bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curative Potential of Substances with Bioactive Properties to Alleviate Cd Toxicity: A Review
Authors: Požgajová Miroslava , Navrátilová Alica , Kovár Marek
Published: September 2022

Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to alarming cadmium (Cd) pollution. Cd is a toxic heavy metal without any known physiological function in the organism, leading to severe health threat to the population. Cd has a long half-life (10–30 years) and thus it represents serious concern as it to a great extent accumulates in organs or organelles where it often causes irreversible damage. Moreover, Cd contamination might further lead to certain carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks. Therefore, its negative effect on population health has to be minimalized. As Cd is able to enter the body through the air, water, soil, and food chain one possible way to defend and eliminate Cd toxicities is via dietary supplements that aim to eliminate the adverse effects of Cd to the organism. Naturally occurring bioactive compounds in food or medicinal plants with beneficial, mostly antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, or anti-tumorigenesis impact on the organism, have been described to mitigate the negative effect of various contaminants and pollutants, including Cd. This study summarizes the curative effect of recently studied bioactive substances and mineral elements capable to alleviate the negative impact of Cd on various model systems, supposing that not only the Cd-derived health threat can be reduced, but also prevention and control of Cd toxicity and elimination of Cd contamination can be achieved in the future.
Effects of Carbonaceous Materials with Different Structures on Cadmium Fractions and Microecology in Cadmium-Contaminated Soils
Authors: Long Zihan , Ma Chunya , Zhu Jian , Wang Ping , Zhu Yelin , Liu Zhiming
Published: September 2022

Carbonaceous materials have proved to be effective in cadmium remediation, but their influences on soil microecology have not been studied well. Taking the structural differences and the maintenance of soil health as the entry point, we chose graphene (G), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and wetland plant-based biochar (ZBC) as natural and engineered carbonaceous materials to explore their effects on Cd fractions, nutrients, enzyme activities, and microbial communities in soils. The results showed that ZBC had stronger electronegativity and more oxygen-containing functional groups, which were related to its better performance in reducing soil acid-extractable cadmium (EX-Cd) among the three materials, with a reduction rate of 2.83–9.44%. Additionally, ZBC had greater positive effects in terms of improving soil properties, nutrients, and enzyme activities. Redundancy analysis and correlation analysis showed that ZBC could increase the content of organic matter and available potassium, enhance the activity of urease and sucrase, and regulate individual bacterial abundance, thereby reducing soil EX-Cd. Three carbonaceous materials could maintain the diversity of soil microorganisms and the stability of the microbial community structures to a certain extent, except for the high-dose application of ZBC. In conclusion, ZBC could better immobilize Cd and maintain soil health in a short period of time.
Risk Prediction of Coal and Gas Outburst in Deep Coal Mines Based on the SAPSO-ELM Algorithm
Authors: Yang Li , Fang Xin , Wang Xue , Li Shanshan , Zhu Junqi
Published: September 2022

Effective risk prevention and management in deep coal mines can reduce the occurrences of outburst accidents and casualties. To address the low accuracy and inefficiency of coal–gas outburst prediction in deep coal mines, this study proposes a deep coal–gas outburst risk prediction method based on kernal principal component analysis (KPCA) and an improved extreme learning machine (SAPSO-ELM) algorithm. Firstly, high-dimensional nonlinear raw data were processed by KPCA. Secondly, the extracted sequence of outburst-causing indicator principal components were used as the input variables for the simulated annealing particle swarm algorithm (SAPSO), which was proposed to optimize the input layer weights and implied layer thresholds of the ELM. Finally, a coal and gas outburst risk prediction model for a deep coal mine based on the SAPSO-ELM algorithm was developed. The research results show that, compared with the ELM and PSO-ELM algorithms, the SAPSO-ELM optimization algorithm significantly improved the accuracy of risk prediction for coal–gas outbursts in deep coal mines, and the accuracy rate was as high as 100%. This study enriches the theory and methods of safety management in deep coal mines, and effectively helps coal mine enterprises in improving their ability to manage coal–gas outburst risks.
Using Telemedicine during the COVID-19 Pandemic: How Service Quality Affects Patients’ Consultation
Authors: Liu Xiaochen , Xu Zhen , Yu Xintao , Oda Tetsuaki
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 epidemic put pressure on the traditional healthcare system and offline consultation methods. Telemedicine platforms provide a more convenient and safer channel for online health communication. Based on the signaling theory, our study explores the impacts of three dimensions of physicians’ service quality (need fulfillment, security, and responsiveness) on online patient consultation on telemedicine platforms. A negative binomial model was used to test cross-sectional data of 2982 physicians obtained from Haodf.com. The results show the following: (1) the need fulfillment dimension variables positively affect online patient consultation; (2) the security dimension variables positively affect online patient consultation; (3) the responsiveness dimension variables positively affect online patient consultation. Our results contribute to the theoretical aspect of signaling theory and service quality in the context of telemedicine platforms and have several practical implications for telemedicine platform physicians and platform operators.
Correction: Preda et al. The Efficacy of Powered Oscillating Heads vs. Powered Sonic Action Heads Toothbrushes to Maintain Periodontal and Peri-Implant Health: A Narrative Review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 1468
Authors: Preda Camilla , Butera Andrea , Pelle Silvia , Pautasso Eleonora , Chiesa Alessandro , Esposito Francesca , Oldoini Giacomo , Scribante Andrea , Genovesi Anna Maria , Cosola Saverio
Published: September 2022

There was an error in the original article [...]
Exploring the Association of Spatial Capital and Economic Diversity in the Tourist City of Surat Thani, Thailand
Authors: Srivanit Manat , Kongphunphin Chompoonut , Rinchumphu Damrongsak
Published: September 2022

Diversity in economic activity can be found at different spatial scales in cities’ urban morphology. Spatial capital is defined as the area’s physical appearance, which is important for enhancing economic activities in urban areas. It addresses how urban form, as a result of urban design, influences urban life—that is, how it supports and creates the potential for variations of urbanity and spatial diversity. The aims of this study are (i) to measure the economic diversity based on Simpson’s diversity index by using points of interest (POI) data, which can reflect economic activity functions in the tourist city of Surat Thani, which is mainly used as a jumping off point for land travel to other islands off the east coast of Thailand; (ii) to explore the space syntax to measure the values of urban morphology by integrations with DepthMapX Software; and (iii) to investigate the relationship between measures of the degree of spatial morphology configuration and patterns of spatial diversity of economic activities using the Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The study found that measuring the values of urban morphology can generate variations in spatial accessibility that are positively related to the variety of economic diversity, especially in terms of the availability of convenience stores, shops, and bank branches. This research is beneficial to planners in identifying important economic areas of the city, whose complex spatial interactions between commerce and urban morphology influence the current demand for economic space.
Characterization of Trehalose-6-Phosphate Synthase and Trehalose-6-Phosphate Phosphatase Genes of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and Analysis of Their Differential Expression in Response to Temperature
Authors: Mollavali Mohanna , Börnke Frederik
Published: September 2022

In plants, the trehalose biosynthetic pathway plays key roles in the regulation of carbon allocation and stress adaptation. Engineering of the pathway holds great promise to increase the stress resilience of crop plants. The synthesis of trehalose proceeds by a two-step pathway in which a trehalose-phosphate synthase (TPS) uses UDP-glucose and glucose-6-phosphate to produce trehalose-6 phosphate (T6P) that is subsequently dephosphorylated by trehalose-6 phosphate phosphatase (TPP). While plants usually do not accumulate high amounts of trehalose, their genome encodes large families of putative trehalose biosynthesis genes, with many members lacking obvious enzymatic activity. Thus, the function of putative trehalose biosynthetic proteins in plants is only vaguely understood. To gain a deeper insight into the role of trehalose biosynthetic proteins in crops, we assessed the enzymatic activity of the TPS/TPP family from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and investigated their expression pattern in different tissues as well as in response to temperature shifts. From the 10 TPS isoforms tested, only the 2 proteins belonging to class I showed enzymatic activity, while all 5 TPP isoforms investigated were catalytically active. Most of the TPS/TPP family members showed the highest expression in mature leaves, and promoter–reporter gene studies suggest that the two class I TPS genes have largely overlapping expression patterns within the vasculature, with only subtle differences in expression in fruits and flowers. The majority of tomato TPS/TPP genes were induced by heat stress, and individual family members also responded to cold. This suggests that trehalose biosynthetic pathway genes could play an important role during temperature stress adaptation. In summary, our study represents a further step toward the exploitation of the TPS and TPP gene families for the improvement of tomato stress resistance.
Understanding the Function and Mechanism of Zebrafish Tmem39b in Regulating Cold Resistance
Authors: Liu Renyan , Long Yong , Liu Ran , Song Guili , Li Qing , Yan Huawei , Cui Zongbin
Published: September 2022

Autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response are among the key pathways regulating cold resistance of fish through eliminating damaged cellular components and facilitating the restoration of cell homeostasis upon exposure to acute cold stress. The transmembrane protein 39A (TMEM39A) was reported to regulate both autophagy and ER stress response, but its vertebrate-specific paralog, the transmembrane protein 39B (TMEM39B), has not been characterized. In the current study, we generate tmem39b-knockout zebrafish lines and characterize their survival ability under acute cold stress. We observed that the dysfunction of Tmem39b remarkably decreased the cold resilience of both the larval and adult zebrafish. Gene transcription in the larvae exposed to cold stress and rewarming were characterized by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to explore the mechanisms underlying functions of Tmem39b in regulating cold resistance. The results indicate that the deficiency of Tmem39b attenuates the up-regulation of both cold- and rewarming-induced genes. The cold-induced transcription factor genes bif1.2, fosab, and egr1, and the rewarming-activated immune genes c3a.3, il11a, and sting1 are the representatives influenced by Tmem39b dysfunction. However, the loss of tmem39b has little effect on the transcription of the ER stress response- and autophagy-related genes. The measurements of the phosphorylated H2A histone family member X (at Ser 139, abbreviated as γH2AX) demonstrate that zebrafish Tmem39b protects the cells against DNA damage caused by exposure to the cold-warming stress and facilitates tissue damage repair during the recovery phase. The gene modules underlying the functions of Tmem39b in zebrafish are highly enriched in biological processes associated with immune response. The dysfunction of Tmem39b also attenuates the up-regulation of tissue C-reactive protein (CRP) content upon rewarming. Together, our data shed new light on the function and mechanism of Tmem39b in regulating the cold resistance of fish.
An Atlas of Thyroid Hormone Receptors’ Target Genes in Mouse Tissues
Authors: Zekri Yanis , Guyot Romain , Flamant Frédéric
Published: September 2022

We gathered available RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data in a single database to better characterize the target genes of thyroid hormone receptors in several cell types. This database can serve as a resource to analyze the mode of action of thyroid hormone (T3). Additionally, it is an easy-to-use and convenient tool to obtain information on specific genes regarding T3 regulation or to extract large gene lists of interest according to the users’ criteria. Overall, this atlas is a unique compilation of recent sequencing data focusing on T3, its receptors, modes of action, targets and roles, which may benefit researchers within the field. A preliminary analysis indicates extensive variations in the repertoire of target genes where transcription is upregulated by chromatin-bound nuclear receptors. Although it has a major influence, chromatin accessibility is not the only parameter that determines the cellular selectivity of the hormonal response.
CB1 Ligand AM251 Induces Weight Loss and Fat Reduction in Addition to Increased Systemic Inflammation in Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: O'Keefe Lannie , Vu Teresa , Simcocks Anna C. , Jenkin Kayte A. , Mathai Michael L. , Hryciw Deanne H. , Hutchinson Dana S. , McAinch Andrew J.
Published: September 2022

Diet-induced obesity (DIO) reduces fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle and decreases circulating levels of adiponectin. Endocannabinoid signaling is overactive in obesity, with some effects abated by antagonism of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1). This research aimed to determine if treatment with the global CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist, AM251, in high-fat diet (HFD) fed rats influenced adiponectin signaling in skeletal muscle and a “browning” of white adipose tissue (WAT) defined by UCP1 expression levels. Male Sprague Dawley rats consumed an HFD (21% fat) for 9 weeks before receiving daily intraperitoneal injections with vehicle or AM251 (3 mg/kg) for 6 weeks. mRNA expression of genes involved in metabolic functions were measured in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, and blood was harvested for the measurement of hormones and cytokines. Muscle citrate synthase activity was also measured. AM251 treatment decreased fat pad weight (epididymal, peri-renal, brown), and plasma levels of leptin, glucagon, ghrelin, and GLP-1, and increased PAI-1 along with a range of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines; however, AM251 did not alter plasma adiponectin levels, skeletal muscle citrate synthase activity or mRNA expression of the genes measured in muscle. AM251 treatment had no effect on white fat UCP1 expression levels. AM251 decreased fat pad mass, altered plasma hormone levels, but did not induce browning of WAT defined by UCP1 mRNA levels or alter gene expression in muscle treated acutely with adiponectin, demonstrating the complexity of the endocannabinoid system and metabolism. The CB1 ligand AM251 increased systemic inflammation suggesting limitations on its use in metabolic disorders.
Two Conserved Amino Acids Characterized in the Island Domain Are Essential for the Biological Functions of Brassinolide Receptors
Authors: Li Wenjuan , Zhang Jiaojiao , Tian Xiaoyi , Liu Hui , Ali Khawar , Bai Qunwei , Zheng Bowen , Wu Guang , Ren Hongyan
Published: September 2022

Brassinosteroids (BRs) play important roles in plant growth and development, and BR perception is the pivotal process required to trigger BR signaling. In angiosperms, BR insensitive 1 (BRI1) is the essential BR receptor, because its mutants exhibit an extremely dwarf phenotype in Arabidopsis. Two other BR receptors, BRI1-like 1 (BRL1) and BRI1-like 3 (BRL3), are shown to be not indispensable. All BR receptors require an island domain (ID) responsible for BR perception. However, the biological functional significance of residues in the ID remains unknown. Based on the crystal structure and sequence alignments analysis of BR receptors, we identified two residues 597 and 599 of AtBRI1 that were highly conserved within a BR receptor but diversified among different BR receptors. Both of these residues are tyrosine in BRI1, while BRL1/BRL3 fixes two phenylalanines. The experimental findings revealed that, except BRI1Y597F and BRI1Y599F, substitutions of residues 597 and 599 with the remaining 18 amino acids differently impaired BR signaling and, surprisingly, BRI1Y599F showed a weaker phenotype than BRI1Y599 did, implying that these residues were the key sites to differentiate BR receptors from a non-BR receptor, and the essential BR receptor BRI1 from BRL1/3, which possibly results from positive selection via gain of function during evolution.
Platelets as a Gauge of Liver Disease Kinetics?
Authors: Chen Sheng-Hung , Tsai Shih-Chang , Lu Hsiu-Chen
Published: September 2022

A multitude of laboratory and clinical interferences influence the utility of platelet-based diagnostic indices, including immature platelet fraction, in longitudinal monitoring and prognostication of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). The complex yet highly regulated molecular basis of platelet production and clearance kinetics becomes dysregulated in liver pathogenesis. These underlying molecular mechanisms, including premature platelet clearance and bone marrow suppression in parallel with the progressive (e.g., treatment-naïve) or regressive (e.g., on-treatment and off-treatment) disease courses, involved in CLDs, may further confound the changes in platelet–liver correlations over time. Platelet count and function are commonly and secondarily altered in vivo in CLDs. However, the precise characterization of platelet functions during cirrhosis, including in vitro platelet aggregation, has proven challenging due to interferences such as thrombocytopenia. A flow cytometric approach may help monitor the unstably rebalanced hyper- and hypoaggregable states in patients with cirrhosis at risk of hyperaggregable, prothrombotic, or bleeding events. Studies have attempted to stratify patients with cirrhosis by substages and prognosis through the use of novel indices such as the ratio of in vitro endogenous platelet aggregation to platelet count. This review attempts to highlight clinical and laboratory precautions in the context of platelet-assisted CLD monitoring.
Whole Exome Sequencing in Multi-Incident Families Identifies Novel Candidate Genes for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Horjus Julia , van Mourik-Banda Tineke , Heerings Marco A. P. , Hakobjan Marina , De Witte Ward , Heersema Dorothea J. , Jansen Anne J. , Strijbis Eva M. M. , de Jong Brigit A. , Slettenaar Astrid E. J. , Zeinstra Esther M. P. E. , Hoogervorst Erwin L. J. , Franke Barbara , Kruijer Wiebe , Jongen Peter J. , Visser Leo J. , Poelmans Geert
Published: September 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system in which auto-immunity-induced demyelination occurs. MS is thought to be caused by a complex interplay of environmental and genetic risk factors. While most genetic studies have focused on identifying common genetic variants for MS through genome-wide association studies, the objective of the present study was to identify rare genetic variants contributing to MS susceptibility. We used whole exome sequencing (WES) followed by co-segregation analyses in nine multi-incident families with two to four affected individuals. WES was performed in 31 family members with and without MS. After applying a suite of selection criteria, co-segregation analyses for a number of rare variants selected from the WES results were performed, adding 24 family members. This approach resulted in 12 exonic rare variants that showed acceptable co-segregation with MS within the nine families, implicating the genes MBP, PLK1, MECP2, MTMR7, TOX3, CPT1A, SORCS1, TRIM66, ITPR3, TTC28, CACNA1F, and PRAM1. Of these, three genes (MBP, MECP2, and CPT1A) have been previously reported as carrying MS-related rare variants. Six additional genes (MTMR7, TOX3, SORCS1, ITPR3, TTC28, and PRAM1) have also been implicated in MS through common genetic variants. The proteins encoded by all twelve genes containing rare variants interact in a molecular framework that points to biological processes involved in (de-/re-)myelination and auto-immunity. Our approach provides clues to possible molecular mechanisms underlying MS that should be studied further in cellular and/or animal models.
Preconcentration and Separation of Gold Nanoparticles from Environmental Waters Using Extraction Techniques Followed by Spectrometric Quantification
Authors: Hagarová Ingrid , Nemček Lucia , Šebesta Martin , Zvěřina Ondřej , Kasak Peter , Urík Martin
Published: September 2022

The quantification of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) in environmental samples at ultratrace concentrations can be accurately performed by sophisticated and pricey analytical methods. This paper aims to challenge the analytical potential and advantages of cheaper and equally reliable alternatives that couple the well-established extraction procedures with common spectrometric methods. We discuss several combinations of techniques that are suitable for separation/preconcentration and quantification of AuNP in complex and challenging aqueous matrices, such as tap, river, lake, brook, mineral, and sea waters, as well as wastewaters. Cloud point extraction (CPE) has been successfully combined with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), chemiluminescence (CL), and total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF). The major advantage of this approach is the ability to quantify AuNP of different sizes and coatings in a sample with a volume in the order of milliliters. Small volumes of sample (5 mL), dispersive solvent (50 µL), and extraction agent (70 µL) were reported also for surfactant-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (SA-DLLME) coupled with electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ETV-ICP-MS). The limits of detection (LOD) achieved using different combinations of methods as well as enrichment factors (EF) varied greatly, being 0.004–200 ng L−1 and 8–250, respectively.
ZnT2 Is Critical for TLR4-Mediated Cytokine Expression in Colonocytes and Modulates Mucosal Inflammation in Mice
Authors: McGourty Katherine , Vijayakumar Ramya , Wu Tong , Gagnon Annie , Kelleher Shannon L.
Published: September 2022

A wide range of microbial pathogens can enter the gastrointestinal tract, causing mucosal inflammation and infectious colitis and accounting for most cases of acute diarrhea. Severe cases of infectious colitis can persist for weeks, and if untreated, may lead to major complications and death. While the molecular pathogenesis of microbial infections is often well-characterized, host-associated epithelial factors that affect risk and severity of infectious colitis are less well-understood. The current study characterized functions of the zinc (Zn) transporter ZnT2 (SLC30A2) in cultured HT29 colonocytes and determined consequences of ZnT2 deletion in mice on the colonic response to enteric infection with Citrobacter rodentium. ZnT2 in colonocytes transported Zn into vesicles buffering cytoplasmic Zn pools, which was important for Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression, activation of pathogen-stimulated NF-κβ translocation and cytokine expression. Additionally, ZnT2 was critical for lysosome biogenesis and bacterial-induced autophagy, both promoting robust host defense and resolution mechanisms in response to enteric pathogens. These findings reveal that ZnT2 is a novel regulator of mucosal inflammation in colonocytes and is critical to the response to infectious colitis, suggesting that manipulating the function of ZnT2 may offer new therapeutic strategies to treat specific intestinal infections.
Applicability of the MASK-Air® App to Severe Asthma Treated with Biologic Molecules: A Pilot Study
Authors: Benfante Alida , Sousa-Pinto Bernardo , Pillitteri Gianluca , Battaglia Salvatore , Fonseca Joao , Bousquet Jean , Scichilone Nicola
Published: September 2022

MASK-air®, a good practice of the DG Santé, has been fully validated in allergic rhinitis, but little is known about its applicability to asthmatics. We explored whether the MASK-air® application is applicable to patients with severe asthma. Severe asthmatics were proposed to use the MASK-air® application for 6 months, along with best practice treatment. Treatment of the patients was not changed based on the application results. The evolution of the visual analogue scales (VAS) for asthma, shortness of breath, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, work, and sleep was monitored using MASK-air®. Adherence to MASK-air® and to the asthma treatment was also checked. Thirteen patients reported on 1229 days of MASK-air® use. The average application adherence was 51.8% (range: 19.7–98.9%). There was no correlation between application and medication adherence. Highly variably trends were found for the VAS for asthma. Five patients had over 90% well-controlled days, four had well- or moderately controlled asthma (with up to 20% uncontrolled days), one patient had moderately controlled asthma with approximately 20% uncontrolled days, and one patient had 80% uncontrolled days. Highly significant correlations were found for the VAS for asthma, and other patients reported VASs for work, dyspnea, sleep, and rhinitis. MASK-air® can be used in patients with severe asthma. VAS asthma appears to be an interesting patient-reported outcome highly correlated with dyspnea and impacts on work. Adherence to the application was better than that for rhinitis, but it needs to be improved.
Investigation of Transcriptome Patterns in Endometrial Cancers from Obese and Lean Women
Authors: Takenaka Konii , Curry-Hyde Ashton , Olzomer Ellen M. , Farrell Rhonda , Byrne Frances L. , Janitz Michael
Published: September 2022

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological malignancy in developed countries. One of the largest risk factors for endometrial cancer is obesity. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in the transcriptome of endometrial cancers from obese vs. lean women. Here we investigate the transcriptome of endometrial cancer between obese and lean postmenopausal women using rRNA-depleted RNA-Seq data from endometrial cancer tissues and matched adjacent non-cancerous endometrial tissues. Differential expression analysis identified 12,484 genes (6370 up-regulated and 6114 down-regulated) in endometrial cancer tissues from obese women, and 6219 genes (3196 up-regulated and 3023 down-regulated) in endometrial cancer tissues from lean women (adjusted p-value < 0.1). A gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that the top 1000 up-regulated genes (by adjusted p-value) were enriched for growth and proliferation pathways while the top 1000 down-regulated genes were enriched for cytoskeleton restructure networks in both obese and lean endometrial cancer tissues. In this study, we also show perturbations in the expression of protein coding genes (HIST1H2BL, HIST1H3F, HIST1H2BH, HIST1H1B, TTK, PTCHD1, ASPN, PRELP, and CDH13) and the lncRNA MBNL1-AS1 in endometrial cancer tissues. Overall, this study has identified gene expression changes that are similar and also unique to endometrial cancers from obese vs. lean women. Furthermore, some of these genes may serve as prognostic biomarkers or, possibly, therapeutic targets for endometrial cancer.
Salinity Tolerance and Ion Accumulation of Coastal and Inland Accessions of Clonal Climbing Plant Species Calystegia sepium in Comparison with a Coastal-Specific Clonal Species Calystegia soldanella
Authors: Jēkabsone Astra , Ievinsh Gederts
Published: September 2022

Plant species adapted to saline habitats represent an important resource in the assessment of salinity tolerance mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to analyze salinity tolerance and ion accumulation characteristics for various accessions of Calystegia sepium from different habitats in comparison to these of Calystegia soldanella in controlled conditions. Plants were introduced in culture using stem explants with leaf and were cultivated in controlled conditions under six different substrate salinities. Salinity tolerance of both C. sepium and C. soldanella plants was relatively high, but the tolerance of particular accessions did not depend on the substrate salinity level in their natural habitats. C. sepium accession from a mesophytic non-saline habitat was only slightly negatively affected by increasing substrate salinity. However, coastal accession of C. sepium and coastal-specific species C. soldanella had some similarities in ion accumulation characteristics, both accumulating a high concentration of soluble ions in aboveground parts and excluding them from underground parts. All C. sepium accessions from different habitats represented varied physiotypes, possibly associated with their genetic differences. C. sepium accessions from different habitats can be suggested as models for further studies aiming at dissecting possible genetic, epigenetic and physiological mechanisms of adaptation to heterogeneous environmental conditions.
Effect of Algorithmic Music Listening on Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System Activity: An Exploratory, Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Raglio Alfredo , Maestri Roberto , Robbi Elena , Pierobon Antonia , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Pinna Gian Domenico
Published: September 2022

It is proven that music listening can have a therapeutic impact in many clinical fields. However, to assume a curative value, musical stimuli should have a therapeutic logic. This study aimed at assessing short-term effects of algorithmic music on cardiac autonomic nervous system activity. Twenty-two healthy subjects underwent a crossover study including random listening to relaxing and activating algorithmic music. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and non-invasive arterial blood pressure were continuously recorded and were later analyzed to measure Heart Rate (HR) mean, HR variability and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Statistical analysis was performed using a general linear model, testing for carryover, period and treatment effects. Relaxing tracks decreased HR and increased root mean square of successive squared differences of normal-to-normal (NN) intervals, proportion of interval differences of successive NN intervals greater than 50 ms, low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) power and BRS. Activating tracks caused almost no change or an opposite effect in the same variables. The difference between the effects of the two stimuli was statistically significant in all these variables. No difference was found in the standard deviation of normal-to-normal RR intervals, LFpower in normalized units and LFpower/HFpower variables. The study suggests that algorithmic relaxing music increases cardiac vagal modulation and tone. These results open interesting perspectives in various clinical areas.
Late Myocardial Infarction and Repeat Revascularization after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Prior Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Biancari Fausto , Salsano Antonio , Santini Francesco , De Feo Marisa , Dalén Magnus , Zhang Qiyao , Gatti Giuseppe , Mazzaro Enzo , Franzese Ilaria , Bancone Ciro , Zanobini Marco , Tauriainen Tuomas , Mäkikallio Timo , Saccocci Matteo , Francica Alessandra , Rosato Stefano , El-Dean Zein , Onorati Francesco , Mariscalco Giovanni
Published: September 2022

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the risk of late mortality and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: A total of 2948 patients undergoing isolated CABGs were included in a prospective multicenter registry. Outcomes were adjusted for multiple covariates in logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards analysis and competing risk analysis. Results: In all, 2619 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria of this analysis. Of them, 2199 (79.1%) had no history of PCI and 420 (20.9%) had a prior PCI. An adjusted analysis showed that a single prior PCI and multiple prior PCIs did not increase the risk of 30-day and 5-year mortality. Patients with multiple prior PCIs had a significantly higher risk of 5-year myocardial infarction (SHR 2.566, 95%CI 1.379–4.312) and repeat revascularization (SHR 1.774, 95%CI 1.140–2.763). Similarly, 30-day and 5-year mortality were not significantly increased in patients with prior PCI treatment of single or multiple vessels. Patients with multiple vessels treated with PCI had a significantly higher risk of 5-year myocardial infarction (SHR 2.640, 95%CI 1.497–4.658), repeat revascularization (SHR 1.648, 95%CI 1.029–2.638) and stroke (SHR 2.215, 95%CI 1.056–4.646) at 5-year. The risk for repeat revascularization was also increased with a prior single vessel PCI, but not for other outcomes. Conclusions: Among patients undergoing CABGs, multiple prior PCIs seem to increase the risk of late myocardial infarction and the need for repeat revascularization, but not the risk of mortality.
Current Insights on Biomarkers in Lupus Nephritis: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Palazzo Leonardo , Lindblom Julius , Mohan Chandra , Parodis Ioannis
Published: September 2022

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, promising emerging biomarkers pave the way toward an improved management of patients with LN. We have reviewed the literature over the past decade, and we herein summarise the most relevant biomarkers for diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis in LN. An initial systematic search of Medline was conducted to identify pertinent articles. A total of 104 studies were selected to be included in this review. Several diagnostic biomarkers, including MCP-1, TWEAK, NGAL, and uric acid, exhibited good ability to differentiate LN patients from non-renal SLE patients. Several cytokines and chemokines, including IL-10, IL-17, MCP-1, and IP-10, hold promise for assessing LN disease activity, as do cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Angiogenesis-related and haemostasis-related proteins have also displayed potential for monitoring disease activity. Biomarkers of responses to therapy include Axl, CD163, and BAFF, whereas VCAM-1, ALCAM, and ANCAs have been reported as prognostic markers, along with traditional markers. In addition, novel renal tissue biomarkers may prove to be a useful complement to histological evaluations. The overall heterogeneity of the inclusion criteria and outcome measures across different studies, along with a lack of validation in multi-centre cohorts, call for future collaborative efforts. Nevertheless, we foresee that several biomarkers hold promise toward optimisation of the management of LN, with the use of integrated omics and panels of less invasive biomarkers paving the way towards personalised medicine.
Heart Donation and Preservation: Historical Perspectives, Current Technologies, and Future Directions
Authors: Hess Nicholas R. , Ziegler Luke A. , Kaczorowski David J.
Published: September 2022

Heart transplantation has become the accepted treatment for advanced heart failure, with over 4000–5000 performed in the world annually. Although the number of yearly transplants performed has been increasing over the last decade, the number of candidates in need of transplantation continues to grow at an even faster rate. To distribute these scarce and precious resources equitably, donor heart placement is based on clinical need with priority given to those who are more critically ill. As a result, donors are matched with recipient candidates over increasingly farther distances, which may subject these organs to longer ischemic times. One of the mainstays of successful heart transplantation is successful organ preservation while the donor organ is ex vivo from the time of donor procurement to recipient implantation. In order to adapt to a new era of heart transplantation where organs are shared across wider ranges, preservation strategies must evolve to accommodate longer ischemia times while mitigating the harmful sequalae of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Additionally, in order to address the ever-growing supply demand mismatch of donor organs, evolving perfusion technologies may allow for further evaluation of donor grafts outside of conventional acceptance practices, thus enlarging the effective donor pool. Herein this review, we discuss the history of organ preservation, current strategies and modalities employed in current practice, along with developing technologies in preclinical stages. Lastly, we introduce the concept of donation after circulatory death (DCD), which has been until recently a largely unexplored avenue of heart donation that relies much on current preservation techniques.
A Novel Approach of a Low-Cost UWB Microwave Imaging System with High Resolution Based on SAR and a New Fast Reconstruction Algorithm for Early-Stage Breast Cancer Detection
Authors: Amdaouch Ibtisam , Saban Mohamed , El Gueri Jaouad , Chaari Mohamed Zied , Alejos Ana Vazquez , Alzola Juan Ruiz , Muñoz Alfredo Rosado , Aghzout Otman
Published: September 2022

In this article, a new efficient and robust approach—the high-resolution microwave imaging system—for early breast cancer diagnosis is presented. The core concept of the proposed approach is to employ a combination of a newly proposed delay-and-sum (DAS) algorithm and the specific absorption rate (SAR) parameter to provide high image quality of breast tumors, along with fast image processing. The new algorithm enhances the tumor response by altering the parameter referring to the distance between the antenna and the tumor in the conventional DAS matrices. This adjustment entails a much clearer reconstructed image with short processing time. To achieve these aims, a high directional Vivaldi antenna is applied around a simulated hemispherical breast model with an embedded tumor. The detection of the tumor is carried out by calculating the maximum value of SAR inside the breast model. Consequently, the antenna position is relocated near the tumor region and is moved to nine positions in a trajectory path, leading to a shorter propagation distance in the image-creation process. At each position, the breast model is illuminated with short pulses of low power waves, and the back-scattered signals are recorded to produce a two-dimensional image of the scanned breast. Several simulations of testing scenarios for reconstruction imaging are investigated. These simulations involve different tumor sizes and materials. The influence of the number of antennas on the reconstructed images is also examined. Compared with the results from the conventional DAS, the proposed technique significantly improves the quality of the reconstructed images, and it detects and localizes the cancer inside the breast with high quality in a fast computing time, employing fewer antennas.
Sensitivity Analysis of Event-Specific Calibration Data and Its Application to Modeling of Subaerial Storm Erosion under Complex Bathymetry
Authors: Jin Hyeok , Do Kideok , Kim Inho , Chang Sungyeol
Published: September 2022

Key parameters in a process-based model depicting the morphological changes during storm events should be adjusted to simulate the hydro- and morphodynamics, leading to site-, profile-, and event-specific calibration. Although area models eliminate variability in calibrated parameters along with each profile in complex bathymetry, the amount of influence datasets with different wave conditions have on model performance is still unclear in an area model in a given parameter space. This study collected hydrodynamic and bathymetric field data over four different storm conditions (two single and two cluster storms) at Maengbang Beach, South Korea. The numerical model XBeach was adopted using four storm datasets with four key parameters to examine the influence of event-specific calibration data on subaerial storm erosion. When using clustered storm data, a relatively limited number of parameter combinations showed higher model sensitivity to different parameter sets as opposed to single storm data with the same parameter sets. Model sensitivity to different storm events was correlated with cumulative storm power and resultant erosion volume in comparison with other features in the datasets. The results are expected to guide the selection of an event-specific dataset with various morphological and hydrodynamic factors in an area model under complex bathymetry.
Role of Crop-Protection Technologies in Sustainable Agricultural Productivity and Management
Authors: Kalogiannidis Stavros , Kalfas Dimitrios , Chatzitheodoridis Fotios , Papaevangelou Olympia
Published: September 2022

After the Second World War, technological advancements helped to develop agriculture and meet urgent food needs. The green revolution was based on the cultivation of new high-yielding varieties, the adoption of plant protection measures, and synthetic fertilizer use. Today, agriculture is called upon to recover its productivity in environmentally friendly terms and to face challenges such as climate change and international political–military events that threaten global sufficiency in agricultural products. The objective of the study is to evaluate the function that crop-protection technologies play in ensuring the continuity of agricultural output. The research was conducted by the use of a questionnaire in a sample of 250 farmers in Northern Greece. Specifically, through descriptive and regression analysis, the roles of biological crop protection, chemical crop-protection techniques, and mechanical crop-protection techniques were explored, and it was found that they either have a positive effect or a significant relationship with sustainable agricultural productivity. In order to meet the current environmental, economic, and political challenges, the agriculture sector at the global and local level should improve and further adopt existing technologies, consolidate the use of integrated pest-management strategies, and fully introduce innovations, combined with digital transformation, into agricultural management and production.
Introduction of the First AI Impact Assessment and Future Tasks: South Korea Discussion
Authors: Jeong Jonggu
Published: September 2022

South Korea introduced the artificial intelligence impact assessment and was the first case of introducing the artificial intelligence impact assessment as national-level legislation. Artificial intelligence impact assessments will be helpful in deciding whether to introduce artificial intelligence by comparing costs and benefits. However, South Korea’s approach had limitations. First, an impact assessment was introduced only in the public sector. Second, artificial intelligence impact assessments were voluntary. Third, the subject of artificial intelligence impact assessments was limited to society. Fourth, it is necessary to establish a relationship with other impact assessments. Fifth, specific details were incomplete.
Chronic Thoracic Aortic Dissection: How to Treat, When to Intervene
Authors: Papakonstantinou Panteleimon E. , Benia Dimitra , Polyzos Dimitrios , Papakonstantinou Konstantinos , Rorris Filippos-Paschalis , Toulgaridis Fotios , Manousiadis Konstantinos , Xydonas Sotirios , Sideris Antonios
Published: September 2022

Thoracic aortic dissection (AD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Acute aortic syndrome is the first presentation of the disease in most cases. While acute AD management follows concrete guidelines because of its urgent and life-threatening nature, chronic AD is usually overlooked, although it concerns a wide spectrum of patients surviving an acute event. Acute AD survivors ultimately enter a chronic aortic disease course. Patients with chronic thoracic AD (CTAD) require lifelong surveillance and a proportion of them may present with symptoms and late complications demanding further surgical or endovascular treatment. However, the available data concerning the management of CTAD is sparse in the literature. The management of patients with CTAD is challenging as far as determining the best medical therapy and deciding on intervention are concerned. Until recently, there were no guidelines or recommendations for imaging surveillance in patients with chronic AD. The diagnostic methods for imaging aortic diseases have been improved, while the data on new endovascular and surgical approaches has increased significantly. In this review, we summarize the current evidence in the diagnosis and management of CTAD and the latest recommendations for the surgical/endovascular aortic repair of CTAD.
Switching from Adalimumab Originator to Biosimilar in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa Results in Losses of Response—Data from the German HS Registry HSBest
Authors: Kirsten Natalia , Ohm Frenz , Gehrdau Kathrin , Girbig Gefion , Stephan Brigitte , Ben-Anaya Nesrine , Pinter Andreas , Bechara Falk G. , Presser Dagmar , Zouboulis Christos C. , Augustin Matthias
Published: September 2022

Since 2021, adalimumab biosimilar ABP 501 can be used alternatively to adalimumab originator (ADAO) in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Effectiveness and safety data remain scarce. We investigated the impact of switching from ADAO to ABP 501 on disease severity and the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) in patients with HS. We analyzed clinical data on patients enrolled in the German HSBest registry. Evaluation outcomes were assessed at three time points (baseline of originator (t0), prior to switching to biosimilar (t1) and 12 to 14 weeks after switching (t2)) and included patient-reported AEs and disease severity using the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4) score. In total, 94 patients were switched from ADAO to ABP 501. Overall, 33.3% (n = 31/94) of the patients developed AEs and/or loss of response (LoR) within 12 to 14 weeks after switching. Of these, 61.3% (n = 19/31) experienced LoR but no AEs, 22.6% (n = 7/31) LoR combined with AEs and 16.1% (n = 5/31) AEs only. Our study showed that switching HS patients from ADAO to ABP 501 does significantly affect treatment effectiveness. Switching patients who are on remission maintenance therapy should be viewed critically.