bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochar-Supported Titanium Oxide for the Photocatalytic Treatment of Orange II Sodium Salt
Authors: Kanku Laury , Badmus Kassim Olasunkanmi , Wewers Fracois
Published: September 2024

Recent improvements in advanced technology for toxic chemical remediation have involved the application of titanium oxide nanoparticles as a photocatalyst. However, the large energy bandgap associated with titanium oxide nanoparticles (3.0–3.20 eV) is a limitation for their application as a photocatalyst within the solar spectrum. Various structural modification methods have led to significant reductions in the energy bandgap but not without their disadvantages, such as electron recombination. In the current investigation, biochar was made from the leaves of an invasive plant (Acacia saligna) and subsequently applied as a support in the synthesis of titanium oxide nanoparticles. The characterization of biochar-supported titanium oxide nanoparticles was performed using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transformer infrared, X-ray diffraction, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analyses. The results showed that the titanium oxide was successfully immobilized on the biochar’s external surface. The synthesized biochar-supported titanium oxide nanoparticles exhibited the phenomenon of small hysteresis, which represents the typical type IV isotherm attributed to mesoporous materials with low porosity. Meanwhile, X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of a mixture of rutile and anatase crystalline phase titanium oxide. The synthesis of biochar-supported titanium oxide nanoparticles was highly efficient in the degradation of Orange II Sodium dye under solar irradiation. Moreover, 83.5% degradation was achieved when the biochar-supported titanium oxide nanoparticles were used as photocatalysts in comparison with the reference titanium oxide, which only achieved 20% degradation.
From What Times Is This Place? Form as a Chronotope in the Architecture of Enric Miralles
Authors: Álvarez-Agea Alberto
Published: September 2024

In 1994, Enric Miralles published From what time is this place?, a brief text where the relationship between space and time is claimed through the form of the Igualada Cemetery Park and different conditions of time are considered. The title is presumably written after the book by Kevin Lynch What time is this place?, where the human sense of time and the relationship between the innate consciousness of time and place and the objective time of the world are addressed. Related to this concept arises the notion of the chronotope—from kronos, time, and topos, place; literally timeplace, defined by Mikhail Bakhtin as the intrinsic connectedness of spatial and temporal relationships assimilated in the artistic form. Approaching Miralles’ own words, this text examines the condition of architectural form as a chronotope in the Igualada Cemetery Park and in three of his projects to analyze, firstly, the strategies used and, secondly, the consequences of the connection of space and time in the form and in space and time themselves: the spatialization of time, temporalization of space, and temporalization of time. As a result, some reflections contribute to the contemporary debate on form in architecture as a spatiotemporal discipline: a chronotopic architecture.
Possible Identification of Precursor ELF Signals on Recent EQs That Occurred Close to the Recording Station
Authors: Contopoulos Ioannis , Mlynarczyk Janusz , Kubisz Jerzy , Tritakis Vasilis
Published: September 2024

The Lithospheric–Atmospheric–Ionospheric Coupling (LAIC) mechanism stands as the leading model for the prediction of seismic activities. It consists of a cascade of physical processes that are initiated days before a major earthquake. The onset is marked by the discharge of ionized gases, such as radon, through subterranean fissures that develop in the lead-up to the quake. This discharge augments the ionization at the lower atmospheric layers, instigating disturbances that extend from the Earth’s surface to the lower ionosphere. A critical component of the LAIC sequence involves the distinctive perturbations of Extremely Low Electromagnetic Frequencies (ELF) within the Schumann Resonances (SR) spectrum of 2 to 50 Hz, detectable days ahead of the seismic event. Our study examines 10 earthquakes that transpired over a span of 3.5 months—averaging nearly three quakes monthly—which concurrently generated 45 discernible potential precursor seismic signals. Notably, each earthquake originated in Southern Greece, within a radius of 30 to 250 km from the observatory on Mount Parnon. Our research seeks to resolve two important issues. The first concerns the association between specific ELF signals and individual earthquakes—a question of significant importance in seismogenic regions like Greece, where earthquakes occur frequently. The second inquiry concerns the parameters that determine the detectability of an earthquake by a given station, including the requisite proximity and magnitude. Initial findings suggest that SR signals can be reliably linked to a particular earthquake if the observatory is situated within the earthquake’s preparatory zone. Conversely, outside this zone, the correlation becomes indeterminate. Additionally, we observe a differentiation in SR signals based on whether the earthquake took place over land or offshore. The latter category exhibits unique signal behaviors, potentially attributable to the water layers above the epicenter acting as a barrier to the ascending gases, thereby affecting the atmospheric–ionospheric ionization process.
Review of Current Collector-, Binder-, Conductive Additive-Free, and Freestanding Electrodes in Lithium and Related Batteries
Authors: Matsumoto Futoshi , Fukunishi Mika
Published: September 2024

Because current collectors (CCs), Binders (BDs), and conductive additives (CAs) in cathodes and anodes do not directly contribute to charging and discharging, they decrease the energy density of the battery. Improvement of battery energy density is essential for future batteries. If it were possible to pack electrode active materials into the empty space without using CCs, BDs, and CAs, the energy density of the battery would increase. Therefore, attempts to avoid using these materials in batteries are being investigated. In this review article, methods for manufacturing electrodes without using these materials, as well as the performance and durability of the electrodes, are summarized and discussed. After explaining the function and necessity of the CCs, BDs, and CAs, methods for manufacturing electrodes without using CCs, BDs, and CAs, as well as the performance and durability of the electrodes, were summarized and discussed. In addition to battery performance, the mechanical durability of the electrodes is also explained since not using CCs, BDs, and CAs will cause problems with the electrodes’ mechanical durability.
Low Magnetic Field Exposure Alters Prostate Cancer Cell Properties
Authors: Lange Sigrun , Inal Jameel M. , Kraev Igor , Dart Dafydd Alwyn , Uysal-Onganer Pinar
Published: September 2024

Prostate cancer is the second most common neoplasia and fifth-leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide. Electromagnetic and magnetic fields have been classified as possible human carcinogens, but current understanding of molecular and cellular pathways involved is very limited. Effects due to extremely low magnetic/hypomagnetic fields (LMF) are furthermore poorly understood. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial mediators of cellular communication with multifaceted roles in cancer progression, including via transport and uptake of various protein and microRNA (miRNA) EV-cargoes. miRNAs regulate gene expression and are implicated in cancer-related processes such as proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. This study investigated the effects of LMF exposure (20 nT) by magnetic shielding on the prostate cancer cell line PC3 compared to the prostate epithelial cell line PNT2 under short-term (4 h) conditions. We examined EV profiles following a 4 h LMF exposure alongside associated functional enrichment KEGG and GO pathways for the EV proteomes. The 4 h LMF exposure significantly reduced cellular EV release and modified PC3 EV cargoes to a more inflammatory and metastatic profile, with 16 Disease Pathways and 95 Human Phenotypes associated specifically with the LMF-treated PC3 EV proteomes. These included cancerous, metabolic, blood, skin, cardiac and skeletal Disease Pathways, as well as pain and developmental disorders. In the normal PNT2 cells, less EV protein cargo was observed following LMF exposure compared with cells not exposed to LMF, and fewer associated functional enrichment pathways were identified. This pointed to some differences in various cellular functions, ageing, defence responses, oxidative stress, and disease phenotypes, including respiratory, digestive, immune, and developmental pathways. Furthermore, we analysed alterations in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and miRNAs linked to metastasis, as this is crucial in cancer aggressiveness. The 4 h LMF exposure caused a significant increase in MMP2 and MMP9, as well as in onco-miRs miR-155, miR-210, miR-21, but a significant reduction in tumour-suppressor miRs (miR-200c and miR-126) in the metastatic PC3 cells, compared with normal PNT2 cells. In addition, 4 h LMF exposure significantly induced cellular invasion of PC3 cells. Overall, our findings suggest that changes in magnetic field exposures modulate EV-mediated and miR-regulatory processes in PCa metastasis, providing a basis for exploring novel therapeutic strategies.
Identification of the Novel Small Compound Stress Response Regulators 1 and 2 That Affect Plant Abiotic Stress Signaling
Authors: Kim Seojung , Kim Tae-Houn
Published: September 2024

Abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures, limit plant growth and development, reducing crop yields. Therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of the signaling mechanisms and responses of plants to changing environmental conditions is crucial for improving sustainable agricultural productivity. Chemical screening was conducted to find novel small compounds that act as regulators of the abiotic stress signaling pathway using the ABA-inducible transgenic reporter line. Small molecules called stress response regulators (SRRs) were isolated by screening a synthetic library composed of 14,400 small compounds, affecting phenotypes such as seed germination, root growth, and gene expression in response to multiple abiotic stresses. Seeds pretreated with SRR compounds positively affected the germination rate and radicle emergence of Arabidopsis and tomato plants under abiotic stress conditions. The SRR-priming treatment enhanced the transcriptional responses of abiotic stress-responsive genes in response to subsequent salt stress. The isolation of the novel molecules SRR1 and SRR2 will provide a tool to elucidate the complex molecular networks underlying the plant stress-tolerant responses.
Structural Changes Likely Cause Chemical Differences between Empty and Full AAV Capsids
Authors: Heldt Caryn L. , Skinner Molly A. , Anand Ganesh S.
Published: September 2024

Due to the success of adeno associated viruses (AAVs) in treating single-gene diseases, improved manufacturing technology is now needed to meet their demand. The largest challenge is creating a process to separate empty and full capsids. Patients received larger capsid doses than necessary due to the presence of empty capsids. By enabling the better separation of empty and full capsids, patients would receive the greatest therapeutic benefit with the least amount of virus capsids, thus limiting potential side effects from empty capsids. The two most common empty/full separation methods used in downstream processing are ultracentrifugation and anion exchange chromatography. Both processes have limitations, leading to a need for the identification of other structural differences that can be exploited to separate empty and full capsids. Here, we describe four possible theories of the structural changes that occur when AAV capsids envelop a genome. These theories include conformational changes occurring due to either the expansion or contraction of the capsid in the presence of nucleic acids, the constraining of the N-terminus into the five-fold pore when the genome is present, and the increased number of VP3 proteins in full capsids. These theories may reveal structural differences that can be exploited to separate full and empty capsids during manufacturing.
Adipokines in the Crosstalk between Adipose Tissues and Other Organs: Implications in Cardiometabolic Diseases
Authors: Hemat Jouy Shaghayegh , Mohan Sukrutha , Scichilone Giorgia , Mostafa Amro , Mahmoud Abeer M.
Published: September 2024

Adipose tissue was previously regarded as a dormant organ for lipid storage until the identification of adiponectin and leptin in the early 1990s. This revelation unveiled the dynamic endocrine function of adipose tissue, which has expanded further. Adipose tissue has emerged in recent decades as a multifunctional organ that plays a significant role in energy metabolism and homeostasis. Currently, it is evident that adipose tissue primarily performs its function by secreting a diverse array of signaling molecules known as adipokines. Apart from their pivotal function in energy expenditure and metabolism regulation, these adipokines exert significant influence over a multitude of biological processes, including but not limited to inflammation, thermoregulation, immune response, vascular function, and insulin sensitivity. Adipokines are pivotal in regulating numerous biological processes within adipose tissue and facilitating communication between adipose tissue and various organs, including the brain, gut, pancreas, endothelial cells, liver, muscle, and more. Dysregulated adipokines have been implicated in several metabolic diseases, like obesity and diabetes, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In this article, we attempted to describe the significance of adipokines in developing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and highlight their role in the crosstalk between adipose tissues and other tissues and organs.
A Simple Score Scale Composed of Serum Inflammatory Factors Assists in Psoriasis Arthritis Prediction among Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris
Authors: Huang Wanrong , Li Yao , Xu Yuanyuan , Gao Rui , Geng Long
Published: September 2024

Aim: To compare the levels of serum inflammatory indicators in psoriasis vulgaris patients who progress to PsA and those not, as well as to establish and validate a simple score scale for predicting PsA for psoriasis vulgaris patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at a university hospital in China to recruit five hundred and seventy-seven patients who had been diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris for at least 10 years. After evaluation, 86 were enrolled in the PsA group, and the others were selected as the control group. Eight serum inflammatory factors were detected and compared between the two groups. A simple score scale for PsA prediction was established and validated. Results: Serum CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in the PsA group than in the control group. A simple score scale composed of CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α was established. The sensitivity was 59.30% and the specificity was 83.50% for predicting PsA among all psoriasis vulgaris patients when the cut-off value of the total score was set as 1.8 points. The simple score scale presented a predictive value for progressing to PsA among all psoriasis vulgaris patients internally (AUC = 0.788), and the performance was also conformed in psoriasis vulgaris patients receiving topical treatment (AUC = 0.746), systemic treatment (AUC = 0.747) and biological treatment (AUC = 0.808), respectively. The predictive performance of this scale was also validated by an external retrospective cohort (AUC = 0.686). Conclusions: CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α were potential indicators to recognize PsA risk in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. A simple score scale may provide new insights for early prediction of PsA among psoriasis vulgaris patients.
Aerodynamic Noise Simulation of a Super-High-Rise Building Facade with Shark-Like Grooved Skin
Authors: Wang Xueqiang , Wen Guangcai , Wei Yangyang
Published: September 2024

The wind-driven aerodynamic noise of super-high-rise building facades not only affects the experience of use inside the building but also reduces the life cycle of building facade materials to some extent. In this paper, we are inspired by the micro-groove structure of shark skin with damping and noise reduction properties and apply bionic skin to reduce the aerodynamic noise impact of super-high-rise buildings. The aerodynamic noise performance of smooth and super-high-rise building models with bionic grooves is simulated via CFD to investigate the noise reduction performance of different bionic groove patterns, such as I-shape, ∪-shape, V-shape, and ∩-shape patterns, and their corresponding acoustic noise reduction mechanisms. This study showed that the bionic shark groove skin has a certain noise reduction effect, and the I-shaped groove has the best noise reduction effect. By applying bionic skin, the aerodynamic noise of super-high-rise buildings can be effectively reduced to improve the use experience and environmental quality of the buildings and provide a new research idea and application direction for the aerodynamic noise reduction design of building facades.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy-Based Microfluidic Biosensor Using Cell-Imprinted Polymers for Bacteria Detection
Authors: Akhtarian Shiva , Kaur Brar Satinder , Rezai Pouya
Published: September 2024

The rapid and sensitive detection of bacterial contaminants using low-cost and portable point-of-need (PoN) biosensors has gained significant interest in water quality monitoring. Cell-imprinted polymers (CIPs) are emerging as effective and inexpensive materials for bacterial detection as they provide specific binding sites designed to capture whole bacterial cells, especially when integrated into PoN microfluidic devices. However, improving the sensitivity and detection limits of these sensors remains challenging. In this study, we integrated CIP-functionalized stainless steel microwires (CIP-MWs) into a microfluidic device for the impedimetric detection of E. coli bacteria. The sensor featured two parallel microchannels with three-electrode configurations that allowed simultaneous control and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. A CIP-MW and a non-imprinted polymer (NIP)-MW suspended perpendicular to the microchannels served as the working electrodes in the test and control channels, respectively. Electrochemical spectra were fitted with equivalent electrical circuits, and the charge transfer resistances of both cells were measured before and after incubation with target bacteria. The charge transfer resistance of the CIP-MWs after 30 min of incubation with bacteria was increased. By normalizing the change in charge transfer resistance and analyzing the dose–response curve for bacterial concentrations ranging from 0 to 107 CFU/mL, we determined the limits of detection and quantification as 2 × 102 CFU/mL and 1.4 × 104 CFU/mL, respectively. The sensor demonstrated a dynamic range of 102 to 107 CFU/mL, where bacterial counts were statistically distinguishable. The proposed sensor offers a sensitive, cost-effective, durable, and rapid solution for on-site identification of waterborne pathogens.
Effects of Stress Exposure to Pain Perception in Pre-Clinical Studies: Focus on the Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ–NOP Receptor System
Authors: Pola Pietro , Frezza Alessia , Gavioli Elaine C. , Calò Girolamo , Ruzza Chiara
Published: September 2024

Exposure to physical and psychological stress modulates pain transmission in a dual manner. Stress-induced analgesia (SIA) refers to the reduction in pain sensitivity that can occur in response to acute stress. On the contrary, chronic stress exposure may lead to a phenomenon named stress-induced hyperalgesia (SIH). SIH is a clinically relevant phenomenon since it has been well documented that physical and psychological stress exacerbates pain in patients with several chronic pain syndromes, including migraine. The availability of animal models of SIA and SIH is of high importance for understanding the biological mechanisms leading to these phenomena and for the identification of pharmacological targets useful to alleviate the burden of stress-exacerbated chronic pain. Among these targets, the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ)–N/OFQ peptide (NOP) receptor system has been identified as a key modulator of both pain transmission and stress susceptibility. This review describes first the experimental approaches to induce SIA and SIH in rodents. The second part of the manuscript summarizes the scientific evidence that suggests the N/OFQ–NOP receptor system as a player in the stress–pain interaction and candidates NOP antagonists as useful drugs to mitigate the detrimental effects of stress exposure on pain perception.
Localized Radiotherapy for Classic Kaposi’s Sarcoma: An Analysis of Lesion Characteristics and Treatment Response
Authors: Park Junhee , Lee Jeong Eun
Published: September 2024

Objectives: Classic Kaposi’s sarcoma (CKS) is a rare malignancy with diverse clinical presentations, lacking a standard treatment. While localized therapies are commonly used for symptomatic lesions, radiotherapy (RT) has demonstrated effectiveness. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of RT for treating skin lesions in CKS. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with KS treated between April 2012 and January 2024. In total, 69 lesions in 16 patients were included. Treatment response was defined as follows: complete response (CR) indicated the absence of clinically detectable skin lesions and symptoms; partial response (PR) was a reduction in lesion height by more than half or a lighter lesion color compared to before treatment. In-field recurrence was the appearance of new lesions within a previously irradiated field. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate factors influencing response and in-field recurrence. Results: The median follow-up period was 52 months (range, 3–138 months). The overall response rate was 100%, with 92.8% of the patients achieving CR and 7.2% receiving PR. PR was observed in three patients with five lesions, all of which remained stable. In-field recurrence occurred in two patients with initially advanced disease, and all recurrent lesions responded to RT. No variables were significantly associated with response or in-field recurrence. Conclusions: RT for CKS showed a 100% response rate, with complete symptom relief in all cases. The effectiveness of RT was evident, even in cases involving disseminated lesions. Further research is needed to determine the optimal RT dose and fractionation.
Correction: Hussain et al. Starvation Protects Hepatocytes from Inflammatory Damage through Paradoxical mTORC1 Signaling. Cells 2023, 12, 1668
Authors: Hussain Iqra , Sureshkumar Harini K. , Bauer Michael , Rubio Ignacio
Published: September 2024

In the original publication [...]
RNA-Seq Analysis Revealed circRNAs Associated with Resveratrol-Induced Apoptosis of Porcine Ovarian Granulosa Cells
Authors: Zhang Huibin , Ye Haibo , Zhou Hanyu , Liu Yangguang , Xie Fan , Wang Qianqian , Yin Zongjun , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: September 2024

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of circular non-coding RNAs that play essential roles in the intricate and dynamic networks governing cell growth, development, and apoptosis. Resveratrol (RSV), a non-flavonoid polyphenol, is known to participate in follicular development and ovulation. In our previous research, we established a model using porcine ovarian granulosa cells (POGCs) treated with resveratrol, which confirmed its regulatory effects on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) within these cells. However, the influence of resveratrol on circRNA expression has not been thoroughly investigated. To explore how resveratrol affects circRNA levels in POGCs, we designed an experiment with three groups: a control group (CON, n = 3, 0 μM RSV), a low-dose RSV group (LOW, n = 3, 50 μM RSV), and a high-dose RSV group (HIGH, n = 3, 100 μM RSV) for circRNA sequencing. We identified a total of 10,045 candidate circRNAs from POGCs treated with different concentrations of resveratrol (0, 50, and 100 μM). Differential expression analysis indicated that 96 circRNAs were significantly altered in the LOW vs. CON group, while 109 circRNAs showed significant changes in the HIGH vs. CON group. These circRNAs were notably enriched in biological processes associated with cell metabolism, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Functional enrichment analysis of the host genes revealed their involvement in critical signaling pathways, including mTOR, AMPK, and apoptosis pathways. Additionally, we identified potential miRNA sponge candidates among the differentially expressed circRNAs, particularly novel_circ_0012954 and novel_circ_0004762, which exhibited strong connectivity within miRNA-target networks. Our findings provide valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in the context of resveratrol-induced apoptosis in POGCs, highlighting their potential as innovative therapeutic targets in reproductive biology.
Cannabinol (CBN) Influences the Ion Channels and Synaptic-Related Genes in NSC-34 Cell Line: A Transcriptomic Study
Authors: Trainito Alessandra , Muscarà Claudia , Gugliandolo Agnese , Chiricosta Luigi , Salamone Stefano , Pollastro Federica , Mazzon Emanuela , D’Angiolini Simone
Published: September 2024

Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and schizophrenia are associated with altered neuronal excitability, resulting from dysfunctions in the molecular architecture and physiological regulation of ion channels and synaptic transmission. Ion channels and synapses are regarded as suitable therapeutic targets in modern pharmacology. Cannabinoids have received great attention as an original therapeutic approach for their effects on human health due to their ability to modulate the neurotransmitter release through interaction with the endocannabinoid system. In our study, we explored the effect of cannabinol (CBN) through next-generation sequencing analysis of NSC-34 cell physiology. Our findings revealed that CBN strongly influences the ontologies related to ion channels and synapse activity at all doses tested. Specifically, the genes coding for calcium and potassium voltage-gated channel subunits, and the glutamatergic and GABAergic receptors (Cacna1b, Cacna1h, Cacng8, Kcnc3, Kcnd1, Kcnd2, Kcnj4, Grik5, Grik1, Slc17a7, Gabra5), were up-regulated. Conversely, the genes involved into serotoninergic and cholinergic pathways (Htr3a, Htr3b, Htr1b, Chrna3, Chrnb2, Chrnb4), were down-regulated. These findings highlight the influence of CBN in the expression of genes involved into ion influx and synaptic transmission.
Epstein-Barr Virus BARF1 Is Expressed in Lung Cancer and Is Associated with Cancer Progression
Authors: Osorio Julio C. , Armijo Alvaro , Carvajal Francisco J. , Corvalán Alejandro H. , Castillo Andrés , Fuentes-Pananá Ezequiel M. , Moreno-León Carolina , Romero Carmen , Aguayo Francisco
Published: September 2024

Background: Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is involved in the development of lymphomas, nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC), and a subgroup of gastric carcinomas (GC), and has also been detected in lung carcinomas, even though the role of the virus in this malignancy has not yet been established. BamH1-A Rightward Frame 1 (BARF1), a suggested exclusive epithelial EBV oncoprotein, is detected in both EBV-associated GCs (EBVaGC) and NPC. The expression and role of BARF1 in lung cancer is unknown. Methods: A total of 158 lung carcinomas including 80 adenocarcinomas (AdCs) and 78 squamous cell carcinomas (SQCs) from Chilean patients were analyzed for EBV presence via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), or chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH). The expression of BARF1 was evaluated using Reverse Transcription Real-Time PCR (RT-qPCR). Additionally, A549 and BEAS-2B lung epithelial cells were transfected with a construct for ectopic BARF1 expression. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) were evaluated. Results: We found that EBV was present in 37 out of 158 (23%) lung carcinomas using PCR. Considering EBV-positive specimens using PCR, IHC for Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) detected EBV in 24 out of 30 (80%) cases, while EBERs were detected using CISH in 13 out of 16 (81%) cases. Overall, 13 out of 158 (8%) lung carcinomas were shown to be EBV-positive using PCR/IHC/CISH. BARF1 transcripts were detected in 6 out of 13 (46%) EBV-positive lung carcinomas using RT qPCR. Finally, lung cells ectopically expressing BARF1 showed increased migration, invasion, and EMT. Conclusions. EBV is frequently found in lung carcinomas from Chile with the expression of BARF1 in a significant subset of cases, suggesting that this viral protein may be involved in EBV-associated lung cancer progression.
Current Landscape and Evolving Therapies for Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: Fiorucci Stefano , Urbani Ginevra , Di Giorgio Cristina , Biagioli Michele , Distrutti Eleonora
Published: September 2024

Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disorder characterized by progressive cholestatic that, if untreated, can progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver decompensation requiring liver transplant. Although the pathogenesis of the disease is multifactorial, there is a consensus that individuals with a genetic predisposition develop the disease in the presence of specific environmental triggers. A dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota is increasingly considered among the potential pathogenic factors. Cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells lining the bile ducts, are the main target of a dysregulated immune response, and cholangiocytes senescence has been recognized as a driving mechanism, leading to impaired bile duct function, in disease progression. Bile acids are also recognized as playing an important role, both in disease development and therapy. Thus, while bile acid-based therapies, specifically ursodeoxycholic acid and obeticholic acid, have been the cornerstone of therapy in PBC, novel therapeutic approaches have been developed in recent years. In this review, we will examine published and ongoing clinical trials in PBC, including the recently approved peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist, elafibranor and seladelpar. These novel second-line therapies are expected to improve therapy in PBC and the development of personalized approaches.
Synthesis and NEXAFS and XPS Characterization of Pyrochlore-Type Bi1.865Co1/2Fe1/2Ta2O9+Δ
Authors: Zhuk Nadezhda A. , Nekipelov Sergey V. , Petrova Olga V. , Koroleva Aleksandra V. , Lebedev Aleksey M. , Makeev Boris A.
Published: September 2024

A cubic pyrochlore with the composition Bi1.865Co1/2Fe1/2Ta2O9+Δ (space group Fd-3m, a = 10.5013(8) Å) was synthesized from oxide precursors using solid-phase reactions. These ceramics are characterized by a porous microstructure formed by randomly oriented grains of an elongated shape with a longitudinal size of 0.5–1 µm. The electronic state of cobalt and iron ions in oxide ceramics was studied by NEXAFS and XPS spectroscopy. The parameters of the XPS spectra of Bi4f, Bi5d, Ta4f, Co2p, and Fe2p ionization thresholds for a complex pyrochlore were compared with the parameters of the corresponding oxides of the transition elements. The energy position of the XPS-Ta4f and -Ta5p spectra is shifted towards lower energies compared to the binding energy in tantalum(V) oxide by 0.75 eV. According to XPS spectroscopy, bismuth and tantalum cations have the corresponding effective charge of +3 and +(5-δ). The NEXAFS-Fe2p spectrum of ceramics coincides with the spectrum of Fe2O3 in its main spectrum characteristics and indicates the content of iron ions in the oxide ceramics in the form of octahedral Fe(III) ions, and according to the character of the Co2p spectrum, cobalt ions are predominantly in the Co(II) state.
Adolescent Health and Parents’ and Teachers’ Beliefs about Smoking: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Carrión-Valero Francisco , Ribera-Osca Joan Antoni , Martín-Moreno José M.
Published: September 2024

Background: The acquisition of healthy lifestyle habits by adolescents is largely influenced by close interpersonal relationships including their parents and teachers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey regarding tobacco use was conducted among 304 parents and 41 teachers of secondary school adolescents (12–17 years of age) enrolled in the first, second, and third grades of compulsory secondary education at the largest high school in Sueca, Valencia, Spain. Results: The prevalence of smoking was 36.2% among parents (occasional smokers 75.4%) and 19.5% among teachers (occasional smokers 62.5%). Most parents (89.8%) did not believe that their child smoked and 95.7% viewed it negatively if they did. Also, 75.2% of parents agreed that tobacco consumption encourages adolescents to use cannabis or other drugs. Friends who smoke and additives added to cigarettes were considered very influential factors for starting smoking. Most teachers (90.2%) reported having given a recommendation to their students to quit smoking. Cannabis and cigarette smoking were rated as harmful to health. Most respondents believed that cigarette smoking may favor the consumption of cannabis. Conclusions: The use of e-cigarettes was also considered a risk factor for starting smoking. It would be advantageous incorporating parents and teachers as role models in multidisciplinary interventions addressing smoking behavior in secondary school students.
Attendance in a Neonatal Follow-Up Program before and in the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Prospective–Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Nantsi Evdoxia , Chatziioannidis Ilias , Pouliakis Abraham , Mitsiakos Georgios , Kondilis Elias
Published: September 2024

Background: Attendance to neonatal follow-up programs presents a significant factor associated with positive long-term outcomes of high-risk infants. Strategies to maximize participation benefit not only future interventions’ effectiveness but also healthcare systems and society. While a number of studies have focused on attrition or loss to follow-up, no studies have focused on the contributive risk factors to abstaining from neonatal follow-up programs specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to reveal the main factors linked to non-compliance in a neonatal follow-up program of a tertiary hospital. Methods: In this ambidirectional observational study, data from 1137 high-risk neonates who participated in a hospital follow-up program were collected (573 before and 564 after the COVID-19 pandemic). The study sample was grouped to three groups: G1 (N = 831), who maintained participation in the program; G2 (N = 196), who discontinued; and G3 (N = 110), who never visited the outpatient clinics. Data were obtained from the hospital’s Systems Applications and Products (SAP) Software and a structured questionnaire, answered by parents of newborns either discontinuing (G2) or not attending (G3) the follow-up program through a telephone contact. Results: The most frequently reported reason for discontinuance before the pandemic onset was the parents’ perception of no necessity to maintain participation (44.12%). During the COVID-19 pandemic, provider-related barriers to maintaining hospital access, inability to provide high-quality services (37.14%), and feelings of fear and insecurity (18.5%) emerged as factors for non-attendance. Citizenship and morbidity (respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, necrotic enterocolitis, jaundice) acted as incentives to join the follow-up program during both study periods. Multiple regression analysis showed that multiple-gestation infants had higher odds of maintaining participation during the COVID-19 period (OR, 4.04; CI, 1.09–14.9). Conclusions: Understanding the potential impact of COVID-19 and the transformative changes in neonatal follow-up clinics is crucial for applying compliance strategies. Removing barriers to maintain family participation can lead to increased attendance rates.
Improvement of Docetaxel Efficacy through Simultaneous Blockade of Transcription Factors NF-κB and STAT-3 Using Pentoxifylline and Stattic in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Cruz-Lozano José Roberto , Hernández-Flores Georgina , Ortiz-Lazareno Pablo Cesar , Palafox-Mariscal Luis Arturo , Vázquez-Ibarra Katia Carolina , González-Martínez Karen Lilith , Villaseñor-García María Martha , Bravo-Cuellar Alejandro
Published: September 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common and deadly disease in men. It is often diagnosed at advanced stages, at which point patients are treated mainly with docetaxel (DTX), which is effective but limited by resistance and side effects. Overactivation of the transcription factors NF-κB and STAT-3 plays a critical role in the development, progression, and chemoresistance of PCa. In this regard, the blockade of NF-κB with pentoxifylline (PTX) or STAT-3 with Stattic (STT) is known to increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy in both in vitro and in vivo models. We investigated whether simultaneous blockade with PTX and STT increases the efficacy of the DTX treatment in inducing apoptosis in metastatic castration-resistant PCa DU-145 cells. Our results showed that the combination of PTX + STT led to higher levels of apoptosis, regardless of whether or not DTX was present in the treatment. Determining caspases and ΔΨm indicates that the intrinsic caspase pathway of apoptosis is principally favored. In addition, this combination inhibited proliferation and colony formation and arrested the cell cycle in the G1 phase. These results indicate that the combination of the PTX + STAT-3 inhibitor could potentiate DTX effectively, opening the possibility of effective treatments in PCa.
mRNA Fragmentation Pattern Detected by SHAPE
Authors: Feng Shanshan , Chen Ting , Zhang Yunlong , Lu Changrui
Published: September 2024

The success of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines in controlling COVID-19 has warranted further developments in new technology. Currently, their quality control process largely relies on low-resolution electrophoresis for detecting chain breaks. Here, we present an approach using multi-primer reverse transcription sequencing (MPRT-seq) to identify degradation fragments in mRNA products. Using this in-house-made mRNA containing two antigens and untranslated regions (UTRs), we analyzed the mRNA completeness and degradation pattern at a nucleotide resolution. We then analyzed the sensitive base sequence and its correlation with the secondary structure. Our MPRT-seq mapping shows that certain sequences on the 5′ of bulge–stem–loop structures can result in preferential chain breaks. Our results agree with commonly used capillary electrophoresis (CE) integrity analysis but at a much higher resolution, and can improve mRNA stability by providing information to remove sensitive structures or sequences in the mRNA sequence design.
Current Landscape of Chronic Inflammatory Dermatoses: Where We Are and Where We Are Heading
Authors: Sójka Aleksandra , Krajewski Piotr K.
Published: September 2024

Chronic inflammatory dermatoses represent a heterogeneous group of skin disorders that are often characterized by persistent and relapsing inflammation, with complex underlying pathomechanisms [...]
Exopolysaccharides from the Green Microalga Strain Coelastrella sp. BGV—Isolation, Characterization, and Assessment of Anticancer Potential
Authors: Toshkova-Yotova Tanya , Sulikovska Inna , Djeliova Vera , Petrova Zdravka , Ognyanov Manol , Denev Petko , Toshkova Reneta , Georgieva Ani
Published: September 2024

Algal metabolites have been extensively studied as potential anticancer therapeutics. Among them, polysaccharides have attracted much attention because of their beneficial biological effects and safety. In the present research, the chemical characteristics, antitumor, and proapoptotic activities of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) isolated from a new Bulgarian strain of the green microalga Coelastrella sp. BGV were investigated. A fast and convenient method of precipitation with cold ethanol was used to isolate EPS from the culture medium. The chemical characteristics of the isolated EPS were examined by colorimetric and spectrophotometric analyses, HPSEC-RID and HPLC-UV chromatography, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The results showed that the isolated EPS sample consists of three carbohydrate fractions with different molecular weights (11.5 × 104 Da, 30.7 × 104 Da, and 72.4 × 104 Da, respectively) and contains 7.14 (w/w%) protein. HPLC-UV analysis revealed the presence of galactose and fucose. The total uronic acid content in the sample was 4.5 (w/w%). The IR-FT spectrum of EPS revealed the presence of various functional groups typical of a polysaccharide (or proteoglycan) composed primarily of neutral sugars. The anticancer potential of the obtained EPS was assessed using cell lines with cancerous and non-cancerous origins as in vitro experimental models. The results of the performed MTT assay showed that EPS reduced the viability of the cervical and mammary carcinoma cell lines HeLa and MCF-7, while the control non-cancer cell lines BALB/3T3 and HaCaT were less affected. The HeLa cell line showed the highest sensitivity to the effects of EPS and was therefore used for further studies of its anticancer potential. The ability of EPS to inhibit cancer cell migration was demonstrated by wound-healing (scratch) assay. The cell cycle FACS analysis indicated that the EPS treatment induced significant increases in the sub G1 cell population and decreases of the percentages of cells in the G1, S, and G2-M phases, compared to the control. The fluorescent microscopy studies performed using three different staining methods in combination with Annexin V-FITC flow cytometric analysis clearly demonstrate the ability of EPS to induce cancer cell death via the apoptosis pathway. Moreover, an altered pattern and intensity of the immunocytochemical staining for the apoptosis- and proliferation-related proteins p53, bcl2, and Ki67 was detected in EPS-treated HeLa cancer cells as compared to the untreated controls. The obtained results characterize the new local strain of green microalgae Coelastrella sp. BGV as a producer of EPS with selective antitumor activity and provide an opportunity for further studies of its pharmacological and biotechnological potential.
A New Frontier in Cystic Fibrosis Pathophysiology: How and When Clock Genes Can Affect the Inflammatory/Immune Response in a Genetic Disease Model
Authors: Carbone Annalucia , Vitullo Pamela , Di Gioia Sante , Castellani Stefano , Conese Massimo
Published: September 2024

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic syndrome caused by variants in the CF Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene, affecting various organ and systems, in particular the lung, pancreas, sweat glands, liver, gastrointestinal tract, vas deferens, and vascular system. While for some organs, e.g., the pancreas, a strict genotype-phenotype occurs, others, such as the lung, display a different pathophysiologic outcome in the presence of the same mutational asset, arguing for genetic and environmental modifiers influencing severity and clinical trajectory. CFTR variants trigger a pathophysiological cascade of events responsible for chronic inflammatory responses, many aspects of which, especially related to immunity, are not ascertained yet. Although clock genes expression and function are known modulators of the innate and adaptive immunity, their involvement in CF has been only observed in relation to sleep abnormalities. The aim of this review is to present current evidence on the clock genes role in immune-inflammatory responses at the lung level. While information on this topic is known in other chronic airway diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma), CF lung disease (CFLD) is lacking in this knowledge. We will present the bidirectional effect between clock genes and inflammatory factors that could possibly be implicated in the CFLD. It must be stressed that besides sleep disturbance and its mechanisms, there are not studies directly addressing the exact nature of clock genes’ involvement in inflammation and immunity in CF, pointing out the directions of new and deepened studies in this monogenic affection. Importantly, clock genes have been found to be druggable by means of genetic tools or pharmacological agents, and this could have therapeutic implications in CFLD.
RNA Sequencing of Sperm from Healthy Cattle and Horses Reveals the Presence of a Large Bacterial Population
Authors: Navarrete-López Paula , Asselstine Victoria , Maroto María , Lombó Marta , Cánovas Ángela , Gutiérrez-Adán Alfonso
Published: September 2024

RNA molecules within ejaculated sperm can be characterized through whole-transcriptome sequencing, enabling the identification of pivotal transcripts that may influence reproductive success. However, the profiling of sperm transcriptomes through next-generation sequencing has several limitations impairing the identification of functional transcripts. In this study, we explored the nature of the RNA sequences present in the sperm transcriptome of two livestock species, cattle and horses, using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. Through processing of transcriptomic data derived from bovine and equine sperm cell preparations, low mapping rates to the reference genomes were observed, mainly attributed to the presence of ribosomal RNA and bacteria in sperm samples, which led to a reduced sequencing depth of RNAs of interest. To explore the presence of bacteria, we aligned the unmapped reads to a complete database of bacterial genomes and identified bacteria-associated transcripts which were characterized. This analysis examines the limitations associated with sperm transcriptome profiling by reporting the nature of the RNA sequences among which bacterial RNA was found. These findings can aid researchers in understanding spermatozoal RNA-seq data and pave the way for the identification of molecular markers of sperm performance.
Investigating the Relationship between Building Orientation and Surface Properties of Stainless Steel Prepared via Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Fang Tao , Jin Huanghuang , Huang Feng , Chu Yuan , Zheng Xiaofan , Yu Song
Published: September 2024

In our investigation of the influence rules and mechanisms of the building orientation on the surface properties of 316L stainless steel created via selective laser melting, we used X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction to investigate the phases, microstructures, and textures of specimens. In addition, we employed a digital microhardness tester, friction, and wear-testing apparatus, along with an electrochemical workstation, to examine variations in the surface properties. The results indicated that the surface phase compositions of the specimens with different building orientations were similar; however, they displayed anisotropic behavior in grain size, orientation, and texture. Notably, the surface densification of the specimens at 0°, 30°, 45°, and 60° initially decreased before subsequently increasing. In contrast, the surface roughness showed a pattern of first increasing and then declining. Moreover, the microhardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance decreased with an increasing inclination angle.