bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Inflammatory Gene PYCARD of the Entorhinal Cortex as an Early Diagnostic Target for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Liu Wenjia , Chen Sophia , Rao Xin , Yang Yisong , Chen Xiaodong , Yu Liyang
Published: January 2023

The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is increasing year by year, which brings great challenges to human health. However, the pathogenesis of AD is still unclear, and it lacks early diagnostic targets. The entorhinal cortex (EC) is a key brain region for the occurrence of AD neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation plays a significant role in EC degeneration in AD. This study aimed to reveal the close relationship between inflammation-related genes in the EC and AD by detecting key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) via gene function enrichment pathway analysis. GSE4757 and GSE21779 gene expression profiles of AD were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. R language was used for the standardization and differential analysis of DEGs. Then, significantly enriched Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were analyzed to predict the potential biological functions of the DEGs. Finally, the significant expressions of identified DEGs were verified, and the therapeutic values were detected by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The results showed that eight up-regulated genes (SLC22A2, ITGB2-AS1, NIT1, FGF14-AS2, SEMA3E, PYCARD, PRORY, ADIRF) and two down-regulated genes (AKAIN1, TRMT2B) may have a potential diagnostic value for AD, and participate in inflammatory pathways. The area under curve (AUC) results of the ten genes showed that they had potential diagnostic value for AD. The AUC of PYCARD was 0.95, which had the most significant diagnostic value, and it is involved in inflammatory processes such as the inflammasome complex adaptor protein. The DEGs screened, and subsequent pathway analysis revealed a close relationship between inflammation-related PYCARD and AD, thus providing a new basis for an early diagnostic target for AD.
Colorimetric Paper Sensor for Food Spoilage Based on Biogenic Amine Monitoring
Authors: Calabretta Maria Maddalena , Gregucci Denise , Desiderio Riccardo , Michelini Elisa
Published: January 2023

Biogenic amines (BAs), nitrogenous molecules usually present in different foods, can be considered an indicator of freshness and food quality since their amount increases during food spoilage. Their detection, possibly in real time via the use of smart packaging, is therefore of crucial importance to ensure food safety and to fulfill consumers’ demand. To this end, colorimetric sensors are considered one of the most feasible solutions. Here, we report a user-friendly colorimetric sensing paper able to detect BAs via the naked eye. The sensing molecule is the aglycone genipin, a natural cross-linking agent extracted from gardenia fruit, able to bind BAs producing water-soluble blue pigments. The paper sensor was applied to chicken meat quality monitoring and a quantitative analysis was performed with image acquisition via a smartphone camera, achieving a limit of detection equivalent to 0.1 mM of putrescine. The suitability of the BA sensing paper was assessed by integrating the sensor into smart packaging and analyzing commercial chicken meat samples stored at different temperatures; the results of the sensor paralleled the “best before date” indicated on the label, confirming the potential applicability of the sensor as a smart label.
Flexible Textile-Based Sweat Sensors for Wearable Applications
Authors: Yin Jing , Li Jingcheng , Reddy Vundrala Sumedha , Ji Dongxiao , Ramakrishna Seeram , Xu Lan
Published: January 2023

The current physical health care system has gradually evolved into a form of virtual hospitals communicating with sensors, which can not only save time but can also diagnose a patient’s physical condition in real time. Textile-based wearable sensors have recently been identified as detection platforms with high potential. They are developed for the real-time noninvasive detection of human physiological information to comprehensively analyze the health status of the human body. Sweat comprises various chemical compositions, which can be used as biomarkers to reflect the relevant information of the human physiology, thus providing references for health conditions. Combined together, textile-based sweat sensors are more flexible and comfortable than other conventional sensors, making them easily integrated into the wearable field. In this short review, the research progress of textile-based flexible sweat sensors was reviewed. Three mechanisms commonly used for textile-based sweat sensors were firstly contrasted with an introduction to their materials and preparation processes. The components of textile-based sweat sensors, which mainly consist of a sweat transportation channel and collector, a signal-selection unit, sensing elements and sensor integration and communication technologies, were reviewed. The applications of textile-based sweat sensors with different mechanisms were also presented. Finally, the existing problems and challenges of sweat sensors were summarized, which may contribute to promote their further development.
Current Advances in Technologies for Single Extracellular Vesicle Analysis and Its Clinical Applications in Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Qiu Lei , Liu Xingzhu , Zhu Libo , Luo Liqiang , Sun Na , Pei Renjun
Published: January 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been regarded as one of the most potential diagnostic biomarkers for different cancers, due to their unique physiological and pathological functions. However, it is still challenging to precisely analyze the contents and sources of EVs, due to their heterogeneity. Herein, we summarize the advances in technologies for a single EV analysis, which may provide new strategies to study the heterogeneity of EVs, as well as their cargo, more specifically. Furthermore, the applications of a single EV analysis on cancer early diagnosis are also discussed.
Physical Health in Clinical High Risk for Psychosis Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Provenzani Umberto , De Micheli Andrea , Damiani Stefano , Oliver Dominic , Brondino Natascia , Fusar-Poli Paolo
Published: January 2023

Background: The clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) phase represents an opportunity for prevention and early intervention in young adults, which also could focus on improving physical health trajectories. Methods: We conducted a RECORD-compliant clinical register-based cohort study. The primary outcome was to describe the physical health of assessed CHR-P individuals, obtained via Electronic Health Records at the South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Foundation Trust, UK (January 2013–October 2020). Results: The final database included 194 CHR-P subjects (46% female). Mean age was 23.70 ± 5.12 years. Percentage of tobacco smokers was 41% (significantly higher than in the age-matched general population [24%]). We found that 49% of subjects who consumed alcohol had an AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test) score above 5 (hazardous drinking), with an average score of 4.94 (significantly higher than in the general population [2.75]). Investigating diet revealed low fiber intake in most subjects and high saturated fat intake in 10% of the individuals. We found that 47% of CHR-P subjects met the UK recommended physical activity guidelines (significantly lower than in the general population [66%]). Physical parameters (e.g., weight, heart rate, blood pressure) were not significantly different from the general population. Conclusions: This evidence corroborates the need for monitoring physical health parameters in CHR-P subjects, to implement tailored interventions that target daily habits.
Abnormalities of EEG Functional Connectivity and Effective Connectivity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Geng Xinling , Fan Xiwang , Zhong Yiwen , Casanova Manuel F. , Sokhadze Estate M. , Li Xiaoli , Kang Jiannan
Published: January 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder that interferes with normal brain development. Brain connectivity may serve as a biomarker for ASD in this respect. This study enrolled a total of 179 children aged 3−10 years (90 typically developed (TD) and 89 with ASD). We used a weighted phase lag index and a directed transfer function to investigate the functional and effective connectivity in children with ASD and TD. Our findings indicated that patients with ASD had local hyper-connectivity of brain regions in functional connectivity and simultaneous significant decrease in effective connectivity across hemispheres. These connectivity abnormalities may help to find biomarkers of ASD.
Effects of COVID-19 on Synaptic and Neuronal Degeneration
Authors: Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Abbas Mohamed , Alshahrani Mohammad Y. , Alabdullh Khulud , Alqarni Amjad , Alqahtani Fawaz F. , Jambi Layal K. , Alkhayat Adnan
Published: January 2023

Neurons are the basic building blocks of the human body’s neurological system. Atrophy is defined by the disintegration of the connections between cells that enable them to communicate. Peripheral neuropathy and demyelinating disorders, as well as cerebrovascular illnesses and central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory diseases, have all been linked to brain damage, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). It turns out that these diseases have a direct impact on brain atrophy. However, it may take some time after the onset of one of these diseases for this atrophy to be clearly diagnosed. With the emergence of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there were several clinical observations of COVID-19 patients. Among those observations is that the virus can cause any of the diseases that can lead to brain atrophy. Here we shed light on the research that tracked the relationship of these diseases to the COVID-19 virus. The importance of this review is that it is the first to link the relationship between the Coronavirus and diseases that cause brain atrophy. It also indicates the indirect role of the virus in dystrophy.
Long-Term Lithium Therapy and Thyroid Disorders in Bipolar Disorder: A Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Joseph Boney , Nunez Nicolas A. , Pazdernik Vanessa , Kumar Rakesh , Pahwa Mehak , Ercis Mete , Ozerdem Aysegul , Cuellar-Barboza Alfredo B. , Romo-Nava Francisco , McElroy Susan L. , Coombes Brandon J. , Biernacka Joanna M. , Stan Marius N. , Frye Mark A. , Singh Balwinder
Published: January 2023

Lithium has been a cornerstone treatment for bipolar disorder (BD). Despite descriptions in the literature regarding associations between long-term lithium therapy (LTLT) and development of a thyroid disorder (overt/subclinical hypo/hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodule, and goiter) in BD, factors such as time to onset of thyroid abnormalities and impact on clinical outcomes in the course of illness have not been fully characterized. In this study we aimed to compare clinical characteristics of adult BD patients with and without thyroid disorders who were on LTLT. We aimed to identify the incidence of thyroid disorders in patients with BD on LTLT and response to lithium between patients with and without thyroid disorders in BD. The Cox proportional model was used to find the median time to the development of a thyroid disorder. Our results showed that up to 32% of patients with BD on LTLT developed a thyroid disorder, of which 79% developed hypothyroidism, which was corrected with thyroid hormone replacement. We did not find significant differences in lithium response between patients with or without thyroid disorders in BD. Findings from this study suggest that patients with BD and comorbid thyroid disorders when adequately treated have a response to lithium similar to patients with BD and no thyroid disorders.
Analysis of Axial Compression Performance of Concrete Stub Column with CRB600H Stirrups
Authors: Zhao Lijie , Zhu Qifeng , Wang Hao , Lian Jijian
Published: January 2023

The CRB600H reinforcement is a new type of cold-rolled ribbed steel bar, which has the advantages of green and low carbon, stable quality, saving precious metal resources and so on. In order to study the axial compression performance of short concrete columns with CRB600H stirrups, the finite element analysis model of high-strength reinforced concrete stub columns was established by using ABAQUS, and the accuracy of the finite element model was verified by literature experiments. The effects of stirrup construction (Type A, B and C), stirrup spacing and concrete strength on the axial compressive bearing capacity and ductility of concrete columns with CRB600H stirrups were analyzed and compared with HRB400 stirrups columns. The results showed that the peak bearing capacity of the specimens with CRB600H stirrups was similar to that with HRB400 stirrups, and the ductility of the specimens was improved with CRB600H stirrup. Compared with the type A stirrup and type C stirrup, the type B stirrup had the best concrete restraining effect, and the ductility and peak bearing capacity of the specimens were higher. With a decrease in the stirrup spacing, the ductility and peak bearing capacity of the specimens increased. With an increase in concrete strength, the peak bearing capacity increases, but the ductility decreases. Through parameter analysis, a formula for calculating the axial bearing capacity of 600 MPa high-strength stirrup concrete stub columns based on the effective confinement index (keλt) was proposed. It is suggested that the equivalent volume of a HRB400 stirrup can be replaced by a CRB600H stirrup in the actual project. At the same time, when the high-strength stirrup was used, the restraining effect of the stirrup on concrete should be considered in the calculation of the axial compression bearing capacity.
Stiffness and Deformation Analysis of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Panels Made of Nordic Spruce Based on Experimental Testing, Analytical Calculation and Numerical Modeling
Authors: Dobeš Pavel , Lokaj Antonín , Vavrušová Kristýna
Published: January 2023

Timber structures are currently more important for solving tasks in construction practice. For this reason, there is an opportunity for research in the area of physical tests and numerical models. This paper deals with the determination and comparison of the deformation properties of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels based on laboratory tests, analytical calculation and numerical modeling. CLT panels are structural building components consisting of cross-oriented solid timber layers. Three types of panels with different geometry and number of layers (three, five and seven) were experimentally tested using a four-point bending test, where load–deformation curves were recorded. The results of the experimental testing of the three-layer panels were subsequently compared with a numerical model in SCIA Engineer, a numerical model in ANSYS Workbench and an analytical calculation. The research shows a good agreement in bending behavior between the laboratory tests, the analytical calculation according to the standard and two different approaches in numerical analysis.
Policy Framework for Prefabricated Buildings in Underdeveloped Areas: Enlightenment from the Comparative Analysis of Three Types of Regions in China
Authors: Wang Qiuyu , Gong Zhiqi , Li Na , Liu Chengkui
Published: January 2023

Prefabricated buildings (PBs) are vigorously promoted for their many advantages. However, obvious regional differences exist in the development of PBs in China, and underdeveloped areas significantly lag behind other areas. Regional “tactics” have a more direct effect on the development of PBs than national “strategies”. A targeted analysis of PB policies in underdeveloped areas in China is lacking in current research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to construct a comprehensive policy framework to help underdeveloped areas improve PB policies to develop PBs. In this study, we constructed a three-dimensional policy framework based on the content analysis method and policy instrument theory. Through a comparative analysis of 137 PB policies in three representative regions, 547 policy content codes were obtained, and reliability and validity tests were completed. The results indicate that (1) underdeveloped areas should focus on improving the number of policies rather than the accuracy in the early stages of development of PBs; (2) underdeveloped areas should focus on mandatory policy instruments (MPIs) supplemented by incentive policy instruments (IPIs) and social policy instruments (SPIs) rather than a balanced use of various policy instruments; and (3) underdeveloped areas should adjust the policy layout of the whole life cycle, and stakeholders should pay attention to the construction willingness of developers and the demands of consumers and seek policy support in the operation and maintenance stages, as well as during the demolition and recovery stages. In this study, we systematically analyzed the focus of PB policies for different stages and stakeholders and proposed an application strategy of policy instruments, contributing to the improvement of the PB policy system and the narrowing of regional development gaps with respect to PBs.
Development of Ultrafine Mineral Admixture from Magnesium Slag and Sequestration of CO2
Authors: Ye Junhao , Liu Songhui , Zhao Yue , Li Yuan , Fang Jingrui , Zhang Haibo , Guan Xuemao
Published: January 2023

To upcycle magnesium slag solid waste (MS) as well as sequester CO2, a new wet carbonation process was proposed to activate the volcanic ash activity of MS and use it as an ultrafine mineral admixture for cement. The effects of different carbonation times on the activity of MS were investigated, and the phase assemblage, as well as the changes in the microstructure and pore structure during the carbonation process, was also characterized using multiple techniques, such as TG-DTG, XRD, FT-IR, 29Si NMR spectrum, SEM, and BET, to further reveal the carbonation activation mechanism of MS under wet carbonation. Moreover, the effects of MS before and after carbonation on the compressive strength of the composite cement paste were investigated to verify the feasibility of carbonated MS as an ultrafine mineral admixture. The results show that the products of MS generated after a short carbonation reaction were mainly highly polymerized calcium–silicate–hydrate gel and a large amount of calcium carbonate in the form of calcite and aragonite with a size of about 1 μm. The CO2 sequestration rate of MS reached 22.14%. Compared to pure cement, carbonated MS can replace 30% of the cement clinker without compromising compressive strength. The above results offer potential possibilities for upgrading the utilization of MS and CO2 sequestration in the cement industry.
Data-Driven Evolution Analysis and Trend Prediction of Hotspots in Global PPP Research
Authors: Zhao Likun , Yang Shaotang , Wang Shouqing
Published: January 2023

Over the past three decades, there have been many comprehensive studies related to public–private partnerships (PPP), but the analysis at the macro level still lacks comprehensiveness and interpretability. Through the application of bibliometric analysis, 2-mode network, and strategic coordinate analysis, we systematically analyzed the derivative characteristics of the literature data and the coupling characteristics of countries and keywords. Moreover, through the frequency and betweenness centrality, etc., this paper determines the evolution path of keywords and the evolution direction of theme words and realizes the prediction of theme words and keywords in the future. The results show that: (1) Through the three-stage biclustering analysis, we determined the hot theme words and hot keywords for each stage and focused the theme direction and main research content of the evolution, which led to great interpretability of the data analysis in the literature characteristics; (2) Through the distribution characteristics of time and space, the USA, China, the UK and other mainstream publishing countries and their main research hotspots were determined. Among them, developing countries have strong willingness in academic cooperation and great potential for academic development; (3) According to the derivative characteristics of the literature data, it is predicted that the future research hotspots are: the integration of business economy and sustainability, the integration of policy support and innovative technology application, and the urbanization promotion of developing countries. Based on the findings, this study makes concrete and targeted research methods and provides reference value and application value for the future research and analysis of PPP.
Numerical Simulation of Fire Suppression in Stilted Wooden Buildings with Fine Water Mist Based on FDS
Authors: Zhao Xinli , Wei Shanyang , Chu Yunyun , Wang Na
Published: January 2023

In this paper, to reflect a real fire combustion situation of stilted buildings with a typical wooden structure, we used FDS numerical simulation software to study the suppression effect of a fine-water-mist fire-extinguishing system under different working conditions. The influences of different mist droplet diameters, spray flows, and nozzle densities on the temperature change in the combustion area were analyzed and compared. The particle sizes of fog droplets exhibited a significant impact, indicating that the smaller the particle size, the faster the vaporization rate and the better the cooling effect. The cooling effect was better when the particle size was 150 μm or less when compared to the particle sizes of 200 and 300 μm. As the spray flow rate and nozzle density were increased, the fire field temperature decreased, and the cooling effect was enhanced, optimal at a water-mist flow rate of 8 L/min. Therefore, given the possible working conditions, the spray flow rate and the nozzle density should be high, while a suitable droplet size should be selected to achieve the best fire-extinguishing effect.
Structural Properties of Commercial Australian Plantation Hardwood CLT
Authors: Gutierrez Mateo , Ettelaei Azin , Kotlarewski Nathan , Lee Michael
Published: January 2023

Significant volumes of plantation hardwood are available in Australia to produce value-added engineered wood products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT). To validate the possibility of utilising this available resource, the bending structural properties of plantation Eucalyptus nitens solid board and finger-jointed feedstock were measured. The studied CLT panels produced from finger-jointed lamellas were subjected to bending strength, bending stiffness, rolling shear strength in bending, and pure rolling shear tests to obtain characteristic design values. Solid and finger-jointed timber test results suggested that boards used in longitudinal lamellas have a bending strength of 36.0 MPa and a modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 13,000 MPa. Finger-jointed timber in crossed lamellas presented a declared bending strength of 25.0 MPa. CLT panels showed a bending strength of 24.0 MPa and a rolling shear strength of 2.0 MPa. The experimental results for the CLT panels evidenced that the CLT bending stiffness matches up very well with the modelled results when an MOE of 13,000 MPa is used to describe the stiffness of longitudinal boards. The results presented in this study establish a basis for the commercial use of Australian plantation hardwood CLT in structural applications such as floors and roofs in commercial and residential buildings.
Clinical Utility of Second-Look FDG PET-CT to Stratify Incomplete Metabolic Response Post (Chemo) Radiotherapy in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Billingsley Sarah , Iyizoba Zsuzsanna , Frood Russell , Vaidyanathan Sriram , Prestwich Robin , Scarsbrook Andrew
Published: January 2023

Background: Incomplete response on FDG PET-CT following (chemo)radiotherapy (CRT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) hinders optimal management. The study assessed the utility of an interval (second look) PET-CT. Methods: Patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma cancer (OPSCC) treated with CRT at a single centre between 2013 and 2020 who underwent baseline, response, and second-look PET-CT were included. Endpoints were conversion rate to complete metabolic response (CMR) and test characteristics of second-look PET-CT. Results: In total, 714 patients with OPSCC underwent PET-CT post-radiotherapy. In total, 88 patients with incomplete response underwent second-look PET-CT a median of 13 weeks (interquartile range 10–15 weeks) after the initial response assessment. In total, 27/88 (31%) second-look PET-CTs showed conversion to CMR, primary tumour CMR in 20/60 (30%), and nodal CMR in 13/37 (35%). In total, 1/34 (3%) with stable tumour/nodal uptake at the second-look PET-CT relapsed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of second-look PET-CT were 95%, 49%, 50%, and 95% for tumour and 92%, 50%, 50%, and 92% for nodes, respectively. Primary tumour progression following CMR occurred in one patient, two patients with residual nodal uptake at second-look PET-CT progressed locoregionally, and one patient developed metastatic disease following CMR in residual nodes. Conclusion: Most patients undergoing second-look PET-CT converted to CMR or demonstrated stable PET signal. NPV was high, suggesting the potential to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention.
Chromatin and Cancer: Implications of Disrupted Chromatin Organization in Tumorigenesis and Its Diversification
Authors: Sehgal Poonam , Chaturvedi Pankaj
Published: January 2023

A hallmark of cancers is uncontrolled cell proliferation, frequently associated with an underlying imbalance in gene expression. This transcriptional dysregulation observed in cancers is multifaceted and involves chromosomal rearrangements, chimeric transcription factors, or altered epigenetic marks. Traditionally, chromatin dysregulation in cancers has been considered a downstream effect of driver mutations. However, here we present a broader perspective on the alteration of chromatin organization in the establishment, diversification, and therapeutic resistance of cancers. We hypothesize that the chromatin organization controls the accessibility of the transcriptional machinery to regulate gene expression in cancerous cells and preserves the structural integrity of the nucleus by regulating nuclear volume. Disruption of this large-scale chromatin in proliferating cancerous cells in conventional chemotherapies induces DNA damage and provides a positive feedback loop for chromatin rearrangements and tumor diversification. Consequently, the surviving cells from these chemotherapies become tolerant to higher doses of the therapeutic reagents, which are significantly toxic to normal cells. Furthermore, the disorganization of chromatin induced by these therapies accentuates nuclear fragility, thereby increasing the invasive potential of these tumors. Therefore, we believe that understanding the changes in chromatin organization in cancerous cells is expected to deliver more effective pharmacological interventions with minimal effects on non-cancerous cells.
Outcomes of Patients Treated for Hepatoblastoma with Low Alpha-Fetoprotein and/or Small Cell Undifferentiated Histology: A Report from the Children’s Hepatic Tumors International Collaboration (CHIC)
Authors: Trobaugh-Lotrario Angela D. , Maibach Rudolf , Aronson Daniel C. , Rangaswami Arun , Häberle Beate , O’Neill Allison F. , Schmid Irene , Ansari Marc , Hishiki Tomoro , Ranganathan Sarangarajan , Alaggio Rita , de Krijger Ronald R. , Tanaka Yukichi , Cho Soo-Jin , Vokuhl Christian , Maxwell Rebecca , Krailo Mark , Hiyama Eiso , Czauderna Piotr , Finegold Milton , Feusner James H. , Malogolowkin Marcio H. , Meyers Rebecka L. , Lopez-Terrada Dolores
Published: January 2023

Small cell undifferentiated (SCU) histology and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels below 100 ng/mL have been reported as poor prognostic factors in hepatoblastoma (HB); subsequent studies reported SMARCB1 mutations in some SCU HBs confirming the diagnosis of rhabdoid tumor. The Children’s Hepatic tumors International Collaboration (CHIC) database was queried for patients with HB who had AFP levels less than 100 ng/mL at diagnosis or were historically diagnosed as SCU HBs. Seventy-three of 1605 patients in the CHIC database were originally identified as SCU HB, HB with SCU component, or HB with low AFP levels. Upon retrospective review, they were re-classified as rhabdoid tumors (n = 11), HB with SCU component (n = 41), and HB with low AFP (n = 14). Seven were excluded for erroneously low AFP levels. Overall survival was 0% for patients with rhabdoid tumors, 76% for patients with HB with SCU component, and 64% for patients with HB with AFP less than 100 ng/mL. Patients with HB with SCU component or low AFP should be assessed for SMARCB1 mutations and, if confirmed, treated as rhabdoid tumors. When rhabdoid tumors are excluded, the presence of SCU component and low AFP at diagnosis were not associated with poor prognosis in patients diagnosed with HB.
Role of Exosomes and Their Potential as Biomarkers in Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kim Binnari , Kim Kyoung-Mee
Published: January 2023

Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles ranging from 30 to 150 nm and comprising many cellular components, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites, encapsulated in a lipid bilayer. Exosomes are secreted by many cell types and play important roles in intercellular communication in cancer. Viruses can hijack the exosomal pathway to regulate viral propagation, cellular immunity, and the microenvironment. Cells infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), one of the most common oncogenic viruses, have also been found to actively secrete exosomes, and studies on their roles in EBV-related malignancies are ongoing. In this review, we focus on the role of exosomes in EBV-associated gastric cancer and their clinical applicability in diagnosis and treatment.
Comprehensive Analysis of PPMs in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Indicates the Value of PPM1K in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Zhuang Yanyan , Lan Sihua , Zhong Wa , Huang Fengting , Peng Juanfei , Zhang Shineng
Published: January 2023

Early metastasis and resistance to traditional therapy are responsible for the poor prognosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients. Metal-dependent protein phosphatases (PPMs) have been proven to play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of various tumors. Nevertheless, the expression and function of distinct PPMs in pancreatic adenocarcinoma have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the mRNA expression level, prognostic value, and the relationship between the expression of PPMs and the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic adenocarcinoma using Oncomine, TCGA and GTEx, GEO, Kaplan–Meier plotter, STRING, GeneMANIA, and HPA databases and R packages. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that PPMs and their differential co-expression genes are attributed to cell–cell adhesion and immune cell infiltration. Among these, PPM1K was downregulated in the tissue and peripheral blood of PAAD patients, whose expression level was negatively related to poor prognosis. Further to this, PPM1K was found to play a role in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and immune infiltration. ROC curves showed that PPM1K had a good predictive value for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The knockdown of PPM1K markedly promoted the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells, confirming its role in tumor suppressor activity in PAAD. This study demonstrates the potential clinical utility of PPM1K in tumor immunotherapy and brings about novel insights into the prognostic value of PPM1K in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Perspectives of the Application of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Cancer Therapy: Attempts to Overcome Their Unfavorable Side Effects
Authors: Thiruchenthooran Vaikunthavasan , Sánchez-López Elena , Gliszczyńska Anna
Published: January 2023

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) express anti-tumoral activity mainly by blocking cyclooxygenase-2 involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Therefore, in the last few decades, many have attempted to explore the possibilities of applying this group of drugs as effective agents for the inhibition of neoplastic processes. This review summarizes the evidence presented in the literature regarding the anti-tumoral actions of NSAIDs used as monotherapies as well as in combination with conventional chemotherapeutics and natural products. In several clinical trials, it was proven that combinations of NSAIDs and chemotherapeutic drugs (CTDs) were able to obtain suitable results. The combination with phospholipids may resolve the adverse effects of NSAIDs and deliver derivatives with increased antitumor activity, whereas hybrids with terpenoids exhibit superior activity against their parent drugs or physical mixtures. Therefore, the application of NSAIDs in cancer therapy seems to be still an open chapter and requires deep and careful evaluation. The literature’s data indicate the possibilities of re-purposing anti-inflammatory drugs currently approved for cancer treatments.
Changing Patterns in Cancer Mortality from 1987 to 2020 in China
Authors: Su Binbin , Zhong Panliang , Xuan Yundong , Xie Junqing , Wu Yu , Chen Chen , Zhao Yihao , Shen Xinran , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: January 2023

Background: China has the highest number of new cancer cases and deaths worldwide, posing huge health and economic burdens to society and affected families. This study comprehensively analyzed secular trends of national cancer mortality statistics to inform future prevention and intervention programs in China. Methods: The annual estimate of overall cancer mortality and its major subtypes were derived from the National Health Commission (NHC). Joinpoint analysis was used to detect changes in trends, and we used age-period-cohort modeling to estimate cohort and period effects in Cancers between 1987 and 2020. Net drift (overall annual percentage change), local drift (annual percentage change in each age group), longitudinal age curves (expected longitudinal age-specific rate), and period (cohort) relative risks were calculated. Results: The age-standardized cancer mortality in urban China has shown a steady downward trend but has not decreased significantly in rural areas. Almost all cancer deaths in urban areas have shown a downward trend, except for colorectal cancer in men. Decreasing mortality from cancers in rural of the stomach, esophagus, liver, leukemia, and nasopharynx was observed, while lung, colorectal cancer female breast, and cervical cancer mortality increased. Birth cohort risks peaked in the cohorts born around 1920–1930 and tended to decline in successive cohorts for most cancers except for leukemia, lung cancer in rural, and breast and cervical cancer in females, whose relative risks were rising in the very recent cohorts. In addition, mortality rates for almost all types of cancer in older Chinese show an upward trend. Conclusions: Although the age-standardized overall cancer mortality rate has declined, and the urban-rural gap narrowed, the absolute cancer cases kept increasing due to the growing elderly population in China. The rising mortality related to lung, colorectal, female breast, and cervical cancer should receive higher priority in managing cancer burden and calls for targeted public health actions to reverse the trend.
A Review on Heteroanionic-Based Materials for Photocatalysis Applications
Authors: Subramanian Yathavan , Dhanasekaran Anitha , Omeiza Lukman Ahmed , Somalu Mahendra Rao , Azad Abul K.
Published: January 2023

In the last few decades, photocatalysis has been found to be a practical, environmentally friendly approach for degrading various pollutants into non-toxic products (e.g., H2O and CO2) and generating fuels from water using solar light. Mainly, traditional photocatalysts (such as metal oxides, sulfides, and nitrides) have shown a promising role in various photocatalysis reactions. However, it faces many bottlenecks, such as a wider band gap, low light absorption nature, photo-corrosion issues, and quick recombination rates. Due to these, a big question arises of whether these traditional photocatalysts can meet increasing energy demand and degrade emerging pollutants in the future. Currently, researchers view heteroanionic materials as a feasible alternative to conventional photocatalysts for future energy generation and water purification techniques due to their superior light absorption capacity, narrower band gap, and improved photo-corrosion resistance. Therefore, this article summarizes the recent developments in heteroanionic materials, their classifications based on anionic presence, their synthesis techniques, and their role in photocatalysis. In the end, we present a few recommendations for improving the photocatalytic performance of future heteroanionic materials.
Design of BiOCl/WO3@Polyaniline Organic–Inorganic Nanocomposite Photocatalyst for the Efficient Decontamination of 2-Chlorophenol from Wastewater
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Taleb Md. Abu , Barakat Mohamed A. , Al-Mur Bandar
Published: January 2023

Advanced photocatalysts that can utilize solar energy for water purification applications are always needed. The present article reports a facile fabrication of tungsten oxide (WO3)/bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) immobilized on polyaniline (PAn) (BiOCl/WO3@PAn) heterojunction nanocomposite photocatalyst. The designed nanocatalyst was tested for 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) decontamination from the aquatic system. Synthesized WO3, BiOCl, and BiOCl/WO3@PAn nanocomposites were distinguished via UV-DSR, photoluminescence, SEM, TEM, XRD, and XPS analysis. The combination of PAn with WO3 and BiOCl showed a synergistic impact on the photocatalytic efficiency of the BiOCl/WO3@PAn nanocomposite. The synthesized BiOCl/WO3@PAn nanocomposite showed higher visible light absorption behavior and bandgap energy reduction than the WO3 and BiOCl. The obtained data shows that 2-CP photocatalysis by the BiOCl/WO3@PAn is controlled by degradation time, pH, and pollutant amount in the solution. The highest photocatalytic degradation of 2-CP (99.7%) was recorded at pH 5 and 25 mg/L concentration within 240 min. The photocatalysis mechanism and active radical scavenging study discovered that •O2− and •OH, were responsible for the 2-CP mineralization onto the BiOCl/WO3@PAn nanocomposite. The BiOCl/WO3@PAn nanocomposite showed enhanced decontamination properties over pristine catalysts. The reusability of the synthesized BiOCl/WO3@PAn nanocomposite was evaluated. It found that the photocatalyst could be recycled for up to four cycles for 2-CP degradation without significantly losing the photocatalytic properties. The fabricated BiOCl/WO3@PAn nanocomposite catalyst presented exceptional catalytic and recycling properties, indicating an effective method for scavenging hazardous organic contaminants under solar irradiation and green technology for wastewater purification.
Nanotopography and Microconfinement Impact on Primary Hippocampal Astrocyte Morphology, Cytoskeleton and Spontaneous Calcium Wave Signalling
Authors: Previdi Anita , Borghi Francesca , Profumo Filippo , Schulte Carsten , Piazzoni Claudio , Lamanna Jacopo , Racchetti Gabriella , Malgaroli Antonio , Milani Paolo
Published: January 2023

Astrocytes’ organisation affects the functioning and the fine morphology of the brain, both in physiological and pathological contexts. Although many aspects of their role have been characterised, their complex functions remain, to a certain extent, unclear with respect to their contribution to brain cell communication. Here, we studied the effects of nanotopography and microconfinement on primary hippocampal rat astrocytes. For this purpose, we fabricated nanostructured zirconia surfaces as homogenous substrates and as micrometric patterns, the latter produced by a combination of an additive nanofabrication and micropatterning technique. These engineered substrates reproduce both nanotopographical features and microscale geometries that astrocytes encounter in their natural environment, such as basement membrane topography, as well as blood vessels and axonal fibre topology. The impact of restrictive adhesion manifests in the modulation of several cellular properties of single cells (morphological and actin cytoskeletal changes) and the network organisation and functioning. Calcium wave signalling was observed only in astrocytes grown in confined geometries, with an activity enhancement in cells forming elongated agglomerates with dimensions typical of blood vessels or axon fibres. Our results suggest that calcium oscillation and wave propagation are closely related to astrocytic morphology and actin cytoskeleton organisation.
Dexamethasone and OLT1177 Cooperate in the Reduction of Melanoma Growth by Inhibiting STAT3 Functions
Authors: Dinarello Alberto , Mills Taylor S. , Tengesdal Isak W. , Powers Nicholas E. , Azam Tania , Dinarello Charles A.
Published: January 2023

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multimolecular complex that processes inactive IL-1β and IL-18 into proinflammatory cytokines. OLT1177 is an orally active small compound that specifically inhibits NLRP3. Here, B16F10 melanoma were implanted in mice and treated with OLT1177 as well as combined with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone. At sacrifice, OLT1177 treated mice had significantly smaller tumors compared to tumor-bearing mice treated with vehicle. However, the combined treatment of OLT1177 plus dexamethasone revealed a greater suppression of tumor growth. This reduction was accompanied by a downregulation of nuclear and mitochondrial STAT3-dependent gene transcription and by a significant reduction of STAT3 Y705 and S727 phosphorylations in the tumors. In vitro, the human melanoma cell line 1205Lu, stimulated with IL-1α, exhibited significantly lower levels of STAT3 Y705 phosphorylation by the combination treatment, thus affecting the nuclear functions of STAT3. In the same cells, STAT3 serine 727 phosphorylation was also lower, affecting the mitochondrial functions of STAT3. In addition, metabolic analyses revealed a marked reduction of ATP production rate and glycolytic reserve in cells treated with the combination of OLT1177 plus dexamethasone. These findings demonstrate that the combination of OLT1177 and dexamethasone reduces tumor growth by targeting nuclear as well as mitochondrial functions of STAT3.
The Histone H3K27 Demethylase REF6 Is a Positive Regulator of Light-Initiated Seed Germination in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Yahan , Gu Dachuan , Deng Ling , He Chunmei , Zheng Feng , Liu Xuncheng
Published: January 2023

Seed germination is the first step in initiating a new life cycle in seed plants. Light is a major environmental factor affecting seed germination. Phytochrome B (phyB) is the primary photoreceptor promoting germination during the initial phase of imbibition. Post-translational histone methylation occurring at both lysine and arginine residues plays a crucial role in transcriptional regulation in plants. However, the role of histone lysine demethylation in light-initiated seed germination is not yet reported. Here, we identified that Relative of Early Flowering 6 (REF6)/Jumonji Domain-containing Protein 12 (JMJ12), a histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) demethylase, acts as a positive regulator of light-initiated seed germination. The loss of function of REF6 in Arabidopsis inhibits phyB-dependent seed germination. Genome-wide RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that REF6 regulates about half of the light-responsive transcriptome in imbibed seeds, including genes related to multiple hormonal signaling pathways and cellular processes. Phenotypic analyses indicated that REF6 not only regulates seed germination through GA (gibberellin) and ABA (abscisic acid) processes but also depends on the auxin signaling pathway. Furthermore, REF6 directly binds to and decreases the histone H3K27me3 levels of auxin-signaling- and cell-wall-loosening-related genes, leading to the activated expression of these genes in imbibed seeds. Taken together, our study identifies REF6 as the first histone lysine demethylase required for light-initiated seed germination. Our work also reveals the important role of REF6-mediated histone H3K27 demethylation in transcriptional reprogramming in the light-initiated seed germination process.
Characterization of T Follicular Helper Cells and T Follicular Regulatory Cells in HIV-Infected and Sero-Negative Individuals
Authors: Salvatore Bradley , Resop Rachel , Gordon Brent , Epeldegui Marta , Martinez-Maza Otoniel , Comin-Anduix Begoña , Lam Alex , Wu Ting-Ting , Uittenbogaart Christel
Published: January 2023

Humoral immune response is important in fighting pathogens by the production of specific antibodies by B cells. In germinal centers, T follicular helper (TFH) cells provide important help to B-cell antibody production but also contribute to HIV persistence. T follicular regulatory (TFR) cells, which inhibit the function of TFH cells, express similar surface markers. Since FOXP3 is the only marker that distinguishes TFR from TFH cells it is unknown whether the increase in TFH cells observed in HIV infection and HIV persistence may be partly due to an increase in TFR cells. Using multicolor flow cytometry to detect TFH and TFR cells in cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HIV-infected and non-infected participants in the UCLA Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS), we identified CD3+CXCR5+CD4+CD8−BCL6+ peripheral blood TFH (pTFH) cells and CD3+CXCR5+CD4+CD8−FOXP3+ peripheral blood TFR (pTFR) cells. Unlike TFR cells in germinal centers, pTFR cells do not express B cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6), a TFH cell master transcriptional regulator. Our major findings are that the frequency of pTFH cells, but not pTFR cells was higher in HIV-infected participants of the MACS and that pTFH cells expressed less CCR5 in HIV-infected MACS participants. Constitutive expression of CCR5 in TFR cells supports their potential to contribute to HIV persistence.
Effects of Addition of CuxO to Porous SnO2 Microspheres Prepared by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis on Sensing Properties to Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Torai Soichiro , Ueda Taro , Kamada Kai , Hyodo Takeo , Shimizu Yasuhiro
Published: January 2023

Porous (pr-)SnO2-based powders were synthesized by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis employing home-made polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres (typical particle size: 70 nm in diameter), and effects of the CuxO addition to the pr-SnO2 powder on the acetone and toluene sensing properties were investigated. Well-developed spherical pores reflecting the morphology of the PMMA microsphere templates were formed in the SnO2-based powders, which were quite effective in enhancing the acetone and toluene responses. The 0.8 wt% Cu-added pr-SnO2 sensor showed the largest acetone response at 350 °C among all the sensors. Furthermore, we clarified that the addition of CuxO onto the pr-SnO2 decreased the concentration of carrier electrons and the acetone-oxidation activity, leading to the improvement of the acetone-sensing properties of the pr-SnO2 sensor.