bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Humic Acid Fertilizers on Crop Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ma Yunqi , Cheng Xiaoyu , Zhang Yuyang
Published: November 2024

Humic acid, as a novel organic fertilizer, has the potential to improve soil fertility and the agronomic performance of crops. However, the efficacy of humic acid varied in previous studies and the mechanisms by which climatic conditions, soil properties, and fertilization regimes regulate it remain unclear. To test this, a comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of humic acid across various environmental and agricultural conditions. The results showed that the humic acid amendment significantly increased the crop yield by 12%, nitrogen use efficiency by 27%, and nitrogen uptake by 17%, on average. Optimal effects were observed in regions with an annual precipitation > 300 mm and mean annual temperatures > 10 °C, and in soils with a moderate pH (6 < pH ≤ 8) or low total nitrogen. Its efficacy was attenuated in alkaline soils and high total nitrogen (≤1.5 g kg⁻1) or low soil organic carbon (<10 g kg⁻1) conditions. Cash crops and upland cereals showed a superior response compared to paddy rice, with optimal nitrogen application rates of 100–200 kg ha⁻1. This study quantifies humic acid’s positive impacts on crop productivity and nitrogen utilization across various conditions, providing empirical evidence for optimizing its application in sustainable agricultural systems, potentially reducing excessive fertilizer use and its associated environmental pollution.
In Vitro Antimicrobial Efficacy Assessment of Ethanolic, Aqueous, and Dual Solvent Extracts of Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum: Genomic and Morphological Analysis
Authors: Akamu Ewunkem , Merrills Lydia , Williams Zahirah , Justice Brittany , Iloghalu Uchenna , Williams Vera , Singh Dinesh
Published: November 2024

Background: Infectious diseases caused by bacteria are life-threating and are among the major causes of death in the world. Antibiotics have offered humans a new approach to infection control. Antibiotics are reckoned as the “magic bullets” for the fight against bacterial infections, therefore increasing life expectancy and decreasing mortality and morbidity. However, the overuse of antibiotics has resulted in the persistent growth of resistant bacterial pathogens. New antimicrobial approaches against resistant pathogens are being examined. Mushrooms seem to be a promising, and possibly more efficient, alternative method to that of conventional antimicrobials. This work aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial potential of ethanolic, aqueous, and dual solvent extracts of mushroom Ganoderma lucidum. Methods: The antimicrobial studies were carried out by broth dilution against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. The present research work was also carried out to examine genomic changes associated with ethanolic, aqueous, and dual solvent extracts of G. lucidum in S. aureus and E. coli. Results: Our data quantitatively showed that all the extracts of G. lucidum were found to exhibit various degrees of antimicrobial effects against S. aureus and E. coli where the ethanolic extract exhibited the most potent antimicrobial activity. SEM images showed untreated cells with normal cell characteristics while, after treatment with extracts of G. lucidum, cells appeared damaged with irregular cell surfaces and cell wall defacement. The results of HPLC analysis showed that ethanolic and aqueous extract of G. lucidum consisted of beta[1-3] glucans, ganoderic acid, and triterpenoids. Genomic analysis identified selective sweeps in several genes associated with growth, biosynthesis transport, and stress. Conclusions: This study concludes that the extracts of three solvents of G. lucidum have antimicrobial activity against infectious bacteria causing morphological changes and the acquisition of mutations in genes. Therefore, the extracts of G. lucidum may be candidates for preventing infectious diseases in the future. Ganoderma lucidum mushroom is therefore a reliable source of antimicrobial agent that can be used against infectious diseases.
Combined Antibiotic and Photodynamic Therapies in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: From Synergy to Antagonism
Authors: Zangirolami Amanda C. , Yerra Koteswara Rao , Yakovlev Vladislav V. , Blanco Kate C. , Bagnato Vanderlei S.
Published: November 2024

Background: Antibiotics remain the most effective option for combating infections. However, the situation has shifted from ideal to concerning, as bacterial resistance to antibiotics is increasing in both prevalence and strength. Objectives: This study explores the synergistic/antagonistic potential of combining antibiotic and photodynamic therapy (PDT) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: We conducted in vitro experiments to observe the effect of the sequential application of antibiotics and photodynamic therapy with a time interval between them. The antibiotics used were ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, and gentamicin, and Photodithazine was employed as the photosensitizer, with the PDT performed at different light doses of 660 nm radiation. Results: The combined effect was highly dependent on the antibiotic. While for gentamicin, the combination of antibiotic and PDT treatment was always synergistic, for ciprofloxacin, it could be severely antagonistic. Each antibiotic exhibited a distinctive pattern of interaction with PDT. Gentamicin resulted in the largest enhancement in bactericidal activity combined with PDT, requiring lower antibiotic concentrations to achieve significant bacterial reduction. Ceftriaxone’s bactericidal action was less influenced by PDT intensity, maintaining a stable efficacy regardless of different PDT dosages. Conversely, the outcome of ciprofloxacin was highly dependent on the antibiotic concentration changing from synergic to antagonistic action. Conclusions: The findings advocate for the development of treatment protocols that combine antibiotics and PDT and necessitate the establishment of the criterion for the dosage and periodicity of administration of such combination protocols. The demonstrated results open the doors wide to new applications and opportunities to combat infectious diseases through the combined use of photodynamic therapy and antibiotics.
Flavonoid Fisetin Alleviates Ovarian Aging of Laying Chickens by Enhancing Antioxidant Capacity and Glucose Metabolic Homeostasis
Authors: Yang Zhaoyu , Zhang Jiaxuan , Yuan Qiongyu , Wang Xinyu , Zeng Weidong , Mi Yuling , Zhang Caiqiao
Published: November 2024

Oxidative stress is a crucial factor contributing to ovarian follicular atresia and an imbalance in ovarian energy metabolism in poultry, leading to decreased laying performance in aging hens. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a natural flavonoid, fisetin, on laying performance, ovarian redox status, and energy metabolism in laying chickens. The results showed that dietary fisetin supplementation improved egg production and eggshell quality in aging laying chickens, reduced follicular atresia rate, promoted ovarian cell proliferation, elevated serum estrogen and progesterone levels, restored ovarian antioxidant capacity, and improved energy metabolism. Furthermore, fisetin treatment increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes by inhibiting NF-κB signaling and COX-2 expression while promoting SIRT1 expression in the H2O2-induced small white follicle (SWF). Additionally, fisetin significantly enhanced the anti-apoptotic capacity of SWF and promoted glucose catabolism by activating the AKT and JNK signaling pathways. In summary, fisetin supplementation can alleviate ovarian oxidative stress in aging laying chickens by upregulating SIRT1 expression and inhibiting NF-κB signaling. The activation of AKT and JNK signaling pathways by fisetin contributes to the balance of energy metabolism and promotion of follicular development in the ovaries of aging laying chickens, thereby retarding ovarian aging in poultry production.
The Use of Smart Rings in Health Monitoring—A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fiore Matteo , Bianconi Alessandro , Sicari Gaia , Conni Alice , Lenzi Jacopo , Tomaiuolo Giulia , Zito Flavia , Golinelli Davide , Sanmarchi Francesco
Published: November 2024

Smart Rings (SRs) are user-friendly devices capable of measuring various health parameters, making them suitable for remote continuous monitoring in diverse clinical settings. Since the available evidence on the accuracy of SRs recording health data is highly heterogeneous, this systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, searched for articles evaluating the efficacy of SRs for sleep, respiratory, and cardiovascular monitoring across the PubMed, SCOPUS, and ProQuest databases. Meta-analyses were conducted for health outcomes evaluated in at least three studies with a comparable study population and design, and the same comparison device. Nineteen articles were included: eleven analyses focused on sleep quality, eight on cardiovascular parameters, and one on oxygen saturation. Studies analysing cardiovascular outcomes found a good accuracy of SRs in measuring heart rate (HR) with a mean bias of −0.4 bpms (limits of agreement (LoAs): −2.7; 1.8). The meta-analyses showed variability in SRs’ efficacy in monitoring total sleep time (mean bias: −21.3 min, LoAs: −69.9, 27.4) and REM duration (mean bias: −18.2 min, LoAs: −33.3, −3.1). The results highlighted the promising potential of SRs for HR monitoring. Further research is needed to clarify the reliability of SRs in monitoring sleep quality and their use directed to a broader range of health parameters. With further development, SRs could become valuable tools for healthcare professionals.
The Development of Fiber–Cement Flat Sheets by Young and Mature Coconut Fibers to Replace Asbestos for Eco-Friendly Products
Authors: Khamput Prachoom , Klathae Tawich , Choosakul Chookiat , Dueramae Saofee
Published: November 2024

This study investigated young and mature coconut fibers as an asbestos replacement in fiber–cement flat sheets. The ratio of fiber content ranged from 5% to 9.5% in increments of 0.5% by weight of binder. Crushed rock dust (CRD) was also utilized in this study at a ratio of 50% as sand replacement. The results showed that the addition of young coconut fiber (YCF) and mature coconut fiber (MCF) in flat sheets increased with decreasing bulk density and thermal conductivity. The optimum fiber content was 6.5%–7% by weight of binder for two types of fiber with the highest modulus of rupture of 12–13 MPa. The modulus of rupture and density of fiber–cement flat sheets using YCF were higher than that of fiber–cement flat sheets using MCF, which was clarified by SEM results due to the denser structure of MCF. Moreover, the modulus of rupture was directly proportional to the modulus of elasticity in fiber–cement flat sheets.
Knitted Microwave Transmission Line for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Januszkiewicz Łukasz , Nowak Iwona
Published: November 2024

This paper introduces a novel approach to fabricating textile microwave transmission lines through knitting techniques. These textile-based transmission lines, capable of transmitting high-frequency signals between wearable transceivers and antennas, offer significant potential for the development of advanced wearable electronics. By leveraging a single technological process, our proposed method enables the creation of flexible and wearable devices. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, we present the design and numerical modeling of a microstrip line operating within the gigahertz frequency range. A prototype structure was fabricated and experimentally characterized, revealing moderate attenuation of less than 5 dB for frequencies below 2.5 GHz. However, a major challenge in the field of wearable electronics is the real-time applicability of such devices. Our work aims to address this challenge by providing a flexible and scalable solution for integrating wireless communication capabilities into wearable systems. Future research will focus on further optimizing the design and fabrication processes to enhance performance and minimize signal loss, ultimately enabling the realization of practical and user-friendly wearable devices.
Detection of Rat Pain-Related Grooming Behaviors Using Multistream Recurrent Convolutional Networks on Day-Long Video Recordings
Authors: Lee Chien-Cheng , Lui Ping-Wing , Gao Wei-Wei , Gao Zhongjian
Published: November 2024

In experimental pain studies involving animals, subjective pain reports are not feasible. Current methods for detecting pain-related behaviors rely on human observation, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, particularly for lengthy video recordings. Automating the quantification of these behaviors poses substantial challenges. In this study, we developed and evaluated a deep learning, multistream algorithm to detect pain-related grooming behaviors in rats. Pain-related grooming behaviors were induced by injecting small amounts of pain-inducing chemicals into the rats’ hind limbs. Day-long video recordings were then analyzed with our algorithm, which initially filtered out non-grooming segments. The remaining segments, referred to as likely grooming clips, were used for model training and testing. Our model, a multistream recurrent convolutional network, learned to differentiate grooming from non-grooming behaviors within these clips through deep learning. The average validation accuracy across three evaluation methods was 88.5%. We further analyzed grooming statistics by comparing the duration of grooming episodes between experimental and control groups. Results demonstrated statistically significant changes in grooming behavior consistent with pain expression.
Analysis of Bacterial Metabolites in Breath Gas of Critically Ill Patients for Diagnosis of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia—A Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Filipiak Wojciech , Włodarski Robert , Żuchowska Karolina , Tracewska Alicja , Winiarek Magdalena , Daszkiewicz Dawid , Marszałek Marta , Depka Dagmara , Bogiel Tomasz
Published: November 2024

Bacterial infection of the lower respiratory tract frequently occurs in mechanically ventilated patients and may develop into life-threatening conditions. Yet, existing diagnostic methods have moderate sensitivity and specificity, which results in the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics administered prophylactically. This study aims to evaluate the suitability of volatile bacterial metabolites for the breath-based test, which is used for diagnosing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP). The in vitro experiments with pathogenic bacteria most prevalent in VAP etiology (i.e., Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were performed to identify bacteria-derived metabolites using a specially designed cultivation system enabling headspace sampling for GC-MS analysis. Thirty-nine compounds were found to be significantly metabolized by tested species and, therefore, selected for monitoring in the exhaled breath of critically ill, mechanically ventilated (MV) patients. The emission of volatiles from medical respiratory devices was investigated to estimate the risk of spoiling breath results with exogenous pollutants. Bacterial metabolites were then evaluated to differentiate VAP patients from non-infected MV controls using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, with AUC, sensitivity, and specificity calculated. Nine bacterial metabolites that passed verification through a non-parametric ANOVA test for significance and LASSO penalization were identified as key discriminators between VAP and non-VAP patients. The diagnostic model achieved an AUC of 0.893, with sensitivity and specificity values of 87% and 82.4%, respectively, being competitive with traditional methods. Further validation could solidify its clinical utility in critical care settings.
Reference Interval for Glycated Albumin, 1,5-AG/GA, and GA/HbA1c Ratios and Cut-Off Values for Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Al-Lahham Yusra , Volanski Waldemar , Signorini Liana , Prado Ademir Luiz do , Valdameri Glaucio , Moure Vivian Rotuno , Welter Marciane , Alves Alexessander C. , Sari Marcel Henrique Marcondes , Rego Fabiane Gomes de Moraes , Picheth Geraldo
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Glycated albumin (GA) serves as a biomarker for short-term glycemic control (2–3 weeks), playing a role in diabetes management. Our goal was to establish reference intervals (RIs) for serum GA, and the ratios of 1,5-anhydroglucitol to GA (AGI) and GA to HbA1c in a Euro-Brazilian pediatric population (10 y, n = 299), adults (43.5 y; n = 290), and pregnant women (26 y, n = 406; 26.5 ± 3.1 gestation weeks). Methods: Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was employed to determine RIs for type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children (n = 148) and adults (n = 81), type 2 diabetes (T2D, n = 283), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM, n = 177). Results: Both non-pregnant and pregnant women exhibited GA RIs of 10.0–13.3% and 10.6–14.7%, respectively. The AGI ratio varied from 1.2–4.3 in children, 0.9–3.6 in adults, and 0.8–3.1 in pregnant women. Meanwhile, the GA/HbA1c ratio ranged from 1.8–2.6 in children and adults to 2.3–3.6 in pregnant women. GA and AGI ratios accurately differentiated between T1D and T2D, demonstrating high sensitivity (>84%) and specificity (>97%), with AGI showing superior performance (AUC > 0.99). The GA/HbA1c ratio exhibited moderate discriminatory power (AUC > 0.733) but was less effective in distinguishing adult-onset T1D and T2D, suggesting its limited utility in certain groups. Conclusions: The proposed RIs are consistent with those of other Caucasian populations, affirming their relevance for Euro-Brazilian patients. The GA and AGI ratios emerge as valuable diagnostic tools for T1D and T2D, though their reduced sensitivity in diagnosing GDM warrants further investigation. Clinicians might leverage GA and AGI ratios for more tailored diabetes management, especially when HbA1c results are not optimal.
Chronic Sleep Deprivation Causes Anxiety, Depression and Impaired Gut Barrier in Female Mice—Correlation Analysis from Fecal Microbiome and Metabolome
Authors: Li Lingyue , Meng Zilin , Huang Yuebing , Xu Luyao , Chen Qianling , Qiao Dongfang , Yue Xia
Published: November 2024

Background: Chronic sleep deprivation (CSD) plays an important role in mood disorders. However, the changes in the gut microbiota and metabolites associated with CSD-induced anxiety/depression-like behavior in female mice have not been determined. Due to the influence of endogenous hormone levels, females are more susceptible than males to negative emotions caused by sleep deprivation. Here, we aim to investigate how CSD changes the gut microbiota and behavior and uncover the relationship between CSD and gut microbiota and its metabolites in female mice. Methods: We used a 48-day sleep deprivation (SD) model using the modified multiple platform method (MMPM) to induce anxiety/depression-like behavior in female C57BL/6J mice and verified our results using the open field test, elevated plus maze, novel object recognition test, forced swim test, and tail suspension test. We collected fecal samples of mice for 16S rDNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomic analysis and colons for histopathological observation. We used Spearmen analysis to find the correlations between differential bacterial taxa, fecal metabolites, and behaviors. Results: Our study demonstrates that CSD induced anxiety/depressive-like behaviors in female mice. The results of 16S rDNA sequencing suggested that the relative abundance of the harmful bacteria g_ Rothia, g_ Streptococcus, g_ Pantoea, and g_ Klebsiella were significantly increased, while the beneficial bacteria g_ Rikenella, g_ Eubacterium]-xylanophilum-group, and g_ Eisenbergiella were significantly decreased after SD. Glycerophospholipid metabolism and glutathione metabolism were identified as key pathways in the fecal metabolism related to oxidative stress and inflammatory states of the intestine. Histological observation showed hyperplasia of epithelial cells, a decrease in goblet cells, and glandular atrophy of the colon in SD mice. There were correlations between some of the differential bacterial taxa, fecal metabolites, and behaviors. Conclusion: In summary, we found that CSD induced anxiety/depression-like behavior, caused gut microbiota dysbiosis, altered fecal metabolism, and damaged the colon barrier in female mice.
Assessing the Impact of Air-Source Heat Pumps in a Residential Building’s Retrofit Process
Authors: Carutasiu Mihail-Bogdan , Necula Horia
Published: November 2024

The importance of mitigating energy intensity in the building sector is widely recognized by most stakeholders, and different strategies are proposed for minimizing fossil fuel dependency. This paper presents a complex study assessing the possibility of integrating an air-source heat pump (ASHP) into the retrofitting process of a typical Romanian residential building. Mathematical simulations were conducted to estimate the energy reduction potential of a complex renewable-energy-based HVAC system. The results showed that a more than 50% increase in energy efficiency could be obtained by using the right insulation materials, and the building’s fossil fuel dependency could be curbed by 75% by integrating the proposed renewable energy systems.
Ecological Benefit Optimization and Design of Rural Residential Roofs Based on the “Dual Carbon” Goal
Authors: Li Zhixiu , Wang Yuyan , Wang Yihan , Wei Yangyang
Published: November 2024

With the continuous advancement of urbanization, rural areas are facing increasingly severe environmental pollution, excessive energy consumption, and high carbonization resulting from both daily living and production activities. This study, which is aligned with the low-carbon objectives of “carbon sequestration increase and emissions reduction”, explores the optimization strategies for ecological benefits through the combined application of rooftop photovoltaics and rooftop greening in rural residences. Three design approaches are proposed for integrating rooftop photovoltaics with green roofing: singular arrangement, distributed arrangement, and combined arrangement. Using PVsyst (7.4.7) software, this study simulates the effects of roof inclination, system output, and installation formats on the performance of photovoltaic systems, providing a comprehensive analysis of carbon reduction benefits in ecological rooftop construction. A rural area in East China was selected as a sample for adaptive exploration of ecological roof applications. The results of our research indicate that the optimal tilt angle for rooftop photovoltaic (PV) installations in the sample rural area is 17°. Based on simulations combining the region’s annual solar path and the solar parameters on the winter solstice, the minimum spacing for PV arrays is calculated to be 1.925 m. The carbon reduction benefits of the three arrangement methods are ranked, from highest to lowest, as follows: combined arrangement 14530.470tCO2e > singular arrangement 11950.761tCO2e > distributed arrangement 7444.819tCO2e. The integrated design of rooftop PV systems and green roofing not only meets the energy demands of buildings but also significantly reduces their carbon footprint, achieving the dual objectives of energy conservation and sustainable development. Therefore, the combined application of rooftop PV systems and green roofing in rural spaces can provide data support and strategic guidance for advancing green transformation and ecological civilization in East China, offering significant practical value for promoting low-carbon rural development.
Energy Saving for Impinging Jet Ventilation System by Employing Various Supply Duct Locations and Return Grill Elevation
Authors: Almohammadi Bandar Awadh , Hussein Eslam , Almohammadi Khaled M. , Refaey Hassanein A. , Karali Mohamed A.
Published: November 2024

The study of energy savings in ventilation systems within buildings is crucial. Impinging jet ventilation (IJV) systems have garnered significant interest from researchers. The identification of the appropriate location for the IJV reveals a gap in the existing literature. This research was conducted to address the existing gap by examining the impact of IJV location on energy savings and thermal comfort. A comprehensive three-dimensional CFD model is examined to accurately simulate the real environment of an office room (3 × 3 × 2.9 m3) during cooling mode, without the application of symmetrical plans. Four locations have been selected: two at the corners and two along the midwalls, designated for fixed-person positions. The return vent height is analyzed utilizing seven measurements: 2.9, 2.6, 2.3, 1.7, 1.1, 0.8, and 0.5 m. The RNG k–ε turbulence model is implemented alongside enhanced wall treatment. The findings indicated that the optimal range for the return vent height is between 1.7 and 0.8 m. It is advisable to utilize the IJV midwall 1 location, positioned behind the seated individual and away from the exterior hot wall. It is characterized by low vortex formation in the local working zone that contributes to a more comfortable sensation while providing recognized energy-saving potential.
Prealbumin Prognostic Score: A Novel Prognostic Indicator After Radical Gastrectomy in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Matsui Ryota , Nunobe Souya , Ri Motonari , Makuuchi Rie , Irino Tomoyuki , Hayami Masaru , Ohashi Manabu , Sano Takeshi
Published: November 2024

Background: This study aimed to determine whether the prealbumin prognostic score (PPS), a novel indicator using prealbumin instead of albumin in the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), is a better predictive marker postoperatively in patients with gastric cancer. Methods: This retrospective study included consecutive patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for primary pStages I–III gastric cancer between 2006 and 2017. The cutoff values for preoperative prealbumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were 22 mg/dL and 0.5 mg/dL, respectively. According to the prealbumin and CRP levels, a PPS of zero was defined as both being above the cutoff value, of one as either being below the cutoff value, and of two as both being below the cutoff value. Results: Of the 4663 patients, 3421 (73.4%) had a score of zero, 984 (21.1%) had a score of one, and 258 (5.5%) had a score of two. The higher the PPS, the poorer the overall survival [OS] (p < 0.001). When comparing OS by the PPS in patients with an mGPS of zero, a PPS of one indicated poorer OS than a PPS of zero (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, PPSs of one (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.603; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.378–1.866; p < 0.001) and two (HR: 1.322; 95% CI: 1.055–1.656; p = 0.015) were independent poor prognostic factors for OS. Conclusions: The PPS, which is based on a combination of prealbumin and CRP levels, can identify a wider range of patients with poor OS than mGPS in patients with gastric cancer after gastrectomy.
New Synthetic Analogs of Natural 5Z,9Z-Dienoic Acids—Hybrid Molecules Based on Oleanolic Acid: Synthesis and Study of Antitumor Activity
Authors: Tuktarova Regina A. , Dzhemileva Lilya U. , Dzhemilev Usein M. , D’yakonov Vladimir A.
Published: November 2024

Objectives: A series of synthetic analogs of natural (5Z,9Z)-diene acids were synthesized for the first time in the form of hybrid molecules containing an oleanolic acid fragment. This fragment was simultaneously linked by an amide bond to various hetero- and carbocyclic amines and a complex ester bond to (5Z,9Z)-tetradeca-5,9-dienecarboxylic acid, which was synthesized by a new reaction of Ti-catalyzed homocyclomagnification of 1,2-dienes. Results: Among the synthesized hybrids, the highest cytotoxic activity was observed for compound 9a in the series of Jurkat, K562, U937, and HEK293, with IC50 values of 4.5; 3.1; 2.8; and 26.17 μM/L, respectively. Furthermore, the synthesized compound 9a has been observed to induce apoptosis and exhibit genotoxicity in Jurkat culture, which suggests that it may be a promising candidate for further investigation as an antitumor agent.
Masked Image Modeling Meets Self-Distillation: A Transformer-Based Prostate Gland Segmentation Framework for Pathology Slides
Authors: Zhang Haoyue , Patkar Sushant , Lis Rosina , Merino Maria J. , Pinto Peter A. , Choyke Peter L. , Turkbey Baris , Harmon Stephanie
Published: November 2024

Detailed evaluation of prostate cancer glands is an essential yet labor-intensive step in grading prostate cancer. Gland segmentation can serve as a valuable preliminary step for machine-learning-based downstream tasks, such as Gleason grading, patient classification, cancer biomarker building, and survival analysis. Despite its importance, there is currently a lack of a reliable gland segmentation model for prostate cancer. Without accurate gland segmentation, researchers rely on cell-level or human-annotated regions of interest for pathomic and deep feature extraction. This approach is sub-optimal, as the extracted features are not explicitly tailored to gland information. Although foundational segmentation models have gained a lot of interest, we demonstrated the limitations of this approach. This work proposes a prostate gland segmentation framework that utilizes a dual-path Swin Transformer UNet structure and leverages Masked Image Modeling for large-scale self-supervised pretaining. A tumor-guided self-distillation step further fused the binary tumor labels of each patch to the encoder to ensure the encoders are suitable for the gland segmentation step. We united heterogeneous data sources for self-supervised training, including biopsy and surgical specimens, to reflect the diversity of benign and cancerous pathology features. We evaluated the segmentation performance on two publicly available prostate cancer datasets. We achieved state-of-the-art segmentation performance with a test mDice of 0.947 on the PANDA dataset and a test mDice of 0.664 on the SICAPv2 dataset.
Uterine Carcinosarcoma (UCS): A Literature Review and Survival Analysis from a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Maiorano Mauro Francesco Pio , Cormio Gennaro , Maiorano Brigida Anna , Loizzi Vera
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Uterine carcinosarcomas (UCSs) are rare and aggressive malignancies with limited epidemiological data. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and pathological features and prognostic factors of UCS in a retrospective cohort of 80 patients, contributing to improved management strategies. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of UCS cases treated from 1995 to 2024 at three institutions. Data on demographics, clinical features, histopathology, treatment, and outcomes were collected. Overall survival (OS) and prognostic factors were assessed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Results: The median age of patients was 66 years, with a median overall survival of 34.5 months. Disease recurrence occurred in 32.5% of cases, with a median disease-free interval of 17.92 months. Age, tumour stage, and size emerged as significant predictors of survival. Stage I–II patients had a significantly better prognosis than those with Stage III–IV (HR = 0.438, p = 0.008). Tumour size >4 cm was associated with increased mortality (HR = 2.154, p = 0.019). Lymphadenectomy was not independently associated with improved survival. Adjuvant chemotherapy, mainly carboplatin and paclitaxel, was administered to 67.5% of patients, achieving a complete response in 66.67%. Conclusions: Tumour stage and age are significant independent predictors of survival in UCS, underscoring the need for early diagnosis and intervention. Tumour size is also crucial in determining prognosis. The role of lymphadenectomy remains uncertain, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment approaches. Future research should explore molecular profiling to further refine prognostication and therapeutic strategies for this challenging malignancy.
High Expression of MRPL23 Is Associated with Poor Survival in Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Podemska Edyta , Borowczak Jędrzej , Łukasik Damian , Grzanka Dariusz , Durślewicz Justyna
Published: November 2024

Background: This study aimed to investigate the expression and prognostic significance of the MRPL23 protein and mRNA in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and adjacent non-tumorous tissues. The goal was to assess the impact of MRPL23 expression on tumor behavior, progression, and patient outcomes. Methods: Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), MRPL23 protein expression was analyzed in 99 cases of ccRCC and 30 adjacent non-tumorous tissues. mRNA levels were assessed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Correlations between MRPL23 expression and clinicopathological features were examined, and survival outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox regression analyses. Results: MRPL23 protein expression was significantly lower in ccRCC tissues compared to normal tissues. In contrast, mRNA levels of MRPL23 were significantly elevated in ccRCC tissues. Expression levels were correlated with clinicopathological features, including gender, tumor grade, pT status, and disease stage, underlining their impact on tumor progression. Elevated MRPL23 protein expression was associated with poorer overall survival (OS) in ccRCC patients and remained an independent prognostic marker for adverse outcomes after adjustment for confounding variables. While high MRPL23 mRNA expression was also linked to worse OS, it did not retain its status as an independent prognostic factor after adjustments. Conclusion: MRPL23 protein expression is a potential independent prognostic biomarker in ccRCC, emphasizing its utility in predicting patient outcomes and potentially guiding therapeutic decisions. These findings highlight the importance of further research into the role of MRPL23 in ccRCC pathogenesis and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Thiazole Derivatives Using Recyclable Cross-Linked Chitosan Hydrogel Biocatalyst Under Ultrasonic Irradiation as Anti-Hepatocarcinogenic Agents
Authors: Gomha Sobhi M. , El-Ghany Nahed A. Abd , Ebaid Manal S. , Abolibda Tariq Z. , E. A. Zaki Magdi , Alhilal Mohammad , Alhilal Suzan , Mohamed Nadia A.
Published: November 2024

In the current study, pyromellitimide benzoyl thiourea cross-linked chitosan (PIBTU-CS) hydrogel, was evaluated as a green biocatalyst for the efficient synthesis of novel thiazole derivatives. The PIBTU-CS hydrogel showcased key advantages, such as an expanded surface area and superior thermal stability, establishing it as a potent eco-friendly catalyst. By employing PIBTU-CS alongside ultrasonic irradiation, we successfully synthesized a series of novel thiazoles through the reaction of 2-(4-((2-carbamothioylhydrazineylidene)methyl)phenoxy)-N-(4-chlorophenyl)acetamide with a variety of hydrazonoyl halides (6a–f) and α-haloketones (8a–c or 10a,b). A comparative analysis with TEA revealed that PIBTU-CS hydrogel consistently delivered significantly higher yields. This synthetic strategy provided several benefits, including mild reaction conditions, reduced reaction times, and consistently high yields. The robustness of PIBTU-CS was further underscored by its ability to be reused multiple times without a substantial reduction in catalytic efficiency. The structures of the synthesized thiazole derivatives were meticulously characterized using a range of analytical techniques, including IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and mass spectrometry (MS), confirming their successful formation. These results underscore the potential of PIBTU-CS hydrogel as a sustainable and recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. Additionally, all synthesized products were tested for their anticancer activity against HepG2-1 cells, with several new compounds exhibiting good anticancer effects.
A Dual Role of the Senescence Marker P16Ink4a in Liver Endothelial Cell Function
Authors: Wagner Kay-Dietrich , Safwan-Zaiter Hasan , Wagner Nicole
Published: November 2024

P16Ink4a is a well-established marker of senescence. Although P16Ink4a is expressed in endothelial cells, little is known about its function in these cells. Using isolated liver endothelial cells with silencing or overexpression of P16Ink4a, we show here that dependent on P16Ink4a levels, different pathways and functions are affected. High levels of P16Ink4a reduce proliferation and induce senescence, while low levels have the opposite effects. Only high P16Ink4a expression reduces in vitro angiogenesis. Expression profiling reveals an inflammatory phenotype upon silencing of P16Ink4a, while P16Ink4a overexpression is associated with a profile associated with DNA damage, repair and senescence. Low levels of P16Ink4a induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and increase endothelial cell leakage. Collectively, P16Ink4a represents an “antagonistic pleiotropy” gene, which is, on the one hand, required to prevent ROS generation and endothelial damage and, on the other hand, inhibits angiogenesis through induction of senescence at high levels.
Highly Sensitive SnS2/rGO-Based Gas Sensor for Detecting Chemical Warfare Agents at Room Temperature: A Theoretical Study Based on First-Principles Calculations
Authors: Liang Ting , Wang Huaizhang , Jiang Huaning , Qi Yelin , Yan Rui , Li Jiangcun , Shangguan Yanlei
Published: November 2024

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) are known as poor man’s bombs because of their small lethal dose, cheapness, and ease of production. Therefore, the highly sensitive and rapid detection of CWAs at room temperature (RT = 25 °C) is essential. In this paper, we have developed a resistive semiconductor sensor for the highly sensitive detection of CWAs at RT. The gas-sensing material is SnS2/rGO nanosheets (NSs) prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. The lower detection limits of the SnS2/rGO NSs-based gas sensor were 0.05 mg/m3 and 0.1 mg/m3 for the typical chemical weapons sarin (GB) and sulfur mustard (HD), respectively. The responsivity can reach −3.54% and −10.2% in 95 s for 1.0 mg/m3 GB, and in 47 s for 1.0 mg/m3 HD. They are 1.17 and 2.71 times higher than the previously reported Nb-MoS2 NSs-based gas sensors, respectively. In addition, it has better repeatability (RSD = 6.77%) and stability for up to 10 weeks (RSD = 20.99%). Furthermore, to simplify the work of later researchers based on the detection of CWAs by two-dimensional transition metal sulfur compounds (2D-TMDCs), we carried out calculations of the SnS2 NSs-based and SnS2/rGO NSs-based gas sensor-adsorbing CWAs. Detailed comparisons are made in conjunction with experimental results. For different materials, it was found that the SnS2/rGO NSs-based gas sensor performed better in all aspects of adsorbing CWAs in the experimental results. Adsorbed CWAs at a distance smaller than that of the SnS2 NSs-based gas sensor in the theoretical calculations, as well as its adsorption energy and transferred charge, were larger than those of the SnS2 NSs-based gas sensor. For different CWAs, the experimental results show that the sensitivity of the SnS2/rGO NSs-based gas sensor for the adsorption of GB is higher than that of HD, and accordingly, the theoretical calculations show that the adsorption distance of the SnS2/rGO NSs-based gas sensor for the adsorption of GB is smaller than that of HD, and the adsorption energy and the amount of transferred charge are larger than that of HD. This regularity conclusion proves the feasibility of adsorption of CWAs by gas sensors based on SnS2 NSs, as well as the feasibility and reliability of theoretical prediction experiments. This work lays a good theoretical foundation for subsequent rapid screenings of gas sensors with gas-sensitive materials for detecting CWAs.
Inflammatory Mesenteric Disease and Sarcoidosis-like Reaction in a Patient with Lung Adenocarcinoma Who Received Pembrolizumab: Paraneoplastic Syndrome, Secondary to Checkpoint Inhibitor or Chance Finding?
Authors: Posado-Domínguez Luis , Escribano-Iglesias María , Bellido-Hernández Lorena , León-Gil Johana Gabriela , Gómez-Muñoz María Asunción , Gómez-Caminero López Felipe , Martín-Galache María , Inés-Revuelta Sandra M. , Fonseca-Sánchez Emilio
Published: November 2024

Summary: Anti PD1/PD-L1 agents, including pembrolizumab, have revolutionized the oncological treatment of different types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer. The most frequent complications associated with this type of treatment are mild and are located at the thyroid, pulmonary or hepatic level. Sarcoid like reaction and mesenteric panniculitis secondary to pembrolizumab treatment are two very rare adverse effects. We present the case of a patient with these complications. Purpose: the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer has undergone a major change in the last 10 years, largely due to the advent of immunotherapy. Anti PD1 agents such as pembrolizumab have increased the median survival of these patients from 13 to 26 months. Most frequent immunorelated side effects are hypothyroidism, pneumonitis or elevated liver enzymes. However, there are other adverse effects, including sarcoid-like reaction and mesenteric panniculitis, which should be known by the professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this type of patient. We present the case of a 62-year-old man with a history of unresectable and non-irradiable stage IIIB epidermoid lung carcinoma with a PD-L1 expression of 30% in whom pembrolizumab was discontinued after 4 cycles due to immunorelated arthritis. One year later he consulted for severe abdominal pain. A PET-CT scan was performed, showing hilar lymphadenopathy and inflammation of abdominal mesenteric fat. A biopsy of lesions in both areas showed non-necrotizing granulomatous lymphadenitis in hilar adenopathy and patchy fibrosis of mesenteric fat. The picture was classified as sarcoidosis-like reaction and mesenteric panniculitis secondary to pembrolizumab. Anti-PD1 agents cause hyperactivation of the immune system through T-cell proliferation. Sarcoid-like reaction is a very rare complication that can mask progressive tumor disease. Awareness of immunorelated complications by oncologists, internists, and radiologists is important for an appropriate diagnostic approach and targeted test ordering.
Botany Teaching–Learning Proposal Using the Phytosociological Method for University Students’ Study of the Diversity and Conservation of Forest Ecosystems for University Students
Authors: Cano-Ortiz Ana , Piñar Fuentes José Carlos , Musarella Carmelo Maria , Cano Eusebio
Published: November 2024

We propose a method consisting of four steps for phytosociological research and education on flora and vegetation diversity. We demonstrate the application of this method using as an example a territory of special interest due to its high index of endemism (Dominican Republic Island), which is a biodiversity hotspot and hosts several protected areas, such as the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve. Nonetheless, this model, based on teaching the phytosociological method, can be extrapolated to any location worldwide. As an example, we analyzed the dry and humid forests. Through the four research phases, this study revealed a greater number of endemic species in the dry forest compared to the humid forest, with more endemics found in districts A12 and A16. The sequenced teaching of the research phases allows for the training of university students, future managers, and educators. The model enables learning sampling techniques, developing analysis and interpretation skills, and assessing the need for conservation of habitats rich in endemic species. The teaching outcomes of this study provide optimal training for the management and dissemination of ecological values, which allow broader society to learn to respect the environment.
A Multidisciplinary Approach for the Assessment of the Last Surviving ‘Marrone di Chiusa Pesio’ Chestnut Trees in the Piemonte Region (Italy)
Authors: Neirotti Giovanna , Tomatis Alessandro , Germanà Federica , Imparato Alessia , Valisena Andrea , Mellano Maria Gabriella , Ruffa Paola , Donno Dario , Torello Marinoni Daniela , Beccaro Gabriele Loris , Gamba Giovanni
Published: November 2024

Chestnut orchards are a multifunctional resource, providing not only fruit or wood but also playing a role in the conservation of mountain and hillside landscapes. In the Piemonte Region, Italy, a rich genetic heritage of chestnut genotypes has contributed to considerable biodiversity and environmental value. The study aimed to valorize an important example of the chestnut agrobiodiversity in the Piemonte Region by focusing on the ‘Marrone di Chiusa Pesio’ (MCP) cultivar (cv). A multidisciplinary approach was applied, involving genetic and morphological analyses, Visual Tree Assessment (VTA), and phytochemical and nutritional profiling. The plant census provided identification and geolocation of 187 MCP specimens; the 20 most representative trees were genetically analyzed, and then, through the VTA, their morpho-functional status was evaluated. The nutraceutical properties and phytochemical composition were assessed by measuring the total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (AOC), and other phytochemical classes through spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. The results showed significantly higher TPC values (ranged from 36.51 ± 1.60 mgGAE/100 g of dried weight—DW to 103.14 ± 1.24 mgGAE/100 g DW) compared to other ‘Marrone-type’ cultivars, along with high levels of key phenolic markers, bioactive compounds, and nutritional substances. These included tannins (about 22–28 mg/100 g DW) and cinnamic acids (about 23–25 mg/100 g DW), followed by flavonols, benzoic acids, organic acids, monoterpenes, vitamin C, and catechins, listed in order of predominance. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to observe the distribution of the samples and their correlations based on the chemical composition. The results confirmed the interesting phytochemical properties of the ‘Marrone di Chiusa Pesio’ nuts, together with their good morphological and functional properties. Given the ongoing genetic erosion of Castanea sativa cultivars, due to cultivation abandonment and climate change, the main factors contributing to the progressive loss of biodiversity worldwide, the presented approach aimed to provide an overview of the conservation status of the local agrobiodiversity. This study highlighted the value of a local chestnut cultivar, presenting the low conservation status of the few remaining specimens. The goal was to define the significant phenotypic variation regarding MCP in the considered area due to environmental variations, which may be of interest in its genetic adaptation to climate change. The study may potentially encourage the development of strategies for actively conserving the forest agrobiodiversity and hillside ecosystem services in the highly diverse landscapes of the Alpine valleys.