bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Structural Basis of African Swine Fever Virus pS273R Protease Binding to E64 through Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Lu Gen , Ou Kang , Jing Yiwen , Zhang Huan , Feng Shouhua , Yang Zuofeng , Shen Guoshun , Liu Jinling , Wu Changde , Wei Shu
Published: February 2023

Identification of novel drugs for anti-African swine fever (ASF) applications is of utmost urgency, as it negatively affects pig farming and no effective vaccine or treatment is currently available. African swine fever virus (ASFV) encoded pS273R is a cysteine protease that plays an important role in virus replication. E64, acting as an inhibitor of cysteine protease, has been established as exerting an inhibitory effect on pS273R. In order to obtain a better understanding of the interaction between E64 and pS273R, common docking, restriction docking, and covalent docking were employed to analyze the optimal bonding position between pS273R−E64 and its bonding strength. Additionally, three sets of 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to examine the conformational dynamics of pS273R and the dynamic interaction of pS273R−E64, based on a variety of analytical methods including root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), free energy of ligand (FEL), principal component analysis (PCA), and molecular mechanics/Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) analysis. The results show that E64 and pS273R exhibited close binding degrees at the activity center of ASFV pS273R protease. The data of these simulations indicate that binding of E64 to pS273R results in a reduction in flexibility, particularly in the ARM region, and a change in the conformational space of pS273R. Additionally, the ability of E64 to interact with polar amino acids such as ASN158, SER192, and GLN229, as well as charged amino acids such as LYS167 and HIS168, seems to be an important factor in its inhibitory effect. Finally, Octet biostratigraphy confirmed the binding of E64 and pS273R with a KD value of 903 uM. Overall, these findings could potentially be utilized in the development of novel inhibitors of pS273R to address the challenges posed by ASFV.
Study on the Cellular Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Torularhodin Produced by Sporidiobolus pararoseus ZQHL Isolated from Vinegar Fungus
Authors: Liu Chang , Han Mei , Lv Fuqiang , Gao Yaobin , Wang Xiaoyun , Zhang Xujiao , Guo Yahui , Cheng Yuliang , Qian He
Published: February 2023

The red stretcher bacterium Sporidiobolus pararoseus is a high producer of carotenoids such as torularhodin, but its presence in vinegar has not been detected. Moreover, torularhodin has several biological activities, but its effect on the LPS-induced RAW 264.7 inflammatory cell model has also yet to be elucidated. In this study, S. pararoseus was identified in different vinegar samples from China by ITS sequencing. Meanwhile, one of the strains was deeply resolved by whole genome sequencing and functional annotation and named S. pararoseus ZQHL. Subsequently, the antioxidant effect of the fungal carotenoid torularhodin was investigated using in vitro DPPH, ABTS, and cellular models. Finally, LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells were used as an inflammation model to assess torularhodin’s protective effect on inflammatory cells and to determine whether the TLR4 pathway is associated with this process. The results indicate that torularhodin has good free radical scavenging ability in vitro and can contribute to cell viability. More importantly, torularhodin alleviated LPS-induced cellular inflammatory damage and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors such as TLR4, MyD88, and TNF-a. The mechanism may attenuate the cellular inflammatory response by inhibiting the TLR4 inflammatory pathway. In conclusion, torularhodin produced by S. pararoseus fungi in vinegar samples significantly scavenged free radicals in vitro and alleviated RAW 264.7 cellular inflammation by modulating the TLR4 pathway.
Mushroom-Derived Compounds as Metabolic Modulators in Cancer
Authors: Dowaraka-Persad Bhoomika , Neergheen Vidushi Shradha
Published: February 2023

Cancer is responsible for lifelong disability and decreased quality of life. Cancer-associated changes in metabolism, in particular carbohydrate, lipid, and protein, offer a new paradigm of metabolic hits. Hence, targeting the latter, as well as related cross-linked signalling pathways, can reverse the malignant phenotype of transformed cells. The systemic toxicity and pharmacokinetic limitations of existing drugs prompt the discovery of multi-targeted and safe compounds from natural products. Mushrooms possess biological activities relevant to disease-fighting and to the prevention of cancer. They have a long-standing tradition of use in ethnomedicine and have been included as an adjunct therapy during and after oncological care. Mushroom-derived compounds have also been reported to target the key signature of cancer cells in in vitro and in vivo studies. The identification of metabolic pathways whose inhibition selectively affects cancer cells appears as an interesting approach to halting cell proliferation. For instance, panepoxydone exerted protective mechanisms against breast cancer initiation and progression by suppressing lactate dehydrogenase A expression levels and reinducing lactate dehydrogenase B expression levels. This further led to the accumulation of pyruvate, the activation of the electron transport chain, and increased levels of reactive oxygen species, which eventually triggered mitochondrial apoptosis in the breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of hexokinase 2 by neoalbaconol induced selective cytotoxicity against nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines, and these effects were also observed in mouse models. Finally, GL22 inhibited hepatic tumour growth by downregulating the mRNA levels of fatty acid-binding proteins and blocking fatty acid transport and impairing cardiolipin biosynthesis. The present review, therefore, will highlight how the metabolites isolated from mushrooms can target potential biomarkers in metabolic reprogramming.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Baby Leaves of Amaranthus tricolor L. Harvested as Vegetable in Correlation with Their Phytochemical Composition
Authors: Spórna-Kucab Aneta , Tekieli Anna , Kisiel Aneta , Grzegorczyk Agnieszka , Skalicka-Woźniak Krystyna , Starzak Karolina , Wybraniec Sławomir
Published: February 2023

Amaranth is used as a spinach replacement; therefore, it is sometimes called Chinese Spinach. So far, the activity of the plant has not been associated with the presence of specific compounds. Three cultivars of Amaranthus tricolor L. were investigated for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The correlation between the bioactivity and metabolite profiles was investigated in order to indicate active compounds in A. tricolor. The phytochemical profile of a total of nine extracts was studied by HPLC-DAD-ESI/HRMS, revealing the presence of 52 compounds. The highest antioxidant activity was noticed in the Red cultivar (0.06 mmol TE/g DE (Trolox Equivalent/Dry Extract Weight) and was related to the presence of amino acids, flavonoids and phenolic acids, as well as individual compounds such as tuberonic acid hexoside. All studied extracts revealed antimicrobial activity. Gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible to N-(carboxyacetyl) phenylalanine, phenylalanine, tuberonic acid and succinic acid and Gram-negative bacteria to dopa, tryptophan, norleucine, tuberonic acid hexoside, quercetin-O-hexoside, luteolin-O-rhamnosylhexoside, luteolin-6-C-hexoside succinic acid, gallic acid-O-hexoside, dihydroxybenzoic acid and hydroxybenzoic acid. Maleic acid showed promising antifungal activity. In summary, A. tricolor is a good source of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds.
Synthesis of Enantiomerically Enriched Protected 2-Amino-, 2,3-Diamino- and 2-Amino-3-Hydroxypropylphosphonates
Authors: Trocha Aleksandra , Piotrowska Dorota G. , Głowacka Iwona E.
Published: February 2023

Simple and efficient strategies for the syntheses of enantiomerically enriched functionalized diethyl 2-amino-, 2,3-diamino- and 2-amino-3-hydroxypropylphosphonates have been developed starting from, respectively, N-protected (aziridin-2-yl)methylphosphonates, employing a regioselective aziridine ring-opening reaction with corresponding nucleophiles. Diethyl (R)- and (S)-2-(N-Boc-amino)propylphosphonates were obtained via direct regiospecific hydrogenolysis of the respective enantiomer of (R)- and (S)-N-Boc-(aziridin-2-yl)methylphosphonates. N-Boc-protected (R)- and (S)-2,3-diaminopropylphosphonates were synthesized from (R)- and (S)-N-Bn-(aziridin-2-yl)methylphosphonates via a regiospecific ring-opening reaction with neat trimethylsilyl azide and subsequent reduction of (R)- and (S)-2-(N-Boc-amino)-3-azidopropylphosphonates using triphenylphosphine. On the other hand, treatment of the corresponding (R)- and (S)-N-Bn-(aziridin-2-yl)methylphosphonates with glacial acetic acid led regiospecifically to the formation of (R)- and (S)-2-(N-Bn-amino)-3-acetoxypropylphosphonates.
Synthesis: Molecular Structure, Thermal-Calorimetric and Computational Analyses, of Three New Amine Borane Adducts
Authors: Turani-I-Belloto Kevin , Chiriac Rodica , Toche François , Petit Eddy , Yot Pascal G. , Alauzun Johan G. , Demirci Umit B.
Published: February 2023

Cyclopropylamine borane C3H5NH2BH3 (C3AB), 2-ethyl-1-hexylamine borane CH3(CH2)3CH(C2H5)CH2NH2BH3 (C2C6AB) and didodecylamine borane (C12H25)2NHBH3 ((C12)2AB) are three new amine borane adducts (ABAs). They are synthesized by reaction of the corresponding amines with a borane complex, the reaction being exothermic as shown by Calvet calorimetry. The successful synthesis of each has been demonstrated by FTIR, Raman and NMR. For instance, the 11B NMR spectra show the presence of signals typical of the NBH3 environment, thereby implying the formation of B–N bonds. The occurrence of dihydrogen bonds (DHBs) for each of the ABAs has been highlighted by DSC and FTIR, and supported by DFT calculations (via the Mulliken charges for example). When heated, the three ABAs behave differently: C3AB and C2C6AB decompose from 68 to 100 °C whereas (C12)2AB is relatively stable up to 173 °C. That means that these ABAs are not appropriate as hydrogen carriers, but the ‘most’ stable (C12)2AB could open perspectives for the synthesis of advanced materials.
Pillararene-Based Supramolecular Polymers for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yan Miaomiao , Zhou Jiong
Published: February 2023

Supramolecular polymers have attracted considerable interest due to their intriguing features and functions. The dynamic reversibility of noncovalent interactions endows supramolecular polymers with tunable physicochemical properties, self-healing, and externally stimulated responses. Among them, pillararene-based supramolecular polymers show great potential for biomedical applications due to their fascinating host–guest interactions and easy modification. Herein, we summarize the state of the art of pillararene-based supramolecular polymers for cancer therapy and illustrate its developmental trend and future perspective.
Interaction between [(η6-p-cym)M(H2O)3]2+ (MII = Ru, Os) or [(η5-Cp*)M(H2O)3]2+ (MIII = Rh, Ir) and Phosphonate Derivatives of Iminodiacetic Acid: A Solution Equilibrium and DFT Study
Authors: Bíró Linda , Tóth Botond , Lihi Norbert , Farkas Etelka , Buglyó Péter
Published: February 2023

The pH-dependent binding strengths and modes of the organometallic [(η6-p-cym)M(H2O)3]2+ (MII = Ru, Os; p-cym = 1-methyl-4-isopropylbenzene) or [(η5-Cp*)M(H2O)3]2+ (MIII = Rh, Ir; Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl anion) cations towards iminodiacetic acid (H2Ida) and its biorelevant mono- and diphosphonate derivatives N-(phosphonomethyl)-glycine (H3IdaP) and iminodi(methylphosphonic acid) (H4Ida2P) was studied in an aqueous solution. The results showed that all three of the ligands form 1:1 complexes via the tridentate (O,N,O) donor set, for which the binding mode was further corroborated by the DFT method. Although with IdaP3− and Ida2P4− in mono- and bis-protonated species, where H+ might also be located at the non-coordinating N atom, the theoretical calculations revealed the protonation of the phosphonate group(s) and the tridentate coordination of the phosphonate ligands. The replacement of one carboxylate in Ida2− by a phosphonate group (IdaP3−) resulted in a significant increase in the stability of the metal complexes; however, this increase vanished with Ida2P4−, which was most likely due to some steric hindrance upon the coordination of the second large phosphonate group to form (5 + 5) joined chelates. In the phosphonate-containing systems, the neutral 1:1 complexes are the major species at pH 7.4 in the millimolar concentration range that is supported by both NMR and ESI-TOF-MS.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from Edible Plants with Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Potential Use as Drugs
Authors: Cuevas-Cianca Sofía Isabel , Romero-Castillo Cristian , Gálvez-Romero José Luis , Juárez Zaida Nelly , Hernández Luis Ricardo
Published: February 2023

Food is our daily companion, performing numerous beneficial functions for our bodies. Many of them can help to alleviate or prevent ailments and diseases. In this review, an extensive bibliographic search is conducted in various databases to update information on unprocessed foods with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can aid in treating diseases such as cancer. The current state of knowledge on inflammatory processes involving some interleukins and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is reviewed. As well as unprocessed foods, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are important factors in cancer development. Many studies are still needed to take full advantage of the food products we use daily.
Review of Ge(GeSn) and InGaAs Avalanche Diodes Operating in the SWIR Spectral Region
Authors: Miao Yuanhao , Lin Hongxiao , Li Ben , Dong Tianyu , He Chuangqi , Du Junhao , Zhao Xuewei , Zhou Ziwei , Su Jiale , Wang He , Dong Yan , Lu Bin , Dong Linpeng , Radamson Henry H.
Published: February 2023

Among photodetectors, avalanche photodiodes (APDs) have an important place due to their excellent sensitivity to light. APDs transform photons into electrons and then multiply the electrons, leading to an amplified photocurrent. APDs are promising for faint light detection owing to this outstanding advantage, which will boost LiDAR applications. Although Si APDs have already been commercialized, their spectral region is very limited in many applications. Therefore, it is urgently demanded that the spectral region APDs be extended to the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) region, which means better atmospheric transmission, a lower solar radiation background, a higher laser eye safety threshold, etc. Up until now, both Ge (GeSn) and InGaAs were employed as the SWIR absorbers. The aim of this review article is to provide a full understanding of Ge(GeSn) and InGaAs for PDs, with a focus on APD operation in the SWIR spectral region, which can be integrated onto the Si platform and is potentially compatible with CMOS technology.
Editorial for Special Issue “Luminescent Colloidal Nanocrystals”
Authors: Litvin Aleksandr P.
Published: February 2023

The field of luminescent colloidal nanocrystals and the numerous nanosystems based on them has recently made a rapid breakthrough from initial basic research to real applications and devices [...]
Experimental Study of As-Cast and Heat-Treated Single-Crystal Ni-Based Superalloy Interface Using TEM
Authors: He Runjun , Li Miao , Han Xiao , Feng Wei , Zhang Hongye , Xie Huimin , Liu Zhanwei
Published: February 2023

The interface plays an important role in determining strength and toughness in multiphase systems and the accurate measurement of the interface structure in single crystal (SX) Ni-based superalloy is also essential. In this work, the γ and γ′ lattice constant, γ/γ′ interface width at dendritic and interdendritic region of casting and solution treatment SX Ni-based superalloy is measured. Various advanced equipment is used to characterize γ/γ′ interface nanostructure. A typical correlation between interface width and γ/γ′ misfit is also summarized. The interface width in the dendritic region of the as-cast sample is larger than that in the interdendritic region. The misfit in the dendritic region is larger than that in the interdendritic region, which has a trend of negative development. There is a common law of the as-cast interdendritic and dendrite interface sample, where the absolute value of the misfit between the two phases is increasing with the phase interface broadening. The comparison of the as-cast and heat-treated interdendritic sample shows that after heat treatment, the phase interface width increases, the misfit decreases, the lattice constant of γ phase increases, and the lattice constant of the γ′ phase decreases. By comparing the as-cast and heat treated dendrites, the absolute value of the misfit of the as-cast dendrite sample is significantly smaller than that of the heat-treated sample, and the misfit increases with the interface broadening. The comparison between interdendritic and dendritic heat-treated samples shows that the absolute value of the misfit between the two phases is smaller than that of the dendritic as-cast samples, and the absolute value of the misfit also increases with the phase interface broadening. In conclusion, property heat treatment can significantly increase the lattice constants of the γ and γ’ phases, reduce the lattice mismatch at the interface of the two phases, and improve the high temperature stability of the alloy. A better understanding of the microstructure of Ni-based single crystal superalloys will provide guidance for the subsequent design of more advanced nickel-based single-crystal superalloys.
In Situ Growth of Ni-MOF Nanorods Array on Ti3C2Tx Nanosheets for Supercapacitive Electrodes
Authors: Li Shengzhao , Wang Yingyi , Li Yue , Xu Jiaqiang , Li Tie , Zhang Ting
Published: February 2023

For the energy supply of smart and portable equipment, high performance supercapacitor electrode materials are drawing more and more concerns. Conductive Ni-MOF is a class of materials with higher conductivity compared with traditional MOFs, but it continues to lack stability. Specifically, MXene (Ti3C2Tx) has been employed as an electrochemical substrate for its high mechanical stability and abundant active sites, which can be combined with MOFs to improve its electrochemical performance. In this paper, a novel Ni-MOF nanorods array/Ti3C2Tx nanocomposite was prepared via a facile hydrothermal reaction, which makes good use of the advantages of conductive Ni-MOF and high strength Ti3C2Tx. The high density forest-like Ni-MOF array in situ grown on the surface of Ti3C2Tx can provide abundant active electrochemical sites and construct a pathway for effective ion transport. The formation of a “Ti-O···Ni” bond accomplished during an in situ growth reaction endows the strong interfacial interaction between Ni-MOF and Ti3C2Tx. As a result, the Ni-MOF/Ti3C2Tx nanocomposite can achieve a high specific capacitance of 497.6 F·g−1 at 0.5 A·g−1 and remain over 66% of the initial capacitance when the current density increases five times. In addition, the influence of the Ti3C2Tx concentration and reaction time on the morphology and performance of the resultant products were also investigated, leading to a good understanding of the formation process of the nanocomposite and the electrochemical mechanism for a supercapacitive reaction.
Special Issue “Dynamics and Processes at Laser-Irradiated Surfaces—A Themed Issue in Honor of the 70th Birthday of Professor Jürgen Reif”
Authors: Costache Florenta , Valette Stéphane , Bonse Jörn
Published: February 2023

The Special Issue “Dynamics and Processes at Laser-irradiated Surfaces” is dedicated to the 70th birthday of Jürgen Reif, retired full professor, former Chair of Experimental Physics II of the Faculty of Physics of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus—Senftenberg in Germany [...]
Multi-Spiral Laser Patterning of Azopolymer Thin Films for Generation of Orbital Angular Momentum Light
Authors: Porfirev Alexey P. , Ivliev Nikolay A. , Fomchenkov Sergey A. , Khonina Svetlana N.
Published: February 2023

Recently, the realization of the spiral mass transfer of matter has attracted the attention of many researchers. Nano- and microstructures fabricated with such mass transfer can be used for the generation of light with non-zero orbital angular momentum (OAM) or the sensing of chiral molecules. In the case of metals and semiconductors, the chirality of formed spiral-shaped microstructures depends on the topological charge (TC) of the illuminating optical vortex (OV) beam. The situation is quite different with polarization-sensitive materials such as azopolymers, azobenzene-containing polymers. Azopolymers show polarization-sensitive mass transfer both at the meso and macro levels and have huge potential in diffractive optics and photonics. Previously, only one-spiral patterns formed in thin azopolymer films using circularly polarized OV beams and double-spiral patterns formed using linearly polarized OV beams have been demonstrated. In these cases, the TC of the used OV beams did not affect the number of formed spirals. In this study, we propose to use two-beam (an OV and a Gaussian beam with a spherical wavefront) interference lithography for realization spiral mass transfer with the desired number of formed spirals. The TC of the OV beam allows for controlling the number of formed spirals. We show the microstructures fabricated by the laser processing of thin azopolymer films can be used for the generation of OAM light at the microscale with the desired TC. The experimentally obtained results are in good agreement with the numerically obtained results and demonstrate the potential of the use of such techniques for the laser material processing of polarization-sensitive materials.
The Effects of Dairy and Plant-Based Liquid Components on Lutein Liberation in Spinach Smoothies
Authors: Neelissen Jan , Leanderson Per , Jonasson Lena , Chung Rosanna W. S.
Published: February 2023

Lutein is a dietary lipophilic compound with anti-inflammatory properties. We have previously shown that dairy fat can improve the lutein content in spinach smoothies. It is, however, unclear whether fat concentrations and fermentation status in dairy products affect lutein liberation in smoothies. Moreover, plant-based milks vary in fat, protein, and fiber content which may affect lutein dissolution. This study aimed to provide translatable information to consumers by comparing lutein liberation in spinach smoothies made with different dairy or plant-based liquids in domestic settings. The smoothies were digested in vitro, and liberated lutein was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). High-fat and medium-fat cow’s milk, as well as coconut milk with and without additives, were found to significantly improve lutein liberation by 36%, 30%, 25%, and 42%, respectively, compared to blending spinach with water alone. Adjustment models suggested that the effects of cow’s milk and coconut milk were derived from fat and protein, respectively. On the other hand, soymilk with and without additives showed significantly reduced lutein liberation by 40% and 61%, respectively. To summarize, only 4 out of 14 tested liquids increased lutein liberation in spinach smoothies. The results highlight the importance of testing food companions for lipophilic active ingredients.
Proteomic Mediators of Overall Cardiovascular Health on All-Cause Mortality
Authors: Tanaka Toshiko , Talegawkar Sameera A. , Jin Yichen , Candia Julián , Fantoni Giovanna , Bandinelli Stefania , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: February 2023

Measures of cardiovascular health (CVH) assessed by a combination of behavioral and biological factors has shown protective associations with all-cause mortality. The mechanisms underlying these associations have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we characterized the plasma proteomics profile of CVH and tested whether specific proteins mediated the associations between CVH and all-cause mortality in participants of the InCHIANTI study. Of the 1301 proteins tested, 92 proteins were associated with CVH (22 positively, 70 negatively). Proteins most strongly associated with CVH included leptin (LEP), fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3), Angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2), and growth-differential factor 15 (GDF15). Of the 92 CVH-associated proteins, 33 proteins significantly mediated the associations between CVH and all-cause mortality, with percent mediation ranging from 5 to 30%. The most significant mediating proteins were GDF15 and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGFBP2). Proteins associated with better CVH were enriched for proteins that reflect the suppression of the complement coagulation and GH/IGF pathways.
Fructose Stimulated Colonic Arginine and Proline Metabolism Dysbiosis, Altered Microbiota and Aggravated Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction in DSS-Induced Colitis Rats
Authors: Song Ge , Gan Qianyun , Qi Wentao , Wang Yong , Xu Meihong , Li Yong
Published: February 2023

The dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota and their metabolites is linked to the occurrence and development of metabolic syndrome. Although fructose has been proven to be associated with worsened mucus in the colon, its mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the relatively low intake of sucrose and fructose in the experimental colitis of Sprague Dawley rats by investigating the microbiome and metabolome. Results showed that sucrose and fructose significantly reduced body weight, colon length and increased inflammation infiltration in colon. Sucrose and fructose worsen colon functions by inhibiting the expression of tight junction (TJ) protein ZO-1 and increasing the level of lipopolysaccharide neoandrographolide (LPS) in plasma, while fructose was more significant. Furthermore, sucrose and fructose significantly changed the composition of gut microbiota characterized by decreasing Adlercreutzia, Leuconostoc, Lactococcus and Oscillospira and increasing Allobaculum and Holdemania along with reducing histidine, phenylalanine, arginine, glycine, aspartic acid, serine, methionine valine, alanine, lysine, isoleucine, leucine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, proline, citrulline, 4-hydroxyproline and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). Metabolome results showed that fructose may aggravate experimental colitis symptoms by inducing amino metabolism dysbiosis in the colon. These findings suggested that fructose worsened colitis by manipulating the crosstalk between gut microbiota and their metabolites.
Fractionated Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (FVMAT) for Oligometastatic Brain Tumor
Authors: Yeh Chi-Yuan , Lai Peng-An , Liu Fang-Hui , He Chin-Chiao
Published: February 2023

Intracranial metastasis is very common in adult cancer patients with an overall incidence of approximately 10–40%. The most common primary tumors responsible for this in adults are lung and breast cancer. Brain metastasis signifies a grave prognosis, with a median survival of 6 to 12 months. They are traditionally managed with palliative care and whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). WBRT was an effective method to control brain metastases, decreasing corticosteroid use to control tumor-associated edema, and potentially improving overall survival; however, WBRT was found to be associated with a serious neurocognitive degeneration, this adverse effect (AE) follows a biphasic pattern beginning with a transient decline in mental functioning at around 4 months post-treatment, slowly leading to an irreversible neurologic impairment from months to years later. Evidence supports that WBRT can cause radiation injury to the hippocampus, which in turn will lead to a decline in neurocognitive function (NCF). Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a relatively new type of image-guided radiotherapy that treats multiple brain metastasis simultaneously and efficiently with less neurocognitive sequelae. Eighteen cancer patients with limited (≤5 brain tumors) or oligometastatic brain tumor were treated with a spatially fractionated VMAT technique for a total dose of 30 Gy in 10 fractions, the patients tolerated the VMAT treatment with no radiation-induced neurologic toxicities after a mean follow-up of 1 year. Local control rate was 84%, and the median survival for these 19 patients was 11.3 months (range: 9.1–22.4 months). In conclusion, the VMAT is a suitable technique that is a safe and effective treatment for brain oligometastases.
Phase Separation: The Robust Modulator of Innate Antiviral Signaling and SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Zheng Yi , Gao Chengjiang
Published: February 2023

SARS-CoV-2 has been a pandemic threat to human health and the worldwide economy, but efficient treatments are still lacking. Type I and III interferons are essential for controlling viral infection, indicating that antiviral innate immune signaling is critical for defense against viral infection. Phase separation, one of the basic molecular processes, governs multiple cellular activities, such as cancer progression, microbial infection, and signaling transduction. Notably, recent studies suggest that phase separation regulates antiviral signaling such as the RLR and cGAS–STING pathways. Moreover, proper phase separation of viral proteins is essential for viral replication and pathogenesis. These observations indicate that phase separation is a critical checkpoint for virus and host interaction. In this study, we summarize the recent advances concerning the regulation of antiviral innate immune signaling and SARS-CoV-2 infection by phase separation. Our review highlights the emerging notion that phase separation is the robust modulator of innate antiviral signaling and viral infection.
Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases Caused by Badnaviruses
Authors: Ishwara Bhat Alangar , Selvarajan Ramasamy , Balasubramanian Velusamy
Published: February 2023

New and emerging plant diseases are caused by different pathogens including viruses that often cause significant crop losses. Badnaviruses are pararetroviruses that contain a single molecule of ds DNA genome of 7 to 9 kb in size and infect a large number of economically important crops such as banana and plantains, black pepper, cacao, citrus, grapevine, pineapple, sugarcane, sweet potato, taro, and yam, causing significant yield losses. Many of the species in the genus have a restricted host range and several of them are known to infect a single crop. Combined infections of different virus species and strains offer conditions that favor the development of new strains via recombination, especially in vegetatively propagated crops. The primary spread of badnaviruses is through vegetative propagating materials while for the secondary spread, they depend on insects such as mealybugs and aphids. Disease emerges as a consequence of the interactions between host and pathogens under favorable environmental conditions. The viral genome of the pararetroviruses is known to be integrated into the chromosome of the host and a few plants with integrants when subjected to different kinds of abiotic stress will give rise to episomal forms of the virus and cause disease. Attempts have been made to develop management strategies for badnaviruses both conventionally and using precision breeding techniques such as genome editing. Until 2016 only 32 badnavirus species infecting different crops were known, but in a span of six years, this number has gone up to 68. The current review highlights the emerging disease problems and management options for badnaviruses infecting economically important crops.
Epidemiology of Ebolaviruses from an Etiological Perspective
Authors: Jain Sahil , Khaiboullina Svetlana , Martynova Ekaterina , Morzunov Sergey , Baranwal Manoj
Published: February 2023

Since the inception of the ebolavirus in 1976, 32 outbreaks have resulted in nearly 15,350 deaths in more than ten countries of the African continent. In the last decade, the largest (2013–2016) and second largest (2018–2020) ebolavirus outbreaks have occurred in West Africa (mainly Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, respectively. The 2013–2016 outbreak indicated an alarming geographical spread of the virus and was the first to qualify as an epidemic. Hence, it is imperative to halt ebolavirus progression and develop effective countermeasures. Despite several research efforts, ebolaviruses’ natural hosts and secondary reservoirs still elude the scientific world. The primary source responsible for infecting the index case is also unknown for most outbreaks. In this review, we summarize the history of ebolavirus outbreaks with a focus on etiology, natural hosts, zoonotic reservoirs, and transmission mechanisms. We also discuss the reasons why the African continent is the most affected region and identify steps to contain this virus.
Ganetespib with Methotrexate Acts Synergistically to Impede NF-κB/p65 Signaling in Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells
Authors: Subaiea Gehad , Rizvi Syed Mohd Danish , Yadav Hemant Kumar Singh , Al Hagbani Turki , Abdallah Marwa Helmy , Khafagy El-Sayed , Gangadharappa Hosahalli Veerabhadrappa , Hussain Talib , Abu Lila Amr Selim
Published: February 2023

Among the various types of cancer, lung cancer accounts for the highest number of fatalities across the globe. A combination of different cancer chemotherapeutics is regarded as an effective strategy for clinical management of different cancers. Ganetespib (GAN) is a well-established hsp90 inhibitor with enhanced pharmacological properties in comparison with its first-generation counterparts. Previous preclinical studies have shown that GAN exerts significant effects against cancer cells; however, its therapeutic effects against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells, achieved by modulating the expression of the NF-κB/p65 signaling pathway, remains unexplored. In this study, the combinatorial effect of GAN and methotrexate (MTX) against lung carcinomas was investigated through both in silico and in vitro studies. A combinatorial treatment regimen of GAN/MTX exerted more significant cytotoxic effects (p < 0.001) against A549 cells than individual treatments. The GAN/MTX combination also instigated nuclear fragmentation followed by augmentation in intracellular ROS levels (p < 0.001). The elevated ROS in A549 cells upon exposure to GAN/MTX combinatorial regimen was concomitantly accompanied with a remarkable reduction in mitochondrial viability. In addition, it was observed that the GAN/MTX combination succeeded in elevating caspase-3 activity and downregulating the expression levels of anti-apoptotic mediators Bcl2 and survivin in NSCLC A549 cells. Most importantly, the GAN/MTX combinatorial regimen impeded the activation of the NF-kB/p65 signaling pathway via repression of the expression of E-cadherin and N-cadherin, which was confirmed by molecular docking studies. Collectively, these findings demonstrated the synergistic effect of the GAN/MTX combinatorial regimen in suppressing the growth of A549 cells by modulating the NF-κB/p65 signaling pathway.
P2Y12 Inhibitor Monotherapy versus Conventional Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Feng Wen-Han , Chang Yong-Chieh , Lin Yi-Hsiung , Chen Hsiao-Ling , Chen Chun-Yin , Lin Tsung-Han , Lin Tzu-Chieh , Chang Ching-Tang , Kuo Hsuan-Fu , Chang Hsiu-Mei , Chu Chih-Sheng
Published: February 2023

P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy is a feasible alternative treatment for patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the modern era. Clinical trials have shown that it could lower the risk of bleeding complications without increased ischemic events as compared to standard dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). However, the efficacy and safety of this novel approach among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are controversial because they have a much higher risk for recurrent ischemic events. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this novel approach among patients with ACS. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy with 12-month DAPT in ACS patients who underwent PCI with stent implantation. PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library database, ClinicalTrials.gov, and other three websites were searched for data from the earliest report to July 2022. The primary efficacy outcome was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, or stroke. The primary safety outcome was major or minor bleeding events. The secondary endpoint was net adverse clinical events (NACE), defined as a composite of major bleeding and adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events. Five randomized controlled trials with a total of 21,034 patients were included in our meta-analysis. The quantitative analysis showed a significant reduction in major or minor bleeding events in patients treated with P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy as compared with standard DAPT(OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.46–0.75, p < 0.0001) without increasing the risk of MACCE (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.86–1.13, p = 0.82). The NACE was favorable in the patients treated with P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.73–0.93, p = 0.002). Of note, the overall clinical benefit of P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy was quite different between ticagrelor and clopidogrel. The incidence of NACE was significantly lower in ticagrelor monotherapy as compared with DAPT (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68–0.91), but not in clopidogrel monotherapy (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.79–1.63). Both clopidogrel and ticagrelor monotherapy showed a similar reduction in bleeding complications (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.22–0.94; OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.44–0.83, respectively). Although statistically insignificant, the incidence of MACCE was numerically higher in clopidogrel monotherapy as compared with standard DAPT (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 0.99–2.28, p = 0.06). Based on these findings, P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy with ticagrelor would be a better choice of medical treatment for ACS patients after PCI with stent implantation in the current era.
Potential of Copper and Copper Compounds for Anticancer Applications
Authors: Ji Peng , Wang Peng , Chen Hao , Xu Yajing , Ge Jianwen , Tian Zechong , Yan Zhirong
Published: February 2023

Inducing cancer cell death has always been a research hotspot in life sciences. With the continuous deepening and diversification of related research, the potential value of metal elements in inducing cell death has been explored. Taking iron as an example, ferroptosis, mainly characterized by increasing iron load and driving the production of large amounts of lipid peroxides and eventually leading to cell death, has recently attracted great interest in the cancer research community. After iron, copper, a trace element, has received extensive attention in cell death, especially in inducing tumor cell death. Copper and its complexes can induce autophagy or apoptosis in tumor cells through a variety of different mechanisms of action (activation of stress pathways, arrest of cell cycle, inhibition of angiogenesis, cuproptosis, and paraptosis), which are promising in cancer therapy and have become new hotspots in cancer treatment research. This article reviews the main mechanisms and potential applications of novel copper and copper compound-induced cell death, focusing on copper compounds and their anticancer applications.
Recent Advances in Cancer Immunotherapy Delivery Modalities
Authors: Muthukutty Palaniyandi , Woo Hyun , Ragothaman Murali , Yoo So
Published: February 2023

Immunotherapy is crucial in fighting cancer and achieving successful remission. Many novel strategies have recently developed, but there are still some obstacles to overcome before we can effectively attack the cancer cells and decimate the cancer environment by inducing a cascade of immune responses. To successfully demonstrate antitumor activity, immune cells must be delivered to cancer cells and exposed to the immune system. Such cutting-edge technology necessitates meticulously designed delivery methods with no loss or superior homing onto cancer environments, as well as high therapeutic efficacy and fewer adverse events. In this paper, we discuss recent advances in cancer immunotherapy delivery techniques, as well as their future prospects.
The Effect of Wool Mulch on Plant Development in the Context of the Physical and Biological Conditions in Soil
Authors: Juhos Katalin , Papdi Enikő , Kovács Flórián , Vasileiadis Vasileios P. , Veres Andrea
Published: February 2023

Mulching techniques can comprise a solution that better utilizes precipitation and irrigation water in such a manner that mitigates soil degradation and drought damage; however, there are still gaps in the literature with regard to the effect of the use of mulch materials on the development of plant–soil–microbe interactions. Waste fibers, as alternative biodegradable mulch materials, are becoming increasingly prominent. The effect of wool mulch (WM) on water use efficiency, with regard to pepper seedlings, was investigated in different soil types (sand, clay loam, peat) in a pot experiment. Two semi-field experiments were also set up to investigate the effect of WM–plant interactions on sweet pepper yields, as compared with agro textiles and straw mulches. Soil parameters (moisture, temperature, DHA, β-glucosidase enzymes, permanganate-oxidizable carbon) were measured during the growing season. The effect of WM on yield and biomass was more significant with the less frequent irrigation and the greater water-holding capacity of soils. Microbiological activity was significantly higher in the presence of plants, and because of the water retention of WM, the metabolic products of roots and the more balanced soil temperature were caused by plants. In the sandy soil, the straw mulch had a significantly better effect on microbiological parameters and yields than the agro textiles and WM. In soils with a higher water capacity, WM is a sustainable practice for improving the biological parameters and water use efficiency of soil. The effect of WM on yields cannot solely be explained by the water retention of the mulch; indeed, the development of biological activity and plant–soil–microbe interactions in the soil are also contributing factors.
Lineages as Network: A Study of Chan Genealogy in the Zutang ji 祖堂集 Using Social Network Analysis
Authors: Van Cutsem Laurent
Published: February 2023

This paper attempts to examine the genealogical framework of “lamp records” (denglu 燈錄) of the Chan Buddhist tradition using analytical tools and methods of Historical Social Network Analysis (HSNA) and graph theory. As an exploratory study, the primary objectives are to investigate the possibilities offered by HSNA and visualization tools for research on Chan genealogy in lamp records, explore the benefits of this approach over traditional lineage charts, and reflect on its limitations. The essay focuses on the Chan community portrayed in the Goryeo 高麗 edition of the Zutang ji 祖堂集 (Collection of the Patriarchal Hall; K.1503). It shows that the lineage reportedly stemming from Qingyuan Xingsi 青原行思 (d. ca. 740) and Shitou Xiqian 石頭希遷 (701–791), as well as the branch descending from Tianhuang Daowu 天皇道悟 (748–807) to Xuefeng Yicun 雪峰義存 (822–908) and his successors, play a crucial role within the structure of the Zutang ji’s genealogical network. The study further highlights possible irregularities in lineage claims by contrasting metrics of degree and betweenness centrality with features of the text (e.g., number of hagiographic entries, length of the entries).
Predictors of Religiosity among US Prisoners
Authors: Meade Benjamin
Published: February 2023

Criminological research on religiosity among prisoners has focused on the effects of or outcomes associated with religiosity. Studies have discovered that faith-based programs can reduce recidivism and that religiosity facilitates adaptation to imprisonment and is associated with reductions in serious misconducts. Criminologists have yet to examine the predictors of religiosity among prisoners. In this study, I examine individual- and facility-level predictors of inmate religiosity to uncover the relationship between individual demographic and criminal justice characteristics and religiosity among prisoners. I use national data sets, the Survey of Inmates in State Correctional Facilities and the Census of State Correctional Facilities, and multilevel modeling techniques to examine these relationships. Findings at the individual level indicate that the same factors that are important influences on religiosity in the general population are also significant predictor of religiosity among prisoners, and that the criminal justice/criminal history characteristics of prisoners are also important influences on religiosity. At the facility level, prisons in the Southern region of the US had the highest rates of religiosity among prisoners.
Fostering Tolerance and Respect for Diversity through the Fundamentals of Islamic Education
Authors: Aderibigbe Semiyu Adejare , Idriz Mesut , Alzouebi Khadeegha , AlOthman Hussain , Hamdi Wafa Barhoumi , Companioni Assad Asil
Published: February 2023

Societies are getting more diverse, with social issues increasing, necessitating the need to intensify efforts to promote tolerance and respect for diversity. In this study, we report the approach employed to redesign and evaluate a general education course to enhance students’ knowledge of tolerance and respect for diversity, drawing on Islamic values in the United Arab Emirates. In collecting and analyzing data for the study, we adopted a qualitative approach to explore students’ nuanced and reflective understanding and application of the key concepts taught in the course. We retrieved and thematically analyzed 40 transcripts from sixty-nine students’ reflective assignments. Our results indicate that students see the education process based on Islamic principles as a socialization means for shaping human life, caring for others, demonstrating compassion, and sharing knowledge, as essential to fostering tolerance. Drawing on our findings, we recommend carefully redesigning courses to strengthen students’ knowledge of tolerance and respect for diversity using the authentic learning approach. This includes engaging them in activities to link class tasks to real-life contexts, providing them with safe learning spaces, and encouraging them to learn with peers from different backgrounds.
Two-Branch Convolutional Neural Network with Polarized Full Attention for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Ge Haimiao , Wang Liguo , Liu Moqi , Zhu Yuexia , Zhao Xiaoyu , Pan Haizhu , Liu Yanzhong
Published: February 2023

In recent years, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been introduced for pixel-wise hyperspectral image (HSI) classification tasks. However, some problems of the CNNs are still insufficiently addressed, such as the receptive field problem, small sample problem, and feature fusion problem. To tackle the above problems, we proposed a two-branch convolutional neural network with a polarized full attention mechanism for HSI classification. In the proposed network, two-branch CNNs are implemented to efficiently extract the spectral and spatial features, respectively. The kernel sizes of the convolutional layers are simplified to reduce the complexity of the network. This approach can make the network easier to be trained and fit the network to small sample size conditions. The one-shot connection technique is applied to improve the efficiency of feature extraction. An improved full attention block, named polarized full attention, is exploited to fuse the feature maps and provide global contextual information. Experimental results on several public HSI datasets confirm the effectiveness of the proposed network.