bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atopic Dermatitis: Clinical Aspects and Unmet Needs
Authors: Lobefaro Fabio , Gualdi Giulio , Di Nuzzo Sergio , Amerio Paolo
Published: November 2022

Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic-relapsing, inflammatory and itchy eczematous skin disorder which occurs in both children and adults. AD pathogenesis is complex and several factors are implicated. Pruritus plays a pivotal role in disease’s burden, significantly worsening atopic patient quality of life by limiting productivity and daily activities. AD diagnosis relies still on the experience of the healthcare professional and there are several unmet needs as for the diagnostic criteria, the management and the recognition of the burden of the disease. In this paper we present an indeep focus on the main clinical features of AD and the major unmet needs that should be addressed in the next research.
Angiotensin II Modulates Calcium/Phosphate Excretion in Experimental Model of Hypertension: Focus on Bone
Authors: Castoldi Giovanna , Carletti Raffaella , Ippolito Silvia , Villa Isabella , Palmisano Biagio , Bolamperti Simona , Rubinacci Alessandro , Zerbini Gianpaolo , Meani Michela , Zatti Giovanni , di Gioia Cira R. T.
Published: November 2022

A link between hypertension and long-term bone health has been suggested. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic angiotensin II administration on urinary calcium/phosphate excretion, bone mineral density, bone remodeling and osteoblast population in a well-established experimental model of hypertension, in the absence of possible confounding factors that could affect bone metabolism. Male Sprague–Dawley rats, divided in the following groups: (a) Angiotensin II (Ang II, 200 ng/kg/min, osmotic minipumps, sub cutis, n = 8); (b) Ang II+losartan (Los, 50 mg/kg/day, per os, n = 6); (c) control group (physiological saline, sub cutis, n = 9); and (d) control+losartan (n = 6) were treated for four weeks. During the experimental period, 24-hour diuresis, urinary calcium, phosphate and sodium excretion were measured prior to the treatment, at two weeks of treatment, and at the end of the treatment. Systolic blood pressure was measured by plethysmography technique (tail cuff method). At the end of the experimental protocol, the rats were euthanized and peripheral quantitative computed tomography at the proximal metaphysis and at the diaphysis of the tibiae and quantitative bone histomorphometry on distal femora were performed. Angiotensin II-dependent hypertension is associated with increased calcium and phosphate excretion. AT1 receptor blockade prevented the increase of blood pressure and phosphate excretion but did not affect the increase of calcium excretion. These changes took place without significantly affecting bone density, bone histology or osteoblast population. In conclusion, in our experimental conditions, angiotensin II-dependent hypertension gave rise to an increased urinary excretion of calcium and phosphate without affecting bone density.
A Real-Time Detection Method of Hg2+ in Drinking Water via Portable Biosensor: Using a Smartphone as a Low-Cost Micro-Spectrometer to Read the Colorimetric Signals
Authors: Gu Yifan , Jiao Leizi , Cao Fengjing , Liu Xinchao , Zhou Yunhai , Yang Chongshan , Gao Zhen , Zhang Mengjie , Lin Peng , Han Yuxing , Dong Daming
Published: November 2022

This paper reported a real-time detection strategy for Hg2+ inspired by the visible spectrophotometer that used a smartphone as a low-cost micro-spectrometer. In combination with the smartphone’s camera and optical accessories, the phone’s built-in software can process the received light band image and then read out the spectral data in real time. The sensor was also used to detect gold nanoparticles with an LOD of 0.14 μM, which are widely used in colorimetric biosensors. Ultimately, a gold nanoparticles-glutathione (AuNPs-GSH) conjugate was used as a probe to detect Hg2+ in water with an LOD of 1.2 nM and was applied successfully to natural mineral water, pure water, tap water, and river water samples.
The Role of the Inner Nuclear Layer for Perception of Persisting Tiling Inside a Monocular Scotoma
Authors: Gandhewar Rishikesh , Jurkute Neringa , Petzold Axel
Published: November 2022

We report two patients, one with and one without long-term persistent tiling inside an arcuate macular scotoma. In both cases, the scotoma was caused by a cilioretinal artery occlusion. Both patients were almost identical regarding the location and extent of the scotoma. In both cases, there was a comparable degree of atrophy on optical coherence tomography for the retinal nerve fibre, ganglion cell, and inner plexiform layers. The main difference was the preservation of the inner nuclear layer in the patient with persistent tiling. In this patient, optical coherence angiography demonstrates preserved perfusion of the superior vascular plexus, which was not the case in the patient with the negative scotoma who also had atrophy of the inner nuclear layer. Recreational use of cannabinoid enhanced the intensity of perceived tiling in the relative scotoma of the first patient. A review of the literature suggests that the persistent tiling described in our case is different to teichopsias of retinal or cerebral origin. These data suggest that persistent monocular tiling in a scotoma arises from retinal circuit activity that requires the preservation of the inner nuclear layer. Future research should investigate this functional–structural relationship in other diseases, including glaucoma.
The Effect of COVID-19 on Sleep Quality and Mental Health: Adolescents Are More at Risk Than the Elderly
Authors: De Gennaro Luigi , Scarpelli Serena , Gorgoni Maurizio
Published: November 2022

After the appearance of a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) during 2019, the virus has spread with alarming speed and a pandemic quickly developed [...]
Smokers’ Self-Report and Behavioral Reactivity to Combined Personal Smoking Cues (Proximal + Environment + People): A Pilot Study
Authors: Conklin Cynthia A. , Coffman Brian A. , McClernon F. Joseph , Joyce Christopher
Published: November 2022

Cue reactivity (CR) among smokers exposed to smoking-related stimuli, both proximal (e.g., cigarettes, lighter) and distal (environments, people), has been well-demonstrated. Furthermore, past work has shown that combining proximal smoking cues with smoking environment cues increases cue-provoked craving and smoking behavior above that elicited by either cue type alone. In this pilot study, we examined the impact of combining three personal cues, proximal + environment + people, on subjective and behavioral cue reactivity among smokers. To further understand the impact of this method, we also tested reactivity under the conditions of both smoking satiety and deprivation. In addition, we examined the extent to which cue-induced craving predicted immediate subsequent smoking. Fifteen smokers completed six sessions, of which two focused on the intake and development of personal cues and four involved personal cue reactivity sessions: (1) deprived, smoking cue combination, (2) deprived, nonsmoking cue combination, (3) sated, smoking combination, and (4) sated, nonsmoking cue combination. Cue-provoked craving was greater and smokers were quicker to light a cigarette and smoked more during their exposure to smoking rather than nonsmoking cues and in deprived compared to sated conditions, with no interaction between these variables. While deprived, greater cue-provoked craving in response to smoking cues was correlated with a quicker latency to light a cigarette. This work supports the feasibility of presenting three personal smoking-related combinations of cues within a cue reactivity paradigm and highlights the robust reactivity that this methodology can evoke in smokers.
Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Motor Imagery Changes Resting-State EEG Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sawai Shun , Fujikawa Shoya , Ushio Ryu , Tamura Kosuke , Ohsumi Chihiro , Yamamoto Ryosuke , Murata Shin , Nakano Hideki
Published: November 2022

Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation is a novel non-invasive technique for applying repetitive magnetic stimulation to the peripheral nerves and muscles. Contrarily, a person imagines that he/she is exercising during motor imagery. Resting-state electroencephalography can evaluate the ability of motor imagery; however, the effects of motor imagery and repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation on resting-state electroencephalography are unknown. We examined the effects of motor imagery and repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation on the vividness of motor imagery and resting-state electroencephalography. The participants were divided into a motor imagery group and motor imagery and repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation group. They performed 60 motor imagery tasks involving wrist dorsiflexion movement. In the motor imagery and repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation group, we applied repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation to the extensor carpi radialis longus muscle during motor imagery. We measured the vividness of motor imagery and resting-state electroencephalography before and after the task. Both groups displayed a significant increase in the vividness of motor imagery. The motor imagery and repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation group exhibited increased β activity in the anterior cingulate cortex by source localization for electroencephalography. Hence, combined motor imagery and repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation changes the resting-state electroencephalography activity and may promote motor imagery.
Relationships of Motor Changes with Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric Features in FMR1 Male Carriers Affected with Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome
Authors: Hocking Darren R. , Loesch Danuta Z. , Stimpson Paige , Tassone Flora , Atkinson Anna , Storey Elsdon
Published: November 2022

The premutation expansion of the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene on the X chromosome has been linked to a range of clinical and subclinical features. Nearly half of men with FMR1 premutation develop a neurodegenerative disorder; Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS). In this syndrome, cognitive executive decline and psychiatric changes may co-occur with major motor features, and in this study, we explored the interrelationships between these three domains in a sample of adult males affected with FXTAS. A sample of 23 adult males aged between 48 and 80 years (mean = 62.3; SD = 8.8), carrying premutation expansions between 45 and 118 CGG repeats, and affected with FXTAS, were included in this study. We employed a battery of cognitive assessments, two standard motor rating scales, and two self-reported measures of psychiatric symptoms. When controlling for age and/or educational level, where appropriate, there were highly significant correlations between motor rating score for ICARS gait domain, and the scores representing global cognitive decline (ACE-III), processing speed (SDMT), immediate memory (Digit Span), and depression and anxiety scores derived from both SCL90 and DASS instruments. Remarkably, close relationships of UPDRS scores, representing the contribution of Parkinsonism to FXTAS phenotypes, were exclusive to psychiatric scores. Highly significant relationships between CGG repeat size and most scores for three phenotypic domains suggest a close tracking with genetic liability. These findings of relationships between a constellation of phenotypic domains in male PM carriers with FXTAS are reminiscent of other conditions associated with disruption to cerebro-cerebellar circuits.
Dynamics of Team Learning Behaviours: The Effect of Time and Team Culture
Authors: Pinheiro Margarida , Rebelo Teresa , Lourenço Paulo Renato , de Sousa Bruno , Dimas Isabel
Published: November 2022

This research study focused on team learning behaviours, particularly the extent to which teams use learning behaviours over time, as well as the influence of different team cultures on learning behaviours over time. Data from 33 university project teams were collected longitudinally at three moments (beginning, halfway point, and end of the project) and the analysis was conducted through growth modelling. A linear relationship between time and team learning through experimenting behaviour was found, suggesting that experimenting behaviour tends to increase over time in project teams. Moreover, the early development of team cultures that promote mutual understanding and good interpersonal relationships, the accomplishment of objectives, flexibility, and the search for alternative ways to perform tasks/problem solving are conducive to experimenting behaviours from the beginning of the teamwork. This study highlights the relevance of the temporal dynamics of team learning behaviours and their interaction with team culture.
The Role of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and Its Ligands in Breast Cancer
Authors: Safe Stephen , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2022

Breast cancer is a complex disease which is defined by numerous cellular and molecular markers that can be used to develop more targeted and successful therapies. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is overexpressed in many breast tumor sub-types, including estrogen receptor -positive (ER+) tumors; however, the prognostic value of the AhR for breast cancer patient survival is not consistent between studies. Moreover, the functional role of the AhR in various breast cancer cell lines is also variable and exhibits both tumor promoter- and tumor suppressor- like activity and the AhR is expressed in both ER-positive and ER-negative cells/tumors. There is strong evidence demonstrating inhibitory AhR-Rα crosstalk where various AhR ligands induce ER degradation. It has also been reported that different structural classes of AhR ligands, including halogenated aromatics, polynuclear aromatics, synthetic drugs and other pharmaceuticals, health promoting phytochemical-derived natural products and endogenous AhR-active compounds inhibit one or more of breast cancer cell proliferation, survival, migration/invasion, and metastasis. AhR–dependent mechanisms for the inhibition of breast cancer by AhR agonists are variable and include the downregulation of multiple genes/gene products such as CXCR4, MMPs, CXCL12, SOX4 and the modulation of microRNA levels. Some AhR ligands, such as aminoflavone, have been investigated in clinical trials for their anticancer activity against breast cancer. In contrast, several publications have reported that AhR agonists and antagonists enhance and inhibit mammary carcinogenesis, respectively, and differences between the anticancer activities of AhR agonists in breast cancer may be due in part to cell context and ligand structure. However, there are reports showing that the same AhR ligand in the same breast cancer cell line gives opposite results. These differences need to be resolved in order to further develop and take advantage of promising agents that inhibit mammary carcinogenesis by targeting the AhR.
The Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) D16F7 Monoclonal Antibody Inhibits Melanoma Adhesion to Soluble VEGFR-1 and Tissue Invasion in Response to Placenta Growth Factor
Authors: Atzori Maria Grazia , Ceci Claudia , Ruffini Federica , Scimeca Manuel , Cicconi Rosella , Mattei Maurizio , Lacal Pedro Miguel , Graziani Grazia
Published: November 2022

Placenta growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family involved in tumor-associated angiogenesis and melanoma invasion of the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) through activation of membrane VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR-1). A soluble VEGFR-1 (sVEGFR-1) form is released in the ECM, where it sequesters proangiogenic factors and stimulates endothelial or tumor cell adhesion and chemotaxis through interaction with α5β1 integrin. The anti-VEGFR-1 monoclonal antibody (D16F7 mAb) inhibits VEGF-A or PlGF-mediated signal transduction without affecting ligand interaction, thus preserving sVEGFR-1 decoy function. The aim of this study was to investigate whether D16F7 mAb hampers melanoma spread by in vitro analysis of cell adhesion to sVEGFR-1, ECM invasion, transmigration through an endothelial cell monolayer and in vivo evaluation of tumor infiltrative potential in a syngeneic murine model. Results indicate that D16F7 mAb significantly inhibits melanoma adhesion to sVEGFR-1 and ECM invasion, as well as transmigration in response to PlGF. Moreover, treatment of melanoma-bearing mice with the anti-VEGFR-1 mAb not only inhibits tumor growth but also induces a significant reduction in bone infiltration associated with a decrease in PlGF-positive melanoma cells. Furthermore, D16F7 mAb reduces PlGF production by melanoma cells. Therefore, blockade of PLGF/VEGFR-1 signaling represents a suitable strategy to counteract the metastatic potential of melanoma.
Gallbladder Cancer: Current Multimodality Treatment Concepts and Future Directions
Authors: Sturm Niklas , Schuhbaur Jasmin Selina , Hüttner Felix , Perkhofer Lukas , Ettrich Thomas Jens
Published: November 2022

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common primary tumor site of biliary tract cancer (BTC), accounting for 0.6% of newly diagnosed cancers and 0.9% of cancer-related deaths. Risk factors, including female sex, age, ethnic background, and chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, have been identified. Surgery is the only curative option for early-stage GBC, but only 10% of patients are primary eligible for curative treatment. After neoadjuvant treatment, up to one-third of locally advanced GBC patients could benefit from secondary surgical treatment. After surgery, only a high-risk subset of patients benefits from adjuvant treatment. For advanced-stage GBC, palliative chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin is the current standard of care in line with other BTCs. After the failure of gemcitabine and cisplatin, data for second-line treatment in non-resectable GBC is poor, and the only recommended chemotherapy regimen is FOLFOX (5-FU/folinic acid and oxaliplatin). Recent advances with the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab open the therapy landscape for immune checkpoint inhibition in GBC. Meanwhile, targeted therapy approaches are a cornerstone of GBC therapy based on molecular profiling and new evidence of molecular differences between different BTC forms and might further improve the prognosis of GBC patients.
Molecular Biomarkers of Malignant Transformation in Head and Neck Dysplasia
Authors: Ranganath Kushi , Feng Allen L. , Franco Ramon A. , Varvares Mark A. , Faquin William C. , Naunheim Matthew R. , Saladi Srinivas Vinod
Published: November 2022

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its treatments are associated with substantial morbidity, often resulting in cosmetic deformity and loss of physiologic functions including speech and swallowing. Despite advancements in treatment, 5-year survival rates for mucosal malignancies remain below 70%. Effective prevention of HNSCC demands an understanding of the molecular pathways of carcinogenesis. Specifically, defining features of pre-cancerous dysplastic lesions that indicate a better or worse prognosis is necessary to help identify patients who are likely to develop a carcinoma and allow a more aggressive approach to management. There remains a need for identification of biomarkers that can provide both early prognostic and predictive value in clinical decision-making by serving as both therapeutic targets as well as predictors of therapy response. Here, we comprehensively review the most frequently altered molecular biomarkers of malignant transformation in head and neck dysplasia. These markers are involved in a wide range of cellular processes in head and neck carcinogenesis, including extracellular matrix degradation, cell motility and invasion, cell–cell adhesion, solute transport, immortalization, metabolism, the cell cycle and apoptosis, transcription, and cell signaling.
Is Regular Radiographic Upper Urinary Tract Imaging for Surveillance of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Justified?
Authors: Bieri Uwe , Kranzbühler Benedikt , Seifert Burkhardt , Helmchen Birgit Maria , Gu Alexander , Kaufmann Basil , Lavrek Dejan , Scherer Thomas , Wettstein Marian S. , Poyet Cédric , Hermanns Thomas
Published: November 2022

Patients with non-muscle invasive (NMI) urothelial bladder cancer (BC) are at increased risk for the development of a secondary upper-urinary-tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). We aimed to assess the usefulness of routine upper-tract imaging surveillance during NMIBC follow-up in a patient cohort of a tertiary academic center. All routine upper-tract-imaging scans using computerized tomography urography (CTU) between 2003 and 2016 were assessed for UTUC detection. A total of 315 patients were analyzed. Initial tumor stage was Ta in 207 patients (65.7%), T1 in 98 patients (31.1%) and pure CIS in 10 patients (3.2%). A total of 149 (47.3%) presented with low-grade (LG), and 166 (52.7%) with high-grade (HG) disease. Median follow-up was 48 months (IQR: 55). Four patients (1.2%) were diagnosed with UTUC during follow-up. All four patients presented with initial Ta HG BC. Two of the patients (50%) were diagnosed by routine upper tract imaging. The other two patients were diagnosed after development of symptoms. The 5- and 10-year UTUC-free survival was 98.5% (standard error (SE) 0.9) and 97.6% (SE 1.3), respectively. UTUCs were detected exclusively in patients with initial HG disease, indicating that upper-tract surveillance might only be necessary in these patients.
Non-Invasive and Real-Time Monitoring of the Breast Cancer Metastasis Degree via Metabolomics
Authors: Zhu Wanfang , Qian Wenxin , Liao Wenting , Huang Xiaoxian , Xu Jiawen , Qu Wei , Xue Jingwei , Feng Feng , Liu Wenyuan , Liu Fulei , Han Lingfei
Published: November 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is a serious threat to women’s health and metastasis is the major cause of BC-associated mortality. Various techniques are currently used to preoperatively describe the metastatic status of tumors, based on which a comprehensive treatment protocol was determined. However, accurately staging a tumor before surgery remains a challenge, which may lead to the miss of optimal treatment options. More severely, the failure to detect and remove occult micrometastases often causes tumor recurrences. There is an urgent need to develop a more precise and non-invasive strategy for the detection of the tumor metastasis in lymph nodes and distant organs. Based on the facts that tumor metastasis is closely related to the primary tumor microenvironment (TME) evolutions and that metabolomics profiling of the circulatory system can precisely reflect subtle changes within TME, we suppose whether metabolomic technology can be used to achieve non-invasive and real-time monitoring of BC metastatic status. In this study, the metastasis status of BC mouse models with different tumor-bearing times was firstly depicted to mimic clinical anatomic TNM staging system. Metabolomic profiling together with metastasis-related changes in TME among tumor-bearing mice with different metastatic status was conducted. A range of differential metabolites reflecting tumor metastatic states were screened and in vivo experiments proved that two main metastasis-driving factors in TME, TGF-β and hypoxia, were closely related to the regular changes of these metabolites. The differential metabolites level changes were also preliminarily confirmed in a limited number of clinical BC samples. Metabolite lysoPC (16:0) was found to be useful for clinical N stage diagnosis and the possible cause of its changes was analyzed by bioinformatics techniques.
Hyperspectral Imaging in Major Hepatectomies: Preliminary Results from the Ex-Machyna Trial
Authors: Felli Emanuele , Cinelli Lorenzo , Bannone Elisa , Giannone Fabio , Muttillo Edoardo Maria , Barberio Manuel , Keller Deborah Susan , Rodríguez-Luna María Rita , Okamoto Nariaki , Collins Toby , Hostettler Alexandre , Schuster Catherine , Mutter Didier , Pessaux Patrick , Marescaux Jacques , Gioux Sylvain , Felli Eric , Diana Michele
Published: November 2022

Ischemia-reperfusion injury during major hepatic resections is associated with high rates of post-operative complications and liver failure. Real-time intra-operative detection of liver dysfunction could provide great insight into clinical outcomes. In the present study, we demonstrate the intra-operative application of a novel optical technology, hyperspectral imaging (HSI), to predict short-term post-operative outcomes after major hepatectomy. We considered fifteen consecutive patients undergoing major hepatic resection for malignant liver lesions from January 2020 to June 2021. HSI measures included tissue water index (TWI), organ hemoglobin index (OHI), tissue oxygenation (StO2%), and near infrared (NIR). Pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative serum and clinical outcomes were collected. NIR values were higher in unhealthy liver tissue (p = 0.003). StO2% negatively correlated with post-operative serum ALT values (r = −0.602), while ΔStO2% positively correlated with ALP (r = 0.594). TWI significantly correlated with post-operative reintervention and OHI with post-operative sepsis and liver failure. In conclusion, the HSI imaging system is accurate and precise in translating from pre-clinical to human studies in this first clinical trial. HSI indices are related to serum and outcome metrics. Further experimental and clinical studies are necessary to determine clinical value of this technology.
Artificial Intelligence for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Rabaan Ali A. , Bakhrebah Muhammed A. , AlSaihati Hajir , Alhumaid Saad , Alsubki Roua A. , Turkistani Safaa A. , Al-Abdulhadi Saleh , Aldawood Yahya , Alsaleh Abdulmonem A. , Alhashem Yousef N. , Almatouq Jenan A. , Alqatari Ahlam A. , Alahmed Hejji E. , Sharbini Dalal A. , Alahmadi Arwa F. , Alsalman Fatimah , Alsayyah Ahmed , Mutair Abbas Al
Published: November 2022

As medical science and technology progress towards the era of “big data”, a multi-dimensional dataset pertaining to medical diagnosis and treatment is becoming accessible for mathematical modelling. However, these datasets are frequently inconsistent, noisy, and often characterized by a significant degree of redundancy. Thus, extensive data processing is widely advised to clean the dataset before feeding it into the mathematical model. In this context, Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, including machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) and their types, are being used to produce a precise and cross-sectional illustration of clinical data. For prostate cancer patients, datasets derived from the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), MRI-guided biopsies, genetic biomarkers, and the Gleason grading are primarily used for diagnosis, risk stratification, and patient monitoring. However, recording diagnoses and further stratifying risks based on such diagnostic data frequently involves much subjectivity. Thus, implementing an AI algorithm on a PC’s diagnostic data can reduce the subjectivity of the process and assist in decision making. In addition, AI is used to cut down the processing time and help with early detection, which provides a superior outcome in critical cases of prostate cancer. Furthermore, this also facilitates offering the service at a lower cost by reducing the amount of human labor. Herein, the prime objective of this review is to provide a deep analysis encompassing the existing AI algorithms that are being deployed in the field of prostate cancer (PC) for diagnosis and treatment. Based on the available literature, AI-powered technology has the potential for extensive growth and penetration in PC diagnosis and treatment to ease and expedite the existing medical process.
Study on Optimum Preparation Conditions of ZnIn2S4 to Effectively Reduce Cr(VI) under Visible Light Radiation
Authors: Song Yali , Zhang Huan , Li Ziyan , Huang Long , Xie Junhao , Han Long , Zheng Ruoying , Zhang Yuqing , Zhang Hongzhong
Published: November 2022

Previous studies have displayed various conclusions about the effect of preparation factors on the photoreduction property of ZnIn2S4. Therefore, it is not easy to figure out the optimal preparation conditions of ZnIn2S4 for Cr(VI) photoreduction. To ensure Cr(VI) reduction efficiency, various ZnIn2S4 photocatalysts were prepared in different solvents (i.e., water and ethylene glycol) and temperatures (i.e., 120 °C, 150 °C and 180°C). Different characterization methods were used to explain the difference in optical performance and photocatalytic property among the obtained samples. The results show that all the samples exhibit a similar band gap. The reaction solvent and temperature have a great influence on the surface morphology and optical property, leading to the different photocatalytic properties. ZnIn2S4 synthesized at 120 °C in the solvothermal condition shows the optimal efficiency on Cr(VI) photoreduction due to the effective utilization of photo-induced carriers. The reasonable analysis and effective conclusion presented may provide the optimal synthesis method of ZnIn2S4 to effectively remove Cr(VI) from water environment.
A Remarkable Photocatalyst Filter for Indoor Air Treatment
Authors: Parasuraman Vijayarohini , Sekar Parasuraman Perumalswamy , Lee Hojae , Sheraz Mahshab , Lee Woo Ram , Park Tae Young , Kim Seungdo
Published: November 2022

A crucial environmental public health risk is air pollution caused by organic contaminants, bio-aerosols, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5–10). A multi-purpose photocatalyst filter with photocatalytic nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (PNT) incorporated into non-woven polymer fibers (NWPF) with wide applications is focused on in detail in this work. Loading of PNT on NWPF is carried out by the simple dip coating method. Para-xylene is selected as the target pollutant for the removal of organic contaminants. Higher removal efficiency of p-xylene (94.2%) is achieved under fluorescent daylight. The filtration efficiency of PNT is also evaluated to capture PM2.5–10, which is increased with higher loading content of PNT. At a high air flow rate, the filtration efficiency of the photocatalyst PNT/NWPF is 97.33%, whereas the efficiency of the pristine NWPF is 91.1%. Moreover, the PNT/NWPF filter exhibits excellent antibacterial activity (99.9%) under visible light irradiation, but the pristine NWPF filter has negligible destruction effects on pathogens. These results clearly indicate that a PNT-coated NWPF filter would be an outstanding multi-purpose material for indoor air purification systems.
Correction: Schiliro, C.; Firestein, B.L. Mechanisms of Metabolic Reprogramming in Cancer Cells Supporting Enhanced Growth and Proliferation. Cells 2021, 10, 1056
Authors: Schiliro Chelsea , Firestein Bonnie L.
Published: November 2022

The authors wish to make the following changes to their paper [...]
Survival Pathways of HIF-Deficient Tumour Cells: TCA Inhibition, Peroxisomal Fatty Acid Oxidation Activation and an AMPK-PGC-1α Hypoxia Sensor
Authors: Golinska Monika A. , Stubbs Marion , Harris Adrian L. , Boros Laszlo G. , Basetti Madhu , McIntyre Dominick J. O. , Griffiths John R.
Published: November 2022

The HIF-1 and HIF-2 (HIF1/2) hypoxia responses are frequently upregulated in cancers, and HIF1/2 inhibitors are being developed as anticancer drugs. How could cancers resist anti-HIF1/2 therapy? We studied metabolic and molecular adaptations of HIF-1β-deficient Hepa-1c4, a hepatoma model lacking HIF1/2 signalling, which mimics a cancer treated by a totally effective anti-HIF1/2 agent. [1,2-13C2]-D-glucose metabolism was measured by SiDMAP metabolic profiling, gene expression by TaqMan, and metabolite concentrations by 1H MRS. HIF-1β-deficient Hepa-1c4 responded to hypoxia by increasing glucose uptake and lactate production. They showed higher glutamate, pyruvate dehydrogenase, citrate shuttle, and malonyl-CoA fluxes than normal Hepa-1 cells, whereas pyruvate carboxylase, TCA, and anaplerotic fluxes decreased. Hypoxic HIF-1β-deficient Hepa-1c4 cells increased expression of PGC-1α, phospho-p38 MAPK, and PPARα, suggesting AMPK pathway activation to survive hypoxia. They had higher intracellular acetate, and secreted more H2O2, suggesting increased peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation. Simultaneously increased fatty acid synthesis and degradation would have “wasted” ATP in Hepa-1c4 cells, thus raising the [AMP]:[ATP] ratio, and further contributing to the upregulation of the AMPK pathway. Since these tumour cells can proliferate without the HIF-1/2 pathways, combinations of HIF1/2 inhibitors with PGC-1α or AMPK inhibitors should be explored.
LTB4R Promotes the Occurrence and Progression of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) by Regulating the AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Wu Huahui , Yan Xin , Ma Jiajun , Chen Zhao
Published: November 2022

ccRCC is highly immunogenic, yet its underlying immune-related molecular mechanisms are unknown. Leukotriene B4 Receptor 1 (LTB4R), a novel immune-related gene associated in our previous research with the prognosis of ccRCC patients, has been found in many cancers; however, its potential mechanism in renal clear carcinoma is unclear. This study was conducted to investigate LTB4R’s action mechanism in renal clear cell carcinoma. First, a CCK8 assay was performed to verify LTB4R’s effect on the proliferation viability of renal clear cell carcinoma cells. Scratch and transwell assays verified LTB4R’s effect on the migration and invasion ability of renal clear cell carcinoma cells. Flow cytometry validated LTB4R’s effect on renal clear cell carcinoma cells’ apoptosis and cell cycle. A Western blot assay was conducted to further investigate LTB4R’s effect on apoptosis, cell cycle, EMT process, and AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in renal clear cell carcinoma at the protein level. In vitro experiments showed that LTB4R knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of renal clear cell carcinoma cells and promoted their apoptosis, whereas LTB4R overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of renal clear cell carcinoma cells and inhibited their apoptosis. In addition, we found that LTB4R regulated the proliferation and apoptosis of renal clear cell carcinoma cells by regulating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway’s phosphorylation process. Furthermore, we verified some of these results using bioinformatic analysis. LTB4R plays an oncogenic role in renal clear cell carcinoma; it is expected to be a molecular target for renal clear cell carcinoma treatment and a predictive biomarker for prognosis.
Phthalocyanine-Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Materials: Mechanism of Sensor Response to Ammonia from Quantum-Chemical Point of View
Authors: Krasnov Pavel , Ivanova Victoria , Klyamer Darya , Fedorov Aleksandr , Basova Tamara
Published: November 2022

Quantum chemical calculations of the geometric and electronic structure of periodic hybrid compounds representing carbon nanotubes (10,0) with zinc phthalocyanine molecules ZnPc-xpy (x = 0, 1, 2, 4) on their surface and their interaction with ammonia were carried out to explain the dependence of the sensor response of the hybrid materials to ammonia on the number of substituents in the ZnPc-xpy macrocycle and to clarify the nature of the interaction between ammonia and phthalocyanine molecules. It was found that the key feature of these materials, which determines their sensor response toward ammonia, is the presence of an impurity band in the band gap of a carbon nanotube, formed by the orbitals of macrocycle atoms. When ammonia adsorbs through the formation of hydrogen bonds with the side atoms of phthalocyanine, the energy of this impurity band decreases. As a consequence, the electron population of the conduction band and, accordingly, the electrical conductivity of the hybrid materials become lower. Moreover, with an increase in the number of oxypyrene substituents in ZnPc-xpy, the interaction energy of ammonia increases and, as a result, the decrease in the energy of the impurity band becomes higher. These facts may explain recent experimental measurements of the parameters of the sensor response of similar hybrid materials to ammonia, where, in particular, it was shown that the sensor response is reversible, and its value increases with an increase in the number of oxypyrene substituents in the phthalocyanine macrocycle.
Porphyrin Hetero-Trimer Involving a Hydrophilic and a Hydrophobic Structure with Application in the Fluorescent Detection of Toluidine Blue
Authors: Lascu Anca , Epuran Camelia , Fratilescu Ion , Birdeanu Mihaela , Halip Liliana , Fagadar-Cosma Eugenia
Published: November 2022

The combination of a metallated porphyrin, Pt(II)-5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-allyloxyphenyl)-porphyrin (Pt-allyloxyPP), and a water-soluble porphyrin, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)-porphyrin (TSPP), leads to the formation of a porphyrin hetero-trimer. The hetero-trimer, consisting of two TSPP molecules linked via oxygen atoms axially to the platinum atom in the Pt-allyloxyPP molecule, was characterized by UV–Vis, FT-IR, fluorescence, and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, and the proposed structure was confirmed. The new porphyrin hetero-trimer offers both the advantage of enhanced fluorescence and the presence of multiple sites for the detection of toluidine blue, due to its high affinity for acidic binding sites. This work brings attention to the purposely designed fluorescent sensor for toluidine blue, in the biologically relevant concentration domain of 1.9 × 10−6–6.39 × 10−5 M, with a very good accuracy.
Men Are from Quartile One, Women Are from? Relative Age Effect in European Soccer and the Influence of Age, Success, and Playing Status
Authors: Andrew Matthew , Finnegan Laura , Datson Naomi , Dugdale James H.
Published: November 2022

The relative age effect (RAE) is characterised by an overrepresentation of athletes born earlier in the selection year. Whilst an RAE is consistently evident in male soccer, examinations in female players remain limited. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of sex, as well as age, success, and playing status in European soccer players. The sample consisted of a total of 6546 soccer players from 55 soccer nations that competed in recent European Championship qualification campaigns. Results indicated an evident RAE in male [p = 0.017] but not female [p = 0.765] players. Male players were over-represented by players born in the first quartile for the U17 [p < 0.001] and U19 [p = 0.001] levels, however, this over-representation did not transfer to senior levels. No RAE was observed at any level for female players. Inside each age group, a slight selection bias towards those born in the first quartile for successful squads was observed but did not significantly differentiate between qualification status for either male or female players. Results from this study highlight the disparity in RAE prevalence between male and female players and raise further questions regarding the value of selecting relatively older players to metrics of success, transition, and selection for senior international soccer.
A Visual Analytics Pipeline for the Identification and Exploration of Extreme Weather Events from Social Media Data
Authors: Styve Lise , Navarra Carlo , Petersen Julie Maria , Neset Tina-Simone , Vrotsou Katerina
Published: November 2022

Extreme weather events are expected to increase in frequency and intensity due to global warming. During disaster events, up-to-date relevant information is crucial for early detection and response. Recently, Twitter emerged as a potentially important source of volunteered geographic information of key value for global monitoring systems and increasing situational awareness. While research on the use of machine learning approaches to automatically detect disaster events from social media is increasing, the visualization and exploration of the identified events and their contextual data are often neglected. In this paper, we address this gap by proposing a visual analytics pipeline for the identification and flexible exploration of extreme weather events, in particular floods, from Twitter data. The proposed pipeline consists of three main steps: (1) text classification, (2) location extraction, and (3) interactive visualization. We tested and assessed the performances of four classification algorithms for classifying relevant tweets as flood-related, applied an algorithm to assign location information, and introduced a visual interface for exploring their spatial, temporal, and attribute characteristics. To demonstrate our work, we present an example use case where two independent flooding events were identified and explored. The proposed approach has the potential to support real-time monitoring of events by providing data on local impacts collected from citizens and to facilitate the evaluation of extreme weather events to increase adaptive capacity.
Dextrose Prolotherapy for Symptomatic Grade IV Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study of Early and Longer-Term Analgesia and Pain-Specific Cytokine Concentrations
Authors: Topol Gastón Andrés , Pestalardo Ines Guerrero , Reeves Kenneth Dean , Elias Fernando , Steinmetz Neven J. , Cheng An-Lin , Rabago David
Published: November 2022

Background: Neurocytokines may upregulate or downregulate neuropathic pain. We hypothesized that dextrose (D-glucose) injections for therapeutic purposes (dextrose prolotherapy: DPT) in painful knee osteoarthritis (KOA) would favorably affect synovial-fluid neurocytokine concentrations. Methods: Twenty participants with grade IV symptomatic KOA received synovial-fluid aspiration followed by dextrose or simulated dextrose injections, followed by the reverse after one week. All participants then received open-label dextrose injections monthly for 6 months, with serial assessments of walking pain at 20 min for 9 months, as well as synovial-neurocytokine-concentration measurements (calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P (SP), and neuropeptide Y (NPY)) at one week and three months. Results: Clinically important analgesia was observed at 20 min and for 9 months post dextrose injection. One -week synovial-fluid SP concentration rose by 111% (p = 0.028 within groups and p = 0.07 between groups) in the dextrose-injected knees compared to synovial-fluid aspiration only. Three-month synovial-fluid NPY concentration dropped substantially (65%; p < 0.001) after open-label dextrose injection in all knees. Conclusions: Prompt and medium-term analgesia after intra-articular dextrose injection in KOA was accompanied by potentially favorable changes in synovial-fluid neurocytokines SP and NPY, respectively, although these changes were isolated. Including neurocytokines in future assessments of DPT to elucidate mechanisms of action is recommended.
Facile Synthesis of Ti/TiN/TiON/TiO2 Composite Particles for Plasmon-Enhanced Solar Photocatalytic Decomposition of Methylene Blue
Authors: Muslimov Arsen , Orudzhev Farid , Gadzhiev Makhach , Selimov Daud , Tyuftyaev Alexandr , Kanevsky Vladimir
Published: November 2022

The present work studies the interrelation of the structural-phase composition and morphology of composite Ti/TiN/TiON/TiO2 microparticles with their catalytic properties under UV, visible, and solar light irradiation. An efficient method for the synthesis of composite Ti/TiN/TiON/TiO2 microparticles is proposed. The method uses the effect of low-temperature nitrogen plasma of an electric arc in an open atmosphere on titanium microparticles. Photocatalytic activity of fabricated composite microparticles under visible and sunlight irradiation is demonstrated. The mechanism of photocatalysis is proposed.
Effect of Nitrogen Flow Rate on Microstructure and Optical Properties of Ta2O5 Coatings
Authors: Chao Rui , Cai Haichao , Li Hang , Xue Yujun
Published: November 2022

Ta2O5 coatings were prepared on highly transparent quartz glass and silicon wafer substrates using RF magnetron sputtering technology. Different flow rates (10%, 15%, and 20%) of N2 were introduced during the sputtering process while keeping the total sputtering gas flow rate constant at 40 sccm. The effects of N2 flow rate on the phase structure, micro-morphology, elemental composition, and optical properties of Ta2O5 coatings were investigated. The coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), electron energy spectroscopy (EDS), and spectrophotometry. The results show that the phase composition of the coating is an amorphous structure when the sputtering gases are pure argon and nitrogen-argon mixed gases, respectively. The coating after the passage of N2 is mainly composed of Ta, N, and O, which confirms that the deposited coating is a composite coating of Ta oxide and nitride. The EDS spectrum indicates that the ratio of O to Ta atoms in the composite coating is greater than the stoichiometric value of 2.5. It may be related to the deposition rate of Ta atoms during the preparation process. The optical properties show that the average transmittance of the composite coating is greater than 75% and the maximum light transmission is 78.03%. The transmittance in the visible range of Ta2O5 coatings prepared under nitrogen-argon mixed gas sputtering conditions is greater than that of those prepared under pure argon sputtering conditions. Finally, the coatings optical direct band gap Edg and indirect band gap Eig are obtained.
A Smart Anticorrosive Epoxy Coating Based on Graphene Oxide/Functional Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Controlled Release of Corrosion Inhibitors
Authors: Liu Zheng , Zhang Biao , Yu Hao , Zhang Zhicai , Jiang Wenjuan , Ma Zengsheng
Published: November 2022

When mesoporous nanomaterials and graphene oxide have been used in anti-corrosion coatings, new nanocoatings have attracted greater attention. Adding nano-fillers with special structures and corrosion inhibitors to epoxy coatings has been proven to effectively enhance the corrosion resistance of coatings. However, studies have pointed out that the added corrosion inhibitors are easily degraded by UV light and react with the metal substrate or materials in the coating, resulting in a significant reduction in the service life of the coating. To this end, in this study, the corrosion inhibitor was encapsulated in mesoporous silica with pH response, and the functional silica was composited with graphene oxide to prepare novel graphene oxide/functional mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Coatings with this special filler added have strong anti-corrosion potential and can be applied in marine anti-corrosion contexts, such as containers, in the future. The filler not only has a physical barrier ability but also can effectively prevent the degradation of the inhibitor due to ultraviolet rays. At the same time, in the early stage of corrosion, the release of inhibitors can be effectively controlled by the change in PH to achieve the purpose of preventing corrosion. UV spectrophotometry confirmed the stable encapsulation and controlled release of the inhibitor. Electrochemical-impedance spectroscopy showed that the |Z|0.01 Hz value of the smart anti-corrosion epoxy coating was about 10,000 times higher than that of the pure epoxy coating. Through the FT-IR mapping test, it was found that in the area of mechanical damage, the alkaline environment created by the initial corrosion can induce the release of tannic acid and react with common corrosion products to form iron tannins, which effectively inhibits the further occurrence of corrosion. This method provides an effective method for the design of heavy-duty anti-corrosion coatings.