bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric versus Adult Medulloblastoma: Towards a Definition That Goes beyond Age
Authors: Wooley Joseph R. , Penas-Prado Marta
Published: December 2021

Medulloblastoma is a rare malignant brain tumor that predominantly affects children but also occurs in adults. The incidence declines significantly after age 15, and distinct tumor molecular features are seen across the age spectrum. Standard of care treatment consists of maximal safe surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiation and/or chemotherapy. Adjuvant treatment decisions are based on individual patient risk factors and have been informed by decades of prospective clinical trials. These trials have historically relied on arbitrary age cutoffs for inclusion (age 16, 18, or 21, for example), while trials that include adult patients or stratify patients by molecular features of disease have been rare. The aim of this literature review is to review the history of clinical trials in medulloblastoma, with an emphasis on selection criteria, and argue in favor of rational and inclusive trials based on molecular features of disease as opposed to chronological age. We performed a scoping literature review for medulloblastoma and clinical trials and include a summary of those results. We also discuss some of the significant advances made in understanding the molecular biology of medulloblastoma within the past decade, most notably the identification of four distinct subgroups based on gene expression profiling. We will also cite the recent experiences of childhood leukemia and the emergence of tissue-agnostic therapies as examples of successes of rationally designed, inclusive trials translating to improved clinical outcomes for patients across the age spectrum. Despite the prior trial history and recent molecular advances outcomes remain poor for ~30% of medulloblastoma patients. We believe that defining patients by the specific molecular alterations their tumors harbor is the best way to ensure they can access potentially efficacious therapies on clinical trials.
Comprehensive Profiling of Mammalian Tribbles Interactomes Implicates TRIB3 in Gene Repression
Authors: Hernández-Quiles Miguel , Baak Rosalie , Borgman Anouska , den Haan Suzanne , Sobrevals Alcaraz Paula , van Es Robert , Kiss-Toth Endre , Vos Harmjan , Kalkhoven Eric
Published: December 2021

The three human Tribbles (TRIB) pseudokinases have been implicated in a plethora of signaling and metabolic processes linked to cancer initiation and progression and can potentially be used as biomarkers of disease and prognosis. While their modes of action reported so far center around protein–protein interactions, the comprehensive profiling of TRIB interactomes has not been reported yet. Here, we have developed a robust mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics approach to characterize Tribbles’ interactomes and report a comprehensive assessment and comparison of the TRIB1, -2 and -3 interactomes, as well as domain-specific interactions for TRIB3. Interestingly, TRIB3, which is predominantly localized in the nucleus, interacts with multiple transcriptional regulators, including proteins involved in gene repression. Indeed, we found that TRIB3 repressed gene transcription when tethered to DNA in breast cancer cells. Taken together, our comprehensive proteomic assessment reveals previously unknown interacting partners and functions of Tribbles proteins that expand our understanding of this family of proteins. In addition, our findings show that MS-based proteomics provides a powerful tool to unravel novel pseudokinase biology.
Disparities in Cervical Cancer Screening with HPV Test among Females with Diabetes in the Deep South
Authors: McDaniel Cassidi C. , Hallam Hayleigh H. , Cadwallader Tiffany , Lee Hee-Yun , Chou Chiahung
Published: December 2021

Background: Due to diabetes being linked with poorer cervical cancer prognosis, this study aimed to evaluate HPV testing behaviors among females with and without diabetes across the U.S. by geographic area in 2016, 2018, and 2020. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from 2016, 2018, and 2020. The study population included females aged 25–69 years old, stratified by self-reported diabetes status. The primary outcome measure was cervical cancer screening behavior, which was evaluated by self-reported HPV test uptake/receipt (yes/no). Results: A total of 361,546 females from across the U.S. were sampled. Within the study population combined from all study years, the overall likelihood of receiving an HPV test was significantly lower among females with diabetes [37.95% (95% CI: 36.87–39.04)] compared to those without diabetes [46.21% (95% CI: 45.84–46.58)] (p < 0.001). Screening rates with HPV tests were lowest among females with diabetes in the South in 2016 (29.32% (95% CI: 26.82–31.83)), 2018 (39.63% (95% CI: 36.30–42.96)), and 2020 (41.02% (95% CI: 37.60–44.45)). Conclusions: Females with diabetes are screening with HPV tests less frequently than females without diabetes, and females living in the South, particularly states in the Deep South, report the lowest rates of HPV testing.
Multiple Treatment Cycles of Neural Stem Cell Delivered Oncolytic Adenovirus for the Treatment of Glioblastoma
Authors: Batalla-Covello Jennifer , Ngai Hoi Wa , Flores Linda , McDonald Marisa , Hyde Caitlyn , Gonzaga Joanna , Hammad Mohamed , Gutova Margarita , Portnow Jana , Synold Tim , Curiel David T. , Lesniak Maciej S. , Aboody Karen S. , Mooney Rachael
Published: December 2021

Tumor tropic neural stem cells (NSCs) can improve the anti-tumor efficacy of oncovirotherapy agents by protecting them from rapid clearance by the immune system and delivering them to multiple distant tumor sites. We recently completed a first-in-human trial assessing the safety of a single intracerebral dose of NSC-delivered CRAd-Survivin-pk7 (NSC.CRAd-S-pk7) combined with radiation and chemotherapy in newly diagnosed high-grade glioma patients. The maximum feasible dose was determined to be 150 million NSC.CRAd-Sp-k7 (1.875 × 1011 viral particles). Higher doses were not assessed due to volume limitations for intracerebral administration and the inability to further concentrate the study agent. It is possible that therapeutic efficacy could be maximized by administering even higher doses. Here, we report IND-enabling studies in which an improvement in treatment efficacy is achieved in immunocompetent mice by administering multiple treatment cycles intracerebrally. The results imply that pre-existing immunity does not preclude therapeutic benefits attainable by administering multiple rounds of an oncolytic adenovirus directly into the brain.
Osteopathic Treatment and Evaluation in the Clinical Setting of Childhood Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Barbieri Monica , Zardo William , Frittoli Chiara , Rivolta Clara , Valdata Valeria , Bouquin Federico , Passignani Greta , Maggiani Alberto , Jankovic Momcilo , Cossio Andrea , Biondi Andrea , Balduzzi Adriana , Lanfranconi Francesca
Published: December 2021

Children: adolescents, and young who are adults affected with hematological malignancies (CAYA-H) and who are undergoing intensive phases of cancer treatment, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), experience diminished functional ability. This study was aimed at assessing the feasibility, efficacy, safety, and satisfaction of an osteopathic intervention in CAYA-H attending an 11-week precision-based exercise program (PEx). All of the participants were given 4–10 treatments according to the prescription ordered by the sports medicine doctor in charge of the PEx, and the following outcomes were assessed: (1) spinal column range of motion (ROM) by palpation; (2) lower and upper limb joints ROM by a goniometer; (3) orthostatic posture by plumb line assessment; (4) chest and abdomen mobility by inspection and palpation; (5) cranial-sacral rhythmic impulse (CRI) by palpation; and (6) adverse effects. Goal attainment scaling (GAS) was used to identify the accomplishment of a desired clinical result. Moreover, HSCT patients who were affected with graft-versus-host disease and/or osteonecrosis had their joints assessed in terms of ROM as tools to monitor the effectiveness of immunosuppressive treatment. A total of 231 CAYA-H were identified, and 104 participated in the study (age 10.66 ± 4.51 yrs; 43% F). PEx plus osteopathy reached positive GAS scores by improving the ROMs of the spinal column and/or limbs (81% and 78%, respectively), chest and abdomen mobility (82%), and CRI (76%). Only minor reversible adverse effects were noticed during the study. Together, our data seem to initiate a new course where osteopathy could be useful in evaluating structural edges due to the clinical history of each CAYA-H. Given the contributions that were obtained by the GAS scores, osteopathic treatment seems to reveal interesting potential that can be targeted in the future.
The Autophagy Inhibitor Chloroquine, Alone or in Combination with mTOR Inhibitors, Displays Anti-Tumor Effects in In Vitro and In Vivo Lung Carcinoid Models
Authors: Knigin Adi , Avniel-Polak Shani , Leibowitz Gil , Oleinikov Kira , Gross David J. , Grozinsky-Glasberg Simona
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the lung (LNENs, lung carcinoids) are often diagnosed at an advanced stage when they are not surgically curable, and treatment options are limited. One of the approved options for treating inoperable tumors is everolimus—an mTOR inhibitor (mTORi). Activation of mTOR, among many other effects, inhibits autophagy, which is a cell survival mechanism in general, and in tumor cells in particular. Everolimus may paradoxically encourage cancer cell survival. In practice, the drug inhibits tumor development. Chloroquine (CQ) is a known antimalarial compound that inhibits autophagy. Our research is focused on the hypothesis that autophagy plays a key role in the development of tumor resistance to mTORi, and that the addition of autophagy inhibitors to mTORi exerts a synergistic effect on suppressing tumor cell proliferation. We have recently demonstrated that the combination of CQ with different mTORi increases their potency compared with mTORi alone in both in vitro and in vivo models of pancreatic NENs. In this study, we examined the effects of CQ and mTORi on in vitro and in vivo LNEN models. Aims: Testing the effects of CQ together with mTORi on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy in in vitro and in vivo LNEN models. (2) Methods: The NCI-H727 LNEN cells were treated with CQ ± mTORi. Cells’ viability and proliferation were measured using XTT and Ki-67 FACS staining. The effects of the treatments on the mTOR pathway and autophagy were examined using Western blotting. Cytotoxicity was measured using a cytotoxicity kit; apoptosis was measured by PI FACS staining and Western blotting. We further established an LNEN subcutaneous murine xenograft model and evaluated the effects of the drugs on tumor growth. (3) Results: CQ alone suppressed LNEN cells’ viability and proliferation and increased their cytotoxicity and apoptosis; these effects were augmented when CQ was added to an mTORi. We also showed the possible mechanisms for these results: on the one hand we could see a decrease in P62 levels and the absence of LC3-II (both inversely related to autophagy) following treatment with the mTORi, and on the other hand we could demonstrate an increase in their levels when CQ was added. The effect was less apparent in the murine xenograft model. (4) Conclusions: By inhibiting autophagy and inducing apoptosis, CQ suppresses tumor cell growth in LNENs. CQ potentiates mTORi effects, implying that further studies are needed in order to elucidate its possible role in tumor inhibition in patients with LNENs.
The Autophagic Route of E-Cadherin and Cell Adhesion Molecules in Cancer Progression
Authors: Santarosa Manuela , Maestro Roberta
Published: December 2021

Cell-to-cell adhesion is a key element in epithelial tissue integrity and homeostasis during embryogenesis, response to damage, and differentiation. Loss of cell adhesion and gain of mesenchymal features, a phenomenon known as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), are essential steps in cancer progression. Interestingly, downregulation or degradation by endocytosis of epithelial adhesion molecules (e.g., E-cadherin) associates with EMT and promotes cell migration. Autophagy is a physiological intracellular degradation and recycling process. In cancer, it is thought to exert a tumor suppressive role in the early phases of cell transformation but, once cells have gained a fully transformed phenotype, autophagy may fuel malignant progression by promoting EMT and conferring drug resistance. In this review, we discuss the crosstalk between autophagy, EMT, and turnover of epithelial cell adhesion molecules, with particular attention to E-cadherin.
Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels and Risk of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in Female Childhood Cancer Survivors: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Torella Marco , Riemma Gaetano , De Franciscis Pasquale , La Verde Marco , Colacurci Nicola
Published: December 2021

Background: Female childhood cancer survivors (CCS) might have impaired ovarian reserves, especially after alkylating agents or radiotherapy. The purpose of this systematic review and network meta-analysis is to evaluate the role of serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) for ovarian reserve screening and the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) according to the subtype of childhood cancer. (2) Methods: PRISMA-NMA guidelines were followed. We carried out a network meta-analysis based on a random effects model for mixed multiple treatment comparisons to rank childhood cancers effects on fertility by surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Studies were selected only if they had an age-matched control group. Quality assessment was performed using Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The co-primary outcomes were mean AMH levels and the incidence of POI. (3) Results: A total of 8 studies (1303 participants) were included. Women treated for a neuroblastoma during infancy were more likely to be ranked first for impaired AMH levels (SUCRA = 65.4%), followed by mixed CCS (SUCRA = 29.6%). The greatest rates of POI were found in neuroblastoma survivors (SUCRA = 42.5%), followed by acute lymphoid leukemia (SUCRA = 26.3%) or any other neoplasia (SUCR A = 20.5%). (4) Conclusions: AMH represents a trustworthy approach for ovarian reserve screening. Direct and indirect comparisons found no differences in mean AMH levels and POI risk between subtypes of CCS and healthy controls. SUCRA analysis showed that female neuroblastoma survivors were more at risk for reduced serum AMH levels and increased risk of POI.
Techniques of Preparation of Thin Films: Catalytic Combustion
Authors: Stoian Marius , Maurer Thomas , Lamri Salim , Fechete Ioana
Published: December 2021

Over the past several decades, an increasing amount of attention has been given to catalytic combustion as an environmentally friendly process. However, major impediments to large-scale application still arise on the materials side. Here, we review catalytic combustion on thin film catalysts in view of highlighting some interesting features. Catalytic films open the way for new designs of structured catalysts and the construction of catalysts for catalytic combustion. A special place is occupied by materials in the form of very thin films that reveal catalytic activity for various chemical reactions. In this review, we demonstrate the high catalytic activity of thin film catalysts in these oxidation reactions.
DMF as CO Surrogate in Carbonylation Reactions: Principles and Application to the Synthesis of Heterocycles
Authors: Panda Biswajit , Albano Gianluigi
Published: December 2021

Transition metal-catalyzed carbonylation reactions have emerged as one of the most relevant synthetic approaches for the preparation of carbonyl-containing molecules. The most commonly used protocol for the insertion of a carbonyl moiety is the use of carbon monoxide (CO) but, due to its toxic and explosive nature, this process is not suitable at an industrial scale. More recently, the chemistry of CO surrogates has received large attention as a way to use less expensive and more environmentally friendly methods. Among the various CO surrogates, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) has been paid greater attention due to its low cost and easy availability. This mini-review gives appealing insights into the application of DMF as a CO surrogate in metal-catalyzed carbonylations; in particular, in the first part we will give a general state of the art of these reactions for the preparation of carbonyl-containing molecules; then, we will take into account all the various synthetic approaches for the metal-catalyzed carbonylative synthesis of heterocycles using DMF as a CO surrogate. Each protocol has been discussed critically in order to screen the best synthetic method and to offer perspective on trends and future directions in this field.
Self-Supporting g-C3N4 Nanosheets/Ag Nanoparticles Embedded onto Polyester Fabric as “Dip-Catalyst” for Synergic 4-Nitrophenol Hydrogenation
Authors: Amedlous Abdallah , Majdoub Mohammed , Anfar Zakaria , Amaterz Elhassan
Published: December 2021

Herein, we report the design of a cost-effective catalyst with excellent recyclability, simple recuperation and facile recovery, and the examination between the reaction cycles via the development of self-supporting g-C3N4 nanosheets/Ag NPs polyester fabric (PES) using a simple, facile and efficient approach. PES fabrics were coated via a sono-coating method with carbon nitride nanosheets (GCNN) along with an in situ setting of Ag nanoparticles on PES coated GCNN surface producing PES-GCNN/Ag0. The elaborated textile-based materials were fully characterized using FTIR, 13C NMR, XRD, TGA, SEM, EDX, etc. Catalytic performance of the designed “Dip-Catalyst” demonstrated that the as-prepared PES-GCCN/Ag0 has effectively catalyzed the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) in the presence of NaBH4. The 3 × 3 cm2 PES-GCNN/Ag0 showed the best catalytic activity, displaying an apparent rate constant (Kapp) equal to 0.43 min−1 and more than 10 reusability cycles, suggesting that the prepared catalyst-based PES fabric can be a strong nominee for sustainable chemical catalysis. Moreover, the coated fabrics exhibited appreciable antibacterial capacity against Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The present study opens up new opportunities for the future design of a low cost and large-scale process of functional fabrics.
Functional Ex Vivo Testing of Alveolar Monocytes in Patients with Pneumonia-Related ARDS
Authors: Bendib Inès , Beldi-Ferchiou Asma , Schlemmer Frédéric , Maitre Bernard , Surenaud Mathieu , Hüe Sophie , Carteaux Guillaume , Razazi Keyvan , Lelièvre Jean-Daniel , Lévy Yves , Mekontso Dessap Armand , Godot Véronique , de Prost Nicolas
Published: December 2021

Biomarkers of disease severity might help with individualizing the management of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). During sepsis, a sustained decreased expression of the antigen-presenting molecule human leucocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) on circulating monocytes is used as a surrogate marker of immune failure. This study aimed at assessing whether HLA-DR expression on alveolar monocytes in the setting of a severe lung infection is associated with their functional alterations. BAL fluid and blood from immunocompetent patients with pneumonia-related ARDS admitted between 2016 and 2018 were isolated in a prospective monocentric study. Alveolar and blood monocytes were immunophenotyped using flow cytometry. Functional tests were performed on alveolar and blood monocytes after in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Phagocytosis activity and intracellular tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production were quantified using fluorochrome-conjugated-specific antibodies. Ten ARDS and seven non-ARDS control patients were included. Patients with pneumonia-related ARDS exhibited significantly lower HLA-DR expression both on circulating (p < 0.0001) and alveolar (p = 0.0002) monocytes. There was no statistically significant difference observed between patient groups (ARDS vs. non-ARDS) regarding both alveolar and blood monocytes phagocytosis activity. After LPS stimulation, alveolar (p = 0.027) and blood (p = 0.005) monocytes from pneumonia-related ARDS patients had a significantly lower intracellular TNF expression than non-ARDS patients. Monocytes from pneumonia-related ARDS patients have a deactivated status and an impaired TNF production capacity but display potent phagocytic activity. HLA-DR level expression should not be used as a surrogate marker of the phagocytic activity or the TNF production capacity of alveolar monocytes.
The Neuroprotective Effects of the CB2 Agonist GW842166x in the 6-OHDA Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Yu Hao , Liu Xiaojie , Chen Bixuan , Vickstrom Casey R. , Friedman Vladislav , Kelly Thomas J. , Bai Xiaowen , Zhao Li , Hillard Cecilia J. , Liu Qing-Song
Published: December 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder associated with dopamine neuron loss and motor dysfunction. Neuroprotective agents that prevent dopamine neuron death hold great promise for slowing the disease’s progression. The activation of cannabinoid (CB) receptors has shown neuroprotective effects in preclinical models of neurodegenerative disease, traumatic brain injury, and stroke, and may provide neuroprotection against PD. Here, we report that the selective CB2 agonist GW842166x exerted protective effects against the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced loss of dopamine neurons and its associated motor function deficits in mice, as shown by an improvement in balance beam walking, pole, grip strength, rotarod, and amphetamine-induced rotation tests. The neuroprotective effects of GW842166x were prevented by the CB2 receptor antagonist AM630, suggesting a CB2-dependent mechanism. To investigate potential mechanisms for the neuroprotective effects of GW842166x, we performed electrophysiological recordings from substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopamine neurons in ex vivo midbrain slices prepared from drug-naïve mice. We found that the bath application of GW842166x led to a decrease in action potential firing, likely due to a decrease in hyperpolarization-activated currents (Ih) and a shift of the half-activation potential (V1/2) of Ih to a more hyperpolarized level. Taken together, the CB2 agonist GW842166x may reduce the vulnerability of dopamine neurons to 6-OHDA by decreasing the action potential firing of these neurons and the associated calcium load.
New Insights in the Fight against HIV
Authors: Trabattoni Daria , Biasin Mara
Published: December 2021

Effective antiviral immune responses rely on the host’s genetic background and its interaction with the surrounding environment [...]
Microfluidic Characterization of Red Blood Cells Microcirculation under Oxidative Stress
Authors: Besedina Nadezhda A. , Skverchinskaya Elisaveta A. , Ivanov Alexander S. , Kotlyar Konstantin P. , Morozov Ivan A. , Filatov Nikita A. , Mindukshev Igor V. , Bukatin Anton S.
Published: December 2021

Microcirculation is one of the basic functional processes where the main gas exchange between red blood cells (RBCs) and surrounding tissues occurs. It is greatly influenced by the shape and deformability of RBCs, which can be affected by oxidative stress induced by different drugs and diseases leading to anemia. Here we investigated how in vitro microfluidic characterization of RBCs transit velocity in microcapillaries can indicate cells damage and its correlation with clinical hematological analysis. For this purpose, we compared an SU-8 mold with an Si-etched mold for fabrication of PDMS microfluidic devices and quantitatively figured out that oxidative stress induced by tert-Butyl hydroperoxide splits all RBCs into two subpopulations of normal and slow cells according to their transit velocity. Obtained results agree with the hematological analysis showing that such changes in RBCs velocities are due to violations of shape, volume, and increased heterogeneity of the cells. These data show that characterization of RBCs transport in microfluidic devices can directly reveal violations of microcirculation caused by oxidative stress. Therefore, it can be used for characterization of the ability of RBCs to move in microcapillaries, estimating possible side effects of cancer chemotherapy, and predicting the risk of anemia.
Adhesion GPCR GPR56 Expression Profiling in Human Tissues
Authors: Kaiser Fyn , Morawski Markus , Krohn Knut , Rayes Nada , Hsiao Cheng-Chih , Quaas Marianne , Aust Gabriela
Published: December 2021

Despite the immense functional relevance of GPR56 (gene ADGRG1) in highly diverse (patho)physiological processes such as tumorigenesis, immune regulation, and brain development, little is known about its exact tissue localization. Here, we validated antibodies for GPR56-specific binding using cells with tagged GPR56 or eliminated ADGRG1 in immunotechniques. Using the most suitable antibody, we then established the human GPR56 tissue expression profile. Overall, ADGRG1 RNA-sequencing data of human tissues and GPR56 protein expression correlate very well. In the adult brain especially, microglia are GPR56-positive. Outside the central nervous system, GPR56 is frequently expressed in cuboidal or highly prismatic secreting epithelia. High ADGRG1 mRNA, present in the thyroid, kidney, and placenta is related to elevated GPR56 in thyrocytes, kidney tubules, and the syncytiotrophoblast, respectively. GPR56 often appears in association with secreted proteins such as pepsinogen A in gastric chief cells and insulin in islet β-cells. In summary, GPR56 shows a broad, not cell-type restricted expression in humans.
Role of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation in Inflammatory Chronic Skin Diseases
Authors: Napolitano Maddalena , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Martora Fabrizio , Picone Vincenzo , Morelli Paola , Patruno Cataldo
Published: December 2021

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) is an evolutionary transcription factor which acts as a crucial sensor of different exogenous and endogenous molecules Recent data indicate that AhR is implicated in several physiological processes such as cell physiology, host defense, proliferation and differentiation of immune cells, and detoxification. Moreover, AhR involvement has been reported in the development and maintenance of several pathological conditions. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have accumulated highlighting the regulatory role of AhR in the physiology of the skin. However, there is evidence of both beneficial and harmful effects of AHR signaling. At present, most of the evidence concerns inflammatory skin diseases, in particular atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and hidradenitis suppurativa. This review exam-ines the role of AhR in skin homeostasis and the therapeutic implication of its pharmacological modulation in these cutaneous inflammatory diseases.
Comparative Investigation on Corrosion Resistance of Stainless Steels Coated with Titanium Nitride, Nitrogen Titanium Carbide and Titanium-Diamond-like Carbon Films
Authors: Lou Jia , Gao Zonglong , Zhang Jie , He Hao , Wang Xinming
Published: December 2021

In this study, the corrosion resistance of titanium nitride (TiN), nitrogen titanium carbide (TiCN) and titanium-diamond-like carbon (Ti-DLC) films deposited on 316L stainless steel (SS) were compared via differences in the surface and section-cross morphologies, open circuit potential tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiometric tests. The corrosion resistance of the TiCN and Ti-DLC films significantly improved because of the titanium carbide (TiC) crystals that obstruct the corrosive species penetrating the as-deposited film in the electrolyte atmosphere. TiN exhibited the lowest corrosion resistance because of its low thickness and high volume of defects. The Ti-DLC film showed the lowest corrosion current density (approximately 4.577 μA/cm2) and thickness reduction (approximately 0.12 μm) in different electrolytes, particularly those with high Cl− and H+ concentrations, proving to be the most suitable corrosion protection material for 316L SS substrates.
Influence of Anodized Titanium Surfaces on the Behavior of Gingival Cells in Contact with: A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies
Authors: Crenn Marie-Joséphine , Dubot Pierre , Mimran Elie , Fromentin Olivier , Lebon Nicolas , Peyre Patrice
Published: December 2021

Electrochemically anodized (EA) surfaces promise enhanced biological properties and may be a solution to ensure a seal between peri-implant soft tissues and dental transmucosal components. However, the interaction between the modified nano-structured surface and the gingival cells needs further investigation. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the biological response of gingival cells to EA titanium surfaces in in vitro studies with a score-based reliability assessment. A protocol aimed at answering the following focused question was developed: “How does the surface integrity (e.g., topography and chemistry) of EA titanium influence gingival cell response in in vitro studies?”. A search in three computer databases was performed using keywords. A quality assessment of the studies selected was performed using the SciRAP method. A total of 14 articles were selected from the 216 eligible papers. The mean reporting and the mean methodologic quality SciRAP scores were 87.7 ± 7.7/100 and 77.8 ± 7.8/100, respectively. Within the limitation of this review based on in vitro studies, it can be safely speculated that EA surfaces with optimal chemical and morphological characteristics enhance gingival fibroblast response compared to conventional titanium surfaces. When EA is combined with functionalization, it also positively influences gingival epithelial cell behavior.
Physics-Based Predictive Model of Lack-of-Fusion Porosity in Laser Powder Bed Fusion Considering Cap Area
Authors: Wang Wenjia , Liang Steven Y.
Published: December 2021

This work proposed a computationally efficient analytical modeling strategy to calculate the product porosity in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) induced by a lack-of-fusion defect, with the consideration of cap area in solidified molten pools, influence of powder bed characteristics on material properties, and un-melted powders in the lack-of-fusion portion. The powder packing pattern and powder bed void fraction were estimated by an advancing front method and the technique of image analysis. The effects of powder bed characteristics on the material properties were considered by analytical models with solid properties and powder bed void fraction as inputs. A physics-based thermal model was utilized to calculate the temperature distribution and molten pool size. The molten pool cross section in transvers direction was assumed to be dual half-elliptical. Based on this assumption and molten pool size, the geometry of the molten pool cross section with cap area was determined. The overlapping pattern of molten pools in adjacent scan tracks and layers was then obtained with given hatch space and layer thickness. The lack-of-fusion area fraction was obtained through image analysis of the overlapping pattern. The lack-of-fusion porosity was the multiplication of the lack-of-fusion area fraction and powder bed void fraction. The predictions of porosity under different process conditions were compared with experimental results of 316L stainless steel and showed a better predictive accuracy than the predictions that did not consider cap area. The proposed analytical modeling method has no numerical calculations, which ensures its low computational cost. Thus, the proposed model can be a convenient tool for the fast computation of lack-of-fusion-induced porosity and can help the quality control in LPBF.
Effect of Continuous Annealing Temperature on the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Texture of Annealed Drawn and Ironed Plate
Authors: Mo Zhiying , Chu Xiaohong , Gao Pengfei , Yang Dengcui , Cui Heng , Fang Yuan , Li Haixu , Yin Xiandong , Zhao Zhengzhi
Published: December 2021

To improve the production process and produce high-quality annealed drawn and ironed (DI) plate, continuous annealing experiments were carried out at 620 °C, 640 °C, 680 °C, and 720 °C, and the effect of continuous annealing temperature on the microstructure, mechanical characteristics, and texture of annealed DI plate were clarified. The microstructure was tested with a scanning electron microscope (SEM); the mechanical properties and weighted average of the plastic strain ratio (r¯) were measured using a tension test; and the texture characterizations were tested by X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The results reveal that, with the increase of the annealing temperature, the average grain size grew from 5.14 μm to 6.56 μm, the yield strength and tensile strength decreased, and the elongation increased. The rolling textures drastically reduced after annealing. When annealed at a lower temperature of 620 °C, the texture content of {111} <110> was the highest. When the annealing temperature increased to 640 °C, 680 °C and 720 °C, the texture content of {111} <112> was higher than that of {111} <110>. The mechanical properties of the DI plate that was annealed at 640 °C are the best, with a higher r¯ value and a lower planar anisotropy value.
Potassium Sulfate: A New Candidate to Explore Non-Photochemical Laser-Induced Nucleation Mechanisms
Authors: Briard Mélody , Brandel Clément , Morin-Grognet Sandrine , Coquerel Gérard , Dupray Valérie
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we report a study on the nucleation behavior of potassium sulfate (K2SO4) from aqueous solutions under the influence of unfocused nanosecond laser pulses. The objective is to contribute to the general understanding of the Non-Photochemical Laser-Induced Nucleation (NPLIN) mechanism. First, the influence of several parameters such as supersaturation as well as laser parameters (pulse energy, number of pulses, and laser polarization) on induction time, probability of nucleation and mean number of crystals in comparison with spontaneous nucleation was investigated. Then, we examined the influence of gas composition (i.e., degassing and gas bubbling (CO2 and N2)) of the supersaturated solutions on the NPLIN kinetics, showing no correlation between gas content (or nature) on the crystallization behavior. Our study questions the role of impurities within the solution regarding the mechanism of laser-induced nucleation.
Comparative Analysis of Apopellia endiviifolia Plastomes Reveals a Strikingly High Level of Differentiation between Its Terrestrial and Water Form
Authors: Sawicki Jakub , Krawczyk Katarzyna , Ślipiko Monika , Szandar Kamil , Szczecińska Monika
Published: December 2021

The simple thalloid liverwort Apopellia endiviifolia is a widespread Holarctic species belonging to the family Pelliaceae. European populations of this species comprise two distinct evolutionary lineages named “species A”, known also as water form, and typical, mainly terrestrial forms named “species B”. Newly sequenced, assembled and annotated chloroplast genomes of six European specimens belonging to the two cryptic lineages occupying different microhabitats, revealed the structure typical for liverworts and previously sequenced reference. The plastomes of A. endiviifolia are 120,537–120,947 bp long with a structure typical for most plants, including a pair of IR regions (each of 9,092–9,207 bp) separated by LSC (82,506–82,609 bp) and SSC (19,854–19,924 bp) regions and consist of 121 unique genes, including 81 protein-coding genes, 6 genes of unknown function (ycf genes), 4 ribosomal RNAs and 30 transfer RNAs. Comparative analysis of typical, terrestrial and water forms revealed 4971 molecular diagnostic characters (MDCs), which exceeds numbers found in many well recognized liverworts taxa. Moreover, beside the presence of evolutionary hotspots like ycf1 and ycf2 genes and several intergenic spacer like ndhB-psbM, rps4-ndhJ and ndhC-atpE, the molecular identification of Apopellia cryptic species was possible by almost 98% of 500 bp long frames simulating mini barcodes. The different ecological niches can be driven by different pressures of positive selection, which was detected in nine genes including ccsA, ndhD, ndhF, petA, psbB, psbC, rpoB, ycf1 and ycf2. Despite clearly genetic differences and ecological preferences, the current observation of morphological differentiation does not no allow to separate terrestrial and water forms into taxonomic species.
Expression of Immune Checkpoints in Malignant Tumors: Therapy Targets and Biomarkers for the Gastric Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Mansorunov Danzan , Apanovich Natalya , Apanovich Pavel , Kipkeeva Fatimat , Muzaffarova Tatyana , Kuzevanova Anna , Nikulin Maxim , Malikhova Olga , Karpukhin Alexander
Published: December 2021

To increase the effectiveness of anticancer therapy based on immune checkpoint (IC) inhibition, some ICs are being investigated in addition to those used in clinic. We reviewed data on the relationship between PD-L1, B7-H3, B7-H4, IDO1, Galectin-3 and -9, CEACAM1, CD155, Siglec-15 and ADAM17 expression with cancer development in complex with the results of clinical trials on their inhibition. Increased expression of the most studied ICs—PD-L1, B7-H3, and B7-H4—is associated with poor survival; their inhibition is clinically significant. Expression of IDO1, CD155, and ADAM17 is also associated with poor survival, including gastric cancer (GC). The available data indicate that CD155 and ADAM17 are promising targets for immune therapy. However, the clinical trials of anti-IDO1 antibodies have been unsatisfactory. Expression of Galectin-3 and -9, CEACAM1 and Siglec-15 demonstrates a contradictory relationship with patient survival. The lack of satisfactory results of these IC inhibitor clinical trials additionally indicates the complex nature of their functioning. In conclusion, in many cases it is important to analyze the expression of other participants of the immune response besides target IC. The PD-L1, B7-H3, B7-H4, IDO1 and ADAM17 may be considered as candidates for prognosis markers for GC patient survival.
Increased SERPINA3 Level Is Associated with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Zhang Jingwei , Wang Wei , Zhu Shenglong , Chen Yongquan
Published: December 2021

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a recurrent, chronic intestinal disease that is currently incurable. Its pathogenesis remains to be further understood. Therefore, seeking new biomarkers and potential drug targets is urgent for the effective treatment of UC. In this study, the gene expression profile GSE38713 was obtained from the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database. Data normalisation and screening of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were conducted using R software, and gene ontology (GO) enrichment was performed using Metascape online tools. The PubMed database was used to screen new genes that have not been reported, and SERPINA3 was selected. The correlation between SERPINA3 and other inflammatory factors was analysed by Spearman correlation analysis. Finally, colitis model mice and an in-vitro model were established to validate the function of the SERPINA3 gene. SERPINA3 gene expression was markedly increased in UC patient samples, colitis models and in-vitro models and showed an association with other inflammatory factors. ROC analysis indicated that SERPINA3 could represent a potential biomarker of active UC. Additionally, silencing SERPINA3 in an in-vitro intestinal epithelial inflammatory model significantly decreased the mRNA level of inflammatory factors. This study provides supportive evidence that SERPINA3 may act as a key biomarker and potential drug target in UC treatment.
Inequalities for Jensen–Sharma–Mittal and Jeffreys–Sharma–Mittal Type f–Divergences
Authors: Kluza Paweł A.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we introduce new divergences called Jensen–Sharma–Mittal and Jeffreys–Sharma–Mittal in relation to convex functions. Some theorems, which give the lower and upper bounds for two new introduced divergences, are provided. The obtained results imply some new inequalities corresponding to known divergences. Some examples, which show that these are the generalizations of Rényi, Tsallis, and Kullback–Leibler types of divergences, are provided in order to show a few applications of new divergences.
Increase of Agribusiness in the Brazilian Amazon: Development or Inequality?
Authors: Oliveira Rosana Cavalcante de , de Souza e Silva Rogério Diogne
Published: December 2021

The growing global demand for soybean production combined with its increased market value could result in a new supercycle for this commodity. For Brazilian agribusiness, there has been an opportunity to increase exports, particularly in soybean production, in recent years, and therefore, soybean production has been expanding more and more across the states of the Brazilian Amazon. Soybean is the most important grain crop among temporary crops in the Brazilian Amazon; in 2019, it reached a value of USD 21.78 billion, using a planted area of 124,947 km2 (about 55% of the planted area). At the same time, overall deforestation increased significantly in recent years: 10,897 km2 in 2019 and 9811 km² in 2020. To study these changes, economic, social, and environmental sustainability indicators were identified and analyzed using a regression model, and changes in the main economic and socio-environmental indicators were observed that identified a strong positive correlation between agricultural GHG emissions and soybean-planted area. The impact on the local population was also analyzed between the years 2000 and 2019, and there was a mismatch between the population growth rate and the growth rate of the harvested area, which resulted in the displacement of the populations to the cities, and identified a strong positive correlation between the unemployment rate for young people and the soybean-planted area. In this context, this paper presents an analysis of the correlation between soy expansion and the main economic indicators and socioenvironmental impacts in the Brazilian Amazon.
Fostering Performance in Hands-On Laboratory Work with the Use of Mobile Augmented Reality (AR) Glasses
Authors: Södervik Ilona , Katajavuori Nina , Kapp Karmen , Laurén Patrick , Aejmelaeus Monica , Sivén Mia
Published: December 2021

The learning of laboratory skills is essential in science education, but students often get too little individual guidance in this area. Augmented reality (AR) technologies are a promising tool to tackle this challenge and promote students’ high-level learning and performance in science laboratories. Thus, the purpose of this study was (1) to design an AR-assisted learning environment to support individual knowledge construction, (2) to investigate students’ learning processes and learning outcomes and (3) to examine the usability of the system. Pharmacy students (n = 16) were assigned to experimental (n = 10) and control (n = 6) groups and performed the same laboratory work together with pre- and post-tests. The experimental group worked with AR glasses that provided additional support and timely guidance during the work with additional info-screens, questions related to choosing correct reagents and laboratory tools and think-aloud questions, whereas the control group worked in a traditional laboratory context. The results showed that AR was more effective in fostering performance in the science laboratory compared to traditional laboratory instruction and prevented most of the mistakes. The AR group considered the guidance and feedback provided by AR to be beneficial for their learning. However, no apparent differences were found in tasks measuring students’ understanding of the content knowledge. Thus, an AR environment embedded with supportive tools could partly replace the teacher in science teaching laboratories by providing individual and timely guidance for the students.
Overview of Machine Learning Methods for Lithium-Ion Battery Remaining Useful Lifetime Prediction
Authors: Jin Siyu , Sui Xin , Huang Xinrong , Wang Shunli , Teodorescu Remus , Stroe Daniel-Ioan
Published: December 2021

Lithium-ion batteries play an indispensable role, from portable electronic devices to electric vehicles and home storage systems. Even though they are characterized by superior performance than most other storage technologies, their lifetime is not unlimited and has to be predicted to ensure the economic viability of the battery application. Furthermore, to ensure the optimal battery system operation, the remaining useful lifetime (RUL) prediction has become an essential feature of modern battery management systems (BMSs). Thus, the prediction of RUL of Lithium-ion batteries has become a hot topic for both industry and academia. The purpose of this work is to review, classify, and compare different machine learning (ML)-based methods for the prediction of the RUL of Lithium-ion batteries. First, this article summarizes and classifies various Lithium-ion battery RUL estimation methods that have been proposed in recent years. Secondly, an innovative method was selected for evaluation and compared in terms of accuracy and complexity. DNN is more suitable for RUL prediction due to its strong independent learning ability and generalization ability. In addition, the challenges and prospects of BMS and RUL prediction research are also put forward. Finally, the development of various methods is summarized.
Numerical Model of Current Flow and Thermal Phenomena in Lateral GaN/InGaN LEDs
Authors: Lisik Zbigniew , Raj Ewa , Podgórski Jacek
Published: December 2021

GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) became one of the most widely used light sources. One of their key factors is power conversion efficiency; hence, a lot of effort is placed on research to improve this parameter, either experimentally or numerically. Standard approaches involve device-oriented or system-oriented methods. Combining them is possible only with the aid of compact, lumped parameter models. In the paper, we present a new electro-thermal model that covers all the complex opto-electro-thermal phenomena occurring within the operating LED. It is a simple and low computational cost solution that can be integrated with package- or system-oriented numerical analysis. It allows a parametric analysis of the diode structure and properties under steady-state operating conditions. Its usefulness has been proved by conducting simulations of a sample lateral GaN/InGaN LED with the aid of ANSYS software. The results presented illustrate the current density and temperature fields. They allow the identification of ‘hot spots’ resulting from the current crowding effect and can be used to optimise the structure.