bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomineralization of Polyelectrolyte-Functionalized Electrospun Fibers: Optimization and In Vitro Validation for Bone Applications
Authors: Salama Ahmed , Tolba Emad , Saleh Ahmed K. , Cruz-Maya Iriczalli , Alvarez-Perez Marco A. , Guarino Vincenzo
Published: April 2024

In recent years, polyelectrolytes have been successfully used as an alternative to non-collagenous proteins to promote interfibrillar biomineralization, to reproduce the spatial intercalation of mineral phases among collagen fibrils, and to design bioinspired scaffolds for hard tissue regeneration. Herein, hybrid nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning, by using a mixture of Poly ɛ-caprolactone (PCL) and cationic cellulose derivatives, i.e., cellulose-bearing imidazolium tosylate (CIMD). The obtained fibers were self-assembled with Sodium Alginate (SA) by polyelectrolyte interactions with CIMD onto the fiber surface and, then, treated with simulated body fluid (SBF) to promote the precipitation of calcium phosphate (CaP) deposits. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of SA and CaP, while SEM equipped with EDX analysis mapped the calcium phosphate constituent elements, estimating an average Ca/P ratio of about 1.33—falling in the range of biological apatites. Moreover, in vitro studies have confirmed the good response of mesenchymal cells (hMSCs) on biomineralized samples, since day 3, with a significant improvement in the presence of SA, due to the interaction of SA with CaP deposits. More interestingly, after a decay of metabolic activity on day 7, a relevant increase in cell proliferation can be recognized, in agreement with the beginning of the differentiation phase, confirmed by ALP results. Antibacterial tests performed by using different bacteria populations confirmed that nanofibers with an SA-CIMD complex show an optimal inhibitory response against S. mutans, S. aureus, and E. coli, with no significant decay due to the effect of CaP, in comparison with non-biomineralized controls. All these data suggest a promising use of these biomineralized fibers as bioinspired membranes with efficient antimicrobial and osteoconductive cues suitable to support bone healing/regeneration.
Wearable Ring-Shaped Biomedical Device for Physiological Monitoring through Finger-Based Acquisition of Electrocardiographic, Photoplethysmographic, and Galvanic Skin Response Signals: Design and Preliminary Measurements
Authors: Volpes Gabriele , Valenti Simone , Genova Giuseppe , Barà Chiara , Parisi Antonino , Faes Luca , Busacca Alessandro , Pernice Riccardo
Published: April 2024

Wearable health devices (WHDs) are rapidly gaining ground in the biomedical field due to their ability to monitor the individual physiological state in everyday life scenarios, while providing a comfortable wear experience. This study introduces a novel wearable biomedical device capable of synchronously acquiring electrocardiographic (ECG), photoplethysmographic (PPG), galvanic skin response (GSR) and motion signals. The device has been specifically designed to be worn on a finger, enabling the acquisition of all biosignals directly on the fingertips, offering the significant advantage of being very comfortable and easy to be employed by the users. The simultaneous acquisition of different biosignals allows the extraction of important physiological indices, such as heart rate (HR) and its variability (HRV), pulse arrival time (PAT), GSR level, blood oxygenation level (SpO2), and respiratory rate, as well as motion detection, enabling the assessment of physiological states, together with the detection of potential physical and mental stress conditions. Preliminary measurements have been conducted on healthy subjects using a measurement protocol consisting of resting states (i.e., SUPINE and SIT) alternated with physiological stress conditions (i.e., STAND and WALK). Statistical analyses have been carried out among the distributions of the physiological indices extracted in time, frequency, and information domains, evaluated under different physiological conditions. The results of our analyses demonstrate the capability of the device to detect changes between rest and stress conditions, thereby encouraging its use for assessing individuals’ physiological state. Furthermore, the possibility of performing synchronous acquisitions of PPG and ECG signals has allowed us to compare HRV and pulse rate variability (PRV) indices, so as to corroborate the reliability of PRV analysis under stationary physical conditions. Finally, the study confirms the already known limitations of wearable devices during physical activities, suggesting the use of algorithms for motion artifact correction.
Development of FRET Biosensor to Characterize CSK Subcellular Regulation
Authors: Ouyang Mingxing , Xing Yujie , Zhang Shumin , Li Liting , Pan Yan , Deng Linhong
Published: April 2024

C-terminal Src kinase (CSK) is the major inhibitory kinase for Src family kinases (SFKs) through the phosphorylation of their C-tail tyrosine sites, and it regulates various types of cellular activity in association with SFK function. As a cytoplasmic protein, CSK needs be recruited to the plasma membrane to regulate SFKs’ activity. The regulatory mechanism behind CSK activity and its subcellular localization remains largely unclear. In this work, we developed a genetically encoded biosensor based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to visualize the CSK activity in live cells. The biosensor, with an optimized substrate peptide, confirmed the crucial Arg107 site in the CSK SH2 domain and displayed sensitivity and specificity to CSK activity, while showing minor responses to co-transfected Src and Fyn. FRET measurements showed that CSK had a relatively mild level of kinase activity in comparison to Src and Fyn in rat airway smooth muscle cells. The biosensor tagged with different submembrane-targeting signals detected CSK activity at both non-lipid raft and lipid raft microregions, while it showed a higher FRET level at non-lipid ones. Co-transfected receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase alpha (PTPα) had an inhibitory effect on the CSK FRET response. The biosensor did not detect obvious changes in CSK activity between metastatic cancer cells and normal ones. In conclusion, a novel FRET biosensor was generated to monitor CSK activity and demonstrated CSK activity existing in both non-lipid and lipid raft membrane microregions, being more present at non-lipid ones.
An Organic Electrochemical Transistor-Based Sensor for IgG Levels Detection of Relevance in SARS-CoV-2 Infections
Authors: Algarín Pérez Antonio , Acedo Pablo
Published: April 2024

Organic electrochemical transistors appear as an alternative for relatively low-cost, easy-to-operate biosensors due to their intrinsic amplification. Herein, we present the fabrication, characterization, and validation of an immuno-detection system based on commercial sensors using gold electrodes where no additional surface treatment is performed on the gate electrode. The steady-state response of these sensors has been studied by analyzing different semiconductor organic channels in order to optimize the biomolecular detection process and its the application to monitoring human IgG levels due to SARS-CoV-2 infections. Detection levels of up to tens of μgmL−1 with sensitivities up to 13.75% [μg/mL]−1, concentration ranges of medical relevance in seroprevalence studies, have been achieved.
Sensorimotor Oscillations in Human Infants during an Innate Rhythmic Movement
Authors: Vitali Helene , Campus Claudio , De Giorgis Valentina , Signorini Sabrina , Morelli Federica , Fasce Marco , Gori Monica
Published: April 2024

The relationship between cerebral rhythms and early sensorimotor development is not clear. In recent decades, evidence revealed a rhythmic modulation involving sensorimotor processing. A widely corroborated functional role of oscillatory activity is to coordinate the information flow across sensorimotor networks. Their activity is coordinated by event-related synchronisation and desynchronisation in different sensorimotor rhythms, which indicate parallel processes may be occurring in the neuronal network during movement. To date, the dynamics of these brain oscillations and early sensorimotor development are unexplored. Our study investigates the relationship between the cerebral rhythms using EEG and a typical rhythmic movement of infants, the non-nutritive sucking (NNS) behaviour. NNS is an endogenous behaviour that originates from the suck central pattern generator in the brainstem. We find, in 17 infants, that sucking frequency correlates with beta synchronisation within the sensorimotor area in two phases: one strongly anticipating (~3 s) and the other encompassing the start of the motion. These findings suggest that a beta synchronisation of the sensorimotor cortex may influence the sensorimotor dynamics of NNS activity. Our results reveal the importance of rapid brain oscillations in infants and the role of beta synchronisation and their possible role in the communication between cortical and deep generators.
Imagery and Verbal Strategies in Spatial Memory for Route and Survey Descriptions
Authors: Markostamou Ioanna , Morrissey Sol , Hornberger Michael
Published: April 2024

Being able to represent and remember verbally-encoded information about spatial environments from different perspectives is important for numerous daily activities. The present study examined how frequently individuals spontaneously engage in visual mental imagery and verbal rehearsal strategies in memory recall of spatial descriptions, and whether using certain strategies is associated with better recall performance. Memory recall for route (person-centred) and survey (object-centred) spatial descriptions was examined in a sample of 105 neurotypical individuals, who also reported to what extent they used route- and survey-based mental imagery and verbal rehearsal strategies in each description. Results showed that participants favoured a path visualisation strategy to recall the route description and a map visualisation strategy to recall the survey description. Regression models further showed that employing both imagery and verbal strategies was associated with better recall for both route and survey descriptions, although imagery strategies held a higher predictive power. The present findings highlight the fact that the spontaneous use of internal strategies in the form of visual imagery and verbal rehearsal is ubiquitous when recalling spatial descriptions and a core part of efficient spatial memory functioning.
Deep Learning-Driven Estimation of Centiloid Scales from Amyloid PET Images with 11C-PiB and 18F-Labeled Tracers in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Yamao Tensho , Miwa Kenta , Kaneko Yuta , Takahashi Noriyuki , Miyaji Noriaki , Hasegawa Koki , Wagatsuma Kei , Kamitaka Yuto , Ito Hiroshi , Matsuda Hiroshi
Published: April 2024

Background: Standard methods for deriving Centiloid scales from amyloid PET images are time-consuming and require considerable expert knowledge. We aimed to develop a deep learning method of automating Centiloid scale calculations from amyloid PET images with 11C-Pittsburgh Compound-B (PiB) tracer and assess its applicability to 18F-labeled tracers without retraining. Methods: We trained models on 231 11C-PiB amyloid PET images using a 50-layer 3D ResNet architecture. The models predicted the Centiloid scale, and accuracy was assessed using mean absolute error (MAE), linear regression analysis, and Bland–Altman plots. Results: The MAEs for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and young controls (YC) were 8.54 and 2.61, respectively, using 11C-PiB, and 8.66 and 3.56, respectively, using 18F-NAV4694. The MAEs for AD and YC were higher with 18F-florbetaben (39.8 and 7.13, respectively) and 18F-florbetapir (40.5 and 12.4, respectively), and the error rate was moderate for 18F-flutemetamol (21.3 and 4.03, respectively). Linear regression yielded a slope of 1.00, intercept of 1.26, and R2 of 0.956, with a mean bias of −1.31 in the Centiloid scale prediction. Conclusions: We propose a deep learning means of directly predicting the Centiloid scale from amyloid PET images in a native space. Transferring the model trained on 11C-PiB directly to 18F-NAV4694 without retraining was feasible.
Reliability and Construct Validity of a Mobile Application for the Finger Tapping Test Evaluation in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Navarro-López Víctor , Cano-de-la-Cuerda Roberto , Fernández-González Pilar , Marcos-Antón Selena , Blázquez-Fernández Aitor , Fernández-Cañas María , Fernández-Vázquez Diego
Published: April 2024

The finger tapping test (FTT) is a tool to evaluate the motor performance of the hand and fingers and eye-hand coordination with applicability in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the TappingPro® mobile app and the construct validity between this app and validated clinical scales for motor performance in healthy subjects and pwMS. 42 healthy subjects (mean age 25.05) and 13 pwMS (mean age 51.69, EDSS between 3 and 7.5E) participated. FTT was performed with the TappingPro® mobile app. All participants were examined twice, with a one-week interval between the two appointments. For the analysis of construct validity, the Jamar® hydraulic hand dynamometer, Box and Blocks Test (BBT), and Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) were used. The intra-rater reliability showed a good correlation (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, ICC > 0.787) for both upper limbs and both times of FTT for healthy subjects, and an excellent correlation (ICC > 0.956) for upper limbs and both times of FTT for pwMS. The ICC for the inter-rater reliability was good (ICC = 0.869) for the non-dominant upper limb in the FTT 10 s of the healthy subjects, and excellent (ICC > 0.904) for all the other measurements of the healthy subjects and pwMS. However, the Bland–Altman plots showed disagreement between observers and measurements that should be considered in the interpretation of clinical evaluations. The correlation analysis for healthy subjects showed poor associations between all variables, except for the association between hand grip strength and the FTT 60 s in the non-dominant upper limb, which had a moderate coefficient. For pwMS, there were moderate to excellent associations between BBT and the NHPT and FTT for both upper limbs. The correlations between hand grip strength and FFT were poor. This mobile app could be a useful and low-cost assessment tool in pwMS, allowing a simple evaluation and follow-up that has excellent correlation with clinical scales validated in this pathology.
Site Dependency of Anodal Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation on Reaction Time and Transfer of Learning during a Sequential Visual Isometric Pinch Task
Authors: Hashemirad Fahimeh , Zoghi Maryam , Fitzgerald Paul B. , Hashemirad Masoumeh , Jaberzadeh Shapour
Published: April 2024

Considering the advantages of brain stimulation techniques in detecting the role of different areas of the brain in human sensorimotor behaviors, we used anodal transcranial direct-current stimulation (a-tDCS) over three different brain sites of the frontoparietal cortex (FPC) in healthy participants to elucidate the role of these three brain areas of the FPC on reaction time (RT) during a sequential visual isometric pinch task (SVIPT). We also aimed to assess if the stimulation of these cortical sites affects the transfer of learning during SVIPT. A total of 48 right-handed healthy participants were randomly assigned to one of the four a-tDCS groups: (1) left primary motor cortex (M1), (2) left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), (3) left posterior parietal cortex (PPC), and (4) sham. A-tDCS (0.3 mA, 20 min) was applied concurrently with the SVIPT, in which the participants precisely controlled their forces to reach seven different target forces from 10 to 40% of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) presented on a computer screen with the right dominant hand. Four test blocks were randomly performed at the baseline and 15 min after the intervention, including sequence and random blocks with either hand. Our results showed significant elongations in the ratio of RTs between the M1 and sham groups in the sequence blocks of both the right-trained and left-untrained hands. No significant differences were found between the DLPFC and sham groups and the PPC and sham groups in RT measurements within the SVIPT. Our findings suggest that RT improvement within implicit learning of an SVIPT is not mediated by single-session a-tDCS over M1, DLPFC, or PPC. Further research is needed to understand the optimal characteristics of tDCS and stimulation sites to modulate reaction time in a precision control task such as an SVIPT.
Teachers’ Emotional Intelligence and Organizational Commitment: A Moderated Mediation Model of Teachers’ Psychological Well-Being and Principal Transformational Leadership
Authors: Li Mingwei , Liu Feifei , Yang Chuanli
Published: April 2024

Given the global challenge of increasing teacher attrition and turnover rates, the exploration of factors and mechanisms that improve teachers’ organizational commitment has become a pivotal topic in educational research. In this context, the present study examines the influence of teachers’ emotional intelligence on their organizational commitment, with a specific inquiry into the mediating role of teachers’ psychological well-being and the moderating role of principal transformational leadership, as informed by the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions and the trait activation theory. We verified this study’s hypotheses based on 768 valid questionnaires collected from Chinese primary and secondary school teachers. The results reveal that teachers’ emotional intelligence can predict their organizational commitment both directly and indirectly through the mediating role of psychological well-being. Additionally, principal transformational leadership amplifies the positive effect of teachers’ emotional intelligence on psychological well-being and, subsequently, organizational commitment. These findings theoretically deepen our understanding of the psychological pathways and the boundary conditions linking teachers’ emotional intelligence to their organizational commitment, while also offering valuable practical implications for building a stable and effective teaching workforce.
Research on the Impact of Industrial Policy on the Innovation Behavior of Strategic Emerging Industries
Authors: Yang Wei , Wang Xueke , Zhou Dandan
Published: April 2024

Cultivating strategic emerging industries (SEIs) is an important strategy for most countries around the world to seize the economic frontier. Academics have not yet reached a unified conclusion on whether the adoption of industrial policy from the government level can effectively promote its R&D and innovation behaviors and contribute to industrial upgrading. Based on the data regarding 33,425 Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share-listed companies from 2007 to 2020, this article employs the difference-in-difference model (DID) and the mediated effect model to identify the effect and mechanism of how industrial policy affects the innovation behavior of SEIs. The results of this study show that the promulgation and implementation of industrial policies can help stimulate enterprises to carry out R&D and innovation behaviors and improve the innovation level of SEIs. Its promoting effect on state-owned enterprises is more significant than that on non-state-owned enterprises, and its promoting effect on the eastern and central regions is more significant than that on the western region. Further analysis reveals that government subsidies and tax incentives are important transmission mechanisms through which industrial policy affects firms’ innovation, with government subsidies playing a positive facilitating role and tax incentives having a negative impact.
A Field Investigation to Quantify the Correlation between Local and Overall Thermal Comfort in Cool Environments
Authors: Liang Xiaohong , He Yingdong , Li Nianping , Yin Yicheng , Hu Jinhua
Published: April 2024

The thermal comfort of local body parts is the essential factor that affects people’s health and comfort as well as a buildings’ energy. This study aims to (1) investigate the characteristics of the local thermal comfort of different body parts of occupants in real buildings in winter, (2) quantify the correlation between the amount of local body parts with coolness or discomfort and the overall subjective thermal responses, and (3) validate an easy-to-use local–overall thermal comfort model. A field investigation in the office and study rooms of a university was conducted in winter. The results indicate that the top five percentages of local coolness appeared in the feet (41.02%), the hands (26.58%), the calves (25.18%), the thighs (13.99%), and the head (9.72%) and that the top five percentages of local discomfort appeared in the feet (44.99%), the palms (28.2%), the calves (24.74%), the head (19.66%), and the thighs (16.35%). Moreover, when the whole body felt cool, at least four local body parts had cool sensations; when the whole body felt thermally uncomfortable, at least three local body parts had cool sensations; and when the whole body felt that the ambient environment was thermally unacceptable, at least seven local body parts had cool sensations. Meanwhile, the correlation between local discomfort and whole-body responses was different: when the whole body felt thermal uncomfortable, at least three local body parts had discomfort; and when the whole body felt that the ambient environment was thermally unacceptable, at least four local body parts had discomfort. Further, the local–overall thermal comfort model proposed by the authors exerted high accuracy in predicting overall thermal comfort.
Feasibility of Recycled Aggregate Concrete in a Novel Anchoring Connection for Beam-to-Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Joints
Authors: Su Jianhua , Zhao Qian , Cai Li’ao , Li Xiaohui , Pu Hongyin , Dai Wei , Zhang Jian , Lu Deng , Liu Feng
Published: April 2024

Owing to the substantial benefits in environmental protection and resource saving, recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is increasingly used in civil engineering; among the different types, RAC-filled steel tubes are an efficient structural form utilizing the advantages of concrete and steel tubes. This paper proposed a novel full-bolted beam-to-concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) joint and investigated the anchoring behavior of the steel plates embedded in RAC-filled steel tubes, which represents the behavior of the tensile zone in this joint, to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing RAC in composite structures. The specimen consisted of a CFST and a connecting plate embedded in the CFST. In total, 18 specimens were tested to study the effects of concrete type (i.e., recycled aggregate concrete and natural aggregate concrete), anchoring type (i.e., plate with holes, notches, and rebars), and plate thickness on the pullout behavior, such as anchorage strength, load–displacement response, and ductility. Based on experimental results, the aggregate type of the concrete does not affect the pullout behavior obviously but the influence of anchoring type is significant. Among the three anchoring methods, the plate with rebars exhibits the best performance in terms of anchorage strength and ductility, and is recommended for the beam-to-CFST joint. In addition, plate thickness obviously affects the behavior of plates with holes and notches, the bearing area of which is proportional to the thickness, whereas the pullout behavior of the plates with rebars is independent of thickness. Finally, design formulas are proposed to estimate the anchorage strength of the connecting plates, and their reasonability is validated using the experimental results.
Scientometric Analysis and Visualization of Carbon Emission Studies in the Construction Industry
Authors: Luo Qiming , Yang Depo , Huang Lepeng , Chen Lin , Luo Diyuan , Cheng Kang , Yang Fan
Published: April 2024

The field of carbon emissions in the construction industry has drawn extensive attention from researchers and practitioners due to the issue of global warming. In this study, an in-depth analysis of the research status, trends, and frontiers in the field of carbon emissions in the construction industry was carried out. The CiteSpace tool was used to visualize and analyze relevant papers from 1985 to 2023, to describe the overall knowledge structure in the field of carbon emissions in the construction industry using dual-map overlay analysis, journal co-citation network analysis, and keyword co-occurrence network analysis, to apply cluster analysis and burst detection to identify research trends in the field and the frontiers, and to analyze the scientific collaborations in the field. Further, the core issues in the field of carbon emissions in the construction industry were explored and relevant recommendations were proposed. The results are of great significance in identifying and analyzing knowledge systems and research patterns in the field of carbon emissions in the construction industry and help us to discover and understand the current deficiencies, trends, and frontiers in this field, thus providing useful suggestions and reflections for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and other stakeholders.
Unsaturated Fatty Acid Synthesis Is Associated with Worse Survival and Is Differentially Regulated by MYCN and Tumor Suppressor microRNAs in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Sheeter Dennis A. , Garza Secilia , Park Hui Gyu , Benhamou Lorraine-Rana E. , Badi Niharika R. , Espinosa Erika C. , Kothapalli Kumar S. D. , Brenna J. Thomas , Powers John T.
Published: April 2024

MYCN amplification (MNA) and disruption of tumor suppressor microRNA (TSmiR) function are key drivers of poor outcomes in neuroblastoma (NB). While MYCN and TSmiRs regulate glucose metabolism, their role in de novo fatty acid synthesis (FAS) and unsaturated FAS (UFAS) remains poorly understood. Here, we show that FAS and UFAS (U/FAS) genes FASN, ELOVL6, SCD, FADS2, and FADS1 are upregulated in high-risk (HR) NB and that their expression is associated with lower overall survival. RNA-Seq analysis of human NB cell lines revealed parallel U/FAS gene expression patterns. Consistent with this, we found that NB-related TSmiRs were predicted to target these genes extensively. We further observed that both MYC and MYCN upregulated U/FAS pathway genes while suppressing TSmiR host gene expression, suggesting a possible U/FAS regulatory network between MYCN and TSmiRs in NB. NB cells are high in de novo synthesized omega 9 (ω9) unsaturated fatty acids and low in both ω6 and ω3, suggesting a means for NB to limit cell-autonomous immune stimulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-driven apoptosis from ω6 and ω3 unsaturated fatty acid derivatives, respectively. We propose a model in which MYCN and TSmiRs regulate U/FAS and play an important role in NB pathology, with implications for other MYC family-driven cancers.
No Racial Disparities Observed Using Point-of-Care Genetic Counseling and Testing for Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer in a Diverse Patient Population: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Michael , Hayek Judy , Acker Cheyenne , An Anjile , Zhang Peilin , Gorelick Constantine , Kanis Margaux J.
Published: April 2024

We investigated genetic counseling and testing rates for patients with gynecologic malignancy at a tertiary care center with a large minority population. Our retrospective cohort included newly diagnosed epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, peritoneal, or endometrial cancer patients between January 2014 and June 2022. For endometrial cancer, 373 patients were identified. A total of 207 (55%) patients were screened using mismatch repair immunohistochemistry (MMR IHC). A total of 82 (40%) had MMR deficiencies on IHC. Of these, 63 (77%) received genetic counseling. A total of 62 (98%) underwent genetic testing, and ultimately, 7 (11%) were diagnosed with Lynch syndrome (LS). The overall rate of LS was 1.9%. MMR IHC testing increased steadily, reaching 100% in 2022. For ovarian cancer, 144 patients were identified. A total of 104 (72%) patients received genetic counseling, and 99 (95%) underwent genetic testing. Rates were not influenced by race, ethnicity, insurance type, or family history of cancer. They were significantly different by cancer stage (p < 0.01). The proportion of patients who received genetic counseling increased from 47% in 2015 to 100% in 2022 (p < 0.01). Most counseling was performed by a gynecologic oncologist (93%) as opposed to a genetic counselor (6.7%). Overall, 12 (8.3%) patients were BRCA+. High rates of counseling and testing were observed with few disparities.
Effects of Adjuvant Exercise and Nutrition Therapy on Muscle Fibre Biomechanics in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients
Authors: Haug Michael , Schwappacher Raphaela , Pollmann Charlotte , Ritter Paul , Michael Mena , Hermann Hans Joachim , Grützmann Robert , Mittelstädt Anke , Neurath Markus Friedrich , Zopf Yurdagül , Friedrich Oliver
Published: April 2024

Patients with aggressive cancer, e.g., gastrointestinal cancer, are prone (≥50% chance) to developing cancer cachexia (CC). Little is known about the effects of CC on the biomechanical function of muscle. A promising prevention strategy was found in the form of a multi-modal therapy combining mild resistance exercise (e.g., whole-body electro-myostimulation, WB-EMS) and a protein-rich diet. In a previous study of ours, this was effective in counteracting the loss of muscle mass, yet a systematic and comprehensive assessment of active and passive single muscle fibre functions was so far absent. This pilot study investigated the biomechanical function of single muscle fibres (rectus abdominis) from the biopsies of conventionally treated (pre-)cachectic cancer ((pre-)CC) patients (m = 9), those receiving the multi-modal therapy comprising WB-EMS training and protein-rich nutrition (m = 3), and a control group (m = 5). Our findings not only align with previous findings showing the absolute force loss in CC that is accelerated by atrophy but also speak in favour of a different, potentially energy- and Ca2+-homeostasis-related effect that compromises muscle contraction (F ~0.9 mN vs. F ~0.6 mN in control patients). However, myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity and the quality of contraction were unaltered (pCa50: 5.6–5.8). Single fibres from the (pre-)CC patients receiving WB-EMS training and protein supplementation were significantly more compliant (p < 0.001 at ≥130% of resting length L0). Those fibres displayed a similar softness to the ones from the control patients (axial compliance ~15 m/N at ≥130% L0), while single fibres from the patients with (developing) cachexia were significantly stiffer (axial compliance ~7 m/N, p < 0.001 at ≥130% L0). Adjuvant multi-modal therapy (WB-EMS training and nutritional support) contributes to maintaining the axial compliance of single fibres and potentially improves the quality of life for patients at risk of developing CC.
Simple Fabrication of Hydrophobicity-Controlled Fe-ZSM-5 for Aqueous-Phase Partial Oxidation of Methane with Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Hwang Seok Young , Kwon Minjae , Hwang Jongkook , Park Eun Duck
Published: April 2024

Surface hydrophobicity is an important factor in controlling the catalytic activity of heterogeneous catalysts in various reactions, particularly liquid-phase reactions using water as the (co)solvent. In this study, the surface hydrophobicity of Fe-ZSM-5 was successfully controlled using a simple coating method in which furfuryl alcohol was used as the carbon precursor. Various techniques, such as N2 physisorption, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia, and contact angle measurements of water droplets, were used to characterize the catalysts. Fe-ZSM-5 catalysts with different degrees of hydrophobicity were used for the aqueous-phase selective oxidation of methane with H2O2. The positive effect of the surface carbon coating on the catalytic performance was confirmed when the carbon content was not sufficiently high to block the pores.
Platinum-Modified Rod-like Titania Mesocrystals with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Wei Zhishun , Ji Yuanyuan , Bielan Zuzanna , Yue Xin , Xu Yuqi , Sun Jiajie , Chen Sha , Yi Guoqiang , Chang Ying , Kowalska Ewa
Published: April 2024

Photocatalysis is considered as an environmentally friendly method for both solar energy conversion and environmental purification of water, wastewater, air, and surfaces. Among various photocatalytic materials, titania is still the most widely investigated and applied, but more efforts must be carried out considering the synthesis of highly efficient photocatalysts for multifarious applications. It is thought that nanoengineering design of titania morphology might be the best solution. Accordingly, here, titania mesocrystals, assembled from crystallographically oriented nanocrystals, have been synthesized by an easy, cheap, and “green” solvothermal method (without the use of surfactants and templates), followed by simple annealing. The obtained materials have been characterized by various methods, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). It has been found that the as-obtained photocatalysts exhibit a unique nanorod-like subunit structure with excellent crystalline and surface properties. However, pristine titania is hardly active for a hydrogen evolution reaction, and thus additional modification has been performed by platinum photodeposition (and silver as a reference). Indeed, the modification with only 2 wt% of noble metals results in a significant enhancement in activity, i.e., ca. 75 and 550 times by silver- and platinum-modified samples, respectively, reaching the corresponding reaction rates of 37 μmol h−1 and 276 μmol h−1. Additionally, titania mesocrystals exhibit high oxidation power under simulated solar light irradiation for the degradation of antibiotics within the tetracycline group (tetracycline (TC), ciprofloxacin (CIP), norfloxacin (NOR) and oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC)). It has been found that both experimental results and the density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm the high ability of titania mesocrystals for oxidative decomposition of tetracycline antibiotics.
Epigenetic Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease: DNA Methylation and Histone Modification
Authors: De Plano Laura Maria , Saitta Alessandra , Oddo Salvatore , Caccamo Antonella
Published: April 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss, imposing a significant burden on affected individuals and their families. Despite the recent promising progress in therapeutic approaches, more needs to be done to understand the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of AD. Growing evidence points to epigenetic changes as playing a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of the disease. The dynamic interplay between genetic and environmental factors influences the epigenetic landscape in AD, altering gene expression patterns associated with key pathological events associated with disease pathogenesis. To this end, epigenetic alterations not only impact the expression of genes implicated in AD pathogenesis but also contribute to the dysregulation of crucial cellular processes, including synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. Understanding the complex epigenetic mechanisms in AD provides new avenues for therapeutic interventions. This review comprehensively examines the role of DNA methylation and histone modifications in the context of AD. It aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of AD pathogenesis and facilitate the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
Phospho-Chitooligosaccharides below 1 kDa Inhibit HIV-1 Entry In Vitro
Authors: Karadeniz Fatih , Kim Se-Kwon
Published: April 2024

Despite present antiviral agents that can effectively work against HIV-1 replication, side effects and drug resistance have pushed researchers toward novel approaches. In this context, there is a continued focus on discovering new and more effective antiviral compounds, particularly those that have a natural origin. Polysaccharides are known for their numerous bioactivities, including inhibiting HIV-1 infection and replication. In the present study, phosphorylated chitosan oligosaccharides (PCOSs) were evaluated for their anti-HIV-1 potential in vitro. Treatment with PCOSs effectively protected cells from HIV-1-induced lytic effects and suppressed the production of HIV-1 p24 protein. In addition, results show that PCOSs lost their protective effect upon post-infection treatment. According to the results of ELISA, PCOSs notably disrupted the binding of HIV-1 gp120 protein to T cell surface receptor CD4, which is required for HIV-1 entry. Overall, the results point out that PCOSs might prevent HIV-1 infection at the entry stage, possibly via blocking the viral entry through disruption of virus–cell fusion. Nevertheless, the current results only present the potential of PCOSs, and further studies to elucidate its action mechanism in detail are needed to employ phosphorylation of COSs as a method to develop novel antiviral agents.
Evaluation of Distillery Fractions in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells and Screening of Reaction Products
Authors: Montevecchi Giuseppe , Cannio Maria , Cancelli Umberto , Antonelli Andrea , Romagnoli Marcello
Published: April 2024

Fuel cells represent an appealing avenue for harnessing eco-friendly energy. While their fuel supply traditionally stems from water electrolysis, an environmentally conscious approach also involves utilizing low-weight alcohols like methanol and ethanol. These alcohols, concentrated from sustainable sources within the enological by-product distillation process, offer a noteworthy contribution to the circular economy. This study delved into evaluating the efficacy of distillery fractions in powering methanol fuel cells. Beyond their energy-generation potential, the performed GC-MS analysis unveiled appreciable quantities of acetic acid resulting from the partial oxidation of ethanol. This revelation opens the door to intriguing possibilities, including the recovery and repurposing of novel compounds such as short-chain fatty acids (predominantly acetic acid), ketones, and aldehydes—establishing a link between sustainable energy production and the emergence of valuable by-product applications.
Using MA-rFTIR Mapping as a Tool to Assess the Efficacy of Cleaning Treatments and to Aid in the Restoration Activities of Paintings
Authors: Pronti Lucilla , Romani Martina , Ioele Marcella , Tranquilli Gloria , Fumelli Francesca , Sechi Serena , Donati Angelica , Cianca Elena , Sinceri Ilaria , Cestelli Guidi Mariangela
Published: April 2024

The removal of non-original superimposed layers covering the original pictorial layer in paintings is a common practice to restore the authentic appearance of surfaces and mitigate potential risks to artwork preservation. Contemporary assessments of the effectiveness of such cleaning treatments often employ non-destructive analytical methods. However, many existing techniques face limitations, either lacking specificity in compound identification or analyzing very limited areas (<millimeters) through a point-by-point approach. This study introduces the application of a macro Fourier transform infrared scanner, in reflection mode (MA-rFTIR), as an effective tool for supporting restorers during cleaning processes. This method proved successful in addressing challenges related to the removal of calcium oxalate films and non-original superimposed layers on two ancient paintings.
Effect of Annealing on Stress, Microstructure, and Interfaces of NiV/B4C Multilayers
Authors: Chang Chenyuan , Wei Zhenbo , Jiang Hui , Ni Hangjian , Song Wentao , He Jialian , Xiang Simeng , Wang Zhanshan , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Zhong
Published: April 2024

The functionality and reliability of nanoscale multilayer devices and components are influenced by changes in stress and microstructure throughout fabrication, processing, and operation. NiV/B4C multilayers with a d-spacing of 3 nm were prepared by magnetron sputtering, and two groups of annealing experiments were performed. The stress, microstructure, and interface changes in NiV/B4C after annealing were investigated by grazing-incidence X-ray reflectometry (GIXR), grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), X-ray diffuse scattering, and grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS). The temperature dependence experiments revealed a gradual shift in the multilayer stress from compression to tension during annealing from 70 °C to 340 °C, with the stress approaching near-zero levels between 70 °C and 140 °C. The time-dependent experiments indicated that most of the stress changes occurred within the initial 10 min, which showed that prolonged annealing was unnecessary. Combining the X-ray diffraction and X-ray scattering measurements, it was found that the changes in the thickness, interface roughness, and lateral correlation length, primarily due to crystallization, drove the changes in stress and microstructure.
Nitrogen-Doped Diamond-like Carbon Buffer Layer Enhances the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Diamond-like Carbon Films Deposited on Nitrile Rubber Substrate
Authors: Song Yinqiao , Han Changxin , Zhen Nini , Wang Yukai , Leng Yongxiang , Wu Zhiyu , Deng Qiaoyuan , Wen Feng
Published: April 2024

The poor adhesion between the DLC film and rubber restricts its application of seals. Introducing a suitable interlayer can bolster the adhesion of the coating or film. In this study, nitrogen-doped diamond-like carbon (N-DLC) emerged as the optimal intermediate layer between rubber and DLC. A series of N-DLC/DLC multilayer films were fabricated via DC magnetron sputtering on nitrile rubber (NBR) substrates, varying the substrate bias voltage (0 V, 100 V, 200 V). A scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the composite film surface was smoother than the DLC film alone. The results of Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated a robust bond between nitrogen and carbon atoms in the composite film, with nitrogen facilitating the conversion of sp3C-C bonds into sp2C=C. Mechanical tests demonstrated that the N-DLC interlayer improved film adhesion and reduced the CoF of the composite film to 0.2–0.3. Specifically, the CoF of the N-DLC/DLC film prepared at 100 V was as low as 0.20, with a wear amount of 1.13 mg. Consequently, the inclusion of the N-DLC interlayer substantially enhanced the mechanical and tribological properties of DLC-coated NBR, rendering this coating highly advantageous for various applications.
Study on the Wettability and Abrasion Resistance of Ultrafast-Laser-Textured Ti Surface
Authors: Hou Yuankun , Guo Weiling , Sun Pengyuan , Zhang Yanfang , Ding Tong , Xing Zhiguo , Yang Sefei
Published: April 2024

Titanium (Ti) materials are highly valued in the medical field for their outstanding biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. However, challenges such as suboptimal wettability and wear resistance can impact the tribological properties of titanium implants, potentially leading to implant failure. This study explores the application of ultrafast pulsed laser processing to create two distinct structures, circular pits and grooves, on the surface of titanium materials. The samples underwent low-surface-energy treatment, after which the wettability and wear resistance of the textured surfaces were evaluated. The findings indicate that the textured surfaces exhibit improved hydrophobic properties and reduced surface wear. Specifically, the textured surfaces demonstrated a remarkable 73.68% reduction in wear compared to the untextured surfaces. These results underscore the potential of etching textured structures onto titanium surfaces to enhance their wear resistance, thereby offering promising implications for the improvement of titanium implant performance.
Ternary Holey Carbon Nanohorn/Potassium Chloride/Polyvinylpyrrolidone Nanohybrid as Sensing Film for Resistive Humidity Sensor
Authors: Serban Bogdan-Catalin , Buiu Octavian , Bumbac Marius , Dumbravescu Nicolae , Pachiu Cristina , Brezeanu Mihai , Craciun Gabriel , Nicolescu Cristina Mihaela , Diaconescu Vlad , Cobianu Cornel
Published: April 2024

The study presents findings on the relative humidity (R.H.) sensing capabilities of a resistive sensor. This sensor utilizes sensing layers composed of a ternary nanohybrid, consisting of holey carbon nanohorn (CNHox), potassium chloride (KCl), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), with mass ratios of 7/1/2, 6.5/1.5/2, and 6/2/2 (w/w/w). The sensing structure comprises a silicon substrate, a SiO2 layer, and interdigitated transducer (IDT) electrodes. The sensing film is deposited on the sensing structure via the drop-casting method. The sensing layers’ morphology and composition are investigated through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and RAMAN spectroscopy. The resistance of thin-film sensors based on ternary hybrids increased with exposure to a range of relative humidity (R.H.) levels, from 0% to 100%. The newly designed devices demonstrated a comparable response at room temperature to that of commercial capacitive R.H. sensors, boasting excellent linearity, swift response times, and heightened sensitivity. Notably, the studied sensors outperform others employing CNHox-based sensing layers in terms of sensitivity, as observed through manufacturing and testing processes. It elucidates the sensing mechanisms of each constituent within the ternary hybrid nanocomposites, delving into their chemical and physical properties, electronic characteristics, and affinity for water molecules. Various alternative sensing mechanisms are considered and discussed, including the reduction in holes within CNHox upon interaction with water molecules, proton conduction, and PVP swelling.
Types and Fecundity of Neotenic Reproductives Produced in 5-Year-Old Orphaned Colonies of the Drywood Termite, Cryptotermes domesticus (Blattodea: Kalotermitidae)
Authors: Wu Wenjing , Huang Zhenyou , Zhang Shijun , Li Zhiqiang , Liu Bingrong , Zeng Wenhui , Xia Chuanguo
Published: April 2024

Orphaned colonies of Cryptotermes domesticus readily produce replacement reproductives and continue propagation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the production and fecundity of neotenic reproductives in 5-year-old colonies of C. domesticus after orphaning. All 15 experimental colonies were successfully re-established by the neotenic reproductive pair. Three types of neotenic reproductives with various wing-bud lengths were observed: type I with micro wing buds, type II with short wing buds, and type III with long wing buds. Four patterns of pairs made up of these neotenics, namely, type I + type II, type I + type III, type II + type II, and type II + type III, exhibited reproductive capacities similar to those of the primary reproductive pair. We speculated that these neotenic reproductives were derived from various nymphal instars. The 5-year-old colonies had three instars of nymphs, with the majority being in the second instar, followed by the first. Thus, the combination of neotenic reproductives with short wing buds and micro wing buds was the dominant differentiation pathway of the orphaned colonies. After the removal of the original primary reproductive pair, the nymphs matured into neotenic reproductives and took over reproduction in the colony in 107.40 ± 15.18 days. This study highlights the importance of quarantine and routine inspection of wood, as well as the significance of early prevention and control of C. domesticus infestation in wood. Moreover, this study confirms the high differentiation and reproductive capacities of C. domesticus.