bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Non-Specific Lethal (NSL) Histone Acetyltransferase Complex Transcriptionally Regulates Yin Yang 1-Mediated Cell Proliferation in Human Cells
Authors: Liu Hongsen , Wei Tao , Sun Lin , Wu Tingting , Li Fuqiang , Zhao Jianlei , Chu Jinmeng , Wang Fei , Cai Yong , Jin Jingji
Published: March 2022

The human males absent on the first (MOF)-containing non-specific lethal (NSL) histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complex acetylates histone H4 at lysine K5, K8, and K16. This complex shares several subunits with other epigenetic regulatory enzymes, which highlights the complexity of its intracellular function. However, the effect of the NSL HAT complex on the genome and target genes in human cells is still unclear. By using a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated NSL3-knockout 293T cell line and chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-Seq) approaches, we identified more than 100 genes as NSL HAT transcriptional targets, including several transcription factors, such as Yin Yang 1 (YY1) which are mainly involved in cell proliferation, biological adhesion, and metabolic processes. We found here that the ChIP-Seq peaks of MOF and NSL3 co-localized with H4K16ac, H3K4me2, and H3K4me3 at the transcriptional start site of YY1. In addition, both the mRNA and protein expression levels of YY1 were regulated by silencing or overexpressing NSL HAT. Interestingly, the expression levels of cell division cycle 6, a downstream target gene of YY1, were regulated by MOF or NSL3. In addition, the suppressed clonogenic ability of HepG2 cells caused by siNSL3 was reversed by overexpressing YY1, suggesting the involvement of YY1 in NSL HAT functioning. Additionally, de novo motif analysis of MOF and NSL3 targets indicated that the NSL HAT complex may recognize the specific DNA-binding sites in the promoter region of target genes in order to regulate their transcription.
Melatonin-Induced Postconditioning Suppresses NMDA Receptor through Opening of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore via Melatonin Receptor in Mouse Neurons
Authors: Furuta Takanori , Nakagawa Ichiro , Yokoyama Shohei , Morisaki Yudai , Saito Yasuhiko , Nakase Hiroyuki
Published: March 2022

Mitochondrial membrane potential regulation through the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) is reportedly involved in the ischemic postconditioning (PostC) phenomenon. Melatonin is an endogenous hormone that regulates circadian rhythms. Its neuroprotective effects via mitochondrial melatonin receptors (MTs) have recently attracted attention. However, details of the neuroprotective mechanisms associated with PostC have not been clarified. Using hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells from C57BL mice, we studied the involvement of MTs and the mPTP in melatonin-induced PostC mechanisms similar to those of ischemic PostC. We measured changes in spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs), intracellular calcium concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) currents after ischemic challenge, using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Melatonin significantly suppressed increases in sEPSCs and intracellular calcium concentrations. The NMDAR currents were significantly suppressed by melatonin and the MT agonist, ramelteon. However, this suppressive effect was abolished by the mPTP inhibitor, cyclosporine A, and the MT antagonist, luzindole. Furthermore, both melatonin and ramelteon potentiated depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potentials, and luzindole suppressed depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potentials. This study suggests that melatonin-induced PostC via MTs suppressed the NMDAR that was induced by partial depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential by opening the mPTP, reducing excessive release of glutamate and inducing neuroprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Targeting the DNA Damage Response to Increase Anthracycline-Based Chemotherapy Cytotoxicity in T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Magni Martina , Paolizzi Chiara , Monfrini Chiara , Vella Cristina , Corradini Paolo , Carniti Cristiana
Published: March 2022

Mature T-cell lymphomas (MTCLs) represent a heterogeneous group of aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas comprising different entities. Anthracycline-based regimens are considered the standard of care in the front-line treatment. However, responses to these approaches have been neither adequate nor durable, and new treatment strategies are urgently needed to improve survival. Genomic instability is a common feature of cancer cells and can be caused by aberrations in the DNA damage response (DDR) and DNA repair mechanisms. Consistently, molecules involved in DDR are being targeted to successfully sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy. Recent studies showed that some hematological malignancies display constitutive DNA damage and intrinsic DDR activation, but these features have not been investigated yet in MTCLs. In this study, we employed a panel of malignant T cell lines, and we report for the first time the characterization of intrinsic DNA damage and basal DDR activation in preclinical models in T-cell lymphoma. Moreover, we report the efficacy of targeting the apical kinase ATM using the inhibitor AZD0156, in combination with standard chemotherapy to promote apoptotic cell death. These findings suggest that DDR is an attractive pathway to be pharmacologically targeted when developing novel therapies and improving MTCL patients’ outcomes.
Protein Kinase A Regulates Autophagy-Associated Proteins Impacting Growth and Virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Shwab E. Keats , Juvvadi Praveen R. , Shaheen Shareef K. , Allen John , Waitt Greg , Soderblom Erik J. , Asfaw Yohannes G. , Moseley M. Arthur , Steinbach William J.
Published: March 2022

Cellular recycling via autophagy-associated proteins is a key catabolic pathway critical to invasive fungal pathogen growth and virulence in the nutrient-limited host environment. Protein kinase A (PKA) is vital for the growth and virulence of numerous fungal pathogens. However, the underlying basis for its regulation of pathogenesis remains poorly understood in any species. Our Aspergillus fumigatus PKA-dependent whole proteome and phosphoproteome studies employing advanced mass spectroscopic approaches identified numerous previously undefined PKA-regulated proteins in catabolic pathways. Here, we demonstrate reciprocal inhibition of autophagy and PKA activity, and identify 16 autophagy-associated proteins as likely novel PKA-regulated effectors. We characterize the novel PKA-phosphoregulated sorting nexin Atg20, and demonstrate its importance for growth, cell wall stress response, and virulence of A. fumigatus in a murine infection model. Additionally, we identify physical and functional interaction of Atg20 with previously characterized sorting nexin Atg24. Furthermore, we demonstrate the importance of additional uncharacterized PKA-regulated putative autophagy-associated proteins to hyphal growth. Our data presented here indicate that PKA regulates the autophagy pathway much more extensively than previously known, including targeting of novel effector proteins with fungal-specific functions important for invasive disease.
Heterologous Expression of Secondary Metabolite Genes in Trichoderma reesei for Waste Valorization
Authors: Shenouda Mary L. , Ambilika Maria , Skellam Elizabeth , Cox Russell J.
Published: March 2022

Trichoderma reesei (Hypocrea jecorina) was developed as a microbial cell factory for the heterologous expression of fungal secondary metabolites. This was achieved by inactivation of sorbicillinoid biosynthesis and construction of vectors for the rapid cloning and expression of heterologous fungal biosynthetic genes. Two types of megasynth(et)ases were used to test the strain and vectors, namely a non-reducing polyketide synthase (nr-PKS, aspks1) from Acremonium strictum and a hybrid highly-reducing PKS non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (hr-PKS-NRPS, tenS + tenC) from Beauveria bassiana. The resulting engineered T. reesei strains were able to produce the expected natural products 3-methylorcinaldehyde and pretenellin A on waste materials including potato, orange, banana and kiwi peels and barley straw. Developing T. reesei as a heterologous host for secondary metabolite production represents a new method for waste valorization by the direct conversion of waste biomass into secondary metabolites.
Lignans Extract from Knotwood of Norway Spruce—A Possible New Weapon against GTDs
Authors: Špetík Milan , Balík Josef , Híc Pavel , Hakalová Eliška , Štůsková Kateřina , Frejlichová Lucie , Tříska Jan , Eichmeier Aleš
Published: March 2022

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) pose a major threat to the wine industry worldwide. Currently, efficient biological methods or chemical compounds are not available for the treatment of infected grapevines. In the present study, we used an extract from the knotwood of spruce trees as a biological control against GTDs. Our in vitro trial was focused on the antifungal effects of the extract against the most common GTD pathogens—Cadophora luteo-olivacea, Dactylonectria torresensis, Diaporthe ampelina, Diaporthe bohemiae, Diplodia seriata, Eutypa lata, and Phaeoacremonium minimum. Our in vitro trial revealed a high antifungal effect of the extract against all tested fungi. The inhibition rates varied among the different species from 30% to 100% using 1 mg·mL−1 extract. Subsequently, the efficiency of the extract was supported by an in planta experiment. Commercial grafts of Vitis vinifera were treated with the extract and planted. The total genomic DNA of grapevines was extracted 10 days and 180 days after the treatment. The fungal microbial diversities of the treated/untreated plants were compared using high-throughput amplicon sequencing (HTAS). Treated plants showed 76.9% lower relative abundance of the genus Diaporthe and 70% lower relative abundance of the genus Phaeoacremonium 10 days after treatment. A similar scenario was observed for the genus Cadophora 180 days after treatment, where treated plants showed 76% lower relative abundance of this genus compared with untreated grapevines.
Low-Friction of ta-C Coatings Paired with Brass and Other Materials under Vacuum and Atmospheric Conditions
Authors: Härtwig Fabian , Lorenz Lars , Makowski Stefan , Krause Matthias , Habenicht Carsten , Lasagni Andrés Fabián
Published: March 2022

Vacuum environments provide challenging conditions for tribological systems. MoS2 is one of the materials commonly known to provide low friction for both ambient and vacuum conditions. However, it also exhibits poor wear resistance and low ability to withstand higher contact pressures. In search of wear-resistant alternatives, superhard hydrogen-free tetrahedral amorphous carbon coatings (ta-C) are explored in this study. Although known to have excellent friction and wear properties in ambient atmospheres, their vacuum performance is limited when self-paired and with steel. In this study, the influence of the paired material on the friction behavior of ta-C is studied using counterbodies made from brass, bronze, copper, silicon carbide, and aluminum oxide, as well as from steel and ta-C coatings as reference materials. Brass was found to be the most promising counterbody material and was further tested in direct comparison to steel, as well as in long-term performance experiments. It was shown that the brass/ta-C friction pair exhibits low friction (µ < 0.1) and high wear in the short term, irrespective of ambient pressure, whereas in the long term, the friction coefficient increases due to a change in the wear mechanism. Al2O3 was identified as another promising sliding partner against ta-C, with a higher friction coefficient than that of brass (µ = 0.3), but considerably lower wear. All other pairings exhibited high friction, high wear, or both.
Flexural Creep Response of Hybrid GFRP–FRC Sandwich Panels
Authors: Silva Tiago , Correia Luís , Dehshirizadeh Mozhdeh , Sena-Cruz José
Published: March 2022

This work was developed within the scope of the research project “Easyfloor—Development of composite sandwich panels for building floor rehabilitation”, which aims at developing an innovative hybrid sandwich panel as an alternative construction system to conventional floor solutions, mainly for building rehabilitation. The developed hybrid sandwich panel is composed of a top face layer of steel-fibre-reinforced self-compacting concrete (FRC), a core of polyurethane (PUR) closed-cell foam, a bottom face sheet, and lateral webs of glass-fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP). Full-scale experimental tests on the developed sandwich panels were carried out to characterize their short- and long-term (creep) flexural behaviour. The present work includes a detailed description of the developed panels and the experimental programme carried out and presents and discusses the relevant results. The experimental results showed an almost linear behaviour up to failure. The creep tests were carried out for a period of 180 days, using a creep load equal to 20% of its ultimate loading capacity. An average creep coefficient of 0.27 was obtained for this period. The composed creep model used to simulate the sandwich panel’s creep deflections by considering the individual viscoelastic contributions was able to predict the observed structural response with good accuracy.
Effect of Bimetallic Dimer-Embedded TiO2(101) Surface on CO2 Reduction: The First-Principles Calculation
Authors: Li Chongyang , Shang Cui , Zhao Bin , Zhang Gang , Liu Liangliang , Yang Wentao , Chen Zhiquan
Published: March 2022

The first-principles calculation was used to explore the effect of a bimetallic dimer-embedded anatase TiO2(101) surface on CO2 reduction behaviors. For the dimer-embedded anatase TiO2(101) surface, Zn-Cu, Zn-Pt, and Zn-Pd dimer interstitials could stably stay on the TiO2(101) surface with a binding energy of about −2.36 eV, as well as the electronic states’ results. Meanwhile, the results of adsorption energy, structure parameters, and electronic states indicated that CO2 was first physically and then chemically adsorbed much more stably on these three kinds of dimer-embedded TiO2(101) substrate with a small barrier energy of 0.03 eV, 0.23 eV, and 0.12 eV. Regarding the reduction process, the highest-energy barriers of the CO2 molecule on the Zn-Cu dimer-embedded TiO2(101) substrate was 0.31 eV, which largely benefited the CO2-reduction reaction (CO2RR) activity and was much lower than that of the other two kinds of Zn-Pt and Cu-Pt dimer-TiO2 systems. Simultaneously, the products CO* and *O* of CO2 reduction were firmly adsorbed on the dimer-embedded TiO2(101) surface. Our results indicated that a non-noble Zn-Cu dimer might be a more suitable and economical choice, which might theoretically promote the designation of high CO2RR performance on TiO2 catalysts.
A New Alloying Concept for Low-Density Steels
Authors: Hájek Jiří , Nový Zbyšek , Kučerová Ludmila , Jirková Hana , Salvetr Pavel , Motyčka Petr , Hajšman Jan , Bystřická Tereza
Published: March 2022

This paper introduces a new alloying concept for low-density steels. Based on model calculations, samples—or “heats”—with 0.7 wt% C, 1.45 wt% Si, 2 wt% Cr, 0.5 wt% Ni, and an aluminium content varying from 5 to 7 wt% are prepared. The alloys are designed to obtain steel with reduced density and increased corrosion resistance suitable for products subjected to high dynamic stress during operation. Their density is in the range from 7.2 g cm−3 to 6.96 g cm−3. Basic thermophysical measurements are carried out on all the heats to determine the critical points of each phase transformation in the solid state, supported by metallographic analysis on SEM and LM or the EDS analysis of each phase. It is observed that even at very high austenitisation temperatures of 1100 °C, it is not possible to change the two-phase structure of ferrite and austenite. A substantial part of the austenite is transformed into martensite during cooling at 50 °C s−1. The carbide kappa phase is segregated at lower cooling rates (around 2.5 °C s−1).
Modeling of Non-Ferrous Metallurgy Waste Disposal with the Production of Iron Silicides and Zinc Distillation
Authors: Kolesnikov Alexandr , Fediuk Roman , Amran Mugahed , Klyuev Sergey , Klyuev Alexander , Volokitina Irina , Naukenova Aigul , Shapalov Shermakhan , Utelbayeva Akmaral , Kolesnikova Olga , Bazarkhankyzy Aidana
Published: March 2022

This paper presents studies on the possibility of utilization of technogenic waste from the metallurgical industry by the method of complex processing in order to reduce the anthropogenic load on the environment of the region with the example of the zinc silicate-magnetite-carbon system. The selected sample of clinker dump from welting was subjected to chemical and scanning electron microscopic analyses and thermodynamic modeling. Thermodynamic studies were carried out in the temperature range 1600–2200 K and pressure p = 0.1 MPa, modeling the process of electric melting of clinker from welting in an arc furnace using the software application Astra 4 developed at the Bauman Moscow State Technical University (Moscow, Russian Federation). As a result of the thermodynamic modeling, the optimal temperature range was established, which was 1800–1900 K. Thermodynamic studies established that it is possible to drive away zinc from the system under study by 99–100% in the entire temperature range under study. The maximum degree of silicon extraction (αSi) in the alloy is up to 69.44% at T = 1900 K, and the degree of iron extraction (αFe) in the alloy is up to 99.996%. In particular, it was determined and proved that clinker waste from welting can act as a secondary technogenic raw material when it is processed as a mono mixture to produce iron silicides with a silicon content of 18 to 28%.
Discolouring 3D Gel Dosimeter for UV Dose Distribution Measurements
Authors: Jaszczak Malwina , Sąsiadek-Andrzejczak Elżbieta , Kozicki Marek
Published: March 2022

This work reports on a new TBO–Pluronic F–127 three-dimensional (3D) gel dosimeter for UV light dose distribution measurements. The optimal gel composition was found to be 60 µM Toluidine Blue O (TBO), which acts as a UV-sensitive compound; 5% w/w hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is necessary for initiation of TBO photodegradation and 25% w/w poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (Pluronic F–127), which forms a physical gel matrix. The dosimeter becomes discoloured when exposed to UV radiation and a discolouration is the more intense, the higher the absorbed dose is. The samples after irradiation with UVA, UVB and UVC radiation were measured using UV-Vis spectrophotometry to obtain the basic dose–response characteristic of the dosimeter, including dose sensitivity, linear and dynamic dose range, threshold dose, stability over time and dose–response for fractioned and non-fractioned doses. Additionally, the TBO–Pluronic F–127 gel dosimeter was investigated for spatial stability and the ability to measure the dose distribution of UV radiation. The results obtained indicate that the TBO–Pluronic F–127 dosimeter is a promising UV sensor and 2D/3D UV dosimeter.
Research Progress on Hydrogel–Elastomer Adhesion
Authors: Meng Lirong , He Jiang , Pan Caofeng
Published: March 2022

Hydrophilic hydrogels exhibit good mechanical properties and biocompatibility, whereas hydrophobic elastomers show excellent stability, mechanical firmness, and waterproofing in various environments. Hydrogel–elastomer hybrid material devices show varied application prospects in the field of bioelectronics. In this paper, the research progress in hydrogel–elastomer adhesion in recent years, including the hydrogel–elastomer adhesion mechanism, adhesion method, and applications in the bioelectronics field, is reviewed. Finally, the research status of adhesion between hydrogels and elastomers is presented.
Gum Acacia-Crosslinked-Poly(Acrylamide) Hydrogel Supported C3N4/BiOI Heterostructure for Remediation of Noxious Crystal Violet Dye
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Kumar Amit , Naushad Mu. , Dhiman Pooja , Thakur Bharti , García-Peñas Alberto , Stadler Florian J.
Published: March 2022

Herein, we report the designing of a C3N4/BiOI heterostructure that is supported on gum acacia-crosslinked-poly(acrylamide) hydrogel to fabricate a novel nanocomposite hydrogel. The potential application of the obtained nanocomposite hydrogel to remediate crystal violet dye (CVD) in an aqueous solution was explored. The structural and functional analysis of the nanocomposite hydrogel was performed by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The different reaction parameters, such as CVD concentration, nanocomposite hydrogel dosage, and working pH, were optimized. The C3N4/BiOI heterostructure of the nanocomposite hydrogel depicts Z-scheme as the potential photocatalytic mechanism for the photodegradation of CVD. The degradation of CVD was also specified in terms of COD and HR-MS analysis was carried to demonstrate the major degradation pathways.
Algicidal Effects of a High-Efficiency Algicidal Bacterium Shewanella Y1 on the Toxic Bloom-Causing Dinoflagellate Alexandrium pacificum
Authors: Chen Xi , Wang Dengyu , Wang Yanqun , Sun Pengfei , Ma Shuanghui , Chen Tiantian
Published: March 2022

Alexandriumpacificum is a typical toxic bloom-forming dinoflagellate, causing serious damage to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Many bacteria have been isolated, having algicidal effects on harmful algal species, while few algicidal bacteria have been found to be able to lyse A. pacificum. Herein, an algicidal bacterium, Shewanella Y1, with algicidal activity to the toxic dinoflagellate A. pacificum, was isolated from Jiaozhou Bay, China, and the physiological responses to oxidative stress in A. pacificum were further investigated to elucidate the mechanism involved in Shewanella Y1. Y1 exhibited a significant algicidal effect (86.64 ± 5.04% at 24 h) and algicidal activity in an indirect manner. The significant declines of the maximal photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), initial slope of the light limited region (alpha), and maximum relative photosynthetic electron transfer rate (rETRmax) indicated that the Y1 filtrate inhibited photosynthetic activities of A. pacificum. Impaired photosynthesis induced the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caused strong oxidative damage in A. pacificum, ultimately inducing cell death. These findings provide a better understanding of the biological basis of complex algicidal bacterium-harmful algae interactions, providing a potential source of bacterial agent to control harmful algal blooms.
Molecular Targets of Brown Algae Phlorotannins for the Therapy of Inflammatory Processes of Various Origins
Authors: Besednova Natalya N. , Andryukov Boris G. , Zaporozhets Tatyana S. , Kuznetsova Tatyana A. , Kryzhanovsky Sergey P. , Ermakova Svetlana P. , Galkina Irina V. , Shchelkanov Mikhail Yu.
Published: March 2022

Inflammatory reactions are part of a complex biological response that plays a vital role in the appearance of various stimuli resulting from tissue and cell damage, the invasion of pathogenic bacteria, and the formation of the subsequent adaptive immune response. The production of many triggers and mediators of inflammation, which are inducers of pro-inflammatory factors, is controlled by numerous differentiation programs, through which inflammation is resolved and tissue homeostasis is restored. However, prolonged inflammatory responses or dysregulation of pro-inflammatory mechanisms can lead to chronic inflammation. Modern advances in biotechnology have made it possible to characterize the anti-inflammatory activity of phlorotannins, polyphenolic compounds from brown seaweed, and the mechanisms by which they modulate the inflammatory response. The purpose of this review is to analyze and summarize the results of numerous experimental in vitro and in vivo studies, illustrating the regulatory mechanisms of these compounds, which have a wide range of biological effects on the body. The results of these studies and the need for further research are discussed.
Highlighting the Benefits of Rehabilitation Treatments in Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Radu Andrei-Flavius , Bungau Simona , Tit Delia , Behl Tapan , Uivaraseanu Bogdan , Marcu Mihai
Published: March 2022

Background and objectives: Due to its frequency and possible complications, hip arthrosis or hip osteoarthritis (hip OA) has a high social impact, its advanced stages eventually leading to irreversible lesions involving major complications or surgery. In the early stages, conservative treatment plays a key role in the prophylaxis of complications and in slowing down the degenerative process. The association between an appropriate drug therapy (DT) and a rehabilitation treatment (RT)—including individualized physical therapy (PT) and adapted occupational therapy (OT)—provides good results. Our objective was to highlight the benefits of associating RT with DT in patients with hip OA. Materials and Methods: An observational follow-up study was conducted between 2018–2021, which included 100 patients with hip OA divided into two groups: the study group—group A (50 subjects who complied with RT) and the control group—group B (who did not comply with RT). To evaluate them, the evolution of the Lequesne hip index (LHI), Tinetti test (TT) and the hip joint mobility: flexion (FH) and abduction (AH) were monitored before the beginning of the study (T0) and after one-year (T1) for each patient. The mean values of the parameters, the standard deviations, the frequency intervals, as well as the tests of statistical significance were calculated using the Student method (t-test) and χ2, ANOVA (Bonferroni) being used to compare the means. Results: Compared to the evolution of group B, improvements were observed in group A, as follows: in LHI group A (p = 0.023) vs. group B (p = 0.650); in TT group A (p = 0.011) vs. group B (p < 0.001); in FH group A (p = 0.001) vs. group B (p = 0.025); in AH group A (p = 0.001) vs. group B (p < 0.001). BMI changes were non-significant in both groups A (p = 0.223) and B (p = 0.513). Evaluating group A, the most significant improvements of the studied parameters were observed in the age group 41–50 years. Conclusions: The study reveals the benefits of combining RT with DT in patients with especially early-stage hip OA, aged up to 50 years old.
Optimization of Intraoperative Neural Monitoring of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve in Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Hsieh Chia-Yuan , Tan Hao , Huang Hui-Fang , Huang Tzu-Yen , Wu Che-Wei , Chang Pi-Ying , Lu David-Vi , Lu I-Cheng
Published: March 2022

The application of intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) has been widely accepted to improve surgical outcomes after thyroid surgery. The malfunction of an IONM system might interfere with surgical procedures. Thus, the development of anesthesia modalities aimed at ensuring functional neuromonitoring is essential. Two key issues should be taken into consideration for anesthetic management. Firstly, most patients undergo recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring via surface electrodes embedded in an endotracheal tube. Thus, advanced video-assisted devices might optimize surface electrode positioning for improved neuromonitoring signaling accuracy. Secondly, neuromuscular blocking agents are routinely used during thyroid surgery. The ideal neuromuscular block should be deep enough for surgical relaxation at excision and recovered enough for an adequate signal f nerve stimulation. Proper neuromuscular block management could be achieved by titration doses of muscle relaxants and reversal agents.
Inverse Relationship between Mean Corpuscular Volume and T-Score in Chronic Dialysis Patients
Authors: Chiang Ming-Hsiu , Yang Chih-Yu , Kuo Yi-Jie , Cheng Chung-Yi , Huang Shu-Wei , Chen Yu-Pin
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives: Osteoporosis and anemia are prevalent among chronic kidney disease stage 5D (CKD stage 5D) patients. Osteoblasts are known as the niche cells of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and stimulate HSCs to form blood-cell lineages within bone marrow microenvironments. We hypothesized that an inverse correlation may exist between mean corpuscular volume (MCV), a surrogate for ineffective hematopoiesis, and bone mineral density (BMD) in the CKD stage 5D population. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional designed cohort study evaluating CKD stage 5D patients who have received dialysis therapy for over three months. Baseline clinical characteristics and laboratory data were prospectively collected. The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method was used to measure BMD at five sites, which were bilateral femoral neck, total hip, and lumbar spine 1–4. The Pearson correlation test was initially adopted, and a multivariate linear regression model was further applied for potential confounder adjustments. Results: From September 2020 to January 2021, a total of 123 CKD stage 5D patients were enrolled. The Pearson correlation test revealed a significant inverse association between MCV and BMD at bilateral femoral neck and lumbar spine. The lowest T-score of the five body sites was determined as the recorded T-score. After adjustments for several potential confounding factors, the multivariate linear regression model found consistent negative associations between T-score and MCV. Conclusions: The present study found significant inverse correlations between MCV and BMD at specific body locations in patients on dialysis. A decreased T-score was also found to be associated with macrocytosis after adjustments for confounding variables. However, direct evidence for the causative etiology was lacking.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Increase Resilience in Chronic Pain Patients: A Clinical Guideline
Authors: Moens Maarten , Jansen Julie , De Smedt Ann , Roulaud Manuel , Billot Maxime , Laton Jorne , Rigoard Philippe , Goudman Lisa
Published: March 2022

Chronic pain remains a very difficult condition to manage for healthcare workers and patients. Different options are being considered and a biopsychosocial approach seems to have the most benefit, since chronic pain influences biological, psychological and social factors. A conservative approach with medication is the most common type of treatment in chronic pain patients; however, a lot of side effects are often induced. Therefore, a premium is set on novel nonpharmacological therapy options for chronic pain, such as psychological interventions. Previous research has demonstrated that resilience is a very important aspect in coping with chronic pain. A more recent type of cognitive-behavioural therapy is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, in which psychological flexibility is intended to be the end result. In this manuscript, current evidence is used to explain why and how a comprehensive and multimodal treatment for patients with chronic pain can be applied in clinical practice. This multimodal treatment consists of a combination of pain neuroscience education and cognitive-behavioural therapy, more specifically Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The aim is to provide a clinical guideline on how to contribute to greater flexibility and resilience in patients with chronic pain.
Supported Liquid Membranes Based on Bifunctional Ionic Liquids for Selective Recovery of Gallium
Authors: Zhou Haitao , Ye Yuxi , Tan Yuefei , Zhu Kailun , Liu Xinmin , Tian Hongjing , Guo Qingjie , Wang Lingyun , Zhao Shuju , Liu Yang
Published: March 2022

In this work, separation and recovery of gallium from aqueous solutions was examined using acid-base bifunctional ionic liquids (Bif-ILs) in both solvent extraction and supported liquid membrane (SLM) processes. The influence of a variety of parameters, such as feed acidity, extractant concentration and metal concentration on the solvent extraction behavior were evaluated. The slope method combined with FTIR spectroscopy was utilized to determine possible extraction mechanisms. The SLM containing Bif-ILs demonstrated highly selective facilitated transport of 96.2% Ga(III) from feed to stripping solution after optimization. During the evaluation of the separation performance of SLM for the transport of Ga(III), in the presence of Al(III), Mg(II), Cu(II) and Fe(II), 88.5% Ga(III) could be transported with only 6% Fe(II) and a nil quantity of other metals co-transported. SLM exhibited excellent long-time stability in five repeated transport cycles. Highly selective transport and separation performance was achieved using the SLM containing Bif-ILs, indicating considerable potential for application in Ga(III) recovery.
Advances in Assistive Electronic Device Solutions for Urology
Authors: Holmes-Martin Kieran , Zhu Minghui , Xiao Shujun , Arab Hassani Faezeh
Published: March 2022

Recent technology advances have led urology to become one of the leading specialities to utilise novel electronic systems to manage urological ailments. Contemporary bladder management strategies such as urinary catheters can provide a solution but leave the user mentally and physically debilitated. The unique properties of modern electronic devices, i.e., flexibility, stretchability, and biocompatibility, have allowed a plethora of new technologies to emerge. Many novel electronic device solutions in urology have been developed for treating impaired bladder disorders. These disorders include overactive bladder (OAB), underactive bladder (UAB) and other-urinary-affecting disorders (OUAD). This paper reviews common causes and conservative treatment strategies for OAB, UAB and OUAD, discussing the challenges and drawbacks of such treatments. Subsequently, this paper gives insight into clinically approved and research-based electronic advances in urology. Advances in this area cover bladder-stimulation and -monitoring devices, robot-assistive surgery, and bladder and sphincter prosthesis. This study aims to introduce the latest advances in electronic solutions for urology, comparing their advantages and disadvantages, and concluding with open problems for future urological device solutions.
Separation and Comprehensive Recovery of Cobalt, Nickel, and Lithium from Spent Power Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Liwen , Xi Xiaoli , Zhang Zhengzheng , Lyu Zhe
Published: March 2022

The popularization of electric vehicles drives the extensive use of power lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and their abandonment after retirement. Spent power LIBs have a high economic value because they contain valuable metals which need to be recovered. In this study, the separation and comprehensive recovery of valuable metallic elements, including Co, Ni, and Li, from spent power LIBs were realized by a hydrometallurgical process of “calcination–leaching–synergistic extraction–synthesis”. The results showed that, under the optimal conditions, the extraction efficiencies of impurities, such as Al and Cu, by P204 were 91% and 90%, respectively. A P507–N235 synergistic system was proposed to extract Co over Ni and Li with the maximum synergistic coefficient of 12.6. The extraction efficiency of Co, Ni, and Li was 99.5%, 3.9%, and 9.7%, respectively, and the separation coefficients of β(Co/Ni) and β(Co/Li) were 200.6 and 300.3, respectively. Cobalt oxalate, nickel oxalate, and lithium carbonate were finally obtained. Comprehensive recovery of valuable metals was realized, and the total recovery efficiency of Li, Ni, and Co was 84.1%, 93.1%, and 96.5%, respectively. This study provides positive significance for the improvement of cobalt extraction technology and comprehensive recycling efficiency of spent power LIBs.
1H-Pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines: Synthesis and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Donaire-Arias Ana , Montagut Ana Maria , Puig de la Bellacasa Raimon , Estrada-Tejedor Roger , Teixidó Jordi , Borrell José I.
Published: March 2022

Pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines are a group of heterocyclic compounds presenting two possible tautomeric forms: the 1H- and 2H-isomers. More than 300,000 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines have been described which are included in more than 5500 references (2400 patents) up to date. This review will cover the analysis of the diversity of the substituents present at positions N1, C3, C4, C5, and C6, the synthetic methods used for their synthesis, starting from both a preformed pyrazole or pyridine, and the biomedical applications of such compounds.
Potential Effects of Ibuprofen, Remdesivir and Omeprazole on Dexamethasone Metabolism in Control Sprague Dawley Male Rat Liver Microsomes (Drugs Often Used Together Alongside COVID-19 Treatment)
Authors: Hussain Amira , Naughton Declan P. , Barker James
Published: March 2022

The role of individual cytochrome P450 (CYPs) responsible for the drug metabolism can be determined through their chemical inhibition. During the pandemic, dexamethasone and remdesivir with omeprazole were used for the treatment of COVID-19, while Ibuprofen was taken to treat the symptoms of fever and headache. This study aimed to examine the potency of ibuprofen remdesivir, and omeprazole as inhibitors of cytochrome P450s using rat liver microsomes in vitro. Dexamethasone a corticosteroid, sometimes used to reduce the body’s immune response in the treatment of COVID-19, was used as a probe substrate and the three inhibitors were added to the incubation system at different concentrations and analysed by a validated High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. The CYP3A2 isoenzyme is responsible for dexamethasone metabolism in vitro. The results showed that ibuprofen acts as a non-competitive inhibitor for CYP3A2 activity with Ki = 224.981 ± 1.854 µM and IC50 = 230.552 ± 2.020 µM, although remdesivir showed a mixed inhibition pattern with a Ki = 22.504 ± 0.008 µM and IC50 = 45.007 ± 0.016 µM. Additionally, omeprazole uncompetitively inhibits dexamethasone metabolism by the CYP3A2 enzyme activity with a Ki = 39.175 ± 0.230 µM and IC50 = 78.351 ± 0.460 µM. These results suggest that the tested inhibitors would not exert a significant effect on the CYP3A2 isoenzyme responsible for the co-administered dexamethasone drug’s metabolism in vivo.
Screening and Structure–Activity Relationship of D2AAK1 Derivatives for Potential Application in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Koszła Oliwia , Sołek Przemysław , Stępnicki Piotr , Kaczor Agnieszka A.
Published: March 2022

Neurodegenerative and mental diseases are serious medical, economic and social problems. Neurodegeneration is referred to as a pathological condition associated with damage to nerve cells leading to their death. Treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is at present symptomatic only, and novel drugs are urgently needed which would be able to stop disease progression. We performed screening of reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, glutathione and level intracellular Ca2+. The studies were assessed using one-way ANOVA of variance with Dunnett’s post hoc test. Previously, we reported D2AAK1 as a promising compound for the treatment of neurodegenerative and mental disorders. Here, we show a screening of D2AAK1 derivatives aimed at the selection of the compound with the most favorable pharmacological profile. Selected compounds cause an increase in the proliferation of a hippocampal neuron-like cell line, changes in the levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen forms, reduced glutathione and a reduced intracellular calcium pool. Upon analyzing the structure–activity relationship, we selected the compound with the most favorable profile for a neuroprotective activity for potential application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) Phytochemical Profile: Impact of Pre/Post-Harvest Processing and Extractive Recovery
Authors: Sierra Karina , Naranjo Laura , Carrillo-Hormaza Luis , Franco German , Osorio Edison
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to chemically compare samples of Mentha spicata (marketing byproducts, production byproducts, and export material), cultivated in the open field and under greenhouse, using an integrated approach by HPLC/DAD and GC/MS analysis. The presence of phenolic compounds was higher in the marketing byproducts cultivated in the open field. Marketing byproducts also had the highest amount of carvone. For this reason, this byproduct was selected as a candidate for the development of natural ingredients. With the best selected material, the optimization of simultaneous high-intensity ultrasound-assisted extraction processes was proposed for the recovery of the compounds of interest. This extraction was defined by Peleg’s equation and polynomial regression analysis. Modeling showed that the factors amplitude, time, and solvent were found to be significant in the recovery process (p < 0.005). The maximum amount of compounds was obtained using 90% amplitude for 5 min and ethanol/water mixture (80:20) for extraction to simultaneously obtain phenolic and terpenoid compounds. This system obtained the highest amount of monoterpenoid and sesquiterpenoid compounds from the essential oil of M. spicata (64.93% vs. 84.55%). Thus, with an efficient and eco-friendly method, it was possible to optimize the extraction of compounds in M. spicata as a starting point for the use of its byproducts.
Enhanced Degradation of Paracetamol by the Fe(III)-Sulfite System under UVA Irradiation
Authors: Yuan Yanan , Wu Feng , Brigante Marcello , Mailhot Gilles
Published: March 2022

The Fe(III)-S(IV) system used for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) at acidic pH has just been proposed and demonstrated valid for very few contaminants in the last several years. In this work, we investigated the effect of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation on the degradation efficiency of the Fe(III)/S(IV) system at near-neutral pH. Paracetamol (PARA) was selected as a model contaminant. The influencing factors, such as initial pH and Fe(III)/S(IV) molar ratio on chemical kinetics, and the mechanism of PARA degradation are investigated, with an emphasis on the determination of dominant oxidant species. Our results show that irradiation enhances the PARA degradation by accelerating the decrease of pH to acidic levels, and the optimal pH for the degradation of PARA in the Fe(III)/S(IV)/O2 system was around 4.0. At near-neutral pH, more than 60% of PARA was decomposed within 40 min under irradiation, whereas no significant degradation of PARA was observed using Fe(III)/S(IV) at pH 7.0 without irradiation. Mechanism investigation revealed that sulfate radical (SO4•‒) is the main oxidant species generated and responsible for the PARA degradation under these conditions. This finding may have promising implications in developing a new degradation process for dealing with wastewater at near-neutral pH by the Fe(III)/S(IV)/O2 system under UVA irradiation.
The Tail Wags the Dog: The Far Periphery of the Coordination Environment Manipulates the Photophysical Properties of Heteroleptic Cu(I) Complexes
Authors: Paderina Aleksandra , Melnikov Alexey , Slavova Sofia , Sizov Vladimir , Gurzhiy Vladislav , Petrovskii Stanislav , Luginin Maksim , Levin Oleg , Koshevoy Igor , Grachova Elena
Published: March 2022

In this work we show, using the example of a series of [Cu(Xantphos)(N^N)]+ complexes (N^N being substituted 5-phenyl-bipyridine) with different peripheral N^N ligands, that substituents distant from the main action zone can have a significant effect on the physicochemical properties of the system. By using the C≡C bond on the periphery of the coordination environment, three hybrid molecular systems with −Si(CH3)3, −Au(PR3), and −C2HN3(CH2)C10H7 fragments were produced. The Cu(I) complexes thus obtained demonstrate complicated emission behaviour, which was investigated by spectroscopic, electrochemical, and computational methods in order to understand the mechanism of energy transfer. It was found that the −Si(CH3)3 fragment connected to the peripheral C≡C bond changes luminescence to long-lived intra-ligand phosphorescence, in contrast to MLCT phosphorescence or TADF. The obtained results can be used for the design of new materials based on Cu(I) complexes with controlled optoelectronic properties on the molecular level, as well as for the production of hybrid systems.
Coated Blade Spray-Mass Spectrometry as a New Approach for the Rapid Characterization of Brain Tumors
Authors: Bogusiewicz Joanna , Gaca-Tabaszewska Magdalena , Olszówka Dominik , Jaroch Karol , Furtak Jacek , Harat Marek , Pawliszyn Janusz , Bojko Barbara
Published: March 2022

Brain tumors are neoplasms with one of the highest mortality rates. Therefore, the availability of methods that allow for the quick and effective diagnosis of brain tumors and selection of appropriate treatments is of critical importance for patient outcomes. In this study, coated blade spray-mass spectrometry (CBS-MS), which combines the features of microextraction and fast ionization methods, was applied for the analysis of brain tumors. In this approach, a sword-shaped probe is coated with a sorptive material to enable the extraction of analytes from biological samples. The analytes are then desorbed using only a few microliters of solvent, followed by the insertion of the CBS device into the interface on the mass spectrometer source. The results of this proof-of-concept experiment confirmed that CBS coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) enables the rapid differentiation of two histologically different lesions: meningiomas and gliomas. Moreover, quantitative CBS-HRMS/MS analysis of carnitine, the endogenous compound, previously identified as a discriminating metabolite, showed good reproducibility with the variation below 10% when using a standard addition calibration strategy and deuterated internal standards for correction. The resultant data show that the proposed CBS-MS technique can be useful for on-site qualitative and quantitative assessments of brain tumor metabolite profiles.
Current Trends in Acetins Production: Green versus Non-Green Synthesis
Authors: Zada Bakht , Kwon Moonhyuk , Kim Seon-Won
Published: March 2022

To utilize excess glycerol produced from the biodiesel industry, researchers are developing innovative methods of transforming glycerol into value-added chemicals. One strategy adopted is the conversion of glycerol into acetins, which are esters of glycerol that have wide applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food and fuel additives, and plasticizers and serve as precursors for other chemical compounds. Acetins are synthesized either by traditional chemical methods or by biological processes. Although the chemical methods are efficient, productive, and commercialized, they are “non-green”, meaning that they are unsafe for the environment and consumers. On the other hand, the biological process is “green” in the sense that it protects both the environment and consumers. It is, however, less productive and requires further effort to achieve commercialization. Thus, both methodologies have benefits and drawbacks, and this study aims to present and discuss these. In addition, we briefly discuss general strategies for optimizing biological processes that could apply to acetins production on an industrial scale.