bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keeping the Balance: GABAB Receptors in the Developing Brain and Beyond
Authors: Bassetti Davide
Published: March 2022

The main neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for the inhibition of neuronal activity is γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It plays a crucial role in circuit formation during development, both via its primary effects as a neurotransmitter and also as a trophic factor. The GABAB receptors (GABABRs) are G protein-coupled metabotropic receptors; on one hand, they can influence proliferation and migration; and, on the other, they can inhibit cells by modulating the function of K+ and Ca2+ channels, doing so on a slower time scale and with a longer-lasting effect compared to ionotropic GABAA receptors. GABABRs are expressed pre- and post-synaptically, at both glutamatergic and GABAergic terminals, thus being able to shape neuronal activity, plasticity, and the balance between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in response to varying levels of extracellular GABA concentration. Furthermore, given their subunit composition and their ability to form complexes with several associated proteins, GABABRs display heterogeneity with regard to their function, which makes them a promising target for pharmacological interventions. This review will describe (i) the latest results concerning GABABRs/GABABR-complex structures, their function, and the developmental time course of their appearance and functional integration in the brain, (ii) their involvement in manifestation of various pathophysiological conditions, and (iii) the current status of preclinical and clinical studies involving GABABR-targeting drugs.
What Accounts for the Factors of Psychopathology? An Investigation of the Neurocognitive Correlates of Internalising, Externalising, and the p-Factor
Authors: Haywood Darren , Baughman Frank D. , Mullan Barbara A. , Heslop Karen R.
Published: March 2022

Neurocognitive deficits have been consistently associated with a wide range of psychopathology and are proposed to not only be a consequence of the development of psychopathology but also directly involved in its aetiology. However, there is no clear understanding of what neurocognitive processes are particularly important to mental health. In this paper, we explored the association between neurocognitive abilities and the factors derived from structural models of psychopathology. Four hundred participants from a representative community sample completed measures of symptomology and substance use, as well as 8 neurocognitive tasks. We found a correlated-factors model, with internalising and externalising as the higher-order factors, and a single-factor model with only the p-factor, to be good fits for the data. Tasks that measured the speed of processing were significantly associated with internalising, externalising, and the p-factor, and accounted for significant amounts of unique variance in the factors after accounting for the common variance of the other tasks. Tasks that measured working memory, shifting, and inhibition were not significantly associated with psychopathology factors. Our findings suggest that neurocognitive abilities may not be differentially associated with psychopathology factors, but that speed of processing is a common correlate of the factors. We emphasise the importance of examining neurocognitive abilities and psychopathology on the individual level.
Functional Reorganization of the Central Auditory System in Children with Single-Sided Deafness: A Protocol Using fNIRS
Authors: Calmels Marie-Noëlle , Gallois Yohan , Marx Mathieu , Deguine Olivier , Taoui Soumia , Arnaud Emma , Strelnikov Kuzma , Barone Pascal
Published: March 2022

In children, single-sided deafness (SSD) affects the development of linguistic and social skills and can impede educational progress. These difficulties may relate to cortical changes that occur following SSD, such as reduced inter-hemispheric functional asymmetry and maladaptive brain plasticity. To investigate these neuronal changes and their evolution in children, a non-invasive technique is required that is little affected by motion artifacts. Here, we present a research protocol that uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to evaluate the reorganization of cortical auditory asymmetry in children with SSD; it also examines how the cortical changes relate to auditory and language skills. The protocol is designed for children whose SSD has not been treated, because hearing restoration can alter both brain reorganization and behavioral performance. We propose a single-center, cross-sectional study that includes 30 children with SSD (congenital or acquired moderate-to-profound deafness) and 30 children with normal hearing (NH), all aged 5–16 years. The children undergo fNIRS during monaural and binaural stimulation, and the pattern of cortical activity is analyzed using measures of the peak amplitude and area under the curve for both oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin. These cortical measures can be compared between the two groups of children, and analyses can be run to determine whether they relate to binaural hearing (speech-in-noise and sound localization), speech perception and production, and quality of life (QoL). The results could be of relevance for developing individualized rehabilitation programs for SSD, which could reduce patients’ difficulties and prevent long-term neurofunctional and clinical consequences.
Augmented Reality in AEC Education: A Case Study
Authors: Urban Harald , Pelikan Gabriel , Schranz Christian
Published: March 2022

Augmented Reality (AR) is a Construction 4.0 technology that is seen as a site-extension of Building Information Modelling (BIM). In addition to the practical aspect within the design and construction processes AR can be used to support teaching through visualizations and interaction. This article presents a new AR platform called “AR-supported Teaching”, applicable for both Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) education and as a Construction 4.0 technology. The aim of this project is to increase the amount of AEC AR content available for education and to introduce students to the productive use of AR. During its development, special attention was paid to the needs of the AEC industry. Users can employ BIM models to create AR scenes before adding animations and annotations without requiring programming skills. The AR platform enables interaction with remote experts and is therefore also suitable for distance learning. In a pilot study, use cases were defined and students tested the usability of the applications. The results were positive and additional suggestions for improvement were made. The feedback and motivation of the students indicate that AR has a future in education, especially if enough AEC AR content and practical use cases are available. The latter also concerns the application of AR in AEC practice.
Survey on Student School Spaces: An Inclusive Design Tool for a Better School
Authors: Coelho Carolina , Cordeiro António , Alcoforado Luís , Moniz Gonçalo Canto
Published: March 2022

This paper presents interdisciplinary research focused on the collaborative redesign in schools, in which an inclusive design tool was created for assessing student feedback on their school spaces and considering it as input for creating a better learning environment. It was developed by a research team using a participatory approach in schools drawn from architecture, geography, and educational sciences, to provide a comprehensive and intertwined approach to school spaces, communities and learning activities. The “Survey on Student School Spaces” (S3S) tool and its methodology are described here, which is a combination of two procedures: a questionnaire and a walkthrough. The first engages a far-reaching sample of participants and makes use of an online platform, while the latter details and justifies those outputs and involves visiting the school with the participants. The S3S pilot study was implemented in two partner schools, which act as the first project case studies. The data provided by this tool acted as the basis for the design proposal for one of the case studies, which included the students’ feedback and involved all the community in the school’s refurbishment. Finally, a discussion was held on the outputs achieved that may contribute towards a participatory design approach in other schools, the validation of the tool per se, and its potential future development and application.
Chemical Reduction of GO: Comparing Hydroiodic Acid and Sodium Borohydride Chemical Approaches by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Wei , Speranza Giorgio
Published: March 2022

The efficiency of two wet chemical processes based on hydroiodic acid (HI) and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) used to reduce graphene oxide (GO) have been studied. At this aim, the oxygen abundance of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was studied as a function of the reductant concentration. A number of rGO samples were produced and their chemical compositions were studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The analyses show that the reduction of the oxygen concentration proceeds non-linearly. At the beginning, when pristine GO is utilized a higher extent of reduction is obtained. The oxygen concentration decreases from ~32% to 10.5% by increasing the HI concentration to 0.24 M. A steeper reduction was observed for NaBH4, where the oxygen concentration lowers to ~13.6% using just 50 mg of NaBH4. Next, reduction reactions performed with increasing amounts of reductants in aqueous suspensions show a progressive saturation effect, indicating a limit in the final oxygen concentration. We obtained a residual oxygen concentration of 5.3% using 7.58 M of HI and 8.6% with 1200 mg of NaBH4. The chemical analysis highlights that the reduction of the oxygen concentration in rGO samples is mainly derived from the cleavage of C-OH bonds and the next reconstruction of C-C bonds.
Engineering of Nanostructured Carbon Catalyst Supports for the Continuous Reduction of Bromate in Drinking Water
Authors: Costa João M. Cunha Bessa da , Barbosa José R. Monteiro , Restivo João , Orge Carla A. , Nogueira Anabela , Castro-Silva Sérgio , Pereira Manuel F. Ribeiro , Soares Olívia S. Gonçalves Pinto
Published: March 2022

Recent works in the development of nanostructured catalysts for bromate reduction in drinking water under hydrogen have highlighted the importance of the properties of the metallic phase support in their overall performance. Since most works in catalyst development are carried out in powder form, there is an overlooked gap in the correlation between catalyst support properties and performance in typical continuous applications such as fixed bed reactors. In this work, it is shown that the mechanical modification of commercially available carbon nanotubes, one of the most promising supports, can significantly enhance the activity of the catalytic system when tested in a stirred tank reactor, but upon transition to a fixed bed reactor, the formation of preferential pathways for the liquid flow and high pressure drops were observed. This effect could be minimized by the addition of an inert filler to increase the bed porosity; however, the improvement in catalytic performance when compared with the as-received support material was not retained. The operation of the continuous catalytic system was then optimized using a 1 wt.% Pd catalyst supported on the as-received carbon nanotubes. Effluent and hydrogen flow rates as well as catalyst loadings were systematically optimized to find an efficient set of parameters for the operation of the system, regarding its catalytic performance, capacity to treat large effluent flows, and minimization of catalyst and hydrogen requirements. Experiments carried out in the presence of distilled water as a reaction medium demonstrate that bromate can be efficiently removed from the liquid phase, whereas when using a real water matrix, a tendency for the deactivation of the catalyst over time was more apparent throughout 200 flow passages over the catalytic bed, which was mostly attributed to the competitive adsorption of inorganic matter on the catalyst active centers, or the formation of mineral deposits blocking access to the catalyst.
Management Strategies for Hyperglycemia Associated with the α-Selective PI3K Inhibitor Alpelisib for the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Tankova Tsvetalina , Senkus Elżbieta , Beloyartseva Maria , Borštnar Simona , Catrinoiu Doina , Frolova Mona , Hegmane Alinta , Janež Andrej , Krnić Mladen , Lengyel Zoltan , Marcou Yiola , Mazilu Laura , Mrinakova Bela , Percik Ruth , Petrakova Katarina , Rubovszky Gábor , Tokar Margarita , Vrdoljak Eduard
Published: March 2022

Alpelisib is an α-selective phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor used for treating hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth receptor 2-negative (HER2–), PIK3CA-mutated locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer following disease progression on or after endocrine therapy. Hyperglycemia is an on-target effect of alpelisib affecting approximately 60% of treated patients, and sometimes necessitating dose reductions, treatment interruptions, or discontinuation of alpelisib. Early detection of hyperglycemia and timely intervention have a key role in achieving optimal glycemic control and maintaining alpelisib dose intensity to optimize the benefit of this drug. A glycemic support program implemented by an endocrinology–oncology collaborative team may be very useful in this regard. Lifestyle modifications, mainly comprising a reduced-carbohydrate diet, and a designated stepwise, personalized antihyperglycemic regimen, based on metformin, sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, and pioglitazone, are the main tools required to address the insulin-resistant hyperglycemia induced by alpelisib. In this report, based on the consensus of 14 oncologists and seven endocrinologists, we provide guidance for hyperglycemia management strategies before, during, and after alpelisib therapy for HR+, HER2–, PIK3CA-mutated breast cancer, with a focus on a proactive, multidisciplinary approach.
Different Nerve-Sparing Techniques during Radical Prostatectomy and Their Impact on Functional Outcomes
Authors: Kyriazis Iason , Spinos Theodoros , Tsaturyan Arman , Kallidonis Panagiotis , Stolzenburg Jens Uwe , Liatsikos Evangelos
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this narrative review is to describe the different nerve-sparing techniques applied during radical prostatectomy and document their functional impact on postoperative outcomes. We performed a PubMed search of the literature using the keywords “nerve-sparing”, “techniques”, “prostatectomy” and “outcomes”. Other potentially eligible studies were retrieved using the reference list of the included studies. Nerve-sparing techniques can be distinguished based on the fascial planes of dissection (intrafascial, interfascial or extrafascial), the direction of dissection (retrograde or antegrade), the timing of the neurovascular bundle dissection off the prostate (early vs. late release), the use of cautery, the application of traction and the number of the neurovascular bundles which are preserved. Despite this rough categorisation, many techniques have been developed which cannot be integrated in one of the categories described above. Moreover, emerging technologies have entered the nerve-sparing field, making its future even more promising. Bilateral nerve-sparing of maximal extent, athermal dissection of the neurovascular bundles with avoidance of traction and utilization of the correct planes remain the basic principles for achieving optimum functional outcomes. Given that potency and continence outcomes after radical prostatectomy are multifactorial endpoints in addition to the difficulty in their postoperative assessment and the well-documented discrepancy existing in their definition, safe conclusions about the superiority of one technique over the other cannot be easily drawn. Further studies, comparing the different nerve-sparing techniques, are necessary.
NRG1/ERBB3/ERBB2 Axis Triggers Anchorage-Independent Growth of Basal-like/Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Miano Carmen , Morselli Alessandra , Pontis Francesca , Bongiovanni Chiara , Sacchi Francesca , Da Pra Silvia , Romaniello Donatella , Tassinari Riccardo , Sgarzi Michela , Pantano Elvira , Ventura Carlo , Lauriola Mattia , D’Uva Gabriele
Published: March 2022

ERBB3, also known as HER3, is a tyrosine kinase transmembrane receptor of the ERBB family. Upon binding to neuregulin 1 (NRG1), ERBB3 preferentially dimerizes with HER2 (ERBB2), in turn inducing aggressive features in several cancer types. The analysis of a dataset of breast cancer patients unveiled that higher ERBB3 mRNA expression correlates with shorter relapse-free survival in basal-like breast cancers, despite low ERBB3 expression in this breast cancer subtype. Administration of neuregulin 1 beta (NRG1β) significantly affected neither cellular proliferation nor the basal migratory ability of basal-like/triple-negative quasi-normal MCF10A breast cells, cultured in mono-layer conditions. Furthermore, no significant regulation in cell morphology or in the expression of basal/myoepithelial and luminal markers was observed upon stimulation with NRG1β. In non-adherent conditions, NRG1β administration to MCF10A cells did not significantly influence cell survival; however, it robustly induced cell growth as spheroids (3D growth). Intriguingly, a remarkable upregulation of ERBB3 and ERBB2 protein abundance was observed in 3D compared to 2D cell cultures, and NRG1β-induced 3D cell growth was efficiently prevented by the anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody pertuzumab. Similar results were obtained by the analysis of basal-like/triple-negative breast cancer cellular models, MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells, in which NRG1β induced anchorage-independent cell growth that in turn was prevented or reduced by the simultaneous administration of anti-HER2 neutralizing antibodies. Finally, the ability of pertuzumab in suppressing NRG1β-induced 3D growth was also evaluated and confirmed in MCF10A engineered with HER2-overexpression. We suggest that the NRG1/ERBB3/ERBB2 pathway promotes the anchorage-independent growth of basal-like breast cancer cells. Importantly, we provide evidence that ERBB2 neutralization, in particular by pertuzumab, robustly inhibits this process. Our results pave the way towards the development of novel anticancer strategies for basal-like breast cancer patients based on the interception of the NRG1/ERBB3/ERBB2 signaling axis.
Divergent Patterns in Care Utilization and Financial Distress between Patients with Blood Cancers and Solid Tumors: A National Health Interview Survey Study, 2014–2020
Authors: Su Christopher T. , Veenstra Christine M. , Patel Minal R.
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Important differences exist between the presentation, treatment, and survivorship of patients and survivors with blood cancers. Furthermore, existing research in financial toxicity has not fully addressed the relationship between medical care utilization and patient-reported outcomes of financial barriers and distress. We answered these questions by using a nationally representative survey. Methods: Respondents with blood cancers and solid tumors from the National Health Interview Survey were identified (2014–2020). We identified 23 survey questions as study outcomes and grouped them into three domains of medical care utilization, financial barriers to care, and financial distress. Associations between the three domains and associations of study outcomes between cancer types were examined using weighted univariate analyses and multivariable linear and logistic regressions. Results: The final study group consisted of 6248 respondents with solid tumors and 398 with blood cancers (diagnosed ≤ 5 years). Across all respondents with cancer, higher medical care utilization is generally associated with increased financial barriers to care. Compared to respondents with solid tumors, respondents with blood cancers had a higher level of medical care utilization (β = 0.36, p = 0.02), a lower level of financial barriers to care (β = −0.19, p < 0.0001), and a higher level of financial distress in affording care (β = 0.64, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Patients and survivors with blood cancers and solid tumors demonstrate divergent patterns in care utilization, financial barriers, and financial distress. Future research and interventions on financial toxicity should be tailored for individual cancer groups, recognizing the differences in medical care utilization, which affect the experienced financial barriers.
Prognostic Value of Fusobacterium nucleatum after Abdominoperineal Resection for Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hilmi Marc , Neuzillet Cindy , Lefèvre Jérémie H. , Svrcek Magali , Vacher Sophie , Benhaim Leonor , Dartigues Peggy , Samalin Emmanuelle , Lazartigues Julien , Emile Jean-François , Rigault Eugénie , Rioux-Leclercq Nathalie , de La Fouchardière Christelle , Tougeron David , Cacheux Wulfran , Mariani Pascale , Courtois Laura , Delaye Matthieu , Dangles-Marie Virginie , Lièvre Astrid , Bieche Ivan
Published: March 2022

Main prognostic factors of anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) are tumor size, differentiation, lymph node involvement, and male gender. However, they are insufficient to predict relapses after exclusive radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Fusobacterium nucleatum has been associated with poor prognosis in several digestive cancers. In this study, we assessed the association between intratumoral F. nucleatum load and clinico-pathological features, relapse, and survival in patients with ASCC who underwent abdominoperineal resection (APR) after RT/CRT. We retrospectively analyzed surgical samples from a cohort of 166 patients with ASCC who underwent APR. F. nucleatum 16S rRNA gene sequences were quantified using real-time quantitative PCR. We associated F. nucleatum load with classical clinicopathological features, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and metastasis-free survival (MFS) using Cox regression univariate and multivariate analyses. Tumors harboring high loads of F. nucleatum (highest tercile) showed longer OS and DFS (median: not reached vs. 50.1 months, p = 0.01, and median: not reached vs. 18.3 months, p = 0.007, respectively). High F. nucleatum load was a predictor of longer OS (HR = 0.55, p = 0.04) and DFS (HR = 0.50, p = 0.02) in multivariate analysis. High F. nucleatum load is an independent favorable prognostic factor in patients with ASCC who underwent APR.
The Emerging Role of E3 Ubiquitin Ligase SMURF2 in the Regulation of Transcriptional Co-Repressor KAP1 in Untransformed and Cancer Cells and Tissues
Authors: Shah Pooja Anil , Boutros-Suleiman Sandy , Emanuelli Andrea , Paolini Biagio , Levy-Cohen Gal , Blank Michael
Published: March 2022

KAP1 is an essential nuclear factor acting as a scaffold for protein complexes repressing transcription. KAP1 plays fundamental role in normal and cancer cell biology, affecting cell proliferation, DNA damage response, genome integrity maintenance, migration and invasion, as well as anti-viral and immune response. Despite the foregoing, the mechanisms regulating KAP1 cellular abundance are poorly understood. In this study, we identified the E3 ubiquitin ligase SMURF2 as an important regulator of KAP1. We show that SMURF2 directly interacts with KAP1 and ubiquitinates it in vitro and in the cellular environment in a catalytically-dependent manner. Interestingly, while in the examined untransformed cells, SMURF2 mostly exerted a negative impact on KAP1 expression, a phenomenon that was also monitored in certain Smurf2-ablated mouse tissues, in tumor cells SMURF2 stabilized KAP1. This stabilization relied on the unaltered E3 ubiquitin ligase function of SMURF2. Further investigations showed that SMURF2 regulates KAP1 post-translationally, interfering with its proteasomal degradation. The conducted immunohistochemical studies showed that the reciprocal relationship between the expression of SMURF2 and KAP1 also exists in human normal and breast cancer tissues and suggested that this relationship may be disrupted by the carcinogenic process. Finally, through stratifying KAP1 interactome in cells expressing either SMURF2 wild-type or its E3 ligase-dead form, we demonstrate that SMURF2 has a profound impact on KAP1 protein–protein interactions and the associated functions, adding an additional layer in the SMURF2-mediated regulation of KAP1. Cumulatively, these findings uncover SMURF2 as a novel regulator of KAP1, governing its protein expression, interactions, and functions.
Posttranslational Modifications in Thyroid Cancer: Implications for Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Classification, and Treatment
Authors: Broekhuis Jordan M. , James Benjamin C. , Cummings Richard D. , Hasselgren Per-Olof
Published: March 2022

There is evidence that posttranslational modifications, including phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, glycosylation, and succinylation, may be involved in thyroid cancer. We review recent reports supporting a role of posttranslational modifications in the tumorigenesis of thyroid cancer, sensitivity to radioiodine and other types of treatment, the identification of molecular treatment targets, and the development of molecular markers that may become useful as diagnostic tools. An increased understanding of posttranslational modifications may be an important supplement to the determination of alterations in gene expression that has gained increasing prominence in recent years.
YY1 Oligomerization Is Regulated by Its OPB Domain and Competes with Its Regulation of Oncoproteins
Authors: Qiao Shiyao , Wang Wenmeng , Yi Cheng , Xu Qingqing , Wang Wenfei , Shi Jinming , Stovall Daniel B. , Li Dangdang , Sui Guangchao
Published: March 2022

Yin Yang 1 (YY1) plays an oncogenic role through regulating the expression of various cancer-related genes and activating key oncoproteins. Previous research reported that YY1 protein formed dimers or oligomers without definite biological implications. In this study, we first demonstrated the oncoprotein binding (OPB) and zinc finger (ZF) domains of YY1 as the regions involved in its intermolecular interactions. ZFs are well-known for protein dimerization, so we focused on the OPB domain. After mutating three hydrophobic residues in the OPB to alanines, we discovered that YY1(F219A) and YY1(3A), three residues simultaneously replaced by alanines, were defective of intermolecular interaction. Meanwhile, the OPB peptide could robustly facilitate YY1 protein oligomerization. When expressed in breast cancer cells with concurrent endogenous YY1 knockdown, YY1(F219A) and (3A) mutants showed better capacity than wt in promoting cell proliferation and migration, while their interactions with EZH2, AKT and MDM2 showed differential alterations, especially with improved EZH2 binding affinity. Our study revealed a crucial role of the OPB domain in facilitating YY1 oligomerization and suggested a mutually exclusive regulation between YY1-mediated enhancer formation and its activities in promoting oncoproteins.
Extracellular Vesicles from Uterine Aspirates Represent a Promising Source for Screening Markers of Gynecologic Cancers
Authors: Skryabin Gleb O. , Komelkov Andrey V. , Zhordania Kirill I. , Bagrov Dmitry V. , Vinokurova Svetlana V. , Galetsky Sergey A. , Elkina Nadezhda V. , Denisova Darya A. , Enikeev Adel D. , Tchevkina Elena M.
Published: March 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, are key factors of intercellular communication, performing both local and distant transfers of bioactive molecules. The increasingly obvious role of EVs in carcinogenesis, similarity of molecular signatures with parental cells, precise selection and high stability of cargo molecules make exosomes a promising source of liquid biopsy markers for cancer diagnosis. The uterine cavity fluid, unlike blood, urine and other body fluids commonly used to study EVs, is of local origin and therefore enriched in EVs secreted by cells of the female reproductive tract. Here, we show that EVs, including those corresponding to exosomes, could be isolated from individual samples of uterine aspirates (UA) obtained from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients and healthy donors using the ultracentrifugation technique. First, the conducted profiling of small RNAs (small RNA-seq) from UA-derived EVs demonstrated the presence of non-coding RNA molecules belonging to various classes. The analysis of the miRNA content in EVs from UA performed on a pilot sample revealed significant differences in the expression levels of a number of miRNAs in EVs obtained from EOC patients compared to healthy individuals. The results open up prospects for using UA-derived EVs as a source of markers for the diagnostics of gynecological cancers, including EOC.
Psoralen Suppresses Lipid Deposition by Alleviating Insulin Resistance and Promoting Autophagy in Oleate-Induced L02 Cells
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Wang Yonglun , Li Fang , Zou Jie , Li Xiaoqian , Xu Mengxia , Yu Daojiang , Ma Yijia , Huang Wei , Sun Xiaodong , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: March 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) held a high global prevalence in recent decades. Hepatic lipid deposition is the major characteristic of NAFLD. We aim to explore the mechanisms of psoralen on lipid deposition in NAFLD. The effects of psoralen on insulin resistance, lipid deposition, the expression and membrane translocation of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4), autophagy, and lipogenesis enzymes were determined on sodium oleate-induced L02 cells. Chloroquine and 3-MA were employed. The AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα) was knocked down by siRNA. Psoralen alleviated insulin resistance in sodium oleate-induced L02 hepatocytes by upregulating the expression and membrane translocation of GLUT4. Psoralen inhibited lipid accumulation by decreasing the expression of key lipogenesis enzymes. Psoralen promotes autophagy and the autophagic flux to enhance lipolysis. Psoralen promoted the fusion of the autophagosome with the lysosome. Both chloroquine and 3-MA blocked the effects of psoralen on autophagy and lipid accumulation. The AMPKα deficiency attenuated the effects of psoralen on autophagy and lipid accumulation. Our study demonstrated that as an antioxidant, psoralen attenuates NAFLD by alleviating insulin resistance and promoting autophagy via AMPK, suggesting psoralen to be a promising candidate for NAFLD.
Cryopreservation by Directional Freezing and Vitrification Focusing on Large Tissues and Organs
Authors: Arav Amir
Published: March 2022

The cryopreservation of cells has been in routine use for decades. However, despite the extensive research in the field, cryopreservation of large tissues and organs is still experimental. The present review highlights the major studies of directional freezing and vitrification of large tissues and whole organs and describes the different parameters that impact the success rate of large tissue and organ cryopreservation. Key factors, such as mass and heat transfer, cryoprotectant toxicity, nucleation, crystal growth, and chilling injury, which all have a significant influence on whole-organ cryopreservation outcomes, are reviewed. In addition, an overview of the principles of directional freezing and vitrification is given and the manners in which cryopreservation impacts large tissues and organs are described in detail.
Oral Facial Manifestations of Sanjad–Sakati Syndrome: A Literature Review
Authors: Alghamdi Sara
Published: March 2022

Aim: To perform a comprehensive review of orofacial manifestations of Sanjad–Sakati syndrome (SSS). Methods: A comprehensive electronic literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane library databases. The search keywords included were “Sanjad–Sakati syndrome (SSS)”, “dental manifestations”, “dental management”, “oral health”, “dental care for patients with SSS”, “dental health of people with SSS”, “caries”, and “oral hygiene”. The inclusion criteria were papers published only in English, papers published by August 2021, and papers discussing orofacial manifestations of SSS and language. Results: The search of the databases retrieved eleven case reports and three case series studies. Overall, 56 cases (11 case reports and 3 case series studies) were reported on Sanjad–Sakati syndrome in the published literature. The majority of the reports are from the Middle Eastern region. Conclusions: The reported orofacial manifestations of SSS include beaked nose, depressed nasal bridge, enamel hypoplasia, hypodontia, low-set ears, posteriorly rotated ears, deep-set eyes, microcephaly, microdontia, micrognathia, prominent forehead, retrognathia, and thin lips. The review paper also establishes the importance of the dental under general anesthesia in SSS individuals.
Hydrothermal In-Situ Synthesis and Anti-Corrosion Performance of Zinc Oxide Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposite Anti-Corrosive Pigment
Authors: Xu Xiaohong , Wang Huali , Wu Jianfeng , Chen Zhichao , Zhang Xinyi , Li Meiqin
Published: March 2022

With the rapid development of the Chinese marine economy, the anti-corrosion of ships and marine engineering facilities has become urgent to be solved. In this paper, a stable zinc-hydroxyapatite (ZnO-HAP) nanocomposite anti-corrosive pigment was prepared by using the hydrothermal in situ synthesis technique, which supported nano-ZnO onto the hydroxyapatite (HAP) surface. The phase composition, microstructure, and performance of the ZnO-HAP nanocomposite were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and the anti-corrosion mechanism of the ZnO-HAP nanocomposite was discussed. The results show that the corrosion resistance of the ZnO-HAP/epoxy is better than that of the pure epoxy resin coating. The optimum condition to fabricate ZnO-HAP/epoxy with suitable corrosion resistance was found to be a ZnO/HAP ratio of 0.65/0.35. The synergistic complementation mechanism of ZnO and HAP enriches the metallic anti-corrosion theory and provides a new idea for the synthesis of novel and promising anti-corrosive pigments.
Effect of Cr on Corrosion Behavior of Laser Cladding Ni-Cr-Mo Alloy Coatings in Sulfuric Acid Dew Point Corrosion Environment
Authors: Zheng Chao , Liu Zongde , Liu Quanbing , Kong Yao , Liu Congcong
Published: March 2022

Ni-Cr-Mo alloy coatings with different content of Cr element were produced on carbon structural steel by laser cladding. Coatings exhibited similar phase composition containing γ-Ni solid solution and similar microstructure composed of primary grains and eutectics with segregated Mo. Corrosion behavior of coatings in a sulfuric acid dew point corrosion environment were investigated through the combination of immersion test, electrochemical measurements, and surface analysis. Coatings exhibited similar passive behavior and passive film with a bilayer structure consisting of a compact inner layer and a porous outer layer. An increase in Cr resulted in a more protective passive film with thicker and more compacting inner layer. However, the corrosion resistance was firstly degraded as the content of Cr increased from 18 wt.% to 22 wt.%, and then improved as the content of Cr increased from 22 wt.% to 26 wt.%. This phenomenon was attributed to the competition effect between the increase in Cr and relative decrease in Ni.
Study on Phonon Localization in Silicon Film by Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhang Haochun , Wang Qi , Sun Wenbo , Zhang Dong
Published: March 2022

In recent years, nanoscale thermal cloaks have received extensive attention from researchers. Amorphization, perforation, and concave are commonly used methods for building nanoscale thermal cloaks. However, the comparison of the three methods and the effect of different structural proportions on phonon localization have not been found. Therefore, in this paper, an asymmetrical structure is constructed to study the influence of different structure proportions on phonon localization by amorphization, perforation, and concave silicon film. We first calculated the phonon density of states (PDOS) and the mode participation rate (MPR). To quantitatively explore its influence on phonon localization, we proposed the concept of the degree of phonon localization (DPL) and explored the influence of center and edge effects on phonon localization. We found that for different processing methods, the degree of phonon localization increased with the increase in the processing regions. Compared to the edge, the center had a stronger influence on phonon localization, and the higher the degree of disorder, the stronger the phonon localization. Our research can guide the construction of a nanoscale thermal cloak.
Synthesis of Iron Gallate (FeGa2O4) Nanoparticles by Mechanochemical Method
Authors: Can Musa Mutlu , Akbaba Yeşim , Kaneko Satoru
Published: March 2022

The study was focused on optimizing the procedure of synthesizing iron gallate (FeGa2O4) nanoparticles by mechanochemical techniques. Due to a lack of information in the literature about the sequence of synthesis procedures of FeGa2O4 structures, the study is based on the establishment of a recipe for FeGa2O4 synthesis using mechanochemical techniques. Rotation speed, grinding media, and milling durations were the optimized parameters. At the end of each step, the structure of the resulting samples was investigated using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of samples. At the end of the processes, the XRD patterns of the samples milled under an air atmosphere were coherent with the XRD pattern of the FeGa2O4 structure. XRD patterns were analyzed employing Rietveld refinements to determine lattice parameters under the assumption of an inverse spinel crystal formation. Furthermore, a fluctuation at band gap values in the range of 2.39 to 2.55 eV was realized and associated with the excess Fe atoms in the lattice, which settled as defects in the crystal structures.
Synthesis, Molecular Structure, Thermal and Spectroscopic Analysis of a Novel Bromochalcone Derivative with Larvicidal Activity
Authors: Firmino Pollyana P. , Queiroz Jaqueline E. , Dias Lucas D. , Wenceslau Patricia R. S. , de Souza Larissa M. , Iermak Ievgeniia , Vaz Wesley F. , Custódio Jean M. F. , Oliver Allen G. , de Aquino Gilberto L. B. , Napolitano Hamilton B.
Published: March 2022

Chalcones belong to the flavonoids family and are natural compounds which show promising larvicidal property against Aedes aegypti larvae. Aiming to obtain a synthetic chalcone derivative with high larvicidal activity, herein, a bromochalcone derivative, namely (E)-3-(4-butylphenyl)-1-(4-bromophenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one (BBP), was designed, synthesized and extensively characterized by 1H- and 13C- nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR), Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction. Further, the quantum mechanics calculations implemented at the B3LYP/6–311+G(d)* level of the theory indicate that the supramolecular arrangement was stabilized by C–H⋯O and edge-to-face C–H⋯π interactions. The EGAP calculated (3.97 eV) indicates a good reactivity value compared with other similar chalcone derivatives. Furthermore, the synthesized bromochalcone derivative shows promising larvicidal activity (mortality up to 80% at 57.6 mg·L−1) against Ae. aegypti larvae.
Counter Anion Effects on the Formation and Structural Transformations of Mo(vi)-Hydrazone Coordination Assemblies: Salts, Solvates, Co-Crystals, and Neutral Complexes
Authors: Mandarić Mirna , Prugovečki Biserka , Kekez Ivana , Musija Danijela , Parlov Vuković Jelena , Cindrić Marina , Vrdoljak Višnja
Published: March 2022

Complex salts [1H]X and [1H](XA)0.5·2MeOH, and co-crystals [1H]X·0.5VA (X = chloride or bromide, XA = chloranilate or bromanilate, VA = o-vanillin azine), comprising [MoO2(HL)(MeOH)]+ ([1H]+) cation (H2L = 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone), were prepared either by solution-based synthesis or by mechanochemical synthesis. Whereas [1H]X salts were extremely sensitive to humidity, their stability could be reinforced by the azine incorporation into the complex network. Solvent-mediated transformations of [1H]X led to methanol co-ligand replacement and afforded complexes [MoO2(HL)X] (2Cl·MeOH, 2Cl, and 2Br·0.5MeCN). However, solvates [1H](XA)0.5·2MeOH, under the same conditions, gave stable complexes [1H](XA)0.5 in which methanol remained coordinated. The differences in the assembly’s behavior were attributed to the packing arrangements, the relative orientation of cations and anions, and interactions between them. Polymorph [MoO2(L)(MeOH)] (1), not attainable by other routes, was the only product when compounds [MoO2(HL)X] were treated with a weak base at low temperatures. Tetranuclear [MoO2(L)]4 and polynuclear [MoO2(L)]n (2) supramolecular isomers, concomitantly crystallized when the reaction was conducted solvothermally. All of the complexes were characterized using X-ray diffraction methods (SCXRD and PXRD), spectroscopic methods (ATR-IR and solution-state and solid-state MAS NMR), and elemental and thermal analyses. The cytotoxicity of the different types of compounds against THP-1 and HepG2 cells was also evaluated.
Investigation of the Evolution of the Chemical Structure of Bituminous Coals and Lignite during Pyrolysis
Authors: Yin Yanshan , Wu Zihua , Tao Jianhang , Qi Caiwen , Zhang Wei , Cheng Shan
Published: March 2022

This paper aims to investigate the evolution of the chemical structure of coal char during pyrolysis. Two bituminous coals (coals A and B) and one lignite (coal C) were pyrolyzed in a fixed bed in N2 from 600 °C to 1100 °C. The chemical structure of coal char was characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The carbon and oxygen functionalities of coal char were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Raman spectroscopic parameters AD/AG (AD1/AG, AD2/AG, and AD3/AG) increased from 600 °C to 900 °C and then decreased after 900 °C, indicating that the degree of order of coal char first decreased and then increased with increasing pyrolysis temperatures (600–1100 °C). The content of graphite-like microcrystalline carbon decreased and then increased with an increase in temperature. Prominent diffraction peaks of microcrystalline carbon for coal chars A and B were observed, but only minerals were shown in diffraction patterns of coal char C since the ash content of coal chars A and B is much lower that that of coal char C. The lateral size of the crystallite plane (La) generally increased between 600 °C and 1100 °C. The relative content of C=O and COOH in coal chars A and B generally decreased as the temperature increased, suggesting an increase in the degree of order at higher temperatures. The oxygen functionalities of coal char were composed of organic oxygen and oxygen-containing bonds of minerals.
Keyhole into a Lost World: The First Purely Freshwater Species of the Ponto-Caspian Genus Clathrocaspia (Caenogastropoda: Hydrobiidae)
Authors: Anistratenko Vitaliy V. , Palatov Dmitry M. , Chertoprud Elizaveta M. , Sitnikova Tatyana Y. , Anistratenko Olga Y. , Clewing Catharina , Vinarski Maxim V.
Published: March 2022

The species of the Ponto-Caspian gastropod genus Clathrocaspia Lindholm, 1930 have been recorded so far from the Caspian Sea Basin only from marine waters, whereas they inhabit the estuarine areas as well as the purely freshwater environments in the Azov–Black Sea Basin. This genus has recently been assessed as putatively extinct in the Caspian Sea. A new purely freshwater species Clathrocaspia laevigata sp. n. from the water-flows of the Samur River delta in Dagestan, Russia, is described. A morphological comparison of the new species with C. brotzkajae (Starobogatov in Anistratenko & Prisjazhnjuk, 1992) from the Caspian Sea and C. knipowitschii (Makarov, 1938) inhabiting the Azov–Black Sea Basin shows their overall similarity. The major difference is that C. laevigata sp. n. almost completely lacks the reticulate teleoconch sculpture, whereas it is well-developed in all known Clathrocaspia species. The molecular data revealed probable sister relationships between the new species and C. knipowitschii. All Dagestan populations are ecologically and spatially isolated from the open sea and and are very locally restricted. We suggest to consider newly described snail species as retained in a pure freshwater refuge located in the coastal area of the Caspian Sea. The discovery of such a refuge sheds more light on the origin, current state and the future of the unique Ponto-Caspian aquatic biota under global change and increasing anthropogenic impact.
Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Fetal Hypospadias
Authors: Law Kim-Seng
Published: March 2022

Fetal hypospadias should be consider in a male fetus with a shortened penis, blunt bulbous tips, ventrally curved shaft with or without chordee and a typical fan shape stream of urinary jet under color Doppler under prenatal ultrasound examination. The more severe form is usually accompanied by other congenital abnormalities.
Quantum Epistemology and Falsification
Authors: D’Ariano Giacomo Mauro
Published: March 2022

The operational axiomatization of quantum theory in previous works can be regarded as a set of six epistemological rules for falsifying propositions of the theory. In particular, the Purification postulate—the only one that is not shared with classical theory—allows falsification of random-sequences generators, a task classically unfeasible.
Review and Update on Some Connections between a Spring-Block SOC Model and Actual Seismicity in the Case of Subduction Zones
Authors: Salinas-Martínez Alfredo , Aguilar-Molina Ana María , Pérez-Oregon Jennifer , Angulo-Brown Fernando , Muñoz-Diosdado Alejandro
Published: March 2022

The self-organized critical (SOC) spring-block models are accessible and powerful computational tools for the study of seismic subduction. This work aims to highlight some important findings through an integrative approach of several actual seismic properties, reproduced by using the Olami, Feder, and Christensen (OFC) SOC model and some variations of it. A few interesting updates are also included. These results encompass some properties of the power laws present in the model, such as the Gutenberg-Richter (GR) law, the correlation between the parameters a and b of the linear frequency-magnitude relationship, the stepped plots for cumulative seismicity, and the distribution of the recurrence times of large earthquakes. The spring-block model has been related to other relevant properties of seismic phenomena, such as the fractal distribution of fault sizes, and can be combined with the work of Aki, who established an interesting relationship between the fractal dimension and the b-value of the Gutenberg-Richter relationship. Also included is the work incorporating the idea of asperities, which allowed us to incorporate several inhomogeneous models in the spring-block automaton. Finally, the incorporation of a Ruff-Kanamori-type diagram for synthetic seismicity, which is in reasonable accordance with the original Ruff and Kanamori diagram for real seismicity, is discussed.