bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Sensory Characteristics of Game Meat on Consumer Neuroperception: A Narrative Review
Authors: Ciobanu Marius-Mihai , Manoliu Diana-Remina , Ciobotaru Mihai-Cătălin , Anchidin Bianca-Georgiana , Matei Mădălina , Munteanu Mugurel , Frunză Gabriela , Murariu Otilia Cristina , Flocea Elena-Iuliana , Boișteanu Paul-Corneliu
Published: March 2023

Game meat contains bioactive compounds that directly influence the formation of a rich reservoir of flavor precursors that produce specific sensory properties. Quality is considered one of the most influential determinants of consumer behavior, but the interpretation of this concept differs between consumers. Although recognized for its quality, its unique sensory characteristics (smell, taste, aroma) may have a major impact on consumer perception. The aim of this review is to describe the consumer behavior regarding game meat through elements of neuroperception, using methods of analysis, observation, and interpretation of scientific information from the literature. Following the analysis of published papers on this topic, it was shown that external factors influencing the biological basis of behavior could provide explanations for the acceptance or rejection of this type of meat and solutions. Neuroperception can explain the mechanism behind consumer decision-making. The influence of extrinsic factors (environment, mood, emotions, stress) shapes the perception of the quality attributes of game meat, the unique sensory characteristics of game meat passing through a primary filter of sensory receptors (eyes, nose, tongue, etc). Game meat is darker and tougher (compared to meat from domestic animals), and the taste and smell have the power to trigger memories and change the mood, influencing consumer behavior. Understanding consumer attitudes towards game meat in relation to quality attributes and the physiology of sensory perception can provide important insights for food industry professionals, processors, sensory evaluators, and researchers.
Chaotic Characteristic Analysis of Dynamic Gravity Model with Fractal Structures via an Improved Conical Volume-Delay Function
Authors: Yang Liumeng , He Ruichun , Wang Jie , Zhou Wei , Zhao Hongxing , Chai Huo
Published: March 2023

Road traffic networks are chaotic and highly complex systems. In this paper, we introduce a dynamic gravity model that characterizes the behaviors of the O-D (origin-destination) traffic, such as equilibrium, period-doubling, chaos, and fractal in discrete time. In cases where the original cost function is used, the trip distribution model might degenerate into an all-or-nothing problem without the capacity constraints. To address this shortcoming, we propose substituting the original cost function with an improved conical volume-delay function. This new function retains some of the properties of the original cost function, and its parameters have the same meaning as those in the original function. Our analysis confirms that the double-constrained dynamic gravity model successfully characterizes complex traffic behavior because of the improved conical volume-delay function. Our analysis further shows that the three-parameter bifurcation diagram based on the period characteristics provides deep insight into the actual state of the road traffic networks. Investigating the properties of the model solutions, we further show that the new model is more effective in addressing the all-or-nothing problem.
Challenges of This Century in High-Density Compact Objects, High-Energy Astrophysics, and Multi-Messenger Observations: Quo Vadis?
Authors: Coelho Jaziel G. , Dos Anjos Rita. C.
Published: March 2023

The era of multi-messenger astronomy has recently be inaugurated with pioneering experiments, theoretical interpretation, and models [...]
Effect of Load Distribution on Trunk Muscle Activity with Lunge Exercises in Amateur Athletes: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: López-de-Celis Carlos , Labata-Lezaun Noé , Romaní-Sánchez Sergi , Gassó-Villarejo Sergi , Garcia-Ribell Erik , Rodríguez-Sanz Jacobo , Pérez-Bellmunt Albert
Published: March 2023

Background: The effect of load distribution applied to the trunk musculature with lunge exercises has yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of load placement using dumbbells on the activation of the latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, external oblique, and rectus abdominis muscles during the lunge. Methods: Forty-two amateur athletes (21 men and 21 women) were recruited. Three lunge exercises were performed with different loading arrangements (ipsilateral, contralateral, and bilateral). The principal variable recorded for muscle activity was mean “root mean square” expressed as the percentage of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Results: There are statistically significant differences in the erector spinae (p < 0.001; p < 0.003) and external oblique muscles (p < 0.009; p < 0.001) compared with the contralateral side. The muscle on the opposite side of the load achieved higher activation for these muscles. The erector spinae and latissimus dorsi muscle did not reach a statistically significant difference with the contralateral side in any exercise (p > 0.05). The higher activation of the latissimus dorsi occurred on the same side on which the load was placed. Conclusions: There was higher activation of the erector spinae, external oblique, and rectus abdominis muscles contralateral to the side of load placement during lunge exercise by amateur athletes.
Fatal Case of a Child Harboring Enterobius vermicularis
Authors: Al-Shouli Samia T. , Barry Mazin , Binkhamis Khalifa , AlHogail Nourah , Alafaleq Nouf Omar , Dufailu Osman Adamu , Aljerian Khaldoon
Published: March 2023

Enterobius vermicularis is a threadlike parasite also known as “pinworms”. It is the most common helminth infection, affecting the gastrointestinal tracts of children worldwide, although it seldom causes any fatalities. Enterobius vermicularis infections are usually asymptomatic and may only cause anal pruritis, with occasional reported cases of ectopic migration into the appendix or the female genital tract by adult pinworms. Here, we report a case of a 15-year-old girl who presented to the emergency department with high-grade fever, vomiting, and vague abdominal pain for three days. She was diagnosed with acute abdominal pain and underwent emergency ileocecectomy, but died the following day. Pathological examination of ileocecal junction showed intraluminal and intramural Enterobius vermicularis, which were attributed as the cause of her death in the absence of any other pathologies. Death due to Enterobius vermicularis is rare; this case calls for clinicians to be vigilant in exploring Enterobius vermicularis infections in patients with undiagnosed acute abdominal pain, since it could be a potential cause of death.
IWRM Incorporating Water Use and Productivity Indicators of Economic Clusters Using a Hydro-Economic SDSS
Authors: Souza da Silva Gerald Norbert , Alcoforado de Moraes Márcia M. G. , Candido Laíse Alves , de Amorim Filho Carlos Alberto G. , Dias Nilena B. M. , Pereira da Cunha Marcelo , Florêncio Lourdinha
Published: March 2023

IWRM should include the integration of management instruments towards intersectoral efficient water allocation. A platform linking economywide and network-based models, available from a Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS), was used to analyze allocation decisions in 4-interlinked basins in Northeastern Brazil during a period of water scarcity. The SDSS can integrate water allocation issues considering hydrologic and socioeconomic aspects. In this study, we applied a normalized concentration index and exploratory spatial data analysis to socioeconomic data to identify job hotspots in economic sectors. Hydro-economic indicators were determined and used as economic weights of those hotspots and individual users for water allocation. This innovative method of allocation simulates the use of economic instruments. Removing the weights, the use of non-economic instruments is also simulated. The economic allocation transfers water from agriculture and industry to the services sector compared to the non-economic. This is justified given the low indicators of the main sectors of agriculture and industry in the region: sugarcane cultivation and the sugar–alcohol industry. Moreover, regional transfer results show that without using economic criteria and maintaining the current distribution network, there is a transfer of water stored in drier to humid regions. These results can support the decision-making process by defining effective management instruments.
Experimental and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Modeling of Instream Vegetation Hydrodynamic Resistance
Authors: Ahmed Afzal , Valyrakis Manousos , Ghumman Abdul Razzaq , Farooq Rashid , Pasha Ghufran Ahmed , Janjua Shahmir , Raza Ali
Published: March 2023

This study examines the impact of upstream structures on the bulk drag coefficient of vegetation through experimental means, which has not been previously conducted. An embankment model was placed upstream of the vegetation, both with and without a moat/depression. The results showed that the presence of an upstream structure reduced the bulk drag coefficient of vegetation as the structure shared the drag. When only the embankment was placed upstream, a maximum decrease of 11% in the bulk drag coefficient was observed. However, when both the embankment and moat models were placed upstream, a 20% decrease in the bulk drag coefficient was observed. Regression models and artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed to predict the bulk drag coefficient based on the variables affecting it. Five ANN models with different training functions were compared to find the best possible training function, with performance indicators such as coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), sum of square error (SSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and Taylor’s diagrams used to evaluate the model performance. The ANN model with nine neurons in each hidden layer performed the best, achieving the highest R2 and NSE values and the lowest RMSE, SSE, and MAE values. Finally, the comparison between the regression model and the ANN model showed that the best ANN model outperformed the regression models, achieving R2 values of 0.99 and 0.98 for the training and validation subsets, respectively.
The Effect of Cholesterol in MCF7 Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Albi Elisabetta , Mandarano Martina , Cataldi Samuela , Ceccarini Maria Rachele , Fiorani Federico , Beccari Tommaso , Sidoni Angelo , Codini Michela
Published: March 2023

In the last decade, cholesterol level has been implicated in several types of cancer, including breast cancer. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the condition of lipid depletion, hypocholesterolemia or hypercholesterolemia reproduced in vitro to analyze the response of different human breast cancer cells. Thus, MCF7 as the luminal A model, MB453 as the HER2 model and MB231 as the triple-negative model were used. No effect on cell growth and viability was detected in MB453 and MB231 cells. In MCF7 cells, hypocholesterolemia (1) reduced cell growth, and Ki67 expression; (2) increased ER/PgR expression; (3) stimulated the 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA reductase and neutral sphingomyelinase and; (4) stimulated the expression of CDKN1A gene coding cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A protein, GADD45A coding growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible alpha protein and, PTEN gene coding phosphatase and tensin homolog. All these effects were exacerbated by the lipid-depleted condition and reversed by the hypercholesterolemic condition. The relationship between cholesterol level and sphingomyelin metabolism was demonstrated. In summary, our data suggest that cholesterol levels should be controlled in luminal A breast cancer.
Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of the Roles of SAUR Gene Family Members in the Promotion of Cucumber Root Expansion
Authors: Luan Jie , Xin Ming , Qin Zhiwei
Published: March 2023

Auxin serves as an essential regulator of the expression of many different genes in plants, thereby regulating growth and development. The specific functional roles of members of the SAUR (small auxin-up RNA) auxin early response gene family in the development of cucumber plants, however, remain to be fully clarified. Here, 62 SAUR family genes were identified, followed by their classification into 7 groups that included several functionally associated cis-regulatory elements. Phylogenetic tree and chromosomal location-based analyses revealed a high degree of homology between two cucumber gene clusters and other plants in the Cucurbitaceae family. These findings, together with the results of an RNA-seq analysis, revealed high levels of CsSAUR31 expression within the root and male flower tissues. Plants overexpressing CsSAUR31 exhibited longer roots and hypocotyls. Together, these results provide a basis for further efforts to explore the roles that SAUR genes play in cucumber plants, while also expanding the pool of available genetic resources to guide research focused on plant growth and development.
mRNA Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2: Advantages and Caveats
Authors: Echaide Miriam , Chocarro de Erauso Luisa , Bocanegra Ana , Blanco Ester , Kochan Grazyna , Escors David
Published: March 2023

The application of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection has constituted a determinant resource to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of 2021, millions of doses have been administered in several countries of North and South America and Europe. Many studies have confirmed the efficacy of these vaccines in a wide range of ages and in vulnerable groups of people against COVID-19. Nevertheless, the emergence and selection of new variants have led to a progressive decay in vaccine efficacy. Pfizer–BioNTech and Moderna developed updated bivalent vaccines—Comirnaty and Spikevax—to improve responses against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants. Frequent booster doses with monovalent or bivalent mRNA vaccines, the emergence of some rare but serious adverse events and the activation of T-helper 17 responses suggest the need for improved mRNA vaccine formulations or the use of other types of vaccines. In this review, we discuss the advantages and limitations of mRNA vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2 focusing on the most recent, related publications.
Adaptation of the Porcine Pituitary Transcriptome, Spliceosome and Editome during Early Pregnancy
Authors: Makowczenko Karol G. , Jastrzebski Jan P. , Kiezun Marta , Paukszto Lukasz , Dobrzyn Kamil , Smolinska Nina , Kaminski Tadeusz
Published: March 2023

The physiological mechanisms of the porcine reproduction are relatively well-known. However, transcriptomic changes and the mechanisms accompanying transcription and translation processes in various reproductive organs, as well as their dependence on hormonal status, are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to gain a principal understanding of alterations within the transcriptome, spliceosome and editome occurring in the pituitary of the domestic pig (Sus scrofa domestica L.), which controls basic physiological processes in the reproductive system. In this investigation, we performed extensive analyses of data obtained by high-throughput sequencing of RNA from the gilts’ pituitary anterior lobes during embryo implantation and the mid-luteal phase of the estrous cycle. During analyses, we obtained detailed information on expression changes of 147 genes and 43 long noncoding RNAs, observed 784 alternative splicing events and also found the occurrence of 8729 allele-specific expression sites and 122 RNA editing events. The expression profiles of the selected 16 phenomena were confirmed by PCR or qPCR techniques. As a final result of functional meta-analysis, we acquired knowledge regarding intracellular pathways that induce changes in the processes accompanying transcription and translation regulation, which may induce modifications in the secretory activity of the porcine adenohypophyseal cells.
Investigating Vitamin D Receptor Genetic Markers in a Cluster Headache Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jennysdotter Olofsgård Felicia , Ran Caroline , Qin Yuyan , Fourier Carmen , Sjöstrand Christina , Waldenlind Elisabet , Steinberg Anna , Belin Andrea Carmine
Published: March 2023

Patients diagnosed with the primary headache disorder known as cluster headache (CH) commonly report that their headache attacks occur in patterns of both circadian and seasonal rhythmicity. Vitamin D is essential for a variety of bodily functions and vitamin D levels are largely regulated by daylight exposure in connection with seasonal variation. For this Sweden-based study, the association between CH and three single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene, rs2228570, rs1544410, and rs731236, were investigated, as well as CH bouts and trigger factors in relation to seasonal and weather changes. Over 600 study participants with CH and 600 controls were genotyped for rs2228570, and genotyping results for rs1544410 and rs731236 were obtained from a previous genome-wide association study. The genotyping results were combined in a meta-analysis, with data from a Greek study. No significant association was found between rs2228570 and CH or the CH subtype in Sweden, nor did the meta-analysis show significant results for any of the three markers. The most common period of the year to experience CH bouts in Sweden was autumn, and conditions linked to weather or weather changes were also identified as potential triggers for CH bouts for a quarter of the responders who reported bout triggers. Though we cannot rule out vitamin D involvement in CH, this study does not indicate any connection between CH and the three vitamin D receptor gene markers.
Downregulation of DROSHA: Could It Affect miRNA Biogenesis in Endometriotic Menstrual Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
Authors: Cressoni Ana Clara Lagazzi , Penariol Letícia B. C. , Padovan Cristiana Carolina , Orellana Maristela D. , Rosa-e-Silva Júlio Cesar , Poli-Neto Omero Benedicto , Ferriani Rui Alberto , de Paz Cláudia Cristina Paro , Meola Juliana
Published: March 2023

Menstrual blood mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) have gained prominence in the endometriosis scientific community, given their multifunctional roles in regenerative medicine as a noninvasive source for future clinical applications. In addition, changes in post-transcriptional regulation via miRNAs have been explored in endometriotic MenSCs with a role in modulating proliferation, angiogenesis, differentiation, stemness, self-renewal, and the mesenchymal–epithelial transition process. In this sense, homeostasis of the miRNA biosynthesis pathway is essential for several cellular processes and is related to the self-renewal and differentiation of progenitor cells. However, no studies have investigated the miRNA biogenesis pathway in endometriotic MenSCs. In this study, we profiled the expression of eight central genes for the miRNA biosynthesis pathway under experimental conditions involving a two-dimensional culture of MenSCs obtained from healthy women (n = 10) and women with endometriosis (n = 10) using RT-qPCR and reported a two-fold decrease in DROSHA expression in the disease. In addition, miR-128-3p, miR-27a-3p, miR-27b-3p, miR-181a-5p, miR-181b-5p, miR-452-3p, miR-216a-5p, miR-216b-5p, and miR-93-5p, which have been associated with endometriosis, were identified through in silico analyses as negative regulators of DROSHA. Because DROSHA is essential for miRNA maturation, our findings may justify the identification of different profiles of miRNAs with DROSHA-dependent biogenesis in endometriosis.
Germline Variants in MLH1 and ATM Genes in a Young Patient with MSI-H in a Precancerous Colonic Lesion
Authors: Nolano Antonio , Rossi Giovanni Battista , D’Angelo Valentina , Liccardo Raffaella , Rosa Marina De , Izzo Paola , Duraturo Francesca
Published: March 2023

Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder that primarily predisposes individuals to colorectal and endometrial cancer. It is associated with pathogenic variants in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. In this study, we report the case of a 16-year-old boy who developed a precancerous colonic lesion and had a clinical suspicion of LS. The proband was found to have a somatic MSI-H status. Analysis of the coding sequences and flanking introns of the MLH1 and MSH2 genes by Sanger sequencing led to the identification of the variant of uncertain significance, namely, c.589-9_589-6delGTTT in the MLH1 gene. Further investigation revealed that this variant was likely pathogenetic. Subsequent next-generation sequencing panel analysis revealed the presence of two variants of uncertain significance in the ATM gene. We conclude that the phenotype of our index case is likely the result of a synergistic effect of these identified variants. Future studies will allow us to understand how risk alleles in different colorectal-cancer-prone genes interact with each other to increase an individual’s risk of developing cancer.
Ruthenium Complexes with Protic Ligands: Influence of the Position of OH Groups and π Expansion on Luminescence and Photocytotoxicity
Authors: Oladipupo Olaitan E. , Prescott Meredith C. , Blevins Emily R. , Gray Jessica L. , Cameron Colin G. , Qu Fengrui , Ward Nicholas A. , Pierce Abigail L. , Collinson Elizabeth R. , Hall James Fletcher , Park Seungjo , Kim Yonghyun , McFarland Sherri A. , Fedin Igor , Papish Elizabeth T.
Published: March 2023

Protic ruthenium complexes using the dihydroxybipyridine (dhbp) ligand combined with a spectator ligand (N,N = bpy, phen, dop, Bphen) have been studied for their potential activity vs. cancer cells and their photophysical luminescent properties. These complexes vary in the extent of π expansion and the use of proximal (6,6′-dhbp) or distal (4,4′-dhbp) hydroxy groups. Eight complexes are studied herein as the acidic (OH bearing) form, [(N,N)2Ru(n,n′-dhbp)]Cl2, or as the doubly deprotonated (O− bearing) form. Thus, the presence of these two protonation states gives 16 complexes that have been isolated and studied. Complex 7A, [(dop)2Ru(4,4′-dhbp)]Cl2, has been recently synthesized and characterized spectroscopically and by X-ray crystallography. The deprotonated forms of three complexes are also reported herein for the first time. The other complexes studied have been synthesized previously. Three complexes are light-activated and exhibit photocytotoxicity. The log(Do/w) values of the complexes are used herein to correlate photocytotoxicity with improved cellular uptake. For Ru complexes 1–4 bearing the 6,6′-dhbp ligand, photoluminescence studies (all in deaerated acetonitrile) have revealed that steric strain leads to photodissociation which tends to reduce photoluminescent lifetimes and quantum yields in both protonation states. For Ru complexes 5–8 bearing the 4,4′-dhbp ligand, the deprotonated Ru complexes (5B–8B) have low photoluminescent lifetimes and quantum yields due to quenching that is proposed to involve the 3LLCT excited state and charge transfer from the [O2-bpy]2− ligand to the N,N spectator ligand. The protonated OH bearing 4,4′-dhbp Ru complexes (5A–8A) have long luminescence lifetimes which increase with increasing π expansion on the N,N spectator ligand. The Bphen complex, 8A, has the longest lifetime of the series at 3.45 μs and a photoluminescence quantum yield of 18.7%. This Ru complex also exhibits the best photocytotoxicity of the series. A long luminescence lifetime is correlated with greater singlet oxygen quantum yields because the triplet excited state is presumably long-lived enough to interact with 3O2 to yield 1O2.
Structure and Dynamics of Three Escherichia coli NfsB Nitro-Reductase Mutants Selected for Enhanced Activity with the Cancer Prodrug CB1954
Authors: Day Martin A. , Christofferson Andrew J. , Anderson J. L. Ross , Vass Simon O. , Evans Adam , Searle Peter F. , White Scott A. , Hyde Eva I.
Published: March 2023

Escherichia coli NfsB has been studied extensively for its potential for cancer gene therapy by reducing the prodrug CB1954 to a cytotoxic derivative. We have previously made several mutants with enhanced activity for the prodrug and characterised their activity in vitro and in vivo. Here, we determine the X-ray structure of our most active triple and double mutants to date, T41Q/N71S/F124T and T41L/N71S. The two mutant proteins have lower redox potentials than wild-type NfsB, and the mutations have lowered activity with NADH so that, in contrast to the wild-type enzyme, the reduction of the enzyme by NADH, rather than the reaction with CB1954, has a slower maximum rate. The structure of the triple mutant shows the interaction between Q41 and T124, explaining the synergy between these two mutations. Based on these structures, we selected mutants with even higher activity. The most active one contains T41Q/N71S/F124T/M127V, in which the additional M127V mutation enlarges a small channel to the active site. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the mutations or reduction of the FMN cofactors of the protein has little effect on its dynamics and that the largest backbone fluctuations occur at residues that flank the active site, contributing towards its broad substrate range.
TNFα Activates the Liver X Receptor Signaling Pathway and Promotes Cholesterol Efflux from Human Brain Pericytes Independently of ABCA1
Authors: Dib Shiraz , Loiola Rodrigo Azevedo , Sevin Emmanuel , Saint-Pol Julien , Shimizu Fumitaka , Kanda Takashi , Pahnke Jens , Gosselet Fabien
Published: March 2023

Neuroinflammation and brain lipid imbalances are observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and the liver X receptor (LXR) signaling pathways are involved in both processes. However, limited information is currently available regarding their relationships in human brain pericytes (HBP) of the neurovascular unit. In cultivated HBP, TNFα activates the LXR pathway and increases the expression of one of its target genes, the transporter ATP-binding cassette family A member 1 (ABCA1), while ABCG1 is not expressed. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) synthesis and release are diminished. The cholesterol efflux is promoted, but is not inhibited, when ABCA1 or LXR are blocked. Moreover, as for TNFα, direct LXR activation by the agonist (T0901317) increases ABCA1 expression and the associated cholesterol efflux. However, this process is abolished when LXR/ABCA1 are both inhibited. Neither the other ABC transporters nor the SR-BI are involved in this TNFα-mediated lipid efflux regulation. We also report that inflammation increases ABCB1 expression and function. In conclusion, our data suggest that inflammation increases HBP protection against xenobiotics and triggers an LXR/ABCA1 independent cholesterol release. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating this efflux at the level of the neurovascular unit remains fundamental to the characterization of links between neuroinflammation, cholesterol and HBP function in neurodegenerative disorders.
GSK2801 Reverses Paclitaxel Resistance in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Cell Lines through MYCN Downregulation
Authors: Molteni Elisabetta , Baldan Federica , Damante Giuseppe , Allegri Lorenzo
Published: March 2023

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a very rare, but extremely aggressive form of thyroid malignancy, responsible for the highest mortality rate registered for thyroid cancer. Treatment with taxanes (such as paclitaxel) is an important approach in counteracting ATC or slowing its progression in tumors without known genetic aberrations or those which are unresponsive to other treatments. Unfortunately, resistance often develops and, for this reason, new therapies that overcome taxane resistance are needed. In this study, effects of inhibition of several bromodomain proteins in paclitaxel-resistant ATC cell lines were investigated. GSK2801, a specific inhibitor of BAZ2A, BAZ2B and BRD9, was effective in resensitizing cells to paclitaxel. In fact, when used in combination with paclitaxel, it was able to reduce cell viability, block the ability to form colonies in an anchor-independent manner, and strongly decrease cell motility. After RNA-seq following treatment with GSK2801, we focused our attention on MYCN. Based on the hypothesis that MYCN was a major downstream player in the biological effects of GSK2801, we tested a specific inhibitor, VPC-70619, which showed effective biological effects when used in association with paclitaxel. This suggests that the functional deficiency of MYCN determines a partial resensitization of the cells examined and, ultimately, that a substantial part of the effect of GSK2801 results from inhibition of MYCN expression.
Blue Light—Ocular and Systemic Damaging Effects: A Narrative Review
Authors: Antemie Răzvan-Geo , Samoilă Ovidiu Ciprian , Clichici Simona Valeria
Published: March 2023

Light is a fundamental aspect of our lives, being involved in the regulation of numerous processes in our body. While blue light has always existed in nature, with the ever-growing number of electronic devices that make use of short wavelength (blue) light, the human retina has seen increased exposure to it. Because it is at the high-energy end of the visible spectrum, many authors have investigated the theoretical harmful effects that it poses to the human retina and, more recently, the human body, given the discovery and characterization of the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. Many approaches have been explored, with the focus shifting throughout the years from examining classic ophthalmological parameters, such as visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity to more complex ones seen on electrophysiological assays and optical coherence tomographies. The current study aims to gather the most recent relevant data, reveal encountered pitfalls, and suggest future directions for studies regarding local and/or systemic effects of blue light retinal exposures.
Identification of Clinical Response Predictors of Tocilizumab Treatment in Patients with Severe COVID-19 Based on Single-Center Experience
Authors: Schmidt Wiktor , Pawlak-Buś Katarzyna , Jóźwiak Barbara , Leszczyński Piotr
Published: March 2023

Hyperinflammation in COVID-19 plays a crucial role in pathogenesis and severity; thus, many immunomodulatory agents are applied in its treatment. We aimed to identify good clinical response predictors of tocilizumab (TCZ) treatment in severe COVID-19, among clinical, laboratory, and radiological variables. We conducted a prospective, observational study with 120 patients with severe COVID-19 not improving despite dexamethasone (DEX) treatment. We used parametric and non-parametric statistics, univariate logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and nonlinear factors tertile analysis. In total, 86 (71.7%) patients achieved the primary outcome of a good clinical response to TCZ. We identified forty-nine predictive factors with potential utility in patient selection and treatment monitoring. The strongest included time from symptom onset between 9 and 12 days, less than 70% of estimated radiological lung involvement, and lower activity of lactate dehydrogenase. Additional predictors were associated with respiratory function, vitamin D concentration, comorbidities, and inflammatory/organ damage biomarkers. Adverse events analysis proved the safety of such a regimen. Our study confirmed that using TCZ early in the hyperinflammatory phase, before severe respiratory failure development, is most beneficial. Considering the described predictive factors, employing simple and widely available laboratory, radiological, and clinical tools can optimize patient selection for immunomodulatory treatment with TCZ.
The Optimal Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Wetwittayakhlang Panu , Tselekouni Paraskevi , Al-Jabri Reem , Bessissow Talat , Lakatos Peter L.
Published: March 2023

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of cancer secondary to chronic inflammation and long-term use of immunosuppressive therapy. With the aging IBD population, the prevalence of cancer in IBD patients is increasing. As a result, there is increasing concern about the impact of IBD therapy on cancer risk and survival, as well as the effects of cancer therapies on the disease course of IBD. Managing IBD in patients with current or previous cancer is challenging since clinical guidelines are based mainly on expert consensus. Evidence is rare and mainly available from registries or observational studies. In contrast, excluding patients with previous/or active cancer from clinical trials and short-term follow-up can lead to an underestimation of the cancer or cancer recurrence risk of approved medications. The present narrative review aims to summarize the current evidence and provide practical guidance on the management of IBD patients with cancer.
Serum GDF-15 Levels Accurately Differentiate Patients with Primary Mitochondrial Myopathy, Manifesting with Exercise Intolerance and Fatigue, from Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Bermejo-Guerrero Laura , de Fuenmayor-Fernández de la Hoz Carlos Pablo , Guerrero-Molina María Paz , Martín-Jiménez Paloma , Blázquez Alberto , Serrano-Lorenzo Pablo , Lora David , Morales-Conejo Montserrat , González-Martínez Irene , López-Jiménez Elena Ana , Martín Miguel A. , Domínguez-González Cristina
Published: March 2023

Primary mitochondrial myopathies (PMM) are a clinically and genetically highly heterogeneous group that, in some cases, may manifest exclusively as fatigue and exercise intolerance, with minimal or no signs on examination. On these occasions, the symptoms can be confused with the much more common chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Nonetheless, other possibilities must be excluded for the final diagnosis of CFS, with PMM being one of the primary differential diagnoses. For this reason, many patients with CFS undergo extensive studies, including extensive genetic testing and muscle biopsies, to rule out this possibility. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) as a potential biomarker to distinguish which patient with chronic fatigue has a mitochondrial disorder. We studied 34 adult patients with symptoms of fatigue and exercise intolerance with a definitive diagnosis of PMM (7), CFS (22), or other non-mitochondrial disorders (5). The results indicate that GDF-15 can accurately discriminate between patients with PMM and CFS (AUC = 0.95) and between PMM and patients with fatigue due to other non-mitochondrial disorders (AUC = 0.94). Therefore, GDF-15 emerges as a promising biomarker to select which patients with fatigue should undergo further studies to exclude mitochondrial disease.
Evaluation of Kidney Donor Risk Index/Kidney Donor Profile Index as Predictor Tools of Deceased-Donor Kidney Transplant Outcomes in a Greek Cohort
Authors: Darema Maria , Athanasopoulou Diamanto , Bellos Ioannis , Tsoumbou Ioanna , Vittoraki Angeliki G. , Bokos John , Marinaki Smaragdi , Boletis Ioannis N.
Published: March 2023

The Kidney Donor Risk Index (KDRI) and Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) have been developed to assess deceased-donor graft quality, although validation of their utility outside the USA remains limited. This single-center retrospective cohort study evaluated the ability of KDRI and KDPI to predict transplant outcomes in a Greek cohort. The efficacy of KDRI, KDPI, and donor’s age in predicting death-censored graft failure was primarily assessed. Overall, 394 donors and 456 recipients were included. Death-censored graft survival was significantly worse with increasing KDRI (hazard ratio—HR: 2.21, 95% confidence intervals—CI: 1.16–4.22), KDPI (HR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02), and donor’s age (HR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00–1.05). The unadjusted discriminative ability was similar for KDPI (C-statistic: 0.54) and donor’s age (C-statistic: 0.52). The KDPI threshold of 85 was not predictive of graft failure (p-value: 0.19). Higher KDPI was linked to delayed graft function and worse kidney function, but not among expanded-criteria donor transplantations. No significant association was found between KDRI, KDPI, and patient survival. In conclusion, increasing KDRI and KDPI are linked to worse graft function, although their ability to discriminate long-term graft failure remains limited.
Arthrospira platensis Variants: A Comparative Study Based on C-phycocyanin Gene and Protein, Habitat, and Growth Conditions
Authors: El-Baky Nawal Abd , Rezk Neama Mahmoud Fattouh , Amara Amro A.
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to map the differences between Arthrospira sp. and Arthrospira platensis strains and variants from the order Oscillatoriales at the gene and protein levels of C-phycocyanin alpha chain via multiple alignment, phylogenetic trees of species, and analysis of the nucleotide and amino acid composition of the studied sequences. The links between gene/protein and environmental features of the habitat or source of isolation were also investigated. Phycocyanin was extracted from three A. platensis strains: an Egyptian isolate cultivated in the laboratory under static conditions in a highly saline medium and two commercial products. The French commercial strain showed the highest extraction yield but the lowest C-phycocyanin purity, and the color intensity of the extracted pigment from the Egyptian isolate was significantly weaker than those of the two commercial strains. All the analyzed species and strains had GC content of more than 54.5% in C-phycocyanin alpha chain gene and showed high abundance of alanine, an amino acid encoded exclusively by GC-biased codons, in their protein. The frequencies of the acidic amino acids aspartic acid and glutamic acid were 5.2% and 5.0% on average, respectively, which were slightly higher than those of the basic residues (4.3% arginine, 0.6% histidine, and 5.0% lysine). Data relating to the isolation source of most of the analyzed species revealed harsh conditions, such as high alkalinity, salinity, CO2 saturation, and/or temperature. These findings may link the gene/protein of C-phycocyanin, which is one of the most important bioactive proteins of A. platensis, to the adaptation of this organism to harsh environmental conditions and associate the color of the pigment to cultivation conditions and/or isolation source.
Service Operation Vessels Fleet Size and Mix Location Routing for the Maintenance of an Offshore Floating Wind Farm
Authors: Silva Lis M. R. , Li He , Guedes Soares C.
Published: March 2023

Mixed-integer linear programming is adopted to translate the routing of service operation vessels that support the logistic aspects of the maintenance of offshore floating wind farms into mathematical language. The models attempt to help the decision-makers by providing quantified tools to screen out the optimal planning for preventive maintenance. The models search for the optimal offshore base location, vessel’s routing per day, vessel’s capacity, and vessel fleet composition that minimize the total fixed and variable infrastructure cost. The integration of the vehicle fleet size and mix problem, facility location–allocation problem, and vehicle-routing problem with time window advances the state of the art. A realistic case study is shown, and the results and discussions demonstrated that the practical insights of the solutions, as well as the identification of the route patterns through a navigation route table, may improve the decision planning of preventive maintenance.
Experimental Study on Corrosion Development Model and Fatigue Performance of Strand Steel for Coastal Structures
Authors: Peng Wei , Fan Weijie
Published: March 2023

In order to study the corrosion time-varying law and fatigue properties of high-strength steel strands used for marine environment structures, the accelerated corrosion test of steel strands was carried out by using a climate simulation chamber, and samples with different corrosion times were taken out for mass weighing, morphology observation, and fatigue testing. Steel strand specimens with different corrosion times (from 1 month to 14 years) for use in the real marine environment were developed in an indoor climate simulation test chamber. The average mass corrosion ratio curve of the steel strands in the marine environment and the changes in the corrosion pit size over time were obtained by performing data analysis based on weight and appearance. The time-varying rule of the fatigue life of coastal-structure steel strands was determined by conducting a fatigue test and fracture scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of steel strands with different corrosion degrees. The results of the experimental study show that the mass corrosion rate and pit size of steel strands change with the service time as a piecewise function, fatigue performance changes with the service time is as an exponential function, and fatigue performance changes with the mass corrosion ratio are similar to a linear function. Furthermore, the corrosion pit has a significant impact on the fatigue life of the steel strand.
Statistical Analysis of Hybrid Atmospheric Ducts over the Northern South China Sea and Their Influence on Over-the-Horizon Electromagnetic Wave Propagation
Authors: Shi Yang , Wang Shuwen , Yang Fan , Yang Kunde
Published: March 2023

Atmospheric ducts are special super-refractive atmospheric structures that can cause over-the-horizon propagation of electromagnetic waves. Different types of atmospheric ducts have different influences on electromagnetic wave propagation. Owing to the complex marine atmospheric environment, different types of atmospheric ducts often occur together. When evaluating the performance of an electromagnetic system near the sea surface, the combined influence of various atmospheric ducts should be considered comprehensively. In this paper, the statistical distribution of atmospheric ducts over the northern South China Sea is analyzed using sounding data and reanalysis data. This paper uses the parabolic equation model to analyze the propagation characteristics of microwaves near the sea surface in the presence of both surface and evaporation ducts. It is found that compared with cases where only one type of atmospheric duct is considered, a hybrid atmospheric duct structure can capture more microwave energy at a lower receiving height. At an antenna height of 5 m, the path loss begins to fluctuate beyond a propagation distance of 50 km, with the maximum fluctuation reaching about 15 dB. Microwave propagation characteristics at different microwave frequencies and antenna heights are also simulated and analyzed.
Stratification Breakdown by Fall Cold Front Winds over the Louisiana Shelf in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: A Numerical Experiment
Authors: Allahdadi Mohammad Nabi , Li Chunyan , Chaichitehrani Nazanin
Published: March 2023

Cold fronts are meteorological phenomena that impact the northern Gulf of Mexico, mostly between the fall and spring seasons. On average, they pass the region every 3–7 days, with a duration ranging between 24 and 74 h. In the present study, a high-resolution FVCOM model with an unstructured mesh was used to simulate the effect of the fall cold front winds on water column mixing over the Louisiana shelf, which is often stratified in the summer, leading to hypoxia. Numerical experiments were conducted for October 2009, a period with five consecutive cold front events. Winds from an offshore station forced the model, while climatological temperature/salinity profiles prepared by NOAA for September were used for model initialization. The model performance was evaluated by comparing it with the surface current measurements at two offshore stations, and the results showed a good agreement between the model results and observations. Shelf mixing and stratification were investigated through examining the simulated sea surface temperature as well as the longitudinal and cross-shelf vertical sections. Simulation results showed a significant effect on shelf mixing, with the mixed layer depth increasing from the initial values of 5 m to 25 m at the end of simulation at different parts of the shelf, with maximum mixed layer depths corresponding to the peak of cold fronts. The buoyancy frequency, Richardson number, and the average potential energy demand (APED) for mixing the water column were used to quantify the stratification at two selected locations over the shelf. Results showed that all these parameters almost continuously decreased due to mixing induced by cold front wind events during this time. At the station off the Terrebonne Bay with a water depth of 20 m, the water column became fully mixed after three of the cold front events, with Richardson numbers smaller than 0.25 and approaching zero. This continued mixing trend was also proven by obtaining a decreasing trend of APED from 100 to 5 kg/m.s2 with several close to zero energy demand values.
Research on Underwater Image Restoration Technology Based on Multi-Domain Translation
Authors: Xue Teng , Zhang Tianchi , Zhang Jing
Published: March 2023

Underwater images are crucial in various underwater applications, including marine engineering, underwater robotics, and subsea coral farming. However, obtaining paired data for these images is challenging due to factors such as light absorption and scattering, suspended particles in the water, and camera angles. Underwater image recovery algorithms typically use real unpaired dataset or synthetic paired dataset. However, they often encounter image quality issues and noise labeling problems that can affect algorithm performance. To address these challenges and further improve the quality of underwater image restoration, this work proposes a multi-domain translation method based on domain partitioning. Firstly, this paper proposes an improved confidence estimation algorithm, which uses the number of times a sample is correctly predicted in a continuous period as a confidence estimate. The confidence value estimates are sorted and compared with the real probability to continuously optimize the confidence estimation and improve the classification performance of the algorithm. Secondly, a U-net structure is used to construct the underwater image restoration network, which can learn the relationship between the two domains. The discriminator uses full convolution to improve the performance of the discriminator by outputting the true and false images along with the category to which the true image belongs. Finally, the improved confidence estimation algorithm is combined with the discriminator in the image restoration network to invert the labels for images with low confidence values in the clean domain as images in the degraded domain. The next step of image restoration is then performed based on the new dataset that is divided. In this way, the multi-domain conversion of underwater images is achieved, which helps in the recovery of underwater images. Experimental results show that the proposed method effectively improves the quality and quantity of the images.