bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerium Oxide/Graphene Oxide Hybrid: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Anticancer Activity in a Breast Cancer Cell Line (MCF-7)
Authors: Saranya J. , Saminathan P. , Ankireddy Seshadri Reddy , Shaik Mohammed Rafi , Khan Mujeeb , Khan Merajuddin , Shaik Baji
Published: February 2023

In the present study, we used a simple ultrasonic approach to develop a Cerium oxide/Graphene oxide hybrid (CeO2/GO hybrid) nanocomposite system. Particle size analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) have been used to analyze the physio-chemical characteristics of the developed nanocomposite. The synthesized hybrid system has also been examined to assess its anticancer capability against MCF-7 cell lines and normal cell lines at different sample concentrations, pH values, and incubation intervals using an antiproliferative assay test. The test results demonstrate that as sample concentration rises, the apoptotic behavior of the CeO2/GO hybrid in the MCF-7 cell line also rises. The IC50 was 62.5 µg/mL after 72 h of incubation. Cytotoxicity of cisplatin bound CeO2/GO hybrid was also tested in MCF-7 cell lines. To identify apoptosis-associated alterations of cell membranes during the process of apoptosis, a dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) fluorescence staining was carried out at three specified doses (i.e., 1000 µg/mL, 250 µg/mL, and 62.5 µg/mL of CeO2/GO hybrid). The color variations from both live (green) and dead (red) cells were examined using fluorescence microscopy under in vitro conditions. The quantitative analysis was performed using flow cytometry to identify the cell cycle at which the maximum number of MCF-7 cells had been destroyed as a result of interaction with the developed CeO2/GO hybrid (FACS study). According to the results of the FACS investigation, the majority of cancer cells were inhibited at the R3 (G2/M) phase. Therefore, the CeO2/GO hybrid has successfully showed enhanced anticancer efficacy against the MCF-7 cell line at the IC50 concentration. According to the current study, the CeO2/GO platform can be used as a therapeutic platform for breast cancer. The synergetic effects of the developed CeO2/GO hybrid with the MCF-7 cell line are presented.
Non-Healing Perianal Fistulas: A Clinical Model of Tissue Senescence Impairing Both Tissue Fibrosis and Regenerative Potential
Authors: Llaneras Jason , Belza Caitlyn C. , Eisenstein Samuel , Dobke Marek K.
Published: February 2023

Senescent cells and fibrosis are important components that impact the regenerative capacity of skin, particularly when considering chronic non-healing wounds. Anoderm and perianal fistulas in the setting of Crohn’s disease are clinically pathophysiological extremes with consequently different healing processes which impact treatment modalities. This study describes the implications of potential senescence reversing techniques including autologous fat grafting and pharmacologic and immunomodulating agents. Given these findings, the authors propose a future direction of study involving exosomes loaded with senolytics as a method for potentially improving chronic wound healing. In conclusion, this manuscript explores the diversity of skin healing and healing outcomes which supports the future investigation of senotherapeutic agents promoting regenerative processes for non-healing wounds.
The Current Progress and Future Options of Multiple Therapy and Potential Biomarkers for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Shi Ying , Mathis Bryan J. , He Yayun , Yang Xiong
Published: February 2023

Bladder cancer is a common disease in men and the elderly. Current treatment paradigms include radical resection of the bladder and lymph nodes or transurethral resection, both supported by chemotherapy and/or radiation. New modalities, such as illumination-based therapies are also being translationally pursued. However, while survival rates have increased due to combined therapies (particularly chemotherapy, radiation, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and surgery), a lack of diagnostic markers leads clinical professionals to rely on frequently invasive and expensive means of monitoring, such as magnetic resonance imaging or bladder cystoscopy. To improve real-time diagnostic capabilities, biomarkers that reflect both the metabolic and metastatic potential of tumor cells are needed. Furthermore, indicators of therapy resistance would allow for rapid changes in treatment to optimize survival outcomes. Fortunately, the presence of nanoscale extracellular vesicles in the blood, urine, and other peripheral fluids allow for proteomic, genomic, and transcriptomic analyses while limiting the invasiveness of frequent sampling. This review provides an overview of the pathogenesis and progression of bladder cancer, standard treatments and outcomes, some novel treatment studies, and the current status of biomarker and therapy development featuring exosome-based analysis and engineering.
Colorectal Cancer (CRC): Investigating the Expression of the Suppressor of Fused (SuFu) Gene and Its Relationship with Several Inflammatory Blood-Based Biomarkers
Authors: Rather Tahseen Bilal , Parveiz Ishrat , Bhat Gulzar A , Rashid Gowhar , Akhtar Kulsum , Haque Rizwanul , Ola Mohammad Shamsul , Ali Mehboob , Wani Rauf A , Khan Ishrat Younas , Besina Syed , Mudassar Syed
Published: February 2023

Background: Suppressor of fused (SuFu) is a tumor-suppressor gene that regulates hedgehog signaling. Its involvement in some malignancies is broadly accepted. However, its association with colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis is not clear. Likewise, no study has clearly associated blood-based inflammatory biomarkers with cancer diagnosis/prognosis as yet. Aim: Our goal was to look at SuFu expression levels in CRC patients and its relationship with other clinicopathological factors. Additionally, we looked into the function of a few blood-based biomarkers in CRC and whether or not a combined strategy at the genetic and clinical levels can be applied in CRC. Methods: The investigation included 98 histopathologically confirmed CRC samples and adjacent normal tissues (controls). A colonoscopy was followed by a targeted biopsy for each suspected colon cancer patient. A CT scan and MRI were also performed on every patient with rectal cancer. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used for assessment. A Beckman Coulter DxH900 was used to examine blood parameters. A Beckman Coulter DxI800 was used to identify pretreatment carcinoma embryonic antigens (CEA) and carbohydrate antigens (CA 19–9) in CRC patients. Results: The expression of SuFu was associated with gender, education, passive smoking, tumor grade, perineural invasion (PNI), lymph node metastasis (LNM), node status, stage, vital status, and recurrence (p < 0.05). In the combined analysis, the areas under the curve produced by the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and red cell distribution width (RDW) were the greatest (AUCRDW+PLR+NLR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86–0.93, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the most severe pathological features were linked to RDW, PLR, NLR, and HPR. SuFu expression, node status, LNM, PNI, and stage all had significant correlations with OS and DFS rates in IHC-based univariate survival analysis (p < 0.05). According to the Cox regression, CA-19.9 had a strong independent predictive link with 3-year DFS (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In CRC, SuFu was downregulated both transcriptionally and translationally, was primarily nucleo-cytoplasmic, and was expressed less in high-grade tumors. In addition, SuFu was linked to a poor overall and disease-free survival rate. It may be possible to use SuFu as a therapeutic target for CRC in the future. However, SuFu expression had no effect on RDW, PLR, NLR, or HPR serum levels.
Recent Advances on Peptide-Based Biosensors and Electronic Noses for Foodborne Pathogen Detection
Authors: Escobar Vanessa , Scaramozzino Natale , Vidic Jasmina , Buhot Arnaud , Mathey Raphaël , Chaix Carole , Hou Yanxia
Published: February 2023

Foodborne pathogens present a serious issue around the world due to the remarkably high number of illnesses they cause every year. In an effort to narrow the gap between monitoring needs and currently implemented classical detection methodologies, the last decades have seen an increased development of highly accurate and reliable biosensors. Peptides as recognition biomolecules have been explored to develop biosensors that combine simple sample preparation and enhanced detection of bacterial pathogens in food. This review first focuses on the selection strategies for the design and screening of sensitive peptide bioreceptors, such as the isolation of natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from living organisms, the screening of peptides by phage display and the use of in silico tools. Subsequently, an overview on the state-of-the-art techniques in the development of peptide-based biosensors for foodborne pathogen detection based on various transduction systems was given. Additionally, limitations in classical detection strategies have led to the development of innovative approaches for food monitoring, such as electronic noses, as promising alternatives. The use of peptide receptors in electronic noses is a growing field and the recent advances of such systems for foodborne pathogen detection are presented. All these biosensors and electronic noses are promising alternatives for the pathogen detection with high sensitivity, low cost and rapid response, and some of them are potential portable devices for on-site analyses.
Electrochemical Sensing of Gallic Acid in Beverages Using a 3D Bio-Nanocomposite Based on Carbon Nanotubes/Spongin-Atacamite
Authors: Falahi Sedigheh , Falahi Sepideh , Zarejousheghani Mashaalah , Ehrlich Hermann , Joseph Yvonne , Rahimi Parvaneh
Published: February 2023

Gallic acid (GA) is one of the most important polyphenols, being widely used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries due to its biological effects such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. Hence, simple, fast, and sensitive determination of GA is of particular importance. Considering the fact that GA is an electroactive compound, electrochemical sensors offer great potential for GA quantitation due to their fast response time, high sensitivity, and ease of use. A simple, fast, and sensitive GA sensor was fabricated on the basis of a high-performance bio-nanocomposite using spongin as a natural 3D polymer, atacamite, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The developed sensor showed an excellent response toward GA oxidation with remarkable electrochemical features due to the synergistic effects of 3D porous spongin and MWCNTs, which provide a large surface area and enhance the electrocatalytic activity of atacamite. At optimal conditions by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), a good linear relationship was obtained between peak currents and GA concentrations in a wild linear range of 500 nM to 1 mM. Subsequently, the proposed sensor was used to detect GA in red wine as well as in green and black tea, confirming its great potential as a reliable alternative to conventional methods for GA determination.
Mn3O4/NiO Nanoparticles Decorated on Carbon Nanofibers as an Enzyme-Free Electrochemical Sensor for Glucose Detection
Authors: Li Mengjie , Dong Jie , Deng Dongmei , Ouyang Xun , Yan Xiaoxia , Liu Shima , Luo Liqiang
Published: February 2023

Transition metal oxides have garnered a lot of attention in the field of electrocatalysis along with their unique crystal structure and excellent catalytic properties. In this study, carbon nanofibers (CNFs) decorated with Mn3O4/NiO nanoparticles were made using electrospinning and calcination. The conductive network constructed by CNFs not only facilitates electron transport, but also provides landing sites for nanoparticles, thus reducing nanoparticle aggregation and exposing more active sites. Additionally, the synergistic interaction between Mn3O4 and NiO improved electrocatalytic capacity for glucose oxidation. The Mn3O4/NiO/CNFs modified glassy carbon electrode shows satisfactory results in terms of linear range and anti-interference capability for glucose detection, suggesting that the constructed enzyme-free sensor has a promising application in clinical diagnosis.
Experimental Verification for Numerical Simulation of Thalamic Stimulation-Evoked Calcium-Sensitive Fluorescence and Electrophysiology with Self-Assembled Multifunctional Optrode
Authors: Liang Yao-Wen , Lai Ming-Liang , Chiu Feng-Mao , Tseng Hsin-Yi , Lo Yu-Chun , Li Ssu-Ju , Chang Ching-Wen , Chen Po-Chuan , Chen You-Yin
Published: February 2023

Owing to its capacity to eliminate a long-standing methodological limitation, fiber photometry can assist research gaining novel insight into neural systems. Fiber photometry can reveal artifact-free neural activity under deep brain stimulation (DBS). Although evoking neural potential with DBS is an effective method for mediating neural activity and neural function, the relationship between DBS-evoked neural Ca2+ change and DBS-evoked neural electrophysiology remains unknown. Therefore, in this study, a self-assembled optrode was demonstrated as a DBS stimulator and an optical biosensor capable of concurrently recording Ca2+ fluorescence and electrophysiological signals. Before the in vivo experiment, the volume of tissue activated (VTA) was estimated, and the simulated Ca2+ signals were presented using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation to approach the realistic in vivo environment. When VTA and the simulated Ca2+ signals were combined, the distribution of simulated Ca2+ fluorescence signals matched the VTA region. In addition, the in vivo experiment revealed a correlation between the local field potential (LFP) and the Ca2+ fluorescence signal in the evoked region, revealing the relationship between electrophysiology and the performance of neural Ca2+ concentration behavior. Concurrent with the VTA volume, simulated Ca2+ intensity, and the in vivo experiment, these data suggested that the behavior of neural electrophysiology was consistent with the phenomenon of Ca2+ influx to neurons.
The Impact of Manner Adverb on the Gestural Embodiment of Actions Described by Literal and Metaphoric Sentences
Authors: Khatin-Zadeh Omid , Farsani Danyal , Hu Jiehui , Eskandari Zahra , Banaruee Hassan
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of manner adverbs on the gestural embodiment of actions that are described by literal and metaphoric sentences. We asked a group of participants to read and then orally retell four stories. Each story had two versions. In one version, literal and metaphoric sentences describing literal and metaphorical actions did not include manner adverbs. In the other version of each story, the same sentences included a manner adverb that provided more information about literal or metaphoric actions. Participants’ reproductions of stories were recorded with a camera and were analyzed to make a comparison between gestures that accompanied sentences that included a manner adverb and sentences that did not include a manner adverb. The results showed that when literal and metaphoric sentences included a manner adverb, there was a higher probability of using a gesture than when these sentences were used without a manner adverb. In other words, using a manner adverb increases the probability of using a gesture with literal and metaphorical sentences. Therefore, it is suggested that adding a manner adverb to a literal or metaphoric sentence can strengthen the process of embodiment of the action described in that sentence. We present two explanations for this observation.
Differences in Self and Proxy Assessments of Self-Determination in Young People with Intellectual Disability: The Role of Personal and Contextual Variables
Authors: Mumbardó-Adam Cristina , Andrés-Gárriz Clara , Sánchez-Pedroche Alberto , Balboni Giulia
Published: February 2023

Background: Assessing self-determination in students with intellectual disabilities (IDs) is a primary step in facilitating progress monitoring. Researchers have developed both self and proxy assessments to favor a more in-depth evaluation of self-determination expression. However, to date, limited research has explored the congruence between both assessments. Methods: To address this need, the present study analyzes the differences between 219 adolescents with ID; 63% being males with an age range from 13 to 21 years (M = 16.8; SD = 1.72); and their teachers in their assessment of self-determination and explores which factors (students’ age, sex, level of ID and opportunities at school) might explain those differences. The participants were recruited intentionally. Students with IDs completed two questionnaires: the AIR Self-Determination Scale and the Spanish version of the Self-Determination Inventory, which was also completed by their teachers. Results: Significant differences were found in the self-determination assessment, with teachers rating it lower. Further, students’ sex and the opportunities they were provided at school to engage in self-determined actions were found to explain the differences in self-determination assessment. Conclusions: Research and practice initiatives to assess self-determination in young people with IDs must consider that informants’ points of view might be influenced by students’ sex and by contextual opportunities to engage in self-determined actions. Implications for further research and practice are discussed.
Aging and Mixed Emotions: A Word-Suffix Approach in Free Recall
Authors: Palumbo Rocco , Di Domenico Alberto , Mammarella Nicola
Published: February 2023

The current study investigated mixed-emotional memories in groups of young, young-old, and old-old participants. We used a “word-suffix approach” to simulate the co-occurrence of positive and negative emotions. The participants engaged in a free-recall task for valenced words and mixed-emotional words (valenced words coupled with pejorative or endearment suffixes). Our results showed that the groups of older adults recalled higher numbers of suffixed words compared to their younger counterparts. Our findings highlighted older adults’ tendency to perceive and remember emotionally ambivalent words to a greater extent than younger adults and showed that the young-old participants were particularly good at solving ambivalence by focusing on positive-dominant ambivalent words.
Relevance of Students’ Goals for Learning Engagement and Knowledge Gains in an Online Learning Course
Authors: Daumiller Martin , Rinas Raven , Dresel Markus
Published: February 2023

Online courses are an important form of educational delivery worldwide, yet students differ in how well they learn from them. Following psychological and educational research, students’ goals can be considered relevant personal predictors of these differences. In the present study, we strive to better understand differences in students’ learning engagement and learning gains and investigate how they are related to their achievement goals. We distinguish between two types of mastery goals (task and learning goals) along with performance approach goals and performance avoidance goals. We constructed an online course and assessed 182 undergraduates’ goals and prior knowledge before, as well as their knowledge gains after learning with the course. Through learning analytics, we measured learning engagement during the course based on nine objective indicators concerning usage, time, and clicks. Structural equation modelling showed that task goals but not learning goals were beneficial for learning engagement and, in turn, learning gains. This paints a more nuanced picture of how mastery goals matter and illuminates how students’ goals form a relevant premise for successful online learning. While online courses may differ in design and support provided, our findings imply that personal learner characteristics, such as student motivations, should also be acknowledged.
Stepwise Optimization Method of Group Control Strategy Applied to Chiller Room in Cooling Season
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu Kuixing , You Weijie , Zhang Xinyu , Ma Han
Published: February 2023

Central air-conditioning systems account for the largest share of energy consumption in public buildings, wherein the chiller room is the main source. The current empirical strategies of chiller room group control have difficulty realizing integrity, timeliness, and equipment adjustment accuracy and lead to energy wastage. Therefore, the operation strategy optimization model is of great value for achieving energy savings. This study proposed a stepwise optimization method for central air-conditioning systems, which is divided into the chilled side (the chiller and chilled water pump) and the cooling side (the chiller, cooling water pump, and cooling tower). The optimal points of the two sides are calculated sequentially and integrated as the global optimization result. To construct the stepwise optimization model, mathematical power models of the equipment in use were established to provide mathematical support for objective functions, and a short-term load prediction model with a matching optimization step size was established for energy constraints. The TRNSYS simulation model was developed to verify the energy-saving effects of the stepwise optimization model according to the energy-saving rates of 6.41% and 13.56% attained in both cases. The stepwise optimization strategy can more effectively guide practical applications and provide another way of thinking with respect to the group control optimization of chiller rooms in public buildings.
Recycling Plaster Waste as a Substitute for Aggregates in Obtaining Plastering Mortars
Authors: Catalin Saitis , Daniela Manea Lucia , Monica Plesa Luminita , Raluca Saitis Lavinia
Published: February 2023

The current context regarding the management of waste obtained from the construction industry, according to European Union laws and directives, requires the imposition of an integrated waste management system. The main objective of this study was to integrate and reuse old plaster waste as a substitute for aggregates in significant proportions in mortar composition and analyzing the impact on the physical and mechanical characteristics of mortar in fresh state and in hardened state. Over periods of 7, 14, and 28 days, the experimental program studied three types of plastering mortars: a standard recipe (without waste) and another two proposed recipes, in which construction waste was re-used as a substitute for aggregates in proportions of 10% and 15%. Results obtained on the fresh properties of the proposed plastering mortars (apparent density, consistency, and segregation trend) indicated a variation (increase/decrease) of 1% to 2.5% compared with the standard recipe. Mechanical strengths showed decreased values; that is, the compressive strength decreased by 11.09% and the flexural strength decreased by 22% when waste replaced aggregates in a proportion of 15%. The results of the experimental program identified the potential of waste plaster, which can replace up to 15% of the aggregates in plaster mortars, which still guarantees their successful use in practice. To reduce the influence of the use of waste on the mechanical strengths, we propose to conduct further investigations (nuclear magnetic resonance, electronic microscopy, and X-ray diffraction) on these mortars reinforced with different types of fibers. The large amount of waste resulting from the rehabilitation of damaged building facades and the fact that there are currently no experimental studies on the reuse of waste from old plaster mortars were the main reasons for the present study examining the possibility of their use in the production of new building materials.
Accountability, Corruption and the Attention Paid to User Satisfaction in PPP Specifications: Evidence from China
Authors: Cao Fuguo , Wang Cong
Published: February 2023

Defining output specifications is a prerequisite for achieving Public-Private Partnership (PPP) procurement performance. Theoretically, user satisfaction is vital for output specifications, but it has received insufficient attention in theoretical research and practice. To explore the factors that influence the definition of output specifications, we took 6714 PPP projects as a sample and used the logit regression model to discuss the links between accountability and corruption in the definition of user satisfaction. We found the following: the stronger the accountability, the more emphasis the purchaser attaches to user satisfaction, whereas the higher the level of corruption, the less attention the purchaser places on user satisfaction. Robustness tests demonstrate the reliability of the effects of accountability and corruption on the attention paid to user satisfaction. The contributions of this study are as follows: (1) Theoretically, it provides a basis for user satisfaction as an important aspect of output specifications and new evidence on the impact of accountability and corruption on defining output specification; (2) institutionally, it provides advice for the optimization of output specifications in PPP procurement; and (3) practically, these findings are insightful for improving the definition of output specifications of PPP projects that can enhance performance in PPP projects.
Investigation of the Global Structural Behavior of the Prefabricated Shoring System Considering Structural Details
Authors: Kim Heesoo , Lee Yunwoo , Won Jeong-Hun , Jeong Seong-Choon , Kim Seungjun
Published: February 2023

This study aims to investigate the structural behavior and load-carrying capacity of prefabricated shoring systems. The structural behavior and performance of shoring systems are influenced by the buckling of vertical members, where the compressive force acts as the main load. The buckling strength of a vertical member is sensitive to not only the material and geometrical properties of members but also the connection details between members, presence or absence of braces, and stiffness ratio between members. Therefore, in this study, the structural behavioral characteristics of the individual post member and the entire system are investigated by considering the structural details through eigenvalue and nonlinear finite element analyses. On the basis of the analytical studies, it was confirmed that the boundary condition of the vertical member, rotational and horizontal stiffnesses, and eccentricity condition of the end, which are directly affected by the compressive force acting on the prefabricated shoring system, have a direct effect on the elastic buckling strength. In addition, it was determined that factors such as whether the braces were installed, rotational stiffness of the vertical–horizontal member connection, and the number of installation stages affected the overall strength of the structure. According to the structural analysis results, the assembled structure was reduced by 92.9% and 82.2% compared to the elastic buckling strength of a single member as the height increased to two and three stories. In addition, when the bracing member was not installed, 12.1% and 23.6% strength reduction was confirmed as the elastic buckling strength increased by two and three stories compared to the case where the bracing member was installed. Consequently, the necessity of a whole structural performance evaluation technique was confirmed for a more practical structural performance evaluation.
Prediction of the Shear Resistance of Headed Studs Embedded in Precast Steel–Concrete Structures Based on an Interpretable Machine Learning Method
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wang Chenxin , Zou Xingxing , Wei Yang , Chen Dongdong , Wang Qiudong , Wang Libin
Published: February 2023

Headed shear studs are an essential interfacial connection for precast steel–concrete structures to ensure composite action; hence, the accurate prediction of the shear capacity of headed studs is of pivotal significance. This study first established a worldwide dataset with 428 push-out tests of headed shear studs embedded in concrete with varied strengths from 26 MPa to 200 MPa. Five advanced machine learning (ML) models and three widely used equations from design codes were comparatively employed to predict the shear resistance of the headed studs. Considering the inevitable data variation caused by material properties and load testing, the isolated forest algorithm was first used to detect the anomaly of data in the dataset. Then, the five ML models were established and trained, which exhibited higher prediction accuracy than three existing design codes that were widely used in the world. Compared with the equations from AASHTO (the one that has the best prediction accuracy among design specifications), the gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) model showed an 80% lower root mean square error, 308% higher coefficient of determination, and 86% lower mean absolute percent error. Lastly, individual conditional expectation plots and partial dependence plots showed the relationship between the individual parameters and the predicted target based on the GBDT model. The results showed that the elastic modulus of concrete, the tensile strength of the studs, and the length–diameter ratio of the studs influenced most of the shear capacity of shear studs. Additionally, the effect of the length–diameter ratio has an upper limit which depends on the strength of the studs and concrete.
SwarmL: A Language for Programming Fully Distributed Intelligent Building Systems
Authors: Chen Wenjie , Yang Qiliang , Jiang Ziyan , Xing Jianchun , Zhao Shuo , Zhou Qizhen , Han Deshuai , Feng Bowei
Published: February 2023

Fully distributed intelligent building systems can be used to effectively reduce the complexity of building automation systems and improve the efficiency of the operation and maintenance management because of its self-organization, flexibility, and robustness. However, the parallel computing mode, dynamic network topology, and complex node interaction logic make application development complex, time-consuming, and challenging. To address the development difficulties of fully distributed intelligent building system applications, this paper proposes a user-friendly programming language called SwarmL. Concretely, SwarmL (1) establishes a language model, an overall framework, and an abstract syntax that intuitively describes the static physical objects and dynamic execution mechanisms of a fully distributed intelligent building system, (2) proposes a physical field-oriented variable that adapts the programming model to the distributed architectures by employing a serial programming style in accordance with human thinking to program parallel applications of fully distributed intelligent building systems for reducing programming difficulty, (3) designs a computational scope-based communication mechanism that separates the computational logic from the node interaction logic, thus adapting to dynamically changing network topologies and supporting the generalized development of the fully distributed intelligent building system applications, and (4) implements an integrated development tool that supports program editing and object code generation. To validate SwarmL, an example application of a real scenario and a subject-based experiment are explored. The results demonstrate that SwarmL can effectively reduce the programming difficulty and improve the development efficiency of fully distributed intelligent building system applications. SwarmL enables building users to quickly understand and master the development methods of application tasks in fully distributed intelligent building systems, and supports the intuitive description and generalized, efficient development of application tasks. The created SwarmL support tool supports the downloading and deployment of applications for fully distributed intelligent building systems, which can improve the efficiency of building control management and promote the application and popularization of new intelligent building systems.
Features of the Catalytic Cracking of Propane with a Step-Wise Change PrxYb2−xZr2O7
Authors: Markova Ekaterina B. , Cherednichenko Alexander G. , Smirnova Sofia S. , Sheshko Tatiana F. , Kryuchkova Tatiana A.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the features of catalytic cracking of propane with a step-wise change in the composition of the catalyst from Pr2Zr2O7 to Yb2Zr2O7 were considered. For the research, samples of catalysts Pr2Zr2O7, (Pr0.75Yb0.25)2Zr2O7, (Pr0.5Yb0.5)2Zr2O7, (Pr0.25Yb0.75)2Zr2O7 and Yb2Zr2O7 were synthesized and analyzed. Analysis of the results from catalytic experiments showed that for the catalyst (Pr0.25Yb0.75)2Zr2O7, at a temperature of 700 °C, the conversion of propane reaches values of 100%, but for Yb2Zr2O7, this indicator decreases to 84%. The selectivity for ethylene is consistently reduced from 85% to 28% in several catalysts (Pr0.75Yb0.25)2Zr2O7 > Pr2Zr2O7 > (Pr0.5Yb0.5)2Zr2O7 >(Pr0.25Yb0.75)2Zr2O7 > Yb2Zr2O7. An increase in the number of surface adsorption centers leads to a predominant rupture of the C–C bond in the propane molecule with the formation of ethylene. When ytterbium ions are introduced into the catalyst, the amount of ethylene in the reaction products decreases, but the selectivity for propylene increases in the series Pr2Zr2O7 < (Pr0.75Yb0.25)2Zr2O7 < (Pr0.5Yb0.5)2Zr2O7 < Yb2Zr2O7 < (Pr0.25Yb0.75)2Zr2O7, which is associated with a decrease in the binding energy of carbon atoms in propane with the catalytic center during adsorption.
Targeting Transcription Factors ATF5, CEBPB and CEBPD with Cell-Penetrating Peptides to Treat Brain and Other Cancers
Authors: Greene Lloyd A. , Zhou Qing , Siegelin Markus D. , Angelastro James M.
Published: February 2023

Developing novel therapeutics often follows three steps: target identification, design of strategies to suppress target activity and drug development to implement the strategies. In this review, we recount the evidence identifying the basic leucine zipper transcription factors ATF5, CEBPB, and CEBPD as targets for brain and other malignancies. We describe strategies that exploit the structures of the three factors to create inhibitory dominant-negative (DN) mutant forms that selectively suppress growth and survival of cancer cells. We then discuss and compare four peptides (CP-DN-ATF5, Dpep, Bpep and ST101) in which DN sequences are joined with cell-penetrating domains to create drugs that pass through tissue barriers and into cells. The peptide drugs show both efficacy and safety in suppressing growth and in the survival of brain and other cancers in vivo, and ST101 is currently in clinical trials for solid tumors, including GBM. We further consider known mechanisms by which the peptides act and how these have been exploited in rationally designed combination therapies. We additionally discuss lacunae in our knowledge about the peptides that merit further research. Finally, we suggest both short- and long-term directions for creating new generations of drugs targeting ATF5, CEBPB, CEBPD, and other transcription factors for treating brain and other malignancies.
Early Detection Is the Best Prevention—Characterization of Oxidative Stress in Diabetes Mellitus and Its Consequences on the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Rajlic Sanela , Treede Hendrik , Münzel Thomas , Daiber Andreas , Duerr Georg Daniel
Published: February 2023

Previous studies demonstrated an important role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in diabetic patients due to hyperglycemia. CVD remains the leading cause of premature death in the western world. Therefore, diabetes mellitus-associated oxidative stress and subsequent inflammation should be recognized at the earliest possible stage to start with the appropriate treatment before the onset of the cardiovascular sequelae such as arterial hypertension or coronary artery disease (CAD). The pathophysiology comprises increased reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) production by enzymatic and non-enzymatic sources, e.g., mitochondria, an uncoupled nitric oxide synthase, xanthine oxidase, and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX). Considering that RONS originate from different cellular mechanisms in separate cellular compartments, adequate, sensitive, and compartment-specific methods for their quantification are crucial for early detection. In this review, we provide an overview of these methods with important information for early, appropriate, and effective treatment of these patients and their cardiovascular sequelae.
Cannabinoid Mixture Affects the Fate and Functions of B Cells through the Modulation of the Caspase and MAP Kinase Pathways
Authors: Lampron Marie-Claude , Paré Isabelle , Al-Zharani Mohammed , Semlali Abdelhabib , Loubaki Lionel
Published: February 2023

Cannabis use is continuously increasing in Canada, raising concerns about its potential impact on immunity. The current study assessed the impact of a cannabinoid mixture (CM) on B cells and the mechanisms by which the CM exerts its potential anti-inflammatory properties. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were treated with different concentrations of the CM to evaluate cytotoxicity. In addition, flow cytometry was used to evaluate oxidative stress, antioxidant levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis, caspase activation, and the activation of key signaling pathways (ERK1/2, NF-κB, STAT5, and p38). The number of IgM- and IgG-expressing cells was assessed using FluoroSpot, and the cytokine production profile of the B cells was explored using a cytokine array. Our results reveal that the CM induced B-cell cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, which was mediated by apoptosis. The levels of ROS and those of the activated caspases, mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA damage increased following exposure to the CM (3 µg/mL). In addition, the activation of MAP Kinase, STATs, and the NF-κB pathway and the number of IgM- and IgG-expressing cells were reduced following exposure to the CM. Furthermore, the exposure to the CM significantly altered the cytokine profile of the B cells. Our results suggest that cannabinoids have a detrimental effect on B cells, inducing caspase-mediated apoptosis.
Overexpression of KMT9α Is Associated with Aggressive Basal-like Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Koll Florestan J. , Metzger Eric , Hamann Jana , Ramos-Triguero Anna , Bankov Katrin , Köllermann Jens , Döring Claudia , Chun Felix K. H. , Schüle Roland , Wild Peter J. , Reis Henning
Published: February 2023

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is associated with limited response rates to systemic therapy leading to a significant risk of recurrence and death. A recently discovered histone methyltransferase KMT9, acts as an epigenetic regulator of carcinogenesis in different tumor entities. In this study, we investigated the presence and association of histological and molecular subtypes and their impact on the survival of KMT9α in MIBC. We performed an immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of KMT9α in 135 MIBC patients undergoing radical cystectomy. KMT9α was significantly overexpressed in the nucleus in MIBC compared to normal urothelium and low-grade urothelial cancer. Using the HTG transcriptome panel, we assessed mRNA expression profiles to determine molecular subtypes and identify differentially expressed genes. Patients with higher nuclear and nucleolar KMT9α expression showed basal/squamous urothelial cancer characteristics confirmed by IHC and differentially upregulated KRT14 expression. We identified a subset of patients with nucleolar expression of KMT9α, which was associated with an increased risk of death in uni- and multivariate analyses (HR 2.28, 95%CI 1.28–4.03, p = 0.005). In conclusion, basal-like MIBC and the squamous histological subtype are associated with high nuclear KMT9α expression. The association with poor survival makes it a potential target for the treatment of bladder cancer.
Evaluation of Possible Neobavaisoflavone Chemosensitizing Properties towards Doxorubicin and Etoposide in SW1783 Anaplastic Astrocytoma Cells
Authors: Maszczyk Mateusz , Banach Klaudia , Rok Jakub , Rzepka Zuzanna , Beberok Artur , Wrześniok Dorota
Published: February 2023

Flavonoids exert many beneficial properties, such as anticancer activity. They were found to have chemopreventive effects hindering carcinogenesis, and also being able to affect processes important for cancer cell pathophysiology inhibiting its growth or promoting cell death. There are also reports on the chemosensitizing properties of flavonoids, which indicate that they could be used as a support of anticancer therapy. It gives promise for a novel therapeutic approach in tumors characterized by ineffective treatment, such as high-grade gliomas. The research was conducted on the in vitro culture of human SW1783 anaplastic astrocytoma cells incubated with neobavaisoflavone (NEO), doxorubicin, etoposide, and their combinations with NEO. The analyses involved the WST-1 cell viability assay and image cytometry techniques including cell count assay, Annexin V assay, the evaluation of mitochondrial membrane potential, and the cell-cycle phase distribution. We found that NEO affects the activity of doxorubicin and etoposide by reducing the viability of SW1783 cells. The combination of NEO and etoposide caused an increase in the apoptotic and low mitochondrial membrane potential subpopulations of SW1783 cells. Changes in the cell cycle were observed in all combined treatments. These findings indicate a potential chemosensitizing effect exerted by NEO.
Alzheimer’s Disease-Associated Alternative Splicing of CD33 Is Regulated by the HNRNPA Family Proteins
Authors: Komuro Riho , Honda Yuka , Yanaizu Motoaki , Nagahama Masami , Kino Yoshihiro
Published: February 2023

Genetic variations of CD33 have been implicated as a susceptibility factor of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A polymorphism on exon 2 of CD33, rs12459419, affects the alternative splicing of this exon. The minor allele is associated with a reduced risk of AD and promotes the skipping of exon 2 to produce a shorter CD33 isoform lacking the extracellular ligand-binding domain, leading to decreased suppressive signaling on microglial activity. Therefore, factors that regulate the splicing of exon 2 may alter the disease-associated properties of CD33. Herein, we sought to identify the regulatory proteins of CD33 splicing. Using a panel of RNA-binding proteins and a human CD33 minigene, we found that exon 2 skipping of CD33 was promoted by HNRNPA1. Although the knockdown of HNRNPA1 alone did not reduce exon 2 skipping, simultaneous knockdown of HNRNPA1 together with that of HNRNPA2B1 and HNRNPA3 promoted exon 2 inclusion, suggesting functional redundancy among HNRNPA proteins. Similar redundant regulation by HNRNPA proteins was observed in endogenous CD33 of THP-1 and human microglia-like cells. Although mouse Cd33 showed a unique splicing pattern of exon 2, we confirmed that HNRNPA1 promoted the skipping of this exon. Collectively, our results revealed novel regulatory relationships between CD33 and HNRNPA proteins.
Bipolar Electrochemical Analysis of Chirality in Complex Media through Miniaturized Stereoselective Light-Emitting Systems
Authors: Cauteruccio Silvia , Pelliccioli Valentina , Grecchi Sara , Cirilli Roberto , Licandro Emanuela , Arnaboldi Serena
Published: February 2023

Environmentally relevant contaminants endowed with chirality may include pharmaceutical compounds, flame retardants, perfluoroalkyl chemicals, pesticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls. Despite having similar physicochemical properties, enantiomers may differ in their biochemical interactions with enzymes, receptors, and other chiral molecules leading to different biological responses. In this work, we have designed a wireless miniaturized stereoselective light-emitting system able to qualitatively detect a chiral contaminant (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, DOPA) dissolved in reduced volumes (in the microliters range), through bipolar electrochemistry. The diastereomeric environment was created by mixing the enantiomers of an inherently chiral inductor endowed with helical shape (7,8-dipropyltetrathia[7]helicene) and the chiral probe (DOPA) in micro-solutions of a commercial ionic liquid. The synergy between the inductor, the applied electric field, and the chiral pollutant was transduced by the light emission produced from a miniaturized light-emitting diode (LED) exploited in such an approach as a bipolar electrode.
Facile Electrodeposition-Based Chemosensors Using PANI and C-Hybrid Nanomaterials for the Selective Detection of Ammonia and Nitrogen Dioxide at Room Temperature
Authors: Grigoroiu Alexandru , Mihailescu Carmen-Marinela , Savin Mihaela , Moldovan Carmen Aura , Brasoveanu Costin , Dinulescu Silviu , Djourelov Nikolay , Cristian Georgescu Vlad , Brincoveanu Oana , Craciun Gabriel , Pachiu Cristina , Stan Ion , Firtat Bogdan , Muscalu George Stelian , Ion Marian , Anghelescu Adrian
Published: February 2023

Sensor systems for monitoring indoor air quality are vital for the precise quantification of the mechanisms which lead to the deterioration of human health, with a typical person spending an average of 20 h a day in an enclosed space. Thus, a series of layered chemoresistive sensors, obtained by the facile electrodeposition of carbon nanomaterial-enhanced PANI composites, have been tested for the selective detection of two core indoor pollutants: ammonia and nitrogen dioxide. The sensors were tested with respect to sensitivity and selectivity to the target gasses, with performance being assessed based on response linearity and repeatability at room temperature. Of the tested sensors, two have been identified as having an adequate performance on ammonia, with sensitivities of up to 96.99% and resolutions of up to 0.85 ppm being observed, while on nitrogen dioxide, despite the successful sensor having a lower sensitivity, 10.71%, it has shown high resolution, 1.25 ppm, and linearity over a large concentration domain. These high performances highlight the viability of multi-layers chemosensors based on the electrodeposition of nanomaterial-enhanced conductive polymers for the detection of pollutant gasses, with finetuning of the detection layer allowing the accurate monitoring of a wide range of gasses.
Prediction Model for Future Success of Early Orthopedic Treatment of Class III Malocclusion
Authors: Lee Mi-So , Le Van Nhat Thang , Kim Jae-Gon , Yang Yeon-Mi , Lee Dae-Woo
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to identify predictors for successful post-treatment outcomes in early orthopedic class III malocclusion treatment with a facemask and hyrax expander appliance. The study was performed on lateral cephalograms from 37 patients at the start of treatment (T0), post-treatment (T1), and a minimum of three years after treatment (T2). The patients were grouped as stable or unstable according to the existence of a 2-mm overjet at T2. For statistical analysis, independent t-tests were used to compare the baseline characteristics and measurements of the two groups, considering a significance level of < 0.05. Thirty variables of pretreatment cephalograms were considered during logistic regression analysis to identify predictors. A discriminant equation was established using a stepwise method. The success rate and area under the curve were calculated, with AB to the mandibular plane, ANB, ODI, APDI, and A–B plane angles as predictors. The A–B plane angle was the most significantly different between the stable and unstable groups. In terms of the A–B plane angle, the success rate of early class III treatment with a facemask and hyrax expander appliance was 70.3%, and the area under the curve indicated a fair grade.