bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salvage Hepatectomy for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Radiofrequency Ablation: A Retrospective Cohort Study with Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Park Yeshong , Han Ho-Seong , Yoon Yoo-Seok , Yoon Chang Jin , Lee Hae Won , Lee Boram , Kang MeeYoung , Kim Jinju , Cho Jai Young
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: Although radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a well-established locoregional treatment modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the optimal strategy to handle local recurrence after ablation is still debated. This study aims to investigate the role of salvage hepatectomy (SH) as a rescue therapy for recurrent HCC after RFA. Materials and Methods: Between January 2004 and December 2020, 1161 patients were subject to surgical resection for HCC. Among them, 47 patients who underwent SH for local recurrence after ablation were retrospectively analyzed and compared to a propensity score-matched group of controls (n = 47) who received primary hepatectomy (PH). Short-term and long-term outcomes were analyzed between the two groups. Results: After matching, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative morbidity rates showed no statistically significant difference. Tumors in the SH group were associated with poor differentiation (SH 9 (19.1%) vs. PH 1 (2.1%), p < 0.001). The 5-year disease-free survival rates (31.6% vs. 73.4%, p < 0.001) and overall survival rates (80.3% vs. 94.2%, p = 0.047) were significantly lower in the SH group. In multivariable analysis, less extensive resection compared to the initial plan (hazard ratio (HR) 4.68, p = 0.024), higher grade (HR 5.38, P < 0.001), negative but close (<0.1 cm) resection margin (HR 22.14, p = 0.007), and R1 resection (HR 3.13, p = 0.006) were significant predictors for recurrence. Conclusions: SH for recurrent tumors after ablation showed safety and effectiveness equivalent to primary resection. As recurrent tumors show a higher grade and more aggressive behavior, more extensive resections with wide surgical margins are necessary to prevent recurrence.
Evaluation of Prognostic Parameters to Identify Aggressive Penile Carcinomas
Authors: Mink Jan Niklas , Khalmurzaev Oybek , Pryalukhin Alexey , Geppert Carol Immanuel , Lohse Stefan , Bende Kristof , Lobo João , Henrique Rui , Loertzer Hagen , Steffens Joachim , Jerónimo Carmen , Wunderlich Heiko , Heinzelbecker Julia , Bohle Rainer M. , Stöckle Michael , Matveev Vsevolod , Hartmann Arndt , Junker Kerstin
Published: September 2023

Background: Advanced penile carcinoma is characterized by poor prognosis. Most data on prognostic factors are based on small study cohorts, and even meta-analyses are limited in patient numbers. Therefore, there is still a lack of evidence for clinical decisions. In addition, the most recent TNM classification is questionable; in line with previous studies, we found that it has not improved prognosis estimation. Methods: We evaluated 297 patients from Germany, Russia, and Portugal. Tissue samples from 233 patients were re-analyzed by two experienced pathologists. HPV status, p16, and histopathological parameters were evaluated for all patients. Results: Advanced lymph node metastases (N2, N3) were highly significantly associated with reductions in metastasis-free (MFS), cancer-specific (CS), and overall survival (OS) rates (p = <0.001), while lymphovascular invasion was a significant parameter for reduced CS and OS (p = 0.005; p = 0.007). Concerning the primary tumor stage, a significant difference in MFS was found only between pT1b and pT1a (p = 0.017), whereas CS and OS did not significantly differ between T categories. In patients without lymph node metastasis at the time of primary diagnosis, lymphovascular invasion was a significant prognostic parameter for lower MFS (p = 0.032). Histological subtypes differed in prognosis, with the worst outcome in basaloid carcinomas, but without statistical significance. HPV status was not associated with prognosis, either in the total cohort or in the usual type alone. Conclusion: Lymphatic involvement has the highest impact on prognosis in penile cancer, whereas HPV status alone is not suitable as a prognostic parameter. The pT1b stage, which includes grading, as well as lymphovascular and perineural invasion in the T stage, seems questionable; a revision of the TNM classification is therefore required.
Application of New Molecular Probes in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Malignant Tumors
Authors: Cheng Dengfeng , Lu Hui
Published: September 2023

Molecular probes, specialized tools or substances meticulously designed to bind to specific molecules or biomarkers within cells, tissues, or biological samples, play a pivotal role in various domains such as biomedical research, diagnostics, and medical treatments [...]
MSRNet: Multiclass Skin Lesion Recognition Using Additional Residual Block Based Fine-Tuned Deep Models Information Fusion and Best Feature Selection
Authors: Bibi Sobia , Khan Muhammad Attique , Shah Jamal Hussain , Damaševičius Robertas , Alasiry Areej , Marzougui Mehrez , Alhaisoni Majed , Masood Anum
Published: September 2023

Cancer is one of the leading significant causes of illness and chronic disease worldwide. Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is becoming a severe health problem due to its rising prevalence. The considerable death rate linked with melanoma requires early detection to receive immediate and successful treatment. Lesion detection and classification are more challenging due to many forms of artifacts such as hairs, noise, and irregularity of lesion shape, color, irrelevant features, and textures. In this work, we proposed a deep-learning architecture for classifying multiclass skin cancer and melanoma detection. The proposed architecture consists of four core steps: image preprocessing, feature extraction and fusion, feature selection, and classification. A novel contrast enhancement technique is proposed based on the image luminance information. After that, two pre-trained deep models, DarkNet-53 and DensNet-201, are modified in terms of a residual block at the end and trained through transfer learning. In the learning process, the Genetic algorithm is applied to select hyperparameters. The resultant features are fused using a two-step approach named serial-harmonic mean. This step increases the accuracy of the correct classification, but some irrelevant information is also observed. Therefore, an algorithm is developed to select the best features called marine predator optimization (MPA) controlled Reyni Entropy. The selected features are finally classified using machine learning classifiers for the final classification. Two datasets, ISIC2018 and ISIC2019, have been selected for the experimental process. On these datasets, the obtained maximum accuracy of 85.4% and 98.80%, respectively. To prove the effectiveness of the proposed methods, a detailed comparison is conducted with several recent techniques and shows the proposed framework outperforms.
Celiac Disease in Uzbek Children: Insights into Disease Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics in Symptomatic Pediatric Patients
Authors: Kamilova Altinoy T. , Azizova Gulnoza K. , Poddighe Dimitri , Umarnazarova Zulkhumar E. , Abdullaeva Dilrabo A. , Geller Svetlana I. , Azimova Noiba D.
Published: September 2023

Background: A few studies on pediatric Celiac Disease (CD) are available from Central Asia. Recent immunogenetic research has highlighted that the HLA-DQ2/8 genetic predisposition to CD as well as the dietary intake of gluten in this geographical area, are comparable to other regions of the world where CD prevalence is known to be 1% or higher. Methods: This is a prospective and cross-sectional study investigating the prevalence and clinical characteristics of CD in symptomatic children referred to the pediatric gastroenterology department of a tertiary hospital in Uzbekistan from 1 September 2021, until 31 July 2022. In addition to collecting the relevant information related to clinical manifestations and laboratory analyses from the clinical files, a specific survey was also administered to patients’ guardians. Serological, histopathological, and immunogenetic parameters specific to CD, fecal zonulin, and pancreatic elastases were assessed in CD patients. Results: The study population consisted of 206 children. Overall, almost all of them (n = 192; 93.2%) were referred because of gastrointestinal manifestations, which were associated with extra-gastrointestinal manifestations in most cases (n = 153; 74.3%); a minority (n = 14; 6.8%) was mainly referred due short stature and/or growth failure only. Among all of these study participants, CD was diagnosed in 11 children (5.3%). Notably, although diarrhea was similarly reported in CD and non-CD patients, watery diarrhea (type 7 according to the Bristol stool scale) was much more frequently and significantly observed in the former group. All of these CD patients showed anti-tTG IgA 10 times higher than the upper normal limit, except one child with lower serum levels of total IgA; however, all of them received a diagnostic confirmation by histopathological analysis due to the lack of EMA testing in the country. Notably, most CD children (82%) showed a Marsh III histological grading. Around half patients (54.5%) showed zonulin values above the reference range, whereas none showed insufficient levels of pancreatic elastase. However, no correlation or association between zonulin and clinical, laboratory, histopathological, and immunogenetic parameters was found. Conclusions: This study may further suggest a relevant prevalence of CD in Uzbek children, based on this partial picture emerging from symptomatic patients only. Additionally, we highlighted the prevalence of typical CD forms with watery diarrhea, which should strongly support a full diagnostic work-up for CD in the local clinical setting. The high levels of anti-tTG IgA and high Marsh grade might also lead us to speculate a significant diagnostic delay despite the classical clinical expression of CD.
Belonging in Online Synchronous Classrooms: Experiences of Minoritized Students in Dutch Higher Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Korthals Altes Tisja , Muftugil-Yalcin Seda , Slootman Marieke
Published: September 2023

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education in many countries suddenly moved online. The sudden move to online education forced teachers to adapt their teaching to an online context. The concept of belonging has been described as the next evolution of, and a characteristic that is central to, inclusion. Many have argued that inclusion can never be truly achieved without the presence of belonging. In this paper we ask important questions, such as how does the move to online education, with its lack of personal cues and heightened anonymity, influence minoritized students’ sense of belonging? What is the role of the sense of belonging for inclusion in education? From our data about the minoritized student experiences of belonging in online classrooms, three patterns emerged. (1) The most dominant experience was that the lack of connection in online classrooms reduced students’ sense of belonging. (2) In a few instances, however, the lack of connection and the heightened anonymity of online classrooms led to an increased sense of belonging and safety in online classrooms. (3) However, not all students experienced the switch to online education as a major change.
A Federated Network Intrusion Detection System with Multi-Branch Network and Vertical Blocking Aggregation
Authors: Wang Yunhui , Zheng Weichu , Liu Zifei , Wang Jinyan , Shi Hongjian , Gu Mingyu , Di Yicheng
Published: September 2023

The rapid development of cloud–fog–edge computing and mobile devices has led to massive amounts of data being generated. Also, artificial intelligence technology, like machine learning and deep learning, is widely used to mine the value of the data. Specifically, detecting attacks on the cloud–fog–edge computing system using mobile devices is essential. External attacks on network press organizations led to anomaly flow in network traffic. The network intrusion detection system (NIDS) has been an effective method for detecting anomaly flow. However, the NIDS is hard to deploy in distributed networks because network flow data are kept private. Existing methods cannot obtain an accurate NIDS under such a federated scenario. To construct an NIDS while preserving data privacy, we propose a combined model that integrates binary classifiers into a whole network based on simple classifier networks to specify the type of attack on anomalous data and offer instruction to other security system components. We also introduce federated learning (FL) methods into our system and design a new aggregation algorithm named vertical blocking aggregation (FedVB) according to our model structure. Our experiments demonstrate that our system can be more effective than simple multi-classifiers in terms of accuracy and significantly reduce communication and computation overhead when applying FedVB.
A Hybrid Modified Deep Learning Architecture for Intrusion Detection System with Optimal Feature Selection
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Sharma Sanjeev
Published: September 2023

With the exponentially evolving trends in technology, IoT networks are vulnerable to serious security issues, allowing intruders to break into networks without authorization and manipulate the data. Their actions can be recognized and avoided by using a system that can detect intrusions. This paper presents a hybrid intelligent system and inverted hour-glass-based layered network classifier for feature selection and classification processes, respectively. To accomplish this task, three different datasets have been utilized in the proposed model for identifying old and new attacks. Moreover, a hybrid optimization feature selection technique has been implemented for selecting only those features that can enhance the accuracy of the detection rate. Finally, the classification is performed by using the inverted hour-glass-based layered network model in which data are up-sampled with the increase in the number of layers for effective training. Data up-sampling is performed when small subset of datapoints are observed for any class, which in turn helps in improving the accuracy of the proposed model. The proposed model demonstrated an accuracy of 99.967%, 99.567%, and 99.726% for NSL-KDD, KDD-CUP99, and UNSW NB15 datasets, respectively, which is significantly better than the traditional CNID model. These results demonstrate that our model can detect different attacks with high accuracy and is expected to show good results for new datasets as well. Additionally, to reduce the computational cost of the proposed model, we have implemented it on CPU-based core i3 processors, which are much cheaper than GPU processors.
Research on an Improved Carbon Emission Flow Model Considering Electric Vehicle Charging Fluctuation and Hybrid Power Transaction
Authors: Zhu Xianfeng , Liu Ziwei , Shen Ran , Wang Qingming , Tang Aihong , You Xinyu , Yu Wenhan , Wang Wenhao , Mao Lujie
Published: September 2023

With the update of the power transaction mode and the access of increasing electric vehicles with high randomness to the power grid, the existing carbon emission flow calculation method cannot consider the influence of carbon emission due to the fluctuation in electric vehicle charging and various transaction modes. Given the above shortcomings, this paper proposes an improved carbon emission flow model considering electric vehicle charging fluctuations and hybrid power transactions. The model first considers different transaction modes, allocates the network loss to both sides of power generation, and forms a lossless network, realizing the decoupling of the bilateral transaction mode, pool transaction mode, and network loss and then calculating the day-ahead network’s carbon emission. Then, the changes in different transaction modes caused by the fluctuation in electric vehicle charging under different transaction modes are analyzed and the nodes of ‘spontaneous change’ are found to form a day-ahead intra-day deviation network and calculate its carbon emission flow. Finally, the calculation results are combined to obtain an improved power system carbon emission flow considering electric vehicle charging fluctuations and transaction modes. In this paper, the 33-node system is used for verification.
Diversifying the Flavor of Black Rice Wines through Three Different Regional Xiaoqus in China and Unraveling Their Core Functional Microorganisms
Authors: Tang Aoxing , Peng Bangzhu
Published: September 2023

The flavor of black rice wine (BRW) can be diversified by the Xiaoqus, from different regions; however, the functional microbiota that contributes to its flavor remains unclear. Accordingly, this study selected three regional Xiaoqus from Sichuan Dazhu (Q1), Jiangxi Yingtan (Q2), and Hubei Fangxian (Q3) as starters to investigate flavor compounds and microbial communities during BRW brewing. Results indicated that altogether 61 flavor substances were identified, 16 of which were common characteristic flavor compounds (odor activity value > 0.1). Each BRW possessed unique characteristic flavor compounds. O2PLS and Spearman’s correlation analysis determined that characteristic flavor compounds of BRW were mainly produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, non-Saccharomyces yeasts, and lactic acid bacteria, with the common core functional strains being Wickerhamomyces and Pediococcus, and with their unique core functional strain likely causing a unique characteristic flavor. This study could promote the high-quality development of the black rice wine industry.
Storage Stability of Meat Analogs Supplemented with Vegetable Oils
Authors: Cho Youngjae , Bae Junhwan , Lee Jiseon , Choi Mi-Jung
Published: September 2023

The addition of various oils to meat analog has been an important topic to improving its juiciness and tenderness. However, this causes a concern about oil leaching from the meat analog during long-term storage. Here, we aimed to assess the storage stability of vegetable-oil-supplemented meat analogs and analyze the effects of temperature and storage period on their physiochemical characteristics. The meat analogs were prepared by adding 30 g castor oil, orange oil, palm oil, shortening, or margarine vegetable oil based on 100 g of textured vegetable protein. They were then stored at −18 or −60 °C for 6 months and analyzed at one-month intervals. The meat analog supplemented with orange oil had the highest water content (64.85%; 66.07%), hardness (35.48 N; 34.05 N), and DPPH-radical-scavenging activity (30.01%; 30.87%) under −18 and −60 °C, respectively, as well as the highest liquid-holding capacity in different conditions. During frozen storage, temperature barely affected the meat quality. The storage stability of all meat analog samples was maintained for 6 months, although the quality was slightly reduced with an increase in storage duration. Coliform group bacteria were not detected regardless of the storage condition. In conclusion, all results supposed that orange oil can be a promising candidate for improving the juiciness and tenderness of meat analogs, and the quality of samples was maintained for at least 6 months under frozen storage. The findings of this study are relevant to the development and promotion of meat analog as an alternative to animal meat.
Preliminary Results of Preoperative Planning Using 3D Printing and Augmented Reality in Cryotherapy Treatment of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone—CRIO2AR Project
Authors: D’Arienzo Antonio , Scognamiglio Branimir , Campo Francesco Rosario , Cosseddu Fabio , Ruinato Damiano Alfio , Ipponi Edoardo , Carbone Marina , Condino Sara , Ferrari Vincenzo , Andreani Lorenzo , Capanna Rodolfo , Parchi Paolo Domenico
Published: September 2023

Giant Cell Tumor of Bone is a benign tumor with high local aggressive expansion, which, in rare cases, spreads metastasis. Surgical treatment, which often consists of wide curettage to reduce recurrence risk, can lower the quality of life for those affected. Along with aggressive surgery, adjuvant intraoperative techniques have been implemented such as PMMA and cryotherapy. One of the most widely used cryotherapy techniques involves the use of probes to generate ice balls, which have been scientifically shown to have various impacts on the tumor. Although this has been acknowledged, no one has yet tested a way to accurately plan the positioning of cryotherapy probes before surgery, according to the research conducted by the authors. CRIO2AR is a randomized clinical prospective ongoing study by which it will be experimented via preoperative planning of ice probes placement using AR and 3D printing technologies. By studying a single clinical case with these technologies, the surgeon gains better awareness of patient’s anatomy and tumor localization. Preliminary results are shown in the article. The first results are confirming that these technologies are applicable in clinical practice. Secondly, preoperative planning is proving to be reliable, easily replicable, and useful for the surgeon.
Effectiveness of mHealth Interventions for Monitoring Antenatal Care among Pregnant Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mishra Manisha , Parida Debasini , Murmu Jogesh , Singh Damini , Rehman Tanveer , Kshatri Jaya Singh , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: September 2023

Antenatal care (ANC) is essential in maternal and child health since it provides care to pregnant women from conception through to labour in order to ensure a safe pregnancy and childbirth. In recent years, mobile health (mHealth) interventions have emerged as a promising solution to improve maternal and child health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The present study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of trials to evaluate the effectiveness of mHealth interventions to monitor prenatal care among pregnant women in LMICs. A systematic literature review was conducted using the databases CINHAL, Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO on the effectiveness of mHealth interventions in monitoring the antenatal care of pregnant women. The study selection, data extraction of the included articles, and quality appraisal were assessed. Our study included six studies considering 7886 participants. All articles were from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Antenatal mothers who used a mobile health intervention were more likely (RR = 1.66, 95%CI = 1.07–2.58, I2 = 98%) to attend ANC check-ups when compared with the women who did not use any mobile health applications or did not receive any short message services. mHealth technologies are being utilised more and more to increase care accessibility and improve maternal and fetal health. Policymakers should prioritise the integration of mHealth interventions into maternal healthcare services in LMICs, ensuring that they are cost-effective, accessible, and sustainable and that healthcare workers are trained to deliver these interventions effectively.
Lipopolysaccharide of Legionella pneumophila Serogroup 1 Facilitates Interaction with Host Cells
Authors: Kowalczyk Bożena , Petzold Markus , Kaczyński Zbigniew , Szuster-Ciesielska Agnieszka , Luchowski Rafał , Gruszecki Wiesław I. , Fuchs Beate , Galuska Christina E. , Choma Adam , Tarasiuk Jacek , Palusińska-Szysz Marta
Published: September 2023

Legionella pneumophila is the primary causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease. The mutant-type strain interrupted in the ORF7 gene region responsible for the lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis of the L. pneumophila strain Heysham-1, lacking the O-acetyl groups attached to the rhamnose of the core part, showed a higher surface polarity compared with the wild-type strain. The measurement of excitation energy transfer between fluorophores located on the surface of bacteria and eukaryotic cells showed that, at an early stage of interaction with host cells, the mutant exhibited weaker interactions with Acanthamoeba castellanii cells and THP-1-derived macrophages. The mutant displayed reduced adherence to macrophages but enhanced adherence to A. castellanii, suggesting that the O-acetyl group of the LPS core region plays a crucial role in facilitating interaction with macrophages. The lack of core rhamnose O-acetyl groups made it easier for the bacteria to multiply in amoebae and macrophages. The mutant induced TNF-α production more strongly compared with the wild-type strain. The mutant synthesized twice as many ceramides Cer(t34:0) and Cer(t38:0) than the wild-type strain. The study showed that the internal sugars of the LPS core region of L. pneumophila sg 1 can interact with eukaryotic cell surface receptors and mediate in contacting and attaching bacteria to host cells as well as modulating the immune response to infection.
Intravenous Administration of Human Muse Cells Ameliorates Deficits in a Rat Model of Subacute Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Takahashi Yoshiharu , Kajitani Takumi , Endo Toshiki , Nakayashiki Atsushi , Inoue Tomoo , Niizuma Kuniyasu , Tominaga Teiji
Published: September 2023

Multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring (Muse) cells are newly established pluripotent stem cells. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential of the systemic administration of Muse cells as an effective treatment for subacute SCI. We intravenously administered the clinical product “CL2020” containing Muse cells to a rat model two weeks after mid-thoracic spinal cord contusion. Eight experimental animals received CL2020, and twelve received the vehicle. Behavioral analyses were conducted over 20 weeks. Histological evaluations were performed. After 20 weeks of observation, diphtheria toxin was administered to three CL2020-treated animals to selectively ablate human cell functions. Hindlimb motor functions significantly improved from 6 to 20 weeks after the administration of CL2020. The cystic cavity was smaller in the CL2020 group. Furthermore, larger numbers of descending 5-HT fibers were preserved in the distal spinal cord. Muse cells in CL2020 were considered to have differentiated into neuronal and neural cells in the injured spinal cord. Neuronal and neural cells were identified in the gray and white matter, respectively. Importantly, these effects were reversed by the selective ablation of human cells by diphtheria toxin. Intravenously administered Muse cells facilitated the therapeutic potential of CL2020 for severe subacute spinal cord injury.
Efficacy of Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype 9-Mediated Gene Therapy for AB-Variant GM2 Gangliosidosis
Authors: Vyas Meera , Deschenes Natalie M. , Osmon Karlaina J. L. , Chen Zhilin , Ahmad Imtiaz , Kot Shalini , Thompson Patrick , Richmond Chris , Gray Steven J. , Walia Jagdeep S.
Published: September 2023

GM2 gangliosidoses are a group of neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders that are characterized by the accumulation of GM2 gangliosides (GM2), leading to rapid neurological decline and death. The hydrolysis of GM2 requires the specific synthesis, processing, and combination of products of three genes—HEXA, HEXB, and GM2A—within the cell’s lysosomes. Mutations in these genes result in Tay-Sachs disease, Sandhoff disease, or AB-variant GM2 gangliosidosis (ABGM2), respectively. ABGM2, the rarest of the three types, is characterized by a mutation in the GM2A gene, which encodes the GM2 activator (GM2A) protein. Being a monogenic disease, gene therapy is a plausible and likely effective method of treatment for ABGM2. This study aimed at assessing the effects of administering a one-time intravenous treatment of single-stranded Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (ssAAV9)-GM2A viral vector at a dose of 1 × 1014 vector genomes (vg) per kilogram per mouse in an ABGM2 mouse model (Gm2a−/−). ssAAV9-GM2A was administered at 1-day (neonatal) or 6-weeks of age (adult-stage). The results demonstrated that, in comparison to Gm2a−/− mice that received a vehicle injection, the treated mice had reduced GM2 accumulation within the central nervous system and had long-term persistence of vector genomes in the brain and liver. This proof-of-concept study is a step forward towards the development of a clinically therapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with ABGM2.
Identifying the Target Traumatic Brain Injury Population for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Authors: Schimmel Samantha , El Sayed Bassel , Lockard Gavin , Gordon Jonah , Young Isabella , D’Egidio Francesco , Lee Jea Young , Rodriguez Thomas , Borlongan Cesar V.
Published: September 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from direct penetrating and indirect non-penetrating forces that alters brain functions, affecting millions of individuals annually. Primary injury following TBI is exacerbated by secondary brain injury; foremost is the deleterious inflammatory response. One therapeutic intervention being increasingly explored for TBI is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which is already approved clinically for treating open wounds. HBOT consists of 100% oxygen administration, usually between 1.5 and 3 atm and has been found to increase brain oxygenation levels after hypoxia in addition to decreasing levels of inflammation, apoptosis, intracranial pressure, and edema, reducing subsequent secondary injury. The following review examines recent preclinical and clinical studies on HBOT in the context of TBI with a focus on contributing mechanisms and clinical potential. Several preclinical studies have identified pathways, such as TLR4/NF-kB, that are affected by HBOT and contribute to its therapeutic effect. Thus far, the mechanisms mediating HBOT treatment have yet to be fully elucidated and are of interest to researchers. Nonetheless, multiple clinical studies presented in this review have examined the safety of HBOT and demonstrated the improved neurological function of TBI patients after HBOT, deeming it a promising avenue for treatment.
Foodomics-Based Approaches Shed Light on the Potential Protective Effects of Polyphenols in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Pratelli Giovanni , Tamburini Bartolo , Carlisi Daniela , De Blasio Anna , D’Anneo Antonella , Emanuele Sonia , Notaro Antonietta , Affranchi Federica , Giuliano Michela , Seidita Aurelio , Lauricella Marianna , Di Liberto Diana
Published: September 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract (GT) caused by a wide range of genetic, microbial, and environmental factors. IBD is characterized by chronic inflammation and decreased gut microbial diversity, dysbiosis, with a lower number of beneficial bacteria and a concomitant increase in pathogenic species. It is well known that dysbiosis is closely related to the induction of inflammation and oxidative stress, the latter caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cellular antioxidant capacity, leading to cellular ROS accumulation. ROS are responsible for intestinal epithelium oxidative damage and the increased intestinal permeability found in IBD patients, and their reduction could represent a potential therapeutic strategy to limit IBD progression and alleviate its symptoms. Recent evidence has highlighted that dietary polyphenols, the natural antioxidants, can maintain redox equilibrium in the GT, preventing gut dysbiosis, intestinal epithelium damage, and radical inflammatory responses. Here, we suggest that the relatively new foodomics approaches, together with new technologies for promoting the antioxidative properties of dietary polyphenols, including novel delivery systems, chemical modifications, and combination strategies, may provide critical insights to determine the clinical value of polyphenols for IBD therapy and a comprehensive perspective for implementing natural antioxidants as potential IBD candidate treatment.
Pseudotyping Improves the Yield of Functional SARS-CoV-2 Virus-like Particles (VLPs) as Tools for Vaccine and Therapeutic Development
Authors: Zak Andrew J. , Hoang Trang , Yee Christine M. , Rizvi Syed M. , Prabhu Ponnandy , Wen Fei
Published: September 2023

Virus-like particles (VLPs) have been proposed as an attractive tool in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development, both as (1) a vaccine candidate with high immunogenicity and low reactogenicity and (2) a substitute for live virus in functional and neutralization assays. Though multiple SARS-CoV-2 VLP designs have already been explored in Sf9 insect cells, a key parameter ensuring VLPs are a viable platform is the VLP spike yield (i.e., spike protein content in VLP), which has largely been unreported. In this study, we show that the common strategy of producing SARS-CoV-2 VLPs by expressing spike protein in combination with the native coronavirus membrane and/or envelope protein forms VLPs, but at a critically low spike yield (~0.04–0.08 mg/L). In contrast, fusing the spike ectodomain to the influenza HA transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail and co-expressing M1 increased VLP spike yield to ~0.4 mg/L. More importantly, this increased yield translated to a greater VLP spike antigen density (~96 spike monomers/VLP) that more closely resembles that of native SARS-CoV-2 virus (~72–144 Spike monomers/virion). Pseudotyping further allowed for production of functional alpha (B.1.1.7), beta (B.1.351), delta (B.1.617.2), and omicron (B.1.1.529) SARS-CoV-2 VLPs that bound to the target ACE2 receptor. Finally, we demonstrated the utility of pseudotyped VLPs to test neutralizing antibody activity using a simple, acellular ELISA-based assay performed at biosafety level 1 (BSL-1). Taken together, this study highlights the advantage of pseudotyping over native SARS-CoV-2 VLP designs in achieving higher VLP spike yield and demonstrates the usefulness of pseudotyped VLPs as a surrogate for live virus in vaccine and therapeutic development against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
The Pro-Oncogenic Protein IF1 Promotes Proliferation of Anoxic Cancer Cells during Re-Oxygenation
Authors: Righetti Riccardo , Grillini Silvia , Del Dotto Valentina , Costanzini Anna , Liuzzi Francesca , Zanna Claudia , Sgarbi Gianluca , Solaini Giancarlo , Baracca Alessandra
Published: September 2023

Cancer cells overexpress IF1, the endogenous protein that inhibits the hydrolytic activity of ATP synthase when mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔμH+) falls, as in ischemia. Other roles have been ascribed to IF1, but the associated molecular mechanisms are still under debate. We investigated the ability of IF1 to promote survival and proliferation in osteosarcoma and colon carcinoma cells exposed to conditions mimicking ischemia and reperfusion, as occurs in vivo, particularly in solid tumors. IF1-silenced and parental cells were exposed to the FCCP uncoupler to collapse ΔμH+ and the bioenergetics of cell models were validated. All the uncoupled cells preserved mitochondrial mass, but the implemented mechanisms differed in IF1-expressing and IF1-silenced cells. Indeed, the membrane potential collapse and the energy charge preservation allowed an increase in both mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis in IF1-expressing cells only. Interestingly, the presence of IF1 also conferred a proliferative advantage to cells highly dependent on oxidative phosphorylation when the uncoupler was washed out, mimicking cell re-oxygenation. Overall, our results indicate that IF1, by allowing energy preservation and promoting mitochondrial renewal, can favor proliferation of anoxic cells and tumor growth. Therefore, hindering the action of IF1 may be promising for the therapy of tumors that rely on oxidative phosphorylation for energy production.
Role of Tyrosine Nitrosylation in Stress-Induced Major Depressive Disorder: Mechanisms and Implications
Authors: Wilson Gregory C. , Keitsch Simone , Soddemann Matthias , Wilker Barbara , Edwards Michael J. , Gulbins Erich
Published: September 2023

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 10% and is one of the most common diseases worldwide. Although many pathogenetic mechanisms of MDD have been proposed, molecular details and a unifying hypothesis of the pathogenesis of MDD remain to be defined. Here, we investigated whether tyrosine nitrosylation, which is caused by reaction of the C-atom 3 of the tyrosine phenol ring with peroxynitrate (ONOO−), plays a role in experimental MDD, because tyrosine nitrosylation may affect many cell functions altered in MDD. To this end, we induced stress through glucocorticoid application or chronic environmental unpredictable stress and determined tyrosine nitrosylation in the hippocampus through immuno-staining and ELISA. The role of catalases and peroxidases for tyrosine nitrosylation was measured using enzyme assays. We show that glucocorticoid- and chronic unpredictable environmental stress induced tyrosine nitrosylation in the hippocampus. Long-term treatment of stressed mice with the classical antidepressants amitriptyline or fluoxetine prevented tyrosine nitrosylation. Tyrosine nitrosylation was also prevented through i.v. application of anti-ceramide antibodies or recombinant ceramidase to neutralize or degrade, respectively, blood plasma ceramide that has been recently shown to induce experimental MDD. Finally, the application of phosphatidic acid, previously shown to be reduced in the hippocampus upon stress, also reverted stress-induced tyrosine nitrosylation. The inhibition of tyrosine nitrosylation by interfering with the formation of NO radicals at least partly restored normal behavior in stressed mice. These data suggest that tyrosine nitrosylation might contribute to the pathogenesis of MDD and targeting this process might contribute to the treatment of MDD.
Exploring HERV-K (HML-2) Influence in Cancer and Prospects for Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Costa Bárbara , Vale Nuno
Published: September 2023

This review investigates the intricate role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in cancer development and progression, explicitly focusing on HERV-K (HML-2). This paper sheds light on the latest research advancements and potential treatment strategies by examining the historical context of HERVs and their involvement in critical biological processes such as embryonic development, immune response, and disease progression. This review covers computational modeling for drug-target binding assessment, systems biology modeling for simulating HERV-K viral cargo dynamics, and using antiviral drugs to combat HERV-induced diseases. The findings presented in this review contribute to our understanding of HERV-mediated disease mechanisms and provide insights into future therapeutic approaches. They emphasize why HERV-K holds significant promise as a biomarker and a target.
In Vivo Regulation of Signal Transduction Pathways by Vitamin D Stabilizes Homeostasis of Human Immune Cells and Counteracts Molecular Stress
Authors: Jaroslawska Julia , Carlberg Carsten
Published: September 2023

Vitamin D3 is a pre-hormone that regulates hundreds of target genes and dozens of physiological functions, including calcium homeostasis and the activity of the immune system, via its metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, which is a high-affinity ligand for the transcription factor vitamin D receptor. In this study, we took advantage of data from the VitDHiD vitamin D3 intervention trial (25 healthy individuals) indicating that 442 protein-coding genes were significantly (false discovery rate < 0.05) up- or downregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells one day after taking a vitamin D3 bolus. Since more than half of the encoded proteins had “signaling” assigned as a primary biological function, we evaluated their involvement in signal transduction cascades included in the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) database and found 88 of the vitamin D targets contributing to 16 different pathways. Eight of the pathways show an approximately even contribution of up- and downregulated genes, suggesting that the actions of vitamin D stabilize homeostasis of the physiological processes driven by the respective signaling cascades. Interestingly, vitamin D target genes involved in the signaling pathways of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) are primarily downregulated. This supports the observation that the physiological role of vitamin D in healthy individuals is to tone down certain processes rather than activate them. In conclusion, under in vivo conditions, vitamin D either alleviates the homeostasis of immune cells in healthy individuals or counteracts molecular responses to oxygen deprivation (HIF1), microbe infection (TNF), growth stimulation (MAPKs) and inflammation (NFκB).
Ecology of Marine Zooplankton
Authors: Uttieri Marco , Carotenuto Ylenia , Di Capua Iole , Roncalli Vittoria
Published: September 2023

Marine ecosystems, from coastal areas to open waters, teem with a multitude of heterotrophic and mixotrophic organisms collectively forming the zooplankton, the animal component of the plankton [...]
Spatiotemporal Pattern and Driving Mechanism of Cultivated Land Use Transition in China
Authors: Jiang Feifei , Chen Fu , Sun Yan , Hua Ziyi , Zhu Xinhua , Ma Jing
Published: September 2023

In the past 20 years, the global economy has undergone tremendous changes with rapid industrialization and urbanization. Cultivated land is an important spatial carrier for human production and life, and its use pattern also changes with socioeconomic development. Natural, economic, social, and policy factors jointly drive the cultivated land use transition (CLUT). However, the spatiotemporal pattern and evolution characteristics of the CLUT at the national scale have not yet been clarified in China. Factors that play a leading role in the transition are also unclear. To this end, this paper explores the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the CLUT at a national scale and analyzes the main drivers and spatial differentiation rules of the transition based on relevant data from 31 provincial units on the Chinese mainland from 2000 to 2019. The results show that: (1) The CLUT in China from 2000 to 2019 had obvious stage characteristics. (2) The coordination degree of the CLUT was enhanced overall. Areas with a higher degree of coordination presented a spatial distribution pattern of small agglomeration and large dispersion, while low-level areas were distributed in spots. (3) Different drivers had various effects on the CLUT. The topography played an inhibitory role in the transition, and its influence showed obvious differences between the east and west regions. The effect of the construction land demand index shifted from inhibition to promotion, while the effects of the gross agricultural economic output and the total power of agricultural machinery in the transition were insignificant.
Rural Land Management and Revitalization through a Locally Coordinated Integrated Master Plan—A Model from Germany to China
Authors: Chigbu Uchendu Eugene , Klaus Michael , Zhang Wenjun , Alexander Laina
Published: September 2023

Land management has its local dimension in rural, peri-urban, and urban perspectives. Recently China adopted rural revitalization in response to the rapid rural–urban migration and the emergence of hollow villages, characterized by declining and ageing populations, limited economic and social opportunities for residents, and depleting natural resources. It covers political, cultural, social, and ecological progress issues for speeding up local development in rural areas. By taking a specific cross-country approach, this study presents the evolution of adapting the experience of Bavarian rural revitalization to Sichuan, China, through the coordinated, integrated master plan approach. It frames an approach to rural revitalization in China by drawing on Bavarian experiences in rural development. The study is based on a pilot project in the Sichuan Province of China undertaken by the Hanns Seidel Foundation to strengthen the Chinese rural revitalization strategy. It addresses the rural development complexity in China through a locally coordinated, integrated master plan based on adapting rural development principles from Bavaria (Germany) to China. It shows that, at the local level, Germany’s rural development principles can be applied to China. It contributes to cross-country, future-orientated support for rural revitalization, strengthening communities, nature protection, and improving the living conditions of rural people.
Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO-Nanostructured Particles Produced by Solar Ablation
Authors: Schiopu Adriana-Gabriela , Oproescu Mihai , Iana Vasile Gabriel , Ducu Catalin Marian , Moga Sorin Georgian , Vîlcoci Denisa Stefania , Cîrstea Georgiana , Calinescu Valentin Marian , Ahmed Omar
Published: September 2023

Nowadays, nanotechnology offers opportunities to create new features and functions of emerging materials. Correlation studies of nanostructured materials’ development processes with morphology, structure, and properties represent one of the most important topics today due to potential applications in all fields: chemistry, mechanics, electronics, optics, medicine, food, or defense. Our research was motivated by the fact that in the nanometric domain, the crystalline structure and morphology are determined by the elaboration mechanism. The objective of this paper is to provide an introduction to the fundamentals of nanotechnology and nanopowder production using the sun’s energy. Solar energy, as part of renewable energy sources, is one of the sources that remain to be exploited in the future. The basic principle involved in the production of nanopowders consists of the use of a solar energy reactor concentrated on sintered targets made of commercial micropowders. As part of our study, for the first time, we report the solar ablation synthesis and characterization of Ni-doped ZnO performed in the CNRS-PROMES laboratory, UPR 8521, a member of the CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research). Also, we study the effect of the elaboration method on structural and morphological characteristics of pure and doped ZnO nanoparticles determined by XRD, SEM, and UV-Vis.
Microstructural and Tribological Characteristics of Composites Obtained by Detonation Spraying of Iron-Based Alloy—Carbide Powder Mixtures
Authors: Azarmi Fardad , Tangpong Xiangqing W.
Published: September 2023

iron-based coatings have exhibited good mechanical properties, such as high hardness and good wear resistance, which are desirable properties in applications such as automobile brake rotors. iron-based coatings are also good replacements for Co- and Ni-based coatings, which are costly and could have health and environmental concerns due to their toxicity. In this research, three different iron-based coatings were deposited using the Detonation Gun Spraying (DGS) technology onto aluminum substrates, including the steel powders alone (unreinforced), and steel powders mixed with Fe3C and SiC particles, respectively. The microstructural characteristics of these coatings and mechanical properties, such as hardness and wear resistance, were examined. The morphology and structure of the feedstock powders were affected by the exposure to high temperature during the spraying process and rapid solidification of steel powders that resulted in the formation of an amorphous structure. While it was expected that steel particles reinforced with hard ceramic particles would result in increased hardness, instead, the unreinforced steel coating had the highest hardness, possibly due to a higher degree of amorphization in the coating than the other two. The microstructural observation confirmed the formation of dense coatings with good adhesion between layers. All samples were subjected to ball-on-disk wear tests at room temperature (23 °C) and at 200 °C. Similar wear resistances of the three samples were obtained at room temperature. At 200 °C, however, both ceramic reinforced composite samples exhibited higher wear rates in line with the reduction in their hardness values. This work explains, from the microstructural point of view, why adding hard particles to steel powers may not always lead to coatings with higher hardness and better wear resistance.