bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential CMS-Related Expression of Cell Surface Carbonic Anhydrases IX and XII in Colorectal Cancer Models—Implications for Therapy
Authors: Rotermund Arne , Brandt Sarah , Staege Martin S. , Luetzkendorf Jana , Mueller Lutz P. , Mueller Thomas
Published: March 2023

Tumor-associated carbonic anhydrases IX (CAIX) and XII (CAXII) have long been in the spotlight as potential new targets for anti-cancer therapy. Recently, CAIX/CAXII specific inhibitor SLC-0111 has passed clinical phase I study and showed differential response among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC can be classified into four different consensus molecular subgroups (CMS) showing unique expression patterns and molecular traits. We questioned whether there is a CMS-related CAIX/CAXII expression pattern in CRC predicting response. As such, we analyzed transcriptomic data of tumor samples for CA9/CA12 expression using Cancertool. Protein expression pattern was examined in preclinical models comprising cell lines, spheroids and xenograft tumors representing the CMS groups. Impact of CAIX/CAXII knockdown and SLC-0111 treatment was investigated in 2D and 3D cell culture. The transcriptomic data revealed a characteristic CMS-related CA9/CA12 expression pattern with pronounced co-expression of both CAs as a typical feature of CMS3 tumors. Protein expression in spheroid- and xenograft tumor tissue clearly differed, ranging from close to none (CMS1) to strong CAIX/CAXII co-expression in CMS3 models (HT29, LS174T). Accordingly, response to SLC-0111 analyzed in the spheroid model ranged from no (CMS1) to clear (CMS3), with moderate in CMS2 and mixed in CMS4. Furthermore, SLC-0111 positively affected impact of single and combined chemotherapeutic treatment of CMS3 spheroids. In addition, combined CAIX/CAXII knockdown and more effective treatment with SLC-0111 reduced clonogenic survival of CMS3 modelling single cells. In conclusion, the preclinical data support the clinical approach of targeted CAIX/CAXII inhibition by showing linkage of expression with response and suggest that patients with CMS3-classified tumors would most benefit from such treatment.
Electrochemical Immunosensor for the Determination of Antibodies against Prostate-Specific Antigen Based on ZnO Nanostructures
Authors: Liustrovaite Viktorija , Karoblis Dovydas , Brasiunas Benediktas , Popov Anton , Katelnikovas Arturas , Kareiva Aivaras , Ramanavicius Arunas , Viter Roman , Giardi Maria Teresa , Erts Donats , Ramanaviciene Almira
Published: March 2023

In this study, ZnO nanostructures with different types of morphologies and particle sizes were evaluated and applied for the development of an immunosensor. The first material was composed of spherical, polydisperse nanostructures with a particle size in the range of 10–160 nm. The second was made up of more compact rod-like spherical nanostructures with the diameter of these rods in the range of 50–400 nm, and approximately 98% of the particles were in the range of 20–70 nm. The last sample of ZnO was made up of rod-shaped particles with a diameter of 10–80 nm. These ZnO nanostructures were mixed with Nafion solution and drop-casted onto screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE), followed by a further immobilization of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The affinity interaction of PSA with monoclonal antibodies against PSA (anti-PSA) was evaluated using the differential pulse voltammetry technique. The limit of detection and limit of quantification of anti-PSA were determined as 1.35 nM and 4.08 nM for compact rod-shaped spherical ZnO nanostructures, and 2.36 nM and 7.15 nM for rod-shaped ZnO nanostructures, respectively.
Substituent-Guided Cluster Nuclearity for Tetranuclear Iron(III) Compounds with Flat {Fe4(μ3-O)2} Butterfly Core
Authors: Marchi Lorenzo , Carlino Stefano , Castellano Carlo , Demartin Francesco , Forni Alessandra , Ferretti Anna M. , Ponti Alessandro , Pasini Alessandro , Rigamonti Luca
Published: March 2023

The tetranuclear iron(III) compounds [Fe4(μ3-O)2(μ-LZ)4] (1–3) were obtained by reaction of FeCl3 with the shortened salen-type N2O2 tetradentate Schiff bases N,N’-bis(salicylidene)-o-Z-phenylmethanediamine H2LZ (Z = NO2, Cl and OMe, respectively), where the one-carbon bridge between the two iminic nitrogen donor atoms guide preferentially to the formation of oligonuclear species, and the ortho position of the substituent Z on the central phenyl ring selectively drives towards Fe4 bis-oxido clusters. All compounds show a flat almost-symmetric butterfly-like conformation of the {Fe4(μ3-O)2} core, surrounded by the four Schiff base ligands, as depicted by both the X-ray molecular structures of 1 and 2 and the optimized geometries of all derivatives as obtained by UM06/6-311G(d) DFT calculations. The strength of the antiferromagnetic exchange coupling constants between the iron(III) ions varies among the three derivatives, despite their magnetic cores remain structurally almost unvaried, as well as the coordination of the metal ions, with a distorted octahedral environment for the two-body iron ions, Feb, and a pentacoordination with trigonal bipyramidal geometry for the two-wing iron ions, Few. The different magnetic behavior within the series of examined compounds may be ascribed to the influence of the electronic features of Z on the electron density distribution (EDD) of the central {Fe4(μ3-O)2} core, substantiated by a Quantum Theory of Atoms In Molecules (QTAIM) topological analysis of the EDD, as obtained by UM06 calculations 1–3.
MiR-424/TGIF2-Mediated Pro-Fibrogenic Responses in Oral Submucous Fibrosis
Authors: Chou Ming-Yung , Hsieh Pei-Ling , Chao Shih-Chi , Liao Yi-Wen , Yu Cheng-Chia , Tsai Chang-Yi
Published: March 2023

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) has been recognized as a potentially malignant disorder and is characterized by inflammation and the deposition of collagen. Among various regulators of fibrogenesis, microRNAs (miR) have received great attention but the detailed mechanisms underlying the miR-mediated modulations remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that miR-424 was aberrantly overexpressed in OSF tissues, and then we assessed its functional role in the maintenance of myofibroblast characteristics. Our results demonstrated that the suppression of miR-424 markedly reduced various myofibroblast activities (such as collagen contractility and migration ability) and downregulated the expression of fibrosis markers. Moreover, we showed that miR-424 exerted this pro-fibrosis property via direct binding to TGIF2, an endogenous repressor of the TGF-β signaling. In addition, our findings indicated that overexpression of miR-424 activated the TGF-β/Smad pathway, leading to enhanced myofibroblast activities. Altogether, our data revealed how miR-424 contributed to myofibroblast transdifferentiation, and targeting the miR-424/TGIF2 axis may be a viable direction for achieving satisfactory results from OSF treatment.
Thiosemicarbazide Derivatives Targeting Human TopoIIα and IDO-1 as Small-Molecule Drug Candidates for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Kaproń Barbara , Czarnomysy Robert , Radomska Dominika , Bielawski Krzysztof , Plech Tomasz
Published: March 2023

In 2020, breast cancer became the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer, with nearly 2.3 million new cases diagnosed. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, breast cancer has a good prognosis. Here, we investigated the effect of thiosemicarbazide derivatives, previously identified as dual inhibitors targeting topoisomerase IIα and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO 1), on two distinct types of breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). The investigated compounds (1–3) selectively suppressed the growth of breast cancer cells and promoted apoptosis via caspase-8- and caspase-9-related pathways. Moreover, these compounds caused S-phase cell cycle arrest and dose-dependently inhibited the activity of ATP-binding cassette transporters (MDR1, MRP1/2 and BCRP) in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, following incubation with compound 1, an increased number of autophagic cells within both types of the investigated breast cancer cells was observed. During preliminary testing of ADME-Tox properties, the possible hemolytic activities of compounds 1–3 and their effects on specific cytochrome P450 enzymes were evaluated.
Myopia Is Suppressed by Digested Lactoferrin or Holo-Lactoferrin Administration
Authors: Liang Yifan , Ikeda Shin-ichi , Chen Junhan , Zhang Yan , Negishi Kazuno , Tsubota Kazuo , Kurihara Toshihide
Published: March 2023

Myopia is becoming a leading cause of vision impairment. An effective intervention is needed. Lactoferrin (LF) is a protein that has been reported to inhibit myopia progression when taken orally. This study looked at the effects of different forms of LF, such as native LF and digested LF, on myopia in mice. Mice were given different forms of LF from 3 weeks of age, and myopia was induced with minus lenses from 4 weeks of age. Results showed that mice given digested LF or holo-LF had a less elongated axial length and thinned choroid, compared to those given native-LF. Gene expression analysis also showed that the groups given native-LF and its derivatives had lower levels of certain cytokines and growth factors associated with myopia. These results suggest that myopia can be more effectively suppressed by digested LF or holo-LF than native-LF.
Differences in Whole-Blood Transcriptional Profiles in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Responding to Vedolizumab Compared with Non-Responders
Authors: Haglund Sofie , Söderman Jan , Almer Sven
Published: March 2023

Vedolizumab is efficacious in the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). However, a significant proportion of patients present with a non-response. To investigate whether differences in the clinical response to vedolizumab is reflected in changes in gene expression levels in whole blood, samples were collected at baseline before treatment, and at follow-up after 10–12 weeks. Whole genome transcriptional profiles were established by RNA sequencing. Before treatment, no differentially expressed genes were noted between responders (n = 9, UC 4, CD 5) and non-responders (n = 11, UC 3, CD 8). At follow-up, compared with baseline, responders displayed 201 differentially expressed genes, and 51 upregulated (e.g., translation initiation, mitochondrial translation, and peroxisomal membrane protein import) and 221 downregulated (e.g., Toll-like receptor activating cascades, and phagocytosis related) pathways. Twenty-two of the upregulated pathways in responders were instead downregulated in non-responders. The results correspond with a dampening of inflammatory activity in responders. Although considered a gut-specific drug, our study shows a considerable gene regulation in the blood of patients responding to vedolizumab. It also suggests that whole blood is not optimal for identifying predictive pre-treatment biomarkers based on individual genes. However, treatment outcomes may depend on several interacting genes, and our results indicate a possible potential of pathway analysis in predicting response to treatment, which merits further investigation.
Molecular and Clinical Links between Drug-Induced Cholestasis and Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis
Authors: Vitale Giovanni , Mattiaccio Alessandro , Conti Amalia , Berardi Sonia , Vero Vittoria , Turco Laura , Seri Marco , Morelli Maria Cristina
Published: March 2023

Idiosyncratic Drug-Induced Liver Injury (iDILI) represents an actual health challenge, accounting for more than 40% of hepatitis cases in adults over 50 years and more than 50% of acute fulminant hepatic failure cases. In addition, approximately 30% of iDILI are cholestatic (drug-induced cholestasis (DIC)). The liver’s metabolism and clearance of lipophilic drugs depend on their emission into the bile. Therefore, many medications cause cholestasis through their interaction with hepatic transporters. The main canalicular efflux transport proteins include: 1. the bile salt export pump (BSEP) protein (ABCB11); 2. the multidrug resistance protein-2 (MRP2, ABCC2) regulating the bile salts’ independent flow by excretion of glutathione; 3. the multidrug resistance-1 protein (MDR1, ABCB1) that transports organic cations; 4. the multidrug resistance-3 protein (MDR3, ABCB4). Two of the most known proteins involved in bile acids’ (BAs) metabolism and transport are BSEP and MDR3. BSEP inhibition by drugs leads to reduced BAs’ secretion and their retention within hepatocytes, exiting in cholestasis, while mutations in the ABCB4 gene expose the biliary epithelium to the injurious detergent actions of BAs, thus increasing susceptibility to DIC. Herein, we review the leading molecular pathways behind the DIC, the links with the other clinical forms of familial intrahepatic cholestasis, and, finally, the main cholestasis-inducing drugs.
Retrospective Analysis of Surgical Outcomes on Axial Length Elongation in Eyes with Posterior and Combined Persistent Fetal Vasculature
Authors: Huang Heng-Chiao , Lai Chien-Hsiung , Kang Eugene Yu-Chuan , Chen Kuan-Jen , Wang Nan-Kai , Liu Laura , Hwang Yih-Shiou , Lai Chi-Chun , Wu Wei-Chi
Published: March 2023

This study aims to investigate the outcomes and risk factors associated with poor vision (vision less than counting fingers, 2.0 logMAR, Snellen vision 20/2000) in patients with posterior or combined persistent fetal vasculature (PFV), with or without surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with PFV from January 2008 to April 2021. We included 51 eyes of 44 patients who presented with PFV, of which 38 eyes underwent surgical correction (pars plicata/plana vitrectomy, with or without lensectomy, and intraocular lens implantation) at the median age of 6.0 months (range: 0.7 to 82.0). The mean follow-up was 68.8 months ± 38.0 months. The axial length change in the eyes undergoing surgery was significantly higher than the eyes without surgery (p = 0.025). Initial anterior chamber collapse and retinal detachment were associated with poor vision (p = 0.006 and p = 0.002, respectively). In addition, 37% of eyes with posterior or combined PFV had vision better than counting fingers. Surgery for eyes with PFV could result in better eye growth. Visual outcomes remained poor and were associated with the level of macular abnormality. Initial anterior chamber collapse and retinal detachment at presentation were the risk factors for poor visual outcomes. Vitrectomy for selected PFV eyes is valuable and associated with a better cosmetic outcome (better eye growth).
Sinorhizobium meliloti DnaJ Is Required for Surface Motility, Stress Tolerance, and for Efficient Nodulation and Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Brito-Santana Paula , Duque-Pedraza Julián J. , Bernabéu-Roda Lydia M. , Carvia-Hermoso Cristina , Cuéllar Virginia , Fuentes-Romero Francisco , Acosta-Jurado Sebastián , Vinardell José-María , Soto María J.
Published: March 2023

Bacterial surface motility is a complex microbial trait that contributes to host colonization. However, the knowledge about regulatory mechanisms that control surface translocation in rhizobia and their role in the establishment of symbiosis with legumes is still limited. Recently, 2-tridecanone (2-TDC) was identified as an infochemical in bacteria that hampers microbial colonization of plants. In the alfalfa symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti, 2-TDC promotes a mode of surface motility that is mostly independent of flagella. To understand the mechanism of action of 2-TDC in S. meliloti and unveil genes putatively involved in plant colonization, Tn5 transposants derived from a flagellaless strain that were impaired in 2-TDC-induced surface spreading were isolated and genetically characterized. In one of the mutants, the gene coding for the chaperone DnaJ was inactivated. Characterization of this transposant and newly obtained flagella-minus and flagella-plus dnaJ deletion mutants revealed that DnaJ is essential for surface translocation, while it plays a minor role in swimming motility. DnaJ loss-of-function reduces salt and oxidative stress tolerance in S. meliloti and hinders the establishment of efficient symbiosis by affecting nodule formation efficiency, cellular infection, and nitrogen fixation. Intriguingly, the lack of DnaJ causes more severe defects in a flagellaless background. This work highlights the role of DnaJ in the free-living and symbiotic lifestyles of S. meliloti.
Kinetic Characterization and Catalytic Mechanism of N-Acetylornithine Aminotransferase Encoded by slr1022 Gene from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803
Authors: Li Zhi-Min , Bai Fumei , Wang Xiaoqin , Xie Congcong , Wan Yuting , Li Yating , Liu Jianping , Li Zhimin
Published: March 2023

The enzyme encoded by slr1022 gene from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 was reported to function as N-acetylornithine aminotransferase, γ-aminobutyric acid aminotransferase, and ornithine aminotransferase, which played important roles in multiple metabolic pathways. Among these functions, N-acetylornithine aminotransferase catalyzes the reversible conversion of N-acetylornithine to N-acetylglutamate-5-semialdehyde with PLP as cofactor, which is a key step in the arginine biosynthesis pathway. However, the investigation of the detailed kinetic characteristics and catalytic mechanism of Slr1022 has not been carried out yet. In this study, the exploration of kinetics of recombinant Slr1022 illustrated that Slr1022 mainly functioned as N-acetylornithine aminotransferase with low substrate specificity to γ-aminobutyric acid and ornithine. Kinetic assay of Slr1022 variants and the model structure of Slr1022 with N-acetylornithine-PLP complex revealed that Lys280 and Asp251 residues were the key amino acids of Slr1022. The respective mutation of the above two residues to Ala resulted in the activity depletion of Slr1022. Meanwhile, Glu223 residue was involved in substrate binding and it served as a switch between the two half reactions. Other residues such as Thr308, Gln254, Tyr39, Arg163, and Arg402 implicated a substrate recognition and catalytic process of the reaction. The results of this study further enriched the understanding of the catalytic kinetics and mechanism of N-acetylornithine aminotransferase, especially from cyanobacteria.
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 and Limosilactobacillus reuteri ATCC 53608 Synergistically Boost Butyrate Levels upon Tributyrin Administration Ex Vivo
Authors: Van den Abbeele Pieter , Goggans Mallory , Deyaert Stef , Baudot Aurélien , Van de Vliet Michiel , Calatayud Arroyo Marta , Lelah Michael
Published: March 2023

Modulation of the gut microbiota is a trending strategy to improve health. While butyrate has been identified as a key health-related microbial metabolite, managing its supply to the host remains challenging. Therefore, this study investigated the potential to manage butyrate supply via tributyrin oil supplementation (TB; glycerol with three butyrate molecules) using the ex vivo SIFR® (Systemic Intestinal Fermentation Research) technology, a highly reproducible, in vivo predictive gut model that accurately preserves in vivo-derived microbiota and enables addressing interpersonal differences. Dosing 1 g TB/L significantly increased butyrate with 4.1 (±0.3) mM, corresponding with 83 ± 6% of the theoretical butyrate content of TB. Interestingly, co-administration of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ATCC 53608 (REU) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 (LGG) markedly enhanced butyrate to levels that exceeded the theoretical butyrate content of TB (138 ± 11% for REU; 126 ± 8% for LGG). Both TB + REU and TB + LGG stimulated Coprococcus catus, a lactate-utilizing, butyrate-producing species. The stimulation of C. catus with TB + REU was remarkably consistent across the six human adults tested. It is hypothesized that LGG and REU ferment the glycerol backbone of TB to produce lactate, a precursor of butyrate. TB + REU also significantly stimulated the butyrate-producing Eubacterium rectale and Gemmiger formicilis and promoted microbial diversity. The more potent effects of REU could be due to its ability to convert glycerol to reuterin, an antimicrobial compound. Overall, both the direct butyrate release from TB and the additional butyrate production via REU/LGG-mediated cross-feeding were highly consistent. This contrasts with the large interpersonal differences in butyrate production that are often observed upon prebiotic treatment. Combining TB with LGG and especially REU is thus a promising strategy to consistently supply butyrate to the host, potentially resulting in more predictable health benefits.
Ion Channels in the Development and Remodeling of the Aortic Valve
Authors: Simard Christophe , Aize Margaux , Chaigne Sébastien , Mpweme Bangando Harlyne , Guinamard Romain
Published: March 2023

The role of ion channels is extensively described in the context of the electrical activity of excitable cells and in excitation-contraction coupling. They are, through this phenomenon, a key element for cardiac activity and its dysfunction. They also participate in cardiac morphological remodeling, in particular in situations of hypertrophy. Alongside this, a new field of exploration concerns the role of ion channels in valve development and remodeling. Cardiac valves are important components in the coordinated functioning of the heart by ensuring unidirectional circulation essential to the good efficiency of the cardiac pump. In this review, we will focus on the ion channels involved in both the development and/or the pathological remodeling of the aortic valve. Regarding valve development, mutations in genes encoding for several ion channels have been observed in patients suffering from malformation, including the bicuspid aortic valve. Ion channels were also reported to be involved in the morphological remodeling of the valve, characterized by the development of fibrosis and calcification of the leaflets leading to aortic stenosis. The final stage of aortic stenosis requires, until now, the replacement of the valve. Thus, understanding the role of ion channels in the progression of aortic stenosis is an essential step in designing new therapeutic approaches in order to avoid valve replacement.
Hematopoietic Stem Cells and the Immune System in Development and Aging
Authors: Shevyrev Daniil , Tereshchenko Valeriy , Berezina Tatiana N. , Rybtsov Stanislav
Published: March 2023

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) support haematopoiesis throughout life and give rise to the whole variety of cells of the immune system. Developing in the early embryo, passing through the precursor stage, and maturing into the first HSCs, they undergo a fairly large number of divisions while maintaining a high regenerative potential due to high repair activity. This potential is greatly reduced in adult HSCs. They go into a state of dormancy and anaerobic metabolism to maintain their stemness throughout life. However, with age, changes occur in the pool of HSCs that negatively affect haematopoiesis and the effectiveness of immunity. Niche aging and accumulation of mutations with age reduces the ability of HSCs to self-renew and changes their differentiation potential. This is accompanied by a decrease in clonal diversity and a disturbance of lymphopoiesis (decrease in the formation of naive T- and B-cells) and the predominance of myeloid haematopoiesis. Aging also affects mature cells, regardless of HSC, therefore, phagocytic activity and the intensity of the oxidative burst decrease, and the efficiency of processing and presentation of antigens by myeloid cells is impaired. Aging cells of innate and adaptive immunity produce factors that form a chronic inflammatory background. All these processes have a serious negative impact on the protective properties of the immune system, increasing inflammation, the risk of developing autoimmune, oncological, and cardiovascular diseases with age. Understanding the mechanisms of reducing the regenerative potential in a comparative analysis of embryonic and aging HSCs, the features of inflammatory aging will allow us to get closer to deciphering the programs for the development, aging, regeneration and rejuvenation of HSCs and the immune system.
Conditioned Medium of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Loaded with Paclitaxel Is Effective in Preclinical Models of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
Authors: Cordani Nicoletta , Lisini Daniela , Coccè Valentina , Paglia Giuseppe , Meanti Ramona , Cerrito Maria Grazia , Tettamanti Pietro , Bonaffini Luca , Paino Francesca , Alessandri Giulio , Marcianti Angela , Giannì Aldo , Villa Chiara , Mauri Mario , Mologni Luca , Torsello Antonio , Pessina Augusto , Cazzaniga Marina Elena
Published: March 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a very aggressive disease even in its early stages and is characterized by a severe prognosis. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is one of the milestones of treatment, and paclitaxel (PTX) is among the most active drugs used in this setting. However, despite its efficacy, peripheral neuropathy occurs in approximately 20–25% of cases and represents the dose-limiting toxicity of this drug. New deliverable strategies to ameliorate drug delivery and reduce side effects are keenly awaited to improve patients’ outcomes. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have recently been demonstrated as promising drug delivery vectors for cancer treatment. The aim of the present preclinical study is to explore the possibility of a cell therapy approach based on the use of MSCs loaded with PTX to treat TNBC-affected patients. For this purpose, we in vitro evaluated the viability, migration and colony formation of two TNBC cell lines, namely, MDA-MB-231 and BT549, treated with MSC-PTX conditioned medium (MSC-CM PTX) in comparison with both CM of MSCs not loaded with PTX (CTRL) and free PTX. We observed stronger inhibitory effects on survival, migration and tumorigenicity for MSC-CM PTX than for CTRL and free PTX in TNBC cell lines. Further studies will provide more information about activity and potentially open the possibility of using this new drug delivery vector in the context of a clinical study.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide Promotes Angiogenesis in the Rodent Developing Brain
Authors: Loron Gauthier , Pansiot Julien , Olivier Paul , Charriaut-Marlangue Christiane , Baud Olivier
Published: March 2023

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is a therapy used in neonates with pulmonary hypertension. Some evidence of its neuroprotective properties has been reported in both mature and immature brains subjected to injury. NO is a key mediator of the VEGF pathway, and angiogenesis may be involved in the reduced vulnerability to injury of white matter and the cortex conferred by iNO. Here, we report the effect of iNO on angiogenesis in the developing brain and its potential effectors. We found that iNO promotes angiogenesis in the developing white matter and cortex during a critical window in P14 rat pups. This shift in the developmental program of brain angiogenesis was not related to a regulation of NO synthases by exogenous NO exposure, nor the VEGF pathway or other angiogenic factors. The effects of iNO on brain angiogenesis were found to be mimicked by circulating nitrate/nitrite, suggesting that these carriers may play a role in transporting NO to the brain. Finally, our data show that the soluble guanylate cyclase/cGMP signaling pathway is likely to be involved in the pro-angiogenetic effect of iNO through thrombospondin-1, a glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix, inhibiting soluble guanylate cyclase through CD42 and CD36. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the biological basis of the effect of iNO in the developing brain.
Eucommia Polysaccharides Ameliorate Aging-Associated Gut Dysbiosis: A Potential Mechanism for Life Extension in Drosophila
Authors: Wei Jing-Jing , Li Xiu-Juan , Liu Wei , Chai Xue-Jun , Zhu Xiao-Yan , Sun Peng-Hao , Liu Feng , Zhao Yong-Kang , Huang Jun-Lang , Liu Ya-Fei , Zhao Shan-Ting
Published: March 2023

The gut microbiota is increasingly considered to play a key role in human immunity and health. The aging process alters the microbiota composition, which is associated with inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased tissue function, and increased susceptibility to age-related diseases. It has been demonstrated that plant polysaccharides have beneficial effects on the gut microbiota, particularly in reducing pathogenic bacteria abundance and increasing beneficial bacteria populations. However, there is limited evidence of the effect of plant polysaccharides on age-related gut microbiota dysbiosis and ROS accumulation during the aging process. To explore the effect of Eucommiae polysaccharides (EPs) on age-related gut microbiota dysbiosis and ROS accumulation during the aging process of Drosophila, a series of behavioral and life span assays of Drosophila with the same genetic background in standard medium and a medium supplemented with EPs were performed. Next, the gut microbiota composition and protein composition of Drosophila in standard medium and the medium supplemented with EPs were detected using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis and quantitative proteomic analysis. Here, we show that supplementation of Eucommiae polysaccharides (EPs) during development leads to the life span extension of Drosophila. Furthermore, EPs decreased age-related ROS accumulation and suppressed Gluconobacter, Providencia, and Enterobacteriaceae in aged Drosophila. Increased Gluconobacter, Providencia, and Enterobacteriaceae in the indigenous microbiota might induce age-related gut dysfunction in Drosophila and shortens their life span. Our study demonstrates that EPs can be used as prebiotic agents to prevent aging-associated gut dysbiosis and reactive oxidative stress.
A Systematic Literature Review on Human Ear Biometrics: Approaches, Algorithms, and Trend in the Last Decade
Authors: Oyebiyi Oyediran George , Abayomi-Alli Adebayo , Arogundade Oluwasefunmi ‘Tale , Qazi Atika , Imoize Agbotiname Lucky , Awotunde Joseph Bamidele
Published: March 2023

Biometric technology is fast gaining pace as a veritable developmental tool. So far, biometric procedures have been predominantly used to ensure identity and ear recognition techniques continue to provide very robust research prospects. This paper proposes to identify and review present techniques for ear biometrics using certain parameters: machine learning methods, and procedures and provide directions for future research. Ten databases were accessed, including ACM, Wiley, IEEE, Springer, Emerald, Elsevier, Sage, MIT, Taylor & Francis, and Science Direct, and 1121 publications were retrieved. In order to obtain relevant materials, some articles were excused using certain criteria such as abstract eligibility, duplicity, and uncertainty (indeterminate method). As a result, 73 papers were selected for in-depth assessment and significance. A quantitative analysis was carried out on the identified works using search strategies: source, technique, datasets, status, and architecture. A Quantitative Analysis (QA) of feature extraction methods was carried out on the selected studies with a geometric approach indicating the highest value at 36%, followed by the local method at 27%. Several architectures, such as Convolutional Neural Network, restricted Boltzmann machine, auto-encoder, deep belief network, and other unspecified architectures, showed 38%, 28%, 21%, 5%, and 4%, respectively. Essentially, this survey also provides the various status of existing methods used in classifying related studies. A taxonomy of the current methodologies of ear recognition system was presented along with a publicly available occlussion and pose sensitive black ear image dataset of 970 images. The study concludes with the need for researchers to consider improvements in the speed and security of available feature extraction algorithms.
Predicting Culex pipiens/restuans Population Dynamics Using a Weather-Driven Dynamic Compartmental Population Model
Authors: Bakran-Lebl Karin , Kjær Lene Jung , Conrady Beate
Published: March 2023

Mosquitoes of the genus Culex are important vectors of a variety of arthropod-borne viral infections. In most of the northern parts of the USA, Cx. pipiens/restuans is the predominant representative of this genus. As vectors, they play a key role in the spreading of arboviruses and thus, knowledge of the population dynamic of mosquitoes is important to understand the disease ecology of these viruses. As poikilotherm animals, the vital rates of mosquitoes are highly dependent on ambient temperature, and also on precipitation. We present a compartmental model for the population dynamics of Cx. pipiens/restuans. The model is driven by temperature, precipitation, and daytime length (which can be calculated from the geographic latitude). For model evaluation, we used long-term mosquito capture data, which were averaged from multiple sites in Cook County, Illinois. The model fitted the observation data and was able to reproduce between-year differences in the abundance of the Cx. pipiens/restuans mosquitoes, as well as the different seasonal trends. Using this model, we evaluated the effectiveness of targeting different vital rates for mosquito control strategies. The final model is able to reproduce the weekly mean Cx. pipiens/restuans abundance for Cook County with a high accuracy, and over a long time period of 20 years.
Oviposition Preference of the American Hoverfly, Eupeodes americanus, between Banker Plants and Target Crops
Authors: Gonzalez Noémie , Fauteux Arlette , Louis Jean-Christophe , Buitenhuis Rosemarije , Lucas Eric
Published: March 2023

Assessing the oviposition preferences of predatory hoverflies is a key factor in the prediction of the success of these biological control agents against aphids in greenhouses, especially when using banker plant systems or in mixed-crop contexts. In this study, two aspects of the oviposition preferences of the American hoverfly, Eupeodes americanus (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Syrphidae), were evaluated. Firstly, the preference between the banker plant and the target crop was evaluated for three banker plant species (barley, finger millet, or corn) and two target crops (cucumber or pepper). Secondly, the preference between the same two target crops was assessed. Female oviposition preferences were evaluated via two-choice experiments using different plant/aphid systems. The results showed that, for the cucumber crops, the species of banker plant used drastically influenced the oviposition preference of the hoverfly, with a preference for barley over cucumber, cucumber over finger millet, and no preference between corn and cucumber. Unlike cucumber, when used with pepper, barley engendered a preference for the target crop. We conclude that the barley banker plant could be adequate for aphid control in pepper but not in cucumber crops. In a mixed-crop context, the American hoverfly had no preference between cucumber and pepper, which means it has the potential to protect both crops in a mixed-crop greenhouse context. This study shows that the banker plant system should be carefully chosen according to the crops/aphids present in the greenhouse to optimize the impact of the hoverfly as a biocontrol agent. Further work is required to confirm this choice of banker plant in semifield or field testing.
Exploring Enablers of Contagious Content for Dining Blogs: An Integrated Approach by Using Content Analysis and Interpretive Structural Modeling
Authors: Chang Kuo-Chien , Cheng Yi-Sung , Hu Shih-Ming , Kuo Nien-Te
Published: March 2023

Blogs remain a popular and reliable form of online communication. As the number of dining blogs continues to rise, competition is increasingly fierce. Thus, it is important to not only draw the attention of users but to also secure followers. To increase reader loyalty, bloggers must consider blog marketing from a blog reader’s perspective. Although previous studies have explored how blog narratives influence consumer behaviors, few studies have focused on exploring the enablers of contagious content for dining blogs from a blog reader’s perspective. Creating contagious content helps to achieve the maximum benefits from blog marketing. Therefore, this study identifies the enablers of contagious blogs and models their interrelationships to aid dining bloggers in framing a consistently popular blog. Based on Berger’s six principles—social currency (S), triggers (T), emotion (E), public (P), practical value (P), and stories (S) (STEPPS)—13 main factors were first compiled through a literature review. Qualitative content analysis was then applied to extract the 31 enablers related to the main factors within the context of dining blogs. In order to identify the hierarchical relationships among the extracted enablers, this study applied interpretive structural modeling (ISM). Based on the results of ISM, cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) describes the driving and dependence behaviors of the enablers. The results of ISM and MICMAC show areas of priority on which dining bloggers should focus to create contagious content. The most important areas include emotional stimulation, storytelling, and gamification. Finally, the theoretical and managerial implications of the findings were provided.
Research on Changsha Gardens in Ming Dynasty, China
Authors: Li Weiwen , Gao Chi
Published: March 2023

Despite the growing interest in Chinese gardens, there is a lack of research on Changsha Gardens. Through document retrieval, review, and map analysis, we reconstructed the Changsha Gardens during the Ming Dynasty. Our findings reveal that gardening flourished in Changsha during this period. The royal gardens, dominated by literati aesthetics, set the trend for development, while the landscaping techniques were influenced by Jiangnan Gardens. Private gardens placed more emphasis on artistic mood and cultural implications. Landscape architects incorporated towers, terraces, and suburban mountain gardening to borrow scenery. The use of spring water to create landscapes and the rectangular shapes of the water bodies reflected Neo-Confucianism and practical functions. Planting design focused on meaning over form, with landscapes used to commemorate sages and promote the farming and reading culture and other Confucian values. However, it relied too much on borrowing natural scenery and the pragmatism of the Hunan culture, which might have affected the progress of landscaping techniques and the development of Changsha Gardens. Changsha Gardens were not as skilled as Jiangnan Gardens, and the style was not as prominent as other regional schools of gardens. This might be the reason why Changsha Gardens have not become one of the regional schools of gardens in China.
XRD and Spectroscopic Investigations of ZIF—Microchannel Glass Plates Composites
Authors: Narimbi Justin , Balakrishnan Sivakumar , Perova Tatiana S. , Dee Garret , Swiegers Gerhard F. , Gun’ko Yurii K.
Published: March 2023

In this study, new composite materials comprising zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) structures and microchannel glass (MCG) plates were fabricated using the hydrothermal method and their morphological and spectral properties were investigated using XRD, SEM, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. XRD studies of powder samples revealed the presence of an additional phase for a ZIF-8 sample, whereas ZIF-67 samples, which were prepared through two different chemical routes, showed no additional phases. A detailed analysis of the FTIR and micro-Raman spectra of the composite samples revealed the formation of stable ZIF structures inside the macropores of the MCG substrate. The hydrophilic nature of the MCG substrate and its interaction with the ZIF structure resulted in the formation of stable ZIF-MCG composites. We believe that these composite materials may find a wide range of important applications in the field of sensors, molecular sieving.
Influence of Fibre Fill Pattern and Stacking Sequence on Open-Hole Tensile Behaviour in Additive Manufactured Fibre-Reinforced Composites
Authors: Silvestri Alessia Teresa , Papa Ilaria , Squillace Antonino
Published: March 2023

Additive manufacturing has revolutionised the field of manufacturing, allowing for the production of complex geometries with high precision and accuracy. One of the most promising applications of additive manufacturing is in the production of composites, which are materials made by combining two or more substances with different properties to achieve specific functional characteristics. In recent years, the use of Continuous Filament Fabrication (CFF) in additive manufacturing has become increasingly popular due to its ability to produce high-quality composite parts which have fibres with a complex orientation and high curvature. This paper aims to investigate the influence of fill pattern and stacking sequence on the open-hole tensile strength of composites manufactured using CFF and made of an innovative matrix composed of nylon and short carbon fibres, i.e., Onyx, and with continuous carbon fibre as reinforcement. By systematically varying the fill pattern and stacking sequence, we aim to identify the optimal combination that can achieve the highest open-hole tensile strength in these composites. The results of this study will provide valuable insights into the design and manufacture of high-strength composites using additive manufacturing. Open-hole strength and elastic properties are strongly influenced by the infill strategy and stacking sequences adopted, and show different failure modes. The results also point out a technological issue characterising the process and indicate some guidelines for designing and manufacturing 3D printing composites.
SEM Evaluation of the Marginal Accuracy of Zirconia, Lithium Disilicate, and Composite Single Crowns Created by CAD/CAM Method: Comparative Analysis of Different Materials
Authors: Ferrini Francesco , Paolone Gaetano , Di Domenico Giovanna Laura , Pagani Nicolò , Gherlone Enrico Felice
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: The objective of this in vitro study is to evaluate the marginal accuracy of crowns created by CAD/CAM. (2) Methods: A customized chrome-cobalt (Cr-Co) implant abutment simulating a maxillary right first molar was fixed in a hemi-maxillary stone model and scanned. In total, 27 crowns were fabricated, including 9 lithium disilicate crowns, 9 composite crowns, and 9 zirconia crowns. The measurements were determined by scanning electron microscopy. Descriptive analysis was performed using the mean and standard deviation, while the Kruskal–Wallis test was performed to determine whether the marginal discrepancies were significantly different between each group (p < 0.05). (3) Results: The lowest marginal gap value was reported for zirconia (21.45 ± 12.58 µm), followed by composite (44.7 ± 24.96 µm) and lithium disilicate (62.28 ± 51.8 µm). The Kruskal–Wallis tests revealed a statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.05) in the mean marginal gaps between different materials. (4) Conclusions: The proposed digital workflow can be a viable alternative for fixed prosthetic rehabilitations. The best performance in terms of marginal gap was achieved by zirconia crowns, but all three materials demonstrate marginal closure below the clinically accepted threshold value (120 µm). Clinical significance: although significant differences were reported, the investigated CAD/CAM materials showed clinically acceptable marginal gaps.
CALPHAD-Based Modelling of the Temperature–Composition–Structure Relationship during Physical Vapor Deposition of Mg-Ca Thin Films
Authors: Keuter Philipp , to Baben Moritz , Aliramaji Shamsa , Schneider Jochen M.
Published: March 2023

The temperature-dependent composition and phase formation during the physical vapor deposition (PVD) of Mg-Ca thin films is modeled using a CALPHAD-based approach. Considering the Mg and Ca sublimation fluxes calculated based on the vapor pressure obtained by employing thermochemical equilibrium calculations, the experimentally observed synthesis-temperature trends in the thin-film composition and phase formation were reproduced. The model is a significant step towards understanding how synthesis parameters control composition and, therefore, phase formation in the PVD of metals with high vapor pressures.
Analysis of Hardening Characteristics of Aged Concrete Prepared with Highly Mineralized Mine Water—A Mine in the Ordos Mining Area Is Taken as an Example
Authors: Cheng Yunhai , Wang Yifan , Shen Hao , Zhang Junfei
Published: March 2023

In order to study the hardening characteristics and formation mechanism of concrete prepared with highly mineralized mine water (which is called CMW for short), four mineralized mine water mixtures with different dosages (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were prepared, and concrete specimens were made using coal-based solid waste (gangue and fly ash) as the aggregate and aged for a 70 d long-age test. Strength tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were performed to determine the relationship between the hardening strength and aging time. The hardening mechanism was studied based on the changes in the characteristic composition and microstructure. The results showed that, compared with the two-stage hardening in σC seen in conventional concrete prepared with ground purified water, drinking water, or surface water (which is called CN-MW for short), σC in our experiments had three-stages. The stages included a growth period (0~28 d), in which σC of the 28 d concrete samples prepared with mine water dosages of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% increased by 18.0%, 36.4%, 57.2%, and 72.7%, respectively, compared with that of CN-MW; a rapid decline period (28~56 d), in which σC at 56 d decreased by 47.7%, 43.2%, 36.0%, and 30.5%, respectively, and finally, the stable period (56~70 d~long-age), in which the strength σC remained stable. The mechanisms of the hardening characteristics were different from those of CN-MW in the three stages. In the first stage (0~28 d), Friedel’s salt and more ettringite were generated by the secondary hydration reaction, which filled the internal pores of the specimens and thus improved the compactness and σC. In the second stage (28~56 d), the amount of Friedel’s salt and ettringite further increased, the crystals inside the specimens expanded, and macroscopic cracks appeared on the specimen surface, thus leading to the decrease in σC. In the third stage (56~70 d~long-age), the amount of Friedel’s salt and ettringite plateaued, and σC entered a stable stage, decreasing by 52.5%, 47.8%, 40.4%, and 36.8%, respectively, compared with that of the specimens prepared without mine water. The hardening time of CMW was 42 d longer than that of conventional CN-MW, the hardening strength decreased significantly, and the σC at the final setting time was much lower than that of CN-MW. Our research results provide a reference for the filling strength design of coal mine rock stratum control.
Tribological Behavior of TiO2 PEEK Composite and Stainless Steel for Pediatric Crowns
Authors: Arieira Ana , Madeira Sara , Rodrigues Flávio , Silva Filipe
Published: March 2023

Dental decay still presents a major health problem among children. Its treatment usually requires the use of stainless steel crowns. This study compares the wear behavior of 316 L stainless steel and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composite under identical test conditions. The wear tests were conducted in a reciprocating ball-on-plate tribometer (Plint TE67/R) using alumina balls as a counterface and artificial saliva as a lubricant at 37 °C to faithfully mimic oral conditions. The coefficient of friction (COF) and specific wear rate (k) values were determined and SEM/EDS examinations were performed to identify the predominant wear mechanisms. Results showed that PEEK exhibited a significantly lower coefficient of friction (COF = 0.094 ± 0.004) and thus lower wear volume (ΔV = 0.0078 ± 0.0125 mm3) and higher wear resistance, with an average value of specific wear rate of k = 9.07 × 10−6 mm3N−1m−1 when compared to stainless steel (COF = 0.32 ± 0.03, ΔV = 0.0125 ± 0.0029 mm3, k = 1.45 × 10−5 mm3N−1m−1). PEEK was revealed to be a potential material for use in pediatric crowns due to its high wear resistance while overcoming the disadvantages associated with steel at both an aesthetic and biological level.