bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seed Priming with Brassinosteroids Alleviates Chromium Stress in Rice Cultivars via Improving ROS Metabolism and Antioxidant Defense Response at Biochemical and Molecular Levels
Authors: Basit Farwa , Chen Min , Ahmed Temoor , Shahid Muhammad , Noman Muhammad , Liu Jiaxin , An Jianyu , Hashem Abeer , Fahad Al-Arjani Al-Bandari , Alqarawi Abdulaziz A. , Alsayed Mashail Fahad S. , Fathi Abd_Allah Elsayed , Hu Jin , Guan Yajing
Published: July 2021

This research was performed to explore the vital role of seed priming with a 0.01 µM concentration of brassinosteroids (EBL) to alleviate the adverse effects of Cr (100 µM) in two different rice cultivars. Seed priming with EBL significantly enhanced the germination attributes (germination percentage, germination energy, germination index, and vigor index, etc.), photosynthetic rate as well as plant growth (shoot and root length including the fresh and dry weight) under Cr toxicity as compared to the plants primed with water. Cr toxicity induced antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT, and APX) and ROS level (MDA and H2O2 contents) in both rice cultivars; however, a larger increment was observed in YLY-689 (tolerant) than CY-927 (sensitive) cultivar. EBL application stimulatingly increased antioxidant enzyme activities to scavenge ROS production under Cr stress. The gene expression of SOD and POD in EBL-primed rice plants followed a similar increasing trend as observed in the case of enzymatic activities of SOD and POD compared to water-primed rice plants. Simultaneously, Cr uptake was observed to be significantly higher in the water-primed control compared to plants primed with EBL. Moreover, Cr uptake was significant in YLY-689 compared to CY-927. In ultra-structure studies, it was observed that EBL priming relieved the rice plants from sub-cellular damage. Conclusively, our research indicated that seed priming with EBL could be adopted as a promising strategy to enhance rice growth by copping the venomous effect of Cr.
Redox Regulation of Lipid Mobilization in Adipose Tissues
Authors: Abou-Rjeileh Ursula , Contreras G. Andres
Published: July 2021

Lipid mobilization in adipose tissues, which includes lipogenesis and lipolysis, is a paramount process in regulating systemic energy metabolism. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) are byproducts of cellular metabolism that exert signaling functions in several cellular processes, including lipolysis and lipogenesis. During lipolysis, the adipose tissue generates ROS and RNS and thus requires a robust antioxidant response to maintain tight regulation of redox signaling. This review will discuss the production of ROS and RNS within the adipose tissue, their role in regulating lipolysis and lipogenesis, and the implications of antioxidants on lipid mobilization.
Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Properties of Bee-Collected Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) Pollen
Authors: Kostić Aleksandar Ž. , Milinčić Danijel D. , Nedić Nebojša , Gašić Uroš M. , Špirović Trifunović Bojana , Vojt Denis , Tešić Živoslav Lj. , Pešić Mirjana B.
Published: July 2021

The current study intended to determine, for the first time, phenolic and fatty acid profile, antioxidant and certain nutritional properties of monofloral bee-collected artichoke (Cynara scolymus) pollen. Based on UHPLC-DAD MS-MS analysis the main phenolics in extractable fraction were different flavonol glycosides (in particular Isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, 49.2 mg/kg of dry weight) while ferulic acid was the predominant phenolic compound (39.4 mg/kg of dry weight) in the alkaline hydrolyzable fraction. Among fatty acids (FAs), results of GC-FID analysis revealed prevalence of unsaturated FAs with cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and oleic acid as the main ones- 28.4% and 24.9%, respectively. Based on the FA composition, nutritional analysis proved that artichoke bee-collected pollen had balanced ω-6 and ω-3 FAs content. To determine the antioxidant properties of pollen, five different assays were applied. It was proved that bioactive compounds in artichoke pollen possessed significant ability to quench DPPH radical as well as ABTS radical cation. In addition, in vitro phosphomolybdenum assay confirmed that artichoke pollen is an excellent source of different antioxidants. Pollen extracts exhibited moderate ferric reducing power as well as low ferrous chelating ability. Some further antioxidant studies (preferably in vivo) should be performed to confirm the observed results.
The Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Sambucus nigra L. and Sambucus nigra Haschberg during Growth Phases: From Buds to Ripening
Authors: Marțiș (Petruț) Georgiana Smaranda , Mureșan Vlad , Marc (Vlaic) Romina Maria , Mureșan Crina Carmen , Pop Carmen Rodica , Buzgău Giorgiana , Mureșan Andruța Elena , Ungur Rodica Ana , Muste Sevastița
Published: July 2021

Elderberry growth phases represent an irreversible process involving a series of biochemical changes that have an extremely important impact on nutritional characteristics. The aim was to assess the impact of genotype and maturity stage on phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and mineral profile in Sambucus plants harvested during different growth phases, from green elder flower buds to purple-black elderberries, including pollen, peduncles and seeds. Growth phases proved to have a greater influence compared to varieties. The green buds and flowers of both varieties had a high concentration of quercetin 3-rutinoside, also termed the key compound of the study. It was found that antioxidant activity varied in the following order: blooming elder flower pollen > white elder flower buds > blooming elder flowers. Based on these findings, several novel food ingredients and supplements could be obtained in order to develop innovative health-promoting products.
Comparative Analysis of the Filling Capacity of Simulated Lateral Canals of Two Bioactive Root Canal Sealers Using Warm Gutta-Percha Technique
Authors: Mena-Álvarez Jesús , Sevrain Juliette Theophanie , Zorita-García Mario , Rico-Romano Cristina
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate ex vivo the sealing achieved at simulated lateral canals (SLC) and the quality of filling according to their position in the root canal after using the same filling technique. SLC were created at three levels in 55 teeth and divided into two groups depending on the root canal sealer used (1: BioRoot® RCS, 2: GuttaFlow® bioseal). They filled them with the continuous wave technique and submitted to a diaphanization technique. The samples were analyzed using a magnifying lens (20×), pictures were taken, which proceeded to linear measurement with the ImageJ® program and used a filling score system with five grades (0 to 4, 0 and 1 not acceptable, 2 to 4 acceptable); BioRoot® RCS has got a greater proportion than GuttaFlow® bioseal for SLC filled acceptably at 10 mm from the apex (p < 0.05). The highest proportion of SLC filled acceptably was found in the middle third (6 mm) (p < 0.05), followed by the apical third (3 mm) and the coronal third (10 mm). The difference between apical and coronal third could be significant; BioRoot® RCS has been better than GuttaFlow® bioseal for filling SLC in the coronal third of the teeth. Studies on the characteristics of these cements are missing to explain these differences.
Modeling Seepage Flow and Spatial Variability of Soil Thermal Conductivity during Artificial Ground Freezing for Tunnel Excavation
Authors: Qiu Pu , Li Peitao , Hu Jun , Liu Yong
Published: July 2021

Artificial ground freezing (AGF) technology has been commonly applied in tunnel construction. Its primary goal is to create a frozen wall around the tunnel profile as a hydraulic barrier and temporary support, but it is inevitably affected by two natural factors. Firstly, seepage flows provide large and continuous heat energy to prevent the soil from freezing. Secondly, as a key soil parameter in heat transfer, the soil thermal conductivity shows inherent spatial variability, binging uncertainties in freezing effects and efficiency. However, few studies have explored the influence of spatially varied soil thermal conductivity on AGF. In this study, a coupled hydro-thermal numerical model was developed to examine the effects of seepage on the formation of frozen wall. The soil thermal conductivity is simulated as a lognormal random field and analyzed by groups of Monte-Carlo simulations. The results confirmed the adverse effect of groundwater flow on the formation of frozen wall, including the uneven development of frozen body towards the downstream side and the higher risk of water leakage on the upstream face of the tunnel. Based on random finite element analysis, this study quantitively tabulated the required additional freezing time above the deterministic scenario. Two levels of the additional freezing time are provided, namely the average level and conservative level, which aim to facilitate practitioners in making a rule-of-thumb estimation in the design of comparable situations. The findings can offer practitioners a rule of thumb for estimating the additional freezing times needed in artificial ground freezing, accounting for the seepage flow and spatial variation in soil thermal conductivity.
Time-Division Color Holographic Projection in Large Size Using a Digital Micromirror Device
Authors: Takahashi Takayuki , Shimobaba Tomoyoshi , Kakue Takashi , Ito Tomoyoshi
Published: July 2021

Holographic projection is a simple projection as it enlarges or reduces reconstructed images without using a zoom lens. However, one major problem associated with this projection is the deterioration of image quality as the reconstructed image enlarges. In this paper, we propose a time-division holographic projection, in which the original image is divided into blocks and the holograms of each block are calculated. Using a digital micromirror device (DMD), the holograms were projected at high speed to obtain the entire reconstructed image. However, the holograms on the DMD need to be binarized, thereby causing uneven brightness between the divided blocks. We correct this by controlling the displaying time of each hologram. Additionally, combining both the proposed and noise reduction methods, the image quality of the reconstructed image was improved. Results from the simulation and optical reconstructions show we obtained a full-color reconstruction image with reduced noise and uneven brightness.
Estimating Contact Force Chains Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Wu Mengmeng , Wang Jianfeng
Published: July 2021

The inhomogeneous distribution of contact force chains (CFC) in quasi-statically sheared granular materials dominates their bulk mechanical properties. Although previous micromechanical investigations have gained significant insights into the statistical and spatial distribution of CFC, they still lack the capacity to quantitatively estimate CFC evolution in a sheared granular system. In this paper, an artificial neural network (ANN) based on discrete element method (DEM) simulation data is developed and applied to predict the anisotropy of CFC in an assembly of spherical grains undergoing a biaxial test. Five particle-scale features including particle size, coordination number, x- and y-velocity (i.e., x and y-components of the particle velocity), and spin, which all contain predictive information about the CFC, are used to establish the ANN. The results of the model prediction show that the combined features of particle size and coordination number have a dominating influence on the CFC’s estimation. An excellent model performance manifested in a close match between the rose diagrams of the CFC from the ANN predictions and DEM simulations is obtained with a mean accuracy of about 0.85. This study has shown that machine learning is a promising tool for studying the complex mechanical behaviors of granular materials.
Methane Emissions Regulated by Microbial Community Response to the Addition of Monensin and Fumarate in Different Substrates
Authors: Xue Dan , Chen Huai , Luo Xiaolin
Published: July 2021

Ruminants contribute significantly to global methane (CH4) emissions. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effects of monensin sodium salt (MSS) and disodium fumarate (DF) on CH4 production, rumen fermentation, and microbial community, with different substrates. The addition of MSS and DF, alone and in combination, significantly reduced the concentration and production of CH4 (p < 0.05), and while with vinasse as substrate, the CH4 production was higher for forage. The highest propionate production and lowest acetate and propionic ratio (A:P) values were all observed in cultures added to the combination of 14 mmol/L DF and 80 mg/kg MSS in both substrates, suggesting that these additives improved the rumen fermentation efficiency. The diversity indexes of prokaryotic microbiota with forage as the substrate were significantly higher than vinasse, and there were different effects on diversity indexes with the addition of MSS and DF depending on the incubated substrate. Supplementation with MSS and DF increased the number of starch degradation and fumarate reducing bacteria, decreased the number of methanogens, but had no significant effect on the number of fibrolytic bacteria. pH, NH3-N, and rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA) were the main factors influencing prokaryotic community structure. In conclusion, basal substrates (forage and vinasse) and CH4 mitigation additives (MSS and DF) have interactions on the in vitro rumen fermentation and microbial composition.
Toward Sustainable Engineering Structures for Better Safety in Built-Environment
Authors: Lee Deuckhang , Jung Donghyuk , Kim Sanghee
Published: July 2021

The concept of safe design in architectural and civil engineering is of importance to protect humanity considering our economic, environment and sociality to maintain and improve its quality of life without degrading the quantity and quality [...]
Modified GSC Method to Reduce the Distortion of the Enhanced Speech Signal Using Cross-Correlation and Sidelobe Neutralization
Authors: Su Hang , Lee Chang-Myung
Published: July 2021

The generalized sidelobe canceller (GSC) method is a common algorithm to enhance audio signals using a microphone array. Distortion of the enhanced audio signal consists of two parts: the residual acoustic noise and the distortion of the desired audio signal, which means that the desired audio signal is damaged. This paper proposes a modified GSC method to reduce both kinds of distortion when the desired audio signal is a non-stationary speech signal. First, the cross-correlation coefficient between the canceling signal and the error signal of the least mean square (LMS) algorithm was added to the adaptive process of the GSC method to reduce the distortion of the enhanced signal while the energy of the desired signal frame was increased suddenly. The sidelobe pattern of beamforming was then presented to estimate the noise signal in the beamforming output signal of the GSC method. The noise component of the beamforming output signal was decreased by subtracting the estimated noise signal to improve the denoising performance of the GSC method. Finally, the GSC-SN-MCC method was proposed by merging the above two methods. The experiment was performed in an anechoic chamber to validate the proposed method in various SNR conditions. Furthermore, the simulated calculation with inaccurate noise directions was conducted based on the experiment data to inspect the robustness of the proposed method to the error of the estimated noise direction. The experiment data and calculation results indicated that the proposed method could reduce the distortion effectively under various SNR conditions and would not cause more distortion if the estimated noise direction is far from the actual noise direction.
Hybrid ZnO/MoS2 Core/Sheath Heterostructures for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Govatsi Katerina , Antonelou Aspasia , Sygellou Labrini , Neophytides Stylianos G. , Yannopoulos Spyros N.
Published: July 2021

The rational synthesis of semiconducting materials with enhanced photoelectrocatalytic efficiency under visible light illumination is a long-standing issue. ZnO has been systematically explored in this field, as it offers the feasibility to grow a wide range of nanocrystal morphology; however, its wide band gap precludes visible light absorption. We report on a novel method for the controlled growth of semiconductor heterostructures and, in particular, core/sheath ZnO/MoS2 nanowire arrays and the evaluation of their photoelectrochemical efficiency in oxygen evolution reaction. ZnO nanowire arrays, with a narrow distribution of nanowire diameters, were grown on FTO substrates by chemical bath deposition. Layers of Mo metal at various thicknesses were sputtered on the nanowire surface, and the Mo layers were sulfurized at low temperature, providing in a controlled way few layers of MoS2, in the range from one to three monolayers. The heterostructures were characterized by electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) and spectroscopy (XPS, Raman, PL). The photoelectrochemical properties of the heterostructures were found to depend on the thickness of the pre-deposited Mo film, exhibiting maximum efficiency for moderate values of Mo film thickness. Long-term stability, in relation to similar heterostructures in the literature, has been observed.
The Relationship between Tree-Ring Growths of Pinus densiflora and Climate from Three Mountains in Central Region, the Republic of Korea
Authors: Park Chang-Hyun , Lee Ui-Cheon , Kim Soo-Chul , Lee Kwang-Hee
Published: July 2021

To analyze the relationship between climatic factors (monthly mean temperature and total precipitation) and tree-ring growths of Pinus densiflora from the central region of the Republic of Korea, more than 20 trees were sampled from three national parks. The tree-ring chronology of Mt. Bukhan covering the period of 1917–2016 was assessed, as well as that of Mt. Seorak across 1687–2017 and Mt. Worak across 1777–2017. After cross-dating, each ring-width series was double-standardized by first fitting a logarithmic curve and then a 50 year cubic spline. Climate-growth relationships were computed with bootstrap correlation functions. The result of the analysis showed a positive response from the current March temperature and May precipitations for tree-ring growth of Pinus densiflora. It indicates that a higher temperature supply during early spring season and precipitation during cambium activity are important for radial growths of Pinus densiflora from the central region in the Republic of Korea.
The Challenge of Indoor Air Quality Management: A Case Study in the Hospitality Industry at the Time of the Pandemic
Authors: Zanni Sara , Motta Gabriella , Mura Matteo , Longo Mariolina , Caiulo Davide
Published: July 2021

Air quality management represents a reason for concern in indoor environments, especially now that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown how microbial aerosols pose a threat to human health, requiring proper monitoring. This is particularly true in public and working environments, where the turnover of occupants is high. The hospitality sector, in particular, has been severely affected by limitations related to emergency containment, and it needs to redefine its operations in the perspective of a “new normal” in the post-COVID-19 era. Considering the necessity to provide consistent information about indoor air quality, promote adequate management and increase safety, we developed a case study in cooperation with a major hotel in Turin. A sensing network has been implemented based on corporate-grade monitoring devices, compliant with the RESET standards, recently proposed and applied here to the hospitality sector for the first time. The network is able to detect the concentration of gaseous contaminants and fine particulate matter in semi-continuous mode. The study involved areas of the hotel with different purposes, such as guestrooms, hall, kitchen, restaurant and fitness center. Several valuable insights emerged in support of air quality management and pathways for future research can be outlined, based on the innovative dataset developed.
Forecasting Particulate Pollution in an Urban Area: From Copernicus to Sub-Km Scale
Authors: Pappa Areti , Kioutsioukis Ioannis
Published: July 2021

Particulate air pollution has aggravated cardiovascular and lung diseases. Accurate and constant air quality forecasting on a local scale facilitates the control of air pollution and the design of effective strategies to limit air pollutant emissions. CAMS provides 4-day-ahead regional (EU) forecasts in a 10 km spatial resolution, adding value to the Copernicus EO and delivering open-access consistent air quality forecasts. In this work, we evaluate the CAMS PM forecasts at a local scale against in-situ measurements, spanning 2 years, obtained from a network of stations located in an urban coastal Mediterranean city in Greece. Moreover, we investigate the potential of modelling techniques to accurately forecast the spatiotemporal pattern of particulate pollution using only open data from CAMS and calibrated low-cost sensors. Specifically, we compare the performance of the Analog Ensemble (AnEn) technique and the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network in forecasting PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations for the next four days, at 6 h increments, at a station level. The results show an underestimation of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by a factor of 2 in CAMS forecasts during winter, indicating a misrepresentation of anthropogenic particulate emissions such as wood-burning, while overestimation is evident for the other seasons. Both AnEn and LSTM models provide bias-calibrated forecasts and capture adequately the spatial and temporal variations of the ground-level observations reducing the RMSE of CAMS by roughly 50% for PM2.5 and 60% for PM10. AnEn marginally outperforms the LSTM using annual verification statistics. The most profound difference in the predictive skill of the models occurs in winter, when PM is elevated, where AnEn is significantly more efficient. Moreover, the predictive skill of AnEn degrades more slowly as the forecast interval increases. Both AnEn and LSTM techniques are proven to be reliable tools for air pollution forecasting, and they could be used in other regions with small modifications.
How Much Building Renewable Energy Is Enough? The Vertical City Weather Generator (VCWG v1.4.4)
Authors: Aliabadi Amir A. , Moradi Mohsen , McLeod Rachel M. , Calder David , Dernovsek Robert
Published: July 2021

A challenge in the integration of renewable and alternative energy systems for buildings is the determination of the renewable energy ratio, which involves the selection and sizing of appropriate building systems. To address this need, a micro climate-weather software titled the Vertical City Weather Generator (VCWG) is further developed to include renewable and alternative energy systems and account for full two-way interaction between the building system and outdoor environment. VCWG is forced to simulate performance of a residential building in Guelph, Canada, for an entire year in 2015. Various energy options are considered and further optimized for the building to reduce natural gas consumption, electricity consumption, and cost. On an annual basis using the global cost method, and compared to a building with no such renewable or alternative energy systems, the optimized system resulted in 80.3% savings in natural gas consumption, 73.4% savings in electricity consumption, and 3% savings is annualized cost. According to this analysis, some technologies, such as photovoltaics are more favorable in the Canadian climate than other technologies. It is suggested that the building optimization process is not unique, and it depends on background climate, optimization weighing factors, and assumptions used in the economic analysis, which require further research.
Bioprocessing of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells: From Planar Culture to Microcarrier-Based Bioreactors
Authors: Tsai Ang-Chen , Pacak Christina A.
Published: July 2021

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have demonstrated great potential to be used as therapies for many types of diseases. Due to their immunoprivileged status, allogeneic hMSCs therapies are particularly attractive options and methodologies to improve their scaling and manufacturing are needed. Microcarrier-based bioreactor systems provide higher volumetric hMSC production in automated closed systems than conventional planar cultures. However, more sophisticated bioprocesses are necessary to successfully convert from planar culture to microcarriers. This article summarizes key steps involved in the planar culture to microcarrier hMSC manufacturing scheme, from seed train, inoculation, expansion and harvest. Important bioreactor parameters, such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), mixing, feeding strategies and cell counting techniques, are also discussed.
Involvement of Probiotics and Postbiotics in the Immune System Modulation
Authors: Yeşilyurt Neslihan , Yılmaz Birsen , Ağagündüz Duygu , Capasso Raffaele
Published: July 2021

Intestinal microbiota interacts with other systems, especially the immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body by recognizing “stranger” (pathogen associated molecular patterns-PAMPs) and “danger” (damage-associated molecular patterns-DAMPs) molecular motifs. In this manner, it plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various diseases and health. Despite the use of probiotics that modulate the intestinal microbiota in providing health benefits and in the treatment of diseases, there are some possible concerns about the possibility of developing adverse effects, especially in people with suppressed immune systems. Since probiotics provide health benefits with bioactive compounds, studies are carried out on the use of products containing non-living probiotic microorganisms (paraprobiotics) and/or their metabolites (postbiotics) instead of probiotic products. It is even reported that these microbial compounds have more immunomodulatory activities than living microorganisms via some possible mechanism and eliminates some disadvantages of probiotics. Considering the increasing use of functional foods in health and disease, further studies are needed with respect to the benefits and advantages of parabiotic and/or postbiotic use in the food and pharmaceutical industry as well as immune system modulation. Although probiotics have been extensive studied for a long time, it seems that postbiotics are promising tools for future research and applications according to the recent literature. This review aimed to evaluate the interaction of probiotics and postbiotics with the immune systems and also their advantages and disadvantages in the area of food-pharmaceutical industry and immune system modulation.
Crystal Structure Reveals the Full Ras–Raf Interface and Advances Mechanistic Understanding of Raf Activation
Authors: Cookis Trinity , Mattos Carla
Published: July 2021

Ras and Raf-kinase interact through the Ras-binding (RBD) and cysteine-rich domains (CRD) of Raf to signal through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, yet the molecular mechanism leading to Raf activation has remained elusive. We present the 2.8 Å crystal structure of the HRas–CRaf-RBD_CRD complex showing the Ras–Raf interface as a continuous surface on Ras, as seen in the KRas–CRaf-RBD_CRD structure. In molecular dynamics simulations of a Ras dimer model formed through the α4–α5 interface, the CRD is dynamic and located between the two Ras protomers, poised for direct or allosteric modulation of functionally relevant regions of Ras and Raf. We propose a molecular model in which Ras binding is involved in the release of Raf autoinhibition while the Ras–Raf complex dimerizes to promote a platform for signal amplification, with Raf-CRD centrally located to impact regulation and function.
Function of Dental Follicle Progenitor/Stem Cells and Their Potential in Regenerative Medicine: From Mechanisms to Applications
Authors: Bi Ruiye , Lyu Ping , Song Yiming , Li Peiran , Song Dongzhe , Cui Chen , Fan Yi
Published: July 2021

Dental follicle progenitor/stem cells (DFPCs) are a group of dental mesenchyme stem cells that lie in the dental follicle and play a critical role in tooth development and maintaining function. Originating from neural crest, DFPCs harbor a multipotential differentiation capacity. More importantly, they have superiorities, including the easy accessibility and abundant sources, active self-renewal ability and noncontroversial sources compared with other stem cells, making them an attractive candidate in the field of tissue engineering. Recent advances highlight the excellent properties of DFPCs in regeneration of orofacial tissues, including alveolar bone repair, periodontium regeneration and bio-root complex formation. Furthermore, they play a unique role in maintaining a favorable microenvironment for stem cells, immunomodulation and nervous related tissue regeneration. This review is intended to summarize the current knowledge of DFPCs, including their stem cell properties, physiological functions and clinical application potential. A deep understanding of DFPCs can thus inspire novel perspectives in regenerative medicine in the future.
Parkinson’s Disease Motor Symptom Progression Slowed with Multisensory Dance Learning over 3-Years: A Preliminary Longitudinal Investigation
Authors: Bearss Karolina A. , DeSouza Joseph F. X.
Published: July 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that has a fast progression of motor dysfunction within the first 5 years of diagnosis, showing an annual motor rate of decline of the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) between 5.2 and 8.9 points. We aimed to determine both motor and non-motor PD symptom progression while participating in dance classes once per week over a period of three years. Longitudinal data was assessed for a total of 32 people with PD using MDS-UPDRS scores. Daily motor rate of decline was zero (slope = 0.000146) in PD-Dancers, indicating no motor impairment, whereas the PD-Reference group showed the expected motor decline across three years (p < 0.01). Similarly, non-motor aspects of daily living, motor experiences of daily living, and motor complications showed no significant decline. A significant group (PD-Dancers and PD-Reference) by days interaction showed that PD who train once per week have less motor impairment (M = 18.75) than PD-References who do not train (M = 24.61) over time (p < 0.05). Training is effective at slowing both motor and non-motor PD symptoms over three years as shown in decreased scores of the MDS-UPDRS.
Mapping of Motor Function with Neuronavigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Review on Clinical Application in Brain Tumors and Methods for Ensuring Feasible Accuracy
Authors: Sollmann Nico , Krieg Sandro M. , Säisänen Laura , Julkunen Petro
Published: July 2021

Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) has developed into a reliable non-invasive clinical and scientific tool over the past decade. Specifically, it has undergone several validating clinical trials that demonstrated high agreement with intraoperative direct electrical stimulation (DES), which paved the way for increasing application for the purpose of motor mapping in patients harboring motor-eloquent intracranial neoplasms. Based on this clinical use case of the technique, in this article we review the evidence for the feasibility of motor mapping and derived models (risk stratification and prediction, nTMS-based fiber tracking, improvement of clinical outcome, and assessment of functional plasticity), and provide collected sets of evidence for the applicability of quantitative mapping with nTMS. In addition, we provide evidence-based demonstrations on factors that ensure methodological feasibility and accuracy of the motor mapping procedure. We demonstrate that selection of the stimulation intensity (SI) for nTMS and spatial density of stimuli are crucial factors for applying motor mapping accurately, while also demonstrating the effect on the motor maps. We conclude that while the application of nTMS motor mapping has been impressively spread over the past decade, there are still variations in the applied protocols and parameters, which could be optimized for the purpose of reliable quantitative mapping.
Comments on the XPS Analysis of Carbon Materials
Authors: Morgan David J.
Published: July 2021

The surface chemistry of carbon materials is predominantly explored using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). However, many published papers have critical failures in the published analysis, stemming from an ill-informed approach to analyzing the spectroscopic data. Herein, a discussion on lineshapes and changes in the spectral envelope of predominantly graphitic materials are explored, together with the use of the D-parameter, to ascertain graphitic content, using this information to highlight a simple and logical approach to strengthen confidence in the functionalization derived from the carbon core-level spectra.
AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 as Prognostic Biomarkers of Endometrioid Endometrial Carcinomas
Authors: Hojnik Marko , Frković Grazio Snježana , Verdenik Ivan , Rižner Tea Lanišnik
Published: July 2021

The roles of aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B1 (AKR1B1) and B10 (AKR1B10) in the pathogenesis of many cancers have been widely reported but only briefly studied in endometrial cancer. To clarify the potential of AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 as tissue biomarkers of endometrial cancer, we evaluated the immunohistochemical levels of AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 in tissue paraffin sections from 101 well-characterized patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer and 12 patients with serous endometrial cancer and compared them with the clinicopathological data. Significantly higher immunohistochemical levels of AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 were found in adjacent non-neoplastic endometrial tissue compared to endometrioid endometrial cancer. A trend for better survival was observed in patients with higher immunohistochemical AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 levels. However, no statistically significant differences in overall survival or disease-free survival were observed when AKR1B1 or AKR1B10 were examined individually in endometrioid endometrial cancer. However, analysis of AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 together revealed significantly better overall and disease-free survival in patients with both AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 staining above the median values compared to all other patients. Multivariant Cox analysis identified strong AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 staining as a statistically important survival prediction factor. Conversely, no significant differences were found in serous endometrial cancer. Our results suggest that AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 play protective roles in endometrioid endometrial cancer and show potential as prognostic biomarkers.
Nuclear HKII–P-p53 (Ser15) Interaction is a Prognostic Biomarker for Chemoresponsiveness and Glycolytic Regulation in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Han Chae , Patten David , Kim Se , Lim Jung , Chan David , Siu Michelle , Han Youngjin , Carmona Euridice , Parks Robin , Lee Cheol , Di Li-Jun , Lu Zhen , Chan Karen , Ku Ja-Lok , Macdonald Elizabeth , Vanderhyden Barbara , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie , Ngan Hextan , Cheung Annie , Song Yong , Bast Robert , Harper Mary-Ellen , Tsang Benjamin
Published: July 2021

In epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), carboplatin/cisplatin-induced chemoresistance is a major hurdle to successful treatment. Aerobic glycolysis is a common characteristic of cancer. However, the role of glycolytic metabolism in chemoresistance and its impact on clinical outcomes in EOC are not clear. Here, we show a functional interaction between the key glycolytic enzyme hexokinase II (HKII) and activated P-p53 (Ser15) in the regulation of bioenergetics and chemosensitivity. Using translational approaches with proximity ligation assessment in cancer cells and human EOC tumor sections, we showed that nuclear HKII–P-p53 (Ser15) interaction is increased after chemotherapy, and functions as a determinant of chemoresponsiveness as a prognostic biomarker. We also demonstrated that p53 is required for the intracellular nuclear HKII trafficking in the control of glycolysis in EOC, associated with chemosensitivity. Mechanistically, cisplatin-induced P-p53 (Ser15) recruits HKII and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) in chemosensitive EOC cells, enabling their translocation from the mitochondria to the nucleus, eliciting AIF-induced apoptosis. Conversely, in p53-defective chemoresistant EOC cells, HKII and AIF are strongly bound in the mitochondria and, therefore, apoptosis is suppressed. Collectively, our findings implicate nuclear HKII–P-p53(Ser15) interaction in chemosensitivity and could provide an effective clinical strategy as a promising biomarker during platinum-based therapy.
Methyltransferases in the Pathogenesis of Keratinocyte Cancers
Authors: Ko Eun Kyung , Capell Brian C.
Published: July 2021

Recent evidence suggests that the disruption of gene expression by alterations in DNA, RNA, and histone methylation may be critical contributors to the pathogenesis of keratinocyte cancers (KCs), made up of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), which collectively outnumber all other human cancers combined. While it is clear that methylation modifiers are frequently dysregulated in KCs, the underlying molecular and mechanistic changes are only beginning to be understood. Intriguingly, it has recently emerged that there is extensive cross-talk amongst these distinct methylation processes. Here, we summarize and synthesize the latest findings in this space and highlight how these discoveries may uncover novel therapeutic approaches for these ubiquitous cancers.
Suppressive Effect and Molecular Mechanism of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Extract against Prostate Carcinogenesis and Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Subhawa Subhawat , Naiki-Ito Aya , Kato Hiroyuki , Naiki Taku , Komura Masayuki , Nagano-Matsuo Aya , Yeewa Ranchana , Inaguma Shingo , Chewonarin Teera , Banjerdpongchai Ratana , Takahashi Satoru
Published: July 2021

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HCT) is a well-known Asian medicinal plant with biological activities used in the treatment of many diseases including cancer. This study investigated the effects of HCT extract and its ethyl acetate fraction (EA) on prostate carcinogenesis and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). HCT and EA induced apoptosis in androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells (LNCaP) and CRPC cells (PCai1) through activation of caspases, down-regulation of androgen receptor, and inactivation of AKT/ERK/MAPK signaling. Rutin was found to be a major component in HCT (44.00 ± 5.61 mg/g) and EA (81.34 ± 5.21 mg/g) in a previous study. Rutin had similar effects to HCT/EA on LNCaP cells and was considered to be one of the active compounds. Moreover, HCT/EA inhibited cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotypes via STAT3/Snail/Twist pathways in LNCaP cells. The consumption of 1% HCT-mixed diet significantly decreased the incidence of adenocarcinoma in the lateral prostate lobe of the Transgenic rat for adenocarcinoma of prostate model. Similarly, tumor growth of PCai1 xenografts was significantly suppressed by 1% HCT treatment. HCT also induced caspase-dependent apoptosis via AKT inactivation in both in vivo models. Together, the results of in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that HCT has inhibitory effects against prostate carcinogenesis and CRPC. This plant therefore should receive more attention as a source for the future development of non-toxic chemopreventive agents against various cancers.
Therapeutic Cancer Vaccination with Immunopeptidomics-Discovered Antigens Confers Protective Antitumor Efficacy
Authors: Peltonen Karita , Feola Sara , Umer Husen M. , Chiaro Jacopo , Mermelekas Georgios , Ylösmäki Erkko , Pesonen Sari , Branca Rui M. M. , Lehtiö Janne , Cerullo Vincenzo
Published: July 2021

Knowledge of clinically targetable tumor antigens is becoming vital for broader design and utility of therapeutic cancer vaccines. This information is obtained reliably by directly interrogating the MHC-I presented peptide ligands, the immunopeptidome, with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry. Our manuscript describes direct identification of novel tumor antigens for an aggressive triple-negative breast cancer model. Immunopeptidome profiling revealed 2481 unique antigens, among them a novel ERV antigen originating from an endogenous retrovirus element. The clinical benefit and tumor control potential of the identified tumor antigens and ERV antigen were studied in a preclinical model using two vaccine platforms and therapeutic settings. Prominent control of established tumors was achieved using an oncolytic adenovirus platform designed for flexible and specific tumor targeting, namely PeptiCRAd. Our study presents a pipeline integrating immunopeptidome analysis-driven antigen discovery with a therapeutic cancer vaccine platform for improved personalized oncolytic immunotherapy.
Expediting Disulfiram Assays through a Systematic Analytical Quality by Design Approach
Authors: Basso João , Ramos Maria Luísa , Pais Alberto , Vitorino Rui , Fortuna Ana , Vitorino Carla
Published: July 2021

An Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) approach is presented, aiming at the development and validation of an HPLC method for the quantification of disulfiram and copper diethyldithiocarbamate in lipid nanoparticles. Following the definition of the analytical target profile (ATP), encompassing the critical analytical attributes (CAA), a two-level risk assessment strategy (Ishikawa diagram—failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA)) was employed to identify the critical method parameters (CMPs) with an extensive impact on method performance. The behavior of the CMPs (flow rate and mobile phase composition) was further characterized by experimental design, resorting to a face-centered central composite design (FcCCD). Statistical modeling, response surface analysis, and Monte Carlo simulations led to the definition of the Method Operable Design Region (MODR), associated with a negligible risk of failing the predefined CAA specifications. The optimal method was validated according to international regulatory recommendations. Apart from guaranteeing linearity, accuracy, precision, specificity, robustness, and stability, these conditions were found to be suitable for analysis using a different HPLC column and equipment. In a nutshell, the development and optimization strategies, under the comprehensive framework of AQbD, provided an effective, simple, rapid, reliable, and flexible method for routine analysis of the compounds in research or industrial environments.
Introducing Less-Invasive Surfactant Administration into a Level IV NICU: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Conlon Steven M. , Osborne Allison , Bodie Julie , Marasch Jaime , Ryan Rita M. , Glenn Tara
Published: July 2021

Less-invasive surfactant administration (LISA), a newer technique of delivering surfactant via a thin catheter, avoids mechanical ventilation. LISA has been widely adopted in Europe but less so in the US. Our goal was to increase the percentage of surfactant delivered via LISA from 0% to 51% by 12/2020. Project planning and literature review started 12/2019, and included a standardized equipment kit and simulation training sessions. We began Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycles in 6/2020. Initial exclusions for LISA were gestational age (GA) <28 weeks (w) or ≥36 w, intubation in the delivery room, or PCO2 >70 if known; GA exclusion is now <25 w. From 6 to 12/2020, 97 patients received surfactant, 35 (36%) via LISA. When non-LISA-eligible patients were excluded, 35/42 (83%) received LISA successfully. There were only 2/37 patients for whom LISA was not able to be performed. Three LISA infants required mechanical ventilation in the first week of life. Sedation remained an initial challenge but improved when sucrose was used routinely. LISA was safely and successfully introduced in our NICU.
Evaluating the Effect of 3′-UTR Variants in DICER1 and DROSHA on Their Tissue-Specific Expression by miRNA Target Prediction
Authors: Bug Dmitrii S. , Tishkov Artem V. , Moiseev Ivan S. , Petukhova Natalia V.
Published: July 2021

Untranslated gene regions (UTRs) play an important role in controlling gene expression. 3′-UTRs are primarily targeted by microRNA (miRNA) molecules that form complex gene regulatory networks. Cancer genomes are replete with non-coding mutations, many of which are connected to changes in tumor gene expression that accompany the development of cancer and are associated with resistance to therapy. Therefore, variants that occurred in 3′-UTR under cancer progression should be analysed to predict their phenotypic effect on gene expression, e.g., by evaluating their impact on miRNA target sites. Here, we analyze 3′-UTR variants in DICER1 and DROSHA genes in the context of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) development. The key features of this analysis include an assessment of both “canonical” and “non-canonical” types of mRNA-miRNA binding and tissue-specific profiling of miRNA interactions with wild-type and mutated genes. As a result, we obtained a list of DICER1 and DROSHA variants likely altering the miRNA sites and, therefore, potentially leading to the observed tissue-specific gene downregulation. All identified variants have low population frequency consistent with their potential association with pathology progression.
Optical Isomerization and Photo-Patternable Properties of GeO2/Ormosils Organic-Inorganic Composite Films Doped with Azobenzene
Authors: Zhang Xuehua , Wang Qian , Liu Shun , Zhang Wei , Hu Fangren , Wang Yongjin
Published: July 2021

GeO2/organically modified silane (ormosils) organic-inorganic composite films containing azobenzene were prepared by combining sol-gel technology and spin coating method. Optical waveguide properties including the refractive index and thickness of the composite films were characterized by using a prism coupling instrument. Surface morphology and photochemical properties of the composite films were investigated by atomic force microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Results indicate that the composite films have smooth and neat surface, and excellent optical waveguide performance. Photo-isomerization properties of the composite films were studied by using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer. Optical switching performance of the composite films was also studied under the alternating exposure of 365 nm ultraviolet light and 410 nm visible light. Finally, strip waveguides and microlens arrays were built in the composite films through a UV soft imprint technique. Based on the above results, we believe that the prepared composite films are promising candidates for micro-nano optics and photonic applications, which would allow directly integrating the optical data storage and optical switching devices onto a single chip.