bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Adipogenic Activity of Secondary Metabolites Isolated from Smilax sieboldii Miq. on 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Jung Yeon Woo , Lee Jung A , Lee Ji Eun , Cha Hanna , Choi Yun-Hyeok , Jeong Wonsik , Choi Chun Whan , Oh Joa Sub , Ahn Eun-Kyung , Hong Seong Su
Published: May 2023

Smilax sieboldii, a climbing tree belonging to Smilacaceae, has been used in traditional oriental medicine for treating arthritis, tumors, leprosy, psoriasis, and lumbago. To evaluate the anti-obesity effects of S. sieboldii (Smilacaceae), we screened methylene chloride (CH2Cl2), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), aqueous-saturated n-butanol, and ethanol (EtOH) extracts of the whole plant at various concentrations to inhibit adipogenesis in adipocytes. The 3T3-L1 cell line with Oil red O staining with the help of fluorometry was used as an indicator of anti-obesity activity. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the EtOH extract and subsequent phytochemical investigation of the active CH2Cl2- and EtOAc-soluble fractions resulted in the isolation of 19 secondary metabolites (1–19), including a new α-hydroxy acid derivative (16) and two new lanostane-type triterpenoids (17 and 18). The structures of these compounds were characterized using various spectroscopic methods. All the isolated compounds were screened for adipogenesis inhibition at a concentration of 100 μM. Of these, compounds 1, 2, 4–9, 15, and 19 significantly reduced fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, especially compounds 4, 7, 9, and 19, showing 37.05 ± 0.95, 8.60 ± 0.41 15.82 ± 1.23, and 17.73 ± 1.28% lipid content, respectively, at a concentration of 100 μM. These findings provide experimental evidence that isolates from S. sieboldii extracts exert beneficial effects regarding the regulation of adipocyte differentiation.
Targeting Immunosuppressive Adenosine Signaling: A Review of Potential Immunotherapy Combination Strategies
Authors: Zahavi David , Hodge James
Published: May 2023

The tumor microenvironment regulates many aspects of cancer progression and anti-tumor immunity. Cancer cells employ a variety of immunosuppressive mechanisms to dampen immune cell function in the tumor microenvironment. While immunotherapies that target these mechanisms, such as immune checkpoint blockade, have had notable clinical success, resistance is common, and there is an urgent need to identify additional targets. Extracellular adenosine, a metabolite of ATP, is found at high levels in the tumor microenvironment and has potent immunosuppressive properties. Targeting members of the adenosine signaling pathway represents a promising immunotherapeutic modality that can potentially synergize with conventional anti-cancer treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss the role of adenosine in cancer, present preclinical and clinical data on the efficacy adenosine pathway inhibition, and discuss possible combinatorial approaches.
The Investigation of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) as a Minimally Invasive, Non-Surgical, Non-Hormonal Treatment for Overactive Bladder Symptoms
Authors: McPhail Connor , Carey Robert , Nambiar Sidharth , Willison Nadia , Bahadori Saghi , Aryan Pouria , Nguyen Tran , Behnia-Willison Fariba
Published: May 2023

Background: Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome affects 10–15% of women, severely impacting their quality of life. First-line treatments include behavioural and physical therapy, and second-line medical treatments include medications such as vaginal oestrogen, anticholinergic medications, and ß3-adrenergic agonists—with potential adverse side effects including dizziness, constipation, and delirium, particularly affecting elderly populations. Third-line treatments include more invasive measures, including intradetrusor botulinum injections or sacral nerve modulation, with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) being a potential alternative treatment. Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the long-term efficacy of PTNS treatment for OAB in an Australian cohort. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective cohort study. Patients underwent Phase 1 treatment, whereby women received PTNS treatment once per week for 12 weeks. Following Phase 1, women entered Phase 2, whereby they received 12 PTNS treatments over 6 months. Their response to treatment was measured by obtaining data before and after each phase using ICIQ-OAB and the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ). Results: Phase 1 included 166 women, with 51 completing Phase 2. There was a statistically significant reduction in urinary urgency (29.8%), nocturia (29.8%), incontinence (31.0%), and frequency (33.8%) compared to the baseline. Patients who completed Phase 2 also showed a statistically significant reduction in urinary frequency (56.5%). Conclusions: Overall, the results from this study are positive and support that PTNS is a minimally invasive, non-surgical, non-hormonal, and effective treatment for OAB. These results suggest that PTNS may be a second-line treatment for patients with OAB not responding to conservative management or for patients aiming to avoid surgical approaches.
Comparison of Intranasal Steroid Application Using Nasal Spray and Spray-Sol to Treat Allergic Rhinitis: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Moffa Antonio , Giorgi Lucrezia , Carnuccio Luca , Lugo Rodolfo , Baptista Peter , Casale Manuele
Published: May 2023

Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory disease of sino-nasal mucosa, is IgE-mediated, and affects 10–40% of the global population. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of nasal administration of Beclomethasone Dipropionate (BDP) delivered via Spray-sol with nasal spray in patients suffering from AR. We included 28 AR patients assigned to one of the two following treatments: the Spray-sol group (BDP via Spray-sol) (n = 13) and the spray group (BDP using a common nasal spray) (n = 15). Both treatments were administered twice daily for 4 weeks. A nasal endoscopy evaluation and Total Nasal Symptom Score were performed at baseline and after treatment. The Spray-sol group showed better results than the spray group regarding nasal endoscopy (edema, p < 0.01; irritation, p < 0.01; secretion, p < 0.01) and nasal symptoms (nasal congestion, p < 0.05; rhinorrhea, p < 0.05; sneezing, p < 0.05; and total score, p < 0.05). No side effects were recorded. These data supported the fact that the use of BDP delivered with Spray-sol is more effective than BDP nasal spray in AR patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these encouraging results.
Application Prospect of the SOFA Score and Related Modification Research Progress in Sepsis
Authors: Wang Xuesong , Guo Zhe , Chai Yan , Wang Ziyi , Liao Haiyan , Wang Ziwen , Wang Zhong
Published: May 2023

In 2016, the SOFA score was proposed as the main evaluation system for diagnosis in the definition of sepsis 3.0, and the SOFA score has become a new research focus in sepsis. Some people are skeptical about diagnosing sepsis using the SOFA score. Experts and scholars from different regions have proposed different, modified versions of SOFA score to make up for the related problems with the use of the SOFA score in the diagnosis of sepsis. While synthesizing the different improved versions of SOFA proposed by experts and scholars in various regions, this paper also summarizes the relevant definitions of sepsis put forward in recent years to build a clear, improved application framework of SOFA score. In addition, the comparison between machine learning and SOFA scores related to sepsis is described and discussed in the article. Taken together, by summarizing the application of the improved SOFA score proposed in recent years in the related definition of sepsis, we believe that the SOFA score is still an effective means of diagnosing sepsis, but in the process of the continuous refinement and development of sepsis in the future, the SOFA score needs to be further refined and improved to provide more accurate coping strategies for different patient populations or application directions regarding sepsis. Against the big data background, machine learning has immeasurable value and significance, but its future applications should add more humanistic references and assistance.
Assessment of Response to Immunotherapy in Patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma: Towards Quantifying Changes in Tumor Burden Using FDG-PET/CT
Authors: Tutino Francesca , Giovannini Elisabetta , Chiola Silvia , Giovacchini Giampiero , Ciarmiello Andrea
Published: May 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are currently the standard of care for many advanced solid tumors, and they have been recently approved for the treatment of relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma. Assessments of the response to immunotherapy may be complicated by the occurrence of the flare/pseudoprogression phenomenon, consisting of initial tumor enlargement and even the appearance of new lesions, followed by a response, which may initially be indistinguishable from true progression. There have been efforts to characterize and capture the new patterns of response observed during immunotherapy, namely, pseudoprogression and delayed response, and several immune-related response criteria have been proposed. Confirming progression on a subsequent scan and measuring the total tumor burden are both common in immune-related criteria. Due to the peculiarity of hematologic malignancies, lymphoma-specific immune-related criteria have been developed (LYRIC), and they have been evaluated in research studies in comparison to the Lugano Classification. In this review work, we illustrate the evolution of the response criteria in lymphomas from the first CT-based criteria to the development of the PET-based Lugano Classification, further refined to take into account the flare phenomenon encountered during immunotherapy. We also describe the additional contribution of PET-derived volumetric parameters to the interpretation of responses during immunotherapy.
New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in the Setting of COVID-19 Infection Is a Predictor of Mortality in Hospitalized Patients: CovAF-Study
Authors: Parahuleva Mariana S. , Harbaum Lukas , Patsalis Nikolaos , Parahuleva Nikoleta , Arndt Christian , Lüsebrink Ulrich , Schieffer Bernhard , Kreutz Julian
Published: May 2023

Recent studies show that hospitalized COVID-19 patients have an increased incidence of arrhythmia, especially atrial fibrillation (AF). This single-center study included 383 hospitalized patients with positive polymerase chain reaction tests for COVID-19 from March 2020 to April 2021. Patient characteristics were documented, and data were analyzed for episodes of AF on admission or during the hospital stay, intrahospital mortality, need for intensive care and/or invasive ventilation, inflammatory parameters (hs-CRP, IL-6, and procalcitonin), and differential blood count. We demonstrated that in the setting of hospitalized cases of COVID-19 infection, there is an incidence of 9.8% (n = 36) for the occurrence of new-onset AF. Furthermore, it was shown that a total of 21% (n = 77) had a history of episodes of paroxysmal/persistent AF. However, only about one-third of patients with pre-existing AF had relevant documented tachycardic episodes during the hospital stay. Patients with new-onset AF had a significantly increased intrahospital mortality compared to the control and the pre-existing AF without rapid ventricular rate (RVR) group. Patients with new-onset AF required intensive care and invasive ventilation more frequently. Further analysis examined patients with episodes of RVR and demonstrated that they had significantly elevated CRP (p < 0.05) and PCT (p < 0.05) levels on the day of hospital admission compared to patients without RVR.
Influence of Surgeon Experience on Surgical Outcome of Maxillomandibular Advancement for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Ho Jean-Pierre T. F. , Özkan Semih , Zhou Ning , Apperloo Ruben C. , Su Naichuan , Becking Alfred G. , de Lange Jan
Published: May 2023

The primary aim of this study was to assess the association between clinical efficacy outcomes (i.e., polysomnography (PSG) results) of maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) and surgeons’ experience. The second aim was to assess the association between the occurrence of postoperative complications of MMA and surgeons’ experiences. Patients treated with MMA for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were enrolled in this retrospective study. The patient population was divided into two groups based on two different surgeons performing MMA. The associations between surgeons’ experience on the one hand and PSG results and postoperative complications on the other hand were investigated. A total of 75 patients were included. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The reductions in apnea-hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation index were both significantly greater in group-B than group-A (p = 0.015 and 0.002, respectively). The overall success rate after MMA was 64.0%. There was a negative correlation between surgeon experience and surgical success (odds ratio: 0.963 [0.93, 1.00], p = 0.031). No significant association was found between surgeon experience and surgical cure. Additionally, there was no significant association between surgeon experience and the occurrence of postoperative complications. Within the limitations of this study, it is concluded that surgeon experience may have little to no influence on the clinical efficacy and safety of MMA surgery in OSA patients.
Long-Term Outcome of Bypass Surgery versus Endovascular Revascularization in Long Femoropopliteal Lesions
Authors: Kluckner Michaela , Gruber Leonhard , Wippel David , Lobenwein Daniela , Westreicher Werner , Pilz Manuela , Enzmann Florian
Published: May 2023

Long-term follow-up data comparing surgical and endovascular revascularization of femoropopliteal lesions is rarely reported. This study presents 4-year results of revascularization for long femoropopliteal lesions (Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus Types C and D) with vein bypass (VBP), polytetrafluorethylene bypass (PTFE), and endovascular intervention with a nitinol stent (NS). Data from a randomized-controlled trial on VBP and NS was compared with a retrospective patient cohort using PTFE with the same inclusion and exclusion criteria. Primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency, as well as changes in Rutherford categories and limb salvage rates, are reported. Between 2016 and 2020, 332 femoropopliteal lesions underwent revascularization. The lesion lengths and basic patient characteristics were similar between the groups. 49% of the patients presented with chronic limb threatening ischemia at the time of revascularization. During the four-year follow-up, primary patency was comparable for all three groups. Primary assisted and secondary patency were significantly higher after VBP, while PTFE and NS had similar results. Clinical improvement was also significantly superior after VBP. After four years of follow-up, patency rates as well as the clinical outcome clearly favor VBP. If no vein is available, NS is as effective as PTFE bypass with regard to patency and clinical outcome.
The Enhancement of CO Oxidation Performance and Stability in SO2 and H2S Environment on Pd-Au/FeOX/Al2O3 Catalysts
Authors: He Qingrong , Wang Xuwei , Liu Yimeng , Kong Weimin , Ren Shanshan , Liang Yun , Tang Min , Zhou Shuyuan , Dong Yanchun
Published: May 2023

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and toxic gas. Long-term exposure to high concentrations of CO causes poisoning and even death; therefore, CO removal is particularly important. Current research has focused on the efficient and rapid removal of CO via low-temperature (ambient) catalytic oxidation. Gold nanoparticles are widely used catalysts for the high-efficiency removal of high concentrations of CO at ambient temperature. However, easy poisoning and inactivation due to the presence of SO2 and H2S affect its activity and practical application. In this study, a bimetallic catalyst, Pd-Au/FeOx/Al2O3, with a Au:Pd ratio of 2:1 (wt%) was formed by adding Pd nanoparticles to a highly active Au/FeOx/Al2O3 catalyst. Its analysis and characterisation proved that it has improved catalytic activity for CO oxidation and excellent stability. A total conversion of 2500 ppm of CO at −30 °C was achieved. Furthermore, at ambient temperature and a volume space velocity of 13,000 h−1, 20,000 ppm CO was fully converted and maintained for 132 min. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and in situ FTIR analysis revealed that Pd-Au/FeOx/Al2O3 exhibited stronger resistance to SO2 and H2S adsorption than the Au/FeOx/Al2O3 catalyst. This study provides a reference for the practical application of a CO catalyst with high performance and high environmental stability.
Simplified Numerical Model for Determining Load-Bearing Capacity of Steel-Wire Ropes
Authors: Hroncek Juraj , Marsalek Pavel , Rybansky David , Sotola Martin , Drahorad Lukas , Lesnak Michal , Fusek Martin
Published: May 2023

Steel-wire rope is a mechanical component that has versatile uses and on which human lives depend. One of the basic parameters that serve to describe the rope is its load-bearing capacity. The static load-bearing capacity is a mechanical property characterized by the limit static force that the rope is able to endure before it breaks. This value depends mainly on the cross-section and the material of the rope. The load-bearing capacity of the entire rope is obtained in tensile experimental tests. This method is expensive and sometimes unavailable due to the load limit of testing machines. At present, another common method uses numerical modeling to simulate an experimental test and evaluates the load-bearing capacity. The finite element method is used to describe the numerical model. The general procedure for solving engineering tasks of load-bearing capacity is by using the volume (3D) elements of a finite element mesh. The computational complexity of such a non-linear task is high. Due to the usability of the method and its implementation in practice, it is necessary to simplify the model and reduce the calculation time. Therefore, this article deals with the creation of a static numerical model which can evaluate the load-bearing capacity of steel ropes in a short time without compromising accuracy. The proposed model describes wires using beam elements instead of volume elements. The output of modeling is the response of each rope to its displacement and the evaluation of plastic strains in the ropes at selected load levels. In this article, a simplified numerical model is designed and applied to two constructions of steel ropes, namely the single strand rope 1 × 37 and multi-strand rope 6 × 7-WSC.
Fabrication and Experimental Study of Micro/Sub-Micro Porous Copper Coating for Anti-Icing Application
Authors: Chen Jingxiang , Fu Cheng , Li Junye , Tang Weiyu , Gao Xinglong , Zhang Jingzhi
Published: May 2023

Micro and sub-micro-spherical copper powder slurries were elaborately prepared to fabricate different types of porous coating surfaces. These surfaces were further treated with low surface energy modification to obtain the superhydrophobic and slippery capacity. The surface wettability and chemical component were measured. The results showed that both the micro and sub-micro porous coating layer greatly increased the water-repellence capability of the substrate compared with the bare copper plate. Notably, the PFDTES-fluorinated coating surfaces yielded superhydrophobic ability against water under 0 °C with a contact angle of ~150° and a contact angle of hysteresis of ~7°. The contact angle results showed that the water repellency of the coating surface deteriorated with decreasing temperature from 10 °C to −20 °C, and the reason was probably recognized as the vapor condensation in the sub-cooled porous layer. The anti-icing test showed that the ice adhesion strengths of the micro and sub-micro-coated surfaces were 38.5 kPa and 30.2 kPa, producing a 62.8% and 72.7% decrease compared to the bare plate. The PFDTES-fluorinated and slippery liquid-infused porous coating surfaces both produced ultra-low ice adhesion strengths of 11.5–15.7 kPa compared with the other non-treated surfaces, which showed prominent properties for anti-icing and deicing requirement of the metallic surface.
Characterization of Dimensional Variations in Turning Process for Multistep Rotary Shaft of High-Speed Motorized Spindle
Authors: Tian Ang , Du Xueming , Liu Shun , Jin Sun
Published: May 2023

The surface accuracy of a multistep rotary shaft is very important in manufacturing and the assembly process of the high-speed motorized spindle of CNC machine tools, which is closely related to the machined dimensional variation induced by the turning process. This paper attempts to enhance a comprehensive understanding of the impact of different locating-error sources and machine toolpaths on the machined dimensional variation for multistep rotary parts of the high-speed motorized spindle in the turning process. A modeling method and a compensation strategy of dimensional variation are introduced in this paper and based on the relationship definition between the error sources and the machined surface using the differential motion vector and stream-of-variation methods. Validation experiments were conducted to verify the proposed model. Additionally, the relationship between locating errors and dimensional variation was investigated with varied case studies, providing a theoretical methodology for the prediction and characterization of the expected dimensional variations of the surface machined with the given conditions.
On the Discrete Approximation by the Mellin Transform of the Riemann Zeta-Function
Authors: Garbaliauskienė Virginija , Laurinčikas Antanas , Šiaučiūnas Darius
Published: May 2023

In the paper, it is obtained that there are infinite discrete shifts Ξ(s+ikh), h>0, k∈N0 of the Mellin transform Ξ(s) of the square of the Riemann zeta-function, approximating a certain class of analytic functions. For the proof, a probabilistic approach based on weak convergence of probability measures in the space of analytic functions is applied.
Carbon Trading Price Prediction of Three Carbon Trading Markets in China Based on a Hybrid Model Combining CEEMDAN, SE, ISSA, and MKELM
Authors: Zhao Haoran , Guo Sen
Published: May 2023

Carbon trading has been deemed as the most effective mechanism to mitigate carbon emissions. However, during carbon trading market operation, competition among market participants will inevitably occur; hence, the precise forecasting of the carbon trading price (CTP) has become a significant element in the formulation of competition strategies. This investigation has established a hybrid CTP forecasting framework combining complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN), sample entropy (SE) method, improved salp swarm algorithm (ISSA), and multi-kernel extreme learning machine (MKELM) methods to improve forecasting accuracy. Firstly, the initial CTP data sequence is disintegrated into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and a residual sequence by a CEEMDAN method. Secondly, to save calculation time, SE method has been utilized to reconstruct the IMFs and the residual sequence into new IMFs. Thirdly, the new IMFs are fed into the MKELM model, combing RBF and the poly kernel functions to utilize their superior learning and generalization abilities. The parameters of the MKELM model are optimized by ISSA, combining dynamic inertia weight and chaotic local searching method into the SSA to enhance the searching speed, convergence precision, as well as the global searching ability. CTP data in Guangdong, Shanghai, and Hubei are selected to prove the validity of the established CEEMDAN-SE-ISSA-MKELM model. Through a comparison analysis, the established CEEMDAN-SE-ISSA-MKELM model performs the best with the smallest MAPE and RMSE values and the highest R2 value, which are 0.76%, 0.53, and 0.99, respectively, for Guangdong,. Thus, the presented model would be extensively applied in CTP forecasting in the future.
A Mathematical Investigation of Hallucination and Creativity in GPT Models
Authors: Lee Minhyeok
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we present a comprehensive mathematical analysis of the hallucination phenomenon in generative pretrained transformer (GPT) models. We rigorously define and measure hallucination and creativity using concepts from probability theory and information theory. By introducing a parametric family of GPT models, we characterize the trade-off between hallucination and creativity and identify an optimal balance that maximizes model performance across various tasks. Our work offers a novel mathematical framework for understanding the origins and implications of hallucination in GPT models and paves the way for future research and development in the field of large language models (LLMs).
Kuramoto Model with Delay: The Role of the Frequency Distribution
Authors: Klinshov Vladimir V. , Zlobin Alexander A.
Published: May 2023

The Kuramoto model is a classical model used for the describing of synchronization in populations of oscillatory units. In the present paper we study the Kuramoto model with delay with a focus on the distribution of the oscillators’ frequencies. We consider a series of rational distributions which allow us to reduce the population dynamics to a set of several delay differential equations. We use the bifurcation analysis of these equations to study the transition from the asynchronous to synchronous state. We demonstrate that the form of the frequency distribution may play a substantial role in synchronization. In particular, for Lorentzian distribution the delay prevents synchronization, while for other distributions the delay can facilitate synchronization.
Salvianolic Acid B Inhibits Ferroptosis and Apoptosis during Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Decreasing the Ubiquitin-Proteasome Degradation of GPX4 and the ROS-JNK/MAPK Pathways
Authors: Xu Xiaojin , Mao Chenhan , Zhang Chengbo , Zhang Meng , Gong Jianbin , Wang Xindong
Published: May 2023

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) is related to ferroptosis and apoptosis elicited by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this research, we investigated the protective effect of salvianolic acid B (SAB) as a natural antioxidant on ferroptosis and apoptosis in the MIRI process, and discussed the protective mechanism inhibiting ubiquitin-proteasome degradation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) apoptosis signal pathway. We observed that ferroptosis and apoptosis occurred in the MIRI rat model in vivo and the H9c2 cardiomyocyte hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) damage model in vitro. SAB can alleviate tissue damage related to ROS, ferroptosis and apoptosis. Ubiquitin-proteasome degradation of GPX4 occurred in H/R models, and SAB reduced the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation of GPX4. SAB downregulates JNK phosphorylation and the expression of BCL2-Associated X (Bax)/B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Caspase-3 to inhibit apoptosis. The role of GPX4 in the cardioprotection of SAB was further verified by the elimination effect of the GPX4 inhibitor RAS-selective lethal 3 (RSL3). This research shows that SAB may be used as a myocardial protective agent against oxidative stress, ferroptosis and apoptosis, and has potential clinical application prospects.
Nanoparticle-Based Radioconjugates for Targeted Imaging and Therapy of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lankoff Anna , Czerwińska Malwina , Kruszewski Marcin
Published: May 2023

Prostate cancer is the second most frequent malignancy in men worldwide and the fifth leading cause of death by cancer. Although most patients initially benefit from therapy, many of them will progress to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, which still remains incurable. The significant mortality and morbidity rate associated with the progression of the disease results mainly from a lack of specific and sensitive prostate cancer screening systems, identification of the disease at mature stages, and failure of anticancer therapy. To overcome the limitations of conventional imaging and therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer, various types of nanoparticles have been designed and synthesized to selectively target prostate cancer cells without causing toxic side effects to healthy organs. The purpose of this review is to briefly discuss the selection criteria of suitable nanoparticles, ligands, radionuclides, and radiolabelling strategies for the development of nanoparticle-based radioconjugates for targeted imaging and therapy of prostate cancer and to evaluate progress in the field, focusing attention on their design, specificity, and potential for detection and/or therapy.
Contribution of Enzyme Catalysis to the Achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Holtmann Dirk , Hollmann Frank , Bouchaut Britte
Published: May 2023

In September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly established the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [...]
The Study of Alanine Transaminase Activity in Tissues of Silkworm (Bombyx mori) via Direct Analysis in Real-Time (DART) Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wu Guohua , Jiang Lei , Guo Jianjun , Li Wushuang , Ma Lin , Tang Bozhi , Liu Charles C.
Published: May 2023

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an important amino acid-metabolizing enzyme in silkworm Bombyx mori L., and is mainly involved in transferring glutamate to alanine (serving as an essential precursor in silk protein synthesis) through transamination. Therefore, it is generally believed that silk protein synthesis in the silk gland and the cocoon quantity increase with the increase in ALT activity to a certain extent. Here, a novel analytical method was developed to determine the ALT activity in several key tissues of Bombyx mori L. including the posterior silk gland, midgut, fat body, middle silk gland, trachea and hemolymph, by combining the direct-analysis-in-real-time (DART) ion source with a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. In addition, a traditional ALT activity assay, the Reitman–Frankel method, was also used to measure ALT activity for comparison. The ALT activity results obtained via the DART-MS method are in good agreement with those obtained via the Reitman–Frankel method. However, the present DART-MS method provides a more convenient, rapid and environmentally friendly quantitative method for ALT measurement. Especially, this method can also monitor ALT activity in different tissues of Bombyx mori L. in real time.
In Situ Filling of the Oxygen Vacancies with Dual Heteroatoms in Co3O4 for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Duan Wei , Han Shixing , Fang Zhonghai , Xiao Zhaohui , Lin Shiwei
Published: May 2023

Electrocatalytic water splitting is a crucial area in sustainable energy development, and the development of highly efficient bifunctional catalysts that exhibit activity toward both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of paramount importance. Co3O4 is a promising candidate catalyst, owing to the variable valence of Co, which can be exploited to enhance the bifunctional catalytic activity of HER and OER through rational adjustments of the electronic structure of Co atoms. In this study, we employed a plasma-etching strategy in combination with an in situ filling of heteroatoms to etch the surface of Co3O4, creating abundant oxygen vacancies, while simultaneously filling them with nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms. The resulting N/S-VO-Co3O4 exhibited favorable bifunctional activity for alkaline electrocatalytic water splitting, with significantly enhanced HER and OER catalytic activity compared to pristine Co3O4. In an alkaline overall water-splitting simulated electrolytic cell, N/S-VO-Co3O4 || N/S-VO-Co3O4 showed excellent overall water splitting catalytic activity, comparable to noble metal benchmark catalysts Pt/C || IrO2, and demonstrated superior long-term catalytic stability. Additionally, the combination of in situ Raman spectroscopy with other ex situ characterizations provided further insight into the reasons behind the enhanced catalyst performance achieved through the in situ incorporation of N and S heteroatoms. This study presents a facile strategy for fabricating highly efficient cobalt-based spinel electrocatalysts incorporated with double heteroatoms for alkaline electrocatalytic monolithic water splitting.
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of Honey Bee Venom
Authors: Isidorov Valery , Zalewski Adam , Zambrowski Grzegorz , Swiecicka Izabela
Published: May 2023

Due to its great medical and pharmaceutical importance, honey bee venom is considered to be well characterized both chemically and in terms of biomedical activity. However, this study shows that our knowledge of the composition and antimicrobial properties of Apis mellifera venom is incomplete. In this work, the composition of volatile and extractive components of dry and fresh bee venom (BV) was determined by GC-MS, as well as antimicrobial activity against seven types of pathogenic microorganisms. One-hundred and forty-nine organic C1–C19 compounds of different classes were found in the volatile secretions of the studied BV samples. One-hundred and fifty-two organic C2–C36 compounds were registered in ether extracts, and 201 compounds were identified in methanol extracts. More than half of these compounds are new to BV. In microbiological tests involving four species of pathogenic Gram-positive and two species of Gram-negative bacteria, as well as one species of pathogenic fungi, the values of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) were determined for samples of dry BV, as well as ether and methanol extracts from it. Gram-positive bacteria show the greatest sensitivity to the action of all tested drugs. The minimum MIC values for Gram-positive bacteria in the range of 0.12–7.63 ng mL−1 were recorded for whole BV, while for the methanol extract they were 0.49–125 ng mL−1. The ether extracts had a weaker effect on the tested bacteria (MIC values 31.25–500 ng mL−1). Interestingly, Escherichia coli was more sensitive (MIC 7.63–500 ng mL−1) to the action of bee venom compared to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC ≥ 500 ng mL−1). The results of the tests carried out indicate that the antimicrobial effect of BV is associated with the presence of not only peptides, such as melittin, but also low molecular weight metabolites.
Suppressed Phase Separation of Mixed-Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots Confined in Mesoporous Metal Organic Frameworks
Authors: Ma Duanqi , Xu Yanlin , Chen Qiuying , Ding Huafeng , Tan Xiaoming , Xu Qinfeng , Yang Chuanlu
Published: May 2023

Mixed-halide perovskite quantum dots (PeQDs) are the most competitive candidates in designing solar cells and light-emitting devices (LEDs) due to their tunable bandgap and high-efficiency quantum yield. However, phase separation in mixed-halide perovskites under illumination can form rich iodine and bromine regions, which change its optical responses. Herein, we synthesize PeQDs combined with mesoporous zinc-based metal organic framework (MOF) crystals, which can greatly improve the stability of anti-anion exchange, including photo-, thermal, and long-term stabilities under illumination. This unique structure provides a solution for improving the performance of perovskite optoelectronic devices and stabilizing mixed-halide perovskite devices.
Assessment of the Adherence to ESPGHAN 2018 Guidelines in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Ghent University Hospital: A Retrospective Study
Authors: De Cloet Joeri , Simal Ine , Benoot Karel , Goossens Linde
Published: May 2023

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a standard of care for preterm infants in the first postnatal days. The European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) has updated their guideline recommendations on PN in 2018. However, data on actual 2018 guideline adherence in clinical practice are sparse. In this retrospective study, conducted at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Ghent University Hospital, we analyzed the ESPGHAN 2018 PN guideline adherence and growth for 86 neonates admitted to the NICU. Analyses were stratified by birth weight (<1000 g, 1000 to <1500 g, ≥1500 g). We documented the provisions for enteral nutrition (EN) and PN, and we tested the combined EN and PN provisions for ESPGHAN 2018 adherence. The nutrition protocols showed a high adherence to PN guidelines in terms of carbohydrate provisions, yet lipid provisions for EN and PN often exceeded the recommended maximum of 4 g/kg/d; although, PN lipid intakes maxed out at 3.6 g/kg/d. Protein provisions tended to fall below the recommended minimum of 2.5 g/kg/d for preterm infants and 1.5 g/kg/d for term neonates. The energy provisions also tended to fall below the minimum recommendations, especially for neonates with a birth weight (BW) < 1000 g. Over a mean PN duration of 17.1 ± 11.4 d, the median weekly Fenton Z-scores changes for length, weight, and head circumference were positive for all BW groups. Future studies have to assess how protocols adapt to current guidelines, and how this affects short- and long-term growth across different BW groups. In conclusion, the reported findings provide real-world evidence regarding the effect of ESPGHAN 2018 PN guideline adherence, and they demonstrate how standardized neonatal PN solutions can safeguard stable growth during NICU stays.
Effects of Plant-Based Diets on Anthropometric and Cardiometabolic Markers in Adults: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Chew Han Shi Jocelyn , Heng Felicia Kai Xin , Tien Si Ai , Thian Jie Yun , Chou Hui Shan , Loong Shaun Seh Ern , Ang Wei How Darryl , Chew Nicholas W. S. , Lo Ka-Hei Kenneth
Published: May 2023

We conducted an umbrella review to consolidate the evidence of adopting plant-based diets on anthropometric and cardiometabolic outcomes. Six electronic databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched for systematic reviews with meta-analysis (SRMAs) published from each journal’s inception until 1 October 2022. Effect sizes from SRMAs and primary studies were pooled separately using random effects models. Overlapping primary studies were removed for primary studies’ analyses. Seven SRMAs representing 51 primary studies were included, suggesting significant benefits of plant-based diets on weight (−2.09 kg, 95% CI: −3.56, −0.62 kg, p = 0.01, I2 = 95.6%), body mass index (−0.95 kg/m2, 95% CI: −1.26, −0.63 kg/m2, p = 0.002; I2 = 45.1%), waist circumference (−2.20 cm, 95% CI: −0.08, 0.00 cm, p = 0.04; I2 = 88.4%), fasting blood glucose (−0.11 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.13, −0.09 mmol/L, p < 0.001, I2 = 18.2%), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−0.31 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.41, −0.20 mmol/L, p < 0.001, I2 = 65.6%). Changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure were not statistically significant. Generally, plant-based diets were recommended to improve anthropometry, lipid profile, and glucose metabolism. However, findings should be interpreted with caution, because most of the reviews were rated to be of low credibility of evidence and were largely based on Western eating habits and traditions, which may limit the generalizability of findings.
RadioLigand Therapy with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 for Salivary Gland Cancers: Literature Review and First Compassionate Use in France
Authors: Terroir Marie , Lamesa Chloé , Krim Mehdi , Vija Lavinia , Texier Jean-Sébastien , Cassou-Mounat Thibaut , Delord Jean-Pierre , Vallot Delphine , Courbon Frédéric
Published: May 2023

Salivary gland cancers are rare tumors comprising a large group of heterogeneous tumors with variable prognosis. Their therapeutic management at a metastatic stage is challenging due to the lack of therapeutic lines and the toxicity of treatments. [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 (prostate-specific membrane antigen) is a vectored radioligand therapy (RLT) initially developed to treat castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer with encouraging results in terms of efficacy and toxicity. Many malignant cells could be treated with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 as long as they express PSMA as a consequence of androgenic pathway activation. RLT may be used when anti-androgen hormonal treatment has failed, particularly in prostate cancer. [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 has been proposed in certain salivary gland cancers, though the expression of PSMA is demonstrated by a significant uptake using [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET scan. This theranostic approach could be a new therapeutic option, warranting prospective investigation in a larger cohort. We review the literature on this subject and offer a clinical illustration of compassionate use in France as a perspective for administering [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 in salivary gland cancer.
Cationic BODIPY Photosensitizers for Mitochondrion-Targeted Fluorescence Cell-Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Badon Isabel Wen , Jee Jun-Pil , Vales Temmy Pegarro , Kim Chanwoo , Lee Seungbin , Yang Jaesung , Yang Si Kyung , Kim Ho-Joong
Published: May 2023

The straightforward synthesis of three cationic boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivatives and their mitochondria-targeting and photodynamic therapeutic (PDT) capabilities are reported. Two cancer cell lines (HeLa and MCF-7) were used to investigate the PDT activity of the dyes. Compared to their non-halogenated counterparts, halogenated BODIPY dyes exhibit lower fluorescence quantum yields and enable the efficient production of singlet oxygen species. Following LED light irradiation at 520 nm, the synthesized dyes displayed good PDT capabilities against the treated cancer cell lines, with low cytotoxicity in the dark. In addition, functionalization of the BODIPY backbone with a cationic ammonium moiety enhanced the hydrophilicity of the synthesized dyes and, consequently, their uptake by the cells. The results presented here collectively demonstrate the potential of cationic BODIPY-based dyes as therapeutic drugs for anticancer photodynamic therapy.
Three-Dimensional Oral Mucosal Equivalents as Models for Transmucosal Drug Permeation Studies
Authors: Riaz Azra , Gidvall Sanna , Prgomet Zdenka , Hernandez Aura Rocio , Ruzgas Tautgirdas , Nilsson Emelie J. , Davies Julia , Valetti Sabrina
Published: May 2023

Oral transmucosal administration, where drugs are absorbed directly through the non-keratinized, lining mucosa of the mouth, represents a solution to drug delivery with several advantages. Oral mucosal equivalents (OME) developed as 3D in vitro models are of great interest since they express the correct cell differentiation and tissue architecture, simulating the in vivo conditions better than monolayer cultures or animal tissues. The aim of this work was to develop OME to be used as a membrane for drug permeation studies. We developed both full-thickness (i.e., connective plus epithelial tissue) and split-thickness (i.e., only epithelial tissue) OME using non-tumor-derived human keratinocytes OKF6 TERT-2 obtained from the floor of the mouth. All the OME developed here presented similar transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values, comparable to the commercial EpiOral™. Using eletriptan hydrobromide as a model drug, we found that the full-thickness OME had similar drug flux to EpiOral™ (28.8 vs. 29.6 µg/cm2/h), suggesting that the model had the same permeation barrier properties. Furthermore, full-thickness OME showed an increase in ceramide content together with a decrease in phospholipids in comparison to the monolayer culture, indicating that lipid differentiation occurred due to the tissue-engineering protocols. The split-thickness mucosal model resulted in 4–5 cell layers with basal cells still undergoing mitosis. The optimum period at the air–liquid interface for this model was twenty-one days; after longer times, signs of apoptosis appeared. Following the 3R principles, we found that the addition of Ca2+, retinoic acid, linoleic acid, epidermal growth factor and bovine pituitary extract was important but not sufficient to fully replace the fetal bovine serum. Finally, the OME models presented here offer a longer shelf-life than the pre-existing models, which paves the way for the further investigation of broader pharmaceutical applications (i.e., long-term drug exposure, effect on the keratinocytes’ differentiation and inflammatory conditions, etc.).
Integrated Management Practices for Canopy–Topsoil Improves the Grain Yield of Maize with High Planting Density
Authors: Sun Xuefang , Li Xuejie , Jiang Wen , Zhao Ming , Gao Zhuohan , Ge Junzhu , Sun Qing , Ding Zaisong , Zhou Baoyuan
Published: May 2023

Inappropriate spatial distribution of canopy and roots limits further improvements to the grain yield of maize with increased planting density. We explored an integrated management practice called strip deep rotary with staggered planting (SRS) which includes comprehensive technology for both canopy layers and topsoil. Here, field experiments were conducted under two maize cropping systems (spring maize and summer maize) to evaluate the effect of SRS on the spatial distribution of the canopy and roots for maize under high planting density (90,000 plants ha−1) and to determine the physiological factors involved in yield formation. Compared with conventional management practices (no-tillage with single planting, NTS), SRS decreased the LAI of the middle to top layers while improving the light distribution of the middle and lower layers by 72.99% and 84.78%, respectively. Meanwhile, SRS increased the root dry weight density and root sap bleeding by 51.26% and 21.77%, respectively, due to the reduction in soil bulk density by an average of 5.08% in the 0–40 cm soil layer. SRS improved the SPAD in the ear and lower leaves and maximized the LAD, which was conducive to dry matter accumulation (DMA), increasing it by 14.02–24.16% compared to that of NTS. As a result, SRS increased maize grain yield by 6.71–25.44%. These results suggest that strip deep rotary combined with staggered planting noticeably optimized the distribution of light in the canopy and reduced the soil bulk density to promote root vitality and growth, to maintain canopy longevity, and to promote the accumulation of dry matter, which eventually increased the grain yield of the maize under high planting density conditions. Therefore, SRS can be considered a better choice for the sustainable high yield of maize under high-density planting conditions in the NCP and similar areas throughout the world.
Effects of Bitumen Thickness on the Aging Behavior of High-Content Polymer-Modified Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Lin Peng , Liu Xueyan , Ren Shisong , Xu Jian , Li Yi , Li Mingliang
Published: May 2023

The film thickness of asphalt mixtures is critical for determining their performance and aging durability. However, understanding of the appropriate film thickness and its influence on performance and aging behavior for high-content polymer-modified asphalt (HCPMA) mixtures is still limited. This research aims to examine the relationship between film thickness, performance, and aging behavior of HCPMA mixtures in order to establish an optimal film thickness that ensures satisfactory performance and aging durability. HCPMA specimens with film thicknesses ranging from 6.9 μm to 17 μm were prepared using a 7.5% SBS-content-modified bitumen. Various tests, including Cantabro, SCB, SCB fatigue, and Hamburg wheel-tracking tests, were conducted to evaluate raveling, cracking, fatigue, and rutting resistance before and after aging. The key findings indicate that insufficient film thickness negatively affects aggregate bonding and performance, while excessive thickness reduces mixture stiffness and resistance to cracking and fatigue. A parabolic relationship between the aging index and film thickness was observed, suggesting that increasing film thickness improves aging durability up to a point, beyond which excessive thickness adversely impacts aging durability. The optimal film thickness for HCPMA mixtures, considering performance before and after aging and aging durability, falls within the 12.9 to 14.9 µm range. This range ensures the best balance between performance and aging durability, offering valuable insights for the pavement industry in designing and utilizing HCPMA mixtures.