bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Metamaterials in Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: Rong Cancan , Yan Lihui , Li Long , Li Yunhui , Liu Minghai
Published: September 2023

Wireless power transfer (WPT) is a technology that enables energy transmission without physical contact, utilizing magnetic and electric fields as soft media. While WPT has numerous applications, the increasing power transfer distance often results in a decrease in transmission efficiency, as well as the urgent need for addressing safety concerns. Metamaterials offer a promising way for improving efficiency and reducing the flux density in WPT systems. This paper provides an overview of the current status and technical challenges of metamaterial-based WPT systems. The basic principles of magnetic coupling resonant wireless power transfer (MCR-WPT) are presented, followed by a detailed description of the metamaterial design theory and its application in WPT. The paper then reviews the metamaterial-based wireless energy transmission system from three perspectives: transmission efficiency, misalignment tolerance, and electromagnetic shielding. Finally, the paper summarizes the development trends and technical challenges of metamaterial-based WPT systems.
In Vitro Characterization of an Anodized Surface of a Dental Implant Collar and Dental Abutment on Peri-Implant Cellular Response
Authors: Traver-Méndez Valeria , Camps-Font Octavi , Ventura Francesc , Nicolau-Sansó Miquel Angel , Subirà-Pifarré Carles , Figueiredo Rui , Valmaseda-Castellón Eduard
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this paper was to determine the effect of anodization on the in vitro proliferation and adhesion of immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCats) and mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in Titanium Grade 23 (Ti6Al4V ELI) discs and to describe the surface topography, roughness, and composition of dental implants (body and collar) and abutments submitted to an area-specific anodization process. HaCat cells and BM-MSCs were seeded onto discs with three different surface treatments: machined, area-specific anodization for abutments, and area-specific anodization for implant collars. Cell proliferation was assessed using a resazurin-based fluorescent dye on days 1, 3, and 7, while cell adhesion was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Surface topography, roughness, and composition were evaluated for six implant bodies with an anodized rough surface, six anodized implant smooth collars, and six anodized prosthetic abutments. Both HaCats and BM-MSCs showed increased viability over time (p < 0.001) with no statistically significant differences among the different surfaces (p = 0.447 HaCats and p = 0.631 BM-MSCs). SEM analysis revealed an enhanced presence and adhesion of HaCat cells on the anodized surface for the implant collars and an increased adhesion of BM-MSCs on both the anodized and machined surface abutments. The topography characteristics of the treated implants and abutments varied depending on the specific implant region. Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of oxygen, calcium, phosphorus, and sodium on the anodized surfaces. The area-specific anodization process can be utilized to create variable topography, increase the specific surface area, and introduce oxygen, calcium, phosphorus, and sodium to dental implants and abutments. While BM-MSCs and HaCat cells showed similar adhesion and proliferation on anodized and machined surfaces, a positive interaction between anodized Ti6Al4V ELI surfaces and these two cell lines present in the peri-implant mucosa was observed. Due to the limitations of the present study, further research is necessary to confirm these findings.
Control of Coherent Light through Microperiodic Director Modulation in Nematic Films under Low-Voltage DC Electric Field
Authors: Hadjichristov Georgi B.
Published: September 2023

This work addresses the achievement of efficient control of laser light transmission through stationary microperiodic parallel stripe textures formed in films of nematic liquid crystals (NLCs) in planar-oriented cells upon a direct-current (DC) electric field. By varying the field intensity and, thereby, the field-induced periodic modulation of the nematic director and hence the complex transmittance function corresponding to the longitudinal domain texture induced in NLC films with initial planar alignment, the intensity of a linearly polarized laser beam passed through the films can be well controlled. In 25 µm-thick films of room-temperature NLCs pentylcyanobiphenyl (5CB), this results in a low-voltage (~4 V) sharp and deep V-shaped behavior of their electro-optically controlled transmittance. Such a reversible electro-optical effect is interesting for active control of laser beam intensity and other applications. The relevant physical mechanism is analyzed and explained.
Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes with Various Structures for Wound Dressing
Authors: Yang Jiahao , Xu Lan
Published: September 2023

Electrospun nanofiber membranes (NFMs) have high porosity and a large specific surface area, which provide a suitable environment for the complex and dynamic wound healing process and a large number of sites for carrying wound healing factors. Further, the design of the nanofiber structure can imitate the structure of the human dermis, similar to the natural extracellular matrix, which better promotes the hemostasis, anti-inflammatory and healing of wounds. Therefore, it has been widely studied in the field of wound dressing. This review article overviews the development of electrospinning technology and the application of electrospun nanofibers in wound dressings. It begins with an introduction to the history, working principles, and transformation of electrospinning, with a focus on the selection of electrospun nanofiber materials, incorporation of functional therapeutic factors, and structural design of nanofibers and nanofiber membranes. Moreover, the wide application of electrospun NFMs containing therapeutic factors in wound healing is classified based on their special functions, such as hemostasis, antibacterial and cell proliferation promotion. This article also highlights the structural design of electrospun nanofibers in wound dressing, including porous structures, bead structures, core-shell structures, ordered structures, and multilayer nanofiber membrane structures. Finally, their advantages and limitations are discussed, and the challenges faced in their application for wound dressings are analyzed to promote further research in this field.
Mechanical Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Permeable Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Xu Lina , Liu Qilong , Ding Xu , Sun Shuang , Huang Zhanfang
Published: September 2023

In this paper, permeable geopolymer concrete with high compressive strength and permeability is prepared using alkali-activated metakaolin as a slurry, and its mechanical properties are reinforced by adding steel fibers. The influencing factors of the strength, porosity and permeability coefficient of the fiber-reinforced permeable geopolymer concrete, as well as its microstructure and curing mechanism, are determined by conducting an unconfined compressive strength test, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The test results show that, under the water permeability required to meet the specification conditions, when the alkali activator modulus is 1.4 and the activation-to-solid ratio is 0.9, the effect of metakaolin activation is the most obvious, and the unconfined compressive strength of the permeable geopolymer concrete is the highest. Moreover, the paste formed via the alkali activation of metakaolin contains a large number of silica–oxygen and aluminum–oxygen bonds with a dense and crack-free structure, which enables the paste to tightly combine with the aggregates; the strength of the permeable geopolymer concrete is early strength, and its strength at a curing age of 3 days is the highest. The strength at a curing age of 3 days can reach 43.62% of the 28-day strength; the admixture of steel fiber can effectively improve the strength of the permeable concrete, and with an increase in the amount of admixture, the strength of the fiber shows a trend of increasing, and then decreasing. Under the conditions of this test, a volume of steel fiber of 0.3% enables the optimum unconfined compressive strength to be reached.
Application of UAVs and Image Processing for Riverbank Inspection
Authors: Chiang Chang-Hsun , Juang Jih-Gau
Published: September 2023

Many rivers are polluted by trash and garbage that can affect the environment. Riverbank inspection usually relies on workers of the environmental protection office, but sometimes the places are unreachable. This study applies unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to perform the inspection task, which can significantly relieve labor work. Two UAVs are used to cover a wide area of riverside and capture riverbank images. The images from different UAVs are stitched using the scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) algorithm. Static and dynamic image stitching are tested. Different you only look once (YOLO) algorithms are applied to identify riverbank garbage. Modified YOLO algorithms improve the accuracy of riverine waste identification, while the SIFT algorithm stitches the images obtained from the UAV cameras. Then, the stitching results and garbage data are sent to a video streaming server, allowing government officials to check waste information from the real-time multi-camera stitching images. The UAVs utilize 4G communication to transmit the video stream to the server. The transmission distance is long enough for this study, and the reliability is excellent in the test fields that are covered by the 4G communication network. In the automatic reconnection mechanism, we set the timeout to 1.8 s. The UAVs will automatically reconnect to the video streaming server if the disconnection time exceeds the timeout. Based on the energy provided by the onboard battery, the UAV can be operated for 20 min in a mission. The UAV inspection distance along a preplanned path is about 1 km at a speed of 1 m/s. The proposed UAV system can replace inspection labor, successfully identify riverside garbage, and transmit the related information and location on the map to the ground control center in real time.
Enhancing Conversion Efficiency of Direct Ink Write Printed Copper (I) Sulfide Thermoelectrics via Sulfur Infusion Process
Authors: Gustinvil Raden , Wright William Jordan , Di Benedetto Giuseppe L. , Skelton Donald , Stuart Samuel , Drazin John W. , Celik Emrah
Published: September 2023

Copper (I) sulfide (Cu2S) is a low-cost, earth-abundant, and non-toxic thermoelectric material for applications in the middle–high temperature range (>650 K). Although 3D printing these materials can simplify their manufacturing, elevated temperatures observed during sintering impair their crystal structure and energy conversion efficiency. In this study, we demonstrated a novel post-processing methodology to revert the thermoelectric properties of the 3D printed Cu2-xS materials back to the unimpaired state via sulfur infusion. After printing and sintering, sulfur was infused into the specimens under vacuum to optimize their crystal structure and achieve high thermoelectric efficiency. Chemical analysis and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) tests showed that after the sulfur infusion process, the Cu/S ratio was reverted close to the stoichiometric level. The 3D printed Cu2-xS showed p-type thermoelectric behavior with electrical conductivity peaking at 143 S-cm−1 at 750 K and Seebeck coefficient of 175 µV-K−1 at 627 K. The figure of merit (ZT) value of 1.0 at 780 K was achieved, which is the highest value ever reported for a 3D printed Cu2-xS thermoelectrics at this temperature. The fabrication of environmentally friendly thermoelectric materials with extended dimensional freedom and conversion efficiency has the potential to impact the thermoelectric industry with new energy conversion applications and lowered manufacturing costs.
Automatic Creation of 3D Documentation in CAD/BIM Based on Topology
Authors: Bartoněk Dalibor
Published: September 2023

This paper deals with reverse engineering, namely the as-built documentation of actual construction. The input is data measured in the field using geodetic methods. In addition to modern methods of surveying 3D objects, such as laser scanning, it is still necessary to use classic surveying using a total station. The bottleneck of the process is the creation of documentation of the construction, which is still created manually in the appropriate CAD/BIM software. The goal of this research was to find a method that would reduce the amount of manual work when drawing documentation in CAD/BIM to a minimum. The core of the solution is the use of a topology that interconnects the points measured in-field. The entire procedure has two parts: (1) creating a topological drawing template in a suitable CAD/GIS software (digital sketch) and (2) adding geometry to this sketch and creating a drawing using topological codes. This method was verified in practice by applying it to several specific buildings in the Czech Republic. The practical application of the method demonstrated 30% time savings and a reduction in work and error rate in the entire process.
The Effectiveness of Lifestyle Changes in Glycemic Control among Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Le Duc Cuong , Vu Thanh Binh , Tran Thi Nuong , Nguyen Thi Ly , Nguyen Thanh Binh , Nguyen Duy Cuong , Hoang Van Thuan
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and affects approximately 10% of pregnant women worldwide. Understanding the impact of lifestyle changes on glycemic control in GDM is important for improving maternal and fetal outcomes and reducing the risk of diabetes in both the mother and child. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness as well as the factors affecting glycemic control by lifestyle changes in pregnant women with GDM. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at three hospitals in the Thai Binh Province from June 2021 to May 2022. All pregnant women at 24–28 weeks of gestation, aged 18 years or older, were enrolled. GDM was diagnosed according to the guidelines of the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups. Lifestyle changes including diet and physical exercise were carried out for two weeks. The main outcome measured was successful glycemic control according to the 2018 ADA Recommendations for the Management and Treatment of GDM. Results: 1035 women were included and 20.2% diagnosed with GDM. After two weeks of lifestyle change intervention, 82.6% of the pregnant women with GDM had successful glycemic control. Pregnant women aged under 35 years had a 3.2 times higher rate of gestational glycemic control than those older than 35 (aOR = 3.22, p-value = 0.004). Women with a pre-pregnancy BMI of less than 25 had a higher rate of gestational glycemic control than those with a BMI of over 25 (aOR = 10.84, p-value < 0.001). Compared to women who had all three diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes, those with two diagnostic criteria and one criterion were 3.8 times and 3 times more likely to have successful blood sugar control (aOR = 3.78, p-value = 0.01 and aOR = 3.03, p-value = 0.03, respectively). Conclusion: Lifestyle changes can be an effective measure for achieving glycemic control in women with GDM. Healthcare providers should consider individualized treatment plans based on the specific needs of each patient.
The Effect of Air Exposure on the Hydrogenation Properties of 2Mg-Fe Composite after Mechanical Alloying and Accumulative Roll Bonding (ARB)
Authors: Lima-Andreani Gisele F. de , Fazan Leonardo H. , Baptistella Erika B. , Oliveira Bruno D. , Cardoso Katia R. , Travessa Dilermando N. , Neves Andre M. , Jorge Alberto M.
Published: September 2023

In this study, we successfully obtained a 2Mg-Fe mixture through mechanical alloying (MA) and processed it via accumulative roll bonding (ARB) (MA+ARB). Our primary focus was to analyze the impact of ambient air exposure while also evaluating the processing route. Some powder samples were exposed to air for 12 months (stored in a glass desiccator with an average yearly temperature and relative humidity of ~27 °C and 50.5%) before undergoing ARB processing. The Mg samples obtained after ARB processing exhibited a (002)-type texture. Our results demonstrate that all samples, including those processed via ARB, could rapidly absorb hydrogen within a matter of minutes despite considerable differences in surface area between powders and rolled samples. Grain size reduction by MA and ARB processing and texturing may have influenced this behavior. ARB-processed samples reached approximately 60% (~1.8 wt.%) of their maximum acquired capacity within just 24 min compared to powders (~2.2 wt.%) stored for a year, which took 36 min. In addition, the desorption temperatures (~300 °C) were lower than those of MgH2 (~434 °C). The absorption and desorption kinetics remained fast, even after prolonged exposure to air. Although there were minor variations in capacities, our overall findings are promising since scalable techniques such as ARB have the potential to produce hydrogen storage materials that are both safe and cost-effective in a highly competitive market.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens: Harnessing Its Potential for Industrial, Medical, and Agricultural Applications—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Zalila-Kolsi Imen , Ben-Mahmoud Afif , Al-Barazie Ray
Published: September 2023

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, a Gram-positive bacterium, has emerged as a versatile microorganism with significant applications in various fields, including industry, medicine, and agriculture. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the characteristics, genetic tools, and metabolic capabilities of B. amyloliquefaciens, while highlighting its potential as a chassis cell for synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and protein expression. We discuss the bacterium’s role in the production of chemicals, enzymes, and other industrial bioproducts, as well as its applications in medicine, such as combating infectious diseases and promoting gut health. In agriculture, B. amyloliquefaciens has demonstrated potential as a biofertilizer, biocontrol agent, and stress tolerance enhancer for various crops. Despite its numerous promising applications, B. amyloliquefaciens remains less studied than its Gram-negative counterpart, Escherichia coli. This review emphasizes the need for further research and development of advanced engineering techniques and genetic editing technologies tailored for B. amyloliquefaciens, ultimately unlocking its full potential in scientific and industrial contexts.
Transcriptomic Analysis of the Response of the Toxic Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum lima to Phosphorous Limitation
Authors: Wan Xiukun , Yao Ge , Wang Kang , Liu Yanli , Wang Fuli , Jiang Hui
Published: September 2023

Some dinoflagellates cause harmful algal blooms, releasing toxic secondary metabolites, to the detriment of marine ecosystems and human health. Phosphorus (P) is a limiting macronutrient for dinoflagellate growth in the ocean. Previous studies have been focused on the physiological response of dinoflagellates to ambient P changes. However, the whole-genome’s molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, RNA-Seq was utilized to compare the global gene expression patterns of a marine diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxin-producing dinoflagellate, Prorocentrum lima, grown in inorganic P-replete and P-deficient conditions. A total of 148 unigenes were significantly up-regulated, and 30 unigenes were down-regulated under 1/4 P-limited conditions, while 2708 unigenes were significantly up-regulated, and 284 unigenes were down-regulated under 1/16 P-limited conditions. KEGG enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes shows that genes related to ribosomal proteins, glycolysis, fatty acid biosynthesis, phagosome formation, and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis are found to be up-regulated, while most of the genes related to photosynthesis are down-regulated. Further analysis shows that genes encoding P transporters, organic P utilization, and endocytosis are significantly up-regulated in the P-limited cells, indicating a strong ability of P. lima to utilize dissolved inorganic P as well as intracellular organic P. These transcriptomic data are further corroborated by biochemical and physiological analyses, which reveals that under P deficiency, cellular contents of starch, lipid, and toxin increase, while photosynthetic efficiency declines. Our results indicate that has P. lima evolved diverse strategies to acclimatize to low P environments. The accumulation of carbon sources and DSP toxins could provide protection for P. lima to cope with adverse environmental conditions.
SARS-CoV-2 Induced Herpes Virus Reactivations and Related Implications in Oncohematology: When Lymphocytopenia Sets in and Immunosurveillance Drops Out
Authors: Roncati Luca , Sweidan Elizabeth , Tchawa Cyrielle , Gianotti Greta , Di Massa Gianluca , Siciliano Flavia , Paolini Ambra
Published: September 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome, coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a positive-sense single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus contagious in humans and responsible for the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) [...]
Remote Sensing, Petrological and Geochemical Data for Lithological Mapping in Wadi Kid, Southeast Sinai, Egypt
Authors: Fahmy Wael , El-Desoky Hatem M. , Elyaseer Mahmoud H. , Ayonta Kenne Patrick , Shirazi Aref , Hezarkhani Ardeshir , Shirazy Adel , El-Awny Hamada , Abdel-Rahman Ahmed M. , Khalil Ahmed E. , Eraky Ahmed , Pour Amin Beiranvand
Published: September 2023

The Wadi Samra–Wadi Kid district in southeastern Sinai, Egypt, has undergone extensive investigation involving remote sensing analysis, field geology studies, petrography, and geochemistry. The main aim of this study is the integration between remote sensing applications, fieldwork, and laboratory studies for accurate lithological mapping for future mineral exploration in the study region. The field relationships between these coincident rocks were studied in the study area. Landsat-8 (OLI) data that cover the investigated area were used in this paper. The different rock units in the study area were studied petrographically using a polarizing microscope, in addition to major and trace analysis using ICP-OES tools. The Operational Land Imager (OLI) images were used with several processing methods, such as false color composite (FCC), band ratio (BR), principal component analysis (PCA), and minimum noise fraction (MNF) techniques for detecting the different types of rock units in the Wadi Kid district. This district mainly consists of a volcano-sedimentary sequence as well as diorite, gabbro, granite, and albitite. Geochemically, the metasediments are classified as pelitic graywackes derived from sedimentary origin (i.e., shales). The Al2O3 and CaO contents are medium–high, while the Fe2O3 and TiO2 contents are very low. Alkaline minerals are relatively low–medium in content. All of the metasediment samples are characterized by high MgO contents and low SiO2, Fe2O3, and CaO contents. The granitic rocks appear to have alkaline and subalkaline affinity, while the subalkaline granites are high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonite series. The alkaline rocks are classified as albitite, while the calc-alkaline series samples vary from monzodiorites to granites. The outcomes of this study can be used for prospecting metallic and industrial mineral exploration in the Wadi Kid district.
Fluoride and Aluminium in Tea (Camellia sinensis L.)—Tea Quality Indicators and Risk Factors for Consumers
Authors: Pavlovič Anja , Tavčar Gašper , Ponikvar-Svet Maja
Published: September 2023

In recent years, the quality and sourcing of tea have gained importance in Europe, but information remains scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of fluoride (F–) and total aluminium (Al) species in infusions of commercially available teas in Slovenia, and thus in Europe, and to relate them to tea quality and their impact on consumer safety. F– concentrations were determined using a fluoride-ion-selective electrode and Al concentrations using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. A comparison of the results obtained for four selected tea samples using the calibration curve and a standard addition technique showed good agreement, with no interferences caused by the sample matrix. The concentrations of 35 commercial teas ranged from 0.34 to 4.79 and 0.51 to 8.90 mg/L for F– and Al, respectively. The average concentrations of the two elements followed the same descending order: black filter > green filter > black leaves ≈ green leaves. Single and multivariate statistical methods supported the categorisation of teas by packaging but not by type, with tea in filter bags being more expensive than loose tea. The linear relationship between F– and Al concentrations in infusions (C(Al) = 1.2134 · C(F–)) allows for the determination of one element and estimation of the other, leading to a significant reduction in laboratory effort and cost. This research advances tea assessment by proposing Al concentration alongside F– as a quality indicator and provides the basis for tea-monitoring protocols. Finally, the daily consumption of larger quantities of tea (≈1 L) with elevated F– and Al concentrations could potentially pose a health risk.
A Comparative Analysis of Low or No-Code Authoring Tools for Location-Based Games
Authors: Batsaras Christos , Xinogalos Stelios
Published: September 2023

This article presents a comparative analysis of four low or no-code location-based game (LBG) authoring tools, namely Taleblazer, Aris, Actionbound, and Locatify. Each tool is examined in detail, with an emphasis on the functions and capabilities it provides for the development of LBGs. The article builds on the history and purpose of LBGs, their characteristics, as well as basic concepts and previous applications, placing emphasis both on the technological and pedagogical dimensions of these games. The evaluation of the tools is based on certain criteria, or metrics, recorded in the literature and empirical data collected through the development of prototype games for each tool. The tools are comparatively analyzed in terms of the LBG’s constituent features they incorporate, the fundamental and additional functionality provided to the developer, as well as the existence or absence of features that captivate players in the game experience. Moreover, feedback is provided based on the practical use of the platforms for developing LBGs in order to support prospective developers in making an informed choice of an LBG platform for implementing a specific game. The games were created by taking advantage of as many features of the tools as possible in order to have a more fair and complete evaluation. This study aims to highlight the affordances and limitations of the investigated low or no-code LBG authoring tools, enabling anyone interested in developing an LBG to choose the most appropriate tool taking into account their needs and technological background or designing their own LBG authoring tools.
Ambipolar to Unipolar Conversion in C70/Ferrocene Nanosheet Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Mahdaoui Dorra , Hirata Chika , Nagaoka Kahori , Miyazawa Kun’ichi , Fujii Kazuko , Ando Toshihiro , Abderrabba Manef , Ito Osamu , Yagyu Shinjiro , Liu Yubin , Nakajima Yoshiyuki , Tsukagoshi Kazuhito , Wakahara Takatsugu
Published: September 2023

Organic cocrystals, which are assembled by noncovalent intermolecular interactions, have garnered intense interest due to their remarkable chemicophysical properties and practical applications. One notable feature, namely, the charge transfer (CT) interactions within the cocrystals, not only facilitates the formation of an ordered supramolecular network but also endows them with desirable semiconductor characteristics. Here, we present the intriguing ambipolar CT properties exhibited by nanosheets composed of single cocrystals of C70/ferrocene (C70/Fc). When heated to 150 °C, the initially ambipolar monoclinic C70/Fc nanosheet-based field-effect transistors (FETs) were transformed into n-type face-centered cubic (fcc) C70 nanosheet-based FETs owing to the elimination of Fc. This thermally induced alteration in the crystal structure was accompanied by an irreversible switching of the semiconducting behavior of the device; thus, the device transitions from ambipolar to unipolar. Importantly, the C70/Fc nanosheet-based FETs were also found to be much more thermally stable than the previously reported C60/Fc nanosheet-based FETs. Furthermore, we conducted visible/near-infrared diffuse reflectance and photoemission yield spectroscopies to investigate the crucial role played by Fc in modulating the CT characteristics. This study provides valuable insights into the overall functionality of these nanosheet structures.
Maternal Obesity and Kawasaki Disease-like Vasculitis: A New Perspective on Cardiovascular Injury and Inflammatory Response in Offspring Male Mice
Authors: Zheng Yuanzheng , Wang Wenji , Huo Yu , Gui Yonghao
Published: September 2023

Maternal obesity affects the risk of cardiovascular disease and inflammatory response in offspring. However, the impact of maternal obesity on offspring with Kawasaki disease (KD), the leading cause of childhood acquired heart disease, is still an understudied area. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of maternal obesity on offspring in KD-like vasculitis and the underlying mechanisms. Offspring of obese female mice and normal diet dams were randomly divided into two subgroups. The pups were injected intraperitoneally with either Candida albicans water-soluble fraction (CAWS) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) to establish the obesity (OB)-CAWS group, OB group, wild type (WT)-CAWS group, and WT group. Their weight was monitored during the study. After four weeks, echocardiography was applied to obtain the alternation of cardiac structures. Mouse cytokine panel, Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining, western blot, and real-time qPCR were used to study the pathological changes and protein and RNA expression alternations. Based on the study of pathology, serology and molecular biology, maternal obesity lead to more severe vasculitis and induced altered cardiac structure in the offspring mice and promoted the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines through activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Maternal obesity aggravated the inflammatory response of offspring mice in KD-like vasculitis.
Worldwide Overview of Neospora spp. Infection in Equids Diagnosed by Serological Tests: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Costa Paulo Wbiratan Lopes , Alvares Felipe Boniedj Ventura , Araújo Hosaneide Gomes , Limeira Clécio Henrique , Braga Fabio Ribeiro , Feitosa Thais Ferreira , Vilela Vinícius Longo Ribeiro
Published: September 2023

Equids can be infected by Neospora spp., and its infection is associated with neurological and reproductive disorders. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in horses, donkeys and mules worldwide between 2012 and 2022. Five scientific databases were consulted: MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, PubMed, LILACS and SciELO, using the descriptors “protozoan” or “neospora” AND “horses” or “donkeys” or “mules”. A total of 1909 studies were screened, and 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of Neospora spp. infection in equids, based on a total of 11,076, was 8.34% (95% CI: 4.78–14.17%). Further analysis by species revealed no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of Neospora spp. infection across equids: 8.5% (95% CI 5.03–13.99%) in horses, 7.36% (CI 2.08–22.94%) in donkeys and 6.07% (95% CI 0.71–36.83%) in mules. Regarding diagnostic tests, the prevalence of Neospora spp. infection determined by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was 8.08% (95% CI: 3.74–16.61%), by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was 7.91% (95% CI: 3.71–16.08%), and by the modified agglutination test (MAT) was 20% (95% CI: 15.37–25.60%). This meta-analysis provided valuable and comprehensive insights into the prevalence of Neospora spp. infection in horses, donkeys, and mules using serological detection methods. The results highlight the wide distribution of Neospora spp. infection in equids across all continents, indicating the importance of this infection. Transmission of the parasite can occur both horizontally (directly between animals) and vertically (from mother to offspring), further emphasizing the significance of understanding and managing this infection in equid populations.
Can sPD-1 and sPD-L1 Plasma Concentrations Predict Treatment Response among Patients with Extraparenchymal Neurocysticercosis?
Authors: Toledo Andrea , Fragoso Gladis , Carrillo-Mezo Roger , Romo Matthew L. , Sciutto Edda , Fleury Agnès
Published: September 2023

Extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis (EP-NC) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening disease that responds poorly to initial anthelmintic drug therapy. A depressed specific reactivity of peripheral lymphocytes and an increased level of specific Tregs accompanies EP-NC. The immune checkpoint pathway PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 downregulates effector T cells, causing specific immune suppression in chronic diseases. This study explored whether their soluble forms, sPD-1/sPD-L1, are present in plasma among patients with EP-NC and if their levels could be associated with treatment response. A total of 21 patients with vesicular EP-NC and 22 healthy controls were included. Patients received standard treatment and were followed for six months to assess treatment response by assessing changes in cyst volume determined with 3D MRI. The presence of both sPD-1 and sPD-L1 was more frequently detected among patients with EP-NC than in healthy controls and had higher concentrations. Among patients, higher pre-treatment levels of both markers were associated with a poor treatment response, and the sensitivity and specificity of the sPD-1/sPD-L1 ratio for predicting any response to treatment were high. Our results are consistent with the presence of lymphocyte exhaustion and open new research perspectives to improve the prognosis of patients with this severe disease.
Long Non-Coding RNAs as “MYC Facilitators”
Authors: García-Caballero Daniel , Hart Jonathan R. , Vogt Peter K.
Published: September 2023

In this article, we discuss a class of MYC-interacting lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs) that share the following criteria: They are direct transcriptional targets of MYC. Their expression is coordinated with the expression of MYC. They are required for sustained MYC-driven cell proliferation, and they are not essential for cell survival. We refer to these lncRNAs as “MYC facilitators” and discuss two representative members of this class of lncRNAs, SNHG17 (small nuclear RNA host gene) and LNROP (long non-coding regulator of POU2F2). We also present a general hypothesis on the role of lncRNAs in MYC-mediated transcriptional regulation.
Underlying Mechanisms of Bergenia spp. to Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using an Integrated Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Approach
Authors: Hussain Shoukat , Mustafa Ghulam , Ahmed Sibtain , Albeshr Mohammed Fahad
Published: September 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common and fatal cancer reported, representing 72.5% of malignancies around the world. The majority of HCC incidents have been associated with infections caused by hepatitis B and C viruses. Many first- and second-line conventional drugs, e.g., sorafenib, cabozantinib, or ramucirumab, have been used for the management of HCC. Despite different combinational therapies, there are still no defined biomarkers for an early stage diagnosis of HCC. The current study evaluated the potential of Bergenia stracheyi, Bergenia ciliata, Bergenia pacumbis, and Bergenia purpurascens, which belong to the family Saxifragaceae, to treat HCC using an integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking approach. Four active phytochemicals were selected based on oral bioavailability (OB) and drug likeness (DL) parameters. The criteria of phytochemical selection were set to OB > 30% and DL > 0.18. Similarly, the gene targets related to Bergenia spp. and the genes related to HCC were retrieved from different databases. The integration of these genes revealed 98 most common overlapping genes, which were mainly interrelated with HCC pathogenesis. Ultimately, the 98 Bergenia-HCC associated genes were used for protein–protein interaction (PPI), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses. Finally, the topological analysis revealed the top ten hub genes with maximum degree rank. From the top ten genes, STAT3, MAPK3, and SRC were selected due to their involvement in GO annotation and KEGG pathway. To confirm the network pharmacology results, molecular docking analysis was performed to target STAT3, MAPK3, and SRC receptor proteins. The phytochemical (+)-catechin 3-gallate exhibited a maximum binding score and strong residue interactions with the active amino acids of MAPK3-binding pockets (S-score: −10.2 kcal/mol), SRC (S-score: −8.9 kcal/mol), and STAT3 (S-score: −8.9 kcal/mol) as receptor proteins. (+)-Catechin 3-gallate and β-sitosterol induced a significant reduction in cell viability in HepG2 after 24 h of treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The results of this study explore the potential of (+)-catechin 3-gallate and β-sitosterol, which can be used in the future as potential drug candidates to suppress HCC.
Therapeutic Potential of Biochanin A in Herpes Simplex Keratitis
Authors: Zhou Nan , Zheng Deyuan , You Qiao , Chen Taige , Jiang Jiaxuan , Shen Wenhao , Zhang Di , Liu Junpeng , Chen Deyan , Hu Kai
Published: September 2023

Herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) is a blinding eye disease that is initiated by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Resistance to acyclovir (ACV) and the side effects of corticosteroid drugs have become concerning issues, so it is crucial to develop new antivirals for treating HSK. In this study, we report that biochanin A (BCA), a naturally occurring flavonoid compound, provides multifaceted protective effects with anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptotic activities to alleviate HSK. The results show that BCA significantly inhibited HSV-1 replication in vitro and further proved that BCA principally influenced the early stage of virus infection. We reveal that BCA downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory factors triggered by HSV-1, including TNF-α, RANTES, IL-1β and IL-6. Furthermore, BCA treatment alleviated oxidative stress and apoptotic arising from HSV-1 infection. Lastly, we induced HSK in male C57BL/6 mice and treated them with either BCA or phosphate buffer solution (PBS) eye drops. We observed the ocular surface lesions; determined the virus load in the tear fluid, corneas as well as trigeminal ganglions (TGs); and detected the levels of inflammation and apoptosis in the corneas simultaneously. These results show that BCA inhibits HSV-1 and alleviates the corneal lesion degree. Our study illustrates that BCA is a promising therapeutic approach for application in treating HSK.
A Novel Formulation of Asparaginase Encapsulated into Virus-like Particles of Brome Mosaic Virus: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence
Authors: Villanueva-Flores Francisca , Pastor Ana Ruth , Palomares Laura A. , Huerta-Saquero Alejandro
Published: September 2023

The interest in plant-derived virus-like particles (pVLPs) for the design of a new generation of nanocarriers is based on their lack of infection for humans, their immunostimulatory properties to fight cancer cells, and their capability to contain and release cargo molecules. Asparaginase (ASNase) is an FDA-approved drug to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (LLA); however, it exhibits high immunogenicity which often leads to discontinuation of treatment. In previous work, we encapsulated ASNase into bacteriophage P22-based VLPs through genetic-directed design to form the ASNase-P22 nanobioreactors. In this work, a commercial ASNase was encapsulated into brome mosaic virus-like particles (BMV-VLPs) to form stable ASNase-BMV nanobioreactors. According to our results, we observed that ASNase-BMV nanobioreactors had similar cytotoxicity against MOLT-4 and Reh cells as the commercial drug. In vivo assays showed a higher specific anti-ASNase IgG response in BALB/c mice immunized with ASNase encapsulated into BMV-VLPs compared with those immunized with free ASNase. Nevertheless, we also detected a high and specific IgG response against BMV capsids on both ASNase-filled capsids (ASNase-BMV) and empty BMV capsids. Despite the fact that our in vivo studies showed that the BMV-VLPs stimulate the immune response either empty or with cargo proteins, the specific cytotoxicity against leukemic cells allows us to propose ASNase-BMV as a potential novel formulation for LLA treatment where in vitro and in vivo evidence of functionality is provided.
Biomimetic Electrospun Self-Assembling Peptide Scaffolds for Neural Stem Cell Transplantation in Neural Tissue Engineering
Authors: Forouharshad Mahdi , Raspa Andrea , Marchini Amanda , Ciulla Maria Gessica , Magnoni Alice , Gelain Fabrizio
Published: September 2023

Spinal cord regeneration using stem cell transplantation is a promising strategy for regenerative therapy. Stem cells transplanted onto scaffolds that can mimic natural extracellular matrix (ECM) have the potential to significantly improve outcomes. In this study, we strived to develop a cell carrier by culturing neural stem cells (NSCs) onto electrospun 2D and 3D constructs made up of specific crosslinked functionalized self-assembling peptides (SAPs) featuring enhanced biomimetic and biomechanical properties. Morphology, architecture, and secondary structures of electrospun scaffolds in the solid-state and electrospinning solution were studied step by step. Morphological studies showed the benefit of mixed peptides and surfactants as additives to form thinner, uniform, and defect-free fibers. It has been observed that β-sheet conformation as evidence of self-assembling has been predominant throughout the process except for the electrospinning solution. In vitro NSCs seeded on electrospun SAP scaffolds in 2D and 3D conditions displayed desirable proliferation, viability, and differentiation in comparison to the gold standard. In vivo biocompatibility assay confirmed the permissibility of implanted fibrous channels by foreign body reaction. The results of this study demonstrated that fibrous 2D/3D electrospun SAP scaffolds, when shaped as micro-channels, can be suitable to support NSC transplantation for regeneration following spinal cord injury.
Radiopharmaceuticals for Cancer Imaging and Therapy
Authors: Bormans Guy , Cleeren Frederik
Published: September 2023

Nuclear medicine has emerged as a pivotal player in cancer patient care, revolutionizing the way cancer is detected, diagnosed, monitored, and treated [...]
A Species-Specific Anti-Human P2X7 Monoclonal Antibody Reduces Graft-versus-Host Disease in Humanised Mice
Authors: Elhage Amal , Cuthbertson Peter , Sligar Chloe , Watson Debbie , Sluyter Ronald
Published: September 2023

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a T cell-mediated inflammatory disorder that arises from allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and is often fatal. The P2X7 receptor is an extracellular adenosine 5′-triphosphate-gated cation channel expressed on immune cells. Blockade of this receptor with small molecule inhibitors impairs GVHD in a humanised mouse model. A species-specific blocking monoclonal antibody (mAb) (clone L4) for human P2X7 is available, affording the opportunity to determine whether donor (human) P2X7 contributes to the development of GVHD in humanised mice. Using flow cytometric assays of human RPMI 8266 and murine J774 cells, this study confirmed that this mAb bound and impaired human P2X7. Furthermore, this mAb prevented the loss of human regulatory T cells (hTregs) and natural killer (hNK) T cells in vitro. NOD-scid IL2Rγnull mice were injected with 10 × 106 human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (Day 0) and an anti-hP2X7 or control mAb (100 μg i.p. per mouse, Days 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8). The anti-hP2X7 mAb increased hTregs and hNK cells at Day 21. Moreover, anti-hP2X7 mAb-treatment reduced clinical and histological GVHD in the liver and lung compared to the control treatment at disease endpoint. hTregs, hNK, and hNK T cell proportions were increased, and human T helper 17 cell proportions were decreased at endpoint. These studies indicate that blockade of human (donor) P2X7 reduces GVHD development in humanised mice, providing the first direct evidence of a role for donor P2X7 in GVHD.
Comprehensive Assessment of Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Tolerability of Ligelizumab in Healthy Volunteers and Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria to Optimize Its Subcutaneous Delivery System
Authors: Ji Yan , Calonder Claudio , Kirsilä Tiina , Burciu Alis , Tisu Matjaz , Joubert Yolandi , Laurent Nathalie , Hua Eva , Patekar Manmath , Drollmann Anton , Woessner Ralph
Published: September 2023

Ligelizumab is a highly potent, humanized IgG1, anti-IgE monoclonal antibody. To explore its optimal subcutaneous delivery, the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and tolerability of ligelizumab from two Phase 1 studies in healthy volunteers (HVs) and four Phase 2 and 3 studies in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) were assessed. Using different injection volumes or durations of a liquid-in-vial (LIVI) formulation or different formulations (LIVI vs. prefilled syringe (PFS)), single-dose ligelizumab showed comparable PK exposure in HVs. Steady-state exposure of ligelizumab was also comparable between LIVI and PFS following multiple dosing in CSU patients. The total IgE level (a PD marker) and tolerability were similar between the two formulations in both HVs and patients. Furthermore, the PK, total IgE, and tolerability were comparable for PFS administered either by patients or healthcare providers (HCPs). Collective evidence demonstrated that the injection duration or volume, formulation, or administrator had no apparent impact on the PK, PD, and tolerability of ligelizumab, supporting no clinically relevant difference between LIVI and PFS, and that PFS can be administered by patients or HCPs. This report provides a comprehensive assessment based on data of multiple clinical endpoints from both HVs and patients to inform formulation development and commercial use of a monoclonal antibody.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Dehalogenation Performance of RuDoped In2O3 Nanoparticles Induced by Oxygen Vacancy
Authors: Xiang Jingjing , Shang Jinting , Wan Zhen
Published: September 2023

Due to its favorable excited-state physicochemical properties, indium oxide (In2O3) has widely captured attention as a potentially great photocatalyst. However, an inferior charge separation efficiency limits its application. Recently, an increasing amount of evidence has demonstrated that the construction of surface defects is an effective strategy to boost photocatalytic performances. In this work, a ruthenium (Ru) species was successfully introduced into the lattice of In2O3 nanoparticles through co-precipitation and thermal treatment. It was found that the content of surface oxygen vacancies was directly related to the amount of Ru3+ doping, which further determines the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. As a result, the 0.5% Ru-In2O3 samples enriched with oxygen vacancies exhibit dramatically enhanced photocatalytic dehalogenation performances of decabromodiphenyl ether and hexabromobenzene, about four times higher than that of the pure In2O3 nanoparticles. This study emphasized the significance of the surface defects of the photocatalyst and may provide a valuable strategy to prepare highly active photocatalysts for photocatalytic dehalogenation reactions.