bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DPP9 as a Potential Novel Mediator in Gastrointestinal Virus Infection
Authors: del Castillo-Izquierdo Ángela , Moreno-Navarrete José María , Latorre Jessica , Arnoriaga-Rodríguez María , Ballanti Marta , Monteleone Giovanni , Alessandro Paoluzi Omero , Mingrone Geltrude , Puig Josep , Ramos Rafael , Garre-Olmo Josep , Jové Mariona , Pamplona Reinald , Portero-Otín Manuel , Sol Joaquim , Lefebvre Philippe , Staels Bart , Federici Massimo , Fernández-Real José Manuel , Mayneris-Perxachs Jordi
Published: November 2022

Dipeptidyl peptidase 9 (DPP9) is a member of the dipeptidyl peptidase IV family. Inhibition of DPP9 has recently been shown to activate the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat 1 (NLRP1) inflammasome. NLRP1 is known to bind nucleic acids with high affinity and directly interact with double stranded RNA, which plays a key role in viral replication. DPP9 has also recently emerged as a key gene related to lung-inflammation in critical SARS-CoV-2 infection. Importantly, DPP9 activity is strongly dependent on the oxidative status. Here, we explored the potential role of DPP9 in the gastrointestinal tract. We performed transcriptomics analyses of colon (microarray, n = 37) and jejunal (RNA sequencing, n = 31) biopsies from two independent cohorts as well as plasma metabolomics analyses in two independent cohorts (n = 37 and n = 795). The expression of DPP9 in the jejunum, colon, and blood was significantly associated with circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress (uric acid, bilirubin). It was also associated positively with the expression of transcription factors (NRF-2) and genes (SOD, CAT, GPX) encoding for antioxidant enzymes, but negatively with that of genes (XDH, NOX) and transcription factors (NF-KB) involved in ROS-generating enzymes. Gene co-expression patterns associated with DPP9 identified several genes participating in antiviral pathways in both tissues. Notably, DPP9 expression in the colon and plasma was strongly positively associated with several circulating nucleotide catabolites (hypoxanthine, uric acid, 3-ureidopropionic acid) with important roles in the generation of ROS and viral infection, as well as other metabolites related to oxidative stress (Resolvin D1, glutamate-containing dipeptides). Gene-drug enrichment analyses identified artenimol, puromycin, anisomycin, 3-phenyllactic acid, and linezolid as the most promising drugs targeting these DPP9-associated genes. We have identified a novel potential pathogenic mechanism of viral infection in the digestive tract and promising existing drugs that can be repositioned against viral infection.
Ameliorative Effect of Tocotrienols on Perimenopausal-Associated Osteoporosis—A Review
Authors: Liang Gengfan , Kow Audrey Siew Foong , Tham Chau Ling , Ho Yu-Cheng , Lee Ming Tatt
Published: November 2022

Osteoporosis, or bone loss, is a disease that affects many women globally. As life expectancy increases, the risk of osteoporosis in women also increases, too, and this will create a burden on the healthcare and economic sectors of a country. Osteoporosis was once thought to be a disease that would occur only after menopause. However, many studies have shown that osteoporosis may develop even in the perimenopausal stage. Due to the erratic levels of estrogen and progesterone during the perimenopausal stage, studies suggest that women are exposed to the risk of developing osteoporosis even at this stage. The erratic hormonal changes result in the production of proinflammatory mediators and cause oxidative stress, which leads to the progressive loss of bone-building activities. Tocotrienols, members of vitamin E, have many health-promoting properties. Due to their powerful anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, tocotrienols have shown positive anti-osteoporotic properties in post-menopausal studies. Hence, we propose here that tocotrienols could also possibly alleviate perimenopausal osteoporosis by discussing in this review the connection between inflammatory mediators produced during perimenopause and the risk of osteoporosis. Tocotrienols could potentially be an anti-osteoporotic agent, but due to their low bioavailability, they have not been as effective as they could be. Several approaches have been evaluated to overcome this issue, as presented in this review. As the anti-osteoporotic effects of tocotrienols were mostly studied in post-menopausal models, we hope that this review could pave the way for more research to be done to evaluate their effect on peri-menopausal models so as to reduce the risk of osteoporosis from an earlier stage.
OR2AT4, an Ectopic Olfactory Receptor, Suppresses Oxidative Stress-Induced Senescence in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Kim Ji-Sun , Lee Ha Lim , Jeong Ji Hyun , Yoon Ye Eun , Lee In-Ryeong , Kim Ji Min , Wu Chunyan , Lee Sung-Joon
Published: November 2022

Olfactory receptors (ORs) are the largest protein superfamily in mammals. Certain ORs are ectopically expressed in extranasal tissues and regulate cell type-specific signal transduction pathways. OR2AT4 is ectopically expressed in skin cells and promotes wound healing and hair growth. As the capacities of wound healing and hair growth decline with aging, we investigated the role of OR2AT4 in the aging and senescence of human keratinocytes. OR2AT4 was functionally expressed in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and exhibited co-expression with G-protein-coupled receptor signaling components, Golfα and adenylate cyclase 3. The OR2AT4 ligand sandalore modulates the intracellular calcium, inositol phosphate, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. The increased calcium level induced by sandalore was attenuated in cells with OR2AT4 knockdown. OR2AT4 activation by sandalore inhibited the senescent cell phenotypes and restored cell proliferation and Ki-67 expression. Sandalore also inhibited the expression of senescence-associated β-galactosidase and increased p21 expression in senescent HaCaT cells in response to hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, sandalore activated the CaMKKβ/AMPK/mTORC1/autophagy signaling axis and promoted autophagy. OR2AT4 knockdown attenuated the increased in the intracellular calcium level, cell proliferation, and AMPK phosphorylation induced by sandalore. These findings demonstrate that the effects of sandalore are mediated by OR2AT4 activation. Our findings suggest that OR2AT4 may be a novel therapeutic target for anti-aging and anti-senescence in human keratinocytes.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers for Populations with Occupational Exposure to Nanomaterials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Luo Xiaogang , Xie Dongli , Hu Jianchen , Su Jing , Xue Zhebin
Published: November 2022

Exposure to nanomaterials (NMs) is suggested to have the potential to cause harmful health effects. Activations of oxidative stress and inflammation are assumed as main contributors to NM-induced toxicity. Thus, oxidative stress- and inflammation-related indicators may serve as biomarkers for occupational risk assessment. However, the correlation between NM exposure and these biomarkers remains controversial. This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis to systematically investigate the alterations of various biomarkers after NM exposure. Twenty-eight studies were found eligible by searching PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. The pooled results showed NM exposure was significantly associated with increases in the levels of malonaldehyde (MDA) [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 2.18; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.50–2.87], 4-hydroxy-2-nonhenal (HNE) (SMD = 2.05; 95% CI, 1.13–2.96), aldehydes C6-12 (SMD = 3.45; 95% CI, 2.80–4.10), 8-hydroxyguanine (8-OHG) (SMD = 2.98; 95% CI, 2.22–3.74), 5-hydroxymethyl uracil (5-OHMeU) (SMD = 1.90; 95% CI, 1.23–2.58), o-tyrosine (o-Tyr) (SMD = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.22–2.41), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NOTyr) (SMD = 2.63; 95% CI, 1.74–3.52), interleukin (IL)-1β (SMD = 1.76; 95% CI, 0.87–2.66), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (SMD = 1.52; 95% CI, 1.03–2.01), myeloperoxidase (MPO) (SMD = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.16–0.34) and fibrinogen (SMD = 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02–0.21), and decreases in the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (SMD = −0.31; 95% CI, −0.52–−0.11) and IL-6 soluble receptor (IL-6sR) (SMD = −0.18; 95% CI, −0.28–−0.09). Subgroup analysis indicated oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, HNE, aldehydes C6-12, 8-OHG, 5-OHMeU, o-Tyr, 3-NOTyr and GPx) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and blood samples were strongly changed by NM exposure; inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1β, TNF-α, MPO, fibrinogen and IL-6sR) were all significant in EBC, blood, sputum and nasal lavage samples. In conclusion, our findings suggest that these oxidative stress and inflammatory indicators may be promising biomarkers for the biological monitoring of occupationally NM-exposed workers.
Mutual Regulation between Redox and Hypoxia-Inducible Factors in Cardiovascular and Renal Complications of Diabetes
Authors: Iacobini Carla , Vitale Martina , Haxhi Jonida , Pesce Carlo , Pugliese Giuseppe , Menini Stefano
Published: November 2022

Oxidative stress and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiovascular and renal diseases. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediate physiological and pathophysiological processes, being involved in the modulation of cell signaling, differentiation, and survival, but also in cyto- and genotoxic damage. As master regulators of glycolytic metabolism and oxygen homeostasis, HIFs have been largely studied for their role in cell survival in hypoxic conditions. However, in addition to hypoxia, other stimuli can regulate HIFs stability and transcriptional activity, even in normoxic conditions. Among these, a regulatory role of ROS and their byproducts on HIFs, particularly the HIF-1α isoform, has received growing attention in recent years. On the other hand, HIF-1α and HIF-2α exert mutually antagonistic effects on oxidative damage. In diabetes, redox-mediated HIF-1α deregulation contributes to the onset and progression of cardiovascular and renal complications, and recent findings suggest that deranged HIF signaling induced by hyperglycemia and other cellular stressors associated with metabolic disorders may cause mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Understanding the mechanisms of mutual regulation between HIFs and redox factors and the specific contribution of the two main isoforms of HIF-α is fundamental to identify new therapeutic targets for vascular complications of diabetes.
User Experience of Wearable Technologies: A Comparative Analysis of Textile-Based and Accessory-Based Wearable Products
Authors: Baskan Ahmet , Goncu-Berk Gozde
Published: November 2022

Wearable technology components have been integrated into accessories and then clothes over the evolutionary process. In the future, it is predicted that wearable technologies will be patchable and implantable. Despite progress in wearable technologies, there is an adaptation problem in wearable technologies. One of the most important reasons for this problem is the negative product experiences of the users. In this study, we investigated the user experiences of accessory-based and textile-based wearable technologies. Due to the temporality of the user experience, a mixed method was developed, including a survey for the expectations before use, a diary-interview for during use, and a semi-structured interview for after use. The data obtained with these methods were analyzed with SPSS and NVivo programs and the two different wearing-style experiences were compared. As a result of these analyses, it has been revealed that textile-based wearable technologies give a more positive experience during and after use and may be preferred over accessory-based wearable technologies in terms of wearability.
CrowdPower: A Novel Crowdsensing-as-a-Service Platform for Real-Time Incident Reporting
Authors: Mathew Sujith Samuel , El Barachi May , Kuhail Mohammad Amin
Published: November 2022

Crowdsensing using mobile phones is a novel addition to the Internet of Things applications suite. However, there are many challenges related to crowdsensing, including (1) the ability to manage a large number of mobile users with varying devices’ capabilities; (2) recruiting reliable users available in the location of interest at the right time; (3) handling various sensory data collected with different requirements and at different frequencies and scales; (4) brokering the relationship between data collectors and consumers in an efficient and scalable manner; and (5) automatically generating intelligence reports after processing the collected sensory data. No comprehensive end-to-end crowdsensing platform has been proposed despite a few attempts to address these challenges. In this work, we aim at filling this gap by proposing and describing the practical implementation of an end-to-end crowdsensing-as-a-service system dubbed CrowdPower. Our platform offers a standard interface for the management and brokerage of sensory data, enabling the transformation of raw sensory data into valuable smart city intelligence. Our solution includes a model for selecting participants for sensing campaigns based on the reliability and quality of sensors on users’ devices, then subsequently analysing the quality of the data provided using a clustering approach to predict user reputation and identify outliers. The platform also has an elaborate administration web portal developed to manage and visualize sensing activities. In addition to the architecture, design, and implementation of the backend platform capabilities, we also explain the creation of CrowdPower’s sensing mobile application that enables data collectors and consumers to participate in various sensing activities.
Quantitative Analysis on the Proportion of Renewable Energy Generation Based on Broadband Feature Extraction
Authors: Chen Li , Shen Jian , Zhou Bin , Wang Qingsong , Buja Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

With the massive access of distributed renewable energy sources, many uncertain renewable energy power components have been added to the low-voltage lines in substations in addition to the loads of definite classification. From the perspective of economy and cleanliness, it is necessary to quantitatively analyze the renewable energy share among them and improve the power quality level of users. For the power quality information at low-voltage feeders, this paper proposes a quantitative analysis algorithm based on improved wavelet energy entropy and LSTM neural network. The method is based on wavelet transform, based on sym8 wavelet basis function; it divides the long time sequence into equal-length small time sequences, calculates each feature component obtained from wavelet transform decomposition separately, then borrows the concept of information entropy to find its energy entropy. After obtaining the energy entropy sequence of each feature component, it then borrows the concept of kurtosis to weighted differentiation of each energy entropy sequence to highlight the feature information and finally, uses the LSTM neural network to classify the power quality information of different renewable energy sources to determine to which interval segment they belong. By building a simulation model to simulate the actual data in the field, the percentage of renewable energy can be quantitatively analyzed efficiently and accurately.
Anomaly Detection in Autonomous Deep-Space Navigation via Filter Bank Gating Networks
Authors: Lubey Daniel P. , Ely Todd A.
Published: November 2022

This study investigates methods for autonomous navigation of a deep-space spacecraft where one-way radiometric and on-board optical information are fused to create a fully informed state estimate. The specific focus is on using filter bank methods (i.e., Multiple Model Estimation [MME] and Mixture of Experts [MoE]) to detect when measurement and/or dynamical mis-modeling occurs. We develop a new χ2-based gating network for a filter bank that may be used to identify poorly performing filters (i.e., those with low weights), which may be used as a signal for mis-modeling in the system. In addition to defining and deriving this new weighting scheme, numerical simulations based on NASA’s InSight mission demonstrate this new algorithm’s performance with and without measurement and dynamical mis-modeling present.
Energy Consumption Analysis of a Rolling Mechanism Based on a Five-Bow-Shaped-Bar Linkage
Authors: Yu Lianqing , Zhang Yong , Feng Na , Zhou Tiandu , Xiong Xiaoshuang , Wang Yujin
Published: November 2022

To reveal the relationship between the center of mass (CoM) trajectory of a closed five-bow-shaped-bar linkage and its energy consumption, this paper presents a trajectory planning method based on the workspace of the CoM. Using different height points located on the symmetric centerline of the workspace of the CoM as via points, the CoM trajectory is planned by combining cubic polynomials with Bézier curves based on quadratic Bernstein polynomials. Herein, the system energy consumption is obtained by integrating the product of generalized velocity and generalized force versus time, where the generalized force is calculated by Lagrange’s equation including the Rayleigh dissipation function. Then, two schemes of dynamic rolling are proposed to compare, and the theoretical results show that the system consumes less energy under the sinusoid scheme when the via point height is lower and the via point of higher height is more suitable under the modified trapezoidal curve scheme. Furthermore, this paper combines the locomotion simulation software to design the locomotion of the mechanism’s CoM trajectory under two schemes in detail and verifies the correctness of the theoretical results.
Special Issue on Research and Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Cementitious Materials
Authors: Kim Young Hoon , Park Yeonho
Published: November 2022

Concrete is the most-produced product on the planet [...]
Biological Monitoring via Urine Samples to Assess Healthcare Workers’ Exposure to Hazardous Drugs: A Scoping Review
Authors: Hon Chun-Yip , Motiwala Naqiyah
Published: November 2022

Although biological monitoring is beneficial as it assesses all possible routes of exposure, urine sampling of healthcare workers exposed to hazardous drugs is currently not routine. Therefore, a scoping review was performed on this subject matter to understand what is known about exposure and identify knowledge gaps. A literature search was performed on three databases: ProQuest, Web of Science, and PubMed. Articles published between 2005 and 2020 and written in English were included. Overall, this review consisted of 39 full-text articles. The studies varied with respect to design, sample sizes, sample collection times, and drugs examined. Many articles found at least one sample had detectable levels of a hazardous drug. Studies reported urinary drug contamination despite controls being employed. Knowledge gaps included a lack of an exposure limit, lack of a standardized sampling method, and lack of correlation between health effects and urinary contamination levels. Due to differences in sample collection and analysis, a comparison between studies was not possible. Nevertheless, it appears that biological monitoring via urine sampling is meaningful to aid in understanding healthcare workers’ exposure to hazardous drugs. This is supported by the fact that most studies reported positive urine samples and that case-control studies had statistically significant findings.
A Systematic Review of Positional Plagiocephaly Prevention Methods for Patients in Development
Authors: Inchingolo Alessio Danilo , Inchingolo Angelo Michele , Piras Fabio , Malcangi Giuseppina , Patano Assunta , Di Pede Chiara , Netti Anna , Ciocia Anna Maria , Corriero Alberto , Semjonova Alexandra , Azzollini Daniela , De Ruvo Elisabetta , Viapiano Fabio , Ferrara Irene , Palmieri Giulia , Campanelli Merigrazia , Mancini Antonio , De Leonardis Nicole , Avantario Pasquale , Buongiorno Silvio , Fatone Maria Celeste , Costa Stefania , Montenegro Valentina , Tartaglia Gianluca Martino , Rapone Biagio , Bordea Ioana Roxana , Scarano Antonio , Lorusso Felice , Palermo Andrea , Di Venere Daniela , Inchingolo Francesco , Dipalma Gianna
Published: November 2022

Positional plagiocephaly is an asymmetrical skull deformation caused by various factors. Although it is not responsible for abnormal brain development in infants and is not related to the onset of neurophysiological problems, it is critical to prevent skull deformity to avoid aesthetic and functional consequences. The purpose of the study is to investigate the relevance of preventive procedures to the onset of positional plagiocephaly, such as the use of passive mattresses, which is primarily correlated with the need for newborns and infants to sleep and rest in proper posture. PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched for papers that matched our topic, dating from January 2012 to 22 October 2022, with an English language restriction, using the following Boolean keywords: (“positional plagiocephaly” AND “prevention”). A total of 11 papers were included as relevant papers matching the purpose of our investigation. According to the research results, inadequate vitamin D and folic acid intake during pregnancy may increase the risk of skull deformation. Furthermore, babies should sleep on their backs and spend at least 30 min in tummy time. Using a passive sleep curve mattress has several advantages such as low cost, easy handling, no compliance system, and a marked improvement in head shape, allowing harmonious skull growth guided by normal brain expansion.
Evaluation of STANDARDTM M10 SARS-CoV-2, a Novel Cartridge-Based Real-Time PCR Assay for the Rapid Identification of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
Authors: Grumiro Laura , Brandolini Martina , Gatti Giulia , Scalcione Agata , Taddei Francesca , Dirani Giorgio , Mancini Andrea , Denicolò Agnese , Manera Martina , Zannoli Silvia , Marino Maria Michela , Morotti Manuela , Arfilli Valentina , Battisti Arianna , Cricca Monica , Sambri Vittorio
Published: November 2022

Since the beginning of the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 has caused problems for all of world’s population, not only in terms of deaths but also in terms of overloading healthcare facilities in all countries. Diagnosis is one of the key aspects of controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2, and among the current molecular techniques, real-time PCR is considered as the gold standard. The availability of tests that allow for the rapid and accurate identification of SARS-CoV-2 is therefore of considerable importance. Moreover, if these tests allow for even minimal intervention by the operator, any risk of contamination is reduced. In this study, the performances of the new STANDARDTM M10 SARS-CoV-2 (SD Biosensor Inc., Suwon, Korea) rapid molecular test, which incorporates the above-mentioned features, were characterized. The clinical and analytical performances measured by testing different variants circulating in Italy of STANDARDTM M10 SARS-CoV-2 were compared to the test already on the market and recognized as the gold standard: Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). The results obtained between the two tests are largely comparable, suggesting that STANDARDTM M10 SARS-CoV-2 can be used with excellent results in the fight against the global spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Unclogging the Ears: Nonstop Languaging as Autotheory in Art and Academia
Authors: Moutoula Antrianna
Published: November 2022

This text emerges from the autotheoretical performance practice of nonstop languaging, developed during my Master Studies at HOME OF PERFORMANCE PRACTICES, ArtEZ University of the Arts. My ongoing artistic research is enacted through this practice and proposes a writing of the self that is not focused on recalling facts or narrating stories, but rather on tracing my thoughts in real time through language (languaging) and witnessing them simultaneously with another person. I perform autotheory by merging methods of articulating autobiography (carrying the self in language) with methods of forming and digesting theory. For this Special Issue, I created a new work in which nonstop languaging enters the framework of an academic paper. The autotheoretical work was developed through a series of radio performances at radio WORM, followed by a period of artistic research on transcription and citational practices. The result is an overload of words, thoughts, citations, experiences, theories, and memories that seek their own linearity. The practice of nonstop languaging contributes to the current artistic and academic discourse on autotheoretical modes of working with language, particularly within contemporary art, and further afield. This article invites readers to engage with an expanded view of autotheory in practice, and suggests that, by encouraging the shaping of an audience of engaged readers/listeners, autotheory can offer a space in which the confinements of knowledge production and dissemination within artistic academic discourse can be renegotiated.
New Robust Estimators for Handling Multicollinearity and Outliers in the Poisson Model: Methods, Simulation and Applications
Authors: Dawoud Issam , Awwad Fuad A. , Tag Eldin Elsayed , Abonazel Mohamed R.
Published: November 2022

The Poisson maximum likelihood (PML) is used to estimate the coefficients of the Poisson regression model (PRM). Since the resulting estimators are sensitive to outliers, different studies have provided robust Poisson regression estimators to alleviate this problem. Additionally, the PML estimator is sensitive to multicollinearity. Therefore, several biased Poisson estimators have been provided to cope with this problem, such as the Poisson ridge estimator, Poisson Liu estimator, Poisson Kibria–Lukman estimator, and Poisson modified Kibria–Lukman estimator. Despite different Poisson biased regression estimators being proposed, there has been no analysis of the robust version of these estimators to deal with the two above-mentioned problems simultaneously, except for the robust Poisson ridge regression estimator, which we have extended by proposing three new robust Poisson one-parameter regression estimators, namely, the robust Poisson Liu (RPL), the robust Poisson Kibria–Lukman (RPKL), and the robust Poisson modified Kibria–Lukman (RPMKL). Theoretical comparisons and Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to show the proposed performance compared with the other estimators. The simulation results indicated that the proposed RPL, RPKL, and RPMKL estimators outperformed the other estimators in different scenarios, in cases where both problems existed. Finally, we analyzed two real datasets to confirm the results.
From Triboelectric Nanogenerator to Uninterrupted Power Supply System: The Key Role of Electrochemical Batteries and Supercapacitors
Authors: Mi Yajun , Lu Yin , Wang Xueqing , Zhao Zequan , Cao Xia , Wang Ning
Published: November 2022

Currently, significant advances have been made in the field of high-performance energy storage technologies, such as Li-ion batteries and supercapacitors. However, the limited lifespans, as well as the frequent charging or replacement requirements, pose a set of challenges for their application in the Internet of things (IoTs), because the full power of the IoTs can only be realized by the sustainable operation of physical objects, especially embedded sensors, for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems continually in real-time. A viable option for achieving the sustainability of the IoTs may be the combination of renewable energy harvesting technologies such as triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with electrochemical energy storage technologies, where TENGs can harvest mechanical energies from ambient environments and transform them into electricity for charging electrochemical batteries and supercapacitors (SCs) conveniently, thus developing a new type of TENG-based uninterrupted power supply (TENG-UPS). In this review, we begin from a brief description of the operating mode of TENG and the integration strategy of TENG-UPS. The latest advances in the TENG-UPS are then thoroughly discussed from the perspective of structural design and system integration. Cutting edge developments of the as-designed self-powered sensing systems are then concisely illustrated to disclose the application potential in the IoTs. The main obstacles and future prospects for developing TENG-UPS-based intelligent systems are also highlighted in terms of design and manufacture at the conclusion. We expect this review will appropriately shine a light on the understanding of the key role of electrochemical energy storage devices in the development of TENG-based energy harvesting technology as well as the self-powered intelligent systems.
Organs-on-Chips Platforms Are Everywhere: A Zoom on Biomedical Investigation
Authors: Zommiti Mohamed , Connil Nathalie , Tahrioui Ali , Groboillot Anne , Barbey Corinne , Konto-Ghiorghi Yoan , Lesouhaitier Olivier , Chevalier Sylvie , Feuilloley Marc G. J.
Published: November 2022

Over the decades, conventional in vitro culture systems and animal models have been used to study physiology, nutrient or drug metabolisms including mechanical and physiopathological aspects. However, there is an urgent need for Integrated Testing Strategies (ITS) and more sophisticated platforms and devices to approach the real complexity of human physiology and provide reliable extrapolations for clinical investigations and personalized medicine. Organ-on-a-chip (OOC), also known as a microphysiological system, is a state-of-the-art microfluidic cell culture technology that sums up cells or tissue-to-tissue interfaces, fluid flows, mechanical cues, and organ-level physiology, and it has been developed to fill the gap between in vitro experimental models and human pathophysiology. The wide range of OOC platforms involves the miniaturization of cell culture systems and enables a variety of novel experimental techniques. These range from modeling the independent effects of biophysical forces on cells to screening novel drugs in multi-organ microphysiological systems, all within microscale devices. As in living biosystems, the development of vascular structure is the salient feature common to almost all organ-on-a-chip platforms. Herein, we provide a snapshot of this fast-evolving sophisticated technology. We will review cutting-edge developments and advances in the OOC realm, discussing current applications in the biomedical field with a detailed description of how this technology has enabled the reconstruction of complex multi-scale and multifunctional matrices and platforms (at the cellular and tissular levels) leading to an acute understanding of the physiopathological features of human ailments and infections in vitro.
Automated Segmentation of Microvessels in Intravascular OCT Images Using Deep Learning
Authors: Lee Juhwan , Kim Justin N. , Gomez-Perez Lia , Gharaibeh Yazan , Motairek Issam , Pereira Gabriel T. R. , Zimin Vladislav N. , Dallan Luis A. P. , Hoori Ammar , Al-Kindi Sadeer , Guagliumi Giulio , Bezerra Hiram G. , Wilson David L.
Published: November 2022

Microvessels in vascular plaque are associated with plaque progression and are found in plaque rupture and intra-plaque hemorrhage. To analyze this characteristic of vulnerability, we developed an automated deep learning method for detecting microvessels in intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) images. A total of 8403 IVOCT image frames from 85 lesions and 37 normal segments were analyzed. Manual annotation was performed using a dedicated software (OCTOPUS) previously developed by our group. Data augmentation in the polar (r,θ) domain was applied to raw IVOCT images to ensure that microvessels appear at all possible angles. Pre-processing methods included guidewire/shadow detection, lumen segmentation, pixel shifting, and noise reduction. DeepLab v3+ was used to segment microvessel candidates. A bounding box on each candidate was classified as either microvessel or non-microvessel using a shallow convolutional neural network. For better classification, we used data augmentation (i.e., angle rotation) on bounding boxes with a microvessel during network training. Data augmentation and pre-processing steps improved microvessel segmentation performance significantly, yielding a method with Dice of 0.71 ± 0.10 and pixel-wise sensitivity/specificity of 87.7 ± 6.6%/99.8 ± 0.1%. The network for classifying microvessels from candidates performed exceptionally well, with sensitivity of 99.5 ± 0.3%, specificity of 98.8 ± 1.0%, and accuracy of 99.1 ± 0.5%. The classification step eliminated the majority of residual false positives and the Dice coefficient increased from 0.71 to 0.73. In addition, our method produced 698 image frames with microvessels present, compared with 730 from manual analysis, representing a 4.4% difference. When compared with the manual method, the automated method improved microvessel continuity, implying improved segmentation performance. The method will be useful for research purposes as well as potential future treatment planning.
Resorbable Membrane Pouch Technique for Single-Implant Placement in the Esthetic Zone: A Preliminary Technical Case Report
Authors: Funato Akiyoshi , Ishikura Chihiro , Naito Koji , Hasuike Akira
Published: November 2022

The conventional protocol for lateral guided bone regeneration (GBR) in esthetic areas requires the securing of resorbable collagen membranes using titanium cortical bone pins to immobilize bone grafts. These procedures are highly invasive and can increase patient morbidity and discomfort. Herein, we introduce a minimally invasive novel resorbable membrane pouch technique, wherein collagen membranes can be immobilized by securing them to the periosteum without the need of titanium pins. We describe 11 cases of single-immediate- or delayed-implant placement in the atrophic maxilla esthetic zone. All implants were successful and functional without pain or inflammation and with optimal soft-tissue health and esthetics. Radiographic evaluation with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and esthetic assessment using the pink esthetic score (PES) were performed. At the time of implant placement, the average augmented bone width was 2.8 ± 0.6 mm on CBCT analysis. In all cases, resorption of the augmented bone was confirmed with an average of −1.3 ± 0.8 mm. Soft-tissue outcomes were scored 1 year after permanent restoration. The PES score 1 year after treatment was 11.9 ± 1.4. The resorbable membrane pouch technique with immediate or delayed implant placement for buccal dehiscence in the esthetic area can be predictable and is minimally invasive.
Molecular Diversity and Evolutionary Relatedness of Paulownia Witches’-Broom Phytoplasma in Different Geographical Distributions in China
Authors: Kong De-Zhi , Lin Cai-Li , Yu Shao-Shuai , Tian Guo-Zhong , Ma Hai-Bin , Wang Sheng-Jie
Published: November 2022

To reveal the distribution and transmission pathway of Paulownia witches’-broom (PaWB) disease, which is caused by phytoplasmas related to genetic variation, and the adaptability to the hosts and environments of the pathogenic population in different geographical regions in China, in this study, we used ten housekeeping gene fragments, including rp, fusA, secY, tuf, secA, dnaK, rpoB, pyrG, gyrB, and ipt, for multilocus sequence typing (MLST). A total of 142 PaWB phytoplasma strains were collected from 18 provinces or municipalities. The results showed that the genetic diversity was comparatively higher among the PaWB phytoplasma strains, and substantially different from that of the other 16SrI subgroup strains. The number of gene variation sites for different housekeeping genes in the PaWB phytoplasma strains ranged from 1 to 14 SNPs. Among them, rpoB (1.47%) and dnaK (1.12%) had higher genetic variation, and rp (0.20%) had the least genetic variation. The tuf and rpoB genes showed the fixation of positively selected beneficial mutations in the PaWB phytoplasma populations, and all housekeeping genes except tuf followed the neutral evolutionary model. We found an absence of recombination among PaWB phytoplasma sequence types (STs) for each housekeeping gene except dnaK, and no evidence for such recombination events for concatenated sequences of PaWB phytoplasma strains. The 22 sequence types were identified among the concatenated sequences of seven housekeeping genes (rp, fusA, secY, secA, tuf, dnaK, and rpoB) from 105 representative strains. We analyzed all 22 STs by goeBURST algorithm, forming two clonal complexes (CCs) and three singletons. Among them, ST1, as the primary founder of CC1, had the widest geographical distribution, accounting for 72.38% of all strains, with a high frequency of shared sequence type. The results of phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated sequences further revealed that the 105 strains were clustered into two representative lineages of PaWB phytoplasma, with obvious geographical differentiation. The ST1 strains of highly homogeneous lineage-1 were a widespread and predominant population in diseased areas. Lineage-2 contained strains from Jiangxi, Fujian, and Shaanxi provinces, highlighting the close genetic relatedness of the strains in these regions, which was also consistent with the results of most single-gene phylogenetic analysis of each gene. We also found that the variability in the northwest China population was higher than in other geographical populations; the range of genetic differentiation between the south of the Yangtze River population and the Huang-huai-hai Plain (or southwest China) population was relatively large. The achieved diversity and evolution data, as well as the MLST technique, are helpful for epidemiological studies and guiding PaWB disease control decisions.
Androgen Signaling in Uterine Diseases: New Insights and New Targets
Authors: Lv Mu , Yu Juanjuan , Huang Yan , Ma Jie , Xiang Jun , Wang Yanqiu , Li Linxia , Zhang Zhenbo , Liao Hong
Published: November 2022

Common uterine diseases include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, and endometrial dysfunction causing infertility. Patients with uterine diseases often suffer from abdominal pain, menorrhagia, infertility and other symptoms, which seriously impair their health and disturb their lives. Androgens play important roles in the normal physiological functions of the uterus and pathological progress of uterine diseases. Androgens in women are synthesized in the ovaries and adrenal glands. The action of androgens in the uterus is mainly mediated by its ligand androgen receptor (AR) that regulates transcription of the target genes. However, much less is known about the signaling pathways through which androgen functions in uterine diseases, and contradictory findings have been reported. This review summarizes and discusses the progress of research on androgens and the involvement of AR in uterine diseases. Future studies should focus on developing new therapeutic strategies that precisely target specific AR and their related signaling pathways in uterine diseases.
Biochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Seeds: A Review
Authors: Alkhoori Maryam Abdulraheem , Kong Amanda Shen-Yee , Aljaafari Mariam Nasser , Abushelaibi Aisha , Erin Lim Swee-Hua , Cheng Wan-Hee , Chong Chou-Min , Lai Kok-Song
Published: November 2022

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an essential agricultural crop in most Middle Eastern countries, and its fruit, known as dates, is consumed by millions of people. Date seeds, a by-product of the date fruit processing industry, are a waste product used as food for domestic farm animals. Date seeds contain abundant sources of carbohydrates, oil, dietary fiber, and protein; they also contain bioactive phenolic compounds that may possess potential biological properties. In addition, its rich chemical composition makes date seeds suitable for use in food product formulation, cosmetics, and medicinal supplements. This review aims to provide a discourse on the nutritional value of date seeds. The latest data on the cytotoxicity of date seed compounds against cancer cell lines, its ability to combat diabetes, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial effect, and anti-inflammatory activity will be provided, considering its potential to be a nutritional therapeutic agent for chronic diseases. Application of date seeds in the form of powder and oil will also be discussed.
The Function and Therapeutic Implications of TNF Signaling in MDSCs
Authors: Yu Kun , Yu Chengxin , Jiao Liping , Miao Kun , Ni Li , Rao Xiaoquan , Zhou Ling , Zhao Chunxia
Published: November 2022

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a group of immature and heterogeneous myeloid cells with immunosuppressive functions. MDSCs play important roles in the pathogenesis of cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases, and many autoimmune disorders. The accumulation and activation of MDSCs can be regulated by tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). In this review, we summarize the roles played by TNF-α in the recruitment, immunosuppressive functions, and chemotaxis of MDSCs, and discuss the potential therapeutic effects of TNF-α upon these cells in tumor growth and some inflammatory disorders.
Mechanistic Insights into the Protection Effect of Argonaute–RNA Complex on the HCV Genome
Authors: Zhuang Haiming , Ji Dong , Fan Jigang , Li Mingyu , Tao Ran , Du Kui , Lu Shaoyong , Chai Zongtao , Fan Xiaohua
Published: November 2022

While host miRNA usually plays an antiviral role, the relentless tides of viral evolution have carved out a mechanism to recruit host miRNA as a viral protector. By complementing miR-122 at the 5′ end of the genome, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) gene can form a complex with Argonaute 2 (Ago2) protein to protect the 5′ end of HCV RNA from exonucleolytic attacks. Experiments showed that the disruption of the stem-loop 1(SL1) structure and the 9th nucleotide (T9) of HCV site 1 RNA could enhance the affinity of the Ago2 protein to the HCV site 1 RNA (target RNA). However, the underlying mechanism of how the conformation and dynamics of the Ago2: miRNA: target RNA complex is affected by the SL1 and T9 remains unclear. To address this, we performed large-scale molecular dynamics simulations on the AGO2-miRNA complex binding with the WT target, T9-abasic target and SL1-disruption target, respectively. The results revealed that the T9 and SL1 structures could induce the departing motion of the PAZ, PIWI and N domains, propping up the mouth of the central groove which accommodates the target RNA, causing the instability of the target RNA and disrupting the Ago2 binding. The coordinated motion among the PAZ, PIWI and N domains were also weakened by the T9 and SL1 structures. Moreover, we proposed a new model wherein the Ago2 protein could adopt a more constraint conformation with the proximity and more correlated motions of the PAZ, N and PIWI domains to protect the target RNA from dissociation. These findings reveal the mechanism of the Ago2-miRNA complex’s protective effect on the HCV genome at the atomic level, which will offer guidance for the design of drugs to confront the protection effect and engineering of Ago2 as a gene-regulation tool.
Neuronal Firing and Glutamatergic Synapses in the Substantia Nigra Pars Reticulata of LRRK2-G2019S Mice
Authors: Sitzia Giacomo , Skiteva Olga , Chergui Karima
Published: November 2022

Pathogenic mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are frequent causes of familial Parkinson’s Disease (PD), an increasingly prevalent neurodegenerative disease that affects basal ganglia circuitry. The cellular effects of the G2019S mutation in the LRRK2 gene, the most common pathological mutation, have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study we used middle-aged mice carrying the LRRK2-G2019S mutation (G2019S mice) to identify potential alterations in the neurophysiological properties and characteristics of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in basal ganglia output neurons, i.e., substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) GABAergic neurons. We found that the intrinsic membrane properties and action potential properties were unaltered in G2019S mice compared to wild-type (WT) mice. The spontaneous firing frequency was similar, but we observed an increased regularity in the firing of SNr neurons recorded from G2019S mice. We examined the short-term plasticity of glutamatergic synaptic transmission, and we found an increased paired-pulse depression in G2019S mice compared to WT mice, indicating an increased probability of glutamate release in SNr neurons from G2019S mice. We measured synaptic transmission mediated by NMDA receptors and we found that the kinetics of synaptic responses mediated by these receptors were unaltered, as well as the contribution of the GluN2B subunit to these responses, in SNr neurons of G2019S mice compared to WT mice. These results demonstrate an overall maintenance of basic neurophysiological and synaptic characteristics, and subtle changes in the firing pattern and in glutamatergic synaptic transmission in basal ganglia output neurons that precede neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the LRRK2-G2019S mouse model of late-onset PD.
Curcumin and Its Analogs in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment: Challenges and Expectations
Authors: Tang Chunyin , Liu Jieting , Yang Chunsong , Ma Jun , Chen Xuejiao , Liu Dongwen , Zhou Yao , Zhou Wei , Lin Yunzhu , Yuan Xiaohuan
Published: November 2022

Researchers have made crucial advances in understanding the pathogenesis and therapeutics of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), improving our understanding of lung tumor biology and progression. Although the survival of NSCLC patients has improved due to chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, overall NSCLC recovery and survival rates remain low. Thus, there is an urgent need for the continued development of novel NSCLC drugs or combination therapies with less toxicity. Although the anticancer effectiveness of curcumin (Cur) and some Cur analogs has been reported in many studies, the results of clinical trials have been inconsistent. Therefore, in this review, we collected the latest related reports about the anti-NSCLC mechanisms of Cur, its analogs, and Cur in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents via the Pubmed database (accessed on 18 June 2022). Furthermore, we speculated on the interplay of Cur and various molecular targets relevant to NSCLC with discovery studio and collected clinical trials of Cur against NSCLC to clarify the role of Cur and its analogs in NSCLC treatment. Despite their challenges, Cur/Cur analogs may serve as promising therapeutic agents or adjuvants for lung carcinoma treatment.
Comparison of Three Single Leg Weightbearing Tasks with Statistical Parametric Mapping
Authors: Martonick Nickolai J. P. , McGowan Craig P. , Baker Russell T. , Larkins Lindsay W. , Seegmiller Jeff G. , Bailey Joshua P.
Published: November 2022

The single leg squat (SLS), forward step down (FSD), and lateral step down (LSD) are clinically reliable movement screens for identifying motion imbalances. The current understanding for the kinematic profiles of each task is limited to discrete time points such as peak knee flexion. However, analyses of the entire movement would better aid clinicians when selecting the appropriate task for rehabilitation or movement screen purposes. The current study used Statistical Parametric Mapping to ascertain differences in the kinematic waveforms for the entire duration of each task. The trunk, pelvis, hip, and knee were analyzed in the sagittal and frontal planes. Data for each variable and task were analyzed from 0–100% of the movement. Primary findings indicated that the FSD provoked a greater magnitude of knee abduction than the SLS and LSD from 26–66% of the movement. The SLS generated the greatest amounts of trunk, pelvic, and hip flexion for the entirety of the movement. The LSD elicited the least amount of ipsilateral trunk lean (90–100%). Thus, the FSD may be optimal for assessing frontal plane knee motion as a screen for injury risk, while the SLS has potential to place increased sagittal plane demand on the muscles of the hip.