bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Annexin A1 Secreted by Neutrophils in Melanoma Metastasis
Authors: Sandri Silvana , Hebeda Cristina Bichels , Broering Milena Fronza , de Paula Silva Marina , Moredo Luciana Facure , de Barros e Silva Milton José , Sapata Molina André , Lopes Pinto Clóvis Antônio , Duprat Neto João Pedreira , Reutelingsperger Chris P. , Gil Cristiane Damas , Farsky Sandra Helena Poliselli
Published: January 2023

Annexin A1 (AnxA1) is highly secreted by neutrophils and binds to formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) to trigger anti-inflammatory effects and efferocytosis. AnxA1 is also expressed in the tumor microenvironment, being mainly attributed to cancer cells. As recruited neutrophils are player cells at the tumor sites, the role of neutrophil-derived AnxA1 in lung melanoma metastasis was investigated here. Melanoma cells and neutrophils expressing AnxA1 were detected in biopsies from primary melanoma patients, which also presented higher levels of serum AnxA1 and augmented neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the blood. Lung melanoma metastatic mice (C57BL/6; i.v. injected B16F10 cells) showed neutrophilia, elevated AnxA1 serum levels, and higher labeling for AnxA1 in neutrophils than in tumor cells at the lungs with metastasis. Peritoneal neutrophils collected from naïve mice were co-cultured with B16F10 cells or employed to obtain neutrophil-conditioned medium (NCM; 18 h incubation). B16F10 cells co-cultured with neutrophils or with NCM presented higher invasion, which was abolished if B16F10 cells were previously incubated with FPR antagonists or co-cultured with AnxA1 knockout (AnxA1-/-) neutrophils. The depletion of peripheral neutrophils during lung melanoma metastasis development (anti-Gr1; i.p. every 48 h for 21 days) reduced the number of metastases and AnxA1 serum levels in mice. Our findings show that AnxA1 secreted by neutrophils favors melanoma metastasis evolution via FPR pathways, addressing AnxA1 as a potential biomarker for the detection or progression of melanoma.
Spastin Promotes the Migration and Invasion Capability of T98G Glioblastoma Cells by Interacting with Pin1 through Its Microtubule-Binding Domain
Authors: Temizci Benan , Kucukvardar Seren , Karabay Arzu
Published: January 2023

Microtubule-severing protein Spastin has been shown to co-localize with actin in migratory glioblastoma cells and is linked to glioblastomas’ migration and invasion capacity. However, the effectiveness of Spastin in glioblastoma migration and the molecular mechanism underpinning the orientation of Spastin towards actin filaments remain unknown. Here, we demonstrated that Spastin plays an active role in glioblastoma migration by showing a reduced migratory potential of T98G glioblastoma cells using real-time cell analysis (RTCA) in Spastin-depleted cells. Pull-down assays revealed that a cis–trans isomerase Pin1 interacts with Spastin through binding to the phosphorylated Pin1 recognition motifs in the microtubule-binding domain (MBD), and immunocytochemistry analysis showed that interaction with Pin1 directs Spastin to actin filaments in extended cell regions. Consequently, by utilizing RTCA, we proved that the migration and invasion capacity of T98G glioblastoma cells significantly increased with the overexpression of Spastin, of which the Pin1 recognition motifs in MBD are constitutively phosphorylated, while the overexpression of phospho-mutant form did not have a significant effect on migration and invasion of T98G glioblastoma cells. These findings demonstrate that Pin1 is a novel interaction partner of Spastin, and their interaction drives Spastin to actin filaments, allowing Spastin to contribute to the glioblastomas’ migration and invasion abilities.
The Crosstalk between Microbiome and Mitochondrial Homeostasis in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Borbolis Fivos , Mytilinaiou Eirini , Palikaras Konstantinos
Published: January 2023

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that serve as the primary cellular energy-generating system. Apart from ATP production, they are essential for many biological processes, including calcium homeostasis, lipid biogenesis, ROS regulation and programmed cell death, which collectively render them invaluable for neuronal integrity and function. Emerging evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and altered mitochondrial dynamics are crucial hallmarks of a wide variety of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions. At the same time, the gut microbiome has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders due to the bidirectional communication between the gut and the central nervous system, known as the gut–brain axis. Here we summarize new insights into the complex interplay between mitochondria, gut microbiota and neurodegeneration, and we refer to animal models that could elucidate the underlying mechanisms, as well as novel interventions to tackle age-related neurodegenerative conditions, based on this intricate network.
Prevalence of Olfactory Dysfunction with the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: von Bartheld Christopher S. , Wang Lingchen
Published: January 2023

The omicron variant is thought to cause less olfactory dysfunction than previous variants of SARS-CoV-2, but the reported prevalence differs greatly between populations and studies. Our systematic review and meta-analysis provide information regarding regional differences in prevalence as well as an estimate of the global prevalence of olfactory dysfunction based on 62 studies reporting information on 626,035 patients infected with the omicron variant. Our estimate of the omicron-induced prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in populations of European ancestry is 11.7%, while it is significantly lower in all other populations, ranging between 1.9% and 4.9%. When ethnic differences and population sizes are considered, the global prevalence of omicron-induced olfactory dysfunction in adults is estimated to be 3.7%. Omicron’s effect on olfaction is twofold to tenfold lower than that of the alpha or delta variants according to previous meta-analyses and our analysis of studies that directly compared the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction between omicron and previous variants. The profile of the prevalence differences between ethnicities mirrors the results of a recent genome-wide association study that connected a gene locus encoding an odorant-metabolizing enzyme, UDP glycosyltransferase, to the extent of COVID-19-related loss of smell. Our analysis is consistent with the hypothesis that this enzyme contributes to the observed population differences.
Placental Changes and Neuropsychological Development in Children—A Systematic Review
Authors: Lodefalk Maria , Chelslín Felix , Patriksson Karlsson Johanna , Hansson Stefan R.
Published: January 2023

Placental dysfunction may increase the offspring’s later-life disease risk. The objective of this systematic review was to describe associations between pathological placental changes and neuropsychological outcomes in children after the neonatal period. The inclusion criteria were human studies; original research; direct placental variables; neuropsychological outcomes; and analysis between their associations. The exclusion criterion was the offspring’s age—0–28 days or >19 years. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were last searched in May 2022. We utilized the ROBINS-I for the risk of bias assessment and performed a narrative synthesis. In total, 3252 studies were identified, out of which 16 were included (i.e., a total of 15,862 participants). Half of the studies were performed on children with neonatal complications, and 75% of the studies reported an association between a placental change and an outcome; however, following the completion of the funnel plots, a risk of publication bias was indicated. The largest study described a small association between placental size and a risk of psychiatric symptoms in boys only. Inconsistency between the studies limited the evidence in this review. In general, no strong evidence was found for an association between pathological placental changes and childhood neuropsychological outcomes after the neonatal period. However, the association between placental size and mental health in boys indicates a placental sexual dimorphism, thereby suggesting an increased vulnerability for male fetuses.
A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins in Cardiac Myocytes and Their Roles in Regulating Calcium Cycling
Authors: Subramanian Hariharan , Nikolaev Viacheslav O.
Published: January 2023

The rate of calcium cycling and calcium transient amplitude are critical determinants for the efficient contraction and relaxation of the heart. Calcium-handling proteins in the cardiac myocyte are altered in heart failure, and restoring the proper function of those proteins is an effective potential therapeutic strategy. The calcium-handling proteins or their regulators are phosphorylated by a cAMP-dependent kinase (PKA), and thereby their activity is regulated. A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins (AKAPs) play a seminal role in orchestrating PKA and cAMP regulators in calcium handling and contractile machinery. This cAMP/PKA orchestration is crucial for the increased force and rate of contraction and relaxation of the heart in response to fight-or-flight. Knockout models and the few available preclinical models proved that the efficient targeting of AKAPs offers potential therapies tailor-made for improving defective calcium cycling. In this review, we highlight important studies that identified AKAPs and their regulatory roles in cardiac myocyte calcium cycling in health and disease.
People with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Have a Lower Number of Central Memory T Cells and HLA-DR+ Tregs
Authors: Canto-Gomes João , Da Silva-Ferreira Sara , Silva Carolina S. , Boleixa Daniela , Martins da Silva Ana , González-Suárez Inés , Cerqueira João J. , Correia-Neves Margarida , Nobrega Claudia
Published: January 2023

The importance of circulating immune cells to primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) pathophysiology is still controversial because most immunotherapies were shown to be ineffective in treating people with PPMS (pwPPMS). Yet, although controversial, data exist describing peripheral immune system alterations in pwPPMS. This study aims to investigate which alterations might be present in pwPPMS free of disease-modifying drugs (DMD) in comparison to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. A multicentric cross-sectional study was performed using 23 pwPPMS and 23 healthy controls. The phenotype of conventional CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), B cells, natural killer (NK) T cells and NK cells was assessed. Lower numbers of central memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and activated HLA-DR+ Tregs were observed in pwPPMS. Regarding NK and NKT cells, pwPPMS presented higher percentages of CD56dimCD57+ NK cells expressing NKp46 and of NKT cells expressing KIR2DL2/3 and NKp30. Higher disease severity scores and an increasing time since diagnosis was correlated with lower numbers of inhibitory NK cells subsets. Our findings contribute to reinforcing the hypotheses that alterations in peripheral immune cells are present in pwPPMS and that changes in NK cell populations are the strongest correlate of disease severity.
Synaptic Plasticity Abnormalities in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Basavarajappa Balapal S. , Subbanna Shivakumar
Published: January 2023

The brain’s ability to strengthen or weaken synaptic connections is often termed synaptic plasticity. It has been shown to function in brain remodeling following different types of brain damage (e.g., drugs of abuse, alcohol use disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory conditions). Although synaptic plasticity mechanisms have been extensively studied, how neural plasticity can influence neurobehavioral abnormalities in alcohol use disorders (AUDs) is far from being completely understood. Alcohol use during pregnancy and its harmful effects on the developing offspring are major public health, social, and economic challenges. The significant attribute of prenatal alcohol exposure on offspring is damage to the central nervous system (CNS), causing a range of synaptic structural, functional, and behavioral impairments, collectively called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Although the synaptic mechanisms in FASD are limited, emerging evidence suggests that FASD pathogenesis involves altering a set of molecules involved in neurotransmission, myelination, and neuroinflammation. These studies identify several immediate and long-lasting changes using many molecular approaches that are essential for synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. Therefore, they can offer potential synaptic targets for the many neurobehavioral abnormalities observed in FASD. In this review, we discuss the substantial research progress in different aspects of synaptic and molecular changes that can shed light on the mechanism of synaptic dysfunction in FASD. Increasing our understanding of the synaptic changes in FASD will significantly advance our knowledge and could provide a basis for finding novel therapeutic targets and innovative treatment strategies.
RUNX1 Is Regulated by Androgen Receptor to Promote Cancer Stem Markers and Chemotherapy Resistance in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Fernández Natalia B. , Sosa Sofía M. , Roberts Justin T. , Recouvreux María S. , Rocha-Viegas Luciana , Christenson Jessica L. , Spoelstra Nicole S. , Couto Facundo L. , Raimondi Ana R. , Richer Jennifer K. , Rubinstein Natalia
Published: January 2023

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype for which no effective targeted therapies are available. Growing evidence suggests that chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells with stem-like properties (CSC) may repopulate the tumor. The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in up to 50% of TNBCs, and AR inhibition decreases CSC and tumor initiation. Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) correlates with poor prognosis in TNBC and is regulated by the AR in prostate cancer. Our group has shown that RUNX1 promotes TNBC cell migration and regulates tumor gene expression. We hypothesized that RUNX1 is regulated by the AR and that both may work together in TNBC CSC to promote disease recurrence following chemotherapy. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) experiments in MDA-MB-453 revealed AR binding to RUNX1 regulatory regions. RUNX1 expression is upregulated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in MDA-MB-453 and in an AR+-TNBC HCI-009 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors (p < 0.05). RUNX1 is increased in a CSC-like experimental model in MDA-MB-453 and SUM-159PT cells (p < 0.05). Inhibition of RUNX1 transcriptional activity reduced the expression of CSC markers. Interestingly, RUNX1 inhibition reduced cell viability and enhanced paclitaxel and enzalutamide sensitivity. Targeting RUNX1 may be an attractive strategy to potentiate the anti-tumor effects of AR inhibition, specifically in the slow-growing CSC-like populations that resist chemotherapy which lead to metastatic disease.
T Cell Energy Metabolism Is a Target of Glucocorticoids in Mice, Healthy Humans, and MS Patients
Authors: Meyer-Heemsoth Leonie , Mitschke Katja , Bier Jasmina , Schütz Konstantin , Villunger Andreas , Legler Tobias J. , Weber Martin S. , Lühder Fred , Reichardt Holger M.
Published: January 2023

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are used to treat inflammatory disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) by exerting prominent activities in T cells including apoptosis induction and suppression of cytokine production. However, little is known about their impact on energy metabolism, although it is widely accepted that this process is a critical rheostat of T cell activity. We thus tested the hypothesis that GCs control genes and processes involved in nutrient transport and glycolysis. Our experiments revealed that escalating doses of dexamethasone (Dex) repressed energy metabolism in murine and human primary T cells. This effect was mediated by the GC receptor and unrelated to both apoptosis induction and Stat1 activity. In contrast, treatment of human T cells with rapamycin abolished the repression of metabolic gene expression by Dex, unveiling mTOR as a critical target of GC action. A similar phenomenon was observed in MS patients after intravenous methylprednisolon (IVMP) pulse therapy. The expression of metabolic genes was reduced in the peripheral blood T cells of most patients 24 h after GC treatment, an effect that correlated with disease activity. Collectively, our results establish the regulation of T cell energy metabolism by GCs as a new immunomodulatory principle.
MOX-Based Resistive Gas Sensors with Different Types of Sensitive Materials (Powders, Pellets, Films), Used in Environmental Chemistry
Authors: Chesler Paul , Hornoiu Cristian
Published: January 2023

The identification of an unknown gaseous species or the composition of a gaseous mixture can be performed using various experimental techniques such as: mass spectrometry, chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR), X-Rays, or by combining these analytical techniques (in automated analyzers). Unfortunately, these techniques use highly expensive equipment and require the use of qualified personnel. Using gas sensors is a viable and inexpensive alternative. The most commonly used sensors in the field are resistive type chemosensors (chemiresistors), due to their simple detection mechanism and low manufacturing costs. The detection principle of these sensors is based on the catalytic reaction between the sensitive material of the sensor and the target gas. This reaction occurs with the release or consumption of electrons, influencing the overall electrical resistance of the sensor. This review describes various MOX-based chemiresistors, which contain different types of sensitive substrates, such as powders, pellets or films, as well as a clear tendency towards sensor miniaturization and the constant improvement of the fabrication techniques towards greener and more cost-effective synthesis routes over time. The goal of this research was to obtain sensors with high 3S parameters (sensitivity, selectivity, and stability), that can be mass-produced and implemented on a wide scale.
Evaluation by a GC Electronic Nose of the Differences in Volatile Profile Induced by Stopping Fermentation with Octanoic and Decanoic Acid to Produce Sweet Wines
Authors: Baniţă Cornel , Antoce Oana Arina , Cojocaru George Adrian
Published: January 2023

Due to their inhibitory effect on the growth and fermentation of yeasts, medium-chain fatty acids can be used for the production of naturally sweet wines. Addition of octanoic acid, decanoic acid or their combinations is able to stop the alcoholic fermentation, reducing at the same time the doses of sulphur dioxide addition needed for the same goal in the classical technologies. Doses in the range of 10–30 mg L−1 of these acids were used, and their effect on the aroma profile of the sweet wines obtained was evaluated by using a chromatographic electronic nose with two columns. Based on the chromatographic peaks, which are considered the sensors of this e-nose, differentiation of the wines treated with octanoic or decanoic acids is easily achieved. The acid doses, the type of acid and also the yeast used for fermentations have all detectable influences on the volatile profiles of the wines. Discriminant factor analysis was applied on the e-nose data to separate the wines obtained with different treatments. Several differences in the content of the volatile compounds were identified and discussed in view of their sensory influences and the impact of treatment and yeast, respectively. Special attention was given to the formation of ethyl octanoate and ethyl decanoate which, at acid additions over 10 mg L−1, are formed in quantities which have a detectable influence on the aromatic profile. Ethyl octanoate and decanoate are produced in direct relation to the dose of the corresponding acids, but the yeast named ST leads to higher amounts of ethyl decanoate while the one named ERSA leads to higher amounts of ethyl octanoate. In accordance with the e-nose results, the aromatic profile obtained by stopping the fermentation with decanoic acid and using the ERSA yeast is more complex, the wines thus produced preserving more of the varietal and fermentation aroma. This research will be continued at an industrial scale.
Distal Tibial Hemimelia in Fetal Methotrexate Syndrome: A Case Study and Literature Review
Authors: Jo Dae-Sik , Lee Seung-Hyun
Published: January 2023

Methotrexate (MTX), a folate antagonist, is used in various fields, including malignancies and rheumatoid or inflammatory autoimmune diseases. MTX is used for the non-surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancies and the elective termination of pregnancy. The teratogenic effects of MTX have been recognized since the 1960s. Fetal methotrexate syndrome (FMS) was established based on the study of congenital anomalies. Generally, there is a risk of FMS when MTX is used between four and six weeks after conception. Here, we reviewed the literature regarding MTX usage and described a case of FMS that was born with a rare anomaly, such as tibial hemimelia, in a mother who had received MTX 4 months before conception for the management of an ectopic pregnancy.
Nutrition Profile for Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region with Different Income Levels: An Analytical Review
Authors: Leppäniemi Hanna , Ibrahim Eman , Abbass Marwa , Borghi Elaine , Flores-Urrutia Monica , Dominguez Muriel Elisa , Gatica-Domínguez Giovanna , Kumapley Richard , Hammerich Asmus , Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub
Published: January 2023

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is suffering from a double burden of malnutrition in which undernutrition coexists with rising rates of overweight and obesity. Although the countries of the EMR vary greatly in terms of income level, living conditions and health challenges, the nutrition status is often discussed only by using either regional or country-specific estimates. This analytical review studies the nutrition situation of the EMR during the past 20 years by dividing the region into four groups based on their income level—the low-income group (Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen), the lower-middle-income group (Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, and Tunisia), the upper-middle-income group (Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Libya) and the high-income group (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates)—and by comparing and describing the estimates of the most important nutrition indicators, including stunting, wasting, overweight, obesity, anaemia, and early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding. The findings reveal that the trends of stunting and wasting were decreasing in all EMR income groups, while the percentages of overweight and obesity predominantly increased in all age groups across the income groups, with the only exception in the low-income group where a decreasing trend among children under five years existed. The income level was directly associated with the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity among other age groups except children under five, while an inverse association was observed regarding stunting and anaemia. Upper-middle-income country group showed the highest prevalence rate of overweight among children under five. Most countries of the EMR revealed below-desired rates of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding. Changes in dietary patterns, nutrition transition, global and local crises, and nutrition policies are among the major explanatory factors for the findings. The scarcity of updated data remains a challenge in the region. Countries need support in filling the data gaps and implementing recommended policies and programmes to address the double burden of malnutrition.
Playing at the Schoolyard: “The Who’s, the What’s and the How Long’s” of Loose Parts
Authors: Pereira Joana V. , Dionísio Jadiane , Lopes Frederico , Cordovil Rita
Published: January 2023

Play has a key role in children psychomotor development, and the quality of play spaces can be a facilitator of the former. The physical properties of the environment, such as equipment or material available, can influence children’s behavior. However, it is not clear how the provision of different loose parts impacts children’s play patterns. This study aimed to analyze the influence of four types of loose parts on the time, frequency and number of children using them during free play sessions. We recorded the 1st, 5th and 10th sessions delivered by playworkers in a primary school, with 14 children (Mage = 9.96 years). The available loose parts were categorized, and four types of materials were chosen: tarpaulin/fabrics, cardboard boxes, plastic crates and plastic tubes. The influence of these materials on the time spent using them, frequency of use and number and sex of users (dependent variables) was analyzed. Some tendencies emerged, such as the popularity of tarpaulin/fabrics, but results showed no significant differences between materials. This could mean that the specific physical qualities of each loose part were not determiners of the behavioral domains analyzed. These findings suggest that all types of materials studied can be meaningful for children to engage with in diverse play opportunities.
Acute Kidney Injury in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: A Major Morbidity and Mortality Risk Factor
Authors: Lazarovits Gilad , Ofek Shlomai Noa , Kheir Raed , Bdolah Abram Tali , Eventov Friedman Smadar , Volovelsky Oded
Published: January 2023

Background and objectives: Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are at high risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI), presumably secondary to low kidney reserves, stressful postnatal events, and drug exposures. Our study aimed to identify the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes associated with AKI in VLBW infants. Study design: Records of all VLBW infants admitted to two medical campuses between January 2019 and June 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. AKI was classified using the modified KDIGO definition to include only serum creatinine. Risk factors and composite outcomes were compared between infants with and without AKI. We evaluated the main predictors of AKI and death with forward stepwise regression analysis. Results: 152 VLBW infants were enrolled. 21% of them developed AKI. Based on the multivariable analysis, the most significant predictors of AKI were the use of vasopressors, patent ductus arteriosus, and bloodstream infection. AKI had a strong and independent association with neonatal mortality. Conclusions: AKI is common in VLBW infants and is a significant risk factor for mortality. Efforts to prevent AKI are necessary to prevent its harmful effects.
Treatment in Patients with Psoriatic Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seven Case Reports
Authors: Akeda Tomoko , Yamanaka Keiichi
Published: January 2023

The incidence of psoriasis, an intractable long-lasting inflammatory skin disease, is increasing and has many complications and comorbidities. Approximately 14% of patients have psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not a rare disease worldwide, and some patients may have both PsA and RA. In the present study, we encountered seven patients with concurrent diagnoses of RA and psoriatic disease and reported the details of clinical data, treatment efficacy, and X-ray findings. The diagnosis may require not only classification criteria but also a comprehensive judgment in collaboration with rheumatology over time. In addition to methotrexate as an anchor drug, anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents are the first choice of biological agents for treatment, and interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors may be effective, as IL-17 is also involved in the pathogenesis of RA. When treating patients with both PsA and RA, it may be essential to consider the treatment strategy, depending on which disease is more active.
Which Patients with Chronic Periprosthetic Joint Infection Are Less Suitable to Successful Two Stage Exchange Arthroplasty Surgery? A Retrospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Di Martino Alberto , Di Carlo Gabriele , Pederiva Davide , Rossomando Valentino , Pilla Federico , Brunello Matteo , D’Agostino Claudio , Tassinari Leonardo , Zamparini Eleonora , Faldini Cesare
Published: January 2023

Background: Two-stage exchange (TSE) arthroplasty is currently considered the gold standard for chronic periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), despite a failure rate reported in up to 10% of patients. Little is known about the risk factors that may compromise successful TSE arthroplasty management in such patients. The main purpose of the current study was to highlight the potential risk factors of patients with chronic PJIs after THA managed by implant removal, outlining the differences between reimplanted patients and those that were never reimplanted because of a non-eradicated infection. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of patient candidates for TSE arthroplasty surgery, managed at the authors’ institution, over a four-year timeframe. The data were retrieved from the hospital’s information database. The enrolled population was divided into two Groups: A, reimplanted; B, non-reimplanted because of a non-eradicated infection within one year. For each Group, demographic information, PJI-related risk factors, type of pathogen and presence of single or polymicrobial infection, were collected and analyzed. Results: In total, 21 patients were included in the study, 14 patients in Group A and 7 in Group B. Major Depression (p = 0.049) and polymicrobial infection (p = 0.04) were more commonly observed in patients that were not reimplanted in the study period. No differences between the two groups were observed when other characteristics were compared. Conclusions: Patients with major depression, or those hosting polymicrobial periprosthetic hip infections, are more susceptible to failure of TSE arthroplasty procedures for chronic PJIs, hampering THA reimplantation. Current findings may drive further research and contribute to the understanding of the role of these risk factors in chronic PJI patients.
Bevacizumab-Induced Thrombotic Microangiopathy (TMA) in Metastatic Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients Receiving Nivolumab Combined with Bevacizumab, Carboplatin and Paclitaxel: Two Case Reports
Authors: Hsu Ping-Chih , Chen Tai-Di , Tsai Tsung-Yu , Yang Cheng-Ta
Published: January 2023

Anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), combined with bevacizumab and platinum-based chemotherapy, have shown promising efficacy in treating metastatic non-squamous cell lung cancer in phase 3 clinical trials. However, drug-induced nephrotoxicity is an uncommon but threatening adverse effect when using this combination therapy, and should be evaluated and managed carefully. Here, we present two patients experiencing late-onset asymptomatic heavy proteinuria during the clinical trial. Kidney biopsies performed finally identified bevacizumab-induced thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), and the proteinuria was decreased after discontinuing bevacizumab permanently. Our report suggests that a kidney biopsy is needed for those receiving ICIs in combination with bevacizumab and chemotherapy and experiencing nephrotoxicity such as heavy proteinuria.
Thermal, Structural, Morphological and Electrical Characterization of Cerium-Containing 45S5 for Metal Implant Coatings
Authors: Gavinho Sílvia Rodrigues , Melo Bruno Miguel Gonçalves , Borges João Paulo , Silva Jorge Carvalho , Graça Manuel Pedro Fernandes
Published: January 2023

Biomaterial coatings on dental implants are increasingly being used as a solution to the problems of rejection and implant loss. Bioglass® has been seen as a promising material for coating metal implants, increasing the integration rate and improving the bond between the bone and the implant. Multifunctional bioactive glasses can exhibit antibacterial, antitumor and antioxidant effects with the addition of therapeutic ions. The cerium ion has shown an antioxidant effect through mimicking mechanisms and by acting as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is important for avoiding oxidative stress post-surgery. Furthermore, it is possible to store electrical charge on the bioglass surface, which potentiates osseointegration. In this work, glasses with various percentages of cerium oxide (0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 mol%) were developed and structurally and electrically analyzed. It was verified that the cerium insertion did not modify the amorphous phase characteristic of the glass but showed an increase in the number of non-bridging oxygens (NBOs). This increase in NBOs did not modify the electrical conductivity in either the ac or dc regime. The similar permittivity values of the glasses also suggest that their storage ability is unchanged with the addition of CeO2. Concerning the impedance spectroscopy (IS) data, a decrease in resistance is visible with the addition of cerium oxide, suggesting a favorable behavior for applications as an antioxidant through the electro-Fenton reaction.
Improving the Surface Properties of an API 5L Grade B Pipeline Steel by Applying the Boriding Process. Part I: Kinetics and Layer Characterization
Authors: Alcantar-Martínez Laura Montserrat , Ruiz-Trabolsi Pablo Alfredo , Tadeo-Rosas Raúl , Miranda-Hernández José Guadalupe , Terán-Méndez Gerardo , Velázquez Julio César , Hernández-Sánchez Enrique
Published: January 2023

Although the use and promotion of renewable energies have increased in recent years, it is evident that the use of fossil fuels such as oil and gas continues to be of great importance. Likewise, pipelines are widely recognized as the most reliable and profitable means of transportation for liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons. Nevertheless, due to the nature of hydrocarbons, oil and gas pipelines are continually exposed to deterioration by corrosion and mechanical damage. In this context, this research focuses on the improvement of the surface properties of API 5L grade B pipeline steel by applying a surface hardening process. Samples of an API 5L grade B pipeline steel were exposed to boriding to form a layer of high hardness (from 2.60 GPa for the non-treated material to 14.12 GPa for the samples exposed to 1000 °C for 6 h). The treatment time was set at 2, 4, and 6 h, at temperatures of 850, 900, 950, and 1000 °C. Due to the saw-tooth morphology of the layers and the random nature of the process, it was possible to fit their thicknesses to a probability density function in all the experimental conditions. The crystalline structure of the layers was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and the morphology was observed using SEM and optical microscopy. The layer’s thickness ranged between 26.6 µm to 213.9 µm showing a close relationship with the experimental parameters of time and temperature. Finally, it is studied the changes undergone in the pipeline steel after the thermochemical process, observing an increase in the grain size as a function of the temperature.
The Influence of Biopolymer Coating Based on Pumpkin Oil Cake Activated with Mentha piperita Essential Oil on the Quality and Shelf-Life of Grape
Authors: Šuput Danijela , Pezo Lato , Lončar Biljana , Popović Senka , Tepić Horecki Aleksandra , Daničić Tatjana , Cvetković Dragoljub , Ranitović Aleksandra , Hromiš Nevena , Ugarković Jovana
Published: January 2023

This work aimed to determine the influence of biopolymer coatings based on pumpkin oil cake, with and without the addition of Mentha piperita essential oil, on the quality and shelf-life of the Afus Ali variety of grapes, stored at room temperature and in the refrigerator. Furthermore, a 10% (w/w) aqueous solution of composite pumpkin oil cake (PuOC) with the addition of 30% glycerol was prepared at 60 °C and pH 10. The active biopolymer coating was prepared similarly by adding 1% (v/v) Mentha piperita essential oil. The quality of packed grapes was tested by determining the dry matter content, total sugar content, total acidity, alcohol content, total phenolic compounds content, and total flavonoid content, as well as by determining the antioxidant activity, through the application of the DPPH, FRAP and ABTS tests. Additionally, microbiological parameters were investigated: total aerobic microbial count, yeasts, and molds. The obtained results proved that in all tested samples, over a certain period of time, the content of dry matter, content of phenolic and flavonoids substances and sugar content decreased as a consequence of the spoilage of grapes, that is, the consumption of sugar for the production of alcohol, which consequently leads to the total acidity increasing. The application of lower storage temperatures and active coating (with Mentha piperita essential oil) had a positive effect on all inevitable reactions. Grapes’ antioxidant potential may be enhanced or maintained by applying PuOC coating with or without Mentha piperita essential oil, which is best observed in the case of the DPPH test. The uncoated sample stored at room temperature had the largest decrease in DPPH values during storage, with changes ranging from 2.119 mg/g to 1.471 μmol mg/g. The samples, coated with PuOC and PuOC with the addition of essential oil, had uniform DPPH values throughout the entire storage period. Additionally, regarding phenolic content, at the end of storage period the highest phenolic content was observed in samples with active coating stored at room temperature (734.746 ± 2.462) and at refrigerator temperature (680.827 ± 0.448) compared with untreated samples and with samples with plain PuOC coating. The presence of active essential oil in the applied coating significantly affected the microbiological profile of grapes during the storage period. Besides the positive impact of the applied lower storage temperature, the effectiveness of the applied active packaging is even greater (microbiological results were in the order of PuOC+essential oil < PuOC < Control). The developed artificial neural networks were found to be adequate for modeling the microbiological profile, antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid content.
Photopolymerised Coatings with Nanopigments Based on Dye Mixtures
Authors: Ivanov Viktor B. , Solina Elena V. , Levin Peter P.
Published: January 2023

The properties of new coatings with nanopigments (NPs) prepared by the dye mixture treatment of montmorillonite modified with cationic surfactants were investigated. The colorimetric parameters of polymer films with nanopigments were determined. The mutual interference of the dyes in their adsorption on nanoparticles and their colourfastness (photostability) to light was analysed. The properties of oligomer/monomer compositions with synthesised nanopigments designed for the printing of non-metallic surfaces were discussed. The structure of nanopigments and polymerised oligomer/monomer compositions was revealed by small-angle X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis spectra, and atomic force microscopy. NPs with a wide colour range were prepared using dye mixtures. One other advantage of these NPs over NPs based on individual dyes is the possibility to increase the total concentration of the colouring components in the NPs and to increase the colourfastness.
Laboratory Investigation of the Water Damage Resistance of Tuff Asphalt Mixture Modified with Additives
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyuan , Zhang Yu , Yang Hui , Lin Qiong , Tang Boming
Published: January 2023

To improve the water damage resistance performance of a tuff asphalt mixture, a tuff mixture with cement and a liquid anti-stripping agent was used as the research object, and limestone and tuff mixtures without additives were selected as contrast samples. Through an improved boiling test and a water stability test before and after aging, the modification effect of the tuff mixture with additives of different types and contents on water damage resistance was evaluated to obtain the appropriate type and content of additives. On this basis, the other road performance measures of the selected mixture were further evaluated by immersion rutting and beam bending tests to verify the modification effect of the additive on the tuff mixture. Results showed that adding the appropriate cement content to the tuff mixture provided excellent resistance to the water damage effect. An optimal content of 2% cement additive in the mixture was obtained, and its high-temperature anti-rutting and low-temperature bending performance were also verified. Adhesion between tuff aggregates and asphalt polymer under water conditions was significantly improved and close to that of limestone aggregates. The modification effect of water stability after mixture aging was better than that of the anti-stripping agent. The residual stability and freeze–thaw splitting strength ratio of 2% cement content mixture were increased by about 21.5% and 16.7%, respectively, compared with those of the tuff mixture control.
Study on Anti-Scale and Anti-Corrosion of Polydopamine Coating on Metal Surface
Authors: Yu Xu-Liang , Wang Bing-Bing , Xu Zhi-Ming , Yan Wei-Mon
Published: January 2023

Some surface coatings can protect metal surfaces and reduce scale deposition. Based on that, the biomimetic material polydopamine (PDA) can form a stable coating on many material surfaces; therefore, we propose an efficient one-step electroplating method for preparing anti-scale PDA coatings with high stability. The scale deposition test showed that the deposition weight of calcium carbonate on the coating is less than that of carbon steel after immersing in a supersaturated solution of calcium carbonate for 12 h at 70 °C and 90 °C, with a coating scale-inhibition efficiency of 55.02% and 66.96%, respectively. By using molecular dynamics simulation, it was found that water adsorption layers exist near the metal’s surface, and the existence of water adsorption layers on the hydrophilic surface is the main reason for the initial deposition of calcium carbonate. The interaction energy between the PDA molecular layer and water is weaker (−5.69 eV) for the surface with the PDA coating, and there is no dense water adsorption layer on the coating, which leads to the low probability of calcium carbonate adsorption on the PDA coating surface. Therefore, PDA coating can inhibit the deposition of calcium carbonate on the surface.
Hate Crime during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of an Ethnically Diverse University Student Population
Authors: Gies Lieve , Gogoi Mayuri , Bayliss Christopher D. , Pareek Manish , Webb Adam , Chakraborti Neil , Wertans Emily
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic coincided with a rise in reports of hate crime against East and Southeast Asian minorities. Political rhetoric blaming China for causing the pandemic was tantamount to a ‘permission to hate’, making COVID-19 a catalyst of hate crime against Chinese people which also fuelled overt prejudice against other ethnic minorities. Researching experiences of hate offences in an ethnically diverse university student population in the United Kingdom during COVID-19, this qualitative study found that actual reported cases potentially underestimate the problem of hate crime. Analysing data from semi-structured interviews, we argue that a focus on reported cases alone risks obscuring the full extent of pandemic-related harassment and the insidious nature of hate crimes more generally. Minority ethnic interview participants lived with varying degrees of fear of victimisation, even if they were not personally subjected to any actual incidents during the pandemic. Accounts of pre-pandemic experiences, along with vicarious experiences involving victims with similar characteristics as interview participants, confirm the status of hate crime as a ‘message crime’. Third-party bystander accounts involving the victimisation of others whose identity research participants did not share afford additional insights into the nature and extent of pandemic-related hate.
Quantum Chemical GA-MLR, Cluster Model, and Conceptual DFT Descriptors Studies on the Binding Interaction of Estrogen Receptor Alpha with Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
Authors: Chi Shu-Chun , Hsi Hsing-Cheng , Chang Chia-Ming
Published: January 2023

In the present study, the predication of the binding affinity (log RBA) of estrogen receptor alpha with three categories of environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), namely, PCB, phenol, and DDT, is performed by the quantum chemical genetic algorithm multiple linear regression (GA-MLR) method. The result of the optimal model indicates that log RBA increases with increasing the electrophilicity and hydrophobicity of EDCs. However, by using the quantum chemical cluster model approach, the modeling results reveal that electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding play a significant role. The chemical reactivity descriptors calculated based on the conceptual density functional theory also indicate that the binding mechanism of charge-controlled interaction is superior to that of frontier-controlled interaction.
Fast and Excellent Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Using Silver-Doped Zinc Oxide Submicron Structures under Blue Laser Irradiation
Authors: Zyoud Samer H. , Yahia Ibrahim S. , Shahwan Moyad , Zyoud Ahed H. , Zahran Heba Y. , Abdel-wahab Mohamed Sh. , Daher Malek G. , Nasor Mohamed , Makhadmeh Ghaseb N. , Hassan Nageeb , Ashames Akram , Qamhieh Naser
Published: January 2023

In this study, laser-assisted chemical bath synthesis (LACBS) was used to prepare pure and Ag-doped ZnO submicron structures using a simplified hydrothermal approach that did not require a catalyst. The photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue was investigated under blue laser irradiation (λ = 444.5 nm and I = 8000 lx). The doping concentration varied (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, tando 10%) and was prepared by LACBS using a continuous blue laser (P = 7 W, λ = 444.5 nm) for the first time. XRD, FE-SEM, EDX, and UV-Vis investigated the characteristics of the samples produced by the LACBS. ZnO: Ag(10%) submicron flowers are essential in rapid photodegradation under blue laser irradiation. The high surface area and catalytic activity of the prepared Ag-decorated ZnO are attributed to this improved photocatalytic activity. Using UV-visible spectroscopy, the photocatalytic efficiency was determined from the absorption spectra. The separation of photo-generated electron-hole pairs was facilitated, and the absorption edge of the hybrid submicron structures shifted into the visible spectrum region due to a combination of the Ag plasmonic effect and surface imperfections in ZnO. Effective visible light absorption was achieved via band-edge tuning, which increased the ZnO:Ag submicron structures’ ability to degrade dyes.
Effect of External Magnetic Field on the Forming, Microstructure and Property of TC4 Titanium Alloy during the Directed Energy Deposition Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Bao Yubo , Sun Hongwei , Cai Xiaoyu , Lin Sanbao , Chen Chao
Published: January 2023

In this work, the thin wall components of TC4 titanium alloy were produced by using external magnetic field hybrid gas metal welding (EM-GMAW). The effect of the external magnetic field on the forming, microstructure, and property of wire arc additively manufactured TC4 titanium alloy was studied in detail. The results showed that the height of the average deposition layer of EM-GMAW was less than that of GMAW and decreased with the increase of magnetic excitation current, and the width of the average deposition layer of EM-GMAW was greater than that of GMAW. The microstructure of the deposition layer consisted of fine α phase and coarse β grains. Compared with the traditional GMAW, the coarse β grain size in the EM-GMAW was reduced obviously. The maximum size of β grain was decreased by 100μm when the magnetic excitation current of 3A was used. In addition, the EM-GMAW tensile strength in the transverse and horizontal was increased by around 20 MPa and 100 MPa, respectively, compared with that of GMAW.