bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron Supplement-Enhanced Growth and Development of Hydrangea macrophylla In Vitro under Normal and High pH
Authors: Xiao Jie , Guo Ge , Jeong Byoung Ryong
Published: November 2021

Hydrangea macrophylla is a popular perennial ornamental shrub commercially grown as potted plants, landscape plants, and cut flowers. In the process of reproduction and production of ornamental plants, the absorption of nutrients directly determines the value of the ornamental plants. Hydrangea macrophylla is very sensitive to the content and absorption of the micronutrient iron (Fe) that affects growth of its shoots. However, the physiological activity of Fe as affected by deficiency or supplementation is unknown. This work aimed at preliminary exploring the relationship between Fe and photosynthesis, and also to find the most favorable iron source and level of pH for the growth of H. macrophylla. Two Fe sources, non-chelated iron sulfate (FeSO4) and iron ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Fe-EDTA), were supplemented to the multipurpose medium with a final Fe concentration of 2.78 mg·L−1. The medium without any Fe supplementation was used as the control. The pH of the agar-solidified medium was adjusted to either 4.70, 5.70, or 6.70, before autoclaving. The experiment was conducted in a culture room for 60 days with 25/18 °C day and night temperatures, and a 16-hour photoperiod provided at a light intensity of 50 mmol·m−2·s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) from white light-emitting diodes. Supplementary Fe increased the tissue Fe content, and leaves were greener with the medium pH of 4.70, regardless of the Fe source. Compared to the control, the number of leaves for plantlets treated with FeSO4 and Fe-EDTA were 2.0 and 1.5 times greater, respectively. The chlorophyll, macronutrient, and micronutrient contents were the greatest with Fe-EDTA at pH 4.70. Furthermore, the Fe in the leaf affected the photosynthesis by regulating stomata development, pigment content, and antioxidant system, and also by adjusting the expression of genes related to Fe absorption, transport, and redistribution. Supplementation of Fe in a form chelated with EDTA along with a medium pH of 4.70 was found to be the best for the growth and development of H. macrophylla plantlets cultured in vitro.
Multi-Tissue Characterization of GILZ Expression in Dendritic Cell Subsets at Steady State and in Inflammatory Contexts
Authors: Docq Molène , Vétillard Mathias , Gallego Carmen , Jaracz-Ros Agnieszka , Mercier-Nomé Françoise , Bachelerie Françoise , Schlecht-Louf Géraldine
Published: November 2021

Dendritic cells (DCs) are key players in the control of tolerance and immunity. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are known to regulate DC function by promoting their tolerogenic differentiation through the induction of inhibitory ligands, cytokines, and enzymes. The GC-induced effects in DCs were shown to critically depend on increased expression of the Glucocorticoid-Induced Leucine Zipper protein (GILZ). GILZ expression levels were further shown to control antigen-presenting cell function, as well as T-cell priming capacity of DCs. However, the pattern of GILZ expression in DC subsets across tissues remains poorly described, as well as the modulation of its expression levels in different pathological settings. To fill in this knowledge gap, we conducted an exhaustive analysis of GILZ relative expression levels in DC subsets from various tissues using multiparametric flow cytometry. This study was performed at steady state, in the context of acute as well as chronic skin inflammation, and in a model of cancer. Our results show the heterogeneity of GILZ expression among DC subsets as well as the complexity of its modulation, that varies in a cell subset- and context-specific manner. Considering the contribution of GILZ in the control of DC functions and its potential as an immune checkpoint in cancer settings, these results are of high relevance for optimal GILZ targeting in therapeutic strategies.
Conditional CRISPR-Cas Genome Editing in Drosophila to Generate Intestinal Tumors
Authors: Bahuguna Shivohum , Redhai Siamak , Zhou Jun , Wang Tianyu , Port Fillip , Boutros Michael
Published: November 2021

CRISPR-Cas has revolutionized genetics and extensive efforts have been made to enhance its editing efficiency by developing increasingly more elaborate tools. Here, we evaluate the CRISPR-Cas9 system in Drosophila melanogaster to assess its ability to induce stem cell-derived tumors in the intestine. We generated conditional tissue-specific CRISPR knockouts using different Cas9 expression vectors with guide RNAs targeting the BMP, Notch, and JNK pathways in intestinal progenitors such as stem cells (ISCs) and enteroblasts (EBs). Perturbing Notch and BMP signaling increased the proliferation of ISCs/EBs and resulted in the formation of intestinal tumors, albeit with different efficiencies. By assessing both the anterior and posterior regions of the midgut, we observed regional differences in ISC/EB proliferation and tumor formation upon mutagenesis. Surprisingly, high continuous expression of Cas9 in ISCs/EBs blocked age-dependent increase in ISCs/EBs proliferation and when combined with gRNAs targeting tumor suppressors, it prevented tumorigenesis. However, no such effects were seen when temporal parameters of Cas9 were adjusted to regulate its expression levels or with a genetically modified version, which expresses Cas9 at lower levels, suggesting that fine-tuning Cas9 expression is essential to avoid deleterious effects. Our findings suggest that modifications to Cas9 expression results in differences in editing efficiency and careful considerations are required when choosing reagents for CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis studies. In summary, Drosophila can serve as a powerful model for context-dependent CRISPR-Cas based perturbations and to test genome-editing systems in vivo.
Phosphate Restriction Promotes Longevity via Activation of Autophagy and the Multivesicular Body Pathway
Authors: Ebrahimi Mahsa , Habernig Lukas , Broeskamp Filomena , Aufschnaiter Andreas , Diessl Jutta , Atienza Isabel , Matz Steffen , Ruiz Felix A. , Büttner Sabrina
Published: November 2021

Nutrient limitation results in an activation of autophagy in organisms ranging from yeast, nematodes and flies to mammals. Several evolutionary conserved nutrient-sensing kinases are critical for efficient adaptation of yeast cells to glucose, nitrogen or phosphate depletion, subsequent cell-cycle exit and the regulation of autophagy. Here, we demonstrate that phosphate restriction results in a prominent extension of yeast lifespan that requires the coordinated activity of autophagy and the multivesicular body pathway, enabling efficient turnover of cytoplasmic and plasma membrane cargo. While the multivesicular body pathway was essential during the early days of aging, autophagy contributed to long-term survival at later days. The cyclin-dependent kinase Pho85 was critical for phosphate restriction-induced autophagy and full lifespan extension. In contrast, when cell-cycle exit was triggered by exhaustion of glucose instead of phosphate, Pho85 and its cyclin, Pho80, functioned as negative regulators of autophagy and lifespan. The storage of phosphate in form of polyphosphate was completely dispensable to in sustaining viability under phosphate restriction. Collectively, our results identify the multifunctional, nutrient-sensing kinase Pho85 as critical modulator of longevity that differentially coordinates the autophagic response to distinct kinds of starvation.
BASHY Dye Platform Enables the Fluorescence Bioimaging of Myelin Debris Phagocytosis by Microglia during Demyelination
Authors: Pinto Maria V. , Santos Fábio M. F. , Barros Catarina , Ribeiro Ana Rita , Pischel Uwe , Gois Pedro M. P. , Fernandes Adelaide
Published: November 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that is characterized by the presence of demyelinated regions with accumulated myelin lipid debris. Importantly, to allow effective remyelination, such debris must be cleared by microglia. Therefore, the study of microglial activity with sensitive tools is of great interest to better monitor the MS clinical course. Using a boronic acid-based (BASHY) fluorophore, specific for nonpolar lipid aggregates, we aimed to address BASHY’s ability to label nonpolar myelin debris and image myelin clearance in the context of demyelination. Demyelinated ex vivo organotypic cultures (OCSCs) and primary microglia cells were immunostained to evaluate BASHY’s co-localization with myelin debris and also to evaluate BASHY’s specificity for phagocytosing cells. Additionally, mice induced with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) were injected with BASHY and posteriorly analyzed to evaluate BASHY+ microglia within demyelinated lesions. Indeed, in our in vitro and ex vivo studies, we showed a significant increase in BASHY labeling in demyelinated OCSCs, mostly co-localized with Iba1-expressing amoeboid/phagocytic microglia. Most importantly, BASHY’s presence was also found within demyelinated areas of EAE mice, essentially co-localizing with lesion-associated Iba1+ cells, evidencing BASHY’s potential for the in vivo bioimaging of myelin clearance and myelin-carrying microglia in regions of active demyelination.
High-Fat, Western-Style Diet, Systemic Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota: A Narrative Review
Authors: Malesza Ida Judyta , Malesza Michał , Walkowiak Jarosław , Mussin Nadiar , Walkowiak Dariusz , Aringazina Raisa , Bartkowiak-Wieczorek Joanna , Mądry Edyta
Published: November 2021

The gut microbiota is responsible for recovering energy from food, providing hosts with vitamins, and providing a barrier function against exogenous pathogens. In addition, it is involved in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier, crucial for the functional maturation of the gut immune system. The Western diet (WD)—an unhealthy diet with high consumption of fats—can be broadly characterized by overeating, frequent snacking, and a prolonged postprandial state. The term WD is commonly known and intuitively understood. However, the strict digital expression of nutrient ratios is not precisely defined. Based on the US data for 1908–1989, the calory intake available from fats increased from 32% to 45%. Besides the metabolic aspects (hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin system overstimulation, and oxidative stress), the consequences of excessive fat consumption (high-fat diet—HFD) comprise dysbiosis, gut barrier dysfunction, increased intestinal permeability, and leakage of toxic bacterial metabolites into the circulation. These can strongly contribute to the development of low-grade systemic inflammation. This narrative review highlights the most important recent advances linking HFD-driven dysbiosis and HFD-related inflammation, presents the pathomechanisms for these phenomena, and examines the possible causative relationship between pro-inflammatory status and gut microbiota changes.
Effect of a High-Fat Diet on the Small-Intestinal Environment and Mucosal Integrity in the Gut-Liver Axis
Authors: Nakanishi Takashi , Fukui Hirokazu , Wang Xuan , Nishiumi Shin , Yokota Haruka , Makizaki Yutaka , Tanaka Yoshiki , Ohno Hiroshi , Tomita Toshihiko , Oshima Tadayuki , Miwa Hiroto
Published: November 2021

Although high-fat diet (HFD)-related dysbiosis is involved in the development of steatohepatitis, its pathophysiology especially in the small intestine remains unclear. We comprehensively investigated not only the liver pathology but also the microbiome profile, mucosal integrity and luminal environment in the small intestine of mice with HFD-induced obesity. C57BL/6J mice were fed either a normal diet or an HFD, and their small-intestinal contents were subjected to microbial 16S rDNA analysis. Intestinal mucosal permeability was evaluated by FITC-dextran assay. The levels of bile acids in the small-intestinal contents were measured by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The expression of tight junction molecules, antimicrobial peptides, lipopolysaccharide and macrophage marker F4/80 in the small intestine and/or liver was examined by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The abundance of Lactobacillus was markedly increased and that of Clostridium was drastically decreased in the small intestine of mice fed the HFD. The level of conjugated taurocholic acid was significantly increased and those of deconjugated cholic acid/secondary bile acids were conversely decreased in the small-intestinal contents. The expression of occludin, antimicrobial Reg IIIβ/γ and IL-22 was significantly decreased in the small intestine of HFD-fed mice, and the intestinal permeability was significantly accelerated. Infiltration of lipopolysaccharide was significantly increased in not only the small-intestinal mucosa but also the liver of HFD-fed mice, and fat drops were apparently accumulated in the liver. Pathophysiological alteration of the luminal environment in the small intestine resulting from a HFD is closely associated with minimal inflammation involving the gut-liver axis through disturbance of small-intestinal mucosal integrity.
Research Progress of Gliomas in Machine Learning
Authors: Wu Yameng , Guo Yu , Ma Jun , Sa Yu , Li Qifeng , Zhang Ning
Published: November 2021

In the field of gliomas research, the broad availability of genetic and image information originated by computer technologies and the booming of biomedical publications has led to the advent of the big-data era. Machine learning methods were applied as possible approaches to speed up the data mining processes. In this article, we reviewed the present situation and future orientations of machine learning application in gliomas within the context of workflows to integrate analysis for precision cancer care. Publicly available tools or algorithms for key machine learning technologies in the literature mining for glioma clinical research were reviewed and compared. Further, the existing solutions of machine learning methods and their limitations in glioma prediction and diagnostics, such as overfitting and class imbalanced, were critically analyzed.
Involvement of CRMP2 in Regulation of Mitochondrial Morphology and Motility in Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Brustovetsky Tatiana , Khanna Rajesh , Brustovetsky Nickolay
Published: November 2021

Mitochondrial morphology and motility (mitochondrial dynamics) play a major role in the proper functioning of distant synapses. In Huntington’s disease (HD), mitochondria become fragmented and less motile, but the mechanisms leading to these changes are not clear. Here, we found that collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) interacted with Drp1 and Miro 2, proteins involved in regulating mitochondrial dynamics. CRMP2 interaction with these proteins inversely correlated with CRMP2 phosphorylation. CRMP2 was hyperphosphorylated in postmortem brain tissues of HD patients, in human neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells from HD patients, and in cultured striatal neurons from HD mouse model YAC128. At the same time, CRMP2 interaction with Drp1 and Miro 2 was diminished in HD neurons. The CRMP2 hyperphosphorylation and dissociation from Drp1 and Miro 2 correlated with increased fission and suppressed motility. (S)-lacosamide ((S)-LCM), a small molecule that binds to CRMP2, decreased its phosphorylation at Thr 509/514 and Ser 522 and rescued CRMP2’s interaction with Drp1 and Miro 2. This was accompanied by reduced mitochondrial fission and enhanced mitochondrial motility. Additionally, (S)-LCM exerted a neuroprotective effect in YAC128 cultured neurons. Thus, our data suggest that CRMP2 may regulate mitochondrial dynamics in a phosphorylation-dependent manner and modulate neuronal survival in HD.
Inherited and Acquired Rhythm Disturbances in Sick Sinus Syndrome, Brugada Syndrome, and Atrial Fibrillation: Lessons from Preclinical Modeling
Authors: Iop Laura , Iliceto Sabino , Civieri Giovanni , Tona Francesco
Published: November 2021

Rhythm disturbances are life-threatening cardiovascular diseases, accounting for many deaths annually worldwide. Abnormal electrical activity might arise in a structurally normal heart in response to specific triggers or as a consequence of cardiac tissue alterations, in both cases with catastrophic consequences on heart global functioning. Preclinical modeling by recapitulating human pathophysiology of rhythm disturbances is fundamental to increase the comprehension of these diseases and propose effective strategies for their prevention, diagnosis, and clinical management. In silico, in vivo, and in vitro models found variable application to dissect many congenital and acquired rhythm disturbances. In the copious list of rhythm disturbances, diseases of the conduction system, as sick sinus syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and atrial fibrillation, have found extensive preclinical modeling. In addition, the electrical remodeling as a result of other cardiovascular diseases has also been investigated in models of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cardiac fibrosis, as well as arrhythmias induced by other non-cardiac pathologies, stress, and drug cardiotoxicity. This review aims to offer a critical overview on the effective ability of in silico bioinformatic tools, in vivo animal studies, in vitro models to provide insights on human heart rhythm pathophysiology in case of sick sinus syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and atrial fibrillation and advance their safe and successful translation into the cardiology arena.
Quality of Life among Pediatric Neurocognitive, Speech, and Psychomotor Rehabilitation Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study on an Italian Sample
Authors: Cofini Vincenza , Bianchini Valeria , Muselli Mario , Budroni Danila , Tobia Loreta , Calò Giovanna Letizia , Fabiani Leila , Necozione Stefano
Published: November 2021

Objective: The aim was to estimate the perceived quality of life and its relationship with sociodemographic and professional factors, perception of susceptibility to COVID-19, and stress. Design: It was a longitudinal study. Subjects: Professionals, working in Italian centers for pediatric neurocognitive, speech, and psychomotor rehabilitation. Methods: Participants were interviewed online twice during the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy. The questionnaire included: (i) The measures of health-related quality of life to perform the Summary Index of Unhealthy Days, (ii) modified items from the “Standard questionnaire on risk perception of an infectious disease outbreak” and (iii) the items of the General Health Questionnaire. Results: One hundred and thirty professionals out of 130 participated in the first interview, while only 50 therapists took part in the second interview (dropout rate: 61%). The Summary Index of Unhealthy Days was 8 days at the first interview, and it decreased to 6 days at the second interview; however, the reduction was not significant (F = 3.22; p = 0.079). The multivariable analysis showed that the rehabilitation providers with moderate or severe stress level were more likely to have a negative perception of the quality of life (ORadj = 7.155; 95% CI: 2.8–18.2), and this result was confirmed at the second interview. Conclusions: Our results showed that in a severe public health emergency, the mental health and quality of life of rehabilitation professionals must be a topic of focus to enhance psychological resilience, to prevent burnout and to reduce rehabilitation errors.
Polydopamine-Assisted Surface Modification of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy with Anti-Biofilm Activity for Dental Implantology Applications
Authors: Marinas Ioana Cristina , Tihauan Bianca Maria , Diaconu Andreea Gabriela , Filip Xenia , Petran Anca , Grosu Ioana-Georgeta , Bogdan Diana , Barbu Lucian , Ivanof Ana Maria , Angheloiu Marin , Pircalabioru Grațiela Gradisteanu , Filip Claudiu
Published: November 2021

Coating the surfaces of implantable materials with various active principles to ensure inhibition of microbial adhesion, is a solution to reduce infections associated with dental implant. The aim of the study was to optimize the polydopamine films coating on the Ti-6Al-6V alloy surface in order to obtain a maximum of antimicrobial/antibiofilm efficacy and reduced cytotoxicity. Surface characterization was performed by evaluating the morphology (SEM, AFM) and structures (Solid-state 13C NMR and EPR). Antimicrobial activity was assessed by logarithmic reduction of CFU/mL, and the antibiofilm activity by reducing the adhesion of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans strains. The release of NO was observed especially for C. albicans strain, which confirms the results obtained for microbial adhesion. Among the PDA coatings, for 0.45:0.88 (KMnO4:dopamine) molar ratio the optimal compromise was obtained in terms of antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity, while the 0.1:1.5 ratio (KMnO4:dopamine) led to higher NO release and implicitly the reduction of the adhesion capacities only for C. albicans, being slightly cytotoxic but with moderate release of LDH. The proposed materials can be used to reduce the adhesion of yeast to the implantable material and thus inhibit the formation of microbial biofilms.
Bioactive Glass—An Extensive Study of the Preparation and Coating Methods
Authors: Maximov Maxim , Maximov Oana-Cristina , Craciun Luminita , Ficai Denisa , Ficai Anton , Andronescu Ecaterina
Published: November 2021

Diseases or complications that are caused by bone tissue damage affect millions of patients every year. Orthopedic and dental implants have become important treatment options for replacing and repairing missing or damaged parts of bones and teeth. In order to use a material in the manufacture of implants, the material must meet several requirements, such as mechanical stability, elasticity, biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, corrosion resistance, and non-toxicity. In the 1970s, a biocompatible glassy material called bioactive glass was discovered. At a later time, several glass materials with similar properties were developed. This material has a big potential to be used in formulating medical devices, but its fragility is an important disadvantage. The use of bioactive glasses in the form of coatings on metal substrates allows the combination of the mechanical hardness of the metal and the biocompatibility of the bioactive glass. In this review, an extensive study of the literature was conducted regarding the preparation methods of bioactive glass and the different techniques of coating on various substrates, such as stainless steel, titanium, and their alloys. Furthermore, the main doping agents that can be used to impart special properties to the bioactive glass coatings are described.
Surface Topography of PVD Hard Coatings
Authors: Panjan Peter , Drnovšek Aljaž , Mahne Nastja , Čekada Miha , Panjan Matjaž
Published: November 2021

The primary objective of this study was to investigate and compare the surface topography of hard coatings deposited by three different physical vapor deposition methods (PVD): low-voltage electron beam evaporation, unbalanced magnetron sputtering and cathodic arc evaporation. In these deposition systems, various ion etching techniques were applied for substrate cleaning. The paper summarizes our experience and the expertise gained during many years of development of PVD hard coatings for the protection of tools and machine components. Surface topography was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and 3D stylus profilometry. Observed similarities and differences among samples deposited by various deposition methods are discussed and correlated with substrate material selection, substrate pretreatment and deposition conditions. Large variations in the surface topography were observed between selected deposition techniques, both after ion etching and deposition processes. The main features and implications of surface cleaning by ion etching are discussed and the physical phenomena involved in this process are reviewed. During a given deposition run as well as from one run to another, a large spatial variation of etching rates was observed due to the difference in substrate geometry and batching configurations. Variations related to the specific substrate rotation (i.e., temporal variations in the etching and deposition) were also observed. The etching efficiency can be explained by the influence of different process parameters, such as substrate-to-source orientation and distance, shadowing and electric field effects. The surface roughness of PVD coatings mainly originates from growth defects (droplets, nodular defects, pinholes, craters, etc.). We briefly describe the causes of their formation.
Analytical Model of the Process of Thermal Barrier Coating by the MO CVD Method
Authors: Lukashov Vladimir V. , Turgambaeva Asiya E. , Igumenov Igor K.
Published: November 2021

Integral regularities in the growth of 7YSZ thermal barrier coatings during MO CVD (Metal–Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition) are proposed. Within the framework of the model of the reacting boundary layer, the coating deposition process is considered as a process of independent global reactions of diffusion combustion of Zr(dpm)4 and Y(dpm)3 under convection conditions on a permeable surface. The rate of coating growth and the efficiency of using a precursor are analytically evaluated. The correctness of the proposed approach is confirmed by comparison with known experimental data. The considered model can be used to analyze the deposition of coatings from various mixtures of precursors, such as Nd(dpm)3, Hf(dpm)4, and Sm(dpm)3.
Effects of Drying Temperature and Molar Concentration on Structural, Optical, and Electrical Properties of β-Ga2O3 Thin Films Fabricated by Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Park Taejun , Kim Kyunghwan , Hong Jeongsoo
Published: November 2021

In this study, β-Ga2O3 films were fabricated on a quartz substrate by the sol–gel method using different drying temperatures and solutions of different molar concentrations, and their structural, optical, and electrical properties were evaluated. The as-fabricated films exhibited a monoclinic β-Ga2O3 crystal structure, whose crystallinity and crystallite size increased with increasing molar concentration of the solutions used and increasing drying temperature. Scanning electron microscopy of the as-prepared samples revealed dense surface morphologies and that the thickness of the films also depended on the deposition conditions. The average transmittance of all the samples was above 8% in visible light, and the calculated optical bandgap energy was 4.9 eV. The resistivity measured using a 4-point probe system was 3.7 × 103 Ω cm.
Bioactive Edible Films and Coatings Based in Gums and Starch: Phenolic Enrichment and Foods Application
Authors: Pedreiro Sónia , Figueirinha Artur , Silva Ana Sanches , Ramos Fernando
Published: November 2021

Edible films and coatings allow preserving fresh and processed food, maintaining quality, preventing microbial contamination and/or oxidation reactions and increasing the shelf life of food products. The structural matrix of edible films and coatings is mainly constituted by proteins, lipids or polysaccharides. However, it is possible to increase the bioactive potential of these polymeric matrices by adding phenolic compounds obtained from plant extracts. Phenolic compounds are known to possess several biological properties such as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Incorporating phenolic compounds enriched plant extracts in edible films and coatings contribute to preventing food spoilage/deterioration and the extension of shelf life. This review is focused on edible films and coatings based on gums and starch. Special attention is given to bioactive edible films and coatings incorporating plant extracts enriched in phenolic compounds.
Correlation Effects in Trimeric Acylphloroglucinols
Authors: Mammino Liliana
Published: November 2021

Trimeric acylphloroglucinols (T-ACPLs) are a subclass of the large class of acylphloroglucinols—derivatives of 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene containing an R–C=O group. T-ACPL molecules contain three acylphloroglucinol moieties linked by methylene bridges. Many of them are present in natural sources and exhibit biological activities, often better than the corresponding activities of monomeric acylphloroglucinols. All the stable conformers of T-ACPLs contain seven intramolecular hydrogen bonds, which constitute the dominant stabilising factors. A total of 38 different T-ACPLs, including both naturally occurring and model molecules, have been calculated at the HF and DFT/B3LYP levels. The DFT/B3LYP calculations were carried out both without and with Grimme’s dispersion correction, to highlight the dispersion (and, therefore, also electron correlation) effects for these molecules. The roles of dispersion are evaluated considering the effects of Grimme’s correction on the estimation of the conformers’ energies, the description of the characteristics of the individual hydrogen bonds, the conformers’ geometries and other molecular properties. Overall, the results offer a comprehensive overview of the conformational preferences of T-ACPL molecules, their intramolecular hydrogen bond patterns, and the correlation effects on their properties.
Preparation of Polyimide Films with Ultra-Low Dielectric Constant by Phase Inversion
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Zhang Lize , Zhang Ke , Zhao Jiupeng , Li Yao
Published: November 2021

Due to the high value of its dielectric constant, polyimide does not meet the requirements of the development of integrated circuits and high-frequency printed circuits. The development of novel low dielectric constant polyimide materials for the preparation of flexible copper clad laminates is of theoretical and practical significance in the application of polyimide for 5G communications. In this work, different fluorinated graphene/polyamic acids (FG/PAA) were used as the precursor, and the porous polyimide film was successfully prepared by phase inversion. The dielectric constant of the porous polyimide film is relatively low, being less than 1.7. When the content of fluorinated graphene is 0.5 wt%, the overall dielectric performance of the porous film is the best, with a dielectric constant of 1.56 (10 kHz) and a characteristic breakdown field strength of 56.39 kV/mm. In addition, the mechanical properties of the film are relatively poor, with tensile strengths of 13.87 MPa (0.2 wt%), 13.61 MPa (0.5 wt%), and 6.25 MPa (1.0 wt%), respectively. Therefore, further improving the breakdown resistance and mechanical properties of the porous film is essential for the application of porous ultra-low dielectric polyimide materials.
Electrochemical In Situ Fabrication of Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes on a Titanium Wire as a Fiber Coating for Solid-Phase Microextraction of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Ma Mingguang , Wei Yunxia , Chen Jie , Shang Qiong
Published: November 2021

A novel titanium dioxide nanotube (TiO2NTS) coated fiber for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was prepared by in situ anodization of titanium wire in electrolyte containing ethylene glycol and ammonium fluoride (NH4F). The effects of different electrolyte solutions (NH4F and ethylene glycol) and oxidation voltages on the formation and size of TiO2NTs was studied. It was obtained from the experiment that TiO2NTs arrays were arranged with a wall thickness of 25 nm and the diameter of 100 nm pores in ethylene glycol and water (v/v, 1:1) containing NH4F of 0.5% (w/v) with a voltage of 20 V at 25 °C for 30 min. The TiO2NTs were used as solid-phase microextraction fiber coatings coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in sensitive determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in spiked real samples water. Under the optimized SPME conditions, the calibration curve has good linearity in the range of 0.20–500 μg·L−1, and the correlation coefficient (R2) is between 0.9980 and 0.9991. Relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 3.5–4.7% (n = 5) for single fiber repeatability and of 5.2% to 7.9% for fiber-to-fiber reproducibility (n = 3) was obtained. The limits of detection (LOD) (S/N = 3) and limits of quantification (LOQ) (S/N = 10) of PAHs were 0.03–0.05 µg·L−1 and 0.12–0.18 µg·L−1. The developed method was applied to the preconcentration and determination of trace PAHs in spiked real samples of water with good recoveries from 78.6% to 119% and RSDs from 4.3 to 8.9%, respectively.
Cell-Free Biomimetic Mineralization Strategies to Regenerate the Enamel Microstructure
Authors: Zhang Yu Yuan , Li Quan Li , Wong Hai Ming
Published: November 2021

The distinct architecture of native enamel gives it its exquisite appearance and excellent intrinsic-extrinsic fracture toughening properties. However, damage to the enamel is irreversible. At present, the clinical treatment for enamel lesion is an invasive method; besides, its limitations, caused by the chemical and physical difference between restorative materials and dental hard tissue, makes the restorative effects far from ideal. With more investigations on the mechanism of amelogenesis, biomimetic mineralization techniques for enamel regeneration have been well developed, which hold great promise as a non-invasive strategy for enamel restoration. This review disclosed the chemical and physical mechanism of amelogenesis; meanwhile, it overviewed and summarized studies involving the regeneration of enamel microstructure in cell-free biomineralization approaches, which could bring new prospects for resolving the challenges in enamel regeneration.
Determination of Absolute Structure of Chiral Crystals Using Three-Wave X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Kozlovskaya Ksenia , Ovchinnikova Elena , Kokubun Jun , Rogalev Andrei , Wilhelm Fabrice , Guillou Francois , de Bergevin Francois , Konstantinova Alisa F. , Dmitrienko Vladimir E.
Published: November 2021

We propose a new method to determine the absolute structure of chiral crystals, which is based on the chiral asymmetry of multiple scattering diffraction. It manifests as a difference in the azimuthal dependence of the forbidden Bragg reflection intensity measured with left and right circularly polarized X-ray beams. Contrary to the existing ones, the suggested method does not use X-ray anomalous dispersion. The difference between the Renninger scans with circularly polarized X-rays has been experimentally demonstrated for the 001 reflection intensities in the right- and left-handed quartz single crystals. A Jmulti-based code on model-independent three-wave-diffraction approach has been developed for quantitative description of our experimental results. The proposed method can be applied to various structures including opaque, organic and monoatomic crystals, even with only light elements. To determine the type of isomer, the Renninger plot of a single forbidden reflection is sufficient.
Understanding the Luminescence Characteristics of Ultraviolet InGaN/AlGaN Multiple Quantum Wells with Different In Gradients
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Wei , Zhang Shuyuan
Published: November 2021

The electroluminescence (EL) properties of InGaN/AlGaN ultraviolet light-emitting multiple quantum wells (MQWs) with identical average In content but different In gradients (In content increases linearly, along the growth direction) are investigated numerically. It is found that the luminescence efficiency is improved, and the EL spectral peak wavelength becomes longer for the MQW sample with a larger In gradient. Since the influence of In gradient is different for the conduction and valence bands in InGaN layers, the distribution of electrons and holes in QWs may be changed, leading to a redshift of EL spectra. In particular, when the In gradient increases, the overlap integral of electron-hole wavefunction in InGaN QWs increases, resulting in a higher radiative recombination rate and an enhanced EL intensity.
Meta-Analysis of Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy for Patients with Resectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Cao Christopher , Le Anthony , Bott Matthew , Yang Chi-Fu Jeffrey , Gossot Dominique , Melfi Franca , Tian David H. , Guo Allen
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Immunotherapy has created a paradigm shift in the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), overcoming the therapeutic plateau previously achieved by systemic chemotherapy. There is growing interest in the utility of immunotherapy for patients with resectable NSCLC in the neoadjuvant setting. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide an overview of the existing evidence, with a focus on pathological and radiological response, perioperative clinical outcomes, and long-term survival. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using electronic databases from their dates of inception to August 2021. Pooled data on pathological response, radiological response, and perioperative outcomes were meta-analyzed where possible. Results: Eighteen publications from sixteen studies were identified, involving 548 enrolled patients who underwent neoadjuvant immunotherapy, of whom 507 underwent surgery. Pathologically, 52% achieved a major pathological response, 24% a complete pathological response, and 20% reported a complete pathological response of both the primary lesion as well as the sampled lymph nodes. Radiologically, 84% of patients had stable disease or partial response. Mortality within 30 days was 0.6%, and morbidities were reported according to grade and frequency. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis demonstrated that neoadjuvant immunotherapy was feasible and safe based on perioperative clinical data and completion rates of surgery within their intended timeframe. The pathological response after neoadjuvant immunotherapy was superior to historical data for patients who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone, whilst surgical and treatment-related adverse events were comparable. The limitations of the study included the heterogenous treatment regimens, lack of long-term follow-up, variations in the reporting of potential prognostic factors, and potential publication bias.
Renin-Angiotensin System Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Are Associated with Bladder Cancer Risk
Authors: Samara Maria , Papathanassiou Maria , Farmakioti Ioanna , Anagnostou Maria , Satra Maria , Mitrakas Lampros , Anastasiou Dimitrios , Chasiotis Georgios , Christopoulos Agamemnon , Anagnostou Athanasios , Christodoulou Anastasios , Daponte Alexandros , Ioannou Maria , Koukoulis George , Tzortzis Vassilios , Vlachostergios Panagiotis J.
Published: November 2021

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS), besides being a major regulator of blood pressure, is also involved in tumor angiogenesis. Emerging evidence suggests a correlation between the use of pharmacologic RAS inhibitors and a delay in urothelial bladder cancer (BC) progression. However, it is unknown whether RAS gene variants may predispose to the development of BC. This study examined the association of RAS single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including AT1R rs5186, AT2R rs11091046, REN rs12750834, ANG rs4762, and ANG rs699 with the risk of developing non-invasive BC. Peripheral blood samples from 73 patients with T1 urothelial BC (66 men, seven women) and an equal number of healthy subjects (control group) were collected. The TT genotype of the REN rs12750834 SNP (OR: 2.8 [1.3–6.05], p = 0.008) and to a lesser extent the presence of the T allele (OR: 2.3 [1.2–4.48], p = 0.01) conferred a higher risk of BC. The highest risk for BC within SNP carriers of the RAS system was associated with the presence of the CC genotype (OR: 17.6 [7.5–41.35], p < 0.001) and C allele (OR: 17.7 [8.8–35.9], p < 0.001) of the ANG rs699 SNP. The presence of the AT2R rs11091046 SNP, particularly the AA genotype, was associated with a protective effect against developing BC (OR: 0.268 [0.126–057], p < 0.001). In conclusion, these results support the clinical utility of RAS gene SNPs AT2R rs11091046, REN rs12750834, and ANG rs699 in the genetic cancer risk assessment of patients and families with BC.
Evaluation of the Use of Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) for Describing the Species Diversity of Two Coral Reefs in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: Palomino-Alvarez Lilian A. , Vital Xochitl G. , Castillo-Cupul Raúl E. , Suárez-Mozo Nancy Y. , Ugalde Diana , Cervantes-Campero Gabriel , Muciño-Reyes María R. , Homá-Canché Pedro , Hernández-Díaz Yoalli Quetzalli , Sotelo-Casas Rosa , García-González Maryjose , Avedaño-Peláez Yhutsin A. , Hernández-González Alejandro , Paz-Ríos Carlos E. , Lizaola-Guillermo Jose M. , García-Venegas Magdalena , Dávila-Jiménez Yasmin , Ortigosa Deneb , Hidalgo Gema , Tello-Musi José L. , Rivera-Higueras Mariana , Moreno Mendoza Rigoberto , Wicksten Mary K. , Rocha Rosana M. , Vieira Leandro , Mendoza-Garfias María Berenit , Simões Nuno , Guerra-Castro Edlin J.
Published: November 2021

Autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS) have been proposed as a standardized, passive, nondestructive sampling tool. This study assessed the ability of ARMS to capture the cryptic species diversity of two coral reefs by recording species richness and taxonomic representativeness using conventional taxonomy. The capacity of ARMS, as artificial substrates, to favor the establishment of nonindigenous species over native species was also evaluated. The use of ARMS allowed the detection of 370 species morphotypes from nine phyla, yielding 13 new records of geographic distribution expansion, one exotic species for the Gulf of México and the Caribbean Sea, and six newly described species. It was also possible to make spatial comparisons of species richness between both reefs. ARMS captured cryptic diversity exceptionally well, with the exception of echinoderms. Furthermore, these artificial structures did not hinder the colonization ability of native species; in fact, the colonization patterns on the structures themselves represented the spatial differences in the structure of benthic assemblages. This study represents the first effort to make a conventional taxonomic description of the cryptic fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula using ARMS. It is recommended to assess coral reef species diversity, but more taxonomists specialized in marine invertebrates are needed.
Characterization of Five New Earthworm Mitogenomes (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae): Mitochondrial Phylogeny of Lumbricidae
Authors: Liu Hongyi , Zhang Yufeng , Xu Wei , Fang Yu , Ruan Honghua
Published: November 2021

Identification based on conventional morphological characteristics is typically difficult and time-consuming. The development of molecular techniques provides a novel strategy that relies on specific mitochondrial gene fragments to conduct authentication. For this study, five newly sequenced partial mitogenomes of earthworms (Bimastos parvus, Dendrobaena octaedra, Eisenia andrei, Eisenia nordenskioldi, and Octolasion tyrtaeum) with lengths ranging from 14,977 to 15,715 were presented. Each mitogenome possessed a putative control region that resided between tRNA-Arg and tRNA-His. All of the PCGs were under negative selection according to the value of Ka/Ks. The phylogenetic trees supported the classification of Eisenia and Lumbricus; however, the trees based on cox1 did not. Through various comparisons, it was determined that cox1 fragments might be more suitable for molecular identification. These results lay the foundation for further phylogenetic studies on Lumbricidae.
Additions to the Knowledge of Corticioid Xylodon (Schizoporaceae, Hymenochaetales): Introducing Three New Xylodon Species from Southern China
Authors: Luo Kai-Yue , Qu Meng-Han , Zhao Chang-Lin
Published: November 2021

Three wood-inhabiting fungal species, Xylodon gossypinus, X. macrosporus, and X. sinensis spp. nov. were collected from southern China, with the similar function to decompose rotten wood, which are here proposed as new taxa based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Xylodon gossypinus is characterized by the resupinate basidiomata with cotton hymenophore, and ellipsoid basidiospores; X.macrosporus is characterized by the resupinate basidiomata having the cracking hymenophore with pale yellowish hymenial surface, and larger basidiospores 8–10.5 × 7.5–9 µm; and X. sinensis differs by its grandinioid hymenial surface and subglobose basidiospores measuring as 3–5 × 2.5–4 µm. Sequences of ITS and nLSU rRNA markers of the studied samples were generated, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The ITS+nLSU analysis in Hymenochaetales revealed that the three new species clustered into the Schizoporaceae family, located in genus Xylodon; based on the ITS dataset, X. gossypinus was a sister to X. ussuriensis; X. macrosporus closely grouped with X.follis with a high support; and X.sinensis was retrieved as two sisters to X. attenuatus and X. yarraensis with a lower support.
Genetic Diversity of a Rising Invasive Pest in the Native Range: Population Genetic Structure of Aromia bungii (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in South Korea
Authors: Lee Seunghyun , Cha Deokjea , Nam Yongwoo , Jung Jonkook
Published: November 2021

The red-necked longhorn beetle (RLB; Aromia bungii [Faldermann, 1835]) is an emerging invasive pest. From its native range of East Asia, it invaded Europe and Japan in the early 2010s. Despite its increasing importance, the molecular resources of RLB are scarce, and its invasive dynamics are largely unknown. In the present study, we carried out the first analysis of its population genetic structure in South Korea, which is part of its native range, using 1248 bp cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences of 199 individuals from 18 localities. We found that in South Korea, RLB has a moderate population genetic structure and can be divided into three geographical subgroups: central, southeastern, and southwestern subgroup. Comparative analyses with two Chinese, one German, and ten Italian RLB sequences yielded non-significant results because of largely missing genetic data from other native areas. Nevertheless, as it provided the first population genetic data for this invasive alien species (IAS) whose range is increasing, our research is a crucial molecular resource for future invasive dynamics research.
Exploring Primary Care Clinicians’ Views about How Best to Implement a Potential Trial around Point-of-Care Tests for Common Infections in South Africa
Authors: Epps Alice , Albury Charlotte , Van Hecke Oliver
Published: November 2021

Optimisation of antibiotic prescribing is critical to combat antimicrobial resistance. Point-of-care tests (POCTs) for common infections could be a valuable tool to achieve this in primary care. Currently, their use has primarily been studied in high-income countries. Trials in low-and-middle-income countries face challenges unique to their setting. This study aims to explore the barriers and facilitators for a future trial of POCTs for common infections in South Africa. Twenty-three primary care clinicians in the Western Cape Metropole were interviewed. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. We identified three key themes. These themes focused on clinicians’ views about proposed trial design and novel POCTs, clinicians’ perspectives about trial set-up, and specific trial procedures. Participants were overall positive about the proposed trial and POCTs. Potential issues centred around the limited space and technology available and participant retention to follow-up. Additionally, impact on clinic workload was an important consideration. These insights will be invaluable in informing the design of a feasibility trial of POCTs in this setting.