bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dusky-like Is Critical for Morphogenesis of the Cellular Protuberances and Formation of the Cuticle in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata
Authors: Zhang Yuxing , Tan Qiao , Lin Mengjiao , Shen Chenhui , Jin Lin , Li Guoqing
Published: June 2023

Dusky-like (Dyl) is a transmembrane protein containing a zona pellucida domain. Its physiological roles during metamorphosis have been well explored in Drosophila melanogaster and have also been documented in Tribolium castaneum. However, Dyl has undergone a functional shift between Diptera and Coleoptera insects. Further investigation of Dyl in other insects will be helpful to further clarify its function in insect growth and development. Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is an important Coleoptera that causes enormous economic losses in agriculture in China. In this study, we found that the expression of Hvdyl was detectable in embryos, larvae, prepupae, pupae, and adults. We knocked down Hvdyl in third- and fourth-instar larvae and pupae with RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi of Hvdyl mainly caused two phenotypic defects. Firstly, the growth of epidermal cellular protuberances was suppressed. Injection of dsdyl (double-stranded dusky-like RNA) at the third-instar larval stage truncated the scoli throughout the thorax and abdomen and shortened the setae on the head capsules and mouthparts of the fourth-instar larvae. Introduction of dsdyl at the third- and fourth-instar stages led to misshapen pupal setae. The setae were shortened or became black nodules. Treatment with dsdyl at the larval and pupal stages resulted in deformed adults with completely suppressed wing hairs. Moreover, the knockdown of Hvdyl at the third-instar stage caused deformed larval mouthparts at the fourth-instar period. As a result, foliage consumption was inhibited, and larval growth was slowed. The results indicate that Dyl is associated with the growth of cellular protuberances throughout development and with the formation of the cuticle in H. vigintioctopunctata.
Cell-Type-Specific Neuroproteomics of Synapses
Authors: Yim Yun Young , Nestler Eric J.
Published: June 2023

In the last two decades, our knowledge of synaptic proteomes and their relationship to normal brain function and neuropsychiatric disorders has been expanding rapidly through the use of more powerful neuroproteomic approaches. However, mass spectrometry (MS)-based neuroproteomic studies of synapses still require cell-type, spatial, and temporal proteome information. With the advancement of sample preparation and MS techniques, we have just begun to identify and understand proteomes within a given cell type, subcellular compartment, and cell-type-specific synapse. Here, we review the progress and limitations of MS-based neuroproteomics of synapses in the mammalian CNS and highlight the recent applications of these approaches in studying neuropsychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder and substance use disorders. Combining neuroproteomic findings with other omics studies can generate an in-depth, comprehensive map of synaptic proteomes and possibly identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for several central nervous system disorders.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea in Children: A Future Perspective Is Needed
Authors: Solano-Pérez Esther , Coso Carlota , Castillo-García María , Romero-Peralta Sofía , Lopez-Monzoni Sonia , Laviña Eduardo , Cano-Pumarega Irene , Sánchez-de-la-Torre Manuel , García-Río Francisco , Mediano Olga
Published: June 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children is a prevalent, but still, today, underdiagnosed illness, which consists of repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep with important repercussions for sleep quality. OSA has relevant consequences in the pediatric population, mainly in the metabolic, cardiovascular (CV), and neurological spheres. However, contrary to adults, advances in diagnostic and therapeutic management have been scarce in the last few years despite the increasing scientific evidence of the deleterious consequences of pediatric OSA. The problem of underdiagnosis and the lack of response to treatment in some groups make an update to the management of OSA in children necessary. Probably, the heterogeneity of OSA is not well represented by the classical clinical presentation and severity parameters (apnea/hypopnea index (AHI)), and new strategies are required. A specific and consensus definition should be established. Additionally, the role of simplified methods in the diagnosis algorithm should be considered. Finally, the search for new biomarkers for risk stratification is needed in this population. In conclusion, new paradigms based on personalized medicine should be implemented in this population.
Arsenic Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Autophagy of Tumor Cells in Pleural Effusion of Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Expressing EGFR with or without Mutations via PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Mao Jianhua , Shi Xiaoqian , Hua Li , Yang Menghang , Shen Yan , Ruan Zheng , Li Bing , Xi Xiaodong
Published: June 2023

To clarify whether arsenic could exert inhibitory effects on tumor cells in pleural effusions of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 36 NSCLC pleural effusion samples were collected from Changzheng Hospital and Ruijin Hospital, from 2019 to 2022. The genotype of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was identified. Tumor cells were isolated and treated with arsenic trioxide (ATO) or/and gefitinib. Additionally, six patients were intrapleurally administrated with ATO. Results showed that 25 samples bore EGFR wild type (WT) and 11 harbored EGFR mutations, including 6 with L858R, 3 with ΔE746-A750, and 2 with T790M. ATO diminished the number of tumor cells from patients with WT and mutant EGFR, down-regulated the expression or phosphorylation of EGFR, pmTOR, PI3K, PTEN, and p4E-BP1, and up-regulated the expression of LC3. Immunofluorescent experiments showed that ATO enhanced LC3 and P62. By contrast, gefitinib was only effective in those harboring EGFR sensitizing mutations. Notably, in patients with intrapleural ATO injection, the pleural effusion underwent a bloody to pale yellow color change, the volume of the pleural effusion was reduced, and the number of the tumor cells was significantly reduced. In conclusion, arsenic is effective against NSCLC with various EGFR genotypes in vitro and in vivo, and potentially circumvents gefitinib resistance.
Long Noncoding RNA AC078850.1 Induces NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Pyroptosis in Atherosclerosis by Upregulating ITGB2 Transcription via Transcription Factor HIF-1α
Authors: Tian Yu , Luo Qiqi , Huang Kun , Sun Tingting , Luo Shanshun
Published: June 2023

As a chronic progressive inflammatory disease, atherosclerosis constitutes a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, with high mortality and morbidity worldwide. The effect of lncRNA AC078850.1 in atherosclerosis is unknown; this study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of the lncRNA AC078850.1/HIF-1α complex in atherosclerosis. Initially, we identified the lncRNA AC078850.1 associated with atherosclerosis using multiple bioinformatic methods, finding that the level of lncRNA AC078850.1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was positively related to the severity of carotid atherosclerosis. LncRNA AC078850.1 was upregulated, and found to be predominately localized in the nucleus of THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells. Both the knockdown of lncRNA AC078850.1 and the transcription factor HIF-1α can each markedly suppress ITGB2 gene transcription, ROS production, NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1β/18 release, lipid accumulation, and pyroptotic cell death in ox-LDL-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages. Additionally, the downregulation of HIF-1α attenuated the positive effects of lncRNA AC078850.1 on pyroptosis and foam cell formation. In addition, the knockdown of lncRNA AC078850.1 suppressed HIF-1α-aggravated macrophages pyroptosis and foam cell formation. Meanwhile, inhibition of ITGB2 gene expression ameliorated HIF-1α-aggravated ROS generation in THP-1-derived macrophages. Taken together, our study demonstrated that lncRNA AC078850.1 was involved in the regulation of ITGB2 gene transcription by binding to the HIF-1α and lncRNA AC078850.1/HIF-1α complex, promoting both NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and foam cell formation through the ROS-dependent pathway in cases of atherosclerosis.
The Immunomodulatory Role of Cell-Free Approaches in SARS-CoV-2-Induced Cytokine Storm—A Powerful Therapeutic Tool for COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Csobonyeiova Maria , Smolinska Veronika , Harsanyi Stefan , Ivantysyn Michal , Klein Martin
Published: June 2023

Currently, there is still no effective and definitive cure for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the infection of the novel highly contagious severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2), whose sudden outbreak was recorded for the first time in China in late December 2019. Soon after, COVID-19 affected not only the vast majority of China’s population but the whole world and caused a global health public crisis as a new pandemic. It is well known that viral infection can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and, in severe cases, can even be lethal. Behind the inflammatory process lies the so-called cytokine storm (CS), which activates various inflammatory cytokines that damage numerous organ tissues. Since the first outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, various research groups have been intensively trying to investigate the best treatment options; however, only limited outcomes have been achieved. One of the most promising strategies represents using either stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)/induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), or, more recently, using cell-free approaches involving conditioned media (CMs) and their content, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) (e.g., exosomes or miRNAs) derived from stem cells. As key mediators of intracellular communication, exosomes carry a cocktail of different molecules with anti-inflammatory effects and immunomodulatory capacity. Our comprehensive review outlines the complex inflammatory process responsible for the CS, summarizes the present results of cell-free-based pre-clinical and clinical studies for COVID-19 treatment, and discusses their future perspectives for therapeutic applications.
Label-Free Electrochemical Aptasensor Based on the Vertically-Aligned Mesoporous Silica Films for Determination of Aflatoxin B1
Authors: Zhang Tongtong , Xu Shuai , Lin Xingyu , Liu Jiyang , Wang Kai
Published: June 2023

Herein we report a highly specific electrochemical aptasenseor for AFB1 determination based on AFB1-controlled diffusion of redox probe (Ru(NH3)63+) through nanochannels of AFB1-specific aptamer functionalized VMSF. A high density of silanol groups on the inner surface confers VMSF with cationic permselectivity, enabling electrostatic preconcentration of Ru(NH3)63+ and producing amplified electrochemical signals. Upon the addition of AFB1, the specific interaction between the aptamer and AFB1 occurs and generates steric hindrance effect on the access of Ru(NH3)63+, finally resulting in the reduced electrochemical responses and allowing the quantitative determination of AFB1. The proposed electrochemical aptasensor shows excellent detection performance in the range of 3 pg/mL to 3 μg/mL with a low detection limit of 2.3 pg/mL for AFB1 detection. Practical analysis of AFB1 in peanut and corn samples is also accomplished with satisfactory results by our fabricated electrochemical aptasensor.
Personality-Based Emotion Recognition Using EEG Signals with a CNN-LSTM Network
Authors: Hosseini Mohammad Saleh Khajeh , Firoozabadi Seyed Mohammad , Badie Kambiz , Azadfallah Parviz
Published: June 2023

The accurate detection of emotions has significant implications in healthcare, psychology, and human–computer interaction. Integrating personality information into emotion recognition can enhance its utility in various applications. The present study introduces a novel deep learning approach to emotion recognition, which utilizes electroencephalography (EEG) signals and the Big Five personality traits. The study recruited 60 participants and recorded their EEG data while they viewed unique sequence stimuli designed to effectively capture the dynamic nature of human emotions and personality traits. A pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN) was used to extract emotion-related features from the raw EEG data. Additionally, a long short-term memory (LSTM) network was used to extract features related to the Big Five personality traits. The network was able to accurately predict personality traits from EEG data. The extracted features were subsequently used in a novel network to predict emotional states within the arousal and valence dimensions. The experimental results showed that the proposed classifier outperformed common classifiers, with a high accuracy of 93.97%. The findings suggest that incorporating personality traits as features in the designed network, for emotion recognition, leads to higher accuracy, highlighting the significance of examining these traits in the analysis of emotions.
Occupational Psychosocial Risks and Quality of Professional Life in Service Sector Workers with Sensory Processing Sensitivity
Authors: Chacón Antonio , Avargues-Navarro María Luisa , Pérez-Chacón Manuela , Borda-Mas Mercedes
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to analyze the role of sensory processing sensitivity in the perception of stress under certain working conditions and its relationship with indicators of quality of professional life, in service sector workers. The participants (n = 3180) completed the Spanish versions of HSPS-S, CoPSoQ and ProQoL. The results show that exposure to certain working conditions represents a risk to the quality of professional life in workers of different fields, such as education, healthcare, hospitality and administration/management. The presence of high sensitivity is associated with poorer quality of professional life, specifically burnout and compassion fatigue. This study demonstrates the need to develop prevention programs aimed at managing stress by improving the working conditions, in order to adequately address sensory processing sensitivity and, consequently, promote the quality of professional life of service sector workers who present high sensitivity.
The Relationship between Stress Perception and Problematic Social Network Use among Chinese College Students: The Mediating Role of the Fear of Missing Out
Authors: Fu Wangqian , Li Rui , Liang Yuqian
Published: June 2023

Based on the interaction of person-affect-cognition-execution model, this study examined the association between stress perception and problematic social network use among Chinese college students and explored the mediating effect of the fear of missing out (FoMO) on the relationship between stress perception and problematic social network use. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 554 students from nine universities in China. We found that stress perception was significantly positively correlated with problematic social network use and FoMO (r = 0.38, 0.46; p < 0.001), and FoMO was significantly positively correlated with problematic social network use (r = 0.45, p < 0.001). FoMO mediated the relationship between stress perception and problematic social network use. Conclusion: Stress perception has a negative impact on college students’ problematic social network use via the mediating effect of FoMO. Practical implications that reveal the college students’ problematic social network use were discussed as well.
The Sexual Self as a Function of Relationship Status in an Emerging Adult Sample
Authors: Rye B. J.
Published: June 2023

A sample of emerging adult university students completed a survey with the goal of investigating components of “the sexual self” and how these constructs were influenced by romantic relationship status. Three general aspects of the sexual self were considered: sexual self-concept, comfort with sexuality, and past sexual behavior. Sexual self-concept was defined as composed of constructs such as sexual self-schema, self-efficacy, consciousness, optimism, problem self-blame, power/other control, and motivation to avoid risky sex. Sexual comfort, conceptualized as a personality disposition of erotophobia–erotophilia, was assessed using three instruments. This included the Sexual Opinion Survey, the original individual difference measure of erotophobia–erotophilia. Past sexual behavior was assessed with the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory. Findings suggested that individuals in a relationship had more positive sexual self-concepts and were more erotophilic and comfortable with sexuality generally. These differences were modest, based on effect size statistics. Past sexual experience also differed, contingent on relationship status. Some sexual self-concept scales were predictive of sexual satisfaction, while comfort with sexuality was predictive of relational satisfaction. Romantic relationships may have important implications for sexual selfhood, but this is a tentative suggestion, as this was a correlational study and the relationships are likely bidirectional.
Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Environment Assessment of Scottish Homes with Different Building Fabrics
Authors: Moreno-Rangel Alejandro , Sharpe Tim , McGill Gráinne , Musau Filbert
Published: June 2023

The ongoing climate change and policies around it are changing how we design and build homes to meet national carbon emission targets. Some countries such as Scotland are adopting higher-energy-efficient buildings as minimum requirements in the building regulations. While net zero homes might be more energy-efficient and emit fewer operational carbon emissions, we have yet to fully understand the influence on the indoor environment, particularly on indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort. This study compares the IAQ of three homes in Scotland with equal internal layouts and designs but different building fabrics. The homes represent the minimum Scottish building regulations (2015), the Passivhaus standard and the Scottish ‘Gold Standard’. Temperature, relative humidity, PM2.5 and total volatile organic compounds (tVOC) were measured at five-minute intervals for seven months and compared to occupants’ subjective responses to the IAQ. All three homes had temperatures above the recommended thresholds for overheating. Measured hygrothermal conditions were within the ideal range 66.4% of the time in the Passivhaus, 56.4% in the Gold Standard home and 62.7% in the control home. Measured IAQ was better in homes with higher energy efficiency, particularly tVOC. For instance, indoor PM2.5 in the Passivhaus were 78.0% of the time below the threshold, while in the standard home the figure was 51.5%, with a weak correlation with outdoor PM2.5 (Passivhaus: B rs = 0.167, K rs = 0.306 and L rs = 0.163 (p < 0.001); Gold: B rs = −0.157, K rs = 0.322 and L rs = 0.340 (p < 0.001); Control: B rs = −0.111, K rs = 0.235 and L rs = 0.235 (p < 0.001)). TVOCs in the Passivhaus were 81.3%, while in the control home they were 55.0%. While the results cannot be generalised, due to the small sample, this study has significant policy implications, particularly in Scotland, exhibiting the importance of IAQ in current building legislation and sustainable assessment methods.
Numerical Analysis on Effects of Soil Improvement on Pile Forces on Existing High-Rise Building
Authors: Tipsunavee Thanapon , Arangjelovski Goran , Jongpradist Pornkasem
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, seismic codes are regularly updated with new knowledge and a better understanding of the earthquake phenomenon. With these updates, existing buildings require a reevaluation of their stability and a process of reinforcement and/or retrofitting. This study investigated the effects of two types of ground improvement which use cement-mixing soil surrounding the foundation structure to reduce and redistribute forces acting on piles. This is especially important when the reevaluation of high-rise buildings leads to increased forces in the piles. Typically, buildings are designed while assuming fixed base boundary conditions at the foundation level, without considering soil–pile–structure interaction (SPSI). SPSI significantly influences the response of high-rise buildings supported by soft soil. Increasing the lateral resistance of the surrounding soil can reduce the influence of SPSI. In this study, a detailed dynamic numerical analysis was used to investigate the dynamic response of an SPSI system of a high-rise building under seismic load. A dynamic analysis was conducted on a modified layout of a real building, using real-time earthquake motion. The finite element program DIANA FEA was used to perform nonlinear 3D FEM numerical simulations, taking into account the essential SPSI phenomena, gap-slip between the piles and the soil, and free-field boundary conditions. A comparison of the data suggests that the bending moment and shear forces in the piles are reduced in magnitude and evenly distributed along the upper part of the pile, which reduces the stress concentration of the bending moment and shear forces at the contact between the piles and the pile cap.
The Effect of Electric Arc Furnace Dust (EAFD) on Improving Characteristics of Conventional Concrete
Authors: Saeb Sajjad , Capitán José A. , Cobo Alfonso
Published: June 2023

The steel industry is one of the key industries and its use is inevitable in many industries including construction. In addition to steel, this industry produces massive amounts of electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) that is classified as hazardous waste. Using this material as an admixture can improve the characteristics of concrete, neutralize potential risks and be beneficial to the circular economy. Considering the differences in EAFD between different steel companies, which in turn is caused by the type and percentage of input materials, the optimal percentage and specific application of EAFD from steel companies of each region is unique. In the present study, samples from 11 different sources of EAFD in Khuzestan Steel Company (KSC) were collected. Then, they were classified into three groups depending on the size and origin (fine and coarse, both obtained by filtering those particle sizes directly from furnaces, and a third class obtained in the interior of the steelmaking site close to material handling (MH) belt conveyors) based on their physical and chemical characteristics. To test the effect of EADF as an admixture, several conventional concrete samples were prepared by replacing 0% (control), 2%, 5% and 8% of cement with each EAFD group. Finally, the resulting material was characterized through several tests, namely: (i) compressive strength test at 7, 28 and 90 days, (ii) depth of water penetration under pressure test and (iii) electrical indication of concrete’s ability to resist chloride ion penetration. The result shows that replacing 2% of the cement with MH caused the largest improvement in compressive strength of 7 day concrete, but also showed negative effect on water penetration, while coarse had a negative effect in almost all tests except in the chloride ion penetration test. The best results were obtained by replacing with 2% of cement with fine EAFD, showing significant improvements in all tests, as well as in the observed trend of increasing compressive strength over time.
Progressive-Collapse Mechanism of Suspended-Dome Structures Subjected to Sudden Cable Rupture
Authors: Xu Zhenyu , Yan Shen
Published: June 2023

This article proposes an progressive-collapse mechanism for suspended-dome structures subjected to cable rupture, based on experimental and finite element results. The anti-collapse mechanism can be succinctly described as a node-buckling mechanism: the potential for node buckling in a local arch-like spatial grid centered on unsupported node directly determines whether progressive collapse will occur in the overall structure. Subsequently, based on this anti-collapse mechanism, a node-buckling model is further proposed, and the factors affecting the anti-collapse bearing capacity of suspended domes are quantitatively expressed through the construction of a resistance index, which can be used to judge the sensitivity of hoop cables. Further, using Ribbed and Lamella suspended domes as examples, extensive calculations demonstrate the applicability and accuracy of the node-buckling model and resistance index to other types of suspended domes. Finally, the resistance index is used to analyze two important but easily overlooked factors that affect the anti-collapse bearing capacity of suspended domes. Initial geometric imperfections result in a rise–span ratio too small for the local arch-like spatial grid, while the lack of lateral stiffness at the supports will weaken the axial stiffness of the outermost radial or diagonal members. Both of these factors significantly reduce the stability of the local arch-like spatial grid, making it more likely to trigger progressive collapse in suspended-dome structures.
Prognostic Value of Chromatin Structure Typing in Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Mao Luning , Wu Jianghua , Zhang Zhongjie , Mao Lijun , Dong Yuejin , He Zufeng , Wang Haiyue , Chi Kaiwen , Jiang Yumeng , Lin Dongmei
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: Chromatin structure typing has been used for prognostic risk stratification among cancer survivors. This study aimed to ascertain the prognostic values of ploidy, nucleotyping, and tumor–stroma ratio (TSR) in predicting disease progression for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to explore whether patients with different nucleotyping profiles can benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. (2) Methods: DNA ploidy, nucleotyping, and TSR were measured by chromatin structure typing analysis (Matrix Analyser, Room4, Kent, UK). Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to assess the relationships of DNA ploidy, nucleotyping, and TSR with a 5-year disease-free survival (DFS). (3) Results: among 154 early-stage NSCLC patients, 102 were non-diploid, 40 had chromatin heterogeneity, and 126 had a low stroma fraction, respectively. Univariable analysis suggested that non-diploidy was associated with a significantly lower 5-year DFS rate. After combining DNA ploidy and nucleotyping for risk stratification and adjusting for potential confounders, the DNA ploidy and nucleotyping (PN) high-risk group and PN medium-risk group had a 4- (95% CI: 1.497–8.754) and 3-fold (95% CI: 1.196–6.380) increase in the risk of disease progression or mortality within 5 years of follow-up, respectively, compared to the PN low-risk group. In PN high-risk patients, adjuvant therapy was associated with a significantly improved 5-year DFS (HR = 0.214, 95% CI: 0.048–0.957, p = 0.027). (4) Conclusions: the non-diploid DNA status and the combination of ploidy and nucleotyping can be useful prognostic indicators to predict long-term outcomes in early-stage NSCLC patients. Additionally, NSCLC patients with non-diploidy and chromatin homogenous status may benefit from adjuvant therapy.
The Promotional Effect of Rare Earth on Pt for Ethanol Electro-Oxidation and Its Application on DEFC
Authors: Nunes Alécio Rodrigues , Linares José J. , Crisafulli Rudy , Zignani Sabrina C. , Colmati Flávio
Published: June 2023

Bimetallic Pt3Eu/C, Pt3La/C, and Pt3Ce/C electrocatalysts have been prepared, characterized, and tested for ethanol electro-oxidation (EEO). The materials were synthesized by chemical reduction with NaBH4, rendering nanosized particles with actual compositions close to the nominals and no alloy formation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that the auxiliary rare-earth metals were present on the surface in oxide form. The electrochemical analyses in acid and alkaline EEO evidenced that, compared to Pt/C, the addition of rare earth metals in the form of oxides reduced the onset potential, increased the current density, and enhanced the stability. The results were fully confirmed in the DEFC single-cell measurements. Finally, the presence of rare earth metals in the oxidized form increased the percentage of acetic acid as the final product, making the electrocatalysts more selective and efficient than Pt/C, where acetaldehyde was the main product.
Effect of Molecular Structure of C10 Hydrocarbons on Production of Light Olefins in Catalytic Cracking
Authors: Du Lingyin , Han Yueyang , Xu Youhao
Published: June 2023

The effect of the molecular structure of feedstock on the cracking reaction of C10 hydrocarbons to ethylene and propylene over H-ZSM-5 zeolite was investigated. To better compare the effect of decane on the production of light olefins, the thermal cracking and catalytic cracking performance of decane were first investigated. As a comparison, the thermal cracking and catalytic cracking of decane were studied by cracking over quartz sand and H-ZSM-5. Compared with the thermal cracking reaction over quartz sand, the catalytic cracking reaction of decane over H-ZSM-5 has a significantly higher conversion and light olefins selectivity, especially when the reaction temperature was lower than 600 °C. On this basis, the catalytic cracking reactions of decane and decene over H-ZSM-5 were further compared. It was found that decene with a double bond structure had high reactivity over H-ZSM-5 and was almost completely converted, and the product was mainly olefin. Compared with decane as feedstock, it has a lower methane yield and higher selectivity of light olefins. Therefore, decene was more suitable for the production of light olefins than decane. To this end, we designed a new light olefin production process. Through olefin cracking, the yield of light olefins in the product can be effectively improved, and the proportion of different light olefins such as ethylene, propylene and butene can be flexibly adjusted.
Deficiency of the Tmem232 Gene Causes Male Infertility with Morphological Abnormalities of the Sperm Flagellum in Mice
Authors: He Xiuqing , Mu Wenyu , Wang Ziqi , Xu Ke , Yin Yingying , Lu Gang , Chan Wai-Yee , Liu Hongbin , Lv Yue , Liu Shangming
Published: June 2023

The axoneme and accessory structures of flagella are critical for sperm motility and male fertilization. Sperm production needs precise and highly ordered gene expression to initiate and sustain the many cellular processes that result in mature spermatozoa. Here, we identified a testis enriched gene transmembrane protein 232 (Tmem232), which is essential for the structural integrity of the spermatozoa flagella axoneme. Tmem232 knockout mice were generated for in vivo analyses of its functions in spermatogenesis. Phenotypic analysis showed that deletion of Tmem232 in mice causes male-specific infertility. Transmission electron microscopy together with scanning electron microscopy were applied to analyze the spermatozoa flagella and it was observed that the lack of TMEM232 caused failure of the cytoplasm removal and the absence of the 7th outer microtubule doublet with its corresponding outer dense fiber (ODF). Co-IP assays further identified that TMEM232 interacts with ODF family protein ODF1, which is essential to maintain sperm motility. In conclusion, our findings indicate that TMEM232 is a critical protein for male fertility and sperm motility by regulating sperm cytoplasm removal and maintaining axoneme integrity.
Is Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Caused by Ultraviolet Radiation? A Comparison of UV Mutational Signatures in Malignant Melanoma and Mycosis Fungoides
Authors: Gniadecki Robert , O’Keefe Sandra , Hennessey Dylan , Iyer Aishwarya
Published: June 2023

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a strong environmental carcinogen responsible for the pathogenesis of most skin cancers, including malignant melanoma (MM) and non-melanoma (keratinocyte) skin cancers. The carcinogenic role of UV was firmly established based on epidemiological evidence and molecular findings of the characteristic mutation signatures which occur during the excision repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and 6,4-photoproducts. The role of UV in the pathogenesis of mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common type of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, remains controversial. Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing of 61 samples of MF cells microdissected from cutaneous lesions, and compared their mutational signatures to 340 MMs. The vast majority of MM mutations had a typical UV mutational signature (SBS 7, SBS 38, or DSB 1), underscoring the key role of ultraviolet as a mutagen. In contrast, the SBS 7 signature in MF comprised < 5% of all mutations. SBS 7 was higher in the intraepidermal MF cells (when compared to the dermal cells) and in the cells from tumors as compared to that in early-stage plaques. In conclusion, our data do not support the pathogenic role of UV in the pathogenesis of MF and suggest that the UV mutations are the result of the cumulative environmental ultraviolet exposure of cutaneous lesions rather than an early mutagenic event.
A Novel Small NPC1 Promoter Enhances AAV-Mediated Gene Therapy in Mouse Models of Niemann–Pick Type C1 Disease
Authors: Hughes Michael Paul , Nelvagal Hemanth Ramesh , Coombe-Tennant Oliver , Smith Dave , Smith Claire , Massaro Giulia , Poupon-Bejuit Laura , Platt Frances Mary , Rahim Ahad Abdul
Published: June 2023

Niemann–Pick disease type C1 (NP-C) is a prematurely lethal genetic lysosomal storage disorder with neurological and visceral pathology resulting from mutations in the NPC1 gene encoding the lysosomal transmembrane protein NPC1. There is currently no cure for NP-C, and the only disease modifying treatment, miglustat, slows disease progression but does not significantly attenuate neurological symptoms. AAV-mediated gene therapy is an attractive option for NP-C, but due to the large size of the human NPC1 gene, there may be packaging and truncation issues during vector manufacturing. One option is to reduce the size of DNA regulatory elements that are essential for gene expression, such as the promoter sequence. Here, we describe a novel small truncated endogenous NPC1 promoter that leads to high gene expression both in vitro and in vivo and compare its efficacy to other commonly used promoters. Following neonatal intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection into the CNS, this novel promoter provided optimal therapeutic efficacy compared to all other promoters including increased survival, improved behavioural phenotypes, and attenuated neuropathology in mouse models of NP-C. Taken together, we propose that this novel promoter can be extremely efficient in designing an optimised AAV9 vector for gene therapy for NP-C.
Ez-Metastasizing: The Crucial Roles of Ezrin in Metastasis
Authors: Buenaventura Rand Gabriel M. , Merlino Glenn , Yu Yanlin
Published: June 2023

Ezrin is the cytoskeletal organizer and functions in the modulation of membrane–cytoskeleton interaction, maintenance of cell shape and structure, and regulation of cell–cell adhesion and movement, as well as cell survival. Ezrin plays a critical role in regulating tumor metastasis through interaction with other binding proteins. Notably, Ezrin has been reported to interact with immune cells, allowing tumor cells to escape immune attack in metastasis. Here, we review the main functions of Ezrin, the mechanisms through which it acts, its role in tumor metastasis, and its potential as a therapeutic target.
The FAT1 Cadherin Drives Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration
Authors: Riascos-Bernal Dario F. , Ressa Gaia , Korrapati Anish , Sibinga Nicholas E. S.
Published: June 2023

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are normally quiescent and non-migratory, regulating the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels to control the vascular tone. In response to arterial injury, these cells become active; they proliferate, secrete matrix proteins, and migrate, and thereby contribute importantly to the progression of several cardiovascular diseases. VSMC migration specifically supports atherosclerosis, restenosis after catheter-based intervention, transplant vasculopathy, and vascular remodeling during the formation of aneurysms. The atypical cadherin FAT1 is expressed robustly in activated VSMCs and promotes their migration. A positive role of FAT1 in the migration of other cell types, including neurons, fibroblasts, podocytes, and astrocyte progenitors, has also been described. In cancer biology, however, the effect of FAT1 on migration depends on the cancer type or context, as FAT1 either suppresses or enhances cancer cell migration and invasion. With this review, we describe what is known about FAT1’s effects on cell migration as well as the factors that influence FAT1-dependent migration. In VSMCs, these factors include angiotensin II, which activates FAT1 expression and cell migration, and proteins of the Atrophin family: Atrophin-1 and the short isoform of Atrophin-2, which promote VSMC migration, and the long isoform of Atrophin-2, which exerts negative effects on FAT1-dependent VSMC migration.
The Signaling Mechanism of Remote Postconditioning of the Heart: Prospects of the Use of Remote Postconditioning for the Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ryabov Vyacheslav V. , Vyshlov Evgenii V. , Maslov Leonid N. , Mukhomedzyanov Alexandr V. , Naryzhnaya Natalia V. , Boshchenko Alla A. , Gombozhapova Aleksandra E. , Samoylova Julia O.
Published: June 2023

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains the leading cause of mortality in the world, highlighting an urgent need for the development of novel, more effective approaches for the treatment of AMI. Remote postconditioning (RPost) of the heart could be a useful approach. It was demonstrated that RPost triggers infarct size reduction, improves contractile function of the heart in reperfusion, mitigates apoptosis, and stimulates autophagy in animals with coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion. Endogenous opioid peptides and adenosine could be involved in RPost. It was found that kinases and NO-synthase participate in RPost. KATP channels, MPT pore, and STAT3 could be hypothetical end-effectors of RPost. Metabolic syndrome and old age abolish the cardioprotective effect of RPost in rats. The data on the efficacy of RPost in clinical practice are inconsistent. These data are discussed in the review.
Glucose Oxidase Captured into Electropolymerized p-Coumaric Acid towards the Development of a Glucose Biosensor
Authors: Valdés-Ramírez Gabriela , Galicia Laura
Published: June 2023

An electrochemical biosensor based on the immobilization of glucose oxidase into an electropolymerized p-coumaric acid membrane on a Pt electrode has been developed and evaluated for glucose detection in the range of 1 to 30 mM. The glucose biosensor exhibits a sensitivity of 36.96 mA/mMcm2, a LOD of 0.66 mM, and a LOQ of 2.18 mM. The biosensing membrane was electropolymerized by cyclic voltammetry in 100 mM phosphates pH 7.00 and 3% ethanol containing glucose oxidase and p-coumaric acid. The glucose biosensors’ stability, repeatability, reproducibility, and selectivity were estimated. The biosensing membrane shows permselective properties and antifouling effects. The applicability of the developed glucose biosensor was evaluated in the presence of 20 mg/mL proteins, and any signal associated with biofouling was observed. The glucose biosensors were employed for the determination of the glucose concentration in three commercial beverages.
Ascorbic Acid Sensing by Molecularly Imprinted Electrosynthesized Polymer (e-MIP) on Screen-Printed Electrodes
Authors: Alberti Giancarla , Zanoni Camilla , Magnaghi Lisa Rita , Biesuz Raffaela
Published: June 2023

This paper presents the development of a cheap and rapid electrochemical sensor for ascorbic acid detection. In particular, the graphite ink working electrode of screen-printed cells was covered by a film of elecrosynthesized molecularly imprinted polypyrrole (e-MIP); differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was the selected method for the analyte detection. The ascorbic acid molecules were successfully entrapped in the polypyrrole film, creating the recognition sites. The best results were obtained after polypyrrole overoxidation and performing the measurements in phosphate buffer solution 0.05 M/KCl 0.1 M at pH 7.5. A comparison with the bare and the not-imprinted polypyrrole-modified electrodes showed that the e-MIP-based sensor had the highest selectivity and reproducibility. The developed method was applied to assess ascorbic acid in farmaceutical products, obtaining values not significantly different from the declared content.
Evaluation of Knee Position Sense in Children with Motor Disabilities and Children with Typical Development: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bartonek Åsa , Eriksson Marie , Ericson Annika , Reimeringer Mikael , Lidbeck Cecilia
Published: June 2023

Background: In children with motor disabilities, knee position during walking is often of concern in rehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate knee joint position sense. Thirty-seven children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), 21 with Myelomeningocele (MMC), 19 with Arthrogryposis (AMC), and 42 TD children participated in the study. Knee joint position sense, i.e., the difference between the criterion angle and the reproduced angle (JPS-error), was assessed in sitting while 3D motion capture was recorded at flexed knee 70 (Knee70), 45 (Knee45), and 20 (Knee20) degrees, and after three seconds at maintained criterion angle (CAM) and maintained reproduced angle (RAM). No differences were found between the groups in JPS-error, CAM, and RAM. At Knee70, CAM differed between the right and left legs in the TD group (p = 0.014) and RAM in the MMC group (p = 0.021). In the CP group, CAM was greater than RAM at Knee70 in the left leg (p = 0.002), at Knee45 in both legs (p = 0.004, p = 0.025), and at Knee20 in the right leg (p = 0.038). Difficulties in maintaining the knee position at CAM in the CP group sheds light on the need for complementary judgments of limb proprioception in space to explore the potential influence on knee position during walking.
Analyzing the Relationship between Participation in Sports and Harmful Alcohol Drinking in Early Adolescence: Two-Year Prospective Analysis
Authors: Zenic Natasa , Kvesic Ivan , Corluka Mate , Trivic Tatjana , Drid Patrik , Saavedra Jose M. , Foretic Nikola , Modric Toni , Gilic Barbara
Published: June 2023

Alcohol drinking is an important health-related problem and one of the major risk factors for a wide array of non-communicable diseases, while there is a lack of studies investigating environment-specific associations between sports participation and alcohol drinking in adolescence. This study prospectively investigated the relationship between sports factors (i.e., participation in sports and competitive achievement), with the prevalence of harmful alcohol drinking (HD), and HD initiation in 14-to-16 years old adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina (n = 641, 337 females, 43% living in rural community). Participants were tested over 4-time points divided by approximately 6 months, from the beginning of high school to the end of the second grade. Variables included gender, factors related to sport participation, a community of residence (urban or rural), and outcome: alcohol consumption was assessed by the AUDIT questionnaire. Results evidenced that the prevalence of HD increased over the study period from 6 to 19%, with no significant differences between urban and rural youth. Logistic regression for HD as criterion evidenced adolescents who participated in sports and then quit as being at particular risk for drinking alcohol at the study baseline. Sports factors were not correlated with HD initiation in the period between 14 and 16 years of age. It seems that the problem of alcohol drinking should be preventively targeted in all youth, irrespective of living environment. Although sports participation was not evidenced as being a factor of influence on HD initiation, results highlight the necessity of developing targeted preventive campaigns against alcohol drinking for adolescents who quit sports.
Recommendations of the Netzwerk Kindersimulation for the Implementation of Simulation-Based Pediatric Team Trainings: A Delphi Process
Authors: Löllgen Ruth M. , Heimberg Ellen , Wagner Michael , Bibl Katharina , Paulun Annika , Rupp Jasmin , Doerfler Christian , Staffler Alex , Sandmeyer Benedikt , Mileder Lukas P.
Published: June 2023

Background: Serious or life-threatening pediatric emergencies are rare. Patient outcomes largely depend on excellent teamwork and require regular simulation-based team training. Recommendations for pediatric simulation-based education are scarce. We aimed to develop evidence-based guidelines to inform simulation educators and healthcare stakeholders. Methods: A modified three-round Delphi technique was used. The first guideline draft was formed through expert discussion and based on consensus (n = 10 Netzwerk Kindersimulation panelists). Delphi round 1 consisted of an individual and team revision of this version by the expert panelists. Delphi round 2 comprised an in-depth review by 12 external international expert reviewers and revision by the expert panel. Delphi round 3 involved a revisit of the guidelines by the external experts. Consensus was reached after three rounds. Results: The final 23-page document was translated into English and adopted as international guidelines by the Swiss Society of Pediatrics (SGP/SSP), the German Society for Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care (GNPI), and the Austrian Society of Pediatrics. Conclusions: Our work constitutes comprehensive up-to-date guidelines for simulation-based team trainings and debriefings. High-quality simulation training provides standardized learning conditions for trainees. These guidelines will have a sustainable impact on standardized high-quality simulation-based education.
On the Time Frequency Compactness of the Slepian Basis of Order Zero for Engineering Applications
Authors: Sun Zuwen , Baddour Natalie
Published: June 2023

Time and frequency concentrations of waveforms are often of interest in engineering applications. The Slepian basis of order zero is an index-limited (finite) vector that is known to be optimally concentrated in the frequency domain. This paper proposes a method of mapping the index-limited Slepian basis to a discrete-time vector, hence obtaining a time-limited, discrete-time Slepian basis that is optimally concentrated in frequency. The main result of this note is to demonstrate that the (discrete-time) Slepian basis achieves minimum time-bandwidth compactness under certain conditions. We distinguish between the characteristic (effective) time/bandwidth of the Slepians and their defining time/bandwidth (the time and bandwidth parameters used to generate the Slepian basis). Using two different definitions of effective time and bandwidth of a signal, we show that when the defining time-bandwidth product of the Slepian basis increases, its effective time-bandwidth product tends to a minimum value. This implies that not only are the zeroth order Slepian bases known to be optimally time-limited and band-concentrated basis vectors, but also as their defining time-bandwidth products increase, their effective time-bandwidth properties approach the known minimum compactness allowed by the uncertainty principle. Conclusions are also drawn about the smallest defining time-bandwidth parameters to reach the minimum possible compactness. These conclusions give guidance for applications where the time-bandwidth product is free to be selected and hence may be selected to achieve minimum compactness.