bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel oncogenic seRNA promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis
Authors: Tan Yuan , Jiang Chonghua , Jia Qunying , Wang Jing , Huang Ge , Tang Faqing
Published: April 2022

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant cancer in southern China that has highly invasive and metastatic features and causes high mortality, but the underlying mechanisms of this malignancy remain unclear. In this study, we utilized ChIP-Seq to identify metastasis-specific super enhancers (SEs) and found that the SE of LOC100506178 existed only in metastatic NPC cells and powerfully aggravated NPC metastasis. This metastatic SE transcribed into lncRNA LOC100506178, and it was verified as a seRNA through GRO-Seq. Furthermore, SE-derived seRNA LOC100506178 was found to be highly expressed in metastatic NPC cells and NPC lymph node metastatic tissues. Knockdown of seRNA LOC100506178 arrested the invasion and metastasis of NPC cells in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating that seRNA LOC100506178 accelerates the acquisition of NPC malignant phenotype. Mechanistic studies revealed that seRNA LOC100506178 specifically interacted with the transcription factor hnRNPK and modulated the expression of hnRNPK. Further, hnRNPK in combination with the promoter region of MICAL2 increased Mical2 transcription. Knockdown of seRNA LOC100506178 or hnRNPK markedly repressed MICAL2, Vimentin and Snail expression and upregulated E-cadherin expression. Overexpression of seRNA LOC100506178 or hnRNPK markedly increased MICAL2, Vimentin and Snail expression and decreased E-cadherin expression. Therefore, seRNA LOC100506178 may promote MICAL2 expression by upregulating hnRNPK, subsequently enhancing EMT process and accelerating the invasion and metastasis of NPC cells. seRNA LOC100506178 has the potential to serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in NPC patients.
Proximal tubular RAGE mediated the renal fibrosis in UUO model mice via upregulation of autophagy
Authors: Liu Bohao , Sun Tianshi , Li Huiling , Qiu Shuangfa , Li Yijian , Zhang Dongshan
Published: April 2022

Previous studies reported that RAGE participated in the process of kidney fibrosis, but the function and regulation pathway of RAGE in proximal tubular cells in this process remains unclear. Here, we found that expression of RAGE was increased by TGF-β1 treatment and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Knock down of RAGE ameliorated renal fibrosis by TGF-β1 treatment, the expression of vimentin, Collagen I&III, and fibronectin are decreased. Mechanistically, RAGE mediated TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of Stat3 and directly upregulated the Atg7 to increase the level of autophagy, and ultimately resulting in renal fibrosis. Furthermore, PT-RAGE-KO mice reduced kidney fibrosis in UUO model via inhibiting Stat3/Atg7 axis by knocking down RAGE. Furthermore, the above findings were confirmed in kidney of patients with obstructive nephropathy. Collectively, RAGE in proximal tubular cells promotes the autophagy to increase renal fibrosis via upregulation of Stat3/Atg7 axis.
PINK1 ameliorates acute-on-chronic liver failure by inhibiting apoptosis through mTORC2/AKT signaling
Authors: Yin Xuehong , Xue Ran , Wu Jing , Wu Muchen , Xie Bangxiang , Meng Qinghua
Published: April 2022

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a lethal syndrome with a remarkable short-term death rate. Even worse, effective internal medicine therapies are currently lacking. Increasing evidence indicates apoptosis plays a critical role in the progression of liver failure. PINK1 has an essential function in maintaining cell survival. However, the role and underlying mechanism of PINK1 in apoptosis in ACLF are incompletely understood. Herein, our team discovered that PINK1 remarkably improved ACLF, featured by a reduction in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and an amelioration in the gross and microscopy histopathology appearance of hepatic tissues. Meanwhile, PINK1 affected cleaved caspase-3 expression via mTORC2/AKT, and this effect was eliminated after further intervention with Rictor or AKT. Overall, these findings indicate that PINK1 participates in the regulation of multiple biological functions, including hepatic cell growth and apoptosis in ACLF via the mTORC2/AKT signaling pathway. The present research offers a solid theory-wise foundation for the clinic applications of PINK1 as a valid target for ACLF treatment to reverse or postpone the development of ACLF.
ANGPTL4 negatively regulates the progression of osteosarcoma by remodeling branched-chain amino acid metabolism
Authors: Lin Shanyi , Miao Yu , Zheng Xu , Dong Yang , Yang Qingcheng , Yang Quanjun , Du Silin , Xu Jun , Zhou Shumin , Yuan Ting
Published: April 2022

Angiopoietin-like-4 (ANGPTL4), a secreted glycoprotein that is mainly known as a regulator in lipid metabolism, now, is also indicated to be involved in the regulation of cancer progression and metastasis. However, little is known about not only biological functions, but also underlying mechanism of ANGPTL4 in the progression of osteosarcoma (OS). Here, we discovered that ANGPTL4 is downregulated in OS, and is associated with branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism. The BCAAs (valine, leucine, and isoleucine) are essential amino acids that play an important role in metabolic regulation. Aberrant BCAA metabolism is also found in various cancers and is associated with tumor progression, including proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. In this study, we indicated that the negative relation between the expression of ANGPTL4 and BCAA catabolism in OS samples and cell lines. The knockdown of ANGPTL4 in OS cells resulted in the accumulation of BCAAs, which in turn activated the mTOR signaling pathway, enhancing OS cell proliferation. Thus, reduced expression of ANGPTL4 is associated with the progression of OS. Taken together, our results demonstrated that the ANGPTL4/BCAA/mTOR axis is an important pathway in OS progression and may be a potential therapeutic target to slow OS progression.
Hyperglycemia induces gastric carcinoma proliferation and migration via the Pin1/BRD4 pathway
Authors: Yu Jianjian , Hu Dan , Wang Laicheng , Fan Zongcheng , Xu Changsheng , Lin Yunchai , Chen Xin , Lin Jinxiu , Peng Feng
Published: April 2022

Diabetes is a potential risk factor for gastric cancer (GC). Pin1, a peptidyl–prolyl cis/trans isomerase, promotes GC cell proliferation and migration. The role and underlying mechanism of the Pin1/BRD4 axis in hyperglycemia-induced proliferation and migration of GC cells were analyzed in vivo and in vitro. Proliferation and migration of GC cells were measured; Pin1 and BRD4 expression of the cell cycle were determined. Pin1 and BRD4 were downregulated by transfecting Pin1 shRNA lentivirus into GC cells and JQ1-intervention GC cells. Tumor formation and lung metastasis were assessed in vivo. Inhibition of Pin1 and BRD4 significantly suppressed high-glucose (HG)-induced GC cell proliferation and migration. HG enhanced G1/S cell-cycle transition, associated with increased Pin1 and BRD4 expression. Silencing Pin1 significantly downregulated the expression of BRD4 and NAP1L1 and upregulated that of P21 in GC cells. In vivo studies indicated that hyperglycemia promotes tumor growth and lung metastasis by inducing Pin1 and BRD4 expression. Thus, Pin1/BRD4 plays an important role in hyperglycemia-promoted tumor growth. The significance of these findings toward improved prognosis of diabetic patients with GC cannot be underestimated.
IFN-γ+ cytotoxic CD4+ T lymphocytes are involved in the pathogenesis of colitis induced by IL-23 and the food colorant Red 40
Authors: Chen Lili , He Zhengxiang , Reis Bernardo S. , Gelles Jesse D. , Chipuk Jerry Edward , Ting Adrian T. , Spicer Julie A. , Trapani Joseph A. , Furtado Glaucia C. , Lira Sergio A.
Published: April 2022

The food colorant Red 40 is an environmental risk factor for colitis development in mice with increased expression of interleukin (IL)-23. This immune response is mediated by CD4+ T cells, but mechanistic insights into how these CD4+ T cells trigger and perpetuate colitis have remained elusive. Here, using single-cell transcriptomic analysis, we found that several CD4+ T-cell subsets are present in the intestines of colitic mice, including an interferon (IFN)-γ-producing subset. In vivo challenge of primed mice with Red 40 promoted rapid activation of CD4+ T cells and caused marked intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) apoptosis that was attenuated by depletion of CD4+ cells and blockade of IFN-γ. Ex vivo experiments showed that intestinal CD4+ T cells from colitic mice directly promoted apoptosis of IECs and intestinal enteroids. CD4+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity was contact-dependent and required FasL, which promoted caspase-dependent cell death in target IECs. Genetic ablation of IFN-γ constrained IL-23- and Red 40-induced colitis development, and blockade of IFN-γ inhibited epithelial cell death in vivo. These results advance the understanding of the mechanisms regulating colitis development caused by IL-23 and food colorants and identify IFN-γ+ cytotoxic CD4+ T cells as a new potential therapeutic target for colitis.
Combined levator and frontalis muscle advancement flaps for recurrent severe congenital ptosis
Authors: Diab Mostafa Mohammed M. , Abd-Elaziz Khaled , Allen Richard C.
Published: April 2022

Background

To evaluate the outcomes of combined levator resection and frontalis muscle advancement for surgical management of recurrent severe congenital ptosis.

Design

Retrospective, nonrandomized interventional case series.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent combined levator resection and frontalis muscle advancement for recurrent congenital ptosis between 2017 and 2020. Inclusion criteria were levator function of 4 mm or less and margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1) of 0 mm or less. Main outcome measures were postoperative MRD 1, lagophthalmos, lash angle, and grades of eyelid contour and crease. The outcomes were assessed by reviewing medical charts and photographs.

Results

Thirty-one patients (35 eyelids) met the inclusion criteria. The mean preoperative MRD1 was −1.14 ± 1.56 mm, which improved to 3.93 ± 0.52 mm with an average lagophthalmos of 0.91 ± 0.74 mm at the last follow-up. A total of 91.4% of eyelids had excellent eyelid contour, crease, and eyelash angle at the final follow-up. One eyelid required revision surgery. There were no other significant complications.

Conclusions

For poor function recurrent congenital ptosis, combining levator resection and frontalis muscle advancement is an effective method that results in long-term correction with cosmetically pleasing outcomes and minimal complications.
Hotspots of the stokes rotating circulation in a large marginal sea
Authors: Gan Jianping , Kung Hiusuet , Cai Zhongya , Liu Zhiqiang , Hui Chiwing , Li Junlu
Published: April 2022

Marginal seas, surrounded by continents with dense populations, are vulnerable and have a quick response to climate change effects. The seas typically have alternatively rotating layered circulations to regulate regional heat and biogeochemical transports. The circulations are composed of dynamically active hotspots and governed by the couplings between unique extrinsic inflow and intrinsic dynamic response. Ambiguities about the circulations’ structure, composition, and physics still exist, and these ambiguities have led to poor numerical simulation of the marginal sea in global models. The South China Sea is an outstanding example of a marginal sea that has this typical rotating circulation. Our study demonstrates that the rotating circulation is structured by energetic hotspots with large vorticity arising from unique dynamics in the marginal sea and is identifiable by the constraints of Stokes Theorem. These hotspots contribute most of the vorticity and most of energy needed to form and maintain the rotating circulation pattern. Our findings provide new insights on the distinguishing features of the rotating circulation and the dominant physics with the objectives of advancing our knowledge and improving modeling of marginal seas.
Defect-mediated ripening of core-shell nanostructures
Authors: Zhang Qiubo , Peng Xinxing , Nie Yifan , Zheng Qi , Shangguan Junyi , Zhu Chao , Bustillo Karen C. , Ercius Peter , Wang Linwang , Limmer David T. , Zheng Haimei
Published: April 2022

Understanding nanostructure ripening mechanisms is desirable for gaining insight on the growth and potential applications of nanoscale materials. However, the atomic pathways of nanostructure ripening in solution have rarely been observed directly. Here, we report defect-mediated ripening of Cd-CdCl2 core-shell nanoparticles (CSN) revealed by in-situ atomic resolution imaging with liquid cell transmission electron microscopy. We find that ripening is initiated by dissolution of the nanoparticle with an incomplete CdCl2 shell, and that the areas of the Cd core that are exposed to the solution are etched first. The growth of the other nanoparticles is achieved by generating crack defects in the shell, followed by ion diffusion through the cracks. Subsequent healing of crack defects leads to a highly crystalline CSN. The formation and annihilation of crack defects in the CdCl2 shell, accompanied by disordering and crystallization of the shell structure, mediate the ripening of Cd-CdCl2 CSN in the solution.
Deletion and tandem duplications of biosynthetic genes drive the diversity of triterpenoids in Aralia elata
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhang He , Ri Hyok Chol , An Zeyu , Wang Xin , Zhou Jia-Nan , Zheng Dongran , Wu Hao , Wang Pengchao , Yang Jianfei , Liu Ding-Kun , Zhang Diyang , Tsai Wen-Chieh , Xue Zheyong , Xu Zhichao , Zhang Peng , Liu Zhong-Jian , Shen Hailong , Li Yuhua
Published: April 2022

Araliaceae species produce various classes of triterpene and triterpenoid saponins, such as the oleanane-type triterpenoids in Aralia species and dammarane-type saponins in Panax, valued for their medicinal properties. The lack of genome sequences of Panax relatives has hindered mechanistic insight into the divergence of triterpene saponins in Araliaceae. Here, we report a chromosome-level genome of Aralia elata with a total length of 1.05 Gb. The loss of 12 exons in the dammarenediol synthase (DDS)-encoding gene in A. elata after divergence from Panax might have caused the lack of dammarane-type saponin production, and a complementation assay shows that overexpression of the PgDDS gene from Panax ginseng in callus of A. elata recovers the accumulation of dammarane-type saponins. Tandem duplication events of triterpene biosynthetic genes are common in the A. elata genome, especially for AeCYP72As, AeCSLMs, and AeUGT73s, which function as tailoring enzymes of oleanane-type saponins and aralosides. More than 13 aralosides are de novo synthesized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by overexpression of these genes in combination. This study sheds light on the diversity of saponins biosynthetic pathway in Araliaceae and will facilitate heterologous bioproduction of aralosides.
Temperature estimation of a pair of trapped ions
Authors: de Sá Neto O. P. , Costa H. A. S. , Prataviera G. A. , de Oliveira M. C.
Published: April 2022

We apply estimation theory to a system formed by two interacting trapped ions. By using the Fisher matrix formalism, we introduce a simple scheme for estimation of the temperature of the longitudinal vibrational modes of the ions. We use the ions interaction to effectively infer the temperature of the individual ions, by optimising the interaction time evolution and by measuring only over one of the ions. We also investigate the effect of a non-thermal reservoir over the inference approach. The non-classicality of one of the ions vibrational modes, introduced due to a squeezed thermal reservoir, does not directly affect the inference of the individual temperatures, although allowing the modes to be entangled. To check actual experimental conditions, we analyze the temperature inference under heating due to surface-electrode noise.
Clearance of mixed biofilms of Streptococcus pneumoniae and methicillin-susceptible/resistant Staphylococcus aureus by antioxidants N-acetyl-l-cysteine and cysteamine
Authors: Sempere Julio , Llamosí Mirella , Román Federico , Lago Darío , González-Camacho Fernando , Pérez-García Covadonga , Yuste Jose , Domenech Mirian
Published: April 2022

Biofilm-associated infections are of great concern because they are associated with antibiotic resistance and immune evasion. Co-colonization by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae is possible and a threat in clinical practice. We investigated the interaction between S. aureus and S. pneumoniae in mixed biofilms and tested new antibiofilm therapies with antioxidants N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) and cysteamine (Cys). We developed two in vitro S. aureus–S. pneumoniae mixed biofilms in 96-well polystyrene microtiter plates and we treated in vitro biofilms with Cys and NAC analyzing their effect by CV staining and viable plate counting. S. pneumoniae needed a higher proportion of cells in the inoculum and planktonic culture to reach a similar population rate in the mixed biofilm. We demonstrated the effect of Cys in preventing S. aureus biofilms and S. aureus–S. pneumoniae mixed biofilms. Moreover, administration of 5 mg/ml of NAC nearly eradicated the S. pneumoniae population and killed nearly 94% of MSSA cells and 99% of MRSA cells in the mixed biofilms. The methicillin resistance background did not change the antioxidants effect in S. aureus. These results identify NAC and Cys as promising repurposed drug candidates for the prevention and treatment of mixed biofilms by S. pneumoniae and S. aureus.
Characterization and performance evaluation of Cu-based/TiO2 nano composites
Authors: Saber D. , El-Aziz Kh. Abd , Felemban Bassem F. , Alghtani Abdulaziz H. , Ali Hafiz T. , Ahmed Emad M. , Megahed M.
Published: April 2022

Copper and copper alloys are used in industrial applications and food contact surfaces due to their desirable properties; copper metal matrix composites have been exciting researchers' attention in recent years since they can offer many valuable characteristics. The present study investigated the effects of the TiO2nanoparticles addition with different weight percent on the hardness and corrosion behavior of copper nanocomposites. The powder metallurgy method was used to fabricate the Cu/TiO2reinforced with different weight fractions of TiO2nano particles up to 12 wt.%. The corrosion behavior of fabricated specimens is evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in different solutions. These solutions were 3.5wt.% NaCl, 0.5 NaOH and 0.5 M H2SO4reflected different pH. The results showed that the addition of TiO2nano particles improves pure copper's hardness. The hardness of pure copper increased from 53 to 91 HV by adding 12 wt.% TiO2.The corrosion current density (Icorr) of copper nanocomposites test specimens was higher than Icorrof pure copper in all test solutions. As TiO2nano particles increase, the corrosion resistance of Cu nano composites decreased. All test specimens exhibited little corrosion current density in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution as compared with other test solutions.
Immunoreactivity of humanized single-chain variable fragment against its functional epitope on domain 1 of CD147
Authors: Intasai Nutjeera , Rangnoi Kuntalee , Yamabhai Montarop , Pamonsupornwichit Thanathat , Thongkum Weeraya , Yasamut Umpa , Chupradit Koollawat , Takheaw Nuchjira , Nimmanpipug Piyarat , Tayapiwatana Chatchai
Published: April 2022

Domain 1 of CD147 participates in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production and is a candidate for targeted therapy to prevent cancer invasion and metastasis. A functional mouse anti-CD147 monoclonal antibody, M6-1B9, was found to recognize domain 1 of CD147, and its respective mouse single-chain variable fragment (ScFvM61B9) was subsequently generated. The EDLGS epitope candidate for M6-1B9 was identified using the phage display peptide technique in this study. For future clinical applications, humanized ScFv specific to domain 1 of CD147 (HuScFvM61B9) was partially adopted from the hypervariable sequences of parental mouse ScFvM61B9 and grafted onto suitable human immunoglobulin frameworks. Molecular modelling and simulation were performed in silico to generate the conformational structure of HuScFvM61B9. These results elucidated the amino acid residues that contributed to the interactions between CDRs and the epitope motif. The expressed HuScFvM61B9 specifically interacted with CD147 at the same epitope as the original mAb, M6-1B9, and retained immunoreactivity against CD147 in SupT1 cells. The reactivity of HuScFvM61B9 was confirmed using CD147 knockout Jurkat cells. In addition, the inhibitory effect of HuScFvM61B9 on OKT3-induced T-cell proliferation as M6-1B9 mAb was preserved. As domain 1 is responsible for cancer invasion and metastasis, HuScFvM61B9 would be a candidate for cancer targeted therapy in the future.
Effectiveness of intra-venous steroids for preventing surgery for lumbo-sacral radiculopathy secondary to intervertebral disc herniation: a retrospective study of 213 patients
Authors: Kovarsky Daniel , Shani Adi , Rod Alon , Ciubotaru Dan , Rahamimov Nimrod
Published: April 2022

The natural history of lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy is favorable, with 95% of patients expected to be pain-free within 6 months of onset. Despite the favorable prognosis, operative treatment is often chosen by patients unable to “ride out” the radicular episode. Prospective studies comparing surgical with non-surgical treatment have demonstrated similar long-term results. We conducted a retrospective case-series study of patients with a lumbar disc herniation and intractable radicular pain without significant neurological deficits treated with intra-venous dexamethasone. The primary outcome measure was whether the patient had undergone operative treatment within 1 year of receiving the intravenous steroid treatment. 213 patients met our inclusion criteria. 30 were lost to follow-up and 2 had died before completing 1 year of follow-up. Of the remaining 181 patients, 133 (73.48%) had not undergone surgery within 1 year of receiving intra-venous steroid treatment while 48 (26.51%) had undergone surgery. 6 (3.31%) of the patients had undergone surgery more than 1 year of receiving IV steroid treatment. Intravenous steroid treatment in our retrospective series was approximately 30% better at preventing the need for surgery than the reported outcomes of conservative treatment in randomized controlled trials previously published.
Impact of drying methods on natural antioxidants, phenols and flavanones of immature dropped Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck fruits
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Ladaniya M. S. , Gurjar Manju , Kumar Sunil
Published: April 2022

Citrus fruits are famous for nutritional value and studies are there for extraction of secondary metabolites from citrus waste. An attempt was made to quantify antioxidants, flavonoids and phenols from dropped fruits of 8–24 mm size, to find the impact of freeze and hot-air oven drying techniques on extraction. Flavonoids (hesperidin, narirutin/isonaringin, diosmin and didymin/neoponcirin) were quantified through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and total phenols (TPC) were estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Antioxidant capacity was adjudged by azino-bis [3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid] (ABTS), 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). Freeze dried fruits of 10 mm and 12 mm retained maximum hesperidin content (22.383% and 21.560%) in comparison to hot-air oven counterparts (18.377% and 15.090%). Narirutin/isonaringin (1.343% and 1.191%), diosmin (5.293% and 3.234%) and didymin/neoponcirin (1.187% and 1.113%) content were found higher in 8 mm and 10 mm freeze dried fruits. The antioxidant capacity (7.548–11.643 mmol L−1Trolox, 8.164–14.710 mmol L−1Trolox, 4.008–5.863 mmol L−1Trolox by ABTS, DPPH and FRAP assays) and TPC were found higher in freeze dried samples. Significant correlation was found between antioxidant capacity, TPC and flavonoids at p < 0.01. Freeze drying technique can be adopted for retaining and quality extraction of bioactive compounds from immature dropped fruits for further use in nutraceutical industries.
Neuroforamen stenosis remains a challenge in conventional computed tomography and new dual-energy techniques
Authors: Ditges Ann-Kathrin , Diekhoff Torsten , Engelhard Nils , Muellner Maximilian , Pumberger Matthias , Schömig Friederike
Published: April 2022

Lumbar foraminal stenosis may be caused by osseous and soft tissue structures. Thus, both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play a role in the diagnostic algorithm. Recently, dual-energy CT (DECT) has been introduced for the detection of spinal disorders. Our study’s aim was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of collagen-sensitive maps derived from DECT in detecting lumbar foraminal stenosis compared with standard CT and MRI. We retrospectively reviewed CT, DECT, and MRI datasets in patients with vertebral fractures between January 2015 and February 2017. Images were scored for presence and type of lumbar neuroforaminal stenosis. Contingency tables were calculated to determine diagnostic accuracy and interrater agreement was evaluated. 612 neuroforamina in 51 patients were included. Intraclass correlation coefficients for interrater reliability in detecting foraminal stenoses were 0.778 (95%-CI 0.643–0.851) for DECT, 0.769 (95%-CI 0.650–0.839) for CT, and 0.820 (95%-CI 0.673–0.888) for MRI. Both DECT and conventional CT showed good diagnostic accuracy in detecting lumbar foraminal stenosis but low sensitivities in detecting discoid stenosis. Thus, even though previous studies suggest that DECT has high diagnostic accuracy in assessing lumbar disc pathologies, we show that DECT does not provide additional information for detecting discoid stenosis compared with conventional CT.
Tests of rubber granules used as artificial turf for football fields in terms of toxicity to human health and the environment
Authors: Grynkiewicz-Bylina Beata , Rakwic Bożena , Słomka-Słupik Barbara
Published: April 2022

Rubber waste, in the form of granules of styrene butadiene rubber and ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer with a particle size of 0.5 to 4 mm, is broadly used for the construction of synthetic surfaces of sport fields. This method of recycling may be significantly limited due to the restrictions on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content in rubber granules in the European Union since 2022. This also applies to the recommendations of the European Chemicals Agency in relation to the identification of other hazardous chemicals in this waste, including metal elements. The scope of the research included the identification of organotin compounds, PAHs content and 18 elements leached from recycled rubber granules in terms of substances harmful to human health and to natural environment. The research covered 84 samples of rubber granules collected from the surface of football pitches or supplied by recyclers in Poland. The test results showed an over-standard content of PAHs in rubber granules. This result confirms the need to develop alternative directions of rubber granules application: construction and hydro construction, reinforcing soil and roadsides, asphalt pavements, making retaining walls, anti-shock and anti-vibration slabs, soundproofing and damping screens, paving stones and landscaping elements.
An experimental study on strength improvement of expansive subgrades by polypropylene fibers and geogrid reinforcement
Authors: Tiwari Nitin , Satyam Neelima
Published: April 2022

The rapid development of infrastructure often encounters the loose subgrades and is becoming difficult to carry to construction activities. Numerous counteracting methods are developed to control the swelling-shrinkage behavior of the expansive subgrades. The mechanical stabilization of the expansive subgrades by reinforcing with the polypropylene fiber and geogrid is sustainable. Geogrids and polypropylene fibers have been used extensively to strengthen the expansive subgrade and foundations as individuals. The polypropylene fiber reinforcement enhanced the reinforced expansive subgrades's tensile strength capacity, wherein the geogrid reinforcement is the quick fix mechanical stabilization technique, which reduces the pavement failures. In this research, the polypropylene fiber and geogrid reinforcement’s combined effect has been evaluated to stabilize the pavement subgrades. The various mechanical strength test such as unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and large direct shear box test was conducted to evaluate the mechanical interaction between expansive subgrades, polypropylene fiber, triaxial geogrid, and biaxial geogrid at the interface. The polypropylene fiber of 12 mm length was used in the proportion of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0% and single geogrid layer at mid-depth. The result shows that reinforced subgrades’ shear strength with a layer of biaxial/ triaxial geogrid and polypropylene fiber increases by 177%. It is also observed that the unconfined compressive strength of the expansive subgrades increased ranging 3.8–139.6% with the inclusion of polypropylene fiber with geogrid in different combinations. The combined reinforcement method shows an effective treatment methodology to improve the property of expansive subgrades.
Automated segmentation of the fractured vertebrae on CT and its applicability in a radiomics model to predict fracture malignancy
Authors: Park Taeyong , Yoon Min A , Cho Young Chul , Ham Su Jung , Ko Yousun , Kim Sehee , Jeong Heeryeol , Lee Jeongjin
Published: April 2022

Although CT radiomics has shown promising results in the evaluation of vertebral fractures, the need for manual segmentation of fractured vertebrae limited the routine clinical implementation of radiomics. Therefore, automated segmentation of fractured vertebrae is needed for successful clinical use of radiomics. In this study, we aimed to develop and validate an automated algorithm for segmentation of fractured vertebral bodies on CT, and to evaluate the applicability of the algorithm in a radiomics prediction model to differentiate benign and malignant fractures. A convolutional neural network was trained to perform automated segmentation of fractured vertebral bodies using 341 vertebrae with benign or malignant fractures from 158 patients, and was validated on independent test sets (internal test, 86 vertebrae [59 patients]; external test, 102 vertebrae [59 patients]). Then, a radiomics model predicting fracture malignancy on CT was constructed, and the prediction performance was compared between automated and human expert segmentations. The algorithm achieved good agreement with human expert segmentation at testing (Dice similarity coefficient, 0.93–0.94; cross-sectional area error, 2.66–2.97%; average surface distance, 0.40–0.54 mm). The radiomics model demonstrated good performance in the training set (AUC, 0.93). In the test sets, automated and human expert segmentations showed comparable prediction performances (AUC, internal test, 0.80 vs 0.87, p = 0.044; external test, 0.83 vs 0.80, p = 0.37). In summary, we developed and validated an automated segmentation algorithm that showed comparable performance to human expert segmentation in a CT radiomics model to predict fracture malignancy, which may enable more practical clinical utilization of radiomics.
Fast quantification of gut bacterial species in cocultures using flow cytometry and supervised classification
Authors: van de Velde Charlotte C , Joseph Clémence , Biclot Anaïs , Huys Geert R B , Pinheiro Vitor B , Bernaerts Kristel , Raes Jeroen , Faust Karoline
Published: April 2022

A bottleneck for microbial community experiments with many samples and/or replicates is the fast quantification of individual taxon abundances, which is commonly achieved through sequencing marker genes such as the 16S rRNA gene. Here, we propose a new approach for high-throughput and high-quality enumeration of human gut bacteria in a defined community, combining flow cytometry and supervised classification to identify and quantify species mixed in silico and in defined communities in vitro. We identified species in a 5-species in silico community with an F1 score of 71%. In addition, we demonstrate in vitro that our method performs equally well or better than 16S rRNA gene sequencing in two-species cocultures and agrees with 16S rRNA gene sequencing data on the most abundant species in a four-species community. We found that shape and size differences alone are insufficient to distinguish species, and that it is thus necessary to exploit the multivariate nature of flow cytometry data. Finally, we observed that variability of flow cytometry data across replicates differs between gut bacterial species. In conclusion, the performance of supervised classification of gut species in flow cytometry data is species-dependent, but is for some combinations accurate enough to serve as a faster alternative to 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis XLTG11 improves antibiotic-related diarrhea by alleviating inflammation, enhancing intestinal barrier function and regulating intestinal flora
Authors: Xu Baofeng , Liang Shengnan , Zhao Jiayi , Li Xuetong , Guo Jiayao , Xin Bowen , Li Bailiang , Huo Guicheng , Ma Weiwei
Published: April 2022

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common side effect during antibiotic treatment.
Serum untargeted metabolomics analysis of the mechanisms of evodiamine on type 2 diabetes mellitus model rats
Authors: Yu Yuejie , Lu Qinyan , Chen Feng , Wang Shangli , Niu Chunxiang , Liao Jiabao , Wang Hongwu , Chen Fengjuan
Published: April 2022

In this study, therapeutic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative and metabolic regulatory effects of evodiamine on type 2 diabetes mellitus model rats were studied.
Experimental evidence for the molecular molybdenum fluorides MoF to MoF6: a matrix isolation and DFT investigation
Authors: Sakr Ahmed K. , Snelling Howard V. , Young Nigel A.
Published: April 2022

All the molecular molybdenum fluorides, MoF to MoF6, have been identified in argon matrices with the first characterisation of MoF and MoF2(bond angle ofca.133°), the reassignment of IR bands of MoF3and the identification of a new band for MoF5.
Remote selective decarboxylative difluoroarylmethylation of 8-aminoquinolines under transition metal-free conditions
Authors: Guo Xiaolong , Li Pingping , Wang Qing , Wang Qi , Wang Luyao
Published: April 2022

A facile transition metal-free decarboxylative C4 selective difluoroarylmethylation of 8-aminoquinolines under simple aqueous conditions has been developed.
Bypassed ion-selective electrodes – self-powered polarization for tailoring of sensor performance
Authors: Kisiel Anna , Michalska Agata , Maksymiuk Krzysztof
Published: April 2022

The bypass circuit with zinc wire induces spontaneous charge flow: oxidation of zinc and reduction of the solid contact of K-ISE. This effect is helpful in the improvement of analytical parameters of K-ISE.
A novel magnetic metal–organic framework absorbent for rapid detection of aflatoxins B1B2G1G2 in rice by HPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Wang Ling-Juan , Chen Zhi-Wei , Ma Teng-Zhou , Qing Jiang , Liu Fang , Xu Zhou , Jiao Ye , Luo Shi-Hua , Cheng Yun-Hui , Ding Li
Published: April 2022

A core–shell-structured magnetic metal organic framework (MMOF) material Fe3O4@UiO-66-NH2 was synthesized and it was employed as a new absorbent in combination with HPLC-MS/MS for the simultaneous detection of four aflatoxins (AFs) in rice.
The recognition of aristolochic acid I based on fluorescence quenching of bovine serum albumin-stabilized gold nanoclusters
Authors: Lu Yating , Guo Yue , Liang Xiao , Huang Huimin , Ling Xue , Su Zhiheng , Liang Yonghong
Published: April 2022

Aristolochic acid I (AAI) is one of the nephrotoxic derivatives present in genera Aristolochia and Asarum.
A NIR fluorescent probe for the specific detection of hypochlorite and its application in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhen Lu , Lan Jinshuai , Zhang Shengan , Liu Li , Zeng Ruifeng , Chen Yi , Ding Yue
Published: April 2022

A colorimetric NIR fluorescent probe for detecting ClO− has been synthesized. And it had outstanding advantages: one-step synthesis, high sensitivity , selectivity and successful application in actual water samples, living cells and zebrafish.
6-Aza-2-thio-thymine–gold nanoclusters: an excellent candidate in the photoelectrochemical field
Authors: Yang Yu , Wei Chaoguo , Wang Wenjun , Noreldeen Hamada A. A. , Huang Zhongnan , Deng Haohua , Peng Huaping , Xia Xinghua , Chen Wei
Published: April 2022

The PEC performance of the reported AuNCs still fails to meet expectations. Herein, we show that a record PEC performance of AuNCs in aqueous solutions can be achieved with 6-aza-2-thio-thymine–AuNCs (ATT–AuNCs) as a photoactive material.
Practical method for hydroxyl-group protection using strontium metal and readily available silyl chlorides
Authors: Miyoshi Norikazu , Miyoshi Aki , Miyazaki Yasuaki , Kubo Shigeki , Ueno Masaharu
Published: April 2022

We have found that the etherification of silyl-protected secondary alcohols proceeds smoothly in the presence of strontium metal using silyl chloride instead of the expensive, yet more reactive, and commonly used silyl triflate.
Structures and chemical bonding of boron-based B12O and B11Au clusters. A counterexample in boronyl chemistry
Authors: Li Peng-Fei , Zhai Hua-Jin
Published: April 2022

The boron-rich B12O cluster features a bridging B–O–B edge, rather than a boronyl ligand. It is effectively isoelectronic with bare B12 cluster in terms of delocalized π/σ bonding.
Spectroscopic investigation of the covalence of An(iii) complexes with tetraethylcarboxamidopyridine
Authors: Sittel Thomas , Weßling Patrik , Großmann Dennis , Engels Eliane , Geist Andreas , Panak Petra J.
Published: April 2022

M(iii)–O and M(iii)–N interaction in [M(Et-Pic)3]3+ (M = Ln and Am; Et-Pic: N,N,N′,N′-tetraethyl-2,6-carboxamidopyridine) complexes were studied. NMR and TRLFS data suggest an increased partial covalent interaction in the An(iii)–N bond.
Advances in biomass thermochemical conversion on phosphorus recovery: water eutrophication prevention and remediation
Authors: Lan Yibo , Gai Shuang , Cheng Kui , Yang Fan
Published: April 2022

This review critically discusses the processes, mechanisms, and implications of indirect prevention and direct remediation of water eutrophication with biomass-based derivatives.
MicroRNA-21 expression in single living cells revealed by fluorescence and SERS dual-response microfluidic droplet platform
Authors: Sun Dan , Cao Fanghao , Yi Xuan , Zhu Hongyan , Qi Guohua , Xu Weiqing , Xu Shuping
Published: April 2022

Schematic diagram of the fluorescence and SERS dual-response microfluidic droplet system for encapsulating single cells and detecting miR-21.
A mini-review focusing on ambient-pressure chemical vapor deposition (AP-CVD) based synthesis of layered transition metal selenides for energy storage applications
Authors: Konar Rajashree , Nessim Gilbert Daniel
Published: April 2022

2D layered transition metal selenides grown in ambient pressure CVD for promising energy storage applications.
A comparative lipidomic study of the human placenta from women with or without gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jiang Dongmei , He Jin , Hua Siyu , Zhang Jiahua , Liu Lan , Shan Chunjian , Cui Xianwei , Ji Chenbo
Published: April 2022

Lipidomics analysis was performed to characterize placental lipid composition of women with GDM. Significant differences in the type and content of lipids were observed and dysregulated lipid species showed strong association with glucose levels.
Electrostatic control of photoluminescence from A and B excitons in monolayer molybdenum disulfide
Authors: Liu Yuchun , Shen Tianci , Linghu Shuangyi , Zhu Ruilin , Gu Fuxing
Published: April 2022

In this work, we show that both A-excitonic and B-excitonic photoluminescence of the CVD-grown monolayer MoS2 can be tuned by electrostatic doping in air by applying a gate voltage.
Gold nanoparticle ring arrays from core–satellite nanostructures made to order by hydrogen bond interactions
Authors: Cai Yingying , Peng Wentao , Vana Philipp
Published: April 2022

Polymer-grafted gold nanoparticles are attached to silica nanoparticles forming core–satellite structures, which rearrange into ring arrays when cast to surface. By etching away the silica core, ring-shaped patterns of gold nanoparticles are formed.
Improved performance of immobilized laccase for catalytic degradation of synthetic dyes using redox mediators
Authors: Li Zhiguo , Zhu Qingpeng , Liu Zhaofei , Sha Li , Chen Zhiming
Published: April 2022

Immobilized laccase had high and sustainable removal efficiencies for high concentrations of synthetic dyes in the presence of mediators.
Photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine-B by visible light assisted peroxymonosulfate activation using the Z-scheme MIL-100(Fe)/Bi2S3 composite: a combined experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Roy Debashis , Poddar Niladri , Singh Manmohanpreet , Neogi Sudarsan , De Sirshendu
Published: April 2022

MIL-100(Fe)/Bi2S3 has excellent activity towards RhB degradation.
Studies on Pd-catalyzed asymmetric hydroesterification of enimides. A possible approach to optically active β-amino acid derivatives
Authors: Li Junhua , Yang Yan , Wang Zichu , Shi Yian
Published: April 2022

Asymmetric hydroesterification of enimides is achieved with a Pd-DIOP system and phenyl formate in up to 98% yield and 83 : 17 er.
Sulfonic acid functionalized zirconium-based metal–organic framework for the selective detection of copper(ii) ions
Authors: Rana Abhijeet , Nandi Soutick , Biswas Shyam
Published: April 2022

A sulphonic acid functionalized Zr(iv) MOF probe was used for the rapid, sensitive and selective sensing of Cu2+.
Recent advances in the synthesis of ferrocene derivatives via 3d transition metal-catalyzed C–H functionalization
Authors: Zhang Zhuo-Zhuo , Huang Dan-Ying , Shi Bing-Feng
Published: April 2022

A review of recent advances in the construction of racemic and chiral ferrocene derivatives via 3d transition metal-catalyzed C–H activation.
Remote carbamate-directed site-selective benzylic C–H oxygenation via synergistic copper/TEMPO catalysis at room temperature
Authors: Chen Jiaming , Wang Fang , Huang Yanping , Jia Xiaoqi , Zhuang Dailin , Wan Zhenyang , Li Ziyuan
Published: April 2022

A benzylic C(sp3)–H oxygenation with water at room temperature through a ligand- and additive-free synergistic copper/TEMPO-catalysed radical relay pathway and a remote directing strategy is described.
A torque sharing function with online compensation of excitation current control method for torque ripple reduction in electric excitation auxiliary switched reluctance motor drives
Authors: Meng Fangui , Liu Aimin , Lou Jiachuan , Zhang Wenpeng , Ren Da , Li Yingsa
Published: April 2022

A torque sharing function (TSF) with online compensation of excitation current control method is proposed for torque ripple reduction in electric excitation auxiliary switched reluctance motor (SRM) drives, which mitigates the problem of severe torque ripple inherent in traditional TSF control during the commutation of armature winding. The torque formula of the motor is derived and the finite element analysis of the static torque under different excitation currents is carried out, which proves that the output torque can be changed by adjusting the excitation current. Therefore, the proposed method is based on cosine TSF control, which uses a sliding mode control algorithm to adjust the amplitude of the excitation current to online compensate the torque fluctuations during commutation. Besides, Simulink, Simplorer and Maxwell co‐simulation and experiments are carried out on the traditional TSF control and the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is superior to the traditional TSF control and the electric excitation auxiliary SRM has better torque performance and smaller torque ripple under the proposed method.
Out‐of‐step detection of synchronous generators using dual computational techniques based on correlation and instantaneous powers
Authors: Mahmoud Ragab Abd Allah , Malik Om Parkash
Published: April 2022

To maintain synchronous operation of interconnected systems, it is necessary to keep balance between power generation and consumption. Faults may result in large oscillations in power flows and loss‐of‐synchronism between one generator and the rest of the power system. A correlation coefficient is a useful statistic that can be used to detect voltage, frequency or angular instabilities, and to determine an asynchronous process. Hence, it is a smart technique to predict the out‐of‐step event following fault situations. In this paper, the technique based on the auto/cross‐correlation and instantaneous powers is presented to identify sudden disturbances of various electrical signals in the case of asynchronous operation. To validate the method performance, a power network with real parameters is simulated on Alternative Transient Program (ATP) platform, and the algorithm is implemented in MATLAB software. Simulation studies reveal that the proposed scheme is able to detect the out‐of‐step conditions upon which the relay issues a trip signal, yet remains inactive under normal synchronized operating conditions. Thus, the out‐of‐step is declared before the second pole slipping occurs, and an instability time can be accurately assessed. Moreover, it can develop novel quadrilateral operating characteristics to discriminate between the synchronous and asynchronous operation of the AC generator.
EAOD‐Net: Effective anomaly object detection networks for X‐ray images
Authors: Ma Chunjie , Zhuo Li , Li Jiafeng , Zhang Yutong , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2022

Anomaly object detection is the core technology in the application for X‐ray images. However, the accuracy of current X‐ray anomaly object detection method still needs to be improved. In this paper, an effective anomaly object detection network is proposed to improve the detection accuracy of anomaly object for X‐ray images. Firstly, learnable Gabor convolution layer, deformable convolution, and spatial attention mechanism are introduced to enhance the representative ability of features in ResNeXt. Then, dense local regression is applied to predict the offset of multiple dense boxes in region proposal to locate the object accurately. At last, bigger discriminative RoI pooling is proposed to classify the candidate boxes to improve the accuracy of object classification. Experimental results on the SIXray and OPIXray datasets show that compared with the state‐of‐the‐art methods, the proposed EAOD‐Net can achieve the competitive detection performance.