bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Species Transcriptome Assemblies of Cultivated and Wild Lentils (Lens sp.) Provide a First Glimpse at the Lentil Pangenome
Authors: Gutierrez-Gonzalez Juan J. , García Pedro , Polanco Carlos , González Ana Isabel , Vaquero Francisca , Vences Francisco Javier , Pérez de la Vega Marcelino , Sáenz de Miera Luis E.
Published: July 2022

Lentils (Lens sp.) are one of the main sources of protein for humans in many regions, in part because their rusticity allows them to withstand semi-dry climates and tolerate a wide spectrum of pests. Both are also highly sought-after attributes to face climate change. Wild accessions, rather than cultivated varieties, are typically the holders of most influential alleles for rusticity traits. However, most genomic and transcriptomic research conducted in lentils has been carried out on commercial accessions (L. culinaris), while wild relatives have been largely neglected. Herein, we assembled, annotated, and evaluated the transcriptomes of eight lentil accessions, including the cultivated Lens culinaris and the wild relatives: L. orientalis, L. tomentosus, L. ervoides, L. lamottei, L. nigricans, and two L. odemensis. The assemblies allowed, for the first time, a comparison among different lentil taxa at the coding sequence level, providing further insights into the evolutionary relationships between cultivated and wild germplasm and suggesting a grouping of the seven accessions into at least three conceivable gene pools. Moreover, orthologous clustering allowed a first estimation of the lentil pan-transcriptome. It is composed of 15,910 core genes, encoded in all accessions, and 24,226 accessory genes. The different pan-transcriptome clusters were also screened for Pfam-domain enrichment. The present study has a high novelty, as it is the first pan-transcriptome analysis using six wild species in addition to cultivated species. Because of the amount of transcript sequences provided, our findings will greatly boost lentil research and assist breeding efforts.
Three-Dimensional Investigations of Virus-Associated Structures in the Nuclei with White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) Infection in Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)
Authors: Budi Yovita Permata , Lin Li-Chi , Chung Chang-Hsien , Chen Li-Li , Jiang Yi-Fan
Published: July 2022

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has been reported to cause severe economic loss in the shrimp industry. With WSSV being a large virus still under investigation, the 3D structure of its assembly remains unclear. The current study was planned to clarify the 3D structures of WSSV infections in the cell nucleus of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). The samples from various tissues were prepared on the seventh day post-infection. The serial sections of the intestinal tissue were obtained for electron tomography after the ultrastructural screening. After 3D reconstruction, the WSSV-associated structures were further visualized, and the expressions of viral proteins were confirmed with immuno-gold labeling. While the pairs of sheet-like structures with unknown functions were observed in the nucleus, the immature virions could be recognized by the core units of nucleocapsids on a piece of the envelope. The maturation of the particle could include the elongation of core units and the filling of empty nucleocapsids with electron-dense materials. Our observations may bring to light a possible order of WSSV maturation in the cell nucleus of the crayfish, while more investigations remain necessary to visualize the detailed viral–host interactions.
Comparative Susceptibilities of Selected California Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations to Isolates of L Genogroup Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV)
Authors: Bendorf Christin M. , Yun Susan C. , Kurath Gael , Hedrick Ronald P.
Published: July 2022

Salmonid species demonstrate varied susceptibility to the viral pathogen infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV). In California conservation hatcheries, juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) have experienced disease outbreaks due to L genogroup IHNV since the 1940s, while indigenous steelhead (anadromous O. mykiss) appear relatively resistant. To characterize factors contributing to the losses of California salmonid fish due to IHNV, three populations of Chinook salmon and two populations of steelhead native to California watersheds were compared in controlled waterborne challenges with California L genogroup IHNV isolates at viral doses of 104–106 pfu mL−1. Chinook salmon fry were moderately to highly susceptible (CPM = 47–87%) when exposed to subgroup LI and LII IHNV. Susceptibility to mortality decreased with increasing age and also with a higher temperature. Mortality for steelhead fry exposed to two IHNV isolates was low (CPM = 1.3–33%). There was little intraspecies variation in susceptibility among populations of Chinook salmon and no differences in virulence between viruses strains. Viral persistence was demonstrated by the isolation of low levels of infectious IHNV from the skin of two juvenile Chinook salmon at 215 d post exposure. The persistence of the virus among Chinook salmon used for stocking into Lake Oroville may be an explanation for the severe epidemics of IHN at the Feather River hatchery in 1998–2002.
Towards Improved Management of Tuberculous Bloodstream Infections: Pharmacokinetic Considerations with Suggestions for Better Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Odongo Charles Okot , Nakiyingi Lydia , Nkeramihigo Clovis Gatete , Seifu Daniel , Bisaso Kuteesa Ronald
Published: July 2022

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the leading cause of sepsis among HIV-infected adults, yet effective treatment remains a challenge. Efficacy of antituberculous drugs is optimized by high Area Under Curve to Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (AUC/MIC) ratios, suggesting that both the drug concentration at the disease site and time above MIC are critical to treatment outcomes. We elaborate on sepsis pathophysiology and show how it adversely affects antituberculous drug kinetics. Expanding distribution volumes secondary to an increased vascular permeability prevents the attainment of target Cmax concentrations for nearly all drugs. Furthermore, sepsis-induced metabolic acidosis promotes protonation, which increases renal clearance of basic drugs such as isoniazid and ethambutol, and hence AUCs are substantially reduced. Compared with the treatment of non-sepsis TB disease, these distorted kinetics underlie the poor treatment outcomes observed with bloodstream infections. In addition to aggressive hemodynamic management, an increase in both the dose and frequency of drug administration are warranted, at least in the early phase of treatment.
Epidemiology and Burden of Sepsis at Thailand’s Largest University-Based National Tertiary Referral Center during 2019
Authors: Tancharoen Lalita , Pairattanakorn Prat , Thamlikitkul Visanu , Angkasekwinai Nasikarn
Published: July 2022

Data specific to the epidemiology and burden of sepsis in low- and middle-income countries are limited. This study aimed to determine the epidemiology and burden of adult patients with sepsis at Siriraj Hospital during 2019. Randomly selected adult patients who had blood cultures performed at our center during January–December 2019 were enrolled. A Quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score was used to determine the presence of sepsis. Demographic data and clinical outcome data were collected, and the annual incidence of sepsis or septic shock and death was estimated. Of the 987 subjects who had blood cultures performed, 798 had infections, 341 had sepsis, and 104 had septic shock. The prevalence of sepsis or septic shock was 34.9% among blood cultured patients, and 42.7% among those with infections. The prevalence of septic shock was 30.5% among subjects with sepsis. Approximately 63% of sepsis subjects were hospital-acquired infections. The factors independently associated with 28-day mortality in sepsis were receiving an immunosuppressive agent (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27–4.45; p = 0.007), septic shock (aOR: 2.88, 95% CI: 1.71–4.87; p < 0.001), and proven infection (aOR: 2.88, 95% CI: 1.55–5.36; p = 0.001). Receiving appropriate, definitive antibiotic therapy (ABT) was independently associated with lower mortality in sepsis (aOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.27–0.93; p = 0.028) and septic shock subjects (aOR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06–0.72; p = 0.013). Achievement of mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥ 65 mmHg (aOR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01–0.77; p = 0.028) and urine output ≥ 0.5 mL/kg/h (aOR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.04–0.51; p = 0.006) were independently associated with lower mortality in septic shock patients. The incidence and mortality of sepsis remains high. Appropriate choice of definitive ABT and achievement of MAP and urine output goals may lower mortality in patients with sepsis or septic shock.
Role of Heme Oxygenase in Gastrointestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Akagi Reiko
Published: July 2022

The gastrointestinal tract is a unique organ containing both vascular and luminal routes lined by epithelial cells forming the mucosa, which play an important role in the entry of nutrients and act as a selective barrier, excluding potentially harmful agents. Mucosal surfaces establish a selective barrier between hostile external environments and the internal milieu. Heme is a major nutritional source of iron and is a pro-oxidant that causes oxidative stress. Heme oxygenases (HOs) catalyze the rate-limiting step in heme degradation, resulting in the formation of iron, carbon monoxide, and biliverdin, which are subsequently converted to bilirubin by biliverdin reductase. In gastrointestinal pathogenesis, HO-1, an inducible isoform of HO, is markedly induced in epithelial cells and plays an important role in protecting mucosal cells. Recent studies have focused on the biological effects of the products of this enzymatic reaction, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective functions. In this review, the essential roles of HO in the gastrointestinal tract are summarized, focusing on nutrient absorption, protection against cellular stresses, and the maintenance and regulation of tight junction proteins, emphasizing the potential therapeutic implications. The biochemical basis of the potential therapeutic implications of glutamine for HO-1 induction in gastrointestinal injury is also discussed.
In Vivo Evaluation of a Novel Radiofrequency Ablation Electrode in Pig Livers
Authors: Cho Sung-Hyun , Oh Dongwook , Huh Gunn , Song Tae-Jun , Seo Dong-Wan
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) is an alternative treatment for pancreatic tumors. Currently, EUS-RFA has been trialled to treat hepatic tumors. However, little has been reported about optimal settings for EUS-RFA in patients with hepatic tumors. We evaluated the ablation effect after in vivo RFA using a new EUS-RFA electrode in a pig model. (2) Methods Four pigs were used for the in vivo test. The in vivo testing was divided into two tests based on the length of the RFA electrode (0.5, 0.7, 1 or 1.5 cm), the ablation power (30 W or 50 W), and the ablation time (10 or 15 s). In test one, ablation effect was evaluated based on the electrode length and power. In test two, ablation effect was assessed based on power and time. (3) Results: In test one, the ablation width and depth correlated with the length of the electrode and power (0.5 cm, 10 W, 10 s: width 0.46 cm, depth 0.65 cm vs. 1.5 cm, 75 W, 10 s: width 0.77 cm, depth 1.80 cm). In test two, ablation width and depth were similar when RFA was set at 1.5cm, 50 W, and 10 s or 1 cm, 30 W, and 15 s (0.65 cm, 1.14 cm vs. 0.65cm, 1.26 cm). (4) Conclusions: The relationship between electrode length, ablation power, and ablation time, and the resulting ablation effect in pig livers suggest that EUS-RFA produces effective ablation while minimizing thermal injury.
Using the Eye Tracking Method to Determine the Risk of Advertising Devices on Drivers’ Cognitive Perception
Authors: Nouzovský Luboš , Vrtal Pavel , Kohout Tomáš , Svatý Zdeněk
Published: July 2022

The paper focuses on road safety assessment. The main objective was to assess the impact of different types and sizes of advertising devices as a potential distraction for drivers. Distraction of driver’s attention in real traffic was evaluated using the “Wiener Fahrprobe” structured observation method. As a method for reliable data collection, the eye tracking method was used to accurately define the time delay caused by the observation of the advertising device. As part of the assessment of the direct impact on drivers, test runs were carried out with 40 drivers on a pre-defined section of road on which different types of advertising devices were present. As an additional, supporting measurement, a vehicle simulator was also used. From the obtained knowledge it was possible to create a unique classification system that can be used to assess the severity of any installed advertising device in general. In the case of distraction, it was found that dynamic advertising devices attract the most attention than conventional static devices and appear to be a significant risk to road safety.
Spatial Perception Correntropy Matrix for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Zhang Guochao , Cao Weijia , Wei Yantao
Published: July 2022

With the development of the hyperspectral imaging technique, hyperspectral image (HSI) classification is receiving more and more attention. However, due to high dimensionality, limited or unbalanced training samples, spectral variability, and mixing pixels, it is challenging to achieve satisfactory performance for HSI classification. In order to overcome these challenges, this paper proposes a feature extraction method called spatial perception correntropy matrix (SPCM), which makes use of spatial and spectral correlation simultaneously to improve the classification accuracy and robustness. Specifically, the dimension reduction is carried out firstly. Then, the spatial perception method is designed to select the local neighbour pixels. Thus, local spectral-spatial correlation is characterized by the correntropy matrix constructed using the selected neighbourhoods. Finally, SPCM representations are fed into the support vector machine for classification. The extensive experiments carried out on three widely used data sets have revealed that the proposed SPCM performs better than several state-of-the-art methods, especially when the training set is small.
An Improved Point Cloud Upsampling Algorithm for X-ray Diffraction on Thermal Coatings of Aeroengine Blades
Authors: Zhao Wenhan , Wen Wen , Liu Ke , Zhang Yan , Wang Qisheng , Yin Guangzhi , Sun Bo , Zhang Ying , Gao Xingyu
Published: July 2022

X-ray diffraction can non-destructively reveal microstructure information, including stress distribution on thermal coatings of aeroengine blades. In order to accurately pinpoint the detection position and precisely set the measurement geometry, a 3D camera is adopted to obtain the point cloud data on the blade surface and perform on-site modeling. Due to hardware limitations, the resolution of raw point clouds is insufficient. The point cloud needs to be upsampled. However, the current upsampling algorithm is greatly affected by noise and it is easy to generate too many outliers, which affects the quality of the generated point cloud. In this paper, a generative adversarial point cloud upsampling model is designed, which achieves better noise immunity by introducing dense graph convolution blocks in the discriminator. Additionally, filters are used to further process the noisy data before using the deep learning model. An evaluation of the network and a demonstration of the experiment show the effectivity of the new algorithm.
Measurement of Orthotropic Material Constants and Discussion on 3D Printing Parameters in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Huang Yu-Hsi , Lin Chun-Yi
Published: July 2022

In this study, the orthogonal mechanical properties of additive manufacturing technology were explored. Firstly, six test pieces of different stacking methods were printed with a 3D printer, based on fused deposition modeling. The resonance frequency was measured by a laser Doppler vibrometer as the test piece was struck by a steel ball, which was used to calculate the orthotropic material constants. The accuracy of these orthotropic material constants was then verified using finite element software through a comparison of the experimental results from multiple natural modes. Thus, a set of methods for the measurement and simulation verification of orthotropic material constants were established. Only three specific test specimens are needed to determine the orthotropic material constants using the vibrating sensor technique, instead of a universal testing machine. We also analyzed the influence of different printing parameters, including raster angle and layer height, on the material constants of the test pieces. The results indicate that a raster angle of 0° leads to the highest Young’s modulus, a raster angle of 45° leads to the highest shear modulus G, and a layer height of 0.15 mm leads to the highest material strength. In various stack conditions, the mechanical properties of fuse deposition additive manufacturing can be measured by inversely calculating frequency domain transformation.
Thermodynamic Analysis of In-Cylinder Steam Assist Technology within an Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Wu Jingtao , Kang Zhe , Wu Zhijun
Published: July 2022

For the requirements of rigorous CO2 and emissions regulations, steam assist technology is an effective method for thermal efficiency enhancement. However, few studies apply steam assist technology in modern internal combustion engines. Stimulated by its application prospects, the present study proposes a thermodynamic analysis on the in-cylinder steam assist technology. An ideal engine thermodynamic model combined with a heat exchanger model is established. Some critical parameters, such as steam injection temperature, injection pressure and intake pressure, are calculated under different steam injection masses. The thermal efficiency boundaries are also analyzed at different compression ratios to investigate the maximum potential thermal efficiency of the technology. The analysis shows that the in-cylinder steam-assisted cycle has the potential to increase engine efficiency considerably. Both steam injection temperature and injection mass improve thermal efficiency. Considering the energy trade-off relationship between steam and exhaust gas, the maximum gain in thermal efficiency achieved with the cycle is 14.5% at a compression ratio of 10. The optimum thermal efficiency can be increased from 54.0% to 59.71% by increasing the compression ratio from 10 to 16. The mechanism lies in the specific heat ratio enhancement from a thermodynamic perspective, which improves the thermal-heat conversion efficiency. The results provide considerable guidance for the future experimental and numerical studies of in-cylinder steam assist technology into modern engines.
Antenna Design for Microwave and Millimeter Wave Applications II: Latest Advances and Prospects
Authors: Choo Hosung
Published: July 2022

In recent decades, novel and significant approaches to the design of antennas for various microwave and millimeter-wave applications have been attempted [...]
Potential to Eradicate Cancer Stemness by Targeting Cell Surface GRP78
Authors: Chen Hsin-Ying , Cheng Ann-Joy
Published: July 2022

Cancer stemness is proposed to be the main cause of metastasis and tumor relapse after conventional therapy due to the main properties of cancer stem cells. These include unlimited self-renewal, the low percentage in a cell population, asymmetric/symmetric cell division, and the hypothetical different nature for absorbing external substances. As the mechanism of how cancer stemness is maintained remains unknown, further investigation into the basic features of cancer stemness is required. Many articles demonstrated that glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) plays a key role in cancer stemness, suggesting that this molecule is feasible for targeting cancer stem cells. This review summarizes the history of finding cancer stem cells, as well as the functions of GRP78 in cancer stemness, for discussing the possibility of targeting GRP78 to eradicate cancer stemness.
The Detrimental Role of Intraluminal Thrombus Outweighs Protective Advantage in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Pathogenesis: The Implications for the Anti-Platelet Therapy
Authors: Ma Xiaoying , Xia Shibo , Liu Guangqin , Song Chao
Published: July 2022

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common cardiovascular disease resulting in morbidity and mortality in older adults due to rupture. Currently, AAA treatment relies entirely on invasive surgical treatments, including open repair and endovascular, which carry risks for small aneurysms (diameter < 55 mm). There is an increasing need for the development of pharmacological intervention for early AAA. Over the last decade, it has been increasingly recognized that intraluminal thrombus (ILT) is involved in the growth, remodeling, and rupture of AAA. ILT has been described as having both biomechanically protective and biochemically destructive properties. Platelets are the second most abundant cells in blood circulation and play an integral role in the formation, expansion, and proteolytic activity of ILT. However, the role of platelets in the ILT-potentiated AAA progression/rupture remains unclear. Researchers are seeking pharmaceutical treatment strategies (e.g., anti-thrombotic/anti-platelet therapies) to prevent ILT formation or expansion in early AAA. In this review, we mainly focus on the following: (a) the formation/deposition of ILT in the progression of AAA; (b) the dual role of ILT in the progression of AAA (protective or detrimental); (c) the function of platelet activity in ILT formation; (d) the application of anti-platelet drugs in AAA. Herein, we present challenges and future work, which may motivate researchers to better explain the potential role of ILT in the pathogenesis of AAA and develop anti-platelet drugs for early AAA.
Association between Higher Circulating Leucine-Rich α-2 Glycoprotein 1 Concentrations and Specific Plasma Ceramides in Postmenopausal Women with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mantovani Alessandro , Csermely Alessandro , Sani Elena , Beatrice Giorgia , Petracca Graziana , Lunardi Gianluigi , Bonapace Stefano , Lippi Giuseppe , Targher Giovanni
Published: July 2022

Background: Although ceramides are involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and other inflammation-associated disorders, there is a paucity of data on the association between plasma ceramides and inflammatory biomarkers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, we explored whether there was an association between plasma leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) concentrations (i.e., a novel proinflammatory signaling molecule) and specific plasma ceramides in postmenopausal women with T2DM. Methods: We measured six previously identified plasma ceramides, which have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk [plasma Cer(d18:1/16:0), Cer(d18:1/18:0), Cer(d18:1/20:0), Cer(d18:1/22:0), Cer(d18:1/24:0) and Cer(d18:1/24:1)], amongst 99 Caucasian postmenopausal women with non-insulin-treated T2DM (mean age 72 ± 8 years, mean hemoglobin A1c 6.9 ± 0.7%), who consecutively attended our diabetes outpatient service during a 3-month period. Plasma ceramide and LRG1 concentrations were measured with a targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay and a Milliplex® MAP human cardiovascular disease magnetic bead kit, respectively. Results: In linear regression analyses, higher plasma LRG1 levels (1st tertile vs. 2nd and 3rd tertiles combined) were associated with higher levels of plasma Cer(d18:1/16:0) (standardized β coefficient: 0.289, p = 0.004), Cer(d18:1/18:0) (standardized β coefficient: 0.307, p = 0.002), Cer(d18:1/20:0) (standardized β coefficient: 0.261, p = 0.009) or Cer(d18:1/24:1) (standardized β coefficient: 0.343, p < 0.001). These associations remained significant even after adjusting for age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol level, hemoglobin A1c, insulin resistance and statin use. Conclusions: The results of our pilot exploratory study suggest that higher plasma LRG1 concentration was associated with higher levels of specific high-risk plasma ceramide molecules in elderly postmenopausal women with metabolically well-controlled T2DM, even after adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors and other potential confounding variables.
Triglycerides as Biomarker for Predicting Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Related Kidney Injury of Negative Proteinuria
Authors: Si Mingjun , Li Danyang , Liu Ting , Cai Yuanyan , Yang Jingyu , Jiang Lili , Yu Haitao
Published: July 2022

Fewer biomarkers can be used to predict systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) related kidney injury. This paper presents an apriori algorithm of association rules to mine the predictive biomarkers for SLE-related kidney injury of negative proteinuria. An apriori algorithm of association rules was employed to identify biomarkers, and logistic regression analysis and spearman correlation analysis were used to evaluate the correlation between triglycerides and SLE-related kidney injury of negative proteinuria. Triglycerides were mined out by the apriori algorithm of association rules. The level of triglycerides was significantly higher, and it was an independent risk factor for SLE-related kidney injury. In the high-triglycerides group, the number of patients with SLE-related kidney injury, SLEDAI-2K, urine P-CAST, the level of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and proteinuria were increased. Triglycerides level was positively correlated with proteinuria and P-CAST and negatively correlated with albumin and IgG. The area under the ROC curve of triglycerides and triglycerides combined proteinuria was 0.72 and 0.82, respectively. Significantly, 50% of SLE-related kidney injuries of negative proteinuria could be identified by high triglycerides levels. High triglycerides level was found at the time of onset of kidney injury, and it was opposite to glomerular filtration rate. Triglycerides may be a potential marker for predicting SLE-related kidney injury, especially in SLE-related kidney injury of negative proteinuria. Triglycerides combined proteinuria could predict SLE-related kidney injury effectively.
Chronic Binge Alcohol and Ovarian Hormone Loss Dysregulate Circulating Immune Cell SIV Co-Receptor Expression and Mitochondrial Homeostasis in SIV-Infected Rhesus Macaques
Authors: McTernan Patrick M. , Siggins Robert W. , Catinis Anna , Amedee Angela M. , Simon Liz , Molina Patricia E.
Published: July 2022

Effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transitioned HIV to a chronic disease, with more than 50% of people living with HIV (PLWH) being over the age of 50. HIV targets activated CD4+ T cells expressing HIV-specific co-receptors (CCR5 and CXCR4). Previously, we reported that chronic binge alcohol (CBA)-administered male rhesus macaques had a higher percentage of gut CD4+ T cells expressing simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) co-receptor CXCR4. Evidence also suggests that gonadal hormone loss increased activated peripheral T cells. Further, mitochondrial function is critical for HIV replication and alcohol dysregulates mitochondrial homeostasis. Hence, we tested the hypothesis that CBA and ovariectomy (OVX) increase circulating activated CD4+ T cells expressing SIV co-receptors and dysregulate mitochondrial homeostasis in SIV-infected female rhesus macaques. Results showed that at the study end-point, CBA/SHAM animals had increased peripheral CD4+ T cell SIV co-receptor expression, and a lower CD4+ T cell count compared to CBA/OVX animals. CBA and OVX animals had altered peripheral immune cell gene expression important for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. These results provide insights into how at-risk alcohol use could potentially impact viral expression in cellular reservoirs, particularly in SIV-infected ovariectomized rhesus macaques.
High Oxytocin Receptor Expression Linked to Increased Cell Migration and Reduced Survival in Patients with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Liu Huiping , Muttenthaler Markus
Published: July 2022

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options and high mortality. The oxytocin receptor (OTR) is a class-A G protein-coupled receptor that has been linked to breast cancer, but its role in tumorigenesis and disease progression remains underexplored. OTR expression is highest in tumour-adjacent breast tissue, followed by normal and tumour tissue, indicating a potential role in the tumour microenvironment. OTR levels were higher in migrated MDA-MB-231 cells than in the control parental cells cultured in normal medium; OTR overexpression/knock-down and metastasis biomarker experiments revealed that high OTR expression enhanced metastasis capabilities. These findings align well with data from a murine breast cancer metastasis model, where metastasised tumours had higher OTR expression than the corresponding primary tumours, and high OTR expression also correlates to reduced survival in TNBC patients. OTR agonists/antagonists did not affect MDA-MB-231 cell migration, and pharmacological analysis revealed that the OT/OTR signalling was compromised. High OTR expression enhanced cell migration in an OTR ligand-independent manner, with the underlying mechanism linked to the EGF-mediated ERK1/2-RSK-rpS6 pathway. Taken together, high OTR expression seems to be involved in TNBC metastasis via increasing cell sensitivity to EGF. These results support a potential prognostic biomarker role of OTR and provide new mechanistic insights and opportunities for targeted treatment options for TNBC.
Telomere Dysfunction Is Associated with Altered DNA Organization in Trichoplein/Tchp/Mitostatin (TpMs) Depleted Cells
Authors: Lauriola Angela , Davalli Pierpaola , Marverti Gaetano , Caporali Andrea , Mai Sabine , D’Arca Domenico
Published: July 2022

Recently, we highlighted a novel role for the protein Trichoplein/TCHP/Mitostatin (TpMs), both as mitotic checkpoint regulator and guardian of chromosomal stability. TpMs-depleted cells show numerical and structural chromosome alterations that lead to genomic instability. This condition is a major driving force in malignant transformation as it allows for the cells acquiring new functional capabilities to proliferate and disseminate. Here, the effect of TpMs depletion was investigated in different TpMs-depleted cell lines by means of 3D imaging and 3D Structured illumination Microscopy. We show that TpMs depletion causes alterations in the 3D architecture of telomeres in colon cancer HCT116 cells. These findings are consistent with chromosome alterations that lead to genomic instability. Furthermore, TpMs depletion changes the spatial arrangement of chromosomes and other nuclear components. Modified nuclear architecture and organization potentially induce variations that precede the onset of genomic instability and are considered as markers of malignant transformation. Our present observations connect the tumor suppression ability of TpMs with its novel functions in maintaining the proper chromosomal segregation as well as the proper telomere and nuclear architecture. Further investigations will investigate the connection between alterations in telomeres and nuclear architecture with the progression of human tumors with the aim of developing personalized therapeutic interventions.
Breast Cancer Stem Cells: Signaling Pathways, Cellular Interactions, and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Wang Lei , Jin Zeng , Master Rohan P. , Maharjan Chandra K. , Carelock Madison E. , Reccoppa Tiffany B. A. , Kim Myung-Chul , Kolb Ryan , Zhang Weizhou
Published: July 2022

Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) constitute a small population of cells within breast cancer and are characterized by their ability to self-renew, differentiate, and recapitulate the heterogeneity of the tumor. Clinically, BCSCs have been correlated with cancer progression, metastasis, relapse, and drug resistance. The tumorigenic roles of BCSCs have been extensively reviewed and will not be the major focus of the current review. Here, we aim to highlight how the crucial intrinsic signaling pathways regulate the fate of BCSCs, including the Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, and NF-κB signaling pathways, as well as how different cell populations crosstalk with BCSCs within the TME, including adipocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells. Based on the molecular and cellular activities of BCSCs, we will also summarize the targeting strategies for BCSCs and related clinical trials. This review will highlight that BCSC development in breast cancer is impacted by both BCSC endogenous signaling and external factors in the TME, which provides an insight into how to establish a comprehensively therapeutic strategy to target BCSCs for breast cancer treatments.
Prevalence of Cancer Predisposition Germline Variants in Male Breast Cancer Patients: Results of the German Consortium for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Rolfes Muriel , Borde Julika , Möllenhoff Kathrin , Kayali Mohamad , Ernst Corinna , Gehrig Andrea , Sutter Christian , Ramser Juliane , Niederacher Dieter , Horváth Judit , Arnold Norbert , Meindl Alfons , Auber Bernd , Rump Andreas , Wang-Gohrke Shan , Ritter Julia , Hentschel Julia , Thiele Holger , Altmüller Janine , Nürnberg Peter , Rhiem Kerstin , Engel Christoph , Wappenschmidt Barbara , Schmutzler Rita K. , Hahnen Eric , Hauke Jan
Published: July 2022

Male breast cancer (mBC) is associated with a high prevalence of pathogenic variants (PVs) in the BRCA2 gene; however, data regarding other BC predisposition genes are limited. In this retrospective multicenter study, we investigated the prevalence of PVs in BRCA1/2 and 23 non-BRCA1/2 genes using a sample of 614 patients with mBC, recruited through the centers of the German Consortium for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer. A high proportion of patients with mBC carried PVs in BRCA2 (23.0%, 142/614) and BRCA1 (4.6%, 28/614). The prevalence of BRCA1/2 PVs was 11.0% in patients with mBC without a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. Patients with BRCA1/2 PVs did not show an earlier disease onset than those without. The predominant clinical presentation of tumor phenotypes was estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, progesterone receptor (PR)-positive, and HER2-negative (77.7%); further, 10.2% of the tumors were triple-positive, and 1.2% were triple-negative. No association was found between ER/PR/HER2 status and BRCA1/2 PV occurrence. Comparing the prevalence of protein-truncating variants (PTVs) between patients with mBC and control data (ExAC, n = 27,173) revealed significant associations of PTVs in both BRCA1 and BRCA2 with mBC (BRCA1: OR = 17.04, 95% CI = 10.54–26.82, p < 10−5; BRCA2: OR = 77.71, 95% CI = 58.71–102.33, p < 10−5). A case-control investigation of 23 non-BRCA1/2 genes in 340 BRCA1/2-negative patients and ExAC controls revealed significant associations of PTVs in CHEK2, PALB2, and ATM with mBC (CHEK2: OR = 3.78, 95% CI = 1.59–7.71, p = 0.002; PALB2: OR = 14.77, 95% CI = 5.02–36.02, p < 10−5; ATM: OR = 3.36, 95% CI = 0.89–8.96, p = 0.04). Overall, our findings support the benefit of multi-gene panel testing in patients with mBC irrespective of their family history, age at disease onset, and tumor phenotype.
Decomposition of Naphthalene by Dielectric Barrier Discharge in Conjunction with a Catalyst at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Li Jinjin , Zheng Zhi , Cui Xiao , Liu Yunhu , Fan Ting , Liu Yueyue , Chang Dalei , Yang Dezheng
Published: July 2022

In this study, coaxial dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma, in conjunction with a metal oxide catalyst, was used to degrade naphthalene. The characteristics of plasma discharge were studied by measuring voltage and current waveforms and the Lissajous figure. The effects of different parameters of the process on naphthalene decomposition in air were investigated. XRD, BET, and SEM data were used to investigate the nature, specific surface area, and surface morphology of the catalyst. The results show that the mineralization of naphthalene reached 82.2% when the initial naphthalene concentration was 21 ppm and the total gas flow rate was 1 L/min in the DBD reactor filled with Al2O3. The mineralization of naphthalene first increased and then became stable with the increase in treatment time and discharge power. The TiO2 catalyst has more apparent advantages than the two other studied catalysts in terms of the removal efficiency and mineralization of naphthalene due to this catalyst’s large specific surface area, porous structure, and photocatalytic properties. In addition, the introduction of a small amount of water vapor can promote the mineralization and CO2 selectivity of naphthalene. With further increases in the water vapor, Fe2O3 has a negative effect on the naphthalene oxidation due to its small pore size. The TiO2 catalyst can overcome the adverse effects of water molecule attachment due to its photocatalytic properties.
The Quality Management Ecosystem in Cell Therapy in Catalonia (Spain): An Opportunity for Integrating Standards and Streamlining Quality Compliance
Authors: Vives Joaquim , Sòria Maria Glòria , McGrath Eoin , Magri Mara
Published: July 2022

Cell therapies are required to meet with compulsory regulations that co-exist with other optional standards and guidelines that together compose a complex quality management system. Indeed, reliable insights on the mechanisms of action and safety of novel cell-based therapies require adherence to solid quality management structures in all steps of the value chain, from early research and tissue procurement to clinical trials and biovigilance, thus guaranteeing reproducibility and solid foundations for better science and improved clinical practice. Herein we present the concept of the quality ecosystem as a tool to understand and assist all stakeholders involved in developing and structuring the integration of standards as novel developments are taking place. We conclude that the various quality management initiatives can all be thought about under the umbrella of an ecosystem.
Tissue-Based Proteomic Profiling in Patients with Hyperplasia and Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Akkour Khalid , Alanazi Ibrahim O. , Alfadda Assim A. , Alhalal Hani , Masood Afshan , Musambil Mohthash , Rahman Anas M. Abdel , Alwehaibi Moudi A. , Arafah Maria , Bassi Ali , Benabdelkamel Hicham
Published: July 2022

Uterine cancers are among the most prevalent gynecological malignancies, and endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common in this group. This study used tissue-based proteomic profiling analysis in patients with endometrial cancer and hyperplasia, and control patients. Conventional 2D gel electrophoresis, followed by a mass spectrometry approach with bioinformatics, including a network pathway analysis pipeline, was used to identify differentially expressed proteins and associated metabolic pathways between the study groups. Thirty-six patients (twelve with endometrial cancer, twelve with hyperplasia, and twelve controls) were enrolled in this study. The mean age of the participants was 46–75 years. Eighty-seven proteins were significantly differentially expressed between the study groups, of which fifty-three were significantly differentially regulated (twenty-eight upregulated and twenty-five downregulated) in the tissue samples of EC patients compared to the control (Ctrl). Furthermore, 26 proteins were significantly dysregulated (8 upregulated and 18 downregulated) in tissue samples of hyperplasia (HY) patients compared to Ctrl. Thirty-two proteins (nineteen upregulated and thirteen downregulated) including desmin, peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase A, and zinc finger protein 844 were downregulated in the EC group compared to the HY group. Additionally, fructose bisphosphate aldolase A, alpha enolase, and keratin type 1 cytoskeletal 10 were upregulated in the EC group compared to those in the HY group. The proteins identified in this study were known to regulate cellular processes (36%), followed by biological regulation (16%). Ingenuity pathway analysis found that proteins that are differentially expressed between EC and HY are linked to AKT, ACTA2, and other signaling pathways. The panels of protein markers identified in this study could be used as potential biomarkers for distinguishing between EC and HY and early diagnosis and progression of EC from hyperplasia and normal patients.
Optimization of Mechanosensitive Cross-Talk between Matrix Stiffness and Protein Density: Independent Matrix Properties Regulate Spreading Dynamics of Myocytes
Authors: Brock Judith , Erhardt Julia , Eisler Stephan A. , Hörning Marcel
Published: July 2022

Cells actively sense differences in topology, matrix elasticity and protein composition of the extracellular microenvironment and adapt their function and morphology. In this study, we focus on the cross-talk between matrix stiffness and protein coating density that regulates morphology and proliferation dynamics of single myocytes. For this, C2C12 myocytes were monitored on L-DOPA functionalized hydrogels of 22 different elasticity and fibronectin density compositions. Static images were recorded and statistically analyzed to determine morphological differences and to identify the optimized extracellular matrix (ECM). Using that information, selected ECMs were used to study the dynamics before and after cell proliferation by statistical comparison of distinct cell states. We observed a fibronectin-density-independent increase of the projected cell area until 12 kPa. Additionally, changes in fibronectin density led to an area that was optimum at about 2.6 μg/cm2, which was confirmed by independent F-actin analysis, revealing a maximum actin-filament-to-cell-area ratio of 7.5%. Proliferation evaluation showed an opposite correlation between cell spreading duration and speed to matrix elasticity and protein density, which did not affect cell-cycle duration. In summary, we identified an optimized ECM composition and found that independent matrix properties regulate distinct cell characteristics.
ROS Signaling Mediates Directional Cell Elongation and Somatic Cell Fusion in the Red Alga Griffithsia monilis
Authors: Moon Jong-Seok , Hong Chan-Young , Lee Ji-Woong , Kim Gwang-Hoon
Published: July 2022

In many filamentous red algae, cells that die from physical damage are replaced through somatic fusion of repair cells formed from adjacent cells. We visualized ROS generation in repair cells of Giriffthsia monilis using DCFH-DA staining and examined the expression of the genes involved in wound healing using quantitative PCR. Repair cells elongate along the H2O2 gradient, meet at each other’s tips where the H2O2 concentration is highest, and undergo somatic fusion. No wound response occurred with ascorbic acid treatment. Conversely, H2O2 treatment induced many repair cells, leading to multiple somatic cell fusions. Diphenylene iodonium (DPI) or caffeine treatment reversibly inhibited ROS production in repair cells and blocked the progression of the wound response suggesting that ROS and calcium signaling are involved in the process. Four G. monilis homologues of NADPH-oxidase (GmRBOHs) were identified. The expression of GmRBOHs was upregulated upon injury, peaking 1 h post injury, and decreasing to initial levels when repair cells began to elongate. Our results suggest that ROS generated upon cell injury activates Ca2+ channels and upregulates the expression of GmRBOHs, and that H2O2 generated from repair cells mediates induced repair cell elongation leading to somatic cell fusion and filament repair.
A Study on Regenerative Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Authors: Burda Ioan
Published: July 2022

The quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) represented a substantial breakthrough in the use of the QCM sensor in diverse applications ranging from environmental monitoring to biomedical diagnostics. To obtain the required selectivity and sensitivity of a volatile organic compounds (VOC) sensor, it is necessary to coat the QCM sensor with a sensing film. As the QCM sensor is coated with the sensing film, an increase in the dissipation factor occurs, resulting in a shorter and shorter ring-down time. This decrease in ring-down time makes it difficult to implement the QCM-D method in an economical and portable configuration from the perspective of large-scale applications. To compensate for this effect, a regenerative method is proposed by which the damping effect produced by the sensing film is eliminated. In this sense, a regenerative circuit as an extension to a virtual instrument is proposed to validate the experimental method. The simulation of the ring-down time for the QCM sensor in the air considering the effect of the added sensing film, followed by the basic theoretical concepts of the regenerative method and the experimental results obtained, are analyzed in detail in this paper.
Functional Thin Films for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Feng , Kumar Sunil
Published: July 2022

Solar cells are considered one of the promising renewable energy sources for the rising global energy demand [...]
Chemoinformatics Analysis of the Colour Fastness Properties of Acid and Direct Dyes in Textile Coloration
Authors: Ran Jianhua , Pryazhnikova Victoria G. , Telegin Felix Y.
Published: July 2022

The efficiency of chemoinformatics methods based on a fragment approach for the analysis of relationships between the chemical structure of textile dyes and colour fastness of the dyeings have been shown by examining a large set of properties, including the light fastness of acid dyes on wool and polyamide fibres, the sensitivity of acid dyes on wool to oxygen bleaching, the wash fastness of acid dyes on wool, the adsorption of direct dyes on cotton, and the photodegradation of azo dyes in solution. An analysis of the developed regression models depicted the contribution of ten substructural molecular fragments for each indicator of the colour fastness properties of acid and direct azo dyes on textile materials. The similarity of several individual multi-atomic fragments for acid and direct azo dyes was found for wool, polyamide, and cotton fibres, which indicates the coinciding mechanisms of the physicochemical processes that accompany the destruction of dyes while testing the light fastness and sensitivity of the dyeings to oxygen bleaching, as well as their adsorption/desorption with the wash fastness and dyeability of wool and cotton.