bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Novel Non-Invasive Colorectal Cancer Screening Methods: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ferrari Allegra , Neefs Isabelle , Hoeck Sarah , Peeters Marc , Van Hal Guido
Published: April 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading cancer-related causes of death in the world. Since the 70s, many countries have adopted different CRC screening programs, which has resulted in a decrease in mortality. However, current screening test options still present downsides. The commercialized stool-based tests present high false-positive rates and low sensitivity, which negatively affects the detection of early stage carcinogenesis. The gold standard colonoscopy has low uptake due to its invasiveness and the perception of discomfort and embarrassment that the procedure may bring. In this review, we collected and described the latest data about alternative CRC screening techniques that can overcome these disadvantages. Web of Science and PubMed were employed as search engines for studies reporting on CRC screening tests and future perspectives. The searches generated 555 articles, of which 93 titles were selected. Finally, a total of 50 studies, describing 14 different CRC alternative tests, were included. Among the investigated techniques, the main feature that could have an impact on CRC screening perception and uptake was the ease of sample collection. Urine, exhaled breath, and blood-based tests promise to achieve good diagnostic performance (sensitivity of 63–100%, 90–95%, and 47–97%, respectively) while minimizing stress and discomfort for the patient.
Evolutionary Trajectories and Genomic Divergence in Localized Breast Cancers after Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence
Authors: Wu Chia-Hsin , Yeh Hsien-Tang , Hsieh Chia-Shan , Huang Chi-Cheng , Chattopadhyay Amrita , Chung Yuan-Chiang , Tu Shih-Hsin , Li Yung-Hua , Lu Tzu-Pin , Lai Liang-Chuan , Hou Ming-Feng , Chang King-Jen , Tsai Mong-Hsun , Chuang Eric Y.
Published: April 2021

The evolutionary trajectories that drive clinical and therapeutic consequences in localized breast cancers (BCs) with ipsilateral breast tumor relapse (IBTR) remain largely unknown. Analyses of longitudinal paired whole-exome sequencing data from 10 localized BC patients with IBTR reveal that, compared to primary breast tumors, homologous recombination (HR) deficiency, inactivation of the HR pathway, chromosomal instability, and somatic driver mutations are more frequent. Furthermore, three major models of evolution in IBTR are summarized, through which relative contributions of mutational signatures shift, and the subclonal diversity expansions are shown. Optimal treatment regimens are suggested by the clinically relevant molecular features, such as HR deficiency (20%) or specific alterations (30%) with sensitivity to available FDA-approved drugs. Finally, a rationale for the development of the therapeutic management framework is provided. This study sheds light on the complicated evolution patterns in IBTR and has significant clinical implications for future improvement of treatment decisions.
Liquid Biopsy Targeting Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 on the Surface Membrane of Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles from Synovial Sarcoma
Authors: Yokoo Suguru , Fujiwara Tomohiro , Yoshida Aki , Uotani Koji , Morita Takuya , Kiyono Masahiro , Hasei Joe , Nakata Eiji , Kunisada Toshiyuki , Iwata Shintaro , Yonemoto Tsukasa , Ueda Koji , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: April 2021

The lack of noninvasive biomarkers that can be used for tumor monitoring is a major problem for soft-tissue sarcomas. Here we describe a sensitive analytical technique for tumor monitoring by detecting circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) of patients with synovial sarcoma (SS). The proteomic analysis of purified EVs from SYO-1, HS-SY-II, and YaFuSS identified 199 common proteins. DAVID GO analysis identified monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) as a surface marker of SS-derived EVs, which was also highly expressed in SS patient-derived EVs compared with healthy individuals. MCT1+CD9+ EVs were also detected from SS-bearing mice and their expression levels were significantly correlated with tumor volume (p = 0.003). Furthermore, serum levels of MCT1+CD9+ EVs reflected tumor burden in SS patients. Immunohistochemistry revealed that MCT1 was positive in 96.7% of SS specimens and its expression on the cytoplasm/plasma membrane was significantly associated with worse overall survival (p = 0.002). Silencing of MCT1 reduced the cellular viability, and migration and invasion capability of SS cells. This work describes a new liquid biopsy technique to sensitively monitor SS using circulating MCT1+CD9+ EVs and indicates the therapeutic potential of MCT1 in SS.
Recent Development of Gold Nanoparticles as Contrast Agents for Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Luo Dong , Wang Xinning , Burda Clemens , Basilion James P.
Published: April 2021

The last decade has witnessed the booming of preclinical studies of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in biomedical applications, from therapeutics delivery, imaging diagnostics, to cancer therapies. The synthetic versatility, unique optical and electronic properties, and ease of functionalization make AuNPs an excellent platform for cancer theranostics. This review summarizes the development of AuNPs as contrast agents to image cancers. First, we briefly describe the AuNP synthesis, their physical characteristics, surface functionalization and related biomedical uses. Then we focus on the performances of AuNPs as contrast agents to diagnose cancers, from magnetic resonance imaging, CT and nuclear imaging, fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging to X-ray fluorescence imaging. We compare these imaging modalities and highlight the roles of AuNPs as contrast agents in cancer diagnosis accordingly, and address the challenges for their clinical translation.
Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: New Rare Targets—New Targeted Therapies—State of The Art and Future Directions
Authors: Stencel Katarzyna , Chmielewska Izabela , Milanowski Janusz , Ramlau Rodryg
Published: April 2021

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and the prognosis for stage IV remains poor. The presence of genetic alterations in tumor cells, such as EGFR and BRAF gene mutations, as well as ALK and ROS1 gene rearrangements, are indications for targeted therapies. Many such treatments are already registered and used on a wide scale. In comparison to standard chemotherapy, they can prolong not only progression-free survival but also overall survival. Moreover, they are able to provide excellent quality of life and rapid improvement of cancer-related symptoms such as dyspnea, cough and pain. Recent years have witnessed great advances in both molecular diagnostics and new molecular therapies for non-small-cell lung cancer. This review presents new therapeutic targets in NSCLC, as well as drugs of which the activity against NTRK, RET, MET or HER2 gene alterations (including EGFR exon 20 insertions) has either been confirmed or is currently being evaluated. Although these particular genetic alterations in NSCLC are generally rare, each accounting for 1–2% of patients, in total about half of all patients have molecular alterations and may ultimately receive targeted therapies.
β-Catenin Activation in Hepatocellular Cancer: Implications in Biology and Therapy
Authors: Krutsenko Yekaterina , Singhi Aatur D. , Monga Satdarshan P.
Published: April 2021

Hepatocellular cancer (HCC), the most common primary liver tumor, has been gradually growing in incidence globally. The whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing of HCC has led to an improved understanding of the molecular drivers of this tumor type. Activation of the Wnt signaling pathway, mostly due to stabilizing missense mutations in its downstream effector β-catenin (encoded by CTNNB1) or loss-of-function mutations in AXIN1 (the gene which encodes for Axin-1, an essential protein for β-catenin degradation), are seen in a major subset of HCC. Because of the important role of β-catenin in liver pathobiology, its role in HCC has been extensively investigated. In fact, CTNNB1 mutations have been shown to have a trunk role. β-Catenin has been shown to play an important role in regulating tumor cell proliferation and survival and in tumor angiogenesis, due to a host of target genes regulated by the β-catenin transactivation of its transcriptional factor TCF. Proof-of-concept preclinical studies have shown β-catenin to be a highly relevant therapeutic target in CTNNB1-mutated HCCs. More recently, studies have revealed a unique role of β-catenin activation in regulating both tumor metabolism as well as the tumor immune microenvironment. Both these roles have notable implications for the development of novel therapies for HCC. Thus, β-catenin has a pertinent role in driving HCC development and maintenance of this tumor-type, and could be a highly relevant therapeutic target in a subset of HCC cases.
Non-Oncological Neuroradiological Manifestations in NF1 and Their Clinical Implications
Authors: Russo Camilla , Russo Carmela , Cascone Daniele , Mazio Federica , Santoro Claudia , Covelli Eugenio Maria , Cinalli Giuseppe
Published: April 2021

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), the most frequent phakomatosis and one of the most common inherited tumor predisposition syndromes, is characterized by several manifestations that pervasively involve central and peripheral nervous system structures. The disorder is due to mutations in the NF1 gene, which encodes for the ubiquitous tumor suppressor protein neurofibromin; neurofibromin is highly expressed in neural crest derived tissues, where it plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and structural organization. This review article aims to provide an overview on NF1 non-neoplastic manifestations of neuroradiological interest, involving both the central nervous system and spine. We also briefly review the most recent MRI functional findings in NF1.
Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors: New Treatment Approaches
Authors: Miwa Shinji , Yamamoto Norio , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: April 2021

Bone and soft tissue sarcomas require intensive treatments, including chemotherapy, surgical resection with safe margin, and radiotherapy [...]
The microRNA-210-Stathmin1 Axis Decreases Cell Stiffness to Facilitate the Invasiveness of Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Liao Tsai-Tsen , Cheng Wei-Chung , Yang Chih-Yung , Chen Yin-Quan , Su Shu-Han , Yeh Tzu-Yu , Lan Hsin-Yi , Lee Chih-Chan , Lin Hung-Hsin , Lin Chun-Chi , Lu Ruey-Hwa , Chiou Arthur Er-Terg , Jiang Jeng-Kai , Hwang Wei-Lun
Published: April 2021

Cell migration is critical for regional dissemination and distal metastasis of cancer cells, which remain the major causes of poor prognosis and death in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Although cytoskeletal dynamics and cellular deformability contribute to the migration of cancer cells and metastasis, the mechanisms governing the migratory ability of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a nongenetic source of tumor heterogeneity, are unclear. Here, we expanded colorectal CSCs (CRCSCs) as colonospheres and showed that CRCSCs exhibited higher cell motility in transwell migration assays and 3D invasion assays and greater deformability in particle tracking microrheology than did their parental CRC cells. Mechanistically, in CRCSCs, microRNA-210-3p (miR-210) targeted stathmin1 (STMN1), which is known for inducing microtubule destabilization, to decrease cell elasticity in order to facilitate cell motility without affecting the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) status. Clinically, the miR-210-STMN1 axis was activated in CRC patients with liver metastasis and correlated with a worse clinical outcome. This study elucidates a miRNA-oriented mechanism regulating the deformability of CRCSCs beyond the EMT process.
Natural Killer Cells in Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Authors: Nakid-Cordero Cecilia , Baron Marine , Guihot Amélie , Vieillard Vincent
Published: April 2021

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are life-threatening complications arising after solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantations. Although the majority of these lymphoproliferations are of B cell origin, and are frequently associated with primary Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection or reactivation in the post-transplant period, rare cases of T cell and natural killer (NK) cell-originated PTLDs have also been described. A general assumption is that PTLDs result from the impairment of anti-viral and anti-tumoral immunosurveillance due to the long-term use of immunosuppressants in transplant recipients. T cell impairment is known to play a critical role in the immune-pathogenesis of post-transplant EBV-linked complications, while the role of NK cells has been less investigated, and is probably different between EBV-positive and EBV-negative PTLDs. As a part of the innate immune response, NK cells are critical for protecting hosts during the early response to virus-induced tumors. The complexity of their function is modulated by a myriad of activating and inhibitory receptors expressed on cell surfaces. This review outlines our current understanding of NK cells in the pathogenesis of PTLD, and discusses their potential implications for current PTLD therapies and novel NK cell-based therapies for the containment of these disorders.
Plasmin and Plasminogen System in the Tumor Microenvironment: Implications for Cancer Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapy
Authors: Bharadwaj Alamelu G. , Holloway Ryan W. , Miller Victoria A. , Waisman David M.
Published: April 2021

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is now being widely accepted as the key contributor to a range of processes involved in cancer progression from tumor growth to metastasis and chemoresistance. The extracellular matrix (ECM) and the proteases that mediate the remodeling of the ECM form an integral part of the TME. Plasmin is a broad-spectrum, highly potent, serine protease whose activation from its precursor plasminogen is tightly regulated by the activators (uPA, uPAR, and tPA), the inhibitors (PAI-1, PAI-2), and plasminogen receptors. Collectively, this system is called the plasminogen activation system. The expression of the components of the plasminogen activation system by malignant cells and the surrounding stromal cells modulates the TME resulting in sustained cancer progression signals. In this review, we provide a detailed discussion of the roles of plasminogen activation system in tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and chemoresistance with specific emphasis on their role in the TME. We particularly review the recent highlights of the plasminogen receptor S100A10 (p11), which is a pivotal component of the plasminogen activation system.
Advancements on Basic Working Principles of Photo-Driven Oxidative Degradation of Organic Substrates over Pristine and Noble Metal-Modified TiO2. Model Case of Phenol Photo Oxidation
Authors: Sandulescu Alexandra , Anastasescu Crina , Papa Florica , Raciulete Monica , Vasile Anca , Spataru Tanta , Scarisoreanu Monica , Fleaca Claudiu , Mihailescu Cristian N. , Teodorescu Valentin S. , Spataru Nicolae , Zaharescu Maria , Balint Ioan
Published: April 2021

The specific roles played by both support and noble metals in light absorption, charge separation, and the formation of ·OH and O2− (ROS) are analyzed for light-triggered oxidation of phenol (Ph) over pristine and over noble metal (Ag, Au, Pt) -loaded TiO2. Experiments show that the supported noble metals act as a light visible absorber, assist the separation of photo-charges and reduction of O2 to O2−. The O2− oxidizes mildly Ph to oxygenated products (hydroquinone, benzoquinone, and 1,2-dihydroxibenzene). In a parallel process, ·OH radicals, yielded by TiO2, mineralize Ph to CO2 by fast reaction sequences. Radical quenching and photo electrochemical measurements (surface photovoltage) confirm independently that the production of ·OH and O2− scale with oxidative conversion of Ph. The selectivity to CO2 and mild oxidation products is the result of the interplay between catalyst activity for ·OH and for O2− production.
Insights into the Mechanism of the Bi/BiVO4 Composites for Improved Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Song Hongchen , Sun Jing , Shen Tingting , Deng Lang , Wang Xikui
Published: April 2021

The increasing concentration of residual ciprofloxacin (CIP) can cause potential harm to the environment. Photocatalysis has been regarded as an effective method for the degradation of CIP. Bi/BiVO4 with excellent photocatalytic performance was synthesized partial reduction with NaBH4. The structure, morphology, composition, and optical performance of BiVO4 and Bi/BiVO4 were characterized by a variety of techniques. The results showed that the Bi/BiVO4 exhibits high photocatalytic activity in the degradation of CIP. Comparison of BiVO4 and Bi/BiVO4 has lower photoluminescence intensity and higher photocurrent responses intensity. The introduction of Bi made Bi/BiVO4 have a higher charge separation efficiency and generate more active free radicals. In addition, the radical trapping experiments revealed that superoxide free radicals and holes were the main active free radicals during the degradation of CIP. The pathway of CIP degradation was investigated through high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and a possible degradation mechanism was proposed.
Role of Decorin in Posterior Capsule Opacification and Eye Lens Development
Authors: Shibata Shinsuke , Shibata Naoko , Ohtsuka Satoshi , Yoshitomi Yasuo , Kiyokawa Etsuko , Yonekura Hideto , Singh Dhirendra P. , Sasaki Hiroshi , Kubo Eri
Published: April 2021

Decorin (DCN) is involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells (LECs) has been proposed as a major cause for the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after cataract surgery. We investigated the plausible target gene(s) that suppress PCO. The expression of Dcn was significantly upregulated in rat PCO tissues compared to that observed in the control using a microarray-based approach. LECs treated with fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 displayed an enhanced level of DCN expression, while LECs treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)β-2 showed a decrease in DCN expression. The expression of tropomyosin 1 (Tpm1), a marker of lens EMT increased after the addition of TGFβ-2 in human LEC; however, upregulation of Tpm1 mRNA or protein expression was reduced in human LECs overexpressing human DCN (hDCN). No phenotypic changes were observed in the lenses of 8- and 48-week-old transgenic mice for lens-specific hDCN (hDCN-Tg). Injury-induced EMT of the mouse lens, and the expression patterns of α smooth muscle actin, were attenuated in hDCN-Tg mice lenses. Overexpression of DCN inhibited the TGFβ-2-induced upregulation of Tpm1 and EMT observed during wound healing of the lens, but it did not affect mouse lens morphology until 48 weeks of age. Our findings demonstrate that DCN plays a significant role in regulating EMT formation of LECs and PCO, and suggest that for therapeutic intervention, maintenance of physiological expression of DCN is essential to attenuate EMT progression and PCO formation.
Hair-Follicle-Associated Pluripotent (HAP) Stem Cells Can Extensively Differentiate to Tyrosine-Hydroxylase-Expressing Dopamine-Secreting Neurons
Authors: Yamane Michiko , Takaoka Nanako , Obara Koya , Shirai Kyoumi , Aki Ryoichi , Hamada Yuko , Arakawa Nobuko , Hoffman Robert M. , Amoh Yasuyuki
Published: April 2021

Hair-follicle-associated pluripotent (HAP) stem cells are located in the bulge area of hair follicles from mice and humans and have been shown to differentiate to neurons, glia, keratinocytes, smooth muscle cells, melanocytes and beating cardiac muscle cells in vitro. Subsequently, we demonstrated that HAP stem cells could effect nerve and spinal-cord regeneration in mouse models, differentiating to Schwann cells and neurons in this process. HAP stem cells can be banked by cryopreservation and preserve their ability to differentiate. In the present study, we demonstrated that mouse HAP stem cells cultured in neural-induction medium can extensively differentiate to dopaminergic neurons, which express tyrosine hydroxylase and secrete dopamine. These results indicate that the dopaminergic neurons differentiated from HAP stem cells may be useful in the future to improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in the clinic.
Cockayne Syndrome Group B (CSB): The Regulatory Framework Governing the Multifunctional Protein and Its Plausible Role in Cancer
Authors: Spyropoulou Zoi , Papaspyropoulos Angelos , Lagopati Nefeli , Myrianthopoulos Vassilios , Georgakilas Alexandros G. , Fousteri Maria , Kotsinas Athanassios , Gorgoulis Vassilis G.
Published: April 2021

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a DNA repair syndrome characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations such as neurodegeneration, premature aging, developmental impairment, photosensitivity and other symptoms. Mutations in Cockayne syndrome protein B (CSB) are present in the vast majority of CS patients and in other DNA repair-related pathologies. In the literature, the role of CSB in different DNA repair pathways has been highlighted, however, new CSB functions have been identified in DNA transcription, mitochondrial biology, telomere maintenance and p53 regulation. Herein, we present an overview of identified structural elements and processes that impact on CSB activity and its post-translational modifications, known to balance the different roles of the protein not only during normal conditions but most importantly in stress situations. Moreover, since CSB has been found to be overexpressed in a number of different tumors, its role in cancer is presented and possible therapeutic targeting is discussed.
Type II Collagen-Specific B Cells Induce Immune Tolerance in Th1-Skewed, Th2-Skewed, and Arthritis-Prone Strains of Mice
Authors: Farooq Shukkur M. , Ashour Hossam M.
Published: April 2021

Antigen-specific regulatory T cells play key immune suppressive roles in autoimmune disease models and regulate the peripheral tolerance achieved via anterior chamber-associated immune deviation (ACAID). Articular cartilage has type II collagen (CII), which is a potent autoantigen protein in arthritis. There has not been much research on the clinical importance of CII-associated diseases. Moreover, the capability of CII to induce immune tolerance has not been previously assessed. We reported that delivery of CII either directly into the eye or via intravenous injection of CII-specific ACAID antigen presenting cells (APCs) can induce ACAID. Here, we hypothesized that peripheral tolerance can be induced following adoptive transfer of in vitro generated CII-specific ACAID B cells to naive mice. Delayed hypersensitivity (DTH) assays were used to assess the suppressive ability of adoptively transferred B cells. Immune responses of ACAID B cell-injected mice were significantly suppressed following challenges with CII as compared to positive controls. This effect was replicated in three different strains of mice (C57BL/6, BALB/c, and DBA/1). Thus, CII-specific ACAID B cells were able to induce immune tolerance in Th1-skewed, Th2-skewed, and arthritis-prone mice. ACAID B cell-mediated tolerance induced by CII could have therapeutic implications for the treatment of CII-mediated autoimmune diseases.
Learning Curve for Laparoscopic Repair of Pediatric Inguinal Hernia Using Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing
Authors: Pogorelić Zenon , Huskić Dario , Čohadžić Tin , Jukić Miro , Šušnjar Tomislav
Published: April 2021

Background: Percutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS) is a simple and popular technique for the treatment of inguinal hernia in children. The aim of this study was to analyze the learning curves during implementation of PIRS in our department. Methods: A total of 318 pediatric patients underwent hernia repair using the PIRS technique by three pediatric surgeons with different levels of experience in laparoscopic surgery. These patients were enrolled in a prospective cohort study during the period October 2015–January 2021. Surgical times, intraoperative and postoperative complications, in addition to outcomes of treatment were compared among the pediatric surgeons. Results: Regarding operative time a significant difference among the surgeons was found. Operative time significantly decreased after 25–30 procedures per surgeon. The surgeon with advanced experience in laparoscopic surgery had significantly less operative times for both unilateral (12 (interquartile range, IQR 10.5, 16.5) min vs. 21 (IQR 16.5, 28) min and 25 (IQR 21.5, 30) min; p = 0.002) and bilateral (19 (IQR 14, 21) min vs. 28 (IQR 25, 33) min and 31 (IQR 24, 36) min; p = 0.0001) hernia repair, compared to the other two surgeons. Perioperative complications, conversion, and ipsilateral recurrence rates were higher at the beginning, reaching the benchmarks when each surgeon performed at least 30 PIRS procedures. The most experienced surgeon had the lowest number of complications (1.4%) and needed a fewer number of cases to reach the plateau. The other two surgeons with less experience in laparoscopic surgery had higher rates of complications (4.4% and 5.4%) and needed a higher number of cases to reach the plateau (p = 0.190). Conclusions: A PIRS learning curve for perioperative and postoperative complications, recurrences, and conversion rates reached the plateau after each surgeon had performed at least 30 cases. After that number of cases PIRS is a safe and effective approach for pediatric hernia repair. A surgeon with an advanced level of experience in pediatric laparoscopic surgery adopted the technique more easily and had a significantly faster learning curve.
Comparison of Bioelectrical Impedance-Based Methods on Body Composition in Young Patients with Obesity
Authors: Thajer Alexandra , Skacel Gabriele , Truschner Katharina , Jorda Anselm , Vasek Martin , Horsak Brian , Strempfl Johanna , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Kainberger Franz , Greber-Platzer Susanne
Published: April 2021

(1) Background: The determination of body composition is an important method to investigate patients with obesity and to evaluate the efficacy of individualized medical interventions. Bioelectrical impedance-based methods are non-invasive and widely applied but need to be validated for their use in young patients with obesity. (2) Methods: We compiled data from three independent studies on children and adolescents with obesity, measuring body composition with two bioelectrical impedance-based devices (TANITA and BIACORPUS). For a small patient group, additional data were collected with air displacement plethysmography (BOD POD) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). (3) Results: Our combined data on 123 patients (age: 6–18 years, body mass index (BMI): 21–59 kg/m²) and the individual studies showed that TANITA and BIACORPUS yield significantly different results on body composition, TANITA overestimating body fat percentage and fat mass relative to BIACORPUS and underestimating fat-free mass (p < 0.001 for all three parameters). A Bland–Altman plot indicated little agreement between methods, which produce clinically relevant differences for all three parameters. We detected gender-specific differences with both methods, with body fat percentage being lower (p < 0.01) and fat-free mass higher (p < 0.001) in males than females. (4) Conclusions: Both bioelectrical impedance-based methods provide significantly different results on body composition in young patients with obesity and thus cannot be used interchangeably, requiring adherence to a specific device for repetitive measurements to ascertain comparability of data.
Comparison of Multiple Maximum and Minimum Temperature Datasets at Local Level: The Case Study of North Horr Sub-County, Kenya
Authors: Siciliano Giovanni , Bigi Velia , Vigna Ingrid , Comino Elena , Rosso Maurizio , Cristofori Elena , Demarchi Alessandro , Pezzoli Alessandro
Published: April 2021

Climate analyses at a local scale are an essential tool in the field of sustainable development. The evolution of reanalysis datasets and their greater reliability contribute to overcoming the scarcity of observed data in the southern areas of the world. The purpose of this study is to compute the reference monthly values and ranges of maximum and minimum temperatures for the eight main inhabited villages of North Horr Sub-County, in northern Kenya. The official ten-day dataset derived from the Kenyan Meteorological Department (KMD), the monthly datasets derived from the ERA-Interim reanalysis (ERA), the Observational-Reanalysis Hybrid (ORH) and the Climate Limited Area Mode driven by HadG-EM2-ES (HAD) are assessed on a local scale using the most common statistical indices to determine which is more reliable in representing monthly maximum and minimum temperatures. Overall, ORH datasets showed lower biases and errors in representing local temperatures. Through an innovative methodology, a new set of monthly mean temperature values and ranges derived from ORH datasets are calculated for each location in the study area, in order to guarantee to locals an historical benchmark to compare present observations. The findings of this research provide insights for environmental risk management, supporting local populations in reducing their vulnerability.
High-Performance Graphene Coating on Titanium Bipolar Plates in Fuel Cells via Cathodic Electrophoretic Deposition
Authors: Liu Yi , Min Luofu , Zhang Wen , Wang Yuxin
Published: April 2021

In this article, we proposed a facile method to electrophoretically deposit a highly conductive and corrosion-resistant graphene layer on metal bipolar plates (BPs) while avoiding the oxidation of the metal substrate during the electrophoretic deposition (EPD). p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) was first grafted onto negatively charged graphene oxide (GO) to obtain modified graphene oxide (MGO) while bearing positive charges. Then, MGO dispersed in ethanol was coated on titanium plates via cathodic EPD under a constant voltage, followed by reducing the deposited MGO with H2 at 400 °C, gaining a titanium plate coated with reduced MGO (RMGO@Ti). Under the simulated environment of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), RMGO@Ti presents a corrosion current of < 10−6 A·cm−2, approximately two orders of magnitude lower than that of bare titanium. Furthermore, the interfacial contact resistance (ICR) of RMGO@Ti is as low as 4 mΩ·cm2, which is about one-thirtieth that of bare titanium. Therefore, RMGO@Ti appears very promising for use as BP in PEMFCs.
Influence of Microdefect Size on Corrosion Behavior of Epoxy-Coated Rebar for Application in Seawater-Mixed Concrete
Authors: Wan Li , Wei Yinghua , Zhao Hongtao , Cao Haijiao , Li Jing
Published: April 2021

Corrosion behavior of epoxy-coated rebar with different size of microdefects in uncarbonated/carbonated simulated pore solution (U/CSPS) of seawater concrete was investigated. Specimens in both solutions underwent two stages of corrosion, according to the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) response. The initial stage was the extension of corrosion. The second stage was dominated by the diffusion process, due to the corrosion products blocking the defects and hindering the transportation of the reaction matter. Local electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (LEIS), scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) measurements and the observation of corrosion products indicated that 50 μm might be the threshold, because the corrosion of specimens with defects bigger than 50 μm in diameter was significantly more severe. Crevice corrosion was identified to occur in the experiments. The corrosion products of specimens in USPS and CSPS were mainly Fe3O4 and FeOOH, respectively. α-FeOOH and β-FeOOH exhibited an anion ion-selective property in the corrosion process, which induced crevice corrosion in CSPS. In particular, it is contended herein that Fe3O4 has the cation ion-selective property to protect the substrate in USPS.
Optimization of Gum Arabic and Starch-Based Edible Coatings with Lemongrass Oil Using Response Surface Methodology for Improving Postharvest Quality of Whole “Wonderful” Pomegranate Fruit
Authors: Kawhena Tatenda Gift , Opara Umezuruike Linus , Fawole Olaniyi Amos
Published: April 2021

The effects of edible coatings based on gum arabic (GA) (0.5–1.5%), maize starch (MS) (0.5–1.5%), lemongrass oil (LO) (2–4%), and glycerol (GC) (0.5–1%) developed using response surface methodology (RSM) on “Wonderful” pomegranate fruit were studied. After 42 days of storage (5 ± 1 °C, 95 ± 2% RH) and 5 days at ambient temperature (20 ± 0.2 °C and 60 ± 10% RH), whole fruit were evaluated for weight loss (%) and pomegranate juice (PJ) for total soluble solids (°Brix), titratable acidity (% Citric acid), and antioxidant capacity. The optimization procedure was done using RSM and the response variables were mainly influenced by the concentrations of MS and GA. The optimized coating consisted of GA (0.5%), MS (0.5%), LO (3%), and GC (1.5%) with desirability of 0.614 (0—minimum and 1—maximum). The predicted values of response variables, for the coating were weight loss (%) = 5.51, TSS (°Brix) = 16.45, TA (% Citric acid) = 1.50, and antioxidant capacity (RSA = 58.13 mM AAE/mL PJ and FRAP = 40.03 mM TE/mL PJ). Therefore, the optimized coating formulation is a potential postharvest treatment for “Wonderful” pomegranate to inhibit weight loss and maintain overall quality during storage and shelf-life.
Bridgman Growth and Photoelectronic Property of Relaxor-Based Ferroelectric Single Crystal Pb(Sm1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3
Authors: Liao Fan , Zhao Yan , Chen Ziyun , Zheng Yanqing , Chen Hongbing
Published: April 2021

A relaxor-based ferroelectric single crystal with the nominal composition of xPb(Sm0.5Nb0.5)O3-(0.7‒x) Pb(Mg1/3Nb1/3)O3-0.3PbTiO3 (x = 0.01, 0.02, and 0.03) was grown by the vertical Bridgman process. The electrical properties and the ferroelectric domains, as well as the luminescent characteristics of the single crystals, were investigated systematically. The piezoelectric coefficient d33 of the single crystals are slightly higher than that of the undoped PMN-PT single crystal under direct current polarization, while the crystal wafers gain a much higher d33 value upon being polarized with alternating current voltage. The single crystals possess a decreased phase transition temperature of around 60 °C and a decreased Curie temperature of 92~116 °C compared with the undoped PMN-PT single crystal. The crystal wafers polarized with alternating current voltage exhibited a desirable optical transmittance, which is associated with the domain structure changes inside the crystal medium. The domain density of the crystal wafers under alternating current polarization was significantly decreased compared with the direct current polarized crystal wafers. The luminescent spectra of the crystal wafers exhibit the typical emission peaks corresponding to the characteristic transition of Sm3+ ions in the crystal lattice.
Investigations of Sidewall Passivation Technology on the Optical Performance for Smaller Size GaN-Based Micro-LEDs
Authors: Yu Junchi , Tao Tao , Liu Bin , Xu Feifan , Zheng Yao , Wang Xuan , Sang Yimeng , Yan Yu , Xie Zili , Liang Shihao , Chen Dunjun , Chen Peng , Xiu Xiangqian , Zheng Youdou , Zhang Rong
Published: April 2021

Micro-light emitting diodes (Micro-LEDs) based on III-nitride semiconductors have become a research hotspot in the field of high-resolution display due to its unique advantages. However, the edge effect caused by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) dry etching in Micro-LEDs become significant with respect to the decreased chip size, resulting in a great reduction in device performance. In this article, sector-shaped GaN-based blue Micro-LEDs are designed and fabricated. Additionally, the device performance of different size Micro-LEDs with passivation are investigated with respect to those without passivation. Several methods have been applied to minimize the etching damage near the edge, including acid-base wet etching and SiO2 passivation layer growth. The room temperature photoluminescence (PL) results demonstrate that the light emission intensity of Micro-LEDs can be significantly enhanced by optimized passivation process. PL mapping images show that the overall luminescence of properly passivated Micro-LEDs is enhanced, the uniformity is improved, and the effective luminescence area is increased. The recombination lifetime of carriers in Micro-LEDs are increased by the usage of passivation process, which proves the reduction in non-radiative recombination centers in Micro-LEDs and improved luminescence efficiency. As a result, the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) is improved from 14.9% to 37.6% for 10 μm Micro-LEDs, and from 18.3% to 26.9% for 5 μm Micro-LEDs.
Expected and Unexpected Products in Half Curcuminoid Synthesis: Crystal Structures of But-3-en-2-ones and 3-Methylcyclohex-2-enones
Authors: Obregón-Mendoza Marco A. , Arias-Olguín Imilla I. , Meza-Morales William , Alvarez-Ricardo Yair , Chávez María Isabel , Toscano Rubén A. , Cassani Julia , Enríquez Raúl G.
Published: April 2021

The expected (E)-but-3-en-2-ones compounds I and II (half curcuminoids) were obtained by the Claisen–Schmidt reaction between aldehydes 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde or 4-nitrobenzaldehyde with acetone. Concomitantly, 3-methylcyclohex-2-enones compounds III and IV arose from an unexpected reaction of but-3-en-2-ones in the cascade reaction of a Michael-type addition of a second molecule of acetone followed by Robinson annulation under strong basic conditions. Both enones exhibit the (E)-configuration, compound I displays s-trans conformation, whereas compound II exhibits conformational disorder as solid solution of s-cis and s-trans conformations. The related 3-methylcyclohex-2-enones exhibit envelope conformation. Compound III constitutes an example of the rarest case of racemic solid solution (pseudoracemate), where a lack of chiral discrimination with respect to the two enantiomers leads to an enantiomeric disorder of a racemic mixture with different occupancies at the reference site. Due to the lack of strong hydrogen-bond donors in all compounds, the crystal packing is mainly stabilized by weak intermolecular C-H···O interactions between the molecules. The present work provides a new perspective on the search for by-products normally overlooked in Claisen–Schmidt condensations.
Study of Type II SPDC in Lithium Niobate for High Spectral Purity Photon Pair Generation
Authors: Kim Ilhwan , Lee Donghwa , Lee Kwang Jo
Published: April 2021

Recent advances of high-quality lithium niobate (LN) on insulator technology have revitalized the progress of novel chip-integrated LN-based photonic devices and accelerated application research. One of the promising technologies of interest is the generation of entangled photon pairs based on spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) in LNs. In this paper, we investigated, theoretically and numerically, Type II SPDC in two kinds of LNs—undoped and 5-mol% MgO doped LNs. In each case, both non-poled and periodically poled crystals were considered. The technique is based on the SPDC under Type II extended phase matching, where the phase matching and the group velocity matching are simultaneously achieved between interacting photons. The proposed approach has not yet been reported for LNs. We discussed all factors required to generate photon pairs in LNs, in terms of the beam propagation direction, the spectral position of photons, and the corresponding effective nonlinearities and walk-offs. We showed that the spectral positions of the generated photon pairs fall into the mid-infrared region with high potential for free-space quantum communication, spectroscopy, and high-sensitivity metrology. The joint spectral analyses showed that photon pairs can be generated with high purities of 0.995–0.999 with proper pump filtering.
Analysis of Porous Structure in Autoclaved Materials Modified by Glass Sand
Authors: Stepien Anna
Published: April 2021

This paper describes the use of glass sand in the production of autoclaved bricks. Traditional autoclaved materials consist of SiO2, CaO, and H2O. The purpose of the tests is to analyze the possibility of using glass sand in autoclaved materials and to determine their properties and durability. Depending on the structure, building materials can have porosities ranging from 0% (glass, metals) to over 90% (thermal insulation materials such as aerated concrete). Porosity of materials is directly related to the strength of materials and their density, and further to the thermal and acoustic insulation properties of products used especially for external wall construction, i.e., bricks, concrete, and aerated concrete. This type of silicate brick is formed at a temperature of 203 °C, therefore the dominant phase forming the microstructure is tobermorite, in contrast to the C-S-H phase, which dominates in concretes and which is characterized by a larger specific surface. The nature of pores, their number, appearance and arrangement in the material can be studied using computer techniques (SEM, XRD, computed tomography, porosimetry). Computed tomography (micro-CT analysis) showed that the number of voids in the material modified by glass sand is about 20% in relation to the weight of the product. The density of the product with glass sand was determined to be 2.2 kg/dm3.
Phenol Derivatives as Co-Crystallized Templates to Modulate Trimesic-Acid-Based Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Molecular Frameworks
Authors: Ou Guangchuan , Wang Qiong , Zhou Qiang , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: April 2021

Five host−guest trimesic-acid-based hydrogen-bonds framework compounds with different guests, namely [(TMA)4·(TMB)3] (1), [(TMA)2·(DMB)1.5] (2), [(TMA)6·(MP)] (3), [(TMA)·(EP)] (4) and [(TMA)·(PP)] (5) (TMA = trimesic acid, TMB = 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene, DMB = 1,4-dimethoxybenzene, MP = 4-methoxyphenol, EP = 4-ethoxyphenol and PP = 4-propoxyphenol), were obtained through co-crystallization, and were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. The trimesic acid molecules comprise a hydrogen bonding six-membered cyclic host network that is found in a two-dimensional arrangement in compounds 1 and 2, and in a nine-fold interpenetrated three-dimensional structure in compound 3. In compounds 4 and 5, the trimesic acid and EP/PP molecules form a hydrogen-bonded six-membered cyclic network, resulting in a one-dimensional chain structure through O−H…O hydrogen bonds.
Influence of X7GeS5I (X = Ag, Cu) Superionic Nanoparticles on Structural Changes in Nematic Liquid Crystal
Authors: Bury Peter , Veveričík Marek , Kopčanský Peter , Timko Milan , Studenyak Ihor P. , Pogodin Artem I.
Published: April 2021

The effect of two types of superionic nanoparticles; Cu7GeS5I and Ag7GeS5I, respectively on nematic liquid crystal (6CB) behavior under an external electric field is investigated. The response of both attenuation of surface acoustic waves propagating along with the substrate/liquid crystal interface and light transmission are used to study the structural changes induced by applied electric field. The increasing/decreasing regime as well as jumped change of applied field were used. The light transmission was investigated using linearly polarized laser beam (532 nm) propagating through the liquid crystal. Results obtained from both measurements for three different concentrations (0.01, 0.05 and 0.10 wt%) and in addition two different sizes of nanoparticles are compared and results, relying on structural changes, suspension stability and switching behavior are evaluated.
Bivalve Diversity on the Continental Shelf and Deep Sea of the Perdido Fold Belt, Northwest Gulf of Mexico, Mexico
Authors: Suárez-Mozo Nancy Yolimar , Vidal-Martínez Victor Manuel , Aguirre-Macedo M. Leopoldina , Pech Daniel , Guerra-Castro Edlin , Simões Nuno
Published: April 2021

Mollusk diversity in coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) has been studied extensively, but this is not the case for deep-water habitats. We present the first quantitative characterization of mollusks in shallow and deep waters of the Perdido Fold Belt. The data came from two research cruises completed in 2017. Sediment samples were collected from 56 sites using a 0.25-m2 box corer. We tested hypotheses about spatial patterns of α, β, and γ-diversity of bivalves in two water-depth zones, the continental shelf (43–200 m) and bathyal zone (375–3563 m). A total of 301 bivalves belonging to 39 species were identified. The two zones display similar levels of γ-diversity, but host different bivalve assemblages. In general, α-diversity was higher on the continental shelf, whereas β-diversity was higher in the bathyal zone. These patterns can be explained by the higher input of carbon (energy) to the near-coast shelf zone, as well as by the greater topographic complexity of habitats in the bathyal zone. These results enabled us to propose redirection of sampling efforts for environmental characterization from continental zones to the deep-water zone, especially in the context of environmental assessments during oil and gas exploration and production.
Low Detection Rate of H3K27M Mutations in Cerebrospinal Fluid Obtained from Lumbar Puncture in Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Midline Gliomas
Authors: On Jotaro , Natsumeda Manabu , Watanabe Jun , Saito Shoji , Kanemaru Yu , Abe Hideaki , Tsukamoto Yoshihiro , Okada Masayasu , Oishi Makoto , Yoshimura Junichi , Kakita Akiyoshi , Fujii Yukihiko
Published: April 2021

Recent studies have suggested the feasibility of detecting H3K27M mutations in the cerebrospinal fluid of diffuse midline glioma (DMG) patients. However, cerebrospinal fluid from patients in these studies were collected mainly during biopsy, ventriculo-peritoneal shunt procedures or postmortem. We assessed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) extracted from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma in a series of 12 radiographically suspected and/or pathologically confirmed diffuse midline glioma patients and assessed for H3F3A K27M mutation using digital droplet PCR. In 10 patients, CSF was obtained by lumbar puncture at presentation. A definitive detection of H3F3A K27M mutation was achieved in only one case (10%); H3F3A K27M mutation was suspected in three other cases (30%). H3F3A K27M mutation was detected in two patients in CSF obtained by ventricular tap during a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt for obstructive hydrocephalus. Cases in which a definitive assessment was possible (definite H3F3A K27M or definite H3F3A wildtype) tended to be younger (median 7.5 years vs. 40.5 years; p = 0.07) and have a higher concentration of CSF protein (median 123 mg/dL vs. 27.5 mg/dL; p = 0.21) compared to nondefinite cases. Low proliferation and apoptotic rates seemed to be characteristics of DMG unfavorable for liquid biopsy. More advanced lesions with necrosis and evidence of dissemination were unlikely to be candidates for lumbar puncture due to the fear of exacerbating obstructive hydrocephalus. Methods to safely sample CSF and a more sensitive detection of ctDNA are necessary for reliable liquid biopsy of DMG at presentation.