bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Light- and Jasmonic Acid-Induced AaMYB108-like Positive Regulates the Initiation of Glandular Secretory Trichome in Artemisia annua L.
Authors: Liu Hang , He Weizhi , Yao Xinghao , Yan Xin , Wang Xiuyun , Peng Bowen , Zhang Yaojie , Shao Jin , Hu Xinyi , Miao Qing , Li Ling , Tang Kexuan
Published: August 2023

The plant Artemisia annua L. is famous for producing “artemisinin”, which is an essential component in the treatment of malaria. The glandular secretory trichomes (GSTs) on the leaves of A. annua secrete and store artemisinin. Previous research has demonstrated that raising GST density can effectively raise artemisinin content. However, the molecular mechanism of GST initiation is not fully understood yet. In this study, we identified an MYB transcription factor, the AaMYB108-like, which is co-induced by light and jasmonic acid, and positively regulates glandular secretory trichome initiation in A. annua. Overexpression of the AaMYB108-like gene in A. annua increased GST density and enhanced the artemisinin content, whereas anti-sense of the AaMYB108-like gene resulted in the reduction in GST density and artemisinin content. Further experiments demonstrated that the AaMYB108-like gene could form a complex with AaHD8 to promote the expression of downstream AaHD1, resulting in the initiation of GST. Taken together, the AaMYB108-like gene is a positive regulator induced by light and jasmonic acid for GST initiation in A. annua.
Peptide-Based Agents for Cancer Treatment: Current Applications and Future Directions
Authors: Nhàn Nguyễn Thị Thanh , Yamada Tohru , Yamada Kaori H.
Published: August 2023

Peptide-based strategies have received an enormous amount of attention because of their specificity and applicability. Their specificity and tumor-targeting ability are applied to diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients. In this review, we will summarize recent advancements and future perspectives on peptide-based strategies for cancer treatment. The literature search was conducted to identify relevant articles for peptide-based strategies for cancer treatment. It was performed using PubMed for articles in English until June 2023. Information on clinical trials was also obtained from ClinicalTrial.gov. Given that peptide-based strategies have several advantages such as targeted delivery to the diseased area, personalized designs, relatively small sizes, and simple production process, bioactive peptides having anti-cancer activities (anti-cancer peptides or ACPs) have been tested in pre-clinical settings and clinical trials. The capability of peptides for tumor targeting is essentially useful for peptide–drug conjugates (PDCs), diagnosis, and image-guided surgery. Immunomodulation with peptide vaccines has been extensively tested in clinical trials. Despite such advantages, FDA-approved peptide agents for solid cancer are still limited. This review will provide a detailed overview of current approaches, design strategies, routes of administration, and new technological advancements. We will highlight the success and limitations of peptide-based therapies for cancer treatment.
Identification and Study of the Action Mechanism of Small Compound That Inhibits Replication of Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Shtro Anna A. , Klabukov Artem M. , Garshinina Anzhelika V. , Galochkina Anastasia V. , Nikolaeva Yulia V. , Khomenko Tatyana M. , Bobkov Danila E. , Lozhkov Aleksey A. , Sivak Konstantin V. , Yakovlev Kirill S. , Komissarov Andrey B. , Borisevich Sophia S. , Volcho Konstantin P. , Salakhutdinov Nariman F.
Published: August 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is known to cause annual epidemics of respiratory infections; however, the lack of specific treatment options for this disease poses a challenge. In light of this, there has been a concerted effort to identify small molecules that can effectively combat RSV. This article focuses on the mechanism of action of compound K142, which was identified as a primary screening leader in the earlier stages of the project. The research conducted demonstrates that K142 significantly reduces the intensity of virus penetration into the cells, as well as the formation of syncytia from infected cells. These findings show that the compound’s interaction with the surface proteins of RSV is a key factor in its antiviral activity. Furthermore, pharmacological modeling supports that K142 effectively interacts with the F-protein. However, in vivo studies have shown only weak antiviral activity against RSV infection, with a slight decrease in viral load observed in lung tissues. As a result, there is a need to enhance the bioavailability or antiviral properties of this compound. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that further modifications of the compound under study could potentially increase its antiviral activity.
Single and Combined Effects of Chlorpyrifos and Glyphosate on the Brain of Common Carp: Based on Biochemical and Molecular Perspective
Authors: Zhang Dongfang , Ding Weikai , Liu Wei , Li Liuying , Zhu Gongming , Ma Junguo
Published: August 2023

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) and glyphosate (GLY) are the most widely used organophosphate insecticide and herbicide worldwide, respectively; co-occurrence of CPF and GLY in aquatic environments occurs where they inevitably have potential hazards to fish. However, the potential mechanisms of CPF and GLY to induce toxicity have not been fully explored. To identify the adverse impacts of CPF and GLY on fish, either alone or in combination (MIX), CPF (25 μg/L) and GLY (3.5 mg/L) were set up according to an environmentally relevant concentration to expose to common carp for 21 days. After exposure, CPF and GLY decreased the activities of acetylcholinesterase and Na+/K+-ATPase, altered monoamine oxidase levels, decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase and glutamic reductase), and induced the accumulation of malondialdehyde in the carp brain. The parameters in the MIX groups had a greater impact compared to that in the CPF or GLY group, suggesting that both single and combined exposure could affect neurological signaling systems and cause oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation damage in carp brains, and that MIX exposure increases the impact of each pollutant. RNA-seq results showed that single or combined exposure to CPF and GLY induced global transcriptomic changes in fish brains, and the number of differentially expressed genes in MIX-treated carp brains were globally increased compared to either the CPF or GLY groups, suggesting that the effects of co-exposure were greater than single exposure. Further analysis results revealed that the global transcriptomic changes participated in oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, and apoptosis of fish brains, and identified that the P13k-Akt signaling pathway participates in both single and combined exposure of CPF- and GLY-induced toxicity. Taken together, our results demonstrated that the interaction of CPF and GLY might be synergic and provided novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of fish brains coping with CPF and GLY.
Serum Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and TAC/Lymphocyte Ratio as Promising Predictive Markers in COVID-19
Authors: Horváth-Szalai Zoltán , Jakabfi-Csepregi Rita , Szirmay Balázs , Ragán Dániel , Simon Gerda , Kovács-Ábrahám Zoltán , Szabó Péter , Sipos Dávid , Péterfalvi Ágnes , Miseta Attila , Csontos Csaba , Kőszegi Tamás , Tóth Ildikó
Published: August 2023

SARS-CoV-2 infection might cause a critical disease, and patients’ follow-up is based on multiple parameters. Oxidative stress is one of the key factors in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 suggesting that its level could be a prognostic marker. Therefore, we elucidated the predictive value of the serum non-enzymatic total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and that of the newly introduced TAC/lymphocyte ratio in COVID-19. We included 61 COVID-19 (n = 27 ward, n = 34 intensive care unit, ICU) patients and 29 controls in our study. Serum TAC on admission was measured by an enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) microplate assay previously validated by our research group. TAC levels were higher (p < 0.01) in ICU (median: 407.88 µmol/L) than in ward patients (315.44 µmol/L) and controls (296.60 µmol/L). Besides the classical parameters, both the TAC/lymphocyte ratio and TAC had significant predictive values regarding the severity (AUC-ROC for the TAC/lymphocyte ratio: 0.811; for TAC: 0.728) and acute kidney injury (AUC-ROC for the TAC/lymphocyte ratio: 0.747; for TAC: 0.733) in COVID-19. Moreover, the TAC/lymphocyte ratio had significant predictive value regarding mortality (AUC-ROC: 0.752). Serum TAC and the TAC/lymphocyte ratio might offer valuable information regarding the severity of COVID-19. TAC measured by our ECL microplate assay serves as a promising marker for the prediction of systemic inflammatory diseases.
Anti-Glycolipid Antibody Examination in Five EAE Models and Theiler’s Virus Model of Multiple Sclerosis: Detection of Anti-GM1, GM3, GM4, and Sulfatide Antibodies in Relapsing-Remitting EAE
Authors: Moriguchi Kota , Nakamura Yumina , Park Ah-Mee , Sato Fumitaka , Kuwahara Motoi , Khadka Sundar , Omura Seiichi , Ahmad Ijaz , Kusunoki Susumu , Tsunoda Ikuo
Published: August 2023

Anti-glycolipid antibodies have been reported to play pathogenic roles in peripheral inflammatory neuropathies, such as Guillain–Barré syndrome. On the other hand, the role in multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory demyelinating disease in the central nervous system (CNS), is largely unknown, although the presence of anti-glycolipid antibodies was reported to differ among MS patients with relapsing-remitting (RR), primary progressive (PP), and secondary progressive (SP) disease courses. We investigated whether the induction of anti-glycolipid antibodies could differ among experimental MS models with distinct clinical courses, depending on induction methods. Using three mouse strains, SJL/J, C57BL/6, and A.SW mice, we induced five distinct experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35–55, MOG92–106, or myelin proteolipid protein (PLP)139–151, with or without an additional adjuvant curdlan injection. We also induced a viral model of MS, using Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV). Each MS model had an RR, SP, PP, hyperacute, or chronic clinical course. Using the sera from the MS models, we quantified antibodies against 11 glycolipids: GM1, GM2, GM3, GM4, GD3, galactocerebroside, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b, GQ1b, and sulfatide. Among the MS models, we detected significant increases in four anti-glycolipid antibodies, GM1, GM3, GM4, and sulfatide, in PLP139–151-induced EAE with an RR disease course. We also tested cellular immune responses to the glycolipids and found CD1d-independent lymphoproliferative responses only to sulfatide with decreased interleukin (IL)-10 production. Although these results implied that anti-glycolipid antibodies might play a role in remissions or relapses in RR-EAE, their functional roles need to be determined by mechanistic experiments, such as injections of monoclonal anti-glycolipid antibodies.
Uremic Toxins Induce THP-1 Monocyte Endothelial Adhesion and Migration through Specific miRNA Expression
Authors: Carmona Andres , Guerrero Fatima , Muñoz-Castañeda Juan R. , Jimenez Maria Jose , Rodriguez Mariano , Soriano Sagrario , Martin-Malo Alejandro
Published: August 2023

Atherosclerosis is initiated by the activation of endothelial cells that allows monocyte adhesion and transmigration through the vascular wall. The accumulation of uremic toxins such as indoxyl sulphate (IS) and p-cresol (PC) has been associated with atherosclerosis. Currently, miRNAs play a crucial role in the regulation of monocyte activation, adhesion, and trans-endothelial migration. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of IS and PC on monocyte adhesion and migration processes in monocytes co-cultured with endothelial cells as well as to determine the underlying mechanisms. The incubation of HUVECs and THP-1 cells with both IS and PC toxins resulted in an increased migratory capacity of THP-1 cells. Furthermore, the exposure of THP-1 cells to both uremic toxins resulted in the upregulation of BMP-2 and miRNAs-126-3p, -146b-5p, and -223-3p, as well as the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and a decrease in its inhibitor IĸB. Uremic toxins, such as IS and PC, enhance the migratory and adhesion capacity of THP-1 cells to the vascular endothelium. These toxins, particularly PC, contribute significantly to uremia-associated vascular disease by increasing in THP-1 cells the expression of BMP-2, NF-κB, and key miRNAs associated with the development of atherosclerotic vascular diseases.
Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of Nitrate Transporter Genes (NPF, NRT2 and NRT3) in Maize
Authors: Jia Lihua , Hu Desheng , Wang Junbo , Liang Yuanyuan , Li Fang , Wang Yi , Han Yanlai
Published: August 2023

Nitrate is the primary form of nitrogen uptake in plants, mainly transported by nitrate transporters (NRTs), including NPF (NITRATE TRANSPORTER 1/PEPTIDE TRANSPORTER FAMILY), NRT2 and NRT3. In this study, we identified a total of 78 NPF, seven NRT2, and two NRT3 genes in maize. Phylogenetic analysis divided the NPF family into eight subgroups (NPF1-NPF8), consistent with the results in Arabidopsis thaliana and rice. The NRT2 family appears to have evolved more conservatively than the NPF family, as NRT2 genes contain fewer introns. The promoters of all NRTs are rich in cis-acting elements responding to biotic and abiotic stresses. The expression of NRTs varies in different tissues and developmental stages, with some NRTs only expressed in specific tissues or developmental stages. RNA-seq analysis using Xu178 revealed differential expression of NRTs in response to nitrogen starvation and nitrate resupply. Moreover, the expression patterns of six key NRTs genes (NPF6.6, NPF6.8, NRT2.1, NRT2.5 and NRT3.1A/B) varied in response to alterations in nitrogen levels across distinct maize inbred lines with different nitrogen uptake rates. This work enhances our understanding of the structure and expression of NRTs genes, and their roles in nitrate response, paving the way for improving maize nitrogen efficiency through molecular breeding.
Autophagy in Heart Failure: Insights into Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Bielawska Magdalena , Warszyńska Marta , Stefańska Monika , Błyszczuk Przemysław
Published: August 2023

Autophagy, a dynamic and complex process responsible for the clearance of damaged cellular components, plays a crucial role in maintaining myocardial homeostasis. In the context of heart failure, autophagy has been recognized as a response mechanism aimed at counteracting pathogenic processes and promoting cellular health. Its relevance has been underscored not only in various animal models, but also in the human heart. Extensive research efforts have been dedicated to understanding the significance of autophagy and unravelling its complex molecular mechanisms. This review aims to consolidate the current knowledge of the involvement of autophagy during the progression of heart failure. Specifically, we provide a comprehensive overview of published data on the impact of autophagy deregulation achieved by genetic modifications or by pharmacological interventions in ischemic and non-ischemic models of heart failure. Furthermore, we delve into the intricate molecular mechanisms through which autophagy regulates crucial cellular processes within the three predominant cell populations of the heart: cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. Finally, we emphasize the need for future research to unravel the therapeutic potential associated with targeting autophagy in the management of heart failure.
Differences in Central and Peripheral Choroidal Thickness among the Subtypes of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in an Asian Population
Authors: Fukuda Yosuke , Notomi Shoji , Shiose Satomi , Kano Kumiko , Hashimoto Sawako , Fujiwara Kohta , Akiyama Masato , Ishikawa Keijiro , Hisatomi Toshio , Sonoda Koh-Hei
Published: August 2023

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes visual impairment in individuals who are >50 years of age. However, no study has investigated AMD when using ultra-wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography (UWF SS-OCT). We aimed to evaluate central and peripheral choroidal thicknesses using UWF SS-OCT, and to compare these across the AMD subtypes. We included 75 eyes of patients with typical AMD (tAMD), 56 with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), 29 with pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV), and 12 with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). To compare choroidal thicknesses in the central and peripheral choroids, we established subfields of <3 mm, <9 mm, and 9–18 mm from the fovea. PNV patients were significantly younger than those with tAMD (p = 0.01). The choroidal thicknesses of PNV were significantly greater than that of tAMD in all subfields (p < 0.01), and choroidal thickness significantly correlated with age and axial length in all subfields (p < 0.05). Even after adjusting for age and axial length, the choroidal thickness in PNV was significantly greater than that in tAMD (p < 0.05). In addition, the ratio of the posterior <9 mm to a peripheral 9–18 mm choroidal thickness in PNV was significantly greater than that in tAMD (p < 0.01). A thickened choroid in PNV was more pronounced in the posterior choroid than in the periphery.
Content-Based Image Retrieval for Traditional Indonesian Woven Fabric Images Using a Modified Convolutional Neural Network Method
Authors: Tena Silvester , Hartanto Rudy , Ardiyanto Igi
Published: August 2023

A content-based image retrieval system, as an Indonesian traditional woven fabric knowledge base, can be useful for artisans and trade promotions. However, creating an effective and efficient retrieval system is difficult due to the lack of an Indonesian traditional woven fabric dataset, and unique characteristics are not considered simultaneously. One type of traditional Indonesian fabric is ikat woven fabric. Thus, this study collected images of this traditional Indonesian woven fabric to create the TenunIkatNet dataset. The dataset consists of 120 classes and 4800 images. The images were captured perpendicularly, and the ikat woven fabrics were placed on different backgrounds, hung, and worn on the body, according to the utilization patterns. The feature extraction method using a modified convolutional neural network (MCNN) learns the unique features of Indonesian traditional woven fabrics. The experimental results show that the modified CNN model outperforms other pretrained CNN models (i.e., ResNet101, VGG16, DenseNet201, InceptionV3, MobileNetV2, Xception, and InceptionResNetV2) in top-5, top-10, top-20, and top-50 accuracies with scores of 99.96%, 99.88%, 99.50%, and 97.60%, respectively.
Comparative Genomics and Transcriptomics Analyses Reveal Divergent Plant Biomass-Degrading Strategies in Fungi
Authors: Li Jiajia , Wiebenga Ad , Lipzen Anna , Ng Vivian , Tejomurthula Sravanthi , Zhang Yu , Grigoriev Igor V. , Peng Mao , de Vries Ronald P.
Published: August 2023

Plant biomass is one of the most abundant renewable carbon sources, which holds great potential for replacing current fossil-based production of fuels and chemicals. In nature, fungi can efficiently degrade plant polysaccharides by secreting a broad range of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), such as cellulases, hemicellulases, and pectinases. Due to the crucial role of plant biomass-degrading (PBD) CAZymes in fungal growth and related biotechnology applications, investigation of their genomic diversity and transcriptional dynamics has attracted increasing attention. In this project, we systematically compared the genome content of PBD CAZymes in six taxonomically distant species, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus nidulans, Penicillium subrubescens, Trichoderma reesei, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, and Dichomitus squalens, as well as their transcriptome profiles during growth on nine monosaccharides. Considerable genomic variation and remarkable transcriptomic diversity of CAZymes were identified, implying the preferred carbon source of these fungi and their different methods of transcription regulation. In addition, the specific carbon utilization ability inferred from genomics and transcriptomics was compared with fungal growth profiles on corresponding sugars, to improve our understanding of the conversion process. This study enhances our understanding of genomic and transcriptomic diversity of fungal plant polysaccharide-degrading enzymes and provides new insights into designing enzyme mixtures and metabolic engineering of fungi for related industrial applications.
Acute Changes on Left Atrial Function during Incremental Exercise in Patients with Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Perrone Marco Alfonso , Iellamo Ferdinando , D’Antoni Valentino , Gismondi Alessandro , Di Biasio Deborah , Vadalà Sara , Marazzi Giuseppe , Morsella Valentina , Volterrani Maurizio , Caminiti Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

Background: the aim of this study was to assess acute changes in left atrial (LA) function during incremental aerobic exercise in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) in comparison to healthy subjects (HS). Methods: twenty patients with established HFmrEF were compared with 10 HS, age-matched controls. All subjects performed a stepwise exercise test on a cycle ergometer. Echocardiography was performed at baseline, during submaximal effort, at peak of exercise, and after 5 min of recovery. Results: HS obtained a higher value of METs at peak exercise than HFmrEF (7.4 vs. 5.6; between group p = 0.002). Heart rate and systolic blood pressure presented a greater increase in the HS group than in HFmrEF (between groups p = 0.006 and 0.003, respectively). In the HFmrEF group, peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and conduit strain were both increased at submaximal exercise (p < 0.05 for both versus baseline) and remained constant at peak exercise. Peak atrial contraction strain (PACS) did not show significant changes during the exercise. In the HS group, PALS and PACS increased significantly at submaximal level (p < 0.05 for both versus baseline), but PALS returned near baseline values at peak exercise; conduit strain decreased progressively during the exercise in HS. Stroke volume (SV) increased in both groups at submaximal exercise; at peak exercise, SV remained constant in the HFmrEF, while it decreased in controls (between groups p = 0.002). Conclusions: patients with HFmrEF show a proper increase in LA reservoir function during incremental aerobic exercise that contributes to maintain SV throughout the physical effort.
Uncovering the Impact of Lymphadenectomy in Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Dinescu Venera-Cristina , Gheorman Veronica , Georgescu Eugen Florin , Paitici Ștefan , Bică Marius , Pătrașcu Ștefan , Bunescu Marius Gabriel , Popa Romeo , Berceanu Mihaela Corina , Pătrașcu Ana Maria , Gheorman Lavinia Maria , Dinescu Sorin Nicolae , Udriștoiu Ion , Gheorman Victor , Forțofoiu Mircea Cătălin , Cojan Tiberiu-Ștefăniță Țenea
Published: August 2023

Gastric cancer is a significant health concern worldwide, and lymphadenectomy plays a crucial role in its treatment. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the optimal approach—D1 or D2 lymphadenectomy. This paper aims to synthesize the available evidence by conducting a comprehensive literature review and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of both techniques. The analysis includes studies, clinical trials, and systematic reviews that assess survival outcomes, morbidity, and quality of life. The selected studies revealed different outcomes associated with D1 and D2 lymphadenectomy, including lymph node harvest, disease control, recurrence rates, and overall survival. Postoperative complications also varied between the two techniques. These findings highlight the complex considerations involved in selecting the most suitable lymphadenectomy approach for individual patients. Therefore, the decision requires an individualized assessment that considers the potential benefits and risks of D1 and D2 techniques. A collaborative approach involving interdisciplinary teams is crucial for developing personalized treatment plans that optimize both oncological outcomes and postoperative quality of life.
Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Serum Adiponectin Concentrations in Children and Adolescents with Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yunqing , Wu Yigao , Fei Xueyin , Li Yixuan , Li Yanchun , Yan Xu
Published: August 2023

Serum adiponectin plays a vital role in various physiological processes, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-apoptotic and pro-angiogenic activities. Any abnormalities in its concentration can lead to adverse health outcomes, particularly in children and adolescents. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate factors influencing serum adiponectin concentrations in this population. The primary objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the impact of aerobic exercise on serum adiponectin concentrations in children and adolescents with obesity. To achieve this, a comprehensive literature search was conducted up to January 2023, utilising five databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library and Clinicaltrial.gov. The inclusion criteria involved studies that focused solely on aerobic exercise as an intervention for children and adolescents with obesity. Only studies that reported outcome indicators related to serum adiponectin were considered for analysis. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB) assessment tool, and statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 analysis software. This meta-analysis incorporated data from eight trials, involving a total of 272 subjects. The results demonstrated that aerobic training significantly increased serum adiponectin concentrations [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.33 to 1.37; I2 = 0%; p = 0.001] in children and adolescents with obesity when compared to non-exercise controls. Furthermore, the magnitude of this effect appears to be influenced by the intensity of aerobic exercise, with higher-intensity aerobic exercise resulting in greater increases in serum adiponectin concentrations.
Multi-Objective Optimization in Ultrasonic Polishing of Silicon Carbide via Taguchi Method and Grey Relational Analysis
Authors: Chen Xin , Xu Shucong , Meng Fanwei , Yu Tianbiao , Zhao Ji
Published: August 2023

As high-level equipment and advanced technologies continue toward sophistication, ultrasonic technology is extensively used in the polishing process of difficult-to-process materials to achieve efficiently smooth surfaces with nanometer roughness. The polishing of silicon carbide, an indispensable difficult-to-machine optical material, is extremely challenging due to its high hardness and good wear resistance. To overcome the current silicon carbide (SiC) ultrasonic polishing (UP) process deficiencies and strengthen the competitiveness of the UP industry, the multi-objective optimization based on the Taguchi–GRA method for the UP process with SiC ceramic to obtain the optimal process parameter combination is a vital and urgently demanded task. The orthogonal experiment, analysis of variance, grey relational analysis (GRA), and validation were performed to optimize the UP schemes. For a single objective of roughness and removal rate, the influence degree is abrasive size > preloading force > abrasive content > spindle speed > feed rate, and spindle speed > abrasive size > feed rate > preloading force > abrasive content, respectively. Moreover, the optimal process combination integrating these two objectives is an abrasive content of 14 wt%, abrasive size of 2.5 μm, preloading force of 80 N, spindle speed of 8000 rpm, and feed rate of 1 mm/s. The optimized workpiece surface morphology is better, and the roughness and removal rate are increased by 7.14% and 28.34%, respectively, compared to the best orthogonal group. The Taguchi–GRA method provides a more scientific approach for evaluating the comprehensive performance of polishing. The optimized process parameters have essential relevance for the ultrasonic polishing of SiC materials.
Numerical Study on the Seismic Performance of Cold-Formed Steel Shear Walls with Steel Sheathing and Gypsum Board
Authors: Liu Shen , Feng Ruoqiang , Zhong Yuting
Published: August 2023

The cold-formed steel shear wall with steel sheathing has gained increasing popularity due to its excellent shear capacity. To extend the applicability of this system to multi-story residences, aside from experimental investigations on the shear walls, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive study on the seismic performance of buildings. In this paper, numerical simulations were conducted on specimens subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading. Subsequently, seismic analysis of mid-rise building models was also carried out to investigate the influence of the proposed shear wall on building seismic performance. The research findings indicate that this study’s modeling method can effectively simulate the shear performance of the proposed shear wall under monotonic and cyclic loading. In addition, the proposed shear wall significantly enhances the structural stiffness and improves the seismic performance of the structure under seismic action.
Feasibility Analysis of Polyurethane-Prepolymer-Modified Bitumen Used for Fully Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (FRAP)
Authors: Sun Minggang , Wang Jianling , Sun Hongpeng , Hong Bin
Published: August 2023

Asphalt pavement recycling technology with high reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) content has always been limited by unsatisfactory pavement performance and the rising cost of pavement materials. To address these challenges, polyurethane-prepolymer-modified bitumen (PPB) was proposed to be utilized as the asphalt binder of fully reclaimed asphalt pavement (FRAP) in this study. The proper formula of the PPB binder was determined based on a range of tests. The rheological behavior and tensile properties of the PPB binder were then investigated, and the economic cost of materials was discussed as well. Results revealed that the PPB system can be obtained through chemical synthesis using readily available raw materials. The reaction of polyurethane prepolymer and chain extender provides PPB with significant improvement in temperature susceptibility, rutting resistance, and tensile properties. It is also demonstrated in this study that the PPB mixture containing 100% RAP, on the whole, takes advantage of cost-saving especially compared to the epoxy asphalt mixture. Therefore, the PPB binder exhibits a favorable application prospect in FRAP.
Mathematical Modeling of Single and Phase Autowaves in a Ferrocolloid
Authors: Chekanov Vladimir , Kandaurova Natalya , Kovalenko Anna
Published: August 2023

This paper describes a mathematical model of an autowave process in a cell with a ferrocolloid. The model is a system of differential coupled equations of the second order and differs from the previously presented model in terms of its original boundary conditions. The mathematical modeling of autowaves presented in this work constitutes an innovative approach, since the characteristics of the wave process are not initially included in the model but the model demonstrates a wave motion. A 2D solution of the model, which shows the correctness of the described mechanism of the autowave process, i.e., the recharging of magnetic particles in dense near-electrode layers formed near the electrodes under the influence of an electric field, is obtained. The propagation of single and phase autowaves is demonstrated in a computer experiment.
Unlocking the Potential of Octocoral-Derived Secondary Metabolites against Neutrophilic Inflammatory Response
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Bao An , El-Shazly Mohamed , Chen Po-Jen , Peng Bo-Rong , Chen Lo-Yun , Hwang Tsong-Long , Lai Kuei-Hung
Published: August 2023

Inflammation is a critical defense mechanism that is utilized by the body to protect itself against pathogens and other noxious invaders. However, if the inflammatory response becomes exaggerated or uncontrollable, its original protective role is not only demolished but it also becomes detrimental to the affected tissues or even to the entire body. Thus, regulating the inflammatory process is crucial to ensure that it is resolved promptly to prevent any subsequent damage. The role of neutrophils in inflammation has been highlighted in recent decades by a plethora of studies focusing on neutrophilic inflammatory diseases as well as the mechanisms to regulate the activity of neutrophils during the overwhelmed inflammatory process. As natural products have demonstrated promising effects in a wide range of pharmacological activities, they have been investigated for the discovery of new anti-inflammatory therapeutics to overcome the drawbacks of current synthetic agents. Octocorals have attracted scientists as a plentiful source of novel and intriguing marine scaffolds that exhibit many pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects. In this review, we aim to provide a summary of the neutrophilic anti-inflammatory properties of these marine organisms that were demonstrated in 46 studies from 1995 to the present (April 2023). We hope the present work offers a comprehensive overview of the anti-inflammatory potential of octocorals and encourages researchers to identify promising leads among numerous compounds isolated from octocorals over the past few decades to be further developed into anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents.
Clinical Research in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in Pakistan; A Systematic Review
Authors: Ammad Ud Din Mohammad , Shahzad Moazzam , Ashraf Aqsa , Liaqat Hania , Jaan Ali , Anwer Faiz
Published: August 2023

Background: Significant advances have been made in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) since the turn of the new millennium. However, most clinical trials were done in developed countries where minority ethnicities were underrepresented. Materials and Methods: To gauge the quality of research in CLL being done in Pakistan, we conducted a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar on 14 January 2022 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. Results: A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most common study design was cross-sectional. Eight studies evaluated the clinicohematological profile of CLL patients and the effect of various cytogenic abnormalities through fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique on disease progression and prognosis. Five studies discussed the prevalence of abnormalities such as autoimmune cytopenias and other serum chemistry derangements. Only two studies evaluated treatment outcomes, among which one study reported a 2-year overall survival of 65% among patients with 17p deletion. None of the studies had patients on novel targeted agents. No pharmaceutical sponsored or funded clinical trials were found. Conclusions: Our review suggests that although small clinical studies continue to be performed across the country, multiple financial and logistical barriers need to be addressed for larger, more impactful clinical trials to be conducted that will help answer demographic-specific questions and decrease reliance on foreign studies.
The Role of “Critical” Ultrasound Reassessment in the Decision-Making of Bethesda III Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Orlando Giuseppina , Graceffa Giuseppa , Mazzola Sergio , Vassallo Fabrizio , Proclamà Maria Pia , Richiusa Pierina , Radellini Stefano , Paladino Nunzia Cinzia , Melfa Giuseppina , Scerrino Gregorio
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives: Bethesda III (BIII) thyroid nodules have an expected malignancy rate of 5–15%. Our purpose was to assess which US criteria are most associated with cancer risk, and the value of critical ultrasound (US) reassessment. Methods: From 2018 to 2022, 298 BIII nodules were enrolled for thyroidectomy (79 malignancies). We evaluated ultrasonographic data: hechogenicity, intralesional vascularization, spiculated margins, micro-calcifications, “taller than wide” shape, extra-thyroidal growth, size increase, as well as their association with histology. We also evaluated if the ultrasound reassessment modified the strategy. Results: Spiculated margins and microcalcification were significantly correlated with malignancy risk. Spiculated margins showed a specificity of 0.95 IC95% (0.93–0.98); sensitivity 0.70 IC95% (0.59–0.80). Microcalcifications showed a sensitivity of 0.87 CI95% (0.80–0.94); specificity 0.75 CI95% (0.72–0.83). The presence of these signs readdressed the strategy in 76/79 cases Then, the indication for surgery was appropriate in 75% of cases. Conclusions: Microcalcifications and spiculated margins should be routinely sought during a final ultrasound reassessment in BIII nodules. These signs allowed for a modification of the strategy in favor of surgery in 96% of the cases that were not otherwise referred to surgery. The importance of integrating ultrasound and cytology in the evaluation of BIII thyroid nodules is confirmed. Reassessment with ultrasound of BIII nodules allowed for a redirection of the surgical choice.
Quality of Life Predictors in a Group of Informal Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Damian Ana Claudia , Mihăilescu Alexandra Ioana , Anghele Cristina , Ciobanu Constantin Alexandru , Petrescu Cristian , Riga Sorin , Dionisie Vlad , Ciobanu Adela Magdalena
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives: The informal caregiver’s contribution to the wellbeing of dementia patients is critical since these individuals become dependent on others for all daily activities. Our goal was to investigate the dynamics of anxiety, depression, burnout, sleep, and their influence on quality of life over a 6-month period in the context of pandemic distress in a sample of informal caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. Materials and Methods: For this prospective, longitudinal study, we conducted a 6-month telephonic survey between 2021 and 2022, administering a series of questionnaires at three timepoints (baseline, 3 months and 6 months) to a group of informal caregivers of patients suffering from dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Results: A total of 110 caregivers were included at baseline, out of which 96 continued to the second stage and 78 followed through to the last stage. The majority of the participants were female (most likely the patients’ daughters), around 55 years old, living in urban areas, married, with children, having a high school degree or a higher education degree, and working in jobs that required physical presence; in the best-case scenario, they were sharing their responsibilities with another two–three caregivers. More than half of the 110 participants (50.9%) reported mild to moderate anxiety at baseline, and 27.3% reported significant anxiety, with no changes between the three timepoints, F(2, 154) = 0.551, p = 0.57; 25% reported moderate–severe depression at the start, with no changes between the three timepoints, F(2, 154) = 2.738, p = 0.068; and many reported a decrease in quality of life, poor quality of sleep, and decreased fear of COVID infection. Cynicism, professional effectiveness, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality explained up to 87.8% of the variance in quality of life. Conclusions: Caregivers’ decreased quality of life during the pandemic was explained by their levels of burnout, anxiety, and depression throughout the 6-month period.
Can Routine Laboratory Tests Be Suggestive in Determining Suspicions of Malignancy in the Case of Thyroid Nodules?
Authors: Matei Mervat , Vlad Mihaela Maria , Golu Ioana , Dumitru Cristina Ștefania , De Scisciolo Graziano , Matei Sergiu-Ciprian
Published: August 2023

Background and objectives: Thyroid nodules are a common finding in clinical practice and can be either benign or malignant. The aim of this study was to compare laboratory parameters between patients with malignant thyroid nodules and those with benign thyroid nodules. Materials and methods: A total of 845 patients were included, with 251 in the study group (malignant thyroid nodules) and 594 in the control group (benign thyroid nodules). Results: Our results show that there were statistically significant differences in several laboratory parameters, including FT3, FT4, ESR, fibrinogen, WBC, and lymphocyte percentage, between the two patient groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that certain laboratory parameters may be useful in differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid nodules and could aid in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer. However, further diagnostic tests such as fine-needle aspiration biopsy and imaging studies are typically required for an accurate diagnosis. Routine laboratory tests prove most effective when combined with other diagnostic methods to identify thyroid cancer. Although not conclusive on their own, these tests significantly suggest and guide physicians to suspect malignancy in thyroid nodules. This affirmative answer to our question, “Can routine laboratory tests be suggestive in determining suspicions of malignancy in the case of thyroid nodules?” aligns with the results of our study.
Numerical Simulation of Thermal Field and Performance Study on H13 Die Steel-Based Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Zhu Yu , Chen Jufang , Li Xiaoping
Published: August 2023

In order to explore the relationship between welding thermal cycles and the thermal field during the repair process of dies, a numerical simulation software (SYSWELD) was employed to construct a thermo-mechanical coupled model. The influence of various inter-layer cooling times was investigated on heat accumulation, residual stress, and deformation of the repaired component. The results showed that the numerical simulation results agreed well with experimental data. The temperature within the cladding layer gradually rose as the number of weld beads increased, leading to a more pronounced accumulation of heat. The residual stress exhibited a double-peak profile, where the deformation of the repaired component was large at both ends but small in the middle. The less heat was accumulated in the cladding layer with a prolonged cooling time. Meanwhile, the residual stress and deformation in the repaired component experienced a gradual decrease in magnitude. The numerical simulation results demonstrated that the microstructure of the repaired component predominantly consisted of martensite and residual austenite at the optimal cooling time (300 s). Furthermore, the microhardness and wear resistance of the cladding zone significantly surpassed those of the substrate. In conclusion, this study suggested the prolonged cooling time mitigated heat accumulation, residual stress, and deformation in repaired components, which provided a new direction for future research on the die steel repairments.
Kinetic Study on the Dehydration Behavior of Titanium Dioxide as a Denitration Catalyst Carrier
Authors: Li Huaquan , Qiu Guibao , Lv Xuewei , Liu Yongjie
Published: August 2023

The dehydration of titanium dioxide, which is the carrier for denitration catalysts, is a crucial control step in the preparation of functional materials and has an impact on the performance of the product. In this study, the kinetics of the dehydration behavior and reaction mechanism of titanium dioxide were investigated under different atmospheres by measuring the thermal analysis curve of titanium dioxide at different heating rates. The results indicate that the dehydration behavior of the catalyst carrier titanium dioxide is closely related to the calcination atmosphere. The dehydration rate differed for oxygen and no-oxygen atmospheres. Dehydration began quickly in an oxygenated atmosphere and then slowed down towards the end of the reaction, completing slowly in an oxygen-free atmosphere. Kinetic calculations were carried out using modeless and mode function methods. The results show that dehydration of titanium dioxide is consistent with the Avrami–Erofeev equation in an oxygen-containing atmosphere and with the power function rule in an oxygen-free atmosphere, with the process of dehydration being influenced by the formation and growth of crystal nuclei.
Mechanical, Tribological, and Corrosive Properties of NbCrCx and NbCrCxNy Coatings with Various Nitrogen and Carbon Contents
Authors: Su Yean-Liang , Chiu Sung-Mao , Kao Wen-Hsien , Hsueh Hsiang-Chun , Hsieh Tsung-Yen
Published: August 2023

CrC and NbC carbide coatings both have good mechanical properties, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. The present study seeks to combine the two coating systems in order to further enhance their properties. NbCrCx and NbCrCxNy coatings (where x and y denote the atomic percentages of carbon and nitrogen, respectively) were deposited on SKH51 substrates using a radio-frequency unbalanced magnetron sputtering system. The mechanical, tribological, and corrosive properties of the coatings were investigated and compared. Among the NbCrCx coatings, the NbCrC61 coating showed high levels of hardness, excellent adhesion strength, and good wear resistance. Among the NbCrCxNy coatings, the NbCrC55N5 coating showed high adhesion strength and hardness and excellent tribological properties. However, for nitrogen contents greater than 16 at%, the adhesion strength was dramatically reduced, resulting in poor tribological performance. Among all of the coatings, the NbCrC49 coating showed the best corrosion resistance due to its enhanced crystallinity, high adhesion strength, moderate surface roughness, and high sp3 C-C bonding ratio.
Metabolic Profile of Alzheimer’s Disease: Is 10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic Acid a Pertinent Metabolic Adjuster?
Authors: Gong Yuan , Luo Hongjie , Li Zeju , Feng Yijun , Liu Zhen , Chang Jie
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents a significant public health concern in modern society. Metabolic syndrome (MetS), which includes diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity, represents a modifiable risk factor for AD. MetS and AD are interconnected through various mechanisms, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, insulin resistance (IR), vascular impairment, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Therefore, it is necessary to seek a multi-targeted and safer approach to intervention. Thus, 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), a unique hydroxy fatty acid in royal jelly, has shown promising anti-neuroinflammatory, blood–brain barrier (BBB)-preserving, and neurogenesis-promoting properties. In this paper, we provide a summary of the relationship between MetS and AD, together with an introduction to 10-HDA as a potential intervention nutrient. In addition, molecular docking is performed to explore the metabolic tuning properties of 10-HDA with associated macromolecules such as GLP-1R, PPARs, GSK-3, and TREM2. In conclusion, there is a close relationship between AD and MetS, and 10-HDA shows potential as a beneficial nutritional intervention for both AD and MetS.