bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FDG PET Imaging of the Pain Matrix in Neuropathic Pain Model Rats
Authors: Cui Yilong , Neyama Hiroyuki , Hu Di , Huang Tianliang , Hayashinaka Emi , Wada Yasuhiro , Watanabe Yasuyoshi
Published: December 2022

Pain is an unpleasant subjective experience that is usually modified by complex multidimensional neuropsychological processes. Increasing numbers of neuroimaging studies in humans have characterized the hierarchical brain areas forming a pain matrix, which is involved in the different dimensions of pain components. Although mechanistic investigations have been performed extensively in rodents, the homologous brain regions involved in the multidimensional pain components have not been fully understood in the rodent brain. Herein, we successfully identified several brain regions activated in response to mechanical allodynia in neuropathic pain rat models using an alternative neuroimaging method based on 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) scanning. Regions such as the medial prefrontal cortex, primary somatosensory cortex hindlimb region, and the centrolateral thalamic nucleus were identified. Moreover, brain activity in these regions was positively correlated with mechanical allodynia-related behavioral changes. These results suggest that FDG PET imaging in neuropathic pain model rats enables the evaluation of regional brain activity encoding the multidimensional pain aspect. It could thus be a fascinating tool to bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical investigations.
Short-Chain Fatty Acids as Bacterial Enterocytes and Therapeutic Target in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Authors: Neag Maria-Adriana , Craciun Anca-Elena , Inceu Andreea-Ioana , Burlacu Diana-Elena , Craciun Cristian-Ioan , Buzoianu Anca-Dana
Published: December 2022

Diabetes mellitus is a disease with multiple gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, bloating) whose pathogenesis is multifactorial. The most important of these factors is the enteric nervous system, also known as the “second brain”; a part of the peripheral nervous system capable of functioning independently of the central nervous system. Modulation of the enteric nervous system can be done by short-chain fatty acids, which are bacterial metabolites of the intestinal microbiota. In addition, these acids provide multiple benefits in diabetes, particularly by stimulating glucagon-like peptide 1 and insulin secretion. However, it is not clear what type of nutraceuticals (probiotics, prebiotics, and alimentary supplements) can be used to increase the amount of short-chain fatty acids and achieve the beneficial effects in diabetes. Thus, even if several studies demonstrate that the gut microbiota modulates the activity of the ENS, and thus, may have a positive effect in diabetes, further studies are needed to underline this effect. This review outlines the most recent data regarding the involvement of SCFAs as a disease modifying agent in diabetes mellitus type 2. For an in-depth understanding of the modulation of gut dysbiosis with SCFAs in diabetes, we provide an overview of the interplay between gut microbiota and ENS.
Cannabidiol Decreases Intestinal Inflammation in the Ovariectomized Murine Model of Postmenopause
Authors: Bacalia Karen Mae A. , Tveter Kevin M. , Palmer Hayley , Douyere Jeffrey , Martinez Savannah , Sui Ke , Roopchand Diana E.
Published: December 2022

Cannabidiol (CBD) (25 mg/kg peroral) treatment was shown to improve metabolic outcomes in ovariectomized (OVX) mice deficient in 17β-estradiol (E2). Herein, CBD effects on intestinal and hepatic bile acids (BAs) and inflammation were investigated. Following RNA sequencing of colon tissues from vehicle (VEH)- or CBD-treated sham surgery (SS) or OVX mice (n = 4 per group), differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were sorted in ShinyGO. Inflammatory response and bile secretion pathways were further analyzed. Colon content and hepatic BAs were quantified by LC-MS (n = 8–10 samples/group). Gut organoids were treated with CBD (100, 250, 500 µM) with or without TNFα and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) followed by mRNA extraction and qPCR to assess CBD-induced changes to inflammatory markers. The expression of 78 out of 114 inflammatory response pathway genes were reduced in CBD-treated OVX mice relative to vehicle (VEH)-treated OVX mice. In contrast, 63 of 111 inflammatory response pathway genes were increased in CBD-treated sham surgery (SS) mice compared to VEH-treated SS group and 71 of 121 genes were increased due to ovariectomy. CBD did not alter BA profiles in colon content or liver. CBD repressed Tnf and Nos2 expression in intestinal organoids in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, CBD suppressed colonic inflammatory gene expression in E2-deficient mice but was pro-inflammatory in E2-sufficient mice suggesting CBD activity in the intestine is E2-dependent.
Textile Knitted Stretch Sensors for Wearable Health Monitoring: Design and Performance Evaluation
Authors: Rumon Md Abdullah al , Cay Gozde , Ravichandran Vignesh , Altekreeti Afnan , Gitelson-Kahn Anna , Constant Nicholas , Solanki Dhaval , Mankodiya Kunal
Published: December 2022

The advancement of smart textiles has led to significant interest in developing wearable textile sensors (WTS) and offering new modalities to sense vital signs and activity monitoring in daily life settings. For this, textile fabrication methods such as knitting, weaving, embroidery, and braiding offer promising pathways toward unobtrusive and seamless sensing for WTS applications. Specifically, the knitted sensor has a unique intermeshing loop structure which is currently used to monitor repetitive body movements such as breathing (microscale motion) and walking (macroscale motion). However, the practical sensing application of knit structure demands a comprehensive study of knit structures as a sensor. In this work, we present a detailed performance evaluation of six knitted sensors and sensing variation caused by design, sensor size, stretching percentages % (10, 15, 20, 25), cyclic stretching (1000), and external factors such as sweat (salt-fog test). We also present regulated respiration (inhale–exhale) testing data from 15 healthy human participants; the testing protocol includes three respiration rates; slow (10 breaths/min), normal (15 breaths/min), and fast (30 breaths/min). The test carried out with statistical analysis includes the breathing time and breathing rate variability. These testing results offer an empirically derived guideline for future WTS research, present aggregated information to understand the sensor behavior when it experiences a different range of motion, and highlight the constraints of the silver-based conductive yarn when exposed to the real environment.
A Competitive “On-Off-Enhanced On” AIE Fluorescence Switch for Detecting Biothiols Based on Hg2+ Ions and Gold Nanoclusters
Authors: Li Shuqi , Wan Yuqi , Li Yu , Liu Jinghan , Pi Fuwei , Liu Ling
Published: December 2022

In this study, a novel “on-off-enhanced on” approach to highly sensitive rapid sensing of biothiols was developed, based on competitive modulation of gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) and Hg2+ ions. In our approach, the AuNCs were encapsulated into a zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF) for predesigned competitive aggregation-induced luminescence (AIE) emission. To readily operate this approach, the Hg2+ ions were selected as mediators to quench the fluorescence of AuNCs. Then, due to the stronger affinities between the interactions of Hg2+ ions with -SH groups in comparison to the AuNCs with -SH groups, the quenched probe of AuNCs@ZIF-8/Hg2+ displayed enhanced fluorescence after the Hg2+ ions were competitively interacted with -SH groups. Based on enhanced fluorescence, the probe for AuNCs@ZIF-8/Hg2+ had a sensitive and specific response to trace amounts of biothiols. The developed fluorescence strategy had limit of quantification (LOQ) values of 1.0 μM and 1.5 μM for Cys and GSH molecules in serum, respectively. This competitive AIE strategy provided a new direction for developing biological probes and a promising method for quantifying trace amounts of biothiols in serum. It could promote progress in disease diagnosis.
Review: 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) Deposition Methods on Oxide Surfaces in Solution and Vapor Phases for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Sypabekova Marzhan , Hagemann Aidan , Rho Donggee , Kim Seunghyun
Published: December 2022

Surface functionalization and bioreceptor immobilization are critical processes in developing a highly sensitive and selective biosensor. The silanization process with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) on oxide surfaces is frequently used for surface functionalization because of beneficial characteristics such as its bifunctional nature and low cost. Optimizing the deposition process of the APTES layer to obtain a monolayer is crucial to having a stable surface and effectively immobilizing the bioreceptors, which leads to the improved repeatability and sensitivity of the biosensor. This review provides an overview of APTES deposition methods, categorized into the solution-phase and vapor-phase, and a comprehensive summary and guide for creating stable APTES monolayers on oxide surfaces for biosensing applications. A brief explanation of APTES is introduced, and the APTES deposition methods with their pre/post-treatments and characterization results are discussed. Lastly, APTES deposition methods on nanoparticles used for biosensors are briefly described.
Ratiometric Fluorescence Immunoassay Based on Carbon Quantum Dots for Sensitive Detection of Malachite Green in Fish
Authors: Yang Guangxin , Zhang Jingru , Gu Lin , Tang Yunyu , Zhang Xuan , Huang Xuanyun , Shen Xiaosheng , Zhai Wenlei , Fodjo Essy Kouadio , Kong Cong
Published: December 2022

Malachite green (MG) is a synthetic poisonous organic compound that has been banned in many countries as a veterinary drug for aquaculture. An efficient, fast and sensitive method is urgently needed for monitoring the illegal use of malachite green (MG) in aquaculture. In this study, a novel ratiometric fluorescence immunoassay was established. Nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots were used as ratiometric fluorescent probes with a fluorescence peak at 450 nm. Horseradish peroxidase was employed to convert o-phenylenediamine to 2,3-diaminophenazine, with a new fluorescence peak at 580 nm and a strong absorption at 420 nm. The inner filter effect between N-CQD fluorescence and DAP absorption was identified. It allows for the ratiometric detection of MG using a fluorescent immunoassay. The results demonstrated a linear ratiometric fluorescence response for MG between 0.1 and 12.8 ng·mL−1. The limit of detection of this method was verified to be 0.097 μg·kg−1 with recoveries ranging from 81.88 to 108%, and the relative standard deviations were below 3%. Furthermore, this method exhibited acceptable consistency with the LC-MS/MS results when applied for MG screening in real samples. These results demonstrated a promising application of this novel ratiometric fluorescence immunoassay for MG screening with the merits of rapid detection, simple sample preparation, and stable signal readout. It can be an alternative to other traditional methods if there are difficulties in the availability of expensive instruments, and achieve comparable results or even more sensitivity than other reported methods.
Disposable Voltammetric Immunosensor for D-Dimer Detection as Early Biomarker of Thromboembolic Disease and of COVID-19 Prognosis
Authors: Tortolini Cristina , Gigli Valeria , Angeloni Antonio , Galantini Luciano , Tasca Federico , Antiochia Riccarda
Published: December 2022

In this work, we report on the development of a simple electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of D-dimer protein in human plasma samples. The immunosensor is built by a simple drop-casting procedure of chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) as biocompatible support, Protein A (PrA), to facilitate the proper orientation of the antibody sites to epitopes as a capture biomolecule, and the D-dimer antibody onto a carboxyl functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes screen printed electrode (MWCNTs-SPE). The CSNPs have been morphologically characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) techniques. Successively, the electrochemical properties of the screen-printed working electrode after each modification step have been characterized by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The resulting MWCNTs-CSNPs-PrA-D-dimer Ab immunosensor displays an optimal and promising platform for antibody immobilization and specific D-dimer detection. DPV has been used to investigate the antigen/antibody interaction at different D-dimer concentrations. The proposed voltammetric immunosensor allowed a linear range from 2 to 500 μg L−1 with a LOD of 0.6 μg L−1 and a sensitivity of 1.3 μA L μg−1 cm−2. Good stability and a fast response time (5 s) have been reported. Lastly, the performance of the voltammetric immunosensor has been tested in human plasma samples, showing satisfactory results, thus attesting to the promising feasibility of the proposed platform for detecting D-dimer in physiological samples.
A Feature Extraction Method for Seizure Detection Based on Multi-Site Synchronous Changes and Edge Detection Algorithm
Authors: Gao Xiang , Yang Yufang , Zhang Fang , Zhou Fan , Zhu Junming , Sun Jie , Xu Kedi , Chen Yaowu
Published: December 2022

Automatic detection of epileptic seizures is important in epilepsy control and treatment, and specific feature extraction assists in accurate detection. We developed a feature extraction method for seizure detection based on multi-site synchronous changes and an edge detection algorithm. We investigated five chronic temporal lobe epilepsy rats with 8- and 12-channel detection sites in the hippocampus and limbic system. Multi-site synchronous changes were selected as a specific feature and implemented as a seizure detection method. For preprocessing, we used magnitude-squared coherence maps and Canny edge detection algorithm to find the frequency band with the most significant change in synchronization and the important channel pairs. In detection, we used the maximal cross-correlation coefficient as an indicator of synchronization and the correlation coefficient curves’ average value and standard deviation as two detection features. The method achieved high performance, with an average 96.60% detection rate, 2.63/h false alarm rate, and 1.25 s detection delay. The experimental results show that synchronization is an appropriate feature for seizure detection. The magnitude-squared coherence map can assist in selecting a specific frequency band and channel pairs to enhance the detection result. We found that individuals have a specific frequency band that reflects the most significant synchronization changes, and our method can individually adjust parameters and has good detection performance.
Central EEG Beta/Alpha Ratio Predicts the Population-Wide Efficiency of Advertisements
Authors: Kislov Andrew , Gorin Alexei , Konstantinovsky Nikita , Klyuchnikov Valery , Bazanov Boris , Klucharev Vasily
Published: December 2022

Recent studies have demonstrated that the brain activity of a group of people can be used to forecast choices at the population level. In this study, we attempted to neuroforecast aggregate consumer behavior of Internet users. During our electroencephalography (EEG) and eye-tracking study, participants were exposed to 10 banners that were also used in the real digital marketing campaign. In the separate online study, we additionally collected self-reported preferences for the same banners. We explored the relationship between the EEG, eye-tracking, and behavioral indexes obtained in our studies and the banners’ aggregate efficiency provided by the large food retailer based on the decisions of 291,301 Internet users. An EEG-based engagement index (central beta/alpha ratio) significantly correlated with the aggregate efficiency of banners. Furthermore, our multiple linear regression models showed that a combination of eye-tracking, EEG and behavioral measurements better explained the market-level efficiency of banner advertisements than each measurement alone. Overall, our results confirm that neural signals of a relatively small number of individuals can forecast aggregate behavior at the population level.
Mechanisms of Organizational Cultural Tightness on Work Engagement during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Role of Transformational Leadership
Authors: Song Xudong , Shi Kan , Zhou Wei
Published: December 2022

Cultural tightness–looseness, one of the cultural dimensions that play an essential role in organizational development, is changing the perception of psychology and behavior in organizations. This study conducted a paired questionnaire survey of leaders and their employees from five Chinese companies over three periods during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results found that organizational cultural tightness was more influenced by transformational leadership. Different from previous findings, in the context of the Chinese epidemic, organizational cultural tightness positively predicted employees’ work engagement with the moderating effect of transformational leadership. Team-member exchange also mediated employees’ work engagement, which had a facilitative effect on employees’ work engagement. In future research, the contingent effects of other leadership styles and organizational cultural tightness will be explored to reveal the different mechanisms of action on employees’ work engagement.
Profile Characterization of Building Information Modeling Users
Authors: Forcael Eric , Puentes Carolina , García-Alvarado Rodrigo , Opazo-Vega Alexander , Soto-Muñoz Jaime , Moroni Ginnia
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, BIM (Building Information Modeling) has steadily been introduced into the construction industry as a promising methodology for managing projects. Therefore, it is necessary to study the users of its processes. Worldwide, there are already systems that classify companies according to how they use BIM, although only a few studies have been conducted on how individual users are classified. Hence, the present study sought to develop a model that characterized BIM users based on several parameters. The methodology employed defined variables based on a literature review, which experts subsequently validated. These variables made it possible to develop the measurement instrument: a structured questionnaire applied to construction professionals. The necessary parameters for the user characterization model were extracted using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method. This model met the structural evaluation and measurement criteria, which confirmed that it was valid and reliable. It was found that three main aspects mainly characterized users: (i) their use and command of the software and the methodology, (ii) the experience and degree of adoption of the technology, and (iii) the individual’s knowledge of process levels and standardization concerning BIM.
Inquiry on Perceptions and Practices of Built Environment Professionals Regarding Regenerative and Circular Approaches
Authors: Sala Benites Henrique , Osmond Paul , Prasad Deo
Published: December 2022

The circular economy and regenerative design approaches, although still emerging in the built environment, are important pathways to move away from the degenerative business-as-usual practices in the sector. In this paper, we investigate the perception, awareness, and practices of built environment professionals regarding the adoption of a combined regenerative circularity approach for buildings and cities, and if current practices and ‘neighbourhood sustainability assessment’ (NSA) tools should be improved and how. The inquiry was conducted using a convergent mixed methods approach with professionals from around the globe through: (a) online questionnaires which collected 146 responses, and (b) 18 semi-structured interviews which delved further into relevant aspects of the survey. Quantitative and qualitative responses were coded, grouped, and analysed. Results indicate an average awareness of topics with large space for improvement of practices. The main pathways for improvement for NSA tools include performance requirements, aspects of flexibility and adaptability, and engagement and communication, to which are added opportunities and enablers to improve the sector. The authors hope that this study will contribute towards the improvement and design of better tools and practices to support the implementation of regenerative circularity in the built environment sector.
Aerodynamic Characteristics Analysis of Iced Conductor Based on BP Neural Network
Authors: Liang Junhao , Cai Mengqi , Wang Qingyuan , Zhou Linshu , Liu Jun , Min Guangyun , Huang Hanjie
Published: December 2022

Major disasters and losses would be caused by the galloping of transmission lines. The basis for studying the galloping mechanism of transmission lines is to analyze the aerodynamic characteristics of iced conductors. The wind tunnel test is a traditional way to obtain the aerodynamic coefficients of an iced transmission line under wind load. Due to the high cost and long duration of wind tunnel tests, an experimental method based on machine learning to predict aerodynamic coefficients is proposed. Here, the steady and unsteady aerodynamic coefficients of an iced conductor under different parameters were obtained by wind tunnel test, and then the aerodynamic coefficients of the iced conductor under different parameters were predicted by machine learning. The aerodynamic coefficients of each iced conductor varied with the angle of wind attack by the wind tunnel test. The Den Hartog and Nigol coefficients determined based on the aerodynamic coefficients obtained by machine learning and wind tunnel test are in agreement. The results show the feasibility of the machine learning prediction method.
Mechanical Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Zhang Chuntao , Li Yanyan , Wu Junjie
Published: December 2022

Many materials are gradually softened with increasing temperatures in the fire, which will cause severe damage. As a new fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite, the change in mechanical properties of nanometer montmorillonite composite fiber-reinforced bars or plates at elevated temperatures has not been investigated. To obtain a more comprehensive study of the mechanical properties of FRP composites at high temperatures, experimental research on the nanometer montmorillonite composite fiber material under the tensile rate of 1 mm/min was conducted at target temperatures between 20 °C and 350 °C. Finally, the failure mode of the FRP composites after the tensile test was analyzed. The results demonstrate that the elevated temperatures had a major impact on the residual mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites when the exposed temperatures exceeded 200 °C. Below 200 °C, the maximum decrease and increase in the fracture load of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites were between −34% and 153% of their initial fracture load. After exposing to temperatures above 200 °C, the surface color of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites changed from brown to black. When exposed to temperatures between 200 and 300 °C, the ultimate load of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites significantly increased from 731.01 N to 1650.97 N. Additionally, the stress−strain behavior can be accurately predicted by using the proposed Johnson−Cook constitutive model. The experimental results studied in this research can be applied to both further research and engineering applications when conducting a theoretical simulation of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites.
Innovative Design and Execution Model for Improving Productivity of Interior Prefabricated Commercial Wall Assemblies
Authors: Rener Andrew , Karatas Aslihan , Videan Benjamin
Published: December 2022

Field productivity of building trades is the focus of prefabricated construction practitioners as a path to greater profitability and competitiveness in the marketplace. Construction firms are struggling to meet the demand of the marketplace due to shortages of skilled workers and flat to declining productivity. Human capital and productivity challenges are affecting the ability to both acquire new work and complete the work under contract. This study focuses on the development of an innovative model that defines a process for the design, project site preconstruction planning phase, and fabrication of interior prefabricated wall components that improves onsite productivity. The developed model was tested and implemented in a case study of a single project comprised of four identical buildings located on a singular jobsite while utilizing both traditional and model approaches. The results verify that the productivity model developed in this study is capable of reducing on-site labor hours and, therefore, improving field productivity compared to traditional methods. The application of the model saved between 7–23% man-hours compared to the traditional methods and beat the estimate by 17%. Practitioners and researchers are both incentivized to explore, develop, and implement novel methodologies to address the human capital shortage that is facing the construction industry.
Minimizing Liability of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Construction Contracts—A Structural Equation Model for Risk Mitigation of Force Majeure Impacts
Authors: Chadee Aaron Anil , Gallage Sihara , Martin Hector Hugh , Rathnayake Upaka , Ray Indrajit , Kumar Bimlesh , Sihag Parveen
Published: December 2022

A pandemic is a force majeure event, and contracting parties can invoke conditions under force majeure to minimize liability for unforeseen, uncontrollable, and unavoidable circumstances. This study develops a conceptual model to assist in the management of delays and cost overruns due to force majeure events arising from the construction sector in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). A critical case study analysis of past epidemics and pandemics was conducted to develop a survey questionnaire for administration to construction professionals in Trinidad and Tobago. Based on the empirical data of 65 construction professionals, the structural equation model shows that there are strong causal effects from the implications of COVID-19 and force majeure events, which in turn have a dire impact on the construction industry. The leading implication of COVID-19 is the drastic increases in the cost of materials. Also, granting an extension of time to contractors was the main risk variable under the force majeure conditions. From the results, the measurement model verifies that events under force majeure and its perceived implications strongly influence the construction industry, and proposes that force majeure contractual clauses require explicit treatment of the periodic reoccurrence of pandemics to avoid conflicts among contracting parties. This research explores and builds on new avenues from the latest COVID-19 scholarship to better understand existing impacts on the construction industry, and consequently add to the novel body of knowledge on the implications of pandemics on construction contracts. Overall, this research provides a risk-guidance framework for construction professionals and academia to mitigate unforeseen, uncontrollable, and unavoidable risks on construction projects.
Beneficial Exercises for Cancer-Related Fatigue among Women with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Yu-Chen , Hung Tsai-Tzu , Konara Mudiyanselage Sriyani Padmalatha , Wang Chi-Jane , Lin Mei-Feng
Published: December 2022

Context: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common cause of physical powerlessness in women with breast cancer (BC). The practice of continuous effective exercise is beneficial with respect to reducing CRF. Objective: To explore exercise efficacy and respective ranks with respect to reducing CRF in women with BC within the inter-treatment and post-treatment periods. Methods: Throughout this systematic review and network meta-analysis, articles published from 2000 to March 2022 were included. Article searches were conducted on the MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and CENTRAL databases. Adult women with BC and different exercise programs were compared with those involved in regular care as a control during or after treatment. In addition, randomized controlled trials (RCT) were also included. A risk-of-bias assessment, with the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool regarding RCT and probability-based ranking, was established based on the surface under the cumulative rank (SUCRA) method via network meta-analysis. Results: a total of 5747 women with BC followed seven exercise interventions. Yoga (SMD = −0.54, 95% CI [−0.86, −0.22]) was ranked first (94.5%), with significant effects in respect of mitigating CRF, followed by resistance exercise (66.2%), and aerobic resistance (63.3%), while Qigong ranked last (22.2%) among the 36 RCT in inter-treatment. Aerobic resistance exercise (SMD = −0.52, 95% CI [−0.98, −0.07]) induced significant effects in respect of mitigating CRF in the 38 RCTs in the post-treatment period. Yoga, aerobic yoga, and aerobic resistance exercise ranked as the top three (75.5%, 75.0%, and 72.4%, respectively), whereas relaxation ranked last (38.8%) in the post-treatment period. Conclusion: Yoga, aerobic resistance, and aerobic yoga are recommended for the purposes of inter- and post-treatment exercise to reduce CRF in women with BC by enhancing their physical resilience and long-term quality of life.
Feasibility of Longitudinal ctDNA Assessment in Patients with Uterine and Extra-Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Zhou Maggie , Bui Nam , Rathore Richa , Sudhaman Sumedha , George Giby V. , Malashevich Allyson K. , Malhotra Meenakshi , Liu Minetta C. , Aleshin Alexey , Ganjoo Kristen N.
Published: December 2022

Background: Leiomyosarcomas (LMS) are aggressive malignancies with a propensity for early relapse. Current surveillance modalities include physical exam and imaging; however, radiological response to therapy may only manifest after 4–6 cycles of treatment. Herein, we evaluated the feasibility of longitudinal circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assessment in LMS patients to identify disease progression. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients with LMS who underwent treatment at Stanford Cancer Center between September 2019 and May 2022. ctDNA detection was performed using a personalized, tumor-informed ctDNA assay. Genomic analysis was conducted to characterize tumor mutation burden (TMB) and known driver mutations. Results: A total of 148 plasma samples were obtained from 34 patients with uterine (N = 21) and extrauterine (N = 13) LMS (median follow-up: 67.2 (19–346.3) weeks] and analyzed for ctDNA presence. Nineteen patients had metastatic disease. The most frequently mutated driver genes across sub-cohorts were TP53, RB1, and PTEN. Patients were stratified into four sub-cohorts (A-D) based on ctDNA kinetics. ctDNA levels tracked longitudinally with progression of disease and response to therapy. Conclusion: Our results indicate that while undetectable ctDNA may suggest a lower likelihood of relapse, ctDNA positivity may indicate progressive disease, enabling closer monitoring of patients for early clinical intervention.
The Use of PDX1 DNA Methylation to Distinguish Two Subtypes of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms with Different Prognoses
Authors: Ungefroren Hendrik , Konukiewitz Björn , Wellner Ulrich F. , Schrader Jörg , Keck Tobias
Published: December 2022

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) account for approximately 5% of all pancreatic tumors; thus, they constitute the second most common tumor type in the pancreas [...]
Phenotypic Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells Isolated from Non-Small and Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Roumeliotou Argyro , Pantazaka Evangelia , Xagara Anastasia , Dimitrakopoulos Foteinos-Ioannis , Koutras Angelos , Christopoulou Athina , Kourelis Theodoros , Aljarba Nada H. , Alkahtani Saad , Koinis Filippos , Kotsakis Athanasios , Kallergi Galatea
Published: December 2022

In the present study, we evaluated the expression of JUNB and CXCR4 in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) of lung cancer patients and investigated whether these proteins have prognostic clinical relevance. Peripheral blood from 30 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was filtered using ISET membranes, and cytospins from 37 patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) were analyzed using confocal and VyCAP microscopy. Both JUNB and CXCR4 were expressed in the vast majority of lung cancer patients. Interestingly, the phenotypic patterns differed between NSCLC and SCLC patients; the (CK+/JUNB+/CXCR4+) phenotype was present in 50% of NSCLC vs. 71% of SCLC patients. Similarly, the (CK+/JUNB+/CXCR4–) was present in 44% vs. 71%, the (CK+/JUNB–/CXCR4+) in 6% vs. 71%, and the (CK+/JUNB–/CXCR4–) phenotype in 38% vs. 84%. In NSCLC, the presence of ≥1 CTCs with the (CK+/JUNB+/CXCR4+) phenotype was associated with worse progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.007, HR = 5.21) while ≥2 with poorer overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001, HR = 2.16). In extensive stage SCLC patients, the presence of ≥4 CXCR4-positive CTCs was associated with shorter OS (p = 0.041, HR = 5.01). Consequently, JUNB and CXCR4 were expressed in CTCs from lung cancer patients, and associated with patients’ survival, underlying their key role in tumor progression.
Anti-Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (ATC) Effects and Mechanisms of PLX3397 (Pexidartinib), a Multi-Targeted Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI)
Authors: Luo Jingtao , Wang Yun , Zhao Lingkun , Wang Chunli , Zhang Ze
Published: December 2022

Background Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is the greatest lethal thyroid neoplasm with a low incidence and lacks an effective treatment strategy and standardized treatment protocol. PLX3397 (Pexidartinib) is an FDA-approved multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The research is designed to explore the possible anti-proliferative activity of pexidartinib on ATC, as well as its related molecular mechanisms. Methods The cell viability was assessed by CCK-8, LDH release, colony formation, and EdU detection assays. Apoptosis and the alteration on cell cycle arrest were characterized by flow cytometry (FCM). ER stress was evaluated by immunofluorescence (IF). ROS levels were determined by flow cytometry. Western blot assays were conducted to evaluate changes in key molecules related to apoptosis and ER stress. The ATC xenografts model was established, and immunohistochemistry was performed to validate the anti-ATC effects of pexidartinib in vivo. Results Pexidartinib significantly inhibited ATC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Moreover, pexidartinib potently induced ER stress and elevated ROS in ATC cells, and the apoptotic cells and ER stress in ATC after administration of pexidartinib could be reversed by an ER stress inhibitor and ROS scavenger, respectively. Furthermore, pexidartinib treatment induced Nrf2 accumulation in nuclei and reduced the interaction of Nrf2 with Keap-1, and knockdown of Nrf2 enhanced the anti-ATC effects of pexidartinib in vitro. In addition, pexidartinib significantly inhibited ATC xenograft growth and proliferation in vivo, and the combination of ML385, an Nrf2 inhibitor, potently enhanced the anti-ATC effects of pexidartinib in vivo. Conclusion Our findings suggest pexidartinib is a potential agent for treating ATC. Co-administration with an Nrf2 inhibitor is an effective synergistic strategy.
The Catalytic Performance of CO Oxidation over MnOx-ZrO2 Catalysts: The Role of Synthetic Routes
Authors: Bulavchenko Olga A. , Konovalova Valeriya P. , Saraev Andrey A. , Kremneva Anna M. , Rogov Vladimir A. , Gerasimov Evgeny Yu. , Afonasenko Tatyana N.
Published: December 2022

MnOx-ZrO2 catalysts prepared by co-precipitation and vacuum impregnation were calcined at 400–800 °C and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, textural studies, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, temperature-programmed reduction, X-ray absorption near edge structure, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The catalytic activity was tested in the CO oxidation reaction. The activity of the co-precipitated samples exceeds that of the catalysts prepared by vacuum impregnation. The characterization studies showed that the nature of the active component for the catalysts obtained by co-precipitation differs from that of the catalysts obtained by impregnation. In the impregnation series, the most active catalyst was obtained at a temperature of 400 °C; its increased activity is due to the formation of MnO2 oxide nanoparticles containing Mn4+ and low-temperature reducibility. An increase in the synthesis temperature leads to the formation of less active Mn2O3, catalyst sintering, and, accordingly, deterioration of the catalytic properties. In the case of co-precipitation, the most active CO oxidation catalysts are formed by calcination at 650–700 °C in air. In this temperature interval, on the one hand, a MnyZr1−yO2−x solid solution is formed, and on the other hand, a partial separation of mixed oxide begins with the formation of highly dispersed and active MnOx. A further increase in temperature to 800 °C leads to complete decomposition of the solid solution, the release of manganese cations into Mn3O4, and a drop in catalytic activity.
Raspberry Colloid Templated Catalysts Fabricated Using Spray Drying Method
Authors: Busto Gabrielle , Wineh Roza , Zamani Hediyeh , Shirman Elijah , Liu Sissi , Shneidman Anna V. , Shirman Tanya
Published: December 2022

The majority of industrial chemical processes—from production of organic and inorganic compounds to air and water treatment—rely on heterogeneous catalysts. The performance of these catalysts has improved over the past several decades; in parallel, many innovations have been presented in publications, demonstrating increasingly higher efficiency and selectivity. One common challenge to adopting novel materials in real-world applications is the need to develop robust and cost-effective synthetic procedures for their formation at scale. Herein, we focus on the scalable production of a promising new class of materials—raspberry-colloid-templated (RCT) catalysts—that have demonstrated exceptional thermal stability and high catalytic activity. The unique synthetic approach used for the fabrication of RCT catalysts enables great compositional flexibility, making these materials relevant to a wide range of applications. Through a series of studies, we identified stable formulations of RCT materials that can be utilized in the common industrial technique of spray drying. Using this approach, we demonstrate the production of highly porous Pt/Al2O3 microparticles with high catalytic activity toward complete oxidation of toluene as a model reaction.
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Administration Prevents Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity and Loss in Physical Activity in Mice
Authors: Margier Marielle , Kuehnemann Chisaka , Hulo Nicolas , Morales Jazmin , Ashok Kumaar Prasanna Vadhana , Cros Cecile , Cannelle Helene , Charmetant Julie , Verdin Eric , Canault Matthias , Grozio Alessia
Published: December 2022

Doxorubicin (Doxo) is a widely used antineoplastic drug with limited clinical application due to its deleterious dose-related side effects. We investigated whether nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) could protect against Doxo-induced cardiotoxicity and physical dysfunction in vivo. To assess the short- and long-term toxicity, two Doxo regimens were tested, acute and chronic. In the acute study, C57BL6/J (B6) mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) once with Doxo (20 mg/kg) and NMN (180 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was administered daily for five days before and after the Doxo injection. In the chronic study, B6 mice received a cumulative dose of 20 mg/kg Doxo administered in fractionated doses for five days. NMN (500 mg/kg/day) was supplied in the mice’s drinking water beginning five days before the first injection of Doxo and continuing for 60 days after. We found that NMN significantly increased tissue levels of NAD+ and its metabolites and improved survival and bodyweight loss in both experimental models. In addition, NMN protected against Doxo-induced cardiotoxicity and loss of physical function in acute and chronic studies, respectively. In the heart, NMN prevented Doxo-induced transcriptomic changes related to mitochondrial function, apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation and p53, and promyelocytic leukemia nuclear body pathways. Overall, our results suggest that NMN could prevent Doxo-induced toxicity in heart and skeletal muscle.
The Long Telling Story of “Endothelial Progenitor Cells”: Where Are We at Now?
Authors: Vinci Maria Cristina , Carulli Ermes , Rurali Erica , Rinaldi Raffaella , Damiano Giulia , Raucci Angela , Pompilio Giulio , Genovese Stefano
Published: December 2022

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs): The name embodies years of research and clinical expectations, but where are we now? Do these cells really represent the El Dorado of regenerative medicine? Here, past and recent literature about this eclectic, still unknown and therefore fascinating cell population will be discussed. This review will take the reader through a temporal journey that, from the first discovery, will pass through years of research devoted to attempts at their definition and understanding their biology in health and disease, ending with the most recent evidence about their pathobiological role in cardiovascular disease and their recent applications in regenerative medicine.
Pancreatic Islet Cells Response to IFNγ Relies on Their Spatial Location within an Islet
Authors: De Burghgrave Marine , Lourenço Chloé , Berthault Claire , Aiello Virginie , Villalba Adrian , Fouque Alexis , Diedisheim Marc , You Sylvaine , Oshima Masaya , Scharfmann Raphaël
Published: December 2022

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an auto-immune disease characterized by the progressive destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. While beta cells are the target of the immune attack, the other islet endocrine cells, namely the alpha and delta cells, can also be affected by the inflammatory milieu. Here, using a flow cytometry-based strategy, we compared the impact of IFNγ, one of the main cytokines involved in T1D, on the three endocrine cell subsets isolated from C57BL/6 mouse islets. RNA-seq analyses revealed that alpha and delta cells exposed in vitro to IFNγ display a transcriptomic profile very similar to that of beta cells, with an increased expression of inflammation key genes such as MHC class I molecules, the CXCL10 chemokine and the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), three hallmarks of IFNγ signaling. Interestingly, at low IFNγ concentration, we observed two beta cell populations (responders and non-responders) based on PD-L1 protein expression. Our data indicate that this differential sensitivity relies on the location of the cells within the islet rather than on the existence of two different beta cells subsets. The same findings were corroborated by the in vivo analysis of pancreatic islets from the non-obese diabetic mouse model of T1D, showing more intense PD-L1 staining on endocrine cells close to immune infiltrate. Collectively, our work demonstrates that alpha and delta cells are as sensitive as beta cells to IFNγ, and suggests a gradual diffusion of the cytokine into an islet. These observations provide novel insights into the in situ inflammatory processes occurring in T1D progression.
Research Progress on the Predicting Factors and Coping Strategies for Postoperative Recurrence of Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Zhang Yuxin , Peng Lin , Zhang Li
Published: December 2022

Esophageal cancer is one of the malignant tumors with poor prognosis in China. Currently, the treatment of esophageal cancer is still based on surgery, especially in early and mid-stage patients, to achieve the goal of radical cure. However, esophageal cancer is a kind of tumor with a high risk of recurrence and metastasis, and locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis are the leading causes of death after surgery. Although multimodal comprehensive treatment has advanced in recent years, the prediction, prevention and treatment of postoperative recurrence and metastasis of esophageal cancer are still unsatisfactory. How to reduce recurrence and metastasis in patients after surgery remains an urgent problem to be solved. Given the clinical demand for early detection of postoperative recurrence of esophageal cancer, clinical and basic research aiming to meet this demand has been a hot topic, and progress has been observed in recent years. Therefore, this article reviews the research progress on the factors that influence and predict postoperative recurrence of esophageal cancer, hoping to provide new research directions and treatment strategies for clinical practice.
PTPRK, an EGFR Phosphatase, Is Decreased in CeD Biopsies and Intestinal Organoids
Authors: Nanayakkara Merlin , Bellomo Claudia , Furone Francesca , Maglio Mariantonia , Marano Antonella , Lania Giuliana , Porpora Monia , Nicoletti Martina , Auricchio Salvatore , Barone Maria Vittoria
Published: December 2022

Background & Aims: Celiac disease (CeD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered in genetically susceptible (HLA-DQ2/8) individuals by a group of wheat proteins and related prolamins from cereals. The celiac intestine is characterized by an inversion of the differentiation/proliferation program of the enterocytes, with an increase in the proliferative compartment and crypt hyperplasia, which are the mechanisms that regulate the increased proliferation in CeD that arenot completely understood.The aim of this study is to understand the role of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type K (PTPRK), a nodal phosphatase that regulates EGFR activation in the proliferation of the enterocytes from CeD biopsies and organoids. Methods: The levels of PTPRK were evaluated by RT PCR, western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence techniques in intestinal biopsies and organoids from CeD patients and controls. Additionally, pEGFR and pERK were evaluated by WB and proliferation by BrdU incorporation. PTPRK si-RNA was silenced in CTR organoids and was overexpressed in CeD organoids. Results: PTPRK was reduced in Gluten Containing Diet–Celiac Disease (GCD–CeD) and Potential-Celiac Disease(Pot-CeD) biopsies (p < 0.01–p < 0.05) whereas pEGFR (p < 0.01 p < 0.01), pERK (p < 0.01 p < 0.01) and proliferation were increased. (p < 0.05 p < 0.05) respect to the controls.The CeD organoids reproduced these same alterations. Silencing of PTPRK in CTR organoids increased pEGFR, pERK and proliferation. The overexpression of PTPRK in CeD organoids reduced pEGFR, pERK and proliferation. Conclusions: modulation of PTPRK levels can reduce or increase pEGFR, pERK and proliferation in CeD or CTR organoids, respectively. The CeD organoids can be a good model to study the mechanisms of the disease.