bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role and Therapeutic Targeting of CCR5 in Breast Cancer
Authors: Hamid Rasha , Alaziz Mustafa , Mahal Amanpreet S. , Ashton Anthony W. , Halama Niels , Jaeger Dirk , Jiao Xuanmao , Pestell Richard G.
Published: September 2023

The G-protein-coupled receptor C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) functions as a co-receptor for the entry of HIV into immune cells. CCR5 binds promiscuously to a diverse array of ligands initiating cell signaling that includes guided migration. Although well known to be expressed on immune cells, recent studies have shown the induction of CCR5 on the surface of breast cancer epithelial cells. The function of CCR5 on breast cancer epithelial cells includes the induction of aberrant cell survival signaling and tropism towards chemo attractants. As CCR5 is not expressed on normal epithelium, the receptor provides a potential useful target for therapy. Inhibitors of CCR5 (CCR5i), either small molecules (maraviroc, vicriviroc) or humanized monoclonal antibodies (leronlimab) have shown anti-tumor and anti-metastatic properties in preclinical studies. In early clinical studies, reviewed herein, CCR5i have shown promising results and evidence for effects on both the tumor and the anti-tumor immune response. Current clinical studies have therefore included combination therapy approaches with checkpoint inhibitors.
Fungal Alcohol Dehydrogenases: Physiological Function, Molecular Properties, Regulation of Their Production, and Biotechnological Potential
Authors: Gutiérrez-Corona J. Félix , González-Hernández Gloria Angélica , Padilla-Guerrero Israel Enrique , Olmedo-Monfil Vianey , Martínez-Rocha Ana Lilia , Patiño-Medina J. Alberto , Meza-Carmen Víctor , Torres-Guzmán Juan Carlos
Published: September 2023

Fungal alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) participate in growth under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, morphogenetic processes, and pathogenesis of diverse fungal genera. These processes are associated with metabolic operation routes related to alcohol, aldehyde, and acid production. The number of ADH enzymes, their metabolic roles, and their functions vary within fungal species. The most studied ADHs are associated with ethanol metabolism, either as fermentative enzymes involved in the production of this alcohol or as oxidative enzymes necessary for the use of ethanol as a carbon source; other enzymes participate in survival under microaerobic conditions. The fast generation of data using genome sequencing provides an excellent opportunity to determine a correlation between the number of ADHs and fungal lifestyle. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the latest knowledge about the importance of ADH enzymes in the physiology and metabolism of fungal cells, as well as their structure, regulation, evolutionary relationships, and biotechnological potential.
Zebrafish as a Useful Model System for Human Liver Disease
Authors: Shimizu Nobuyuki , Shiraishi Hiroshi , Hanada Toshikatsu
Published: September 2023

Liver diseases represent a significant global health challenge, thereby necessitating extensive research to understand their intricate complexities and to develop effective treatments. In this context, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a valuable model organism for studying various aspects of liver disease. The zebrafish liver has striking similarities to the human liver in terms of structure, function, and regenerative capacity. Researchers have successfully induced liver damage in zebrafish using chemical toxins, genetic manipulation, and other methods, thereby allowing the study of disease mechanisms and the progression of liver disease. Zebrafish embryos or larvae, with their transparency and rapid development, provide a unique opportunity for high-throughput drug screening and the identification of potential therapeutics. This review highlights how research on zebrafish has provided valuable insights into the pathological mechanisms of human liver disease.
Presynaptic Precursor Vesicles—Cargo, Biogenesis, and Kinesin-Based Transport across Species
Authors: Petzoldt Astrid G.
Published: September 2023

The faithful formation and, consequently, function of a synapse requires continuous and tightly controlled delivery of synaptic material. At the presynapse, a variety of proteins with unequal molecular properties are indispensable to compose and control the molecular machinery concerting neurotransmitter release through synaptic vesicle fusion with the presynaptic membrane. As presynaptic proteins are produced mainly in the neuronal soma, they are obliged to traffic along microtubules through the axon to reach the consuming presynapse. This anterograde transport is performed by highly specialised and diverse presynaptic precursor vesicles, membranous organelles able to transport as different proteins such as synaptic vesicle membrane and membrane-associated proteins, cytosolic active zone proteins, ion-channels, and presynaptic membrane proteins, coordinating synaptic vesicle exo- and endocytosis. This review aims to summarise and categorise the diverse and numerous findings describing presynaptic precursor cargo, mode of trafficking, kinesin-based axonal transport and the molecular mechanisms of presynaptic precursor vesicles biogenesis in both vertebrate and invertebrate model systems.
Prognostic Role of Prolactin-Induced Protein (PIP) in Breast Cancer
Authors: Sauer Natalia , Matkowski Igor , Bodalska Grażyna , Murawski Marek , Dzięgiel Piotr , Calik Jacek
Published: September 2023

Prolactin-inducible protein (PIP), also referred to as gross cystic disease fluid protein 15 (GCDFP-15), has been a trending topic in recent years due to its potential role as a specific marker in breast cancer. PIP binds to aquaporin-5 (AQP5), CD4, actin, fibrinogen, β-tubulin, serum albumin, hydroxyapatite, zinc α2-glycoprotein, and the Fc fragment of IgGs, and the expression of PIP has been demonstrated to be modulated by various cytokines, including IL4/13, IL1, and IL6. PIP gene expression has been extensively studied due to its captivating nature. It is influenced by various factors, with androgens, progesterone, glucocorticosteroids, prolactin, and growth hormone enhancing its expression while estrogens suppress it. The regulatory mechanisms involve important proteins such as STAT5A, STAT5B, Runx2, and androgen receptor, which collaborate to enhance PIP gene transcription and protein production. The expression level of PIP in breast cancer is dependent on the tumor stage and subtype. Higher expression is observed in early-stage tumors of the luminal A subtype, while lower expression is associated with luminal B, basal-like, and triple-negative subtypes, which have a poorer prognosis. PIP expression is also correlated with apocrine differentiation, hormone receptor positivity, and longer metastasis-free survival. PIP plays a role in supporting the immune system’s antitumor response during the early stages of breast cancer development. However, as cancer progresses, the protective role of PIP may become less effective or diminished. In this work, we summarized the clinical significance of the PIP molecule in breast cancer and its potential role as a new candidate for cell-based therapies.
The Escalation of Informal Settlement and the High Levels of Illegal Dumping Post-Apartheid: Systematic Review
Authors: Grangxabe Xolisiwe Sinalo , Maphanga Thabang , Madonsela Benett Siyabonga , Gqomfa Babalwa , Phungela Takalani Terry , Malakane Karabo Concelia , Thamaga Kgabo Humphrey , Angwenyi Daniel
Published: September 2023

Illegal disposal of solid waste is a significant issue in many parts of the world, particularly in urban areas. Because of unprecedented urbanization, these areas are crowded, putting pressure on the already inadequate municipal services such as waste management. As municipalities fail to provide adequate and effective waste management services, the expansion and proliferation of informal settlements contribute to the problem of illegal dumping. Apartheid spatial planning produced environmentally unsustainable cities characterized by glaring disparities in municipal resource allocation, disturbingly inefficient transportation systems, and widespread urban insecurity. Therefore, this study examines how the expansion of informal settlement at an unprecedented rate contributes to illegal dumping post-apartheid by conducting a systematic review. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search from 1994 to 2023 was conducted in the field of waste management. The review focuses on three key aspects: (1) factors that contribute to illegal dumping in townships; (2) waste management laws during apartheid and post apartheid; and (3) waste collection system in townships and spatial planning. South Africa’s inequality is a major contributor to environmental degradation. The situation was exacerbated by efforts to prevent urban migration and forcefully remove black people from cities; apartheid ideology justified the dormitory-like nature of urban townships. In the South African context, the literature reveals that there is a research gap in the application of technologies and effective waste management plans to keep up with the growing number of informal settlements. Furthermore, despite progressive environmental policies, implementation has been ineffective. This study offers valuable evidence on the spatial and temporal dynamics of informal settlements, addressing both the location and time aspects. A robust government-led Community Participation in Solid Waste Management program is required immediately.
Development of an Online Instrument for Continuous Gaseous PAH Quantification: Laboratory Evaluation and Comparison with The Offline Reference UHPLC-Fluorescence Method
Authors: Vaz-Ramos Joana , Mascles Mathilde , Becker Anaïs , Bourgain Damien , Grandjean Audrey , Bégin-Colin Sylvie , Amiet Franck , Bazin Damien , Le Calvé Stéphane
Published: September 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental contaminants formed during incomplete combustion or pyrolysis of organic material. The reliable quantification of PAH in airborne samples is still difficult, costly, and time-consuming due to the use of offline techniques, including long sampling on filters/adsorbents, laboratory extraction, purification, and concentration steps before analysis. To tackle these drawbacks, this work focused on the development of a fully automatic gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID) and a sample preconcentration unit (PC) for gas sampling. This instrument was validated under laboratory-controlled conditions in the range 0–10 ng for 18 PAH. The chromatographic separation was rather satisfactory except for two PAH pairs, which were quantified together. For all compounds, the peak areas increased perfectly with the gaseous PAH concentration (R2 > 0.98), without any significant memory effect between two consecutive analyses. Considering a gaseous sample volume of 1 L, the extrapolated limits of detections (LOD) were in the range 19.9–62.6 ng/m3, depending on the PAH. Its analytical performances were then compared to those of the offline reference UHPLC-fluorescence method, widely used for airborne PAH monitoring. This was also compared with the very few portable or continuously operating instruments.
Current Epidemiological Trends of Pediatric Traffic Accidents at a Romanian Clinical Hospital
Authors: Popa Ștefan , Sârbu Ioan , Ciongradi Carmen Iulia , Popa Irene Paula , Bulgaru-Iliescu Diana
Published: September 2023

Background: Pediatric road traffic accidents (RTAs) have a substantial impact on the worldwide youth population, resulting in a considerable burden of disability. According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Status Report on Road Safety, around 1.35 million children die each year in RTAs around the world, having a big effect on health and financial costs. Today’s high-income countries like the Netherlands have experienced a decrease in the incidence of fatal traffic accidents (TAs) in children compared to countries with higher-than-average scores, including Romania, where roughly one out of every two minor deaths was a pedestrian; however, there is a lack of comprehensive and up-to-date epidemiological data on non-fatal TAs regarding pediatric patients. The objective of this study is to perform a thorough examination of the epidemiological aspects of Tas in pediatric patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) of “St. Mary’s” Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children in Iasi, Romania. Materials and methods: A descriptive retrospective research study was conducted at the “St. Mary’s” Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children in Iasi, Romania, from January 2015 to December 2022. The research population includes all pediatric trauma patients that were between the age range of 1 month and 18 years who were treated by the trauma department. A total of 358 cases met the inclusion criteria and fulfilled fulfilled fulfilled. Data concerning variables such as accident incidents, types of injuries, and length of hospitalization have been gathered. Results: The average age of the patients was 11.43 ± 4.07 years, with patients of both sexes, the representation of the male sex being 78.5%. The incidence occurred during the summer, representing 15.3% in June. Of the patients admitted to the ED, 55.5% (n = 196) did not require surgery. Most of the patients spent from a minimum of one day to a maximum of 28 days in the hospital, with an average of 8.50 hospital days. The most common injuries were fractures (n = 221), and the most frequent anatomical region affected was the upper limbs (n = 55.2%). Conclusion: While the literature on fatal TA cases shows a declining trend, there is a lack of up-to-date information on non-fatal TAs involving children. The results of our study suggest that there is a high incidence of pediatric TAs due to the scale of “St. Mary’s” Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, from Iasi, which provides medical services to a considerable number of patients coming from both rural and urban areas of the seven counties of Moldova region, in Romania.
2-Methoxyestradiol as an Antiproliferative Agent for Long-Term Estrogen-Deprived Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Hirao-Suzuki Masayo , Kanameda Koki , Takiguchi Masufumi , Sugihara Narumi , Takeda Shuso
Published: September 2023

To identify effective treatment modalities for breast cancer with acquired resistance, we first compared the responsiveness of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer MCF-7 cells and long-term estrogen-deprived (LTED) cells (a cell model of endocrine therapy-resistant breast cancer) derived from MCF-7 cells to G-1 and 2-methoxyestradiol (2-MeO-E2), which are microtubule-destabilizing agents and agonists of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1). The expression of GPER1 in LTED cells was low (~0.44-fold), and LTED cells displayed approximately 1.5-fold faster proliferation than MCF-7 cells. Although G-1 induced comparable antiproliferative effects on both MCF-7 and LTED cells (IC50 values of >10 µM), 2-MeO-E2 exerted antiproliferative effects selective for LTED cells with an IC50 value of 0.93 μM (vs. 6.79 μM for MCF-7 cells) and induced G2/M cell cycle arrest. Moreover, we detected higher amounts of β-tubulin proteins in LTED cells than in MCF-7 cells. Among the β-tubulin (TUBB) isotype genes, the highest expression of TUBB2B (~3.2-fold) was detected in LTED cells compared to that in MCF-7 cells. Additionally, siTUBB2B restores 2-MeO-E2-mediated inhibition of LTED cell proliferation. Other microtubule-targeting agents, i.e., paclitaxel, nocodazole, and colchicine, were not selective for LTED cells. Therefore, 2-MeO-E2 can be an antiproliferative agent to suppress LTED cell proliferation.
Farmers Feel the Climate Change: Variety Choice as an Adaptation Strategy of European Potato Farmers
Authors: von Gehren Philipp , Bomers Svenja , Tripolt Tanja , Söllinger Josef , Prat Noémie , Redondo Berta , Vorss Romans , Teige Markus , Kamptner Anita , Ribarits Alexandra
Published: September 2023

Effects associated with a changing climate could severely threaten potato production in Europe. Hence, farmers need to take up adaptation measures to safeguard agricultural production. Collecting data from 553 farmers from 22 different European countries, our survey evaluates European potato farmers’ perceptions regarding the influence of climate change on local potato production, and their willingness to implement adaptation strategies. An overwhelming majority of survey respondents had already experienced the effects of climatic changes on their potato production. Specifically, drought and heat were identified as the most significant threats. The planting of an adapted variety was the preferred adaptation strategy, while farmers were also willing to take up changes in agricultural management practices. Survey respondents predominantly considered yield stability as the most important characteristic of an adapted variety, closely followed by heat tolerance, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and yield potential. When choosing a variety, the personal experience of the survey respondents as well as the experience of their peers were identified as the most important sources of information. Our survey gives valuable insights into the challenges European potato farmers are facing in times of climate change. Supplying farmers with better-adapted varieties would be a well-targeted and well-accepted measure to advance climate change adaptation.
Influence of Cr-Al-Si-N and DLC-Si Thin Coatings on Wear Resistance of Titanium Alloy Samples with Different Surface Conditions
Authors: Volosova Marina A. , Lyakhovetsky Maxim A. , Mitrofanov Artem P. , Melnik Yury A. , Okunkova Anna A. , Fedorov Sergey V.
Published: September 2023

The influence of Cr-Al-Si-N, DLC-Si, and Cr-Al-Si-N/DLC-Si thin coatings deposited on titanium alloy (Ti-Al-Zr-Sn-Nb system) samples with different surface reliefs on wear resistance under abrasion and fretting conditions was investigated. The influence of coatings on the initial microrelief after finishing milling and lapping with micro-grained abrasive was studied by profilometry. The Martens hardness (H) and the elastic modulus (E) were determined through nanoindentation. The H/E ratio was 0.08, 0.09, and 0.13, respectively. The adhesion bond strength and H/E ratio relationship was revealed using a scratch testing analysis. Volumetric wear after 20 min of abrasive exposure was reduced by 11, 25, and 31 times for Cr-Al-Si-N, DLC-Si, and Cr-Al-Si-N/DLC-Si coatings compared to uncoated ones after milling and by 15, 32, and 35 times after lapping. Volumetric wear under fretting conditions was reduced by 1.8 and 4 times for Cr-Al-Si-N coating after milling and lapping. It was reduced by tens of times for DLC-Si coating and by hundreds of times for Cr-Al-Si-N/DLC-Si coating. The Cr-Al-Si-N/DLC-Si coating (a thickness of 3.1 ± 0.15/2.0 ± 0.1 µm) is characterized by the best combination of hardness (24 ± 1 GPa), elastic modulus (185 ± 8 GPa), and friction coefficient (0.04–0.05 after milling and 0.1 after lapping) and ensures maximum wear resistance under a wide range of loads. The novelty of the work is that those coatings were not practically under study concerning the deposition on the titanium alloy regarding typical mechanical loads such as abrasive and fretting wear but are of interest to the aviation and aerospace industry.
Developing Water Barrier Coatings of Millimeter-Scale Hydrogel Capsules via Interfacial Initiated Ethyl Cyanoacrylate by In-Situ Polymerization
Authors: Gong Shuyao , Zhai Yujun , Du Qingxia , Huang Wei , Pan Chenchen , Zhao Jinchao , Huang Leping
Published: September 2023

The millimeter-scale capsules for oil encapsulation have been used successfully in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical engineering. However, aqueous core capsules still have poor barrier properties and a short storage life. In this work, a rapid and mild coating method was applied on millimeter-scale calcium alginate aqueous core capsules (mm-CaSA-Caps). A layer of poly(ethyl-cyanoacrylate) (PECA) was coated on the surface of the mm-CaSA-Caps using interfacial polymerization. The PECA-coated mm-CaSA-Caps (PECA@CaSA-Caps) prepared in the trichloromethane maintained a spherical shape in wet and dry conditions. Compared with the mm-CaSA-Caps, the weight loss ratio of water in the PECA@CaSA-Caps decreased by 38.59%. The release rates of dye in PECA@CaSA-Caps greatly reduced in neutral (pH 7.0), alkaline (pH 10.0) and acidic (pH 1.0) conditions. This work provides a new way to improve the barrier properties and storage life of hydrogel capsules.
Directional Crystallization in the Presence of a Mushy Layer with Applications to the Earth’s Inner Core Boundary
Authors: Alexandrov Dmitri V. , Alexandrova Irina V. , Nikishina Margarita A. , Malygin Alexey P. , Toropova Liubov V.
Published: September 2023

We formulate the mathematical model of directional crystallization of a binary melt with a mushy layer (region) between purely solid and liquid phases. This model is complicated by melt convection and pressure-dependent phase transition temperature. Approximate analytical solutions to this nonlinear moving-boundary problem are constructed. Namely, the concentration of impurity, fraction of solid phase, mushy region thickness, average fluid velocity, primary interdendritic spacing, mean radius of a chimney, and a characteristic distance between chimneys in a mushy region are found. Using this analytical solution, we describe the mushy region structure near the inner core boundary of the Earth, which is consistent with computer simulations and estimates existing in recent literature. A scheme illustrating the mushy region arrangement with chimneys at the inner core boundary of the Earth is presented. This arrangement based on the developed theory represents the novelty and importance of our study.
Phase Structure and Electrical Properties of 0.28PIN-0.32PZN–(0.4-x) PT-xPZ Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Feng Xiaoying , Zhou Liyang , Wang Hui , Yan Bin , Lu Mingxin , Chen Chao , Mei Hui , Xu Jie , Gao Feng
Published: September 2023

Piezoelectric constant and Curie temperature are two important parameters of piezoelectric materials, but currently most piezoelectric materials have the problem of obtaining both high piezoelectric coefficient and Curie temperature. In this work, quaternary piezoelectric ceramics of 0.28Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3-0.32Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3–(0.4-x)PbTiO3-xPbZrO3 (x = 0~0.25) were designed and prepared by a solid-phase method, and the phase structure, dielectric, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of 0.28PIN-0.32PZN-(0.4-x)PT-xPZ piezoelectric ceramics were investigated by regulating the Zr/Ti ratio. The results show that the selected compositions are located in the MPB region, and the ceramic samples of each component display high density, the piezoelectric constant (d33) and the electromechanical coupling coefficient (kp) increase and then decrease with the increase of x. The optimum piezoelectric properties are found in compositions at x = 0.1, which showed a high piezoelectric coefficient d33 of 450 pC/N and high Curie temperature Tc of 272 °C. It is promising for use in high-temperature piezoelectric transducers.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Double Perovskite Y2MgRuO6
Authors: Rößler Sahana , Burkhardt Ulrich , Tjeng Liu H. , Komarek Alexander C.
Published: September 2023

A new double perovskite compound with nominal composition Y2MgRuO6 is synthesized by the floating zone technique. X-ray diffraction measurements reveal a monoclinic crystal structure with space group P21/n and monoclinic angle β = 90.178(1)∘ as crystallographically expected for a double perovskite. A composition of Y1.880(8)Mg0.953(4)Ru1.047(4)O6−δ is revealed by our single crystal X-ray diffraction measurement. The magnetic susceptibility of this compound does not show indications of magnetic ordering down to the lowest temperature. A Curie–Weiss fit for the paramagnetic part above 300 K yields an effective moment that indicates an S = 1 Ru4+ state. We attribute the occurrence of the S = 1 state and the lack of magnetic order to the presence of the B/B′-site disorder.
Prioritizing Melanoma Surgeries to Prevent Wait Time Delays and Upstaging of Melanoma during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aw Katherine , Lau Rebecca , Nessim Carolyn
Published: September 2023

Prompt diagnosis and surgical management of melanoma strongly impact prognosis. Considering the limited resources, emergency closures, and staffing shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, our institution implemented a dedicated care pathway to prioritize cancer surgeries. We aim to assess whether this strategy was effective at preventing surgical wait time delays and upstaging of melanoma. We retrospectively collected data of patients aged ≥18 years with biopsy-proven primary melanoma who underwent wide local excision (WLE) ± sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) between 1 March 2018–29 February 2020 (pre-pandemic) and 1 March 2020–22 March 2022 (pandemic). Patients with distant metastasis, recurrence, in situ disease, and unknown primary were excluded. Wait time from consult to surgery, tumour (T) and nodal (N) stage, and overall stage were collected. Results: We included 419 patients [pre-pandemic (n = 204) and pandemic (n = 215)]. Median wait time (days) [interquartile range] to surgery was 36 [22–48] pre-pandemic and 35 [24–49] during the pandemic (p = 0.888). There were no differences found in T stage (p = 0.060), N stage (p = 0.214), or overall melanoma stage (p = 0.192). We highlight the importance of streamlining melanoma surgery during a pandemic. As the need arises to meet surgical backlogs including benign surgery, dedicated cancer surgery should maintain a priority to not negatively affect cancer outcomes.
Seasonal Resource Selection and Use of Hardwood Regeneration by Translocated Wild Turkeys in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley
Authors: Marable M. Kyle , Belant Jerrold L. , Godwin Dave , Wang Guiming
Published: September 2023

Reforestation practices have intensified in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) of the United States of America with the aid of Farm Bill programs during the past three decades. Increases in reforested land also enhance possibilities to restore once-abundant but currently sparse species, such as eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) in the MAV. However, it is unknown whether <20-year-old hardwood regeneration provides a suitable habitat for re-establishing wild turkey populations in the MAV. We translocated wild turkeys to two study sites in reforested areas of the MAV. We monitored 74 wild turkeys’ habitat use and resource selection using radio telemetry from February 2009 to June 2010. We developed land use and land cover maps for the resource selection analysis of translocated wild turkeys. We found that turkey habitat use varied by site, sex, season, land cover type, and distance to mature hardwoods. Habitat use by wild turkeys decreased as distance to mature hardwood forest increased. Female wild turkeys used more hardwood regeneration during nesting and post-nesting seasons than during pre-nesting seasons. Although wild turkeys did not use regenerating and mature hardwood forests to the same extent, management of these forests appears critical to restoring wild turkeys in the MAV.
Annual Dynamics of a Layered Phytoplankton Structure in a Meromictic Lagoon Partially Isolated from the White Sea
Authors: Radchenko Irina G. , Aksenova Vasilisa A. , Voronov Dmitry A. , Rostanets Dmitry Viktorovich , Krasnova Elena Dmitrievna
Published: September 2023

In a saline semi-isolated lagoon on Cape Zeleny (White Sea), the annual dynamics of the vertical hydrological structure and the seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton were traced. Species composition, vertical distribution, abundance, nutrition type, and biomass were analyzed. In total, 293 species and supraspecific taxa of algae and cyanobacteria were found. Most of the identified species are marine, and 38 species are freshwater. Taxonomic composition changed in the lagoon throughout the year. Dinoflagellates dominated in winter and early June; unidentified cocci and flagellates in July; diatoms, dinoflagellates, and unidentified cells in August; dinoflagellates in September; and unidentified cocci and flagellates in October–November. The abundance of algae also changed in the lagoon throughout the year. The integrated biomass in the water column varied from 0.01 g C/m2 in January to 0.78 g C/m2 in early September. According to the environmental parameters, the water column of the lagoon was subdivided into several zones with different environmental conditions and corresponding phytoplankton communities. The similarity between the communities of different horizons was 32–46% in summer and 7% in winter. The chemocline layer was the most populous. It contained a maximum of phytoplankton biomass, 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than that in the overlying horizons. Despite the connection to the sea, the phytoplankton structure in the surface water layer in the lagoon and in the sea differed significantly in composition, quantitative parameters, and seasonal dynamics. The similarity between the communities never exceeded 50%. In terms of biomass dynamics, the lagoon lagged behind the sea until mid-summer, but, starting from August, it outnumbered it, and the phytoplankton development in the lagoon lasted longer, until late autumn. According to sequential tests DistLM, the phytoplankton structure and dynamics in the lagoon and in the sea were related to the daylength, water salinity, oxygen content, and pH by 24.5%. At the same time, the PhP structure did not depend on water temperature, underwater illuminance, or depth. Oxygen content and pH were defined by PhP activity. Salinity serves as a vector of the vertical sequence of ecological niches. The day length seems to be the crucial factor of the seasonal PhP dynamics in the semi-isolated coastal stratified lakes and lagoons.
Post-COVID Kawasaki-like Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Complicated by Herpes Simplex Virus-1 in a Two-Year-Old Child
Authors: Hodson Emma L. , Salem Iman , Bradley Katherine E. , Okorie Chiamaka L. , Marka Arthur , Abraham Nigel D. , Pace Nicole C. , Dagrosa Alicia T. , Ratts Ryan C. , Mann Julianne A.
Published: September 2023

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare, systemic inflammation following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We report a case of a 2-year-old male who presented with an exanthem and aberrant laboratory markers, mimicking Kawasaki disease but failing to meet the full diagnostic criteria. His course was further complicated by herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1) stomatitis.
Design and Considerations: Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) Vibrating Ring Resonator Gyroscopes
Authors: Gill Waqas Amin , Howard Ian , Mazhar Ilyas , McKee Kristoffer
Published: September 2023

Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) vibrating gyroscope design considerations are always intriguing due to their microscale mechanical, electrical, and material behavior. MEMS vibrating ring gyroscopes have become important inertial sensors in inertial measurement units (IMU) for navigation and sensing applications. The design of a MEMS vibrating ring gyroscope incorporates an oscillating ring structure as a proof mass, reflecting unique design challenges and possibilities. This paper presents a comprehensive design analysis of the MEMS vibrating ring gyroscope from the mechanical, electrical, and damping perspectives. The mechanical design of the MEMS vibrating ring gyroscope investigates the various frame designs of the vibrating ring structure, as well as the various beam structures, including rectangular and semicircular beam structures, which are analyzed using mathematical models and finite element analysis (FEA) simulations that provide an in-depth analysis of the stiffness and deflection of the vibrating structures. The electrical designs of the MEMS vibrating ring gyroscope are analyzed using various electrode configurations, electrostatic actuation, and capacitive detection mechanisms. The design analysis of various forms of damping, including viscous, structural, thermoelastic, and anchor damping, is discussed. The variety of design structures is investigated for MEMS vibrating ring gyroscopes’ mechanical, electrical, and damping performance.
Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Analysis of Clinical and Pathological Features of PIK3CA-Mutated Breast Cancer
Authors: Smok-Kalwat Jolanta , Chmielewski Grzegorz , Stando Rafał , Sadowski Jacek , Macek Paweł , Kowalik Artur , Nowak-Ozimek Ewelina , Góźdź Stanisław
Published: September 2023

Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) is a well-known oncogene with a high prevalence of mutation in breast cancer patients. The effect of the mutation is a deregulation in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related pathways, and, consequently, in unrestricted cell growth and differentiation. With the advent of precision oncology, PIK3CA has emerged as a pivotal treatment target, culminating in the recent approval of alpelisib. Despite years of research on this genetic alteration, certain aspects of its influence on the prognosis of breast cancer remain ambiguous. The purpose of this analysis is to characterize the clinical picture of breast cancer patients with PIK3CA mutation in comparison to the PIK3CA-wild-type group. We examined 103 tumor samples from 100 breast cancer patients using a next-generation sequencing panel. Presence of the mutation was linked to an older age at diagnosis, a lower expression of Ki67 protein, a greater percentage of tumors expressing progesterone receptors, and a notably higher incidence of metastatic disease at presentation. No significant differences were identified in overall and progression-free survival between the two groups. Our findings enhance the understanding of how PIK3CA mutations shape the clinical and prognostic landscape for breast cancer patients.
Cell-Free miRNAs as Non-Invasive Biomarkers in Brain Tumors
Authors: Beylerli Ozal , Encarnacion Ramirez Manuel de Jesus , Shumadalova Alina , Ilyasova Tatiana , Zemlyanskiy Mikhail , Beilerli Aferin , Montemurro Nicola
Published: September 2023

Diagnosing brain tumors, especially malignant variants, such as glioblastoma, medulloblastoma, or brain metastasis, presents a considerable obstacle, while current treatment methods often yield unsatisfactory results. The monitoring of individuals with brain neoplasms becomes burdensome due to the intricate tumor nature and associated risks of tissue biopsies, compounded by the restricted accuracy and sensitivity of presently available non-invasive diagnostic techniques. The uncertainties surrounding diagnosis and the tumor’s reaction to treatment can lead to delays in critical determinations that profoundly influence the prognosis of the disease. Consequently, there exists a pressing necessity to formulate and validate dependable, minimally invasive biomarkers that can effectively diagnose and predict brain tumors. Cell-free microRNAs (miRNAs), which remain stable and detectable in human bodily fluids, such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), have emerged as potential indicators for a range of ailments, brain tumors included. Numerous investigations have showcased the viability of profiling cell-free miRNA expression in both CSF and blood samples obtained from patients with brain tumors. Distinct miRNAs demonstrate varying expression patterns within CSF and blood. While cell-free microRNAs in the blood exhibit potential in diagnosing, prognosticating, and monitoring treatment across diverse tumor types, they fall short in effectively diagnosing brain tumors. Conversely, the cell-free miRNA profile within CSF demonstrates high potential in delivering precise and specific evaluations of brain tumors.
One Step Back from Bedside to the Bench—How Do Different Arterial Stiffness Parameters Behave in Relation to Peripheral Resistance?
Authors: Obajed Al-Ali Nóra , Tóth Sára Rebeka , Váróczy László , Pinczés László Imre , Soltész Pál , Szekanecz Zoltán , Kerekes György
Published: September 2023

The investigation of arterial stiffening is a promising approach to estimating cardiovascular risk. Despite the widespread use of different methods, the dynamic nature of measured and calculated stiffness parameters is marginally investigated. We aimed to determine the stability of large artery elasticity parameters assessed via commonly used, ultrasound-based and oscillometric methods in relation to peripheral resistance modulation. A human experimental environment was composed, and fifteen young males were investigated at rest after extremity heating and external compression. Functional vascular parameters were monitored in each session, and several arterial stiffness parameters were analysed. The distensibility coefficient (DC) did not show significant changes during heat provocation and extremity compression, while DC’s stability seemed to be acceptable. The same stability of carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was detected with ultrasound measurement (5.43 ± 0.79, 5.32 ± 0.86 and 5.28 ± 0.77, with p = 0.38, p = 0.27 and p = 0.76, respectively) with excellent intersession variability (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.90, 0.88 and 0.91, respectively). However, the oscillometric PWV (oPWV) did change significantly between the heating and outer compression phase of the study (7.46 ± 1.37, 7.10 ± 1.18 and 7.60 ± 1.21, with p = 0.05, p = 0.68 and p < 0.001, respectively), the alteration of which is closely related to wave reflection, represented by the changes in reflection time. Our results indicate the good stability of directly measured elastic parameters such as DC and PWV, despite the extreme modulation of peripheral resistance. However, the oscillometric, indirectly detected PWV might be altered by physical interventions, which depend on wave reflection. The effective modulation of wave reflection was characterized by changes in the augmentation index, detected using both oscillometry and applanation tonometry. Thus, the environment during oscillometric measurement should be rigorously standardized. Furthermore, our results suggest the dynamic nature of the reflection point, rather than being a fixed anatomical point, proposed previously as aortic bifurcation.
Pulmonary Sarcoidosis and Immune Dysregulation: A Pilot Study on Possible Correlation
Authors: Cifaldi Rossella , Salton Francesco , Confalonieri Paola , Trotta Liliana , Barbieri Mariangela , Ruggero Luca , Valeri Gianmaria , Pozzan Riccardo , Della Porta Rossana , Kodric Metka , Baratella Elisa , Bellan Mattia , Lerda Selene , Hughes Michael , Confalonieri Marco , Cova Maria Assunta , Gandin Ilaria , Mondini Lucrezia , Ruaro Barbara
Published: September 2023

Background: Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by an altered inflammatory response. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether immune system alterations detected by lymphocyte typing in peripheral blood correlate with the severity of sarcoidosis, calculated according to two separate severity scores proposed by Wasfi in 2006 and Hamzeh in 2010. Materials and Methods: Eighty-one patients were recruited, and clinical data and laboratory tests at the time of diagnosis were obtained in order to assess the severity index score and investigate any statistically significant correlation with the cytofluorimetry data. Results: Our data demonstrated that none of the two scores show an association with the level of total lymphocytes or lymphocyte subclasses. Limitations: First of all, the sample taken into consideration is small. The assessment was performed only at disease onset and not during the disease. Furthermore, the severity scores do not take into account disease activity (measured by PET/CT or gallium scintigraphy). Conclusions: Lymphocyte subpopulation values at the time of diagnosis do not appear to correlate with disease severity at onset.
Sonographic Detection of Fetal Cholelithiasis
Authors: Gică Nicolae , Radoi Andra , Gică Corina , Panaitescu Anca Maria , Peltecu Gheorghe , Huluță Iulia
Published: September 2023

Fetal biliary lithiasis is a benign condition characterized by the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder of a developing fetus. It is typically detected incidentally during a routine obstetric echography. The incidence of this condition varies from 0.03% to 2.3%. In most cases, fetal cholelithiasis resolves spontaneously and has an excellent prognosis. However, there are certain risk factors that may contribute to its development. Maternal factors that increase the risk of fetal cholelithiasis include placental abruption, elevated estrogen levels, narcotic use, diabetes, enteral nutrition, and specific medications, such as ceftriaxone, furosemide, and prostaglandin E2. Fetal factors that can contribute to the condition include Rhesus or ABO blood group incompatibility, congenital anomalies affecting the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or urinary systems, twin pregnancies with the fetal demise of one twin, genetic anomalies such as trisomy 21, chromosomal aberrations, cystic fibrosis, growth restriction, oligohydramnios, hepatitis, or idiopathic causes. Usually, the gallstones spontaneously resolve before or after birth without requiring specific treatment. However, in rare instances, complications can arise, such as the formation of biliary sludge, inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), or obstruction of the bile ducts. If complications occur or if the gallstones persist after birth, further evaluation and management may be necessary. Treatment options can include medication, minimally invasive procedures, or, in severe cases, surgical removal of the gallbladder.
Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography in CAD Risk Stratification and Revascularization Planning
Authors: Mehta Chirag R. , Naeem Aneeqah , Patel Yash
Published: September 2023

Purpose of Review: Functional stress testing is frequently used to assess for coronary artery disease (CAD) in symptomatic, stable patients with low to intermediate pretest probability. However, patients with highly vulnerable plaque may have preserved luminal patency and, consequently, a falsely negative stress test. Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has emerged at the forefront of primary prevention screening and has excellent agency in ruling out obstructive CAD with high negative predictive value while simultaneously characterizing nonobstructive plaque for high-risk features, which invariably alters risk-stratification and pre-procedural decision making. Recent Findings: We review the literature detailing the utility of CCTA in its ability to risk-stratify patients with CAD based on calcium scoring as well as high-risk phenotypic features and to qualify the functional significance of stenotic lesions. Summary: Calcium scores ≥ 100 should prompt consideration of statin and aspirin therapy. Spotty calcifications < 3 mm, increased non-calcified plaque > 4 mm3 per mm of the vessel wall, low attenuation < 30 HU soft plaque and necrotic core with a rim of higher attenuation < 130 HU, and a positive remodeling index ratio > 1.1 all confer additive risk for acute plaque rupture when present. Elevations in the perivascular fat attenuation index > −70.1 HU are a strong predictor of all-cause mortality and can further the risk stratification of patients in the setting of a non-to-minimal plaque burden. Lastly, a CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) < 0.75 or values from 0.76 to 0.80 in conjunction with additional risk factors is suggestive of flow-limiting disease that would benefit from invasive testing. The wealth of information available through CCTA can allow clinicians to risk-stratify patients at elevated risk for an acute ischemic event and engage in advanced revascularization planning.
Risk of Subsequent Primary Cancer in Thyroid Cancer Survivors: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Kim Min-Su , Lee Sang Jun , Lee Myeong Hoon , Choi Jay Hyug , Han Hyun Wook , Song Young Shin
Published: September 2023

Background: Despite obtaining a good prognosis and long life expectancy, survivors of thyroid cancer can nevertheless develop subsequent primary cancer (SPC). We investigated the risk and types of SPC in patients with thyroid cancer and compared them with subjects without thyroid cancer history (controls). Methods: We conducted a nationwide, population-based, retrospective cohort study based on the Korean National Health Insurance Database. A total of 432,654 patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer between 2004 and 2019 were 1:1 matched with controls for age, sex, income, and region of residence. The hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of SPC were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. Results: In total, 78,584 (18.2%) patients with thyroid cancer and 49,979 (11.6%) controls were diagnosed with SPCs over a mean follow-up of 6.9 years. Patients with thyroid cancer had a higher risk of SPC at any site (adjusted HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.60–1.64) than the controls. The risk of SPCs was particularly high for patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer at a younger age (<40 years) and within 5 years. Conclusions: Medical caregivers should consider the long-term follow-up of patients with thyroid cancer and discuss the risk of SPC, especially if they complain of cancer-related symptoms.
Skeletal Dysplasia: A Case Report
Authors: Gică Nicolae , Mîrza Gabriela , Gică Corina , Panaitescu Anca Maria , Ciobanu Anca Marina , Peltecu Gheorghe , Huluță Iulia
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a rare case of fetal hydrops detected at just 23 weeks of gestation in a 22-year-old woman’s first pregnancy. The fetal ultrasound revealed severe skeletal anomalies, craniofacial deformities, and thoracic abnormalities, suggesting a complex and severe skeletal dysplasia, potentially type IA Achondrogenesis—a lethal autosomal recessive condition marked by ossification delay. This case highlights the significance of advanced genetic testing, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), in diagnosing and understanding skeletal dysplasias. Skeletal dysplasias represent a group of genetic disorders that affect osteogenesis. The prevalence of this condition is 1 in 4000 births. Sadly, 25% of affected infants are stillborn, and around 30% do not survive the neonatal period. There is a wide range of rare skeletal dysplasias, each with its own specific recurrence risk, dysmorphic expression, and implications for neonatal survival and quality of life. When skeletal dysplasia is incidentally discovered during routine ultrasound screening in a pregnancy not known to be at risk of a specific syndrome, a systematic examination of the limbs, head, thorax, and spine is necessary to reach the correct diagnosis. Prenatal diagnosis of skeletal dysplasia is crucial for providing accurate counselling to future parents and facilitating the proper management of affected pregnancies. An accurate diagnosis can be a real challenge due to the wide spectrum of clinical presentations of skeletal dysplasia but advances in imaging technologies and molecular genetics have improved accuracy. Additionally, some of these skeletal dysplasias may present clinical overlap, making it especially difficult to distinguish. After the 11th revision of genetic skeletal disorder nosology, there are 771 entities associated with 552 gene mutations. The most common types of skeletal dysplasia are thanatophoric dysplasia, osteogenesis imperfect, achondroplasia, achondrogenesis, and asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy.