bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncostatin M Contributes to Airway Epithelial Cell Dysfunction in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Carsuzaa Florent , Bequignon Emilie , Bartier Sophie , Coste André , Dufour Xavier , Bainaud Matthieu , Lecron Jean Claude , Louis Bruno , Tringali Stéphane , Favot Laure , Fieux Maxime
Published: March 2023

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a typical type-2 inflammation involving several cytokines and is associated with epithelial cell dysfunction. Oncostatin M (OSM) (belonging to the interleukin(IL)-6 family) could be a key driver of epithelial barrier dysfunction. Therefore, we investigated the presence of OSM and IL-6 and the expression pattern of tight junctions (TJs) in the nasal tissue of CRSwNP patients and controls using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. Then, their potential role in the epithelial barrier was evaluated in vitro in 27 different primary cultures of human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) by measuring TJ expression and transepithelial electric resistance (TEER) with or without OSM or IL-6 (1, 10, and 100 ng/mL). The effect on ciliary beating efficiency was evaluated by high-speed videomicroscopy and on repair mechanisms with a wound healing model with or without OSM. OSM and IL-6 were both overexpressed, and TJ (ZO-1 and occludin) expression was decreased in the nasal polyps compared to the control mucosa. OSM (100 ng/mL) but not IL-6 induced a significant decrease in TJ expression, TEER, and ciliary beating efficiency in HNECs. After 24 h, the wound repair rate was significantly higher in OSM-stimulated HNECs at 100 ng/mL. These results suggest that OSM could become a new target for monoclonal antibodies.
The Effects of Neuropeptide B on Proliferation and Differentiation of Porcine White Preadipocytes into Mature Adipocytes
Authors: Wojciechowicz Tatiana , Kolodziejski Paweł A. , Billert Maria , Strowski Mathias Z. , Nowak Krzysztof W. , Skrzypski Marek
Published: March 2023

Neuropeptide B (NPB) affects energy homeostasis and metabolism by binding and activating NPBWR1 and NPBWR2 in humans and pigs. Recently, we reported that NPB promotes the adipogenesis of rat white and brown preadipocytes as well as 3T3-L1 cells. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of NPB on the proliferation and differentiation of white porcine preadipocytes into mature adipocytes. We identified the presence of NPB, NPBWR1, and NPBWR2 on the mRNA and protein levels in porcine white preadipocytes. During the differentiation process, NPB increased the mRNA expression of PPARγ, C/EBPβ, C/EBPα, PPARγ, and C/EBPβ protein production in porcine preadipocytes. Furthermore, NPB stimulated lipid accumulation in porcine preadipocytes. Moreover, NPB promoted the phosphorylation of the p38 kinase in porcine preadipocytes, but failed to induce ERK1/2 phosphorylation. NPB failed to stimulate the expression of C/EBPβ in the presence of the p38 inhibitor. Taken together, we report that NPB promotes the differentiation of porcine preadipocytes via a p38-dependent mechanism.
Neurotrophins: Neuroimmune Interactions in Human Atopic Diseases
Authors: Weihrauch Tobias , Limberg Maren M. , Gray Natalie , Schmelz Martin , Raap Ulrike
Published: March 2023

Allergic diseases are accompanied by a variety of symptoms such as pruritus, coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes, which can result in severe physiological and even psychological impairments. The exact mechanisms of these conditions are not yet completely understood. However, recent studies demonstrated a high relevance of neurotrophins in allergic inflammation, as they induce cytokine release, mediate interaction between immune cells and neurons, and exhibit different expression levels in health and disease. In this review, we aim to give an overview of the current state of knowledge concerning the role of neurotrophins in atopic disorders such as atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma, and allergic rhinitis.
The Role of α-Linolenic Acid and Its Oxylipins in Human Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Cambiaggi Lucia , Chakravarty Akash , Noureddine Nazek , Hersberger Martin
Published: March 2023

α-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential C-18 n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), which can be elongated to longer n-3 PUFAs, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These long-chain n-3 PUFAs have anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution effects either directly or through their oxylipin metabolites. However, there is evidence that the conversion of ALA to the long-chain PUFAs is limited. On the other hand, there is evidence in humans that supplementation of ALA in the diet is associated with an improved lipid profile, a reduction in the inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP) and a reduction in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and all-cause mortality. Studies investigating the cellular mechanism for these beneficial effects showed that ALA is metabolized to oxylipins through the Lipoxygenase (LOX), the Cyclooxygenase (COX) and the Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) pathways, leading to hydroperoxy-, epoxy-, mono- and dihydroxylated oxylipins. In several mouse and cell models, it has been shown that ALA and some of its oxylipins, including 9- and 13-hydroxy-octadecatrienoic acids (9-HOTrE and 13-HOTrE), have immunomodulating effects. Taken together, the current literature suggests a beneficial role for diets rich in ALA in human CVDs, however, it is not always clear whether the described effects are attributable to ALA, its oxylipins or other substances present in the supplemented diets.
Genome-Wide Association Study for Seed Dormancy Using Re-Sequenced Germplasm under Multiple Conditions in Rice
Authors: Chen Dandan , Zou Wenli , Zhang Mingpei , Liu Jindong , Chen Liang , Peng Ting , Ye Guoyou
Published: March 2023

Seed dormancy is a key factor used to determine seed germination in rice production. So far, only a few genes controlling seed dormancy have been reported, and the genetic mechanism of rice seed dormancy is still elusive. In this study, a population of 195 diverse re-sequenced accessions from 40 countries was evaluated for the seed germination rate (GR) without dormancy breaking (WDB) as a control and under dry heating (DH) and gibberellic acid (GA) treatments, as dormancy breaking agents to identify QTLs for seed dormancy. Phenotypic assessment revealed that these accessions had abundant variations in seed dormancy. GWAS using 1,120,223 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a mixed linear model (MLM) incorporating both principal components (PCs) and kinship (K) identified 30 QTLs on 10 chromosomes, accounting for 7.3–20.4% of the phenotypic variance in GR. Ten of the QTLs were located in the regions of previously reported QTLs, while the rest were novel ones. Thirteen high-confidence candidate genes were predicted for the four QTLs detected in two or three conditions (qGR4-4, qGR4-5, qGR8 and qGR11-4) and one QTL with a large effect (qGR3). These genes were highly expressed during seed development and were significantly regulated by various hormone treatments. This study provides new insights into the genetic and molecular basis of rice seed dormancy/germination. The accessions with moderate and strong dormancy and markers for the QTLs and candidate genes are useful for attaining a proper level of seed dormancy.
Sex-Specific Models to Predict Insulin Secretion and Sensitivity in Subjects with Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Beaudry Myriam , Bissonnette Simon , Lamantia Valérie , Devaux Marie , Faraj May
Published: March 2023

Sex-specific differences exist in insulin secretion (ISec) and sensitivity (IS) in humans. However, current fasting indices used to estimate them, such as HOMA and QUICKI, are not sex-specific. We aimed to develop sex-specific models to improve the prediction of ISec and IS by fasting measures in adults with overweight/obesity. A post hoc analysis was conducted on baseline data of two clinical trials completed between 2010 and 2020 (37 men and 61 postmenopausal women, 45–73 years, BMI > 25 kg/m2, without chronic disease). Glucose-induced insulin or C-peptide secretions and IS were measured using gold-standard Botnia-clamps, which is a 1 h intravenous glucose tolerance test followed by a 3 h hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp. Stepwise regression analysis using anthropometric and fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and lipoprotein-related measures was used to predict ISec and IS. First-phase, second-phase and total glucose-induced ISec were predicted by a combination of fasting plasma insulin and apoB without or with plasma glucose, triglyceride, and waist circumference in women (R2 = 0.58–0.69), and by plasma insulin and glucose without or with BMI and cholesterol in men (R2 = 0.41–0.83). Plasma C-peptide, alone in men or followed by glucose in women, predicted C-peptide secretion. IS was predicted by plasma insulin and waist circumference, followed by HDL-C in women (R2 = 0.57) or by glucose in men (R2 = 0.67). The sex-specific models agreed with the Botnia-clamp measurements of ISec and IS more than with HOMA or QUICKI. Sex-specific models incorporating anthropometric and lipoprotein-related parameters allowed better prediction of ISec and IS in subjects with overweight or obesity than current indices that rely on glucose and insulin alone.
Genome-Wide Meta-Analysis of QTLs Associated with Root Traits and Implications for Maize Breeding
Authors: Karnatam Krishna Sai , Chhabra Gautam , Saini Dinesh Kumar , Singh Rajveer , Kaur Gurwinder , Praba Umesh Preethi , Kumar Pankaj , Goyal Simran , Sharma Priti , Ranjan Rumesh , Sandhu Surinder K. , Kumar Ramesh , Vikal Yogesh
Published: March 2023

Root system architecture (RSA), also known as root morphology, is critical in plant acquisition of soil resources, plant growth, and yield formation. Many QTLs associated with RSA or root traits in maize have been identified using several bi-parental populations, particularly in response to various environmental factors. In the present study, a meta-analysis of QTLs associated with root traits was performed in maize using 917 QTLs retrieved from 43 mapping studies published from 1998 to 2020. A total of 631 QTLs were projected onto a consensus map involving 19,714 markers, which led to the prediction of 68 meta-QTLs (MQTLs). Among these 68 MQTLs, 36 MQTLs were validated with the marker-trait associations available from previous genome-wide association studies for root traits. The use of comparative genomics approaches revealed several gene models conserved among the maize, sorghum, and rice genomes. Among the conserved genomic regions, the ortho-MQTL analysis uncovered 20 maize MQTLs syntenic to 27 rice MQTLs for root traits. Functional analysis of some high-confidence MQTL regions revealed 442 gene models, which were then subjected to in silico expression analysis, yielding 235 gene models with significant expression in various tissues. Furthermore, 16 known genes viz., DXS2, PHT, RTP1, TUA4, YUC3, YUC6, RTCS1, NSA1, EIN2, NHX1, CPPS4, BIGE1, RCP1, SKUS13, YUC5, and AW330564 associated with various root traits were present within or near the MQTL regions. These results could aid in QTL cloning and pyramiding in developing new maize varieties with specific root architecture for proper plant growth and development under optimum and abiotic stress conditions.
Neurog1-Derived Peptides RMNE1 and DualPep-Shine Penetrate the Skin and Inhibit Melanin Synthesis by Regulating MITF Transcription
Authors: Song Ee Chan , Park Chanho , Shin Yungyeong , Kim Wan Ki , Kim Sang Bum , Cho Seongmin
Published: March 2023

Anti-pigmentation peptides have been developed as alternative skin-lightening agents to replace conventional chemicals that have adverse effects on the skin. However, the maximum size of these peptides is often limited by their low skin and cell penetration. To address this issue, we used our intra-dermal delivery technology (IDDT) platform to identify peptides with hypo-pigmenting and high cell-penetrating activity. Using our cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) from the IDDT platform, we identified RMNE1 and its derivative RMNE3, “DualPep-Shine”, which showed levels of α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced melanin inhibition comparable to the conventional tyrosinase inhibitor, Kojic acid. In addition, DualPep-Shine was delivered into the nucleus and regulated the gene expression levels of melanogenic enzymes by inhibiting the promoter activity of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor-M (MITF-M). Using a 3D human skin model, we found that DualPep-Shine penetrated the lower region of the epidermis and reduced the melanin content in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, DualPep-Shine showed high safety with little immunogenicity, indicating its potential as a novel cosmeceutical ingredient and anti-pigmentation therapeutic agent.
Benzo[a]pyrene Exposure Reduces Cell-Type Diversity and Stimulates Sex-Biased Damage Pathways in End Organs of Lupus-Prone Mice
Authors: Zhu Runqi , Kennicott Kameron , Liang Yun
Published: March 2023

Studies indicate that genetic factors only account for approximately thirty percent of all autoimmune diseases, while the rest of autoimmune pathogenesis is attributed to environmental factors including toxic chemicals. To understand if and how environmental pollutants trigger autoimmunity, we investigated the effect of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) exposure on the development of autoimmune phenotypes in the lupus-prone MRL strain. The exposure of MRL mice to BaP over the course of 8 weeks before lupus onset resulted in total body weight loss in males, while marginal changes in anti-dsDNA levels occurred. Multi-organ analyses of BaP-treated and control MRL mice suggested that the kidney is a major organ directly affected by the metabolism of benzene-containing compounds, with increased expression of BaP-target genes including Cyp4b1 and Hao2. Intriguingly, spatial transcriptomic data showed that BaP caused a drastic reduction in cell-type diversity in both the kidneys and spleen of MRL mice. Further analysis of the molecular pathways affected suggested a sex-biased effect of BaP treatment, with the upregulated expression of angiogenesis genes in the lungs and an increased deposition of C3 in the kidneys of male mice. While SLE is more common in women, the disease is more severe in male patients, with an increased risk of disease progression to renal failure and lung cancer. Our results reveal sex-biased molecular pathways stimulated by BaP which may help explain the increased likelihood of end organ damage in males with lupus.
A Putative Receptor for Ferritin in Mollusks: Characterization of the Insulin-like Growth Factor Type 1 Receptor
Authors: Huang Bowen , Liu Qin , Bai Changming , Li Chen , Wang Chongming , Xin Lusheng
Published: March 2023

The ferritin secreted by mammals has been well documented, with the protein capable of localizing to cell membranes and facilitating the delivery of iron to cells through endocytosis. However, the presence of ferritin in the circulatory fluid of mollusks and its functions remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential interacting proteins of ferritin in the ark clam (SbFn) through the use of a pull-down assay. Our findings revealed the presence of an insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF-1R) in ark clams, which was capable of binding to SbFn and was named SbIGF-1R. SbIGF-1R was found to be composed of two leucine-rich repeat domains (L domain), a cysteine-rich domain, three fibronectin type III domains, a transmembrane domain, and a tyrosine kinase domain. The ectodomain of SbIGF-1R was observed to form a symmetrical antiparallel homodimer in the shape of the letter ‘A’, with the fibronectin type III domains serving as its ‘legs’. The mRNA expression of SbIGF-1R gene was detected ubiquitously in various tissues of the ark clam, with the highest expression levels found in hemocytes, as determined by qRT-PCR. Using a confocal microscopic and yeast two-hybrid assays, the interaction between SbIGF-1R and SbFn was further verified. The results showed that SbFn co-localized with SbIGF-1R on the cell membrane, and their interaction was expected to occur on the FNIII domains of the SbIGF-1R. In conclusion, our findings highlight the identification of a putative receptor, SbIGF-1R, for SbFn, demonstrating the versatility of IGF-1R in ark clams.
Influence of Cilioretinal Arteries on Flow Density in Glaucoma Patients Measured Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Zimmermann Julian Alexander , Storp Jens Julian , Diener Raphael , Danzer Moritz Fabian , Esser Eliane Luisa , Eter Nicole , Brücher Viktoria Constanze
Published: March 2023

It has long been speculated whether the presence of a cilioretinal artery (CRA) can influence the development of glaucomatous damage in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Studies involving healthy patients have shown a change in flow density (FD) depending on the presence of a CRA. Similarly, studies that compared the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) results of healthy controls and glaucoma cohorts identified a reduction in FD in certain retinal layers for glaucoma patients. These observations raise the question of whether FD is altered in glaucoma patients depending on the presence of CRA, with possible implications for the progression of glaucomatous damage. In this prospective study, 201 eyes of 134 primary and secondary open-angle glaucoma patients who visited the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Muenster Medical Center, Germany were included. The patients were allocated to different groups according to the presence of CRAs and the level of glaucoma severity. The FD results obtained using OCTA for the CRA and non-CRA groups were compared. While FD differed noticeably between the CRA and non-CRA cohorts in the deep macular plexus, no differences in FD were observed between the two groups when adjusted for glaucoma severity. In both the CRA and non-CRA eyes, increasing glaucoma severity correlated most strongly with a reduction in peripapillary FD. Our results suggest that the presence of CRAs does not significantly affect retinal perfusion in glaucoma patients.
Influence of Section Thickness on the Accuracy and Specificity of Histometric Parameters Using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy in a Canine Model of Experimental Peri-Implantitis—A Proof of Concept
Authors: Boldeanu Lucia-Camelia , Popa-Wagner Aurel , Boariu Marius , Stratul Stefan-Ioan , Rusu Darian , Vela Octavia , Roman Alexandra , Surlin Petra , Kardaras Georgios , Chinnici Salvatore , Vaduva Adrian
Published: March 2023

Objectives: Tissue breakdown was assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) using autofluorescence around implants with ligatures, on a dog hemimandible. Influence of section thickness on the accuracy of histometrical observations was also evaluated, in comparison with thin sections in light microscopy. Material and Methods: Three months after tooth extraction, implants were placed. Two months after abutment placement, ligatures were placed with no plaque control. 11 months post-implantation, the animal was sacrificed. Undecalcified thin (30 µm) sections were cut, stained and evaluated by light microscopy to be used as a reference. Additional sections were performed, so that another pair of unstained thick sections resulted (250–300 µm). Tissue loss was assessed using histomorphometric parameters under CLSM and was compared to the light microscopy reference ones. Results: Morphometry confirmed tissue loss more pronounced on the “thick” and quick sections, when compared to the time-consuming and technique-sensitive “thin” ones. Conclusions: Within the limits of the present study, the adequacy of histometrical observations under CLSM reveal commensurable information about soft-tissue-bone-implant details, when compared to traditional light microscopy histological protocols. The CLSM investigation may seem demanding, yet the richness of data acquired may justify this approach, provided seatbacks caused by improper manipulation of “thick” sections are avoided.
A Rare Case of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence in Ovarian Site after 12 Years Mimicking a Hepatoid Adenocarcinoma: Case Report
Authors: Restaino Stefano , Pellecchia Giulia , Poli Alice , Arcieri Martina , Andreetta Claudia , Mariuzzi Laura , Orsaria Maria , Biasioli Anna , Della Martina Monica , Intini Sergio Giuseppe , Scambia Giovanni , Driul Lorenza , Vizzielli Giuseppe
Published: March 2023

Hepatoid carcinoma of the ovary (HCO) is a tumor that resembles, both histologically and cytologically, hepatocarcinoma (HCC) in a patient with a non-cirrhotic liver not involved by the disease. Hepatoid carcinoma is an extremely rare histologic subtype of ovarian cancer and should be distinguished from metastatic HCC. Here, we report the rare case of a 67-year-old woman with ovarian recurrence of HCC 12 years after first diagnosis. The patient was being followed by oncologists because she had been diagnosed with HCV-related HCC (Edmonson and Stainer grade 2, pT2 N0 M0, G2, V1) in 2009. She had undergone surgery for enlarged left hepatectomy to the 4th hepatic segment with cholecystectomy and subsequent placement of a Kehr drain. The preoperative alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was 8600 ng/mL, while the postoperative value was only 2.7 ng/mL. At the first diagnosis, no other localizations of the disease, including the genital tract, were found. At the time of recurrence, however, the patient was completely asymptomatic: her liver function was within normal limits with negative blood indices, except for an increased blood dosage of AFP (467 ng/mL), and CA125, which became borderline (37.4 IU/mL). The oncologist placed an indication for a thoracic abdominal CT scan, which showed that the residual liver was free of disease, and the presence of a formation with a solid–cystic appearance and some calcifications at the left adnexal site. The radiological findings were confirmed on level II gynecological ultrasound. The patient then underwent a radical surgery of hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, pelvic peritonectomy, and omentectomy by a laparotomic approach, with the sending of intraoperative extemporaneous histological examination on the annexus site of the tumor mass, obtaining RT = 0. Currently, the patient continues her gyneco-oncology follow-up simultaneously clinically, in laboratory, and instrumentally every 4 months. Our study currently represents the longest elapsed time interval between first diagnosis and disease recurrence, as evidenced by current data in the literature. This was a rather unique and difficult clinical case because of the rarity of the disease, the lack of scientific evidence, and the difficulty in differentiating the primary hepatoid phenotype of the ovary from an ovarian metastasis of HCC. Several multidisciplinary meetings for proper interpretation of clinical and anamnestic data, with the aid of immunohistochemistry (IHC) on histological slides were essential for case management.
Evolution of Pediatric Migraine Patients Admitted at an Emergency Department after a 10-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Manzo Maria Laura , Reina Federica , Correnti Edvige , D’Aiuto Francesca , D’Agnano Daniela , Santangelo Andrea , Vetri Luigi , Santangelo Giuseppe , Maniscalco Laura , Tripi Gabriele , Sciruicchio Vittorio , Raieli Vincenzo
Published: March 2023

Background: Despite its high prevalence, the clinical course of pediatric migraine has not been fully understood, and previous studies present conflicting results. We present here the findings of a 10-year follow-up study involving children with severe migraine pain admitted to our emergency department. Furthermore, all studies were carried out on selected outpatient clinical case studies. Our aim was to evaluate a population of migraine children admitted to an emergency department because of increased severity or frequency of pain or even because of very anxious parents concerning their child’s headache in order to describe their long-term outcomes, whether it differed from that of outpatient populations and to identify possible predictors of prognosis. Methods: We recruited 80 subjects with migraine headaches (mean age 8 years with a range of 4–14 years, 50% females), attending the baseline examination of a population admitted for a headache to the Emergency Department in the first half year of 2012. Of the 80 subjects, 48 (60%) were eligible for follow-up in 2022. We included in our study only patients diagnosed with migraine, according to the diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders. All were contacted by telephone, and a semi-structured questionnaire was provided to them by email. The association between several possible prognostic factors (gender, familiar neurologic disorders, prenatal and perinatal disorders, social activities, sleep disorders, etc.) and the long-term persistence of migraine headaches were explored using logistic regression analysis. Results: Of 48 subjects with migraine headaches at baseline, 31 (65%) had persistent migraine, and 17 (35%) experienced remission. The preliminary results showed that the presence of neurologic disorders in parents (p < 0.01—odds ratio 9.34 (2.53–41.64) and sleep disorders (p < 0.01—odds ratio 13.18 (2.25–252.74) significantly predicted the 10-year persistence of migraine headaches, while the other considered predictors were found not to influence prognosis. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this was the first study conducted on a selected pediatric population upon admission to the emergency room. Our study suggests that a population of pediatric migraine selected for admission to the emergency department also shows a favorable long-term prognosis, like the studies conducted in the outpatient sample. Familial neurological comorbidity and sleep disorders were unfavorable factors for predicting good outcomes.
NONHSAT021545/miR-330-3p/EREG: A Cooperative Axis in Breast Cancer Prognosis and Treatment
Authors: Zhang Yunkun , Guo Chunmei , Yang Siwen , Elkharti Maroua , Liu Rui , Sun Ming-Zhong , Liu Shuqing
Published: March 2023

Lymphatic metastasis is the most common form in breast cancer (BC) progression. Previously, we observed that lnc045874, a most conservative homology of Homo Sapiens NONHSAT021545 (lnc021545), miR-330-3p, and EREG may have some effects in mouse hepatocarcinoma cell lines with different lymphatic metastasis potentials. Through data from TCGA and GEO database analysis, we speculated that miR-330-3p might be a tumor promoter, while EREG could be a tumor suppressor in BC. MiR-330-3p was upregulated, while lnc021545 and EREG were downregulated in 50 BC tissues. MiR-330-3p advanced the metastatic behaviors of BC cells, whereas lnc021545 and EREG resulted in the opposite effects. The three molecules’ expressions were correlated respectively and showed that miR-330-3p targeted lnc021545 and EREG to affect their expressions. Lnc021545/miR-330-3p axis affected BC metastasis by regulating EREG in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. In 50 BC patients, these three molecules and their cooperation are associated with aggressive tumor phenotypes, patient outcomes, and trastuzumab therapy. We finally discovered that lnc021545, miR-330-3p, and EREG formed a multi-gene co-regulation system that affected the metastasis of BC and the cooperation reflects the synergistic effects of the three molecules, recommending that their cooperation may provide a more accurate index for anti-metastasis therapeutic and prognostic evaluation of BC.
Sinus Augmentation for Implant Placement Utilizing a Novel Synthetic Graft Material with Delayed Immediate Socket Grafting: A 2-Year Case Study
Authors: Fairbairn Peter , Kilner Stuart , O’Hooley Dominic , Fish Andrew , Kurtzman Gregori M.
Published: March 2023

Frequently, sinus augmentation is required when replacing failing or missing molars in the maxilla due to loss of alveolar bone related to periodontal disease, pneumatization of the sinus or a combination of the two factors. Various materials have been advocated and utilized; these fall into the categories of allograft, xenograft and synthetic materials. This article shall discuss a study of 10 cases with a 2-year follow-up utilizing a novel synthetic graft material used for sinus augmentation either simultaneously with implant placement or in preparation for sinus augmentation and implant placement in the posterior maxilla. The results of the 10 cases in the study found consistent results over the 2-year study period with maintenance of the alveolar height at the maxillary sinus. A lack of complications or failures in the study group demonstrates the technique has useful applications in increasing ridge height to permit implant placement inferior to the sinus floor.
Experimental Investigation on Flexural Behaviour of Sustainable Reinforced Concrete Beam with a Smart Mortar Layer
Authors: Durairaj Ramkumar , Varatharajan Thirumurugan , Srinivasan Satyanarayanan Kachabeswara , Gurupatham Beulah Gnana Ananthi , Roy Krishanu
Published: March 2023

This paper deals with an experimental study of the flexural behavior of sustainable reinforced cement concrete (RCC) beams with a smart mortar layer attached to the concrete mixture. In total, nine RCC beams were cast and tested. Two types of reinforced concrete beams were cast, and three different beams of sizes 1000 × 150 × 200 mm and six different beams of sizes 1500 × 100 × 250 mm were considered. The flexural behavior of these RCC beams was studied in detail. The electrical resistivity of these beams was also calculated, which was derived from the smart mortar layer. Research on the application of smart mortars within structural members is limited. The experimental results showed that the smart mortar layer could sense the damage in the RCC beams and infer the damage through the electrical measurement values, making the beam more sustainable. It was also observed that the relationship between the load and the fractional change in electrical resistance was linear. The fractional change in electrical resistivity was found to steadily increase with the increase in initial loading. A significant decrease in the fractional change in electrical resistivity was seen as the load approached failure. When a layer of mortar with brass fiber was added to the mortar paste, the ultimate load at failure was observed and compared with the reference beam specimen using Araldite paste. Compared to the hybrid brass-carbon fiber-added mortar layer, the brass fiber-added mortar layer increased the fractional change in the electrical resistivity values by 14–18%. Similarly, the ultimate load at failure was increased by 3–8% in the brass fiber-added mortar layer when compared to the hybrid brass-carbon fiber-added mortar layer. Failure of the beam was indicated by a sudden drop in the fractional change in electrical resistivity values.
Reynolds-Averaged Simulation of Drag Reduction in Viscoelastic Pipe Flow with a Fixed Mass Flow Rate
Authors: Li Zhuoyue , Hu Haibao , Du Peng , Xie Luo , Wen Jun , Chen Xiaopeng
Published: March 2023

A high molecular polymer solution with viscoelasticity has the effect of reducing frictional drag, which is quite practical for energy saving. Effective simulations of viscoelastic flows in a pipeline with a high Reynolds number is realized by incorporating the constitutive equation of viscoelasticity into the k−ε−v′2¯−f turbulence model. The Finitely Extensive Nonlinear Elastic Peterlin (FENE-P) model is employed for characterizing the viscoelasticity. The drag reduction of fully developed viscoelastic pipe flow with a fixed mass flow rate is studied. Different from increasing the center velocity and without changing the velocity near the wall at a fixed pressure drop rate, the addition of a polymer reduces the velocity near the wall and increases the velocity at the center of the pipe and makes the flow tend to be a laminar flow. Decreasing the solvent viscosity ratio or increasing the maximum extensibility or the Weissenberg number can effectively reduce the turbulence intensity and the wall friction. Under the premise of ensuring calculation accuracy, this Reynolds-averaged simulation method for viscoelastic flow has significant advantages in both computational cost and accuracy, which is promising for drag reduction simulation and practical engineering applications.
Multi-Criteria Analysis to Determine the Most Appropriate Fuel Composition in an Ammonia/Diesel Oil Dual Fuel Engine
Authors: Rodríguez Carlos Gervasio , Lamas María Isabel , Rodríguez Juan de Dios , Abbas Amr
Published: March 2023

The possibility to employ alternative fuels is gaining special interest in the marine sector. There are several suitable candidates for traditional fossil fuels substitution. Among them, ammonia is a promising solution that allows progress on decarbonization since the ammonia molecule does not contain carbon. Hence, the present work analyzes the use of ammonia as a potential fuel for a marine engine. Particularly, a dual fuel mode ammonia/diesel oil operation is proposed. As expected, the carbon dioxide emissions are reduced as the proportion of ammonia is increased. Nevertheless, other non-desirable substances are generated such as non-reacted ammonia, NOx and N2O. Due to these opposing effects, a multi-criteria analysis is proposed to characterize the most appropriate proportion of ammonia in the fuel. The environmental damage of the different pollutants was considered. Due to the important environmental adverse effects of NOx and N2O, only a maximum 20% ammonia percentage on the fuel was obtained as the most appropriate option. A higher ammonia content leads to excessive concentrations of NOx and N2O being emitted to the environment.
A Comparison of Intelligent Models for Collision Avoidance Path Planning on Environmentally Propelled Unmanned Surface Vehicles
Authors: Barrera Carlos , Maarouf Mustapha , Campuzano Francisco , Llinas Octavio , Marichal Graciliano Nicolas
Published: March 2023

Unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are increasingly used for ocean missions and services aimed for safer, more efficient, and sustainable routine operations. Path planning is a key component of autonomy addressed to obstacle detection and avoidance. As a multi-optimization nonlinear problem, it should include computational time, optimal path, and maritime traffic standard procedures. This becomes even more challenging for USV technologies propelled by harvesting ocean energy from waves and wind. Sea current state and wind conditions significantly affect the USV energy consumption becoming the path planning approach key for navigation performance and endurance. To improve both aspects, an energy-efficient new path planning algorithm approach based on AI techniques for computing feasible paths in compliance with the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG) rules and taking energy consumption into account according to wind and sea current data is proposed.
Multimarker Approach to Evaluate the Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields at 27 GHz on Danio rerio Larvae
Authors: Pecoraro Roberta , Pavone Santi Concetto , Scalisi Elena Maria , Ignoto Sara , Sica Carmen , Indelicato Stefania , Capparucci Fabiano , Iaria Carmelo , Salvaggio Antonio , Sorbello Gino , Di Donato Loreto , Brundo Maria Violetta
Published: March 2023

5G technology aims to satisfy several service requirements, leading to high data-rate connections and lower latency times than current ones. 5G systems use different frequency bands of the radio wave spectrum, taking advantage of higher frequencies than previous mobile radio generations. To guarantee capillary radio coverage, it will be necessary to install a huge number of repeaters since electromagnetic waves at higher frequencies, and especially microwaves at higher bands, exhibit lower capacity to propagate in free space. Since the introduction of this new technology, there has been growing concern about possible harmful effects on human health. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible short-term effects induced by 5G-millimeter waves on the embryonic development of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Fertilized eggs were exposed to 27 GHz using a non-commercial high-gain pyramidal horn antenna, and several endpoints were monitored every 24 h. As a result, exposure to electromagnetic fields at 27 GHz caused no significant impacts on mortality or on morphology since the exposed larvae showed normal detachment of the tail, the presence of a heartbeat, and well-organized somites. Exposure to 27 GHz caused an increase in the heart rate in exposed embryos compared to that in the control group at 48 h. However, this increase was not observed at 72 and 96 h. Finally, very weak positivity regarding exposed larvae was highlighted by immunohistochemical analysis.
Regular Wave Seakeeping Analysis of a Planing Hull by Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics: A Comprehensive Validation
Authors: Capasso Salvatore , Tagliafierro Bonaventura , Mancini Simone , Martínez-Estévez Iván , Altomare Corrado , Domínguez José M. , Viccione Giacomo
Published: March 2023

In this work, the dynamics of a planing hull in regular head waves was investigated using the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) meshfree method. The simulation of the interaction of such vessels with wave trains features several challenging characteristics, from the complex physical interaction, due to large dynamic responses, to the likewise heavy numerical workload. A novel numerical wave flume implemented within the SPH-based code DualSPHysics fulfills both demands, guaranteeing comparable accuracy with an established proprietary Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver without sharpening the computational load. The numerical wave flume uses ad hoc open-boundary conditions to reproduce the flow characteristics encountered by the hull during its motion, combining the current and waves while adjusting their properties with respect to the vessel’s experimental towing speed. It follows a relatively small three-dimensional domain, where the potentiality of the SPH method in modeling free-surface flows interacting with moving structures is unleashed. The results in different wave conditions show the feasibility of this novel approach, considering the overall good agreement with the experiments; hence, an interesting alternative procedure to simulate the seakeeping test in several marine conditions with bearable effort and satisfying accuracy is established.
Protein Kinase PoxMKK1 Regulates Plant-Polysaccharide-Degrading Enzyme Biosynthesis, Mycelial Growth and Conidiation in Penicillium oxalicum
Authors: Ma Bo , Luo Xue-Mei , Zhao Shuai , Feng Jia-Xun
Published: March 2023

The ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions is crucial for living organisms, as it enables them to successfully compete in natural niches, a process which generally depends upon protein phosphorylation-mediated signaling transduction. In the present study, protein kinase PoxMKK1, an ortholog of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase Ste7 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was identified and characterized in the filamentous fungus Penicillium oxalicum. Deletion of PoxMKK1 in P. oxalicum ΔPoxKu70 led the fungus to lose 64.4–88.6% and 38.0–86.1% of its plant-polysaccharide-degrading enzyme (PPDE) production on day 4 after a shift under submerged- and solid-state fermentation, respectively, compared with the control strain ΔPoxKu70. In addition, PoxMKK1 affected hypha growth and sporulation, though this was dependent on culture formats and carbon sources. Comparative transcriptomics and real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR assay revealed that PoxMKK1 activated the expression of genes encoding major PPDEs, known regulatory genes (i.e., PoxClrB and PoxCxrB) and cellodextrin transporter genes (i.e., PoxCdtD and PoxCdtC), while it inhibited the essential conidiation-regulating genes, including PoxBrlA, PoxAbaA and PoxFlbD. Notably, regulons modulated by PoxMKK1 and its downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase PoxMK1 co-shared 611 differential expression genes, including 29 PPDE genes, 23 regulatory genes, and 16 sugar-transporter genes. Collectively, these data broaden our insights into the diverse functions of Ste7-like protein kinase, especially regulation of PPDE biosynthesis, in filamentous fungi.
Development and Determinants of Topsoil Bacterial and Fungal Communities of Afforestation by Aerial Sowing in Tengger Desert, China
Authors: Chen Weiyu , Yu Tengfei , Zhao Chenguang , Li Baofeng , Qin Yanyan , Li Huiying , Tang Haojie , Liu Junliang , Zhang Xiaoyou
Published: March 2023

It was previously reported that afforestation in the desert can help improve soil texture, carbon accumulation, and nutrient status. However, the effects of afforestation on soil microbial composition, diversity, and microbial interactions with soil physicochemical properties have been rarely evaluated quantitatively. Using the method of space-for-time substitutions, we assessed the development and determinants of topsoil bacterial and fungal communities over nearly 40 years of successive afforestation by aerial sowing in Tengger Desert, China. The results showed that afforestation by aerial sowing comprised a considerable proportion of Chloroflexi and Acidobacteria in the bacterial community in addition to the ubiquitous phyla found in desert but had fewer effects on the dominant phyla of the fungal community. At the phylum level, the bacterial community was clearly clustered into two groups. However, it was difficult to differentiate the constituents of the fungal community based on principal coordinate analysis. The richness of the bacterial and fungal communities was significantly higher after five years than at zero years and three years. Additionally, the bacterial community varied parabolically and reached its largest size at twenty years, while the fungal community increased exponentially. Soil physicochemical properties were found to have divergent effects on the abundance and diversity of bacterial and fungal communities, among which salt- and carbon-associated properties (e.g., electrical conductivity, calcium, magnesium, total carbon, and organic carbon) were closely related with the abundance of bacterial-dominant phyla and the diversity of bacteria and fungi, but nutrient-associated properties (e.g., total phosphorus and available phosphorus) were not. The results indicate that afforestation through the salt secretions of plants leaves and carbon inputs from litter promote the development of topsoil bacterial and fungal communities in the desert.
Application of Back-Propagation Neural Network in the Post-Blast Re-Entry Time Prediction
Authors: Zhang Jinrui , Li Chuanqi , Zhang Tingting
Published: March 2023

Predicting the post-blast re-entry time precisely can improve productivity and reduce accidents significantly. The empirical formulas for the time prediction are practical to implement, but lack accuracy. In this study, a novel method based on the back-propagation neural network (BPNN) was proposed to tackle the drawbacks. A numerical model was constructed and 300 points of sample data were recorded, with consideration to fresh air volume, occupational exposure limit, toxic gas volume per kg of explosives and roadway length. The BPNN model with six neurons in a hidden layer was then developed and prediction performance was discussed in terms of four indicators, namely, the root mean square error (RMSE), the coefficient of determination (R2), the mean absolute error (MAE) and the sum of squares error (SSE). Furthermore, one representative empirical formula was introduced and calibrated for the comparison. The obtained results showed that the BPNN model had a more remarkable performance, with RMSE of 21.45 (R2: 0.99, MAE: 10.78 and SSE: 40934), compared to the empirical formula, with RMSE of 76.89 (R2: 0.90, MAE: 42.06 and SSE: 526147). Hence, the BPNN model is a superior method for predicting the post-blast re-entry time. For better practical application, it was then embedded into the software.
Translation Technology and Ethical Competence: An Analysis and Proposal for Translators’ Training
Authors: Ramírez-Polo Laura , Vargas-Sierra Chelo
Published: March 2023

The practice of translation today is inextricably linked to the use of technology, and this is reflected in how translator training is conceptualized, with technologies present in every area of such training. More and more authors have begun to voice their concerns about the ethical issues posed by the use of technology and artificial intelligence systems, and our focus here is to ask whether such concerns are being reflected in pedagogical models and teaching programs in the field of translation. To this end, we analyze a variety of translation and translation technology (TT) competence models, together with a review of the literature on ethics, and a corpus analysis of TT syllabi to explore the different sub-competences addressed in these. The analysis reveals that ethical competence is not specifically addressed in TT classes, or at least it is not reflected in our corpus. The literature review also illustrates a dearth of specific competence models for TT classes, as well as a lack of pedagogical interventions to develop ethical sub-competence, something we aim to address by developing a series of new models and tools. We conclude that the inclusion of ethical issues in the TT classroom is still far from widespread, despite it being a necessary step towards enabling new generations to act critically and professionally.
The Codex Visionum and the Uses of Greek Christian Poetry
Authors: Miguélez-Cavero Laura
Published: March 2023

A systematic socio-cultural study of the uses of Christian poetry in the late antique Greek-speaking Mediterranean is still lacking. Most literary overviews restrict themselves to an overview of the extant texts and some programmatic reflections in the poetry by Gregory of Nazianzus. This paper seeks to address this matter by a combined reading of the best-known poetic forms (including the programmatic reflections by Gregory) and the poems copied in the Codex Visionum (now in the Bodmer Collection). Since the edition of the latter was completed in 1999, they have often featured in studies on the origin of monasticism and are well known in papyrological circles, but have received insufficient attention from literature and cultural historians.
Bis(2-phenylpyridinato,-C2′,N)[4,4′-bis(4-Fluorophenyl)-6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine] Iridium(III) Hexafluorophosphate
Authors: Glykos Dimitrios , Plakatouras John C. , Malandrinos Gerasimos
Published: March 2023

A new bis cyclometallated Ir(III) phosphor, [Ir(ppy)2L]PF6 (ppy = 2-phenylpyridine, L = 4,4′-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine was prepared and structurally characterized in the solid state (X-ray diffraction) and solution (1 and 2D NMR spectroscopy). The compound exhibited yellow photoluminescence (λem = 562 nm). The quantum yield Φ was solvent-dependent (5% in acetonitrile and 19% in dichloromethane solutions, respectively).
The Influence of Mesh Density on the Results Obtained by Finite Element Analysis of Complex Bodies
Authors: Pisarciuc Cristian , Dan Ioan , Cioară Romeo
Published: March 2023

Finite element analysis of complex bodies is frequently used in design to determine the size of deformations. Successive iterations, with progressive refinement of mesh densities, are most often required to obtain a sufficiently accurate convergent numerical solution. This process is costly, time consuming, and requires superior hardware and software. The paper presents a quick and effortless way to determine a sufficiently accurate value of the numerical solution. The mentioned solution is obtained by amending the numerical solution resulting for a certain value of the mesh density of the studied body with an adequate proportionality coefficient determined following the deformation study of simple bodies differently subject to external forces. It is assumed that the elastic displacement of the various bodies has a similar evolution as the mesh density increases and that the values of the proportionality coefficients considered are approximately equal for identical mesh densities. Examples presented are related to the reference body of the mechanical press PAI 25.