bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The NtrYX Two-Component System of Paracoccus denitrificans Is Required for the Maintenance of Cellular Iron Homeostasis and for a Complete Denitrification under Iron-Limited Conditions
Authors: Olaya-Abril Alfonso , Luque-Almagro Víctor M. , Hidalgo-Carrillo Jesús , Chicano-Gálvez Eduardo , Urbano Francisco J. , Moreno-Vivián Conrado , Richardson David J. , Roldán María Dolores
Published: August 2022

Denitrification consists of the sequential reduction of nitrate to nitrite, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, and dinitrogen. Nitrous oxide escapes to the atmosphere, depending on copper availability and other environmental factors. Iron is also a key element because many proteins involved in denitrification contain iron-sulfur or heme centers. The NtrYX two-component regulatory system mediates the responses in a variety of metabolic processes, including denitrification. A quantitative proteomic analysis of a Paracoccus denitrificans NtrY mutant grown under denitrifying conditions revealed the induction of different TonB-dependent siderophore transporters and proteins related to iron homeostasis. This mutant showed lower intracellular iron content than the wild-type strain, and a reduced growth under denitrifying conditions in iron-limited media. Under iron-rich conditions, it releases higher concentrations of siderophores and displayes lower nitrous oxide reductase (NosZ) activity than the wild-type, thus leading to nitrous oxide emission. Bioinformatic and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that NtrYX is a global transcriptional regulatory system that responds to iron starvation and, in turn, controls expression of the iron-responsive regulators fur, rirA, and iscR, the denitrification regulators fnrP and narR, the nitric oxide-responsive regulator nnrS, and a wide set of genes, including the cd1-nitrite reductase NirS, nitrate/nitrite transporters and energy electron transport proteins.
Full-Length Dystrophin Restoration via Targeted Exon Addition in DMD-Patient Specific iPSCs and Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Xiao Rou , Zhou Miaojin , Wang Peiyun , Zeng Baitao , Wu Lingqian , Hu Zhiqing , Liang Desheng
Published: August 2022

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common fatal muscle disease, with an estimated incidence of 1/3500–1/5000 male births, and it is associated with mutations in the X-linked DMD gene encoding dystrophin, the largest known human gene. There is currently no cure for DMD. The large size of the DMD gene hampers exogenous gene addition and delivery. The genetic correction of DMD patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (DMD-iPSCs) and differentiation into suitable cells for transplantation is a promising autologous therapeutic strategy for DMD. In this study, using CRISPR/Cas9, the full-length dystrophin coding sequence was reconstructed in an exon-50-deleted DMD-iPSCs by the targeted addition of exon 50 at the junction of exon 49 and intron 49 via homologous-directed recombination (HDR), with a high targeting efficiency of 5/15, and the genetically corrected iPSCs were differentiated into cardiomyocytes (iCMs). Importantly, the full-length dystrophin expression and membrane localization were restored in genetically corrected iPSCs and iCMs. Thus, this is the first study demonstrating that full-length dystrophin can be restored in iPSCs and iCMs via targeted exon addition, indicating potential clinical prospects for DMD gene therapy.
A Rumor Detection Method Based on Adaptive Fusion of Statistical Features and Textual Features
Authors: Zhang Ziyan , Dan Zhiping , Dong Fangmin , Gao Zhun , Zhang Yanke
Published: August 2022

Many rumors spread quickly and widely on social media, affecting social stability. The rumors of most current detection methods only use textual information or introduce external auxiliary information (such as user information and propagation information) to enhance the detection effect, and the inherent statistical features of the corpus have not been fully used and compared with the external auxiliary features; in addition, statistical features are more certain and can only be obtained from textual information. Therefore, we adopted a method based on the adaptive fusion of word frequency distribution features and textual features to detect rumors. Statistical features were extracted by encoding statistical information through a variational autoencoder. We extracted semantic features and sequence features as textual features through a parallel network comprising a convolutional neural network and a bidirectional long-term memory network. In addition, we also designed an adaptive valve to only fuse useful statistical features with textual features according to the credibility of textual features, which can solve the over-fitting problem caused by the excessive use of statistical features. The accuracy of the model in three public datasets (Twitter15, Twitter16, and Weibo) reached 87.5%, 88.6%, and 95.8%, respectively, and the F1 value reached 87.4%, 88.5%, and 95.8%, respectively, showing that the model can effectively improve the performance of rumor detection.
Characterization of Chitin Synthase A cDNA from Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) and Its Response to Diflubenzuron
Authors: Zhang Cong , Hu Wenfeng , Yu Zhuo , Liu Xian , Wang Jing , Xin Tianrong , Zou Zhiwen , Xia Bin
Published: August 2022

Diaphorina citri Kuwayama is the vector of HLB and one of the most common pests in citrus orchards in southern China. One of the most significant genes in D. citri’s growth and development is the chitin synthase gene. In this study, the CHS gene (DcCHSA) of D. citri was cloned and analyzed by bioinformatics. According to RT-qPCR findings, DcCHSA was expressed at many growth processes of D. citri, with the greatest influence in the fifth-instar nymph. The molting failure rate and mortality of D. citri rose as DFB concentration increased in this research, as did the expression level of DcCHSA. Feeding on DcCHSA caused a large drop in target gene expression, affected nymph molting, caused failure or even death in freshly eclosion adults, increased mortality, and reduced the molting success rate over time. These findings showed that DcCHSA was involved in nymph to adult development and may aid in the identification of molecular targets for D. citri regulation. It provided new ideas for further control of D. citri.
Risk Assessment of the Worldwide Expansion and Outbreak of Massicus raddei (Blessig) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Based on Host Plant and Climatic Factors
Authors: Zhang Yufan , Dang Yingqiao , Wang Xiaoyi
Published: August 2022

Massicus raddei (Blessig) is a serious trunk borer of oak species, currently widespread only in eastern Asia. A better understanding of the invasive potential of this borer across other distribution-free areas is further needed to prevent its invasion and outbreaks. In this study, we mapped the current distribution of M. raddei, two susceptible hosts (Quercus mongolia and Q. liaotungensis) and all 11 host species of this borer, and then modeled their potential distributions. We comprehensively compared the current distributions and potential invasion ranges among M. raddei, susceptible hosts and all hosts to select areas at risk for the establishment of this borer. MaxEnt model predictions revealed that (1) the central and eastern US, a small area of central and western Europe, western Georgia, and central Argentina had suitable climates for M. raddei. Such highly suitable areas for this borer overlapped considerably with the current plantation and potential distributions of its hosts. Consequently, susceptible hosts and climate suitability together create the highest risk for M. raddei establishment and outbreaks, throughout central and eastern America, a small area of central Europe, western Norway and western Georgia, and (2) the broad host suitability across six continents creates a situation favorable for the colonization of this borer, further extending the spatial scale of possible infestation by M. raddei worldwide.
Differential Expression of Cell Wall Remodeling Genes Is Part of the Dynamic Phase-Specific Transcriptional Program of Conidial Germination of Trichoderma asperelloides
Authors: Gortikov Maggie , Yakubovich Elizabeta , Wang Zheng , López-Giráldez Francesc , Tu Yujia , Townsend Jeffrey P. , Yarden Oded
Published: August 2022

The nature of saprophytic and mycoparasitic hyphal growth of Trichoderma spp. has been studied extensively, yet its initiation via conidial germination in this genus is less well understood. Using near-synchronous germinating cultures of Trichoderma asperelloides, we followed the morphological progression from dormant conidia to initial polar growth to germling formation and to evidence for first branching. We found that the stage-specific transcriptional profile of T. asperelloides is one of the most dynamic described to date: transcript abundance of over 5000 genes—comprising approximately half of the annotated genome—was unremittingly reduced in the transition from dormancy to polar growth. Conversely, after the onset of germination, the transcript abundance of approximately a quarter of the genome was unremittingly elevated during the transition from elongation to initial branching. These changes are a testimony to the substantial developmental events that accompany germination. Bayesian network analysis identified several chitinase- and glucanase-encoding genes as active transcriptional hubs during germination. Furthermore, the expression of specific members of the chitin synthase and glucan elongase families was significantly increased during germination in the presence of Rhizoctonia solani—a known host of the mycoparasite—indicating that host recognition can occur during the early stages of mycoparasite development.
A Polyclonal SELEX Aptamer Library Allows Differentiation of Candida albicans, C. auris and C. parapsilosis Cells from Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Kneißle Katharina , Krämer Markus , Kissmann Ann-Kathrin , Xing Hu , Müller Franziska , Amann Valerie , Noschka Reiner , Gottschalk Kay-Eberhard , Bozdogan Anil , Andersson Jakob , Weil Tanja , Spellerberg Barbara , Stenger Steffen , Rosenau Frank
Published: August 2022

Easy and reliable identification of pathogenic species such as yeasts, emerging as problematic microbes originating from the genus Candida, is a task in the management and treatment of infections, especially in hospitals and other healthcare environments. Aptamers are seizing an already indispensable role in different sensing applications as binding entities with almost arbitrarily tunable specificities and optimizable affinities. Here, we describe a polyclonal SELEX library that not only can specifically recognize and fluorescently label Candida cells, but is also capable to differentiate C. albicans, C. auris and C. parapsilosis cells in flow-cytometry, fluorometric microtiter plate assays and fluorescence microscopy from human cells, exemplified here by human dermal fibroblasts. This offers the opportunity to develop diagnostic tools based on this library. Moreover, these specific and robust affinity molecules could also serve in the future as potent binding entities on biomaterials and as constituents of technical devices and will thus open avenues for the development of cost-effective and easily accessible next generations of electronic biosensors in clinical diagnostics and novel materials for the specific removal of pathogenic cells from human bio-samples.
Properties and Microstructural Characteristics of Manganese Tailing Sand Concrete
Authors: Bai Min , Long Guangcheng , Wang Fan
Published: August 2022

In this work, manganese tailing sand concrete (MTSC) was prepared using manganese tailing sand (MTS) in replacement of river sand (RS) to alleviate the shortage of RS resources and achieve clean treatment and high-value resource utilization of manganese tailing stone. The effects of MTS content on the slump, mechanical strength, air void characteristics, hydration products and micromorphology of MTSC were studied experimentally. The leaching risk of harmful substances in MTSC was also explored by testing the concentration of Mn2+. The results show that the utilization of MTS reduces the slump of MTSC to a certain extent. When the MTS content is lower than 40%, the gypsum introduced by MTS and C3A in cement undergoes a hydration reaction to form ettringite, which decreases the number of pores with a diameter less than 0.1 mm and promotes strength development in MTSC. Additionally, when the MTS content exceeds 40%, the large amount of gypsum reacts to form more ettringite. The expansive stress generated by the ettringite severely damages the pore structure, which is not conducive to the mechanical properties of MTSC. In addition, the leaching of hazardous substances in MTSC is insignificant, and the incorporation of cement can effectively reduce the risk of leaching hazardous substances in MTSC. In summary, it is completely feasible to use MTS to replace RS for concrete preparation when the substitution rate of MTS is less than 40%, with no risk of environmental pollution. The results and adaptation in the concrete industry can reduce the carbon footprint, which is in line with the current trend in civil and materials engineering.
Results at the 1-Year Follow-Up of a Prospective Cohort Study with Short, Zirconia Implants
Authors: Balmer Marc , Fischer Carolin , Pirc Miha , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Jung Ronald E.
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to clinically and radiologically evaluate the performance of a short (8 mm), 1-piece, zirconia implant after an observation period of 1 year in function. A total of 47 patients with 1 missing tooth in the position of a premolar or molar were recruited. Short (8 mm), 1-piece, zirconia implants were placed and loaded after a healing period of 2 to 4 months with monolithic crowns made of 3 different materials. Implants were followed up for one year and clinically and radiologically assessed. A total of 46 implants were placed. One was excluded since no primary stability was achieved at implant placement. At the 1-year follow-up, mean marginal bone loss 1 year after loading was 0.05 ± 0.47 mm. None of the implants showed marginal bone loss greater than 1 mm or clinical signs of peri-implantitis. A total of 2 implants were lost during the healing phase and another after loading, resulting in a survival rate of 93% after 1 year. All lost implants showed a sudden increased mobility with no previous signs of marginal bone loss or peri-implant infection. The short, 8 mm, zirconia implants showed stable marginal bone levels over the short observation period of 1 year. Although they revealed slightly lower survival rates, they can be suggested for the use in sites with reduced vertical bone. Scientific data are very limited, and long-term data are not yet available, and therefore, they are needed.
Influence of Hydrogen Reduction on the Properties of Porous High-Nitrogen Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Zhang Weipeng , Li Liejun , Ngai Tungwai , Hu Ling
Published: August 2022

This work explores the impact of hydrogen reduction on sintering and nitriding of porous high-nitrogen austenitic stainless steel (HNASS) processed via powder metallurgy. A temperature-resolved hydrogen reduction (temperature range of 700–1250 °C) was performed to evaluate the phase composition of porous HNASS. The systematic microstructure was characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The compressive mechanical properties and electrochemical corrosion behavior of the unreduced and reduced samples were discussed. Samples reduced in hydrogen at 1100 °C and 1250 °C show better compressive properties while still retaining good corrosion resistance. Reduction of oxide facilitates sintering thus improves the compressive properties. Increasing the content of solute nitrogen and reducing the precipitation of nitride can effectively improve the corrosion resistance of porous HNASS.
An Initial Damage Model of Rock Materials under Uniaxial Compression Considering Loading Rates
Authors: Meng Gang , Liu Zhizhen , Cao Ping , Zhang Ziyang , Fan Zhi , Lin Hang , Deng Huijuan
Published: August 2022

Existing rock material damage models always ignore the initial damage characteristics of rock materials, and the actual rock materials have initial damage characteristics. To consider the rock’s initial damage characteristics, a series of compression tests for yellow sandstone was carried out. First, the acoustic emission characteristics and damage model of yellow sandstone, considering the loading rates, were analyzed. Second, an initial damage model, which can better describe the initial damage characteristics of yellow sandstone materials, is presented. The research results show that the strength and elastic modulus of yellow sandstone depends on the loading rate, and increases as the loading rate increases.
Versatile Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) Sol-Gel Development for the Micro-Structuring of Various Substrates (Nature and Shape) by Optical and Nano-Imprint Lithography
Authors: Crespo-Monteiro Nicolas , Valour Arnaud , Vallejo-Otero Victor , Traynar Marie , Reynaud Stéphanie , Gamet Emilie , Jourlin Yves
Published: August 2022

Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) is a well-studied and promising material due to its remarkable chemical and physical properties. It is used, for example, in coatings for corrosion protection layer, wear and oxidation, in optical applications (mirror, filters), for decorative components, for anti-counterfeiting solutions and for medical applications. ZrO2 can be obtained as a thin film using different deposition methods such as physical vapor deposition (PVD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). These techniques are mastered but they do not allow easy micro-nanostructuring of these coatings due to the intrinsic properties (high melting point, mechanical and chemical resistance). An alternative approach described in this paper is the sol-gel method, which allows direct micro-nanostructuring of the ZrO2 layers without physical or chemical etching processes, using optical or nano-imprint lithography. In this paper, the authors present a complete and suitable ZrO2 sol-gel method allowing to achieve complex micro-nanostructures by optical or nano-imprint lithography on substrates of different nature and shape (especially non-planar and foil-based substrates). The synthesis of the ZrO2 sol-gel is presented as well as the micro-nanostructuring process by masking, colloidal lithography and nano-imprint lithography on glass and plastic substrates as well as on plane and curved substrates.
Analysis of Elastic Properties of Polypropylene Composite Materials with Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Spherical Reinforcement
Authors: Yun Jong-Hwan , Jeon Yu-Jae , Kang Min-Soo
Published: August 2022

This study proposes an isotropic composite material with enhanced elastic properties based on a reinforcement mechanism using ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) spherical molecules. Elastic properties are predicted through finite element analysis by randomly mixing UHMWPE using polypropylene (PP) as a matrix. The change in elastic properties of the composite is calculated for volume fractions of UHMWPE from 10 to 70%. Furthermore, the results of finite element analysis are compared and analyzed using a numerical approach. The results show that the physical properties of the composite material are enhanced by the excellent elastic properties of the UHMWPE, and the finite element analysis results confirm that it is effective up to a volume fraction of 35%.
Thermal Conductivity of FLiNaK in a Molten State
Authors: Rudenko Alexey , Redkin Alexander , Il’ina Evgeniya , Pershina Svetlana , Mushnikov Peter , Zaikov Yuriy , Kumkov Sergey , Liu Yalan , Shi Weiqun
Published: August 2022

Although the thermal conductivity of molten salt mixtures is of interest for many potential technological applications, precise values are often hard to obtain. In this study, the thermal diffusivity of FliNaK was studied in a molten state using the laser flash method and found to be very slightly dependent on temperature. The heat capacity of FliNaK was measured using the DSC method. There was a minor difference between our results and data from the literature. From calculations based on thermal diffusivity, density and heat capacity values, thermal conductivity was shown to decrease with temperature.
Determination of the Phenolic Profile, and Evaluation of Biological Activities of Hydroethanolic Extract from Aerial Parts of Origanum compactum from Morocco
Authors: Chroho Mounia , Bouymajane Aziz , Aazza Mustapha , Oulad El Majdoub Yassine , Cacciola Francesco , Mondello Luigi , Zair Touriya , Bouissane Latifa
Published: August 2022

Origanum compactum belonging to the family Lamiaceae is widely used in food and pharmaceutical fields due to its biologically active substances. We aimed to investigate the total phenol and flavonoid contents and the phenolic composition, and to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of hydroethanolic extract from of Origanum compactum. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were evaluated using gallic acid and quercetin as standards, respectively, and the phenolic profile was characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a photodiode array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI/MS). The antioxidant activity was determined by two methods: ferric reducing power (FRAP) assay and the phosphomolybdate method. The antibacterial effect was evaluated against four bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) using the broth microdilution method. The findings show that the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 107.789 ± 5.39 mg GAE/g dm and 14,977 ± 0.79 mg QE/g dm, respectively. A total of sixteen phenolic compounds belonging to phenolic acids and flavonoids were detected. Furthermore, the extract showed strong antioxidant activity, and displayed a bacteriostatic effect against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimuriumn, and a bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. Therefore, this study reveals that Origanum compactum extracts display potential as antibacterial and natural antioxidant agents for fighting against pathogenic bacteria and preventing oxidative stress.
The Effect of a Combination of Eucommia ulmoides and Achyranthes japonica on Alleviation of Testosterone Deficiency in Aged Rat Models
Authors: Lee Jeong Yoon , Kim Seokho , Kwon Han Ol , Bae Bong Seok , Shim Sung lye , Jun Woojin , Lee Yoo-Hyun
Published: August 2022

With aging, men inevitably encounter irreversible changes, including progressive loss of testosterone and physical strength, and increased fat mass. To assess the alleviatory effects of EUAJ on andropause symptoms, including in vivo testosterone deficiency, we administered EUAJ for 6 weeks in 22-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Before EUAJ (3:1) (E. ulmoides:A. japonica = 3:1, KGC08EA) administration, testosterone decline in 22-week-old SD rats was confirmed compared to 7-week-old SD rats (NC group). After administration of EUAJ (3:1) at 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg for 6 weeks, testosterone, free testosterone, and mRNA expression levels (Cyp11a1 and Hsd3b1) were significantly increased at 40 mg/kg EUAJ (3:1), whereas mRNA expression levels of Cyp19a1 and Srd5a2 were significantly reduced at this concentration, compared to the control group. Swimming retention time was significantly increased at both 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg. In summary, EUAJ (3:1) enhanced testosterone production by increasing bioavailable testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and enzymes related to testosterone synthesis at 40 mg/kg. In addition, 80 mg/kg EUAJ (3:1) also increased physical and testicular functions.
Impaired Amino Acid Metabolism and Its Correlation with Diabetic Kidney Disease Progression in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhu Huanhuan , Bai Mengqiu , Xie Xishao , Wang Junni , Weng Chunhua , Dai Huifen , Chen Jianghua , Han Fei , Lin Weiqiang
Published: August 2022

Background: Metabolomics is useful in elucidating the progression of diabetes; however, the follow-up changes in metabolomics among health, diabetes mellitus, and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) have not been reported. This study was aimed to reveal metabolomic signatures in diabetes development and progression. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we compared healthy (n = 30), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (n = 30), and DKD (n = 30) subjects with the goal of identifying gradual altering metabolites. Then, a prospective study was performed in T2DM patients to evaluate these altered metabolites in the onset of DKD. Logistic regression was conducted to predict rapid eGFR decline in T2DM subjects using altered metabolites. The prospective association of metabolites with the risk of developing DKD was examined using logistic regression and restricted cubic spline regression models. Results: In this cross-sectional study, impaired amino acid metabolism was the main metabolic signature in the onset and development of diabetes, which was characterized by increased N-acetylaspartic acid, L-valine, isoleucine, asparagine, betaine, and L-methionine levels in both the T2DM and DKD groups. These candidate metabolites could distinguish the DKD group from the T2DM group. In the follow-up study, higher baseline levels of L-valine and isoleucine were significantly associated with an increased risk of rapid eGFR decline in T2DM patients. Of these, L-valine and isoleucine were independent risk factors for the development of DKD. Notably, nonlinear associations were also observed for higher baseline levels of L-valine and isoleucine, with an increased risk of DKD among patients with T2DM. Conclusion: Amino acid metabolism was disturbed in diabetes, and N-acetylaspartic acid, L-valine, isoleucine, asparagine, betaine, and L-methionine could be biomarkers for the onset and progression of diabetes. Furthermore, high levels of L-valine and isoleucine may be risk factors for DKD development.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and High Triglyceride Levels Mediate the Association between Pre-Pregnancy Overweight/Obesity and Macrosomia: A Prospective Cohort Study in Central China
Authors: Song Xinli , Chen Letao , Zhang Senmao , Liu Yiping , Wei Jianhui , Wang Tingting , Qin Jiabi
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the link between pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and risk of macrosomia is mediated by both gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and high maternal triglyceride (mTG) levels. This prospective study finally included 29,415 singleton term pregnancies. The outcome of interest was macrosomia (≥4000 g). High mTG levels were denoted as values ≥90th percentile. GDM was diagnosed using a standard 75 g 2 h oral glucose tolerance test. The mediation analysis was conducted using log-binomial regression while controlling for maternal age, education, parity, gestational weight gain, gestational hypertension, smoking, drinking and infant sex. Overall, 15.9% of pregnant women were diagnosed with GDM, and 4.3% were macrosomia. Mediation analysis suggested that overweight had a total effect of 0.009 (95% CI, 0.006–0.013) on macrosomia, with a direct effect of 0.008 (95% CI, 0.004–0.012) and an indirect effect of 0.001 (95% CI, 0.001–0.002), with an estimated proportion of 11.1% mediated by GDM and high mTG levels together. Furthermore, we also discovered a total effect of obesity on macrosomia of 0.038 (95% CI, 0.030–0.047), consisting of a direct effect of 0.037 (95% CI, 0.028–0.045) and an indirect effect of 0.002 (95% CI, 0.001–0.002), with an estimated proportion of 5.3% mediated by GDM and high mTG levels combined. Both GDM and high mTG levels enhanced the risk of macrosomia independently and served as significant mediators in the relationship between pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and macrosomia.
Genomic and Gene Expression Studies Helped to Define the Heterogeneity of Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Other Lung Neuroendocrine Tumors and to Identify New Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Testa Ugo , Pelosi Elvira , Castelli Germana
Published: August 2022

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma, corresponding to about 15% of lung cancers, occurring predominantly in smokers and associated with a very poor prognosis. Key genetic alterations very frequently observed in SCLC are represented by the loss of TP53 and RB1, due to mutational events or deletions; frequent amplification or overexpression of MYC family genes (MYC, MYCL and MYCN); frequent genetic alterations by mutation/deletion of KMT2D, RB family members p107 (RBL1) and p130 (RBL2), PTEN, NOTCH receptors and CREBBP. The profile of expression of specific transcription factors allowed to differentiate four subtypes of SCLC defined according to levels of ASCL1 (SCLC-A), NEUROD1 (SCLC-N), POUF23 (SCLC-P) or YAP1 (SCLC-Y). A recent study identified the subgroup SCLC-I, characterized by the expression of inflammatory/immune-related genes. Recent studies have characterized at molecular level other lung neuroendocrine tumors, including large cell neuroendocrine cancers (LCNECs) and lung carcinoids. These molecular studies have identified some therapeutic vulnerabilities that can be targeted using specific drugs and some promising biomarkers that can predict the response to this treatment. Furthermore, the introduction of immunotherapy (immune checkpoint blockade) into standard first-line treatment has led to a significant clinical benefit in a limited subset of patients.
The Experiences of Patients Treated with Complete Removable Dentures: A Systematic Literature Review of Qualitative Research
Authors: Chakaipa Shamiso , Prior Sarah J. , Pearson Sue , Van Dam Pieter J.
Published: August 2022

Patient experience has been acknowledged as a critical dimension of healthcare quality alongside patient safety and clinical effectiveness. However, patient experiences in complete removable denture wearing have not been well established qualitatively. The purpose of this review was to synthesize qualitative studies that investigated the experiences of people wearing removable dentures in order to gain a deeper understanding of the issues and their causes. Databases of PubMed, SCOPUS, and CINAHL were searched to assess articles published in English from 2010 to 2021 globally. Qualitative studies that reported on experiences of people wearing removable dentures were included. A total of ten studies were included. People who wear dentures expressed diversified experiences (both negative and positive), including physical, social, psychological processes, and affective responses. Furthermore, experiences were related to emotions, maintenance of dentures, hygiene, access to care, and cost. Those wearing implant retained dentures reported more positive experiences than those who wear conventional complete dentures. Denture wearing experiences is a complex phenomenon involving the patient in wholeness including their environment. Healthcare professionals should be considering a holistic approach when providing denture rehabilitation. There is a need to further explore denture wearing experiences using qualitative approaches, as understanding of patient experiences can inform and provide clear directions on quality improvement initiatives and health-care policy development.
Tryptophan Challenge in Healthy Controls and People with Schizophrenia: Acute Effects on Plasma Levels of Kynurenine, Kynurenic Acid and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid
Authors: Sathyasaikumar Korrapati V. , Notarangelo Francesca M. , Kelly Deanna L. , Rowland Laura M. , Hare Stephanie M. , Chen Shuo , Mo Chen , Buchanan Robert W. , Schwarcz Robert
Published: August 2022

The pivotal tryptophan (TRP) metabolite kynurenine is converted to several neuroactive compounds, including kynurenic acid (KYNA), which is elevated in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of people with schizophrenia (SZ) and may contribute to cognitive abnormalities in patients. A small proportion of TRP is metabolized to serotonin and further to 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). Notably, KP metabolism is readily affected by immune stimulation. Here, we assessed the acute effects of an oral TRP challenge (6 g) on peripheral concentrations of kynurenine, KYNA and 5-HIAA, as well as the cytokines interferon-γ, TNF-α and interleukin-6, in 22 participants with SZ and 16 healthy controls (HCs) using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. TRP raised the levels of kynurenine, KYNA and 5-HIAA in a time-dependent manner, causing >20-fold, >130-fold and 1.5-fold increases in kynurenine, KYNA and 5-HIAA concentrations, respectively, after 240 min. According to multivariate analyses, neither baseline levels nor the stimulating effects of TRP differed between participants with SZ and HC. Basal cytokine levels did not vary between groups, and remained unaffected by TRP. Although unlikely to be useful diagnostically, measurements of circulating metabolites following an acute TRP challenge may be informative for assessing the in vivo efficacy of drugs that modulate the neosynthesis of KYNA and other products of TRP degradation.
Efficient Delivery of DNA Using Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: Cui Lishan , Renzi Serena , Quagliarini Erica , Digiacomo Luca , Amenitsch Heinz , Masuelli Laura , Bei Roberto , Ferri Gianmarco , Cardarelli Francesco , Wang Junbiao , Amici Augusto , Pozzi Daniela , Marchini Cristina , Caracciolo Giulio
Published: August 2022

DNA vaccination has been extensively studied as a promising strategy for tumor treatment. Despite the efforts, the therapeutic efficacy of DNA vaccines has been limited by their intrinsic poor cellular internalization. Electroporation, which is based on the application of a controlled electric field to enhance DNA penetration into cells, has been the method of choice to produce acceptable levels of gene transfer in vivo. However, this method may cause cell damage or rupture, non-specific targeting, and even degradation of pDNA. Skin irritation, muscle contractions, pain, alterations in skin structure, and irreversible cell damage have been frequently reported. To overcome these limitations, in this work, we use a microfluidic platform to generate DNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) which are then characterized by a combination of dynamic light scattering (DLS), synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Despite the clinical successes obtained by LNPs for mRNA and siRNA delivery, little is known about LNPs encapsulating bulkier DNA molecules, the clinical application of which remains challenging. For in vitro screening, LNPs were administered to human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK-293) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines and ranked for their transfection efficiency (TE) and cytotoxicity. The LNP formulation exhibiting the highest TE and the lowest cytotoxicity was then tested for the delivery of the DNA vaccine pVAX-hECTM targeting the human neoantigen HER2, an oncoprotein overexpressed in several cancer types. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), immunofluorescence assays and fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCS), we proved that pVAX-hECTM-loaded LNPs produce massive expression of the HER2 antigen on the cell membrane of HEK-293 cells. Our results provide new insights into the structure–activity relationship of DNA-loaded LNPs and pave the way for the access of this gene delivery technology to preclinical studies.
Influence of Silanization Treatment of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica) Fibers on the Reinforcement of Polyester Composites: A Brief Report
Authors: Melo Eduarda Chiabai Rodrigues de , Camillo Mayara de Oliveira , Marcelino Paulo Roberto Correia , Barbosa dos Santos da Silva Roseméri , Colares Firmino Thierry , Ferreira de Oliveira Bárbara , Profeti Demetrius , Camposo Pereira Artur , Neves Monteiro Sergio , Picanço Oliveira Michel
Published: August 2022

Natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) have been extensively investigated and applied as reinforcements for polymers composites owing to improved properties associated with their cost-effectiveness and their sustainable characteristics as compared to synthetic fibers. However, an intrinsic difficulty of the hydrophilic NFL adhesion to a hydrophobic polymer matrix is still a major limitation, which might be overcome via fiber surface treatments. Among the less-known NLFs, sponge gourd (Lufta cylindrica) is a promising reinforcement for polymer composites owing to its natural network of intertwined fibers. The present work investigated for the first time the influence of a chemical treatment using silane as a coupling agent for 30 wt.% sponge gourd incorporated into a polyester matrix composite. The novel composite performance was compared with that of an untreated fiber composite via X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Charpy impact tests, and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). The XRD results revealed that the silanization increased the crystallinity index by 37%, which attests to the effective fiber–matrix interaction stretching of the C-H bond, as observed in its FTIR band. The silanization also increased the mean impact resistance by 10%. Although the temperatures associated with the beginning of the thermal degradation by the TGA were not affected, both the silane-treated fibers and composite displayed less thermal degradation compared with the untreated fibers. The scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) results disclosed an improved sponge gourd fiber morphology after the silanization, which caused greater adherence to the polyester matrix. These results revealed a promising novel composite compared with other NLF polymer composites in engineering applications.
Functionalized GO/Hydroxy-Terminated Polybutadiene Composites with High Anti-Migration and Ablation Resistance Performance
Authors: Yin Shuai , Lu Zhehong , Bai Haoran , Liu Xinyang , Li Hao , Hu Yubing
Published: August 2022

The migration of plasticizers such as nitroglycerin seriously affects the storage and working safety of rocket systems. In this work, hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) liner composites with the cross-linked structure were prepared by cross-linking isocyanate functionalized graphene oxide (IGO) with HTPB to prevent the migration of high energy plasticizers in the propellant. IGO was uniformly dispersed in the matrix as reinforcement and cross-linker, providing good migration resistance and ablation resistance for the liner composites. Compared with pure HTPB, the migration resistance of the liner with 0.5 wt% IGO increased by 18.94%, 16.33% and 15.34% at 25 °C, 60 °C and 90 °C, respectively. In addition, the ablation resistance of the HTPB liner was improved by the addition of IGO. The improved anti-migration properties come from the special laminar structure of IGO and the dense molecular chains network of the cross-linked composites.
Adopting Sustainable Jatropha Oil Bio-Based Polymer Membranes as Alternatives for Environmental Remediation
Authors: Harun Nur Haninah , Zainal Abidin Zurina , Majid Umar Adam , Abdul Hamid Mohamad Rezi , Abdullah Abdul Halim , Othaman Rizafizah , Harun Mohd Yusof
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to optimize the removal of Cu(II) ions from an aqueous solution using a Jatropha oil bio-based membrane blended with 0.50 wt% graphene oxide (JPU/GO 0.50 wt%) using a central composite model (CCD) design using response surface methodology. The input factors were the feed concentration (60–140) ppm, pressure (1.5–2.5) bar, and solution pH value (3–5). An optimum Cu(II) ions removal of 87% was predicted at 116 ppm feed concentration, 1.5 bar pressure, and pH 3.7, while the validated experimental result recorded 80% Cu(II) ions removal, with 95% of prediction intervals. A statistically non-significant term was removed from the analysis by the backward elimination method to improve the model’s accuracy. Using the reduction method, the predicted R2 value was increased from −0.16 (−16%) to 0.88 (88%), suggesting that the reduced model had a good predictive ability. The quadratic regression model was significant (R2 = 0.98) for the optimization prediction. Therefore, the results from the reduction model implied acceptable membrane performance, offering a better process optimization for Cu(II) ions removal.
Schrödinger Equation with Geometric Constraints and Position-Dependent Mass: Linked Fractional Calculus Models
Authors: Lenzi Ervin K. , Evangelista Luiz R. , Ribeiro Haroldo V. , Magin Richard L.
Published: August 2022

We investigate the solutions of a two-dimensional Schrödinger equation in the presence of geometric constraints, represented by a backbone structure with branches, by taking a position-dependent effective mass for each direction into account. We use Green’s function approach to obtain the solutions, which are given in terms of stretched exponential functions. The results can be linked to the properties of the system and show anomalous spreading for the wave packet. We also analyze the interplay between the backbone structure with branches constraining the different directions and the effective mass. In particular, we show how a fractional Schrödinger equation emerges from this scenario.
Spatial and Temporal Variability of Grassland Grasshopper Habitat Suitability and Its Main Influencing Factors
Authors: Du Bobo , Wei Jun , Lin Kejian , Lu Longhui , Ding Xiaolong , Ye Huichun , Huang Wenjiang , Wang Ning
Published: August 2022

Grasshoppers are highly destructive pests, and their outbreak can directly damage livestock development. Grasshopper outbreaks can be monitored and forecasted through dynamic analysis of their potential geographic distribution and main influencing factors. By integrating vegetation, edaphic, meteorological, topography, and other geospatial data, this study simulated the grasshopper suitability index in Hulunbuir grassland using maximum entropy species distribution modeling (Maxent). The Maxent model showed high accuracy, with the training area under the curve (AUC) value ranging from 0.897 to 0.973 and the testing AUC ranging from 0.853 to 0.971 for the past 13 years. The results showed that suitable areas, including the most suitable area and moderately suitable area, accounted for a small proportion and were mainly located in the eastern and southern parts of the study area. According to model analysis based on 51 environmental factors, not all factors played a significant role in the grasshopper cycle. Moreover, differences in environmental factors drive the spatial variability of suitable areas for grasshoppers. The monitoring and prediction of potential outbreak areas can be improved by identifying major environmental factors having large variability between suitable and unsuitable areas. Future trends in grasshopper suitability indices are likely to contradict past trends in most of the study area, with only approximately 33% of the study area continuing the past trend. The results are expected to guide future monitoring and prediction of grasshoppers in Hulunbuir grassland.
Multi-Path Interactive Network for Aircraft Identification with Optical and SAR Images
Authors: Gao Quanwei , Feng Zhixi , Yang Shuyuan , Chang Zhihao , Wang Ruyu
Published: August 2022

Aircraft identification has been a research hotspot in remote-sensing fields. However, due to the presence of clouds in satellite-borne optical imagery, it is difficult to identify aircraft using a single optical image. In this paper, a Multi-path Interactive Network (MIN) is proposed to fuse Optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images for aircraft identification on cloudy days. First, features are extracted from optical and SAR images separately by convolution backbones of ResNet-34. Second, a piecewise residual fusion strategy is proposed to reduce the effect of clouds. A plug-and-play Interactive Attention Sum-Max fusion module (IASM), is thus constructed to interact with features from multi-modal images. Moreover, multi-path IASM is designed to mix multi-modal features from backbones. Finally, the fused features are sent to the neck and head of MIN for regression and classification. Extensive experiments are carried out on the Fused Cloudy Aircraft Detection (FCAD) dataset that is constructed, and the results show the efficiency of MIN in identifying aircraft under clouds with different thicknesses.Compared with the single-source model, the multi-source fusion model MIN is improved by more than 20%, and the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art approaches.
Efficient Dual-Branch Bottleneck Networks of Semantic Segmentation Based on CCD Camera
Authors: Li Jiehao , Dai Yingpeng , Su Xiaohang , Wu Weibin
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates a novel Efficient Dual-branch Bottleneck Network (EDBNet) to perform real-time semantic segmentation tasks on mobile robot systems based on CCD camera. To remedy the non-linear connection between the input and the output, a small-scale and shallow module called the Efficient Dual-branch Bottleneck (EDB) module is established. The EDB unit consists of two branches with different dilation rates, and each branch widens the non-linear layers. This module helps to simultaneously extract local and situational information while maintaining a minimal set of parameters. Moreover, the EDBNet, which is built on the EDB unit, is intended to enhance accuracy, inference speed, and parameter flexibility. It employs dilated convolution with a high dilation rate to increase the receptive field and three downsampling procedures to maintain feature maps with superior spatial resolution. Additionally, the EDBNet uses effective convolutions and compresses the network layer to reduce computational complexity, which is an efficient technique to capture a great deal of information while keeping a rapid computing speed. Finally, using the CamVid and Cityscapes datasets, we obtain Mean Intersection over Union (MIoU) results of 68.58 percent and 71.21 percent, respectively, with just 1.03 million parameters and faster performance on a single GTX 1070Ti card. These results also demonstrate the effectiveness of the practical mobile robot system.