bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Methylation Marker NRN1 plus TERT and FGFR3 Mutation Using Urine Sediment Enables the Detection of Urothelial Bladder Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Xu Ran , Lu Qiang , Xu Zhenzhou , Liu Jianye , Li Pei , Zhang Yaqun , Zhou Chuanchi , Luo Lufeng , Tang Wei , Wang Zhenting , Cao Manman , Cao Jian , Xu Genming , Wang Long
Published: January 2023

Background: Aberrant DNA methylation is an early event during tumorigenesis. In the present study, we aimed to construct a methylation diagnostic tool using urine sediment for the detection of urothelial bladder carcinoma, and improved the diagnostic performance of the model by incorporating single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites. Methods: A three-stage analysis was carried out to construct the model and evaluate the diagnostic performance. In stage I, two small cohorts from Xiangya hospital were recruited to validate and identify the detailed regions of collected methylation biomarkers. In stage II, proof-of-concept study cohorts from the Hunan multicenter were recruited to construct a diagnostic tool. In stage III, a blinded cohort comprising suspicious UBC patients was recruited from Beijing single center to further test the robustness of the model. Results: In stage I, single NRN1 exhibited the highest AUC compared with six other biomarkers and the Random Forest model. At the best cutoff value of 5.16, a single NRN1 biomarker gave a diagnosis with a sensitivity of 0.93 and a specificity of 0.97. In stage II, the Random Forest algorithm was applied to construct a diagnostic tool, consisting of NRN1, TERT C228T and FGFR3 p.S249C. The tool exhibited AUC values of 0.953, 0.946 and 0.951 in training, test and all cohorts. At the best cutoff value, the model resulted in a sensitivity of 0.871 and a specificity of 0.947. In stage III, the diagnostic tool achieved a good discrimination in the external validation cohort, with an overall AUC of 0.935, sensitivity of 0.864 and specificity of 0.895. Additionally, the model exhibited a superior sensitivity and comparable specificity compared with conventional cytology and FISH. Conclusions: The diagnostic tool exhibited a highly specific and robust performance. It may be used as a replaceable approach for the detection of UBC.
Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Management of Penile Cancer: Results from the Spanish National Registry of Penile Cancer
Authors: Borque-Fernando Ángel , Gaya Josep , Esteban-Escaño Luis , Gómez-Rivas Juan , García-Baquero Rodrigo , Agreda-Castañeda Fernando , Gallioli Andrea , Verri Paolo , Ortiz-Vico Francisco , Amir-Nicolau Balig , Osman-Garcia Ignacio , Gil-Martínez Pedro , Arrabal-Martín Miguel , Gómez-Ferrer Lozano Álvaro , Campos-Juanatey Felix , Guerrero-Ramos Félix , Rubio-Briones Josè ,   on behalf of Grupo Cooperativo de Registro Nacional Cáncer Pene (PIEM/AEU/2014/0002)
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Penile cancer (PC) is a rare malignancy with an overall incidence in Europe of 1/100,000 males/year. In Europe, few studies report the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, and treatment of PC. The aim of this study is to present an updated outlook on the aforementioned factors of PC in Spain. Materials and Methods: A multicentric, retrospective, observational epidemiological study was designed, and patients with a new diagnosis of PC in 2015 were included. Patients were anonymously identified from the Register of Specialized Care Activity of the Ministry of Health of Spain. All Spanish hospitals recruiting patients in 2015 were invited to participate in the present study. We have followed a descriptive narration of the observed data. Continuous and categorical data were reported by median (p25th–p75th range) and absolute and relative frequencies, respectively. The incidence map shows differences between Spanish regions. Results: The incidence of PC in Spain in 2015 was 2.55/100,000 males per year. A total of 586 patients were identified, and 228 patients from 61 hospitals were included in the analysis. A total of 54/61 (88.5%) centers reported ≤ 5 new cases. The patients accessed the urologist for visually-assessed penile lesions (60.5%), mainly localized in the glans (63.6%). Local hygiene, smoking habits, sexual habits, HPV exposure, and history of penile lesions were reported in 48.2%, 59.6%, 25%, 13.2%, and 69.7%. HPV-positive lesions were 18.1% (28.6% HPV-16). The majority of PC was squamous carcinoma (95.2%). PC was ≥cT2 in 45.2% (103/228) cases. At final pathology, PC was ≥pT2 in 51% of patients and ≥pN1 in 17% of cases. The most common local treatment was partial penectomy (46.9% cases). A total of 47/55 (85.5%) inguinal lymphadenectomies were open. Patients with ≥pN1 disease were treated with chemotherapy in 12/39 (40.8%) of cases. Conclusions: PC incidence is relatively high in Spain compared to other European countries. The risk factors for PC are usually misreported. The diagnosis and management of PC are suboptimal, encouraging the identification of referral centers for PC management.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Interest of Google Queries in Cancer Screening and Cancers: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kamiński Mikołaj , Skrzypczak Piotr , Staszewski Rafał , Roszak Magdalena
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted cancer screening programs and care for individuals with malignancies. We aimed to analyze the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the interest of Google users in cancers and their screenings. We collected data from Google Trends (GT) from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2021 worldwide for nine topics representing cancer screening and the HPV vaccine and for 33 topics representing malignancies. We performed a secular analysis comparing the prepandemic (2015–2019) and pandemic (2020–2021) period. We performed forecasting analysis on the prepandemic timeline to assess interest in the analyzed topics if the pandemic hadnot occurred.The actual interest in most of the analyzed topics was significantly lower than in the forecasted trend. Interest in 6 of the 9 topics representing cancer screening and 3 of the 33 topics representing cancer was higher during the pandemic than in the prepandemic period. The interest of Google users in cancer screenings increased in 2020–2021 compared to 2015–2019, but the growth was less dynamic than expected. The interest in many cancers during the pandemic was significantly lower than in the prepandemic period, especially during March and April 2020. The lower interest in cancers and their screenings may delay the diagnosis and worsen the long-term outcomes.
Diffusion Weighted Imaging in Neuro-Oncology: Diagnosis, Post-Treatment Changes, and Advanced Sequences—An Updated Review
Authors: Romano Andrea , Palizzi Serena , Romano Allegra , Moltoni Giulia , Di Napoli Alberto , Maccioni Francesca , Bozzao Alessandro
Published: January 2023

DWI is an imaging technique commonly used for the assessment of acute ischemia, inflammatory disorders, and CNS neoplasia. It has several benefits since it is a quick, easily replicable sequence that is widely used on many standard scanners. In addition to its normal clinical purpose, DWI offers crucial functional and physiological information regarding brain neoplasia and the surrounding milieu. A narrative review of the literature was conducted based on the PubMed database with the purpose of investigating the potential role of DWI in the neuro-oncology field. A total of 179 articles were included in the study.
Number of Local Regional Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Peri-Operative Outcomes after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Brown Audrey E. , Shui Amy M. , Adelmann Dieter , Mehta Neil , Roll Garrett R. , Hirose Ryutaro , Syed Shareef M.
Published: January 2023

The wait times for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) listed for liver transplant are longer than ever, which has led to an increased reliance on the use of pre-operative LRTs. The impact that multiple rounds of LRTs have on peri-operative outcomes following transplant is unknown. This was a retrospective single center analysis of 298 consecutive patients with HCC who underwent liver transplant (January 2017 to May 2021). The data was obtained from two institution-specific databases and the TransQIP database. Of the 298 patients, 27 (9.1%) underwent no LRTs, 156 (52.4%) underwent 1-2 LRTs, and 115 (38.6%) underwent ≥3 LRTs prior to LT. The patients with ≥3 LRTs had a significantly higher rate of bile leak compared to patients who received 1-2 LRTs (7.0 vs. 1.3%, p = 0.014). Unadjusted and adjusted regression analyses demonstrated a significant association between the total number of LRTs administered and bile leak, but not rates of overall biliary complications. The total number of LRTs was not significantly associated with any other peri-operative or post-operative outcome measure. These findings support the aggressive use of LRTs to control HCC in patients awaiting liver transplant, with further evaluation needed to confirm the biliary leak findings.
EPHA3 Could Be a Novel Prognosis Biomarker and Correlates with Immune Infiltrates in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Liu Junpeng , Zhou Zewen , Jiang Yifan , Lin Yuzhao , Yang Yunzhi , Tian Chongjiang , Liu Jinwen , Lin Hao , Huang Bin
Published: January 2023

Purpose: To assess the mechanism of EPH receptor A3 (EPHA3) and its potential value for immunotherapy in BLCA. Materials and Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) bladder cancer (BLCA) database and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used for assessing whether EHPA3 could be used to predict BLCA prognosis. This work carried out in vitro and in vivo assays for exploring how EPHA3 affected the biological behaviors. The downstream pathway was explored using a Western blotting technique. The CIBERSORT, ESTIMATE, TIMER, and TIDE tools were used to predict the immunotherapy value of EPHA3 in BLCA. Results: EPHA3 was poorly expressed in BLCA (p < 0.05), its high expression is related to a good survival prognosis (p = 0.027 and p = 0.0275), and it has a good predictive ability for the histologic grade and status of BLCA (area under curve = 0.787 and 0.904). Overexpressed EPHA3 could inhibit BLCA cell biological behaviors, and it be associated with the downregulation of the Ras/pERK1/2 pathway. EPHA3 was correlated with several immune-infiltrating cells and the corresponding marker genes. Conclusions: EPHA3 could be regarded as an acceptable anti-cancer biomarker in BLCA. EPHA3 plays an inhibiting role in BLCA, and it could be the candidate immunotherapeutic target for BLCA.
Clinical Significance of the Lymph Node Ratio of the Second Operation to Predict Re-Recurrence in Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Park Joonseon , Kang Il Ku , Bae Ja Seong , Kim Jeong Soo , Kim Kwangsoon
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to establish the risk factors for re-recurrences and disease-specific mortality (DSM) in recurrent thyroid cancer. Patients with recurrent thyroid cancer who underwent initial thyroid surgery from January 2000 to December 2019 at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital (Seoul, Korea) were assessed. Clinicopathological characteristics and long-term oncologic outcomes were compared between patients with one recurrence (n = 202) and patients with re-recurrences (n = 44). Logistic regression and cox-regression analyses were conducted to determine the risk factors for re-recurrences and DSM, respectively. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the cutoff value for lymph node ratio (LNR) as a predictor of re-recurrences. DSM was significantly higher in the re-recurrence group compared with the single-recurrence group (6.8% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.019). Surgical treatment at the first recurrence significantly lowered the risk of re-recurrences. Age (≥55), male sex, and LNR (≥0.15) were independent significant risk factors for re-recurrences in patients who underwent surgery at the first recurrence. Surgical resection is the optimal treatment for initial thyroid cancer recurrence. LNR at re-operation is more effective in predicting re-recurrence than the absolute number of metastatic LNs.
Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α)-Induced Metastatic Phenotype in Colorectal Cancer Epithelial Cells: Mechanistic Support for the Role of MicroRNA-21
Authors: Alotaibi Aminah G. , Li Jia V. , Gooderham Nigel J.
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer is driven by genetic and epigenetic changes in cells to confer phenotypes that promote metastatic transformation and development. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory mediator, regulates cellular communication within the tumour microenvironment and is associated with the progression of the metastatic phenotype. Oncogenic miR-21 has been shown to be overexpressed in most solid tumours, including colorectal cancer, and is known to target proteins involved in metastatic transformation. In this study, we investigated the relationship between TNF-α and miR-21 regulation in colorectal cancer epithelial cells (SW480 and HCT116). We observed that TNF-α, at concentrations reported to be present in serum and tumour tissue from colorectal cancer patients, upregulated miR-21 expression in both cell lines. TNF-α treatment also promoted cell migration, downregulation of the expression of E-cadherin, a marker of epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and anti-apoptotic BCL-2 (a validated target for miR-21). Knockdown of miR-21 had the opposite effect on each of these TNF-a induced phenotypic changes. Additionally, in the SW480 cell line, although TNF-α treatment selectively induced expression of a marker of metastatic progression VEGF-A, it failed to affect MMP2 expression or invasion activity. Our data indicate that exposing colorectal cancer epithelial cells to TNF-α, at concentrations occurring in the serum and tumour microenvironment of colorectal cancer patients, upregulated miR-21 expression and promoted the metastatic phenotype.
Design and Optimization of Laccase Immobilization in Cellulose Acetate Microfiltration Membrane for Micropollutant Remediation
Authors: Varga Béla , Meiczinger Mónika , Jakab Miklós , Somogyi Viola
Published: January 2023

The industrial and environmental applications of laccase, especially in wastewater treatment, have gained focus in recent years. Therefore, developing the proper laccase immobilization techniques, which could improve the stability of the enzymes and simplify the required downstream processes, is needed. A novel two-step immobilization process was developed, resulting in cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEA) in the pores of the membrane. Laccase adsorption on a biodegradable cellulose acetate microfiltration membrane along with cross-linking was investigated to maximize the enzyme load and immobilization efficiency. The optimization was done regarding the: pH, temperature, enzyme concentration, adsorption time, cross-linker concentration, and temperature. It was concluded that the highest immobilization efficiency (76%) could be achieved in acidic buffers at 29 °C with high surface activity (1174 U·m−2) at the cost of partial denaturation and membrane fouling. The membrane was successfully utilized for the enzymatic treatment of diclofenac, and 58% removal efficiency was achieved. The results indicated that cellulose acetate is a suitable carrier for adsorption-based immobilization of laccase for the potential for environmental utilisation.
Composition and Morphology Modulation of Bimetallic Nitride Nanostructures on Nickel Foams for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wan Xiaokang , Wang Xianyun , Lu Dashun , Xu Yunbo , Liu Gezhong , Fu Yanming , Shui Taotao , Wang Haitao , Cheng Zude
Published: January 2023

Metal-nitrides-based electrocatalysts for efficient oxygen-evolution have been extensively studied as one of the most promising candidates to fulfil the demand for future energy-conversion and storage. Herein, a series of NixCo1−xO- and NixCo1−xN-based nanostructures on nickel foams were reported to show excellent activities for oxygen-evolution reaction. The catalysts were prepared and modulated rationally via a facile-hydrothermal method, followed by high-temperature calcination under air or nitrogen atmosphere. The optimal bimetallic-nitride catalyst Ni0.3Co0.7N shows a small overpotential of 268 mV at 20 mA cm−2, and a Tafel slope of 66 mV dec−1 with good stability. The enhanced OER-performance is ascribed to the synergetic effect of the unique morphology and the intrinsic catalytic property of the nanostructure after nitridation.
Binder-Free Supercapacitors Based on Thin Films of MWCNT/GO Nanohybrids: Computational and Experimental Analysis
Authors: Pandey Sandeep , Pathak Mayank , Karakoti Manoj , Tatrari Gaurav , Shantibhusan Boddepalli , Dhapola Pawan Singh , Dhali Sunil , Srivastava Anurag , Rana Sravendra , Sahoo Nanda Gopal
Published: January 2023

This work reports an innovative approach to the fabrication of free-standing thin films of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/graphene oxide (GO) nanohybrids by using dimethyl formamide (DMF) and n-hexane as a solvent–antisolvent system for the growth of thin films of MWCNTs/GO nanohybrids. The synthesis of the GO was carried out by using the modified Hummers method, while the synthesis of MWCNTs/GO nanohybrids was done by the intermixing of the carboxylic acid functionalized MWCNT and GO using the solution-mixing method. The growth of the thin film of MWCNTs/GO nanohybrids was done by obeying the surface-tension-driven phenomena which occur mainly due to the coalescence of bubbles due to the solvent–antisolvent interfacial tension. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT)-based first-principles simulations were performed to understand the structural, electronic, and capacitive aspects of MWCNT/GO nanohybrids. The computational results demonstrated excellent quantum capacitance in the MWCNT/GO nanohybrid electrodes. Inspired by the computational results, the same process elaborated above has also been employed to develop binder-free supercapacitor devices utilizing the MWCNT/GO nanohybrid as an electrode material. The electrochemical performance of this electrode in 1 M aqueous H2SO4 demonstrates a good energy density of 21.63 WhKg−1 at a current density of 0.5 Ag−1, with a high specific capacitance of 369.01 F/g at the scan rate of 2 mVs−1 and excellent cyclic stability of 97% for 5000 charge–discharge cycles.
The Landscape of Secondary Genetic Rearrangements in Pediatric Patients with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with t(12;21)
Authors: Kaczmarska Agnieszka , Derebas Justyna , Pinkosz Michalina , Niedźwiecki Maciej , Lejman Monika
Published: January 2023

The most frequent chromosomal rearrangement in childhood B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is translocation t(12;21)(p13;q22). It results in the fusion of the ETV6::RUNX1 gene, which is active in the regulation of multiple crucial cellular pathways. Recent studies hypothesize that many translocations are influenced by RAG-initiated deletions, as well as defects in the RAS and NRAS pathways. According to a “two-hit” model for the molecular pathogenesis of pediatric ETV6::RUNX1-positive B-ALL, the t(12;21) translocation requires leukemia-causing secondary mutations. Patients with ETV6::RUNX1 express up to 60 different aberrations, which highlights the heterogeneity of this B-ALL subtype and is reflected in differences in patient response to treatment and chances of relapse. Most studies of secondary genetic changes have concentrated on deletions of the normal, non-rearranged ETV6 allele. Other predominant structural changes included deletions of chromosomes 6q and 9p, loss of entire chromosomes X, 8, and 13, duplications of chromosome 4q, or trisomy of chromosomes 21 and 16, but the impact of these changes on overall survival remains unclarified. An equally genetically diverse group is the recently identified new B-ALL subtype ETV6::RUNX1-like ALL. In our review, we provide a comprehensive description of recurrent secondary mutations in pediatric B-ALL with t(12;21) to emphasize the value of investigating detailed molecular mechanisms in ETV6::RUNX1-positive B-ALL, both for our understanding of the etiology of the disease and for future clinical advances in patient treatment and management.
Taspase1 Facilitates Topoisomerase IIβ-Mediated DNA Double-Strand Breaks Driving Estrogen-Induced Transcription
Authors: Oelschläger Lisa , Stahl Paul , Kaschani Farnusch , Stauber Roland H. , Knauer Shirley K. , Hensel Astrid
Published: January 2023

The human protease Taspase1 plays a pivotal role in developmental processes and cancerous diseases by processing critical regulators, such as the leukemia proto-oncoprotein MLL. Despite almost two decades of intense research, Taspase1’s biology is, however, still poorly understood, and so far its cellular function was not assigned to a superordinate biological pathway or a specific signaling cascade. Our data, gained by methods such as co-immunoprecipitation, LC-MS/MS and Topoisomerase II DNA cleavage assays, now functionally link Taspase1 and hormone-induced, Topoisomerase IIβ-mediated transient DNA double-strand breaks, leading to active transcription. The specific interaction with Topoisomerase IIα enhances the formation of DNA double-strand breaks that are a key prerequisite for stimulus-driven gene transcription. Moreover, Taspase1 alters the H3K4 epigenetic signature upon estrogen-stimulation by cleaving the chromatin-modifying enzyme MLL. As estrogen-driven transcription and MLL-derived epigenetic labelling are reduced upon Taspase1 siRNA-mediated knockdown, we finally characterize Taspase1 as a multifunctional co-activator of estrogen-stimulated transcription.
Innate–Acquired Linkage in Immunotherapy
Authors: Seya Tsukasa
Published: January 2023

The evolution of the human species is the result of genetic variation [...]
Long-Term Outcome of Pediatric Patients with Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis in a Single Center
Authors: Wu Pei-Yu , Chi Ching-Shiang , Tsai Chi-Ren , Yang Yao-Lun , Lee Hsiu-Fen
Published: January 2023

Background: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is the most common autoimmune encephalitis in children. There is a high probability of recovery if treated promptly. We aimed to analyze the clinical features and long-term outcomes of pediatric patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Method: We conducted a retrospective study with definite diagnoses of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in 11 children treated in a tertiary referral center between March 2012 and March 2022. Clinical features, ancillary tests, treatment, and outcomes were reviewed. Results: The median age at disease onset was 7.9 years. There were eight females (72.7%) and three males (27.3%). Three (27.3%) patients initially presented with focal and/or generalized seizures and eight (72.7%) with behavioral change. Seven patients (63.6%) revealed normal brain MRI scans. Seven (63.6%) had abnormal EEG results. Ten patients (90.1%) received intravenous immunoglobulin, corticosteroid, and/or plasmapheresis. After a median follow-up duration of 3.5 years, one patient was lost to follow-up at the acute stage, nine (90%) had an mRS ≤ 2, and only one had an mRS of 3. Conclusions: With the early recognition of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis based on its clinical features and ancillary tests, we were able to treat patients promptly with first-line treatment and achieve favorable neurological outcomes.
Household Food Insufficiency and Chronic Pain among Children in the US: A National Study
Authors: Tham See , Law Emily , Palermo Tonya , Kapos Flavia , Mendoza Jason , Groenewald Cornelius
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pediatric chronic pain by household food sufficiency status and examine whether food insufficiency would be associated with greater risk for chronic pain. We analyzed data from the 2019–2020 National Survey of Children’s Health of 48,410 children (6–17 years) in the United States. Across the sample, 26.1% (95% CI: 25.2–27.0) experienced mild food insufficiency and 5.1% (95% CI: 4.6–5.7) moderate/severe food insufficiency. The prevalence of chronic pain was higher among children with mild (13.7%) and moderate/severe food insufficiency (20.6%) relative to children in food-sufficient households (6.7%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for a priori covariates (individual: age, sex, race/ethnicity, anxiety, depression, other health conditions, adverse childhood events; household: poverty, parent education, physical and mental health; community: region of residence), multivariable logistic regression revealed that children with mild food insufficiency had 1.6 times greater odds of having chronic pain (95% CI: 1.4–1.9, p < 0.0001) and those with moderate/severe food insufficiency, 1.9 higher odds (95% CI: 1.4–2.7, p < 0.0001) relative to food-sufficient children. The dose–response relationship between food insufficiency and childhood chronic pain highlights the importance of further research to identify underlying mechanisms and evaluate the impact of food insufficiency on the onset and persistence of chronic pain across the lifespan.
Risk Factors of Language Delay at Two Years of Corrected Age among Very-Low-Birth-Weight Preterm Infants: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Tseng Wei-Lun , Chen Chia-Huei , Chang Jui-Hsing , Peng Chun-Chih , Jim Wai-Tim , Lin Chia-Ying , Hsu Chyong-Hsin , Liu Tzu-Yu , Chang Hung-Yang ,   on behalf of the Taiwan Premature Infant Follow-up Network
Published: January 2023

Language delays are often underestimated in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants. We aimed to identify the risk factors of language delay at two years of corrected age in this vulnerable population. VLBW infants, who were assessed at two years of corrected age using the Bayley Scale of Infant Development, third edition, were included using a population-based cohort database. Language delay was defined as mild to moderate if the composite score was between 70 and 85 and severe if the score was < 70. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the perinatal risk factors associated with language delay. The study comprised 3797 VLBW preterm infants; 678 (18%) had a mild to moderate delay and 235 (6%) had a severe delay. After adjusting for confounding factors, low maternal education level, low maternal socioeconomic status, extremely low birth weight, male sex, and severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and/or cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) were found to be significantly associated with both mild to moderate and severe delays. Resuscitation at delivery, necrotizing enterocolitis, and patent ductus arteriosus requiring ligation showed significant associations with severe delay. The strongest factors predicting both mild to moderate and severe language delays were the male sex and severe IVH and/or cystic PVL; thus, early targeted intervention is warranted in these populations.
MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry of High-Grade Gliomas: A Review of Recent Progress and Future Perspective
Authors: Rončević Alen , Koruga Nenad , Soldo Koruga Anamarija , Debeljak Željko , Rončević Robert , Turk Tajana , Kretić Domagoj , Rotim Tatjana , Krivdić Dupan Zdravka , Troha Damir , Perić Marija , Šimundić Tihana
Published: January 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignancy of the brain with a relatively short median survival and high mortality. Advanced age, high socioeconomic status, exposure to ionizing radiation, and other factors have been correlated with an increased incidence of GBM, while female sex hormones, history of allergies, and frequent use of specific drugs might exert protective effects against this disease. However, none of these explain the pathogenesis of GBM. The most recent WHO classification of CNS tumors classifies neoplasms based on their histopathological and molecular characteristics. Modern laboratory techniques, such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry, enable the comprehensive metabolic analysis of the tissue sample. MALDI imaging is able to characterize the spatial distribution of a wide array of biomolecules in a sample, in combination with histological features, without sacrificing the tissue integrity. In this review, we first provide an overview of GBM epidemiology, risk, and protective factors, as well as the recent WHO classification of CNS tumors. We then provide an overview of mass spectrometry workflow, with a focus on MALDI imaging, and recent advances in cancer research. Finally, we conclude the review with studies of GBM that utilized MALDI imaging and offer our perspective on future research.
Characterization of Structure, Morphology, Optical and Electrical Properties of AlN–Al–V Multilayer Thin Films Fabricated by Reactive DC Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Mironova Maria I. , Kapishnikov Aleksandr V. , Hamoud Ghaithaa A. , Volodin Vladimir A. , Azarov Ivan A. , Yushkov Ivan D. , Kamaev Gennadiy N. , Suprun Evgeny A. , Chirikov Nikita A. , Davletkildeev Nadim A. , Baidakov Alexey N. , Kovivchak Vladimir S. , Baranova Larisa V. , Strunin Vladimir I. , Geydt Pavel V.
Published: January 2023

Composite thin films of the AlN–Al–V type, grown by magnetron sputtering, were analyzed by several complementary diagnostic methods. The power of the magnetron was used as a variable parameter, while gas flows, chamber pressure, and substrate temperature remained unchanged during the film fabrication. According to grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) results, in most cases, it was possible to obtain an (002)-oriented aluminum nitride (AlN) layer in the films, although, with an increase in the magnetron power to 800 W, the formation of X-ray amorphous AlN was observed. Similarly, according to the Raman results, the width of the peak of the vibrational mode E1, which characterizes the correlation length of optical phonons, also significantly increased in the case of the sample obtained at 800 W, which may indicate a deterioration in the crystallinity of the film. A study of the surface morphology by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the AlN film grows in the form of vertically oriented hexagons, and crystallites emerge on the surface in the form of dendritic structures. During the analysis of the AFM roughness power spectral density (PSD-x) functions, it was found that the type of substrate material does not significantly affect the surface roughness of the AlN films. According to the energy–dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) elemental analysis, an excess of aluminum was observed in all fabricated samples. The study of the current-voltage characteristics of the films showed that the resistance of aluminum nitride layers in such composites correlates with both the aluminum content and the structural imperfection of crystallites.
Characterization of Hydroxyapatite/Chitosan Composite Coating Obtained from Crab Shells on Low-Modulus Ti–25Nb–8Sn Alloy through Hydrothermal Treatment
Authors: Hsu Hsueh-Chuan , Wu Shih-Ching , Lin Chien-Yu , Ho Wen-Fu
Published: January 2023

In this study, hydroxyapatite/chitosan (HA/CS) composite coatings were prepared by hydrothermal treatment on the surface of low-modulus Ti–25Nb–8Sn alloy to improve the surface bioactivity of the alloy. HA, the main mineral composition of the human skeleton, has excellent bioactivity and is often used as a surface coating on biometal implants. CS, a natural polymer with good antibacterial, hydrophilic and non-toxic characteristics, is often used as dermal regeneration templates, hemostatic agents and drug delivery systems. In this experiment, a natural crab shell was used as a raw material to prepare the HA/CS composite coating by alkali treatment and hydrothermal reaction at various temperatures. The microstructure, morphology and phase composition of the coating surfaces were analyzed by XRD, SEM, and FTIR, and the sample coated with HA/CS was soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) to evaluate its bioactivity. The experimental results showed that the HA/CS composite coatings through hydrothermal treatment at various temperatures can be successfully fabricated on the surface of the Ti alloy. HA on the coating surface exhibited mainly spherical particles and contained A- and B-type carbonate. When the hydrothermal temperature was up to 200 °C, the spherical particles were approximately 20–40 nm. An ultrasonic vibration test was used to evaluate the adhesion of the coatings, showing that the CS exhibited significantly improved adhesion capacity to the substrate. After being soaked in SBF for 7 days, apatite was deposited on the entire surfaces of the HA/CS coatings, indicating that the coating possesses excellent bioactivity.
Effects of NaOH/H2O2/Na2SiO3 Bleaching Pretreatment Method on Wood Dyeing Properties
Authors: Lu Danting , Xiong Xianqing , Lu Guozhen , Gui Chengsheng , Pang Xiaoren
Published: January 2023

Bleaching is a common modification method widely used in the industrialization of wood dyeing. Bleaching can regulate the color of the wood, and it also has great effects on the subsequent wood dyeing properties. In this work, three woods, Ayous, Linden, and Poplar, were processed by using the NaOH/H2O2/Na2SiO3 bleach pretreatment method. Then, the pretreated wood and untreated wood were stained separately by means of water bath dyeing with three dyestuffs: blue anthraquinone and red and yellow double-azo dyestuffs. The study mainly focused on the effect of the bleach pretreatment on the color control and dyeing properties of the wood by analyzing the color difference, staining rate, and final dyeing rate of the dyed wood. The results were as follows: For the color difference, the L* and h* values showed increasing tends, while the a*, b*, and c* values showed decreasing trends. For the staining rate, Ayous reached an equilibrium staining rate at 3~4 h, but for the others, this was not obvious. For the dyeing rate, red and blue Linden veneers and blue Ayous veneers were similar to the unbleached ones, while the final dyeing rate of the other veneers was less than that of the original wood, and the staining rate of the Ayous red and yellow veneer, Linden yellow veneer, and Poplar veneer was less than that of the original wood. The final dyeing rate of the Ayous red and yellow veneers, Linden yellow veneer, and Poplar red, yellow and blue veneers decreased by 4.54%, 2.91%, 5.45%, 10.75%, 2.66%, and 9.55%, respectively. In general, the bleach pretreatment made the staining color of the material surface uniform. The dyeing rate increased due to the increase of the veneers’ permeability. Thus, the veneers quickly reached the equilibrium staining rate, but the equilibrium staining rate of some test pieces decreased. This work provides scientific support for the dyeing process.
The Biological Role of Dead Sea Water in Skin Health: A Review
Authors: Dai Daoxin , Ma Xiaoyu , Yan Xiaojuan , Bao Xijun
Published: January 2023

Applying natural mineral water to skin care is a popular tendency and many cosmetics products based on thermal spring water have been developed. The special location and environmental conditions provide Dead Sea water (DSW) with unique ion composition and concentrations, which bring comprehensive positive effects on skin health. This article reviews two potential action modes of DSW, and the biological function of DSW and its related complex in dermatology and skin care. Previous studies have proved the functions of skin moisturization, anti-inflammation, skin barrier repair, and anti-pollution. Especially, the anti-aging effect of DSW and related complexes can act in three different ways: keratinocyte rejuvenation, photo-protection, and cellular energy elevation. Additionally, the issues that need further investigation are also discussed. We hope that this review will help to improve the understanding of DSW and its related complex, and further contribute to product development in the skincare industry.
Mycosynthesis, Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, and Its Assessment in Various Biological Activities
Authors: Kamal Asif , Saba Malka , Ullah Khetab , Almutairi Saeedah Musaed , AlMunqedhi Bandar M. , Ragab abdelGawwad Mohamed
Published: January 2023

In recent years, nanotechnology has become one of the emerging fields of nanoparticle synthesis using biological processes. The use of mushroom extract is one of the most important methods for biological synthesis due to the presence of abundant biologically active compounds. In this study, Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using Daedalea sp. mushroom extract. The nanoparticles had an average size of 14.58 nm and irregular morphology, which shows its prominent character. Various analytical techniques including FTIR, X-ray diffraction, EDX, and UV-Vis spectrum showed a broad absorption between 350 and 380 nm, which indicates the synthesis of ZnO NPs. The characterized NPs were exploited for a wide range of biomedical applications including biocompatibility, antifungal, antileishmanial, and antibacterial studies. The ZnO nanoparticles showed a strong antibacterial effect against gram-positive (Klesbsilla pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Eschericia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. Furthermore, the ZnO nanoparticles also showed a high antifungal effect against Aspergillus niger fungus.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Crystals in 2022
Authors:   Crystals Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
A Review of Araeopidius monachus (LeConte, 1874) (Coleoptera: Dryopoidea: Ptilodactylidae), with Main Emphasis on Its Biology and Ecology
Authors: Shepard William D. , Kundrata Robin
Published: January 2023

Araeopidius monachus (LeConte, 1874) is the only species in the subfamily Araeopidiinae within the beetle family Ptilodactylidae. Its geographic distribution is mainly along the western coast of North America, where adults are uncommon. A diagnosis is provided along with detailed collection records highlighting its seasonality, elevational range, plant associations, and collection methods. Collection records from larvae and adults indicate a three-year life cycle. Digestive tract dissections show that the larvae consume woody material while the adults probably do not feed. Additionally, we briefly discuss the problems and prospects for research of this enigmatic species.
Fishers’ Perception on the Interaction between Dolphins and Fishing Activities in Italian and Croatian Waters
Authors: Li Veli Daniel , Petetta Andrea , Barone Giulio , Ceciarini Ilaria , Franchi Enrica , Marsili Letizia , Pietroluongo Guido , Mazzoldi Carlotta , Holcer Draško , D’Argenio Stanislao , Guccione Sergio , Testa Rosa Linda , Blasi Monica Francesca , Cinti Maria Francesca , Livreri Console Salvatore , Rinaudo Ilaria , Lucchetti Alessandro
Published: January 2023

Interactions between fishing and dolphins can be detrimental, since on one hand dolphins can be lethally entangled by nets and trawls, and on the other dolphins can predate fish caught by nets. For dolphins, this interaction can be dangerous as they can be wounded or accidentally killed; for fishers, the predation of their catch results in economic losses due to reduced quantity and/or quality of catches and damage to fishing gear. During July and November 2020, we surveyed the “dolphin–fisheries conflict” through compiling 209 fisher interviews from nine locations in Italy and Croatia. Fishers mentioned the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) as the species primarily interacting with fishing, with the major issue being catch damage by predation. The interaction probability varied among gears and seasons, with some fishing activities (e.g., passive nets) more affected than others (e.g., bottom trawls), especially in terms of economic loss (1000–10,000 €/year on average). More than 70% of the fishers claimed that dolphin populations have increased over the last 10 years, in different degrees and based on different areas. Dolphin bycatch rates are generally low; however, 34.6% of respondents reported having captured at least one dolphin during their career. The fishers’ attitude towards acoustic deterrents (“pingers”) as a mitigation measure revealed that few of them were aware of these devices or were using them.
On the Diversity of Semiochemicals of the Pygidial Gland Secretions of Subterranean Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: Vranić Sofija , Vujisić Ljubodrag , Vesović Nikola , Todosijević Marina , Pavićević Miloš , Radović Dejan , Ćurčić Srećko
Published: January 2023

Pygidial glands are of great importance to ground beetles for defense against predators, especially for the species that live in subterranean habitats. The purpose of our study is to better understand the chemistry of the pygidial gland secretions of subterranean ground beetles, as well as the function and structure of the glands. We studied both the chemical composition of the pygidial gland secretion and morphology of the glands in adults of the troglophilic ground beetle species Laemostenus (Antisphodrus) cavicola (Schaum, 1858). The chemical composition of its defensive secretion was revealed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), while pygidial gland morphology of the beetle was investigated using bright-field microcopy. In total, seven chemical compounds were detected in the secretion mixture. Formic acid was the most dominant compound, followed by dodecyl acetate and undecane. Other chemicals were present in minor amounts. The morphological structure of the pygidial glands of L. (A.) cavicola was compared with the structure of the glands of the related congeneric troglophilic species Laemostenus (Pristonychus) punctatus (Dejean, 1828). Summary data on the semiochemicals that have been recorded so far in subterranean ground beetle species are presented, and the differences in the chemical composition of the secretions between and among troglobitic and troglophilic species are discussed. So far, forty-four compounds have been detected in four subterranean ground beetle species (two troglobites belonging to the tribe Trechini and two troglophiles belonging to the tribe Sphodrini). The results of this study indicate the great diversity of chemicals in the pygidial gland secretions of subterranean ground beetles.
An Eudromaeosaurian Theropod from Lo Hueco (Upper Cretaceous. Central Spain)
Authors: Malafaia Elisabete , Escaso Fernando , Coria Rodolfo A. , Ortega Francisco
Published: January 2023

The Lo Hueco fossil site (Cuenca, Spain) is one of the most relevant localities for the study of Late Cretaceous continental vertebrate faunas from Europe. The fossil record of theropod dinosaurs from this locality is represented by scarce isolated postcranial materials that were preliminarily attributed to abelisaurids and to a possible giant bird, in addition to a large assemblage of isolated teeth that were related to different maniraptoran clades. Here, we describe an isolated partial left tibia articulated with the proximal tarsals and discuss their taxonomic affinities. A review of the European fossil record of Late Cretaceous theropods was performed to analyze possible changes in the faunistical composition during this period. The specimen from Lo Hueco exhibits some characters that have been interpreted as apomorphies for maniraptoran coelurosaurs and a combination of features compatible with deinonychosaurians. Within this clade, the specimen is more favorably comparable with velociraptorine dromaeosaurids and is tentatively interpreted as a member of this group. This specimen is one of the few non-dental specimens of dromaeosaurids described thus far from the Upper Cretaceous of the Iberian Peninsula and contributes to a better understanding of the composition and evolutionary history of the European theropod fauna during the last stages of the Mesozoic.
A Comparison of MGMT Testing by MSP and qMSP in Paired Snap-Frozen and Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Gliomas
Authors: Lazarević Milica , Jovanović Nikola , Cvetković Vladimir J. , Tošić Svetlana , Vitorović Jelena , Stamenković Slaviša , Nikolov Vesna , Vidović Nataša , Kostić Perić Jelena , Jovanović Marija , Mitrović Tatjana
Published: January 2023

Comparative analysis of the conventional methylation-specific PCR (MSP) vs. the quantitative MSP (qMSP) assessment of the O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status in 34 snap-frozen (SF) glioma samples was performed. The accuracy of the semi-quantitative MSP was compared with the corresponding qMSP semi-quantitative values using two semi-quantitative cut-off values (0—unmethylated and 1—weakly methylated) to discriminate methylated from unmethylated samples. In the case of the cut-off value 0, MSP test showed 80.0% sensitivity and 78.9% specificity compared to the reference qMSP analysis. However, when using the cut-off value 1, the diagnostic accuracy of the MSP test was significantly higher (85.7% sensitivity, 85.2% specificity). Fleiss’ Kappa statistical analyses indicated moderate agreement (Fleiss’ Kappa Coefficient = 0.509; 70.59% agreement) between MSP and qMSP semi-quantitative measurements of MGMT promoter methylation in glioma patients, justifying the conventional MSP use in diagnostics and confirming its high reliability. Further, we aimed to compare the validity of SF and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) glioma samples for MGMT testing. Statistical analyses indicated moderate overall agreement of FFPE glioma samples and SF MSP semi-quantitative measurements (Fleiss’ Kappa Coefficient = 0.516/0.509; 70.0% agreement) and emphasized their low reliability in the assessment of highly methylated MGMT promoter samples.
5G-Based Telerobotic Ultrasound System Improves Access to Breast Examination in Rural and Remote Areas: A Prospective and Two-Scenario Study
Authors: He Tian , Pu Yin-Ying , Zhang Ya-Qin , Qian Zhe-Bin , Guo Le-Hang , Sun Li-Ping , Zhao Chong-Ke , Xu Hui-Xiong
Published: January 2023

Objective: Ultrasound (US) plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of breast diseases; however, effective breast US screening is lacking in rural and remote areas. To alleviate this issue, we prospectively evaluated the clinical availability of 5G-based telerobotic US technology for breast examinations in rural and remote areas. Methods: Between September 2020 and March 2021, 63 patients underwent conventional and telerobotic US examinations in a rural island (Scenario A), while 20 patients underwent telerobotic US examination in a mobile car located in a remote county (Scenario B) in May 2021. The safety, duration, US image quality, consistency, and acceptability of the 5G-based telerobotic US were assessed. Results: In Scenario A, the average duration of the telerobotic US procedure was longer than that of conventional US (10.3 ± 3.3 min vs. 7.6 ± 3.0 min, p = 0.017), but their average imaging scores were similar (4.86 vs. 4.90, p = 0.159). Two cases of gynecomastia, one of lactation mastitis, and one of postoperative breast effusion were diagnosed and 32 nodules were detected using the two US methods. There was good interobserver agreement between the US features and BI-RADS categories of the identical nodules (ICC = 0.795–1.000). In Scenario B, breast nodules were detected in 65% of the patients using telerobotic US. Its average duration was 10.1 ± 2.3 min, and the average imaging score was 4.85. Overall, 90.4% of the patients were willing to choose telerobotic US in the future, and tele-sonologists were satisfied with 85.5% of the examinations. Conclusion: The 5G-based telerobotic US system is feasible for providing effective breast examinations in rural and remote areas.