bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical Characterization of the Magnetic Field in Space during Magnetic Storms
Authors: Wang Shi-Han , Li Lei , Chen Tao , Ti Shuo , Cai Chun-Lin , Li Wen , Luo Jing
Published: September 2022

Magnetic storms are an important type of space weather and are usually caused by large streams of charged elementary particles (ions, for example) generated during solar wind production. The occurrence of magnetic storms can pose a threat to the internal electronics of satellites, communication, navigation, remote sensing, etc. Additionally, ground-based electrical facilities may be impacted. In this paper, we focus on the statistical characteristics of the space channel during the occurrence of magnetic storms. By analyzing the observed data for each component of the magnetic field during a magnetic storm and applying the relevant cognitive radio theory, we obtain the probability density function, autocorrelation function, and power spectrum of the magnitude of each component of the magnetic field. The results show that the probability density of the magnitude of each component of the magnetic field gradually deviates from the Gaussian distribution as the Magnetic storm ring current index (Dst index) increases during a magnetic storm, and the autocorrelation function exhibits nonstationary characteristics, which further leads to the time-varying characteristics of the power spectrum.
Human-in-the-Loop Optimization of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation at the Point of Care: A Computational Perspective
Authors: Arora Yashika , Dutta Anirban
Published: September 2022

Individual differences in the responsiveness of the brain to transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) are increasingly demonstrated by the large variability in the effects of tES. Anatomically detailed computational brain models have been developed to address this variability; however, static brain models are not “realistic” in accounting for the dynamic state of the brain. Therefore, human-in-the-loop optimization at the point of care is proposed in this perspective article based on systems analysis of the neurovascular effects of tES. First, modal analysis was conducted using a physiologically detailed neurovascular model that found stable modes in the 0 Hz to 0.05 Hz range for the pathway for vessel response through the smooth muscle cells, measured with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). During tES, the transient sensations can have arousal effects on the hemodynamics, so we present a healthy case series for black-box modeling of fNIRS–pupillometry of short-duration tDCS effects. The block exogeneity test rejected the claim that tDCS is not a one-step Granger cause of the fNIRS total hemoglobin changes (HbT) and pupil dilation changes (p < 0.05). Moreover, grey-box modeling using fNIRS of the tDCS effects in chronic stroke showed the HbT response to be significantly different (paired-samples t-test, p < 0.05) between the ipsilesional and contralesional hemispheres for primary motor cortex tDCS and cerebellar tDCS, which was subserved by the smooth muscle cells. Here, our opinion is that various physiological pathways subserving the effects of tES can lead to state–trait variability, which can be challenging for clinical translation. Therefore, we conducted a case study on human-in-the-loop optimization using our reduced-dimensions model and a stochastic, derivative-free covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy. We conclude from our computational analysis that human-in-the-loop optimization of the effects of tES at the point of care merits investigation in future studies for reducing inter-subject and intra-subject variability in neuromodulation.
Food Restriction Counteracts Dexamethasone-Induced Downregulation of Genes Involved in Cholesterol Homeostasis in Rat Brain during Aging
Authors: Ciric Jelena , Tesic Vesna , Milovanovic Nikola , Jovanovic Macura Irena , Ivkovic Sanja , Kanazir Selma , Perovic Milka
Published: September 2022

Glucocorticoids are the most potent anti-inflammatory agents known. Limited in vivo data are available to characterize the mechanism underlying their cognitive side effects and transient occurrence of steroid psychosis. Cholesterol is important for proper neurotransmission and brain plasticity, and disruption of its homeostasis in the brain has been closely associated with memory decline during aging and in age-related neurodegenerative disorders. In the present study, we assessed the direct effects of dexamethasone, a potent synthetic glucocorticoid, on the expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and cholesterol 24S-hydroxylase (CYP46A1), major enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis, metabolism, and excretion, respectively. The effects of the dexamethasone were examined during aging, in the cortex and hippocampus of 6-, 12- and 18-month-old rats, and following long-term food restriction (FR). The most prominent change observed was the age-related decrease in ApoE mRNA regardless of the food regimen applied. In animals kept on FR, this decrease was accompanied by an increase in the mRNA expression of HMGCR and CYP46A1. The present study also demonstrates that food restriction reversed most of the dexamethasone-induced changes in the expression of genes involved in regulation of cholesterol homeostasis in aging rats, in a region-specific manner.
Music and Visual Art Training Increase Auditory-Evoked Theta Oscillations in Older Adults
Authors: Bugos Jennifer A. , Bidelman Gavin M. , Moreno Sylvain , Shen Dawei , Lu Jing , Alain Claude
Published: September 2022

Music training was shown to induce changes in auditory processing in older adults. However, most findings stem from correlational studies and fewer examine long-term sustainable benefits. Moreover, research shows small and variable changes in auditory event-related potential (ERP) amplitudes and/or latencies in older adults. Conventional time domain analysis methods, however, are susceptible to latency jitter in evoked responses and may miss important information of brain processing. Here, we used time-frequency analyses to examine training-related changes in auditory-evoked oscillatory activity in healthy older adults (N = 50) assigned to a music training (n = 16), visual art training (n = 17), or a no-treatment control (n = 17) group. All three groups were presented with oddball auditory paradigms with synthesized piano tones or vowels during the acquisition of high-density EEG. Neurophysiological measures were collected at three-time points: pre-training, post-training, and at a three-month follow-up. Training programs were administered for 12-weeks. Increased theta power was found pre and post- training for the music (p = 0.010) and visual art group (p = 0.010) as compared to controls (p = 0.776) and maintained at the three-month follow-up. Results showed training-related plasticity on auditory processing in aging adults. Neuroplastic changes were maintained three months post-training, suggesting music and visual art programs yield lasting benefits that might facilitate encoding, retention, and memory retrieval.
Effects of Digitalized Front-of-Package Food Labels on Healthy Food-Related Behavior: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ljusic Nikola , Fagerstrøm Asle , Pawar Sanchit , Arntzen Erik
Published: September 2022

Front-of-package (FOP) food labels may impact healthy food-related behavior. However, such labels may be presented using new technology and they may impact behavior differently than physical labels. This systematic review investigated the effects of physical and digitalized labels on healthy food-related behavior. This review used four search engines to collect articles that investigated the effects of food labels on the purchase, consumption, hypothetical choice, and self-reports of healthy foods. General findings, types of labels, or whether the articles used physical versus digitalized static, interactive, or technology-enabled labels were synthesized. The dependent variables were categorized according to whether they were under full, partial, or no control of the independent variables. The risk of bias was measured by the RoB 2 tool and adapted Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist. The search strategy identified 285 records and 30 articles were included. While digitalized static and physical labels did not differ in their effects on healthy food-related behavior, technology-enabled labels were more predictive of healthy food-related behavior than interactive labels.
A New Survival Score for Patients ≥65 Years Assigned to Radiotherapy of Bone Metastases
Authors: Rades Dirk , Delikanli Cansu , Schild Steven E. , Kristiansen Charlotte , Tvilsted Søren , Janssen Stefan
Published: September 2022

Survival scores are important for personalized treatment of bone metastases. Elderly patients are considered a separate group. Therefore, a specific score was developed for these patients. Elderly patients (≥65 years) irradiated for bone metastases were randomly assigned to the test (n = 174) or validation (n = 174) cohorts. Thirteen factors were retrospectively analyzed for survival. Factors showing significance (p < 0.05) or a trend (p < 0.06) in the multivariate analysis were used for the score. Based on 6-month survival rates, prognostic groups were formed. The score was compared to an existing tool developed in patients of any age. In the multivariate analysis, performance score, tumor type, and visceral metastases showed significance and gender was a trend. Three groups were designed (17, 18–25 and 27–28 points) with 6-month survival rates of 0%, 51%, and 100%. In the validation cohort, these rates were 9%, 55%, and 86%. Comparisons of prognostic groups between both cohorts did not reveal significant differences. In the test cohort, positive predictive values regarding death ≤6 and survival ≥6 months were 100% with the new score vs. 80% and 88% with the existing tool. The new score was more accurate demonstrating the importance of specific scores for elderly patients.
Accuracy of Response Assessment FDG PET-CT Post (Chemo)Radiotherapy in HPV Negative Oropharynx Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Iyizoba-Ebozue Zsuzsanna , Billingsley Sarah , Frood Russell , Vaidyanathan Sriram , Scarsbrook Andrew , Prestwich Robin J. D.
Published: September 2022

Background: Data on the accuracy of response assessment 2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) following (chemo)radiotherapy in patients with oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is predominantly based on HPV-positive disease. There is a paucity of data for HPV-negative disease, which has a less favourable prognosis. Methods: 96 patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy for HPV-negative OPSCC with baseline and response assessment FDG PET-CT between 2013–2020, were analysed. PET-CT response was classified as negative, equivocal, or positive based on qualitative reporting. PET-CT response categories were analysed with reference to clinicopathological outcomes. Test characteristics were evaluated, comparing negative results to equivocal and positive results together. Post-test probabilities were calculated separately for positive and equivocal or negative results. Results: Median follow-up was 26 months. The negative predictive value of a negative scan was 93.7 and 93.2%, respectively, for primary tumour and nodal disease. For a negative scan, the post-test probability was 0.06 for primary and 0.07 for nodal disease. The post-test probability of an equivocal scan was 0.51 and 0.72 for primary and lymph node, respectively. The post-test probability of a positive scan approached 1. For patients with/without a negative scan, two-year overall survival and progression-free survival were 83% versus 30% and 79% versus 17% (p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: The NPV of a negative response assessment PET-CT in HPV-negative OPSCC is high, supporting a strategy of clinical monitoring. Contrasting with the published literature for HPV-positive OPSCC, an equivocal response scan was associated with a moderate rate of residual disease.
The Emerging Role of Radiation Therapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Christensen Michael , Hannan Raquibul
Published: September 2022

Advancements in radiation delivery technology have made it feasible to treat tumors with ablative radiation doses via stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SAbR) at locations that were previously not possible. Renal cell cancer (RCC) was initially thought to be radioresistant, even considered toxic, in the era of conventional protracted course radiation. However, SAbR has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in providing local control to both primary and metastatic RCC by using ablative radiation doses. SAbR can be integrated with other local and systemic therapies to provide optimal management of RCC patients. We will discuss the rationale and available evidence for the integration and sequencing of SAbR with local and systemic therapies for RCC.
Strategies for Efficient Targeting of Tumor Collagen for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Baldari Silvia , Di Modugno Francesca , Nisticò Paola , Toietta Gabriele
Published: September 2022

The tumor stroma, which comprises stromal cells and non-cellular elements, is a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The dynamic interactions between the tumor cells and the stroma may promote tumor progression and metastasis and dictate resistance to established cancer therapies. Therefore, novel antitumor approaches should combine anticancer and anti-stroma strategies targeting dysregulated tumor extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM remodeling is a hallmark of solid tumors, leading to extensive biochemical and biomechanical changes, affecting cell signaling and tumor tissue three-dimensional architecture. Increased deposition of fibrillar collagen is the most distinctive alteration of the tumor ECM. Consequently, several anticancer therapeutic strategies have been developed to reduce excessive tumor collagen deposition. Herein, we provide an overview of the current advances and challenges of the main approaches aiming at tumor collagen normalization, which include targeted anticancer drug delivery, promotion of degradation, modulation of structure and biosynthesis of collagen, and targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts, which are the major extracellular matrix producers.
Association between Obesity Indexes and Thyroid Cancer Risk in Korean Women: Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Jang Yoonyoung , Kim Taehwa , Kim Brian H. S. , Park Boyoung
Published: September 2022

Objective: This study aimed to identify the association between various obesity indexes, including waist circumference (WC), waist–hip ratio (WHR), waist–height ratio (WHTR), and BMI, and their combinations with body mass index (BMI) and thyroid cancer risk. Methods: Of the 65,639 participants who completed a follow-up survey of the Health Examinee Study (HEXA), a prospective cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, 412 female incident thyroid cancer cases, and 1648 birth year- and enrollment year-matched female controls were included. Multiple conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the association between obesity indexes and thyroid cancer risk. Results: The risk of developing thyroid cancer was increased by 1.37-fold (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03–1.81) higher in the obese BMI group (≥25.0 Kg/m2) compared to that in the normal BMI group (<23.0 Kg/m2). Obesity in terms of WC (≥85.0 cm) and WHTR (≥0.5) was associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer (OR 1.55, 95% CI = 1.16–2.07; OR 1.37, 95% CI = 1.07–1.75, respectively). However, increased WHR levels did not show any significant association. Women with both obese levels of BMI (≥25.0 Kg/m2) and other obesity indexes (WC ≥ 85.0 cm, WHR ≥ 0.85, or WHTR ≥ 0.5) showed an increased risk of thyroid cancer with OR of 1.63 (95% CI = 1.14–2.31), 1.49 (95% CI = 1.05–2.12), and 1.42 (95% CI = 1.04–1.94), compared to those with normal levels of BMI and each obesity index. Conclusion: These results provide evidence of the contribution of both total and central adiposity across the lifespan of thyroid cancer incidence. Risk factor modifications must be considered to explain the current thyroid cancer epidemic.
ATPase Thorase Deficiency Causes α-Synucleinopathy and Parkinson’s Disease-like Behavior
Authors: Gao Fei , Zhang Han , Yang Jia , Cai Menghua , Yang Qi , Wang Huaishan , Xu Yi , Chen Hui , Hu Yu , He Wei , Zhang Jianmin
Published: September 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases and is pathologically characterized by α-synucleinopathy, which is harmful to dopaminergic neurons. However, the underlying mechanisms and pathogenesis of PD remain unclear. The AAA + ATPase Thorase was identified as being essential for neuroprotection and synaptic plasticity by regulating the AMPA receptor trafficking. Here, we found that conditional knockout of Thorase resulted in motor behaviors indicative of neurodegeneration. Genetic deletion of Thorase exacerbated phenotypes of α-synucleinopathy in a familial PD-like A53T mouse model, whereas overexpression of Thorase prevented α-syn accumulation in vivo. Biochemical and cell cultures studies presented here suggest that Thorase interacts with α-syn and regulates the degradation of ubiquitinated α-syn. Thorase deficiency promotes α-syn aggregation in primary cultured neurons. The discoveries in this study provide us with a further understanding of the pathogenesis of α-synucleinopathies including PD.
The Role of the miR-17-92 Cluster in Autophagy and Atherosclerosis Supports Its Link to Lysosomal Storage Diseases
Authors: Ortuño-Sahagún Daniel , Enterría-Rosales Julia , Izquierdo Vanesa , Griñán-Ferré Christian , Pallàs Mercè , González-Castillo Celia
Published: September 2022

Establishing the role of non-coding RNA (ncRNA), especially microRNAs (miRNAs), in the regulation of cell function constitutes a current research challenge. Two to six miRNAs can act in clusters; particularly, the miR-17-92 family, composed of miR-17, miR-18a, miR-19a, miR-20a, miR-19b-1, and miR-92a is well-characterized. This cluster functions during embryonic development in cell differentiation, growth, development, and morphogenesis and is an established oncogenic cluster. However, its role in the regulation of cellular metabolism, mainly in lipid metabolism and autophagy, has received less attention. Here, we argue that the miR-17-92 cluster is highly relevant for these two processes, and thus, could be involved in the study of pathologies derived from lysosomal deficiencies. Lysosomes are related to both processes, as they control cholesterol flux and regulate autophagy. Accordingly, we compiled, analyzed, and discussed current evidence that highlights the cluster’s fundamental role in regulating cellular energetic metabolism (mainly lipid and cholesterol flux) and atherosclerosis, as well as its critical participation in autophagy regulation. Because these processes are closely related to lysosomes, we also provide experimental data from the literature to support our proposal that the miR-17-92 cluster could be involved in the pathogenesis and effects of lysosomal storage diseases (LSD).
Distinct Impairments Characterizing Different ADNP Mutants Reveal Aberrant Cytoplasmic-Nuclear Crosstalk
Authors: Ganaiem Maram , Karmon Gidon , Ivashko-Pachima Yanina , Gozes Illana
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) is essential for neuronal structure and function. Multiple de novo pathological mutations in ADNP cause the autistic ADNP syndrome, and they have been further suggested to affect Alzheimer’s disease progression in a somatic form. Here, we asked if different ADNP mutations produce specific neuronal-like phenotypes toward better understanding and personalized medicine. (2) Methods: We employed CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells to form neuron-like cell lines expressing ADNP mutant proteins conjugated to GFP. These new cell lines were characterized by quantitative morphology, immunocytochemistry and live cell imaging. (3) Results: Our novel cell lines, constitutively expressing GFP-ADNP p.Pro403 (p.Ser404* human orthologue) and GFP-ADNP p.Tyr718* (p.Tyr719* human orthologue), revealed new and distinct phenotypes. Increased neurite numbers (day 1, in culture) and increased neurite lengths upon differentiation (day 7, in culture) were linked with p.Pro403*. In contrast, p.Tyr718* decreased cell numbers (day 1). These discrete phenotypes were associated with an increased expression of both mutant proteins in the cytoplasm. Reduced nuclear/cytoplasmic boundaries were observed in the p.Tyr718* ADNP-mutant line, with this malformation being corrected by the ADNP-derived fragment drug candidate NAP. (4) Conclusions: Distinct impairments characterize different ADNP mutants and reveal aberrant cytoplasmic-nuclear crosstalk.
Autophagy in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Lei Yuhe , Zhang Enxin , Bai Liangliang , Li Yingjie
Published: September 2022

Autophagy is a stress-induced process that eliminates damaged organelles and dysfunctional cargos in cytoplasm, including unfolded proteins. Autophagy is involved in constructing the immunosuppressive microenvironment during tumor initiation and progression. It appears to be one of the most common processes involved in cancer immunotherapy, playing bidirectional roles in immunotherapy. Accumulating evidence suggests that inducing or inhibiting autophagy contributes to immunotherapy efficacy. Hence, exploring autophagy targets and their modifiers to control autophagy in the tumor microenvironment is an emerging strategy to facilitate cancer immunotherapy. This review summarizes recent studies on the role of autophagy in cancer immunotherapy, as well as the molecular targets of autophagy that could wake up the immune response in the tumor microenvironment, aiming to shed light on its immense potential as a therapeutic target to improve immunotherapy.
Populations of Tau Conformers Drive Prion-like Strain Effects in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Authors: Hromadkova Lenka , Siddiqi Mohammad Khursheed , Liu He , Safar Jiri G.
Published: September 2022

Recent findings of diverse populations of prion-like conformers of misfolded tau protein expand the prion concept to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and monogenic frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)-MAPT P301L, and suggest that distinct strains of misfolded proteins drive the phenotypes and progression rates in many neurodegenerative diseases. Notable progress in the previous decades has generated many lines of proof arguing that yeast, fungal, and mammalian prions determine heritable as well as infectious traits. The extraordinary phenotypic diversity of human prion diseases arises from structurally distinct prion strains that target, at different progression speeds, variable brain structures and cells. Although human prion research presents beneficial lessons and methods to study the mechanism of strain diversity of protein-only pathogens, the fundamental molecular mechanism by which tau conformers are formed and replicate in diverse tauopathies is still poorly understood. In this review, we summarize up to date advances in identification of diverse tau conformers through biophysical and cellular experimental paradigms, and the impact of heterogeneity of pathological tau strains on personalized structure- and strain-specific therapeutic approaches in major tauopathies.
Current Understanding of the Neural Stem Cell Niches
Authors: Llorente Vicente , Velarde Pedro , Desco Manuel , Gómez-Gaviro María Victoria
Published: September 2022

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are self-renewing, multipotent cells which give rise to all components of the central nervous system (CNS) during embryogenesis, but also activate in response to injury and disease and maintain a certain level of neurogenic activity throughout adulthood. This activity takes place in specialized regions of the brain, the neurovascular niches, whose main role is to control the behaviour of the CNS. In adult mammals, two main “canonical” niches have been described: The subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus. This review discusses our current understanding of the neural stem cells and their canonical niches, as well as their structure, behaviours, and role in neural disease.
The Effects of Cannabidiol on Aqueous Humor Outflow and Trabecular Meshwork Cell Signaling
Authors: Aebersold Alyssa S. , Song Zhao-Hui
Published: September 2022

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is regulated primarily through aqueous humor production by ciliary body and drainage through uveoscleral and trabecular meshwork (TM) tissues. The goal of this study was to measure the effect of non-psychotropic cannabidiol (CBD) on aqueous humor outflow through TM and assess the effect of CBD on the TM cell signaling pathways that are important for regulating outflow. Perfused porcine eye anterior segment explants were used to investigate the effects of CBD on aqueous humor outflow. Cultured porcine TM cells were used to study the effects of CBD on TM cell contractility, myosin light chain (MLC) and myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1) phosphorylation, and RhoA activation. In the anterior segment perfusion experiments, aqueous humor outflow was increased significantly within 1 h after adding 1 µM CBD and the effect was sustained over the 5 h of measurement. Treatment of TM cells with 1 µM CBD significantly decreased TM cell-mediated collagen contraction, inhibited phosphorylation of MLC and MYPT1, and reduced RhoA activation. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that as a potential therapeutic agent for lowering intraocular pressure, CBD can enhance aqueous humor outflow and modify TM cell signaling.
The Neuroprotective Effects of mGlu1 Receptor Antagonists Are Mediated by an Enhancement of GABAergic Synaptic Transmission via a Presynaptic CB1 Receptor Mechanism
Authors: Landucci Elisa , Berlinguer-Palmini Rolando , Baccini Gilda , Boscia Francesca , Gerace Elisabetta , Mannaioni Guido , Pellegrini-Giampietro Domenico E.
Published: September 2022

In this study, we investigated the cross-talk between mGlu1 and CB1 receptors in modulating GABA hippocampal output in whole-cell voltage clamp recordings in rat hippocampal acute slices, in organotypic hippocampal slices exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and in gerbils subjected to global ischemia. CB1 receptor expression was studied using immunohistochemistry and the CA1 contents of anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) were measured by LC-MS/MS. Our results show that mGlu1 receptor antagonists enhance sIPSCs in CA1 pyramidal cells and the basal and ischemic hippocampal release of GABA in vivo in a manner that is mediated by CB1 receptor activation. In hippocampal slices exposed to OGD and in ischemic gerbils, mGlu1 receptor antagonists protected CA1 pyramidal cells against post-ischemic injury and this effect was reduced by CB1 receptor activation. OGD induced a transient increase in the hippocampal content of AEA and this effect is prevented by mGlu1 receptor antagonist. Finally, OGD induced a late disruption of CB1 receptors in the CA1 region and the effect was prevented when CA1 pyramidal cells were protected by mGlu1 antagonists. Altogether, these results suggest a cooperative interaction between mGlu1 receptors and the endocannabinoid system in the mechanisms that lead to post-ischemic neuronal death.
Nucleolus and Nucleolar Stress: From Cell Fate Decision to Disease Development
Authors: Hua Lu , Yan Daliang , Wan Chunhua , Hu Baoying
Published: September 2022

Besides the canonical function in ribosome biogenesis, there have been significant recent advances towards the fascinating roles of the nucleolus in stress response, cell destiny decision and disease progression. Nucleolar stress, an emerging concept describing aberrant nucleolar structure and function as a result of impaired rRNA synthesis and ribosome biogenesis under stress conditions, has been linked to a variety of signaling transductions, including but not limited to Mdm2-p53, NF-κB and HIF-1α pathways. Studies have uncovered that nucleolus is a stress sensor and signaling hub when cells encounter various stress conditions, such as nutrient deprivation, DNA damage and oxidative and thermal stress. Consequently, nucleolar stress plays a pivotal role in the determination of cell fate, such as apoptosis, senescence, autophagy and differentiation, in response to stress-induced damage. Nucleolar homeostasis has been involved in the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases, particularly tumorigenesis, neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders. Mechanistic insights have revealed the indispensable role of nucleolus-initiated signaling in the progression of these diseases. Accordingly, the intervention of nucleolar stress may pave the path for developing novel therapies against these diseases. In this review, we systemically summarize recent findings linking the nucleolus to stress responses, signaling transduction and cell-fate decision, set the spotlight on the mechanisms by which nucleolar stress drives disease progression, and highlight the merit of the intervening nucleolus in disease treatment.
Corrosion Behavior of J55 and N80 Carbon Steels in Simulated Formation Water under Different CO2 Partial Pressures
Authors: Cheng Shixia , Zhao Xuehui , Fu Anqing , Li Dejun , Yin Chengxian , Feng Yaorong
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the corrosion behavior of J55 and N80 carbon steels in formation water under oil wells at different partial pressures, explore the formation process of corrosion product films under supercritical CO2 conditions, and analyze the reasons why the microstructure of carbon steel affects the corrosion behavior. The results show that the corrosion rate gradually increases with the increase in CO2 partial pressure. When the pressure exceeds 10 MPa, the corrosion rate of J55 increases slightly, and that of N80 decreases slightly. Under different partial pressures, the surface composition of the corrosion product film of J55 steel is FeCO3, and that of N80 steel is FeCO3 with a small amount of Fe3C. The analysis shows that the corrosion product films of two kinds of carbon steels can be divided into three layers under the condition of supercritical CO2. There are holes in the middle layer, which are formed first, and then the inner layer and the outer layer are formed at the same time. It is believed that the difference in the morphology and distribution of Fe3C is the reason why the corrosion rate of J55 steel is lower than that of N80 steel. Fe3C in J55 steel is lamellar, which can anchor FeCO3, promote the formation of corrosion product films, and improve the compactness of corrosion product films. However, the Fe3C in N80 is granular and dispersed in the ferrite matrix, which makes it easy to fall off the surface, form pits, and destroy the integrity of the corrosion product film.
Characterisation of Bovine Amniotic Membrane with Hydroxyapatite Bio-Composite
Authors: Octarina  , Munadziroh Elly , Razak Fathilah Abdul , Surboyo Meircurius Dwi Condro
Published: September 2022

The fabrication of bio-composite-derived bovine amniotic membrane (BAM) with hydroxyapatite (HAp) is an approach to combining organic and inorganic bio-material to improve the properties of both materials. This research aims to combine, fabricate and characterise the bio-composite of BAM–HA. The combination of bio-composite is made from BAM and HAp in a ratio of 30:70, 35:65, and 40:60. Dried BAM is immersed in saline and then blended until it forms an amniotic slurry with a jelly-like consistency. At this stage, HAp is added so that it can bind to BAM. After the mixture is homogeneous, the freeze-drying process is carried out. After fabrication, all the bio-composites were characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and porosity analysis, and biological activity was conducted using fibroblasts. The bio-composite has functional groups of amides I, II, III, A, B, OH, CO32− and PO43− according to the results of the FTIR. The XRD analysis showed the presence of HAP crystals. This functional group and the crystal HAP indicate that these two materials are bound. An SEM examination revealed a variety of porous patterns on the surface area. The bio-composite with BAM and HAp at a ratio of 35:65 has a higher mean pore size of 155.625 µm with mean porosity of 89.23% and can maintain the fibroblast viability of 95.14%. In conclusion, the study successfully combined both bio-materials BAM and HAp, which have potential synergistic effects on soft and hard tissue regeneration. The ratio of 35:65 showed good characteristics and was non-toxic.
Rational Design of Yolk Core-Shell Structure MnO-Co@C Nanospheres for High-Performance Microwave Absorption
Authors: Xin Zhen , Wu Junjie , Sun Shuchen , Zhang Mu , Sun Xudong
Published: September 2022

MnO-Co@C nanospheres were fabricated by in situ polymerizing and high-temperature carbonizing processes. This unique synthesis method does not require any template or reducing gas. The synthesized multicore-shell structure has a shell of about 500 nm and multiple nuclei of several tens of nanometers. Subsequently, extensive experiments were conducted to adjust the material composition of the nanospheres by adjusting the amount of resorcinol and formaldehyde. The results showed that the obtained material performed best when resorcinol and formaldehyde were added to 0.2 g MnCo2O4 at 0.3 g and 0.42 mL, respectively. The efficient absorption bandwidth (EAB) value reaches 3.3 GHz when the absorber thickness is 3 mm. The reflection loss (RL) is up to −23.8 dB when the frequency is at 8.6 GHz. The unique yolk core-shell structure gives the material a heterogeneous interface, and the enhanced interfacial polarization loss causes the enhanced dielectric loss. The carbon layer with microporosity also causes conduction loss and multiple reflections. The composite structure formed by metallic Co, MnO, and carbon has better impedance matching and improved microwave absorption capability.
Fabrication of a Conductive Additive for the Anticorrosion Enhancement of Zinc-Rich Epoxy Coatings
Authors: Bai Yuxing , Jin Xuliang , Xie Junqing , Lv Xiao , Guo Tingting , Zhang Li , Zhu Jesse , Shao Yuanyuan , Zhang Haiping , Zhang Hui , Yuan Bin , Yin Aiming , Nie Jinfeng , Cao Fan , Xu Zhengjun
Published: September 2022

In the study, a conductive polypyrrole (PPy) is deposited on the lamellar sericite powder (SCP) surfaces by an in situ oxidization growth method and the prepared PPy/SCP conductive additive is successfully applied on the zinc-rich primer (ZRP) coating. The equal mass substitution and the equal volume substitution methods of the conductive additives to zinc dusts are discussed, as well as the optimal replacing ratio to achieve the best corrosion protection effect of the ZRP coatings. The results indicate that the equal volume substitution method is in favor of corrosion resistance of coating film. The salt spray test and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization curves show that the prepared ZRP coating with a 66% zinc content and replacing ratio of 1:3 possesses the best corrosion-resistant performance and an optimal adhesion strength. The replacement of PPy/SCP particles to zinc dusts using the equal volume substitution method is feasible to achieve the improvement in anticorrosion ability through a synergic function of the cathodic protection effect and barrier effect.
Contralateral Neck Irradiation Can Be Omitted for Selected Lateralized Oral Cancer in Locally Advanced Stage
Authors: Cheng Yung-Jen , Lin Hsin-Ying , Tsai Mu-Hung , Pao Tzu-Hui , Hsu Chia-Hsiang , Wu Yuan-Hua
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: To investigate the contralateral neck failure (cRF) rates and outcomes among patients with well-lateralized locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with/without ipsilateral or bilateral neck adjuvant irradiation. (2) Methods: Patients with lateralized OSCC diagnosed between 2007 and 2017 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients who had undergone curative surgery with pathologically proven pT3/4 or pN0-2b without distant metastasis were included, while those with cross-midline, neck-level 1a involvement and positive extra-nodal extension (ENE) were excluded. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of 5-year cRF as the first site of failure. The secondary endpoints included cancer-specific survival (CSS), local-regional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS), distant-metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and contralateral-regional recurrence-free survival (cRRFS). (3) Results: In total, 149 patients were analyzed with a median follow-up time of 5.2 years (range, 2.91–7.83). Pathological stages T3 and T4 were 22.7% and 56.8%, respectively. Pathologically negative and positive lymph nodes were 61.4% and 38.6%, respectively. The cumulative 5-year cRF rate was 3.6% (95% CI, 1.3–7.7%). No significant differences in the 5-year CSS, LRRFS, DMFS, and cRRFS were observed among those undergoing unilateral or bilateral neck irradiation. Five patients (3.4%) had contralateral neck recurrence, all simultaneously with local recurrence. No isolated contralateral neck recurrence was identified. (4) Conclusions: The cRF rate was acceptably low in patients with well-lateralized advanced OSCC with the initially uninvolved contralateral neck. Omitting contralateral neck irradiation with active surveillance could be considered without compromising the cure rate in locally advanced OSCC patients.
Dose–Volume Constraints fOr oRganS At risk In Radiotherapy (CORSAIR): An “All-in-One” Multicenter–Multidisciplinary Practical Summary
Authors: Bisello Silvia , Cilla Savino , Benini Anna , Cardano Raffaele , Nguyen Nam P. , Deodato Francesco , Macchia Gabriella , Buwenge Milly , Cammelli Silvia , Wondemagegnehu Tigeneh , Uddin A. F. M. Kamal , Rizzo Stefania , Bazzocchi Alberto , Strigari Lidia , Morganti Alessio G.
Published: September 2022

Background: The safe use of radiotherapy (RT) requires compliance with dose/volume constraints (DVCs) for organs at risk (OaRs). However, the available recommendations are sometimes conflicting and scattered across a number of different documents. Therefore, the aim of this work is to provide, in a single document, practical indications on DVCs for OaRs in external beam RT available in the literature. Material and Methods: A multidisciplinary team collected bibliographic information on the anatomical definition of OaRs, on the imaging methods needed for their definition, and on DVCs in general and in specific settings (curative RT of Hodgkin’s lymphomas, postoperative RT of breast tumors, curative RT of pediatric cancers, stereotactic ablative RT of ventricular arrythmia). The information provided in terms of DVCs was graded based on levels of evidence. Results: Over 650 papers/documents/websites were examined. The search results, together with the levels of evidence, are presented in tabular form. Conclusions: A working tool, based on collected guidelines on DVCs in different settings, is provided to help in daily clinical practice of RT departments. This could be a first step for further optimizations.
Do Protected Areas Exacerbate Rural Shrinkage? Research on China’s Gaoligong Mountain Region from an Institutional-Space Perspective
Authors: Yu Hu , Xu Linlin , Li Sisi , Li Yajuan , Li Jiaming
Published: September 2022

China’s territorial development is subject to multiple influences in new political, social, and economic contexts. In an era of increased globalization and urbanization, the construction of protected areas (PAs) as part of globalization has had a “double-edged sword” effect on China’s rural development; their impact has left a deep imprint on rural development, and understanding their relationship helps to achieve multiple goals. This paper discusses the changes in the urban–town–village system in the region where the Gaoligong Mountain Nature Reserve is located in China and attempts to analyze the impact of PAs on rural shrinkage. We found that the institutional embedding of PAs as a policy tool has led to regional differentiation and village shrinkage and expansion. Secondly, PAs stimulate changes in evolutionary paths in different types of villages by common forces through demographic, factor, capital, and policy constraints or incentives; however, the formation of new industrial spaces of ecotourism has a damping effect. We conclude that the embedding of PAs has led to a reconfiguration of spatial rights and capital in regional development, changing the original path of rural development. Adaptive development strategies must be established to safeguard this in future development.
Ownership, Governance, Uses, and Ecosystem Services of Community Forests in the Eastern United States
Authors: Hovis Meredith , Frey Gregory , McGinley Kathleen , Cubbage Frederick , Han Xue , Lupek Megan
Published: September 2022

Over time, community forests (CFs) have been established across the globe to meet various social, economic, and ecological needs. Benefits of CFs include conserving resilient forests and natural resources and ecosystem services, enhancing social and economic capital, and leveraging local and indigenous knowledge in forest and natural resource management and decision-making. Research on CFs in the U.S. is quite limited, and cases that have been assessed show a wide spectrum in terms of CF ownership, organizational structure, governance, property rights, and uses. Through an exploratory research approach, this study enhances the understanding of the characteristics of CFs in the U.S. and the ecosystem services and other benefits that they provide. Through online web searches, we compiled one of the first comprehensive lists of CFs in the Eastern U.S. Prior to this study, there was no publicly available comprehensive database or list of CFs in the country. Subsequently, we conducted comparative case study research, which included semi-structured in-person interviews with key stakeholders from four CFs in the Eastern U.S. to understand CF ownership, governance, uses, and benefits. CFs benefits frequently included cultural services, such as recreation and education, and regulating and supporting services, such as water quality and wildlife habitat. Much less common was a focus on provisioning services such as timber or non-timber forest products. Maintaining collaboration and funding for CF efforts in the long run without significant CF revenues remains a challenge for most forests. Overall, this research sheds lights on CF characteristics and capacities in the Eastern U.S. and identifies potential opportunities and needs for the U.S. in the future. CFs researchers, managers, and community members.
Automated Penetration Testing Framework for Smart-Home-Based IoT Devices
Authors: Akhilesh Rohit , Bills Oliver , Chilamkurti Naveen , Chowdhury Mohammad Jabed Morshed
Published: September 2022

Security testing is fundamental to identifying security vulnerabilities on smart home-based IoT devices. For this, penetration testing is the most prominent and effective solution. However, testing the IoT manually is cumbersome and time-consuming. In addition, penetration testing requires a deep knowledge of the possible attacks and the available hacking tools. Therefore, this study emphasises building an automated penetration testing framework to discover the most common vulnerabilities in smart home-based IoT devices. This research involves exploring (studying) different IoT devices to select five devices for testing. Then, the common vulnerabilities for the five selected smart home-based IoT devices are examined, and the corresponding penetration testing tools required for the detection of these vulnerabilities are identified. The top five vulnerabilities are identified from the most common vulnerabilities, and accordingly, the corresponding tools for these vulnerabilities are discovered. These tools are combined using a script which is then implemented into a framework written in Python 3.6. The selected IoT devices are tested individually for known vulnerabilities using the proposed framework. For each vulnerability discovered in the device, the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Base score is calculated and the summation of these scores is taken to calculate the total score (for each device). In our experiment, we found that the Tp-Link Smart Bulb and the Tp-Link Smart Camera had the highest score and were the most vulnerable and the Google Home Mini had the least score and was the most secure device of all the devices. Finally, we conclude that our framework does not require technical expertise and thus can be used by common people. This will help improve the field of IoT security and ensure the security of smart homes to build a safe and secure future.
Research on the Properties of Zein, Soy Protein Isolate, and Wheat Gluten Protein-Based Films Containing Cellulose Nanocrystals
Authors: Fu Menghan , Cao Mengyuan , Duan Jiangkai , Zhou Qin , Dong Mengxue , Zhang Ting , Liu Xuebo , Duan Xiang
Published: September 2022

Plant protein films are a research hotpot in the current food packaging field for their renewable and bio-compatibility, and further improving the physicochemical properties of plant protein films in combination with biodegradable materials is of great significance. In this study, we selected cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) to modify the protein films with soybean protein isolate (SPI), wheat gluten protein (WGP), and Zein, and the physicochemical properties were studied. The results showed that the hardness and opacity of Zein-based films decreased by 16.61% and 54.12% with the incorporation of CNC, respectively. The SPI-based films performed with lower hardness and higher tensile strength. The thickness and opacity of WGP-based films increased by 39.76% and 214.38% after combination with CNC, respectively. Accordingly, this study showed that CNC could largely modify the physicochemical properties of the plant protein films, which provided a reference for the preparation of modified plant protein films using biodegradable materials.
The Association between the ALDH2 rs671 Polymorphism and Athletic Performance in Japanese Power and Strength Athletes
Authors: Saito Aoto , Saito Mika , Almeida Kathleen Y. de , Homma Hiroki , Deguchi Minoru , Kozuma Ayumu , Kobatake Naoyuki , Okamoto Takanobu , Nakazato Koichi , Kikuchi Naoki
Published: September 2022

The rs671 polymorphism is associated with the enzymatic activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), which is weakened by the A allele in East Asians. We recently reported the association of this polymorphism with the athletic status in athletic cohorts and the muscle strength of non-athletic cohorts. Therefore, we hypothesized the association of ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism with the performance in power/strength athletes. We aimed to clarify the relationship between the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and performance in power/strength athletes. Participants comprising 253 power/strength athletes (167 men and 86 women) and 721 healthy controls (303 men and 418 women) were investigated. The power/strength athletes were divided into classic powerlifting (n = 84) and weightlifting (n = 169). No differences in the genotypes and allele frequencies of the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and an association between performance and the ALDH2 rs671 genotype were observed in weightlifters. However, the relative values per body weight of the total record were lower in powerlifters with the GA + AA genotype than those with the GG genotype (7.1 ± 1.2 vs. 7.8 ± 1.0; p = 0.010, partial η2 = 0.08). Our results collectively indicate a role of the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism in strength performance in powerlifters.