bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Properties against Human Pathogens of Medicinal Plants from New Zealand
Authors: Safian Syahidi , Majid Hafiz , Swift Simon , Silva Filipa V. M.
Published: May 2022

The emergence of resistant microorganisms towards standard antibiotics has stimulated an on-going exploration for new sources of antimicrobials. The microbial susceptibility of extracts produced from leaf, bark, or rhizome parts of nine different New Zealand bushes was investigated using liquid broth dilution and agar plating techniques. Minimum inhibitory (MIC) and lethal concentrations (MLC) were expressed in micrograms of dry extract per milliliters of solution. The lowest MIC of 62.5 μg/mL was determined for methanol extract of Kunzea ericoides against Bacillus cereus and Candida albicans, and ethyl acetate extract of Pseudowintera colorata against Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, K. ericoides also presented the lowest MLC of 250 μg/mL against S. aureus and B. cereus (methanol extract), and against S. aureus (ethyl acetate extract). The methanol extract of Weinmannia racemosa was lethal to B. cereus (MLC = 250 µg/mL). Some of the extracts of Phormium tenax, Schefflera digitata, and Pomaderris kumeraho were antimicrobial against S. aureus and B. cereus (MIC = 500 µg/mL). The extracts of Geniostoma ligustrifolium and Melicytus ramiflorus plants did not exhibit antimicrobial activity.
The Hot Topics, Frontiers and Trends about Research on the Relationship between Air Pollution and Public Health—Visual Analysis Based on Knowledge Map
Authors: Gao Yu , You Shibing , Xu Yiping , Wang Na
Published: May 2022

It is of great practical significance to analyze the hot issues, research frontiers, and trends concerning the relationship between air pollution and public health and to adopt reasonable strategies to control air pollution and prevent health hazards for follow-up research in this field. Unlike traditional literature reviews, this paper adopts a visual, flexible, and scientifically systematic approach to the analysis, which makes these analysis results more intuitive and comprehensive. Based on the core collection of the Web of Science and CNKI databases, this paper uses CiteSpace software to draw and comment on the maps of Chinese and English keywords, publishing time, author, country, and research institutions in this field. The results show the following: (1) The number of studies on the relationship between air pollution and health has increased year by year; researchers have formed sub cooperation networks, and the trend of cooperation and exchange has become more and more obvious in recent years; the impact of air pollution on health is a hot topic in the world. (2) Research hot topics mainly focus on the selection of air pollutants, health economic consequences of air pollution and the global burden of disease it causes, health indicators, research samples, which are gradually being refined, the synergistic governance of air pollution, and climate change. (3) The analysis of research frontiers and trends reveals that, first, the study of air pollutants in the English literature has undergone a refinement from nitrogen dioxide to fine particulate matter, and the sources of air pollutants in the Chinese literature have undergone changes in the petrochemical industry, indoor formaldehyde pollution, and haze. Second, atmospheric pollution has a significant negative impact on health, increasing the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and even causing death. Third, sustained exposure to pollution then causes greater damage to health and will be a key direction for future research. Fourth, the literature not only studies the correlation but also emphasizes the causal inference between air pollution and health and measures the economic costs associated with health. Finally, air pollution and climate change need to be governed synergistically. The article points out that the three areas of sustained pollution exposure, indirect consequences of negative health effects of air pollution, and air pollution and climate change may be the future focus of the field.
A GIS-MCDM Method for Ranking Potential Station Locations in the Expansion of Bike-Sharing Systems
Authors: Bahadori Mohammad Sadegh , Gonçalves Alexandre B. , Moura Filipe
Published: May 2022

Bicycle-sharing systems (BSSs) are an effective solution to reduce private car usage in most cities and are an influential factor in encouraging citizens to shift to more sustainable transport modes. In this sense, the location of BSS stations has a critical impact on the system’s efficiency. This study proposed an integrated geographic information system–multi-criteria decision-making (GIS-MCDM) framework that includes the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS), and spatial data processing in GIS to determine a ranking of potential locations for BSS stations. The results of the proposed GIS-MCDM method can be used for both planning a new BSS or expanding one that is currently under operation. The framework was applied to a case study for expanding GIRA, the BSS of Lisbon, Portugal. In it, location criteria were selected in four categories, including criteria from the literature and extracted from available transaction data; in addition, we also suggested some criteria. The rebalancing operator’s staff were the decision makers in this study via their responses to the AHP questionnaire. The rebalancing staff believed that the main criterion of “city infrastructure” with the two sub-criteria of “population density” and “slope” were the most important. Furthermore, the proximity to the “bike network” with the sub-criterion of “proximity to the current bike stations” had less importance. Each criterion’s weight and inconsistency rate were obtained using the Expert Choice software. The geographic values of each criterion were created utilizing the ArcGIS software, and its network analyst module was employed for applying location techniques. Based on the created suitability map, the city’s center was the main suitable area for establishing new stations. Forty-five new bike stations were identified in those areas and ranked using the TOPSIS technique.
Consistent Site-Specific Foraging Behaviours of Yellow-eyed Penguins/Hoiho Breeding on Stewart Island, New Zealand
Authors: Elley Thor , Mattern Thomas , Ellenberg Ursula , Young Melanie J. , Hickcox Rachel P. , van Heezik Yolanda , Seddon Philip J.
Published: May 2022

The endangered yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho (Megadyptes antipodes) predominantly forages benthically within its mainland range and shows high foraging site fidelity. Identifying consistencies in foraging locations can allow effective conservation, especially when managing bycatch risk. This study investigated the at-sea distribution of penguins breeding on Stewart Island to explore site-specific foraging strategies and inform fisheries management. During the 2020/21 season, 19 adult breeding yellow-eyed penguins from Port Pegasus, Paterson Inlet, and Codfish Island were fitted with GPS-TDR dive loggers to track their movements and diving behaviours. A total of 25,696 dives were recorded across 91 foraging trips. Birds from Port Pegasus reached significantly greater depths, spent longer at the seafloor, and performed longer dives. They also had the smallest foraging distribution, with most activity concentrated inshore. Compared to Port Pegasus, foraging radii and trip lengths were twice as large for Paterson Inlet and four times larger at Codfish Island. Despite differences in available foraging habitat, considerable individual and intra-site consistency for preferred foraging locations was observed. Localised behaviour and inter-site differences in dive metrics suggest significant plasticity in foraging ecology across their mainland range; however, individual behaviour and preferred foraging locations were extremely predictable. Thus, risk of mortality from fisheries can be quantified and managed accordingly.
CASP1 Gene Polymorphisms and BAT1-NFKBIL-LTA-CASP1 Gene–Gene Interactions Are Associated with Restenosis after Coronary Stenting
Authors: Vargas-Alarcón Gilberto , Ramírez-Bello Julian , Peña-Duque Marco Antonio , Martínez-Ríos Marco Antonio , Delgadillo-Rodríguez Hilda , Fragoso José Manuel
Published: May 2022

In the present study, we evaluated the association of the BAT1, NFKBIL, LTA, and CASP1 single nucleotide polymorphisms and the gene–gene interactions with risk of developing restenosis after coronary stenting. The allele and genotype determination of the polymorphisms (BAT1 rs2239527 C/G, NFKBIL1 rs2071592 T/A, LTA rs1800683 G/A, CASP1 rs501192 A/G, and CASP1 rs580253 A/G) were performed by 5’exonuclease TaqMan assays in 219 patients: 66 patients with restenosis and 153 without restenosis. The distribution of rs2239527 C/G, rs2071592 T/A, and rs1800683 G/A polymorphisms was similar in patients with and without restenosis. Nonetheless, under recessive (OR = 2.73, pCRes = 0.031) and additive models (OR = 1.65, pCAdd = 0.039), the AA genotype of the rs501192 A/G polymorphism increased the restenosis risk. Under co-dominant, dominant, recessive, and additive models, the AA genotype of the rs580253 A/G was associated with a high restenosis risk (OR = 5.38, pCCo-Dom = 0.003; OR = 2.12, pCDom = 0.031; OR = 4.32, pCRes = 0.001; and OR = 2.16, 95%CI: 1.33–3.52, pCAdd = 0.001, respectively). In addition, we identified an interaction associated with restenosis susceptibility: BAT1-NFKBIL1-LTA-CASP1 (OR = 9.92, p < 0.001). In summary, our findings demonstrate that the rs501192 A/G and rs580253 A/G polymorphisms, as well as the gene–gene interactions between BAT1-NFKBIL1-LTA-CASP1, are associated with an increased restenosis risk after coronary stenting.
Stretch Causes Cell Stress and the Downregulation of Nrf2 in Primary Amnion Cells
Authors: Padron Justin Gary , Norman Ing Nainoa D. , Ng Po’okela K. , Kendal-Wright Claire E.
Published: May 2022

Nuclear-factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key transcription factor for the regulation of cellular responses to cellular stress and inflammation, and its expression is significantly lower after spontaneous term labor in human fetal membranes. Pathological induction of inflammation can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, preterm labor, and fetal death. As stretch forces are known to act upon the fetal membranes in utero, we aimed to ascertain the effect of stretch on Nrf2 to increase our understanding of the role of this stimulus on cells of the amnion at term. Our results indicated a significant reduction in Nrf2 expression in stretched isolated human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) that could be rescued with sulforaphane treatment. Downregulation of Nrf2 as a result of stretch was accompanied with activation of proinflammatory nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) and increases in LDH activity, ROS, and HMGB1. This work supports stretch as a key modulator of cellular stress and inflammation in the fetal membranes. Our results showed that the modulation of the antioxidant response pathway in the fetal membranes through Nrf2 activation may be a viable approach to improve outcomes in pregnancy.
Gut Steroids and Microbiota: Effect of Gonadectomy and Sex
Authors: Diviccaro Silvia , FitzGerald Jamie A. , Cioffi Lucia , Falvo Eva , Crispie Fiona , Cotter Paul D. , O’Mahony Siobhain M. , Giatti Silvia , Caruso Donatella , Melcangi Roberto Cosimo
Published: May 2022

Sex steroids, derived mainly from gonads, can shape microbiota composition; however, the impact of gonadectomy and sex on steroid production in the gut (i.e., gut steroids), and its interaction with microbiota composition, needs to be clarified. In this study, steroid environment and gut steroidogenesis were analysed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and expression analyses. Gut microbiota composition as branched- and short-chain fatty acids were determined by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and gas chromatography flame ionisation detection, respectively. Here, we first demonstrated that levels of pregnenolone (PREG), progesterone (PROG), and isoallopregnanolone (ISOALLO) were higher in the female rat colon, whereas the level of testosterone (T) was higher in males. Sexual dimorphism on gut steroidogenesis is also reported after gonadectomy. Sex, and more significantly, gonadectomy, affects microbiota composition. We noted that a number of taxa and inferred metabolic pathways were associated with gut steroids, such as positive associations between Blautia with T, dihydroprogesterone (DHP), and allopregnanolone (ALLO), whereas negative associations were noted between Roseburia and T, ALLO, PREG, ISOALLO, DHP, and PROG. In conclusion, this study highlights the novel sex-specific association between microbiota and gut steroids with possible relevance for the gut-brain axis.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily Member 21 Induces Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Coronary Artery Endothelium of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hsu Po-Chao , Huang Jiun-Chi , Tsai Wei-Chung , Hung Wei-Wen , Chang Wei-An , Wu Ling-Yu , Chang Chao-Yuan , Tsai Yi-Chun , Hsu Ya-Ling
Published: May 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an increasing threat to human health and regarded as an important public issue. Coronary artery disease is one of the main causes of death in type 2 DM patients. However, the effect of hyperglycemia on coronary artery endothelial cells (CAECs) and the pathophysiologic mechanisms are still not well-explored. This study aims to explore the signal pathway and novel biomarkers of injury of CAECs in DM in understanding the microenvironment changes and mechanisms of diabetic heart disease. Next-generation sequence (NGS) and bioinformatics analysis to analyze the CAECs of one type 2 DM patient and one normal individual was performed, and it was found that tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 21 (TNFRSF21) was a soluble factor in circulating system. Further experiments confirmed that advanced glycation end products (AGEs), the metabolite derived by hyperglycemia, increased the expression of TNFRSF21 in CAECs. TNFRSF21 induced endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) in CAECs, resulting in increased permeability of CAECs. In addition, levels of serum TNFRSF21 were higher in type 2 DM patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) than those without LVH. Serum TNFRSF21 levels were also positively correlated with the LV mass index and negatively with LV systolic function. Serum TNFRSF21 levels were associated with changes in cardiac structure and function in patients with type 2 DM. In conclusion, TNFRSF21 plays a pathogenic role in heart disease of type 2 DM, and can be used as a biomarker of the impairment of cardiac structure and function in type 2 DM patients.
Obesity and Pancreatic Cancer: Recent Progress in Epidemiology, Mechanisms and Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Shinoda Shuhei , Nakamura Naohiko , Roach Brett , Bernlohr David A. , Ikramuddin Sayeed , Yamamoto Masato
Published: May 2022

More than 30% of people in the United States (US) are classified as obese, and over 50% are considered significantly overweight. Importantly, obesity is a risk factor not only for the development of metabolic syndrome but also for many cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC is the third leading cause of cancer-related death, and 5-year survival of PDAC remains around 9% in the U.S. Obesity is a known risk factor for PDAC. Metabolic control and bariatric surgery, which is an effective treatment for severe obesity and allows massive weight loss, have been shown to reduce the risk of PDAC. It is therefore clear that elucidating the connection between obesity and PDAC is important for the identification of a novel marker and/or intervention point for obesity-related PDAC risk. In this review, we discussed recent progress in obesity-related PDAC in epidemiology, mechanisms, and potential cancer prevention effects of interventions, including bariatric surgery with preclinical and clinical studies.
Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Current Knowledge of Pathogenesis and Therapeutics
Authors: Park Ji-Won , Kim Jung-Hee , Kim Sung-Eun , Jung Jang Han , Jang Myoung-Kuk , Park Sang-Hoon , Lee Myung-Seok , Kim Hyoung-Su , Suk Ki Tae , Kim Dong Joon
Published: May 2022

Cholangiopathies encompass various biliary diseases affecting the biliary epithelium, resulting in cholestasis, inflammation, fibrosis, and ultimately liver cirrhosis. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are the most important progressive cholangiopathies in adults. Much research has broadened the scope of disease biology to genetic risk, epigenetic changes, dysregulated mucosal immunity, altered biliary epithelial cell function, and dysbiosis, all of which interact and arise in the context of ill-defined environmental triggers. An in-depth understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of these cholestatic diseases will help clinicians better prevent and treat diseases. In this review, we focus on the main underlying mechanisms of disease initiation and progression, and novel targeted therapeutics beyond currently approved treatments.
Atp11b Deletion Affects the Gut Microbiota and Accelerates Brain Aging in Mice
Authors: Liu Cuiping , Zhang Shibo , Shi Hongwei , Zhou Haicong , Zhuang Junyi , Cao Yiyang , Ward Natalie , Wang Jiao
Published: May 2022

The microbiota-gut-brain axis has attracted significant attention with respect to studying the mechanisms of brain aging; however, the specific connection between gut microbiota and aging remains unclear. The abnormal expression and mutation of proteins belonging to the P4-ATPase family, including Atp11b, results in a variety of neurological diseases. The results of our analysis demonstrate that there was a shift in the abundance of certain gut microbiota in Atp11b-knockout (KO) mice. Specifically, there was an increase in pro-inflammatory bacteria that accelerate aging and a decrease in probiotics that delay aging. Consequently, an enhanced oxidative stress response was observed, which was characterized by a reduction in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. In addition, our data demonstrate that there was a decrease in the number of cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) region of the hippocampus, and aggravation of aging-related pathological features such as senescence β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal), p-HistoneH2AX (Ser139), and p16INK4. Moreover, KO mice show typical aging-associated behavior, such as memory impairment and slow pain perception. Taken together, we demonstrate a possible mechanism of aging induced by gut microbiota in Atp11b-KO mice, which provides a novel perspective for the treatment of aging through the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
Efficacy of Overground Robotic Gait Training on Balance in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lorusso Matteo , Tramontano Marco , Casciello Matteo , Pece Andrea , Smania Nicola , Morone Giovanni , Tamburella Federica
Published: May 2022

Strokes often lead to a deficit in motor control that contributes to a reduced balance function. Impairments in the balance function severely limit the activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke survivors. The present systematic review and meta-analysis primarily aims to explore the efficacy of overground robot-assisted gait training (o-RAGT) on balance recovery in individuals with stroke. In addition, the efficacy on ADL is also investigated. This systematic review identified nine articles investigating the effects of o-RAGT on balance, four of which also assessed ADL. The results of the meta-analysis suggest that o-RAGT does not increase balance and ADL outcomes more than conventional therapy in individuals after stroke. The data should not be overestimated due to the low number of studies included in the meta-analysis and the wide confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses to investigate the influence of participant’s characteristics and training dosage were not performed due to lack of data availability. Further well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the efficacy of o-RAGT on balance in individuals with stroke.
Effects of Early Weaning Associated with Alimentary Stress on Emotional and Feeding Behavior of Female Adult Wistar Rats
Authors: Díaz Víctor Isaac Meléndez , de Souza Julliet Araújo , de Sousa Sandra Lopes
Published: May 2022

Maternal lactation proves crucial for mammals’ nutrition during their early development, influencing the development of adult physiological mechanisms. Its premature termination has been associated with several disorders, but these have been primarily documented in males, when they are most prevalent in women. Therefore, we subjected adult female Wistar rats to Early Weaning through maternal separation at age 15 days to acute alimentary stress in the form of visual and olfactory exposition to a cafeteria diet sans consumption for 22 days. We measured standard diet intake and water intake daily and cafeteria diet intake every 7 days. Additionally, we evaluated anxiety using the elevated plus maze and measured body weight in similar intervals. Results showed less consumption of the cafeteria diet among Early Weaning rats on day 2 and more time spent in the maze’s central area by the Early Weaning rats during the basal evaluation and in the maze’s open arms by control rats on day 7 when compared to the same group’s basal time. No other significant differences were found. These results show the importance of determining the impact that female steroidal gonadal hormones such as estradiol have upon feeding behavior and anxiety and determining to what degree these parameters are influenced by hormonal action.
PSMA PET-CT Imaging Predicts Treatment Progression in Men with Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer—A Prospective Study of Men with 3 Year Follow Up
Authors: Ong Sean , Pascoe Claire , Kelly Brian D. , Ballok Zita , Webb David , Bolton Damien , Murphy Declan , Sengupta Shomik , Bowden Patrick , Lawrentschuk Nathan
Published: May 2022

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) is a novel imaging modality used to stage recurrent prostate cancer. It has the potential to improve prognostication and ultimately guide the timing of treatment for men with recurrent prostate cancer. This study aims to assess the clinical impact of PSMA PET-CT by analyzing its predictive value of treatment progression after 3 years of follow-up. In this prospective cohort study of 100 men, patients received a PSMA PET-CT for restaging of their disease which was used by a multi-disciplinary team to make a treatment decision. The primary endpoint was treatment progression. This was defined as the addition or change of any treatment modalities such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The median follow-up time was 36 months (IQR 24–40 months). No treatment progression was found in 72 (75%) men and therefore 24 (25%) patients were found to have treatment progression. In men with a negative PSMA PET-CT result, 5/33 (15.1%) had treatment progression and 28/33 (84.8%) had no treatment progression. In conclusion, clinical decisions made with PSMA PET-CT results led to 75% of men having no treatment progression at 3 years of follow-up. In men with negative PSMA PET-CT results, this increased to 85% of men.
Early Development of Ubiquitous Acanthocytosis and Extravascular Hemolysis in Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Alectinib
Authors: Kunz Julia , Wiedemann Christiane , Grosch Heidrun , Kriegsmann Katharina , Gryzik Stefanie , Felden Julia , Hundemer Michael , Seker-Cin Huriye , Stenzinger Miriam , Leo Albrecht , Stenzinger Albrecht , Thomas Michael , Christopoulos Petros
Published: May 2022

Alectinib is a standard initial treatment for patients with advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The current study analyzed a prospective cohort of 24 consecutive alectinib-treated patients and controls in order to comprehensively characterize longitudinal erythrocyte changes under treatment with ALK inhibitors. Upon starting alectinib, all examined patients developed reticulocytosis and abnormal erythrocyte morphology with anisocytosis and a predominance of acanthocytes (64% of red blood cells on average, range 36–100%) in the peripheral blood smear within approximately 2 weeks. Changes were accompanied by a gradual reduction in Eosin-5-maleimide (EMA) binding, which became pathologic (<80% of cells) within 1–2 months in all cases, mimicking an abortive form of hereditary spherocytosis. The latter could be ruled out in 3/3 of analyzed cases by normal sequencing results for the ANK1, EPB42, SLC4A1, SPTA1, or SBTB genes. The direct Coombs test was also negative in 11/11 tested cases. Besides, anemia, increased LDH, and increased bilirubin were noted in a fraction of patients only, ranging between 42 and 68%. Furthermore, haptoglobin decreases were infrequent, occurring in approximately 1/3 of cases only, and mild, with an average value of 0.93 g/L within the normal range of 0.3–2 g/dL, suggesting that hemolysis occurred predominantly in the extravascular compartment, likely due to splenic trapping of the deformed erythrocytes. These changes showed no association with progression-free survival under alectinib or molecular features, i.e., ALK fusion variant or TP53 status of the disease, and resolved upon a switch to an alternative ALK inhibitor. Thus, alectinib induces mild, reversible erythrocyte changes in practically all treated patients, whose most sensitive signs are aberrant red cell morphology in the peripheral smear, a pathologic EMA test, and reactive reticulocytosis. Frank hemolytic anemia is rare, but mild subclinical hemolysis is very frequent and poses differential-diagnostic problems. Alectinib can be continued under the regular control of hemolysis parameters, but the risk of long-term complications, such as cholelithiasis due to increased serum bilirubin in most patients, remains unclear at present.
The New Radiolabeled Peptide 99mTcEDDA/HYNIC-TOC: Is It a Feasible Choice for Diagnosing Gastroenteropancreatic NETs?
Authors: Gherghe Mirela , Lazăr Alexandra Maria , Stanciu Adina Elena , Mutuleanu Mario-Demian , Sterea Maria-Carla , Petroiu Cristina , Galeș Laurenția Nicoleta
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: The aim of our study is to reveal the advantages and limitations of the use of 99mTcEDDA/HYNIC-TOC (Tektrotyd®, Polatom) in the diagnosis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and to compare our results with the values obtained for 111In-pentetreotide and 68Ga-DOTA-peptides, routinely used in medical practice. (2) Methods: This retrospective monocentric study included 173 patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors who underwent 99mTcEDDA/HYNIC-TOC scans as part of their clinical management. The examination protocol included a whole-body scan acquired 2 h after the radiotracer’s administration, with the SPECT/CT performed 4 h post-injection. Physiological and abnormal uptake were established by two experienced physicians and, based on the obtained results, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated. (3) Results: Our method presented a sensitivity of 90.5%, a specificity of 71.9%, and an accuracy of 84.3%, with a positive predictive value of 86.7% and a negative predictive value of 78.8%. (4) Conclusions: 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC, a receptor-based radiopharmaceutical, could represent a competitor for 68Ga-labeled peptides in the diagnosis and management of patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Our results show a lower sensitivity (90.5%) than 68Ga-DOTA-peptides, but with great specificity, accuracy, positive, and negative predictive values.
Removal of Chloroacetanilide Herbicides from Water Using Heterogeneous Photocatalysis with TiO2/UV-A
Authors: Roulová Nikola , Hrdá Kateřina , Kašpar Michal , Peroutková Petra , Josefová Dominika , Palarčík Jiří
Published: May 2022

Chloroacetanilide herbicides are widely used in the agricultural sector throughout the world. Because of their poor biodegradability, high water solubility, and long persistence, chloroacetanilide herbicides have a high potential to contaminate water, and conventional water treatment processes do not ensure sufficient removal. Therefore, heterogeneous photocatalysis using TiO2/UV-A was investigated for the degradation of alachlor, acetochlor, and metolachlor from water. Two commercially available TiO2 (P25 and AV-01) were used as photocatalysts. Different experimental setups were also tested. In addition, the toxicity of single herbicides and mixtures of their photocatalytic degradation products to the freshwater alga Chlorella kessleri was investigated via a growth inhibition test. The maximum removal efficiency for alachlor, acetochlor, and metolachlor was 97.5%, 93.1%, and 98.2%, respectively. No significant differences in the removal efficiency of chloroacetanilide herbicides were observed for the photocatalysts used. Although the concentrations of all herbicides during photocatalysis decreased, the toxicity of the resulting mixtures of degradation products increased or remained the same, indicating the formation of toxic degradation products.
COVID-19 and Liquid Homeostasis in the Lung—A Perspective through the Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC) Lens
Authors: Brown Emily F. , Mitaera Tamapuretu , Fronius Martin
Published: May 2022

Infections with a new corona virus in 2019 lead to the definition of a new disease known as Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The sever cases of COVID-19 and the main cause of death due to virus infection are attributed to respiratory distress. This is associated with the formation of pulmonary oedema that impairs blood oxygenation and hypoxemia as main symptoms of respiratory distress. An important player for the maintenance of a defined liquid environment in lungs needed for normal lung function is the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). The present article reviews the implications of SARS-CoV-2 infections from the perspective of impaired function of ENaC. The rationale for this perspective is derived from the recognition that viral spike protein and ENaC share a common proteolytic cleavage site. This cleavage site is utilized by the protease furin, that is essential for ENaC activity. Furin cleavage of spike ‘activates’ the virus protein to enable binding to host cell membrane receptors and initiate cell infection. Based on the importance of proteolytic cleavage for ENaC function and activation of spike, it seems feasible to assume that virus infections are associated with impaired ENaC activity. This is further supported by symptoms of COVID-19 that are reminiscent of impaired ENaC function in the respiratory tract.
Single Cell/Nucleus Transcriptomics Comparison in Zebrafish and Humans Reveals Common and Distinct Molecular Responses to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Cosacak Mehmet Ilyas , Bhattarai Prabesh , De Jager Philip L. , Menon Vilas , Tosto Giuseppe , Kizil Caghan
Published: May 2022

Neurogenesis is significantly reduced in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and is a potential therapeutic target. Contrary to humans, a zebrafish can regenerate its diseased brain, and thus is ideal for studying neurogenesis. To compare the AD-related molecular pathways between humans and zebrafish, we compared single cell or nuclear transcriptomic data from a zebrafish amyloid toxicity model and its controls (N = 12) with the datasets of two human adult brains (N = 10 and N = 48 (Microglia)), and one fetal brain (N = 10). Approximately 95.4% of the human and zebrafish cells co-clustered. Within each cell type, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), enriched KEGG pathways, and gene ontology terms. We studied synergistic and non-synergistic DEGs to point at either common or uniquely altered mechanisms across species. Using the top DEGs, a high concordance in gene expression changes between species was observed in neuronal clusters. On the other hand, the molecular pathways affected by AD in zebrafish astroglia differed from humans in favor of the neurogenic pathways. The integration of zebrafish and human transcriptomes shows that the zebrafish can be used as a tool to study the cellular response to amyloid proteinopathies. Uniquely altered pathways in zebrafish could highlight the specific mechanisms underlying neurogenesis, which are absent in humans, and could serve as potential candidates for therapeutic developments.
Primary Teeth Supported Fixed Prosthesis—A Predictable Treatment Alternative
Authors: Naishlos Sarit , Chaushu Liat , Ghelfan Oded , Nissan Joseph , Peretz Benjamin , Ratson Tal , Ben-Izhack Gil , Davidovich Moshe , Blumer Sigalit
Published: May 2022

Background: Individuals with tooth agenesis often present a significant clinical challenge for dental practitioners. This retrospective study evaluated clinical and radiological long-term functional and esthetic outcomes following restoration using primary teeth to support fixed all-ceramic prosthesis in patients with teeth agenesis. Methods: Patients with teeth agenesis and at least one year follow-up were included. Examinations included panoramic X-ray, clinical examination and family history records. Only primary teeth without permanent teeth underneath were chosen. All ceramic fixed restorations were used. All data were collected from patient files. Outcome parameters included: restoration parameters (restoration survival, restoration fractures, restoration detachment, restoration replacement, and secondary caries), plaque index, and gingival index. Results: The study included 58 porcelain restorations inserted in 25 individuals; mean age 12 ± 2.1 years (range 10–19 years); mean number of missing teeth 12.3 ± 9 (range 6–12). Mean follow-up 48 ± 6 months (range 12–60 months). All restorations survived up to last follow-up, rendering a survival rate of 100%. Restorations outcome—porcelain chipping (9%), detachment (2%), no restoration replacement nor secondary caries, mean gingival index—0.7 ± 0.5 and mean plaque index—0.9 ± 0.3. Conclusions: In tooth agenesis, restoration using primary teeth to support fixed all-ceramic prosthesis is a viable treatment alternative.
Associations between Body Image and Self-Perceived Physical Fitness in Future Spanish Teachers
Authors: Rojo-Ramos Jorge , Gómez-Paniagua Santiago , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Barrios-Fernandez Sabina , Vega-Muñoz Alejandro , Mañanas-Iglesias Carlos , Contreras-Barraza Nicolás , Adsuar José Carmelo
Published: May 2022

Body image is a complex construct related to how each person perceives their own body and how they value it. Physical fitness and physical activity are factors that can influence the perception of a better or worse body image. This study aimed to identify the potential associations between body image and physical fitness self-perception in future Spanish teachers, analysing possible sex-related differences. A total of 278 Spanish university students answered the Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire and the International Fitness Scale, having an average age of 22 years, of which 40% were men and 60% were women. Nonparametric techniques (Spearman’s Rho test) were used as the data did not fit normality. The findings showed associations between body image and perceived physical fitness, confirming differences between the sexes. Correlations were found between the first three dimensions of the Multidimensional Body Self Relations and the International Fitness Scale, with sex-related differences being more significant in women than in men, and between the physical abilities self-assessed by the International Fitness Scale (except flexibility) and the dimensions of the Multidimensional Body Self Relations (except Dimension 4). Since body image influences well-being and conditions the time spent exercising, public health organisations and universities should design supports to improve master students’ body image through physical activity programmes, education and sex-specific individualised attention.
Gastrointestinal and Autonomic Symptoms—How to Improve the Diagnostic Process in Panayiotopoulos Syndrome?
Authors: Zontek Aneta , Paprocka Justyna
Published: May 2022

One of the most common epileptic disorders in the pediatric population is Panayiotopoulos syndrome. Clinical manifestations of this idiopathic illness include predominantly autonomic symptoms and dysfunction of the cardiorespiratory system. Another feature constitutes prolonged seizures that usually occur at sleep. It is crucial to differentiate the aforementioned disease from other forms of epilepsy, especially occipital and structural epilepsy and non-epileptic disorders. The diagnostic process is based on medical history, clinical examination, neuroimaging and electroencephalography—though results of the latter may be unspecific. Patients with Panayiotopoulos syndrome (PS) do not usually require treatment, as the course of the disease is, in most cases, mild, and the prognosis is good. The purpose of this review is to underline the role of central autonomic network dysfunction in the development of Panayiotopoulos syndrome, as well as the possibility of using functional imaging techniques, especially functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), in the diagnostic process. These methods could be crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of PS. More data arerequired to create algorithms that will be able to predict the exposure to various complications of PS. It also concerns the importance of electroencephalography (EEG) as a tool to distinguish Panayiotopoulos syndrome from other childhood epileptic syndromes and non-epileptic disorders.
BALANCE Dietary Index in Patients with Heart Failure, and Its Adherence in Sergipe, Brazil
Authors: Costa Jamille Oliveira , Aidar Felipe J. , Barbosa Juliana Santos , Alves Luciana Vieira Sousa , Oliveira Victor Batista , Oliveira Larissa Marina Santana Mendonça de , Rocha Raysa Manuelle Santos , Vieira Diva Aliete dos Santos , Costa Ingrid Maria Novais Barros de Carvalho , Souza Márcia Ferreira Cândido de , Oliveira Joselina Luzia Menezes , Baumworcel Leonardo , Neves Eduardo Borba , Díaz-de-Durana Alfonso López , Almeida-Santos Marcos Antonio , Sousa Antônio Carlos Sobral
Published: May 2022

Background: “The effective treatment of Heart Failure (HF) involves care with food intake. Recently, the Ministry of Health created the Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet and its dietary index, BALANCE, which assesses adherence to the standard’s recommendations”. Methods: This observational prospective study is part of the Congestive Heart Failure Registry (VICTIM-CHF) of Aracaju/SE. Observations and data collection took place from April 2018 to February 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical aspects and food consumption were evaluated. Food intake was determined using the food frequency questionnaire. Foods were categorized using the BALANCE dietary index into green, yellow, blue and red food groups. The BALANCE dietary index was obtained using median and interquartile ranges, scores of the Mann–Whitney U test, and associations between clinical variables and the index, through linear regression. Results: Participants included 240 patients with HF (61.12 ± 1.06 years), who were assisted by the Unified Health System (67.5%). Individuals with a partner showed greater adherence to the green food group recommendations (0.09; 0.00–0.17). The lowest adherence to recommendations regarding the blue food group was observed in individuals with excess weight, who had a higher consumption of foods rich in animal protein (0.54; 0.38–0.78). As for the red food group (ultra-processed foods) the highest adherence was observed by patients with diabetes mellitus (0.41; 0.05–0.77). The greatest adherence to the yellow food group, and a higher score, was observed in patients with the smallest left ventricular systolic diameter (LVSD). Conclusions: Being married was directly associated with the consumption of foods in the green group, while being overweight and having diabetes were inversely associated with adherence to the blue and red food groups, respectively. Greater adherence to the yellow food group recommendations was inversely associated with less change in the DSFVE.
Optimal Control of a Passive Particle Advected by a Lamb–Oseen (Viscous) Vortex
Authors: Marques Gil , Gama Sílvio , Pereira Fernando Lobo
Published: May 2022

This work concerns the optimal control of a passive particle in viscous flows. This is relevant since, while there are many studies on optimal control in inviscid flows, there is little to no work in this context for viscous flows, and viscosity cannot always be neglected. Furthermore, in many tasks, there is a need to reduce the energy spent; thus, energy-optimal solutions to problems are important. The aim of this work is to investigate how to optimally move a passive particle advected by a Lamb–Oseen (viscous) vortex between two given points in space in a given time interval while minimising the energy spent on this process. We take a control acting only on the radial component of the motion, and, by using the Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle, we find an explicit time-dependent extremal. We also analyse how the energy cost changes with the viscosity of the flow.The problem is transformed into a parameter search problem with two parameters related to the radial and angular coordinates of the initial point. The energy cost of the process increases with viscosity as long as the passive particle maintains the number of full turns it makes around the vortex. However, the energy cost increases if the increase in viscosity forces the particle to make fewer full revolutions around the vortex.
Criticisms in the Development of High-Protection and Broad-Spectrum “Natural/Organic” Certifiable Sunscreen
Authors: Tortini Guido , Ziosi Paola , Cesa Elena , Molesini Sonia , Baldini Erika , De Lucia Daniela , Rossi Caterina , Durini Elisa , Vertuani Silvia , Manfredini Stefano
Published: May 2022

Attention to environmental issues has become increasingly important in recent years and also massively affects the cosmetics sector. In this context, sunscreens are questioned due to the proven or believed ecotoxicity of organic ultraviolet (UV) filters. This has pushed developers increasingly towards the use of inorganic filters, which can prove difficult to spread with low compliance. We faced the problem by proposing a rational approach based on the evaluation of the morphology of the inorganic material, as the real dimension does not often correspond to the characteristics declared by the producers because the material itself tends to aggregate. A combination of a specially selected inorganic filter is required to formulate Cosmetic Products with a Natural and Sustainable Connotation (CPCNS) standards.
Heterostructured Nanoscale Photocatalysts via Colloidal Chemistry for Pollutant Degradation
Authors: Zhang Caomeng , Zhong Shijie , Li Qun , Ji Yuanpeng , Dong Liwei , Zhang Guisheng , Liu Yuanpeng , He Weidong
Published: May 2022

With the further acceleration in the industrialization process, organic pollutants and gas pollution in the environment have posed severe threats to human health. It has been a global challenge regarding achieving an efficient solution to pollutant degradation. In such a context, photocatalysts have attracted researchers’ attention for their simplicity, efficiency, cleanliness and low cost. However, the single photocatalyst is facing a research bottleneck owing to its narrow light absorption spectrum and high photocarrier recombination rate. Given that heterojunctions can achieve efficient separation of photogenerated carriers in space, constructing heterostructured photocatalysts has become the most perspective method to improve the performance of photocatalysts. Furthermore, nanoparticles prepared through colloidal chemistry have the characteristics of high dispersion, stability and adsorption, further enhancing the degradation efficiency of heterostructured photocatalysts. This article reviews the primary methods for preparing heterostructured photocatalysts through colloidal chemistry, classifies the heterojunction types by transport routes of photogenerated carriers and summarizes the recent progress of heterostructured photocatalysts in pollutant degradation. To implement environmental remediation, it is crucial to explore economical and efficient photocatalysts for practical applications. It is hoped that this review will stimulate further exploration of colloidal heterostructured photocatalysts for pollutant degradation.
Ceramic Ti/TiO2/AuNP Film with 1-D Nanostructures for Selfstanding Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Shaalan Nagih M. , Ahmed Faheem , Rashad Mohamed , Kumar Shalendra , Saber Osama , Al-Naim Abdullah F. , Kotb Hicham M. , Ezzeldien Mohammed , Mahmoud Amera Z.
Published: May 2022

Herein we have fabricated AuTiO2 from a one-dimensional (1D) nanocomposite by the simple oxidation method of the Ti sheet for supercapacitor applications. We intended on fabricating a microlayer extended into the sheet body to form a selfstanding electrode. Raman spectra and XRD patterns confirmed the formation of the rutile phase of the TiO2 bulk, and FESEM confirmed the growth of the 1D nanostructure made of Au/TiO2, where the Au nanoparticles reside on the tip of the TiO2 nanorods. The growth of 1D TiO2 by this method is supported by a growth mechanism during the oxidation process. Three electrodes were fabricated based on pure and doped TiO2. These electrodes were used as a selfstanding supercapacitor electrode. The Au-doped TiO2 exhibited a great improvement in the electrochemical performance at low Au concentrations, whereas the excessive Au concentration on the TiO2 surface exhibited a negative effect on the capacitance value. The highest areal capacitance of 72 mFcm−2 at a current density of 5 µAcm−2 was recorded for TiO2 doped with a low Au concentration. The mechanism of the electrochemical reaction was proposed based on Nyquist and Bode plots. The obtained results point out that the effect of Au on the TiO2 surface makes Au/TiO2 ceramic electrodes a promising material as selfstanding energy storage electrodes.