bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benzoic Acid Combined with Essential Oils Can Be an Alternative to the Use of Antibiotic Growth Promoters for Piglets Challenged with E. coli F4
Authors: Rodrigues Leticia Mendonça , Neto Túlio Otávio de Araújo Lima , Garbossa Cesar Augusto Pospissil , Martins Claudia Cassimira da Silva , Garcez Dino , Alves Laya Kannan Silva , de Abreu Márvio Lobão Teixeira , Ferreira Rony Antonio , Cantarelli Vinícius de Souza
Published: October 2020

Benzoic acid (BA) and essential oils (EOs) (thymol, 2-methoxyphenol, eugenol, piperine, and curcumin) are being studied to minimize the impairment of gastrointestinal functions in weanling piglets. This study evaluates the effects of combining BA and EO on the performance and intestinal health of piglets challenged with E. coli F4 (1 mL, 106 CFU/mL). In total, 270 weaned piglets were used in a randomized block design with six treatments: positive control, with 40 mg/kg colistin (PC); negative control, without the growth promoter (NC); negative control +5 g/kg benzoic acid (BA); negative control +2 g/kg combination of BA+EO (BA+EO2); negative control +3 g/kg combination of BA+EO (BA+EO3); negative control +4 g/kg combination of BA+EO (BA+EO4). BA+EO3 presented a greater average daily gain (ADG) (p = 0.0013) and better feed-to-gain ratio (p = 0.0138), compared to NC, from 21 to 35 days age. For the total period, BA, BA+EO3, and BA+EO4 were similar to PC and superior to NC for ADG (p = 0.0002) and final body weight (BW) (p = 0.0002). No difference (p > 0.05) was verified for diarrhea, microbial population, production of volatile fatty acids, pH, weight of organs, cellular proliferation, and cholecystokinin count. NC and BA+EO4 resulted in a higher villus height in the jejunum (p = 0.0120) compared to BA+EO3. The use of BA or the combination of BA and EO at 3 g/kg provides improved performance, aside from being an economically viable alternative to replace colistin.
Weaned Sows with Small Ovarian Follicles Respond Poorly to the GnRH Agonist Buserelin
Authors: Lopes Tania P. , Padilla Lorena , Bolarin Alfonso , Rodriguez-Martinez Heriberto , Roca Jordi
Published: October 2020

The GnRH agonist buserelin (GnRH), used to synchronize ovulation in weaned sows, attains only 70–80% effectivity, owing to several reasons of ovarian origin. This study evaluated in particular whether mean ovarian follicle size at treatment and the season of weaning are among those influencing GnRH responsiveness. The experiment was carried out in a temperate-region farm with 352 sows of 1–6 parities weaned either in winter–spring (WS, 174 sows) or in summer–autumn (SA, 178 sows). The sows were randomized into two groups: GnRH (10 µg of buserelin acetate at 86 h after weaning, 172 sows) and control (180 sows). The ovaries were transrectally scanned from weaning to ovulation and the sows clustered according to their mean follicular size at treatment time: small (<0.5 cm in diameter), medium (0.5 to 0.64 cm) and large (0.65 to 1.09 cm). In total, 88.33% of the GnRH-treated sows ovulated, with 82% of them within the expected time window (120–132 h after weaning). In contrast, 95.45% of the unresponsive sows had small follicles at the time of treatment and were mostly weaned in SA (20.45%) than in WS (4.76%). In conclusion, the conspicuous presence of sows having small ovarian follicles at treatment time compromises the efficiency of the GnRH agonist buserelin to synchronize ovulation in weaned sows, which occurs more frequently in summer–autumn weaning.
Human–Wildlife Coexistence in Urban Wildlife Management: Insights from Nonlethal Predator Management and Rodenticide Bans
Authors: Hunold Christian , Mazuchowski Maz
Published: October 2020

Conceptions of human–wildlife coexistence that acknowledge nonhuman wild animals as fellow urban dwellers with legitimate claims on shared urban spaces are starting to influence urban wildlife management practices. Insofar as at least some wild animals have successfully achieved membership in urban society, how has this revaluation affected how urban wildlife is governed? Our interpretive policy analysis explores this question in two areas of urban wildlife management where practices are becoming less lethal: predator management and rodent control. A directed qualitative content analysis of U.S. urban wildlife management plans and rodent control strategies reveals a shift from conflict to coexistence as the basis for understanding human–wildlife relations in urban settings. Indiscriminate killing of urban wildlife is condemned as unethical as well as impractical, and lethal control figures as a measure of last resort that must be rationally justified. Commensal rodents, however, do not benefit from this shift toward coexistence between humans and nonhuman species. Campaigns to restrict the use of rodenticides are intended to protect carnivores, not the rodents themselves. Though urban wildlife management is consistent with some elements of the vision of multispecies flourishing developed by human–animal studies scholars, not all species benefit equally from this transition, and the legitimacy of wild animals’ claims on shared urban spaces often remains contingent on their good behavior.
Volatile Cues Influence Host-Choice in Arthropod Pests
Authors: Poldy Jacqueline
Published: October 2020

Many arthropod pests of humans and other animals select their preferred hosts by recognising volatile odour compounds contained in the hosts’ ‘volatilome’. Although there is prolific literature on chemical emissions from humans, published data on volatiles and vector attraction in other species are more sporadic. Despite several decades since the identification of a small number of critical volatiles underpinning specific host–vector relationships, synthetic chemicals or mixtures still largely fail to reproduce the attractiveness of natural hosts to their disease vectors. This review documents allelochemicals from non-human terrestrial animals and considers where challenges in collection and analysis have left shortfalls in animal volatilome research. A total of 1287 volatile organic compounds were identified from 141 species. Despite comparable diversity of entities in each compound class, no specific chemical is ubiquitous in all species reviewed, and over half are reported as unique to a single species. This review provides a rationale for future enquiries by highlighting research gaps, such as disregard for the contribution of breath volatiles to the whole animal volatilome and evaluating the role of allomones as vector deterrents. New opportunities to improve vector surveillance and disrupt disease transmission may be unveiled by understanding the host-associated stimuli that drive vector-host interactions.
Genetic Diversity in the Portuguese Mertolenga Cattle Breed Assessed by Pedigree Analysis
Authors: Carolino Nuno , Vitorino Andreia , Carolino Inês , Pais José , Henriques Nuno , Silveira Manuel , Vicente António
Published: October 2020

The Mertolenga beef cattle, currently with 27,000 breeding females in Portugal, is the largest Portuguese native breed, despite some variation in the breeding stock over the last years. The purpose of this study was to estimate parameters related to the population structure and genetic diversity and to investigate the major factors affecting genetic erosion in the breed, based on the pedigree herdbook information collected since the 1950s, including records on 221,567 animals from 425 herds. The mean generation intervals were 6.4 years for sires and 7.1 years for dams, respectively. The rate of inbreeding per year was 0.183% ± 0.020% and the correspondent effective population size was 38.83. In the reference population (35,017 calves born between 2015 and 2019), the average inbreeding and relatedness were 8.82% ± 10% and 2.05% ± 1.26%, respectively. The mean relationship among animals from the same and from different herds was 29.25% ± 9.36% and 1.87% ± 1.53%, respectively. The estimates for the effective number of founders, ancestors, founding herds and herds supplying sires were 87.9, 59.4, 21.4 and 73.5, respectively. Although the situation of the Mertolenga breed is not alarming, these results indicate the need to adopt measures to maintain the genetic variability of the population.
Pregnancy Effect on Echocardiographic Parameters in Great Dane Bitches
Authors: Melandri Monica , Spalla Ilaria , Fanciullo Luca , Alonge Salvatore
Published: October 2020

Pregnancy is associated with adaptation of the left ventricular (LV) function. Due to differences between breeds in baseline echocardiographic values and specific predispositions for myocardial diseases, breed-specific echocardiographic parameters may be helpful to evaluate whether the systolic function varies during pregnancy. This study enrolled nine healthy Great Dane bitches with uncomplicated pregnancy. Echocardiographic M-mode and B-mode data were collected before ovulation and within 7 days of the predicted parturition term. Evaluated parameters were: LV dimension in diastole (LVd) and systole (LVs), end-diastolic (EDVI) and end-systolic (ESVI) volumes indexed to body surface area (BSA), end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic (ESV), end-point-septal-separation (EPSS), left atrium to aortic root ratio (LA/Ao), sphericity index (SI), ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS), stroke volume (SV), heart rate (HR), and cardiac output (CO). The ANOVA showed a statistical effect of the age of gestation (p < 0.01) on the increase of diastolic dimensions and functional parameters and on the decrease of systolic dimensions. The CO increase parallels the rise in SV and HR (p < 0.01). No statistical differences were observed for EPSS, LA/Ao, and SI. The changes in cardiac chambers and function are likely to reflect maternal adaptation to allow the fetal development in uncomplicated pregnancy. The present study provides specific echocardiographic values in uncomplicated pregnancy of Great Danes, showing that the systolic function is enhanced and that the increase in preload, observed during gestation, is the likely mechanism.
Thicker Shell Eggs with Enriched N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Lower Yolk Cholesterol Contents, as Affected by Dietary Nettle (Urtica cannabina) Supplementation in Laying Hens
Authors: Zhang Jize , Na Ta , Jin Yanmei , Zhang Xiaoqing , Qu Hui , Zhang Qian
Published: October 2020

The nettle Urticacannabina (U.cannabina) is not only a functional edible food for humans but also a potential alternative feed resource for poultry, providing protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary U.cannabina on the production of high-quality eggs with enriched n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and lower cholesterol contents. One hundred and twenty laying hens were assigned to three groups [control, 15% alfalfa meal supplementation (TRTA), and 15% U.cannabina supplementation (TRTU)]. The results showed that the feed intake, yolk color, and shell thickness were increased (p < 0.05) in the U.cannabina group. Moreover, cholesterol contents of the yolk and serum were lower in the U.cannabina group (p < 0.05). The total n-3 PUFA concentration in the yolk was increased while the ratio of n-6/n-3 was reduced in the U.cannabina group (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of U.cannabina increased shell thickness, yolk n-3 PUFA levels, and yolk color, and reduced cholesterol contents of the yolk and serum without any negative impacts on health or laying performance.
Exploring the Genotype at CSN3 Gene, Milk Composition, Coagulation and Cheese-Yield Traits of the Sardo-Modicana, an Autochthonous Cattle Breed from the Sardinia Region, Italy
Authors: Pazzola Michele , Vacca Giuseppe Massimo , Noce Antonia , Porcedda Marta , Onnis Maria , Manca Nicola , Dettori Maria Luisa
Published: October 2020

The Sardo-Modicana is a local cattle breed from Sardinia, Italy. No information about its dairy potential is available in the literature. This study investigated the genotype at the CSN3 gene and milk traits of the Sardo-Modicana cattle breed. Fifty-four cows were sampled for DNA extraction and genotyping at the κ-casein gene locus, CSN3. Forty individual milk samples were analyzed for milk composition, milk coagulation properties and cheese yield (CY%). All the Sardo-Modicana cows were BB homozygotes at CSN3. Hence, the results were compared with the other two local Sardinian breeds. Eighty-three Sarda and 21 Sardo-Bruna cows were genotyped, and the A allele was found (at frequencies of 0.416 and 0.405, respectively). As regards milk traits, the mean protein value was 3.74 g/100 mL, and the mean casein value was 2.98 g/100 mL. Total bacterial and somatic cell counts showed excellent levels of hygiene considering the extensive farming and hand milking. In addition, milk produced by Sardo-Modicana cows was characterized by favorable values of coagulation properties and cheese yield. This information may represent a starting point for the conservation and enhancement of this breed.
Ameliorative Effect of Graviola (Annona muricata) on Mono Sodium Glutamate-Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats: Antioxidant, Apoptotic, Anti-inflammatory, Lipogenesis Markers, and Histopathological Studies
Authors: Shukry Mustafa , El-Shehawi Ahmed M. , El-Kholy Wafaa M. , Elsisy Rasha A. , Hamoda Hazem S. , Tohamy Hossam G. , Abumandour Mohamed M. , Farrag Foad A.
Published: October 2020

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used food additive, and there is a trepidation that MSG plays a critical role in multiple hepatic disorders. This study was planned to investigate Graviola extract (GE) effects on hepatic and cellular alterations induced by MSG. Fifty Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups: control (received normal saline), Graviola (received 200 mg/kg body weight), MSG (received 2.4 gm MSG/kg, 15% of Lethal dose (LD50) of MSG), Graviola + monosodium glutamate (MSG + GE; received GE, 200 mg/kg/day and MSG 2.4 gm/kg body weight (BW) for the next four weeks), and monosodium glutamate + Graviola (received MSG only (2.4 gm/kg BW) daily for four weeks, then concomitant with Graviola (200 mg/kg BW) daily for the next four weeks. MSG and GR were administered orally for eight weeks. Our results showed that MSG caused a significant increase in oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) level, a tumor protein (P53), hepatic cellular damage, as well as proapoptotic markers caspase-3, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2)-like protein 4 (Bax). A significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), and an antiapoptotic agent B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCl-2) was observed. The detected MSG effects were normalized by Graviola administration, either a prophylactic or protecting dose. Besides, Graviola reduced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and hepatic fatty acid synthase (FAS) and led to the upregulation of the silent information regulator protein one gene expression gene (SIRT1).In conclusion, the results suggest that Gaviola’s interrelated antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties are potential mechanisms to enhance hepatic deficits and protect the liver. Graviola can, therefore, be considered a promising hepatoprotective supplement. Additionally, further human clinical trials are also necessary to validate the present research.
FSH Stimulation with Short Withdrawal Improves Oocyte Competence in Italian Mediterranean Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Petrovas Georgios , Kosior Michal Andrzej , Presicce Giorgio Antonio , Russo Marco , Zullo Gianluigi , Albero Giuseppe , Alkan Serhat , Gasparrini Bianca
Published: October 2020

The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of different FSH doses and FSH coasting times before ovum pick-up (OPU) on follicular growth and oocyte competence in buffalo. Experiment 1 involved two different FSH treatments: 40 mg FSH given three (FSH3) or six (FSH6) times, 2 days after dominant follicle removal were tested, with OPU carried out after 40–44 h of coasting. In experiment 2, OPU was carried out after FSH6 protocol followed by 28–32 h (C1), 40–44 h (C2), or 64–68 h (C3) of coasting time. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were classified, in vitro matured, fertilized, and cultured. The results demonstrated that FSH6 increased the total number of follicles, the number and percentages of medium and large follicles, the number and the proportion of good quality oocytes, and the number of grade 1,2 and fast-developing blastocysts compared to the control. C3 decreased the percentage of good quality oocyte and blastocyst rates compared to C1 and C2. A higher percentage of fast blastocysts and average number of grade 1,2 blastocysts was observed in C1 compared to C3, with intermediate values found in C2. The improved efficiency in terms of blastocyst yields suggests the use of FSH6 + C1 protocol for ovarian superstimulation in buffalo.
Eucommia ulmoides Flavones as Potential Alternatives to Antibiotic Growth Promoters in a Low-Protein Diet Improve Growth Performance and Intestinal Health in Weaning Piglets
Authors: Yuan Daixiu , Wang Jing , Xiao Dingfu , Li Jiefeng , Liu Yanhong , Tan Bie , Yin Yulong
Published: October 2020

Eucommia ulmoides flavones (EUF) have been demonstrated to attenuate the inflammation and oxidative stress of piglets. This study aimed to test whether EUF could be used as an alternative antibiotic growth promoter to support growth performance and maintain intestinal health in weanling piglets. Weaned piglets (n = 480) were assigned into three groups and fed with a low-protein basal diet (NC), or supplementation with antibiotics (PC) or 0.01% EUF (EUF). Blood, intestinal contents, and intestine were collected on days 15 and 35 after weaning. The results showed the PC and EUF supplementations increased (p < 0.05) body weight on day 35, average daily gain and gain: feed ratio from day 15 to day 35 and day 0 to day 35, whereas decreased (p < 0.05) the diarrhea index of weanling piglets. EUF treatment increased (p < 0.05) jejunal villus height: crypt depth ratio, jejunal and ileal villus height, and population of ileal lactic acid bacteria on day 15 but decreased (p < 0.05) the population of ileal coliform bacteria on day 15 and day 35. These findings indicated the EUF, as the potential alternative to in-feed antibiotic growth promoter, could improve growth performance and intestinal morphology, and decrease colonization of coliform bacteria and diarrhea index in weanling piglets.
The Effect of Recently Developed Synbiotic Preparations on Dominant Fecal Microbiota and Organic Acids Concentrations in Feces of Piglets from Nursing to Fattening
Authors: Chlebicz-Wójcik Agnieszka , Śliżewska Katarzyna
Published: October 2020

The study was conducted to determine the influence of newly elaborated synbiotic preparations on piglets’ intestinal microbiota and its metabolism. Animals were distributed among six experimental groups, in reference to used feed supplements, namely, synbiotics (A, B, or C) or commercially available probiotics (BioPlus 2B®, Chr. Hansen A/S, Horsholm, Denmark or Cylactin® LBC, DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Kaiseraugst, Switzerland), or its absence (control group). Until the 29th day of life, piglets were breastfed by sows, whose feed was supplemented, and fecal samples were collected at the 7th and 28th day of piglets’ life. After weaning of the piglets, the research was continued until the 165th day of the pigs’ life. The area of this work included the analysis of the piglets’ dominant fecal microbiota by the plate count method. Moreover, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis (HPLC) was applied to establish variations in the concentrations of organic acids, namely, lactic acid, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs). It was observed that synbiotics have a more significant beneficial effect on the intestinal microbiota of piglets and their metabolism, and therefore their health, in comparison to commercial probiotics used individually. Moreover, synbiotic preparations prevent the negative impact of weaning on piglets’ microbial population in the gastrointestinal tract, which could reduce the occurrence of diarrhea.
Operation of a Pilot-Scale CO2 Capture Process with a New Energy-Efficient Polyamine Solvent
Authors: Lee Yunje , Kim Junghwan , Kim Huiyong , Park Taesung , Jin Hailian , Kim Hoonsik , Park Sangdo , Lee Kwang Soon
Published: October 2020

A new blending recipe of a polyamine-based solvent for capturing post-combustion CO2 was proposed, and its performance and characteristics were investigated using a pilot-scale carbon capture process (PCCP). The proposed solvent is a blend of three types of amines and was designed to separate the solvent roles into those of a main amine, auxiliary amine, and reaction-rate-enhancing amine. Polyamine 3,3′-iminobis (N, N-dimethylpropylamine) was selected as the main amine given its ability to capture large amounts of CO2. 2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol was used as the auxiliary amine, with piperazine added as the reaction-rate-enhancing amine. This solvent was tested in a PCCP that can handle 150 Nm3/h of flue gas. The proposed solvent was found to operate stably while consuming substantially lower reboiler duty than the monoethanolamine (MEA) 30 mass% solvent.
Long-Term Climate Variability in the Mediterranean Region
Authors: Alvarez-Castro M. Carmen , Ribera Pedro
Published: October 2020

The Mediterranean region is an area where prediction at different timescales (subseasonal to decadal or even longer) is challenging. In order to help constrain future projections, the study of past climate is crucial. By improving our knowledge about the past and current climate, our confidence in understanding the future climate will be improved. In this Special Issue, information about long-term climate variability in the Mediterranean region is assessed, including in particular historical climatology and model applications to assess past climate variability, present climate evolution, and future climate projections. The seven articles included in this Special Issue explore observations, proxies, re-analyses, and models for assessing the main characteristics, processes, and variability of the Mediterranean climate. The temporal range of these articles not only covers a wide period going from the present day to as far back as 25 centuries into the past but also covers projections of future climate over the next century.
Detection of Aerosol Particles from Siberian Biomass Burning over the Western North Pacific
Authors: Yoshizue Momoka , Taketani Fumikazu , Adachi Kouji , Iwamoto Yoko , Tohjima Yasunori , Mori Tatsuhiro , Miura Kazuhiko
Published: October 2020

Carbonaceous aerosol particles emitted from biomass burning (BB) have a large impact on the global climate. In particular, tarball particles (TBs), which are spherical organic aerosol particles, account for a large proportion of aerosol particles from BB. In this study, we collected aerosol particles over the western North Pacific and analyzed them using transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDX) to reveal their shape and composition. We detected TBs and organic carbon particles originating from Siberian forest fires. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in which a large number of TBs have been found over the Pacific Ocean far from the BB source. The spherical shapes of the TBs were maintained even after long-range transport. In addition, our individual analysis of TBs showed that the size and composition of TBs differ depending on the air mass origin. The occurrence and microphysical properties of TBs are important to accurately evaluate the impact of TBs on climate. Our results imply that TBs can be transported to the Arctic and have an influence on radiative forcing over the ocean and in the Arctic.
Radioprotection and Radiomitigation: From the Bench to Clinical Practice
Authors: Obrador Elena , Salvador Rosario , Villaescusa Juan I. , Soriano José M. , Estrela José M. , Montoro Alegría
Published: October 2020

The development of protective agents against harmful radiations has been a subject of investigation for decades. However, effective (ideal) radioprotectors and radiomitigators remain an unsolved problem. Because ionizing radiation-induced cellular damage is primarily attributed to free radicals, radical scavengers are promising as potential radioprotectors. Early development of such agents focused on thiol synthetic compounds, e.g., amifostine (2-(3-aminopropylamino) ethylsulfanylphosphonic acid), approved as a radioprotector by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA, USA) but for limited clinical indications and not for nonclinical uses. To date, no new chemical entity has been approved by the FDA as a radiation countermeasure for acute radiation syndrome (ARS). All FDA-approved radiation countermeasures (filgrastim, a recombinant DNA form of the naturally occurring granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, G-CSF; pegfilgrastim, a PEGylated form of the recombinant human G-CSF; sargramostim, a recombinant granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, GM-CSF) are classified as radiomitigators. No radioprotector that can be administered prior to exposure has been approved for ARS. This differentiates radioprotectors (reduce direct damage caused by radiation) and radiomitigators (minimize toxicity even after radiation has been delivered). Molecules under development with the aim of reaching clinical practice and other nonclinical applications are discussed. Assays to evaluate the biological effects of ionizing radiations are also analyzed.
The Use of Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) for Assessing Materials Bioactivity in the Context of Tissue Engineering: Review and Challenges
Authors: Baino Francesco , Yamaguchi Seiji
Published: October 2020

Some special implantable materials are defined as “bioactive” if they can bond to living bone, forming a tight and chemically-stable interface. This property, which is inherent to some glass compositions, or can be induced by applying appropriate surface treatments on otherwise bio-inert metals, can be evaluated in vitro by immersion studies in simulated body fluid (SBF), mimicking the composition of human plasma. As a result, apatite coating may form on the material surface, and the presence of this bone-like “biomimetic skin” is considered predictive of bone-bonding ability in vivo. This review article summarizes the story and evolution of in vitro bioactivity testing methods using SBF, highlighting the influence of testing parameters (e.g., formulation and circulation of the solution) and material-related parameters (e.g., composition, geometry, texture). Suggestions for future methodological refinements are also provided at the end of the paper.
Recent Developments in Biomimetic Antifouling Materials: A Review
Authors: Sullivan Timothy , O’Callaghan Irene
Published: October 2020

The term ‘biomimetic’ might be applied to any material or process that in some way reproduces, mimics, or is otherwise inspired by nature. Also variously termed bionic, bioinspired, biological design, or even green design, the idea of adapting or taking inspiration from a natural solution to solve a modern engineering problem has been of scientific interest since it was first proposed in the 1960s. Since then, the concept that natural materials and nature can provide inspiration for incredible breakthroughs and developments in terms of new technologies and entirely new approaches to solving technological problems has become widely accepted. This is very much evident in the fields of materials science, surface science, and coatings. In this review, we survey recent developments (primarily those within the last decade) in biomimetic approaches to antifouling, self-cleaning, or anti-biofilm technologies. We find that this field continues to mature, and emerging novel, biomimetic technologies are present at multiple stages in the development pipeline, with some becoming commercially available. However, we also note that the rate of commercialization of these technologies appears slow compared to the significant research output within the field.
Endovascular Treatment of Stroke Caused by Carotid Artery Dissection
Authors: Meder Grzegorz , Świtońska Milena , Płeszka Piotr , Palacz-Duda Violetta , Dzianott-Pabijan Dorota , Sokal Paweł
Published: October 2020

Ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) is a devastating condition. Most LVOs are embolic in nature. Arterial dissection is responsible for only a small proportion of LVOs, is specific in nature and poses some challenges in treatment. We describe 3 cases where patients with stroke caused by carotid artery dissection were treated with mechanical thrombectomy and extensive stenting with good outcome. We believe that mechanical thrombectomy and stenting is a treatment of choice in these cases.
Carbon Nanodots Synthesized from Dunaliella salina as Sun Protection Filters
Authors: Chatzimitakos Theodoros G. , Kasouni Athanasia , Troganis Anastassios , Leonardos Ioannis , Tzovenis Ioannis , Ntzouvaras Alexandros , Stalikas Constantine
Published: October 2020

Carbon nanodots (CNDs) are more and more being exploited for various applications including biological ones. To this end, they have been thoroughly studied for their potential as antibacterial, wound healing, and bioimaging agents. In this study, we examined the sun protection properties of CNDs. Dunaliella salina was selected as a promising precursor for the synthesis of CNDs which were compared with those produced by citric acid, a widely used precursor for such materials. The CNDs were examined spectrophotometrically, and the sun protection factors were calculated. Additionally, in vitro experiments were carried out to evaluate their UV protection properties and to obtain better insight into whether CNDs are suitable to be used as filters for the development of new sunscreens. The results were conclusive that both CNDs possess favorable properties that potentiate their use for the development of sunscreens. However, the CNDs from Dunaliella salina were found to be superior to those derived from citric acid. Therefore, they can further be exploited as sun protection filters.
The Dawning of the Age of Personalized Medicine in Gynecologic Oncology
Authors: Leslie Kimberly K. , Thiel Kristina W. , Benbrook Doris M. , Mutch David
Published: October 2020

It is an undeniable truth that every patient with cancer is unique. [...]
AGTR1 Is Overexpressed in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms, Regulates Secretion and May Potentially Serve as a Target for Molecular Imaging and Therapy
Authors: Exner Samantha , Schuldt Claudia , Sachindra Sachindra , Du Jing , Heing-Becker Isabelle , Licha Kai , Wiedenmann Bertram , Grötzinger Carsten
Published: October 2020

This study identified and confirmed angiotensin II (ATII) as a strong activator of signaling in neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) cells. Expression analyses of the ATII receptor type 1 (AGTR1) revealed an upregulation of mRNA levels (RT-qPCR) and radioligand binding (autoradiography) in small-intestinal (n = 71) NEN tissues compared to controls (n = 25). NEN cells with high AGTR1 expression exhibited concentration-dependent calcium mobilization and chromogranin A secretion upon stimulation with ATII, blocked by AGTR1 antagonism and Gαq inhibition. ATII also stimulated serotonin secretion from BON cells. AGTR1 ligand saralasin was coupled to a near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye and tested for its biodistribution in a nude mouse model bearing AGTR1-positive BON and negative QGP-1 xenograft tumors. NIRF imaging showed significantly higher uptake in BON tumors. This proof of concept establishes AGTR1 as a novel target in NEN, paving the way for translational chelator-based probes for diagnostic PET imaging and radioligand therapy.
NGS Panel Testing of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients in Cyprus: A Study of BRCA-Negative Cases
Authors: Zanti Maria , Loizidou Maria A. , Michailidou Kyriaki , Pirpa Panagiota , Machattou Christina , Marcou Yiola , Kyriakou Flora , Kakouri Eleni , Tanteles George A. , Spanou Elena , Spyrou George M. , Kyriacou Kyriacos , Hadjisavvas Andreas
Published: October 2020

In Cyprus, approximately 9% of triple-negative (estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative) breast cancer (TNBC) patients are positive for germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in BRCA1/2. However, the contribution of other genes has not yet been determined. To this end, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of germline PVs in BRCA1/2-negative TNBC patients in Cyprus, unselected for family history of cancer or age of diagnosis. A comprehensive 94-cancer-gene panel was implemented for 163 germline DNA samples, extracted from the peripheral blood of TNBC patients. Identified variants of uncertain clinical significance were evaluated, using extensive in silico investigation. Eight PVs (4.9%) were identified in two high-penetrance TNBC susceptibility genes. Of these, seven occurred in PALB2 (87.5%) and one occurred in TP53 (12.5%). Interestingly, 50% of the patients carrying PVs were diagnosed over the age of 60 years. The frequency of non-BRCA PVs (4.9%) and especially PALB2 PVs (4.3%) in TNBC patients in Cyprus appears to be higher compared to other populations. Based on these results, we believe that PALB2 and TP53 along with BRCA1/2 genetic testing could be beneficial for a large proportion of TNBC patients in Cyprus, irrespective of their age of diagnosis.
Recent Advances in Nanotherapeutics for Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Iannazzo Daniela , Ettari Roberta , Giofrè Salvatore , Eid Ali H. , Bitto Alessandra
Published: October 2020

Anticancer therapies cannot be included in a one-size-fits-all scenario; it is imperative to adapt therapies to the tumor molecular profile and most importantly to develop target-specific therapeutics. Nanotherapeutics can combine molecular imaging with molecular therapy in order to provide the maximum benefit to patients in terms of disease prevention, identification, and treatment. Nanotechnology applied to therapy provides numerous advantages in diagnostics and in drug delivery, especially for those malignant cells that are difficult to target or for drugs with poor bioavailability, such as those used for multiple myeloma (MM). This review summarizes the recent advances in the development of nanoparticle-based systems for the treatment of MM, taking into account the methods used for their functionalization, biocompatibility, and anticancer activity.
Old Player-New Tricks: Non Angiogenic Effects of the VEGF/VEGFR Pathway in Cancer
Authors: Ntellas Panagiotis , Mavroeidis Leonidas , Gkoura Stefania , Gazouli Ioanna , Amylidi Anna-Lea , Papadaki Alexandra , Zarkavelis George , Mauri Davide , Karpathiou Georgia , Kolettas Evangelos , Batistatou Anna , Pentheroudakis George
Published: October 2020

Angiogenesis has long been considered to facilitate and sustain cancer growth, making the introduction of anti-angiogenic agents that disrupt the vascular endothelial growth factor/receptor (VEGF/VEGFR) pathway an important milestone at the beginning of the 21st century. Originally research on VEGF signaling focused on its survival and mitogenic effects towards endothelial cells, with moderate so far success of anti-angiogenic therapy. However, VEGF can have multiple effects on additional cell types including immune and tumor cells, by directly influencing and promoting tumor cell survival, proliferation and invasion and contributing to an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In this review, we summarize the effects of the VEGF/VEGFR pathway on non-endothelial cells and the resulting implications of anti-angiogenic agents that include direct inhibition of tumor cell growth and immunostimulatory functions. Finally, we present how previously unappreciated studies on VEGF biology, that have demonstrated immunomodulatory properties and tumor regression by disrupting the VEGF/VEGFR pathway, now provide the scientific basis for new combinational treatments of immunotherapy with anti-angiogenic agents.
O-GlcNAc Transferase Inhibitor Synergistically Enhances Doxorubicin-Induced Apoptosis in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Lee Su Jin , Kwon Oh-Shin
Published: October 2020

The combination of chemotherapy with chemosensitizing agents is a common approach to enhance anticancer activity while reducing the dose-dependent adverse side effects of cancer treatment. Herein, we investigated doxorubicin (DOX) and O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) inhibitor OSMI-1 combination treatment, which significantly enhanced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) as a result of synergistic drug action in disparate stress signaling pathways. Treatment with a low dose of DOX or a suboptimal dose of OSMI-1 alone did not induce apoptotic cell death in HepG2 cells. However, the combination of DOX with OSMI-1 in HepG2 cells synergistically increased apoptotic cell death through the activation of both the p53 and mitochondrial Bcl2 pathways compared to DOX alone. We also demonstrated that the combination of DOX and OSMI-1 stimulated cell death, dramatically reducing cell proliferation and tumor growth in vivo using a HepG2 xenograft mouse model. These findings indicate that OSMI-1 acts as a potential chemosensitizer by enhancing DOX-induced cell death. This study provides insight into a possible mechanism of chemotherapy resistance, identifies potential novel drug targets, and suggests that OGT inhibition could be utilized in clinical applications to treat hepatocellular carcinoma as well as other cancer types.
Erratum: Fernandez-Palomo, C., et al. Animal Models in Microbeam Radiation Therapy: A Scoping Review. Cancers 2020, 12, 527
Authors: Fernandez-Palomo Cristian , Fazzari Jennifer , Trappetti Verdiana , Smyth Lloyd , Janka Heidrun , Laissue Jean , Djonov Valentin
Published: October 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Innate Lymphoid Cells in the Malignant Melanoma Microenvironment
Authors: Apraiz Aintzane , Benedicto Aitor , Marquez Joana , Agüera-Lorente Andrea , Asumendi Aintzane , Olaso Elvira , Arteta Beatriz
Published: October 2020

The role of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in cancer progression has been uncovered in recent years. ILCs are classified as Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 ILCs, which are characterized by the transcription factors necessary for their development and the cytokines and chemokines they produce. ILCs are a highly heterogeneous cell population, showing both anti– and protumoral properties and capable of adapting their phenotypes and functions depending on the signals they receive from their surrounding environment. ILCs are considered the innate counterparts of the adaptive immune cells during physiological and pathological processes, including cancer, and as such, ILC subsets reflect different types of T cells. In cancer, each ILC subset plays a crucial role, not only in innate immunity but also as regulators of the tumor microenvironment. ILCs’ interplay with other immune and stromal cells in the metastatic microenvironment further dictates and influences this dichotomy, further strengthening the seed-and-soil theory and supporting the formation of more suitable and organ-specific metastatic environments. Here, we review the present knowledge on the different ILC subsets, focusing on their interplay with components of the tumor environment during the development of primary melanoma as well as on metastatic progression to organs, such as the liver or lung.
Unveiling the Hidden Treasury: CIITA-Driven MHC Class II Expression in Tumor Cells to Dig up the Relevant Repertoire of Tumor Antigens for Optimal Stimulation of Tumor Specific CD4+ T Helper Cells
Authors: Forlani Greta , Shallak Mariam , Celesti Fabrizio , Accolla Roberto S.
Published: October 2020

Despite the recent enthusiasm generated by novel immunotherapeutic approaches against cancer based on immune checkpoint inhibitors, it becomes increasingly clear that single immune-based strategies are not sufficient to defeat the various forms and types of tumors. Within this frame, novel vaccination strategies that are based on optimal stimulation of the key cell governing adaptive immunity, the CD4+ T helper cell, will certainly help in constructing more efficient treatments. In this review, we will focus on this aspect, mainly describing our past and recent contributions that, starting with a rather unorthodox approach, have ended up with the proposition of a new idea for making available an unprecedented extended repertoire of tumor antigens, both in quantitative and qualitative terms, to tumor-specific CD4+ T helper cells. Our approach is based on rendering the very same tumor cells antigen presenting cells for their own tumor antigens by gene transfer of CIITA, the major transcriptional coordinator of MHC class II expression discovered in our laboratory. CIITA-driven MHC class II-expressing tumor cells optimally stimulate in vivo tumor specific MHC class II-restricted CD4 T cells generating specific and long lasting protective immunity against the tumor. We will discuss the mechanism underlying protection and elaborate not only on the applicability of this approach for novel vaccination strategies amenable to clinical setting, but also on the consequence of our discoveries on sedimented immunological dogmas that are related to antigen presentation.
Non-Invasive Diagnostic System Based on Light for Detecting Early-Stage Oral Cancer and High-Risk Precancerous Lesions—Potential for Dentistry
Authors: Tatehara Seiko , Satomura Kazuhito
Published: October 2020

Oral health promotion and examinations have contributed to the early detection of oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders, leading to the adaptation of minimally invasive therapies and subsequent improvements in the prognosis/maintenance of the quality of life after treatments. However, the accurate detection of early-stage oral cancer and oral epithelial dysplasia is particularly difficult for conventional oral examinations because these lesions sometimes resemble benign lesions or healthy oral mucosa tissues. Although oral biopsy has been considered the gold standard for accurate diagnosis, it is deemed invasive for patients. For this reason, most clinicians are looking forward to the development of non-invasive diagnostic technologies to detect and distinguish between cancerous and benign lesions. To date, several non-invasive adjunctive fluorescence-based detection systems have improved the accuracy of the detection and diagnosis of oral mucosal lesions. Autofluorescence-based systems can detect lesions as a loss of autofluorescence through irradiation with blue-violet lights. Photodynamic diagnosis using 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA-PDD) shows the presence of very early oral cancers and oral epithelial dysplasia as a red fluorescent area. In this article, currently used fluorescence-based diagnostic methods are introduced and discussed from a clinical point of view.
PUMA and NOXA Expression in Tumor-Associated Benign Prostatic Epithelial Cells Are Predictive of Prostate Cancer Biochemical Recurrence
Authors: Clairefond Sylvie , Péant Benjamin , Ouellet Véronique , Barrès Véronique , Tian Zhe , Trudel Dominique , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie , Saad Fred
Published: October 2020

Background: Given that treatment decisions in prostate cancer (PC) are often based on risk, there remains a need to find clinically relevant prognostic biomarkers to stratify PC patients. We evaluated PUMA and NOXA expression in benign and tumor regions of the prostate using immunofluorescence techniques and determined their prognostic significance in PC. Methods: PUMA and NOXA expression levels were quantified on six tissue microarrays (TMAs) generated from radical prostatectomy samples (n = 285). TMAs were constructed using two cores of benign tissue and two cores of tumor tissue from each patient. Association between biomarker expression and biochemical recurrence (BCR) at 3 years was established using log-rank (LR) and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results: Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a significant association between BCR and extreme levels (low or high) of PUMA expression in benign epithelial cells (LR = 8.831, p = 0.003). Further analysis revealed a significant association between high NOXA expression in benign epithelial cells and BCR (LR = 14.854, p < 0.001). The combination of extreme PUMA and high NOXA expression identified patients with the highest risk of BCR (LR = 16.778, p < 0.001) in Kaplan–Meier and in a multivariate Cox regression analyses (HR: 2.935 (1.645–5.236), p < 0.001). Conclusions: The combination of PUMA and NOXA protein expression in benign epithelial cells was predictive of recurrence following radical prostatectomy and was independent of PSA at diagnosis, Gleason score and pathologic stage.
IL-2 and Anti-TGF-β Promote NK Cell Reconstitution and Anti-tumor Effects after Syngeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Alvarez Maite , Dunai Cordelia , Khuat Lam T. , Aguilar Ethan G. , Barao Isabel , Murphy William J.
Published: October 2020

The failure of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been associated with a profound immunodeficiency that follows shortly after treatment, which renders patients susceptible to opportunistic infections and/or cancer relapse. Thus, given the additional immunosuppressive pathways involved in immune evasion in cancer, strategies that induce a faster reconstitution of key immune effector cells are needed. Natural killer (NK) cells mediate potent anti-tumor effector functions and are the first immune cells to repopulate after HSCT. TGF-β is a potent immunosuppressive cytokine that can impede both the development and function of immune cells. Here, we evaluated the use of an immunotherapeutic regimen that combines low dose of IL-2, an NK cell stimulatory signal, with TGF-β neutralization, in order to accelerate NK cell reconstitution following congenic HSCT in mice by providing stimulatory signals yet also abrogating inhibitory ones. This therapy led to a marked expansion of NK cells and accelerated NK cell maturation. Following HSCT, mature NK cells from the treated recipients displayed an activated phenotype and enhanced anti-tumor responses both in vitro and in vivo. No overt toxicities or adverse effects were observed in the treated recipients. However, these stimulatory effects on NK cell recovery were predicated upon continuous treatment as cessation of treatment led to return to baseline levels and to no improvement of overall immune recovery when assessed at later time-points, indicating strict regulatory control of the NK cell compartment. Overall, this study still demonstrates that therapies that combine positive and negative signals can be plausible strategies to accelerate NK cell reconstitution following HSCT and augment anti-tumor efficacy.