bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of ZIP9 and Androgen Receptor in the Establishment of Tight Junctions between Adult Rat Sertoli Cells
Authors: Kabbesh Hassan , Bulldan Ahmed , Konrad Lutz , Scheiner-Bobis Georgios
Published: April 2022

The blood–testis barrier (BTB) is formed from tight junctions (TJs) between Sertoli cells. This dynamic structure, which establishes an immune-privileged environment protecting haploid germ cells formed in puberty from cells of the innate immune system, protects male fertility. Testosterone produced in Leydig cells is one of the main regulators of TJ protein expression and BTB dynamics. Nevertheless, although it has been assumed that testosterone effects on TJs and BTB are mediated through the classical androgen receptor (AR), newer results call the importance of this receptor into question. ZIP9, a recently identified androgen receptor of plasma membranes, mediates testosterone effects that promote the expression of TJ proteins and TJ formation in a rat Sertoli cell line that lacks the classical AR. Although these findings suggest that ZIP9 mediates these testosterone effects, participation of the classical AR in these events cannot be excluded. Here we used immortalized adult rat Sertoli cells that express both ZIP9 and AR and addressed the involvement of these receptors in the stimulation of TJ protein expression and TJ formation in response to testosterone and to the androgenic peptide IAPG that acts via ZIP9. We find that both testosterone and IAPG trigger the so-called non-classical signaling pathway of testosterone and stimulate the expression of TJ-associated proteins and TJ formation. Silencing classical AR expression had no effect on the responses, whereas silencing of ZIP9 expression completely blocked them. Our results demonstrate that ZIP9 is the sole androgen receptor involved in the regulation of TJ protein expression and TJ formation at the BTB.
Biostimulatory Effects of Amino Acids on Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase, Capsaicin Synthase, and Peroxidase Activities in Capsicum baccatum L.
Authors: Zamljen Tilen , Medic Aljaz , Hudina Metka , Veberic Robert , Slatnar Ana
Published: April 2022

Biostimulants are widely used in agriculture because they can improve fruit quality and quantity. Less is known about how biostimulants act over time in plants, in our case peppers, and how they affect the enzyme activity of important enzymes for capsaicinoid synthesis. The biostimulatory effects of amino acids on the activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), capsaicin synthase (CS), and peroxidase (POX) were investigated in the pericarp and placenta of the chili pepper Capsicum baccatum L. cv. “Bishop Crown” over 72 h of application. The PAL and CS activities significantly increased in the placenta after 1 h of biostimulant application, with significant increases of 130% and 16%, respectively. The POX activity remained unchanged over the full 72 h in the placenta but significantly increased after 48 h in the pericarp (+53%). Total capsaicinoids increased in the first hour of biostimulant application, by 4.30 g/kg FW in the placenta (19%) and by 0.94 g/kg FW in the pericarp (+56%). Biostimulant application also increased total and individual capsaicinoids after 48 h in the chili placenta and pericarp. With improved methods for enzymatic determination, we gained new insights into the responses of chilies to biostimulant amino acids.
Differences in Extracellular NAD+ and NMN Metabolism on the Surface of Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Jablonska Patrycja , Mierzejewska Paulina , Tomczyk Marta , Koszalka Patrycja , Franczak Marika , Kawecka Ada , Kutryb-Zajac Barbara , Braczko Alicja , Smolenski Ryszard T. , Slominska Ewa M.
Published: April 2022

The disruption of the metabolism of extracellular NAD+ and NMN may affect related signaling cascades and pathologies, such as cardiovascular or respiratory system diseases. We aimed to study NAD+ and NMN hydrolysis on surface endothelial cells of diverse origins and with genetically modified nucleotide catabolism pathways. We tested lung endothelial cells isolated from C57BL/6 J wild-type (WT) and C57BL/6 J CD73 knockout (CD73 KO) mice, the transfected porcine iliac artery endothelial cell line (PIEC) with the human E5NT gene for CD73 (PIEC CD73), and a mock-transfected control (PIEC MOCK), as well as HMEC-1 and H5V cells. Substrate conversion into the product was followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We showed profound differences in extracellular NAD+ and NMN metabolism related to the vessel origin, species diversity, and type of culture. We also confirmed the involvement of CD38 and CD73 in NAD+ and NMN cleavage.
Neurobiology of Depression: Chronic Stress Alters the Glutamatergic System in the Brain—Focusing on AMPA Receptor
Authors: Lee Ming Tatt , Peng Wei-Hao , Kan Hung-Wei , Wu Cheng-Chun , Wang Deng-Wu , Ho Yu-Cheng
Published: April 2022

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder affecting the mood and mental well-being. Its pathophysiology remains elusive due to the complexity and heterogeneity of this disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Chronic stress is frequently cited as the one of the risk factors for MDD. To date, the conventional monoaminergic theory (serotonin, norepinephrine, and/or dopamine dysregulation) has received the most attention in the treatment of MDD, and all available classes of antidepressants target these monoaminergic systems. However, the contributions of other neurotransmitter systems in MDD have been widely reported. Emerging preclinical and clinical findings reveal that maladaptive glutamatergic neurotransmission might underlie the pathophysiology of MDD, thus revealing its critical role in the neurobiology of MDD and as the therapeutic target. Aiming beyond the monoaminergic hypothesis, studies of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the stress-induced impairment of AMPA (a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid)-glutamatergic neurotransmission in the brain could provide novel insights for the development of a new generation of antidepressants without the detrimental side effects. Here, the authors reviewed the recent literature focusing on the role of AMPA-glutamatergic neurotransmission in stress-induced maladaptive responses in emotional and mood-associated brain regions, including the hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens and periaqueductal gray.
Intestinal Ischemia: Unusual but Fearsome Complication of COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Strambi Silvia , Proietti Agnese , Galatioto Christian , Coccolini Federico , Cremonini Camilla , Musetti Serena , Basolo Fulvio , Chiarugi Massimo , Tartaglia Dario
Published: April 2022

The pathophysiology of gastrointestinal damage in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is probably multifactorial. It is not clear whether the etiology of intestinal ischemia may be directly related to viral replication or may result from hyper-coagulability following SARS-CoV-2 infection.To confirm a pathogenic role of COVID-19, we retrospectively investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the ischemic bowel of five COVID-19 patients undergoing emergency surgery for intestinal ischemia in the period of March 2020–May 2021. Immunohistochemical positivity with weak intensity was observed in four out of five cases, but only one case was strongly positive both at immunohistochemistry and at molecular analysis. The histological alterations in the intestinal tissue samples showed similarity with the well-known alterations described in typical targetorgans of the virus (e.g., the lung). This observation suggests a similar mechanism of action of the virus. Further larger studies are, thus, required to confirm this preliminary finding. Clinicians should carefully monitor all COVID-19 patients for the possible presence of a SARS-CoV-2 intestinal infection, a potential cause of ischemia and bowel perforation.
Telemetric Assessment of Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) Effectiveness and Adherence in Obstructive Sleep Apnea during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Michalek-Zrabkowska Monika , Poreba Rafal , Gac Pawel , Frosztega Weronika , Wojakowska Anna , Wieckiewicz Mieszko , Kanclerska Justyna , Macek Piotr , Wieckiewicz Wlodzimierz , Mazur Grzegorz , Martynowicz Helena
Published: April 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. In the pandemic times of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy of obstructive sleep apnea became even more challenging. After the pandemic outbreak in March 2020, most CPAP treatment recommendations changed because of rising concerns about CPAP usage safety for patients and their families. Therefore, we examined the effectiveness of CPAP and adherence to the therapy of 149 adults with obstructive sleep apnea in the period of two years from 4 March 2019 to 3 March 2021 (before pandemic breakout and during the first year of pandemic). Data on CPAP parameters and adherence to therapy were obtained via a telemetric system. Together, our results demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic had no significant impact on CPAP therapy parameters and adherence in whole study group. However, detailed analysis acknowledged that some demographic and clinical features influenced CPAP therapy. The results showed that across subgroups of patients differentiated on the basis of age, gender, co-existing diabetes mellitus, or hypertension, the COVID-19 pandemic seemed to affect CPAP effectiveness. Our results provide a good starting point for discussion on CPAP therapy recommendations during pandemic times.
Fertility-Sparing Treatment for Endometrial Cancer: Oncological and Obstetric Outcomes in Combined Therapies with Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device
Authors: Pino Ida , Iacobone Anna Daniela , Vidal Urbinati Ailyn Mariela , Di Giminiani Maria , Radice Davide , Guerrieri Maria Elena , Preti Eleonora Petra , Martella Silvia , Franchi Dorella
Published: April 2022

Background: The prevalence of reaches up to 5% in women younger than 40 years. Therefore, the fertility preservation should be the goal of the clinical practice in women with desire of pregnancy and low-risk features. The aim of this study is to compare oncological and reproductive outcomes of different hormonal therapies in FST of EC. Methods: A retrospective single-center study recruiting patients with presumed FIGO STAGE IA endometrioid G1 EC from 2005 to 2020 was performed. We assessed outcomes for three different therapeutic options: GnRHa + LNG-IUD vs. MA + LNG-IUD vs. MA + LNG-IUD + MET. Results: In total, 75 patients were enrolled and followed up for a median of 45 months. Complete response (CR) was achieved in 75% of patients at 12 months. Although not statistically significant, we reported an increasing rate of CR from the regimen with GnRHa to the one with MA + MET (65% vs. 83%). We showed a statistically significant lower risk of recurrence in women treated with MA + LNG-IUD + MET, when compared to GnRHa + LNG-IUD regimen. The pregnancy rate was 74% and live birth rate was 42%, with no differences among regimens. Conclusions: FST is a safe and effective option in women who desire to preserve fertility.
Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Induction Suppresses Lung Cancer Development
Authors: Guennoun Ranya , Hojanazarova Jennet , Trerice Kathryn E. , Azin Marjan , McGoldrick Matthew T. , Schiferle Erik B. , Stover Michael P. , Demehri Shadmehr
Published: April 2022

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and across the world. Immunotherapies, which activate tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic T lymphocytes, have demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of advanced-stage lung cancer. However, the potential for harnessing the immune system against the early stages of lung carcinogenesis to prevent cancer development and recurrence remains unexplored. Using a mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma, we investigated the effects of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) induction on early cancer development in the lungs. Herein, we demonstrate that systemic TSLP induction suppressed spontaneous lung cancer development in KrasG12D mice. TSLP drove a significant CD4+ T cell response to block lung cancer progression from atypical alveolar hyperplasia to adenocarcinoma. Our findings suggest that TSLP can be used in the early stages of lung cancer development to trigger a lasting immunity in the tissue and prevent the development of advanced disease.
Cytokines: Can Cancer Get the Message?
Authors: Morris Rachel M. , Mortimer Toni O. , O’Neill Kim L.
Published: April 2022

Cytokines are small molecular messengers that have profound effects on cancer development. Increasing evidence shows that cytokines are heavily involved in regulating both pro- and antitumor activities, such as immune activation and suppression, inflammation, cell damage, angiogenesis, cancer stem-cell-like cell maintenance, invasion, and metastasis. Cytokines are often required to drive these cancer-related processes and, therefore, represent an important research area for understanding cancer development and the potential identification of novel therapeutic targets. Interestingly, some cytokines are reported to be related to both pro- and anti-tumorigenicity, indicating that cytokines may play several complex roles relating to cancer pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss some major cancer-related processes and their relationship with several cytokines.
Transcriptomic Profiling of Gene Expression Associated with Granulosa Cell Tumor Development in a Mouse Model
Authors: Ni Nan , Fang Xin , Mullens Destiny A. , Cai James J. , Ivanov Ivan , Bartholin Laurent , Li Qinglei
Published: April 2022

Ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are rare sex cord-stromal tumors, accounting for ~5% ovarian tumors. The etiology of GCTs remains poorly defined. Genetically engineered mouse models are potentially valuable for understanding the pathogenesis of GCTs. Mice harboring constitutively active TGFβ signaling (TGFBR1-CA) develop ovarian GCTs that phenocopy several hormonal and molecular characteristics of human GCTs. To determine molecular alterations in the ovary upon TGFβ signaling activation, we performed transcriptomic profiling of gene expression associated with GCT development using ovaries from 1-month-old TGFBR1-CA mice and age-matched controls. RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis coupled with the validation of select target genes revealed dysregulations of multiple cellular events and signaling molecules/pathways. The differentially expressed genes are enriched not only for known GCT-related pathways and tumorigenic events but also for signaling events potentially mediated by neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, relaxin signaling, insulin signaling, and complements in TGFBR1-CA ovaries. Additionally, a comparative analysis of our data in mice with genes dysregulated in human GCTs or granulosa cells overexpressing a mutant FOXL2, the genetic hallmark of adult GCTs, identified some common genes altered in both conditions. In summary, this study has revealed the molecular signature of ovarian GCTs in a mouse model that harbors the constitutive activation of TGFBR1. The findings may be further exploited to understand the pathogenesis of a class of poorly defined ovarian tumors.
Infants and Newborns with Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumors (ATRT) and Extracranial Malignant Rhabdoid Tumors (eMRT) in the EU-RHAB Registry: A Unique and Challenging Population
Authors: Nemes Karolina , Johann Pascal D. , Steinbügl Mona , Gruhle Miriam , Bens Susanne , Kachanov Denis , Teleshova Margarita , Hauser Peter , Simon Thorsten , Tippelt Stephan , Eberl Wolfgang , Chada Martin , Lopez Vicente Santa-Maria , Grigull Lorenz , Hernáiz-Driever Pablo , Eyrich Matthias , Pears Jane , Milde Till , Reinhard Harald , Leipold Alfred , van de Wetering Marianne , Gil-da-Costa Maria João , Ebetsberger-Dachs Georg , Kerl Kornelius , Lemmer Andreas , Boztug Heidrun , Furtwängler Rhoikos , Kordes Uwe , Vokuhl Christian , Hasselblatt Martin , Bison Brigitte , Kröncke Thomas , Melchior Patrick , Timmermann Beate , Gerss Joachim , Siebert Reiner , Frühwald Michael C.
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRT) predominantly affect infants and young children. Patients below six months of age represent a particularly therapeutically challenging group. Toxicity to developing organ sites limits intensity of treatment. Information on prognostic factors, genetics, toxicity of treatment and long-term outcomes is sparse. Methods: Clinical, genetic, and treatment data of 100 patients (aged below 6 months at diagnosis) from 13 European countries were analyzed (2005–2020). Tumors and matching blood samples were examined for SMARCB1 mutations using FISH, MLPA and Sanger sequencing. DNA methylation subgroups (ATRT-TYR, ATRT-SHH, and ATRT-MYC) were determined using 450 k / 850 k-profiling. Results: A total of 45 patients presented with ATRT, 29 with extracranial, extrarenal (eMRT) and 9 with renal rhabdoid tumors (RTK). Seventeen patients demonstrated synchronous tumors (SYN). Metastases (M+) were present in 27% (26/97) at diagnosis. A germline mutation (GLM) was detected in 55% (47/86). DNA methylation subgrouping was available in 50% (31 / 62) with ATRT or SYN; for eMRT, methylation-based subgrouping was not performed. The 5-year overall (OS) and event free survival (EFS) rates were 23.5 ± 4.6% and 19 ± 4.1%, respectively. Male sex (11 ± 5% vs. 35.8 ± 7.4%), M+ stage (6.1 ± 5.4% vs. 36.2 ± 7.4%), presence of SYN (7.1 ± 6.9% vs. 26.6 ± 5.3%) and GLM (7.7 ± 4.2% vs. 45.7 ± 8.6%) were significant prognostic factors for 5-year OS. Molecular subgrouping and survival analyses confirm a previously described survival advantage for ATRT-TYR. In an adjusted multivariate model, clinical factors that favorably influence the prognosis were female sex, localized stage, absence of a GLM and maintenance therapy. Conclusions: In this cohort of homogenously treated infants with MRT, significant predictors of outcome were sex, M-stage, GLM and maintenance therapy. We confirm the need to stratify which patient groups benefit from multimodal treatment, and which need novel therapeutic strategies. Biomarker-driven tailored trials may be a key option.
Biomarkers Associated with Lymph Nodal Metastasis in Endometrioid Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Mairé Mathilde , Bourdon Aurélien , Soubeyran Isabelle , Lucchesi Carlo , Guyon Frédéric , Babin Guillaume , Floquet Anne , Petit Adeline , Baud Jessica , Velasco Valérie , Querleu Denis , Croce Sabrina
Published: April 2022

Introduction. Lymph node metastasis is determinant in the prognosis and treatment of endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) but the risk–benefit balance of surgical lymph node staging remains controversial. Objective. Describe the pathways associated with lymph node metastases in EEC detected by whole RNA sequencing. Methods. RNA-sequencing was performed on a retrospective series of 30 non-metastatic EEC. N+ and N− patients were matched for tumoral size, tumoral grade and myometrial invasion. Results. Twenty-eight EECs were analyzable (16 N+ and 12 N−). Bioinformatics Unsupervised analysis revealed three patterns of expression, enriched in N+, mix of N+/N− and enriched in N−, respectively. The cluster with only N+ patient overexpressed extra cellular matrix, epithelial to mesenchymal and smooth muscle contraction pathways with respect to the N− profile. Differential expression analysis between N+ and N− was used to generate a 54-genes signature with an 87% accuracy. Conclusion. RNA-expression analysis provides a basis to develop a gene expression-based signature that could pre-operatively predict lymph node invasion.
Yield of FDG PET/CT for Defining the Extent of Disease in Patients with Kaposi Sarcoma
Authors: Pesqué Louise , Delyon Julie , Lheure Coralie , Baroudjian Barouyr , Battistella Maxime , Merlet Pascal , Lebbé Céleste , Vercellino Laetitia
Published: April 2022

Background: Positron emission tomography/computed tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18) (FDG PET/CT) is increasingly used in Kaposi sarcoma (KS), but its value has not been assessed. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of FDG PET/CT to define the extent of disease in KS. Methods: Consecutive patients with KS referred to our department for FDG PET/CT were included. The diagnostic accuracy of FDG PET/CT for cutaneous and extra-cutaneous KS staging was assessed on a per lesion basis compared to staging obtained from clinical examination, standard imaging, endoscopy, histological analyses, and follow-up. Results: From 2007 to 2017, 75 patients with FDG PET/CT were analyzed. The sensitivity and specificity of FDG PET/CT for the overall detection of KS lesions were 71 and 98%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were 100 and 85% for lymph nodes, 87 and 98% for bone, 87 and 100% for lungs, and 100 and 100% for muscle involvement, whereas sensitivity was only 17% to detect KS digestive involvement. The sensitivity of the diagnostic for KS cutaneous involvement increased from 73 to 88% when using a whole-body examination. Conclusion: FDG PET/CT showed good sensitivity and specificity for KS staging (digestive involvement excepted) and could be used for staging patients with active KS.
Impact of Spinal Instrumentation on Neurological Outcome in Patients with Intermediate Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS)
Authors: Lenschow Moritz , Lenz Maximilian , von Spreckelsen Niklas , Ossmann Julian , Meyer Johanna , Keßling Julia , Nadjiri Lukas , Telentschak Sergej , Zarghooni Kourosh , Knöll Peter , Perrech Moritz , Celik Eren , Scheyerer Max , Neuschmelting Volker
Published: April 2022

Background: Adequate assessment of spinal instability using the spinal instability neoplastic score (SINS) frequently guides surgical therapy in spinal epidural osseous metastases and subsequently influences neurological outcome. However, how to surgically manage ‘impending instability’ at SINS 7–12 most appropriately remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the necessity of spinal instrumentation in patients with SINS 7–12 with regards to neurological outcome. Methods: We screened 683 patients with spinal epidural metastases treated at our interdisciplinary spine center. The preoperative SINS was assessed to determine spinal instability and neurological status was defined using the Frankel score. Patients were dichotomized according to being treated by instrumentation surgery and neurological outcomes were compared. Additionally, a subgroup analysis of groups with SINS of 7–9 and 10–12 was performed. Results: Of 331 patients with a SINS of 7–12, 76.1% underwent spinal instrumentation. Neurological outcome did not differ significantly between instrumented and non-instrumented patients (p = 0.612). Spinal instrumentation was performed more frequently in SINS 10–12 than in SINS 7–9 (p < 0.001). The subgroup analysis showed no significant differences in neurological outcome between instrumented and non-instrumented patients in either SINS 7–9 (p = 0.278) or SINS 10–12 (p = 0.577). Complications occurred more frequently in instrumented than in non-instrumented patients (p = 0.016). Conclusions: Our data suggest that a SINS of 7–12 alone might not warrant the increased surgical risks of additional spinal instrumentation.
P-Cadherin Regulates Intestinal Epithelial Cell Migration and Mucosal Repair, but Is Dispensable for Colitis Associated Colon Cancer
Authors: Naydenov Nayden G. , Lechuga Susana , Zalavadia Ajay , Mukherjee Pranab K. , Gordon Ilyssa O. , Skvasik David , Vidovic Petra , Huang Emina , Rieder Florian , Ivanov Andrei I.
Published: April 2022

Recurrent chronic mucosal inflammation, a characteristic of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), perturbs the intestinal epithelial homeostasis resulting in formation of mucosal wounds and, in most severe cases, leads to colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC). The altered structure of epithelial cell-cell adhesions is a hallmark of intestinal inflammation contributing to epithelial injury, repair, and tumorigenesis. P-cadherin is an important adhesion protein, poorly expressed in normal intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) but upregulated in inflamed and injured mucosa. The goal of this study was to investigate the roles of P-cadherin in regulating intestinal inflammation and CAC. P-cadherin expression was markedly induced in the colonic epithelium of human IBD patients and CAC tissues. The roles of P-cadherin were investigated in P-cadherin null mice using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and an azoxymethane (AOM)/DSS induced CAC. Although P-cadherin knockout did not affect the severity of acute DSS colitis, P-cadherin null mice exhibited faster recovery after colitis. No significant differences in the number of colonic tumors were observed in P-cadherin null and control mice. Consistently, the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of P-cadherin in human IEC accelerated epithelial wound healing without affecting cell proliferation. The accelerated migration of P-cadherin depleted IEC was driven by activation of Src kinases, Rac1 GTPase and myosin II motors and was accompanied by transcriptional reprogramming of the cells. Our findings highlight P-cadherin as a negative regulator of IEC motility in vitro and mucosal repair in vivo. In contrast, this protein is dispensable for IEC proliferation and CAC development.
Carbon Nanotubes Modified by BiMo Metal Oxides for Oxidative Dehydrogenation of 1-Butene to 1,3-Butadiene without Steam
Authors: Wu Jiao , Liang Yu , Li Gui , Wan Chao
Published: April 2022

Oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) reaction has emerged as a promising route for converting 1-butene to value-added 1,3-butadiene (BD). However, the low BD selectivity of the current catalysts (≤40%) and high steam input are now the challenge of this process. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication BiMo oxides immobilized on carbon nanotubes (BiMo/CNTs), employing the sol–gel method, as a novel catalyst for the ODH of 1-butene without steam in a fixed-bed reactor. The catalytic performances of BiMo/CNTs with different compositions in the absence of steam were investigated. When BiMo/CNTs at a molar ratio of 0.018 were employed in the ODH of 1-butene under reaction conditions of 440 °C, 1-butene/oxygen = 1/0.8, and no steam, the optimal BD yield was achieved as high as 52.2%. Under this reaction condition, the catalyst maintains good stability without steam after 10 h of reaction. This work not only promotes the application of carbon materials in oxidative dehydrogenation reaction, but also accelerates the production of 1,3-butadiene in a more economical way.
Digital Detection of Olive Oil Rancidity Levels and Aroma Profiles Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, a Low-Cost Electronic Nose and Machine Learning Modelling
Authors: Gonzalez Viejo Claudia , Fuentes Sigfredo
Published: April 2022

The success of the olive oil industry depends on provenance and quality-trait consistency affecting the consumers' acceptability/preference and purchase intention. Companies rely on laboratories to analyze samples to assess consistency within the production chain, which may be time-consuming, cost-restrictive, and untimely obtaining results, making the process more reactive than predictive. This study proposed implementing digital technologies using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and a novel low-cost e-nose to assess the level of rancidity and aromas in commercial extra-virgin olive oil. Four different olive oils were spiked with three rancidity levels (N = 17). These samples were evaluated using gas-chromatography-mass-spectroscopy, NIR, and an e-nose. Four machine learning models were developed to classify olive oil types and rancidity (Model 1: NIR inputs; Model 2: e-nose inputs) and predict the peak area of 16 aromas (Model 3: NIR; Model 4: e-nose inputs). The results showed high accuracies (Models 1–2: 97% and 87%; Models 3–4: R = 0.96 and 0.93). These digital technologies may change companies from a reactive to a more predictive production of food/beverages to secure product quality and acceptability.
A Narrative Review on Current Diagnostic Imaging Tools for Dentomaxillofacial Abnormalities in Children
Authors: Aldhuwayhi Sami , Bhardwaj Atul , Deeban Yahya Ahmed M. , Bhardwaj Smita Singh , Alammari Rawan Bakr , Alzunaydi Ayoub
Published: April 2022

The current review narrates the findings and discusses the available diagnostic tools for detecting structural abnormalities. The review discusses several diagnostic tools, such as magnetic resonance imaging, cone beam computed tomography, multi detector row CT and positron emission tomography. The vital findings and comparative analysis of different diagnostic tools are presented in this review. The present review also discusses the advent of newer technologies, such as the HyperionX9 scanner with less field of view and 18F-FDG PET/CT (positron emission tomography with 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-D-glucose, integrated with computed tomography), which can give more efficient imaging of dentomaxillofacial structures. The discussion of effective comparative points enables this review to reveal the available diagnostic tools that can be used in the detection of dentomaxillofacial abnormalities in the pediatric population. The advantages and disadvantages of each tool are discussed, and the findings of past publications are also presented. Overall, this review discusses the technical details and provides a comparative analysis of updated diagnostic techniques for dentomaxillofacial diagnosis.
Maternal Stress, Early Life Factors and Infant Salivary Cortisol Levels
Authors: Olsson Mägi Caroline-Aleksi , Wik Despriee Åshild , Småstuen Milada Cvancarova , Almqvist Catarina , Bahram Fuad , Bakkeheim Egil , Bjerg Anders , Glavin Kari , Granum Berit , Haugen Guttorm , Hedlin Gunilla , Jonassen Christine Monceyron , Lødrup Carlsen Karin C. , Rehbinder Eva Maria , Rolfsjord Leif-Bjarte , Staff Anne Cathrine , Skjerven Håvard Ove , Vettukattil Riyas , Nordlund Björn , Söderhäll Cilla
Published: April 2022

Background: Salivary cortisol (SC), a commonly used biomarker for stress, may be disrupted by negative events in pregnancy, at birth and in infancy. We aimed to explore if maternal perceived stress (PSS) in or after pregnancy and SC levels in pregnancy were associated with SC in early infancy, and, secondly, to identify early life factors associated with infants’ SC levels (iSC). Methods: At 3 months of age, SC was analyzed in 1057 infants participating in a Nordic prospective mother-child birth cohort study. Maternal PSS was available from questionnaires at 18- and 34-week gestational age (GA) and 3-month post-partum, and SC was analyzed at 18-week GA. Early life factors included sociodemographic and infant feeding from questionnaires, and birth data from medical charts. Associations to iSC were analyzed by Spearman correlation and multinomial logistic regression analyses. Results: In this exploratory study neither PSS at any time point nor maternal SC (mSC) were associated with iSC. Higher birth weight was associated with higher levels of iSC, while inverse associations were observed in infants to a mother not living with a partner and mixed bottle/breastfeeding. Conclusions: Maternal stress was not associated with iSC levels, while birth weight, single motherhood and infant feeding may influence iSC levels.
Echocardiographic Determination of Percutaneous Central Venous Catheters in the Superior Vena Cava: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Yao-Sheng , Huang Hsin-Chun , Liu Yu-Chen , Chen I-Lun
Published: April 2022

Malposition of percutaneous central venous catheters (PCVCs) in the superior vena cava (SVC) is common. We previously showed that real-time sonography was safer and faster than radiography in identifying PCVC tip location in the inferior vena cava (IVC). However, in preterm infants, determining PCVC tip location in the SVC is complicated by endotracheal or nasogastric tubes in situ and emphysematous lung conditions. We aimed to find an appropriate sonographic view by which to assess PCVC tip location in the SVC compared to the sonographic examination of PCVC in the IVC. Neonates (n = 50) with PCVCs in the SVC were enrolled and their data (gestational age, gender, birth weight, body weight at intervention, repositioning rate, and duration of tip assessment) were compared with retrospective data of 50 neonates with PCVCs in the IVC. The mean gestational age in the groups of IVC and SVC was 31.43 weeks and 32.16 weeks, respectively. The mean birth weight in the groups of IVC and SVC was 1642.18 g and 1792.00 g, respectively. Placement of an S12-4 ultrasound sector transducer to obtain clear parasternal views of the aorta allows visualization of PCVC tips in the SVC and near the cavoatrial junction. PCVC repositioning rates were not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.092). Sonography examinations in the SVC had a longer duration than those in the IVC (p < 0.001). Sonography provides an accurate method for determining PCVC tip location in the SVC.
The Impact of Preterm Birth on Sleep through Infancy, Childhood and Adolescence and Its Implications
Authors: Trickett Jayne , Hill Catherine , Austin Topun , Johnson Samantha
Published: April 2022

There is emergent literature on the relationship between the development of sleep-wake cycles, sleep architecture, and sleep duration during the neonatal period on neurodevelopmental outcomes among children born preterm. There is also a growing literature on techniques to assess sleep staging in preterm neonates using either EEG methods or heart and respiration rate. Upon discharge from hospital, sleep in children born preterm has been assessed using parent report, actigraphy, and polysomnography. This review describes the ontogeny and measurement of sleep in the neonatal period, the current evidence on the impact of preterm birth on sleep both in the NICU and in childhood and adolescence, and the interaction between sleep, cognition, and social-emotional outcomes in this population.
Gender Differences in Caring for Children with Genetic or Rare Diseases: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Chu Shao-Yin , Wen Chin-Chen , Weng Chun-Ying
Published: April 2022

As a factor in parenting stress, gender differences in caring for children with genetic or rare diseases warrant research attention; therefore, this study explored gender differences in parenting stress, health outcomes, and illness perceptions among caregivers of pediatric genetic or rare disease populations to improve the understanding of such gender differences. Applying a concurrent triangulation mixed-methods design, we conducted a questionnaire survey to assess study measures for 100 family caregivers (42 men and 58 women), which included a free-text response item to probe caregivers’ subjective perceptions of the children’s illness. The gender differences hypothesis was tested with statistics and the qualitative data about illness perception was analyzed by directed content analysis. Most female caregivers served as the primary caregivers and provided more caregiving, while they experienced significantly increased levels of parenting stress and depressive symptoms compared with male caregivers. Female caregivers perceived the conditions of their children’s diseases to be highly symptomatic, with negative consequences and requiring disease control. By contrast, male caregivers had stronger perceptions regarding the negative effects of the disease on the children’s quality of life. The gender discrepancy in viewpoints of illness perception sequence may contribute to female caregivers’ higher levels of stress and depressive symptoms than males.
Formulation and Physicochemical Evaluation of Green Cosmeceutical Herbal Face Cream Containing Standardized Mangosteen Peel Extract
Authors: Tan Puay Luan , Rajagopal Mogana , Chinnappan Sasikala , Selvaraja Malarvili , Leong Mun Yee , Tan Lee Fang , Yap Vi Lien
Published: April 2022

The widely reported adverse effects of synthetic ingredients encourage the development of green cosmeceuticals to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. The waste product of mangosteen (mangosteen peel) was utilized in the formulation to reduce waste production corresponding to SDG 12, in addition to its anti-aging and pigmentation control effects. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate novel herbal face creams containing standardized mangosteen peel extract. The mangosteen creams were formulated using natural ingredients and were evaluated for their organoleptic characteristics, rheology, spreadability and pH. Furthermore, an accelerated stability study, freeze–thaw stability study and centrifugation test were conducted. In addition, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays were conducted to assess its antioxidant effects, whereas tyrosinase inhibitory assay was conducted to determine its anti-tyrosinase activity. The formulated creams appeared light yellowish-brown and homogenous without phase separation. The creams displayed shear-thinning behavior and optimal pH which was ideal for topical application. The creams were stable after being subjected to various stability tests and were shown to have antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activity. In conclusion, the development of mangosteen-based green cosmeceutical face cream is in line with SDG 3 and 12. It is expected to be used as a safe and effective alternative to synthetic products.
Multifactorial Effects of COVID-19: A Review of Published Autopsy Reports
Authors: Chawla Karan , Hong Stephen , Shields Ryan , Ford Alexandra , Pacella Gioia , Lurie Fedor
Published: April 2022

We systematically reviewed published data on autopsies of patients who died from COVID-19 to identify pathological changes that are consistently reported in autopsies and those that were reported anecdotally, and to compare consistent findings with autopsy findings in similar diseases. The MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Embase databases were searched for full-text articles in the English language from December 2019 to March 2021 to include publications on autopsy findings in patients whose main cause of death was COVID-19 and COVID-19-related complications. This review included 124 published papers documenting COVID-19 patient autopsies for over 1100 patients. Most frequent and consistently reported pathological findings included diffuse alveolar damage in the lungs, cardiac inflammation, and hypertrophy, vascular microthrombi, shock kidney and acute tubular necrosis, congested liver and spleen, and shock-associated changes in other organs. These findings by themselves were not unique, and were similar to other severe viral infections and septic shock. However, the frequency of diffuse alveolar damage and the extent of microvascular thrombosis were much higher among the autopsies of patients who had died from COVID-19 compared with other severe viral infections. Autopsy data confirm clinical reports of high incidences of diffuse alveolar damage and microvascular thrombosis in the most severe cases of COVID-19 that caused death.
Risk of Anxiety and Depression after Diagnosis of Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Howren Alyssa , Sayre Eric C. , Cheng Vicki , Oveisi Niki , McTaggart-Cowan Helen , Peacock Stuart , De Vera Mary A.
Published: April 2022

Given the increasing incidence of young-onset colorectal cancer (yCRC; <50 years), we aimed to evaluate the risk of depression and anxiety in individuals with yCRC in comparison to average-age-onset CRC (aCRC; ≥50 years) and to cancer-free controls, with stratification by sex. Our cohort study identified individuals (≥18 years) with CRC and cancer-free controls (10:1) matched on age and sex using population-based linked administrative health databases in British Columbia, Canada. We assessed depression and anxiety using validated algorithms. We evaluated the risk of depression and anxiety using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. The cohort included 54,634 individuals with CRC (46.5% female, mean age 67.9 years) and 546,340 controls (46.5% female, mean age 67.9 years). Those with yCRC as compared to aCRC had an increased risk for depression (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25 to 1.60), and when stratified by sex, the risk was only significant among males (aHR 1.76; 95% CI 1.48 to 2.10). When comparing individuals with yCRC to cancer-free controls, the overall risk of depression (aHR 1.00; 95% CI 0.92 to 1.10) and anxiety (aHR 1.10; 95% CI 0.95 to 1.27) was non-significant; however, males had a significantly higher risk for mental health disorders, specifically depression (aHR 1.17; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.33). Altogether, our findings that individuals with yCRC experience higher risk of depression compared to those with aCRC as well as cancer-free controls, particularly among males, suggest effects of age and sex on mental health outcomes.
Evaluation of Natural and Vaccine-Induced Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Immunity: A Comparative Study between Different Groups of Volunteers
Authors: Schipani Maria Caterina , Tomassetti Flaminia , Polidori Isabella , Ricci Paola , Frassanito Maria Loredana , Seraceni Silva , Morello Maria , Nicolai Eleonora , Aquaro Stefano , Bernardini Sergio , Pieri Massimo , Calugi Graziella
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: The production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies should help minimize the severity of COVID-19 disease. Our focus was to investigate and compare different vaccination schedules, monitoring circulating S-RBD Ab (antibodies anti—Spike protein—Receptor Binding Domain) levels after administering two doses in naïve patients. Likewise, vaccine-stimulated immunity in naïve and previously infected patients was compared. (2) Methods: We included 392 patients. Sera were evaluated by Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 S. Statistical analyses were conducted by MedCalc and JASP. (3) Results: In COVID-19 patients, the median value of Ab levels was 154 BAU/mL, stable up to 9 months after the infection. From the data observed in vaccinated patients, higher median values were recorded in COVID-19/Pfizer BioNTech (18913 BAU/mL) than in other groups (Pfizer BioNTech: 1841; ChadOx1 961; heterologous vaccination: 2687) BAU/mL. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, a single booster dose given to previously infected patients raised an antibody response much higher than two doses given to naïve individuals and heterologous vaccination generated a robust persistent antibody response at high levels, steady up to three months after administration.
A Multi-Scale Entropy Approach to Study Collapse and Anomalous Diffusion in Shared Mobility Systems
Authors: Prieto-Castrillo Francisco , Borondo Javier , García Rubén Martín , Benito Rosa M.
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we study the phenomena of collapse and anomalous diffusion in shared mobility systems. In particular, we focus on a fleet of vehicles moving through a stations network and analyse the effect of self-journeys in system stability, using a mathematical simplex under stochastic flows. With a birth-death process approach, we find analytical upper bounds for random walk and we monitor how the system collapses by super diffusing under different randomization conditions. Using the multi-scale entropy metric, we show that real data from a bike-sharing fleet in the city of Salamanca (Spain) present a complex behaviour with more of a 1/f signal than a disorganized system with a white noise signal.
An Efficient Routing Scheme Based on Node Attributes for Opportunistic Networks in Oceans
Authors: Ge Lige , Jiang Shengming
Published: April 2022

Along with the fast development of the marine economy and ever-increasing human activities, handy and reliable marine networking services are increasingly required in recent years. The ocean faces challenges to support cost-effective communication due to its special environments. Opportunistic networks with easy deployment and self-curing capability are expected to play an important role to adapt to such dynamic networking environments. In the literature, routing schemes for opportunistic networks mainly exploit node mobility and local relaying technologies. They did not take into account the impact of node behaviors on encountering opportunities and in case of no further relaying, network performance would be greatly degraded. To solve the problem, we propose an efficient routing scheme based on node attributes for opportunistic networks. We first construct delivery competency to predict the further relay nodes. Then a forwarding willingness mechanism is introduced to evaluate the relaying probability combining device capacity and movement behaviors of nodes. Finally, the utility metric is used to make decisions on message forwarding. The results show that the proposed scheme improves network performance in terms of delivery ratio, average latency, and overhead ratio as compared to other schemes.
Deep Link-Prediction Based on the Local Structure of Bipartite Networks
Authors: Lv Hehe , Zhang Bofeng , Hu Shengxiang , Xu Zhikang
Published: April 2022

Link prediction based on bipartite networks can not only mine hidden relationships between different types of nodes, but also reveal the inherent law of network evolution. Existing bipartite network link prediction is mainly based on the global structure that cannot analyze the role of the local structure in link prediction. To tackle this problem, this paper proposes a deep link-prediction (DLP) method by leveraging the local structure of bipartite networks. The method first extracts the local structure between target nodes and observes structural information between nodes from a local perspective. Then, representation learning of the local structure is performed on the basis of the graph neural network to extract latent features between target nodes. Lastly, a deep-link prediction model is trained on the basis of latent features between target nodes to achieve link prediction. Experimental results on five datasets showed that DLP achieved significant improvement over existing state-of-the-art link prediction methods. In addition, this paper analyzes the relationship between local structure and link prediction, confirming the effectiveness of a local structure in link prediction.
Repair Rates for Multiple Descriptions on Distributed Storage
Authors: Høst-Madsen Anders , Yang Heecheol , Kim Minchul , Lee Jungwoo
Published: April 2022

In a traditional distributed storage system, a source can be restored perfectly when a certain subset of servers is contacted. The coding is independent of the contents of the source. This paper considers instead a lossy source coding version of this problem where the more servers that are contacted, the higher the quality of the restored source. An example could be video stored on distributed storage. In information theory, this is called the multiple description problem, where the distortion depends on the number of descriptions received. The problem considered in this paper is how to restore the system operation when one of the servers fail and a new server replaces it, that is, repair. The requirement is that the distortions in the restored system should be no more than in the original system. The question is how many extra bits are needed for repair. We find an achievable rate and show that this is optimal in certain cases. One conclusion is that it is necessary to design the multiple description codes with repair in mind; just using an existing multiple description code results in unnecessary high repair rates.