bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forward Genetic Screens as Tools to Investigate Role and Mechanisms of EMT in Cancer
Authors: Gasparics Ákos , Sebe Attila
Published: November 2022

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process of cellular plasticity regulated by complex signaling networks. Under physiological conditions, it plays an important role in wound healing and organ repair. Its importance for human disease is given by its central role in chronic fibroproliferative diseases and cancer, which represent leading causes of death worldwide. In tumors, EMT is involved in primary tumor growth, metastasis and therapy resistance. It is therefore a major requisite to investigate and understand the role of EMT and the mechanisms leading to EMT in order to tackle these diseases therapeutically. Forward genetic screens link genome modifications to phenotypes, and have been successfully employed to identify oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and genes involved in metastasis or therapy resistance. In particular, transposon-based insertional mutagenesis screens and CRISPR-based screens are versatile and easy-to-use tools applied in recent years to discover and identify novel cancer-related mechanisms. Here, we review the contribution of forward genetic screens to our understanding of how EMT is regulated and how it is involved in various aspects of cancer. Based on the current literature, we propose these methods as additional tools to investigate EMT.
Development of Radiomic-Based Model to Predict Clinical Outcomes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Immunotherapy
Authors: Tankyevych Olena , Trousset Flora , Latappy Claire , Berraho Moran , Dutilh Julien , Tasu Jean Pierre , Lamour Corinne , Cheze Le Rest Catherine
Published: November 2022

Purpose: We aimed to assess the ability of radiomics features extracted from baseline (PET/CT0) and follow-up PET/CT scans, as well as their evolution (delta-radiomics), to predict clinical outcome (durable clinical benefit (DCB), progression, response to therapy, OS and PFS) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with immunotherapy. Methods: 83 NSCLC patients treated with immunotherapy who underwent a baseline PET/CT were retrospectively included. Response was assessed at 6–8 weeks (PET/CT1) using PERCIST criteria and at 3 months with iPERCIST (PET/CT2) or RECIST 1.1 criteria using CT. The predictive performance of clinical parameters (CP), standard PET metrics (SUV, Metabolic Tumor volume, Total Lesion Glycolysis), delta-radiomics and PET and CT radiomics features extracted at baseline and during follow-up were studied. Seven multivariate models with different combinations of CP and radiomics were trained on a subset of patients (75%) using least absolute shrinkage, selection operator (LASSO) and random forest classification with 10-fold cross-validation to predict outcome. Model validation was performed on the remaining patients (25%). Overall and progression-free survival was also performed by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Results: Numerous radiomics and delta-radiomics parameters had a high individual predictive value of patient outcome with areas under receiver operating characteristics curves (AUCs) >0.80. Their performance was superior to that of CP and standard PET metrics. Several multivariate models were also promising, especially for the prediction of progression (AUCs of 1 and 0.96 for the training and testing subsets with the PET-CT model (PET/CT0)) or DCB (AUCs of 0.85 and 0.83 with the PET-CT-CP model (PET/CT0)). Conclusions: Delta-radiomics and radiomics features extracted from baseline and follow-up PET/CT images could predict outcome in NSCLC patients treated with immunotherapy and identify patients who would benefit from this new standard. These data reinforce the rationale for the use of advanced image analysis of PET/CT scans to further improve personalized treatment management in advanced NSCLC.
The Combination of Inflammatory Biomarkers as Prognostic Indicator in Salivary Gland Malignancy
Authors: Abbate Vincenzo , Barone Simona , Troise Stefania , Laface Claudia , Bonavolontà Paola , Pacella Daniela , Salzano Giovanni , Iaconetta Giorgio , Califano Luigi , Dell’Aversana Orabona Giovanni
Published: November 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate how the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), taken individually and combined, are associated with overall survival (OS) in patients surgically treated for malignant salivary gland tumors (MSGTs). Methods: A retrospective analysis of 74 cases following surgery at our department between January 2011 and June 2018 was performed. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the optimal cutoff values for SII, SIRI, PLR, and NLR. Survival curves of different groups at 1–3–5 years were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: The optimal thresholds with the highest sensitivity and specificity were 3.95 for NLR, 187.6 for PLR, 917.585 for SII, and 2.045 for SIRI. The ROC curves revealed that the best combination with AUC = 0.884 was SII + SIRI. The estimated 5-year OS probability in patients with SII+ SIRI scores of 0, 1, and 2 was 96%, 87.5% and 12.5%, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion: SII+ SIRI can independently predict the OS of patients after MSGT surgery. The prognostic score system based on SII+ SIRI may be good clinical practice as a reference for clinical decision-making.
Synthesis of Polysubstituted 1,2-Dihydro-3H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indol-3-ones through Domino Palladium-Catalyzed Reactions of Indol-2-ylmethyl Acetates with 1,3-Dicarbonyl Derivatives
Authors: Iazzetti Antonia , Arcadi Antonio , Dessalvi Stefano , Fabrizi Giancarlo , Goggiamani Antonella , Marrone Federico , Serraiocco Andrea , Sferrazza Alessio , Ullah Karim
Published: November 2022

A straightforward assembly of polysubstituted 1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indol-3-ones through a domino palladium-catalyzed reaction of indol-2-ylmethyl acetates with 1,3-dicarbonyl derivatives is described. The key role of the features of the 1,3-dicarbonyls on the reaction outcome has been explored. The employment of 2-methylcyclohexan-1,3-dione as the dicarbonyl source could allow further challenging indole nucleus functionalizations.
Biogasoline Obtained Using Catalytic Pyrolysis of Desmodesmus sp. Microalgae: Comparison between Dry Biomass and n-Hexane Extract
Authors: Fonseca Noyala , Fréty Roger , Sales Emerson Andrade
Published: November 2022

The present work deals with the production of hydrocarbons in the C5–C12 range obtained from the fast micropyrolysis of a laboratory-grown Desmodesmus sp. microalgae. It compares the properties of this specific fraction of hydrocarbons using or not using transition alumina catalysts during pyrolysis in experiments with both pure dried microalgae and its n-hexane extract. The microalgae were characterised using thermogravimetry (TG) and CHN analysis; the n-hexane extract was analysed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The pyrolysis experiments were performed in a multi-shot pyrolyser connected online with a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC/MS). The composition of the C5–C12 fraction was compared to that of an industrial pyrolysis gasoline. The results of pyrolysis at 600 °C show that the alumina catalyst increases the quantity of C5–C12 hydrocarbon families when compared to purely thermal pyrolysis, representing about 40% of all the dry microalgae pyrolysis products. In the case of n-hexane extract, the C5–C12 area fraction corresponds to 33.5% of the whole products’ area when pyrolysis is conducted with an alumina catalyst. A detailed analysis shows that linear molecules, mainly unsaturated, are predominant in the products. Dry biomass formed more aromatic but less cyclic and alkylated molecules in relation to the n-hexane extract. Nitrogen products, essentially alkylated pyrroles, were produced in large quantities when dry biomass was used but were below the detection limit when pyrolysing the extracts. Thus, the extraction with hexane proved to be an effective way to remove nitrogen compounds, which are undesirable in fuels. The estimated low heating values of the present C5–C12 pyrolysis hydrocarbon fractions (between 43 and 44 MJ/kg) are quite comparable to the reported values for reformulated and conventional industrial gasolines (42 and 43 MJ/kg, respectively).
Acid Gas and Tar Removal from Syngas of Refuse Gasification by Catalytic Reforming
Authors: Yuan Guoan , Zhou Wei , Yang Rui , Liu Yuru , Zhu Jingyu , Yin Ke , Chen Dezhen
Published: November 2022

The existence of acid gas and tar in syngas of municipal solid waste gasification limits its downstream utilization as a clean energy source. Here, we investigated the catalytic removal of HCl and tar. The key parameters affecting the catalytic reaction, including space velocity, temperature, the amounts of active metals in the catalyst and the carrier material, were studied, targeting optimized operating conditions for enhanced syngas purification. The morphology, mineral phases, surface area and pore size before and after the reaction were investigated to understand the mechanism to dominate the reaction. The results showed that the removal rate of CaO adsorbent and HCl reached 96% at 400 °C. When the space velocity ratio was 1.0 and the temperature was 400 °C, HCl removal (97%) by NaAlO2 was even better. Nevertheless, clogging was observed for NaAlO2 via the BET test after reaction to jeopardize its durability. A level of 25% Ni doping on Zr1-x(Cex)O2 support provides high stability for tar removal. This is because the Zr1-x(Cex)O2 carrier has higher carbon deposition resistivity than the Al2O3 carrier. The EDX results confirmed that a large amount of C (79.3%) was accumulated on the commercial catalyst surface supported by Al2O3 (25% Ni-based). As for the temperature, a temperature higher than 800 °C could not enhance the efficiency of tar removal, likely due to catalyst deactivation. Carbon deposition and agglomeration are the two main causes of catalyst deactivation. At 800 °C, 25% Ni-based synthetic catalyst can convert 48.5 ± 19.4% tar to low molecular weight organic compounds. By contrast, such a conversion rate under the same temperature only accounted for 5.0 ± 6.8% based on a commercial catalyst. These insights point to the important role of catalyst support materials.
Cobalt-Doped Iron Phosphate Crystal on Stainless Steel Mesh for Corrosion-Resistant Oxygen Evolution Catalyst
Authors: An Jaun , Choi Hyebin , Lee Keunyoung , Kwon Ki-Young
Published: November 2022

We report an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst prepared by the incorporation of cobalt-doped iron phosphate on stainless steel mesh (SSM) through a one-step hydrothermal method. Compared to the catalytic property of bare SSM, our OER catalyst (0.84-CoFePi) showed a 42% improvement in current density at the potential of 1.9 V vs. RHE, and the onset potential was decreased by 26.5 mV. Furthermore, the loss in current density of bulk electrolysis after 12 h in 1 M KOH (pH 14) solution and 0.0441 wt% H2SO4 (pH ≈ 3) containing 0.1 M NaCl solution was negligible (3.1% and 3.2%, respectively). Moreover, our cobalt-doped iron phosphate on SSM exhibits the dramatic improvement in corrosion resistance to a basic, mild acidic solution and chloride ions compared to bare SSM.
Facile Fabrication of SiO2/Zr Assisted with EDTA Complexed-Impregnation and Templated Methods for Crude Palm Oil to Biofuels Conversion via Catalytic Hydrocracking
Authors: Hasanudin Hasanudin , Asri Wan Ryan , Fanani Zainal , Adisti Selvi Julpani , Hadiah Fitri , Maryana Roni , Al Muttaqii Muhammad , Zhu Zongyuan , Machado Nelio Teixeira
Published: November 2022

Zr-containing SiO2 and their parent catalysts were fabricated with different methods using EDTA chelation and template-assist. The activity of the catalysts was explored in crude palm oil (CPO) hydrocracking, conducted under a continuous system micro-cylindrical reactor. The conversion features and the selectivity towards biofuel products were also examined. The physicochemical of catalysts, such as structure phase, functional groups, surface morphologies, acidity features, and particle size, were investigated. The study showed that the template method promoted the crystalline porous catalysts, whereas the chelate method initiated the non-porous structure. The catalysts’ acidity features of SiO2 and SiO2/Zr were affected by the preparation, which revealed that the EDTA chelate-assisted method provided higher acidity features compared with the template method. The CPO hydrocracking study showed that the SiO2/Zr-CEDTA provided the highest catalytic activity towards the hydrocracking process, with 87.37% of conversion attained with 66.29%.wt of liquid product. This catalyst exhibited selectivity towards bio-jet (36.88%), bio-diesel (31.43%), and bio-gasoline (26.80%). The reusability study revealed that the SiO2/Zr-CEDTA had better stability towards CPO conversion compared with SiO2/Zr-CEDTA, with a low decrease in catalyst performance at three consecutive runs.
Hydrogen Evolution Volcano(es)—From Acidic to Neutral and Alkaline Solutions
Authors: Gebremariam Goitom K. , Jovanović Aleksandar Z. , Dobrota Ana S. , Skorodumova Natalia V. , Pašti Igor A.
Published: November 2022

As the global energy crisis continues, efficient hydrogen production is one of the hottest topics these days. In this sense, establishing catalytic trends for hydrogen production is essential for choosing proper H2 generation technology and catalytic material. Volcano plots for hydrogen evolution in acidic media are well-known, while a volcano plot in alkaline media was constructed ten years ago using theoretically calculated hydrogen binding energies. Here, for the first time, we show that the volcano-type relationships are largely maintained in a wide range of pH values, from acidic to neutral and alkaline solutions. We do this using theoretically calculated hydrogen binding energies on clean metallic surfaces and experimentally measured hydrogen evolution overpotentials. When metallic surfaces are exposed to high anodic potentials, hydrogen evolution can be boosted or significantly impeded, depending on the type of metal and the electrolyte in which the reaction occurs. Such effects are discussed here and can be used to properly tailor catalytic materials for hydrogen production via different water electrolysis technologies.
cAMP-Dependent Signaling and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Kilanowska Agnieszka , Ziółkowska Agnieszka , Stasiak Piotr , Gibas-Dorna Magdalena
Published: November 2022

cAMP-dependent pathway is one of the most significant signaling cascades in healthy and neoplastic ovarian cells. Working through its major effector proteins—PKA and EPAC—it regulates gene expression and many cellular functions. PKA promotes the phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) which mediates gene transcription, cell migration, mitochondrial homeostasis, cell proliferation, and death. EPAC, on the other hand, is involved in cell adhesion, binding, differentiation, and interaction between cell junctions. Ovarian cancer growth and metabolism largely depend on changes in the signal processing of the cAMP-PKA-CREB axis, often associated with neoplastic transformation, metastasis, proliferation, and inhibition of apoptosis. In addition, the intracellular level of cAMP also determines the course of other pathways including AKT, ERK, MAPK, and mTOR, that are hypo- or hyperactivated among patients with ovarian neoplasm. With this review, we summarize the current findings on cAMP signaling in the ovary and its association with carcinogenesis, multiplication, metastasis, and survival of cancer cells. Additionally, we indicate that targeting particular stages of cAMP-dependent processes might provide promising therapeutic opportunities for the effective management of patients with ovarian cancer.
Stem-Cell-Derived β-Like Cells with a Functional PTPN2 Knockout Display Increased Immunogenicity
Authors: Triolo Taylor M. , Matuschek J. Quinn , Castro-Gutierrez Roberto , Shilleh Ali H. , Williams Shane P. M. , Hansen Maria S. , McDaniel Kristen , Barra Jessie M. , Michels Aaron , Russ Holger A.
Published: November 2022

Type 1 diabetes is a polygenic disease that results in an autoimmune response directed against insulin-producing beta cells. PTPN2 is a known high-risk type 1 diabetes associated gene expressed in both immune- and pancreatic beta cells, but how genes affect the development of autoimmune diabetes is largely unknown. We employed CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate a functional knockout of PTPN2 in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) followed by differentiating stem-cell-derived beta-like cells (sBC) and detailed phenotypical analyses. The differentiation efficiency of PTPN2 knockout (PTPN2 KO) sBC is comparable to wild-type (WT) control sBC. Global transcriptomics and protein assays revealed the increased expression of HLA Class I molecules in PTPN2 KO sBC at a steady state and upon exposure to proinflammatory culture conditions, indicating a potential for the increased immune recognition of human beta cells upon differential PTPN2 expression. sBC co-culture with autoreactive preproinsulin-reactive T cell transductants confirmed increased immune stimulations by PTPN2 KO sBC compared to WT sBC. Taken together, our results suggest that the dysregulation of PTPN2 expression in human beta cell may prime autoimmune T cell reactivity and thereby contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes.
HyClear: A Novel Tissue Clearing Solution for One-Step Clearing of Microtissues
Authors: Nasseri S. Soroush , Siren Erika M. J. , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N. , Cheung Karen
Published: November 2022

3-D cell cultures are being increasingly used as in vitro models are capable of better mimicry of in vivo tissues, particularly in drug screenings where mass transfer limitations can affect the cancer biology and response to drugs. Three-dimensional microscopy techniques, such as confocal and multiphoton microscopy, have been used to elucidate data from 3-D cell cultures and whole organs, but their reach inside the 3-D tissues is restrained by the light scattering of the tissues, limiting their effective reach to 100–200 µm, which is simply not enough. Tissue clearing protocols, developed mostly for larger specimens usually involve multiple steps of viscous liquid submersion, and are not easily adaptable for much smaller spheroids and organoids. In this work, we have developed a novel tissue clearing solution tailored for small spheroids and organoids. Our tissue clearing protocol, called HyClear, uses a mixture of DMSO, HPG and urea to allow for one-step tissue clearing of spheroids and organoids, and is compatible with high-throughput screening studies due to its speed and simplicity. We have shown that our tissue clearing agent is superior to many of the commonly used tissue clearing agents and allows for elucidating better quality data from drug screening experiments.
Identification and Functional Characterization of the Transcription Factors AhR/ARNT in Dendroctonus armandi
Authors: Liu Bin , Chen Hui
Published: November 2022

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) belong to the bHLH-PAS (basic Helix–Loop–Helix–Period/ARNT/Single-minded) family of transcription factors, which participate in the sensing and transmitting stimuli of exogenous and endogenous chemical substances, and subsequently activates genes transcription involved in various detoxification and physiological functions. However, they have not been identified in Dendroctonus armandi, and their roles in the detoxification metabolism are unclear. In the present study, AhR and ARNT of D. armandi were characterized. Spatiotemporal expression profiling indicated that DaAhR and DaARNT were highly expressed in the adult and larval stages of D. armandi and mainly expressed in the midgut and Malpighian tubules of adults. Additionally, the expression of DaAhR and DaARNT significantly increased after exposure to (−)-𝛽-pinene, (+)-3-carene, and (±)-limonene. Silencing DaAhR and DaARNT increased the susceptibility of D. armandi to (−)-𝛽-pinene, (+)-3-carene, and (±)-limonene, and the activities of detoxification enzyme were also remarkably reduced. Moreover, DaCYP6DF1 and DaGSTs2 were significantly down-regulated after injections of dsAhR and dsARNT in the male and female adults, with the expression of DaCYP6DF1 decreasing by higher than 70%. The present study revealed that the transcription factors AhR and ARNT of D. armandi were induced by terpenoids and participated in the regulation of DaCYP6DF1 expression, which was associated with D. armandi’s susceptibility to (−)-𝛽-pinene and (±)-limonene. These results may provide a theoretical basis for the integrated control of D. armandi and improve our comprehension of insect toxicology.
TGF-β2 Regulates Transcription of the K+/Cl− Cotransporter 2 (KCC2) in Immature Neurons and Its Phosphorylation at T1007 in Differentiated Neurons
Authors: Rigkou Anastasia , Magyar Attila , Speer Jan Manuel , Roussa Eleni
Published: November 2022

KCC2 mediates extrusion of K+ and Cl− and assuresthe developmental “switch” in GABA function during neuronal maturation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying KCC2 regulation are not fully elucidated. We investigated the impact of transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-β2) on KCC2 during neuronal maturation using quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence and chromatin immunoprecipitation in primary mouse hippocampal neurons and brain tissue from Tgf-β2-deficient mice. Inhibition of TGF-β/activin signaling downregulates Kcc2 transcript in immature neurons. In the forebrain of Tgf-β2−/− mice, expression of Kcc2, transcription factor Ap2β and KCC2 protein is downregulated. AP2β binds to Kcc2 promoter, a binding absent in Tgf-β2−/−. In hindbrain/brainstem tissue of Tgf-β2−/− mice, KCC2 phosphorylation at T1007 is increased and approximately half of pre-Bötzinger-complex neurons lack membrane KCC2 phenotypes rescued through exogenous TGF-β2. These results demonstrate that TGF-β2 regulates KCC2 transcription in immature neurons, possibly acting upstream of AP2β, and contributes to the developmental dephosphorylation of KCC2 at T1007. The present work suggests multiple and divergent roles for TGF-β2 on KCC2 during neuronal maturation and provides novel mechanistic insights for TGF-β2-mediated regulation of KCC2 gene expression, posttranslational modification and surface expression. We propose TGF-β2 as a major regulator of KCC2 with putative implications for pathophysiological conditions.
Psychological Effects and Quality of Life in Parents and Children with Jia-Associated Uveitis
Authors: Guerriero Silvana , Palmieri Roberta , Craig Francesco , La Torre Francesco , Albano Valeria , Alessio Gianni , Corsalini Massimo , Lecce Paola , De Giacomo Andrea
Published: November 2022

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory disease common in children and young adults. Uveitis is the most frequent serious extra-articular JIA manifestation and can lead to severe ocular complications, vision loss, and permanent blindness. This study aims to evaluate the psychological condition and the quality of life of children affected by JIA associated with uveitis (JIA-U) and the repercussion of this condition on parents. Thirty children and adolescents with active uveitis (Uveitis group) and comorbid joint symptoms of JIA were referred to the Unit of Ophthalmology, Giovanni XXIII Hospital of Bari, and 30 age-matched healthy controls (Healthy group) were enrolled with their parents. Four questionnaires were administered: Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), Parent Stress Index in Short Form (PSI), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). The data were collected from February 2021 to December 2021. No significant differences between the two groups in CBCL, PSI, or CISS tests were shown (p > 0.05). Conversely, significant differences between the two groups were observed in the PedsQL (p < 0.05). This study shows how several ocular complications, recurrent eye examinations, and the rigor of long-term treatment may negatively influence health-related quality of life in children with JIA-U.
Relapses Children’s Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Single Center Experience
Authors: Stolpa Weronika , Zapała Magdalena , Zwiernik Bartosz , Mizia-Malarz Agnieszka
Published: November 2022

The prognosis in children and adolescents with relapsed ALL, despite intensive therapy, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, is still challenging. This study aims to analyze the incidence of relapsed ALL and survival rates in correlation to the risk factors. Materials and methods: 125 pediatric patients with ALL diagnosed in our department between 2000-2018; age 1–18 years old (median 6.4); female 53.6% vs. male 46.4%. Results: 19 pts (15.2%) were diagnosed with a relapse. Three pts (15.8%) had been diagnosed with very early relapses (2/3 T-ALL), 12 pts (63.1%) as an early relapse, and 4 pts (21.1%) as a late relapse. Bone marrow was the most frequent relapses localization. The five-year survival has been achieved by six patients (31.6%). A significant difference was found in regard to the five-year overall survival and relapse type (p < 0.05). The group with very early relapses (3/3; 100%) has not reached the five-year survival. Conclusions: 1. The main prognostic factor in children’s ALL relapses is still the time of the onset of the relapse. 2. The T lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a worse prognostic factor. 3. The analysis of the above relapse risk factors alongside cytogenethic markers and flow cytometry or polymerase chain reaction minimal residual disease is very important for first-line chemotherapy improvement and a more personalized choice of therapy for ALL patients.
API-2-Induced Cell Migration Is Overcome by Small Molecular Approaches Inhibiting β-Catenin
Authors: Kim Yonghyo , Kang Myoung-Hee , Cho Yong-Hee
Published: November 2022

Frequent mutation of APC (90%) in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) results in the simultaneous activation of Wnt/β-catenin and AKT signaling pathways, and the current therapeutic limitations of the AKT inhibitors for treating CRC patients are nuclear β-catenin-induced EMT and bypassing apoptosis. In this study, we discover that the combinatorial treatment of an AKT inhibitor and KY1022, a β-catenin destabilizer, effectively overcomes the current limitations of API-2, an AKT inhibitor, by reducing nuclear β-catenin. Taken together, we demonstrate that the simultaneous suppression of Wnt/β-catenin with the AKT signaling pathways is an ideal strategy for suppressing the AKT-inhibitor-mediated metastasis and for maximizing the therapeutic effects of AKT inhibitors.
Microstructures, Composition and Tribological Behavior of TiCrN/MoS2–TiCr Coatings Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Yang Xiujie , Lin Shixiang , Zhao Jin , Tang Zhengqiang
Published: November 2022

To enhance the tribological performance of the conventional TiCrN coating, the MoS2–TiCr coatings are deposited onto the TiCrN layer by magnetron sputtering. In general, the MoS2 is implemented to enhance the friction reduction performance of the TiCrN coating, while the Ti and Cr are doped to increase the density of the structure and prevent MoS2 from oxidizing. The results reveal that with an increase in the content of Ti and Cr in the MoS2–TiCr top layer, the hardness and the coating–substrate adhesion force of the composite coating increase, respectively, due to the compact top layer. Further, the optimized Ti and Cr doping in the MoS2 top layer greatly enhances the tribological properties of the TiCrN/MoS2–TiCr composite coating with a friction coefficient as low as 0.06 and the wear rate is only 6% of the TiCrN coating. The main reason for the excellent tribological properties of the TiCrN/MoS2–TiCr composite coating is probably due to the recrystallization of the MoS2 in the process of wear.
Effect of Polymer Shell Structure of a Gamma-ray Shielding Film Prepared Using Composite Material on Shielding Performance
Authors: Kim Seon-Chil
Published: November 2022

Medical protective clothing should be flexible to ensure free movement of healthcare personnel. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a polymer’s physical properties on the particle composition of a shielding material, constituent component miscibility, and shielding performance. To ensure flexibility by reducing the thickness of the shielding garment, polymer-based composite materials are mainly used as shielding materials. The shielding performance varies depending on whether the polymer used is in an emulsion or powder state. In this study, we found that a shielding film manufactured through an injection process after mixing a polymer in a powder form with tungsten powder exhibited 0.95%–2.5% higher shielding performance than that manufactured using the calendering process with an emulsion polymer. The shell structure formed when using the powder polymer maintains the spacing between the particles owing to the double coating of the tungsten particles and improves their dispersion. Additionally, the primary issue when combining an emulsion polymer and shielding material, that is the aggregation between the shielding material particles and between the polymer particles, could be alleviated, resulting in improved shielding performance. We concluded that the polymer-powder mixing method contributes to the reproducibility of the process technology when manufacturing shielding films.
Effect of Polyaniline and Graphene Oxide Composite Powders on the Protective Performance of Epoxy Coatings on Magnesium Alloy Surfaces
Authors: Zhang Yingjun , Xiao Shuai , Wen Jie , Liu Xinyu , Dou Baojie , Yang Liu
Published: November 2022

Composite fillers are often used to improve the protective properties of coatings. To obtain a high protective performance of epoxy coatings for magnesium alloys, polyaniline (PANI) and graphene oxide (GO) composite powders were selected because of their corrosion inhibition and barrier performance, respectively. The paper mainly focuses on the effect of the preparation methods of the composite powders on the protective performance. PANI and GO composite powders were prepared by in situ polymerization and blending, respectively. First, the composite powder was characterized by X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Then, the different composite powders and pure PANI powder were dispersed uniformly in epoxy resin, and the coating was prepared on the surface of the AZ91D magnesium alloy and studied by an electrochemical impedance test, adhesion strength test and physical properties test. The results show that the impedance value of the coating with the added PANI and GO composite powders by in situ polymerization was 4 × 109 Ω·cm2 and higher than that with the added pure PANI (4 × 109 Ω·cm2) and PANI and GO mixed powders (1 × 109 Ω·cm2) after 2400 h immersion in a 3.5% NaCl solution; the former also had better flexibility, ss impact resistance, and adhesion strength. Compared with the direct blending method, the PANI and GO polymerization powders can exert the shielding effect of GO and PANI corrosion inhibition better and achieve a better protective effect on the magnesium alloy.
Some Remarks on Malicious and Negligent Data Breach Distribution Estimates
Authors: Carfora Maria Francesca , Orlando Albina
Published: November 2022

Digitization offers great opportunities as well as new challenges. Indeed, these opportunities entail increased cyber risks, both from deliberate cyberattacks and from incidents caused by inadvertent human error. Cyber risk must be mastered, and to this aim, its quantification is an urgent challenge. There is a lot of interest in this topic from the insurance community in order to price adequate coverage to their customers. A key first step is to investigate the frequency and severity of cyber incidents. On the grounds that data breaches seem to be the main cause of cyber incidents, the aim of this paper is to give further insights about the frequency and severity statistical distributions of malicious and negligent data breaches. For this purpose, we refer to a publicly available dataset: the Chronology of Data Breaches provided by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.
Supporting Smokers in Difficult Settings: Suggestions for Better Education and Counseling in Cancer Centers in Jordan
Authors: Hawari Feras I. , Abu Alhalawa Minas A. , Alshraiedeh Rasha H. , Al Nawaiseh Ahmad M. , Khamis Alia , Dodin Yasmeen I. , Obeidat Nour A.
Published: November 2022

Continued smoking in cancer patients is commonly observed in Jordan. In a country that exhibits some of the highest smoking rates globally, enhancing patient education regarding the value of smoking cessation for cancer care is vital. The objectives of our study were to describe sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with continued smoking in Jordanian smokers after a cancer diagnosis; to identify reasons for smoking and knowledge regarding smoking’s impact on care; to examine in a multivariable manner the factors associated with continued smoking, and to accordingly generate patient counseling recommendations. An interviewer-administered survey using the Theoretical Domains Framework was employed. Among 350 subjects (mean age 51.0, median 52.7), approximately 38% of patients had quit or were in the process of quitting; 61.7% remained smokers. Substantial knowledge gaps with regard to the impact of continued smoking on cancer care were observed. Remaining a smoker after diagnosis was associated with being employed, not receiving chemotherapy or surgery, having lower confidence in quitting, and having a lower number of identified reasons for smoking. Interventions to promote cessation in Jordanian cancer patients who smoke should focus on enhancing patient awareness about the impact of smoking in cancer care and raising perceived self-efficacy to quit.
Complete Surgical Excision Is Necessary following Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Park Jung Ho , Ahn So Eun , Kim Sanghwa , Kwon Mi Jung , Suh Yong Joon , Kim Doyil
Published: November 2022

Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) has been replacing excisional biopsy in the treatment of benign breast lesions. Complete surgical excision is still needed for the lesions occasionally diagnosed with breast cancer after VABB. We aimed to characterize residual tumors after VABB and define a subset of patients who do not need surgical excision after VABB. From a retrospective database, we identified patients diagnosed with breast cancer after VABB guided with ultrasonography. Patients who underwent stereotactic biopsies were excluded. We reviewed clinicopathologic data and radiologic findings of the sample. We identified 48 patients with 49 lesions. After surgical excision, the residual tumors were identified in 40 (81.6%) lesions, and there was no residual tumor in nine (18.3%) patients. Imaging studies could not accurately locate residual tumors after VABB. A small tumor size on a VABB specimen was associated with no residual tumor on final pathology. However, residual tumors were identified in four (40%) of 10 lesions with a pathologic tumor size less than 0.5 cm. In conclusion, complete surgical excision remains the primary option for most of the patients diagnosed with breast cancer after VABB. Imaging surveillance without surgery should be carefully applied for selected low-risk patients.
New Fossils of Stegosaurs from the Upper Jurassic of the Eastern Iberian Peninsula (Spain)
Authors: Sánchez-Fenollosa Sergio , Suñer Maite , Cobos Alberto
Published: November 2022

The eastern Iberian Peninsula is one of the places with most stegosaur fossils in all of Europe. In the present study, we describe new remains from six different fossil sites from the Upper Jurassic of the Villar del Arzobispo Formation (Kimmeridgian–Tithonian). The remains comprise: a left humerus from CT-61 (El Castellar, Teruel), a dermal spine from Puntal de la Magdalena (Alpuente, Valencia), two caudal neural arches and five caudal vertebrae from Cañada París (Alpuente, Valencia), two caudal centra from Alpuente (Valencia) and four caudal vertebrae from Barrihonda-El Humero (Riodeva, Teruel). The left humerus (CT-61-1) and dermal spine (MPA D-110) are referred to Stegosauria indet. The caudal vertebrae from Alpuente (Cañada París specimen, MPA-653 and MPA D-1086) are referred to cf. Dacentrurus sp. Finally, the caudal vertebrae from Riodeva (Barrihonda-El Humero specimen) are referred to Dacentrurus armatus and assigned to a previously known caudal series from this site. The presence of abundant localities with stegosaurian remains reaffirms the important role of stegosaur dinosaurs in Late Jurassic coastal ecosystems.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Essential Oils Extracted from Two New Ocimum basilicum L. Varieties
Authors: Stan (Tudora) Cătalina , Nenciu Florin , Muscalu Adriana , Vlăduț Valentin Nicolae , Burnichi Floarea , Popescu Carmen , Gatea Florentina , Boiu-Sicuia Oana Alina , Israel-Roming Florentina
Published: November 2022

Recent agricultural research aims to identify novel applications for plant extracts as efficient defenses against weeds, insects, or phytopathogenic agents. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate two new varieties of basil (Ocimum basilicum L., fam. Lamiaceae), Yellow basil, “Aromat de Buzau” variety and Red-violet basil, “Serafim” variety. The basil varieties were studied under different aspects regarding biochemical characterization using GC-MS, antioxidant activity evaluated under three methods (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), and antimicrobial properties (for three G-bacteria: Perctobacterium carotovorum, Pseudomonas marginalis, Pseudomonas syringae and three phytopathogenic fungi: Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis cinerea). The results showed that linalool (39.28%; 55.51%), estragole (31.48%; 9.78%), and eugenol (5.42%; 7.63%) are the main compounds identified in the extracts, validating the high antioxidant activity of the studied essential oils and floral waters. When applied in high concentrations, essential oils have shown a potential bactericidal effect on P. carotovorum as well as a potential fungicidal effect on R. solani and B. cinerea.
Evaluation of Genetic Variability among Three Pistacia Species Using Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) Marker
Authors: Labdelli Amina , De La Herrán Roberto , Resentini Francesca , Trainotti Livio , Tahirine Mohammed , Merah Othmane
Published: November 2022

Diversity in Pistacia has been evaluated at all molecular levels using the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) marker in three species (Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica; Pistacia vera and Pistacia terebinthus), and compared with other Pistacia species. Results showed that the ITS amplification and sequencing, followed by phylogenetic analyses, identify the species and confirm their classification, which revealed that it can be used as a marker. Our results suggest that ITS1 analyses might provide a simple and inexpensive approach to validate the species of samples collected from the natural population, where species identification can be difficult, especially if hybrids are present or if the season is not optimal for identifying differences in morphological traits.
Pre-Dialysis B-Line Quantification at Lung Ultrasound Is a Useful Method for Evaluating the Dry Weight and Predicting the Risk of Intradialytic Hypotension
Authors: Allinovi Marco , Palazzini Giulia , Lugli Gianmarco , Gianassi Iacopo , Dallari Lorenzo , Laudicina Selene , Gregori Marco , Rossi Francesco , Giannerini Daniele , Cutruzzulà Roberta , Dervishi Egrina , Biagini Maria , Cirami Calogero Lino
Published: November 2022

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a frequent and well-known complication of hemodialysis, occurring in about one third of patients. An integrated approach with different methods is needed to minimize IDH episodes and their complications. In this prospective observational study, recruited patients underwent a multiparametric evaluation of fluid status through a lung ultrasound (LUS) with the quantification of B-lines, a physical examination, blood pressure, NT-proBNP and chest X-rays. The evaluation took place immediately before and at the end of the dialysis session, and the patients were divided into IDH and no-IDH groups. We recruited a total of 107 patients. A pre-dialysis B-line number ≥ 15 showed a high sensitivity in fluid overload diagnosis (94.5%), even higher than a chest X-ray (78%) or physical examination (72%) alone. The identification at the beginning of dialysis of <8 B-lines in the overall cohort or <20 B-lines in patients with NYHA 3–4 class are optimal thresholds for identifying those patients at higher risk of experiencing an IDH episode. In the multivariable analysis, the NYHA class, a low pre-dialysis systolic BP and a low pre-dialysis B-line number were independent risk factors for IDH. At the beginning of dialysis, the B-line quantification at LUS is a valuable and reliable method for evaluating fluid status and predicting IDH episodes. A post-dialysis B-line number <5 may allow for an understanding of whether the IDH episode was caused by dehydration, probably due to due to an overestimation of the dry weight.
A New Screening Tool for Rapid Diagnosis of Functional and Environmental Factors Influencing Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Ben David Nophar , Lotan Meir , Moran Daniel Sender
Published: November 2022

The dynamic nature of intellectual disability (ID) and its many comorbidities necessitate repeated screening and functional diagnosis. However, the existing scales are lengthy and expensive and cannot be implemented at all levels of ID. During phase one of this study (September 2019–September 2020), the functional screening tool (FST-ID) was validated for adults with ID and then used as a clinical tool to collect data for 76 participants from their direct service providers (DSP). Their age ranged from 21 to 71 years (mean = 37.63, SD ± 14.61), and they were diagnosed with severe/profound (N = 16) and moderate (N = 29), and mild (N = 31) levels of ID. The scale was found to hold high psychometric values. During phase two (September 2020–June 2022), the scale was found to be reliable as a continuous, clinical on-going screening tool, enabling the screening of functional and environmental changes experienced by adults with ID during acute times of the pandemic and regular times alike. All 76 adults experienced changes at the senior’s daycare center mostly. The new scale may also help in the future to determine whether those changes only relate to post COVID-19 symptoms or other comorbidities as well.
Glaucoma Is Associated with the Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Population-Based Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Lee So Yeon , Yu Hyunjae , Kim Dong-Kyu
Published: November 2022

The association between glaucoma and the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has not been fully evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prospective association between glaucoma and OSA. In total, 1437 patients with glaucoma and 5748 patients without glaucoma were enrolled after 1:4 propensity score matching using a nationwide cohort sample. We investigated OSA events during a 10-year follow-up period. Survival analysis, the log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate the incidence, disease-free survival rate, and hazard ratio (HR). The incidence of OSA was 12,509.0 person-years among those with glaucoma. The adjusted HR for patients with glaucoma developing OSA events during the follow-up period was 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64–3.621) after other covariates. In a subgroup analysis, primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) showed a significantly increased adjusted HR for OSA events (5.65, 95% CI: 1.65–19.41), whereas we could not find any significant association between primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and OSA. The adjusted HR of OSA events in POAG was considerably increased 4 years after POAG diagnosis. PACG may be associated with an increased incidence of OSA. Clinicians should pay attention to early detection of OSA in patients with PACG.
Assessing Agreement When Agreement Is Hard to Assess—The Agatston Score for Coronary Calcification
Authors: Andersen Kristoffer Papsø , Gerke Oke
Published: November 2022

Method comparison studies comprised simple scatterplots of paired measurements, a 45-degree line as benchmark, and correlation coefficients up to the advent of Bland–Altman analysis in the 1980s. The Agatston score for coronary calcification is based on computed tomography of the heart, and it originated in 1990. A peculiarity of the Agatston score is the often-observed skewed distribution in screening populations. As the Agatston score has manifested itself in preventive cardiology, it is of interest to investigate how reproducibility of the Agatston score has been established. This review is based on literature findings indexed in MEDLINE/PubMed before 20 November 2021. Out of 503 identified articles, 49 papers were included in this review. Sample sizes were highly variable (10–9761), the main focus comprised intra- and interrater as well as intra- and interscanner variability assessments. Simple analysis tools such as scatterplots and correlation coefficients were successively supplemented by first difference, later Bland–Altman plots; however, only very few publications were capable of deriving Limits of Agreement that fit the observed data visually in a convincing way. Moreover, several attempts have been made in the recent past to improve the analysis and reporting of method comparison studies. These warrant increased attention in the future.
Unusual Pancreatic Abscess Secondary to Embedded Fish Bone: A Challenging Clinical Scenario
Authors: Wu Yu-Jie , Chen Ying-Ying , Hsieh Yi-Chien
Published: November 2022

The incidental ingestion of fish bone is common, and the ingested fish bone mostly exits the gastrointestinal tract spontaneously. However, severe complications such as perforation in the digestive tract and abscess formation after a period of time may occasionally occur. Fewer than 10 cases of a migrated fish bone penetrating into the pancreas have been reported in the literature, and the development of a subsequent pancreatic abscess is extremely rare. We present one such rare case of pancreatic abscess formation in a middle-aged woman due to fish bone penetration through the gastric wall into the pancreas 2 months after ingestion and missed on endoscopy initially. Further imaging revealed that the fish bone was partially embedded in the pancreatic head surrounded with abscesses and was smoothly removed through laparoscopy.