bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning for Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Early Stages
Authors: Prado Julio José , Rojas Ignacio
Published: December 2021

According to the WHO, approximately 50 million people worldwide have dementia and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60–70% of cases. It has been proved that early diagnosis is key to promoting early and optimal management. However, the early stage of dementia is often overlooked and patients are typically diagnosed when the disease progresses to a more advanced stage. The objective of this contribution is to predict Alzheimer’s early stages, not only dementia itself. To carry out this objective, different types of SVM and CNN machine learning classifiers will be used, as well as two different feature selection algorithms: PCA and mRMR. The different experiments and their performance are compared when classifying patients from MRI images. The newness of the experiments conducted in this research includes the wide range of stages that we aim to predict, the processing of all the available information simultaneously and the Segmentation routine implemented in SPM12 for preprocessing. We will make use of multiple slices and consider different parts of the brain to give a more accurate response. Overall, excellent results have been obtained, reaching a maximum F1 score of 0.9979 from the SVM and PCA classifier.
Selective Detection of Penicillin G Antibiotic in Milk by Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Plasmonic SPR Sensor
Authors: Bakhshpour Monireh , Göktürk Ilgım , Bereli Nilay , Yılmaz Fatma , Denizli Adil
Published: December 2021

Molecularly imprinted polymer-based surface plasmon resonance sensor prepared using silver nanoparticles was designed for the selective recognition of Penicillin G (PEN-G) antibiotic from both aqueous solution and milk sample. PEN-G imprinted sensors (NpMIPs) SPR sensor was fabricated using poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacroyl-(L)-cysteine methyl ester)-silver nanoparticles-N-methacryloyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester polymer by embedding silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into the polymeric film structure. In addition, a non-imprinted (NpNIPs) SPR sensor was prepared by utilizing the same polymerization recipe without addition of the PEN-G template molecule to evaluate the imprinting effect. FTIR-ATR spectrophotometer, ellipsometer, contact angle measurements were used for the characterization of NpMIPs SPR sensors. The linear concentration range of 0.01–10 ng/mL PEN-G was studied for kinetic analyses. The augmenting effect of AgNPs used to increase the surface plasmon resonance signal response was examined using polymer-based PEN-G imprinted (MIPs) sensor without the addition of AgNPs. The antibiotic amount present in milk chosen as a real sample was measured by spiking PEN-G into the milk. According to the Scatchard, Langmuir, Freundlich and Langmuir–Freundlich adsorption models, the interaction mechanism was estimated to be compatible with the Langmuir model.
Raman Scattering-Based Biosensing: New Prospects and Opportunities
Authors: Serebrennikova Kseniya V. , Berlina Anna N. , Sotnikov Dmitriy V. , Zherdev Anatoly V. , Dzantiev Boris B.
Published: December 2021

The growing interest in the development of new platforms for the application of Raman spectroscopy techniques in biosensor technologies is driven by the potential of these techniques in identifying chemical compounds, as well as structural and functional features of biomolecules. The effect of Raman scattering is a result of inelastic light scattering processes, which lead to the emission of scattered light with a different frequency associated with molecular vibrations of the identified molecule. Spontaneous Raman scattering is usually weak, resulting in complexities with the separation of weak inelastically scattered light and intense Rayleigh scattering. These limitations have led to the development of various techniques for enhancing Raman scattering, including resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) and nonlinear Raman spectroscopy (coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy and stimulated Raman spectroscopy). Furthermore, the discovery of the phenomenon of enhanced Raman scattering near metallic nanostructures gave impetus to the development of the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) as well as its combination with resonance Raman spectroscopy and nonlinear Raman spectroscopic techniques. The combination of nonlinear and resonant optical effects with metal substrates or nanoparticles can be used to increase speed, spatial resolution, and signal amplification in Raman spectroscopy, making these techniques promising for the analysis and characterization of biological samples. This review provides the main provisions of the listed Raman techniques and the advantages and limitations present when applied to life sciences research. The recent advances in SERS and SERS-combined techniques are summarized, such as SERRS, SE-CARS, and SE-SRS for bioimaging and the biosensing of molecules, which form the basis for potential future applications of these techniques in biosensor technology. In addition, an overview is given of the main tools for success in the development of biosensors based on Raman spectroscopy techniques, which can be achieved by choosing one or a combination of the following approaches: (i) fabrication of a reproducible SERS substrate, (ii) synthesis of the SERS nanotag, and (iii) implementation of new platforms for on-site testing.
Monoclonal Antibody-Based Immunosensor for the Electrochemical Detection of Chlortoluron Herbicide in Groundwaters
Authors: Surribas Anaïs , Barthelmebs Lise , Noguer Thierry
Published: December 2021

Chlortoluron (3-(3-chloro-p-tolyl)-1,1-dimethyl urea) is an herbicide widely used in substitution to isoproturon to control grass weed in wheat and barley crops. Chlortoluron has been detected in groundwaters for more than 20 years; and dramatic increases in concentrations are observed after intense rain outbreaks. In this context; we developed an immunosensor for the determination of chlortoluron based on competitive binding of specific monoclonal antibodies on chlortoluron and immobilized biotinylated chlortoluron; followed by electrochemical detection on screen-printed carbon electrodes. The optimized immunosensor exhibited a logarithmic response in the range 0.01–10 µg·L−1; with a calculated detection limit (LOD) of 22.4 ng·L−1; which is below the maximum levels allowed by the legislation (0.1 µg·L−1). The immunosensor was used for the determination of chlortoluron in natural groundwaters, showing the absence of matrix effects.
Effect of Al2O3 Passive Layer on Stability and Doping of MoS2 Field-Effect Transistor (FET) Biosensors
Authors: Pham Tung , Chen Ying , Lopez Jhoann , Yang Mei , Tran Thien-Toan , Mulchandani Ashok
Published: December 2021

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) features a band gap of 1.3 eV (indirect) to 1.9 eV (direct). This tunable band gap renders MoS2 a suitable conducting channel for field-effect transistors (FETs). In addition, the highly sensitive surface potential in MoS2 layers allows the feasibility of FET applications in biosensors, where direct immobilization and detection of biological molecules are conducted in wet conditions. In this work, we report, for the first time, the degradation of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown MoS2 FET-based sensors in the presence of phosphate buffer and water, which caused false positive response in detection. We conclude the degradation was originated by physical delamination of MoS2 thin films from the SiO2 substrate. The problem was alleviated by coating the sensors with a 30 nm thick aluminum oxide (Al2O3) layer using atomic layer deposition technique (ALD). This passive oxide thin film not only acted as a protecting layer against the device degradation but also induced a strong n-doping onto MoS2, which permitted a facile method of detection in MoS2 FET-based sensors using a low-power mode chemiresistive I-V measurement at zero gate voltage (Vgate = 0 V). Additionally, the oxide layer provided available sites for facile functionalization with bioreceptors. As immunoreaction plays a key role in clinical diagnosis and environmental analysis, our work presented a promising application using such enhanced Al2O3-coated MoS2 chemiresistive biosensors for detection of HIgG with high sensitivity and selectivity. The biosensor was successfully applied to detect HIgG in artificial urine, a complex matrix containing organics and salts.
Is There a Causal Link between the Left Lateralization of Language and Other Brain Asymmetries? A Review of Data Gathered in Patients with Focal Brain Lesions
Authors: Gainotti Guido
Published: December 2021

This review evaluated if the hypothesis of a causal link between the left lateralization of language and other brain asymmetries could be supported by a careful review of data gathered in patients with unilateral brain lesions. In a short introduction a distinction was made between brain activities that could: (a) benefit from the shaping influences of language (such as the capacity to solve non-verbal cognitive tasks and the increased levels of consciousness and of intentionality); (b) be incompatible with the properties and the shaping activities of language (e.g., the relations between language and the automatic orienting of visual-spatial attention or between cognition and emotion) and (c) be more represented on the right hemisphere due to competition for cortical space. The correspondence between predictions based on the theoretical impact of language on other brain functions and data obtained in patients with lesions of the right and left hemisphere was then assessed. The reviewed data suggest that different kinds of hemispheric asymmetries observed in patients with unilateral brain lesions could be subsumed by common mechanisms, more or less directly linked to the left lateralization of language.
Developing a Scoring System to Evaluate the Level of Smartness in Commercial Buildings: A Case of Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunatilaka Randima Nirmal , Abdeen Fathima Nishara , Sepasgozar Samad M. E.
Published: December 2021

Smart buildings (SBs) are developed in many different ways and are self-proclaimed smart. There are a great number of publications introducing smart systems using a wider range of tools and sensors. However, the level of smartness, functions of the smart system, and the usefulness of the system are not the same, which may give a wrong impression to clients or potential buyers of a building. Developing a scoring system that enables determining the overall smartness of a building is necessary. Despite the necessity, there is a dearth of studies in this area. Hence, the purpose of this study is to develop a scoring system to evaluate the level of smartness of Sri Lankan commercial buildings. Thus, initially, smart criteria were identified, defined, and categorized through a literature survey. Subsequently, 35 experts in the commercial building sector were interviewed. Finally, the relative importance of the smart criteria was derived through the AHP technique, and accordingly, a scoring system was developed. The study identified six main criteria to evaluate the smartness of buildings in the scoring system. The automation criterion with the highest relative weight was concluded to be the dominant criterion (45.59%) in the scoring system. Communication and data sharing were placed at second with a relative weight of 18.76% and indicates the importance given by the study findings in establishing the backbones of SBs. Occupants’ comfort, energy management, occupants’ health and safety, and sustainability criterion were ranked third, fourth, fifth, and sixth within the scoring system. This study is one of the first to investigate in detail the contribution of both soft and hard services of a facility in determining the overall smartness of a building. Property developers in the commercial building sector can benefit from this study by recognizing the necessary criteria to be embedded in their SB development projects in order to attract more tenants and customers.
The Impact of Increased Density on Residential Property Values in Sydney, New South Wales
Authors: Sodhi Narvaez , Shirowzhan Sara , Sepasgozar Samad
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates the impact of high-density development on low-density residential property values in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW). To do so, it conducts a literature review to ascertain the existing knowledge surrounding the study of property valuation and its economic and societal implications. Limitations within academia were identified and addressed as the objectives of this research. Subsequently, the key objective of this research is to “study the sociological factors dictating the attractiveness of low-density (LD) properties within proximity to high-density (HD) local characteristics.” In addressing this objective, research questions explore the interactions of an area’s local characteristics, its residents’ property types and the perceptions surrounding these interactions. This research studies property value through the lens of market perceptions, as the price of land is a basic indicator of the attractiveness, economic value and amenities accessible to a specific site. Through this seminal understanding, the research methodology was formed in which a questionnaire was completed by Sydney residents, providing data for analysis and discussion. The primary research question determines that “low-density residents perceive high-density local characteristics to be attractive”. Through this determination and its associated discussion, this study proposes that ‘if high-density local characteristics are able to be utilised by low-density properties, low-density residents will consider these properties to be more valuable’.
YAP1 Is a Potential Predictive Molecular Biomarker for Response to SMO Inhibitor in Medulloblastoma Cells
Authors: Alencastro Veiga Cruzeiro Gustavo , de Almeida Magalhães Taciani , Ribeiro de Sousa Graziella , Bonfim Silva Ricardo , Alberto Oliveira de Biagi Junior Carlos , Ferreira das Chagas Pablo , Gomes de Paula Queiroz Rosane , Alberto Scrideli Carlos , Gonzaga Tone Luiz , Terci Valera Elvis
Published: December 2021

Advances in genomics have led to the identification of twelve relevant molecular subtypes within medulloblastoma (MB). The alpha subtype of Sonic hedgehog-driven MB is resistant to therapy (including smoothened inhibitors) due to activation of genes from the non-canonical SHH pathway, such as MYCN, YAP1, or TP53. Using retrospective cohort microarray data, we found that YAP1 is overexpressed in SHH alpha MB and patients profiled as resistant to SMO inhibitors compared to good responders. Here, we performed YAP1 depletion via CRISPR/Cas9 in two in vitro models of SHH-like MB cells and found that this protein is involved in responsiveness to the SMO inhibitor regarding proliferation, apoptosis, and colony formation. Further, considering the synergic combination of YAP1 depletion with SMO inhibition, we assessed single-cell RNA-seq data from five patients and found that SMO and YAP1 are enriched within cells of SHH MB. Importantly, our data suggest that YAP1 is not only a reliable biomarker for cellular response to SMOi but may indicate prospective testing of combination therapy using YAP1 and SMO inhibitors in preclinical models of SHH MB.
Identification of Potential Prognostic and Predictive Immunological Biomarkers in Patients with Stage I and Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): A Prospective Exploratory Study
Authors: Vaes Rianne D. W. , Reynders Kobe , Sprooten Jenny , Nevola Kathleen T. , Rouschop Kasper M. A. , Vooijs Marc , Garg Abhishek D. , Lambrecht Maarten , Hendriks Lizza E. L. , Rucevic Marijana , De Ruysscher Dirk
Published: December 2021

Radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy can induce immune responses, but not much is known regarding treatment-induced immune changes in patients. This exploratory study aimed to identify potential prognostic and predictive immune-related proteins associated with progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this prospective study, patients with stage I NSCLC treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (n = 26) and patients with stage III NSCLC treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (n = 18) were included. Blood samples were collected before (v1), during (v2), and after RT (v3). In patients with stage I NSCLC, CD244 (HR: 10.2, 95% CI: 1.8–57.4) was identified as a negative prognostic biomarker. In patients with stage III NSCLC, CR2 and IFNGR2 were identified as positive prognostic biomarkers (CR2, HR: 0.00, 95% CI: 0.00–0.12; IFNGR2, HR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.00–0.46). In addition, analysis of the treatment-induced changes of circulating protein levels over time (Δv2/v3−v1) also identified CXCL10 and IL-10 as negative predictive biomarkers (CXCL10, HR: 3.86, 95% CI: 1.0–14.7; IL-10, HR: 16.92 (2.74–104.36)), although serum-induced interferon (IFN) response was a positive prognostic. In conclusion, we identified several circulating immunogenic proteins that are correlated with PFS in patients with stage I and stage III NSCLC before and during treatment.
The Estrogen Receptor α Signaling Pathway Controls Alternative Splicing in the Absence of Ligands in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Elhasnaoui Jamal , Ferrero Giulio , Miano Valentina , Cutrupi Santina , De Bortoli Michele
Published: December 2021

Background: The transcriptional activity of estrogen receptor α (ERα) in breast cancer (BC) is extensively characterized. Our group has previously shown that ERα controls the expression of a number of genes in its unliganded form (apoERα), among which a large group of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) encode genes, suggesting its role in the control of co- and post-transcriptional events. Methods: apoERα-mediated RNA processing events were characterized by the analysis of transcript usage and alternative splicing changes in an RNA-sequencing dataset from MCF-7 cells after siRNA-induced ERα downregulation. Results: ApoERα depletion induced an expression change of 681 RBPs, including 84 splicing factors involved in translation, ribonucleoprotein complex assembly, and 3′end processing. ApoERα depletion results in 758 isoform switching events with effects on 3′end length and the splicing of alternative cassette exons. The functional enrichment of these events shows that post-transcriptional regulation is part of the mechanisms by which apoERα controls epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and BC cell proliferation. In primary BCs, the inclusion levels of the experimentally identified alternatively spliced exons are associated with overall and disease-free survival. Conclusion: Our data supports the role of apoERα in maintaining the luminal phenotype of BC cells by extensively regulating gene expression at the alternative splicing level.
Phase I Trial of Oral Yeast-Derived β-Glucan to Enhance Anti-GD2 Immunotherapy of Resistant High-Risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Cardenas Fiorella Iglesias , Mauguen Audrey , Cheung Irene Y. , Kramer Kim , Kushner Brian H. , Ragupathi Govind , Cheung Nai-Kong V. , Modak Shakeel
Published: December 2021

Beta glucans, complex polysaccharides, prime leukocyte dectin-1 and CR3-receptors and enhance anti-tumor cytotoxicity of complement-activating monoclonal antibodies. We conducted a phase I study (clinicaltrials.gov NCT00492167) to determine the safety of the combination of yeast-derived beta glucan (BG) and anti-GD2 murine monoclonal antibody 3F8 in patients with relapsed or refractory high-risk neuroblastoma. Patients received intravenous 3F8 (fixed dose of 10 mg/m2/day × 10 days) and oral BG (dose-escalated from 10–200 mg/kg/day × 17 days in cohorts of 3–6 patients each). Forty-four patients completed 141 cycles. One patient developed DLT: transient self-limiting hepatic transaminase elevation 5 days after starting BG (120 mg/kg/day). Overall, 1, 3, 12 and 24 evaluable patients had complete response, partial response, stable and progressive disease, respectively, at the end of treatment. Positive human anti-mouse antibody response and dectin-1 rs3901533 polymorphism were associated with better overall survival. BG dose level and serum BG levels did not correlate with response. Progression-free and overall survival at 2 years were 28% and 61%, respectively. BG lacked major toxicity. Treatment with 3F8 plus BG was associated with anti-neuroblastoma responses in patients with resistant disease. Although the maximal tolerated dose for yeast BG was not reached, considering the large volume of oral BG, we recommended 40 mg/kg/day as the phase II dose.
Assessing PD-L1 Expression Status Using Radiomic Features from Contrast-Enhanced Breast MRI in Breast Cancer Patients: Initial Results
Authors: Lo Gullo Roberto , Wen Hannah , Reiner Jeffrey S. , Hoda Raza , Sevilimedu Varadan , Martinez Danny F. , Thakur Sunitha B. , Jochelson Maxine S. , Gibbs Peter , Pinker Katja
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess whether radiomics analysis coupled with machine learning (ML) based on standard-of-care dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) can predict PD-L1 expression status in patients with triple negative breast cancer, and to compare the performance of this approach with radiologist review. Patients with biopsy-proven triple negative breast cancer who underwent pre-treatment breast MRI and whose PD-L1 status was available were included. Following 3D tumor segmentation and extraction of radiomic features, radiomic features with significant differences between PD-L1+ and PD-L1− patients were determined, and a final predictive model to predict PD-L1 status was developed using a coarse decision tree and five-fold cross-validation. Separately, all lesions were qualitatively assessed by two radiologists independently according to the BI-RADS lexicon. Of 62 women (mean age 47, range 31–81), 27 had PD-L1− tumors and 35 had PD-L1+ tumors. The final radiomics model to predict PD-L1 status utilized three MRI parameters, i.e., variance (FO), run length variance (RLM), and large zone low grey level emphasis (LZLGLE), for a sensitivity of 90.7%, specificity of 85.1%, and diagnostic accuracy of 88.2%. There were no significant associations between qualitative assessed DCE-MRI imaging features and PD-L1 status. Thus, radiomics analysis coupled with ML based on standard-of-care DCE-MRI is a promising approach to derive prognostic and predictive information and to select patients who could benefit from anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment.
Recurrent Endometrial Cancer: Local and Systemic Treatment Options
Authors: Rütten Heidi , Verhoef Cornelia , van Weelden Willem Jan , Smits Anke , Dhanis Joëlle , Ottevanger Nelleke , Pijnenborg Johanna M. A.
Published: December 2021

The treatment of recurrent endometrial cancer is a challenge. Because of earlier treatments and the site of locoregional recurrence, in the vaginal vault or pelvis, morbidity can be high. A total of about 4 to 20% of the patients with endometrial cancer develop a locoregional recurrence, mostly among patients with locally advanced disease. The treatment options are dependent on previous treatments and the site of recurrence. Local and locoregional recurrences can be treated curatively with surgery or (chemo)radiotherapy with acceptable toxicity and control rates. Distant recurrences can be treated with palliative systemic therapy, i.e., first-line chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. Based on the tumor characteristics and molecular profile, there can be a role for immunotherapy. The evidence on targeted therapy is limited, with no approved treatment in the current guidelines. In selected cases, there might be an indication for local treatment in oligometastatic disease. Because of the novel techniques in radiotherapy, disease control can often be achieved at limited toxicity. Further studies are warranted to analyze the survival outcome and toxicity of newer treatment strategies. Patient selection is very important in deciding which treatment is of most benefit, and better prediction models based on the patient- and tumor characteristics are necessary.
Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic on Lung Cancer Surgery in France: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Pages Pierre-Benoit , Cottenet Jonathan , Bonniaud Philippe , Tubert-Bitter Pascale , Piroth Lionel , Cadranel Jacques , Bernard Alain , Quantin Catherine
Published: December 2021

Few studies have investigated the link between SARS-CoV-2 and health restrictions and its effects on the health of lung cancer (LC) patients. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic on surgical activity volume, postoperative complications and in-hospital mortality (IHM) for LC resections in France. All data for adult patients who underwent pulmonary resection for LC in France in 2020, collected from the national administrative database, were compared to 2018–2019. The effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the risk of IHM and severe complications within 30 days among LC surgery patients was examined using a logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities and type of resection. There was a slight decrease in the volume of LC resections in 2020 (n = 11,634), as compared to 2018 (n = 12,153) and 2019 (n = 12,227), with a noticeable decrease in April 2020 (the peak of the first wave of epidemic in France). We found that SARS-CoV-2 (0.43% of 2020 resections) was associated with IHM and severe complications, with, respectively, a sevenfold (aOR = 7.17 (3.30–15.55)) and almost a fivefold (aOR = 4.76 (2.31–9.80)) increase in risk. Our study suggests that LC surgery is feasible even during a pandemic, provided that general guidance protocols edited by the surgical societies are respected.
Transcription Regulation and Genome Rewiring Governing Sensitivity and Resistance to FOXM1 Inhibition in Breast Cancer
Authors: Ziegler Yvonne , Guillen Valeria Sanabria , Kim Sung Hoon , Katzenellenbogen John A. , Katzenellenbogen Benita S.
Published: December 2021

Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), an oncogenic transcription factor associated with aggressiveness and highly expressed in many cancers, is an emerging therapeutic target. Using novel 1,1-diarylethylene-diammonium small molecule FOXM1 inhibitors, we undertook transcriptomic, protein, and functional analyses to identify mechanisms by which these compounds impact breast cancer growth and survival, and the changes that occur in estrogen receptor (ERα)-positive and triple negative breast cancer cells that acquire resistance upon long-term treatment with the inhibitors. In sensitive cells, these compounds regulated FOXM1 gene networks controlling cell cycle progression, DNA damage repair, and apoptosis. Resistant cells showed transcriptional alterations that reversed the expression of many genes in the FOXM1 network and rewiring that enhanced inflammatory signaling and upregulated HER2 or EGFR growth factor pathways. ERα-positive breast cancer cells that developed resistance showed greatly reduced ERα levels and responsiveness to fulvestrant and a 10-fold increased sensitivity to lapatinib, suggesting that targeting rewired processes in the resistant state may provide benefits and prolong anticancer effectiveness. Improved understanding of how FOXM1 inhibitors suppress breast cancer and how cancer cells can defeat their effectiveness and acquire resistance should be helpful in directing further studies to move these agents towards translation into the clinic.
Facile Hydrothermal Synthesis and Supercapacitor Performance of Mesoporous Necklace-Type ZnCo2O4 Nanowires
Authors: Rajesh John , Ahn Kwang-Soon
Published: December 2021

In this work, mesoporous ZnCo2O4 electrode material with necklace-type nanowires was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method using water/ethylene glycol mixed solvent and subsequent calcination treatment. The ZnCo2O4 nanowires were assembled by several tiny building blocks of nanoparticles which led to the growth of necklace-type nanowires. The as-synthesized ZnCo2O4 nanowires had porous structures with a high surface area of 25.33 m2 g−1 and with an average mesopore of 23.13 nm. Due to the higher surface area and mesopores, the as-prepared necklace-type ZnCo2O4 nanowires delivered a high specific capacity of 439.6 C g−1 (1099 F g−1) at a current density of 1 A g−1, decent rate performance (47.31% retention at 20 A g−1), and good cyclic stability (84.82 % capacity retention after 5000 cycles). Moreover, a hybrid supercapacitor was fabricated with ZnCo2O4 nanowires as a positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as a negative electrode (ZnCo2O4 nanowires//AC), which delivered an energy density of 41.87 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 800 W kg−1. The high electrochemical performance and excellent stability of the necklace-type ZnCo2O4 nanowires relate to their unique architecture, high surface area, mesoporous nature, and the synergistic effect between Zn and Co metals.
Modified Catalysts and Their Fractal Properties
Authors: Dobrescu Gianina , Papa Florica , State Razvan , Raciulete Monica , Berger Daniela , Balint Ioan , Ionescu Niculae I.
Published: December 2021

Obtaining high-area catalysts is in demand in heterogeneous catalysis as it influences the ratio between the number of active surface sites and the number of total surface sites of the catalysts. From this point of view, fractal theory seems to be a suitable instrument to characterize catalysts’ surfaces. Moreover, catalysts with higher fractal dimensions will perform better in catalytic reactions. Modifying catalysts to increase their fractal dimension is a constant concern in heterogeneous catalysis. In this paper, scientific results related to oxide catalysts, such as lanthanum cobaltites and ferrites with perovskite structure, and nanoparticle catalysts (such as Pt, Rh, Pt-Cu, etc.) will be reviewed, emphasizing their fractal properties and the influence of their modification on both fractal and catalytic properties. Some of the methods used to compute the fractal dimension of the catalysts (micrograph fractal analysis and the adsorption isotherm method) and the computed fractal dimensions will be presented and discussed.
Retromer Complex and PI3K Complex II-Related Genes Mediate the Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Sodium Metabisulfite Resistance Response
Authors: Jin Xuejiao , Zhao Huihui , Zhou Min , Zhang Jie , An Tingting , Fu Wenhao , Li Danqi , Cao Xiuling , Liu Beidong
Published: December 2021

Sodium metabisulfite (Na2S2O5) is widely used as a preservative in the food and wine industry. However, it causes varying degrees of cellular damage to organisms. In order to improve our knowledge regarding its cyto-toxicity, a genome-wide screen using the yeast single deletion collection was performed. Additionally, a total of 162 Na2S2O5-sensitive strains and 16 Na2S2O5-tolerant strains were identified. Among the 162 Na2S2O5 tolerance-related genes, the retromer complex was the top enriched cellular component. Further analysis demonstrated that retromer complex deletion leads to increased sensitivity to Na2S2O5, and that Na2S2O5 can induce mislocalization of retromer complex proteins. Notably, phosphatidylinositol 3-monophosphate kinase (PI3K) complex II, which is important for retromer recruitment to the endosome, might be a potential regulator mediating retromer localization and the yeast Na2S2O5 tolerance response. Na2S2O5 can decrease the protein expressions of Vps34, which is the component of PI3K complex. Therefore, Na2S2O5-mediated retromer redistribution might be caused by the effects of decreased Vps34 expression levels. Moreover, both pharmaceutical inhibition of Vps34 functions and deletions of PI3K complex II-related genes affect cell tolerance to Na2S2O5. The results of our study provide a global picture of cellular components required for Na2S2O5 tolerance and advance our understanding concerning Na2S2O5-induced cytotoxicity effects.
Dual Role of p73 in Cancer Microenvironment and DNA Damage Response
Authors: Rozenberg Julian M. , Zvereva Svetlana , Dalina Alexandra , Blatov Igor , Zubarev Ilya , Luppov Daniil , Bessmertnyi Alexander , Romanishin Alexander , Alsoulaiman Lamak , Kumeiko Vadim , Kagansky Alexander , Melino Gerry , Barlev Nikolai A.
Published: December 2021

Understanding the mechanisms that regulate cancer progression is pivotal for the development of new therapies. Although p53 is mutated in half of human cancers, its family member p73 is not. At the same time, isoforms of p73 are often overexpressed in cancers and p73 can overtake many p53 functions to kill abnormal cells. According to the latest studies, while p73 represses epithelial–mesenchymal transition and metastasis, it can also promote tumour growth by modulating crosstalk between cancer and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, M2 macrophage polarisation, Th2 T-cell differentiation, and angiogenesis. Thus, p73 likely plays a dual role as a tumor suppressor by regulating apoptosis in response to genotoxic stress or as an oncoprotein by promoting the immunosuppressive environment and immune cell differentiation.
Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) and Their Soluble Receptor (sRAGE) in Women Suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Authors: Nowak Agnieszka , Przywara-Chowaniec Brygida , Damasiewicz-Bodzek Aleksandra , Blachut Dominika , Nowalany-Kozielska Ewa , Tyrpień-Golder Krystyna
Published: December 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by abnormal action of the immune system and a state of chronic inflammation. The disease can cause life-threatening complications. Neoepitopes arising from interdependent glycation and oxidation processes might be an element of SLE pathology. The groups included in the study were 31 female SLE patients and 26 healthy female volunteers (the control group). Blood serum samples were obtained to evaluate concentrations of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), carboxymethyllysine (CML), carboxyethyllysine (CEL), pentosidine, and a soluble form of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE). Compared to a healthy control group, the SLE patients exhibited a higher concentration of AGEs and a lower concentration of sRAGE in serum. There were no statistically significant differences in serum CML, CEL, and pentosidine concentrations between the groups. Therefore, SLE patients could be at risk of intensified glycation process and activation of the proinflammatory receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), which could potentially worsen the disease course; however, it is not clear which compounds contribute to the increased concentration of AGEs in the blood. Additionally, information about the cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption of the study participants was obtained.
From NSAIDs to Glucocorticoids and Beyond
Authors: Sinniah Ajantha , Yazid Samia , Flower Rod J.
Published: December 2021

Our interest in inflammation and its treatment stems from ancient times. Hippocrates used willow bark to treat inflammation, and many centuries later, salicylic acid and its derivative aspirin’s ability to inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes was discovered. Glucocorticoids (GC) ushered in a new era of treatment for both chronic and acute inflammatory disease, but their potentially dangerous side effects led the pharmaceutical industry to seek other, safer, synthetic GC drugs. The discovery of the GC-inducible endogenous anti-inflammatory protein annexin A1 (AnxA1) and other endogenous proresolving mediators has opened a new era of anti-inflammatory therapy. This review aims to recapitulate the last four decades of research on NSAIDs, GCs, and AnxA1 and their anti-inflammatory effects.
Screening Analysis of Platelet miRNA Profile Revealed miR-142-3p as a Potential Biomarker in Modeling the Risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Szelenberger Rafał , Karbownik Michał Seweryn , Kacprzak Michał , Maciak Karina , Bijak Michał , Zielińska Marzenna , Czarny Piotr , Śliwiński Tomasz , Saluk-Bijak Joanna
Published: December 2021

Transcriptome analysis constitutes one of the major methods of elucidation of the genetic basis underlying the pathogenesis of various diseases. The post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression is mainly provided by microRNAs. Their remarkable stability in biological fluids and their high sensitivity to disease alteration indicates their potential role as biomarkers. Given the high mortality and morbidity of cardiovascular diseases, novel predictive biomarkers are sorely needed. Our study focuses for the first time on assessing potential biomarkers of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) based on the microRNA profiles of platelets. The study showed the overexpression of eight platelet microRNAs in ACS (miR-142-3p; miR-107; miR-338-3p, miR-223-3p, miR-21-5p, miR-130b-3p, miR-301a-3p, miR-221-3p) associated with platelet reactivity and functionality. Our results show that the combined model based on miR-142-3p and aspartate transaminase reached 82% sensitivity and 88% specificity in the differentiation of the studied groups. Furthermore, the analyzed miRNAs were shown to cluster into two orthogonal groups, regulated by two different biological factors. Bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that one group of microRNAs may be associated with the physiological processes of platelets, whereas the other group may be linked to platelet–vascular environment interactions. This analysis paves the way towards a better understanding of the role of platelet microRNAs in ACS pathophysiology and better modeling of the risk of ACS.
Decreased miR-497-5p Suppresses IL-6 Induced Atrophy in Muscle Cells
Authors: Freire Paula P. , Cury Sarah S. , Lopes Letícia O. , Fernandez Geysson J. , Liu Jianming , de Moraes Leonardo Nazario , de Oliveira Grasieli , Oliveira Jakeline S. , de Moraes Diogo , Cabral-Marques Otavio , Dal-Pai-Silva Maeli , Hu Xiaoyun , Wang Da-Zhi , Carvalho Robson F.
Published: December 2021

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine associated with skeletal muscle wasting in cancer cachexia. The control of gene expression by microRNAs (miRNAs) in muscle wasting involves the regulation of thousands of target transcripts. However, the miRNA-target networks associated with IL6-induced muscle atrophy remain to be characterized. Here, we show that IL-6 promotes the atrophy of C2C12 myotubes and changes the expression of 20 miRNAs (5 up-regulated and 15 down-regulated). Gene Ontology analysis of predicted miRNAs targets revealed post-transcriptional regulation of genes involved in cell differentiation, apoptosis, migration, and catabolic processes. Next, we performed a meta-analysis of miRNA-published data that identified miR-497-5p, a down-regulated miRNAs induced by IL-6, also down-regulated in other muscle-wasting conditions. We used miR-497-5p mimics and inhibitors to explore the function of miR-497-5p in C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes. We found that miR-497-5p can regulate the expression of the cell cycle genes CcnD2 and CcnE1 without affecting the rate of myoblast cellular proliferation. Notably, miR-497-5p mimics induced myotube atrophy and reduced Insr expression. Treatment with miR-497-5p inhibitors did not change the diameter of the myotubes but increased the expression of its target genes Insr and Igf1r. These genes are known to regulate skeletal muscle regeneration and hypertrophy via insulin-like growth factor pathway and were up-regulated in cachectic muscle samples. Our miRNA-regulated network analysis revealed a potential role for miR-497-5p during IL6-induced muscle cell atrophy and suggests that miR-497-5p is likely involved in a compensatory mechanism of muscle atrophy in response to IL-6.
Immunomodulatory Properties of Polysaccharides from the Coral Pseudopterogorgia americana in Macrophages
Authors: Chernikov Oleg V. , Chiu Hsiao-Wen , Li Lan-Hui , Kokoulin Maxim S. , Molchanova Valentina I. , Hsu Hsien-Ta , Ho Chen-Lung , Hua Kuo-Feng
Published: December 2021

Polysaccharides from marine organisms produce an important regulatory effect on the mammalian immune system. In this study, the immunomodulatory properties of a polysaccharide that was isolated from the coral Pseudopterogorgia americana (PPA) were investigated. PPA increased the expression levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), but not inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide, in macrophages. A mechanistic study revealed that PPA activated macrophages through the toll-like receptor-4 and induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased the phosphorylation levels of protein kinase C (PKC)-α, PKC-δ and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), and activated NF-κB. The inhibition of ROS and knockdown of PKC-α reduced PPA-mediated TNF-α and IL-6 expression; however, the knockdown of PKC-δ significantly increased PPA-mediated TNF-α expression. In addition, the inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase-1/2 and NF-κB reduced PPA-mediated TNF-α, IL-6 and COX-2 expression. Furthermore, the inhibition of ROS, MAPK and PKC-α/δ reduced PPA-mediated NF-κB activation, indicating that ROS, MAPK and PKC-α/δ function as upstream signals of NF-κB. Finally, PPA treatment decreased the phagocytosis activity of macrophages and reduced cytokine expression in bacteria-infected macrophages. Taken together, our current findings suggest that PPA can potentially play a role in the development of immune modulators in the future.
Plant Viruses Can Alter Aphid-Triggered Calcium Elevations in Infected Leaves
Authors: Then Christiane , Bellegarde Fanny , Schivre Geoffrey , Martinière Alexandre , Macia Jean-Luc , Xiong Tou Cheu , Drucker Martin
Published: December 2021

Alighting aphids probe a new host plant by intracellular test punctures for suitability. These induce immediate calcium signals that emanate from the punctured sites and might be the first step in plant recognition of aphid feeding and the subsequent elicitation of plant defence responses. Calcium is also involved in the transmission of non-persistent plant viruses that are acquired by aphids during test punctures. Therefore, we wanted to determine whether viral infection alters calcium signalling. For this, calcium signals triggered by aphids were imaged on transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing the cytosolic FRET-based calcium reporter YC3.6-NES and infected with the non-persistent viruses cauliflower mosaic (CaMV) and turnip mosaic (TuMV), or the persistent virus, turnip yellows (TuYV). Aphids were placed on infected leaves and calcium elevations were recorded by time-lapse fluorescence microscopy. Calcium signal velocities were significantly slower in plants infected with CaMV or TuMV and signal areas were smaller in CaMV-infected plants. Transmission tests using CaMV-infected Arabidopsis mutants impaired in pathogen perception or in the generation of calcium signals revealed no differences in transmission efficiency. A transcriptomic meta-analysis indicated significant changes in expression of receptor-like kinases in the BAK1 pathway as well as of calcium channels in CaMV- and TuMV-infected plants. Taken together, infection with CaMV and TuMV, but not with TuYV, impacts aphid-induced calcium signalling. This suggests that viruses can modify plant responses to aphids from the very first vector/host contact.
Study of the Rheological Properties of PVC Composites Plasticized with Butoxyethyl Adipates
Authors: Vikhareva Irina N. , Aminova Guliya K. , Mazitova Aliya K.
Published: December 2021

Polyvinyl chloride compositions are widely used to obtain various types of products. In the composition of the PVC composite, one of the main ingredients is a plasticizer, the introduction of which makes it possible to vary the characteristics of the obtained polymeric materials and products and significantly expand the range of their application. Manufacturability in the processing of polyvinyl chloride compositions serves as an important criterion for the suitability and economic efficiency of the developed plasticizer. In the modern world, the high quality of products is directly related to their environmental safety. In this regard, the work describes the production of environmentally friendly plasticizers based on adipic acid and ethoxylated butanol. Their physicochemical indicators have been investigated. The effect of the obtained additives on the rheology of PVC composites has been studied. The values of the flow characteristics of the melts of the developed PVC compositions plasticized with butyl butoxyethyl adipate and decyl butoxyethyl adipate were estimated. It was shown that the fluidity of melts, in comparison with compounds of a similar composition containing industrial dioctyl phthalate, is characterized by even slightly higher values.
Histidine Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles for Screening Aminoglycosides and Nanomolar Level Detection of Streptomycin in Water, Milk, and Whey
Authors: Shinde Surendra Krushna , Kim Dae-Young , Saratale Rijuta Ganesh , Kadam Avinash Ashok , Saratale Ganesh Dattatraya , Syed Asad , Bahkali Ali H. , Ghodake Gajanan Sampatrao
Published: December 2021

Aminoglycoside (AMG) antibiotics are being applied to treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, mainly in livestock, and are prescribed only in severe cases because of their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. Monitoring antibiotic residues in dairy products relies on the accessibility of portable and efficient analytical techniques. Presently, high-throughput screening techniques have been proposed to detect several antimicrobial drugs having identical structural and functional features. The L-histidine functionalized gold nanoparticles (His@AuNPs) do not form a complex with other tested antibiotic classes but show high selectivity for AMG antibiotics. We used ligand-induced aggregation of His@AuNPs as a rapid and sensitive localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) assay for AMG antibiotics, producing longitudinal extinction shifts at 660 nm. Herein, we explore the practical application of His@AuNPs to detect streptomycin spiked in water, milk, and whey fraction of milk with nanomolar level sensitivity. The ability of the analytical method to recognize target analytes sensitively and rapidly is of great significance to perform monitoring, thus would certainly reassure widespread use of AMG antibiotics. The biosynthesis of hybrid organic–inorganic metal nanoparticles like His@AuNPs with desired size distribution, stability, and specific host–guest recognition proficiency, would further facilitate applications in various other fields.
Fluorescence-Based On-Resin Detection of Three Model Proteases
Authors: Milićević David , Hlaváč Jan
Published: December 2021

A new approach to on-resin detection of three model proteases (trypsin, chymotrypsin, and thrombin) has been developed, while at the same time already described methodology for simultaneous detection of two enzymes (trypsin and chymotrypsin) has been additionally generalized. Appropriate immobilized substrates, comprising specifically cleavable peptide sequences capped with fluorescent dyes, have been synthesized on Rink Amide PEGA resin or Amino PEGA resin modified with backbone amide linker (BAL). Resulting solid support-bound probes were then dispersed into Tris-HCl buffer solution (pH = 8.0) and subjected to enzymatic cleavage. Liberated fluorophores have been tracked by fluorescence measuring. The competitive activities of studied proteases towards the thrombin probe have been efficiently limited and controlled by employing a Bowman-Birk inhibitor into a system.