bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Surveillance in Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer: A Review of the Current Data
Authors: Blas Leandro , Shiota Masaki , Eto Masatoshi
Published: August 2022

Active surveillance (AS) is a monitoring strategy to avoid or defer curative treatment, minimizing the side effects of radiotherapy and prostatectomy without compromising survival. AS in intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PC) has increasingly become used. There is heterogeneity in intermediate-risk PC patients. Some of them have an aggressive clinical course and require active treatment, while others have indolent disease and may benefit from AS. However, intermediate-risk patients have an increased risk of metastasis, and the proper way to select the best candidates for AS is unknown. In addition, there are several differences between AS protocols in inclusion criteria, monitoring follow-up, and triggers for active treatment. A few large series and randomized trials are under investigation. Therefore, more research is needed to establish an optimal therapeutic strategy for patients with intermediate-risk disease. This study summarizes the current data on patients with intermediate-risk PC under AS, recent findings, and discusses future directions.
Whole-Exome Sequencing Reveals the Genomic Features of the Micropapillary Component in Ground-Glass Opacities
Authors: Meng Fanchen , Zhang Yi , Wang Siwei , Liu Tongyan , Sun Mengting , Zhu Hongyu , Dong Guozhang , Xia Zhijun , You Jing , Kong Xiangru , Wu Jintao , Chen Peng , Yuan Fangwei , Yu Xinyu , Xu Youtao , Xu Lin , Yin Rong
Published: August 2022

Background: Micropapillary components are observed in a considerable proportion of ground-glass opacities (GGOs) and contribute to the poor prognosis of patients with invasive lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the underlying mutational processes related to the presence of micropapillary components remain obscure, limiting the development of clinical interventions. Methods: We collected 31 GGOs, which were separated into paired micropapillary and non-micropapillary components using microdissection. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on the GGO components, and bioinformatics analysis was conducted to reveal the genomic features of the micropapillary component in invasive LUAD. Results: The micropapillary component had more genomic variations, including tumor mutation burden, intratumoral heterogeneity, and copy number variation. We also observed the enrichment of AID/APOBEC mutation signatures and an increased activation of the RTK/Ras, Notch, and Wnt oncogenic pathways within the micropapillary component. A phylogenetic analysis further suggested that ERBB2/3/4, NCOR1/2, TP53, and ZNF469 contributed to the micropapillary component’s progression during the early invasion of LUAD, a finding that was validated in the TCGA cohort. Conclusions: Our results revealed specific mutational characteristics of the micropapillary component of invasive LUAD in an Asian population. These characteristics were associated with the formation of high-grade invasive patterns. These preliminary findings demonstrated the potential of targeting the micropapillary component in patients with early-stage LUAD.
Targeting CD38 in Neoplasms and Non-Cancer Diseases
Authors: Szlasa Wojciech , Czarny Jakub , Sauer Natalia , Rakoczy Katarzyna , Szymańska Natalia , Stecko Jakub , Kołodziej Maksymilian , Kaźmierczak Maciej , Barg Ewa
Published: August 2022

CD38 is a myeloid antigen present both on the cell membrane and in the intracellular compartment of the cell. Its occurrence is often enhanced in cancer cells, thus making it a potential target in anticancer therapy. Daratumumab and isatuximab already received FDA approval, and novel agents such as MOR202, TAK079 and TNB-738 undergo clinical trials. Also, novel therapeutics such as SAR442085 aim to outrank the older antibodies against CD38. Multiple myeloma and immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis may be effectively treated with anti-CD38 immunotherapy. Its role in other hematological malignancies is also important concerning both diagnostic process and potential treatment in the future. Aside from the hematological malignancies, CD38 remains a potential target in gastrointestinal, neurological and pulmonary system disorders. Due to the strong interaction of CD38 with TCR and CD16 on T cells, it may also serve as the biomarker in transplant rejection in renal transplant patients. Besides, CD38 finds its role outside oncology in systemic lupus erythematosus and collagen-induced arthritis. CD38 plays an important role in viral infections, including AIDS and COVID-19. Most of the undergoing clinical trials focus on the use of anti-CD38 antibodies in the therapy of multiple myeloma, CD19- B-cell malignancies, and NK cell lymphomas. This review focuses on targeting CD38 in cancer and non-cancerous diseases using antibodies, cell-based therapies and CD38 inhibitors. We also provide a summary of current clinical trials targeting CD38.
Enhanced Cytotoxicity on Cancer Cells by Combinational Treatment of PARP Inhibitor and 5-Azadeoxycytidine Accompanying Distinct Transcriptional Profiles
Authors: Araki Tomonori , Hamada Kensuke , Myat Aung , Ogino Hideki , Hayashi Kohei , Maeda Miho , Tong Ying , Murakami Yasufumi , Nakao Kazuhiko , Masutani Mitsuko
Published: August 2022

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is involved in DNA repair and chromatin regulation. 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) inhibits DNA methyltransferases, induces hypomethylation, blocks DNA replication, and causes DNA single strand breaks (SSBs). As the PARP inhibitor is expected to affect both DNA repair and transcriptional regulations, we investigated the effect of combinational use of PARP inhibitors on cytotoxicity of 5-aza-dC in human cancer cell lines. The combinational treatment of 5-aza-dC and PARP inhibitor PJ-34 exhibited a stronger cytotoxicity compared with their treatment alone in blood cancer HL-60, U937, and colon cancer HCT116 and RKO cells. Treatment with 5-aza-dC but not PJ-34 caused SSBs in HCT116 cell lines. Global genome DNA demethylation was observed after treatment with 5-aza-dC but not with PJ-34. Notably, in microarray analysis, combinational treatment with PJ-34 and 5-aza-dC caused dissimilar broad changes in gene expression profiles compared with their single treatments in both HCT116 and RKO cells. The profiles of reactivation of silenced genes were also different in combination of PJ-34 and 5-aza-dC and their single treatments. The results suggest that the combinational use of 5-aza-dC and PARP inhibitor may be useful by causing distinct transcriptional profile changes.
Effect of Brønsted Acid on the Reactivity and Selectivity of the Oxoiron(V) Intermediates in C-H and C=C Oxidation Reactions
Authors: Zima Alexandra M. , Lyakin Oleg Y. , Bryliakova Anna A. , Babushkin Dmitrii E. , Bryliakov Konstantin P. , Talsi Evgenii P.
Published: August 2022

The effect of HClO4 on the reactivity and selectivity of the catalyst systems 1,2/H2O2/AcOH, based on nonheme iron complexes of the PDP families, [(Me2OMePDP)FeIII(μ-OH)2FeIII(MeOMe2PDP)](OTf)4 (1) and [(NMe2PDP)FeIII(μ-OH)2FeIII(NMe2PDP](OTf)4 (2), toward oxidation of benzylideneacetone (bna), adamantane (ada), and (3aR)-(+)-sclareolide (S) has been studied. Adding HClO4 (2–10 equiv. vs. Fe) has been found to result in the simultaneous improvement of the observed catalytic efficiency (i.e., product yields) and the oxidation regio- or enantioselectivity. At the same time, HClO4 causes a threefold increase of the second-order rate constant for the reaction of the key oxygen-transferring intermediate [(Me2OMePDP)FeV=O(OAc)]2+ (1a), with cyclohexane at −70 °C. The effect of strong Brønsted acid on the catalytic reactivity is discussed in terms of the reversible protonation of the Fe=O moiety of the parent perferryl intermediates.
Development of Novel Pyrolysis Technology Involving Chromium for the Measurement of D/H Ratios in n-Alkanes
Authors: Xing Lantian , Li Zhongping , Liu Yan , Li Liwu
Published: August 2022

A new pyrolysis technology involving chromium is proposed for the determination of δD in alkanes based on the systematic analysis of reaction temperature, conversion rate, and reaction mechanism. Compared with the traditional high-temperature conversion (HTC) method, our findings suggest that chromium/high-temperature conversion (Cr/HTC) can improve the conversion rate of hydrocarbons and reduce the required pyrolysis temperature by up to 175 °C; meanwhile, the pyrolysis conversion rate of hydrocarbons increased by an average of 2.42% across the entire analyzed temperature range using the Cr/HTC method. Changes in the chromium wire itself were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); this facilitated an understanding of the interaction mechanism between chromium and hydrocarbons and possible pathways of the catalytic pyrolysis process. The results show that chromium reacts with hydrocarbons, capturing carbon as chromium carbide (Cr2C3 and CrC3) and releasing hydrogen in the form of H2. As the reaction progresses, the resulting free carbon accumulates on the surface of the chromium wire or chromium carbide, resulting in a marked reduction in the Cr/C ratio; these findings provide reliable evidence for the further application of Cr/HTC technology.
Cell-to-Cell Interactions during Early Drosophila Oogenesis: An Ultrastructural Analysis
Authors: Riparbelli Maria Giovanna , Persico Veronica , Callaini Giuliano
Published: August 2022

Drosophila oogenesis requires the subsequent growth of distinct egg chambers each containing a group of sixteen germline cells surrounded by a simple epithelium of follicle cells. The oocyte occupies a posterior position within the germ cells, thus giving a distinct asymmetry to the egg chamber. Although this disposition is critical for the formation of the anterior–posterior axis of the embryo, the interplay between somatic and germ cells during the early stages of oogenesis remains an open question. We uncover by stage 2, when the egg chambers leaved the germarium, some unique spatial interactions between the posterior follicle cells and the oocyte. These interactions are restricted to the surface of the oocyte over the centriole cluster that formed during early oogenesis. Moreover, the posterior follicle cells in front of the oocyte display a convoluted apical membrane with extensive contacts, whereas the other follicle cells have a flat apical surface without obvious surface protrusions. In addition, the germ cells located at the posterior end of the egg chamber have very elongated protrusions that come into contact with each other or with facing follicle cells. These observations point to distinct polarization events during early oogenesis supporting previous molecular data of an inherent asymmetry between the anterior and the posterior regions of the egg chambers.
Rosiglitazone Ameliorates Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction by Correction of Energetics in Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Tomczyk Marta , Braczko Alicja , Mierzejewska Paulina , Podlacha Magdalena , Krol Oliwia , Jablonska Patrycja , Jedrzejewska Agata , Pierzynowska Karolina , Wegrzyn Grzegorz , Slominska Ewa M. , Smolenski Ryszard T.
Published: August 2022

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare neurodegenerative disease that is accompanied by skeletal muscle atrophy and cardiomyopathy. Tissues affected by HD (central nervous system [CNS], skeletal muscle, and heart) are known to suffer from deteriorated cellular energy metabolism that manifests already at presymptomatic stages. This work aimed to test the effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ agonist—rosiglitazone on grip strength and heart function in an experimental HD model—on R6/1 mice and to address the mechanisms. We noted that rosiglitazone treatment lead to improvement of R6/1 mice grip strength and cardiac mechanical function. It was accompanied by an enhancement of the total adenine nucleotides pool, increased glucose oxidation, changes in mitochondrial number (indicated as increased citric synthase activity), and reduction in mitochondrial complex I activity. These metabolic changes were supported by increased total antioxidant status in HD mice injected with rosiglitazone. Correction of energy deficits with rosiglitazone was further indicated by decreased accumulation of nucleotide catabolites in HD mice serum. Thus, rosiglitazone treatment may not only delay neurodegeneration but also may ameliorate cardio- and myopathy linked to HD by improvement of cellular energetics.
The Inactivation of LPS Biosynthesis Genes in E. coli Cells Leads to Oxidative Stress
Authors: Seregina Tatiana A. , Petrushanko Irina Yu. , Shakulov Rustem S. , Zaripov Pavel I. , Makarov Alexander A. , Mitkevich Vladimir A. , Mironov Alexander S.
Published: August 2022

Impaired lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis in Gram-negative bacteria results in the “deep rough” phenotype, which is characterized by increased sensitivity of cells to various hydrophobic compounds, including antibiotics novobiocin, actinomycin D, erythromycin, etc. The present study showed that E. coli mutants carrying deletions of the ADP-heptose biosynthesis genes became hypersensitive to a wide range of antibacterial drugs: DNA gyrase inhibitors, protein biosynthesis inhibitors (aminoglycosides, tetracycline), RNA polymerase inhibitors (rifampicin), and β-lactams (carbenicillin). In addition, it was found that inactivation of the gmhA, hldE, rfaD, and waaC genes led to dramatic changes in the redox status of cells: a decrease in the pool of reducing NADPH and ATP equivalents, the concentration of intracellular cysteine, a change in thiol homeostasis, and a deficiency in the formation of hydrogen sulfide. In “deep rough” mutants, intensive formation of reactive oxygen species was observed, which, along with a lack of reducing agents, such as reactive sulfur species or NADPH, leads to oxidative stress and an increase in the number of dead cells in the population. Within the framework of modern ideas about the role of oxidative stress as a universal mechanism of the bactericidal action of antibiotics, inhibition of the enzymes of ADP-heptose biosynthesis is a promising direction for increasing the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and solving the problem of multidrug resistance.
Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Signaling in Cancer-Induced Cachexia: From Molecular Pathways to the Clinics
Authors: Balsano Rita , Kruize Zita , Lunardi Martina , Comandatore Annalisa , Barone Mara , Cavazzoni Andrea , Re Cecconi Andrea David , Morelli Luca , Wilmink Hanneke , Tiseo Marcello , Garajovà Ingrid , van Zuylen Lia , Giovannetti Elisa , Piccirillo Rosanna
Published: August 2022

Cachexia is a metabolic syndrome consisting of massive loss of muscle mass and function that has a severe impact on the quality of life and survival of cancer patients. Up to 20% of lung cancer patients and up to 80% of pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed with cachexia, leading to death in 20% of them. The main drivers of cachexia are cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 (MIC-1/GDF15) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Besides its double-edged role as a tumor suppressor and activator, TGF-β causes muscle loss through myostatin-based signaling, involved in the reduction in protein synthesis and enhanced protein degradation. Additionally, TGF-β induces inhibin and activin, causing weight loss and muscle depletion, while MIC-1/GDF15, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, leads to anorexia and so, indirectly, to muscle wasting, acting on the hypothalamus center. Against this background, the blockade of TGF-β is tested as a potential mechanism to revert cachexia, and antibodies against TGF-β reduced weight and muscle loss in murine models of pancreatic cancer. This article reviews the role of the TGF-β pathway and to a minor extent of other molecules including microRNA in cancer onset and progression with a special focus on their involvement in cachexia, to enlighten whether TGF-β and such other players could be potential targets for therapy.
miR-200c-3p, miR-222-5p, and miR-512-3p Constitute a Biomarker Signature of Sorafenib Effectiveness in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: de la Cruz-Ojeda Patricia , Schmid Tobias , Boix Loreto , Moreno Manuela , Sapena Víctor , Praena-Fernández Juan M. , Castell Francisco J. , Falcón-Pérez Juan Manuel , Reig María , Brüne Bernhard , Gómez-Bravo Miguel A. , Giráldez Álvaro , Bruix Jordi , Ferrer María T. , Muntané Jordi
Published: August 2022

Background: Sorafenib constitutes a suitable treatment alternative for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in whom atezolizumab + bevacizumab therapy is contraindicated. The aim of the study was the identification of a miRNA signature in liquid biopsy related to sorafenib response. Methods: miRNAs were profiled in hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells and tested in animal models, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and plasma from HCC patients. Results: Sorafenib altered the expression of 11 miRNAs in HepG2 cells. miR-200c-3p and miR-27a-3p exerted an anti-tumoral activity by decreasing cell migration and invasion, whereas miR-122-5p, miR-148b-3p, miR-194-5p, miR-222-5p, and miR-512-3p exerted pro-tumoral properties by increasing cell proliferation, migration, or invasion, or decreasing apoptosis. Sorafenib induced a change in EVs population with an increased number of larger EVs, and promoted an accumulation of miR-27a-3p, miR-122-5p, miR-148b-3p, miR-193b-3p, miR-194-5p, miR-200c-3p, and miR-375 into exosomes. In HCC patients, circulating miR-200c-3p baseline levels were associated with increased survival, whereas high levels of miR-222-5p and miR-512-3p after 1 month of sorafenib treatment were related to poor prognosis. The RNA sequencing revealed that miR-200c-3p was related to the regulation of cell growth and death, whereas miR-222-5p and miR-512-3p were related to metabolic control. Conclusions: The study showed that Sorafenib regulates a specific miRNA signature in which miR-200c-3p, miR-222-5p, and miR-512-3p bear prognostic value and contribute to treatment response.
The Bibliometric Landscape of Gene Editing Innovation and Regulation in the Worldwide
Authors: Wei Xun , Pu Aqing , Liu Qianqian , Hou Quancan , Zhang Yong , An Xueli , Long Yan , Jiang Yilin , Dong Zhenying , Wu Suowei , Wan Xiangyuan
Published: August 2022

Gene editing (GE) has become one of the mainstream bioengineering technologies over the past two decades, mainly fueled by the rapid development of the CRISPR/Cas system since 2012. To date, plenty of articles related to the progress and applications of GE have been published globally, but the objective, quantitative and comprehensive investigations of them are relatively few. Here, 13,980 research articles and reviews published since 1999 were collected by using GE-related queries in the Web of Science. We used bibliometric analysis to investigate the competitiveness and cooperation of leading countries, influential affiliations, and prolific authors. Text clustering methods were used to assess technical trends and research hotspots dynamically. The global application status and regulatory framework were also summarized. This analysis illustrates the bottleneck of the GE innovation and provides insights into the future trajectory of development and application of the technology in various fields, which will be helpful for the popularization of gene editing technology.
Inorganic Powders Prepared from Fish Scales
Authors: Safronova Tatiana , Vorobyov Viktor , Kildeeva Natalia , Shatalova Tatiana , Toshev Otabek , Filippov Yaroslav , Dmitrienko Artem , Gavlina Olga , Chernega Olga , Nizhnikova Elena , Akhmedov Marat , Kukueva Elena , Lyssenko Konstantin
Published: August 2022

A mixture of abramis brama (freshwater bream), carassius carassius (crucian carp), and sander lucioperca (pike perch) scales was used for the preparation of fish scale powder containing constituents of organic and inorganic nature. The mixture of the mentioned fish scales was washed, dried, and ground for the preparation of fish scale powder. Vibration sieving was used to prepare fish scale powder enriched with inorganic components. According to thermal analysis data, this fish scale powder enriched with inorganic components included about 36.5 wt.% components removed when heating, primarily those of organic nature, and 63.5 wt.% mineral components. Inorganic powders consisting of hydroxyapatite and magnesium whitlockite were obtained via heat treatment of this fish scale powder at 800–1000 °C. Particles of these inorganic powders consisted of sintered grains with dimensions less than 100 nm after heat treatment at 800 °C, less than 200 nm after heat treatment at 900 °C, and 100–1000 nm after heat treatment at 1000 °C. Fish scale powder enriched with inorganic components as well as heat-treated inorganic powders consisting of hydroxyapatite and magnesium whitlockite can be recommended for the production of different materials, such as ceramics or composites.
Synthesis and Optical Characteristics of Gd0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01Nb0.9Ta0.1O4 Ceramic Solid Solutions Prepared under Different Temperature Conditions
Authors: Palatnikov Mikhail , Shcherbina Olga , Smirnov Maxim , Masloboeva Sofja , Efremov Vadim , Andryushin Konstantin
Published: August 2022

Fine powders of mixed gadolinium tantalum niobates doped with Eu, Sm, Tb, and Er were synthesized. Ceramic samples of polycomponent solid solutions of Gd0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01Nb0.9Ta0.1O4 were obtained from synthesized powders using conventional sintering technology. The phase composition and phase structure characteristics of the Gd0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01Nb0.9Ta0.1O4 ceramic phases were determined by XRD. The effect of ceramic sintering temperature on the physical characteristics of Gd0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01Nb0.9Ta0.1O4 solid solutions is shown. The morphological features of the microstructure of the Gd0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01Nb0.9Ta0.1O4 ceramics were studied in relation to its mechanical characteristics. At the same time, the strength characteristics (Young’s modulus, microhardness) and the critical stress intensity factor for mode I KIC were evaluated for the first time for the synthesized compounds. Photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence were studied in the visible region. The study confirms the potential application of Gd0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01Nb0.9Ta0.1O4 ceramic solid solutions as scintillators and radioluminescent light sources.
Biocompatibility of Ceramic Materials in Ca2P2O7–Ca(PO3)2 System Obtained via Heat Treatment of Cement-Salt Stone
Authors: Toshev Otabek , Safronova Tatiana , Kaimonov Maksim , Shatalova Tatiana , Klimashina Elena , Lukina Yulia , Malyutin Konstantin , Sivkov Sergey
Published: August 2022

Biocompatibility of ceramic materials in Ca2P2O7-Ca(PO3)2 system was investigated using different methods, including in vitro and in vivo tests. Ceramic materials in the Ca2P2O7-Ca(PO3)2 system were obtained by annealing cement-salt stone based on powder mixtures of calcium citrate tet-rahydrate Ca3(C6H5O7)2·4H2O and monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O. The phase composition of cement-salt stone included brushite, monetite as a result of chemical reaction of starting components after adding of water. The presence of citric acid as by-product of chemical reaction, leads to increase the setting time of the cement-salt stone. Highly concentrated aqueous suspensions based on calcium citrate and MCPM powders providing content of calcium polyphosphate Ca(PO3)2 up to 20 wt % in ceramics were used for designing bioresorbable materials. The presence of an excess of monocalcium phosphate monohydrate makes it possible to reduce the annealing temperature of ceramics, which is associated with the formation of a lower melting phase of Ca(PO3)2. In vivo tests shown that obtained ceramic materials can be recommended for regenerative treatments for bone defects.
Magnetic Nanoparticles: Current Advances in Nanomedicine, Drug Delivery and MRI
Authors: Comanescu Cezar
Published: August 2022

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have evolved tremendously during recent years, in part due to the rapid expansion of nanotechnology and to their active magnetic core with a high surface-to-volume ratio, while their surface functionalization opened the door to a plethora of drug, gene and bioactive molecule immobilization. Taming the high reactivity of the magnetic core was achieved by various functionalization techniques, producing MNPs tailored for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular or neurological disease, tumors and cancer. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are established at the core of drug-delivery systems and could act as efficient agents for MFH (magnetic fluid hyperthermia). Depending on the functionalization molecule and intrinsic morphological features, MNPs now cover a broad scope which the current review aims to overview. Considering the exponential expansion of the field, the current review will be limited to roughly the past three years.
Disc Displacement of the Temporomandibular Joint and Facial Asymmetry in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Almășan Oana , Leucuța Daniel-Corneliu , Buduru Smaranda
Published: August 2022

Subjects with facial skeletal asymmetries have a higher incidence of anterior temporomandibular joint disc displacement. The objective of the study was to consolidate existing evidence on the connection between temporomandibular joint disc displacement and mandibular asymmetry in youngsters and adolescents. A thorough examination was undertaken in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane. To judge the publications’ methodological quality Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used. From the 1011 identified records, eight were selected for the qualitative synthesis and five for the quantitative synthesis, amounting to 692 subjects. Fifteen cephalometric variables were meta-analyzed. The distance from menton (Me) to midline (lateral mandibular asymmetry) was significantly shorter [−1.75 (95% CI −2.43–−1.07), p ≤ 0.001] in subjects with disc displacement compared to those without disc displacement. The distance from articulare (Ar) to gonion (Go) was significantly longer [3.74 (95% CI 1.04–6.44), p = 0.007] in subjects with disc displacement compared to those without disc displacement. The relationship between distance from articulare (Ar) to gonion (Go) or sella (S) to gonion (Go) and disc displacement was shown to be close to statistical significance level, but not for other cephalometric data. Disc displacement was associated with several cephalometric measurement variations in children and adolescents.
Intermittent Hypoxia Interferes with Autocrine Effects of GABA on Insulin Secretion in Postnatal Rodents—Implications for Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Pae Eung-Kwon , Chung Man-Kyo , Harper Ronald M.
Published: August 2022

Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) is well known to help elevate pancreatic β cell vitality and insulin levels in blood. GABA works via a coupling with GABA receptors; thus, the concentration of GABAA receptors on the plasma membrane of β cells appears to be critical for insulin regulation. Various medical conditions, such as pediatric and adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), show high levels of Type 2 diabetes; such patients also are exposed to intermittent hypoxia (IH), which modifies the GABA levels. To evaluate the potential therapeutic roles of GABA for diabetic patients with OSA, we studied the interactions of IH with GABA and GABAA receptors in young rats. Using rat pups and primary pancreatic islets, we evaluated the roles of GABA in insulin secretion. We show that GABA effectively increased the insulin secretion of pancreatic islets under normal ambient oxygen levels, as well as in culture medium with a glucose level of 2 mM. GABA also increased islet insulin secretion conditioned under IH in a 16 mM glucose medium. When islets were IH-treated, insulin secretion decreased due to lower intracellular chloride levels in accordance with the increased KCC2 levels. The results show that IH challenges down-regulate the GABAA receptor levels in pancreatic islets, which decreases GABA–GABAA receptor coupling action, as well as membrane depolarization for insulin secretion. The findings have the potential to suggest novel interventions for insulin regulation during IH of disordered breathing, including OSA.
Anticancer Secondary Metabolites: From Ethnopharmacology and Identification in Native Complexes to Biotechnological Studies in Species of Genus Astragalus L. and Gloriosa L.
Authors: Ionkova Iliana , Shkondrov Aleksandar , Zarev Yancho , Kozuharova Ekaterina , Krasteva Ilina
Published: August 2022

Some of the most effective anticancer compounds are still derived from plants since the chemical synthesis of chiral molecules is not economically efficient. Rapid discovery of lead compounds with pronounced biological activity is essential for the successful development of novel drug candidates. This work aims to present the chemical diversity of antitumor bioactive compounds and biotechnological approaches as alternative production and sustainable plant biodiversity conservation. Astragalus spp., (Fabaceae) and Gloriosa spp. (Liliaceae) are selected as research objects within this review because they are known for their anticancer activity, because they represent two of the largest families respectively in dicots and monocots, and also because many of the medicinally important plants are rare and endangered. We summarized the ethnobotanical data concerning their anticancer application, highlighted the diversity of their secondary metabolites possessing anticancer properties such as saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, and revealed the potential of the in vitro cultures as an alternative way of their production. Since the natural supply is limited, it is important to explore the possibility of employing plant cell or organ in vitro cultures for the biotechnological production of these compounds as an alternative.
Periods and Amplitudes of Southern Pine Beetle Infestations under Climate Change
Authors: An Hyunjin , Gan Jianbang
Published: August 2022

The southern pine beetle (SPB), Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann, is one of the most destructive insects to pine forests in North and Central America. Historical SPB infestations have shown strong cyclical patterns and are attributed to an array of abiotic and biotic factors with climatic conditions being the dominant. Climate change has been projected to increase SPB infestations; however, its impacts on the cyclical patterns of SPB infestations remain unknown. Here, we estimated the statistical relationship between SPB infestations and climatic and other factors using generalized linear regression modeling and historical data, analyzed the cyclical patterns of SPB infestations via periodogram analysis and explored how these patterns would evolve with the projected future climate change in 11 states of the Southern United States. We found that SPB infestations intensified with increases in seasonal average temperatures and minimum winter temperatures and decreases in spring and winter precipitations. Compared to the historical SPB infestation patterns, climate change was estimated to nearly double SPB infestation frequencies although with smaller amplitudes in the region. Our findings advance the understanding of cyclical patterns of SPB infestations, especially climate change impacts on such patterns, aiding in developing and deploying future SPB management practices and strategies.
Special Issue “Functionalities of Polymer-Based Nanocomposite Films and Coatings”
Authors: Yang Ni
Published: August 2022

Polymer-based coatings are the thin film of polymer applied to any type of flat or irregular surfaces (e [...]
Effect of Coating Process of Photochromic and Thermochromic Composite Microcapsules on Coating Properties for Basswood
Authors: Pan Pan , Yan Xiaoxing , Zhao Wenting
Published: August 2022

In this paper, photochromic and thermochromic microcapsules were selected. There are three different coating processes: “the primer with the photochromic microcapsules, the topcoat with the thermochromic microcapsules”, “the primer with the thermochromic microcapsules, the topcoat with the photochromic microcapsules”, and “the photochromic and thermochromic microcapsules added into the primer and topcoats” to explore the color-changing effect of the coating on the surface of basswood (Tilia) and the comprehensive properties of the paint film. The optical properties, mechanical properties, cold liquid resistance, and aging resistance of the coating were mainly analyzed. It was concluded that the comprehensive performance of the coating was the best when thermochromic and photochromic microcapsules were mixed on the surface of basswood (Tilia). At a temperature of 80 °C, the color difference reached a maximum of 20.2, and the coating was completely discolored. The color difference of the coating after discoloration under visible light illumination was 56.9. The gloss under the angle of incidence at 60° was 37.4, hardness was 3H, adhesion grade was 1, impact resistance was 10.0 kg·cm, and cold liquid resistance grade was 1. The method of mixing the two microcapsules had better aging resistance. In this paper, the photochromic and thermochromic properties of the coating were studied, and the optimal discoloration of the surface coating of the basswood substrate was solved by different coating processes. This study provided a method for a coating to achieve both photochromic and thermochromic discoloration, broadening the application of discoloration coatings.
Development of Plant Fibre Foam and Study of Its Thermal Insulation Properties
Authors: Qiao Jiantong , Li Haoyuan , Tu Jiahe , Li Xinyu , Luo Lin , Wang Qingchun , Chen Zhongjia
Published: August 2022

At present, the research and production of green fiber materials that replace plastics are becoming the consistent proposition of all countries that pay attention to environmental protection. In order to improve the thermal insulation properties of forest plant-based foams, which are low-cost and non-polluting, this paper explores the preparation of forest plant-based foams and the determination of their thermal insulation properties. Firstly, based on the three-factor orthogonal experimental method, variables such as the ratio of materials that may affect the foaming rate and the size of the mould were designed, and the influence of these variables on the foaming rate of the material was analysed. Then, for the samples obtained, slices were made and the thermal conductivity of the sample was measured by the hot plate method, and finally, for the measurement results, the influence of the foaming rate on the thermal conductivity was analysed by non-linear regression, and the regression equation between the two. The results show that the size of the mould has the greatest influence on the foaming rate out of all the independent variables influencing the results. At a foaming rate of 19.8%, the thermal conductivity of the material was the lowest and the material had the best thermal insulation effect.
Amine-Modified Small Pore Mesoporous Silica as Potential Adsorbent for Zn Removal from Plating Wastewater
Authors: Phouthavong Vanpaseuth , Park Jae-Hyeok , Nishihama Tatsuo , Yoshida Shuhei , Hagio Takeshi , Kamimoto Yuki , Ichino Ryoichi
Published: August 2022

The removal of Zn from wastewater generated from the Zn-based electroplating manufacturing process is essential because the regulation limit of Zn concentration in wastewater is becoming stricter in Japan. However, achieving this through conventional methods is difficult, especially for small and medium enterprises in the plating industry. Therefore, a suitable Zn-removal method with a low cost but high performance and Zn selectivity is required. The application of adsorbents is one possible solution. Mesoporous silica (MS) is a well-known adsorbent with controllable pore size, high specific surface area (SSA), high acid resistance, and ease of surface modification. In this study, we modified the surfaces of MSs with different initial pore sizes by amino groups and investigated their Zn removal performances. The effect of pore size on amine modification using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane and on adsorption performance in a single system was investigated along with Zn adsorption selectivity in the Zn–Ni binary system. Amine-modified MS prepared from MS with an initial pore size of 1.9 nm showed drastically lower performance compared to those prepared from MS with an initial pore size larger than 2.8 nm. Zn-selectivity in the Zn–Ni binary system, containing equal amounts of Zn and Ni, was found to reach a maximum of 21.6 when modifying MS with an initial pore size of 2.8 nm.
Computational Assessment of Xanthones from African Medicinal Plants as Aldose Reductase Inhibitors
Authors: Owoseeni Onikepe Deborah , Patil Rajesh B. , Phage Prajakta M. , Ogboye Ruth Mosunmola , Ayoola Marcus Durojaye , Famuyiwa Samson Oluwaseyi , Gboyero Felix Olusegun , Ndinteh Derek Tantoh , Faloye Kolade Olatubosun
Published: August 2022

Diabetes mellitus is a life-threatening non-communicable disease that affects all age groups. Despite the increased attention it has received in recent years, the number of diabetic patients has grown exponentially. These increased cases are attributed to essential enzymes involved in blood glucose regulation. In this study, we attempt to reveal the aldose reductase inhibitory potential of xanthones isolated from African medicinal plants. Ensemble docking, molecular dynamics simulation, density functional theory (DFT), and ADMET methods were employed to identify drug candidates as aldose reductase inhibitors. The ensemble docking results identified mangostenone B, bangangxanthone A, smeathxanthone B, mangostenone A, and allanxanthone B as potent inhibitors against the aldose reductase enzyme. Molecular dynamics studies showed the xanthones established better binding mode and affinities against the enzyme. Moreover, the electronic properties of the xanthones explained their good pharmacological potentials. Therefore, our findings suggest that the hit molecules be investigated in vitro and in vivo for drug development against aldose reductase.
The Application of Artificial Intelligence to Automate Sensory Assessments Combining Pretrained Transformers with Word Embedding Based on the Online Sensory Marketing Index
Authors: Hamacher Kevin , Buchkremer Rüdiger
Published: August 2022

We present how artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies create new opportunities to capture and assess sensory marketing elements. Based on the Online Sensory Marketing Index (OSMI), a sensory assessment framework designed to evaluate e-commerce websites manually, the goal is to offer an alternative procedure to assess sensory elements such as text and images automatically. This approach aims to provide marketing managers with valuable insights and potential for sensory marketing improvements. To accomplish the task, we initially reviewed 469 related peer-reviewed scientific publications. In this process, manual reading is complemented by a validated AI methodology. We identify relevant topics and check if they exhibit a comprehensible distribution over the last years. We recognize and discuss similar approaches from machine learning and the big data environment. We apply state-of-the-art methods from the natural language processing domain for the principal analysis, such as word embedding techniques GloVe and Word2Vec, and leverage transformers such as BERT. To validate the performance of our newly developed AI approach, we compare results with manually collected parameters from previous studies and observe similar findings in both procedures. Our results reveal a functional and scalable AI approach for determining the OSMI for industries, companies, or even individual (sub-) websites. In addition, the new AI selection and assessment procedures are extremely fast, with only a small loss in performance compared to a manual evaluation. It resembles an efficient way to evaluate sensory marketing efforts.
Assessment of Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Network for Pulmonary Function Test’s Diagnosis Using ATS and ERS Respiratory Standard Parameters
Authors: Almazloum Ahmad A. , Al-Hinnawi Abdel-Razzak , De Fazio Roberto , Visconti Paolo
Published: August 2022

The aim of the research work is to investigate the operability of the entire 23 pulmonary function parameters, which are stipulated by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS), to design a medical decision support system capable of classifying the pulmonary function tests into normal, obstructive, restrictive, or mixed cases. The 23 respiratory parameters specified by the ATS and the ERS guidelines, obtained from the Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) device, were employed as input features to a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) neural network. Thirteen possible MLP Back Propagation (BP) algorithms were assessed. Three different categories of respiratory diseases were evaluated, namely obstructive, restrictive, and mixed conditions. The framework was applied on 201 PFT examinations: 103 normal and 98 abnormal cases. The PFT decision support system’s outcomes were compared with both the clinical truth (physician decision) and the PFT built-in diagnostic software. It yielded 92–99% and 87–92% accuracies on the training and the test sets, respectively. An 88–94% area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was recorded on the test set. The system exceeded the performance of the PFT machine by 9%. All 23 ATS\ERS standard PFT parameters can be used as inputs to design a PFT decision support system, yielding a favorable performance compared with the literature and the PFT machine’s diagnosis program.
Theoretical Analysis of the Adsorption of Pentachlorophenol and 6-OH-BDE-47 (6-Hydroxy-2,2’,4,4’-Tetrabromodiphenyl Ether) by Boron Nitride Nanotubes Decorated with Double-Decker Lanthanide(III) Phthalocyanine Complexes
Authors: Lee Chien-Lin , Chi Shu-Chun , Chang Chia Ming
Published: August 2022

Environmental issues have become an urgent concern, and low-cost, high-efficiency environmental remediation and energy utilization are currently high priorities. In this work, zigzag (9,0) and (18,0) boron nitride nanotubes modified by double-decker lanthanide(III) phthalocyanine complexes (BN90-LnPc2, BN180-LnPc2) were investigated by semi-empirical quantum chemistry calculations. The shorter the bond length between the nitrogen atom in the complex and the hydroxyl group of the contaminant, the greater the change in the C-O-H bond angle, implying stronger adsorption. In view of the neutral and deprotonated forms of pentachlorophenol and 6-OH-BDE-47 (6-Hydroxy-2,2’,4,4’-tetrabromodiphenyl ether), the effects of the hydrogen bond on the contaminants were significantly different. The analytical results of the HSAB reactivity descriptors and frontier molecular orbitals showed that BN180-YbPc2 performed best of all the composite systems, and the interaction with pentachlorophenol was stronger than with 6-OH-BDE-47. Furthermore, BN180-YbPc2 is beneficial as a solar-energy material, according to its electronic excitation spectrum. Ultimately, the calculated results were as expected due to the materials’ multifunctional characteristics, and the exploration of material development for specific properties will be the direction for future work.
Plasmon Inspired 2D Carbon Nitrides: Structural, Optical and Surface Characteristics for Improved Biomedical Applications
Authors: Gacem Amel , Rajendran Suriyaprabha , Hasan Mohd Abul , Kakodiya Shakti Devi , Modi Shreya , Yadav Krishna Kumar , Awwad Nasser S , Islam Saiful , Park Sungmin , Jeon Byong-Hun
Published: August 2022

In the past few years, noble metal-based 2D nanomaterials particularly Ag and Au enriched carbon nitrides have seen advanced catalytic actions and reactivity. These composite nanostructures’ chemical and physical characteristics have been applied to improve the targeted functionalities in healthcare and medical sciences. Many scientists and experts were inspired to study their foundational technologies in the medicinal industries via architectural and surface modifications by doping of noble nanoparticles. Here, we have provided fundamental ideas for structuring Ag and Au decorated CNs (carbon nitrides) by studying their morphological and modified surface properties for biomedical applications. There is a vast spectrum of publications that discusses the peculiarities of CNs and noble metal’s key discoveries. The impact of surface plasmons resonance (SPR) is an essential factor for noble metals and that is why it is focused extensively for better performance in biomedical sectors. The elemental combinations on the CNs surfaces and their morphological status were found to be much more efficient which is broadly discussed. The fabrication techniques, structural characterizations, and SPR role of Ag and Au are addressed including fundamental concepts followed by many suitable examples under this review.
Deposit Formation in a Coal-Fired Rotary Kiln for Fluxed Iron Ore Pellet Production: Effect of MgO Content
Authors: Guo Yufeng , Liu Kuo , Wang Shuai , Chen Feng , Yang Zhuang , Yang Lingzhi , Li Dongyue
Published: August 2022

During the roasting process of fluxed pellets in a coal-fired rotary kiln, the incomplete combustion of pulverized coal injection accelerates deposit formation, which further limits the production efficiency of fluxed pellets. In order to eliminate the above problem, this study investigated the influence of MgO on deposit formation mechanism. The thermodynamic analysis revealed that MgO could increase the melting temperature of silicates in fluxed pellets with 0.8–1.2 basicity (CaO/SiO2) when roasted at 1200–1250 °C, thereby decreasing the amount of liquid phase that formed initial deposits. XRD and SEM analyses of deposit simulants demonstrated that the addition of MgO was conducive to form magnesium magnetite and ferri-diopside, thereby avoiding the formation of hedenbergite with lower melting temperature. Moreover, the softening-melting performance and adhesivity tests confirmed that MgO had a positive effect on reducing liquid-phase deposition and inhibiting the adhesion of deposits on refractory bricks below 1250 °C. The above studies indicated that the addition of MgO helped to slow down the deposit formation of fluxed pellets prepared by coal-fired rotary kiln.
Effects of Different Lipopolysaccharide Doses on Short- and Long-Term Spatial Memory and Hippocampus Morphology in an Experimental Alzheimer’s Disease Model
Authors: Bahaidrah Khulud Abdullah , Alzahrani Noor Ahmed , Aldhahri Rahaf Saeed , Mansouri Rasha Abdulrashed , Alghamdi Badrah Saeed
Published: August 2022

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia. Various animal models are widely used to investigate its underlying mechanisms, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation models. Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of different doses (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mg/kg) of LPS on short- and long-term spatial memory and hippocampal morphology in an experimental AD mouse model. Materials and methods: Twenty-four adult male Swiss mice (SWR/J) weighing 18–25 g were divided into four groups: control, 0.25 mg/kg LPS, 0.50 mg/kg LPS, and 0.75 mg/kg LPS. All groups were treated with LPS or vehicle for 7 days. Behavioral tests were started (Morris water maze for 6 days and Y maze for 1 day) on the last 2 days of injections. After the behavioral procedures, tissues were collected for further histological investigations. Result: All LPS doses induced significant short- and long-term spatial memory impairment in both the Y maze and Morris water maze compared with the control group. Furthermore, histological examination of the hippocampus indicated degenerating neurons in both the 0.50 mg/kg and 0.75 mg/kg LPS groups, while the 0.25 mg/kg LPS group showed less degeneration. Conclusion: our results showed that 0.75 mg/kg LPS had a greater impact on early-stage spatial learning memory and short-term memory than other doses. Our behavioral and histological findings suggest 0.75 mg/kg LPS as a promising dose for LPS-induced AD models.