bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Critical Factors Affecting the Resilience of Additive Manufacturing Architecture Supply Chain
Authors: Xie Danfeng , Xin Jian , Wang Hongyan , Xiao Lei
Published: April 2023

Building a resilient and stable supply chain has become an important strategy for many countries. Studies have shown that the application of additive manufacturing (AM) technology in construction can help offset the negative impact of “black swan events” on supply chains. This study examines the construction industry based on AM technology and analyzes the impact of changes in the industry chain on the supply chains. The specific factors that affect the resilience of AM construction supply chains were identified through literature research and expert interviews, including 7 dimensions and 21 secondary indicators. An intuitionistic fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (IFAHP) evaluation model was established. Finally, an example of an AM construction manufacturer, YC Enterprise, was introduced to quantify the various factors and determine the weights. The results show that the essence of building a supply chain with AM is creating a closed-loop supply chain. The impact of AM construction manufacturers on supply chain resilience (SCR) is the most critical, followed by that of regulatory authorities and general contractors. The AM construction SCR assessment index system and evaluation method constructed in this paper have important significance in filling the gap in the quantitative evaluation of the impact of AM on supply chains.
Cancer Risk in Patients Treated with the JAK Inhibitor Tofacitinib: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bezzio Cristina , Vernero Marta , Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe , Alimenti Eleonora , Manes Gianpiero , Saibeni Simone
Published: April 2023

Tofacitinib is approved for several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, but safety concerns have recently been raised. We searched PubMed (accessed on 27 February 2023) for original articles regarding tofacitinib’s cancer risk when used for rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Of the 2047 initial records, 22 articles describing 26 controlled studies (including 22 randomized controlled trials) were selected. In the comparison between tofacitinib and any control treatment, the relative risk (RR) for any cancer was 1.06 (95% CI, 0.86–1.31; p = 0.95). In separate comparisons between tofacitinib and either a placebo or biological therapy, no difference was found in the overall cancer risk (vs. placebo, RR = 1.04; 95% CI, 0.44–2.48; p = 0.95; vs. biological drugs, RR = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.86–1.31; p = 0.58). When tofacitinib was compared to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, the overall cancer RR was 1.40 (95% CI, 1.06–2.08; p = 0.02). Similarly, significant results were obtained for all cancers, except for non-melanoma skin cancer (RR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.05–2.06; p = 0.03), and for this skin cancer alone (RR = 1.30; 95% CI, 0.22–5.83; p = 0.88). In conclusion, no difference in the overall cancer risk was found between tofacitinib and either a placebo or biological drugs, while a slightly higher risk was found in patients treated with tofacitinib than anti-TNF agents. Further studies are needed to better define the cancer risk of tofacitinib therapy.
Exploring the Outcome of Disappearance or Small Remnants of Colorectal Liver Metastases during First-Line Chemotherapy on Hepatobiliary Contrast-Enhanced and Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging
Authors: Boraschi Piero , Moretto Roberto , Donati Francescamaria , Borelli Beatrice , Mercogliano Giuseppe , Giugliano Luigi , Boccaccino Alessandra , Della Pina Maria Clotilde , Colombatto Piero , Signori Stefano , Masi Gianluca , Cremolini Chiara , Urbani Lucio
Published: April 2023

We aimed to evaluate the outcome of the disappearance or small remnants of colorectal liver metastases during first-line chemotherapy assessed by hepatobiliary contrast-enhanced and diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DW-MRI). Consecutive patients with at least one disappearing liver metastasis (DLM) or small residual liver metastases (≤10 mm) assessed by hepatobiliary contrast-enhanced and DW-MRI during first-line chemotherapy were included. Liver lesions were categorized into three groups: DLM; residual tiny liver metastases (RTLM) when ≤5 mm; small residual liver metastases (SRLM) when >5mm and ≤10 mm. The outcome of resected liver metastases was assessed in terms of pathological response, whereas lesions left in situ were evaluated in terms of local relapse or progression. Fifty-two outpatients with 265 liver lesions were radiologically reviewed; 185 metastases fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 40 DLM, 82 RTLM and 60 SRLM. We observed a pCR rate of 75% (3/4) in resected DLM and 33% (12/36) of local relapse for DLM left in situ. We observed a risk of relapse of 29% and 57% for RTLM and SRLM left in situ, respectively, and a pCR rate of about 40% overall for resected lesions. DLM assessed via hepatobiliary contrast-enhanced and DW-MRI very probably indicates a complete response. The surgical removal of small remnants of liver metastases should always be advocated whenever technically possible.
Quality of End-of-Life Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic at a Comprehensive Cancer Center
Authors: Heung Yvonne , Zhukovsky Donna , Hui David , Lu Zhanni , Andersen Clark , Bruera Eduardo
Published: April 2023

To evaluate how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the quality of end-of-life care for patients with advanced cancer, we compared a random sample of 250 inpatient deaths from 1 April 2019, to 31 July 2019, with 250 consecutive inpatient deaths from 1 April 2020, to 31 July 2020, at a comprehensive cancer center. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the timing of palliative care referral, timing of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, location of death, and pre-admission out-of-hospital DNR documentation were included. During the COVID-19 pandemic, DNR orders occurred earlier (2.9 vs. 1.7 days before death, p = 0.028), and palliative care referrals also occurred earlier (3.5 vs. 2.5 days before death, p = 0.041). During the pandemic, 36% of inpatient deaths occurred in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 36% in the Palliative Care Unit, compared to 48 and 29%, respectively, before the pandemic (p = 0.001). Earlier DNR orders, earlier palliative care referrals, and fewer ICU deaths suggest an improvement in the quality of end-of-life care in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These encouraging findings may have future implications for maintaining quality end-of-life care post-pandemic.
Current Main Topics in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Morè Sonia , Corvatta Laura , Manieri Valentina Maria , Olivieri Attilio , Offidani Massimo
Published: April 2023

Multiple Myeloma (MM) remains a difficult to treat disease mainly due to its biological heterogeneity, of which we are more and more knowledgeable thanks to the development of increasingly sensitive molecular methods that allow us to build better prognostication models. The biological diversity translates into a wide range of clinical outcomes from long-lasting remission in some patients to very early relapse in others. In NDMM transplant eligible (TE) patients, the incorporation of mAb as daratumumab in the induction regimens, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and consolidation/maintenance therapy, has led to a significant improvement of PFS and OS.; however, this outcome remains poor in ultra-high risk MM or in those who did not achieve a minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity. Several trials are exploring cytogenetic risk-adapted and MRD-driven therapies in these patients. Similarly, quadruplets-containing daratumumab, particularly when administered as continuous therapies, have improved outcome of patients not eligible for autologous transplant (NTE). Patients who become refractory to conventional therapies have noticeably poor outcomes, making their treatment a difficult challenge in need of novel strategies. In this review, we will focus on the main points regarding risk stratification, treatment and monitoring of MM, highlighting the most recent evidence that could modify the management of this still incurable disease.
Recent Advances with Precision Medicine Treatment for Breast Cancer including Triple-Negative Sub-Type
Authors: Subhan Md Abdus , Parveen Farzana , Shah Hassan , Yalamarty Satya Siva Kishan , Ataide Janaína Artem , Torchilin Valdimir P.
Published: April 2023

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with different molecular subtypes. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in woman due to rapid metastasis and disease recurrence. Precision medicine remains an essential source to lower the off-target toxicities of chemotherapeutic agents and maximize the patient benefits. This is a crucial approach for a more effective treatment and prevention of disease. Precision-medicine methods are based on the selection of suitable biomarkers to envision the effectiveness of targeted therapy in a specific group of patients. Several druggable mutations have been identified in breast cancer patients. Current improvements in omics technologies have focused on more precise strategies for precision therapy. The development of next-generation sequencing technologies has raised hopes for precision-medicine treatment strategies in breast cancer (BC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Targeted therapies utilizing immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRi), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi), antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), oncolytic viruses (OVs), glucose transporter-1 inhibitor (GLUT1i), and targeting signaling pathways are potential treatment approaches for BC and TNBC. This review emphasizes the recent progress made with the precision-medicine therapy of metastatic breast cancer and TNBC.
Dendritic Cell Subsets in Melanoma: Pathophysiology, Clinical Prognosis and Therapeutic Exploitation
Authors: Sosa Cuevas Eleonora , Saas Philippe , Aspord Caroline
Published: April 2023

Evasion from immunity is a hallmark of cancer development. Dendritic cells (DCs) are strategic immune cells shaping anti-tumor immune responses, but tumor cells exploit DC versatility to subvert their functions. Unveiling the puzzling role of DCs in the control of tumor development and mechanisms of tumor-induced DC hijacking is critical to optimize current therapies and to design future efficient immunotherapies for melanoma. Dendritic cells, crucially positioned at the center of anti-tumor immunity, represent attractive targets to develop new therapeutic approaches. Harnessing the potencies of each DC subset to trigger appropriate immune responses while avoiding their subversion is a challenging yet promising step to achieve tumor immune control. This review focuses on advances regarding the diversity of DC subsets, their pathophysiology and impact on clinical outcome in melanoma patients. We provide insights into the regulation mechanisms of DCs by the tumor, and overview DC-based therapeutic developments for melanoma. Further insights into DCs’ diversity, features, networking, regulation and shaping by the tumor microenvironment will allow designing novel effective cancer therapies. The DCs deserve to be positioned in the current melanoma immunotherapeutic landscape. Recent discoveries strongly motivate exploitation of the exceptional potential of DCs to drive robust anti-tumor immunity, offering promising tracks for clinical successes.
SOX1 Functions as a Tumor Suppressor by Repressing HES1 in Lung Cancer
Authors: Chang Shan-Yueh , Wu Ti-Hui , Shih Yu-Lueng , Chen Ying-Chieh , Su Her-Young , Chian Chih-Feng , Lin Ya-Wen
Published: April 2023

The development of lung cancer is a complex process that involves many genetic and epigenetic changes. Sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box (SOX) genes encode a family of proteins that are involved in the regulation of embryonic development and cell fate determination. SOX1 is hypermethylated in human cancers. However, the role of SOX1 in the development of lung cancer is unclear. We used quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP), quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) analysis, and web tools to confirm the frequent epigenetic silencing of SOX1 in lung cancer. Stable overexpression of SOX1 repressed cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, and invasion in vitro as well as cancer growth and metastasis in a xenograft mouse model. Knockdown of SOX1 by the withdrawal of doxycycline partly restored the malignant phenotype of inducible SOX1-expressing NSCLC cells. Next, we discovered the potential downstream pathways of SOX1 using RNA-seq analysis and identified HES1 as a direct target of SOX1 using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR. Furthermore, we performed phenotypic rescue experiments to prove that overexpression of HES1-FLAG in SOX1-expressing H1299 cells partly reversed the tumor-suppressive effect. Taken together, these data demonstrated that SOX1 acts as a tumor suppressor by directly inhibiting HES1 during the development of NSCLC.
A Retrospective Multicenter Analysis of the Incidence of Bone-Only Disease at PSMA PET/CT in Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Serani Francesca , Fendler Wolfgang P. , Castellucci Paolo , Berliner Christoph , Barbato Francesco , Herrmann Ken , Farolfi Andrea , Fanti Stefano
Published: April 2023

PSMA PET/CT has unprecedented accuracy for localization of initial or recurrent prostate cancer (PC), which can be applied in a metastasis-directed therapy approach. PSMA PET/CT (PET) also has a role in the selection of patients for metastasis-directed therapy or radioligand therapy and therapy assessment in CRPC patients. The purpose of this multicenter retrospective study was to determine the incidence of bone-only metastasis in CRPC patients who underwent PSMA PET/CT for restaging, as well as identifying potential predictors of bone-only PET positivity. The study analyzed data from 179 patients from two centers in Essen and Bologna. Results showed that 20.1% of the patients had PSMA uptake only in the bone, with the most frequent lesions located in the vertebrae, ribs, and hip bone. Half half of the patients showed oligo disease in bone and may benefit from a bone-metastasis-directed therapy. Initial positive nodal status and solitary ADT were shown to be negative predictors of osseous metastasis. The role of PSMA PET/TC in this patient population needs to be further explored in terms of its role in the evaluation and adoption of bone-specific therapies.
Focal Cryo-Immunotherapy with Intratumoral IL-12 Prevents Recurrence of Large Murine Tumors
Authors: Vrabel Maura R. , Schulman Jacob A. , Gillam Francis B. , Mantooth Siena M. , Nguyen Khue G. , Zaharoff David A.
Published: April 2023

Focal ablation technologies are routinely used in the clinical management of inoperable solid tumors but they often result in incomplete ablations leading to high recurrence rates. Adjuvant therapies, capable of safely eliminating residual tumor cells, are therefore of great clinical interest. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a potent antitumor cytokine that can be localized intratumorally through coformulation with viscous biopolymers, including chitosan (CS) solutions. The objective of this research was to determine if localized immunotherapy with a CS/IL-12 formulation could prevent tumor recurrence after cryoablation (CA). Tumor recurrence and overall survival rates were assessed. Systemic immunity was evaluated in spontaneously metastatic and bilateral tumor models. Temporal bulk RNA sequencing was performed on tumor and draining lymph node (dLN) samples. In multiple murine tumor models, the addition of CS/IL-12 to CA reduced recurrence rates by 30–55%. Altogether, this cryo-immunotherapy induced complete durable regression of large tumors in 80–100% of treated animals. Additionally, CS/IL-12 prevented lung metastases when delivered as a neoadjuvant to CA. However, CA plus CS/IL-12 had minimal antitumor activity against established, untreated abscopal tumors. Adjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy delayed the growth of abscopal tumors. Transcriptome analyses revealed early immunological changes in the dLN, followed by a significant increase in gene expression associated with immune suppression and regulation. Cryo-immunotherapy with localized CS/IL-12 reduces recurrences and enhances the elimination of large primary tumors. This focal combination therapy also induces significant but limited systemic antitumor immunity.
Inflammatory Networks in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kruk Linus , Mamtimin Medina , Braun Attila , Anders Hans-Joachim , Andrassy Joachim , Gudermann Thomas , Mammadova-Bach Elmina
Published: April 2023

Cancer-associated inflammation has been established as a hallmark feature of almost all solid cancers. Tumor-extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathways regulate the process of cancer-associated inflammation. Tumor-extrinsic inflammation is triggered by many factors, including infection, obesity, autoimmune disorders, and exposure to toxic and radioactive substances. Intrinsic inflammation can be induced by genomic mutation, genome instability and epigenetic remodeling in cancer cells that promote immunosuppressive traits, inducing the recruitment and activation of inflammatory immune cells. In RCC, many cancer cell-intrinsic alterations are assembled, upregulating inflammatory pathways, which enhance chemokine release and neoantigen expression. Furthermore, immune cells activate the endothelium and induce metabolic shifts, thereby amplifying both the paracrine and autocrine inflammatory loops to promote RCC tumor growth and progression. Together with tumor-extrinsic inflammatory factors, tumor-intrinsic signaling pathways trigger a Janus-faced tumor microenvironment, thereby simultaneously promoting or inhibiting tumor growth. For therapeutic success, it is important to understand the pathomechanisms of cancer-associated inflammation, which promote cancer progression. In this review, we describe the molecular mechanisms of cancer-associated inflammation that influence cancer and immune cell functions, thereby increasing tumor malignancy and anti-cancer resistance. We also discuss the potential of anti-inflammatory treatments, which may provide clinical benefits in RCCs and possible avenues for therapy and future research.
Latest Findings on Minimally Invasive Anatomical Liver Resection
Authors: Fujiyama Yoshiki , Wakabayashi Taiga , Mishima Kohei , Al-Omari Malek A. , Colella Marco , Wakabayashi Go
Published: April 2023

Minimally invasive liver resection (MILR) is being widely utilized owing to recent advancements in laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery. There are two main types of liver resection: anatomical (minimally invasive anatomical liver resection (MIALR)) and nonanatomical. MIALR is defined as a minimally invasive liver resection along the respective portal territory. Optimization of the safety and precision of MIALR is the next challenge for hepatobiliary surgeons, and intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) staining is considered to be of considerable importance in this field. In this article, we present the latest findings on MIALR and laparoscopic anatomical liver resection using ICG at our hospital.
Minimally Invasive Anatomic Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using the Extrahepatic Glissonian Approach: Surgical Techniques and Comparison of Outcomes with the Open Approach and between the Laparoscopic and Robotic Approaches
Authors: Kato Yutaro , Sugioka Atsushi , Kojima Masayuki , Mii Satoshi , Uchida Yuichiro , Iwama Hideaki , Mizumoto Takuya , Takahara Takeshi , Uyama Ichiro
Published: April 2023

Surgical techniques and outcomes of minimally invasive anatomic liver resection (AR) using the extrahepatic Glissonian approach for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are undefined. In 327 HCC cases undergoing 185 open (OAR) and 142 minimally invasive (MIAR; 102 laparoscopic and 40 robotic) ARs, perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared between the approaches, using propensity score matching. After matching (91:91), compared to OAR, MIAR was significantly associated with longer operative time (643 vs. 579 min, p = 0.028); less blood loss (274 vs. 955 g, p < 0.0001); a lower transfusion rate (17.6% vs. 47.3%, p < 0.0001); lower rates of major 90-day morbidity (4.4% vs. 20.9%, p = 0.0008), bile leak or collection (1.1% vs. 11.0%, p = 0.005), and 90-day mortality (0% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.043); and shorter hospital stay (15 vs. 29 days, p < 0.0001). On the other hand, laparoscopic and robotic AR cohorts after matching (31:31) had comparable perioperative outcomes. Overall and recurrence-free survivals after AR for newly developed HCC were comparable between OAR and MIAR, with potentially improved survivals in MIAR. The survivals were comparable between laparoscopic and robotic AR. MIAR was technically standardized using the extrahepatic Glissonian approach. MIAR was safe, feasible, and oncologically acceptable and would be the first choice of AR in selected HCC patients.
CT Image-Based Biopsy to Aid Prediction of HOPX Expression Status and Prognosis for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Jin Yu , Arimura Hidetaka , Cui YunHao , Kodama Takumi , Mizuno Shinichi , Ansai Satoshi
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to elucidate a computed tomography (CT) image-based biopsy with a radiogenomic signature to predict homeodomain-only protein homeobox (HOPX) gene expression status and prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients were labeled as HOPX-negative or positive based on HOPX expression and were separated into training (n = 92) and testing (n = 24) datasets. In correlation analysis between genes and image features extracted by Pyradiomics for 116 patients, eight significant features associated with HOPX expression were selected as radiogenomic signature candidates from the 1218 image features. The final signature was constructed from eight candidates using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. An imaging biopsy model with radiogenomic signature was built by a stacking ensemble learning model to predict HOPX expression status and prognosis. The model exhibited predictive power for HOPX expression with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.873 and prognostic power in Kaplan–Meier curves (p = 0.0066) in the test dataset. This study’s findings implied that the CT image-based biopsy with a radiogenomic signature could aid physicians in predicting HOPX expression status and prognosis in NSCLC.
The Emerging Role of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Cervical Cancer Therapy
Authors: Psilopatis Iason , Garmpis Nikolaos , Garmpi Anna , Vrettou Kleio , Sarantis Panagiotis , Koustas Evangelos , Antoniou Efstathios A. , Dimitroulis Dimitrios , Kouraklis Gregory , Karamouzis Michail V. , Marinos Georgios , Kontzoglou Konstantinos , Nonni Afroditi , Nikolettos Konstantinos , Fleckenstein Florian N. , Zoumpouli Christina , Damaskos Christos
Published: April 2023

Cervical carcinoma is one of the most common cancers among women globally. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) constitute anticancer drugs that, by increasing the histone acetylation level in various cell types, induce differentiation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. The aim of the current review is to study the role of HDACIs in the treatment of cervical cancer. A literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE and LIVIVO databases with a view to identifying relevant studies. By employing the search terms “histone deacetylase” and “cervical cancer”, we managed to identify 95 studies published between 2001 and 2023. The present work embodies the most up-to-date, comprehensive review of the literature centering on the particular role of HDACIs as treatment agents for cervical cancer. Both well-established and novel HDACIs seem to represent modern, efficacious anticancer drugs, which, alone or in combination with other treatments, may successfully inhibit cervical cancer cell growth, induce cell cycle arrest, and provoke apoptosis. In summary, histone deacetylases seem to represent promising future treatment targets in cervical cancer.
Total Metabolic Tumor Volume on 18F-FDG PET/CT Is a Useful Prognostic Biomarker for Patients with Extensive Small-Cell Lung Cancer Undergoing First-Line Chemo-Immunotherapy
Authors: Grambow-Velilla Julia , Seban Romain-David , Chouahnia Kader , Assié Jean-Baptiste , Champion Laurence , Girard Nicolas , Bonardel Gerald , Matton Lise , Soussan Michael , Chouaïd Christos , Duchemann Boris
Published: April 2023

Background: We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of imaging biomarkers on 18F-FDG PET/CT in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) patients undergoing first-line chemo-immunotherapy. Methods: In this multicenter and retrospective study, we considered two cohorts, depending on the type of first-line therapy: chemo-immunotherapy (CIT) versus chemotherapy alone (CT). All patients underwent baseline 18-FDG PET/CT before therapy between June 2016 and September 2021. We evaluated clinical, biological, and PET parameters, and used cutoffs from previously published studies or predictiveness curves to assess the association with progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) with Cox prediction models. Results: Sixty-eight patients were included (CIT: CT) (36: 32 patients). The median PFS was 5.9:6.5 months, while the median OS was 12.1:9.8 months. dNLR (the derived neutrophils/(leucocytes-neutrophils) ratio) was an independent predictor of short PFS and OS in the two cohorts (p < 0.05). High total metabolic tumor volume (TMTVhigh if > 241 cm3) correlated with outcomes, but only in the CIT cohort (PFS for TMTVhigh in multivariable analysis: HR 2.5; 95%CI 1.1–5.9). Conclusion: Baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT using TMTV could help to predict worse outcomes for ES-SCLC patients undergoing first-line CIT. This suggests that baseline TMTV may be used to identify patients that are unlikely to benefit from CIT.
Using Acupuncture for Adjunct Treatment for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Is Practicable. Reply to Hu et al. Is Acupuncture an Ideal Adjunctive Treatment for Cancer-Related Fatigue? Comment on “Choi et al. Acupuncture for Managing Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers 2022, 14, 4419”
Authors: Alraek Terje , Birch Stephen , Choi Tae-Young , Ang Lin , Jun Ji Hee , Lu Weidong , Lee Myeong Soo
Published: April 2023

We are grateful for the relevant comments by Hu et al. [...]
Advances in Catalysts for Water–Gas Shift Reaction Using Waste-Derived Synthesis Gas
Authors: Lee Ru-Ri , Jeon I-Jeong , Jang Won-Jun , Roh Hyun-Seog , Shim Jae-Oh
Published: April 2023

Hydrogen is mainly produced by steam reforming of fossil fuels. Thus, research has been continuously conducted to produce hydrogen by replacing fossil fuels. Among various alternative resources, waste is attracting attention as it can produce hydrogen while reducing the amount of landfill and incineration. In order to produce hydrogen from waste, the water–gas shift reaction is one of the essential processes. However, syngas obtained by gasifying waste has a higher CO concentration than syngas produced by steam reforming of fossil fuels, and therefore, it is essential to develop a suitable catalyst. Research on developing a catalyst for producing hydrogen from waste has been conducted for the past decade. This study introduces various catalysts developed and provides basic knowledge necessary for the rational design of catalysts for producing hydrogen from waste-derived syngas.
Hydrothermally Synthesized Ag@MoS2 Composite for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Yadav Anuja A. , Hunge Yuvaraj M. , Dhodamani Ananta G. , Kang Seok-Won
Published: April 2023

Photocatalytic hydrogen production is a green, cost-effective, simple, and pollution-free technology for the supply of clean energy, which plays an important role in alleviating the fossil fuel crisis caused by exponentially grown energy consumption. Therefore, designing highly visible-light-active novel photocatalyst materials for photocatalytic hydrogen production is a promising task. The production efficiency of photocatalyst can be improved by using noble metals, which are useful for the effective transfer of charge carriers. This study highlights the synergistic effect of the noble co-catalyst Ag on MoS2 during the investigation of photocatalytic hydrogen production. The hydrothermal method was used for the preparation of an Ag-MoS2 composite, and their structural and morphological characterizations were carried out using different physiochemical characterization techniques. The Ag-MoS2 composite shows an enhanced visible light absorption capacity and photocatalytic hydrogen production rate, as compared to that of pure MoS2, which proves that Ag nanoparticles (NPs) can act as efficient co-catalyst materials for photocatalytic hydrogen production with an improved rate of hydrogen production. Along with this, a possible working mechanism was proposed for visible-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen production using the Ag@MoS2 composite.
Salt-Mediated Structural Transformation in Carbon Nitride: From Regulated Atomic Configurations to Enhanced Photocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Kechen , Liu Changxin , Liu Qiang , Mo Zheyang , Zhang Dawei
Published: April 2023

Molten salts-assisted synthesis is widely used in the construction of high efficiency graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) photocatalysts, and two isotypes of g-C3N4 have been synthesized by such method, namely poly (heptazine imide) (PHI) and poly (triazine imide) (PTI). However, the understanding of the structural changes taking place during the molten salt process and the structure–activity relationship of g-C3N4 polymorphs remain blurred. Herein, by regulating the treatment duration of g-C3N4 nanosheets (melon) in molten salts, we successfully synthesized g-C3N4 with phases of PHI, PHI/PTI and PTI. A continuous structural transformation induced by ions, in which melon transforms to a stable phase PTI via PHI, an intermediate state, was unveiled for the first time. In addition, results reveal that atomic configurations play a vital role in photo absorption, and charge carrier transfer and surface reaction, leading to significant differences in photocatalytic degradation. Among them, PHI with K+ and cyan groups modification, as well as high crystallinity, exhibits remarkable degradation efficiency, with 90% removal of tetracycline in 10 min and 80% removal of phenol in 60 min. This study sheds light on a deeper understanding for the molten salt-assisted synthesis and provides new ideas for preparing efficient organic semiconductor photocatalysts.
Inflammation as a Regulator of the Airway Surface Liquid pH in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Rehman Tayyab , Welsh Michael J.
Published: April 2023

The airway surface liquid (ASL) is a thin sheet of fluid that covers the luminal aspect of the airway epithelium. The ASL is a site of several first-line host defenses, and its composition is a key factor that determines respiratory fitness. Specifically, the acid–base balance of ASL has a major influence on the vital respiratory defense processes of mucociliary clearance and antimicrobial peptide activity against inhaled pathogens. In the inherited disorder cystic fibrosis (CF), loss of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion channel function reduces HCO3− secretion, lowers the pH of ASL (pHASL), and impairs host defenses. These abnormalities initiate a pathologic process whose hallmarks are chronic infection, inflammation, mucus obstruction, and bronchiectasis. Inflammation is particularly relevant as it develops early in CF and persists despite highly effective CFTR modulator therapy. Recent studies show that inflammation may alter HCO3− and H+ secretion across the airway epithelia and thus regulate pHASL. Moreover, inflammation may enhance the restoration of CFTR channel function in CF epithelia exposed to clinically approved modulators. This review focuses on the complex relationships between acid–base secretion, airway inflammation, pHASL regulation, and therapeutic responses to CFTR modulators. These factors have important implications for defining optimal ways of tackling CF airway inflammation in the post-modulator era.
Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Transcriptome Highlights Specific Expression Profiles in Severe Pediatric Obesity: A Pilot Study
Authors: Berardo Clarissa , Calcaterra Valeria , Mauri Alessia , Carelli Stephana , Messa Letizia , Destro Francesca , Rey Federica , Cordaro Erika , Pelizzo Gloria , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Cereda Cristina
Published: April 2023

The prevalence of pediatric obesity is rising rapidly worldwide, and “omic” approaches are helpful in investigating the molecular pathophysiology of obesity. This work aims to identify transcriptional differences in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (scAT) of children with overweight (OW), obesity (OB), or severe obesity (SV) compared with those of normal weight (NW). Periumbilical scAT biopsies were collected from 20 male children aged 1–12 years. The children were stratified into the following four groups according to their BMI z-scores: SV, OB, OW, and NW. scAT RNA-Seq analyses were performed, and a differential expression analysis was conducted using the DESeq2 R package. A pathways analysis was performed to gain biological insights into gene expression. Our data highlight the significant deregulation in both coding and non-coding transcripts in the SV group when compared with the NW, OW, and OB groups. A KEGG pathway analysis showed that coding transcripts were mainly involved in lipid metabolism. A GSEA analysis revealed the upregulation of lipid degradation and metabolism in SV vs. OB and SV vs. OW. Bioenergetic processes and the catabolism of branched-chain amino acids were upregulated in SV compared with OB, OW, and NW. In conclusion, we report for the first time that a significant transcriptional deregulation occurs in the periumbilical scAT of children with severe obesity compared with those of normal weight or those with overweight or mild obesity.
miR-205 Regulates the Fusion of Porcine Myoblast by Targeting the Myomaker Gene
Authors: Ma Jideng , Zhu Yan , Zhou Xiankun , Zhang Jinwei , Sun Jing , Li Zhengjie , Jin Long , Long Keren , Lu Lu , Ge Liangpeng
Published: April 2023

Skeletal muscle formation is an extremely important step in animal growth and development. Recent studies have found that TMEM8c (also known as Myomaker, MYMK), a muscle-specific transmembrane protein, can promote myoblast fusion and plays a key role in the normal development of skeletal muscle. However, the effect of Myomaker on porcine (Sus scrofa) myoblast fusion and the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown. Therefore, in this study, we focused on the role and corresponding regulatory mechanism of the Myomaker gene during skeletal muscle development, cell differentiation, and muscle injury repair in pigs. We obtained the entire 3′ UTR sequence of porcine Myomaker using the 3′ RACE approach and found that miR-205 inhibited porcine myoblast fusion by targeting the 3′ UTR of Myomaker. In addition, based on a constructed porcine acute muscle injury model, we discovered that both the mRNA and protein expression of Myomaker were activated in the injured muscle, while miR-205 expression was significantly inhibited during skeletal muscle regeneration. The negative regulatory relationship between miR-205 and Myomaker was further confirmed in vivo. Taken together, the present study reveals that Myomaker plays a role during porcine myoblast fusion and skeletal muscle regeneration and demonstrates that miR-205 inhibits myoblast fusion through targeted regulation of the expression of Myomaker.
Induction of miR-665-3p Impairs the Differentiation of Myogenic Progenitor Cells by Regulating the TWF1-YAP1 Axis
Authors: Nguyen Mai Thi , Lee Wan
Published: April 2023

Actin dynamics are known to orchestrate various myogenic processes in progenitor cells. Twinfilin-1 (TWF1) is an actin-depolymerizing factor that plays a crucial role in the differentiation of myogenic progenitor cells. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the epigenetic regulation of TWF1 expression and impaired myogenic differentiation in the background of muscle wasting. This study investigated how miR-665-3p affects TWF1 expression, actin filaments’ modulation, proliferation, and myogenic differentiation in progenitor cells. Palmitic acid, the most prevalent saturated fatty acid (SFA) in food, suppressed TWF1 expression and inhibited the myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells while increasing the level of miR-665-3p expression. Interestingly, miR-665-3p inhibited TWF1 expression by targeting TWF1 3′UTR directly. In addition, miR-665-3p accumulated filamentous actin (F-actin) and enhanced the nuclear translocation of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), consequently promoting cell cycle progression and proliferation. Furthermore, miR-665-3p suppressed the expressions of myogenic factors, i.e., MyoD, MyoG, and MyHC, and consequently impaired myoblast differentiation. In conclusion, this study suggests that SFA-inducible miR-665-3p suppresses TWF1 expression epigenetically and inhibits myogenic differentiation by facilitating myoblast proliferation via the F-actin/YAP1 axis.
Preclinical Studies with Glioblastoma Brain Organoid Co-Cultures Show Efficient 5-ALA Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Pedrosa Leire , Bedia Carmen , Diao Diouldé , Mosteiro Alejandra , Ferrés Abel , Stanzani Elisabetta , Martínez-Soler Fina , Tortosa Avelina , Pineda Estela , Aldecoa Iban , Centellas Marc , Muñoz-Tudurí Marta , Sevilla Ana , Sierra Àngels , González Sánchez José Juan
Published: April 2023

Background: The high recurrence of glioblastoma (GB) that occurs adjacent to the resection cavity within two years of diagnosis urges an improvement of therapies oriented to GB local control. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been proposed to cleanse infiltrating tumor cells from parenchyma to ameliorate short long-term progression-free survival. We examined 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-mediated PDT effects as therapeutical treatment and determined optimal conditions for PDT efficacy without causing phototoxic injury to the normal brain tissue. Methods: We used a platform of Glioma Initiation Cells (GICs) infiltrating cerebral organoids with two different glioblastoma cells, GIC7 and PG88. We measured GICs-5-ALA uptake and PDT/5-ALA activity in dose-response curves and the efficacy of the treatment by measuring proliferative activity and apoptosis. Results: 5-ALA (50 and 100 µg/mL) was applied, and the release of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence measures demonstrated that the emission of PpIX increases progressively until its stabilization at 24 h. Moreover, decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis corroborated the effect of 5-ALA/PDT on cancer cells without altering normal cells. Conclusions: We provide evidence about the effectiveness of PDT to treat high proliferative GB cells in a complex in vitro system, which combines normal and cancer cells and is a useful tool to standardize new strategic therapies.
Evaluating Electrochemical Properties of Layered NaxMn0.5Co0.5O2 Obtained at Different Calcined Temperatures
Authors: Nguyen Le Minh , Nguyen Van Hoang , Nguyen Doan My Ngoc , Le Minh Kha , Tran Van Man , Le My Loan Phung
Published: April 2023

P-type layered oxides recently became promising candidates for Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) for their high specific capacity and rate capability. This work elucidated the structure and electrochemical performance of the layered cathode material NaxMn0.5Co0.5O2 (NMC) with x~1 calcined at 650, 800 and 900 °C. XRD diffraction indicated that the NMC material possessed a phase transition from P3- to P2-type layered structure with bi-phasic P3/P2 at medium temperature. The sodium storage behavior of different phases was evaluated. The results showed that the increased temperature improved the specific capacity and cycling stability. P2-NMC exhibited the highest initial capacity of 156.9 mAh·g−1 with capacity retention of 76.2% after 100 cycles, which was superior to the initial discharge capacity of only 149.3 mAh·g−1 and severe capacity fading per cycle of P3-NMC, indicating high robust structure stability by applying higher calcination temperature. The less stable structure also contributed to the fast degradation of the P3 phase at high current density. Thus, the high temperature P2 phase was still the best in sodium storage performance. Additionally, the sodium diffusion coefficient was calculated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and demonstrated that the synergic effect of the two phases facile the sodium ion migration. Hard carbon||P2-NMC delivered a capacity of 80.9 mAh·g−1 and 63.3% capacity retention after 25 cycles.
Trypsin-Based Chemoenzymatic Assay for Detection of Pollutants and Safety Assessment of Food Additives
Authors: Esimbekova Elena N. , Torgashina Irina G. , Nemtseva Elena V. , Antashkevich Anna A. , Sasova Polina Yu. , Kratasyuk Valentina A.
Published: April 2023

Chemoenzymatic assay systems are widely used to detect toxicants in various samples, including food and environment specimens. These methods are based on the ability of various types of toxicant to specifically inhibit/activate the functions of individual enzymes or enzyme systems. The present study examines the possibility of using the proteolytic enzyme trypsin as a specific marker to detect protease inhibitors in different samples. The study shows that trypsin activity is not affected by various heavy metals, pesticides, or quinones at levels considerably greater than their maximum allowable concentrations (MACs) in water bodies. At the same time, the IC50 value for the food preservative potassium sorbate (E202) is 15 mg/L, which is substantially lower than its acceptable daily intake (ADI). The quenching of trypsin fluorescence in the presence of potassium sorbate suggests that inhibition could occur due to the binding of the preservative to the enzyme in the region adjacent to the active center. The trypsin was immobilized in starch gel to ensure its stability in the enzyme inhibition based assay. Single-use reagents were prepared as dry starch disks that could be stored over long periods. Their sensitivity to copper (II) chloride, potassium sorbate, and chromium (III) chloride was similar to the sensitivity of the free trypsin.
Anorexia Nervosa in Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): A Causality Dilemma
Authors: Grammatikopoulou Maria G. , Syrmou Vasiliki , Lioliopoulou Maria-Lydia , Gkiouras Konstantinos , Simopoulou Theodora , Katsiari Christina G. , Vassilakou Tonia , Bogdanos Dimitrios P.
Published: April 2023

Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) is an autoimmune disorder with multifaceted clinical findings in different organ systems. Neuropsychiatric manifestations affect more than half of SLE patients, and there is increasing evidence that anorexia nervosa (AN), a feeding and eating disorder (FED) characterized by significantly reduced energy intake, is among them. Herein, a review of the literature on the potential association between jSLE and AN was performed. Reported clinical cases were identified, and putative pathophysiological mechanisms were sought that could potentially explain the observed relationship between these two pathological entities. Four reports of isolated cases and a case series including seven patients were identified. In this limited patient pool, the diagnosis of AN preceded that of SLE in the majority of cases, whereas in all cases both entities were diagnosed within a time span of two years. Many explanations for the observed relationships have been proposed. AN has been associated with the stress of chronic disease diagnosis; on the other hand, the chronic inflammation associated with AN may contribute to the development/appearance of SLE. Adverse childhood experiences, concentrations of leptin, shared autoantibodies, and genetic traits appear to be important factors in this well-established interplay. In essence, it seems important to increase clinician awareness of the concomitant development of AN and SLE and invite further research on the subject.
Inhaled Short-Acting Beta Agonist Treatment-Associated Supraventricular Tachycardia in Children: Still a Matter of Concern in Pediatric Emergency Departments?
Authors: Tchana Bertrand , Caffarelli Carlo
Published: April 2023

Inhaled selective short-acting β-2 agonists (SABA), such as salbutamol, are the rescue treatment of choice for the relief of symptoms of acute asthma exacerbations: one of the leading causes of pediatric emergency department admission and hospitalization. Cardiovascular events, including supraventricular arrhythmias, are the most frequent side effects reported with inhaled SABA in children with asthma and are the main reason for a continuing debate about their safety, despite their widespread use. Although supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most common potentially serious dysrhythmia in children, the incidence and risk factor of SVT after SABA administration is currently unknown. We here reported three cases and conducted a review of the literature in an attempt to gain insight into this issue.
Protective Effect of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Extract on Heat Stress-Induced Spermatogenesis Complications in Murine Model
Authors: Bui-Le Thanh-Nhan , Hoang-Tan Quang , Hoang-Viet Huong , Truong-Thi Bich-Phuong , Nguyen-Thanh Tung
Published: April 2023

Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. is a precious herb used in traditional medicine systems in Asian countries for various health benefits. This study investigated the potential protective effects of C. orchioides extract on reproductive health under heat stress conditions in male mice. Forty-eight mice were divided into eight groups, control condition (C group), C. orchioides extract at the dosages of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day (C100, C200, C400 group), 40 °C heat exposure (H group), and combined 40 °C heat exposure and C. orchioides extract at the dosages of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day (HC100, HC200, HC400 group). The result shows that the mice that received only C. orchioides extract without heat stress do not have a significant change in histological structure and testosterone level. The histological analysis of testicular tissue showed that heat stress conditions reduced reproductive function and inhibited the spermatogenesis of male mice. The C. orchioides rhizome extract treatment attenuated the heat stress-induced spermatogenesis complications in the murine model. Mice in the heat-stress group treated with C. orchioides extract had increased spermatogenic cells and spermatozoa compared with mice exposed to heat without C. orchioides treatment. Moreover, the aqueous extract of C. orchioides rhizome enhanced the serum total testosterone levels in heat-exposed mice. In conclusion, the study findings validate that C. orchioides is effective against heat stress-induced spermatogenesis complications in the murine model.