bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactobacillus Strains for Vegetable Juice Fermentation—Quality and Health Aspects
Authors: Voaides Catalina , Boiu-Sicuia Oana , Israel-Roming Florentina , Zamfir Medana , Grosu-Tudor Silvia Simona , Angelescu Iulia Roxana , Cornea Calina Petruta
Published: November 2022

Vegetable juices are new carrier variants for beneficial bacteria, representing an alternative to dairy-fermented products, especially for vegan, strict vegetarian, or allergic consumers. The aim of this study was to characterize several Romanian native lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains to select valuable nutritional and probiotic strains for vegetable juice fermentation. Nineteen LAB strains were analyzed for antibiotic susceptibility (disc-diffusion method), the presence of antibiotic resistance genes, the presence of functional genes. and the production of organic acids by HPLC. Antibiotic resistant strains were observed only with ampicillin (Amp10) and kanamycin (K30), 79% and 32%, respectively, with results partially confirmed by molecular analysis. Multiplex PCR revealed the presence of LBA1272, dltD, folP, agl, α-amy, malL, and ribA genes, related to stress resistance, starch metabolism, and production of vitamins, except for folK. HPLC analyses were performed on beet roots (SF), tomato (TM), and a mixture of carrots, celery, and beet (MTS) juices. High values of lactic acid were recorded in all cases of LAB fermentation (5034–14,176 µg/mL). The maximum values recorded for acetic acid did not exceed 2.5 mg/mL having a positive influence on the product’s taste.
osr1 Maintains Renal Progenitors and Regulates Podocyte Development by Promoting wnt2ba via the Antagonism of hand2
Authors: Drummond Bridgette E. , Chambers Brooke E. , Wesselman Hannah M. , Gibson Shannon , Arceri Liana , Ulrich Marisa N. , Gerlach Gary F. , Kroeger Paul T. , Leshchiner Ignaty , Goessling Wolfram , Wingert Rebecca A.
Published: November 2022

Knowledge about the genetic pathways that control nephron development is essential for better understanding the basis of congenital malformations of the kidney. The transcription factors Osr1 and Hand2 are known to exert antagonistic influences to balance kidney specification. Here, we performed a forward genetic screen to identify nephrogenesis regulators, where whole genome sequencing identified an osr1 lesion in the novel oceanside (ocn) mutant. The characterization of the mutant revealed that osr1 is needed to specify not renal progenitors but rather their maintenance. Additionally, osr1 promotes the expression of wnt2ba in the intermediate mesoderm (IM) and later the podocyte lineage. wnt2ba deficiency reduced podocytes, where overexpression of wnt2ba was sufficient to rescue podocytes and osr1 deficiency. Antagonism between osr1 and hand2 mediates podocyte development specifically by controlling wnt2ba expression. These studies reveal new insights about the roles of Osr1 in promoting renal progenitor survival and lineage choice.
Human Acellular Dermal Matrix in Reconstructive Surgery—A Review
Authors: Gierek Marcin , Łabuś Wojciech , Kitala Diana , Lorek Andrzej , Ochała-Gierek Gabriela , Zagórska Karolina Mikuś , Waniczek Dariusz , Szyluk Karol , Niemiec Paweł
Published: November 2022

Reconstructive surgery often confronts large tissue defects. This creates a need to look for materials that are immunogenic but offer the possibility of tissue filling. ADM—acellular dermal matrix—is a biological collagen matrix without immunogenicity, which is more commonly used in surgical treatment. Reconstructive surgery is still searching for various biocompatible materials that can be widely used in surgery. The available materials have their advantages and disadvantages. This paper is a literature review on the use of human acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in reconstructive surgery (surgical oncology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and gynecologic reconstructive surgery). ADM appears to be a material of increasing use in various fields of surgery, and thus, further research in this area is required.
Rapid Drop in Coronary Heart Disease Mortality in Czech Male Population—What Was Actually behind It?
Authors: Poledne Rudolf , Kralova Anna , Bartuskova Hana , Paukner Karel , Kauerova Sona , Fronek Jiri , Lanska Vera , Kralova Lesna Ivana
Published: November 2022

The high mortality of coronary heart disease (CHD) among Czech men—one of the highest worldwide—began to decline in 1991 soon after the abolition of government subsidies to all foodstuffs rich in animal fat. As participants in the WHO MONICA Project, we were able to analyze the CHD risk factors just before and after this major economic change. We had previously documented that the originally subsidized prices decreased animal fat consumption and consequently non-HDL cholesterol concentrations in the population. By the early 1990s, no progress had been made in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction, statins were unavailable as was not the currently more effective antihypertensive therapy. Our recent research proved a close relationship between cholesterolemia and proinflammatory macrophages in adipose tissue and accelerated macrophage polarization with increased palmitate and palmitoleate contents in cell membrane phospholipids. By contrast, the proportion of proinflammatory macrophages decreases with increasing presence of n-3 fatty acids in the cell membrane. The combination of non-HDL cholesterol drop and a decreased proportion of proinflammatory macrophages due to replacement of alimentary fat decreased CHD mortality immediately.
Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography in the Management of Macular Holes: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Confalonieri Filippo , Haave Hanna , Bragadottir Ragnheidur , Stene-Johansen Ingar , Lumi Xhevat , Lytvynchuk Lyubomyr , Petrovski Goran
Published: November 2022

Background: Non-invasive diagnostic technologies in ophthalmology have substantially transformed contemporary clinical practice. Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) systems have recently been used for various surgical interventions, including the treatment of full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs). Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic review on the use of iOCT and its possible benefits in the management of FTMHs, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). The level of evidence according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEM) 2011 guidelines, and the quality of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system, were assessed for all included articles. Results: 1131 articles were initially extracted, out of which 694 articles were obtained after duplicates were removed and their abstracts screened. A total of 65 articles was included for full-text review. Finally, 17 articles remained that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: Even though there is just a small number of studies with solid results, the use of iOCT in FTMH surgery may be a helpful tool for both novice and experienced surgeons planning and managing difficult cases. Additionally, it could be used for teaching reasons and for exploring novel surgical techniques.
Therapeutical Targets in Allergic Inflammation
Authors: Salvati Lorenzo , Liotta Francesco , Annunziato Francesco , Cosmi Lorenzo
Published: November 2022

From the discovery of IgE to the in-depth characterization of Th2 cells and ILC2, allergic inflammation has been extensively addressed to find potential therapeutical targets. To date, omalizumab, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, and dupilumab, an anti-IL-4 receptor α monoclonal antibody, represent two pillars of biologic therapy of allergic inflammation. Their increasing indications and long-term follow-up studies are shaping the many different faces of allergy. At the same time, their limitations are showing the intricate pathogenesis of allergic diseases.
Hypoxia Depresses Synaptic Transmission in the Primary Motor Cortex of the Infant Rat—Role of Adenosine A1 Receptors and Nitric Oxide
Authors: Zironi Isabella , Aicardi Giorgio
Published: November 2022

The acute and long-term consequences of perinatal asphyxia have been extensively investigated, but only a few studies have focused on postnatal asphyxia. In particular, electrophysiological changes induced in the motor cortex by postnatal asphyxia have not been examined so far, despite the critical involvement of this cortical area in epilepsy. In this study, we exposed primary motor cortex slices obtained from infant rats in an age window (16–18 day-old) characterized by high incidence of hypoxia-induced seizures associated with epileptiform motor behavior to 10 min of hypoxia. Extracellular field potentials evoked by horizontal pathway stimulation were recorded in layers II/III of the primary motor cortex before, during, and after the hypoxic event. The results show that hypoxia reversibly depressed glutamatergic synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability. Data obtained in the presence of specific blockers suggest that synaptic depression was mediated by adenosine acting on pre-synaptic A1 receptors to decrease glutamate release, and by a nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP postsynaptic pathway. These effects are neuroprotective because they limit energy failure. The present findings may be helpful in the preclinical search for therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing acute and long-term neurological consequences of postnatal asphyxia.
Carbon Dots Conjugated Antibody as an Effective FRET-Based Biosensor for Progesterone Hormone Screening
Authors: Disha  , Kumari Poonam , Patel Manoj K. , Kumar Parveen , Nayak Manoj K.
Published: November 2022

In this work, carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method using citric acid and ethylene diamine, and covalently functionalized with antibodies for the sensing of progesterone hormone. The structural and morphological analysis reveals that the synthesized CDs are of average size (diameter 8–10 nm) and the surface functionalities are confirmed by XPS, XRD and FT-IR. Further graphene oxide (GO) is used as a quencher due to the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism, whereas the presence of the analyte progesterone turns on the fluorescence because of displacement of GO from the surface of CDs effectively inhibiting FRET efficiency due to the increased distance between donor and acceptor moieties. The linear curve is obtained with different progesterone concentrations with 13.8 nM detection limits (R2 = 0.974). The proposed optical method demonstrated high selectivity performance in the presence of structurally resembling interfering compounds. The PL intensity increased linearly with the increased progesterone concentration range (10–900 nM) under the optimal experimental parameters. The developed level-free immunosensor has emerged as a potential platform for simplified progesterone analysis due to the high selectivity performance and good recovery in different samples of spiked water.
A Mediated Enzymatic Electrochemical Sensor Using Paper-Based Laser-Induced Graphene
Authors: Gao Panpan , Kasama Toshihiro , Shin Jungchan , Huang Yixuan , Miyake Ryo
Published: November 2022

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has been applied in many different sensing devices, from mechanical sensors to biochemical sensors. In particular, LIG fabricated on paper (PaperLIG) shows great promise for preparing cheap, flexible, and disposable biosensors. Distinct from the fabrication of LIG on polyimide, a two-step process is used for the fabrication of PaperLIG. In this study, firstly, a highly conductive PaperLIG is fabricated. Further characterization of PaperLIG confirmed that it was suitable for developing biosensors. Subsequently, the PaperLIG was used to construct a biosensor by immobilizing glucose oxidase, aminoferrocene, and Nafion on the surface. The developed glucose biosensor could be operated at a low applied potential (−90 mV) for amperometric measurements. The as-prepared biosensor demonstrated a limit of detection of (50–75 µM) and a linear range from 100 µM to 3 mM. The influence of the concentration of the Nafion casting solution on the performance of the developed biosensor was also investigated. Potential interfering species in saliva did not have a noticeable effect on the detection of glucose. Based on the experimental results, the simple-to-prepare PaperLIG-based saliva glucose biosensor shows great promise for application in future diabetes management.
Interpretation for Individual Brain Age Prediction Based on Gray Matter Volume
Authors: Sun Jiancheng , Tu Zongqing , Meng Deqi , Gong Yizhou , Zhang Mengmeng , Xu Jinsong
Published: November 2022

The relationship between age and the central nervous system (CNS) in humans has been a classical issue that has aroused extensive attention. Especially for individuals, it is of far greater importance to clarify the mechanisms between CNS and age. The primary goal of existing methods is to use MR images to derive high-accuracy predictions for age or degenerative diseases. However, the associated mechanisms between the images and the age have rarely been investigated. In this paper, we address the correlation between gray matter volume (GMV) and age, both in terms of gray matter themselves and their interaction network, using interpretable machine learning models for individuals. Our goal is not only to predict age accurately but more importantly, to explore the relationship between GMV and age. In addition to targeting each individual, we also investigate the dynamic properties of gray matter and their interaction network with individual age. The results show that the mean absolute error (MAE) of age prediction is 7.95 years. More notably, specific locations of gray matter and their interactions play different roles in age, and these roles change dynamically with age. The proposed method is a data-driven approach, which provides a new way to study aging mechanisms and even to diagnose degenerative brain diseases.
Deficit Symptomatology of Schizophrenia Is Associated with Attenuated Taste Identification: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wroński Michał , Samochowiec Jerzy , Pełka-Wysiecka Justyna , Liśkiewicz Paweł , Bieńkowski Przemysław , Misiak Błażej
Published: November 2022

Schizophrenia is the subject of many studies. There have been reports of taste disturbances in mental disorders. We found a possible relationship between deficit symptoms of schizophrenia and the dysgeusia of monosodium glutamate (MSG). Dysgeusia is a disorder that distorts the sense of taste. People describe all foods as tasting sweet, sour, bitter, or metallic. We aimed to verify whether the level of MSG taste perception may be related to the severity of deficit symptoms. MSG detection threshold was assessed via sublingual administration of three fluid samples containing MSG or water. The MSG samples had different concentrations in each sample. The task was to indicate which of the samples contained MSG, determine the intensity of the taste, and assess the taste as pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. The study group included 200 patients diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia according to ICD-10. We found a significant negative correlation between mean intensity of taste and the number of deficit symptoms. The symptoms of taste disturbances reported by the patient should be monitored by clinicians and differentiated between the actual deficits in the field of taste perception and the taste hallucinations as a symptom of psychosis. It is important to continue research in this area.
Exercise Participation during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Anxiety, Stress, and Precautionary Behavior
Authors: Cho Heetae , Kim Sunghoon , Chiu Weisheng
Published: November 2022

Understanding emotion is critical, as it influences behavioral responses. In particular, anxiety is one of the most significant factors affecting individuals’ behavior during a pandemic situation. However, the effect of coronavirus anxiety on exercise behaviors has not been extensively explored in the extant literature. Therefore, this study examined the relationships among coronavirus anxiety, stress, precautionary behavior, and exercise participation. A total of 307 responses were collected from individuals who experienced the full length of the circuit breaker in Singapore. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Results showed that coronavirus anxiety had positive effects on stress and precautionary behavior. In addition, precautionary behavior played a mediating role in the relationships among coronavirus anxiety, stress, and exercise participation. The findings of this study identify how COVID-19 affected exercise participation during that period and suggest strategies to promote exercise participation, which would benefit individuals and governments.
Tailoring the Properties of Ni(111)/Graphone Interfaces by Intercalation of Al and Na: A DFT Study
Authors: Archana Ramakrishnan , Joshi Niharika , Raja Thirumalaiswamy
Published: November 2022

With the incredible discovery of graphene (Gr), all of the properties studied to date suggest that it has promising applications in the development of semiconductor, spintronic, insulating, and polymer materials. However, efforts are still underway to fully understand the nature of metal–graphone(GrH) interaction in order to offer better scope for tuning the electronic and magnetic properties, which can be performed by intercalation of atoms via metal support on graphene. We chose metal atoms belonging to the s and p blocks, namely Na and Al, respectively, as the intercalating atoms. Herein, the maximum coverage of a monolayer of Na and Al was comparatively studied on a Ni(111) surface. Significant changes in the magnetic and electronic properties at the Ni(111)/graphone interface were observed upon intercalation. Of the two intercalating metal atoms, Na proved to be more effective, such that the magnetic properties of the surface Ni were only slightly decreased, and the graphone also showed better magnetic properties than in the absence of Na.
Recombinant Interferon-β in the Treatment of Polycythemia Vera and Related Neoplasms: Rationales and Perspectives
Authors: Hasselbalch Hans , Skov Vibe , Kjær Lasse , Larsen Morten Kranker , Knudsen Trine A. , Lucijanić Marko , Kusec Rajko
Published: November 2022

About 30 years ago, the first clinical trials of the safety and efficacy of recombinant interferon-α2 (rIFN-α2) were performed. Since then, several single-arm studies have shown rIFN-α2 to be a highly potent anticancer agent against several cancer types. Unfortunately, however, a high toxicity profile in early studies with rIFN-α2 -among other reasons likely due to the high dosages being used-disqualified rIFN-α2, which was accordingly replaced with competitive drugs that might at first glance look more attractive to clinicians. Later, pegylated IFN-α2a (Pegasys) and pegylated IFN-α2b (PegIntron) were introduced, which have since been reported to be better tolerated due to reduced toxicity. Today, treatment with rIFN-α2 is virtually outdated in non-hematological cancers, where other immunotherapies—e.g., immune-checkpoint inhibitors—are routinely used in several cancer types and are being intensively investigated in others, either as monotherapy or in combination with immunomodulatory agents, although only rarely in combination with rIFN-α2. Within the hematological malignancies, rIFN-α2 has been used off-label for decades in patients with Philadelphia-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs)—i.e., essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and myelofibrosis—and in recent years rIFN-α2 has been revived with the marketing of ropeginterferon-α2b (Besremi) for the treatment of polycythemia vera patients. Additionally, rIFN-α2 has been revived for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Another rIFN formulation-recombinant interferon-β (rIFN-β)—has been used for decades in the treatment of multiple sclerosis but has never been studied as a potential agent to be used in patients with MPNs, although several studies and reviews have repeatedly described rIFN-β as an effective anticancer agent as well. In this paper, we describe the rationales and perspectives for launching studies on the safety and efficacy of rIFN-β in patients with MPNs.
Restoration of CD4+ T Cells during NAFLD without Modulation of the Hepatic Immunological Pattern Is Not Sufficient to Prevent HCC
Authors: Isbell Madison , Mirshahi Faridoddin , Aqbi Hussein F. , Guo Chunqing , Saneshaw Mulugeta , Koelsch Nicholas , Idowu Michael O. , Austin Dana , Gelber Cohava , Wang Xiang-Yang , Sanyal Arun J. , Manjili Masoud H.
Published: November 2022

Predominant inflammatory immunological patterns as well as the depletion of CD4+ T cells during nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are reported to be associated with the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we report that an LRP-1 agonistic peptide, SP16, when administered during advanced NAFLD progression, restored the depleted CD4+ T cell population but did not significantly affect the inflammatory immunological pattern. This data suggests that restoration of CD4+ T cells without modulation of the hepatic immunological pattern is not sufficient to prevent HCC. However, SP16 administered early during NAFLD progression modulated the inflammatory profile. Future studies will determine if regulation of the inflammatory immune response by SP16 early in NAFLD progression will prevent HCC.
EUS-Guided Gastroenterostomy in Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Comparative Study between First- and Second-Line Approaches after Enteral Stent Placement
Authors: Perez-Cuadrado-Robles Enrique , Alric Hadrien , Aidibi Ali , Bronswijk Michiel , Vanella Giuseppe , Gallois Claire , Benosman Hedi , Ragot Emilia , Rives-Lange Claire , Rahmi Gabriel , Cellier Christophe
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is increasingly used in the setting of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). However, little is known about the role of primary EUS-GE. The aim of the present study is to compare the outcomes of EUS-GE by using the freehand technique as a first- and second-line approach after enteral stenting (ES). Methods: This is an observational single-center study using a prospectively collected database. All consecutive patients who underwent an EUS-GE using the freehand technique due to malignant GOO were included. Patients with previous gastric surgery, a wire-guided EUS-GE technique, or those presenting without GOO were excluded. The primary outcome was the clinical success, defined as a solid oral intake at 1 week after the procedure (GOO Score, GOOSS ≥ 2). The secondary outcomes were technical success and adverse event (AE) rates. The impact on nutritional parameters was also assessed. Results: Forty-five patients underwent an EUS-GE for all indications. Finally, 28 patients (mean age: 63 ± 17.2 years, 57.1% male) with (n = 13, 46.4%) and without (n = 15, 53.6%) a previous ES were included. The technical success was achieved in 25 cases (89.3%), with no differences between the two groups (92.3% vs. 86.7%, p = 1). The median limb diameter and procedure time were 27 mm (range:15–48) and 37 min. Overall, clinical success was achieved in 22 cases (88%), with three failures due to AEs (n = 2) or peritoneal carcinomatosis (n = 1). The diet progression was quicker in patients with a previous ES (GOOSS at 48 h, 2 vs. 1, p = 0.023), but the GOOSS at 1 week (p = 0.299), albumin gain (p = 0.366), and BMI gain (0.257) were comparable in the two groups. The AE rate was 7.1%. Conclusions: EUS-GE achieves a high technical and clinical success in patients with GOO regardless of the presence of a previous ES. Patients with previous ES may have a quicker progression of their diet, but the GOOSS and nutritional status in the long term at 1 week or 1 month are comparable. Primary EUS-GE might require fewer procedures and less discontinuation of chemotherapy to achieve a comparable result.
Sepiolite-Supported WS2 Nanosheets for Synergistically Promoting Photocatalytic Rhodamine B Degradation
Authors: Bai Jiaxuan , Cui Kaibin , Xie Xinlei , Fang Baizeng , Wang Fei
Published: November 2022

Pristine tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanosheets are extremely prone to agglomeration, leading to blocked active sites and the decrease of catalytic activity. In this work, highly dispersed WS2 nanosheets were fabricated via a one-step in situ solvothermal method, using sepiolite nanofibers as a functional carrier. The ammonium tetrathiotungstate was adopted as W and S precursors, and N,N-dimethylformamide could provide a neutral reaction environment. The electron microscope analysis revealed that the WS2 nanosheets were stacked compactly in the shape of irregular plates, while they were uniformly grown on the surface of sepiolite nanofibers. Meanwhile, the BET measurement confirmed that the as-prepared composite has a larger specific surface area and is more mesoporous than the pure WS2. Due to the improved dispersion of WS2 and the synergistic effect between WS2 and the mesoporous sepiolite mineral which significantly facilitated the mass transport, the WS2/sepiolite composite exhibited ca. 2.6 times the photocatalytic efficiency of the pure WS2 for rhodamine B degradation. This work provides a potential method for low-cost batch preparation of high-quality 2D materials via assembling on natural materials.
Recent Advances of Cu-Based Catalysts for NO Reduction by CO under O2-Containing Conditions
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Liu Yaqi , Liu Yan , Lian Dianxing , Chen Mohaoyang , Ji Yongjun , Xing Liwen , Wu Ke , Liu Shaomian
Published: November 2022

Selective catalytic reduction of NOx by CO (CO-SCR) to both N2 and CO2 is a promising way to simultaneously remove two harmful gases, CO and NOx, in automobile and factory exhaust gases. The development of efficient catalysts is the key challenge for the technology to be commercialized. The low-cost Cu-based catalysts have shown promising performance in CO-SCR, but there are some technical problems that obstruct their practical implementation, such as high reduction temperature and low O2, H2O, and SO2 resistance. This paper provides a comprehensive overview and insights into CO-SCR under O2-containing conditions over the Cu-based catalysts, including catalytic performances of non-supported, supported mono-metallic, supported bimetallic, and supported multi-metallic Cu-based catalysts. In addition, the effects of O2 concentration, reaction temperature, H2O, and SO2 on the catalytic performance are discussed. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism of CO-SCR on Cu-based catalysts is briefly summarized. Lastly, challenges and perspectives with respect to this reaction are discussed. We hope this work can provide theoretical guidance for the rational design of efficient Cu-based catalysts in the CO-SCR reaction for commercial applications.
Immune Transcriptome Study of Human Nucleated Erythroid Cells from Different Tissues by Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing
Authors: Perik-Zavodskii Roman , Perik-Zavodskaia Olga , Shevchenko Julia , Denisova Vera , Alrhmoun Saleh , Volynets Marina , Tereshchenko Valeriy , Zaitsev Konstantin , Sennikov Sergey
Published: November 2022

Nucleated erythroid cells (NECs) are the precursors of erythrocytes. They can be found in various hematopoietic tissues or in the blood. Recently, they have been shown to be active players in immunosuppression through the synthesis of arginase-2 and reactive oxygen species. In this work, we studied NECs in adult bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and foetal liver parenchyma using single-cell RNA sequencing and found that: (1) all studied NECs expressed the same set of genes, which was enriched in “GO biological process” immunity-related terms; (2) early and late NECs had differential expression of the genes associated with immunosuppression, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and glycolysis; (3) NECs from different tissues of origin had differential expression of the genes associated with immunosuppression.
The Proteome of Neuromelanin Granules in Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Wulf Maximilian , Barkovits Katalin , Schork Karin , Eisenacher Martin , Riederer Peter , Gerlach Manfred , Eggers Britta , Marcus Katrin
Published: November 2022

Neuromelanin granules (NMGs) are organelle-like structures present in the human substantia nigra pars compacta. In addition to neuromelanin, NMGs contain proteins, lipids and metals. As NMG-containing dopaminergic neurons are preferentially lost in Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), it is assumed that NMGs may play a role in neurodegenerative processes. Until now, this role is not completely understood and needs further investigation. We therefore set up an exploratory proteomic study to identify differences in the proteomic profile of NMGs from DLB patients (n = 5) compared to healthy controls (CTRL, n = 5). We applied a laser microdissection and mass-spectrometry-based approach, in which we used targeted mass spectrometric experiments for validation. In NMG-surrounding (SNSurr.) tissue of DLB patients, we found evidence for ongoing oxidative damage and an impairment of protein degradation. As a potentially disease-related mechanism, we found α-synuclein and protein S100A9 to be enriched in NMGs of DLB cases, while the abundance of several ribosomal proteins was significantly decreased. As S100A9 is known to be able to enhance the formation of toxic α-synuclein fibrils, this finding points towards an involvement of NMGs in pathogenesis, however the exact role of NMGs as either neuroprotective or neurotoxic needs to be further investigated. Nevertheless, our study provides evidence for an impairment of protein degradation, ongoing oxidative damage and accumulation of potentially neurotoxic protein aggregates to be central mechanisms of neurodegeneration in DLB.
Subcutaneous Stromal Cells and Visceral Adipocyte Size Are Determinants of Metabolic Flexibility in Obesity and in Response to Weight Loss Surgery
Authors: Ledoux Séverine , Boulet Nathalie , Belles Chloé , Zakaroff-Girard Alexia , Bernard Arnaud , Germain Albéric , Decaunes Pauline , Briot Anaïs , Galitzky Jean , Bouloumié Anne
Published: November 2022

Adipose tissue (AT) expansion either through hypertrophy or hyperplasia is determinant in the link between obesity and metabolic alteration. The present study aims to profile the unhealthy subcutaneous and visceral AT (SAT, VAT) expansion in obesity and in the outcomes of bariatric surgery (BS). The repartition of adipocytes according to diameter and the numbers of progenitor subtypes and immune cells of SAT and VAT from 161 obese patients were determined by cell imaging and flow cytometry, respectively. Associations with insulin resistance (IR) prior to BS as well as with the loss of excessive weight (EWL) and IR at 1 and 3 years post-BS were studied; prior to BS, SAT and VAT, unhealthy expansions are characterized by the accumulation of adipogenic progenitors and CD4+ T lymphocytes and by adipocyte hypertrophy and elevated macrophage numbers, respectively. Such SAT stromal profile and VAT adipocyte hypertrophy are associated with adverse BS outcomes. Finally, myofibrogenic progenitors are a common determinant of weight and IR trajectories post-BS; the study suggests that adipogenesis in SAT and adipocyte hypertrophy in VAT are common determinants of metabolic alterations with obesity and of the weight loss and metabolic response to bariatric surgery. The data open up new avenues to better understand and predict individual outcomes in response to changes in energy balance.
YAP Activation in Promoting Negative Durotaxis and Acral Melanoma Progression
Authors: Huang Yuxing , Su Jing , Liu Jiayong , Yi Xin , Zhou Fang , Zhang Jiaran , Wang Jiaxiang , Meng Xuan , Si Lu , Wu Congying
Published: November 2022

Directed cell migration towards a softer environment is called negative durotaxis. The mechanism and pathological relevance of negative durotaxis in tumor progression still requires in-depth investigation. Here, we report that YAP promotes the negative durotaxis of melanoma. We uncovered that the RhoA-myosin II pathway may underlie the YAP enhanced negative durotaxis of melanoma cells. Acral melanoma is the most common subtype of melanoma in non-Caucasians and tends to develop in a stress-bearing area. We report that acral melanoma patients exhibit YAP amplification and increased YAP activity. We detected a decreasing stiffness gradient from the tumor to the surrounding area in the acral melanoma microenvironment. We further identified that this stiffness gradient could facilitate the negative durotaxis of melanoma cells. Our study advanced the understanding of mechanical force and YAP in acral melanoma and we proposed negative durotaxis as a new mechanism for melanoma dissemination.
Analytical Performance of Next-Generation Sequencing and RT-PCR on Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tumor Tissues for PIK3CA Testing in HR+/HER2− Breast Cancer
Authors: Venetis Konstantinos , Pepe Francesco , Munzone Elisabetta , Sajjadi Elham , Russo Gianluca , Pisapia Pasquale , Ivanova Mariia , Bonizzi Giuseppina , Vacirca Davide , Rappa Alessandra , Ranghiero Alberto , Taormina Sergio Vincenzo , Viale Giuseppe , Troncone Giancarlo , Barberis Massimo , Guerini-Rocco Elena , Malapelle Umberto , Fusco Nicola
Published: November 2022

Somatic mutations in PIK3CA are present in ~40% breast cancers (BC); their detection in hormone receptor (HR)+/HER2− tumors allows for selecting patients with advanced disease eligible for PIK3CA targeting with alpelisib. The choice of what type of PIK3CA testing approach to adopt and which tissue sample to analyze is a new task in breast pathology. In this methodological study, we sought to assess the performance of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and RT-PCR for PIK3CA testing on archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) primary tumors and corresponding metastases. Sixteen HR+/HER2− BC with known PIK3CA-mutated status (ex. 7, 9, and 20) on metastatic samples by means of amplicon-based targeted NGS were selected, and n = 13 of these samples were re-tested with a commercially available CE-IVD RT-PCR assay. All available primary tumors (n = 8) were tested with both methods. NGS detected mutations in all samples, while RT-PCR in n = 2 sample-pairs and overall, in n = 5/8 (62.5%) primary tumors and 7/13 (53.8%) metastases (κ = 0.09; 95% CI, −0.69–0.87). Slight agreement (κ = 0; 95% CI, −0.59–0.59) was observed between NGS and RT-PCR, with the former being generally more sensitive in cases with low DNA quality and quantity. Post hoc visual inspection of the RT-PCR data increased the concordance to 76.9%. Targeted NGS offers reliable and robust PIK3CA testing on both tumor and metastasis FFPE samples; the accuracy of RT-PCR depends on the DNA quantity and quality. In HR+/HER2− BC, both the selection of the PIK3CA testing strategy of FFPE tissues and which sample to analyze should consider several technical parameters and should be tailored for each case.
Modified Mycotoxins, a Still Unresolved Issue
Authors: Angioni Alberto , Russo Mariateresa , La Rocca Cinzia , Pinto Ornella , Mantovani Alberto
Published: November 2022

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by filamentous microfungi on almost every agricultural commodity worldwide. After the infection of crop plants, mycotoxins are modified by plant enzymes or other fungi and often conjugated to more polar substances, like sugars. The formed—often less toxic—metabolites are stored in the vacuole in soluble form or bound to macromolecules. As these substances are usually not detected during routine analysis and no maximum limits are in force, they are called modified mycotoxins. While, in most cases, modified mycotoxins have lower intrinsic toxicity, they might be reactivated during mammalian metabolism. In particular, the polar group might be cleaved off (e.g., by intestinal bacteria), releasing the native mycotoxin. This review aims to provide an overview of the critical issues related to modified mycotoxins. The main conclusion is that analytical aspects, toxicological evaluation, and exposure assessment merit more investigation.
U(VI) Coordination Modes in Complex Uranium Silicates: Cs[(UO6)2(UO2)9(Si2O7)F] and Rb2[(PtO4)(UO2)5(Si2O7)]
Authors: Nazarchuk Evgeny V. , Siidra Oleg I. , Charkin Dmitri O. , Tagirova Yana G.
Published: November 2022

Crystals of two new inorganic uranyl silicates, Cs[(UO6)2(UO2)9(Si2O7)F] (1) and Rb2[(PtO4)(UO2)5(Si2O7)] (2), were produced from melts in evacuated silica tubes. Their structures have been solved by direct methods: 1 is trigonal, P-31c, a = 10.2040(3), c = 17.1278(5) Å, V = 1544.45(10) Å3, R1 = 0.042; 2 is tetragonal, P4/mbm, a = 16.0400(24), c = 3.9231(6) Å, V = 1009.34(10) Å3, R1 = 0.045. 1 is the first example of cation–cation interactions between the uranyl polyhedra in uranyl silicates. Therein, UVI adopts three coordination modes, UO6 octahedra, UO6F, and UO7 pentagonal bipyramids, with the latter sharing common edges to form U2O12 dimers. Three dimers associate into six-membered rings via cation–cation interactions. The structure of 1 can be described as a complex uranyl fluoride silicate framework with channels filled by the U1 atoms and disordered Cs+ cations. 2 represents a new type of topology never observed before among the structures of uranyl compounds; it is also a first complex uranium platinum oxide. Therein, the UO6 tetragonal bipyramids share edges to form chains. Five such chains are stitched into a complex ribbon via the silicon polyhedra. The ribbons are connected into a framework by the PtO4 squares; rubidium atoms are located in the channels of the framework.
Enhanced Gas Detection by Altering Gate Voltage Polarity of Polypyrrole/Graphene Field-Effect Transistor Sensor
Authors: Tang Xiaohui , Raskin Jean-Pierre , Reckinger Nicolas , Yan Yiyi , André Nicolas , Lahem Driss , Debliquy Marc
Published: November 2022

This work introduces a new measurement methodology for enhancing gas detection by tuning the magnitude and polarity of back-gate voltage of a field-effect transistor (FET)-based sensor. The aim is to simultaneously strengthen the sensor response and accelerate the sensor recovery. In addition, this methodology can consume less energy compared with conventional measurements by direct current bias. To illustrate the benefits of the proposed methodology, we fabricated and characterized a polypyrrole/graphene (PPy/G) FET sensor for ammonia (NH3) detection. Our experiment, simulation and calculation results demonstrated that the redox reaction between the NH3 molecules and the PPy/G sensitive layer could be controlled by altering the polarity and the magnitude of the back-gate voltage. This proof-of-principle measurement methodology, which solves the inherent contradiction between high response and slow recovery of the chemiresistive sensor, could be extended to detect other gases, so as to improve global gas measurement systems. It opens up a new route for FET-based gas sensors in practical applications.
Deferoxamine-Based Materials and Sensors for Fe(III) Detection
Authors: Alberti Giancarla , Zanoni Camilla , Magnaghi Lisa Rita , Biesuz Raffaela
Published: November 2022

Deferoxamine (DFO) is a siderophore widely studied for its ability to bind iron(III) strongly. Thanks to its versatility, it is suitable for several clinical and analytical applications, from the recognized iron(III) chelation therapy to the most recent applications in sensing. The presence of three hydroxamic functional groups enables Deferoxamine to form stable complexes with iron(III) and other divalent and trivalent metal ions. Moreover, the terminal amino group in the DFO molecule, not involved in metal ion complexation, allows modification or functionalization of solid phases, nanoobjects, biopolymers, electrodes and optical devices. This review summarizes and discusses deferoxamine-based applications for the chelation and recognition of Fe(III).
Early Childhood Stimulating Environment Predicts Later Childhood Resilience in an Indian Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Koshy Beena , Srinivasan Manikandan , Gopalakrishnan Sowmiya , Mohan Venkata Raghava , Scharf Rebecca , John Sushil , Beulah Rachel , Muliyil Jayaprakash , Kang Gagandeep
Published: November 2022

Background: Human resilience is dynamic and generated through myriad interactions starting from early childhood. Resilience can improve quality of life and longevity. Objective: The current analysis evaluates childhood resilience at 9 years of age and its associations with concurrent cognition and early childhood factors, using longitudinal follow-up of a community birth cohort in Vellore, south India. Methods: Resilience was assessed using the Child and Youth Resilience Measure and cognition utilizing the Malin’s Intelligence Scale for Indian Children. Early childhood variables included growth stunting, maternal depression scores, home environment scores, and socio-economic status (SES) at 2 years of age. Statistical evaluation included bivariate analysis with further multi-variate regression for each resilience domain and the total resilience score. Findings: Out of 251 newborns recruited into the original birth cohort, 205 (81.7%) children were available for the 9-year follow-up. Mean (SD) scores in individual, caregiving, and context domains of resilience were 26.34 (3.2), 19.52 (1.6), and 20 (1.8) respectively. Individual resilience domain was associated with verbal cognition scores at 9 years of age (0.07, p = 0.019) and total home environment scores (0.16, p = 0.027) at 2 years of age, when adjusted for stunting, maternal depression, and SES. The total resilience score was associated only with concurrent verbal intelligence (0.08, p = 0.026) after adjustment with early childhood factors. Analysis of individual home environment factors showed that daily stimulation was associated with the individual domain of resilience. Conclusions: Follow-up of an Indian birth cohort showed that in addition to concurrent cognitive abilities, childhood resilience was related to early childhood stimulating home environment. Promoting optimal stimulating home environments in low-resource settings to nurture holistic childhood development including mental health is essential.
Problematic Internet Use among Adolescents 18 Months after the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Paulus Frank W. , Joas Jens , Gerstner Ida , Kühn Anna , Wenning Markus , Gehrke Thomas , Burckhart Holger , Richter Ulf , Nonnenmacher Alexandra , Zemlin Michael , Lücke Thomas , Brinkmann Folke , Rothoeft Tobias , Lehr Thorsten , Möhler Eva
Published: November 2022

Studies in recent years and especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic have shown a significant increase in the problematic use of computer games and social media. Adolescents having difficulties in regulating their unpleasant emotions are especially prone to Problematic Internet Use (PIU), which is why emotion dysregulation has been considered a risk factor for PIU. The aim of the present study was to assess problematic internet use (PIU) in adolescents after the third wave (nearly 1.5 years after the onset in Europe) of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the German region of Siegen-Wittgenstein, all students 12 years and older from secondary-level schools, vocational schools and universities were offered a prioritized vaccination in August 2021 with an approved vaccine against COVID-19. In this context, the participants filled out the Short Compulsive Internet Use Scale (SCIUS) and two additional items to capture a possible change in digital media usage time and regulation of negative affect due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A multiple regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of PIU. The original sample consisted of 1477 participants, and after excluding invalid cases the final sample size amounted to 1268 adolescents aged 12–17 (x = 14.37 years, SD = 1.64). The average prevalence of PIU was 43.69%. Gender, age, digital media usage time and the intensity of negative emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic were all found to be significant predictors of PIU: female gender, increasing age, longer digital media usage time and higher intensity of negative emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with higher SCIUS total scores. This study found a very high prevalence of PIU among 12- to 17-year-olds for the period after the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased significantly compared to pre-pandemic prevalence rates. PIU is emerging as a serious problem among young people in the pandemic. Besides gender and age, pandemic-associated time of digital media use and emotion regulation have an impact on PIU, which provides starting points for preventive interventions.
Optimization of Workability and Compressive Strength of Self-Compacting Mortar Using Screening Design
Authors: Qorllari Anxhelina , Bier Thomas A.
Published: November 2022

In this study, the significance of several factors in the performance of self-compacting mortar was statistically investigated. A screening design was used as a suitable design to identify the most important factors that can affect workability and compressive strength. The purpose of the study was to obtain the optimal conditions which can lead to optimal workability (slump flow, funnel time) and maximal compressive strength (2 and 28 days). Four experimental factors each at two levels, the type of supplementary cementitious material (SCM) as silica fume (SF) and metakaolin (MK); the amount of (SCM) at 5% and 15%; superplasticizer (SP) at 0.3% and 1.2% and viscosity modifying agent (VMA) at 0.05% and 0.2% were selected as potential candidates affecting the experimental outputs. The analysis of the data to obtain optimal values of the outputs was carried out by using MINITAB®. To establish the factor levels selected in this study in order to achieve optimal workability and maximal compressive strength, response optimization was applied. The predicted conditions for optimal workability were found to be 8.84% SF, 1.2% SP and 0.15% VMA. The solution proposed to maximize the compressive strength was 0.3% SP, 0.05% VMA and 9% or 9.75% SF for 2 and 28 days, respectively. By setting the factors at the specified levels, experimental values of the slump flow at 278 mm; funnel time at 8.3 s; 2- and 28-day compressive strength at 22.8 and 66.1 MPa were achieved. This resulted in the predicted and experimental values at the optimum conditions being in strong agreement.
Exciton-Assisted UV Stimulated Emission with Incoherent Feedback in Polydisperse Crystalline ZnO Powder
Authors: Fedorenko Leonid , Litovchenko Volodymyr , Naumov Vadym , Korbutyak Dmytro , Yukhymchuk Volodymyr , Gudymenko Olexander , Dubikovskyi Olexander , Mimura Hidenori , Medvids Arturs
Published: November 2022

A comparative analysis of the features of UV-stimulated emission (SE) of various disordered active materials based on ZnO crystallites for a random laser (RL) was carried out. The superlinear increase in the intensity of the UV photoluminescence (PL) band of polydisperse nano-micro-crystalline (PNMC) ZnO powder at a wavelength of λ = 387 nm and some narrowing of its halfwidth in the range of 20 ÷ 15 nm with increasing pump intensity indicates random lasing with incoherent feedback (FB). The properties of similar UV PL bands under the same conditions of a thin film containing hexagonal ZnO microdisks, as well as samples of monodisperse ZnO nanopowder with nanoparticle sizes of 100 nm, indicate stimulated radiation with coherent feedback. It is shown that, among the studied materials, PNMC ZnO powder with widely dispersed crystallites ranges in size from 50 nm to several microns, which in turn, consists of nanograins with dimensions of ~25 nm, is the most suitable for creating a random laser with incoherent feedback at room temperature. The dominant factor of UV SE in PNMC ZnO powder is radiation transitions under exciton–exciton scattering conditions. The possible mechanisms of this random emission with the continuous spectrum are discussed. The average optical gain coefficient αg at λ = 387 nm in this RL system is estimated as αg~150 cm−1.