientific evidence of their safety and efficacy. Given the widespread use of CAM—both clearly declared and overt—in this review, we focused on the most important known data on the risk of interactions between biologics and oncology drugs with the goal of opening up CAM in accordance with the meaning of integrative medicine.
Molecular Mechanisms of Anti-Estrogen Therapy Resistance and Novel Targeted Therapies
Authors: Ozyurt Rumeysa , Ozpolat Bulent
Published: October 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, constituting one-third of all cancers in women, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Anti-estrogen therapies, such as selective estrogen receptor modulators, significantly improve survival in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC patients, which represents about 70% of cases. However, about 60% of patients inevitably experience intrinsic or acquired resistance to anti-estrogen therapies, representing a major clinical problem that leads to relapse, metastasis, and patient deaths. The resistance mechanisms involve mutations of the direct targets of anti-estrogen therapies, compensatory survival pathways, as well as alterations in the expression of non-coding RNAs (e.g., microRNA) that regulate the activity of survival and signaling pathways. Although cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors have significantly improved survival, the efficacy of these therapies alone and in combination with anti-estrogen therapy for advanced ER+ BC, are not curative in advanced and metastatic disease. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms causing treatment resistance is critical for developing highly effective therapies and improving patient survival. This review focuses on the key mechanisms that contribute to anti-estrogen therapy resistance and potential new treatment strategies alone and in combination with anti-estrogen drugs to improve the survival of BC patients.
PARP10 Mediates Mono-ADP-Ribosylation of Aurora-A Regulating G2/M Transition of the Cell Cycle
Authors: Di Paola Simone , Matarese Maria , Barretta Maria Luisa , Dathan Nina , Colanzi Antonino , Corda Daniela , Grimaldi Giovanna
Published: October 2022

Intracellular mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases (mono-ARTs) catalyze the covalent attachment of a single ADP-ribose molecule to protein substrates, thus regulating their functions. PARP10 is a soluble mono-ART involved in the modulation of intracellular signaling, metabolism and apoptosis. PARP10 also participates in the regulation of the G1- and S-phase of the cell cycle. However, the role of this enzyme in G2/M progression is not defined. In this study, we found that genetic ablation, protein depletion and pharmacological inhibition of PARP10 cause a delay in the G2/M transition of the cell cycle. Moreover, we found that the mitotic kinase Aurora-A, a previously identified PARP10 substrate, is actively mono-ADP-ribosylated (MARylated) during G2/M transition in a PARP10-dependent manner. Notably, we showed that PARP10-mediated MARylation of Aurora-A enhances the activity of the kinase in vitro. Consistent with an impairment in the endogenous activity of Aurora-A, cells lacking PARP10 show a decreased localization of the kinase on the centrosomes and mitotic spindle during G2/M progression. Taken together, our data provide the first evidence of a direct role played by PARP10 in the progression of G2 and mitosis, an event that is strictly correlated to the endogenous MARylation of Aurora-A, thus proposing a novel mechanism for the modulation of Aurora-A kinase activity.
Efficient Cross-Coupling of Acetone with Linear Aliphatic Alcohols over Supported Copper on a Fluorite-Type Pr2Zr2O7
Authors: Lim Suhyun , Kim Minseok , Ko Sang Hyeok , Lee Jae-Hong , Baik Joon Hyun , Suh Young-Woong
Published: October 2022

In cross-coupling of biomass-derived acetone and alcohols contributing to the production of carbon-elongated chemicals and fuels, the essential catalyst components are metal dispersion for alcohol dehydrogenation and, more importantly, basicity for carbon–carbon coupling. Herein, we report the potential of co-precipitated praseodymia–zirconia solid solution (Pr2Zr2O7) as a support of Cu catalyst for the conversion of acetone and butanol into C7 and C11 products. Cu/Pr2Zr2O7 exhibits a high yield of C7 and C11 (ca. 84%) compared to Cu/ZrO2 and Cu/PrO1.83. Moreover, it is robust under the employed solvent-free conditions owing to a solid solution of Pr2Zr2O7 compared to PrO1.83 showing phase transition to PrOHCO3. It is also tolerant to up to 5 wt % water of the reactant mixture, recyclable once adequate post-treatment is employed after the reaction, and can convert the acetone–butanol–ethanol mixture into C5–C11 products at the nearly equivalent yield (82%) to the acetone–butanol mixture. Therefore, the Cu/Pr2Zr2O7 reported herein is an efficient catalyst for the coupling of acetone with linear aliphatic alcohols into biofuel precursors.
Electrophoretic Deposition of Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide on the Rutile Phase of TiO2 Nanowires for Rapid Reduction of Cr (VI) under Simulated Sunlight Irradiation
Authors: Rahmat Subagja Toto , Alias Nurhaswani , Kumar Rajesh , Tan Wai Kian , Kawamura Go , Matsuda Atsunori , Lockman Zainovia
Published: October 2022

Hexavalent chromium is very carcinogenic, and it is, therefore, important to remove it from wastewater prior to disposal. This study reports the photoreduction of Cr(VI) under simulated sunlight using graphene-derived TiO2 nanowire (TNW) composites. Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was carried out on rutile phase TNWs. The TNWs were fabricated by thermal oxidation of titanium foil in the presence of 1M potassium hydroxide mist at 750 °C. The TNWs uniformly covered the surface of the titanium foil. EPD of GO or rGO was done as a function of time to produce deposits of different thicknesses. The photocatalytic performances of the GO/TNWs or rGO/TNWs were tested to reduce Cr(VI) under visible light. The performance of rGO/TNWs in reducing Cr(VI) was better than GO/TNWs. A 10-second-deposited rGO on TNW samples can reduce 10 mg/L Cr(VI) within 30 min under visible light, likely as a result of the high electron transfer from rGO to TNWs accelerating the Cr(VI) reduction.
Transplantation of Human-Fetal-Spinal-Cord-Derived NPCs Primed with a Polyglutamate-Conjugated Rho/Rock Inhibitor in Acute Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Giraldo Esther , Bonilla Pablo , Mellado Mara , Garcia-Manau Pablo , Rodo Carlota , Alastrue Ana , Lopez Eric , Moratonas Elena Carreras , Pellise Ferran , Đorđević Snežana , Vicent María J. , Moreno Manzano Victoria
Published: October 2022

Neural precursor cell (NPC) transplantation represents a promising therapy for treating spinal cord injuries (SCIs); however, despite successful results obtained in preclinical models, the clinical translation of this approach remains challenging due, in part, to the lack of consensus on an optimal cell source for human neuronal cells. Depending on the cell source, additional limitations to NPC-based therapies include high tumorigenic potential, alongside poor graft survival and engraftment into host spinal tissue. We previously demonstrated that NPCs derived from rat fetal spinal cords primed with a polyglutamate (PGA)-conjugated form of the Rho/Rock inhibitor fasudil (PGA-SS-FAS) displayed enhanced neuronal differentiation and graft survival when compared to non-primed NPCs. We now conducted a similar study of human-fetal-spinal-cord-derived NPCs (hfNPCs) from legal gestational interruptions at the late gestational stage, at 19–21.6 weeks. In vitro, expanded hfNPCs retained neural features, multipotency, and self-renewal, which supported the development of a cell banking strategy. Before transplantation, we established a simple procedure to prime hfNPCs by overnight incubation with PGA-SS-FAS (at 50 μM FAS equiv.), which improved neuronal differentiation and overcame neurite-like retraction after lysophosphatidic-acid-induced Rho/Rock activation. The transplantation of primed hfNPCs into immune-deficient mice (NU(NCr)-Foxn1nu) immediately after the eighth thoracic segment compression prompted enhanced migration of grafted cells from the dorsal to the ventral spinal cord, increased preservation of GABAergic inhibitory Lbx1-expressing and glutamatergic excitatory Tlx3-expressing somatosensory interneurons, and elevated the numbers of preserved, c-Fos-expressing, activated neurons surrounding the injury epicenter, all in a low percentage. Overall, the priming procedure using PGA-SS-FAS could represent an alternative methodology to improve the capabilities of the hfNPC lines for a translational approach for acute SCI treatment.
Assessment of Choroidal Vasculature and Innate Immune Cells in the Eyes of Albino and Pigmented Mice
Authors: Zaitoun Ismail S. , Song Yong-Seok , Zaitoun Hammam B. , Sorenson Christine M. , Sheibani Nader
Published: October 2022

The visualization of choroidal vasculature and innate immune cells in the eyes of pigmented mice has been challenging due to the presence of a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer separating the choroid and retina. Here, we established methods for visualizing the choroidal macrophages, mast cells, and vasculature in eyes of albino and pigmented mice using cell type-specific staining. We were able to visualize the choroidal arterial and venous systems. An arterial circle around the optic nerve was found in mice similar to the Zinn–Haller arterial circle that exists in humans and primates. Three different structural patterns of choriocapillaris were observed throughout the whole choroid: honeycomb-like, maze-like, and finger-like patterns. Choroidal mast cells were relatively few but dense around the optic nerve. Mast cell distribution in the middle and periphery was different among strains. Macrophages were found in all layers of the choroid. Thus, utilizing the simple and reliable methods described herein will allow the evaluation of transgenic and preclinical mouse models of ocular diseases that affect the choroid, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic choroidopathy, and retinopathy of prematurity. These studies will advance our understanding of the pathophysiology, and molecular and cellular mechanisms that can be targeted therapeutically, in these diseases.
Development of Human Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumor Organoids to Facilitate Effective Targeted Treatments of Cushing’s Disease
Authors: Chakrabarti Jayati , Pandey Ritu , Churko Jared M. , Eschbacher Jennifer , Mallick Saptarshi , Chen Yuliang , Hermes Beth , Mallick Palash , Stansfield Ben N. , Pond Kelvin W. , Thorne Curtis A. , Yuen Kevin C. J. , Little Andrew S. , Zavros Yana
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Cushing’s disease (CD) is a serious endocrine disorder caused by an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) that stimulates the adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol. Chronic exposure to excess cortisol has detrimental effects on health, including increased stroke rates, diabetes, obesity, cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression, and death. The first-line treatment for CD is pituitary surgery. Current surgical remission rates reported in only 56% of patients depending on several criteria. The lack of specificity, poor tolerability, and low efficacy of the subsequent second-line medical therapies make CD a medical therapeutic challenge. One major limitation that hinders the development of specific medical therapies is the lack of relevant human model systems that recapitulate the cellular composition of PitNET microenvironment. (2) Methods: human pituitary tumor tissue was harvested during transsphenoidal surgery from CD patients to generate organoids (hPITOs). (3) Results: hPITOs generated from corticotroph, lactotroph, gonadotroph, and somatotroph tumors exhibited morphological diversity among the organoid lines between individual patients and amongst subtypes. The similarity in cell lineages between the organoid line and the patient’s tumor was validated by comparing the neuropathology report to the expression pattern of PitNET specific markers, using spectral flow cytometry and exome sequencing. A high-throughput drug screen demonstrated patient-specific drug responses of hPITOs amongst each tumor subtype. Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a CD patient carrying germline mutation CDH23 exhibited dysregulated cell lineage commitment. (4) Conclusions: The human pituitary neuroendocrine tumor organoids represent a novel approach in how we model complex pathologies in CD patients, which will enable effective personalized medicine for these patients.
Neutrophil Extracellular Vesicles and Airway Smooth Muscle Proliferation in the Natural Model of Severe Asthma in Horses
Authors: Mainguy-Seers Sophie , Beaudry Francis , Fernandez-Prada Christopher , Martin James G. , Lavoie Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to intercellular communication through the transfer of their rich cargo to recipient cells. The EVs produced by LPS-stimulated neutrophils from healthy humans and horses increase airway smooth muscle (ASM) proliferation, but the roles of neutrophil EVs in asthma are largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to determine whether neutrophil-derived EVs isolated during the remission or exacerbation of asthma influence ASM proliferation differentially. Peripheral blood neutrophils were collected during remission and exacerbation in eight horses affected by severe asthma. The cells were cultured (±LPS), and their EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized by laser scattering microscopy and proteomic analysis. The proliferation of ASM co-incubated with EVs was monitored in real time by electrical impedance. Two proteins were significantly upregulated during disease exacerbation in neutrophil EVs (MAST4 and Lrch4), while LPS stimulation greatly altered the proteomic profile. Those changes involved the upregulation of neutrophil degranulation products, including proteases known to induce myocyte proliferation. In agreement with the proteomic results, EVs from LPS-stimulated neutrophils increased ASM proliferation, without an effect of the disease status. The inhalation of environmental LPS could contribute to asthma pathogenesis by activating neutrophils and leading to ASM hyperplasia.
SARS-CoV-2 in Soil: A Microbial Perspective
Authors: Iqbal Shahid , Xu Jianchu , Khan Sehroon , Nadir Sadia , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: October 2022

SARS-CoV-2 has been found in soil and aquatic environments in addition to aerosols. SARS-CoV-2 enters the soil from various sources, including organic amendments and waste irrigation water. The virus counts and virulence in soil depend on spillover routes and soil properties. Organic matter (OM) and clay minerals protect and enable SARS-CoV-2 to survive for longer periods in soil. Therefore, life forms residing in soil may be at risk, but there is a paucity of scientific interest in such interactions. With this perspective, we aim to provide a new viewpoint on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on soil microbes. In particular, we present a conceptual model showing how successive mutations within soil animals having the SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) may change its characteristics and, thus, enable it to infect micro- and macroorganisms and be transferred by them. SARS-CoV-2 particles could be adsorbed on mineral or OM surfaces, and these surfaces could serve as encounter sites for infectious attacks. SARS-CoV-2 accumulation in soil over time can perturb bacteria and other microbes, leading to imbalances in microbial diversity and activities. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 and its interactions with biotic and abiotic soil components should be a future research priority.
Progress on Polymers Containing Imide Rings for Advanced Technologies: A Contribution from ICMPP of the Romanian Academy
Authors: Damaceanu Mariana-Dana
Published: October 2022

Evolving technology has posed a constantly increasing need for materials that can work well under harsh conditions such as elevated temperatures. Aromatic polyimides have a great potential for this purpose, having excellent thermal, mechanical, dielectric, and optical properties, along with good chemical resistance and high dimensional stability. In spite of their general difficulty in processing and high cost, polyimides are intensively studied for applications in many areas due to their high-end value. This article reviews the progress made on polyimide materials in the “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry (ICMPP) of the Romanian Academy during the last decade, with focus on their performance as films, matrices for nanocomposites, coatings for microelectronics and opto-electronic devices, or dielectrics for thin film capacitors.
Modification of Shellac with Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) and Thyme (Satureja hortensis) Essential Oils: Compatibility Issues and Effect on the UV Light Resistance of Wood Coated Surfaces
Authors: Timar Maria Cristina , Beldean Emanuela Carmen
Published: October 2022

Shellac (SL) is a natural resin employed for wood finishing, while clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) and thyme (Satureja hortensis) essential oils (C-EO, T-EO) are organic natural products of vegetal origin with antifungal, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The present paper aims at exploring the potential of modifying alcoholic shellac solutions with essential oils (C-EO, T-EO), focussing on the recurrent effects of this modification on the traditional wood finishing technique, the colour and the UV light resistance of the wood coated surfaces. The compatibility of C-EO and T-EO with ethyl alcohol and the alcoholic reference SL solution was evaluated, and modified SL solutions with a content of 5% and 10% C-EO and T-EO were prepared. Wood samples of European maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) and European walnut (Juglans regia) were finished with reference and modified SL solutions. An accelerated UV ageing test was run, and the samples were evaluated after 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure. Colour measurements in the CIELab system and FTIR–ATR investigation were employed for monitoring colour and surface chemistry changes. Coating with SL resulted in visible colour changes for both wood species (ΔE values of 31.06 for maple and 13.00 for walnut) and increased UV resistance, reducing colour changes after 72 h UV exposure (by 83% for maple and by 59% for walnut) as compared to the uncoated controls. Modification of SL solutions with C-EO and T-EO only slightly influenced the colour of finished surfaces (ΔE = 1.88–5.41 for maple, ΔE = 1.36–3.41 for walnut) and their UV resistance. The colour changes (ΔE) of coated surfaces after 72 h exposure varied in the range 1.63–4.53 for maple and 2.39–3.58 for walnut, being generally slightly higher (by 1.7–2.9 units for maple and 0–1 unit for walnut) for the modified SL solutions. FTIR investigation highlighted only minor chemical changes of the shellac coating films after 72 h of UV exposure. A photo-induced oxidative process of eugenol seemed possible in the case of SL modified with C-EO.
Phosphonium Modified Nanocellulose Membranes with High Permeate Flux and Antibacterial Property for Oily Wastewater Separation
Authors: Peng Kun , Wang Chenglong , Chang Chunyu , Peng Na
Published: October 2022

Nanocellulose membranes could efficiently separate oily wastewater because of their super-hydrophilic and underwater super-oleophobic property and nano-porous structure. However, the practical application and storage of nanocellulose membranes is limited by their low water permeation flux and easy corrosion by bacteria, respectively. Herein, nanocellulose membranes with high permeate flux and antibacterial property were fabricated by grafting tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride (THPC) onto the surface of TEMPO-oxidized tunicate cellulose nanofibers (TCNFs) via esterification reaction. The introduction of THPC groups with tetrahedral structure on the surface of TCNFs significantly improved the pore size and interlayer space of nanocellulose membranes, resulting in an increase in water permeation flux. These THPC@TCNF membranes were super-hydrophilic and underwater super-oleophobic, which could effectively separate various oil/water nano-emulsions. Moreover, THPC@TCNF membranes possessed excellent durability, mechanical stability and cycling performance. Due to the presence of positively charged phosphonium groups, THPC@TCNF membranes exhibited excellent antibacterial property against B. subtilis, a typical Gram-positive bacterium presenting in oily wastewater. This work provides a simple method to endow nanocellulose membrane with high permeate flux and antibacterial property.
The Influence of Extractant Composition on the Asphaltenes Extracted from Asphalt
Authors: Sun Dachuan , Song Yang , Chen Feiyong
Published: October 2022

The compositions of extractants containing xylene (G) and n-heptane (P) recovered and reused in the asphaltene extraction process were determined by densimetry and the extracted asphaltenes were analyzed to study the influence of extractant composition on their elemental, spectral and structural properties. With increasing the number of extraction, the G/P ratio in extractant increases, which dissolves more asphaltenes of higher aromaticity and causes a decrease of asphaltene yield, the polarity and aromaticity in molecular structure of the extracted asphaltenes. Asphaltenes extracted at a higher G/P ratio were found to have less fractions of N and O elements as well as higher fractions of H and S elements, a lower C/H atom ratio and molecular unsaturation. Moreover, they have a smaller fraction of aromatic rings and aromatic carbon ratio, a higher substitution rate on aromatic rings, a higher fraction of alkyl chain and free ends in their average molecular structure. Compared with the base asphalt, asphaltenes’ infrared absorptions generally move towards smaller wave numbers owing to more aromaticity in their molecules and subsequent stronger conjugative and inductive effects. The asphaltenes extracted at a higher G/P ratio have a denser packing of alkyl chains and a looser packing of aromatic rings, according to their spectra of X-ray diffraction.
Plasma–Solution Junction for the Formation of Carbon Material
Authors: Niu Jiangqi , Chokradjaroen Chayanaphat , Sawada Yasuyuki , Wang Xiaoyang , Saito Nagahiro
Published: October 2022

The solution plasma process (SPP) can provide a low-temperature reaction field, leading to an effective synthesis of N-doped graphene with a high N content and well-structured planar structure. However, the interactions at the plasma–solution interface have not been well understood; therefore, it needs to be urgently explored to achieve the modulation of the SPP. Here, to address the knowledge gap, we experimentally determined the physical parameters of the spital distribution in the plasma phase, plasma–gas phase, and gas–liquid phase of the SPP by the Langmuir probe system with modification. Based on the assumption that plasma can act similarly to semiconductors with the Fermi level above the vacuum level, an energy band diagram of the plasma–solution junction could be proposed for the first time. It was observed that the Fermi level of the organic molecule could determine the magnitude of electron temperature in plasma, i.e., benzene produced the highest electron temperature, followed by phenol, toluene, and aniline. Finally, we found that the electron temperature at the interface could induce quenching, leading to the formation of multilayer large-size-domain carbon products. It provided significant evidence for achieving nonequilibrium plasma modulation of carbon nanomaterial synthesis.
Institut Pasteur Dakar Mobile Lab: Part of the Solution to Tackle COVID Pandemic in Senegal, a Model to Be Exploited
Authors: Fall Amary , Dieng Idrissa , Touré Cheikh Talibouya , Mhamadi Moufid , Sadio Bacary Djilocalisse , Ndione Marie Henriette Dior , Diagne Moussa Moise , Ndiaye Mignane , Barry Mamadou Aliou , Diaw Yague , Dieng Allé Baba , Diop Ndeye Maguette , Sankhe Safietou , Diop Boly , Ndiaye Mamadou , Diallo Amadou , Diop Mamadou , Dieng Mamadou , Cappuyns Aurélie , Pauwels Steven , Gning Babacar , Fall Gamou , Weidmann Manfred , Loucoubar Cheikh , Pauwels Rudi , Sall Amadou Alpha , Dia Ndongo , Faye Ousmane , Faye Oumar
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic required massive testing of potential patients in resource-constrained areas in Senegal. The first case of COVID-19 was reported on 2 March 2020 in Dakar city and on 10 March, the first cases were reported in Touba city, the second most populous city in Senegal. Following the scale of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Touba city, the Institut Pasteur de Dakar mobile laboratory truck (MLT) was deployed on March 13 to bring diagnostics to the point of need for better management of patient and outbreak control. The MLT deployed is a 6 × 6 truck equipped with an isolator for sample inactivation, a generator and batteries to ensure energy autonomy, and a molecular platform for pathogens detection. Nasal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected from suspected COVID-19 cases and sent to the MLT located at the Touba primary healthcare center. Samples were extracted and RNA amplified by real time qRT-PCR. A total of 11,693 samples were collected from 14 regions of Senegal and tested between March to August 2021. Within the samples tested, 10.6% (1240/1693) were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, the MLT allowed the confirmation of the first cases of COVID-19 in 25 out of 79 health districts of Senegal. Thereby, the MLT deployment during the first 6 months of COVID-19 in Senegal allowed rapid processing of suspected case samples collected in Touba and other surrounding areas and, thus, significantly contributed to the outbreak response and early case management in Senegal.
Glyptothorax (Teleostei: Sisoridae) from the Middle East: An Integrated Molecular and Morphological Insight into Its Taxonomic Diversity
Authors: Sayyadzadeh Golnaz , Zarei Fatah , Esmaeili Hamid Reza
Published: October 2022

The Glyptothorax species from the Middle East are taxonomically revised based on extensive geographic range and taxon sampling, tree topologies from mitochondrial COI and Cyt b and nuclear RAG2 markers (2532 bps), molecular species delimitation and genetic distance analyses of DNA sequences against morphometric and morphological characters. A majority-rule consensus based on conceptually different molecular species delimitation analyses combined with the Bayesian and maximum likelihood tree topologies considered all the name-bearing Iranian endemic clades of Glyptothorax, except for G. pallens (i.e., G. alidaeii, G. galaxias, G. hosseinpanahii, G. shapuri and G. silviae) as a single molecular entity. We also lent our years of experience to the morphology of Iranian Glyptothorax populations and tried to perceive consistent morphological differences, but without success. Therefore, based on this integrated molecular and morphological study, we treat G. alidaeii, G. galaxias, G. hosseinpanahii and G. shapuri as conspecific with G. silviae. Furthermore, our molecular and morphological results confirmed the first record of G. cous in Iranian waters. The species G. armeniacus, G. cous, G. daemon, G. kurdistanicus, G. pallens, G. silviae and G. steindachneri are considered as valid species.
The Paradox of Shorebird Diversity and Abundance in the West Coast and East Coast of India: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Rashiba A. P. , Jishnu K. , Byju H. , Shifa C. T. , Anand Jasmine , Vichithra K. , Xu Yanjie , Nefla Aymen , Muzaffar Sabir Bin , Aarif K. M. , Rubeena K. A.
Published: October 2022

Migratory shorebirds that move across continents along their flyways are undergoing a drastic decline globally. A greater proportion of them that regularly winter along the Indian coasts within the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) are also undergoing severe declines. However, the mechanisms underlying the population trends in these areas remain little understood. This study investigated the diversity, abundance, population dynamics and distribution patterns of shorebirds along the Indian coasts based on the available literature. The west coast of India is relatively less studied than the east coast in the CAF. Further, we observed that the diversity, abundance, population dynamics and distribution pattern of the shorebirds follow different trends on the west coast compared to the east coast. These variations are in accordance with the differences in topography and biotic and abiotic factors between the coasts. Anthropogenic activities have far-reaching effects on the survival and persistence of shorebirds along the coasts. The west coast is evidently more productive than the east coast at every trophic level and thus the west coast is expected to account for more abundance and diversity of shorebirds. Paradoxically, we found that the east coast supports a greater abundance and diversity of shorebirds than the west coast. The west coast, therefore, requires further investigations to obtain a better understanding of the causes of apparent differences in abundance and diversity as well as the observed declines in shorebirds, compared to the east coast of India.
Behavioral Capital Theory via Canonical Quantization
Authors: Hawkins Raymond J. , D’Anna Joseph L.
Published: October 2022

We show how a behavioral form of capital theory can be derived using canonical quantization. In particular, we introduce quantum cognition into capital theory by applying Dirac’s canonical quantization approach to Weitzman’s Hamiltonian formulation of capital theory, the justification for the use of quantum cognition being the incompatibility of questions encountered in the investment decision-making process. We illustrate the utility of this approach by deriving the capital-investment commutator for a canonical dynamic investment problem.
Three Efficient All-Erasure Decoding Methods for Blaum–Roth Codes
Authors: Zhou Weijie , Hou Hanxu
Published: October 2022

Blaum–Roth Codes are binary maximum distance separable (MDS) array codes over the binary quotient ring F2[x]/(Mp(x)), where Mp(x)=1+x+⋯+xp−1, and p is a prime number. Two existing all-erasure decoding methods for Blaum–Roth codes are the syndrome-based decoding method and the interpolation-based decoding method. In this paper, we propose a modified syndrome-based decoding method and a modified interpolation-based decoding method that have lower decoding complexity than the syndrome-based decoding method and the interpolation-based decoding method, respectively. Moreover, we present a fast decoding method for Blaum–Roth codes based on the LU decomposition of the Vandermonde matrix that has a lower decoding complexity than the two modified decoding methods for most of the parameters.
Deep Matrix Factorization Based on Convolutional Neural Networks for Image Inpainting
Authors: Ma Xiaoxuan , Li Zhiwen , Wang Hengyou
Published: October 2022

In this work, we formulate the image in-painting as a matrix completion problem. Traditional matrix completion methods are generally based on linear models, assuming that the matrix is low rank. When the original matrix is large scale and the observed elements are few, they will easily lead to over-fitting and their performance will also decrease significantly. Recently, researchers have tried to apply deep learning and nonlinear techniques to solve matrix completion. However, most of the existing deep learning-based methods restore each column or row of the matrix independently, which loses the global structure information of the matrix and therefore does not achieve the expected results in the image in-painting. In this paper, we propose a deep matrix factorization completion network (DMFCNet) for image in-painting by combining deep learning and a traditional matrix completion model. The main idea of DMFCNet is to map iterative updates of variables from a traditional matrix completion model into a fixed depth neural network. The potential relationships between observed matrix data are learned in a trainable end-to-end manner, which leads to a high-performance and easy-to-deploy nonlinear solution. Experimental results show that DMFCNet can provide higher matrix completion accuracy than the state-of-the-art matrix completion methods in a shorter running time.
Parental Perceptions of the Teaching Profession: Factors That Predict Parental Encouragement of Students to Enter the Teaching Profession
Authors: Christensen Steven , Davies Randall S , Larsen Ross A. A. , Harris Scott , Hanks Joseph , Bowles Bryan
Published: October 2022

This study examines factors that influence parent’s willingness to encourage their children to consider teaching as a career. Using structural equation modeling, we identified four factors that are highly predictive of a parent’s willingness to encourage their children to consider teaching and their belief that teaching would be their best career option. Results indicated that parents were more likely to encourage their children to become teachers when people outside the family had encouraged the children to teach, if the parents believed their child would be a good teacher, and if parents thought that expectations placed on teachers were reasonable. Results also showed, however, that when considering other professions, parents were much less likely to encourage their children to become teachers in favor of other professions.