bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Signal-Enhanced Regenerative Electrochemical Aptasensor for Amyloid-β Oligomers Based on Triple-Helix Aptamer Probe
Authors: Hu Juanjuan , Chen Xuyuan , Xu Jun , Wang Xiaoying
Published: January 2023

Amyloid-β oligomers (AβOs) play an important role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and have attracted wide attention as a significant and promising biomarker. Currently, triple-helix aptamer probe (TAP) has yet to fully capture people’s eyes. The previous studies in our group have proved that TAP is an effective alternative to traditional sandwiches or direct detection strategies. Nevertheless, these developed “signal off” sensors suffered from complex nanomaterial preparation procedures and possibility of false positives. Herein, we successfully constructed a signal-enhanced regenerative electrochemical aptasensor (EA) based on TAP strategy to realize reliable assay for AβOs, subtly keeping off false positive responses. In this work, ferrocene (Fc)-labeled complementary strand (CS) (Fc-CS) acted as a signal label, avoiding the need for complex nanomaterials. Fc-CS hybridized with label-free aptamer (Apt) to form TAP on Au electrode (AE). The formation and destruction of TAP structure could adjust the weak and strong DPV signal. Thus, sensitive electrochemical detection for AβOs was achieved with and a low detection limit of 0.47 fM. Moreover, the EA could exhibit outstanding selectivity, specificity, stability, reproducibility and regenerability. Meanwhile, it can be applied to the determination of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (A-CSF) samples, providing a convenient and low consumption platform for practical applications.
Promoting Electron Transfer Kinetics and Adsorption Capacity for the Detection of Furazolidone in Real Food Samples by Using Ag-core@Fe3O4-Shell-Based Electrochemical Sensing Platform
Authors: Anh Nguyen Tuan , Dinh Ngo Xuan , Huyen Nguyen Ngoc , Thi Lan Huong Phung , Phan Vu Ngoc , Thang Pham Duc , Van Tuan Hoang , Van Tan Tran , Le Anh-Tuan
Published: January 2023

In this study, the preparation of core/shell Ag@Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and its potential application toward highly sensitive electrochemical detection of furazolidone (FZD) have been reported. UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Zeta sizer are systematically carried out to confirm the formation, size distribution, and composition of Ag@Fe3O4 NPs. By computing the electrochemical characteristic parameters such as electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), electron-transfer resistance (Rct), standard heterogeneous rate constant (k0), adsorption capacity (Γ), and electron transfer rate constant (ks), the Ag@Fe3O4-modified electrode possessed remarkably enhanced electrochemical sensing performance for FZD determination compared to the unmodified screen-printed electrode (SPE). This enhancement of electrochemical activity can be attributed to the fast electron transfer kinetics and great adsorption capacity that arise from the synergistic coupling between the good electrical conductivity of the core AgNPs and the porosity of the protective Fe3O4 shell. Under optimum conditions, the Ag@Fe3O4-based electrochemical nanosensor exhibited not only high sensitivity toward FZD detection of 1.36 μA μM−1 cm−2 in the linear ranges from 0.5–15 μM and 15–100 μM, and low detection limit of 0.24 μM but also long-term stability, repeatability, and anti-interference ability. The applicability of the proposed sensing platform in honey and milk samples was also investigated.
3D Electrochemical-Mechanical Battery Simulation Tool: Implementation with Full Cell Simulations and Verification with Operando X-ray Tomography
Authors: Wenzler Nils , Rief Sebastian , Linden Sven , Biebl Fabian , Rütsche Samuel , Glatt Ilona , Streit Anja , Zahn Raphael , Fingerle Mathias , Wood Vanessa
Published: January 2023

Most commercially used electrode materials contract and expand upon cycling. This change in volume influences the microstructure of the cell stack, which in turn impacts a range of performance parameters. Since direct observation of these microstructural changes with operando experiments is challenging and time intensive, a simulation tool that takes a real or artificially generated 3D microstructure and captures the volumetric changes in a cell during cycling would be valuable to enable rapid understanding of the impact of material choice, electrode and cell design, and operating conditions on the microstructural changes and identification of sources of mechanically-driven cell aging. Here, we report the development and verification of such a 3D electrochemical-mechanical tool, and provide an example use-case. We validate the tool by simulating the microstructural evolution of a graphite anode and a Li(Ni,Mn,Co)O2 cathode during cycling and comparing the results to X-ray tomography datasets of these electrodes taken during cycling. As an example use case for such a simulation tool, we explore how different volumetric expansion behaviors of the cathode material impact strain in the cell stack, illustrating how the material selection and its operation impact the mechanical behavior inside a cell.
TASK inhibition by mild acidosis increases Ca2+ oscillations to mediate pH sensing in rat carotid body chemoreceptor cells
Authors: Kim Donghee , Hogan James O. , White Carl
Published: January 2023

Severe levels of acidosis (pH < 6.8) have been shown to cause a sustained rise in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in carotid body Type 1 (glomus) cells. To understand how physiologically relevant levels of acidosis regulate Ca2+ signaling in glomus cells, we studied the effects of small changes in extracellular pH (pHo) on the kinetics of Ca2+ oscillations. A decrease in pHo from 7.4 to 7.3 (designated mild) and 7.2 (designated moderate) acidosis produced significant increases in the frequency and amplitude of Ca2+ oscillations. These effects of acidosis on Ca2+ oscillations were not blocked by NS383 and amiloride [acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) inhibitors]. Mild and moderate levels of acidosis, however, caused a small but significant inhibition of two-pore domain acid-sensing K+ channels (TASK) (TASK-1- and TASK-3-like channels) and depolarized the cell by 6–13 mV. Acidosis-induced increase in Ca2+ oscillations was inhibited by nifedipine (1 µM; L-type Cav inhibitor) and by TTA-P2 (20 µM; T-type Cav inhibitor). Mild inhibition of TASK activity by N-[(2,4-difluorophenyl)methyl]-2′-[[[2-(4methoxyphenyl)acetyl]amino]methyl][1,1′-biphenyl]-2-carboxamide (A1899) (0.3 µM) and 1-[1-[6-[[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-ylcarbonyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrido[4,3- d]pyrimidine-4-yl]-4-piperidinyl]-1-butanon (PK-THPP) (0.1 µM) increased Ca2+ oscillation frequency to levels similar to those observed with mild-moderate acidosis. Mild acidosis (pHo 7.3) and mild hypoxia (∼5%O2) produced similar levels of changes in the kinetics of Ca2+ oscillations. Block of tetraethylammonium (TEA)-sensitive Kv channels did not affect acid-induced increase in Ca2+ oscillations. Our study shows that mild and moderate levels of acidosis increase the frequency and amplitude of Ca2+ oscillations primarily by inhibition of TASK without involving ASICs, and suggests a major role of TASK for signal transduction in response to a physiological change in pHo.
Quantification of catecholamine neurotransmitters released from cutaneous vasoconstrictor nerve endings in men with cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: Nakata Tomonori , Shibasaki Manabu , Nishimura Yukihide , Kinoshita Tokio , Hashizaki Takamasa , Kamijo Yoshi-ichiro , Kouda Ken , Umemoto Yasunori , Tajima Fumihiro
Published: January 2023

Control of cutaneous circulation is critically important to maintain thermoregulation, especially in individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) who have no or less central thermoregulatory drive. However, the peripheral vasoconstrictor mechanism and capability have not been fully investigated after CSCI. Post- and presynaptic sensitivities of the cutaneous vasoconstrictor system were investigated in 8 CSCI and 7 sedentary able-bodied (AB) men using an intradermal microdialysis technique. Eight doses of norepinephrine (NE, 10−8 to 10−1 M) and five doses of tyramine (TY, 10−8, 10−5 to 10−2 M) were administered into the anterior right and left thigh, respectively. Endogenous catecholamines, noradrenaline, and dopamine, collected at the TY site, were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Regardless of vasoconstrictor agents, cutaneous vascular conductance decreased dose-dependently and responsiveness was similar between the groups (NE: Group P = 0.255, Dose P = 0.014; TY: Group P = 0.468, Dose P < 0.001), whereas the highest dose of each drug induced cutaneous vasodilation. Administration of TY promoted the release of noradrenaline and dopamine in both groups. Notably, the amount of noradrenaline released was similar between the groups ( P = 0.819), although the concentration of dopamine was significantly greater in individuals with CSCI than in AB individuals ( P = 0.004). These results suggest that both vasoconstrictor responsiveness and neural functions are maintained after CSCI, and dopamine in the skin is likely to induce cutaneous vasodilation.
High-fat/high-sucrose diet worsens metabolic outcomes and widespread hypersensitivity following early-life stress exposure in female mice
Authors: Frick Jenna M. , Eller Olivia C. , Foright Rebecca M. , Levasseur Brittni M. , Yang Xiaofang , Wang Ruipeng , Winter Michelle K. , O’Neil Maura F. , Morris E. Matthew , Thyfault John P. , Christianson Julie A.
Published: January 2023

Exposure to stress early in life has been associated with adult-onset comorbidities such as chronic pain, metabolic dysregulation, obesity, and inactivity. We have established an early-life stress model using neonatal maternal separation (NMS) in mice, which displays evidence of increased body weight and adiposity, widespread mechanical allodynia, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation in male mice. Early-life stress and consumption of a Western-style diet contribute to the development of obesity; however, relatively few preclinical studies have been performed in female rodents, which are known to be protected against diet-induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction. In this study, we gave naïve and NMS female mice access to a high-fat/high-sucrose (HFS) diet beginning at 4 wk of age. Robust increases in body weight and fat were observed in HFS-fed NMS mice during the first 10 wk on the diet, driven partly by increased food intake. Female NMS mice on an HFS diet showed widespread mechanical hypersensitivity compared with either naïve mice on an HFS diet or NMS mice on a control diet. HFS diet-fed NMS mice also had impaired glucose tolerance and fasting hyperinsulinemia. Strikingly, female NMS mice on an HFS diet showed evidence of hepatic steatosis with increased triglyceride levels and altered glucocorticoid receptor levels and phosphorylation state. They also exhibited increased energy expenditure as observed via indirect calorimetry and expression of proinflammatory markers in perigonadal adipose. Altogether, our data suggest that early-life stress exposure increased the susceptibility of female mice to develop diet-induced metabolic dysfunction and pain-like behaviors.
Analysis of Potential Mechanism of Herbal Formula Taohong Siwu Decoction against Vascular Dementia Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: He Ruixin , He Fengjiao , Hu Zhenliang , He Yifang , Zeng Xinting , Liu Yao , Tang Liang , Xiang Ju , Li Jianming , He Binsheng , Xiang Qin
Published: January 2023

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most prevalent dementia, which is attributable to neurovascular dysfunction. Currently, no approved pharmaceuticals are available. Taohong Siwu decoction (TSD) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription with powerful antiapoptosis and anti‐inflammatory properties. In this study, a network pharmacology approach together with molecular docking validation was used to explore the probable mechanism of action of TSD against VaD. A total of 44 active components, 202 potential targets of components, and 3,613 VaD‐related targets including 161 intersecting were obtained. The potential chemical components including kaempferol, baicalein, beta‐carotene, luteolin, quercetin, and beta‐sitosterol involved in the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and apoptosis might have potential therapeutic effects on the treatment of VaD. The potential core targets including AKT1, CASP3, IL1β, JUN, and TP53 associated with cell apoptosis and inflammatory might account for the essential therapeutic effects of TSD in VaD. The results indicated that TSD protected against VaD through multicomponent and multitarget modes. Though the detailed mechanism of action of various active ingredients needs to be further illustrated, TSD still showed a promising therapeutic agent for VaD due to its biological activity.
Tropomyosin Isoform Diversity in the Cynomolgus Monkey Heart and Skeletal Muscles Compared to Human Tissues
Authors: Dube Dipak K. , Dube Syamalima , Abbott Lynn , Elsekaily Omar , Randhawa Samender S. , Sanger Jean M. , Sanger Joseph W. , Poiesz Bernard J.
Published: January 2023

Old world monkeys separated from the great apes, including the ancestor of humans, about 25 million years ago, but most of the genes in humans and various nonhuman primates are quite similar even though their anatomical appearances are quite different. Like other mammals, primates have four tropomyosin genes (TPM1, TPM2, TPM3, and TPM4) each of which generates a multitude of TPM isoforms via alternative splicing. Only TPM1 produces two sarcomeric isoforms (TPM1α and TPM1κ), and TPM2, TPM3, and TPM4 each generate one sarcomeric isoform. We have cloned and sequenced TPM1α, TPM1κ, TPM2α, TPM3α, and TPM4α with RNA from cynomolgus (Cyn) monkey hearts and skeletal muscle. We believe this is the first report of directly cloning and sequencing of these monkey transcripts. In the Cyn monkey heart, the rank order of TPM isoform expression is TPM1α > TPM2α > TPM1κ > TPM3α > TPM4α. In the Cyn monkey skeletal muscle, the rank order of expression is TPM1α > TPM2α > TPM3α > TPM1κ > TPM4α. The major differences in the human heart are the increased expression of TPM1κ, although TPM1α is still the dominant transcript. In the Cyn monkey heart, the only sarcomeric TPM isoform at the protein level is TPM1α. This is in contrast to human hearts where TPM1α is the major sarcomeric isoform but a lower quantity of TPM1κ, TPM2α, and TPM3α is also detected at the protein level. These differences of tropomyosin and/or other cardiac protein expression in human and Cyn monkey hearts may reflect the differences in physiological activities in daily life.
Suppression of the Block Effect while Enhancing Dark Images Using Asumu Derivative
Authors: Mboro Nchama Gustavo Asumu
Published: January 2023

Image contrast enhancement is one of the most important tasks in the field of image digital processing. With the help of computers and programming languages, many mathematical methods have been implemented to improve the visual quality of an image. However, the majority of these methods have a major drawback: they tend to make the image look blocked. This effect is visually unpleasant and is likely to cause a computer vision system to falsely recognize as edges the boundaries of different blocks that belong to the same smooth area in the original image. To avoid the block effect while enhancing the quality of dark images, we propose a new fractional differential mask based on the Asumu fractional derivative. Experiments with dark natural images show that, even though our method does not have a better performance in statistical quality, it achieves a solution to the problem that was the motivation to write this paper, suppressing efficiently the block effect while improving the visual qualities of dark images.
A Small Object Detection Algorithm Based on Modulated Deformable Convolution and Large Kernel Convolution
Authors: Yu Hongxia , Yun Lijun , Chen Zaiqing , Cheng Feiyan , Zhang Chunjie
Published: January 2023

Object detection is one of the most critical areas in computer vision, and it plays an essential role in a variety of practice scenarios. However, small object detection has always been a key and difficult problem in the field of object detection. Therefore, considering the balance between the effectiveness and efficiency of the small object detection algorithm, this study proposes an improved YOLOX detection algorithm (BGD‐YOLOX) to improve the detection effect of small objects. We present the BigGhost module, which combines the Ghost model with a modulated deformable convolution to optimize the YOLOX for greater accuracy. At the same time, it can reduce the inference time by reducing the number of parameters and the amount of computation. The experimental results show that BGD‐YOLOX has a higher average accuracy rate in terms of small target detection, with mAP0.5 up to 88.3% and mAP0.95 up to 56.7%, which surpasses the most advanced object detection algorithms such as EfficientDet, CenterNet, and YOLOv4.
Development of a Novel KCNN4‐Related ceRNA Network and Prognostic Model for Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bu Hengtao , Song Qiang , Zhang Jiexiu , Wei Yuang , Liu Bianjiang
Published: January 2023

Background. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) accounts for more than 80% of renal cell carcinomas. Yet, it has not been fully understood about the derivation and progression of the tumor, as well as the long‐term benefits from multimodality therapy. Therefore, reliable and applicable molecular markers are urgently needed for the prediction of diagnosis and prognosis of ccRCC patients. Methods. Genetic and clinical information of 533 ccRCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database was collected for comprehensive bioinformatic analyses. UALCAN was used to detect gene expression in paired tumor samples. Two data sets from Gene Expression Omnibus database were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was applied for the functional enrichment of DEGs. Tumor Immune Single Cell Hub and Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource databases were separately used for analyses of single‐immune cell and immune cell infiltration. Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes database was explored to predict targeted microRNAs (miRNAs) and corresponding long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Cox regression analysis was performed for the construction of risk signature and prognosis model. Finally, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were conducted for KCNN4 expression detection in cell lines and clinical samples. Small interfering RNA was employed to knock down KCNN4, and corresponding functional experiments were conducted on ccRCC cells as well. Results. KCNN4 showed elevated expression in tumors and prominent clinical correlation in ccRCC. In total, 41 KCNN4‐related genes were enriched, and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses showed they were intimately related to immune‐related signaling pathways. Spearman’s analysis revealed the significantly positive correlation of KCNN4 with immune cell infiltration. By integrating hub miRNA‐let‐7e‐5p and four critical lncRNA, a competitive endogenous RNA network‐based risk signature was constructed. The prognosis model derived from it showed considerable predictive value for survival of ccRCC patients. Finally, in vitro experiments confirmed the remarkable tumor‐promoting role of KCNN4 in ccRCC cells. Conclusion. KCNN4 significantly affected the immune status of tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy elements, through which it promoted tumor progression in ccRCC, and it could be a potential biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy effects of ccRCC patients.
Age-Related Changes in Female Murine Reproductive Mucosa with respect to γδ T Cell Presence
Authors: Skulska Katarzyna , Kędzierska Anna Ewa , Krzyżowska Małgorzata , Chodaczek Grzegorz
Published: January 2023

Many studies have demonstrated a general decline and dysregulation in immune functions with age. It is not clear, however, how the aging affects the immune surveillance of the female reproductive tract (FRT) by γδ T cells, a unique population of T lymphocytes that was shown to regulate homeostasis of epithelial barriers. First, we analyzed γδ T cell presence in FRT in young (2 months) and old (18 months) wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice. We did not detect any changes in γδ T cell number nor distribution in the vaginas between the age groups, while in uteri, there was a twofold increase in γδ T cell number in aged mice. To check if γδ T lymphocytes regulate a metabolic and immune status of aging vaginal tissue, we compared the expression of 84 aging-associated genes in young and old WT and γδ T-cell-deficient (Tcrd-/-) mice. We discovered that only the Ltf (lactotransferrin) gene was downregulated in old Tcrd-/- mice. In both mouse strains, we found similar age-dependent changes in cytokine production upon vaginal inflammation due to Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) stimulation with CpG. With age in the vaginas, IL-1α and IL-17A levels increased while IL-6, IL-10, MCP-1, and IFNγ levels were diminished in response to CpG. Similar trends were observed in uteri. Interestingly, under the inflammatory state, the lack of γδ T cells in young individuals enhanced MCP-1 production in the vagina and decreased MCP-1 level in the uterus in old females. Our gene expression data point to an antimicrobial role of γδ T lymphocytes. The profile of secreted inflammatory cytokines shifted during aging toward the proinflammatory type, and γδ T cells played a modest fine-tuning role in immunoregulation in aged FRT. We believe this work expands our understanding of γδ T cell functions and the inflammaging in the murine reproductive epithelia.
The Differential Transform Method as an Effective Tool to Solve Implicit Hessenberg Index-3 Differential-Algebraic Equations
Authors: Benhammouda Brahim
Published: January 2023

Differential-algebraic equations (DAEs) are important tools to model complex problems in various application fields easily. Those DAEs with an index-3, even the linear ones, are known to cause problems when solving them numerically. The present article proposes a new algorithm together with its multistage form to efficiently solve a class of nonlinear implicit Hessenberg index-3 DAEs. This algorithm is based on the idea of applying the differential transform method (DTM) directly to the DAE without applying the traditional index reduction methods, which can be complex and often result in violations of the DAE constraints. Also, to deal with the nonlinear terms in the DAE, we approximate them using the Adomian polynomials. This new idea has given us a simple and efficient algorithm, which involves the solution of linear algebraic systems except for the initial recursion terms. This algorithm is easy to implement in Maple or Mathematica. Furthermore, to enlarge the interval of convergence of the power series solution obtained from the DTM, an algorithm for the multistage DTM is also given. Both algorithms are applied to solve two examples of highly nonlinear implicit index-3 Hessenberg DAEs. Numerical results show that the DTM can determine the exact solution in convergent power series, while the multistage DTM can compute accurate numerical solutions over large intervals.
[Retracted] Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer Using GLCM Enabled KNN Technique by Analyzing MRI Images
Authors: Anand L. , Mewada Shivlal , Shamsi WameedDeyah , Ritonga Mahyudin , Aflisia Noza , KumarSarangi Prakash , NdoleArthur Moses
Published: January 2023

Cancer has a disproportionately large influence on the death rate of adults. A patient needs to get a diagnosis of their condition as quickly as is humanly feasible in order to have the greatest chance of surviving their sickness. Skilled medical professionals use medical imaging and other traditional diagnostic methods to search for clues that may indicate the presence of malignant tendencies inside the body. Nevertheless, manual diagnosis may be time‐consuming and subjective owing to the wide range of interobserver variability induced by the enormous number of medical imaging data. This variability is caused by the fact that medical imaging data are collected. Because of this, the process of accurately diagnosing a patient could become more difficult. To execute jobs that included machine learning and the interpretation of complicated imagery, cutting‐edge computer technology was necessary. Since the 1980s, researchers have been working on developing a computer‐aided diagnostic system that would help medical professionals in the early diagnosis of various malignancies. According to the most recent projections, prostate cancer will be discovered in the body of one out of every seven men at some time throughout the course of their life. It is unacceptable how many men are being told that they have prostate cancer, and the condition is responsible for the deaths of a rising number of men every year. Because of the high quality and multidimensionality of the MRI pictures, you will also need a powerful diagnosis system in addition to the CAD tools. Since it has been shown that CAD technology is beneficial, researchers are looking at methods to improve the accuracy, precision, and speed of the systems that use it. The effectiveness of CAD technology has been shown. This research proposes a strategy that is both effective and efficient for the processing of images and the extraction of features as well as for machine learning. This work makes use of MRI scans and machine learning in an effort to detect prostate cancer at an early stage. Histogram equalization is used while doing the preliminary processing on photographs. The image’s overall quality is elevated as a result. The fuzzy C means approach is used in order to segment the images. Using a Gray Level Cooccurrence Matrix (GLCM), it is feasible to extract features from a dataset. The KNN, random forest, and AdaBoost classification algorithms are used in the classification process.
MCFN: A Multichannel Fusion Network for Sleep Apnea Syndrome Detection
Authors: Lv Xingfeng , Li Jinbao , Ren Qianqian
Published: January 2023

Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is the most common sleep disorder which affects human life and health. Many researchers use deep learning methods to automatically learn the features of physiological signals. However, these methods ignore the different effects of multichannel features from various physiological signals. To solve this problem, we propose a multichannel fusion network (MCFN), which learns the multilevel features through a convolution neural network on different respiratory signals and then reconstructs the relationship between feature channels with an attention mechanism. MCFN effectively fuses the multichannel features to improve the SAS detection performance. We conducted experiments on the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) dataset, consisting of 2056 subjects. The experiment results show that our proposed network achieves an overall accuracy of 87.3%, which is better than other SAS detection methods and can better assist sleep experts in diagnosing sleep disorders.
Circular RNA circ_0026218 Suppressed Atherosclerosis Progression via miR‐338‐3p/SIRT6 Axis
Authors: Yang Liang , Chen Wei , Li Bin , Hu Yvbao , Lu Hua , Zhang Pan , Yang Huayun , Zhang Mochen , Pan Diguang
Published: January 2023

Background. Multiple circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in atherosclerosis (AS) pathogenesis. In fact, how circRNA 0026218 (circ_0026218) functions in AS remains unknown, and thus the functions and mechanisms of circ_0026218 in the injury of vascular endothelial cells are to be investigated. Methods. Microarray analysis was employed to screen out differentially expressed circRNAs in AS. A cell model was mimicked by treating Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL). circ_0026218, microRNA‐338‐3p (miR‐338‐3p) and silent information regulator 6 (SIRT6) expressions in HUVECs with ox‐LDL treatment were probed by qRT‐PCR. The cell proliferative capabilities were exposed by CCK‐8 assay. The contents of interleukin 6 (IL‐6), interleukin 1β (IL‐1β), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) were measured by ELISA. Oxidative stress kits were utilized to detect the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Flow cytometry was adopted to analyze the level of apoptosis of HUVECs. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and RIP assay were leveraged to expose the interplay between miR‐338‐3p and circ_0026218 or SIRT6 3′‐UTR, respectively. In addition, the impacts of circ_0026216 and miR‐338‐3p on SIRT6 protein expressions were subjected to Western blot. Results. circ_0026218 was greatly depleted in ox‐LDL‐stimulated HUVECs. circ_0026218 overexpression promoted viability of HUVECs in vitro and inhibited inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. circ_0026218 could adsorb miR‐338‐3p and positively modulated SIRT6 expressions via sponging miR‐338‐3p. Upregulation of this miRNA reversed the influence of circ_0026218 overexpression on ox‐LDL‐caused injury and apoptosis of HUVECs. Conclusion. Collectively, circ_0026218 upregulates SIRT6 expression through decoying miR‐338‐3p, thereby inhibiting ox‐LDL‐initiated injury of HUVECs. circ_0026218 is involved in the pathogenesis of AS.
Extrapolation-Based Scale Effect Model for Granular Heap Modulus
Authors: Ma Zhigang , Wu Shuaifeng , Wei Ran
Published: January 2023

The numerical analysis was used to predict the rockfill dam displacement, and the model parameters were calibrated using the triaxial experiments on scale-down rockfill samples. Due to the scale effect of rockfill material, the displacements were usually underestimated in the design phase. This study focused on the scale effect of rockfill material and an extrapolation model was proposed to extrapolate the prototype modulus from the laboratory modulus. By conducting confined compression experiments, the size effect was investigated using ball heaps. Based on the experimental findings, considering a granular heap as a cumulative particle structure, the structural mechanics approach was introduced to establish the size effect model. Then, the boundary constrain effect model was speculated using the elastic mechanics analysis. By conducting the confined experiments on ball heaps, the modulus variation with particle breakage was investigated and the breakage effect model was established consequently. Finally, via combining the effects from the size, boundary constrain, and particle breakage, a scale effect model was established for extrapolating prototype modulus from the laboratory modulus. The proposed model was evaluated through numerical analysis of an actual dam. The experimental results revealed that the compressive modulus decreased as the initial void ratio increased; under the same initial void ratio, the compressive modulus decreased as the ratio of the specimen width to particle size increased; the compressive modulus decreased as the particle breakage increased. The numerical analysis results showed that prediction accuracy for rockfill dam displacement was improved by 8%–10%. The proposed model represents a new approach for investigating the scale effect of rockfill material, which could be adopted by engineers to improve the prediction of rockfill dam displacement.
Dietary Supplementation with Chromium DL-Methionine Enhances Growth Performance of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Kaiser Frederik , Schlachter Michael , Schulz Carsten , Figueiredo-Silva Claudia
Published: January 2023

Sustainable aqua feeds have become an urgent necessity for future-oriented aquaculture sector development, and especially mineral supply could be limited when diets are being prepared with low amounts of animal-based sources. Since knowledge about the efficiency of organic trace mineral supplementation in different species of fish is limited, the effects of chromium DL-methionine in African catfish nutrition were evaluated. Four commercially based diets with increasing chromium DL-methionine supplementation (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mg Cr kg-1) in the form of Availa-Cr 1000 were fed to African catfish (Clarias gariepinus B., 1822) in quadruplicate groups for 84 days. Growth performance parameters (final body weight, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, daily feed intake, protein efficiency ratio, and protein retention efficiency), biometric indices (mortality, hepatosomatic index, spleen somatic index, and hematocrit), and mineral retention efficiency were assessed at the end of the feeding trial. The specific growth rate was significantly increased in fish-fed diets with 0.2 mg Cr kg-1 and 0.4 mg Cr kg-1 supplementation in comparison with control and based on the second-degree polynomial regression analysis; supplementation with 0.33 mg Cr kg-1 was optimal in commercially based diets for African catfish. Chromium retention efficiency was reduced with increasing supplementation levels; however, the chromium content of the whole body was comparable to literature. The results suggest that organic chromium supplementation is a viable and safe supplement for diets to increase the growth performance of African catfish.
Growth Mechanism of Ice Crystals with Five‐Fold Symmetry by the Phase‐Field Method
Authors: Yuan Xunfeng , Liu Baoying
Published: January 2023

In order to simulate the ice crystal growth with five‐fold symmetry, a new phase‐field model was established. The finite difference method was used to solve the governing equation, reproduce the growth morphology of ice crystals with five‐fold symmetry, and study the influence of interfacial energy anisotropy and undercooling on the growth mechanism of ice crystals. The results indicate that when the strength of interfacial energy anisotropy (ε5) is greater than the critical value (1/24), the interface discontinuity and corners form at the tips of the main stem and side branches. The characteristic parameters of the ice crystal tip in the horizontal direction have an extreme value at ε5 equal to 0.1. With an increase in undercooling, the main branch becomes slender and side branches appear, which is consistent with the mechanism of crystal continuous growth. When undercooling reaches 0.4, ice crystal growth changes from diffusion control to dynamic control. Therefore, by selecting the quick freezing conditions, undercooling is controlled at around 0.4 and the interfacial energy anisotropy at around 0.1, and the tip radius of curvature is minimized so as to prevent large ice crystals from damaging the cell wall and leading to the decline in the quality of quick‐frozen food. The findings of this study can help us have a better understanding of ice crystal growth in the process of quick‐frozen food preservation.
Influences of Various Thermal Cyclic Behaviours on Thermo Adsorption/Mechanical Characteristics of Epoxy Composite Enriched with Basalt Fiber
Authors: Karthikeyan P. , Prabhu L. , Bhuvaneswari B. , Yokesvaran K. , Jerin A. , Saravanan R. , Raghuvaran S. , Negash Kassu , Sharma Shubham
Published: January 2023

Exposure to advanced materials with unique thermomechanical characteristics has fulfilled the requirements of automotive, marine, and structural industries. The current research investigates the thermal adsorption and mechanical properties of epoxy composite enriched by basalt fiber via resin moulding technique with an applied pressure of 2 bar. Hydrophobic and dynamic analyzer tests developed composite’s adsorption storage and loss modulus with 10, 30, 50, 70, 90, and 110 thermal cycles under 18°C to 150°C. ASTM test standards evaluated the effect of the thermal cyclic process on mechanical properties. The composite contained 45 vol% basalt fiber with 90 thermal cycles and found higher adsorption storage modulus, elasticity, tensile strength, and flexural strength of 9200 GPa, 80 GPa, 229 MPa, and 398 MPa, respectively. The thermal adsorption loss modulus was limited by 12% on 90 thermal cycles at 150°C compared to 10 thermal cycles.
Risk of Renal or Urinary Related Hospitalization in Survivors of Childhood Cancer: Results from the French Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Mansouri Imene , Schwartz Boris , Vu-Bezin Giao , Bejarano-Quisoboni Daniel , Fresneau Brice , El-Fayech Chiraz , Dufour Christelle , Bolle Stéphanie , Surun Aurore , Orbach Daniel , Allodji Rodrigue S. , Diallo Ibrahima , Demoor-Goldschmidt Charlotte , de Vathaire Florent , Haddy Nadia
Published: January 2023

Background:

Hospitalization rates can be used as an indirect indicator of the burden and severity of adverse health outcomes in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). We aimed to determine the long-term risks of hospitalization related to renal and urinary diseases among 5-year CCS.

Methods:

The French Childhood Cancer Survivor Study cohort was linked with data from the French National Healthcare System database, which enabled the identification of hospitalizations related to renal or urinary diseases. Clinical and detailed treatment data were collected from medical records. Dose-volume histograms were estimated for all patients treated with radiotherapy. Standardized Hospitalization Ratios and absolute excess risks (AER) were calculated. Relative risks were estimated using Poisson regression.

Results:

A total of 5,498 survivors were followed for 42,118 person-years (PY). Survivors experience 2.9 times more renal hospitalizations than expected in the general population, with an AER of 21.2/10,000 PY. Exposing more than 10% of the kidneys’ volume to at least 20 Gray increases the risk of being hospitalized for renal causes by 2.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.3–3.6). Nephrectomized survivors treated with high doses of ifosfamide (>60 g/m²) have an extremely high risk of hospitalization for renal causes. Patients with comorbidities have about a 3-fold higher risk, and nephrectomized patients a 2-fold higher risk of being hospitalized for renal causes compared with other subjects. In the case of hospitalization for urinary causes, treatment by anthracycline administration was found to be associated with an almost 2-fold higher risk of hospitalization compared with the general population.

Conclusions:

These results support the need for careful monitoring of long-term renal diseases in survivors who have undergone nephrectomy, those treated with high doses of radiation (≥20 Gy) even to small volumes of the kidneys, and those with predisposing risk factors.

Impact:

This study provides new evidence with potential impact on surveillance guidelines related to dose-volume indicators associated with renal toxicity.
Predicting Outcome of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection by Differentiating and Revisiting Severe versus Mild Prenatal Imaging Features
Authors: Massoud Mona , Chollet Maude , Cabet Sara , Butin Marine , Mekki Yahia , Lina-Granade Geneviève , Fichez Axel , Attia Jocelyne , Ville Dorothée , Guibaud Laurent
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Our objective was to evaluate the outcome of fetuses with first- and second-trimester fetal cytomegalovirus infection (CMVi) according to prenatal imaging patterns, especially fetuses presenting with mild imaging features (MF), being currently of uncertain prognosis. Material and Methods: In a retrospective study of 415 suspected CMVi cases, 59 cases were confirmed. Among prenatal imaging features, microcephaly, cortical disorder, and cerebellar hypoplasia as well as severe IUGR and fetal hydrops were considered as severe imaging features (SF). Other imaging features were considered as MF. Postnatal outcome was classified as “normal outcome,” “mild sequelae” characterized mainly by sensorineural disorder (SND) and “severe sequelae” characterized by cognitive impairment. Results: Only first-trimester (T1) and second-trimester (T2) CMVi cases were included in our study (n = 49) since all third-trimester cases (n = 10) had normal imaging and outcome. Sixteen fetuses had normal prenatal imaging and normal outcome, except one showing SND. Abnormal ultrasound findings were present in 33 fetuses, including SF noted in 16 fetuses, related exclusively to first-trimester CMVi. Termination of pregnancy was performed in 18 cases. Twelve first-trimester infected fetuses presented SF, whereas 6 fetuses (T1: n = 5, T2: n = 1) presented isolated MF. Four fetal deaths were encountered. Live-born babies with abnormal imaging included 10 fetuses with MF and one with SF. Among the 10 live babies with isolated MF, SND was encountered in 5 cases, whereas 5 children demonstrated normal outcome. Overall, 50% of our babies showing MF suffered from SND. No case of cognitive disorders was reported in babies showing only MF. Conclusion: SF were encountered only in first-trimester CMVi and should be distinguished from MF. Among our 10 live babies with prenatal MF following first- or second-trimester infection, 50% showed SND, whereas none presented severe sequelae. In 16 fetuses displaying normal fetal imaging, SND was encountered in one first-trimester case (6%).
Upregulation of FGF7 Induced Intravesical Prostatic Protrusion of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia via the ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Wu Lei , Zhao Sheng , Xia Shu-Jie , Pan Lei , Chen Min , Zhu Yi-Ping , Jiang Jun-Tao , Shi Fei
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) has been reported to be associated with bladder outlet obstruction and is the main cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) during the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, the molecular mechanism of IPP remains unclear. Methods: Clinical data analysis was performed to analyze the association between IPP and long-term complications in patients with BPH. RNA sequencing was performed on prostate tissues (IPP or not). Stromal cells were obtained from IPP-derived primary cultures to explore the molecular mechanism of IPP formation. Cell proliferation was evaluated by a CCK-8 assay. Multiple proteins in the signaling pathway were assessed using Western blot. Results: First, we confirmed that IPP is a prognostic factor for long-term complications in patients with BPH. Then, we observed that FGF7 was upregulated in both IPP tissues and IPP primary stromal cells through immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and quantitative real-time PCR. Furthermore, FGF7 was significantly upregulated in high IPP-grade prostate tissues. The coculture experiments showed that the downregulation of FGF7 in IPP-derived stromal cells inhibited the proliferation and migration of the prostate epithelial cells. Additionally, FGF7 was bound to FGFR2 to induce the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process through binding to FGFR2. RNA sequencing analysis also revealed the activation of the MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway. The MAPK/ERK1/2 was downregulated by a specific inhibitor affecting the FGF7 stimulation in vitro. Conclusions: Our data reveal a novel amplification effect, i.e., stromal cell-derived FGF7 promotes epithelial cell proliferation and stromal cell phenotype, ultimately inducing IPP formation. Targeting FGF7 can significantly reduce epithelial to stromal transition and provide a potential therapeutic target for BPH progression.
Non-Invasive Zinc Protoporphyrin Screening Offers Opportunities for Secondary Prevention of Iron Deficiency in Blood Donors
Authors: Schliemann Anne , Homann Christian , Hennig Georg , Lang Alexander , Holdt Lesca Miriam , Vogeser Michael , Sroka Ronald , Stepp Herbert , Weinauer Franz , Quenzel Ernst-Markus
Published: January 2023

Background: Frequent blood donors are at high risk of developing iron deficiency. Currently, there is no potent screening during blood donation to detect iron deficient erythropoiesis (IDE) before anemia develops and deferral from donation is inevitable. Study Design and Methods: In addition to capillary and venous hemoglobin, the iron status of 99 frequent blood donors was assessed by various venous blood parameters and zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP). ZnPP was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a new prototype fiber-optic device was employed for non-invasive measurements of ZnPP through the blood collection tubing (NI-tubing) and on lip tissue (NI-lip). We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic value of the NI-tubing measurement for early detection of severe iron deficiency in blood donors. Results: NI-tubing and HPLC reference measurements of ZnPP showed narrow limits of agreement of 12.2 μmol ZnPP/mol heme and very high correlation (Spearman’s Rho = 0.938). Using a cutoff of 65 μmol ZnPP/mol heme, NI-tubing measurements (n = 93) identified 100% of donors with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and an additional 38% of donors with IDE. Accordingly, NI-tubing measurements would allow detection and selective protection of particularly vulnerable donors. Conclusion: NI-tubing measurements are an accurate and simple method to implement ZnPP determination into the routine blood donation process. ZnPP was able to identify the majority of subjects with IDE and IDA and might therefore be a valuable tool to provide qualified information to donors about dietary measures and adjustments of the donation interval and thereby help to prevent IDA and hemoglobin deferral in the future.
Patterns of Interstitial Lung Disease and Prognosis in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Zhou Peining , Li Zhiying , Gao Li , Zhao Bingqing , Que Chengli , Li Haichao , Ma Jing , Wang Guangfa
Published: January 2023

Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common pulmonary manifestation of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). Objectives: We aimed to clarify the clinical predictors of mortality in a cohort of patients with AAV-related ILD (AAV-ILD). Method: We retrospectively identified AAV-ILD patients seen at Peking University First Hospital from January 2010 to June 2020 and manually screened for study inclusion. Baseline computed tomography (CT) images were further classified as nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), organizing pneumonia (OP), and unclassified ILD. Disease characteristics and other pulmonary findings including pulmonary function test and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were also evaluated. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to identify clinical predictors of mortality. Results: The cohort included 204 patients with AAV-ILD, 152 had UIP on CT (AAV-UIP), 39 had NSIP on CT (AAV-NSIP), 3 had OP, and 10 had unclassified ILD. Microscopic polyangiitis was more prevalent in patients with UIP, while granulomatosis with polyangiitis was more common in the NSIP and OP groups, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis was more frequent in patients with unclassified ILD. ILD diagnosis before AAV was more common in patients with either UIP or NSIP patterns. During the median follow-up of 40 months, 44 (21.6%) patients died. One- and 5-year overall survival rates were 88.2% (95% CI, 83.7–92.7%) and 81.0% (95% CI, 74.9–87.1%) for the entire cohort. Patients with UIP patterns had the worst prognosis, while those with NSIP patterns had the best long-term outcome. Specifically, patients with UIP patterns had an approximately 5-fold risk of death compared to those with NSIP. After controlling for potential confounding factors, we observed that each 10% increase in the BAL fluid neutrophil percentage was associated with nearly a 20% increased risk of death (HR 1.195, 95% CI 1.018–1.404). Conclusions: Clinical characteristics and survival differ between subgroups defined by CT patterns. BAL fluid neutrophilia is an independent predictor of mortality among AAV-ILD patients, and therefore, the clinical utility of BAL at the time of AAV diagnosis should be considered.