bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Resting-State Network Presence in Females with Overactive Bladder
Authors: Mehnert Ulrich , Walter Matthias , Leitner Lorenz , Kessler Thomas M. , Freund Patrick , Liechti Martina D. , Michels Lars
Published: June 2023

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a global problem reducing the quality of life of patients and increasing the costs of any healthcare system. The etiology of OAB is understudied but likely involves supraspinal network alterations. Here, we characterized supraspinal resting-state functional connectivity in 12 OAB patients and 12 healthy controls (HC) who were younger than 60 years. Independent component analysis showed that OAB patients had a weaker presence of the salience (Cohen’s d = 0.9) and default mode network (Cohen’s d = 1.1) and weaker directed connectivity between the fronto-parietal network and salience network with a longer lag time compared to HC. A region of interest analysis demonstrated weaker connectivity in OAB compared to HC (Cohen’s d > 1.6 or < −1.6), particularly within the frontal and prefrontal cortices. In addition, weaker seed (insula, ventrolateral prefrontal cortex) to voxel (anterior cingulate cortex, frontal gyrus, superior parietal lobe, cerebellum) connectivity was found in OAB compared to HC (Cohen’s d > 1.9). The degree of deviation in supraspinal connectivity in OAB patients (relative to HC) appears to be an indicator of the severity of the lower urinary tract symptoms and an indication that such symptoms are directly related to functional supraspinal alterations. Thus, future OAB therapy options should also consider supraspinal targets, while neuroimaging techniques should be given more consideration in the quest for better phenotyping of OAB.
Effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride on Bacterial Biofilms—A Review including In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Mubaraki Hind , Ingle Navin Anand , Baseer Mohammad Abdul , AlMugeiren Osamah M , Mubaraki Sarah , Cicciù Marco , Minervini Giuseppe
Published: June 2023

Caries/carious lesions are a growing concern among the general population across the world, and different strategies are evolving to combat the bacterial invasion that resultantly leads to caries. In this systematic review, we are looking to analyse the role of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) on the growth of bacterial biofilms. The search strategy for the studies to be selected for the review was initiated by a search across multiple databases, which ultimately yielded 15 studies that were in accordance with our objectives. The reviewed articles indicate a very clear correlation between the usage of SDF and the decrease in bacterial biofilms, which are limited not just to one or two but multiple bacterial species. As shown by the events favoring SDF’s odds ratio of 3.59 (with a 95% confidence interval of 2.13 to 6.05), a risk ratio of 1.63 (1.32 to 2.00), and a risk difference of 0.28 (0.16 to 0.40), there was strong evidence that SDF is a successful treatment for reducing bacterial biofilms in dental practice. This study offers substantial proof that SDF works well to reduce bacterial biofilms in dentistry practices. We advise further investigation to examine the potential of SDF as a standard therapy choice for dental caries and related conditions given the obvious relationship between the use of SDF and the reduction in bacterial biofilms.
Carbon Black CB-EDA Nanoparticles in Macrophages: Changes in the Oxidative Stress Pathway and in Apoptosis Signaling
Authors: Rodolpho Joice Margareth de Almeida , Godoy Krissia Franco de , Brassolatti Patricia , Fragelli Bruna Dias de Lima , Camillo Luciana , Castro Cynthia Aparecida de , Assis Marcelo , Speglich Carlos , Longo Elson , Anibal Fernanda de Freitas
Published: June 2023

The influence of black carbon nanoparticles on J774.A1 murine cells was investigated with the objective of exploring the cytotoxicity of black carbon functionalized with ethylenediamine CB-EDA. The results showed that CB-EDA has a cytotoxic profile for J774.A1 macrophages in a time- and dose-dependent manner. When phagocytosed by the macrophage, CB-EDA triggers a mechanism that leads to apoptosis. In this process, there is an increase in oxidative stress pathways due to the activation of nitric oxide and then ROS. This causes an imbalance in redox function and a disruption of membrane integrity that occurs due to high levels of LDH, in addition to favoring the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in an attempt to modulate the cell. However, these stimuli are not sufficient to repair the cell and the level of mitochondrial integrity is affected, causing a decrease in cell viability. This mechanism may be correlated with the activation of the caspasse-3 pathway, which, when compromised, cleaves and induces cells death via apoptosis, either through early or late apoptosis. In view of this, the potential for cell damage was investigated by analyzing the oxidative and inflammatory profile in the macrophage lineage J774.A1 and identifying potential mechanisms and metabolic pathways connected to these processes when cells were exposed to NP CB-EDA for both 24 h and 48 h.
Prediction of Lower Urinary Tract, Sexual, and Bowel Function, and Autonomic Dysreflexia after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Pavese Chiara , Kessler Thomas M.
Published: June 2023

Spinal cord injury (SCI) produces damage to the somatic and autonomic pathways that regulate lower urinary tract, sexual, and bowel function, and increases the risk of autonomic dysreflexia. The recovery of these functions has a high impact on health, functioning, and quality of life and is set as the utmost priority by patients. The application of reliable models to predict lower urinary tract, sexual, and bowel function, and autonomic dysreflexia is important for guiding counseling, rehabilitation, and social reintegration. Moreover, a reliable prediction is essential for designing future clinical trials to optimize patients’ allocation to different treatment groups. To date, reliable and simple algorithms are available to predict lower urinary tract and bowel outcomes after traumatic and ischemic SCI. Previous studies identified a few risk factors to develop autonomic dysreflexia, albeit a model for prediction still lacks. On the other hand, there is an urgent need for a model to predict the evolution of sexual function. The aim of this review is to examine the available knowledge and models for the prediction of lower urinary tract, sexual, and bowel function, and autonomic dysreflexia after SCI, and critically discuss the research priorities in these fields.
Pick’s Disease, Seeding an Answer to the Clinical Diagnosis Conundrum
Authors: Tamvaka Nicole , Manne Sireesha , Kondru Naveen , Ross Owen A.
Published: June 2023

Pick’s disease (PiD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by dementia, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and the aggregation of 3R tau in pathognomonic inclusions known as Pick bodies. The term PiD has adopted many meanings since its conception in 1926, but it is currently used as a strictly neuropathological term, since PiD patients cannot be diagnosed during life. Due to its rarity, PiD remains significantly understudied, and subsequently, the etiology and pathomechanisms of the disease remain to be elucidated. The study of PiD and the preferential 3R tau accumulation that is unique to PiD is imperative in order to expand the current understanding of the disease and inform future studies and therapeutic development, since the lack of intervention strategies for tauopathies remains an unmet need. Yet, the lack of an antemortem diagnostic test for the disease has further complicated the study of PiD. The development of a clinical diagnostic assay for PiD will be a vital step in the study of the disease that will greatly contribute to therapeutic research, clinical trial design and patient recruitment and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Seed aggregation assays have shown great promise for becoming ante mortem clinical diagnostic tools for many proteinopathies, including tauopathies. Future research on adapting and optimizing current seed aggregation assays to successfully detect 3R tau pathogenic forms from PiD samples will be critical in establishing a 3R tau specific seed aggregation assay that can be used for clinical diagnosis and treatment evaluation.
Magnetic Relaxation Switching Assay Using IFNα-2b-Conjugated Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles for Anti-Interferon Antibody Detection
Authors: Nikolaev Boris , Yakovleva Ludmila , Fedorov Viacheslav , Yudintceva Natalia , Ryzhov Vyacheslav , Marchenko Yaroslav , Ischenko Alexander , Zhakhov Alexander , Dobrodumov Anatoliy , Combs Stephanie E. , Gao Huile , Shevtsov Maxim
Published: June 2023

Type I interferons, particularly IFNα-2b, play essential roles in eliciting adaptive and innate immune responses, being implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, and autoimmune and infectious diseases. Therefore, the development of a highly sensitive platform for analysis of either IFNα-2b or anti-IFNα-2b antibodies is of high importance to improve the diagnosis of various pathologies associated with the IFNα-2b disbalance. For evaluation of the anti-IFNα-2b antibody level, we have synthesized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) coupled with the recombinant human IFNα-2b protein (SPIONs@IFNα-2b). Employing a magnetic relaxation switching assay (MRSw)-based nanosensor, we detected picomolar concentrations (0.36 pg/mL) of anti-INFα-2b antibodies. The high sensitivity of the real-time antibodies’ detection was ensured by the specificity of immune responses and the maintenance of resonance conditions for water spins by choosing a high-frequency filling of short radio-frequency pulses of the generator. The formation of a complex of the SPIONs@IFNα-2b nanoparticles with the anti-INFα-2b antibodies led to a cascade process of the formation of nanoparticle clusters, which was further enhanced by exposure to a strong (7.1 T) homogenous magnetic field. Obtained magnetic conjugates exhibited high negative MR contrast-enhancing properties (as shown by NMR studies) that were also preserved when particles were administered in vivo. Thus, we observed a 1.2-fold decrease of the T2 relaxation time in the liver following administration of magnetic conjugates as compared to the control. In conclusion, the developed MRSw assay based on SPIONs@IFNα-2b nanoparticles represents an alternative immunological probe for the estimation of anti-IFNα-2b antibodies that could be further employed in clinical studies.
Real-Time MRI Monitoring of Liquid Embolic Agent (Onyx) Injection in a Swine Arteriovenous Malformation Model
Authors: Zawadzki Michał , Pinkiewicz Miłosz , Pinkiewicz Mateusz , Walecki Jerzy , Walczak Piotr , Gołubczyk Dominika , Sady Maria , Gajewski Zdzisław
Published: June 2023

The paradigm is gradually shifting, with radiosurgery and endovascular embolization being increasingly chosen over surgical resection in the selected cases of brain arteriovenous malformations. Routinely used X-ray monitoring of liquid embolic infusion has very good spatial and temporal resolution but is not without significant drawbacks regarding poor visualization of the complex AVM angioarchitecture, especially after many embolizations in the past and therefore limiting the technical ability of the embocure—total occlusion of the feeding arteries, nidus, and draining veins. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of real-time MRI guidance in endovascular embolization with Onyx (instead of X-ray) in a single swine rete mirabile (RM) AVM model in order to provide the scaffolding for the real-time MRI guidance method. Onyx propagation was observed in real-time dynamic GE-EPI scan with initial ipsilateral RM filling followed by main cerebral arterial branch distribution. The relatively bright signal within RM and the brain prior to Onyx injection provided a good background for the dark, low signal of the embolic agent spreading in rete mirabile and brain arteries. X-ray picture confirmed Onyx cast distribution at the end of the procedure. In this initial experience, real-time MRI seems to be a promising method that may significantly improve liquid embolic agent infusion monitoring in the future, although requiring further development before clinical use.
Effectiveness of the 5A Counseling Model-Based Interventions on Physical Activity Indicators in Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Guerra Paulo Henrique , Sposito Letícia Aparecida Calderão , da Costa Filipe Ferreira , Fermino Rogério César , Papini Camila Bosquiero , Rech Cassiano Ricardo
Published: June 2023

Background: To identify and appraise the effectiveness of the 5A-counseling-model-based interventions on indicators of physical activity in adults. Methods: A systematic review was conducted from systematic searches in Embase, Lilacs, Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus, Sportdiscus and Web of Science, involving studies published from its inception until May 2022. To avoid potential losses, searches also were made in Google Scholar and in reference lists. The assessment of studies, data extraction, and synthesis were carried out independently by two researchers. Results: Four studies composed the synthesis, which involved people with an average age between 40 and 55 years, most of the samples being women. It was observed that counseling was carried out in conjunction with other strategies, such as drawing up an action plan, sending text messages, and offering educational material. Only one study showed a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the “daily number of steps” indicator. Conclusions: Based on available studies, 5A-counseling-model-based interventions did not reflect significant findings in relation to physical activity. However, given the potential of the model, future studies are recommended with a better description of the strategies, as well as a more robust methodology, to strengthen the evidence.
Well-Being as an Effective Aspect in the Perception of Vital In-between Spaces within Art and Architecture Faculties
Authors: Al-Ramahi Afaq , Iranmanesh Aminreza , Denerel Simge Bardak
Published: June 2023

In recent years, well-being has become an increasingly important consideration integrated with functional aspects in the design of educational spaces due to its significant impact on the built environment. Although the features of educational spaces have been explored in a myriad of studies, the potential of in-between spaces has not been well explored. This paper reveals the significance of in-between spaces in educational buildings beyond their functional use as the fundamental circulation within a building, indicating that they also play a dynamic role through their design as elastic gathering spaces that encourage informal interactions and link users psychologically and visually, which affects their well-being. However, the potential of these spaces is often overlooked compared to the main educational spaces. Additionally, during the design process, there seems to be a tendency to reduce these spaces to a bare minimum, in favor of exploiting larger spaces, which shows that they are regarded as merely connecting points or transitional spaces. The research problem addressed here is the lack of a clear, adequate understanding of the effect of designing in-between spaces on the productivity and well-being of users, as there are no criteria regarding in-between space designs to enhance well-being. The current paper aims to evaluate the reality of the in-between space design within the art and architecture faculties of Jordanian universities according to the perception of faculty members and students based on well-being requirements. Accordingly, a survey was designed to address the 11 key criteria identified in the literature, including (1) physical features and visual appearance; (2) size and design of in-between spaces; (3) circulation and movement space zoning; (4) ergonomics and furnishing; (5) lighting; (6) colors and finishing; (7) acoustics; (8) heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; (9) visual communication and instructional tools; (10) social and cultural spaces; and (11) accessories. The paper utilizes a mixed approach through survey and observation, where the findings are analyzed from three case studies to reveal the dimensions that need to be taken into account and developed to meet the needs of users. The results of the study demonstrate that the specific dimensions of circulation and movement, ergonomics and furnishings, colors and finishing, and accessories must be taken into account to create an interactive environment that advances the educational process and therefore enhances productivity.
Experimental Study on Seismic Performance of CFRP-Strengthened Recycled Concrete Columns with Different Levels of Seismic Damage
Authors: Song Shuai , Tian Zhen , Zhao Zhenyu , Li Xi , Zhao Jianfeng , Xu Baishun
Published: June 2023

To study the strengthening effect of carbon fiber composite materials (CFRP) on recycled concrete columns subjected to different levels of seismic damage, four column specimens were designed for pseudo-static tests. The four specimens were categorized as non-destructive without strengthening (prototype), non-destructive strengthening, medium seismic damage strengthening, and severe seismic damage strengthening based on the replacement rate of recycled aggregates and the level of seismic damage. The characteristics of the deformation damage and seismic performance indicators of each specimen were compared and analyzed. The results were verified on the OpenSees platform. A decrease was observed in the initial stiffness of the seismically damaged recycled concrete column specimens strengthened with CFRP, while the ductility, peak bearing capacity, and energy dissipation capacity of the specimens were improved. In addition, with the reduction in seismic damage, the ductility and energy dissipation capacity of the strengthened seismically damaged recycled concrete column specimens were enhanced to different degrees. In particular, the cumulative energy dissipation of the strengthened specimens exposed to medium seismic damage increased most significantly, by 32.5%. In general, the hysteretic curves of the strengthened specimens were full, and the average ductility coefficients were 4.1–6.8. CFRP strengthening was more effective for restoring and enhancing the performance of the recycled concrete column specimens with medium and lower seismic damage levels (displacement ratio ≤ 3%).
Arterial Thrombosis in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Incidence and Risk Factors
Authors: Mitrovic Mirjana , Pantic Nikola , Sabljic Nikica , Bukumiric Zoran , Virijevic Marijana , Pravdic Zlatko , Cvetkovic Mirjana , Rajic Jovan , Bodrozic Jelena , Milosevic Violeta , Todorovic-Balint Milena , Vidovic Ana , Suvajdzic-Vukovic Nada , Antic Darko
Published: June 2023

Background: Patients with hematological malignancies have an increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (ATEs) after diagnosis, compared to matched controls without cancer. However, data about incidence and risk factors for ATE development in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are missing. Aim: The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of ATE in non-promyelocytic-AML patients and to define the potential risk factors for ATE development. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with newly diagnosed AML. The primary outcome was the occurrence of confirmed ATE, defined as myocardial infarction, stroke or critical limb ischemia. Results: Out of 626 eligible AML patients, 18 (2.9%) patients developed ATE in the median time of 3 (range: 0.23–6) months. Half of these patients died due to ATE complications. Five parameters were predictors of ATE: BMI > 30 (p = 0.000, odds ratio [OR] 20.488, 95% CI: 6.581–63.780), prior history of TE (p = 0.041, OR 4.233, 95% CI: 1.329–13.486), presence of comorbidities (p = 0.027, OR 5.318, 95% CI: 1.212–23.342), presence of cardiovascular comorbidities (p < 0.0001, OR 8.0168, 95% CI: 2.948–21.800) and cytogenetic risk score (p = 0.002, OR 2.113, 95% CI: 1.092–5.007). Conclusions: Our study showed that patients with AML are at increased risk of ATE. The risk was increased in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities, previous thrombosis, adverse cytogenetic risk as well as BMI > 30.
deepPERFECT: Novel Deep Learning CT Synthesis Method for Expeditious Pancreatic Cancer Radiotherapy
Authors: Hooshangnejad Hamed , Chen Quan , Feng Xue , Zhang Rui , Ding Kai
Published: June 2023

Major sources of delay in the standard of care RT workflow are the need for multiple appointments and separate image acquisition. In this work, we addressed the question of how we can expedite the workflow by synthesizing planning CT from diagnostic CT. This idea is based on the theory that diagnostic CT can be used for RT planning, but in practice, due to the differences in patient setup and acquisition techniques, separate planning CT is required. We developed a generative deep learning model, deepPERFECT, that is trained to capture these differences and generate deformation vector fields to transform diagnostic CT into preliminary planning CT. We performed detailed analysis both from an image quality and a dosimetric point of view, and showed that deepPERFECT enabled the preliminary RT planning to be used for preliminary and early plan dosimetric assessment and evaluation.
Investigating the Role of Heparanase in Breast Cancer Development Utilising the MMTV-PyMT Murine Model of Mammary Carcinoma
Authors: Jayatilleke Krishnath M. , Duivenvoorden Hendrika M. , Ryan Gemma F. , Parker Belinda S. , Hulett Mark D.
Published: June 2023

Breast cancer is the second most common human malignancy and is a major global health burden. Heparanase (HPSE) has been widely implicated in enhancing the development and progression of solid tumours, including breast cancer. In this study, the well-established spontaneous mammary tumour-developing MMTV-PyMT murine model was utilised to examine the role of HPSE in breast cancer establishment, progression, and metastasis. The use of HPSE-deficient MMTV-PyMT (MMTV-PyMTxHPSE−/−) mice addressed the lack of genetic ablation models to investigate the role of HPSE in mammary tumours. It was demonstrated that even though HPSE regulated mammary tumour angiogenesis, mammary tumour progression and metastasis were HPSE-independent. Furthermore, there was no evidence of compensatory action by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in response to the lack of HPSE expression in the mammary tumours. These findings suggest that HPSE may not play a significant role in the mammary tumour development of MMTV-PyMT animals. Collectively, these observations may have implications in the clinical setting of breast cancer and therapy using HPSE inhibitors.
Resistance of Leukemia Cells to 5-Azacytidine: Different Responses to the Same Induction Protocol
Authors: Šimoničová Kristína , Janotka Lubos , Kavcova Helena , Sulova Zdena , Messingerova Lucia , Breier Albert
Published: June 2023

Three AML cell variants (M/A, M/A* from MOLM-13 and S/A from SKM-1) were established for resistance by the same protocol using 5-azacytidine (AZA) as a selection agent. These AZA-resistant variants differ in their responses to other cytosine nucleoside analogs, including 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (DAC), as well as in some molecular features. Differences in global DNA methylation, protein levels of DNA methyltransferases, and phosphorylation of histone H2AX were observed in response to AZA and DAC treatment in these cell variants. This could be due to changes in the expression of uridine-cytidine kinases 1 and 2 (UCK1 and UCK2) demonstrated in our cell variants. In the M/A variant that retained sensitivity to DAC, we detected a homozygous point mutation in UCK2 resulting in an amino acid substitution (L220R) that is likely responsible for AZA resistance. Cells administered AZA treatment can switch to de novo synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides, which could be blocked by inhibition of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase by teriflunomide (TFN). This is shown by the synergistic effect of AZA and TFN in those variants that were cross-resistant to DAC and did not have a mutation in UCK2.
Irinotecan- vs. Oxaliplatin-Based Doublets in KRASG12C-Mutated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer—A Multicentre Propensity-Score-Matched Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Formica Vincenzo , Morelli Cristina , Conca Veronica , Calegari Maria Alessandra , Lucchetti Jessica , Dell’Aquila Emanuela , Schirripa Marta , Messina Marco , Salvatore Lisa , Lo Prinzi Federica , Dima Giovanni , Trovato Giovanni , Riondino Silvia , Roselli Mario , Skoulidis Ferdinandos , Arkenau Hendrik-Tobias , Cremolini Chiara
Published: June 2023

Background: KRASG12C-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has recently been recognized as a distinct druggable molecular entity; however, there are limited data on its sensitivity to standard chemotherapy. In the near future, the combination of chemotherapy plus a KRASG12C-inhibitor might become the standard of care; however, the optimal chemotherapy backbone is unknown. Methods: A multicentre retrospective analysis was conducted including KRASG12C-mutated mCRC patients treated with first-line FOLFIRI or FOLFOX +/− bevacizumab. Both unmatched and propensity-score-matched analysis (PSMA) were conducted, with PSMA controlling for: previous adjuvant chemotherapy, ECOG PS, use of bevacizumab in first line, timing of metastasis appearance, time from diagnosis to first-line start, number of metastatic sites, presence of mucinous component, gender, and age. Subgroup analyses were also performed to investigate subgroup treatment–effect interactions. KRASG12D-mutated patients were analysed as control. Results: One hundred and four patients treated with irinotecan-(N = 47) or oxaliplatin-based (N = 57) chemotherapy were included. In the unmatched population, objective response rate (ORR) and median (m) progression-free and overall survival (mPFS and mOS) were comparable between the treatment arms. However, a late (>12 months) PFS advantage was observed with irinotecan (HR 0.62, p = 0.02). In the PSMA-derived cohort, a significant improvement with irinotecan vs. oxaliplatin was observed for both PFS and OS: 12- and 24-month PFS rates of 55% vs. 31% and 40% vs. 0% (HR 0.40, p = 0.01) and mOS 37.9 vs. 21.7 months (HR 0.45, p = 0.045), respectively. According to the subgroup analysis, interaction effects between the presence of lung metastases and treatment groups were found in terms of PFS (p for interaction = 0.08) and OS (p for interaction = 0.03), with a higher benefit from irinotecan in patients without lung metastases. No difference between treatment groups was observed in the KRASG12D-mutated cohort (N = 153). Conclusions: First-line irinotecan-based regimens provided better survival results in KRASG12C-mutated mCRC patients and should be preferred over oxaliplatin. These findings should also be considered when investigating chemotherapy plus targeted agent combinations.
Distinct Signatures of Tumor-Associated Microbiota and Metabolome in Low-Grade vs. High-Grade Dysplastic Colon Polyps: Inference of Their Role in Tumor Initiation and Progression
Authors: Clavenna Michela Giulia , La Vecchia Marta , Sculco Marika , Joseph Soni , Barberis Elettra , Amede Elia , Mellai Marta , Brossa Silvia , Borgonovi Giulia , Occhipinti Pietro , Boldorini Renzo , Robotti Elisa , Azzimonti Barbara , Bona Elisa , Pasolli Edoardo , Ferrante Daniela , Manfredi Marcello , Aspesi Anna , Dianzani Irma
Published: June 2023

According to the driver–passenger model for colorectal cancer (CRC), the tumor-associated microbiota is a dynamic ecosystem of bacterial species where bacteria with carcinogenic features linked to CRC initiation are defined as “drivers”, while opportunistic bacteria colonizing more advanced tumor stages are known as “passengers”. We reasoned that also gut microbiota-associated metabolites may be differentially enriched according to tumor stage, and be potential determinants of CRC development. Thus, we characterized the mucosa- and lumen-associated microbiota (MAM and LAM, respectively) and mucosa-associated metabolites in low- vs. high-grade dysplastic colon polyps from 78 patients. We show that MAM, obtained with a new biopsy-preserving approach, and LAM differ in composition and α/β-diversity. By stratifying patients for polyp histology, we found that bacteria proposed as passengers by previous studies colonized high-grade dysplastic adenomas, whereas driver taxa were enriched in low-grade polyps. Furthermore, we report altered “mucosa-associated metabolite” levels in low- vs. high-grade groups. Integrated microbiota-metabolome analysis suggests the involvement of the gut microbiota in the production and consumption of these metabolites. Altogether, our findings support the involvement of bacterial species and associated metabolites in CRC mucosal homeostasis in a tumor-stage-specific manner. These distinct signatures may be used to distinguish low-grade from high-grade dysplastic polyps.
Research on Photocatalytic Wastewater Treatment Reactors: Design, Optimization, and Evaluation Criteria
Authors: Mei Junnan , Gao Ximei , Zou Jun , Pang Fei
Published: June 2023

Photocatalytic wastewater treatment technology has been proposed for more than 30 years, but it is still seldom used in industry. The lack of research on high-performance and cost-effective photocatalytic wastewater treatment reactors (PWTRs) may be one of the major reasons limiting the industrial application of photocatalytic technology. To accelerate the realization of industrial application, this review emphasizes the importance of increased research on PWTRs. In this review, we analyze the role of photocatalytic technology in wastewater treatment, followed by a comprehensive discussion of PWTR design from multiple perspectives, including photocatalyst selection, loading and recovery method of photocatalysts within the reactor, light source design, and reaction conditions control. Additionally, we consider the cost of reactor design. Finally, we summarize the optimization strategy of PWTRs and the criteria for evaluating photocatalytic performance. The main innovation of this review lies in a comprehensive analysis of PWTR design, with a focus on cost-effective and high-performance solutions to promote the industrial use of photocatalytic technology.
Catalytic CO2 Desorption Study of Tri-Solvent MEA-EAE-DEEA with Five Solid Acid Catalysts
Authors: Shi Huancong , Ge Yingli , Lu Shijian , Peng Jiacheng , Jin Jing , Jia Liangquan
Published: June 2023

To achieve the CO2 emission control as the urgent task of Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality, the CO2 desorption experiments were performed with a new tri-solvent MEA-EAE(2-(ethylamino)ethanol)-DEEA(N, N-diethylethanolamine) with five solid acid catalysts: blended catalysts of γ-Al2O3/H-ZSM-5 = 2:1, H-Beta (Hβ), H-mordenite, HND-8, and HND-580 as H2SO4 replacement. A series of sets of experiments were performed in a typical recirculation process by means of both heating directly at 363 K and temperature programming method within 303~358 K to evaluate the key parameters: average desorption rate (ADR), heat duty (HD), and desorption factors (DF). After analyses, the 0.5 + 2 + 2 mol/L MEA-EAE-DEEA with catalyst HND-580 possessed the best CO2 desorption act at relatively low amine regeneration temperatures with minimized HD and the biggest DF among the other catalysts. Comparing with other tri-solvents + catalysts studied, the order of DF was MEA-BEA-DEEA + HND-8 > MEA-EAE-DEEA + HND-580 ≈ MEA-EAE-DEEA + HND-8 > MEA-EAE-AMP + HND-8. This combination has its own advantage of big cyclic capacity and wider operation region of CO2 loading range of lean and rich amine solution (αlean~αrich), which is applicable in an industrial amine scrubbing process of a pilot plant in carbon capture.
Ag Sputter-Deposited on MnO2-Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Media
Authors: Linge Jonas Mart , Erikson Heiki , Ritslaid Peeter , Kikas Arvo , Kisand Vambola , Aruväli Jaan , Kozlova Jekaterina , Tamm Aile , Sarapuu Ave , Tammeveski Kaido
Published: June 2023

As energy demand increases, new energy conversion methods are also sought. In this study, two MnO2 and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites were prepared and decorated with silver using magnetron sputtering, to evaluate their electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Three nominal thicknesses of Ag layers were used, 5, 10 and 20 nm. The physicochemical characterisation was carried out using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The substrate materials (MnO2-MWCNT) were also investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis. The electrochemical studies of the ORR revealed that the activity and stability of the composite catalysts depend on the substrate material and the Ag layer thickness.
TREM2 Agonism with a Monoclonal Antibody Attenuates Tau Pathology and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Fassler Michael , Benaim Clara , George Jacob
Published: June 2023

TREM2 is a membrane receptor expressed on microglia that plays a pivotal role in the organization and function of these innate immune cell components within the neurodegenerated brain. Whereas TREM2 deletion has been studied extensively in experimental beta-amyloid and Tau-based models of Alzheimer’s disease, its engagement, and subsequent agonism have not been tested in the context of Tau pathology. Herein, we explored the effects of Ab-T1, an agonistic TREM2 monoclonal antibody on Tau uptake, phosphorylation, seeding, and spreading as well as its therapeutic efficacy in a Tauopathy model. Ab-T1 enhanced the uptake of misfolded Tau to microglia and induced a non-cell autonomous attenuation of spontaneous Tau seeding and phosphorylation in primary neurons from human Tau transgenic mice. Ex vivo, incubation with Ab-T1 led to a significant reduction in the seeding of Tau pathology in the hTau murine organoid brain system. Systemic administration of Ab-T1 resulted in reduced Tau pathology and propagation when hTau was stereotactically injected into the hemispheres of hTau mice. Intraperitoneal treatment with Ab-T1 lead to attenuation of cognitive decline in the hTau mice that was associated with reduced neurodegeneration and synaptic preservation with amelioration of the global neuroinflammatory program. Collectively, these observations show that TREM2 engagement with an agonistic antibody result in reduced Tau burden concomitant with attenuated neurodegeneration ascribed to the education of resident microglia. These results may suggest that despite the opposing results with regard to the effect of TREM2 knockout in experimental Tau-based model systems, receptor engagement and activation by Ab-T1 appears to possess beneficial effects with respect to the various mechanisms mediating Tau-driven neurodegeneration.
PBAF Subunit Pbrm1 Selectively Influences the Transition from Progenitors to Pre-Myelinating Cells during Oligodendrocyte Development
Authors: Waldhauser Vanessa , Baroti Tina , Fröb Franziska , Wegner Michael
Published: June 2023

Oligodendrocyte development is accompanied by defined changes in the state of chromatin that are brought about by chromatin remodeling complexes. Many such remodeling complexes exist, but only a few have been studied for their impact on oligodendrocytes as the myelin-forming cells of the central nervous system. To define the role of the PBAF remodeling complex, we focused on Pbrm1 as an essential subunit of the PBAF complex and specifically deleted it in the oligodendrocyte lineage at different times of development in the mouse. Deletion in late oligodendrocyte progenitor cells did not lead to substantial changes in the ensuing differentiation and myelination processes. However, when Pbrm1 loss had already occurred in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells shortly after their specification, fewer cells entered the pre-myelinating state. The reduction in pre-myelinating cells later translated into a comparable reduction in myelinating oligodendrocytes. We conclude that Pbrm1 and, by inference, the activity of the PBAF complex is specifically required at the transition from oligodendrocyte progenitor to pre-myelinating oligodendrocyte and ensures the generation of normal numbers of myelinating oligodendrocytes.
Neuronal p58IPK Protects Retinal Ganglion Cells Independently of Macrophage/Microglia Activation in Ocular Hypertension
Authors: McLaughlin Todd , Wang Jinli , Jia Liyun , Wu Fuguo , Wang Yaqin , Wang Joshua J. , Mu Xiuqian , Zhang Sarah X.
Published: June 2023

p58IPK is a multifaceted endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone and a regulator of eIF2α kinases involved in a wide range of cellular processes including protein synthesis, ER stress response, and macrophage-mediated inflammation. Systemic deletion of p58IPK leads to age-related loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and exacerbates RGC damage induced by ischemia/reperfusion and increased intraocular pressure (IOP), suggesting a protective role of p58IPK in the retina. However, the mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we investigated the cellular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotection action of p58IPK using conditional knockout (cKO) mouse lines where p58IPK is deleted in retinal neurons (Chx10-p58IPK cKO) or in myeloid cells (Lyz2-p58IPK cKO). In addition, we overexpressed p58IPK by adeno-associated virus (AAV) in the retina to examine the effect of p58IPK on RGC survival after ocular hypertension (OHT) in wild type (WT) mice. Our results show that overexpression of p58IPK by AAV significantly improved RGC survival after OHT in WT mice, suggesting a protective effect of p58IPK on reducing RGC injury. Conditional knockout of p58IPK in retinal neurons or in myeloid cells did not alter retinal structure or cellular composition. However, a significant reduction in the b wave of light-adapted electroretinogram (ERG) was observed in Chx10-p58IPK cKO mice. Deletion of p58IPK in retinal neurons exacerbates RGC loss at 14 days after OHT. In contrast, deficiency of p58IPK in myeloid cells increased the microglia/macrophage activation but had no effect on RGC loss. We conclude that deletion of p58IPK in macrophages increases their activation, but does not influence RGC survival. These results suggest that the neuroprotective action of p58IPK is mediated by its expression in retinal neurons, but not in macrophages. Therefore, targeting p58IPK specifically in retinal neurons is a promising approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative retinal diseases including glaucoma.
GPCR Binding and JNK3 Activation by Arrestin-3 Have Different Structural Requirements
Authors: Zheng Chen , Weinstein Liana D. , Nguyen Kevin K. , Grewal Abhijeet , Gurevich Eugenia V. , Gurevich Vsevolod V.
Published: June 2023

Arrestins bind active phosphorylated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Among the four mammalian subtypes, only arrestin-3 facilitates the activation of JNK3 in cells. In available structures, Lys-295 in the lariat loop of arrestin-3 and its homologue Lys-294 in arrestin-2 directly interact with the activator-attached phosphates. We compared the roles of arrestin-3 conformational equilibrium and Lys-295 in GPCR binding and JNK3 activation. Several mutants with enhanced ability to bind GPCRs showed much lower activity towards JNK3, whereas a mutant that does not bind GPCRs was more active. The subcellular distribution of mutants did not correlate with GPCR recruitment or JNK3 activation. Charge neutralization and reversal mutations of Lys-295 differentially affected receptor binding on different backgrounds but had virtually no effect on JNK3 activation. Thus, GPCR binding and arrestin-3-assisted JNK3 activation have distinct structural requirements, suggesting that facilitation of JNK3 activation is the function of arrestin-3 that is not bound to a GPCR.
Micro-Magnetofluidic System for Rare Cell Analysis: From Principle to Translation
Authors: Chen Kangfu , Wang Zongjie
Published: June 2023

Rare cells play essential roles in the initiation and progression of diseases and therefore their analysis is of great interest. The micro-magnetofluidic system is one of the emerging platforms that have been proposed for the rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective analysis of rare cells. Given its unprecedented throughput, micro-magnetofluidic systems have attracted substantial research interest in the last decade—multiple designs have been proposed, validated, and even advanced to the stage of clinical trials. This mini review aims to provide a timely summary of the relevant progress in the field thus far. We reviewed the concepts and realizations of micro-magnetofluidic devices based on the interaction between nanoparticles and on-chip micro-magnets. Their real-world applications in rare cell analysis were also highlighted and explained. In addition, we discussed the major challenges in the development and translation of micro-magnetofluidic into the clinic, including multi-marker capability and large-scale manufacturability.
Academic Procrastination in Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review
Authors: González-Brignardello Marcela Paz , Sánchez-Elvira Paniagua Angeles , López-González M. Ángeles
Published: June 2023

Academic procrastination is a persistent behavior in students’ academic development consisting of postponing or delaying the completion of necessary tasks and having a deadline for completion, which is associated with detriment in performance, school dropout, and loss of student well-being. The largest body of existing knowledge on this behavior comes from studies conducted with university students, although it is necessary to deepen the findings obtained at lower educational levels. The aim of this work has been to carry out a scoping review of the empirical publications focused on academic procrastination in children and adolescents. The inclusion and exclusion criteria are detailed following the general guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute. However, some modifications are incorporated in the flowchart to guide the review sequence. The search was conducted in eleven thematic (ERIC, MedLine, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsycINFO, PubPsych, and Teacher Reference Center) and multidisciplinary databases (Academic Search Ultimate, E-Journals, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science) to identify relevant publications up to 2022, including grey literature. Out of the initial 1185 records screened, a total of 79 records were selected. The search results included a total of 79 records. The most used assessment instruments, the most studied variables, and the type of design and sources of information used in the selected studies are detailed. Cultural aspects that open new lines of future research are identified.
Flame-Retardant and Fire-Sensing Packaging Papers Enabled by Diffusion-Driven Self-Assembly of Graphene Oxide and Branched Polyethyleneimine Coatings
Authors: Wen Piao , Ren Jing , Zhang Qiang , Ling Shengjie
Published: June 2023

Paper has gained popularity as a packaging material due to its reduced environmental impact compared with non-degradable alternatives. However, its flammability poses safety risks, prompting research on enhancing its flame retardancy. This work introduces a diffusion-driven self-assembly strategy (DDSAS) to create a functional graphene oxide (GO) coating on various packaging papers. DDSAS involves infiltrating the paper’s cellulose microfiber network with branched polyethyleneimine (b-PEI), which binds firmly to cellulose microfibers. Electrostatic interactions between GO and b-PEI then drive GO assembly into a densely stacked, layered structure on the paper surface. This GO structure provides a physical barrier against flames and generates incombustible gases (CO2, H2O, NO2, and NO) when heated, diluting the surrounding oxygen concentration and acting as a heat insulation layer. These factors increase the flame retardancy of treated papers ten-fold. Additionally, the gradual reduction of GO upon heating forms reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on the paper, significantly increasing its electrical conductivity. As a result, the flame-retardant papers not only prevent the fire from spreading but can also act as fire sensors by triggering an alarm signal at the early stages of contact with fire. In summary, this work offers a rational strategy for designing and manufacturing flame-retardant paper packaging materials.
Sunlight-Activated Long Persistent Luminescent Coating for Smart Highways
Authors: Zheng Mao , Li Xin , Bai Yu , Tang Shijun , Li Peiyang , Zhu Qi
Published: June 2023

With the whole society’s demand for intelligence, the smart highway has become the inevitable trend of road development. Luminescent road marking made of long persistent luminescent coating is a new type of functional marking that is designed with long afterglow luminescent material as the raw material and has many features such as safety, beauty and energy saving. Here, SrA12O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ green long afterglow phosphors were prepared using a high-temperature solid state method. The green phosphors obtained at 1350 °C have two traps with a shallow trap depth of 0.66 eV and a deep trap depth of 0.8 eV. The green afterglow can be seen in the dark for more than 8 h after sunlight excitation for 2 h. The green long persistent luminescent coatings were synthesized using the blending method. The uniformity of each component can be improved by adding 1.25% SiO2 into the luminescent coatings. The addition of 3.5% CaCO3 will improve the compactness of the coatings and reduce water absorption. After soaking in water for 120 h, the afterglow intensity of the coating decreases to 76% of the original, showing good water resistance. After daylight excitation in different weather conditions (cloudy, sunny, rainy), the afterglow can reach more than 5 h; therefore, it can be applied to a smart highway.
A Retrospective and Interview with Dr. Kevin Cianfaglione—Editorial Board Member of Conservation
Authors:   Conservation Editorial Office
Published: June 2023

The release of Volume 3 Issue 2 of Conservation in June 2023 marked the journal’s third year of development [...]
Effect of Curing Methods on Plastic Shrinkage Cracking
Authors: Alshammari Talal O. , Pilakoutas Kypros , Guadagnini Maurizio
Published: June 2023

Early-age cracking during the plastic stage is unsightly and a cause of future durability problems. This paper investigates the effects of various simple curing methods used in practice to enhance early-age concrete cracking performance, including covering concrete with a plastic sheet and wet hessian fabric, surface power floating and use of cold water in the mix. The benefits offered by the use of three standard curing admixtures (Safecure Super concrete, Safecure Super 90W-10%, and superplasticizer), as well as recycled tire steel fibres at 40 kg/m3, are also examined. A digital image processing (DIP) technique is used to measure the crack widths, whilst the temperature in the concrete is measured via a thermocouple. The results show that all the concrete curing methods are successful in restraining micro and plastic shrinkage cracks, although the use of recycled tire steel fibre (RTSFC40) is most effective in eliminating micro and plastic shrinkage surface cracks. All of the examined methods are compared in terms of the speed and cost of application, quality of the surface finish and environmental credentials. This study will inform best practice on enhancing the durability and sustainability of concrete structures, particularly for slab-on-grade applications.