bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exosomal LncRNAs in Gastrointestinal Cancer: Biological Functions and Emerging Clinical Applications
Authors: Sun Yuntong , Sun Fengtian , Jin Jianhua , Xu Wenrong , Qian Hui
Published: February 2023

Due to the lack of specific and effective biomarkers and therapeutic targets, the early diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer remain unsatisfactory. As a type of nanosized vesicles derived from living cells, exosomes mediate cell-to-cell communication by transporting bioactive molecules, thus participating in the regulation of many pathophysiological processes. Recent evidence has revealed that several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are enriched in exosomes. Exosomes-mediated lncRNAs delivery is critically involved in various aspects of gastrointestinal cancer progression, such as tumor proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, stemness, immune microenvironment, and drug resistance. Exosomal lncRNAs represent promising candidates to act as the diagnosis biomarkers and anti-tumor targets. This review introduces the major characteristics of exosomes and lncRNAs and describes the biological functions of exosomal lncRNAs in gastrointestinal cancer development. The preclinical studies on using exosomal lncRNAs to monitor and treat gastrointestinal cancer are also discussed, and the opportunities and challenges for translating them into clinical practice are evaluated.
Attrition Rates in Multiple Myeloma Treatment under Real World Conditions—An Analysis from the Austrian Myeloma Registry (AMR)
Authors: Benda Magdalena A. , Ulmer Hanno , Weger Roman , Reimann Patrick , Lang Theresia , Pichler Petra , Winder Thomas , Hartmann Bernd , Strassl Irene , Krauth Maria Theresa , Agis Hermine , Sormann Siegfried , Podar Klaus , Willenbacher Wolfgang , Willenbacher Ella
Published: February 2023

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by serial relapses, necessitating the application of sequential lines of therapy (LoT). Reports on attrition rates (ARs) vary widely. The present study analysed ARs from the Austrian Myeloma Registry. Attrition was defined as being either deceased, progressive without having received another LoT, or lack of follow-up for ≥5 years. A total of 571 patients diagnosed between January 2009 and August 2021 were included (median age: 72 years; median follow-up: 50.8 months). Some 507 patients received at least one LoT. Of the total, 43.6% underwent autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT, transplant eligible = TE)) with primarily VRd (Bortezomib/Lenalidomide/Dexamethasone) given as induction (26.5%), followed by lenalidomide maintenance in 55.7% of cases. Transplant-ineligible (NTE) patients were predominantly treated with Vd (Bortezomib/Dexamethasone, 21.6%), receiving maintenance in 27.1%. A total of 37.5% received a second LoT. ARs across one to five LoTs were 16.7–27%. Frontline induction/ SCT followed by maintenance reduced ARs associated with age and achievement of deep remission in the frontline. Deep remission prolongs follow-up and time-to-next-treatment (TTNT), while high-risk-cyctogenetics negatively affected these outcomes. Our results demonstrate considerably lower ARs for MM patients within the AMR data versus other healthcare systems. Young age and the achievement of significant remissions after optimal frontline therapy resulted in particularly low ARs. These promising results support a key role for the ease of drug access and reimbursement policies in governing long-term MM patient outcomes.
Utility of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Tests for Patients with Incurable Pancreatic Cancer in Clinical Practice
Authors: Yamai Takuo , Ikezawa Kenji , Sugimoto Naotoshi , Urabe Makiko , Kai Yugo , Takada Ryoji , Nakabori Tasuku , Uehara Hiroyuki , Kawamura Takahisa , Kunimasa Kei , Yamamoto Sachiko , Wakamatsu Toru , Hayashi Takuji , Kukita Yoji , Fujisawa Fumie , Inoue Tazuko , Yamaguchi Yuko , Yamasaki Tomoyuki , Honma Keiichiro , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi
Published: February 2023

Although comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) tests have been covered under the Japanese national health insurance program since 2018, the utility and issues of CGP tests have not been clarified. We retrospectively reviewed 115 patients with incurable pancreatic cancer (IPC) who underwent CGP tests in a Japanese cancer referral center from November 2019 to August 2021. We evaluated the results of CGP tests, treatments based on CGP tests, and survival time. Eight cases (6.9%) were diagnosed as tumor mutation burden-high (TMB-H) and/or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H). The gene mutation rates of KRAS/TP53/CDKN2A/SMAD4 were 93.0/83.0/53.0/25.2%, respectively. Twenty-five patients (21.7%) had homologous recombination deficiency (HRD)-related genetic mutations. Four patients (3.5%) having TMB-H and/or MSI-H were treated with pembrolizumab, and only two patients (1.7%) participated in the clinical trials. Patient characteristics were not significantly different between patients with and without HRD-related gene mutations. The median OS was significantly longer in the HRD (+) group than in the HRD (−) group (749 days vs. 519 days, p = 0.047). In multivariate analysis, HRD-related gene mutation was an independent prognostic factor associated with favorable OS. CGP tests for patients with IPC have the potential utility of detecting HRD-related gene mutations as prognostic factors as well as a therapeutic search.
Comparable Overall Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Diagnosed within and outside a Surveillance Programme: The Potential Impact of Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Faulkes Rosemary E. , Rehman Zaira , Palanichamy Swetha , Zakeri Nekisa , Coldham Chris , Dasari Bobby V. M. , Perera M. Thamara P. R. , Rajoriya Neil , Shetty Shishir , Shah Tahir
Published: February 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death, and its incidence is rising. Mortality from HCC is predicted to increase by 140% by 2035. Surveillance of high-risk patients with cirrhosis or chronic liver disease may be one means of reducing HCC mortality, but the level of supporting evidence for international guidelines is low/moderate. This study explores the real-world experience of HCC surveillance at a tertiary referral centre. Electronic patient records for all new HCCs diagnosed between August 2012 and December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient and tumour characteristics were evaluated, including the co-existence of chronic liver disease, cancer treatment and survival, and categorised according to HCC diagnosis within or outside a surveillance programme. Patients with HCC who presented through surveillance had smaller tumours diagnosed at an earlier stage, but this did not translate into improved overall survival. All patients in surveillance had chronic liver disease, including 91% (n = 101) with cirrhosis, compared to 45% (n = 29) in the non-surveillance cohort. We propose that the immune dysfunction associated with cirrhosis predisposes patients to a more aggressive tumour biology than the largely non-cirrhotic population in the non-surveillance group.
Mechanism of cis-Nerolidol-Induced Bladder Carcinoma Cell Death
Authors: Glumac Mateo , Čikeš Čulić Vedrana , Marinović-Terzić Ivana , Radan Mila
Published: February 2023

Nerolidol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol with multiple properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiparasitic activities. A few studies investigating the antitumor properties of nerolidol have shown positive results in both cell culture and mouse models. In this study, we investigated the antitumor mechanism of cis-nerolidol in bladder carcinoma cell lines. The results of our experiments on two bladder carcinoma cell lines revealed that nerolidol inhibited cell proliferation and induced two distinct cell death pathways. We confirmed that cis-nerolidol induces DNA damage and ER stress. A mechanistic study identified a common cAMP, Ca2+, and MAPK axis involved in signal propagation and amplification, leading to ER stress. Inhibition of any part of this signaling cascade prevented both cell death pathways. The two cell death mechanisms can be distinguished by the involvement of caspases. The early occurring cell death pathway is characterized by membrane blebbing and cell swelling followed by membrane rupture, which can be prevented by the inhibition of caspase activation. In the late cell death pathway, which was found to be caspase-independent, cytoplasmic vacuolization and changes in cell shape were observed. cis-Nerolidol shows promising antitumor activity through an unorthodox mechanism of action that could help target resistant forms of malignancies, such as bladder cancer.
How Effective Is Graphitization of Biomasses for the Carbon Stability of Pt/C ORR Catalysts?
Authors: Schmies Henrike , Bengen Nina , Müller-Hülstede Julia , Ibitowa Olayinka Ahmed , Wagner Peter , Wark Michael
Published: February 2023

Catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in PEM fuel cells are commonly constituted of Pt-based nanoparticles and a carbon support originating from fossil resources. In order to employ a more sustainable carbon support, activated sawdust was chosen in this study. This was firstly steam-activated at 750 °C and then thermally treated at elevated temperatures up to 2800 °C and reducing conditions at 1100 °C. Various physical characterization methods were applied to systematically relate treatment parameters to surface and structural properties of the carbon material. Deposition of small Pt nanoparticles on the biochar-based supports yielded in ORR active catalysts which were analyzed by thin-film rotating disc electrode measurements. The activity and stability towards the ORR of these novel catalysts was compared to a commercial raw oil-based Pt/C and the influence of support modification on the ORR performance was discussed.
Immunogenomic Biomarkers and Validation in Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Chambuso Ramadhani , Mthembu Mbali , Kaambo Eveline , Robertson Barbara , Ramesar Raj
Published: February 2023

Lynch syndrome (LS) is an inherited disorder in which affected individuals have a significantly higher-than-average risk of developing colorectal and non-colorectal cancers, often before the age of 50 years. In LS, mutations in DNA repair genes lead to a dysfunctional post-replication repair system. As a result, the unrepaired errors in coding regions of the genome produce novel proteins, called neoantigens. Neoantigens are recognised by the immune system as foreign and trigger an immune response. Due to the invasive nature of cancer screening tests, universal cancer screening guidelines unique for LS (primarily colonoscopy) are poorly adhered to by LS variant heterozygotes (LSVH). Currently, it is unclear whether immunogenomic components produced as a result of neoantigen formation can be used as novel biomarkers in LS. We hypothesise that: (i) LSVH produce measurable and dynamic immunogenomic components in blood, and (ii) these quantifiable immunogenomic components correlate with cancer onset and stage. Here, we discuss the feasibility to: (a) identify personalised novel immunogenomic biomarkers and (b) validate these biomarkers in various clinical scenarios in LSVH.
Protective Effect of NO2-OA on Oxidative Stress, Gliosis, and Pro-Angiogenic Response in Müller Glial Cells
Authors: Vaglienti María V. , Subirada Paula V. , Joray Mariana B. , Bonacci Gustavo , Sánchez María C.
Published: February 2023

Inflammation and oxidative and nitrosative stress are involved in the pathogenesis of proliferative retinopathies (PR). In PR, a loss of balance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors favors the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This vascular change results in alterations in the blood–retinal barrier, with extravasation of plasma proteins such as α2-macroglobulin (α2M) and gliosis in Müller glial cells (MGCs, such as MIO-M1). It is well known that MGCs play important roles in healthy and sick retinas, including in PR. Nitro-fatty acids are electrophilic lipid mediators with anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties. Our aim was to investigate whether nitro-oleic acid (NO2-OA) is beneficial against oxidative stress, gliosis, and the pro-angiogenic response in MGCs. Pure synthetic NO2-OA increased HO-1 expression in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, which was abrogated by the Nrf2 inhibitor trigonelline. In response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), NO2-OA prevented the ROS increase and reduced the gliosis induced by α2M. Finally, when hypoxic MGCs were incubated with NO2-OA, the increase in VEGF mRNA expression was not affected, but under hypoxia and inflammation (IL-1β), NO2-OA significantly reduced VEGF mRNA levels. Furthermore, NO2-OA inhibited endothelial cell (BAEC) tubulogenesis. Our results highlight NO2-OA’s protective effect on oxidative damage, gliosis; and the exacerbated pro-angiogenic response in MGCs.
Exploring the Complex Link between Autophagy, Regulated Cell Death, and Cell Fate Pathways in Cancer Pathogenesis and Therapy
Authors: Moosavi Mohammad Amin , Djavaheri-Mergny Mojgan
Published: February 2023

Autophagy is a catabolic lysosomal-dependent pathway involved in the degradation of cellular materials, supplying precursor compounds and energy for macromolecule synthesis and metabolic needs [...]
Beyond Pellagra—Research Models and Strategies Addressing the Enduring Clinical Relevance of NAD Deficiency in Aging and Disease
Authors: Feuz Morgan B. , Meyer-Ficca Mirella L. , Meyer Ralph G.
Published: February 2023

Research into the functions of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) has intensified in recent years due to the insight that abnormally low levels of NAD are involved in many human pathologies including metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, reproductive dysfunction, cancer, and aging. Consequently, the development and validation of novel NAD-boosting strategies has been of central interest, along with the development of models that accurately represent the complexity of human NAD dynamics and deficiency levels. In this review, we discuss pioneering research and show how modern researchers have long since moved past believing that pellagra is the overt and most dramatic clinical presentation of NAD deficiency. The current research is centered on common human health conditions associated with moderate, but clinically relevant, NAD deficiency. In vitro and in vivo research models that have been developed specifically to study NAD deficiency are reviewed here, along with emerging strategies to increase the intracellular NAD concentrations.
Introduction to the Special Issue “Skeletal Muscle Atrophy: Mechanisms at a Cellular Level”
Authors: Zuccaro Emanuela , Marchioretti Caterina , Pirazzini Marco , Pennuto Maria
Published: February 2023

Skeletal muscle is the most abundant tissue in the body and requires high levels of energy to function properly. Skeletal muscle allows voluntary movement and body posture, which require different types of fiber, innervation, energy, and metabolism. Here, we summarize the contribution received at the time of publication of this Introductory Issue for the Special Issue dedicated to “Skeletal Muscle Atrophy: Mechanisms at a Cellular Level”. The Special Issue is divided into three sections. The first is dedicated to skeletal muscle pathophysiology, the second to disease mechanisms, and the third to therapeutic development.
NFATc1 Regulation of Dexamethasone-Induced TGFB2 Expression Is Cell Cycle Dependent in Trabecular Meshwork Cells
Authors: Filla Mark S. , Faralli Jennifer A. , Dunn Caleigh R. , Khan Haania , Peters Donna M.
Published: February 2023

Although elevated TGFβ2 levels appear to be a causative factor in glaucoma pathogenesis, little is known about how TGFβ2 expression is regulated in the trabecular meshwork (TM). Here, we investigated if activation of the cytokine regulator NFATc1 controlled transcription of TGFβ2 in human TM cells by using dexamethasone (DEX) to induce NFATc1 activity. The study used both proliferating and cell cycle arrested quiescent cells. Cell cycle arrest was achieved by either cell–cell contact inhibition or serum starvation. β-catenin staining and p21 and Ki-67 nuclear labeling were used to verify the formation of cell–cell contacts and activity of the cell cycle. NFATc1 inhibitors cyclosporine A (CsA) or 11R-VIVIT were used to determine the role of NFATc1. mRNA levels were determined by RT-qPCR. DEX increased TGFβ2 mRNA expression by 3.5-fold in proliferating cells but not in quiescent cells or serum-starved cells, and both CsA and 11R-VIVIT inhibited this increase. In contrast, the expression of other DEX/NFATc1-induced mRNAs (myocilin and β3 integrin) occurred regardless of the proliferative state of the cells. These studies show that NAFTc1 regulates TGFβ2 transcription in TM cells and reveals a previously unknown connection between the TM cell cycle and modulation of gene expression by NFATc1 and/or DEX in TM cells.
Cancer Stem Cell and Aggressiveness Traits Are Promoted by Stable Endothelin-Converting Enzyme-1c in Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Niechi Ignacio , Erices José I. , Carrillo-Beltrán Diego , Uribe-Ojeda Atenea , Torres Ángelo , Rocha José Dellis , Uribe Daniel , Toro María A. , Villalobos-Nova Karla , Gaete-Ramírez Belén , Mingo Gabriel , Owen Gareth I. , Varas-Godoy Manuel , Jara Lilian , Aguayo Francisco , Burzio Verónica A. , Quezada-Monrás Claudia , Tapia Julio C.
Published: February 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of brain tumor due to its elevated recurrence following treatments. This is mainly mediated by a subpopulation of cells with stemness traits termed glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs), which are extremely resistant to anti-neoplastic drugs. Thus, an advancement in the understanding of the molecular processes underlying GSC occurrence should contribute significantly towards progress in reducing aggressiveness. High levels of endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE1), key for endothelin-1 (ET-1) peptide activation, have been linked to the malignant progression of GBM. There are four known isoforms of ECE1 that activate ET-1, which only differ in their cytoplasmic N-terminal sequences. Isoform ECE1c is phosphorylated at Ser-18 and Ser-20 by protein kinase CK2, which increases its stability and hence promotes aggressiveness traits in colon cancer cells. In order to study whether ECE1c exerts a malignant effect in GBM, we designed an ECE1c mutant by switching a putative ubiquitination lysine proximal to the phospho-serines Lys-6-to-Arg (i.e., K6R). This ECE1cK6R mutant was stably expressed in U87MG, T98G, and U251 GBM cells, and their behavior was compared to either mock or wild-type ECE1c-expressing clone cells. ECE1cK6R behaved as a highly stable protein in all cell lines, and its expression promoted self-renewal and the enrichment of a stem-like population characterized by enhanced neurospheroid formation, as well as increased expression of stem-like surface markers. These ECE1cK6R-derived GSC-like cells also displayed enhanced resistance to the GBM-related chemotherapy drugs temozolomide and gemcitabine and increased expression of the ABCG2 efflux pump. In addition, ECE1cK6R cells displayed enhanced metastasis-associated traits, such as the modulation of adhesion and the enhancement of cell migration and invasion. In conclusion, the acquisition of a GSC-like phenotype, together with heightened chemoresistance and invasiveness traits, allows us to suggest phospho-ECE1c as a novel marker for poor prognosis as well as a potential therapeutic target for GBM.
Microfluidic Platforms for Single Cell Analysis: Applications in Cellular Manipulation and Optical Biosensing
Authors: Kumari Shrishti , Saha Udiptya , Bose Mayilvahanan , Murugan Divagar , Pachauri Vivek , Sai V. V. Raghavendra , Madaboosi Narayanan
Published: February 2023

Cellular heterogeneity of any tissue or organ makes it challenging to identify and study the impact and the treatment of any disease. In this context, analysis of cells at an individual level becomes highly relevant for throwing light on the heterogeneous nature of cells. Single cell analysis can be used to gain insights into an overall view of any disease, thereby holding great applications in health diagnosis, disease identification, drug screening, and targeted delivery. Various conventional methods, such as flow cytometry, are used to isolate and study single cells. Still, these methods are narrower in scope due to certain limitations, including the associated processing/run times, the economy of reagents, and sample preparation. Microfluidics, an emerging technology, overcomes such limitations and is now being widely applied to develop tools for the isolation, analysis, and parallel manipulation of single cells. This review systematically compiles various microfluidic tools and techniques involved in single cell investigation. The review begins by highlighting the applications of microfluidics in single cell sorting and manipulation, followed by emphasizing microfluidic platforms for single cell analysis, with a specific focus on optical sensing-based detection in a high-throughput fashion, and ends with applications in cancer cell studies.
Measuring Violence Behaviours in the Context of Romantic Relationships during Adolescence: New Evidence about the Modified Conflict Tactics Scale
Authors: Ortuño-Sierra Javier , Marugán Garrido Natalia , Gutiérrez García Andrea , Ciarreta López Ana , Camara-Pastor Tomas
Published: February 2023

The main purpose of the present study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Modified Conflict Tactics Scale (M-CTS) in adolescents. The M-CTS is a questionnaire that screens for intimate partner violence. Additionally, we studied the association between the M-CTS and attitudes towards violence. The study included a sample of 1248 students in a cross-sectional survey. The M-CTS and the Attitudes Towards Violence (EAV) scale were used. The analysis of the internal structure of the M-CTS revealed that a four-factor structure was the best fitting solution. The M-CTS scores revealed evidence of structural equivalence by gender and age. The McDonald’s Omega indices were adequate for both victims and perpetrators models. Moreover, attitudes towards violence were positively correlated with measures of violence manifestations. Results found in the present study confirm the psychometric adequacy of the M-CTS scores and gather new evidence about its internal structure and measurement equivalence for its use in samples of adolescent and young students. The assessment of intimate partner violence may contribute to detect adolescents at risk for different forms of violence in the future.
Comparison of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) and Classical Wet to Moist Dressing (WtM) in the Treatment of Complicated Extremity Wounds in Children
Authors: Slavkovic Milan , Zivanovic Dragoljub , Dučić Siniša , Lasić Valentina , Bukvić Nado , Nikolić Harry , Martinović Vlatka
Published: February 2023

Treating complicated wounds in the pediatric population using traditional wet to moist wound dressing methods is not always appropriate due to the frequent need to change dressings daily or even a number of times a day, causing distress to the patient. Topical negative pressure is a method that allows for fewer dressings and provides localized benefits, thus accelerating wound healing. The merits of this therapy have been proven in studies on adults, but research on the pediatric population is scarce. Here we intend to present the results of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on 34 pediatric patients (study group) and compare them with 24 patients (control group) treated with the traditional wet to moist dressing for complicated wounds. The results show that topical negative pressure wound therapy is a safe method that downgrades a wound from a complicated to a simple one and allows definitive coverage using a simpler technique with fewer wound dressings. The scars of the patients in the study group exhibited a better result on a visual scar scale. The patients in the control group had a shorter hospital stay. Based on the recorded results, we were able to make treatment recommendations.
High Performance and Reusable SAW Sensor Coated with Thiourea-Decorated POSS with Different Functional Groups for DMMP Detection
Authors: Bae Bong-Gyu , Jang Hee-Chan , Choi Hyeong-Seon , Lee Young-Jun , Kim Joo-Hyung
Published: February 2023

A colorless, odorless G nerve agent, a type of chemical transfer agent (CWA) that causes significant loss of life, is being studied for quick and accurate detection. In this study, detection materials with different functional groups were synthesized based on thiourea (TU)-decorated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) to study the most suitable material for the detection of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a simulant of neural agents. The sensing material was coated on a SAW sensor with a resonance frequency of 250 MHz based on ST-quartz, the DMMP exposure experiment was conducted, and the performance of the sensing material was compared through frequency shift before and after exposure. Coating materials with excellent reactivity with DMMP and appropriate coating concentration for each material were identified at a concentration of 10 ppm. Among them, POSS-TU with 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl as a functional group showed the largest frequency shift characteristics, and it was used in low concentration (1, 5, and 10 ppm) DMMP detection experiments to confirm linear frequency shift characteristics according to low concentration. Finally, through a selectivity experiment with other gases, it was confirmed that the amount of frequency shift in other gases except DMMP was small, making it an excellent DMMP sensing material.
Preparation of Ti-Doped ZnO/Bi2O3 Nanofilm Heterojunction and Analysis of Microstructure and Photoelectric Properties
Authors: Chen Zhenying , Cao Xiuqing , Huang Yuyang , Zhang Shuang , Pan Wenjian , Deng Wen
Published: February 2023

Ti-doped ZnO (TZO) and Bi2O3 thin films were designed and deposited by magnetron sputtering successively on ITO glass substrate to form a Ti-doped ZnO/Bi2O3 (TZO/Bi2O3) heterojunction. Microstructure and photoelectric properties of TZO, Bi2O3, and TZO/Bi2O3 films were tested and characterized. The results showed that TZO film with a hexagonal wurtzite structure was preferentially grown along the crystal plane (002), had a good crystallization state, and was an N-type semiconductor film with high transmittance (90%) and low resistivity (4.68 × 10−3 Ω·cm). However, the Bi2O3 film sputtered in an oxygen-containing atmosphere and was a polycrystalline film that was preferentially grown along the crystal plane (111). It had a lower crystallization quality than TZO film and was a P-type semiconductor film with low transmittance (68%) and high resistance (1.71 × 102 Ω·cm). The I–V curve of TZO/Bi2O3 composite films showed that it had an obvious heterojunction rectification effect, which indicates that the PN heterojunction successfully formed in TZO/Bi2O3 films.
Consistent Monthly Reproduction and Completion of a Brooding Coral Life Cycle through Ex Situ Culture
Authors: Lam Kwok-Wai , McRae Crystal , Zhang Xuan-Ci , Ye Zong-Min , Qiu Yu-Ting , Jiang Ming-Qi , Cheng Ting-Hui , Chen Guanyan , Fan Tung-Yung
Published: February 2023

The continuing impact of local and global stressors on coral reefs worldwide is prompting the exploration of novel approaches aimed at mitigating and improving the bleak future projections for corals. Ex situ aquaculture has the potential to provide a standardized supply of source corals to support active intervention-based research endeavours as well as complementary reef restoration initiatives. To effectively achieve this supply of coral, however, ex situ aquaculture systems need to be able to efficiently maintain reproducing colonies, and have the capacity to support each coral life stage. We monitored the monthly reproduction of the brooding coral, Pocillopora acuta, for one year in two distinct aquaculture systems: a natural seawater-supplied flow-through system (FTS) and an artificial seawater-supplied recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). The coral colonies in both aquaculture systems showed relatively consistent reproduction over time (on average > 70% of all colonies reproducing each month) and maintained natural diel reproduction patterns even after 1 year of ex situ culture. Coral colony reproductive output and timing (i.e., lunar day of release) differed between aquaculture systems in some, but not all, seasons. Planulae released from colonies settled and grew to reproductive size after ~16 months of culture, resulting in the ex situ production of an F2 generation of a brooding coral within two distinct aquaculture systems. This demonstrated that the use of ex situ aquaculture could be directly applied to research, restoration, and conservation aimed at mitigating coral decline in a future marred by climate change and local impacts.
Actual State of Knowledge of the Limno-Terrestrial Tardigrade Fauna of the Republic of Argentina and New Genus Assignment for Viridiscus rufoviridis (du Bois-Reymond Marcus, 1944)
Authors: Rocha Alejandra , Camarda Daniele , Ostertag Belen , Doma Irene , Meier Florencia , Lisi Oscar
Published: February 2023

Limno-terrestrial tardigrades of Argentina had been studied starting in 1908 and for a long time by European researchers, most frequently in the Patagonian region (incl. the Land of Fire). Starting during the 1980s, Claps, Rossi and collaborators published many surveys, studying other regions also, but with taxonomic criteria at that time. Since the 2000s, methodical and continuous studies using more modern criteria, have been carried out at the National University of La Pampa, contributing to the faunistic, taxonomic and ecological knowledge (including new species descriptions). This paper provides a comprehensive list of the limno-terrestrial tardigrade fauna reported from Argentina, with pertinent evaluations, owing to a careful study of every pertinent piece of literature since 1908, also solving some problems of discordance between the main past checklists. Summarizing, 39 genera and 119 species are present; of these, 72 represent records accepted by the literature, while 47 are records questioned in the literature but which represent distinct taxa surely present in Argentina; 14 additional taxa, instead, are clearly dubious. The authors also report the correct genus assignment to Viridiscus rufoviridis (du Bois-Reymond Marcus, 1944), which now becomes Barbaria rufoviridis comb. nov.
The Impact of Low-Temperature Inactivation of Protease AprX from Pseudomonas on Its Proteolytic Capacity and Specificity: A Peptidomic Study
Authors: Zhang Chunyue , Boeren Sjef , Zhao Liming , Bijl Etske , Hettinga Kasper
Published: February 2023

The destabilization of UHT milk during its shelf life can be promoted by the residual proteolytic activity attributed to the protease AprX from Pseudomonas. To better understand the hydrolysis patterns of AprX, and to evaluate the feasibility of using low-temperature inactivation (LTI) for AprX, the release of peptides through AprX activity on milk proteins was examined using an LC-MS/MS-based peptidomic analysis. Milk samples were either directly incubated to be hydrolyzed by AprX, or preheated under LTI conditions (60 °C for 15 min) and then incubated. Peptides and parent proteins (the proteins from which the peptides originated) were identified and quantified. The peptides were mapped and the cleavage frequency of amino acids in the P1/P1′ positions was analyzed, after which the influence of LTI and the potential bitterness of the formed peptides were determined. Our results showed that a total of 2488 peptides were identified from 48 parent proteins, with the most abundant peptides originating from κ-casein and β-casein. AprX may also non-specifically hydrolyze other proteins in milk. Except for decreasing the bitterness potential in skim UHT milk, LTI did not significantly reduce the AprX-induced hydrolysis of milk proteins. Therefore, the inactivation of AprX by LTI may not be feasible in UHT milk production.
Betulinic Acid: Triterpenoid Derivative Induced NADPH-d Expression in the Urinary System with a Possible Renal Protective Role of Nitric Oxide
Authors: Yin Soo Yue , Ayesha Siddiqua , Panneerselvam Chellasamy , Alalawy Adel Ibrahim , Almutairi Fahad Mohamed , Seyed Mohamed Ali
Published: February 2023

The birch tree-derived pentacyclic lupine type-triterpenoid Betulinic acid has demonstrated a variety of biological activities BetA is known for its harmlessness on normal healthy cells. However, recent investigations have indicated that BetA can cause cellular changes in mouse normal embryonic fibroblasts even with a minimal concentration. This report cautioned the use of BetA at the clinical level, which encouraged us to examine whether BetA could produce any key effect on normal healthy cells of any organs in mice. The present study extended its investigation to evaluate whether BetA could induce any changes in the renal system and the expression pattern of NADPH-diaphorase an indirect marker of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase in mice. Our results indicated that BetA exposure induced NADPH-d expression in both organs without causing any significant morphological changes. Moreover, NADPH-d activity patterns in the organs of BetA-treated animals tremendously increased (from day 4 until day 12) when compared to controls. The expression of NADPH-d in both the kidney and bladder implies that NADPH-d-mediated nitric oxide signaling could be a mechanism involved in BetA-induced nephroprotection. These outcomes are of direct clinical importance and could pay the way for the improvement of BetA as an important pharmaceutical product.
Medical Images Segmentation for Lung Cancer Diagnosis Based on Deep Learning Architectures
Authors: Said Yahia , Alsheikhy Ahmed A. , Shawly Tawfeeq , Lahza Husam
Published: February 2023

Lung cancer presents one of the leading causes of mortalities for people around the world. Lung image analysis and segmentation are one of the primary steps used for early diagnosis of cancer. Handcrafted medical imaging segmentation presents a very time-consuming task for radiation oncologists. To address this problem, we propose in this work to develop a full and entire system used for early diagnosis of lung cancer in CT scan imaging. The proposed lung cancer diagnosis system is composed of two main parts: the first part is used for segmentation developed on top of the UNETR network, and the second part is a classification part used to classify the output segmentation part, either benign or malignant, developed on top of the self-supervised network. The proposed system presents a powerful tool for early diagnosing and combatting lung cancer using 3D-input CT scan data. Extensive experiments have been performed to contribute to better segmentation and classification results. Training and testing experiments have been performed using the Decathlon dataset. Experimental results have been conducted to new state-of-the-art performances: segmentation accuracy of 97.83%, and 98.77% as classification accuracy. The proposed system presents a new powerful tool to use for early diagnosing and combatting lung cancer using 3D-input CT scan data.
The Additive Value of Radiomics Features Extracted from Baseline MR Images to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Staging System in Predicting Transplant-Free Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Mirza-Aghazadeh-Attari Mohammad , Ambale Venkatesh Bharath , Aliyari Ghasabeh Mounes , Mohseni Alireza , Madani Seyedeh Panid , Borhani Ali , Shahbazian Haneyeh , Ansari Golnoosh , Kamel Ihab R.
Published: February 2023

Background: To study the additive value of radiomics features to the BCLC staging system in clustering HCC patients. Methods: A total of 266 patients with HCC were included in this retrospective study. All patients had undergone baseline MR imaging, and 95 radiomics features were extracted from 3D segmentations representative of lesions on the venous phase and apparent diffusion coefficient maps. A random forest algorithm was utilized to extract the most relevant features to transplant-free survival. The selected features were used alongside BCLC staging to construct Kaplan–Meier curves. Results: Out of 95 extracted features, the three most relevant features were incorporated into random forest classifiers. The Integrated Brier score of the prediction error curve was 0.135, 0.072, and 0.048 for the BCLC, radiomics, and combined models, respectively. The mean area under the receiver operating curve (ROC curve) over time for the three models was 81.1%, 77.3%, and 56.2% for the combined radiomics and BCLC models, respectively. Conclusions: Radiomics features outperformed the BCLC staging system in determining prognosis in HCC patients. The addition of a radiomics classifier increased the classification capability of the BCLC model. Texture analysis features could be considered as possible biomarkers in predicting transplant-free survival in HCC patients.
The Role of Nasal Cytology and Serum Atopic Biomarkers in Paediatric Rhinitis
Authors: Dodi Giulia , Di Filippo Paola , Ciarelli Francesca , Porreca Annamaria , Cazzato Fiorella , Matonti Lorena , Di Pillo Sabrina , Neri Giampiero , Chiarelli Francesco , Attanasi Marina
Published: February 2023

A Nasal Provocation Test allows the differentiation of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, but it is difficult and expensive. Therefore, nasal cytology is taking hold as an alternative. We carried out a cross-sectional study, including 29 patients with persistent rhinitis according to ARIA definition and negative skin prick tests. Nasal symptoms were scored from 0 to 5 using a visual analogue scale, and patients underwent blood tests to investigate blood cell count (particularly eosinophilia and basophilia), to analyze serum total and specific IgE and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and to perform nasal cytology. We performed a univariate logistical analysis to evaluate the association between total serum IgE, serum eosinophilia, basophils, and ECP and the presence of eosinophils in the nasal mucosa, and a multivariate logistic model in order to weight the single variable on the presence of eosinophils to level of the nasal mucosa. A statistically significant association between serum total IgE levels and the severity of nasal eosinophilic inflammation was found (confidence interval C.I. 1.08–4.65, odds ratio OR 2.24, p value 0.03). For this reason, we imagine a therapeutic trial with nasal steroids and oral antihistamines in patients with suspected LAR and increased total IgE levels, reserving nasal cytology and NPT to non-responders to the first-line therapy.
Validation of a Deep Learning Model for Detecting Chest Pathologies from Digital Chest Radiographs
Authors: Ajmera Pranav , Onkar Prashant , Desai Sanjay , Pant Richa , Seth Jitesh , Gupte Tanveer , Kulkarni Viraj , Kharat Amit , Passi Nandini , Khaladkar Sanjay , Kulkarni V. M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Manual interpretation of chest radiographs is a challenging task and is prone to errors. An automated system capable of categorizing chest radiographs based on the pathologies identified could aid in the timely and efficient diagnosis of chest pathologies. Method: For this retrospective study, 4476 chest radiographs were collected between January and April 2021 from two tertiary care hospitals. Three expert radiologists established the ground truth, and all radiographs were analyzed using a deep-learning AI model to detect suspicious ROIs in the lungs, pleura, and cardiac regions. Three test readers (different from the radiologists who established the ground truth) independently reviewed all radiographs in two sessions (unaided and AI-aided mode) with a washout period of one month. Results: The model demonstrated an aggregate AUROC of 91.2% and a sensitivity of 88.4% in detecting suspicious ROIs in the lungs, pleura, and cardiac regions. These results outperform unaided human readers, who achieved an aggregate AUROC of 84.2% and sensitivity of 74.5% for the same task. When using AI, the aided readers obtained an aggregate AUROC of 87.9% and a sensitivity of 85.1%. The average time taken by the test readers to read a chest radiograph decreased by 21% (p < 0.01) when using AI. Conclusion: The model outperformed all three human readers and demonstrated high AUROC and sensitivity across two independent datasets. When compared to unaided interpretations, AI-aided interpretations were associated with significant improvements in reader performance and chest radiograph interpretation time.
Changes in Artery Diameters and Fetal Growth in Cases of Isolated Single Umbilical Artery
Authors: Contro Elena , Larcher Laura , Lenzi Jacopo , Valeriani Marina , Farina Antonio , Jauniaux Eric
Published: February 2023

Background—There are conflicting data in the international literature on the risks of abnormal fetal growth in fetuses presenting an isolated single umbilical artery (SUA), and the pathophysiology of this complication is poorly understood. Objective—To evaluate if changes in diameter of the remaining umbilical artery in fetuses presenting an isolated SUA are associated with different fetal growth patterns. Study design—This was a two-center prospective longitudinal observational study including 164 fetuses diagnosed with a SUA at the 20–22-week detailed ultrasound examination and 200 control fetuses with a three-vessel cord. In all cases, the diameters of the cord vessels were measured in a transverse view of the central portion of the umbilical cord, and the number of cord vessels was confirmed at delivery. Logistic regression and nonparametric receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were carried out to evaluate the association of the umbilical artery diameter in a single artery with small for-gestational age (SGA) and with fetal growth restriction (FGR). The impact of artery dimension was adjusted for maternal BMI, parity, ethnicity, side of the remaining umbilical artery and umbilical resistance index (RI) in the regression model. Results—A significantly (p < 0.001) larger mean diameter was found for the remaining artery in fetuses with SUA compared with controls (3.0 ± 0.9 vs. 2.5 ± 0.6 mm). After controlling for BMI and parity, we found no difference in umbilical resistance and side of the remaining umbilical artery between the SUA and control groups. A remaining umbilical artery diameter of >3.1 mm was found to be associated with a lower risk of FGR, but this association failed to be statistical significant (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.33–1.09, p value = 0.089). We also found that the mean vein-to-artery area ratio was significantly (p < 0.001) increased in the SUA group as compared with the controls (2.4 ± 1.8 vs. 1.8 ± 0.9; mean difference = 0.6; Cohen’s d = 0.46). Conclusion—In most fetuses with isolate SUA, the remaining artery diameter at 20-22 weeks is significantly larger than in controls. When there are no changes in the diameter and, in particular, if it remains <3.1 mm, the risk of abnormal fetal growth is higher, and measurements of the diameter of the remaining artery could be used to identify fetuses at risk of FGR later in pregnancy.
Diversity-Aware Marine Predators Algorithm for Task Scheduling in Cloud Computing
Authors: Chen Dujing , Zhang Yanyan
Published: February 2023

With the increase in cloud users and internet of things (IoT) applications, advanced task scheduling (TS) methods are required to reasonably schedule tasks in cloud computing. This study proposes a diversity-aware marine predators algorithm (DAMPA) for solving TS in cloud computing. In DAMPA, to enhance the premature convergence avoidance ability, the predator crowding degree ranking and comprehensive learning strategies were adopted in the second stage to maintain the population diversity and thereby inhibit premature convergence. Additionally, a stage-independent control of the stepsize-scaling strategy that uses different control parameters in three stages was designed to balance the exploration and exploitation abilities. Two case experiments were conducted to evaluate the proposed algorithm. Compared with the latest algorithm, in the first case, DAMPA reduced the makespan and energy consumption by 21.06% and 23.47% at most, respectively. In the second case, the makespan and energy consumption are reduced by 34.35% and 38.60% on average, respectively. Meanwhile, the algorithm achieved greater throughput in both cases.
Quantum Machine Learning: A Review and Case Studies
Authors: Zeguendry Amine , Jarir Zahi , Quafafou Mohamed
Published: February 2023

Despite its undeniable success, classical machine learning remains a resource-intensive process. Practical computational efforts for training state-of-the-art models can now only be handled by high speed computer hardware. As this trend is expected to continue, it should come as no surprise that an increasing number of machine learning researchers are investigating the possible advantages of quantum computing. The scientific literature on Quantum Machine Learning is now enormous, and a review of its current state that can be comprehended without a physics background is necessary. The objective of this study is to present a review of Quantum Machine Learning from the perspective of conventional techniques. Departing from giving a research path from fundamental quantum theory through Quantum Machine Learning algorithms from a computer scientist’s perspective, we discuss a set of basic algorithms for Quantum Machine Learning, which are the fundamental components for Quantum Machine Learning algorithms. We implement the Quanvolutional Neural Networks (QNNs) on a quantum computer to recognize handwritten digits, and compare its performance to that of its classical counterpart, the Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Additionally, we implement the QSVM on the breast cancer dataset and compare it to the classical SVM. Finally, we implement the Variational Quantum Classifier (VQC) and many classical classifiers on the Iris dataset to compare their accuracies.
Diphoterine for Chemical Burns of the Skin: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dinesen Felicia , Pape Pernille , Vestergaard Martin Risom , Rasmussen Lars Simon
Published: February 2023

The incidence of chemical burns appears to be increasing. Diphoterine is an amphoteric, chelating, polyvalent solution used for the decontamination of chemical splashes. In this systematic review, we aimed to assess the effect of diphoterine on chemical burns compared with water or no treatment. The primary endpoint was the depth of burn, and secondary outcomes included pain, duration of hospitalization, time to return to work, need for surgery, pH, and complications. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched using the terms “Diphoterine”, “Previn”, and ““Amphoteric solution” AND “burn””. A total of nine studies were included. One study evaluated the depth of chemical burns and found no difference between the diphoterine group and the control group. Four studies reported on pain, three of which found a more pronounced decrease in pain when using diphoterine compared to the control groups. Two studies found a significant neutralization of pH when using diphoterine. No differences were found for the remaining endpoints. Based on the very low certainty of evidence, this systematic review reports no observed difference between diphoterine and water or no treatment on the depth of a chemical burn. Diphoterine appeared to be associated with less pain and to have a neutralizing effect.