bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feed Restriction Improves Lipid Metabolism by Changing the Structure of the Cecal Microbial Community and Enhances the Meat Quality and Flavor of Bearded Chickens
Authors: Ye Jinling , Jiang Shouqun , Cheng Zhonggang , Ding Fayuan , Fan Qiuli , Lin Xiajing , Wang Yibing , Gou Zhongyong
Published: April 2022

Excessive fat deposition in full-fed Bearded chickens does not only reduce carcass yield but also causes consumer rejection of meat. Feed restriction (FR) is an effective method to save on feed cost, reduce carcass fat deposition, and improve meat quality. A total of 560 150-d Bearded chickens were randomly divided into seven groups (each with eight replicates of ten birds) for 40 days. The control group was fed with the basal diet ad libitum (CON), and the other six groups were fed with 90% of the feed intake (90% FI), 80% FI, 70% FI, 90% metabolizable energy (90% ME), 80% ME, and 70% ME of the CON, respectively. Compared to the CON group, FR increased meat yield, but the total weight of the Bearded chickens was slighter; 80% FI and 70% ME improved the relative lipid metabolism indices of chickens, especially the levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol in the plasma and liver (p < 0.05), and decreased calpastatin activity in the breast muscle (p < 0.05). Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing of cecal microbial community indicated that an increase in the abundance of Hydrogenoanaerobacterium and Bacteroides plebeius was observed in the 80% FI group (p < 0.05), and an enrichment in Olsenella, Catabacter, and Lachnospiraceae were observed in the 70% ME group (p < 0.05) compared to the CON group. Moreover, compared to the CON group, the L * value of the breast muscle significantly decreased, and a * value significantly increased in the 80% FI group (p < 0.05). Notably, the concentrations of threonine, lysine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, proline, and arginine and the activity of calpain in breast muscle increased in the 80% FI group more than in the CON group (p < 0.05), while valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, lysine, alanine, tyrosine and proline decreased in ME restriction groups (p < 0.05). Taken together, our results indicated that 80% FI could improve lipid metabolism by changing the structure of the cecal microbial community, and the meat quality and flavor of the Bearded chickens in 80% FI group was improved with a promoted meat color score, flavor substances, and the calproteinase system.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of a Panton–Valentine Leukocidin-Positive ST22 Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Nimat , Nasir Samavi , Ishaq Zaara , Anwer Farha , Raza Tanzeela , Rahman Moazur , Alshammari Abdulrahman , Alharbi Metab , Bae Taeok , Rahman Abdur , Ali Amjad
Published: April 2022

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) ST22 is considered a clinically important clone because an epidemic strain EMRSA-15 belongs to ST22, and several outbreaks of this clone have been documented worldwide. We performed genomic analysis of an S. aureus strain Lr2 ST22 from Pakistan and determined comparative analysis with other ST22 strains. The genomic data show that Lr2 belongs to spa-type t2986 and harbors staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type IVa(2B), one complete plasmid, and seven prophages or prophage-like elements. The strain harbors several prophage-associated virulence factors, including Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST). The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs)-based phylogenetic relationship inferred from whole genome and core genome revealed that strain Lr2 exhibits the nearest identities to a South African community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) ST22 strain and makes a separate clade with an Indian CA-MRSA ST22 strain. Although most ST22 strains carry blaZ, mecA, and mutations in gyrA, the Lr2 strain does not have the blaZ gene but, unlike other ST22 strains, carries the antibiotic resistance genes erm(C) and aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia. Among ST22 strains analyzed, only the strain Lr2 possesses both PVL and TSST genes. The functional annotation of genes unique to Lr2 revealed that mobilome is the third-largest Cluster of Orthologous Genes (COGs) category, which encodes genes associated with prophages and transposons. This possibly makes methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) Lr2 ST22 strain highly virulent, and this study would improve the knowledge of MRSA ST22 strains in Pakistan. However, further studies are needed on a large collection of MRSA to comprehend the genomic epidemiology and evolution of this clone in Pakistan.
Antiviral Used among Non-Severe COVID-19 Cases in Relation to Time till Viral Clearance: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hafez Wael , Saleh Husam , Al Baha Ziad , Tariq Mishal , Hamdan Samah , Ahmed Shougyat
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: The WHO identified COVID-19 as a fast-growing epidemic worldwide. A few antivirals have shown promising effectiveness in treating COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the correlation between antiviral drugs and the time until viral clearance of SARS-CoV-2. (2) Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study that included 1731 non-severe COVID-19 patients treated in NMC Royal Hospital, UAE. (3) Results: A total of 1446 patients received symptomatic treatment only (mean age of 35.6 ± 9.0 years). The analyzed antiviral treatment protocols were azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, and favipiravir. The produced Kaplan–Meier plots showed no significant differences in the time until viral clearance among the compared protocols, which showed overlapping confidence intervals, which were determined by performing the log-rank and adjusted pairwise log-rank tests (p = 0.2, log-rank = 9.3). The age and gender of patients did not significantly affect the rate of viral clearance regardless of the antiviral therapy administered, even when compared to patients who received symptomatic treatment only, with the exception of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), azithromycin, and favipiravir, which increased the odds of a faster rate of viral clearance by 46% after adjustments. (4) Conclusions: No significant differences were observed regarding the time until viral clearance among non-severe COVID-19 patients following the prescription of different antiviral drugs.
Hemoglobin Oxidation Reactions in Stored Blood
Authors: Alayash Abdu I.
Published: April 2022

Hemoglobin (Hb) inside and outside the red blood cells (RBCs) undergoes constant transformation to an oxidized form in a process known as autoxidation. The ferrous heme iron (Fe2+) of the prosthetic group is spontaneously transformed into an oxidized ferric (Fe3+) form, but under oxidative stress conditions a higher oxidation ferryl heme (Fe4+) is also formed. Although Fe3+ is a non-functional form of Hb, the Fe4+ is also extremely reactive towards other biological molecules due to its high redox potential. The RBC contains an effective reductive machinery that maintains Hb in the functional form with little oxidation during its life span. The redox transformation of Hb occurs to a lesser extent in young RBCs; it may, however, have detrimental effects on the integrity of these cells during ex vivo storage or when RBCs are subjected to pathogen reduction processes. In this review, Hb oxidation reactions (“oxidative lesion”) will be described, including details of how these reactions might impact the clinical use of stored or processed blood for therapeutic purposes.
High-Temperature Behavior, Oxygen Transport Properties, and Electrochemical Performance of Cu-Substituted Nd1.6Ca0.4NiO4+δ Electrode Materials
Authors: Maksimchuk Tatiana , Filonova Elena , Mishchenko Denis , Eremeev Nikita , Sadovskaya Ekaterina , Bobrikov Ivan , Fetisov Andrey , Pikalova Nadezhda , Kolchugin Alexander , Shmakov Alexander , Sadykov Vladislav , Pikalova Elena
Published: April 2022

In this study, Nd1.6Ca0.4Ni1−yCuyO4+δ-based electrode materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) are investigated. Materials of the series (y = 0–0.4) are obtained by pyrolysis of glycerol-nitrate compositions. The study of crystal structure and high-temperature stability in air and under low oxygen partial pressure atmospheres are performed using high-resolution neutron and in situ X-ray powder diffraction. All the samples under the study assume a structure with Bmab sp.gr. below 350 °C and with I4/mmm sp.gr. above 500 °C. A transition in the volume thermal expansion coefficient values from 7.8–9.3 to 9.1–12.0 × 10−6, K−1 is observed at approximately 400 °C in air and 500 °C in helium.The oxygen self-diffusion coefficient values, obtained using isotope exchange, monotonically decrease with the Cu content increasing, while concentration dependence of the charge carriers goes through the maximum at x = 0.2. The Nd1.6Ca0.4Ni0.8Cu0.2O4+δ electrode materialdemonstrates chemical compatibility and superior electrochemical performance in the symmetrical cells with Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9, BaCe0.8Sm0.2O3−δ, BaCe0.8Gd0.19Cu0.1O3−δ and BaCe0.5Zr0.3Y0.1Yb0.1O3−δ solid electrolytes, potentially for application in IT-SOFCs.
Correlation of Pavement Distress and Roughness Measurement
Authors: Al-Mansour Abdullah I. , Shokri Amr A.
Published: April 2022

Riyadh City established and implemented a Pavement Maintenance Management System (PMMS) through the General Directorate of Maintenance and operation. The system was created to address the difficulties that come with maintaining and reserving the pavement network. To evaluate pavement conditions, Riyadh (PMMS) uses visual checks, structural capacity roughness, and skid resistance. An Urban Distress Index (UDI) is calculated during the visual assessment process. Distressed pavement types, severity, and quantity are taken into account when calculating UDI values. As a result, the procedure gathers extensive data on the pavement’s condition. However, the procedure is time-consuming and very costly. The Automatic Road Analyzer car provides data on road roughness in accordance with the International Roughness Index (IRI). The IRI data are often generated quite quickly and at a cheap cost as compared to the distress survey. This study’s aim is to examine whether a sample of Riyadh city pavement sections can be connected to the IRI depending on the distress type. The research develops statistical models that correlate IRI values with several distress-types associated with roadway classes. Correlating the International Roughness Index values to distress type will eliminate the necessity to implement the manual inspection at a network- level. This saves money and time for PMMS employees when preparing annual maintenance requirements and setting priorities. The finding of the study, of the relationship between the pavement distresses and the International Roughness Index showed a statistically significant relationship between pavement roughness and some ride-quality distresses, like depression and patching, as well as some non-ride quality distresses like potholes and rutting. In addition, for both main and secondary streets, an analysis of variance shows the existence of a correlation between the two variables.
Recent Advances in Protein Caging Tools for Protein Photoactivation
Authors: Yamaguchi Satoshi
Published: April 2022

In biosciences and biotechnologies, it is recently critical to promote research regarding the regulation of the dynamic functions of proteins of interest. Light-induced control of protein activity is a strong tool for a wide variety of applications because light can be spatiotemporally irradiated in high resolutions. Therefore, synthetic, semi-synthetic, and genetic engineering techniques for photoactivation of proteins have been actively developed. In this review, the conventional approaches will be outlined. As a solution for overcoming barriers in conventional ones, our recent approaches in which proteins were chemically modified with biotinylated caging reagents are introduced to photo-activate a variety of proteins without genetic engineering and elaborate optimization. This review mainly focuses on protein caging and describes the concepts underlying the development of reported approaches that can contribute to the emergence of both novel protein photo-regulating methods and their killer applications.
2D Personality of Multifunctional Carbon Nitrides towards Enhanced Catalytic Performance in Energy Storage and Remediation
Authors: Inwati Gajendra Kumar , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Ali Ismat H. , Vuggili Sai Bhargava , Kakodiya Shakti Devi , Solanki Mitesh K. , Yadav Krishna Kumar , Ahn Yongtae , Yadav Shalini , Islam Saiful , Jeon Byong-Hun
Published: April 2022

Numerous scholars in the scientific and management areas have been overly focused on contemporary breakthroughs in two-dimensional objects for multiple prospective applications. Photochemical and electrocatalytic functions of integrated circuits associated with multi-component tools have been enhanced by designing the macro- and microstructures of the building blocks. Therefore, the current research attempts to explore a larger spectrum of layered graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C3N4) and their derivatives as an efficient catalyst. By executing systematic manufacturing, optimization, and evaluation of its relevance towards astonishing energy storage devices, adsorption chemistry, and remediation, many researchers have focused on the coupling of such 2D carbon nitrides combined with suitable elementals. Hybrid carbon nitrides have been promoted as reliable 2D combinations for the enhanced electrophotocatalytic functionalities, proved by experimental observations and research outputs. By appreciating the modified structural, surface, and physicochemical characteristics of the carbon nitrides, we aim to report a systematic overview of the g-C3N4 materials for the application of energy storages and environments. It has altered energy band gap, thermal stability, remarkable dimensional texturing, and electrochemistry, and therefore detailed studies are highlighted by discussing the chemical architectures and atomic alternation of g-C3N4 (2D) structures.
A Semi-Analytical Model and Parameter Analysis of a Collaborative Drainage Scheme for a Deeply Buried Tunnel and Parallel Adit in Water-Rich Ground
Authors: Luo Xiongwen , Xiang Yanyong , Yu Chenyun
Published: April 2022

For a railway or highway tunnel under high water pressure during operation, various factors such as the design of the drainage system, material aging, and pipeline blockage must be considered for the tunnels to work with the parallel adit to drain and control the external water pressure on the tunnel lining. A simplified steady-state seepage model in a semi-infinite multi-connected domain for the tunnel and parallel adit was established and was solved iteratively using the complex variable method and the Schwartz alternating method. After verifying the numerical simulation, parametric analysis, orthogonal tests, and multivariate nonlinear regression were also carried out. Results show that the simplified theoretical model and its semi-analytical algorithm have a fast convergence speed, and the obtained regression formula is simple, which is suitable for calculation and parameter analysis. A scheme that primarily relies on the parallel adit for drainage would make the external water pressure of the lining facing the parallel adit side less than that of the opposite side. Therefore, to reduce pressure uniformly and meet the requirements of surrounding rock stability, the horizontal net distance between the parallel adit and the tunnel should be no less than the tunnel diameter. Drainage volume of the parallel adit is linearly negatively correlated with tunnel water pressure on the lining and has the most significant effect on pressure reduction. The influence of the vertical distance between the parallel adit and the tunnel on water pressure is small.
Attention V-Net: A Modified V-Net Architecture for Left Atrial Segmentation
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Yin Ruoqi , Yin Jianqin
Published: April 2022

We propose a fully convolutional neural network based on the attention mechanism for 3D medical image segmentation tasks. It can adaptively learn to highlight the salient features of images that are useful for image segmentation tasks. Some prior methods enhance accuracy using multi-scale feature fusion or dilated convolution, which is basically artificial and lacks the flexibility of the model itself. Therefore, some works proposed the 2D attention gate module, but these works process 2D medical slice images, ignoring the correlation between 3D image sequences. In contrast, the 3D attention gate can comprehensively use the information of three dimensions of medical images. In this paper, we propose the Attention V-Net architecture, which uses the 3D attention gate module, and applied it to the left atrium segmentation framework based on semi-supervised learning. The proposed method is evaluated on the dataset of the 2018 left atrial challenge. The experimental results show that the Attention V-Net obtains improved performance under evaluation indicators, such as Dice, Jaccard, ASD (Average surface distance), and 95HD (Hausdorff distance). The result indicates that the model in this paper can effectively improve the accuracy of left atrial segmentation, therefore laying the foundation for subsequent work such as in atrial reconstruction. Meanwhile, our model is of great significance for assisting doctors in treating cardiovascular diseases.
Modified “Rockfall Hazard Rating System for Pakistan (RHRSP)”: An Application for Hazard and Risk Assessment along the Karakoram Highway, Northwest Pakistan
Authors: Tanoli Javed Iqbal , Chen Ningsheng , Ullah Ihsan , Qasim Muhammad , Ali Sajid , Rehman Qasim ur , Umber Umbreen , Jadoon Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan
Published: April 2022

Rockfall is a natural mountain hazard posing a severe threat to people, infrastructure, and vehicles along the transportation corridors. In this research, the standard Rockfall Hazard Rating System (RHRS) is slightly modified for the mountainous terrains of Pakistan through the quantification of animal activity along the highways. In the modified Rockfall Hazard and Rating System for Pakistan (RHRSP), animal activity is scored based on permanent and random animal tracks, shallow and higher altitudes, and shoulder width. The model is applied along the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which traverses a suture between Besham and Dasu (≈78 km), for Rockfall hazard and risk assessment mapping. An inventory of rockfalls, topples, and debris slides is compiled at 30 stations. Results show that rockfalls are mostly of the wedge and topple type failures. Fifty-seven percent of the area falls under the very-high to high hazard zone, 18% under moderate hazard, and 25% covers the low to very low hazard zone. Sixty-seven percent of the stretch is at very-high to high risk, distributed from Dubair to Dasu. The main reason for this risk is associated with narrow road width and limited shoulder width for vehicles. The RHRSP model is also applicable for other highways with the same geological and morphological settings.
Parameter-Free Ordered Partial Match Alignment with Hidden State Time Warping
Authors: Chang Claire , Shaw Thaxter , Goutam Arya , Lau Christina , Shan Mengyi , Tsai Timothy J.
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates an ordered partial matching alignment problem, in which the goal is to align two sequences in the presence of potentially non-matching regions. We propose a novel parameter-free dynamic programming alignment method called hidden state time warping that allows an alignment path to switch between two different planes: a “visible” plane corresponding to matching sections and a “hidden” plane corresponding to non-matching sections. By defining two distinct planes, we can allow different types of time warping in each plane (e.g., imposing a maximum warping factor in matching regions while allowing completely unconstrained movements in non-matching regions). The resulting algorithm can determine the optimal continuous alignment path via dynamic programming, and the visible plane induces a (possibly) discontinuous alignment path containing matching regions. We show that this approach outperforms existing parameter-free methods on two different partial matching alignment problems involving speech and music.
Differentiating Inhibitors of Closely Related Protein Kinases with Single- or Multi-Target Activity via Explainable Machine Learning and Feature Analysis
Authors: Feldmann Christian , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: April 2022

Protein kinases are major drug targets. Most kinase inhibitors are directed against the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) cofactor binding site, which is largely conserved across the human kinome. Hence, such kinase inhibitors are often thought to be promiscuous. However, experimental evidence and activity data for publicly available kinase inhibitors indicate that this is not generally the case. We have investigated whether inhibitors of closely related human kinases with single- or multi-kinase activity can be differentiated on the basis of chemical structure. Therefore, a test system consisting of two distinct kinase triplets has been devised for which inhibitors with reported triple-kinase activities and corresponding single-kinase activities were assembled. Machine learning models derived on the basis of chemical structure distinguished between these multi- and single-kinase inhibitors with high accuracy. A model-independent explanatory approach was applied to identify structural features determining accurate predictions. For both kinase triplets, the analysis revealed decisive features contained in multi-kinase inhibitors. These features were found to be absent in corresponding single-kinase inhibitors, thus providing a rationale for successful machine learning. Mapping of features determining accurate predictions revealed that they formed coherent and chemically meaningful substructures that were characteristic of multi-kinase inhibitors compared with single-kinase inhibitors.
Smart Electronic Textiles for Wearable Sensing and Display
Authors: Cho Seungse , Chang Taehoo , Yu Tianhao , Lee Chi Hwan
Published: April 2022

Increasing demand of using everyday clothing in wearable sensing and display has synergistically advanced the field of electronic textiles, or e-textiles. A variety of types of e-textiles have been formed into stretchy fabrics in a manner that can maintain their intrinsic properties of stretchability, breathability, and wearability to fit comfortably across different sizes and shapes of the human body. These unique features have been leveraged to ensure accuracy in capturing physical, chemical, and electrophysiological signals from the skin under ambulatory conditions, while also displaying the sensing data or other immediate information in daily life. Here, we review the emerging trends and recent advances in e-textiles in wearable sensing and display, with a focus on their materials, constructions, and implementations. We also describe perspectives on the remaining challenges of e-textiles to guide future research directions toward wider adoption in practice.
Test Anxiety and Related Factors among Health Professions Students: A Saudi Arabian Perspective
Authors: Alamri Abdulaziz , Nazir Muhammad Ashraf
Published: April 2022

The study aimed to evaluate test anxiety and its relationship with demographic factors among undergraduate medical, dental, and pharmacy students in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The health professions students from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia participated in this cross-sectional study. Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI) by Spielberger was used to evaluate test anxiety and the score on the scale ranges from 20 to 80. Of the total 1098 participants, 878 returned completed questionnaires and the response rate of the study was 79.9%. In response to the items of TAI, 33% of participants reported that they almost always “wished examinations did not bother so much”. The mean TAI score of the sample was 43.17 (SD = 10.58). There were statistically significant differences in the mean scores of TAI among dental (44.15 ± 0.48), medical (41.64 ± 1.31), and pharmacy (43.44 ± 9.29) students (p = 0.003). The students with high grade point average (GPA) (mean TAI = 41.91 ± 10.43) demonstrated significantly lower test anxiety than those with low GPA (mean TAI = 44.05 ± 10.67) (p = 0.006). Academic grade in the previous year (GPA) remained a statistically significant factor associated with test anxiety (B = −2.83, p = 0.003) in multivariate analysis. This study showed that test anxiety was common among health professions students, and dental students and students with low GPA demonstrated high test anxiety. Students with high test anxiety should be the target of preventive strategies.
Combined Targeting of AKT and mTOR Inhibits Tumor Formation of EpCAM+ and CD90+ Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells in an Orthotopic Mouse Model
Authors: Moustafa Mohamed , Dähling Katarzyna-Krystyna , Günther Armin , Riebandt Leonie , Smit Daniel J. , Riecken Kristoffer , Schröder Carina , Zhuang Ruimeng , Krech Till , Kriegs Malte , Fehse Boris , Izbicki Jakob R. , Fischer Lutz , Nashan Björn , Li Jun , Jücker Manfred
Published: April 2022

The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and Thy-1 cell surface antigen (CD90) have been implicated as cancer stem cell (CSC) markers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Expression of EpCAM and CD90 on HCC cells is associated with increased tumorigenicity, metastasis and poor prognosis. In this study, we demonstrate that combined treatment with AKT and mTOR inhibitors—i.e., MK2206 and RAD001—results in a synergistic reduction in proliferation of EpCAM+ and CD90+ HCC cells cultured either as adherent cells or as tumoroids in vitro. In addition, tumor growth was reduced by combined treatment with AKT and mTOR inhibitors in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model of an EpCAM+ HCC cell line (Huh7) and primary patient-derived EpCAM+ HCC cells (HCC1) as well as a CD90+ HCC-related cell line (SK-HEP1) in vivo. However, during AKT/mTOR treatment, outgrowth of therapy-resistant tumors was observed in all mice analyzed within a few weeks. Resistance was associated in most cases with restoration of AKT signaling in the tumors, intrahepatic metastases and distant metastases. In addition, an upregulation of the p38 MAPK pathway was identified in the AKT/mTOR inhibitor-resistant tumor cells by kinome profiling. The development of resistant cells during AKT/mTOR therapy was further analyzed by red-green-blue (RGB) marking of HCC cells, which revealed an outgrowth of a large number of Huh7 cells over a period of 6 months. In summary, our data demonstrate that combined treatment with AKT and mTOR inhibitors exhibits synergistic effects on proliferation of EpCAM+ as well as CD90+ HCC cells in vitro. However, the fast development of large numbers of resistant clones under AKT/mTOR therapy observed in vitro and in the orthotopic xenotransplantation mouse model in vivo strongly suggests that this therapy alone will not be sufficient to eliminate EpCAM+ or CD90+ cancer stem cells from HCC patients.
Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis: The Obstacles We Face in Determining a Non-Invasive Test and Current Advances in Biomarker Detection
Authors: Kamel Faddy , Eltarhoni Khadiga , Nisar Pasha , Soloviev Mikhail
Published: April 2022

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer, with 1.4 million new cases and over 700,000 deaths per annum. Despite being one of the most common cancers, few molecular approaches to detect CRC exist. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a known serum biomarker that is used in CRC for monitoring disease recurrence or response to treatment. However, it can also be raised in multiple benign conditions, thus having no value in early detection or screening for CRC. Molecular biomarkers play an ever-increasing role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and outcome prediction of disease, however, only a limited number of biomarkers are available and none are suitable for early detection and screening of CRC. A PCR-based Epi proColon® blood plasma test for the detection of methylated SEPT9 has been approved by the USFDA for CRC screening in the USA, alongside a stool test for methylated DNA from CRC cells. However, these are reserved for patients who decline traditional screening methods. There remains an urgent need for the development of non-invasive molecular biomarkers that are highly specific and sensitive to CRC and that can be used routinely for early detection and screening. A molecular approach to the discovery of CRC biomarkers focuses on the analysis of the transcriptome of cancer cells to identify differentially expressed genes and proteins. A systematic search of the literature yielded over 100 differentially expressed CRC molecular markers, of which the vast majority are overexpressed in CRC. In terms of function, they largely belong to biological pathways involved in cell division, regulation of gene expression, or cell proliferation, to name a few. This review evaluates the current methods used for CRC screening, current availability of biomarkers, and new advances within the field of biomarker detection for screening and early diagnosis of CRC.
Histone Demethylase KDM5C Drives Prostate Cancer Progression by Promoting EMT
Authors: Lemster Anna-Lena , Sievers Elisabeth , Pasternack Helen , Lazar-Karsten Pamela , Klümper Niklas , Sailer Verena , Offermann Anne , Brägelmann Johannes , Perner Sven , Kirfel Jutta
Published: April 2022

Prostate cancer (PCa) poses a major public health problem in men. Metastatic PCa is incurable, and ultimately threatens the life of many patients. Mutations in tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes are important for PCa progression, whereas the role of epigenetic factors in prostate carcinogenesis is insufficiently examined. The histone demethylase KDM5C exerts important roles in tumorigenesis. KDM5C has been reported to be highly expressed in various cancer cell types, particularly in primary PCa. Here, we could show that KDM5C is highly upregulated in metastatic PCa. Functionally, in KDM5C knockdown cells migratory and invasion capacity was reduced. Interestingly, modulation of KDM5C expression influences several EMT signaling pathways (e.g., Akt/mTOR), expression of EMT transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers, and miR-205, resulting in increased expression of E-cadherin and reduced expression of N-cadherin. Mouse xenografts of KDM5C knockdown cells showed reduced tumor growth. In addition, the Akt/mTOR pathway is one of the classic signaling pathways to mediate tumor metabolic homeostasis, which is beneficial for tumor growth and metastasis. Taken together, our findings indicate that a combination of a selective KDM5C- and Akt/mTOR-inhibitor might be a new promising therapeutic strategy to reduce metastatic burden in PCa.
Catalytic Cracking for Propylene Production over Au Catalyst Supported by External Surface-Modified ZSM-5 Zeolite
Authors: Wu Lei , Su Huijuan , Sun Xun , Sun Libo , Zhao Lijun , Qi Caixia
Published: April 2022

To improve the yield of propylene in fluidized catalytic cracking, a series of different Au/ZSM-5-TOS catalysts were prepared by modifying ZSM-5, using an external surface modification method and Au nanoparticles. The modified catalyst maintained the MFI structure of ZSM-5, whereas the pore-opening size of the zeolite relatively decreased, without affecting its internal structure. The acidity of ZSM-5, especially the Brønsted acidity, reduced. Among the studied catalysts, the 0.2 wt% Au/ZSM-5-1%TOS catalyst exhibited the best feedstock conversion and propylene selectivity, along with a significant increase in propylene selectivity and a slight decrease in the conversion of light diesel oil, even after water vapor treatment at 800 °C for 4 h. Its catalytic activity at 360 °C exceeded that of ZSM-5 at 460 °C, showing great application potential in petrochemical processes.
The Effect of Mineralocorticoid Receptor 3 Antagonists on Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Fatty Acid Transport Profile in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Fu Xiaoran , Almenglo Cristina , Fernandez Ángel Luis , Martínez-Cereijo José Manuel , Iglesias-Alvarez Diego , Duran-Muñoz Darío , García-Caballero Tomás , Gonzalez-Juanatey Jose Ramón , Rodriguez-Mañero Moises , Eiras Sonia
Published: April 2022

Epicardial fat thickness is associated with cardiovascular disease. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), a pharmaceutical treatment for CVD, was found to have an effect on adipose tissue. Our aim was to analyse the main epicardial fat genesis and inflammation-involved cell markers and their regulation by risk factors and MRA. We included blood and epicardial or subcutaneous fat (EAT or SAT) from 71 patients undergoing heart surgery and blood from 66 patients with heart failure. Cell types (transcripts or proteins) were analysed by real-time polymerase chain reaction or immunohistochemistry. Plasma proteins were analysed by Luminex technology or enzyme-linked immunoassay. Our results showed an upregulation of fatty acid transporter levels after aldosterone-induced genesis. The MRA intake was the main factor associated with lower levels in epicardial fat. On the contrary, MRA upregulated the levels and its secretion of the anti-inflammatory marker intelectin 1 and reduced the proliferation of epicardial fibroblasts. Our results have shown the local MRA intake effect on fatty acid transporters and anti-inflammatory marker levels and the proliferation rate on epicardial fat fibroblasts. They suggest the role of MRA on epicardial fat genesis and remodelling in patients with cardiovascular disease. Translational perspective: the knowledge of epicardial fat genesis and its modulation by drugs might be useful for improving the treatments of cardiovascular disease.
Novel NPR2 Gene Mutations Affect Chondrocytes Function via ER Stress in Short Stature
Authors: Li Qiuyue , Fan Xin , Lu Wei , Sun Chengjun , Pei Zhou , Zhang Miaoying , Ni Jinwen , Wu Jing , Yu Fa-Xing , Luo Feihong
Published: April 2022

Natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) plays a key role in cartilage and bone morphogenesis. The NPR2 gene mutations result in acromesomelic dysplasia, Maroteaux type (AMDM), short stature with nonspecific skeletal abnormalities (SNSK), and epiphyseal chondrodysplasia, Miura type (ECDM). However, the pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. In our study, we identified one de novo (R557C) and six novel variants (G602W, V970F, R767*, R363*, F857S, and Y306S) in five independent Chinese families with familial short stature. Three patients with heterozygous mutations (G602W, V970F, and R767*) were diagnosed with SNSK (height SD score ranged from −2.25 to −5.60), while another two with compound heterozygous mutations (R363* and F857S, R557C and Y306S) were diagnosed with AMDM (height SD score ranged from −3.10 to −5.35). Among three patients with heterozygous status, two patients before puberty initiation with rhGH treatment significantly improved their growth (height velocity 7.2 cm/year, 6.0 cm/year), and one patient in puberty had a poor response to the rhGH treatment (height velocity 2.5 cm/year). Seven NPR2 gene variants were constructed and overexpressed in HEK293T and ATDC5 cells, and we found that ATDC5 cells with mutant NPR2 gene showed decreased differentiation, as evidenced by lower expression of ColII, ColX, and BMP4 and higher expression of Sox9. Moreover, the apoptosis rate was elevated in ATDC5 cells expressing the mutant NPR2 gene. N-glycosylation modification, plasma membrane localization, and ER stress resulted from the accumulation of mutant protein in ER, as shown by the higher expression of GRP78 and p-IRE1α. Overall, our results provide a novel insight into NPR2 loss of function, which could promote chondrocyte apoptosis and repress cell differentiation through ER stress and the unfolded protein response.
HIF-1-Dependent Induction of β3 Adrenoceptor: Evidence from the Mouse Retina
Authors: Amato Rosario , Pisani Francesco , Laudadio Emiliano , Cammalleri Maurizio , Lucchesi Martina , Marracci Silvia , Filippi Luca , Galeazzi Roberta , Svelto Maria , Dal Monte Massimo , Bagnoli Paola
Published: April 2022

A major player in the homeostatic response to hypoxia is the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 that transactivates a number of genes involved in neovessel proliferation in response to low oxygen tension. In the retina, hypoxia overstimulates β-adrenoceptors (β-ARs) which play a key role in the formation of pathogenic blood vessels. Among β-ARs, β3-AR expression is increased in proliferating vessels in concomitance with increased levels of HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Whether, similarly to VEGF, hypoxia-induced β3-AR upregulation is driven by HIF-1 is still unknown. We used the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), an acknowledged model of retinal angiogenesis, to verify the hypothesis of β3-AR transcriptional regulation by HIF-1. Investigation of β3-AR regulation over OIR progression revealed that the expression profile of β3-AR depends on oxygen tension, similar to VEGF. The additional evidence that HIF-1α stabilization decouples β3-AR expression from oxygen levels further indicates that HIF-1 regulates the expression of the β3-AR gene in the retina. Bioinformatics predicted the presence of six HIF-1 binding sites (HBS #1-6) upstream and inside the mouse β3-AR gene. Among these, HBS #1 has been identified as the most suitable HBS for HIF-1 binding. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR demonstrated an effective binding of HIF-1 to HBS #1 indicating the existence of a physical interaction between HIF-1 and the β3-AR gene. The additional finding that β3-AR gene expression is concomitantly activated indicates the possibility that HIF-1 transactivates the β3-AR gene. Our results are indicative of β3-AR involvement in HIF-1-mediated response to hypoxia.
Sensitivity to Pain Traumatization and Its Relationship to the Anxiety–Pain Connection in Youth with Chronic Pain: Implications for Treatment
Authors: Maunder Larah , Pavlova Maria , Beveridge Jaimie K. , Katz Joel , Salomons Tim V. , Noel Melanie
Published: April 2022

The bidirectional relationship between anxiety and chronic pain in youth is well-known, but how anxiety contributes to the maintenance of pediatric chronic pain needs to be elucidated. Sensitivity to pain traumatization (SPT), an individual’s propensity to develop responses to pain that resemble a traumatic stress response, may contribute to the mutual maintenance of anxiety and pediatric chronic pain. A clinical sample of youth (aged 10–18 years) with chronic pain completed a measure of SPT at baseline and rated their anxiety and pain characteristics for seven consecutive days at baseline and at three-month follow-up. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to model whether SPT moderated the relationship between baseline anxiety and pain intensity, unpleasantness, and interference three months later. SPT significantly moderated the relationship between anxiety and pain intensity. High anxiety youth with high SPT reported increased pain intensity three months later, while high anxiety youth with low SPT did not. High anxiety youth who experience pain as potentially traumatizing are more likely to report higher pain intensity three months later than high-anxiety youth who do not. Future research should examine whether children’s propensity to become traumatized by their pain predicts the development of chronic pain and response to intervention.
Comparative Study of Anti-Corrosion Properties and Lifespan Prediction Model for Inorganic Zinc-Rich Coating and Thermal-Spray Zinc Coating
Authors: Ni Weiliang , Li Peng , Zhu Yajun , Di Zhigang , Guo Liangliang , Liu Yunqi
Published: April 2022

On the basis of guaranteeing the reliability of the coating, thermal-spray zinc coating has been verified by the industry to have a lifespan of more than 20 years. It is an anti-corrosion coating with excellent performance. Inorganic zinc-rich coating being a new coating technology has a certain degree of influence on its popularization and application in the field of anti-corrosion; this is due to the lack of relevant comparison data on its anti-corrosion performance and service life. It is necessary to compare and analyze the service life and corrosion resistance of the two coatings, so as to obtain the best application scenarios for the two coatings and provide a reference for the selection of the most economical coating. Based on coating reliability, 7500 h of accelerated salt-spray tests of inorganic zinc-rich coating and of the thermal-spray coating of steel structures were carried out. Electrochemical and salt-spray tests on inorganic zinc-rich coating and thermal-spray zinc coating were carried out. The micro-corrosion morphology, corrosion rate and corrosion mechanism of the two coatings and the factors affecting the corrosion rate were obtained. An interfacial corrosion-thinning and weight-loss equation was established to predict the service life of inorganic zinc-rich coating by comparing it with that of the thermal-spray zinc coating salt-spray test; they suggested that inorganic zinc-rich coating has a longer service life. The results are of practical guiding significance for the selection of a zinc coating and the rapid selection and design of a supporting scheme, and can also provide a reference for the service-life prediction of other types of coatings.
Synthesis of AlN Nanowires by Al-Sn Flux Method
Authors: Mu Haoxin , Chen Jianli , Li Lujie , Yu Yonggui , Ma Wencheng , Qi Xiaofang , Hu Zhanggui , Xu Yongkuan
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a recent study on the synthesis of AlN nanowires. AlN nanowires were successfully prepared on sapphire substrate by the Al-Sn flux method. The obtained nanowires were hundreds of nanometers in diameter and tens of microns in length. The results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show that the growth direction of AlN nanowires was perpendicular to the C axis. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of AlN nanowires shows a broad peak, which is ascribed to the defect levels in the AlN bandgap. This work provides a novel method for growing AlN nanowires, which offers a potential material for the application of photoelectron devices.
A New Compact Split Ring Resonator Based Double Inverse Epsilon Shaped Metamaterial for Triple Band Satellite and Radar Communication
Authors: Afsar Md Salah Uddin , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin , Alqahtani Amal , Bradley David A.
Published: April 2022

This study presents a double-inverse-epsilon-shaped, triple-band epsilon-negative (ENG) metamaterial with two split ring resonators (SRRs). The proposed unit cell comprises a single slit two SRRs with two inverse-epsilon-shaped metal bits. Rogers RT6002, of dimension 10 × 10 × 1.524 mm3, is used as a substrate. An electromagnetic simulator CST microwave studio is used to investigate the effective medium parameters of the material. The proposed metamaterial shows three resonance peaks that are demarcated at the frequencies 2.38 GHz, 4.55 GHz and 9.42 GHz consecutively. The negative permittivity of the metamaterial is observed at the frequency ranges of 2.39–2.62 GHz, 4.55–4.80 GHz and 9.42–10.25 GHz. The goodness of the material was presented by the effective medium ratio (EMR) of the unit cell at 12.61. In addition, the simulated results are authenticated by using different electromagnetic simulators such as HFSS and ADS for the equivalent circuit model, which exhibits insignificant disparity. The anticipated scheme was finalised through some parametric analyses, together with configuration optimisation, different unit cell dimensions, several substrate materials, and altered electromagnetic (EM) field transmissions. The proposed triple band (S-, C- and X-bands) with negative permittivity (ε) metamaterial is practically used for numerous wireless uses, for instance, far distance radar communication, satellite communication bands and microwave communication.
The Role and Potential of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Malignant Melanoma: Prognostication, Monitoring Response to Targeted and Immunotherapy, and Radiomics
Authors: Filippi Luca , Bianconi Francesco , Schillaci Orazio , Spanu Angela , Palumbo Barbara
Published: April 2022

Novel therapeutic approaches, consisting of immune check-point inhibitors (ICIs) and molecularly targeted therapy, have thoroughly changed the clinical management of malignant melanoma (MM), the most frequent and deadly skin cancer. Since only 30–40% of MM patients respond to ICIs, imaging biomarkers suitable for the pre-therapeutic stratification and response assessment are warmly welcome. In this scenario, positron emission computed tomography (PET/CT) with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) has been successfully utilized for advanced MM staging and therapy response evaluation. Furthermore, several PET-derived parameters (SUVmax, MTV, TLG) were particularly impactful for the prognostic evaluation of patients submitted to targeted and immunotherapy. In this review, we performed a web-based and desktop research on the clinical applications of 18F-FDG PET/CT in MM, with a particular emphasis on the various metabolic criteria developed for interpreting PET/CT scan in patients undergoing immunotherapy or targeted therapy or a combination of both. Furthermore, the emerging role of radiomics, a quantitative approach to medical imaging applying analysis methodology derived by the field of artificial intelligence, was examined in the peculiar context, putting a particular emphasis on the potential of this discipline to support clinicians in the delicate process of building patient-tailored pathways of care.
Performance and Degradation of Electrolyte-Supported Single Cell Composed of Mo-Au-Ni/GDC Fuel Electrode and LSCF Oxygen Electrode during High Temperature Steam Electrolysis
Authors: Vibhu Vaibhav , Vinke Izaak C. , Zaravelis Fotios , Neophytides Stylianos G. , Niakolas Dimitrios K. , Eichel Rüdiger-A. , de Haart L. G. J. (Bert)
Published: April 2022

Ni-gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) based electrode materials have drawn significant attention as an alternative fuel electrode for solid oxide cells (SOCs) owing to mixed ionic conductivity of GDC and high electronic and catalytic activity of Ni. Moreover, the catalytic activity and electrochemical performance of the Ni-GDC electrode can be further improved by dispersing small quantities of other metal additives, such as gold or molybdenum. Therefore, herein, we considered gold and molybdenum modified Ni-GDC electrodes and focused on the upscaling; hence, we prepared 5 × 5 cm2 electrolyte-supported single cells. Their electrochemical performance was investigated at different temperatures and fuel gas compositions. The long-term steam electrolysis test, up to 1700 h, was performed at 900 °C with −0.3 A·cm−2 current load. Lastly, post-test analyses of measured cells were carried out to investigate their degradation mechanisms. Sr-segregation and cobalt oxide formation towards the oxygen electrode side, and Ni-particle coarsening and depletion away from the electrolyte towards the fuel electrode side, were observed, and can be considered as a main reason for the degradation. Thus, modification of Ni/GDC with Au and Mo seems to significantly improve the electro-catalytic activity of the electrode; however, it does not significantly mitigate the Ni-migration phenomenon after prolonged operation.
Performance Evaluation of an Axial Flux Machine with a Hybrid Excitation Design
Authors: Prajzendanc Pawel , Paplicki Piotr
Published: April 2022

Variable speed, permanent magnet synchronous machines with hybrid excitation have attracted much attention due to their flux-control potential. In this paper, a design of permanent magnet axial flux machines with iron poles in the rotor and an additional electrically controlled source of excitation fixed on the stator is presented. This paper shows results pertaining to air-gap flux control, electromagnetic losses, electromagnetic torque, back emf and efficiency maps obtained through field-strengthening and weakening operations and investigated by 3D finite element analysis. Moreover, the temperature distribution of the machine was analyzed according to the fluid–thermal coupling method. The presented machine was prototyped and experimentally tested to validate the effectiveness of numerical models and achieved results.