bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Two Different Coating Application Methods on the Maintenance of the Nutritional Quality of Fresh-Cut Melon during Storage
Authors: Mannozzi Cinzia , Glicerina Virginia , Tylewicz Urszula , Castagnini Juan Manuel , Canali Giada , Dalla Rosa Marco , Romani Santina
Published: September 2021

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of two coating application methods, spraying and dipping, on the quality of fresh-cut melons. An alginate-based coating containing both ascorbic and citric acid was applied at two concentrations (5% and 10%) with both methods on fresh-cut melon. The nutritional quality of the products was investigated during 11 days of storage at 10 °C. The suitability and adaptability of the applied coatings on the fruit were evaluated based on rheological and microstructural properties. Moisture, carotenoids, total polyphenols and ascorbic acid content were analyzed on melon samples during storage. Results showed that the coating solution applied by the dipping method and at the highest concentration (10%), allowed to better maintain some quality characteristics of fresh-cut melon, thanks also to the better coating homogeneity and higher thickness observed through microstructural analysis.
Reaction Characteristics of NOx and N2O in Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction Using Various Reducing Agents and Additives
Authors: Park Poong-Mo , Park Young-Kwon , Dong Jong-In
Published: September 2021

Artificial nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions due to the combustion of fossil fuels constitute more than 75% of the total NOx emissions. Given the continuous reinforcement of NOx emission standards worldwide, the development of environmentally and economically friendly NOx reduction techniques has attracted much attention. This study investigates the selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) of NOx by methane, ammonia, and urea in the presence of sodium carbonate and methanol and the concomitant generation of N2O. In addition, the SNCR mechanism is explored using a chemical modeling software (CHEMKIN III). Under optimal conditions, NOx reduction efficiencies of 80–85%, 66–68%, and 32–34% are achieved for ammonia, urea, and methane, respectively. The N2O levels generated using methane (18–21 ppm) were significantly lower than those generated using urea and ammonia. Addition of sodium carbonate and methanol increased the NOx reduction efficiency by methane to ≥40% and 60%, respectively. For the former, the N2O level and reaction temperature further decreased to 2–3 ppm and 850–900 °C, respectively. The experimental results were well consistent with simulations, and the minor discrepancies were attributed to microscopic variables. Thus, our work provides essential guidelines for selecting the best available NOx control technology.
Chinese Sunspot Drawings and Their Digitizations-(VI) Extreme Value Theory Applied to the Sunspot Number Series from the Purple Mountain Observatory
Authors: Chen Yan-Qing , Zheng Sheng , Xiao Yan-Shan , Zeng Shu-Guang , Zhou Tuan-Hui , Lin Gang-Hua
Published: September 2021

Based on the daily sunspot number (SN) data (1954–2011) from the Purple Mountain Observatory, the extreme value theory (EVT) is employed for the research of the long-term solar activity. It is the first time that the EVT is applied on the Chinese SN. Two methods are used for the research of the extreme events with EVT. One method is the block maxima (BM) approach, which picks the maximum SN value of each block. Another one is the peaks-over-threshold (POT) approach. After a declustering process, a threshold value (here it is 300) is set to pick the extreme values. The negative shape parameters are obtained by the two methods, respectively, indicating that there is an upper bound for the extreme SN value. Only one value of the N-year return level (RL) is estimated: N = 19 years. For N = 19 years, the RL values of SN obtained by two methods are similar with each other. The RL values are found to be 420 for the POT method and the BM method. Here, the trend of 25th solar cycle is predicted to be stronger, indicating that the length of meridional forms of atmospheric circulation will be increased.
A Contrast of Recent Changing Tendencies in Genesis Productivity of Tropical Cloud Clusters over the Western North Pacific in May and October
Authors: Peng Xugang , Wang Lei , Wu Minmin , Gan Qiuying
Published: September 2021

Tropical cloud clusters (TCCs) are embryos of tropical cyclones (TCs) and may have the potential to develop into TCs. The genesis productivity (GP) of TCCs is used to quantify the proportion of TCCs that can evolve into TCs. Recent studies have revealed a decrease in GP of western North Pacific (WNP) TCCs during the extended boreal summer (July–October) since 1998. Here, we show that the changing tendencies in GP of WNP TCCs have obvious seasonality. Although most months could see recent decreases in GP of WNP TCCs, with October experiencing the strongest decreasing trend, May is the only month with a significant recent increasing trend. The opposite changing tendencies in May and October could be attributed to different changes in low-level atmospheric circulation anomalies triggered by different sea surface temperature (SST) configurations across the tropical oceans. In May, stronger SST warming in the tropical western Pacific could prompt increased anomalous westerlies associated with anomalous cyclonic circulation, accompanied by the weakening of the WNP subtropical high and the strengthening of the WNP monsoon. Such changes in background atmospheric circulations could favor the enhancement of atmospheric eddy kinetic energy and barotropic energy conversions, resulting in a recent intensified GP of WNP TCCs in May. In October, stronger SST warming in the tropical Atlantic and Indian Oceans contributed to anomalous easterlies over the tropical WNP associated with anomalous anticyclonic circulation, giving rise to the suppressed atmospheric eddy kinetic energy and recent weakened GP of WNP TCCs. These results highlight the seasonality in recent changing tendencies in the GP of WNP TCCs and associated large-scale atmospheric-oceanic conditions.
Optimizing the Knowledge on Residential Heating Characteristics in Greece via Crowd-Sourcing Approach
Authors: Fameli Kyriaki-Maria , Papagiannaki Katerina , Kotroni Vassiliki
Published: September 2021

Households have been pointed out as a significant source of air pollution and climate change. In Europe, the 60% of energy used by households is for space heating. The present work focuses on improving the knowledge on residential heating characteristics in Greece. The full causal chain, from the appliances used to the pollutants emitted, is examined at thelocal scale. A crowdsourcing approach was followed for the collection of the necessary data for performing the emissions calculations. With the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS), dynamic maps were produced for each Greek region, providing the information produced in this study in gridded form. In terms of energy demands, it was found that Greece relies mainly on oil and biomass and secondarily on gas and electricity. The use of biomass burning as a main heating fuel is quite high inthe colder and rural areas, while it is popular as a secondary heating fuel inthe urban areas. The residential heating period in Greece lasts from October to April and it is even shorter in southern Greece. In terms of emissions, CO and PM10 had the highest values since they are related to biomass burning. NOx emissions are mainly emitted by the oil burned in boilers.
Ammonia Volatilization, Forage Accumulation, and Nutritive Value of Marandu Palisade Grass Pastures in Different N Sources and Doses
Authors: Corrêa Darlena Caroline da Cruz , Cardoso Abmael da Silva , Ferreira Mariane Rodrigues , Siniscalchi Débora , Gonçalves Pedro Henrique de Almeida , Lumasini Rodolfo Nussio , Reis Ricardo Andrade , Ruggieri Ana Cláudia
Published: September 2021

The reduction in ammonia (NH3) losses from volatilization has significant implications in forage production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of N fertilizers (urea, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate) and four doses (0, 90, 180 and 270 kg N ha−1) on N losses by NH3 volatilization, accumulation, and forage chemical composition of Urochloa brizantha cv Marandu. Two field experiments were conducted to measure NH3 losses using semi-open chambers. The forage accumulation and chemical composition were evaluated in the third experiment; the response variables included forage accumulation, crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Compared to urea, ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate reduced NH3 losses by 84% and 87% and increased total forage accumulation by 14% and 23%, respectively. Forage accumulation rate and CP increased linearly with the N levels, while NDF contents decreased linearly with the N levels. In both experiments, NH3 losses and forage characteristics were different according to the rainfall pattern and temperature variations. Our results indicate that the use of nitric and ammoniacal fertilizers and the application of fertilizer in the rainy season constitute an efficient fertilizer management strategy to increase forage yield and decrease losses from volatilization of NH3.
Model Sensitivity Study of the Direct Radiative Impact of Saharan Dust on the Early Stage of Hurricane Earl
Authors: Liang Jianyu , Chen Yongsheng , Arellano Avelino F. , Mamun Abdulla Al
Published: September 2021

Current studies report inconsistent results about the impacts of Saharan dust on the development of African Easterly Waves (AEWs), the African Easterly Jet (AEJ), and tropical cyclones (TCs). We present a modeling case study to further elucidate the direct radiative impacts of dust on the early development stage of a TC. We conducted experiments using the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with chemistry (WRF-Chem-V3.9.1) to simulate Hurricane Earl (2010) which was influenced by the dusty Saharan Air Layer (SAL). We used the aerosol product from ECMWF MACC-II as the initial and boundary conditions to represent aerosol distribution, along with typical model treatment of its radiative and microphysical effects in WRF. Our simulations at 36-km resolution show that, within the first 36 h, the presence of dust weakens the low-pressure system over North Africa by less than 1 hPa and reduces its mean temperature by 0.03 K. Dust weakens and intensifies the AEJ at its core and periphery, respectively, with magnitudes less than 0.2 m/s. Dust slightly shifts the position of 600 hPa AEW to the south and reduces its intensity prior to impacting the TC. Finally, TC with dust remains weaker.
Error Compensation of Strapdown Inertial Navigation System for the Boom-Type Roadheader under Complex Vibration
Authors: Shen Yang , Wang Pengjiang , Zheng Weixiong , Ji Xiaodong , Jiang Hai , Wu Miao
Published: September 2021

The strapdown inertial navigation system can provide the navigation information for the boom-type roadheader in the unmanned roadway tunneling working face of the coal mine. However, the complex vibration caused by the cutting process of the boom-type roadheader may result in significant errors of its attitude and position measured by the strapdown inertial navigation system. Thus, an error compensation method based on the vibration characteristics of the roadheader is proposed in this paper. In order to further analyze the angular and linear vibration of the fuselage, as the main vibration sources of the roadheader, the dynamic model of the roadheader is formulated based on the cutting load. Following that, multiple sub-samples compensation algorithms for the coning and sculling errors are constructed. Simulation experiments were carried out under different subsample compensation algorithms, different coal and rock characteristics, and different types of roadheader. The experimental results show that the proposed error compensation algorithm can eliminate the effect of the angular and linear vibration on the measurement accuracy. The coning and sculling error of the strapdown inertial navigation system can reduce at least 52.21% and 42.89%, respectively. Finally, a strapdown inertial navigation error compensation accuracy experiment system is built, and the validity and superiority of the method proposed in this paper are verified through calculation and analysis of the data collected on the actual tunneling work face.
Response of Aquatic Organisms Communities to Global Climate Changes and Anthropogenic Impact: Evidence from Listvennichny Bay of Lake Baikal
Authors: Kravtsova Lyubov , Vorobyeva Svetlana , Naumova Elena , Izhboldina Lyudmila , Mincheva Elena , Potemkina Tatyana , Pomazkina Galina , Rodionova Elena , Onishchuk Natalya , Sakirko Mariya , Nebesnykh Ivan , Khanaev Igor
Published: September 2021

Recent studies have revealed how the freshwater biota of Lake Baikal responds to climate change and anthropogenic impacts. We studied phyto- and zooplankton, as well as phyto- and zoobenthos, in the open coastal waters of the southern basin of the lake and of Listvennichny Bay. A total of 180 aquatic organism taxa were recorded. The response of the Baikal ecosystem to climate change can be traced by changes in the species composition of planktonic communities of the lake’s open coasts in summer. The key species were thermophilic the Anabaena lemmermannii P. Richt. (Fij = +0.7) blue-green algae, the Asplanchna priodonta Gosse (Fij = +0.6) rotifers in 2016, the Rhodomonas pusilla (Bachm.) Javorn. (Fij = +0.5) cold-loving algae, and the Cyclops kolensis Lilljeborg (Fij = +0.9) copepods in the past century. The proportion of Chlorophyta decreased from 63% to 17%; the Cyanophyta increased from 3% to 11% in the total biomass of phytoplankton; and the proportion of Cladocera and Rotifera increased to 26% and 11% in the biomass of zooplankton, respectively. Human activity makes an additional contribution to the eutrophication of coastal waters. The Dinobryon species, the cosmopolitan Asterionella formosa Hass. and Fragilaria radians Kütz., dominated phytoplankton, and filamentous algae, Spirogyra, dominated at the bottom in the area with anthropogenic impact. The trophic level was higher than at the unaffected background site: the saprobity index varied from 1.45 to 2.17; the ratio of eutrophic species to oligotrophic species ranged from 1:2 to 3:1, and the ratio of mesosaprobiont biomass to endemics biomass ranged from 2:1 to 7:1. Currently, the boundaries of eutrophication zones of shallow waters in Lake Baikal are expanding, and its coastal zone has acquired features typical of freshwater bodies of the eutrophic type.
Dissecting Bread Wheat Heterosis through the Integration of Agronomic and Physiological Traits
Authors: Gimenez Kevin , Blanc Pierre , Argillier Odile , Pierre Jean-Baptiste , Le Gouis Jacques , Paux Etienne
Published: September 2021

To meet the challenge of feeding almost 10 billion people by 2050, wheat yield has to double by 2050. However, over the past 20 years, yield increase has slowed down and even stagnated in the main producing countries. Following the example of maize, hybrids have been suggested as a solution to overcome yield stagnation in wheat. However, wheat heterosis is still limited and poorly understood. Gaining a better understanding of hybrid vigor holds the key to breed for better varieties. To this aim, we have developed and phenotyped for physiological and agronomic traits an incomplete factorial design consisting of 91 hybrids and their nineteen female and sixteen male parents. Monitoring the plant development with normalized difference vegetation index revealed that 89% of the hybrids including the five higher yielding hybrids had a longer grain filling phase with a delayed senescence that results in larger grain size. This average increase of 7.7% in thousand kernel weight translated to a positive mid-parent heterosis for grain yield for 86% of hybrids. In addition, hybrids displayed a positive grain protein deviation leading to a +4.7% heterosis in protein yield. These results shed light on the physiological bases underlying yield heterosis in wheat, paving new ways to breed for better wheat hybrids.
LC-MS/MS Proteomic Study of MCF-7 Cell Treated with Dox and Dox-Loaded Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles Revealed Changes in Proteins Related to Glycolysis, Actin Signalling, and Energy Metabolism
Authors: Ahmed Hamidu , Ajat Mokrish , Mahmood Rana I. , Mansor Rozaihan , Razak Intan Shameha Abdul , Al-Obaidi Jameel R. , Razali Nurhanani , Jaji Alhaji Zubair , Danmaigoro Abubakar , Bakar Md Zuki Abu
Published: September 2021

One of the most prevalent death causes among women worldwide is breast cancer. This study aimed to characterise and differentiate the proteomics profiles of breast cancer cell lines treated with Doxorubicin (DOX) and Doxorubicin-CaCO3-nanoparticles (DOX-Ar-CC-NPs). This study determines the therapeutic potential of doxorubicin-loaded aragonite CaCO3 nanoparticles using a Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry analysis. In total, 334 proteins were expressed in DOX-Ar-CC-NPs treated cells, while DOX treatment expressed only 54 proteins. Out of the 334 proteins expressed in DOX-CC-NPs treated cells, only 36 proteins showed changes in abundance, while in DOX treated cells, only 7 out of 54 proteins were differentially expressed. Most of the 30 identified proteins that are differentially expressed in DOX-CC-NPs treated cells are key enzymes that have an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates as well as energy, including: pyruvate kinase, ATP synthase, enolase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier, and trypsin. Other identified proteins are structural proteins which included; Keratin, α- and β-tubulin, actin, and actinin. Additionally, one of the heat shock proteins was identified, which is Hsp90; other proteins include Annexins and Human epididymis protein 4. While the proteins identified in DOX-treated cells were tubulin alpha-1B chain and a beta chain, actin cytoplasmic 1, annexin A2, IF rod domain-containing protein, and 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the predicted canonical pathways linking the signalling of the actin cytoskeleton, ILK, VEGF, BAG2, integrin and paxillin, as well as glycolysis. This research indicates that proteomic analysis is an effective technique for proteins expression associated with chemotherapy drugs on cancer tumours; this method provides the opportunity to identify treatment targets for MCF-7 cancer cells, and a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system allowed the detection of a larger number of proteins than 2-DE gel analysis, as well as proteins with maximum pIs and high molecular weight.
Perturbations of Adjuvant Chemotherapy on Cardiovascular Responses and Exercise Tolerance in Patients with Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Lin Hsin-Fu , Tseng Ching-Ying , Mündel Toby , Lin Yi-Yuan , Lin Chung-Chi , Chen Chiao-Nan , Liao Yi-Hung
Published: September 2021

Background: Adjuvant chemotherapies are commonly used for treating early-stage breast cancer. However, whether chemotherapeutic regimens affect exercise tolerance and cardiovascular responses remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of receiving CAF and AC-T on exercise tolerance and cardiovascular responses in patients with early-stage breast cancer. Methods: Thirty-four patients with breast cancer (age: 44 ± 1 years; stage I-II) received either CAF (n = 15) or AC-T (n = 19), depending on clinical decisions. Their step-exercise tolerance and cardiovascular responses were assessed before and after chemotherapy. Results: After chemotherapy, there were no differences in baseline measurements between patients receiving CAF or AC-T. The increases in resting heart rate (RHR) of those receiving AC-T was significantly greater than that of those receiving CAF. CAF and AC-T did not result in increased pulse wave velocity (PWV), yet the subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) in patients receiving AC-T was significantly lower than the baseline. Greater change in post-exercise heart rate recovery (recovery HR) after chemotherapy was observed in those who had received AC-T; the Recovery HR in AC-T patients was significantly higher during post-exercise period than that in CAF patients. Conclusions: AC-T chemotherapy increases RHR and impairs exercise tolerance after chemotherapy more than CAF. Moreover, AC-T also lowers myocardial perfusion more than CAF after chemotherapy.
Circulating MicroRNAs Highly Correlate to Expression of Cartilage Genes Potentially Reflecting OA Susceptibility—Towards Identification of Applicable Early OA Biomarkers
Authors: Ramos Yolande F. M. , Coutinho de Almeida Rodrigo , Lakenberg Nico , Suchiman Eka , Mei Hailiang , Kloppenburg Margreet , Nelissen Rob G. H. H. , Meulenbelt Ingrid
Published: September 2021

Objective: To identify and validate circulating micro RNAs (miRNAs) that mark gene expression changes in articular cartilage early in osteoarthritis (OA) pathophysiology process. Methods: Within the ongoing RAAK study, human preserved OA cartilage and plasma (N = 22 paired samples) was collected for RNA sequencing (respectively mRNA and miRNA). Spearman correlation was determined for 114 cartilage genes consistently and significantly differentially expressed early in osteoarthritis and 384 plasma miRNAs. Subsequently, the minimal number of circulating miRNAs serving to discriminate between progressors and non-progressors was assessed by regression analysis and area under receiver operating curves (AUC) was calculated with progression data and plasma miRNA sequencing from the GARP study (N = 71). Results: We identified strong correlations (ρ ≥ |0.7|) among expression levels of 34 unique plasma miRNAs and 21 genes, including 4 genes that correlated with multiple miRNAs. The strongest correlation was between let-7d-5p and EGFLAM (ρ = −0.75, P = 6.9 × 10−5). Regression analysis of the 34 miRNAs resulted in a set of 7 miRNAs that, when applied to the GARP study, demonstrated clinically relevant predictive value with AUC > 0.8 for OA progression over 2 years and near-clinical value for progression over 5 years- (AUC = 0.8). Conclusions: We show that plasma miRNAs levels reflect gene expression levels in cartilage and can be exploited to represent ongoing pathophysiological processes in articular cartilage. We advocate that identified signature of 7 plasma miRNAs can contribute to direct further studies toward early biomarkers predictive for progression of osteoarthritis over 2 and 5 years.
Cyclic Hypoxia Conditioning Alters the Content of Myoblast-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Enhances Their Cell-Protective Functions
Authors: Yan Yan , Gu Tingting , Christensen Stine Duelund Kaas , Su Junyi , Lassen Thomas Ravn , Hjortbak Marie Vognstoft , Lo IJu , Venø Susanne Trillingsgaard , Tóth Andrea Erzsebet , Song Ping , Nielsen Morten Schallburg , Bøtker Hans Erik , Blagoev Blagoy , Drasbek Kim Ryun , Kjems Jørgen
Published: September 2021

Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is a procedure that can attenuate ischemic-reperfusion injury by conducting brief cycles of ischemia and reperfusion in the arm or leg. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) circulating in the bloodstream can release their content into recipient cells to confer protective function on ischemia-reperfusion injured (IRI) organs. Skeletal muscle cells are potential candidates to release EVs as a protective signal during RIC. In this study, we used C2C12 cells as a model system and performed cyclic hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR) to mimic RIC. EVs were collected and subjected to small RNA profiling and proteomics. HR induced a distinct shift in the miRNA profile and protein content in EVs. HR EV treatment restored cell viability, dampened inflammation, and enhanced tube formation in in vitro assays. In vivo, HR EVs showed increased accumulation in the ischemic brain compared to EVs secreted from normoxic culture (N EVs) in a mouse undergoing transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). We conclude that HR conditioning changes the miRNA and protein profile in EVs released by C2C12 cells and enhances the protective signal in the EVs to recipient cells in vitro.
Macrophages in Atherosclerosis, First or Second Row Players?
Authors: Checkouri Eloïse , Blanchard Valentin , Meilhac Olivier
Published: September 2021

Macrophages represent a cell type that has been widely described in the context of atherosclerosis since the earliest studies in the 17th century. Their role has long been considered to be preponderant in the onset and aggravation of atherosclerosis, in particular by participating in the establishment of a chronic inflammatory state by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and by uncontrolled engorgement of lipids resulting in the formation of foam cells and later of the necrotic core. However, recent evidence from mouse models using an elegant technique of tracing vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) during plaque development revealed that resident VSMCs display impressive plastic properties in response to an arterial injury, allowing them to switch into different cell types within the plaque, including mesenchymal-like cells, macrophage-like cells and osteochondrogenic-like cells. In this review, we oppose the arguments in favor or against the influence of macrophages versus VSMCs in all stages of atherosclerosis including pre-atherosclerosis, formation of lipid-rich foam cells, development of the necrotic core and the fibrous cap as well as calcification and rupture of the plaque. We also analyze the relevance of animal models for the investigation of the pathophysiological mechanisms of atherosclerosis in humans, and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting either VSMCs or macrophage to prevent the development of cardiovascular events. Overall, although major findings have been made from animal models, efforts are still needed to better understand and therefore prevent the development of atherosclerotic plaques in humans.
Amperometric Sensing of Carbon Monoxide: Improved Sensitivity and Selectivity via Nanostructure-Controlled Electrodeposition of Gold
Authors: Kwon Taehui , Mun Hee Young , Seo Sunghwa , Yu Areum , Lee Chongmok , Lee Youngmi
Published: September 2021

A series of gold (Au) nanostructures, having different morphologies, were fabricated for amperometric selective detection of carbon monoxide (CO), a biologically important signaling molecule. Au layers were electrodeposited from a precursor solution of 7 mM HAuCl4 with a constant deposition charge (0.04 C) at various deposition potentials. The obtained Au nanostructures became rougher and spikier as the deposition potential lowered from 0.45 V to 0.05 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). As prepared Au layers showed different hydrophobicity: The sharper morphology, the greater hydrophobicity. The Au deposit formed at 0.05 V had the sharpest shape and the greatest surface hydrophobicity. The sensitivity of an Au deposit for amperometric CO sensing was enhanced as the Au surface exhibits higher hydrophobicity. In fact, CO selectivity over common electroactive biological interferents (L-ascorbic acid, 4-acetamidophenol, 4-aminobutyric acid and nitrite) was improved eminently once the Au deposit became more hydrophobic. The most hydrophobic Au was also confirmed to sense CO exclusively without responding to nitric oxide, another similar gas signaling molecule, in contrast to a hydrophobic platinum (Pt) counterpart. This study presents a feasible strategy to enhance the sensitivity and selectivity for amperometric CO sensing via the fine control of Au electrode nanostructures.
Early Right Motor Cortex Response to Happy and Fearful Facial Expressions: A TMS Motor-Evoked Potential Study
Authors: Borgomaneri Sara , Vitale Francesca , Battaglia Simone , Avenanti Alessio
Published: September 2021

The ability to rapidly process others’ emotional signals is crucial for adaptive social interactions. However, to date it is still unclear how observing emotional facial expressions affects the reactivity of the human motor cortex. To provide insights on this issue, we employed single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to investigate corticospinal motor excitability. Healthy participants observed happy, fearful and neutral pictures of facial expressions while receiving TMS over the left or right motor cortex at 150 and 300 ms after picture onset. In the early phase (150 ms), we observed an enhancement of corticospinal excitability for the observation of happy and fearful emotional faces compared to neutral expressions specifically in the right hemisphere. Interindividual differences in the disposition to experience aversive feelings (personal distress) in interpersonal emotional contexts predicted the early increase in corticospinal excitability for emotional faces. No differences in corticospinal excitability were observed at the later time (300 ms) or in the left M1. These findings support the notion that emotion perception primes the body for action and highlights the role of the right hemisphere in implementing a rapid and transient facilitatory response to emotional arousing stimuli, such as emotional facial expressions.
Mutations in Epigenetic Regulation Genes in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Nemtsova Marina V. , Kalinkin Alexey I. , Kuznetsova Ekaterina B. , Bure Irina V. , Alekseeva Ekaterina A. , Bykov Igor I. , Khorobrykh Tatiana V. , Mikhaylenko Dmitry S. , Tanas Alexander S. , Strelnikov Vladimir V.
Published: September 2021

We have performed mutational profiling of 25 genes involved in epigenetic processes on 135 gastric cancer (GC) samples. In total, we identified 79 somatic mutations in 49/135 (36%) samples. The minority (n = 8) of mutations was identified in DNA methylation/demethylation genes, while the majority (n = 41), in histone modifier genes, among which mutations were most commonly found in KMT2D and KMT2C. Somatic mutations in KMT2D, KMT2C, ARID1A and CHD7 were mutually exclusive (p = 0.038). Mutations in ARID1A were associated with distant metastases (p = 0.03). The overall survival of patients in the group with metastases and in the group with tumors with signet ring cells was significantly reduced in the presence of mutations in epigenetic regulation genes (p = 0.036 and p = 0.041, respectively). Separately, somatic mutations in chromatin remodeling genes correlate with low survival rate of patients without distant metastasis (p = 0.045) and in the presence of signet ring cells (p = 0.0014). Our results suggest that mutations in epigenetic regulation genes may be valuable clinical markers and deserve further exploration in independent cohorts.
Pretreatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Associated with Tumor Recurrence and Survival in Patients Achieving a Pathological Complete Response Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Huang Chun-Ming , Huang Ming-Yii , Tsai Hsiang-Lin , Huang Ching-Wen , Su Wei-Chih , Chang Tsung-Kun , Chen Yen-Cheng , Li Ching-Chun , Wang Jaw-Yuan
Published: September 2021

The clinical influence of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting outcomes in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) who achieve a pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) has seldom been investigated. We retrospectively recruited 102 patients with LARC who achieved a pCR to NACRT and the association of NLR status with survival and tumor recurrence in the patients was analyzed. Thirteen patients (12.7%) developed tumor recurrence. A high NLR (≥3.2) was significantly associated with tumor recurrence (p = 0.039). The 5-year OS rates in patients with a low NLR and patients with a high NLR were 95.1% and 77.7%, respectively (p = 0.014); the 5-year DFS rates in patients with low NLR and patients with a high NLR were 90.6% and 71.3%, respectively (p = 0.031). The Cox proportional hazards model indicated that an NLR of ≥3.2 was an independent poor prognostic factor for DFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06–9.46, p = 0.048) and OS (HR = 6.96, 95% CI = 1.53–35.51, p = 0.013). A pretreatment high NLR (≥3.2) was a promising predictor of reduced OS and DFS in patients with LARC who achieved a pCR to NACRT.
Perioperative Systemic Chemotherapy for Colorectal Liver Metastasis: Recent Updates
Authors: Lee Hee Yeon , Woo In Sook
Published: September 2021

The liver is the most common site of metastases for colorectal cancer. Complete resection in some patients with resectable liver metastases (LM) can lead to long-term survival and cure. Adjuvant systemic chemotherapy after complete resection of LM improves recurrence-free survival; however, the overall survival benefit is not clear. In selected patients, preoperative systemic treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer can convert unresectable to resectable cancer. This review will focus on patient selection, and integration of perioperative and postoperative systemic treatment to surgery in resectable and initially unresectable LM. Additionally, new drugs and biomarkers will be discussed.
Perineural Invasion and Associated Pain Transmission in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wang Jialun , Chen Yu , Li Xihan , Zou Xiaoping
Published: September 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the cancers with the highest incidence of perineural invasion (PNI), which often indicates a poor prognosis. Aggressive tumor cells invade nerves, causing neurogenic inflammation; the tumor microenvironment also induces nerves to undergo a series of structural and functional reprogramming. In turn, neurons and the surrounding glial cells promote the development of pancreatic cancer through autocrine and/or paracrine signaling. In addition, hyperalgesia in PDAC patients implies alterations of pain transmission in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Currently, the studies on this topic are relatively limited. This review will elaborate on the mechanisms of tumor–neural interactions and its possible relationship with pain from several aspects that have been focused on in recent years.
Inflammatory Biomarker Score Identifies Patients with Six-Fold Increased Risk of One-Year Mortality after Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Kjaergaard Alisa D. , Chen Inna M. , Johansen Astrid Z. , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Bojesen Stig E. , Johansen Julia S.
Published: September 2021

We examined whether elevated plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and YKL-40, individually or combined, can identify poor survivors among patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We measured CRP, CA 19-9, IL-6 and YKL-40 in 993 patients at the time of PDAC diagnosis. The biomarker score was the sum of biomarker categories, coded 0, 1 and 2 for low, intermediate and high plasma concentrations, respectively. High vs. low levels of CRP, CA 19-9 and IL-6 were each independently associated with a two-fold increased risk of one-year mortality. CRP performed best in patients with advanced and CA 19-9 in patients with low cancer stages. YKL-40 was not associated with mortality and, therefore, was not included in the biomarker score. Compared to the biomarker score = 0, the multifactorially adjusted hazard ratios for one-year mortality were 1.56 (95% confidence interval: 0.99–2.44) for score = 1, 2.22 (1.41–3.49) for score = 2, 3.44 (2.20–5.38) for score = 3, 5.13 (3.21–8.17) for score = 4 and 6.32 (3.84–10.41) for score = 5–6 (p-value for trend = 3 × 10−31). This score performed better than any single biomarker or combination of biomarkers when examined in similarly sized or other categories. In conclusion, a combination score of elevated CRP, CA 19-9 and IL-6 identified patients with six-fold higher one-year mortality.
The Role of HO-1 and Its Crosstalk with Oxidative Stress in Cancer Cell Survival
Authors: Chiang Shih-Kai , Chen Shuen-Ei , Chang Ling-Chu
Published: September 2021

Heme oxygenases (HOs) act on heme degradation to produce carbon monoxide (CO), free iron, ferritin, and biliverdin. Upregulation of cellular HO-1 levels is signature of oxidative stress for its downstream effects particularly under pro-oxidative status. Subcellular traffics of HO-1 to different organelles constitute a network of interactions compromising a variety of effectors such as pro-oxidants, ROS, mitochondrial enzymes, and nucleic transcription factors. Some of the compartmentalized HO-1 have been demonstrated as functioning in the progression of cancer. Emerging data show the multiple roles of HO-1 in tumorigenesis from pathogenesis to the progression to malignancy, metastasis, and even resistance to therapy. However, the role of HO-1 in tumorigenesis has not been systematically addressed. This review describes the crosstalk between HO-1 and oxidative stress, and following redox regulation in the tumorigenesis. HO-1-regulated signaling pathways are also summarized. This review aims to integrate basic information and current progress of HO-1 in cancer research in order to enhance the understandings and facilitate following studies.
Glimepiride-Loaded Nanoemulgel; Development, In Vitro Characterization, Ex Vivo Permeation and In Vivo Antidiabetic Evaluation
Authors: Razzaq Fizza Abdul , Asif Muhammad , Asghar Sajid , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Khan Ikram Ullah , Khan Salah-Ud-Din , Irfan Muhammad , Syed Haroon Khalid , Khames Ahmed , Mahmood Hira , Ibrahim Asim Y. , El Sisi Amani M.
Published: September 2021

Glimepiride (GMP), an oral hypoglycemic agent is extensively employed in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Transdermal delivery of GMP has been widely investigated as a promising alternative to an oral approach but the delivery of GMP is hindered owing to its low solubility and permeation. The present study was designed to formulate topical nanoemulgel GMP system and previously reported solubility enhanced glimepiride (GMP/βCD/GEL-44/16) in combination with anti-diabetic oil to enhance the hypoglycemic effect. Nanoemulsions were developed using clove oil, Tween-80, and PEG-400 and were gelled using xanthan gum (3%, w/w) to achieve the final nanoemulgel formulations. All of the formulations were evaluated in terms of particle size, zeta potential, pH, conductivity, viscosity, and in vitro skin permeation studies. In vivo hypoglycemic activity of the optimized nanoemulgel formulations was evaluated using a streptozocin-induced diabetes model. It was found that a synergistic combination of GMP with clove oil improved the overall drug permeation across the skin membrane and the hypoglycemic activity of GMP. The results showed that GMP/βCD/GEL-44/16-loaded nanoemulgel enhanced the in vitro skin permeation and improved the hypoglycemic activity in comparison with pure and marketed GMP. It is suggested that topical nano emulsion-based GMP gel and GMP/βCD/GEL-44/16 could be an effective alternative for oral therapy in the treatment of diabetes.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression in the Corneal Epithelium
Authors: Peterson Joanne L. , Ceresa Brian P.
Published: September 2021

A properly functioning cornea is critical to clear vision and healthy eyes. As the most anterior portion of the eye, it plays an essential role in refracting light onto the retina and as an anatomical barrier to the environment. Proper vision requires that all layers be properly formed and fully intact. In this article, we discuss the role of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in maintaining and restoring the outermost layer of the cornea, the epithelium. It has been known for some time that the addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) promotes the restoration of the corneal epithelium and patients using EGFR inhibitors as anti-cancer therapies are at increased risk of corneal erosions. However, the use of EGF in the clinic has been limited by downregulation of the receptor. More recent advances in EGFR signaling and trafficking in corneal epithelial cells have provided new insights in how to overcome receptor desensitization. We examine new strategies for overcoming the limitations of high ligand and receptor expression that alter trafficking of the ligand:receptor complex to sustain receptor signaling.
Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontitis Share Intracellular Disorders as the Main Meeting Point
Authors: Portes Juliana , Bullón Beatriz , Quiles José Luis , Battino Maurizio , Bullón Pedro
Published: September 2021

Diabetes and periodontitis are two of the most prevalent diseases worldwide that negatively impact the quality of life of the individual suffering from them. They are part of the chronic inflammatory disease group or, as recently mentioned, non-communicable diseases, with inflammation being the meeting point among them. Inflammation hitherto includes vascular and tissue changes, but new technologies provide data at the intracellular level that could explain how the cells respond to the aggression more clearly. This review aims to emphasize the molecular pathophysiological mechanisms in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and periodontitis, which are marked by different impaired central regulators including mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired immune system and autophagy pathways, oxidative stress, and the crosstalk between adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). All of them are the shared background behind both diseases that could explain its relationship. These should be taken in consideration if we would like to improve the treatment outcomes. Currently, the main treatment strategies in diabetes try to reduce glycemia index as the most important aspect, and in periodontitis try to reduce the presence of oral bacteria. We propose to add to the therapeutic guidelines the handling of all the intracellular disorders to try to obtain better treatment success.
Spectroscopic Evidence of New Low-Dimensional Planar Carbon Allotropes Based on Biphenylene via On-Surface Ullmann Coupling
Authors: Zhang Teng , Grazioli Cesare , Yang Huixia , Jiang Kaiyue , Brumboiu Iulia Emilia , Jia Liangguang , Liu Liwei , Puglia Carla , Zhuang Xiaodong , Wang Yeliang
Published: September 2021

The bottom-up synthesis and preliminary characterizations of a new biphenylene-based 2D framework are presented. This new low-dimensional carbon allotrope potentially completes the many hypothesized carbon networks based on biphenylene.
Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and ESBL of Uropathogens Isolated from Adult Females in Najran Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alasmary Mohammed Yahia
Published: September 2021

Background: To explore the prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) among female patients in the Najran region of Saudi Arabia and determine their antimicrobial resistance pattern. Methods: This study was conducted on 136 urine samples collected from outpatient departments (OPDs) of the different government hospitals in the Najran region of Saudi Arabia. Over one year, the results of susceptibility testing reports of outpatient midstream urine samples from three government hospitals were prospectively evaluated. Results: Of 136 urine samples, only 123 (90.45%) were found to show significant growth for UTIs, from which 23 different uropathogens were identified. Escherichia coli (58.5%) was the most commonly isolated organism, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.1%). The isolated microorganism showed increased resistance patterns from 3.3% to 62.6%, with an overall resistance of 27.19%. Meropenem was the most effective antimicrobial, followed by amikacin and ertapenem (0.47%, 0.91%, and 1.5% resistance, respectively). At the same time, ampicillin and cephazolin were the least (62.6% and 59.5% resistance, respectively) effective. Overall, eleven (8.94%) uropathogens isolates were ESBLs, among which there were eight (6.5%) Escherichia coli, one (0.81%) Klebsiella pneumoniae, one (0.81%) Klebsiella oxytoca, and one (0.81%) Citrobacter amalonaticus. Conclusions: E. coli remains the most commonly isolated causative uropathogens, followed by Klebsiella species. The prevalence of pathogenic E. coli and Klebsiella species underscores the importance of developing cost-effective, precise, and rapid identification systems to minimize public exposure to uropathogens. Antibiotic susceptibility data revealed that most of the isolates were resistant to the majority of the antibiotics. The patients with UTIs in the Najran region of Saudi Arabia are at a high risk of antibiotic resistance, leading to significant problems in outpatient department (OPD) treatment outcomes and raising the alarm for the physician to change their empiric treatment.
The Device Using a Polydimethylsiloxane Membrane and the Phase Transition of Water
Authors: Deng Yan , Chen ZiJian , Zhu YinBo , Wu HengAn , Gu Ping
Published: September 2021

The accumulation of ice on surfaces can cause harm in many industries. Our work describes an experiment and a simulation of the deicing effect based on a simple device combining a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane and water phase transition. The device resulted in a minimum ice adhesion strength of 0.327 kPa, and the ice adhesion strength was still less than 5 kPa after 15 cycles, which meets the requirements of automatic deicing. It also held up after flushing with water and sand currents. In addition, our finite element simulation illustrates that the ice adhesion strength decreases greatly due to the change in initial stress distribution and the separation mode of ice. The fracture between the ice and membrane initiates from one side, and propagates gradually along the contour of ice while at the same time spreading rapidly towards the center. Compared with other icephobic methods, such as expensive and vulnerable micro/nano-surfaces or functional composite coatings, this low-cost and environment friendly device appears promising for large-scale deicing applications in various engineering fields.
Privacy Preservation Instruments Influencing the Trustworthiness of e-Government Services
Authors: AlAbdali Hilal , AlBadawi Mohammed , Sarrab Mohamed , AlHamadani Abdullah
Published: September 2021

Trust is one of the most critical factors that determine willingness to use e-government services. Despite its significance, most previous studies investigated the factors that lead to trusting such services in theoretical aspects without examining the technical solutions. Therefore, more effort is needed to preserve privacy in the current debate on trust within integrated e-government services. Specifically, this study aims to develop a model that examines instruments extracted from privacy by design principles that could protect personal information from misuse by the e-government employee, influencing the trust to use e-government services. This study was conducted with 420 respondents from Oman who were familiar with using e-government services. The results show that different factors influencing service trust, including the need for privacy lifecycle protection, privacy controls, impact assessments, and personal information monitors. The findings reveal that the impeding factors of trust are organizational barriers and lack of support. Finally, this study assists e-government initiatives and decision-makers to increase the use of services by facilitating privacy preservation instruments in the design of e-government services.