bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the Performances of a Mortar for 3D Printing by Mineral Modifiers
Authors: Lesovik Valery , Tolstoy Aleksandr , Fediuk Roman , Amran Mugahed , Ali Mujahid , de Azevedo Afonso R. G.
Published: August 2022

Erection of buildings using 3D printing has great potential. However, its mass use for high-rise buildings is hampered by the lack of cement mortars with the required technical characteristics, the most important of which is high plastic strength (in the first minutes after pouring). The significance of the work (novelty) lies in the creation of a composite binder using a mineral modifier obtained by joint grinding up to 500 m2/kg of bentonite clay, chalk, and sand. A comprehensive study of the developed mortars was carried out from the standpoint of the necessary characteristics for volumetric concreting of high-rise thin-walled buildings. A composite binder for high-strength composites (compressive strength up to 70 MPa) has been obtained, which can provide effective mortars for 3D-additive high-rise construction technologies. The influence of the genetic characteristics of the modifier components on the properties of the composite binder has been established. The hydration process in this system of hardening concrete of the optimal composition proceeds more intensively due to the significantly larger specific surface of the mineral modifier components, which act as an active additive and activators of the crystallization of new growths. It has been proven that the features of mortars of high-strength fine-grained composites for 3D-additive technologies of high-rise buildings must meet special properties, such the rheotechnological index and the bearing capacity of the freshly formed layer (plastic strength or dimensional stability). Compared with a conventional mortar, the plastic strength of the developed one increases much faster (in 15 min, it is 762.2 kPa, in contrast to 133.0 kPa for the control composition). Thus, the strength remains sufficient for 3D printing of high-rise buildings and structures.
Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibition as a Promising Approach for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy
Authors: Paturel Alexia , Hall Janet , Chemin Isabelle
Published: August 2022

Primary liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer in men and seventh in women, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most common form (75–85% of primary liver cancer cases) and the most frequent etiology being viral infections (HBV and HCV). In 2020, mortality represented 92% of the incidence—830,180 deaths for 905,677 new cases. Few treatment options exist for advanced or terminal-stage HCC, which will receive systemic therapy or palliative care. Although radiotherapy is used in the treatment of many cancers, it is currently not the treatment of choice for HCC, except in the palliative setting. However, as radiosensitizing drugs, such as inhibitors of DNA repair enzymes, could potentiate the effects of RT in HCC by exploiting the modulation of DNA repair processes found in this tumour type, RT and such drugs could provide a treatment option for HCC. In this review, we provide an overview of PARP1 involvement in DNA damage repair pathway and discuss its potential implication in HCC. In addition, the use of PARP inhibitors and PARP decoys is described for the treatment of HCC and, in particular, in HBV-related HCC.
Clinical Spectrum and Tumour Risk Analysis in Patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome Due to CDKN1C Pathogenic Variants
Authors: Cardoso Leila Cabral de Almeida , Parra Alejandro , Gil Cristina Ríos , Arias Pedro , Gallego Natalia , Romanelli Valeria , Kantaputra Piranit Nik , Lima Leonardo , Llerena Júnior Juan Clinton , Arberas Claudia , Guillén-Navarro Encarna , Nevado Julián ,   Spanish OverGrowth Registry Initiative, Tenorio-Castano Jair , Lapunzina Pablo
Published: August 2022

Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome spectrum (BWSp) is an overgrowth disorder caused by imprinting or genetic alterations at the 11p15.5 locus. Clinical features include overgrowth, macroglossia, neonatal hypoglycaemia, omphalocele, hemihyperplasia, cleft palate, and increased neoplasm incidence. The most common molecular defect observed is hypomethylation at the imprinting centre 2 (KCNQ1OT1:TSS DMR) in the maternal allele, which accounts for approximately 60% of cases, although CDKN1C pathogenic variants have been reported in 5–10% of patients, with a higher incidence in familial cases. In this study, we examined the clinical and molecular features of all cases of BWSp identified by the Spanish Overgrowth Registry Initiative with pathogenic or likely pathogenic CDKN1C variants, ascertained by Sanger sequencing or next-generation sequencing, with special focus on the neoplasm incidence, given that there is scarce knowledge of this feature in CDKN1C-associated BWSp. In total, we evaluated 21 cases of BWSp with CDKN1C variants; 19 were classified as classical BWS according to the BWSp scoring classification by Brioude et al. One of our patients developed a mediastinal ganglioneuroma. Our study adds evidence that tumour development in patients with BWSp and CDKN1C variants is infrequent, but it is extremely relevant to the patient’s follow-up and supports the high heterogeneity of BWSp clinical features associated with CDKN1C variants.
Local Breast Microbiota: A “New” Player on the Block
Authors: Vitorino Marina , Alpuim Costa Diogo , Vicente Rodrigo , Caleça Telma , Santos Catarina
Published: August 2022

The tumour microenvironment (TME) comprises a complex ecosystem of different cell types, including immune cells, cells of the vasculature and lymphatic system, cancer-associated fibroblasts, pericytes, and adipocytes. Cancer proliferation, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance and immune escape are all influenced by the dynamic interaction between cancer cells and TME. Microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea and protists, found within tumour tissues, constitute the intratumour microbiota, which is tumour type-specific and distinct among patients with different clinical outcomes. Growing evidence reveals a significant relevance of local microbiota in the colon, liver, breast, lung, oral cavity and pancreas carcinogenesis. Moreover, there is a growing interest in the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) pointed out in several cross-sectional studies on the correlation between microbiota and TME. It is now known that microorganisms have the capacity to change the density and function of anticancer and suppressive immune cells, enabling the promotion of an inflammatory environment. As immunotherapy (such as immune checkpoint inhibitors) is becoming a promising therapy using TIME as a therapeutic target, the analysis and comprehension of local microbiota and its modulating strategies can help improve cancer treatments.
The Role of [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT or PET/MRI in Lymphoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Albano Domenico , Dondi Francesco , Bertagna Francesco , Treglia Giorgio
Published: August 2022

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate published data about the role of gallium-68 Pentixafor positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT) or PET/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) in patients affected by lymphoma. A comprehensive computer literature search of the Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Embase databases was conducted including articles indexed up to June 2022. In total, 14 studies or subsets in studies were eligible for inclusion. From the analyses of the selected studies, the following main findings have been found: (1) lymphomas can be considered [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor avid diseases, also in cases of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose [18F]FDG-not avid forms such as lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL); (2) among lymphomas, mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and MZL are those with highest [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor uptake; (3) [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT or PET/MRI is a useful tool for the staging and treatment response evaluation; (4) [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET seems to have a better diagnostic performance than [18F]FDG PET in evaluating lymphomas. Despite several limitations affecting this analysis, especially related to the heterogeneity of the included studies, [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET may be considered a useful imaging method for staging and treatment response evaluation of several lymphomas, especially MZL, CNSL and LPL.
Relationship between Dose Prescription Methods and Local Control Rate in Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Early Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Eriguchi Takahisa , Takeda Atsuya , Nemoto Takafumi , Tsurugai Yuichiro , Sanuki Naoko , Tateishi Yudai , Kibe Yuichi , Akiba Takeshi , Inoue Mari , Nagashima Kengo , Horita Nobuyuki
Published: August 2022

Variations in dose prescription methods in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for early stage non-small-cell lung cancer (ES-NSCLC) make it difficult to properly compare the outcomes of published studies. We conducted a comprehensive search of the published literature to summarize the outcomes by discerning the relationship between local control (LC) and dose prescription sites. We systematically searched PubMed to identify observational studies reporting LC after SBRT for peripheral ES-NSCLC. The correlations between LC and four types of biologically effective doses (BED) were evaluated, which were calculated from nominal, central, and peripheral prescription points and, from those, the average BED. To evaluate information on SBRT for peripheral ES-NSCLC, 188 studies were analyzed. The number of relevant articles increased over time. The use of an inhomogeneity correction was mentioned in less than half of the articles, even among the most recent. To evaluate the relationship between the four BEDs and LC, 33 studies were analyzed. Univariate meta-regression revealed that only the central BED significantly correlated with the 3-year LC of SBRT for ES-NSCLC (p = 0.03). As a limitation, tumor volume, which might affect the results of this study, could not be considered due to a lack of data. In conclusion, the central dose prescription is appropriate for evaluating the correlation between the dose and LC of SBRT for ES-NSCLC. The standardization of SBRT dose prescriptions is desirable.
mHealth Interventions to Promote a Healthy Diet and Physical Activity among Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Lufan , Langlais Crystal S. , Kenfield Stacey A. , Chan June M. , Graff Rebecca E. , Allen Isabel E. , Atreya Chloe E. , Van Blarigan Erin L.
Published: August 2022

Background: Technology-based interventions are increasingly used to improve physical activity (PA) and diet. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to August 2021 that tested mobile health (mHealth) PA and/or dietary interventions among cancer survivors and reported on the feasibility, satisfaction, behavioral change, and/or quality of life (QOL) outcomes. Results: In total, 61 articles were identified on PubMed, and 23 of those met the inclusion criteria. The most common cancers were breast (n = 1000), prostate (n = 713), and colorectal (n = 650). Participants were predominantly White (median: 84%, interquartile range (IQR): 20%) and college-educated (58%). The interventions varied, but the most common combination of components (six studies) was a website/mobile app with an activity tracker and coaching. In terms of duration, 70% (n = 16) of the interventions lasted 12 weeks. The median total tracker wear was 87% of the study days (IQR: 6%) and the median text-message reply rate was 73% (IQR 4%). Most participants (median: 87%; IQR: 16%) were satisfied with at least one intervention component. Eleven out of 18 studies examining behavioral change reported significant between-group differences and six out of 11 studies examining QoL reported significant improvements. Conclusions: mHealth interventions are a promising approach to improving the PA and diets of cancer survivors. Research in racially/ethnically and socioeconomically diverse populations is needed.
Retrospective Cohort Analysis of the Effect of Age on Lymph Node Harvest, Positivity, and Ratio in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lewis Samara L. , Stewart Kenneth E. , Garwe Tabitha , Sarwar Zoona , Morris Katherine T.
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Colon cancer among young patients has increased in incidence and mortality over the past decade. Our objective was to determine if age-related differences exist for total positive nodes (TPN), total lymph node harvest (TLH), and lymph node ratio (LNR). Material and Methods: A retrospective review of stage III surgically resected colorectal cancer patient data in the National Cancer Database (2004–2016) was performed, reviewing TPN, TLH, and LNR (TPN/TLH). Results: Unadjusted analyses suggested significantly higher levels of TLH and TPN (p < 0.0001) in younger patients, while LNR did not differ by age group. On adjusted analysis, TLH remained higher in younger patients (<35 years 1.56 (CI 95 1.54, 1.59)). The age-related effect was less pronounced for LNR (<35 years 1.16 (CI 95 1.13, 1.2)). Conclusion: Younger patients have increased TLH, even after adjusting for known confounders, while age does not have a strong independent impact on LNR.
Lung Cancer in the Course of COPD-Emerging Problems Today
Authors: Uliński Robert , Kwiecień Iwona , Domagała-Kulawik Joanna
Published: August 2022

Tobacco smoking remains the main cause of tobacco-dependent diseases like lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in addition to cardiovascular diseases and other cancers. Whilst the majority of smokers will not develop either COPD or lung cancer, they are closely related diseases, occurring as co-morbidities at a higher rate than if they were independently triggered by smoking. A patient with COPD has a four- to six-fold greater risk of developing lung cancer independent of smoking exposure, when compared to matched smokers with normal lung function. The 10 year risk is about 8.8% in the COPD group and only 2% in patients with normal lung function. COPD is not a uniform disorder: there are different phenotypes. One of them is manifested by the prevalence of emphysema and this is complicated by malignant processes most often. Here, we present and discuss the clinical problems of COPD in patients with lung cancer and against lung cancer in the course of COPD. There are common pathological pathways in both diseases. These are inflammation with participation of macrophages and neutrophils and proteases. It is known that anticancer immune regulation is distorted towards immunosuppression, while in COPD the elements of autoimmunity are described. Cytotoxic T cells, lymphocytes B and regulatory T cells with the important role of check point molecules are involved in both processes. A growing number of lung cancer patients are treated with immune check point inhibitors (ICIs), and it was found that COPD patients may have benefits from this treatment. Altogether, the data point to the necessity for deeper analysis and intensive research studies to limit the burden of these serious diseases by prevention and by elaboration of specific therapeutic options.
Can National Registries Contribute to Predict the Risk of Cancer? The Cancer Risk Assessment Model (CRAM)
Authors: Jarbøl Dorte E. , Hyldig Nana , Möller Sören , Wehberg Sonja , Rasmussen Sanne , Balasubramaniam Kirubakaran , Haastrup Peter F. , Søndergaard Jens , Rubin Katrine H.
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To develop a predictive model based on Danish administrative registers to facilitate automated identification of individuals at risk of any type of cancer. Methods: A nationwide register-based cohort study covering all individuals in Denmark aged +20 years. The outcome was all-type cancer during 2017 excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer. Diagnoses, medication, and contact with general practitioners in the exposure period (2007–2016) were considered for the predictive model. We applied backward selection to all variables by logistic regression to develop a risk model for cancer. We applied the models to the validation cohort, calculated the receiver operating characteristic curves, and estimated the corresponding areas under the curve (AUC). Results: The study population consisted of 4.2 million persons; 32,447 (0.76%) were diagnosed with cancer in 2017. We identified 39 predictive risk factors in women and 42 in men, with age above 30 as the strongest predictor for cancer. Testing the model for cancer risk showed modest accuracy, with an AUC of 0.82 (95% CI 0.81–0.82) for men and 0.75 (95% CI 0.74–0.75) for women. Conclusion: We have developed and tested a model for identifying the individual risk of cancer through the use of administrative data. The models need to be further investigated before being applied to clinical practice.
HER2 Inhibition in Gastric Cancer—Novel Therapeutic Approaches for an Established Target
Authors: Fong Caroline , Chau Ian
Published: August 2022

Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression of HER2 gene amplification is present in 20% of gastric cancers and defines a subset amenable to HER2-directed therapeutics. The seminal ToGA study led to routine use of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab in conjunction to platinum-fluoropyridimine first-line chemotherapy for HER2-positive gastric cancers as standard-of-care. Although limited progress was made in the decade following ToGA, there is now an abundance of novel therapeutic approaches undergoing investigation in parallel. Additionally, new data from randomised trials have indicated efficacy of the antibody-drug conjugate trastuzumab deruxtecan in chemorefractory patients and increased responses with the addition of first-line immune checkpoint blockade to trastuzumab and chemotherapy. This review will outline the data supporting HER2 targeting in gastric cancers, discuss mechanisms of response and resistance to HER2-directed therapies and summarise the emerging therapies under clinical evaluation that may evolve the way we manage this subset of gastric cancers in the future.
The Spectrum of Co-Diagnoses in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 17,824 Outpatients in Germany
Authors: Loosen Sven H. , Schöler David , Labuhn Simon , Mertens Alexander , Jördens Markus S , Luedde Mark , Kostev Karel , Luedde Tom , Roderburg Christoph
Published: August 2022

Background: The prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is determined to a decisive extent by comorbidities. On the other hand, anti-cancer treatments for CRC are associated with relevant toxicities and may therefore cause additional comorbidities. Methods: This retrospective cohort study assessed the prevalence of various diseases in patients 12 months before and 12 months after an initial diagnosis of colorectal cancer (ICD-10: C18, C20) in 1274 general practices in Germany between January 2000 and December 2018. The study is based on the Disease Analyzer database (IQVIA), which contains drug prescriptions, diagnoses, and basic medical and demographic data. Patients with and without CRC were matched by sex, age, and index year. Results: We identified several diagnoses with a significantly higher prevalence among CRC patients 12 months prior to the index date compared to controls. These diagnoses included gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, perianal venous thrombosis, and abdominal and pelvic pain, as well as functional intestinal disorders. In contrast, the prevalence of lipid metabolism disorder, depression, hypertension, coronary heart disease, or acute bronchitis was significantly lower in CRC cases. After diagnosis of CRC, we found a significantly higher prevalence of anemia, polyneuropathies, functional intestinal disorders, and chronic kidney disease among CRC patients compared to the control group, while the prevalence of acute upper respiratory infections of multiple and unspecified sites and acute bronchitis was significantly lower in CRC patients compared to non-CRC patients. Conclusions: In the present study, we identified a variety of diseases occurring at higher or lower frequencies in CRC patients compared to matched controls without CRC. This might help to select patients for early CRC screening and improve the clinical management of CRC patients.
A New Clinical Instrument for Estimating the Ambulatory Status after Irradiation for Malignant Spinal Cord Compression
Authors: Rades Dirk , Al-Salool Ahmed , Staackmann Christian , Cremers Florian , Cacicedo Jon , Lomidze Darejan , Segedin Barbara , Groselj Blaz , Jankarashvili Natalia , Conde-Moreno Antonio J. , Ciervide Raquel , Kristiansen Charlotte , Schild Steven E.
Published: August 2022

Estimating post-treatment ambulatory status can improve treatment personalization of patients irradiated for malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC). A new clinical score was developed from data of 283 patients treated with radiotherapy alone in prospective trials. Radiotherapy regimen, age, gender, tumor type, interval from tumor diagnosis to MSCC, number of affected vertebrae, other bone metastases, visceral metastases, time developing motor deficits, ambulatory status, performance score, sensory deficits, and sphincter dysfunction were evaluated. For factors with prognostic relevance in the multivariable logistic regression model after backward stepwise variable selection, scoring points were calculated (post-radiotherapy ambulatory rate in % divided by 10) and added for each patient. Four factors (primary tumor type, sensory deficits, sphincter dysfunction, ambulatory status) were used for the instrument that includes three prognostic groups (17–21, 22–31, and 32–37 points). Post-radiotherapy ambulatory rates were 10%, 65%, and 97%, respectively, and 2-year local control rates were 100%, 75%, and 88%, respectively. Positive predictive values to predict ambulatory and non-ambulatory status were 97% and 90% using the new score, and 98% and 79% using the previous instrument. The new score appeared more precise in predicting non-ambulatory status. Since patients with 32–37 points had high post-radiotherapy ambulatory and local control rates, they may not require surgery.
The Association between a Decrease in On-Treatment Neutrophil-to-Eosinophil Ratio (NER) at Week 6 after Ipilimumab Plus Nivolumab Initiation and Improved Clinical Outcomes in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Yu-Wei , Tucker Matthew D. , Brown Landon C. , Yasin Hesham A. , Ancell Kristin K. , Armstrong Andrew J. , Beckermann Kathryn E. , Davis Nancy B. , Harrison Michael R. , Kaiser Elizabeth G. , McAlister Renee K. , Schaffer Kerry R. , Wallace Deborah E. , George Daniel J. , Rathmell W. Kimryn , Rini Brian I. , Zhang Tian
Published: August 2022

A lower baseline neutrophil-to-eosinophil ratio (NER) has been associated with improved responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI)-treated metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). This study investigated the decrease in NER at week 6 after ipilimumab/nivolumab (ipi/nivo) initiation and treatment responses in mRCC. A retrospective study of ipi/nivo-treated mRCC at two US academic cancer centers was conducted. A landmark analysis at week 6 was performed to assess the association between the change in NER and clinical responses (progression-free survival (PFS)/overall survival (OS)). Week 6 NER was modeled as a continuous variable, after log transformation (Ln NER), and a categorical variable by percent change. There were 150 mRCC patients included: 78% had clear cell histology, and 78% were IMDC intermediate/poor risk. In multivariable regression analysis, every decrease of 1 unit of Ln NER at week 6 was associated with improved PFS (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR): 0.78, p-value:0.005) and OS (AHR: 0.67, p-value: 0.002). When NER was modeled by percent change, decreased NER > 50% was associated with improved PFS (AHR: 0.55, p-value: 0.03) and OS (AHR: 0.37, p-value: 0.02). The decrease in week 6 NER was associated with improved PFS/OS in ipi/nivo-treated mRCC. Prospective studies are warranted to validate NER change as a biomarker to predict ICI responses.
Influence of the Thermal Processing and Doping on LaMnO3 and La0.8A0.2MnO3 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) Perovskites Prepared by Auto-Combustion for Removal of VOCs
Authors: Di Benedetto Natasha , De los Santos Carolina , Del Pilar Yeste María , Morais Jonder , Do Carmo Martins Alves Maria , Amaya Alejandro , Suescun Leopoldo , Gatica José Manuel , Vidal Hilario , Castiglioni Jorge
Published: August 2022

Single-phase oxygen stoichiometric LaMnO3 and doped La0.8A0.2MnO3 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) perovskites have been prepared by a simple one-step auto-combustion method. Cation-deficient LaMnO3+δ and La0.8A0.2MnO3+δ were obtained by calcination of the former samples in air at 750 °C. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature-programmed reduction, temperature-programmed oxygen desorption, and N2 physisorption in order to apply them as catalysts in the complete catalytic oxidation of acetone as a model volatile organic compound. The studied phases show the expected orthorhombic and rhombohedral perovskite crystal structures. Catalytic experiments performed with all the samples show measurable activity already at 100 °C. At 200 °C, doped La0.8A0.2MnO3 samples show higher activity than undoped LaMnO3, with increasing conversion with larger A-cation size. Calcined samples also show higher activity than as-prepared ones making La0.8Ba0.2MnO3+δ the best catalyst at this temperature. All doped samples show >95% acetone conversion at T ≥ 250 °C with a weak dependence on the sample processing or A cation doping. The collected evidence confirms that the most important factors for the catalytic activity of these oxides are the Mn4+/Mn3+ molar ratio on the surface of the samples and the cation-deficiency of the bulk perovskite structure. In addition, increasing the symmetry of the bulk crystal structure appears to have an additional favourable effect. Despite the observation of the presence of surface carbonates, we show that it is possible to use the as-prepared samples without further thermal treatment with good results in the oxidation of acetone.
2D Graphene Sheets as a Sensing Material for the Electroanalysis of Zileuton
Authors: Shanbhag Yogesh M. , Shanbhag Mahesh M. , Malode Shweta J. , Dhanalakshmi S. , Mondal Kunal , Shetti Nagaraj P.
Published: August 2022

Zileuton (ZLT) is an active oral inhibitor of enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, and long-term intake and overdose of ZLT cause adverse effects, leading to critical conditions in patients. This is a well-recognized issue that necessitates a better approach for ZLT sensing. Given the increasing interest in ZLT sensing and the limitations of previous techniques, there is a need for a highly sensitive, robust, and fast operation method that is inexpensive and easy to use. Thus, for the sensitive detection and determination of ZLT, an electrochemical sensor based on graphene was fabricated. Graphene has excellent properties, such as high surface area, low toxicity, conductivity, and electroactive conjugation with biomolecules, making it suitable for sensing. The electrocatalytic property of graphene promotes the redox-coupled reaction of ZLT. Electrochemical investigation of the modifier was carried out by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). An optimization and analysis of the influence of different parameters on the electrochemical behavior of ZLT were carried out using the CV approach. The scan rate study aided in exploring the physicochemical properties of the electrode process, and two electrons with two protons were found to be involved in the electrooxidation of ZLT. The fabricated sensor showed a wide range of linearity with ZLT, from 0.3 µM to 100.0 µM, and the detection limit was evaluated as 0.03 µM under optimized conditions. The analysis of spiked urine samples, with good recovery values for percent RSD, provided support for the efficiency and applicability of the developed electrode.
The Promoting Effect of Ti on the Catalytic Performance of V-Ti-HMS Catalysts in the Selective Oxidation of Methanol
Authors: Sim Ley Boon , Kim Kek Seong , Fu Jile , Chen Binghui
Published: August 2022

The effects of Ti modification on the structural properties and catalytic performance of vanadia on hexagonal mesoporous silica (V-HMS) catalysts are studied for selective methanol-to-dimethoxymethane oxidation. Characterizations including N2 adsorption–desorption (SBET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS UV-Vis), Micro-Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR) were carried out to investigate the property and structure of the catalysts. The results show that Ti can be successfully incorporated into the HMS framework in a wide range of Si/Ti ratios from 50 to 10. Ti modification can effectively improve the distribution of vanadium species and thus enhance the overall redox properties and catalytic performance of the catalysts. The catalytic activity of the V-Ti-HMS catalysts with the Si/Ti ratio of 30 is approximately two times higher than that of V-HMS catalysts with comparable selectivity. The enhanced activity exhibited by the V-Ti-HMS catalyst is attributed to the improved dispersion and reducibility of vanadium oxides.
NO Reduction Reaction by Kiwi Biochar-Modified MnO2 Denitrification Catalyst: Redox Cycle and Reaction Process
Authors: Fan Hao , Shen Zhenxing , Wang Xiuru , Fan Jie , Sun Jian , Sun Jiaxiang
Published: August 2022

NO is a major environmental pollutant. MnO2 is often used as a denitrification catalyst with poor N2 selectivity and weak SO2 resistance. Kiwi twig biochar was chosen to modify MnO2 samples by using the hydrothermal method. The NO conversion rates of the biochar-modified samples were >90% at 125–225 °C. Kiwi twig biochar made the C2MnO2 sample with a larger specific surface area, a higher number of acidic sites and Oβ/Oα molar ratio, leading to more favorable activity at high temperatures and better SO2 resistance. Moreover, the inhibition of the NH3 oxidation reaction and the Mn3+ → Mn4+ process played a crucial role in the redox cycle. What was more, Brønsted acidic sites present on the C1MnO2 sample participate in the reaction more rapidly. This study identified the role of biochar in the reaction process and provides a reference for the wide application of biochar.
Quantification of Internal Resistance Contributions of Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells Using Petroleum-Contaminated Sediment Enriched with Kerosene
Authors: Alvarez-Benítez Luisa , Silva-Martínez Susana , Hernandez-Perez Alfredo , Kamaraj Sathish K. , Abbas Syed Zaghum , Alvarez-Gallegos Alberto
Published: August 2022

Anaerobic biodegradation of petroleum-contaminated sediments can be accomplished by a sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC), but the recovered energy is very low (~4 mW m−2). This is due to a high internal resistance (Ri) that develops in the SMFC. The evaluation of the main experimental parameters that contribute to Ri is essential for developing a feasible SMFC design and this task is normally performed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). A faster and easier alternative procedure to EIS is to fit the SMFC polarization curve to an electrochemical model. From there, the main resistance contributions to Ri are partitioned. This enables the development of a useful procedure for attaining a low SMFC Ri while improving its power output. In this study, the carbon-anode surface was increased, the biodegradation activity of the indigenous populations was improved (by the biostimulation method, i.e., the addition of kerosene), the oxygen reduction reaction was catalyzed, and a 0.8 M Na2SO4 solution was used as a catholyte at pH 2. As a result, the initial SMFC Ri was minimized 20 times, and its power output was boosted 47 times. For a given microbial fuel cell (MFC), the main resistance contributions to Ri, evaluated by the electrochemical model, were compared with their corresponding experimental results obtained by the EIS technique. Such a validation is also discussed herein.
Non-Coding RNAs and Prediction of Preeclampsia in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Ogoyama Manabu , Takahashi Hironori , Suzuki Hirotada , Ohkuchi Akihide , Fujiwara Hiroyuki , Takizawa Toshihiro
Published: August 2022

Preeclampsia (PE) is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The only fundamental treatment for PE is the termination of pregnancy. Therefore, not only severe maternal complications but also perinatal complications due to immaturity of the infant associated with early delivery are serious issues. The treatment and prevention of preterm onset preeclampsia (POPE) are challenging. In 2017, the ASPRE trial showed that a low oral dose of aspirin administered to POPE high-risk women in early pregnancy reduced POPE by 62%. A prediction algorithm at 11–13 weeks of gestation identifies POPE with 75% sensitivity when the false positive rate is set at 10%. New biomarkers to increase the accuracy of the prediction model for POPE high-risk women in early pregnancy are needed. In this review, we focused on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as potential biomarkers for the prediction of POPE. Highly expressed ncRNAs in the placenta in early pregnancy may play crucial roles in placentation. Furthermore, placenta-specific ncRNAs have been detected in maternal blood. In this review, we summarized ncRNAs that were highly expressed in the primary human placenta in early pregnancy. We also presented highly expressed ncRNAs in the placenta that were associated with or predictive of the development of PE in an expression analysis of maternal blood during the first trimester of pregnancy. These previous studies showed that the chromosome 19 microRNA (miRNA) -derived miRNAs (e.g., miR-517-5p, miR-518b, and miR-520h), the hypoxia-inducible miRNA (miR-210), and long non-coding RNA H19, were not only highly expressed in the early placenta but were also significantly up-regulated in the blood at early gestation in pregnant women who later developed PE. These maternal circulating ncRNAs in early pregnancy are expected to be possible biomarkers for POPE.
WNT Activation and TGFβ-Smad Inhibition Potentiate Stemness of Mammalian Auditory Neuroprogenitors for High-Throughput Generation of Functional Auditory Neurons In Vitro
Authors: Rousset Francis , Schilardi Giulia , Sgroi Stéphanie , Nacher-Soler German , Sipione Rebecca , Kleinlogel Sonja , Senn Pascal
Published: August 2022

Hearing loss affects over 460 million people worldwide and is a major socioeconomic burden. Both genetic and environmental factors (i.e., noise overexposure, ototoxic drug treatment and ageing), promote the irreversible degeneration of cochlear hair cells and associated auditory neurons, leading to sensorineural hearing loss. In contrast to birds, fish and amphibians, the mammalian inner ear is virtually unable to regenerate due to the limited stemness of auditory progenitors, and no causal treatment is able to prevent or reverse hearing loss. As of today, a main limitation for the development of otoprotective or otoregenerative therapies is the lack of efficient preclinical models compatible with high-throughput screening of drug candidates. Currently, the research field mainly relies on primary organotypic inner ear cultures, resulting in high variability, low throughput, high associated costs and ethical concerns. We previously identified and characterized the phoenix auditory neuroprogenitors (ANPGs) as highly proliferative progenitor cells isolated from the A/J mouse cochlea. In the present study, we aim at identifying the signaling pathways responsible for the intrinsic high stemness of phoenix ANPGs. A transcriptomic comparison of traditionally low-stemness ANPGs, isolated from C57Bl/6 and A/J mice at early passages, and high-stemness phoenix ANPGs was performed, allowing the identification of several differentially expressed pathways. Based on differentially regulated pathways, we developed a reprogramming protocol to induce high stemness in presenescent ANPGs (i.e., from C57Bl6 mouse). The pharmacological combination of the WNT agonist (CHIR99021) and TGFβ/Smad inhibitors (LDN193189 and SB431542) resulted in a dramatic increase in presenescent neurosphere growth, and the possibility to expand ANPGs is virtually limitless. As with the phoenix ANPGs, stemness-induced ANPGs could be frozen and thawed, enabling distribution to other laboratories. Importantly, even after 20 passages, stemness-induced ANPGs retained their ability to differentiate into electrophysiologically mature type I auditory neurons. Both stemness-induced and phoenix ANPGs resolve a main bottleneck in the field, allowing efficient, high-throughput, low-cost and 3R-compatible in vitro screening of otoprotective and otoregenerative drug candidates. This study may also add new perspectives to the field of inner ear regeneration.
Editorial to Summarize the Papers Published in the Special Issue “10th Anniversary of Cells—Advances in Cell Cycle”
Authors: Wang Zhixiang
Published: August 2022

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the prestigious journal Cells launched a series of Special Issues in 2021 [...]
HHcy Induces Pyroptosis and Atherosclerosis via the Lipid Raft-Mediated NOX-ROS-NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway in apoE−/− Mice
Authors: Liu Sijun , Tao Jun , Duan Fengqi , Li Huangjing , Tan Hongmei
Published: August 2022

Lipid rafts play important roles in signal transduction, particularly in responses to inflammatory processes. The current study aimed to identify whether lipid raft-mediated inflammation contributes to hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy)-accelerated atherosclerosis (AS), and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. THP-1-derived macrophages were used for in vitro experiments. ApoE−/− mice were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish an AS model, and a high-fat plus high-methionine diet was used to induce HHcy. We found that homocysteine (Hcy) increased the expression of p22phox and p67phox and promoted their recruitment into lipid rafts (indicating the assembly of the NOX complex), thereby increasing ROS generation and NOX activity, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and pyroptosis. Mechanistically, Hcy activated the NOX-ROS-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and induced pyroptosis by increasing the expression of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) to promote the formation of lipid raft clustering. Importantly, lipid raft-mediated pyroptosis was confirmed in HHcy mice, and HHcy-promoted macrophage recruitment in atherosclerotic lesions and HHcy-aggravated AS were blocked by the lipid raft disruptor methyl-β-cyclodextrin. The study findings indicate that Hcy promotes lipid raft clustering via the upregulation of ASM, which mediates the assembly of the NOX complex, causing an increase in ROS generation, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and pyroptosis, and contributes to HHcy-induced AS.
lncRNA2919 Suppresses Rabbit Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation via trans-Regulatory Actions
Authors: Zhao Bohao , Li Jiali , Liu Ming , Hu Shuaishuai , Yang Naisu , Liang Shuang , Zhang Xiyu , Dai Yingying , Bao Zhiyuan , Chen Yang , Wu Xinsheng
Published: August 2022

Hair follicles (HFs) are complex organs that grow cyclically during mammals’ growth and development. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) cannot be translated into proteins and play crucial roles in many biological processes. In our previous study, candidate lncRNAs associated with HF cyclic regeneration were screened, and we identified that the novel lncRNA, lncRNA2919, was significantly expressed during catagen. Here, we identified that lncRNA2919 has no coding potentiality and is highly expressed in the cell nucleus, and downregulates HF growth and development-related genes, inhibits cell proliferation, and promotes cell apoptosis in rabbit dermal papilla cells. lncRNA2919 recruits STAT1 to form a compound. As a key transcription factor, STAT1 regulates the transcriptional expression of KRTAP11-1. Our study revealed that lncRNA2919 is involved in HF cyclic regeneration through the trans-regulatory lncRNA2919–STAT1–KRTAP11-1 axis. This study elucidates the mechanism through which lncRNA2919 regulates HF growth and development and the role of lncRNA2919 as a new therapeutic target in animal wool production and human hair-related disease treatment.
Could Experimental Inflammation Provide Better Understanding of Migraines?
Authors: Reducha Philip Victor , Edvinsson Lars , Haanes Kristian Agmund
Published: August 2022

Migraines constitute a common neurological and headache disorder affecting around 15% of the world’s population. In addition to other mechanisms, neurogenic neuroinflammation has been proposed to play a part in migraine chronification, which includes peripheral and central sensitization. There is therefore considerable evidence suggesting that inflammation in the intracranial meninges could be a key element in addition to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), leading to sensitization of trigeminal meningeal nociceptors in migraines. There are several studies that have utilized this approach, with a strong focus on using inflammatory animal models. Data from these studies show that the inflammatory process involves sensitization of trigeminovascular afferent nerve terminals. Further, by applying a wide range of different pharmacological interventions, insight has been gained on the pathways involved. Importantly, we discuss how animal models should be used with care and that it is important to evaluate outcomes in the light of migraine pathology.
Spectral Library-Based Single-Cell Proteomics Resolves Cellular Heterogeneity
Authors: Senavirathna Lakmini , Ma Cheng , Chen Ru , Pan Sheng
Published: August 2022

Dissecting the proteome of cell types and states at single-cell resolution, while being highly challenging, has significant implications in basic science and biomedicine. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based single-cell proteomics represents an emerging technology for system-wide, unbiased profiling of proteins in single cells. However, significant challenges remain in analyzing an extremely small amount of proteins collected from a single cell, as a proteome-wide amplification of proteins is not currently feasible. Here, we report an integrated spectral library-based single-cell proteomics (SLB-SCP) platform that is ultrasensitive and well suited for a large-scale analysis. To overcome the low MS/MS signal intensity intrinsically associated with a single-cell analysis, this approach takes an alternative approach by extracting a breadth of information that specifically defines the physicochemical characteristics of a peptide from MS1 spectra, including monoisotopic mass, isotopic distribution, and retention time (hydrophobicity), and uses a spectral library for proteomic identification. This conceptually unique MS platform, coupled with the DIRECT sample preparation method, enabled identification of more than 2000 proteins in a single cell to distinguish different proteome landscapes associated with cellular types and heterogeneity. We characterized individual normal and cancerous pancreatic ductal cells (HPDE and PANC-1, respectively) and demonstrated the substantial difference in the proteomes between HPDE and PANC-1 at the single-cell level. A significant upregulation of multiple protein networks in cancer hallmarks was identified in the PANC-1 cells, functionally discriminating the PANC-1 cells from the HPDE cells. This integrated platform can be built on high-resolution MS and widely accepted proteomic software, making it possible for community-wide applications.
Emerging Strategies Based on Sensors for Chronic Wound Monitoring and Management
Authors: Tran Manh-Trung , Kumar Abhishek , Sachan Abhishek , Castro Mickaël , Allegre Willy , Feller Jean-François
Published: August 2022

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a serious global health challenge, affecting a large section of the population and putting immense pressure on healthcare systems. Sensor-based diagnostic tools and monitoring systems have emerged as a potential non-invasive solution to reduce the occurrence of new cases of PUs and promise a significant reduction in treatment expenditure and time. In this endeavour, the present manuscript reviews the advancements made in the last decade in the development and commercial adoption of different sensor systems for PU-associated chronic wound management. Different types of smart sensor systems have been developed in which pressure, chemical, and optical sensors have witnessed a lot of interest and significant advancement among research communities and industries alike. These sensors utilize a host of nanomaterial-based sensing materials, flexible support, diverse transducing modes, and different device designs to achieve high sensitivity and selectivity for skin pressure, temperature, humidity, and biomarkers released from the wound. Some of these sensor’s array-based electronic skin (e-skin) has reached the stage of commercialization and is being used in commercial products, such as smart bandages, shoes, watches, and mattress among others. Nonetheless, further innovations are necessary in the direction of associating multiple types of sensor arrays, particularly pressure and chemical sensor-based e-skins in a microsystem for performing real-time assessment of all the critical wound parameters.
How Meaningful Are Minor Details in the Generation of Nanomodified Electrochemical Enzyme Biosensors? Exploring the Scenario with Sinusoidal Approaches
Authors: Rahman Md. Towhidur , López-Iglesias David , Sierra-Padilla Alfonso , García-Guzmán Juan José , Cubillana-Aguilera Laura M. , Bellido-Milla Dolores , Palacios-Santander José María
Published: August 2022

In this work, a screening of Sonogel-Carbon (SNGC) electrodes modified with nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles) and the study of their effect on the electrochemical performance of sinusoidal voltage (SV) and current (SC)-based biosensors are reported. Surface modification was achieved by drop-casting and electrodeposition methodologies. Within the strategies used, SV and SC, recently exploited procedures, were used to electrodeposit simultaneously a poly 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT)-tyrosinase layer and the corresponding nanostructured material. Dopamine was selected as a benchmark analyte to evaluate the analytical performance of the different (bio)sensors obtained in terms of relevant figures of merit, such as sensitivity, limits of detection and quantitation, and accuracy, among others. A discussion about the pros and cons between the type of modification and the methods employed is also presented. Briefly, SC based sensors offered excellent quality analytical parameters and lower dispersion of the results. They were employed for more specific electrochemical studies, including interferences assays and the determination of DA in real samples, obtaining good recoveries (101–110.6%). The biosensor modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) (drop-casting method) and SC-electrodeposited showed the best figures of merit: R2 = 0.999; sensitivity = −4.92 × 10−9 A·µM−1; RSDsensitivity = 1.60%; LOD = 5.56 µM; RSDLOD = 6.10%; and LOQ = 18.53 µM.