bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S100A8/S100A9 Integrates F-Actin and Microtubule Dynamics to Prevent Uncontrolled Extravasation of Leukocytes
Authors: Wolf Marc , Joseph Robiya , Austermann Judith , Scharrnbeck-Davis Chiara , Hermann Sven , Roth Johannes , Vogl Thomas
Published: March 2023

Immune reactions are characterized by the rapid immigration of phagocytes into sites of inflammation. Meticulous regulation of these migratory processes is crucial for preventing uncontrolled and harmful phagocyte extravasation. S100A8/S100A9 is the major calcium-binding protein complex expressed in phagocytes. After release, this complex acts as a proinflammatory alarmin in the extracellular space, but the intracellular functions of these highly abundant proteins are less clear. Results of this study reveal an important role of S100A8/S100A9 in coordinated cytoskeleton rearrangement during migration. We found that S100A8/S100A9 was able to cross-link F-actin and microtubules in a calcium- and phosphorylation-dependent manner. Cells deficient in S100A8/S100A9 showed abnormalities in cell adhesion and motility. Missing cytoskeletal interactions of S100A8/S100A9 caused differences in the surface expression and activation of β1-integrins as well as in the regulation of Src/Syk kinase family members. Loss of S100A8/S100A9 led to dysregulated integrin-mediated adhesion and migration, resulting in an overall higher dynamic activity of non-activated S100A8/S100A9-deficient phagocytes. Our data suggest that intracellular S100A8/S100A9 is part of a novel regulatory mechanism that ensures the precise control necessary to facilitate the change between the quiescent and activated state of phagocytes.
Parsonage-Turner Syndrome Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cornea Amalia , Lata Irina , Simu Mihaela , Rosca Elena Cecilia
Published: March 2023

Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) is an inflammatory disorder of the brachial plexus. Hypothesized underlying causes focus on immune-mediated processes, as more than half of patients present some antecedent event or possible predisposing condition, such as infection, vaccination, exercise, or surgery. Recently, PTS was reported following the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We aimed to investigate data on PTS triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection to provide an extensive perspective on this pathology and to reveal what other, more specific, research questions can be further addressed. In addition, we aimed to highlight research gaps requiring further attention. We systematically reviewed two databases (LitCOVID and the World Health Organization database on COVID-19) to January 2023. We found 26 cases of PTS in patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. The clinical and paraclinical spectrum was heterogeneous, ranging from classical PTS to pure sensory neuropathy, extended neuropathy, spinal accessory nerve involvement, and diaphragmatic palsy. Also, two familial cases were reported. Among them, 93.8% of patients had severe pain, 80.8% were reported to present a motor deficit, and 53.8% of patients presented muscle wasting. Paresthesia was noted in 46.2% of PTS individuals and a sensory loss was reported in 34.6% of patients. The present systematic review highlights the necessity of having a high index of suspicion of PTS in patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, as the clinical manifestations can be variable. Also, there is a need for a standardized approach to investigation and reporting on PTS. Future studies should aim for a comprehensive assessment of patients. Factors including the baseline characteristics of the patients, evolution, and treatments should be consistently assessed across studies. In addition, a thorough differential diagnosis should be employed.
Novel Potential Markers of Myofibroblast Differentiation Revealed by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Profibrotic and Adipogenic Conditions
Authors: Grigorieva Olga , Basalova Nataliya , Vigovskiy Maksim , Arbatskiy Mikhail , Dyachkova Uliana , Kulebyakina Maria , Kulebyakin Konstantin , Tyurin-Kuzmin Pyotr , Kalinina Natalia , Efimenko Anastasia
Published: March 2023

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are the key regulators of tissue homeostasis and repair after damage. Accumulating evidence indicates the dual contribution of MSCs into the development of fibrosis induced by chronic injury: these cells can suppress the fibrotic process due to paracrine activity, but their promoting role in fibrosis by differentiating into myofibroblasts has also been demonstrated. Many model systems reproducing fibrosis have shown the ability of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists to reverse myofibroblast differentiation. Thus, the differentiation of multipotent cells into myofibroblasts and adipocytes can be considered as processes that require the activation of opposite patterns of gene expression. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed single cell RNA-Seq transcriptome of human adipose tissue MSCs after stimulation of the myofibroblast or adipogenic differentiation and revealed several genes that changed their expression in a reciprocal manner upon these conditions. We validated the expression of selected genes by RT-PCR, and evaluated the upregulation of several relevant proteins using immunocytochemistry, refining the results obtained by RNA-Seq analysis. We have shown, for the first time, the expression of neurotrimin (NTM), previously studied mainly in the nervous tissue, in human adipose tissue MSCs, and demonstrated its increased gene expression and clustering of membrane receptors upon the stimulation of myofibroblast differentiation. We also showed an increased level of CHD3 (Chromodomain-Helicase-DNA-binding protein 3) in MSCs under profibrotic conditions, while retinol dehydrogenase-10 (RDH10) was detected only in MSCs after adipogenic induction, which contradicted the data of transcriptomic analysis and again highlights the need to validate the data obtained by omics methods. Our findings suggest the further analysis of the potential contribution of neurotrimin and CHD3 in the regulation of myofibroblast differentiation and the development of fibrosis.
Emotion Priming in People with Williams Syndrome
Authors: Hsu Ching-Fen , Lv Pei
Published: March 2023

Emotion categories configure the basic semantic knowledge of the human cognitive structure. Previous studies with people with Williams syndrome (WS) investigated their ability to process basic emotions and the dimensions of emotional valences. However, little is known about the categorization of emotions from the subordinate perspective of lexical words in people with WS. In this study, emotion priming was used as the research paradigm. Three types of emotional valence were used as stimuli: positive, neutral, and negative. Each emotional valence was used as a prime matched to a target in one of these same three types of emotional valence. All participants were asked to judge whether the prime and the target were matched in their emotional valence. People with WS (n = 14, 11M/3F, CA = 10.49, and MA = 6.57) showed priming patterns for emotion valences like those of the typically developing controls. When positive primes were presented, accuracy was higher for positive and negative targets than neutral targets. When neutral primes were presented, accuracy was highest for negative targets. When negative primes were presented, accuracy was the lowest for negative targets. All participants showed high priming accuracy for positive emotions; however, they confused neutral with positive targets. A negative priming effect was observed when negative primes preceded negative targets. Considering previous findings that people with WS show developmental delays in the basic emotions of anger and surprise, this study concludes that people with WS responded least accurately to the classification of emotional valence. The findings regarding the categorization of emotions in people with WS not only advance our understanding of their emotion knowledge and socioemotional cognition but also confirm the superficial enrichment of lexical semantics with weak conceptual change in people with WS. This weakness may result in impaired contextual integration in people with WS.
Measuring Social Camouflaging in Individuals with High Functioning Autism: A Literature Review
Authors: Cremone Ivan Mirko , Carpita Barbara , Nardi Benedetta , Casagrande Danila , Stagnari Rossella , Amatori Giulia , Dell’Osso Liliana
Published: March 2023

In the recent years, growing attention has been paid to the use of camouflaging strategies by adult populations suffering from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with milder manifestations and without intellectual impairment, which may lead to a delay in diagnosis or even a misdiagnosis. In fact, high-functioning ASD individuals were reported to be more aware of their communication difficulties and were more likely make considerable efforts to adjust their behavior to conventional rules of non-autistic individuals, learning to imitate other non-ASD individuals. Moreover, females reported a higher frequency of camouflaging strategies, suggesting a role of camouflaging in the gender gap of the ASD diagnosis. Although camouflaging strategies can sometimes grant a better level of adjustment, even resulting in a hyper-adaptive behavior, they are also often correlated with negative mental health consequences due to the long-term stress associated with continuous attempts to adapt in day-to-day life. In this framework, the aim of the present work was to review the available studies that assessed the presence and correlates of camouflaging strategies in individuals with ASD. Although the literature available on the topic is still scarce, some interesting correlations between camouflaging and anxious and depressive symptoms, as well as suicidality, were highlighted. In particular, the controversial and sometime opposite thoughts and results about camouflaging may be clarified and integrated in light of a dimensional approach to psychopathology.
Dyslexia: Causes and Concomitant Impairments
Authors: Werth Reinhard
Published: March 2023

In recent decades, theories have been presented to explain the nature of dyslexia, but the causes of dyslexia remained unclear. Although the investigation of the causes of dyslexia presupposes a clear understanding of the concept of cause, such an understanding is missing. The present paper proposes the absence of at least one necessary condition or the absence of all sufficient conditions as causes for impaired reading. The causes of impaired reading include: an incorrect fixation location, too short a fixation time, the attempt to recognize too many letters simultaneously, too large saccade amplitudes, and too short verbal reaction times. It is assumed that a longer required fixation time in dyslexic readers results from a functional impairment of areas V1, V2, and V3 that require more time to complete temporal summation. These areas and areas that receive input from them, such as the fusiform gyrus, are assumed to be impaired in their ability to simultaneously process a string of letters. When these impairments are compensated by a new reading strategy, reading ability improves immediately.
Social Odour Perception and Stress Responses in Women’s Quality of Partner Relationship and Attachment Style
Authors: Piraino Giulia , Gelo Omar , Schito Andrea , Giménez-Llort Lydia , Invitto Sara
Published: March 2023

The perception of body and social odours (SOP) is crucial for interpersonal chemosensory signalling and mate choice, yet little is known about the role of the SOP on the quality of partnerships and the attachment style. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the SOP in women’s stress responses by considering the role of biopsychosocial variables in the quality of interpersonal relationships (also considering intimate partner violence). In total, 253 women filled out an online survey that included a series of questionnaires to investigate self-perceived stress (PSS), emotional regulation (ERQ), olfactory social assessment (SOS), quality of partnership (RRQ), attachment style (RQ), and the Conflict Tactile Scale 2 (CTS-2). The main results highlight that a high awareness of social odours correlates with a good quality of relationship and with an emotional regulation capacity; the PSS correlates negatively with the ERQ (i.e., as the PSS increases, the ERQ decreases). The level of IPV predicts an interpersonal style characterized by a low desire to develop meaningful relationships but with a tendency to depend on and trust another. The idea of being hurt by the other is not central in women who experience this type of relationship. The study’s main conclusion is that social odour perception is important for emotional regulation and in partner relationships.
Machine Learning Method Based on Symbiotic Organism Search Algorithm for Thermal Load Prediction in Buildings
Authors: Nejati Fatemeh , Zoy Wahidullah Omer , Tahoori Nayer , Abdunabi Xalikovich Pardayev , Sharifian Mohammad Amin , Nehdi Moncef L.
Published: March 2023

This research investigates the efficacy of a proposed novel machine learning tool for the optimal simulation of building thermal load. By applying a symbiotic organism search (SOS) metaheuristic algorithm to a well-known model, namely an artificial neural network (ANN), a sophisticated optimizable methodology is developed for estimating heating load (HL) in residential buildings. Moreover, the SOS is comparatively assessed with several identical optimizers, namely political optimizer, heap-based optimizer, Henry gas solubility optimization, atom search optimization, stochastic fractal search, and cuttlefish optimization algorithm. The dataset used for this study lists the HL versus the corresponding building conditions and the model tries to disclose the nonlinear relationship between them. For each mode, an extensive trial and error effort revealed the most suitable configuration. Examining the accuracy of prediction showed that the SOS–ANN hybrid is a strong predictor as its results are in great harmony with expectations. Moreover, to verify the results of the SOS–ANN, it was compared with several benchmark models employed in this study, as well as in the earlier literature. This comparison revealed the superior accuracy of the suggested model. Hence, utilizing the SOS–ANN is highly recommended to energy-building experts for attaining an early estimation of the HL from a designed building’s characteristics.
Cost-Oriented Design Optimization of Single Building Curtain Wall
Authors: Liu Lei , Wang Lu , Guo Zhijian , Luo Zhiwei
Published: March 2023

A building curtain wall is an outer protective structure of a building composed of a panel and a supporting structure system. As the main materials of a building curtain wall, the optimization of the keel and panel is a problem that has attracted much attention from decoration enterprises. In order to reduce the cost of constructing a single building curtain wall and improve the economic benefits of decoration enterprises, in this study, the keel is taken as the key optimization objective, and a comprehensive optimization scheme is proposed for the deepening design stage of a single building curtain wall. This scheme firstly reduces the cost of the keel by optimizing the radius of the keel and then considers the overall degree of fit between the panel and the keel while optimizing the keel. Finally, in order to improve the processing efficiency of the keel, a reverse-cutting method is proposed based on the traditional forward-cutting method and then combined with the forward-cutting method to form a comprehensive cutting method. The feasibility of the optimization of both design and driving cost is verified with practical cases. The results show the following: Firstly, compared with the theoretical scheme, the average rate of cost saving for the keel when using the comprehensive optimization scheme is 9.56%. Secondly, the overall degree of fit between the optimized keel and the panel is evaluated, which effectively reduces the discontinuity of panel installation. Finally, the comprehensive cutting method proposed here is shown to improve the material utilization rate compared with the single forward-cutting method.
Systemic Therapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Stand and Perspectives
Authors: Girardi Daniel M. , Sousa Lara P. , Miranda Thiago A. , Haum Fernanda N. C. , Pereira Gabriel C. B. , Pereira Allan A. L.
Published: March 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma often develops in the context of chronic liver disease. It is the sixth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although the mainstay of therapy is surgical resection, most patients are not eligible because of liver dysfunction or tumor extent. Sorafenib was the first tyrosine kinase inhibitor that improved the overall survival of patients who failed to respond to local therapies or had advanced disease, and for many years, it was the only treatment approved for the first-line setting. However, in recent years, trials have demonstrated an improvement in survival with treatments based on immunotherapy and new targeting agents, thereby extending the treatment options. A phase III trial showed that a combination of immunotherapy and targeted therapy, including atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, improved survival in the first-line setting, and is now considered the new standard of care. Other agents and combinations are being tested, including the combination of nivolumab plus ipilimumab and tremelimumab plus durvalumab, and they reportedly have clinical benefits. The aim of this manuscript is to review the latest approved therapeutic options in first- and second-line settings for advanced HCC and discuss future perspectives.
Comparison of Four Validated Nomograms (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Briganti 2012, 2017, and 2019) Predicting Lymph Node Invasion in Patients with High-Risk Prostate Cancer Candidates for Radical Prostatectomy and Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection: Clinical Experience and Review of the Literature
Authors: Di Pierro Giovanni Battista , Salciccia Stefano , Frisenda Marco , Tufano Antonio , Sciarra Alessandro , Scarrone Emiliano , Del Giudice Francesco , Asero Vincenzo , Bevilacqua Giulio , Moriconi Martina , Carbone Antonio , Pastore Antonio , Signore Stefano , Bove Pierluigi , Forte Flavio , Emiliozzi Paolo , Tubaro Andrea , De Nunzio Cosimo , Canale Vittorio
Published: March 2023

Background: The indication for extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) at the time of radical prostatectomy (RP) is based on nomograms predicting the risk of lymph node invasion (LNI). However, limited data are available on the comparison of these predictive models in high-risk prostate cancer (PC) patients. Therefore, we compared the accuracy of the most used nomograms (MSKCC, Briganti 2012, 2017, and 2019) in the setting of high-risk PC patients submitted to ePLND. Methods: 150 patients with high-risk PC disease treated from 2019 to 2022 were included. Before RP + ePLND, we assessed the MSKCC, Briganti 2012, 2017, and 2019 nomograms for each patient, and we compared the prediction of LNI with the final histopathological analysis of the ePLND using pathologic results as a reference. Results: LNI was found in 39 patients (26%), and 71.3% were cT2. The percentage of patients with estimated LNI risk above the cut-off was significantly higher in pN+ cases than in pN0 for all Briganti nomograms. The percentage of patients at risk of LNI, according to Briganti Nomogram (2012, 2017, and 2019), was significantly higher in pN+ cases than in pN0 (p < 0.04), while MSKCC prediction didn’t vary significantly between pN0 and pN+ groups (p = 0.2). All nomograms showed high sensitivity (Se > 0.90), low specificity (Sp < 0.20), and similar AUC (range: 0.526–0.573) in predicting pN+. Particularly, 74% of cases patients with MSKCC estimated risk > 7% showed pN0 compared to 71% with Briganti 2012 > 5%, 69% with Briganti 2017 > 7%, and 70% with Briganti 2019 > 7%. Conclusions: Despite the high-risk disease, in our patients treated with ePLND emerges a still high number of pN0 cases and a similar low specificity of nomograms in predicting LNI.
Causes of Death among Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma According to Chronic Liver Disease Etiology
Authors: Yen Yi-Hao , Kee Kwong-Ming , Li Wei-Feng , Liu Yueh-Wei , Wang Chih-Chi , Hu Tsung-Hui , Tsai Ming-Chao , Kuo Yuan-Hung , Lin Chih-Yun
Published: March 2023

This study was conducted to determine whether the causes of death among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) differ according to chronic liver disease (CLD) etiology. Between 2011 and 2020, 3977 patients who were newly diagnosed with HCC at our institution were enrolled in this study. We determined whether the cause of death was HCC-related and non-HCC-related. For patients with multiple CLD etiologies, etiology was classified using the following hierarchy: hepatitis C virus (HCV) > hepatitis B virus (HBV) > alcohol-related causes > all negative. All negative was defined as negative for HCV, HBV, and alcohol-related causes. Among 3977 patients, 1415 patients were classified as HCV-related, 1691 patients were HBV-related, 145 patients were alcohol-related, and 725 patients were all negative. HCC-related mortality was the leading cause of death, irrespective of etiology. Among patients who underwent curative treatment, HCC-related mortality was the leading cause of death for patients in the HCV, HBV, and all-negative groups, but not for patients in the alcohol-related group. Among patients 75 years and older who underwent curative treatment, HCC-related mortality was the leading cause of death in the HCV but not HBV or all-negative groups. In conclusion, although most patients with HCC die due to HCC-related causes, non-HCC-related mortality represents a competing event in certain patient subgroups. The current study results underscore the importance of assessing and managing underlying comorbidities, particularly among patients with HCC at risk of non-HCC-related mortality.
Radiotherapy Alone Versus Concurrent or Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients with Negative Epstein–Barr Virus DNA after Induction Chemotherapy
Authors: Kong Fangfang , Pan Guangsen , Du Chengrun , Hu Chaosu , Ying Hongmei
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and toxicity of induction chemotherapy (IC) plus radiotherapy (RT) and IC plus concurrent or adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CCRT/AC) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients with negative Epstein–Barr virus DNA (EBV DNA) after IC. A total of 547 NPC patients with negative plasma EBV DNA post-IC were included. Patients were classified into the IC + RT group and the IC + CCRT/AC group. Locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated and compared using the Kaplan–Meier method. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance the variables. The median follow-up time was 37 months. The 3-year LRFS, DMFS, OS, and PFS rates for the whole group were 92.2%, 92.4%, 96.4%, and 84.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference in LRFS, DMFS, OS, and PFS between the IC + RT and the IC + CCRT/AC groups, both before PSM (3-year rates of 91.1% vs. 92.6%, p = 0.94; 95.6% vs. 91.5%, p = 0.08; 95.2% vs. 96.8%, p = 0.80; 85.9% vs. 84.0%, p = 0.38) and after PSM (90.7% vs. 92.7%, p = 0.77; 96.8% vs. 93.7%, p = 0.29; 94.5% vs. 93.9%, p = 0.57; 84.7% vs. 85.6%, p = 0.96). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the treatment schedule was not an independent predictor for survival rates. Patients in the IC + RT group had fewer treatment-related acute toxicities and better tolerance. IC + RT displayed similar survival outcomes as IC + CCRT/AC for NPC patients with negative post-IC EBV DNA.
Special Issue “Nanoplatforms Based Cancers Therapy”
Authors: Gary-Bobo Magali
Published: March 2023

Nanomedicine is now considered a hopeful strategy to efficiently target cancer cells and deliver, more specifically, the molecule of interest to the area to image and treat cells [...]
The Effect of Cu(II) Nanoparticle Decoration on the Electron Relaxations and Gaseous Photocatalytic Oxidations of Nanocrystalline TiO2
Authors: Zhao Binshan , Wen Liping , Xu Li , Zhao Xiujian , Liu Baoshun
Published: March 2023

A photocatalytic effect arises from the electron relaxation of semiconductors. Directing the electron relaxation toward photocatalytic reactions is the focus of photocatalytic studies. Co-catalyst decoration is a main way to modulate the electron relaxation, and the Cu(II) nanoparticles have been widely studied as an important co-catalyst. However, the detailed mechanism is still not well known. The current study is devoted to investigating the effect of the Cu(II) nanoparticle decoration on the electron relaxations for TiO2 through in situ photochromism and photoconductances, based on which the relation to the photocatalytic properties was discussed. The result shows that the Cu(II)/Cu(0) redox couple assists the double electron transfer from TiO2 to O2, while the Cu(I)/Cu(0) redox couple assists the single electron transfer to O2. Although the Cu(II) decoration changes the mechanism and increases the rate of the electron relaxations, the electron relaxation does not occur via the Cu redox couple assistance. It was found that the electron relaxation kinetics depends on the reduced Cu species, which can be greatly increased when the Cu(II) was reduced to Cu(0). It is also revealed that the electron relaxation corresponds to the electron transfer from TiO2 to O2, but it does not occur through the Cu redox couple assistance. The result also shows that the increase in the electron relaxation is mainly directed toward the recombination rather than photocatalytic reactions. The present research gains some insights on the role of the co-catalysts in the electron relaxations and its relation to photocatalysis; this should be meaningful for designing novel photocatalytic materials.
Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Looping Oxidative Coupling of Methane through Synergy between Metal-Loaded Dielectric Particles and Non-Thermal Plasma
Authors: Kang Shunshun , Deng Jinlin , Wang Xiaobo , Zhao Kun , Zheng Min , Song Da , Huang Zhen , Lin Yan , Liu Anqi , Zheng Anqing , Zhao Zengli
Published: March 2023

A plasma–catalyst hybrid system has been developed for the direct conversion of methane to C2+ hydrocarbons in dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma. TiO2 presented the highest C2+ yield of 11.63% among different dielectric materials when integrated with DBD plasma, which made us concentrate on the TiO2-based catalyst. It was demonstrated that MnTi catalyst showed the best methane coupling performance of 27.29% C2+ yield with 150 V applied voltage, without additional thermal input. The catalytic performance of MnTi catalyst under various operation parameters was further carried out, and different techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and H2-temperature-programmed reduction were used to explore the effect of Mn loading on methane oxidative coupling (OCM) performance. The results showed that applied voltage and flow rate had a significant effect on methane activation. The dielectric particles of TiO2 loaded with Mn not only synergistically affected the coupling reaction, but also facilitated charge deposition to generate a strong local electric field to activate methane. The synergy effects boosted the OCM performance and the C2+ yield became 1.25 times higher than that of the undoped TiO2 under identical operating conditions in plasma, which was almost impossible to occur even at 850 °C on the MnTi catalyst in the absence of plasma. Moreover, the reaction activity of the catalyst was fully recovered by plasma regeneration at 300 °C and maintained its stability in for at least 30 consecutive cyclic redox tests. This work presents a new opportunity for efficient methane conversion to produce C2+ at low temperatures by plasma assistance.
Current Advancements in Spinal Cord Injury Research—Glial Scar Formation and Neural Regeneration
Authors: Clifford Tanner , Finkel Zachary , Rodriguez Brianna , Joseph Adelina , Cai Li
Published: March 2023

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex tissue injury resulting in permanent and degenerating damage to the central nervous system (CNS). Detrimental cellular processes occur after SCI, including axonal degeneration, neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, reactive gliosis, and scar formation. The glial scar border forms to segregate the neural lesion and isolate spreading inflammation, reactive oxygen species, and excitotoxicity at the injury epicenter to preserve surrounding healthy tissue. The scar border is a physicochemical barrier composed of elongated astrocytes, fibroblasts, and microglia secreting chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, collogen, and the dense extra-cellular matrix. While this physiological response preserves viable neural tissue, it is also detrimental to regeneration. To overcome negative outcomes associated with scar formation, therapeutic strategies have been developed: the prevention of scar formation, the resolution of the developed scar, cell transplantation into the lesion, and endogenous cell reprogramming. This review focuses on cellular/molecular aspects of glial scar formation, and discusses advantages and disadvantages of strategies to promote regeneration after SCI.
Cellular Senescence, a Novel Area of Investigation for Metastatic Diseases
Authors: Faggioli Francesca , Velarde Michael C. , Wiley Christopher D.
Published: March 2023

Metastasis is a systemic condition and the major challenge among cancer types, as it can lead to multiorgan vulnerability. Recently, attention has been drawn to cellular senescence, a complex stress response condition, as a factor implicated in metastatic dissemination and outgrowth. Here, we examine the current knowledge of the features required for cells to invade and colonize secondary organs and how senescent cells can contribute to this process. First, we describe the role of senescence in placentation, itself an invasive process which has been linked to higher rates of invasive cancers. Second, we describe how senescent cells can contribute to metastatic dissemination and colonization. Third, we discuss several metabolic adaptations by which senescent cells could promote cancer survival along the metastatic journey. In conclusion, we posit that targeting cellular senescence may have a potential therapeutic efficacy to limit metastasis formation.
Revealing the Heterogeneity of the Tumor Ecosystem of Cholangiocarcinoma through Single-Cell Transcriptomics
Authors: Golino Jihye L. , Wang Xin , Maeng Hoyoung M. , Xie Changqing
Published: March 2023

The prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma remains poor. The heterogeneity of the tumor ecosystem of cholangiocarcinoma plays a critical role in tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance, thereby affecting the clinical outcome of patients with cholangiocarcinoma. Recent progress in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has enabled detailed characterization of intratumoral stromal and malignant cells, which has vastly improved our understanding of the heterogeneity of various cell components in the tumor ecosystem of cholangiocarcinoma. It also provides an unprecedented view of the phenotypical and functional diversity in tumor and stromal cells including infiltrating immune cells. This review focuses on examining tumor heterogeneity and the interaction between various cellular components in the tumor ecosystem of cholangiocarcinoma derived from an scRNA-seq dataset, discussing limitations in current studies, and proposing future directions along with potential clinical applications.
Ni-Mg/Al Mixed Oxides Prepared from Layered Double Hydroxides as Catalysts for the Conversion of Furfural to Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol
Authors: Aldureid Abdulaziz , Montané Daniel , Llorca Jordi , Medina Francesc
Published: March 2023

Ni-Mg/Al mixed oxide catalysts (Ni2Al, Ni2Mg1Al, and Ni1Mg1Al) obtained from layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were tested on the one-pot production of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (TFA) from furfural (FF). Upon calcination at 400 °C and reduction at 500 °C, the LDHs gave catalysts containing small nickel crystallites (<4 nm) dispersed on mixtures of metal oxides and spinel structures. Complete conversion of FF (>99.5%) was achieved on all the catalysts after 4 h at 190 °C and 5.0 MPa of H2 using 5 wt.% FF in ethanol and a furfural-to-catalyst mass ratio of 7.44 g/g. TFA evolved from the sequential hydrogenation of FF to furfuryl alcohol (FA) to TFA. Competing reaction routes involved decarbonylation of FF to furan (FUR) followed by hydrogenation to tetrahydrofuran (THF) or hydrogenolysis to n-butane (BU) and the hydrogenation of the carbonyl group in FF to form 2-methyl furan (mFUR) and its hydrogenation to 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (mTHF). A third competing route consisted of the nucleophilic addition of FF with ethanol and with FA to form acetals (such as 2-(diethoxymethyl)furan, FDA), which were later converted to difurfuryl ether (DFE) and tetrahydrofurfuryl ethyl ether (TFEE) as final products. Hydrogen pressure favored the production of TFA and diminished the formation of acetals, while temperature reduced the capacity of the catalyst to hydrogenate the furan ring, thus reducing TFA and increasing FA and FUR. An 80% yield to TFA was achieved with the Ni2Mg1Al catalysts after 6 h at 190 °C and 50 bar H2, but a variety of coproducts were present at low concentration. Testing of the catalysts in gas-phase hydrogenation conditions at atmospheric pressure revealed a poorer performance, with FA as the main product.
Detection of Lysosomal Hg2+ Using a pH-Independent Naphthalene Monoimide-Based Fluoroprobe
Authors: Roy Rupam , Dutta Tanoy , Nema Shruti , Koner Apurba Lal
Published: March 2023

The development of fluorometric detection methods for toxic metal ions in real samples and inside cellular environments using fluorescent dyes has gained tremendous research interest. This work represents the design and synthesis of a 1,8-naphthalimide-based visible light absorbing fluorescence probe His-NMI-Bu showing an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) feature. Photophysical properties of the fluoroprobe are investigated in-depth through a combination of steady-state, time-resolved spectroscopic techniques, and DFT calculation. The probe displays outstanding pH tolerance in the pH range of 5–10 as evident from UV–Vis. and fluorescence measurements. The fluoroprobe exhibits chelation with Hg2+-induced fluorescence attenuation via PET in the solution, thus acting as a suitable fluorescence sensor for mercury ions with LOD 0.52 µM. The high sensitivity and selectivity of the probe towards Hg2+ are validated from fluorescence titration with various metal ions. Banking on its intriguing solid-state emissive properties, dye-loaded filter paper-based sensing of Hg2+ is also developed demonstrating the sensitivity in the micromolar range. Finally, His-NMI-Bu fluorophore depicts its selective localization inside the lysosomal compartment of live cells which assists further to monitor the presence of mercury ions inside the lysosome showing similar Hg2+-induced fluorescence depletion.
Fractional-Step Method with Interpolation for Solving a System of First-Order 2D Hyperbolic Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Sampath Karthick , Veerasamy Subburayan , Agarwal Ravi P.
Published: March 2023

In this article, we consider a delayed system of first-order hyperbolic differential equations. The presence of the delay term in first-order hyperbolic delay differential equations poses significant challenges in both analysis and numerical solutions. The delay term also makes it more difficult to use standard numerical methods for solving differential equations, as these methods often require that the differential equation be evaluated at the current time step. To overcome these challenges, specialized numerical methods and analytical techniques have been developed for solving first-order hyperbolic delay differential equations. We investigated and presented analytical results, such as the maximum principle and stability results. The propagation of discontinuities in the solution was also discussed, providing a framework for understanding its behavior. We presented a fractional-step method using a backward finite difference scheme and showed that the scheme is almost first-order convergent in space and time through the derivation of the error estimate. Additionally, we demonstrated an application of the proposed method to the problem of variable delay differential equations. We demonstrated the practical application of the proposed method to solving variable delay differential equations. The proposed algorithm is based on a numerical approximation method that utilizes a finite difference scheme to discretize the differential equation. We validated our theoretical results through numerical experiments.
Features of the Preparation of Ni-Doped Bismuth Tantalate Pyrochlore
Authors: Muravyov Vitaliy A. , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria G. , Makeev Boris A. , Nizovtsev Andrey N. , Nekipelov Sergey V. , Sivkov Viktor N. , Sivkov Danil V. , Zhuk Nadezhda A.
Published: March 2023

The possibility of high-temperature solid-phase synthesis of Ni-doped bismuth tantalate pyrochlore, not only from the oxide compounds BiTaO4 and NiO but also using nickel chloride NiCl2 as a precursor, was shown for the first time. The concentration range of the formation of nickel pyrochlore Bi2NixTa2O9−δ (0.85 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) at an equal molar ratio of bismuth(III)/tantalum(V) ions was determined. This indicates that the pyrochlore structure may be stable at 20–33% vacant bismuth sublattice. The influence of non-stoichiometric composition relative to bismuth and tantalum, by the example of Bi2±xNiTa2O9−δ and Bi2NiTa2−xO9−δ (x ≤ 0.5) compositions, on the phase composition of ceramics was studied. X-ray powder diffraction phase analysis of Bi2Ni1+yTa1.75−yO9−δ samples made it possible to determine the solubility limit of nickel ions in the tantalum sublattice. It was shown that the molar ratio of metal atoms (Ta, Ni) in the B2O6 (B-Ni(II), Ta(V)) octahedral sublattice of mixed pyrochlores is also limited.
Surface Crystallization of Barium Fresnoite Glass: Annealing Atmosphere, Crystal Morphology and Orientation
Authors: Scheffler Franziska , Fleck Mirjam , Busch Richard , Casado Santiago , Gnecco Enrico , Tielemann Christopher , Brauer Delia S. , Müller Ralf
Published: March 2023

Controlled oriented crystallization of glass surfaces is desired for high precision applications, since the uppermost crystal layer significantly influences the properties of the material. In contrast to previous studies, the data presented here deal with separated crystals growing at defect-free surfaces in four atmospheres with different degrees of humidity (ambient/dry air, argon and vacuum). A glass with the composition 2 BaO–TiO2–2.75 SiO2 was heat-treated at 825 °C until fresnoite (Ba2TiSi2O8) grew to a significant size. The crystal growth rate is found to increase with increasing humidity. The morphology of the crystals changes from highly distorted dendrites in the driest atmosphere (vacuum) to circular/spear-head-shaped crystals in the wettest atmosphere (ambient air), which we attribute to a decrease in viscosity of the glass surface due to water uptake. The least distorted crystals appear in the form of depressions of up to 6 µm. This has an influence on the observed crystal orientation, as measured by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The pulled-in crystals change the orientation during growth relative to the flat glass surface due to an enrichment in SiO2 at the crystal fronts. This confirms that the orientation of crystals is not fixed following nucleation.
Phylogeny of Serpulidae (Annelida, Polychaeta) Inferred from Morphology and DNA Sequences, with a New Classification
Authors: Kupriyanova Elena , ten Hove Harry A. , Rouse Greg W.
Published: March 2023

Serpulidae Rafinesque, 1815 is a speciose group of polychaetes that all inhabit calcareous tubes. The family was traditionally subdivided into Serpulinae, Filograninae, and Spirorbinae. Recent phylogenetic analyses have suggested that both Filograninae and Serpulinae are paraphyletic, though with limited sampling. Here we report the first phylogenetic analysis of Serpulidae based on comprehensive sampling of genera (though excluding most spirorbin genera). We include a much-needed revision of serpulid taxonomy based on a phylogenetic hypothesis derived from both morphological and molecular data. We analysed 18S, 28S, histone H3 ribosomal nuclear DNA and cytochrome b (cytb) mitochondrial sequences, combined with morphological data. The proposed new classification includes the re-formulated Serpulinae (with tribes Serpulini and Ficopomatini), Spirorbinae, and Filograninae, with apomorphies highlighted for major taxa.
Dynamics of Diversity of Woody Species Taxa under Human Impact in the Upper Volga Region (NW Russia) According to Pedoanthracological Data
Authors: Bobrovsky Maxim V. , Kupriyanov Dmitry A. , Smirnov Alexei L. , Khanina Larisa G. , Dobrovolskaya Maria V. , Tiunov Alexei V.
Published: March 2023

We studied charcoal from several types of natural soil archives, including cultural layers of archaeological sites (hillforts), surrounding forest and arable soils, and sediments in lower parts of the slopes associated with hillforts and moraine hills. The stratigraphy of the charcoals was described, and 41 samples were radiocarbon-dated. Analysis of 2277 charcoals showed the presence of 13 taxa of woody species; Pinus and Picea charcoals dominated. Charcoals older than 300 BC were found only in sediment and in several pits formed after treefalls with uprooting. The greatest diversity of woody species was found in the hillforts’ cultural layers composed of Anthropogenic Dark Earth soils formed between 300 BC and 300 cal. AD (Early Iron Age). All charcoals from ancient arable soils were younger than charcoals from the hillforts. Charcoals indicated that burning for arable farming started in the study region in the 6th century AD. Woody taxa exhibited a decrease in number of species and a decrease in the proportion of nemoral (broadleaved) species from the Early Iron Age to the Middle Ages and to the present. Quercus, Tilia, and Corylus have become relatively rare, although they still occur in the study region. Ulmus and Acer are now rare in the Upper Volga region and were not found in the vicinity of the study sites.
Projected Shifts in Bird Distribution in India under Climate Change
Authors: Deomurari Arpit , Sharma Ajay , Ghose Dipankar , Singh Randeep
Published: March 2023

Global climate change is causing unprecedented impacts on biodiversity. In India, there is little information available regarding how climate change affects biodiversity at the taxon/group level, and large-scale ecological analyses have been lacking. In this study, we demonstrated the applicability of eBird and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility), and produced national-scale forecasts to examine the possible impacts of climate change on terrestrial avifauna in India. Using data collected by citizen scientists, we developed fine-tuned Species Distribution Models (SDMs) and predicted 1091 terrestrial bird species that would be distributed in India by 2070 on two climatic surfaces (RCP 4.5 and 8.5), using Maximum Entropy-based species distribution algorithms. Of the 1091 species modelled, our findings indicate that 66–73% of bird species in India will shift to higher elevations or shift northward, and 58–59% of bird species (RCP 4.5 and 8.5) would lose a portion of their distribution ranges. Furthermore, distribution ranges of 41–40% of bird species would increase. Under both RCP scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5), bird species diversity will significantly increase in regions above 2500 m in elevation. Both RCP scenarios predict extensive changes in the species richness of the western Himalayas, Sikkim, northeast India, and the western Ghats regions by 2070. This study has resulted in novel, high-resolution maps of terrestrial bird species richness across India, and we predict predominantly northward shifts in species ranges, similar to predictions made for avifauna in other regions, such as Europe and the USA.
Microwave Near-Field Dynamical Tomography of Thorax at Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Activity
Authors: Gaikovich Konstantin P. , Maksimovitch Yelena S. , Badeev Vitaly A. , Bockeria Leo A. , Djitava Tamara G. , Kakuchaya Tea T. , Kuular Arzhana M.
Published: March 2023

The developed near-field microwave diagnostics of dynamical lung tomography provide information about variations of air and blood content depth structure in the processes of breathing and heart beating that are unattainable for other available methods. The method of dynamical pulse 1D tomography (profiling) is based on solving the corresponding nonlinear ill-posed inverse problem in the extremely complicated case of the strongly absorbing frequency-dispersive layered medium with the dual regularization method—a new Lagrange approach in the theory of ill-posed problems. This method has been realized experimentally by data of bistatic measurements with two electrically small bow-tie antennas that provide a subwavelength resolution. The proposed methods of 3D lung tomography based on the multisensory pulse, multifrequency, or multi-base measurements are based on solving the corresponding integral equations in the Born approximation. The experimental 3D tomography of lung air content was obtained by the results of the multiple 1D pulse profiling by pulse measurements in several grid points over the planar square region of the thorax. Additionally, the possible applicability of multifrequency measurements of scattered harmonic signals in the monitoring of lungs was demonstrated by four-frequency measurements in the process of breathing. The results demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed control in the diagnosis of some lung diseases.
Feasibility of the Production of Argemone pleiacantha Ultrasound-Assisted Biodiesel for Temperate and Tropical Marginal Areas
Authors: Sáez-Bastante Javier , Carmona-Cabello Miguel , Villarreal-Ornelas Elena , Trejo-Calzada Ricardo , Pinzi Sara , Dorado M. Pilar
Published: March 2023

The present work studies biofuel production using an American native species that belongs to the Argemone genus. It is considered a weed, and its presence extends from the southern United States to some areas of South America; the species Argemone pleiacantha, together with other species of the same genus, is known as “chicalote”. Oil physical and chemical properties confirm that chicalote oil is an effective raw material for biofuel production, presenting a fatty acid composition similar to that of soybean oil. A biodiesel production study was carried out using two methods of synthesis, conventional and ultrasound-assisted transesterification, employing the same molar ratio and amount of catalyst in both cases. Reaction time and supplied energy during synthesis were compared in batch mode. The results revealed that ultrasound-assisted transesterification has significant advantages over the conventional one in terms of reaction time and energy savings during chicalote oil synthesis to produce fatty acid methyl esters.