bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Vagus Nerve Stimulation Facilitates Short Term Memory and Cognitive Flexibility in Rats
Authors: Driskill Christopher M. , Childs Jessica E. , Itmer Bemisal , Rajput Jai S. , Kroener Sven
Published: August 2022

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) causes the release of several neuromodulators, leading to cortical activation and deactivation. The resulting preparatory cortical plasticity can be used to increase learning and memory in both rats and humans. The effects of VNS on cognition have mostly been studied either in animal models of different pathologies, and/or after extended VNS. Considerably less is known about the effects of acute VNS. Here, we examined the effects of acute VNS on short-term memory and cognitive flexibility in naïve rats, using three cognitive tasks that require comparatively brief (single session) training periods. In all tasks, VNS was delivered immediately before or during the testing phase. We used a rule-shifting task to test cognitive flexibility, a novel object recognition task to measure short-term object memory, and a delayed spontaneous alternation task to measure spatial short-term memory. We also analyzed exploratory behavior in an elevated plus maze to determine the effects of acute VNS on anxiety. Our results indicate that acute VNS can improve memory and cognitive flexibility relative to Sham-stimulation, and these effects are independent of unspecific VNS-induced changes in locomotion or anxiety.
Optical Coherence Tomography in Chronic Relapsing Inflammatory Optic Neuropathy, Neuromyelitis Optica and Multiple Sclerosis: A Comparative Study
Authors: Eslami Maziar , Lichtman-Mikol Samuel , Razmjou Sara , Bernitsas Evanthia
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To examine the optical coherence tomography (OCT) features of the retina in patients with chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuropathy (CRION) and compare them with those of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) with and without optic neuritis (ON), and healthy controls (HC). Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we used spectral domain OCT to evaluate the retinal structure of 14 participants with CRION, 22 with NMOSD, 40 with RRMS with unilateral ON, and 20 HC. The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), total macular volume (TMV), and papillomacular bundle (PMB) were measured, and intra-retinal segmentation was performed to obtain the retinal nerve fiber (RNFL), ganglion cell (GCL), inner plexiform (IPL), inner nuclear (INL), outer plexiform (OPL) and outer nuclear (ONL) layer volumes. Results: The global pRNFL [39.33(±1.8) µm] and all its quadrants are significantly thinner in CRION compared with all other groups (p < 0.05). CRION patients have decreased volumes of TMV, RNFL, GCL, and IPL compared with all other groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Severe thinning in pRNFL and thinning in intra-retinal segments of IPL, GCL, RNFL, and TMV could be helpful in differentiating CRION from NMOSD and RRMS.
Anxious Personality Traits: Perspectives from Basic Emotions and Neurotransmitters
Authors: Dong Jie , Xiao Tingwei , Xu Qiuyue , Liang Fei , Gu Simeng , Wang Fushun , Huang Jason H.
Published: August 2022

Objective: Recently, many emotional diseases, such as anxiety and depression, have prevailed, and it is expected that emotional disease will be the leading cause of social and economic burden in 2030. These emotional diseases may be due to certain personality traits, which could be the reasons for the development of mental illness. Personality theories have been constantly developed over the past hundreds of years, and different dimensions of personality traits corresponding to different physiological bases and emotional feelings have been proposed. However, personality may be the least studied area in psychology. Methods: In this paper, we will give a short review on the development of personality theories as well as dimensional emotional theory. Then, we will compare the similarities between the emotional dimension and personality dimension. Furthermore, we will also investigate the neural mechanisms of personality and emotions, focusing on neuromodulators for anxiety-related personality traits, in order to provide a clear relationship between different neurotransmitters and anxiety-related personality traits. Results: The results of our study suggest that the emotional dimension and personality dimension may be somewhat related, for example, the extrovert/introvert dimension of personality might be related to the hedonic dimension, which includes happiness/sadness, and the neurotic dimensions might be related to emotional arousal. In addition, our study found that personality traits are also related to basic emotions, for instance, people who are too self-centered are prone to feeling a mood of disgust or depression, while anger and fear correspond to unstable personality traits. The analysis suggested that the neural substrates of both personality and emotions might be described as follows: extroverted–joy–dopamine (DA); introverted–disgust–5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT); unstable (neuroticism)–anger/fear–noradrenaline (NE); stable–calmness. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that there is a correlation between personality traits and emotions, and both depend on monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin). In addition, personality disorders can be interfered via the regulation of emotions and neurotransmitters. This paper opens up a whole new perspective for future research on personality traits and emotional diseases and has great clinical value and practical significance.
Gross Total Resection Promotes Subsequent Recovery and Further Enhancement of Impaired Natural Killer Cell Activity in Glioblastoma Patients
Authors: Lee Cheng-Chi , You Jeng-Fu , Wang Yu-Chi , Lan Shao-Wei , Wei Kuo-Chen , Chen Ko-Ting , Huang Yin-Cheng , Wu Tai-Wei Erich , Huang Abel Po-Hao
Published: August 2022

Glioblastoma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor, and median survival is relatively short despite aggressive standard treatment. Natural killer (NK) cell dysfunction is strongly associated with tumor recurrence and metastasis but is unclear in glioblastoma. NK activity (NKA) represents NK cell-secreted interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which modulates immunity and inhibits cancer progression. This study aimed to analyze NKA in glioblastoma patients to obtain a clearer overview of immunity surveillance. From 2020 to 2021, a total of 20 patients and six healthy controls were recruited. Peripheral blood samples were collected preoperatively and on postoperative days (POD) 3 and 30. Then, NKA was measured using the NK VUE kit. Although NKA decreased on POD3, it recovered and further significantly enhanced on POD30, with a nearly five-fold increase compared to baseline (p = 0.004). Furthermore, the percentage of CD56brightCD16− NK cells decreased significantly on POD3 (p = 0.022) and further recovered on PO30. Subgroup analysis of extent surgical resection further revealed that the recovery of impaired NKA was attributable to gross total resection (GTR) rather than subtotal resection (STR). In conclusion, NKA is significantly impaired in glioblastoma, and GTR has demonstrated superior benefit in improving the suppressed NKA and increased CD56brightCD16− NK subset in glioblastoma patients, which may be associated with subsequent patients’ prognosis. Therefore, the goal of performing GTR for glioblastoma should be achieved when possible since it appears to increase NKA cell immunity.
Molecular Imaging in Parkinsonian Disorders—What’s New and Hot?
Authors: Prange Stéphane , Theis Hendrik , Banwinkler Magdalena , van Eimeren Thilo
Published: August 2022

Neurodegenerative parkinsonian disorders are characterized by a great diversity of clinical symptoms and underlying neuropathology, yet differential diagnosis during lifetime remains probabilistic. Molecular imaging is a powerful method to detect pathological changes in vivo on a cellular and molecular level with high specificity. Thereby, molecular imaging enables to investigate functional changes and pathological hallmarks in neurodegenerative disorders, thus allowing to better differentiate between different forms of degenerative parkinsonism, improve the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis and disentangle the pathophysiology of disease-related symptoms. The past decade led to significant progress in the field of molecular imaging, including the development of multiple new and promising radioactive tracers for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) as well as novel analytical methods. Here, we review the most recent advances in molecular imaging for the diagnosis, prognosis, and mechanistic understanding of parkinsonian disorders. First, advances in imaging of neurotransmission abnormalities, metabolism, synaptic density, inflammation, and pathological protein aggregation are reviewed, highlighting our renewed understanding regarding the multiplicity of neurodegenerative processes involved in parkinsonian disorders. Consequently, we review the role of molecular imaging in the context of disease-modifying interventions to follow neurodegeneration, ensure stratification, and target engagement in clinical trials.
A Mini-Review Regarding the Modalities to Study Neurodevelopmental Disorders-Like Impairments in Zebrafish—Focussing on Neurobehavioural and Psychological Responses
Authors: Curpăn Alexandrina S. , Balmus Ioana-Miruna , Dobrin Romeo P. , Ciobica Alin , Chele Gabriela E. , Gorgan Dragos Lucian , Boloș Alexandra
Published: August 2022

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are complex disorders which can be associated with many comorbidities and exhibit multifactorial-dependent phenotypes. An important characteristic is represented by the early onset of the symptoms, during childhood or young adulthood, with a great impact on the socio-cognitive functioning of the affected individuals. Thus, the aim of our review is to describe and to argue the necessity of early developmental stages zebrafish models, focusing on NDDs, especially autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and also on schizophrenia. The utility of the animal models in NDDs or schizophrenia research remains quite controversial. Relevant discussions can be opened regarding the specific characteristics of the animal models and the relationship with the etiologies, physiopathology, and development of these disorders. The zebrafish models behaviors displayed as early as during the pre-hatching embryo stage (locomotor activity prone to repetitive behavior), and post-hatching embryo stage, such as memory, perception, affective-like, and social behaviors can be relevant in ASD and schizophrenia research. The neurophysiological processes impaired in both ASD and schizophrenia are generally highly conserved across all vertebrates. However, the relatively late individual development and conscious social behavior exhibited later in the larval stage are some of the most important limitations of these model animal species.
RETRACTED: Wang et al. An Investigation of Bearing Capacity of High-Strength SRC Columns under Eccentric Axial Load. Buildings 2021, 11, 639
Authors: Wang Jun , Duan Yuxin , Sun Wenze , Yi Xinyu
Published: August 2022

The journal retracts the article “An Investigation of Bearing Capacity of High-Strength SRC Columns under Eccentric Axial Load” [...]
3D Printing Technologies in Architectural Design and Construction: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Žujović Maša , Obradović Radojko , Rakonjac Ivana , Milošević Jelena
Published: August 2022

The proliferation of digital technologies considerably changed the field of architecture. Digital fabrication pushes architecture into an unexpected new domain of previously unachievable complexity, detail, and materiality. Understanding these technologies’ impact can help direct future research, innovate design and construction processes, and improve the education of future professionals. However, comprehensive reviews offering a holistic perspective on the effects of 3D printing technologies on architecture are limited. Therefore, this study aims to provide a systematic review of state-of-the-art research on 3D printing technologies in architectural design and construction. The review was performed using three major databases, and selected peer-reviewed journal articles published in the last ten-year period were included in quantitative and qualitative analyses. Using bibliometric analysis, the research progress is summarized through the identified trend of the annual number of articles, prominent authors and co-authorship network, and key topics in the literature organized in three clusters. Further, content analysis of selected articles enabled coding cluster themes. Moreover, the analysis differentiated two categories of 3D printing technologies based on the scale of the system, elaborating their peculiarities in terms of materials, methods, and applications. Finally, challenges and promising directions for future work and research challenges are discussed.
Effect Mechanisms of Toner and Nano-SiO2 on Early Strength of Cement Grouting Materials for Repair of Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Zhao Zedong , Chen Jingchun , Wang Jian , Zhuang Shenghan , Chen Haiwei , Zhao Hongbo , Wang Chunguang , Zhang Lin , Li Min , Li Gen , Ren Jiaolong
Published: August 2022

The reinforced concrete invariably involves some diseases (e.g., crack, void, etc.) due to the complex service conditions. These diseases are usually repaired to extend the service life of reinforced concrete by using cement grouting materials. In order to meet a certain color need of reinforced concrete, toner is mixed into the cement grouting materials. However, the toner has a negative effect on the early strength of cement grouting materials. Unfortunately, the mechanism of the negative effects of toner is still unclear, and no effective and targeted measures have been put forward. Hence, the main work of this paper reveals the mechanisms of the toner and nano-SiO2 (N-S) in the hydration process and the strength generation of the cement grouting materials in the case of different curing ages and nano-SiO2 contents via the scanning electron microscopy test (SEM), X-ray diffraction test (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry test (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy test (FTRI). Results show that: (a) the toner hinders the generation of AFt and CH crystals (especially for 1-day and 3-day), which delays the hydration process and weakens the early performance of cement grouting materials; (b) the N-S promotes the hydration process and the formation of C-S-H gels, so as to effectively increasing the early strength and reducing (but not eliminate) the adverse effect of toner on cement grouting materials; (c) With the increase of every 1% N-S, the flexural strength of 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day average increased by 11.3%, 2.9%, and 0.9%, respectively, and the compressive strength of 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day average increased by 0.8%, 0.3%, and 0.1%.
Evidence-Based Interventions for Reducing Breast Cancer Disparities: What Works and Where the Gaps Are?
Authors: Kehm Rebecca D. , Llanos Adana A. M. , McDonald Jasmine A. , Tehranifar Parisa , Terry Mary Beth
Published: August 2022

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has established an online repository of evidence-based cancer control programs (EBCCP) and increasingly calls for the usage of these EBCCPs to reduce the cancer burden. To inventory existing EBCCPs and identify remaining gaps, we summarized NCI’s EBCCPs relevant to reducing breast cancer risk with an eye towards interventions that address multiple levels of influence in populations facing breast cancer disparities. For each program, the NCI EBCCP repository provides the following expert panel determined summary metrics: (a) program ratings (1–5 scale, 5 best) of research integrity, intervention impact, and dissemination capability, and (b) RE-AIM framework assessment (0–100%) of program reach, effectiveness, adoption, and implementation. We quantified the number of EBCCPs that met the quality criteria of receiving a score of ≥3 for research integrity, intervention impact, and dissemination capability, and receiving a score of ≥50% for available RE-AIM reach, effectiveness, adoption, and implementation. For breast cancer risk reduction, we assessed the presence and quality of EBCCPs related to physical activity (PA), obesity, alcohol, tobacco control in early life, breastfeeding, and environmental chemical exposures. Our review revealed several major gaps in EBCCPs for reducing the breast cancer burden: (1) there are no EBCCPs for key breast cancer risk factors including alcohol, breastfeeding, and environmental chemical exposures; (2) among the EBCPPs that exist for PA, obesity, and tobacco control in early life, only a small fraction (24%, 17% and 31%, respectively) met all the quality criteria (≥3 EBCCP scores and ≥50% RE-AIM scores) and; (3) of those that met the quality criteria, only two PA interventions, one obesity, and no tobacco control interventions addressed multiple levels of influence and were developed in populations facing breast cancer disparities. Thus, developing, evaluating, and disseminating interventions to address important risk factors and reduce breast cancer disparities are needed.
ER Stress Response and Induction of Apoptosis in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: The Achilles Heel Targeted by the Anticancer Ruthenium Drug BOLD-100
Authors: Ranzato Elia , Bonsignore Gregorio , Martinotti Simona
Published: August 2022

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer arising from the serosal surfaces of the body, mainly from the pleural layer. This cancer is strongly related to asbestos exposure and shows a very inauspicious prognosis, because there are scarce therapeutic options for this rare disease. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic approaches to treat this form of cancer. To explore the biology of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), we previously observed that MPM cell lines show high expression of the GRP78 protein, which is a chaperone protein and the master regulator of the unfolded protein response (UPR) that resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Based on our previous studies showing the importance of GRP78 in MPM, we observed that BOLD-100, a specific modulator of GRP78 and the UPR, shows cytotoxicity against MPM cells. Our studies demonstrated that BOLD-100 increases ROS production and Ca2+ release from the ER, leading to ER stress activation and, ultimately, to cell death. Our in vitro data strongly suggest that BOLD-100 inhibits the growth of MPM cell lines, proposing the application as a single agent, or in combination with other standard-of-care drugs, to treat MPM.
A miRNA-Based Prognostic Model to Trace Thyroid Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Toraih Eman A. , Fawzy Manal S. , Ning Bo , Zerfaoui Mourad , Errami Youssef , Ruiz Emmanuelle M. , Hussein Mohammad H. , Haidari Muhib , Bratton Melyssa , Tortelote Giovane G. , Hilliard Sylvia , Nilubol Naris , Russell Jonathon O. , Shama Mohamed A. , El-Dahr Samir S. , Moroz Krzysztof , Hu Tony , Kandil Emad
Published: August 2022

Papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) account for most endocrine tumors; however, screening and diagnosing the recurrence of PTC remains a clinical challenge. Using microRNA sequencing (miR-seq) to explore miRNA expression profiles in PTC tissues and adjacent normal tissues, we aimed to determine which miRNAs may be associated with PTC recurrence and metastasis. Public databases such as TCGA and GEO were utilized for data sourcing and external validation, respectively, and miR-seq results were validated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). We found miR-145 to be significantly downregulated in tumor tissues and blood. Deregulation was significantly related to clinicopathological features of PTC patients including tumor size, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and recurrence. In silico data analysis showed that miR-145 can negatively regulate multiple genes in the TC signaling pathway and was associated with cell apoptosis, proliferation, stem cell differentiation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Taken together, the current study suggests that miR-145 may be a biomarker for PTC recurrence. Further mechanistic studies are required to uncover its cellular roles in this regard.
Number of Tumor Foci as a Risk Factor for Recurrence in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Does It Improve Predictability?
Authors: Kwon Hyungju , Lim Woosung , Moon Byung-In
Published: August 2022

Multifocality in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) increases the risk of recurrence. Some recent studies have suggested that multifocality-related parameters, such as the number of tumor foci, total tumor diameter (TTD), and bilaterality, are more useful for predicting recurrence than multifocality. However, it is still unclear if these factors can improve the accuracy of the recurrence prediction model. Between 2012 and 2019, 1288 patients with PTC underwent total thyroidectomy at Ewha Womans University Medical Center. The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 91.2% in patients with >3 tumor foci, 95.1% with 3 foci, and 97.6% with 2 foci; conversely, those with a unifocal tumor showed a 5-year recurrence-free survival rate of 98.0%. Cox proportional hazards analysis indicated that the number of tumor foci (HR for >3 foci, 3.214; HR for 3 foci, 2.473), bilaterality (HR, 2.530), or TTD (HR for >3 cm, 5.359; HR for 2–3 cm, 3.584) could be an independent predictor of recurrence. However, models using the number of tumor foci, bilaterality, and TTD did not show better overall predictability of recurrence than models based on multifocality. In conclusion, a simpler prediction model based on multifocality may be sufficient.
Adjuvant PD-1 and PD-L1 Inhibitors and Relapse-Free Survival in Cancer Patients: The MOUSEION-04 Study
Authors: Rizzo Alessandro , Mollica Veronica , Marchetti Andrea , Nuvola Giacomo , Rosellini Matteo , Tassinari Elisa , Molina-Cerrillo Javier , Myint Zin W. , Buchler Tomas , Monteiro Fernando Sabino Marques , Grande Enrique , Santoni Matteo , Massari Francesco
Published: August 2022

Background: Adjuvant treatment has always been a cornerstone in the therapeutic approach of many cancers, considering its role in reducing the risk of relapse and, in some cases, increasing overall survival. Adjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors have been tested in different malignancies. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis aimed to explore the impact of adjuvant PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors on relapse-free survival (RFS) in cancer patients enrolled in randomized controlled clinical trials. We retrieved all phase III trials published from 15 June 2008 to 15 May 2022, evaluating PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors monotherapy as an adjuvant treatment by searching on EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PubMed/ Medline, and international oncological meetings’ abstracts. The outcome of interest was RFS. We also performed subgroup analyses focused on age and gender. Results: Overall, 8 studies, involving more than 6000 patients, were included in the analysis. The pooled results highlighted that the use of adjuvant PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors may reduce the risk of relapse compared to control treatments (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence intervals, 0.67–0.78). In addition, the subgroup analyses observed that this benefit was consistent in different patient populations, including male, female, younger, and older patients. Conclusions: Adjuvant anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment is associated with an increased RFS in the overall population and in subgroups divided according to age and gender.
Balancing Work and Cancer Care: Challenges Faced by Employed Informal Caregivers
Authors: Xiang Ellen , Guzman Patricia , Mims Martha , Badr Hoda
Published: August 2022

Individuals with cancer commonly rely on their informal caregivers (e.g., spouse/partner, family member, close friend) to help them manage the demands of the disease and its treatment. Caregiving, including helping with patient care, performing household chores, and providing emotional and practical support, can be particularly demanding for employed caregivers, who must juggle their work responsibilities while providing care. Although a burgeoning literature describes the toll that balancing these oft-competing demands can exact, few resources exist to support employed cancer caregivers. To address this gap, we conducted a narrative review of the impacts of cancer on employed caregivers. We found that employed caregivers experience significant financial impacts in terms of lost time and income. They also experience a variety of work-related (e.g., reduced productivity, absenteeism) and mental health (e.g., stress, burden) impacts. Going forward, prospective studies are needed to characterize changes in caregiver support needs and preferences at different time points along the cancer care continuum (e.g., at diagnosis, during treatment, end-of-life) so that appropriate workplace accommodations can be provided. More population-based studies are also needed to develop models for identifying caregivers who are at increased risk for poor employment or mental health outcomes so that more targeted support programs can be developed. Ultimately, a multipronged effort on behalf of employers, healthcare, and community-based organizations may be needed to support and empower this vulnerable subgroup.
The Impact of Surgical Techniques in Patients with Rectal Cancer on Spine Mobility and Abdominal Muscle Strength—A Prospective Study
Authors: Głowacka-Mrotek Iwona , Jankowski Michał , Skonieczny Bartosz , Tarkowska Magdalena , Nowikiewicz Tomasz , Leksowski Łukasz , Dubiel Mariusz , Zegarski Wojciech , Mackiewicz-Milewska Magdalena
Published: August 2022

The aim of this non-randomized study was to evaluate the impact of spine joint mobility and chest mobility on inhalation and exhalation, and to assess the abdominal muscle strength in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer with one of the following methods: anterior resection, laparoscopic anterior resection or abdominoperineal resection. In patients who were successively admitted to the Department of Surgical Oncology at the Oncology Center in Bydgoszcz, the impact of spine joint mobility, muscle strength and chest mobility on inhalation and exhalation wasassessed three times, i.e., at their admission and three and six months after surgery. The analysis included 72 patients (18 undergoing abdominoperineal resection, the APR group; 23 undergoing laparoscopic anterior resection, the LAR group; and 31 undergoing anterior resection, the AR group). The study groups did not differ in terms of age, weight, height, BMIor hospitalization time (p > 0.05). Three months after surgery, reductions in spine joint mobility regarding flexion, extension and lateral flexion, as well asreductions in the strength of the rectus abdominis and oblique muscles, were noted in all study groups (p < 0.05). In comparison between the groups, the lowest values suggesting the greatest reduction in the range of mobility were recorded in the APR group. Surgical treatment and postoperative management in colorectal cancer patients caused a reduction in spine mobility, abdominal muscle strength and chest mobility. The patients who experienced those changes most rapidly and intensively werethose undergoing abdominoperineal resection.
DNMT3A/miR-129-2-5p/Rac1 Is an Effector Pathway for SNHG1 to Drive Stem-Cell-like and Invasive Behaviors of Advanced Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Xu Jiheng , Yang Rui , Li Jingxia , Wang Lidong , Cohen Mitchell , Simeone Diane M. , Costa Max , Wu Xue-Ru
Published: August 2022

The stem-cell-like behavior of cancer cells plays a central role in tumor heterogeneity and invasion and correlates closely with drug resistance and unfavorable clinical outcomes. However, the molecular underpinnings of cancer cell stemness remain incompletely defined. Here, we show that SNHG1, a long non-coding RNA that is over-expressed in ~95% of human muscle-invasive bladder cancers (MIBCs), induces stem-cell-like sphere formation and the invasion of cultured bladder cancer cells by upregulating Rho GTPase, Rac1. We further show that SNHG1 binds to DNA methylation transferase 3A protein (DNMT3A), and tethers DNMT3A to the promoter of miR-129-2, thus hyper-methylating and repressing miR-129-2-5p transcription. The reduced binding of miR-129-2 to the 3′-UTR of Rac1 mRNA leads to the stabilization of Rac1 mRNA and increased levels of Rac1 protein, which then stimulates MIBC cell sphere formation and invasion. Analysis of the Human Protein Atlas shows that a high expression of Rac1 is strongly associated with poor survival in patients with MIBC. Our data strongly suggest that the SNHG1/DNMT3A/miR-129-2-5p/Rac1 effector pathway drives stem-cell-like and invasive behaviors in MIBC, a deadly form of bladder cancer. Targeting this pathway, alone or in combination with platinum-based therapy, may reduce chemoresistance and improve longer-term outcomes in MIBC patients.
Thyroid Cancer and Fibroblasts
Authors: Avagliano Angelica , Fiume Giuseppe , Bellevicine Claudio , Troncone Giancarlo , Venuta Alessandro , Acampora Vittoria , De Lella Sabrina , Ruocco Maria Rosaria , Masone Stefania , Velotti Nunzio , Carotenuto Pietro , Mallardo Massimo , Caiazza Carmen , Montagnani Stefania , Arcucci Alessandro
Published: August 2022

Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine cancer, and its prevalence continue to rise. Non-metastatic thyroid cancer patients are successfully treated. However, looking for new therapeutic strategies is of great importance for metastatic thyroid cancers that still lead to death. With respect to this, the tumor microenvironment (TME), which plays a key role in tumor progression, should be considered as a new promising therapeutic target to hamper thyroid cancer progression. Indeed, thyroid tumors consist of cancer cells and a heterogeneous and ever-changing niche, represented by the TME, which contributes to establishing most of the features of cancer cells. The TME consists of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, soluble factors, metabolites, blood and lymphatic tumor vessels and several stromal cell types that, by interacting with each other and with tumor cells, affect TME remodeling, cancer growth and progression. Among the thyroid TME components, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained more attention in the last years. Indeed, recent important evidence showed that thyroid CAFs strongly sustain thyroid cancer growth and progression by producing soluble factors and ECM proteins, which, in turn, deeply affect thyroid cancer cell behavior and aggressiveness. Hence, in this article, we describe the thyroid TME, focusing on the desmoplastic stromal reaction, which is a powerful indicator of thyroid cancer progression and an invasive growth pattern. In addition, we discuss the origins and features of the thyroid CAFs, their influence on thyroid cancer growth and progression, their role in remodeling the ECM and their immune-modulating functions. We finally debate therapeutic perspectives targeting CAFs.
ZnO/CQDs Nanocomposites for Visible Light Photodegradation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Toma Elena E. , Stoian Giuseppe , Cojocaru Bogdan , Parvulescu Vasile I. , Coman Simona M.
Published: August 2022

Currently, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have been widely investigated as an enhancing photocatalytic component of various nanocomposites. In this study, hetero-structures containing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) associated to zinc oxide were prepared following two one-pot procedures: (i) a hydrothermal approach in which commercial ZnO was used as carrier for CQDs; and (ii) an approach in which the ZnO/CQDs samples were produced in situ by adding zinc acetate to an aqueous suspension of CQDs. CQDs were prepared in advance by a low-temperature hydrothermal (LHT) treatment of useless humins wastes produced by the glucose dehydration in an acidic medium. These samples were characterized by several techniques such asadsorption-desorption isotherms of liquid nitrogen at 77K, X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared diffuse reflectance with Fourier transform (DRIFT) and UV-vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic behavior of these materials was investigated in the degradation of methylene blue (MB). The obtained results revealed electronic interactions between CQDs and ZnO which have as an effect an enhancement of the charge separation and diminution of the charge recombination. In accordance, a correlation between the photocatalytic activity and the intrinsic properties of ZnO/CQDs has been evidenced. The highest photocatalytic activity corresponded to the heterostructure containing highly dispersed narrow sized CQDs onto ZnO. Under visible light irradiation and after 180 min of irradiation, MB was degraded by as much as 97.6%.
Size-Dependent Strong Metal–Support Interactions of Rutile TiO2-Supported Ni Catalysts for Hydrodeoxygenation of m-Cresol
Authors: Cui Beilei , Wang Hua , Ge Qingfeng , Zhu Xinli
Published: August 2022

A series of rutile TiO2-supported Ni catalysts with varying Ni sizes were prepared and reduced at 650 °C to explore the effect of Ni size on the strong metal–support interactions (SMSI) and its consequences on the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of m-cresol at 350 °C and atmospheric pressure. When the Ni size increases from 4 to 29.1 nm, the SMSI becomes stronger, e.g., the thickness of the TiOx overlayer and the coverage extent of TiOx on the Ni particle surface increase. Direct deoxygenation to toluene is the dominant pathway on Ni/TiO2 catalysts with varying Ni loadings, with almost no CH4 being formed. These results indicate that the TiOx overlayer significantly alters the property of Ni. That is, the C-C hydrogenolysis activity on bare Ni is completely inhibited due to SMSI, while the deoxygenation activity is improved at the Ni-TiOx interfacial perimeter sites. Meanwhile, the turnover frequency of HDO on small Ni particles of 4 nm is > 2 times higher than that on large Ni particles of 29.1 nm, indicating that the small Ni particle with moderate SMSI appears to be optimal for the direct deoxygenation of m-cresol to toluene. The results suggest HDO activity may be enhanced by tuning the metal particle size and SMSI degree.
The CaMKII/MLC1 Axis Confers Ca2+-Dependence to Volume-Regulated Anion Channels (VRAC) in Astrocytes
Authors: Brignone Maria Stefania , Lanciotti Angela , Michelucci Antonio , Mallozzi Cinzia , Camerini Serena , Catacuzzeno Luigi , Sforna Luigi , Caramia Martino , D’Adamo Maria Cristina , Ceccarini Marina , Molinari Paola , Macioce Pompeo , Macchia Gianfranco , Petrucci Tamara Corinna , Pessia Mauro , Visentin Sergio , Ambrosini Elena
Published: August 2022

Astrocytes, the main glial cells of the central nervous system, play a key role in brain volume control due to their intimate contacts with cerebral blood vessels and the expression of a distinctive equipment of proteins involved in solute/water transport. Among these is MLC1, a protein highly expressed in perivascular astrocytes and whose mutations cause megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC), an incurable leukodystrophy characterized by macrocephaly, chronic brain edema, cysts, myelin vacuolation, and astrocyte swelling. Although, in astrocytes, MLC1 mutations are known to affect the swelling-activated chloride currents (ICl,swell) mediated by the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC), and the regulatory volume decrease, MLC1′s proper function is still unknown. By combining molecular, biochemical, proteomic, electrophysiological, and imaging techniques, we here show that MLC1 is a Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) target protein, whose phosphorylation, occurring in response to intracellular Ca2+ release, potentiates VRAC-mediated ICl,swell. Overall, these findings reveal that MLC1 is a Ca2+-regulated protein, linking volume regulation to Ca2+ signaling in astrocytes. This knowledge provides new insight into the MLC1 protein function and into the mechanisms controlling ion/water exchanges in the brain, which may help identify possible molecular targets for the treatment of MLC and other pathological conditions caused by astrocyte swelling and brain edema.
Ependymal and Neural Stem Cells of Adult Molly Fish (Poecilia sphenops, Valenciennes, 1846) Brain: Histomorphometry, Immunohistochemical, and Ultrastructural Studies
Authors: Mokhtar Doaa M. , Sayed Ramy K. A. , Zaccone Giacomo , Albano Marco , Hussein Manal T.
Published: August 2022

This study was conducted on 16 adult specimens of molly fish (Poecilia sphenops) to investigate ependymal cells (ECs) and their role in neurogenesis using ultrastructural examination and immunohistochemistry. The ECs lined the ventral and lateral surfaces of the optic ventricle and their processes extended through the tectal laminae and ended at the surface of the tectum as a subpial end-foot. Two cell types of ECs were identified: cuboidal non-ciliated (5.68 ± 0.84/100 μm2) and columnar ciliated (EC3.22 ± 0.71/100 μm2). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed two types of GFAP immunoreactive cells: ECs and astrocytes. The ECs showed the expression of IL-1β, APG5, and Nfr2. Moreover, ECs showed immunostaining for myostatin, S100, and SOX9 in their cytoplasmic processes. The proliferative activity of the neighboring stem cells was also distinct. The most interesting finding in this study was the glia–neuron interaction, where the processes of ECs met the progenitor neuronal cells in the ependymal area of the ventricular wall. These cells showed bundles of intermediate filaments in their processes and basal poles and were connected by desmosomes, followed by gap junctions. Many membrane-bounded vesicles could be demonstrated on the surface of the ciliated ECs that contained neurosecretion. The abluminal and lateral cell surfaces of ECs showed pinocytotic activities with many coated vesicles, while their apical cytoplasm contained centrioles. The occurrence of stem cells in close position to the ECs, and the presence of bundles of generating axons in direct contact with these stem cells indicate the role of ECs in neurogenesis. The TEM results revealed the presence of neural stem cells in a close position to the ECs, in addition to the presence of bundles of generating axons in direct contact with these stem cells. The present study indicates the role of ECs in neurogenesis.
Cryopreservation and Cryobanking of Cells from 100 Coral Species
Authors: Toh En-Chun , Liu Kuan-Lin , Tsai Sujune , Lin Chiahsin
Published: August 2022

When coral species become extinct, their genetic resources cannot be recovered. Coral cryobanks can be employed to preserve coral samples and thereby maintain the availability of the samples and increase their potential to be restocked. In this study, we developed a procedure to determine coral species-specific requirements for cryobank freezing through determining suitable cryoprotective agents (CPAs), CPA concentrations, equilibration times, holding durations, viability rates, and cell amounts for banked coral cells, and we established the first ever coral cell cryobank. Coral cells, including supporting and gland cells, epidermal nematocysts, Symbiodiniaceae and symbiotic endoderm cells (SEC) were found from the extracted protocol. Approximately half of the corals from the experimental corals consisted of spindle and cluster cells. Gastrodermal nematocysts were the least common. The overall concentration of Symbiodiniaceae in the coral cells was 8.6%. Freezing using DMSO as a CPA was suitable for approximately half of the corals, and for the other half of species, successful cell cryopreservation was achieved using MeOH and EG. EG and DMSO had similar suitabilities for Acanthastrea, Euphyllia, Favites, Lobophyllia, Pavona, Seriatopora, and Turbinaria, as did EG and MeOH for Acropora, Echinopyllia, and Sinularia and MeOH and DMSO for Platygyra after freezing. At least 14 straws from each species of coral were cryobanked in this study, totaling more than 1884 straws (0.5 mL) with an average concentration of 6.4 × 106 per mL. The results of this study may serve as a framework for cryobanks worldwide and contribute to the long-term conservation of coral reefs.
Phenotypic and Genetic Evidence for a More Prominent Role of Blood Glucose than Cholesterol in Atherosclerosis of Hyperlipidemic Mice
Authors: Abramson Ashley M. , Shi Lisa J. , Lee Rebecca N. , Chen Mei-Hua , Shi Weibin
Published: August 2022

Hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are major risk factors for atherosclerosis. Apoe-deficient (Apoe−/−) mice on certain genetic backgrounds develop hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and T2D when fed a Western diet. Here, we sought to dissect phenotypic and genetic relationships of blood lipids and glucose with atherosclerotic plaque formation when the vasculature is exposed to high levels of cholesterol and glucose. Male F2 mice were generated from LP/J and BALB/cJ Apoe−/− mice and fed a Western diet for 12 weeks. Three significant QTL Ath51, Ath52 and Ath53 on chromosomes (Chr) 3 and 15 were mapped for atherosclerotic lesions. Ath52 on proximal Chr15 overlapped with QTL for plasma glucose, non-HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride. Atherosclerotic lesion sizes showed significant correlations with fasting, non-fasting glucose, non-fasting triglyceride, and body weight but no correlation with HDL, non-HDL cholesterol, and fasting triglyceride levels. Ath52 for atherosclerosis was down-graded from significant to suggestive level after adjustment for fasting, non-fasting glucose, and non-fasting triglyceride but minimally affected by HDL, non-HDL cholesterol, and fasting triglyceride. Adjustment for body weight suppressed Ath52 but elevated Ath53 on distal Chr15. These results demonstrate phenotypic and genetic connections of blood glucose and triglyceride with atherosclerosis, and suggest a more prominent role for blood glucose than cholesterol in atherosclerotic plaque formation of hyperlipidemic mice.
Deep Insight of the Pathophysiology of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sharma Amarish Kumar , Singh Sanjeev , Singh Himanshu , Mahajan Deviyani , Kolli Prachetha , Mandadapu Gowtham , Kumar Bimlesh , Kumar Dharmendra , Kumar Sudarshan , Jena Manoj Kumar
Published: August 2022

Diabetes mellitus is a severe metabolic disorder, which consistently requires medical care and self-management to restrict complications, such as obesity, kidney damage and cardiovascular diseases. The subtype gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs during pregnancy, which severely affects both the mother and the growing foetus. Obesity, uncontrolled weight gain and advanced gestational age are the prominent risk factors for GDM, which lead to high rate of perinatal mortality and morbidity. In-depth understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in GDM will help researchers to design drugs for the optimal management of the condition without affecting the mother and foetus. This review article is focused on the molecular mechanism involved in the pathophysiology of GDM and the probable biomarkers, which can be helpful for the early diagnosis of the condition. The early diagnosis of the metabolic disorder, most preferably in first trimester of pregnancy, will lead to its effective long-term management, reducing foetal developmental complications and mortality along with safety measures for the mother.
Targeting Anti-Angiogenic VEGF165b–VEGFR1 Signaling Promotes Nitric Oxide Independent Therapeutic Angiogenesis in Preclinical Peripheral Artery Disease Models
Authors: Kuppuswamy Sivaraman , Annex Brian H. , Ganta Vijay C.
Published: August 2022

Nitric oxide (NO) is the critical regulator of VEGFR2-induced angiogenesis. Neither VEGF-A over-expression nor L-Arginine (NO-precursor) supplementation has been effective in helping patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in clinical trials. One incompletely studied reason may be due to the presence of the less characterized anti-angiogenic VEGF-A (VEGF165b) isoform. We have recently shown that VEGF165b inhibits ischemic angiogenesis by blocking VEGFR1, not VEGFR2 activation. Here we wanted to determine whether VEGF165b inhibition using a monoclonal isoform-specific antibody against VEGF165b vs. control, improved perfusion recovery in preclinical PAD models that have impaired VEGFR2-NO signaling, including (1) type-2 diabetic model, (2) endothelial Nitric oxide synthase-knock out mice, and (3) Myoglobin transgenic mice that have impaired NO bioavailability. In all PAD models, VEGF165b inhibition vs. control enhanced perfusion recovery, increased microvascular density in the ischemic limb, and activated VEGFR1-STAT3 signaling. In vitro, VEGF165b inhibition vs. control enhanced a VEGFR1-dependent endothelial survival/proliferation and angiogenic capacity. These data demonstrate that VEGF165b inhibition induces VEGFR1-STAT3 activation, which does not require increased NO to induce therapeutic angiogenesis in PAD. These results may have implications for advancing therapies for patients with PAD where the VEGFR2-eNOS-NO pathway is impaired.
Cellulose-Based Functional Materials for Sensing
Authors: Gabrielli Valeria , Frasconi Marco
Published: August 2022

The growing bioeconomic demand for lightweight materials with combined sustainability, large-scale production, ease in functionalization and competitive mechanical properties has seen the revival of cellulose as a scaffold for several applications. In particular, due to its multifunctional features, cellulose has found application in sensor and biosensor fabrication. Nonetheless, the great variety of cellulose properties and formulations makes the choice of the best suited cellulose-based material for a specific sensing strategy a difficult task. This review offers a critical discussion and guide for the reader towards the understanding of which of the multiple cellulose derivatives and properties can be exploited for the optimal performance of the desired sensing device. We introduce the unique molecular structure, nanoarchitecture and main properties of cellulose and its derivatives. The different functionalization approaches for anchoring receptors on cellulose derivatives and the processing methodologies for fabricating cellulose-based sensors are explored. As far as the use and performance of cellulose-based functional materials in sensors is concerned, we discuss the recent advances of optical and electrochemical sensors and biosensors for biomedical and environmental monitoring.