bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Water Temperature on the Growth, Antioxidant Capacity, and Gut Microbiota of Percocypris pingi Juveniles
Authors: Wu Xingbing , Li Xuemei , Zhu Yongjiu , Gong Jinling , Zhu Tingbing , Ni Jiajia , Yang Deguo
Published: December 2022

It is necessary to determine the optimal temperature for Percocypris pingi growth in recirculating aquaculture systems. To describe the effects of temperature, we evaluated the growth, antioxidant enzyme activity, and gut microbiota structure of P. pingi at different temperatures, including 14, 18, 22, and 26 °C. Results showed that increases in body weight of individuals of the groups subjected to 18 and 22 °C temperatures were considerably higher than those in the groups subjected to temperatures of 14 and 26 °C between 20 and 60 d after the experiment started. Acid phosphatase activity in the liver and kidneys of P. pingi did not differ significantly among the various temperature groups (p > 0.05). A gradual restoration of the alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase activities to variations in the surrounding temperature was observed in the liver and kidney of P. pingi. Interestingly, the water temperature did not affect the α-diversity or composition of the gut microbiota of P. pingi. In conclusion, water temperatures between 14 and 26 °C significantly impacted the growth of P. pingi (p < 0.05) but not the liver and kidney antioxidant capacity or the gut microbiota within 60 d.
Yolk Absorption Rate and Mouth Development in Larvae of Dormitator latifrons (Perciformes: Eleotridae)
Authors: Reyes-Mero Byron Manuel , Santana-Piñeros Ana María , Muñoz-Chumo Leonela Griselda , Cruz-Quintana Yanis , Gisbert Enric
Published: December 2022

Fish larvae suffer high starvation mortality during the transition from yolk absorption to exogenous feeding, and the size of the developing buccal structures limits the food they can consume. Determining the suitable timing and size of live or inert foods could decrease this mortality. We described mouth development and determined the yolk absorption rate and point-of-no-return (PNR) of Dormitator latifrons larvae. One male and one female specimen were induced to spawn using salmon GnRHa implants, and 45 of their larvae were sedated and observed under a microscope every 24 h to measure total length, standard length, yolk sac length, yolk sac width, oil globule length, oil globule width, width of the oesophagus, and length of the upper and lower jaw longitudinal. The growth model, maximum mouth opening, daily survival, and starvation period were determined. The larval growth was fastest during the first 24 h post−hatching (HPH) at 28 ± 1 °C with an average increase of 625.42 µm in total length and 573.51 µm in standard length. The highest percentage of yolk absorption (52%) occurred within 24 HPH and at 96 HPH the yolk sac was completely reabsorbed. The PNR was reached at 156.41 HPH (p < 0.05). At 96 HPH, the upper and lower jaw were distinguishable by mouth movements. Our results suggest that the larvae of D. latifrons should be fed at 96 HPH with prey measuring 50–65 µm.
Lipid Profile Quantification and Species Discrimination of Pine Seeds through NIR Spectroscopy: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Khouja Mariem , Páscoa Ricardo N. M. J. , Melo Diana , Costa Anabela S. G. , Nunes M. Antónia , Khaldi Abdelhamid , Messaoud Chokri , Oliveira M. Beatriz P. P. , Alves Rita C.
Published: December 2022

Pine seeds are known for their richness in lipid compounds and other healthy substances. However, the reference procedures that are commonly applied for their analysis are quite laborious, time-consuming, and expensive. Therefore, it is important to develop rapid, accurate, multi-parametric, cost-effective and, essentially, environmentally friendly analytical techniques that are easily implemented at an industrial scale. The viability of using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to analyse the seed lipid content and profile of three different pine species (Pinus halepensis, Pinus brutia and Pinus pinaster) was investigated. Moreover, species discrimination using NIR was also attempted. Different chemometric models, namely partial least squares (PLS) regression, for lipid analysis, and partial least square—discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), for pine species discrimination, were applied. In relation to the discrimination of pine seed species, a total of 90.5% of correct classification rates were obtained. Regarding the quantification models, most of the compounds assessed yielded determination coefficients (R2P) higher than 0.80. The best PLS models were obtained for total fat, vitamin E, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, C20:2, C20:1n9, C20, C18:2n6c, C18:1n9c, C18 and C16:1. Globally, the obtained results demonstrated that NIR spectroscopy is a suitable analytical technique for lipid analysis and species discrimination of pine seeds.
Modeling of Growth and Organic Acid Kinetics and Evolution of the Protein Profile and Amino Acid Content during Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ITM21B Fermentation in Liquid Sourdough
Authors: Di Biase Mariaelena , Le Marc Yvan , Bavaro Anna Rita , Lonigro Stella Lisa , Verni Michela , Postollec Florence , Valerio Francesca
Published: December 2022

The application of mathematical modeling to study and characterize lactic acid bacterial strains with pro-technological and functional features has gained attention in recent years to solve the problems relevant to the variabilities of the fermentation processes of sourdough. Since the key factors contributing to the sourdough quality are relevant to the starter strain growth and its metabolic activity, in this study, the cardinal growth parameters for pH, temperature (T), water activity (aw), and undissociated lactic acid of the sourdough strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ITM21B, were determined. The strain growth, pH, organic acids (lactic, acetic, phenyllactic, and hydroxy-phenyllactic), total free amino acids, and proteins were monitored during fermentation of a liquid sourdough based on wheat flour and gluten (Bio21B) after changing the starting T, pH, and inoculum load. Results demonstrated that the different fermentation conditions affected the strain growth and metabolite pattern. The organic acid production and growth performance were modeled in Bio21B, and the resulting predictive model allowed us to simulate in silico the strain performances in liquid sourdough under different scenarios. This mathematical predictive approach can be useful to optimize the fermentation conditions needed to obtain the suitable nutritional and technological characteristics of the L. plantarum ITM21B liquid sourdough.
Iodine Bioavailability and Accumulation of Arsenic and Cadmium in Rats Fed Sugar Kelp (Saccharina latissima)
Authors: Fjære Even , Poulsen Rikke , Duinker Arne , Liaset Bjørn , Hansen Martin , Madsen Lise , Myrmel Lene Secher
Published: December 2022

Suboptimal iodine status is a prominent public health issue in several European coun-tries. Brown algae have a high iodine content that, upon intake, may exceed the recommended dietary intake level, but iodine bioavailability has been reported to be lower than from potassium iodide (KI) and highly depends on algae species. Further, potential negative effects from other components in algae, such as cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As), have also been addressed. In this study, we observed a lower bioavailability of iodine from farmed sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) than from KI in female Wistar IGS rats. Urinary iodine excretion was 94–95% in rats fed KI and 73–81% in rats fed sugar kelp, followed by increased faecal iodine levels in rats fed sugar kelp. No effects on body weight, feed efficiency, or plasma markers for liver or kidney damage were detected. The highest dose of iodine reduced plasma free thyroxine (fT4) and total T4 levels, but no significant effects on circulating levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free triiodo-thyronine (fT3) were detected. Faeces and urine measurements indicate that 60–80% of total As and 93% of Cd ingested were excreted in rats fed 0.5 and 5% kelp. Liver metabolomic profiling demonstrates that a high inclusion of sugar kelp in the diet for 13 weeks of feeding modulates metabolites with potential antioxidant activity and phytosterols.
Measuring Photon Rings with the ngEHT
Authors: Tiede Paul , Johnson Michael D. , Pesce Dominic W. , Palumbo Daniel C. M. , Chang Dominic O. , Galison Peter
Published: December 2022

General relativity predicts that images of optically thin accretion flows around black holes should generically have a “photon ring”, composed of a series of increasingly sharp subrings that correspond to increasingly strongly lensed emission near the black hole. Because the effects of lensing are determined by the spacetime curvature, the photon ring provides a pathway to precise measurements of the black hole properties and tests of the Kerr metric. We explore the prospects for detecting and measuring the photon ring using very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) with the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) and the next-generation EHT (ngEHT). We present a series of tests using idealized self-fits to simple geometrical models and show that the EHT observations in 2017 and 2022 lack the angular resolution and sensitivity to detect the photon ring, while the improved coverage and angular resolution of ngEHT at 230 GHz and 345 GHz is sufficient for these models. We then analyze detection prospects using more realistic images from general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations by applying “hybrid imaging”, which simultaneously models two components: a flexible raster image (to capture the direct emission) and a ring component. Using the Bayesian VLBI modeling package Comrade.jl, we show that the results of hybrid imaging must be interpreted with extreme caution for both photon ring detection and measurement—hybrid imaging readily produces false positives for a photon ring, and its ring measurements do not directly correspond to the properties of the photon ring.
The Basics of Primordial Black Hole Formation and Abundance Estimation
Authors: Yoo Chul-Moon
Published: December 2022

This paper is a biased review of the primordial black hole (PBH) formation and abundance estimation. We first review the three-zone model for PBH formation to help an intuitive understanding of the PBH formation process. Then, for more accurate analyses, we introduce necessary tools such as cosmological long-wavelength solutions, the definition of the mass and compaction function in a spherically symmetric spacetime and peak theory. Combining all these tools, we calculate the PBH mass spectrum for the case of the monochromatic curvature power spectrum as a demonstration.
Accessible Low-Cost Laser Pointers for the Reduction of Aryl Halides via Triplet-Triplet Annihilation Upconversion in Aerated Gels
Authors: Domínguez Paola Domínguez , Bonardd Sebastian , Koury Samuel Martín , Pérez-Ruiz Raúl , Jiménez M. Consuelo , Díaz Díaz David
Published: December 2022

The search for economic alternatives in the use of expensive scientific equipment represents a way of providing many laboratories access to scientific developments that, otherwise, might be hampered by economic constraints. This inspired the purpose of this work, which was to demonstrate for the first time that we can carry out the photoreduction of aryl halides via green-to-blue upconversion in an aerated gel medium, using a simple economic set-up based on easily accessible and low-cost laser pointers. The optimized set-up consists of three laser pointers connected to a switching-mode power supply. One laser should be aligned to Z-axis and separated 5 cm from the sample, while the light incidence of the other two lasers should be adjusted to 45° and separated ca. 3 cm from the sample. The results of this study were found to be reproducible in random experiments and demonstrated that the photoreduction of several aryl halides can be carry out within 24 h of irradiation with comparable yields and mass balances, to those obtained with other very expensive pulsed laser sources. An economic estimation of the expenses concludes that we can easily reduce by >98% the total cost of this type of research by using the described set-up. Our work offers many groups with limited resources a feasible alternative to work in this area without the necessity of extremely expensive devices.
Preparation Method and Performance Evaluation of a Gel Based on AM/AMPS Copolymer
Authors: Ran Yunling , Zhang Guicai , Jiang Ping , Pei Haihua
Published: December 2022

Polymer gels have been widely used in high water cut oilfields for profile control and water plugging. It is urgent to develop a gel suitable for the Tahe Oilfield (Temperature: 130 °C, salinity: 2.2 × 105 mg/L) in China. A stable gel was prepared by using an acrylamide (AM)/2-acrylamide-2-methyl propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) copolymer crosslinked with urotropin (HMTA), hydroquinone (HQ), thiourea and Nano-SiO2. This paper covers a step-by-step process for designing gels based on experience with preparing gels. A wide range of combinations between polymers and crosslinking agents with and without stabilizers were investigated, and the results indicated that there is an optimal value of AMPS content of AM/AMPS copolymers in the preparation of gels. Increasing the mass fraction of copolymer and using stabilizer enhanced the performance of gel, but an excessive amount of crosslinking agent was not conducive to the stability of gel. The work optimized the formula of plugging agent suitable for the high temperature and high salt (HTHS) condition in the Tahe Oilfield. The gelling solution had a long gelation time of 20 h. The gel had high strength (Sydansk’s gel-strength code of “G”) with storage modulus of 12.9 Pa and could be stable for half a year at 130 °C and 2.2 × 105 mg/L of salinity. The plate model that could be heated and pressurized was used to simulate the oil flooding and profile modification under the condition of the Tahe Oilfield for the first time. The experiment results showed that the oil recovery could be increased by 13.22% by subsequent water flooding under heterogeneous formation condition. Therefore, it was fully confirmed that the plugging performance of AM/AMPS phenolic gel prepared in the work was excellent. The information provided in the study could be used as a reference for the design and evaluation of polymer gels in other HTHS reservoirs.
Perspective on a Vertical Integration Using Electives—Not with a Bang, but a Whimper
Authors: Šoša Ivan
Published: December 2022

Following the current trends in medical-curriculum development with an important but poorly represented course in forensic medicine is a rather challenging quest. Given the exceptional opportunity of teaching forensic medicine and anatomy, the author’s experience is shared, bearing in mind the harsh academic-workload standards. In that context, the introduction of (clinically oriented/problem-solving-based) curriculum-specific electives (CSEs) is suggested as a means of vertical integration of medical education. Moreover, it may be time to transfer learning (at least in part) to some other environment, possibly a virtual one. The body of knowledge expected to be learned by all students, the core curriculum, should be alleviated, and all too-specific topics should be transferred to the CSE. Keeping the curriculum attractive to clinicians and interesting for students should be an idea aiming for a fully integrated course. Balance of the core curriculum and CSEs aims to bring forth interaction with clinics and bonds with clinicians. In addition, students’ affinities would be met more adequately.
The Use of Metallic Nanoparticles in Wound Healing: New Perspectives
Authors: Mendes Carolini , Thirupathi Anand , Corrêa Maria E. A. B. , Gu Yaodong , Silveira Paulo C. L.
Published: December 2022

Chronic wounds represent a challenge for the health area, as they directly impact patients’ quality of life and represent a threat to public health and the global economy due to their high cost of treatment. Alternative strategies must be developed for cost-effective and targeted treatment. In this scenario, the emerging field of nanobiotechnology may provide an alternative platform to develop new therapeutic agents for the chronic wound healing process. This manuscript aims to demonstrate that the application of metallic nanoparticles (gold, silver, copper, and zinc oxide) opened a new chapter in the treatment of wounds, as they have different properties such as drug delivery, antimicrobial activity, and healing acceleration. Furthermore, metallic nanoparticles (NPs) produced through green synthesis ensure less toxicity in biological tissues, and greater safety of applicability, other than adding the effects of NPs with those of extracts.
Developing Antibiofilm Fibrillar Scaffold with Intrinsic Capacity to Produce Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Pitarresi Giovanna , Barberi Giuseppe , Palumbo Fabio Salvatore , Schillaci Domenico , Fiorica Calogero , Catania Valentina , Indelicato Serena , Bongiorno David , Biscari Giuseppina , Giammona Gaetano
Published: December 2022

The development of biomedical systems with antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties is a difficult medical task for preventing bacterial adhesion and growth on implanted devices. In this work, a fibrillar scaffold was produced by electrospinning a polymeric organic dispersion of polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(α,β-(N-(3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl)-L-aspartamide-co-α,β-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-L-aspartamide) (PDAEA). The pendant catechol groups of PDAEA were used to reduce silver ions in situ and produce silver nanoparticles onto the surface of the electrospun fibers through a simple and reproducible procedure. The morphological and physicochemical characterization of the obtained scaffolds were studied and compared with virgin PLA electrospun sample. Antibiofilm properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, used as a biofilm-forming pathogen model, were also studied on planar and tubular scaffolds. These last were fabricated as a proof of concept to demonstrate the possibility to obtain antimicrobial devices with different shape and dimension potentially useful for different biomedical applications. The results suggest a promising approach for the development of antimicrobial and antibiofilm scaffolds.
In Vitro Susceptibility of HIV Isolates with High Growth Capability to Antiretroviral Drugs
Authors: Hinay Alfredo A. , Kanai Kyosuke , Tsuneki-Tokunaga Akeno , Komatsu Mizuki , Telan Elizabeth O. , Kageyama Seiji
Published: December 2022

It has been considered that reduced susceptibility to antiretroviral drugs is influenced by drug adherence, drug tolerance and drug-resistance-related mutations in the HIV genome. In the present study, we assessed the intrinsic high viral growth capability as a potential viral factor that may influence their susceptibility to antiretroviral drugs using an in vitro model. Phytohemagglutinin-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (1.5 × 106 cells) were infected with HIV isolates (106 copies/mL). The culture was carried out at different concentrations (0.001–20 μM) of 13 synthetic antiretroviral compounds (six nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors, one non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, four integrase inhibitors, and two protease inhibitors), and HIV production was assessed using HIV-RNA copies in culture. The 90% inhibitory concentration (IC90) and pharmacokinetics of an antiretroviral agent were used as parameters to determine the reduced antiretroviral drug susceptibility of HIV isolates with high growth capability to synthetic antiretroviral compounds. The high growth capability of HIV isolates without any known drug resistance-related mutation affected their susceptibility to tenofovir (IC90 = 2.05 ± 0.40 μM), lamivudine (IC90 = 6.83 ± 3.96 μM), emtricitabine (IC90 = 0.68 ± 0.37 μM), and efavirenz (IC90 = 3.65 ± 0.77 μM). These antiretroviral drugs showed IC90 values close to or above the maximum plasma concentration against HIV isolates with high growth capability without any known drug resistance-related mutation. Our results may contribute to the development of effective strategies to tailor and individualize antiretroviral therapy in patients harboring HIV isolates with high growth capability.
Placental Transcriptome Profiling in Subtypes of Diabetic Pregnancies Is Strongly Confounded by Fetal Sex
Authors: Kedziora Sarah M. , Obermayer Benedikt , Sugulle Meryam , Herse Florian , Kräker Kristin , Haase Nadine , Langmia Immaculate M. , Müller Dominik N. , Staff Anne Cathrine , Beule Dieter , Dechend Ralf
Published: December 2022

The placenta is a temporary organ with a unique structure and function to ensure healthy fetal development. Placental dysfunction is involved in pre-eclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A diabetic state affects maternal and fetal health and may lead to functional alterations of placental metabolism, inflammation, hypoxia, and weight, amplifying the fetal stress. The placental molecular adaptations to the diabetic environment and the adaptive spatio–temporal consequences to elevated glucose or insulin are largely unknown (2). We aimed to identify gene expression signatures related to the diabetic placental pathology of placentas from women with diabetes mellitus. Human placenta samples (n = 77) consisting of healthy controls, women with either gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and women with GDM, type 1 or type 2 diabetes and superimposed PE were collected. Interestingly, gene expression differences quantified by total RNA sequencing were mainly driven by fetal sex rather than clinical diagnosis. Association of the principal components with a full set of clinical patient data identified fetal sex as the single main explanatory variable. Accordingly, placentas complicated by type 1 and type 2 diabetes showed only few differentially expressed genes, while possible effects of GDM and diabetic pregnancy complicated by PE were not identifiable in this cohort. We conclude that fetal sex has a prominent effect on the placental transcriptome, dominating and confounding gene expression signatures resulting from diabetes mellitus in settings of well-controlled diabetic disease. Our results support the notion of placenta as a sexual dimorphic organ.
Branched Poly(ε-caprolactone)-Based Copolyesters of Different Architectures and Their Use in the Preparation of Anticancer Drug-Loaded Nanoparticles
Authors: Christodoulou Evi , Notopoulou Maria , Nakiou Eirini , Kostoglou Margaritis , Barmpalexis Panagiotis , Bikiaris Dimitrios N.
Published: December 2022

Limitations associated with the use of linear biodegradable polyesters in the preparation of anticancer nano-based drug delivery systems (nanoDDS) have turned scientific attention to the utilization of branched-chain (co-)polymers. In this context, the present study evaluates the use of novel branched poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based copolymers of different architectures for the preparation of anticancer nanoparticle (NP)-based formulations, using paclitaxel (PTX) as a model drug. Specifically, three PCL-polyol branched polyesters, namely, a three-arm copolymer based on glycerol (PCL-GLY), a four-arm copolymer based on pentaerythritol (PCL-PE), and a five-arm copolymer based on xylitol (PCL-XYL), were synthesized via ring-opening polymerization and characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), intrinsic viscosity, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and cytotoxicity. Then, PTX-loaded NPs were prepared by an oil-in-water emulsion. The size of the obtained NPs varied from 200 to 300 nm, while the drug was dispersed in crystalline form in all formulations. High encapsulation efficiency and high yields were obtained in all cases, while FTIR analysis showed no molecular drug polymer. Finally, in vitro drug release studies showed that the studied nanocarriers significantly enhanced the dissolution rate and extent of the drug.
Cold-Active Lipases and Esterases: A Review on Recombinant Overexpression and Other Essential Issues
Authors: Matinja Adamu Idris , Kamarudin Nor Hafizah Ahmad , Leow Adam Thean Chor , Oslan Siti Nurbaya , Ali Mohd Shukuri Mohamad
Published: December 2022

Cold environments characterised by diverse temperatures close to or below the water freezing point dominate about 80% of the Earth’s biosphere. One of the survival strategies adopted by microorganisms living in cold environments is their expression of cold-active enzymes that enable them to perform an efficient metabolic flux at low temperatures necessary to thrive and reproduce under those constraints. Cold-active enzymes are ideal biocatalysts that can reduce the need for heating procedures and improve industrial processes’ quality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Despite their wide applications, their industrial usage is still limited, and the major contributing factor is the lack of complete understanding of their structure and cold adaptation mechanisms. The current review looked at the recombinant overexpression, purification, and recent mechanism of cold adaptation, various approaches for purification, and three-dimensional (3D) crystal structure elucidation of cold-active lipases and esterase.
Immune Ablation and Stem Cell Rescue in Two Pediatric Patients with Progressive Severe Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Authors: Kloehn Jaspar , Kruchen Anne , Schütze Kerstin , Wustrau Katharina , Schrum Johanna , Müller Ingo
Published: December 2022

Transplantation of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells represents an established treatment for children with high-risk leukemia. However, steroid-refractory chronic graft-versus-host disease (SR-cGvHD) represents a severe life-threatening complication, for which there is no standard therapy. After failing several lines of immunosuppressive and biological treatment, we applied an immunoablative therapy with re-transplantation of purified CD34+ donor stem cells to reset the aberrant immune system. Two pediatric patients, who had been transplanted for high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia, underwent the procedure. Interestingly, enough stem cells could be mobilized, harvested, and purified to be used as grafts more than one year after allogeneic transplantation under intensive immunosuppressive therapy and ongoing SR-cGvHD. With a follow-up of 8 and 22 months, respectively, both patients are without immunosuppressive therapy and do not show signs of active disease. Regeneration of skin manifestations started promptly, other damaged organs did not progress and continue to show recovery from severe fibrotic transformation. Bone marrow function is robust and T cell receptor repertoires showed polyclonal immune reconstitution. In conclusion, stem cell harvest and re-transplantation of human CD34+-selected allogeneic stem cells is possible and represents a new therapeutic option in SR-cGvHD by resetting a profoundly disturbed immune network.
Mastering the D-Band Center of Iron-Series Metal-Based Electrocatalysts for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Hu Jing , Al-Salihy Adel , Zhang Bin , Li Siwei , Xu Ping
Published: December 2022

The development of non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts with high performance for hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction is highly desirable in advancing electrocatalytic water-splitting technology but proves to be challenging. One promising way to improve the catalytic activity is to tailor the d-band center. This approach can facilitate the adsorption of intermediates and promote the formation of active species on surfaces. This review summarizes the role and development of the d-band center of materials based on iron-series metals used in electrocatalytic water splitting. It mainly focuses on the influence of the change in the d-band centers of different composites of iron-based materials on the performance of electrocatalysis. First, the iron-series compounds that are commonly used in electrocatalytic water splitting are summarized. Then, the main factors affecting the electrocatalytic performances of these materials are described. Furthermore, the relationships among the above factors and the d-band centers of materials based on iron-series metals and the d-band center theory are introduced. Finally, conclusions and perspectives on remaining challenges and future directions are given. Such information can be helpful for adjusting the active centers of catalysts and improving electrochemical efficiencies in future works.
The CCN2 Polymorphism rs12526196 Is a Risk Factor for Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Tejera-Muñoz Antonio , Rodríguez Isabel , Del Río-García Álvaro , Mohamedi Yamina , Martín María , Chiminazzo Valentina , Suárez-Álvarez Beatriz , López-Larrea Carlos , Ruiz-Ortega Marta , Rodrigues-Díez Raúl R.
Published: December 2022

Cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2/CTGF) has been traditionally described as a downstream mediator of other profibrotic factors including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and angiotensin II. However, recent evidence from our group demonstrated the direct role of CCN2 in maintaining aortic wall homeostasis and acute and lethal aortic aneurysm development induced by angiotensin II in the absence of CCN2 in mice. In order to translate these findings to humans, we evaluated the potential association between three polymorphisms in the CCN2 gene and the presence of a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). Patients with and without TAA retrospectively selected were genotyped for rs6918698, rs9402373 and rs12526196 polymorphisms related to the CCN2 gene. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed. In our population of 366 patients (69 with TAA), no associations were found between rs6918698 and rs9402373 and TAA. However, the presence of one C allele from rs12526196 was associated with TAA comparing with the TT genotype, independently of risk factors such as sex, age, hypertension, type of valvulopathy and the presence of a bicuspid aortic valve (OR = 3.17; 95% CI = 1.30–7.88; p = 0.011). In conclusion, we demonstrated an association between the C allele of rs12526196 in the CCN2 gene and the presence of TAA. This study extrapolates to humans the relevance of CCN2 in aortic aneurysm observed in mice and postulates, for the first time, a potential protective role to CCN2 in aortic aneurysm pathology. Our results encourage future research to explore new variants in the CCN2 gene that could be predisposed to TAA development.
18F-FDG PET/MRI Imaging in a Preclinical Rat Model of Cardiorenal Syndrome—An Exploratory Study
Authors: Furcea Dan Mihai , Agrigoroaie Laurențiu , Mihai Cosmin-T. , Gardikiotis Ioannis , Dodi Gianina , Stanciu Gabriela D. , Solcan Carmen , Beschea Chiriac Sorin I. , Guțu Mihai Marius , Ștefănescu Cipriana
Published: December 2022

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) denotes the bidirectional interaction of chronic kidney disease and heart failure with an adverse prognosis but with a limited understanding of its pathogenesis. This study correlates biochemical blood markers, histopathological and immunohistochemistry features, and 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) metabolic data in low-dose doxorubicin-induced heart failure, cardiorenal syndrome, and renocardiac syndrome induced on Wistar male rats. To our knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the underlying mechanisms for CRS progression in rats using 18F-FDG PET. Clinical, metabolic cage monitoring, biochemistry, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry combined with PET/MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) data acquisition at distinct points in the disease progression were employed for this study in order to elucidate the available evidence of organ crosstalk between the heart and kidneys. In our CRS model, we found that chronic treatment with low-dose doxorubicin followed by acute 5/6 nephrectomy incurred the highest mortality among the study groups, while the model for renocardiac syndrome resulted in moderate-to-high mortality. 18F-FDG PET imaging evidenced the doxorubicin cardiotoxicity with vascular alterations, normal kidney development damage, and impaired function. Given the fact that standard clinical markers were insensitive to early renal injury, we believe that the decreasing values of the 18F-FDG PET-derived renal marker across the groups and, compared with their age-matched controls, along with the uniform distribution seen in healthy developing rats, could have a potential diagnostic and prognostic yield in cardiorenal syndrome.
A Single Variant in Pri-miRNA-155 Associated with Susceptibility to Hereditary Breast Cancer Promotes Aggressiveness in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Landeros Natalia , Gonzalez-Hormazabal Patricio , Pérez-Moreno Pablo , Tapia Julio C. , Jara Lilian
Published: December 2022

Variants in genes encoding for microRNAs have been associated with their deregulation in breast cancer (BC). Sequencing of microRNAs deregulated in BC was performed using DNA from Chilean patients with a strong family history and negative for mutations in BRCA1/BRCA2. Seventeen variants were identified, three of which were selected for a case-control association study: rs376491654 (miR-335), rs755634302 (miR-497), and rs190708267 (miR-155). For rs190708267 C>T, the heterozygous T allele was detected in four BC cases and absent in controls, while homozygous TT cases were not detected. Variants were modelled in silico, cloned in a plasmid, expressed in BC cell lines, and functional in vitro assays were performed. Overexpression of the miR-155-T allele increased mature miR-155-5p levels in both BC cell lines, suggesting that its presence alters pre-miR-155 processing. Moreover, BC cells overexpressing the miR-155-T allele showed increased proliferation, migration, and resistance to cisplatin-induced death compared to miR-155-C overexpressing cells. Of note, the 3′UTR of APC, GSK3β, and PPP1CA genes, all into the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, were identified as direct targets. APC and GSK3β mRNA levels decreased while PP1 levels increased. These results suggest a pathogenic role of the variant rs190708267 (miR-155) in BRCA 1/2 negative BC, conferring susceptibility and promoting traits of aggressiveness.
Osseointegration Properties of Titanium Implants Treated by Nonthermal Atmospheric-Pressure Nitrogen Plasma
Authors: Yan Sifan , Komasa Satoshi , Agariguchi Akinori , Pezzotti Giuseppe , Okazaki Joji , Maekawa Kenji
Published: December 2022

Pure titanium is used in dental implants owing to its excellent biocompatibility and physical properties. However, the aging of the material during storage is detrimental to the long-term stability of the implant after implantation. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to improve the surface properties and circumvent the negative effects of material aging on titanium implants by using a portable handheld nonthermal plasma device capable of piezoelectric direct discharge to treat pure titanium discs with nitrogen gas. We evaluated the osteogenic properties of the treated samples by surface morphology and elemental analyses, as well as in vitro and in vivo experiments. The results showed that nonthermal atmospheric-pressure nitrogen plasma can improve the hydrophilicity of pure titanium without damaging its surface morphology while introducing nitrogen-containing functional groups, thereby promoting cell attachment, proliferation, and osseointegration to some extent. Therefore, nitrogen plasma treatment may be a promising method for the rapid surface treatment of titanium implants.
Ovarian Reserve Disorders, Can We Prevent Them? A Review
Authors: Man Limor , Lustgarten Guahmich Nicole , Vyas Nina , Tsai Shelun , Arazi Laury , Lilienthal Debra , Schattman Glenn , Rosenwaks Zev , James Daylon
Published: December 2022

The ovarian reserve is finite and begins declining from its peak at mid-gestation until only residual follicles remain as women approach menopause. Reduced ovarian reserve, or its extreme form, premature ovarian insufficiency, stems from multiple factors, including developmental, genetic, environmental exposures, autoimmune disease, or medical/surgical treatment. In many cases, the cause remains unknown and resulting infertility is not ultimately addressed by assisted reproductive technologies. Deciphering the mechanisms that underlie disorders of ovarian reserve could improve the outcomes for patients struggling with infertility, but these disorders are diverse and can be categorized in multiple ways. In this review, we will explore the topic from a perspective that emphasizes the prevention or mitigation of ovarian damage. The most desirable mode of fertoprotection is primary prevention (intervening before ablative influence occurs), as identifying toxic influences and deciphering the mechanisms by which they exert their effect can reduce or eliminate exposure and damage. Secondary prevention in the form of screening is not recommended broadly. Nevertheless, in some instances where a known genetic background exists in discrete families, screening is advised. As part of prenatal care, screening panels include some genetic diseases that can lead to infertility or subfertility. In these patients, early diagnosis could enable fertility preservation or changes in family-building plans. Finally, Tertiary Prevention (managing disease post-diagnosis) is critical. Reduced ovarian reserve has a major influence on physiology beyond fertility, including delayed/absent puberty or premature menopause. In these instances, proper diagnosis and medical therapy can reduce adverse effects. Here, we elaborate on these modes of prevention as well as proposed mechanisms that underlie ovarian reserve disorders.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Unveils the Molecular Mechanism Underlying Sepal Colour Changes under Acidic pH Substratum in Hydrangea macrophylla
Authors: Rahmati Razieh , Hamid Rasmieh , Ghorbanzadeh Zahra , Jacob Feba , Azadi Pezhman , Zeinalabedini Mehrshad , Karimi Farsad Laleh , Kazemi Mehrbano , Ebrahimi Mohammad Ali , Shahinnia Fahimeh , Hosseini Salekdeh Ghasem , Ghaffari Mohammad Reza , Hajirezaei Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2022

The hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb). Ser.), an ornamental plant, has good marketing potential and is known for its capacity to change the colour of its inflorescence depending on the pH of the cultivation media. The molecular mechanisms causing these changes are still uncertain. In the present study, transcriptome and targeted metabolic profiling were used to identify molecular changes in the RNAome of hydrangea plants cultured at two different pH levels. De novo assembly yielded 186,477 unigenes. Transcriptomic datasets provided a comprehensive and systemic overview of the dynamic networks of the gene expression underlying flower colour formation in hydrangeas. Weighted analyses of gene co-expression network identified candidate genes and hub genes from the modules linked closely to the hyper accumulation of Al3+ during different stages of flower development. F3′5′H, ANS, FLS, CHS, UA3GT, CHI, DFR, and F3H were enhanced significantly in the modules. In addition, MYB, bHLH, PAL6, PAL9, and WD40 were identified as hub genes. Thus, a hypothesis elucidating the colour change in the flowers of Al3+-treated plants was established. This study identified many potential key regulators of flower pigmentation, providing novel insights into the molecular networks in hydrangea flowers.
Evaluation of a Novel Oncolytic Adenovirus Silencing SYVN1
Authors: Vermeulen Christie , Brachtlova Tereza , Tol Nikki , van der Meulen-Muileman Ida H. , Hodzic Jasmina , van de Vrugt Henri J. , van Beusechem Victor W.
Published: December 2022

Oncolytic adenoviruses are promising new anticancer agents. To realize their full anticancer potential, they are being engineered to express therapeutic payloads. Tumor suppressor p53 function contributes to oncolytic adenovirus activity. Many cancer cells carry an intact TP53 gene but express p53 inhibitors that compromise p53 function. Therefore, we hypothesized that oncolytic adenoviruses could be made more effective by suppressing p53 inhibitors in selected cancer cells. To investigate this concept, we attenuated the expression of the established p53 inhibitor synoviolin (SYVN1) in A549 lung cancer cells by RNA interference. Silencing SYVN1 inhibited p53 degradation, thereby increasing p53 activity, and promoted adenovirus-induced A549 cell death. Based on these observations, we constructed a new oncolytic adenovirus that expresses a short hairpin RNA against SYVN1. This virus killed A549 cells more effectively in vitro and inhibited A549 xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Surprisingly, increased susceptibility to adenovirus-mediated cell killing by SYVN1 silencing was also observed in A549 TP53 knockout cells. Hence, while the mechanism of SYVN1-mediated inhibition of adenovirus replication is not fully understood, our results clearly show that RNA interference technology can be exploited to design more potent oncolytic adenoviruses.
Cis-Regulation by NACs: A Promising Frontier in Wheat Crop Improvement
Authors: Iqbal Adnan , Bocian Joanna , Hameed Amir , Orczyk Waclaw , Nadolska-Orczyk Anna
Published: December 2022

Crop traits are controlled by multiple genes; however, the complex spatio-temporal transcriptional behavior of genes cannot be fully understood without comprehending the role of transcription factors (TFs) and the underlying mechanisms of the binding interactions of their cis-regulatory elements. NAC belongs to one of the largest families of plant-specific TFs and has been associated with the regulation of many traits. This review provides insight into the cis-regulation of genes by wheat NACs (TaNACs) for the improvement in yield-related traits, including phytohormonal homeostasis, leaf senescence, seed traits improvement, root modulation, and biotic and abiotic stresses in wheat and other cereals. We also discussed the current potential, knowledge gaps, and prospects of TaNACs.
Potential Roles of Exosomes in the Development and Detection of Malignant Mesothelioma: An Update
Authors: Munson Phillip , Shukla Arti
Published: December 2022

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a devastating cancer of mesothelial cells, caused by asbestos exposure. Limited knowledge regarding the detection of asbestos exposure and the early diagnosis of MM, as well as a lack of successful treatment options for this deadly cancer, project an immediate need to understand the mechanism(s) of MM development. With the recent discovery of nano-vesicles, namely exosomes, and their enormous potential to contain signature molecules representative of different diseases, as well as to communicate with distant targets, we were encouraged to explore their role(s) in MM biology. In this review, we summarize what we know so far about exosomes and MM based on our own studies and on published literature from other groups in the field. We expect that the information contained in this review will help advance the field of MM forward by revealing the mechanisms of MM development and survival. Based on this knowledge, future therapeutic strategies for MM can potentially be developed. We also hope that the outcome of our studies presented here may help in the detection of MM.
Role of Monovalent Ions in the NKCC1 Inhibition Mechanism Revealed through Molecular Simulations
Authors: Janoš Pavel , Magistrato Alessandra
Published: December 2022

The secondary active Na-K-Cl cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) promotes electroneutral uptake of two chloride ions, one sodium ion and one potassium ion. NKCC1 regulates Cl− homeostasis, thus being implicated in transepithelial water transport and in neuronal excitability. Aberrant NKCC1 transport is linked to a variety of human diseases. The loop diuretic drugs bumetanide, furosemide, azosemide and ethacrynic acid target NKCC1, but are characterized by poor selectivity leading to severe side effects. Despite its therapeutic importance, the molecular details of the NKCC1 inhibition mechanism remain unclear. Using all-atom simulations, we predict a putative binding mode of these drugs to the zebrafish (z) and human (h) NKCC1 orthologs. Although differing in their specific interactions with NKCC1 and/or monovalent ions, all drugs can fit within the same cavity and engage in hydrophobic interactions with M304/M382 in z/hNKCC1, a proposed ion gating residue demonstrated to be key for bumetanide binding. Consistent with experimental evidence, all drugs take advantage of the K+/Na+ ions, which plastically respond to their binding. This study not only provides atomic-level insights useful for drug discovery campaigns of more selective/potent NKCC1 inhibitors aimed to tackle diseases related to deregulated Cl− homeostasis, but it also supplies a paradigmatic example of the key importance of dynamical effects when drug binding is mediated by monovalent ions.
Targeted Protein Degradation: Clinical Advances in the Field of Oncology
Authors: Salama Abdelrahman K. A. A. , Trkulja Marija V. , Casanova Emilio , Uras Iris Z.
Published: December 2022

The field of targeted protein degradation (TPD) is a rapidly developing therapeutic modality with the promise to tame disease-relevant proteins in ways that are difficult or impossible to tackle with other strategies. While we move into the third decade of TPD, multiple degrader drugs have entered the stage of the clinic and many more are expected to follow. In this review, we provide an update on the most recent advances in the field of targeted degradation with insights into possible clinical implications for cancer prevention and treatment.
Systematic Comparison of Plant Promoters in Nicotiana spp. Expression Systems
Authors: Shakhova Ekaterina S. , Markina Nadezhda M. , Mitiouchkina Tatiana , Bugaeva Evgenia N. , Karataeva Tatiana A. , Palkina Kseniia A. , Fakhranurova Liliia I. , Yampolsky Ilia V. , Sarkisyan Karen S. , Mishin Alexander S.
Published: December 2022

We report a systematic comparison of 19 plant promoters and 20 promoter-terminator combinations in two expression systems: agroinfiltration in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, and Nicotiana tabacum BY-2 plant cell packs. The set of promoters tested comprised those not present in previously published work, including several computationally predicted synthetic promoters validated here for the first time. The expression of EGFP driven by different promoters varied by more than two orders of magnitude and was largely consistent between two tested Nicotiana systems. We confirmed previous reports of significant modulation of expression by terminators, as well as synergistic effects of promoters and terminators. Additionally, we observed non-linear effects of gene dosage on expression level. The dataset presented here can inform the design of genetic constructs for plant engineering and transient expression assays.
Glycosphingolipids in Diabetes, Oxidative Stress, and Cardiovascular Disease: Prevention in Experimental Animal Models
Authors: Balram Amrita , Thapa Spriha , Chatterjee Subroto
Published: December 2022

Diabetes contributes to about 30% morbidity and mortality world-wide and has tidal wave increases in several countries in Asia. Diabetes is a multi-factorial disease compounded by inflammation, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and is sometimes accompanied with gains in body weight. Sphingolipid pathways that interplay in the enhancement of the pathology of this disease may be potential therapeutic targets. Thus, the application of advanced sphingolipidomics may help predict the progression of this disease and therapeutic outcomes in man. Pre-clinical studies using various experimental animal models of diabetes provide valuable information on the role of sphingolipid signaling networks in diabetes and the efficacy of drugs to determine the translatability of innovative discoveries to man. In this review, we discuss three major concepts regarding sphingolipids and diabetes. First, we discuss a possible involvement of a monosialodihexosylceramide (GM3) in insulin–insulin receptor interactions. Second, a potential role for ceramide (Cer) and lactosylceramide (LacCer) in apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction is proposed. Third, a larger role of LacCer in antioxidant status and inflammation is discussed. We also discuss how inhibitors of glycosphingolipid synthesis can ameliorate diabetes in experimental animal models.