bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MyLynch: A Patient-Facing Clinical Decision Support Tool for Genetically-Guided Personalized Medicine in Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Knapp Stephen T. , Revette Anna , Underhill-Blazey Meghan , Stopfer Jill E. , Ukaegbu Chinedu I. , Poulin Cole , Parenteau Madison , Syngal Sapna , Bae Eunchan , Bickmore Timothy , Hampel Heather , Idos Gregory E. , Parmigiani Giovanni , Yurgelun Matthew B. , Braun Danielle
Published: January 2023

Lynch syndrome (LS) is a hereditary cancer susceptibility condition associated with varying cancer risks depending on which of the five causative genes harbors a pathogenic variant; however, lifestyle and medical interventions provide options to lower those risks. We developed MyLynch, a patient-facing clinical decision support (CDS) web application that applies genetically-guided personalized medicine (GPM) for individuals with LS. The tool was developed in R Shiny through a patient-focused iterative design process. The knowledge base used to estimate patient-specific risk leveraged a rigorously curated literature review. MyLynch informs LS patients of their personal cancer risks, educates patients on relevant interventions, and provides patients with adjusted risk estimates, depending on the interventions they choose to pursue. MyLynch can improve risk communication between patients and providers while also encouraging communication among relatives with the goal of increasing cascade testing. As genetic panel testing becomes more widely available, GPM will play an increasingly important role in patient care, and CDS tools offer patients and providers tailored information to inform decision-making. MyLynch provides personalized cancer risk estimates and interventions to lower these risks for patients with LS.
Hallmarks of Cancer Affected by the MIF Cytokine Family
Authors: Mora Barthelmess Romina , Stijlemans Benoit , Van Ginderachter Jo A.
Published: January 2023

New diagnostic methods and treatments have significantly decreased the mortality rates of cancer patients, but further improvements are warranted based on the identification of novel tumor-promoting molecules that can serve as therapeutic targets. The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) family of cytokines, comprising MIF and DDT (also known as MIF2), are overexpressed in almost all cancer types, and their high expressions are related to a worse prognosis for the patients. MIF is involved in 9 of the 10 hallmarks of cancer, and its inhibition by antibodies, nanobodies, or small synthetic molecules has shown promising results. Even though DDT is also proposed to be involved in several of the hallmarks of cancer, the available information about its pro-tumoral role and mechanism of action is more limited. Here, we provide an overview of the involvement of both MIF and DDT in cancer, and we propose that blocking both cytokines is needed to obtain the maximum anti-tumor response.
Prediction of Primary Tumour and Axillary Lymph Node Response to Neoadjuvant Chemo(Targeted) Therapy with Dedicated Breast [18F]FDG PET/MRI in Breast Cancer
Authors: de Mooij Cornelis M. , van Nijnatten Thiemo J. A. , Goorts Briete , Kooreman Loes F. S. , Raymakers Isabel W. M. , van Meijl Silke P. L. , de Boer Maaike , Keymeulen Kristien B. M. I. , Wildberger Joachim E. , Mottaghy Felix M. , Lobbes Marc B. I. , Smidt Marjolein L.
Published: January 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate whether sequential hybrid [18F]FDG PET/MRI can predict the final pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemo(targeted) therapy (NCT) in breast cancer. Methods: Sequential [18F]FDG PET/MRI was performed before, halfway through and after NCT, followed by surgery. Qualitative response evaluation was assessed after NCT. Quantitatively, the SUVmax obtained by [18F]FDG PET and signal enhancement ratio (SER) obtained by MRI were determined sequentially on the primary tumour. For the response of axillary lymph node metastases (ALNMs), SUVmax was determined sequentially on the most [18F]FDG-avid ALN. ROC curves were generated to determine the optimal cut-off values for the absolute and percentage change in quantitative variables in predicting response. Diagnostic performance in predicting primary tumour response was assessed with AUC. Similar analyses were performed in clinically node-positive (cN+) patients for ALNM response. Results: Forty-one breast cancer patients with forty-two primary tumours and twenty-six cases of pathologically proven cN+ disease were prospectively included. Pathologic complete response (pCR) of the primary tumour occurred in 16 patients and pCR of the ALNMs in 14 cN+ patients. The AUC of the qualitative evaluation after NCT was 0.71 for primary tumours and 0.54 for ALNM responses. For primary tumour response, combining the percentage decrease in SUVmax and SER halfway through NCT achieved an AUC of 0.78. The AUC for ALNM response prediction increased to 0.92 by combining the absolute and the percentage decrease in SUVmax halfway through NCT. Conclusions: Qualitative PET/MRI after NCT can predict the final pathologic primary tumour response, but not the ALNM response. Combining quantitative variables halfway through NCT can improve the diagnostic accuracy for final pathologic ALNM response prediction.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pathway of Advanced Ovarian Cancer with Peritoneal Metastases
Authors: Ghirardi Valentina , Fagotti Anna , Ansaloni Luca , Valle Mario , Roviello Franco , Sorrentino Lorena , Accarpio Fabio , Baiocchi Gianluca , Piccini Lorenzo , De Simone Michele , Coccolini Federico , Visaloco Mario , Bacchetti Stefano , Scambia Giovanni , Marrelli Daniele
Published: January 2023

Over two thirds of ovarian cancer patients present with advanced stage disease at the time of diagnosis. In this scenario, standard treatment includes a combination of cytoreductive surgery and carboplatinum–paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. Despite the survival advantage of patients treated with upfront cytoreductive surgery compared to women undergoing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and interval debulking surgery (IDS) due to high tumor load or poor performance status has been demonstrated by multiple studies, this topic is still a matter of debate. As a consequence, selecting the adequate treatment through an appropriate diagnostic pathway represents a crucial step. Aiming to assess the likelihood of leaving no residual disease at the end of surgery, the role of the CT scan as a predictor of cytoreductive outcomes has shown controversial results. Similarly, CA 125 level as an expression of tumor load demonstrated limited applicability. On the contrary, laparoscopic assessment of disease distribution through a validated scoring system was able to identify, with the highest specificity, patients undergoing suboptimal cytoreduction and therefore best suitable for NACT-IDS. Against this background, with this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of available evidence on the diagnostic and treatment pathways of advanced ovarian cancer.
Role of Mitochondrial Transporters on Metabolic Rewiring of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Lauria Graziantonio , Curcio Rosita , Lunetti Paola , Tiziani Stefano , Coppola Vincenzo , Dolce Vincenza , Fiermonte Giuseppe , Ahmed Amer
Published: January 2023

Pancreatic cancer is among the deadliest cancers worldwide and commonly presents as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of PDAC. Glucose and glutamine metabolism are extensively rewired in order to fulfil both energetic and synthetic demands of this aggressive tumour and maintain favorable redox homeostasis. The mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC), the glutamine carrier (SLC1A5_Var), the glutamate carrier (GC), the aspartate/glutamate carrier (AGC), and the uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) have all been shown to influence PDAC cell growth and progression. The expression of MPC is downregulated in PDAC and its overexpression reduces cell growth rate, whereas the other four transporters are usually overexpressed and the loss of one or more of them renders PDAC cells unable to grow and proliferate by altering the levels of crucial metabolites such as aspartate. The aim of this review is to comprehensively evaluate the current experimental evidence about the function of these carriers in PDAC metabolic rewiring. Dissecting the precise role of these transporters in the context of the tumour microenvironment is necessary for targeted drug development.
Serum Mass Spectrometry Proteomics and Protein Set Identification in Response to FOLFOX-4 in Drug-Resistant Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: D’Arca Domenico , Severi Leda , Ferrari Stefania , Dozza Luca , Marverti Gaetano , Magni Fulvio , Chinello Clizia , Pagani Lisa , Tagliazucchi Lorenzo , Villani Marco , d’Addese Gianluca , Piga Isabella , Conteduca Vincenza , Rossi Lorena , Gurioli Giorgia , De Giorgi Ugo , Losi Lorena , Costi Maria Paola
Published: January 2023

Ovarian cancer is a highly lethal gynecological malignancy. Drug resistance rapidly occurs, and different therapeutic approaches are needed. So far, no biomarkers have been discovered to predict early response to therapies in the case of multi-treated ovarian cancer patients. The aim of our investigation was to identify a protein panel and the molecular pathways involved in chemotherapy response through a combination of studying proteomics and network enrichment analysis by considering a subset of samples from a clinical setting. Differential mass spectrometry studies were performed on 14 serum samples from patients with heavily pretreated platinum-resistant ovarian cancer who received the FOLFOX-4 regimen as a salvage therapy. The serum was analyzed at baseline time (T0) before FOLFOX-4 treatment, and before the second cycle of treatment (T1), with the aim of understanding if it was possible, after a first treatment cycle, to detect significant proteome changes that could be associated with patients responses to therapy. A total of 291 shared expressed proteins was identified and 12 proteins were finally selected between patients who attained partial response or no-response to chemotherapy when both response to therapy and time dependence (T0, T1) were considered in the statistical analysis. The protein panel included APOL1, GSN, GFI1, LCATL, MNA, LYVE1, ROR1, SHBG, SOD3, TEC, VPS18, and ZNF573. Using a bioinformatics network enrichment approach and metanalysis study, relationships between serum and cellular proteins were identified. An analysis of protein networks was conducted and identified at least three biological processes with functional and therapeutic significance in ovarian cancer, including lipoproteins metabolic process, structural component modulation in relation to cellular apoptosis and autophagy, and cellular oxidative stress response. Five proteins were almost independent from the network (LYVE1, ROR1, TEC, GFI1, and ZNF573). All proteins were associated with response to drug-resistant ovarian cancer resistant and were mechanistically connected to the pathways associated with cancer arrest. These results can be the basis for extending a biomarker discovery process to a clinical trial, as an early predictive tool of chemo-response to FOLFOX-4 of heavily treated ovarian cancer patients and for supporting the oncologist to continue or to interrupt the therapy.
Effect of Having Concurrent Mutations on the Degree of Aggressiveness in Patients with Thyroid Cancer Positive for TERT Promoter Mutations
Authors: Alohali Sama , Payne Alexandra E. , Pusztaszeri Marc , Rajab Mohannad , Forest Véronique-Isabelle , Hier Michael P. , Tamilia Michael , Payne Richard J.
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to examine whether concurrent mutations with a TERT promoter mutation are associated with a greater likelihood of more aggressive disease than a TERT promoter mutation alone. The medical records of 1477 patients who underwent thyroid surgery at two tertiary hospitals between 2017 and 2022 were reviewed. Twenty-four patients had TERT promoter mutations based on molecular profile testing. Clinicodemographic data, mutational profiles, and histopathological features were assessed. Descriptive analysis, Fisher’s exact test, and binary logistic regression were performed. Seven patients had single-gene TERT promoter mutations, and 17 had concurrent mutations, including BRAF V600E, HRAS, NRAS, PIK3CA, and EIF1AX. The overall prevalence of malignancy was 95.8%, of which 78.3% were aggressive thyroid cancers. There was a statistically significant association between concurrent mutations and disease aggressiveness. The odds of having aggressive disease were 10 times higher in patients with a TERT promoter mutation and a concurrent molecular alteration than in those with a TERT promoter mutation alone. This is an important finding for thyroid specialists to consider when counseling patients concerning risk stratification and management options.
Sodium Butyrate Induces CRC Cell Ferroptosis via the CD44/SLC7A11 Pathway and Exhibits a Synergistic Therapeutic Effect with Erastin
Authors: Bian Zhongbo , Sun Xiaodie , Liu Lulin , Qin Yong , Zhang Qiuyu , Liu Huahuan , Mao Lianzhi , Sun Suxia
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies, and effective treatment and prevention methods are lacking. Sodium butyrate (NaB) is a short-chain fatty acid produced by intestinal microbial fermentation of dietary fiber. It has been shown to be effective in inhibiting CRC, but the mechanism is not known. Methods: Human normal intestinal epithelial cell line FHT and colorectal tumor cell line HCT-116 were treated with NaB alone or in combination with different programmed cell death inhibitors. Cell activity was then assessed with MTT assays and PI staining; ferroptosis with Fe2+, glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation assays; signaling pathway screening with PCR arrays; and CD44, SCL7A11, and GPX4 expression with Western blotting. A CD44-overexpressing HCT-116 cell line was constructed to determine the effect of the overexpression of CD44 on NaB-induced ferroptosis. The synergistic effect of co-treatment with NaB and Erastin was assessed by isobolographic analysis. Results: NaB induced apoptosis and ferroptosis in HCT-116 cells but only induced low-level apoptosis in FHC cells. Moreover, NaB significantly increased intracellular Fe2+ and promoted GSH depletion and lipid peroxidation in HCT-116 cells. Ferroptosis-related qPCR array analysis identified CD44/SLC7A11 as a potential effector molecular of NaB-induced ferroptosis. NaB significantly inhibited the expression of CD44 and SLC7A11 in mouse CRC tissues. A CD44 overexpressed HCT-116 cell line was used to verify that CD44/SLC7A11 was a key signaling pathway that NaB-induced GSH depletion, lipid peroxidation accumulation, and ferroptosis in HCT-116 cells. Examination of whether NaB can increase the effect of ferroptosis agents showed that NaB, in combination with Erastin, a ferroptosis inducer, further promoted HCT-116 cell death and increased changes of ferroptosis markers. Conclusions: Our results suggest that NaB induces ferroptosis in CRC cells through the CD44/SLC7A11 signaling pathway and has synergistic effects with Erastin. These results may provide new insights into CRC prevention and the combined use of NaB and ferroptosis-inducing agents.
Response Surface Methodology for Optimization of Bisphenol A Degradation Using Fe3O4-Activated Persulfate
Authors: Chen Shufang , Yu Yan
Published: January 2023

In this study, the degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) by a magnetite (Fe3O4)/persulfate (PS) system was investigated. The effects of magnetite dosage, PS concentration, BPA concentration, and pH on Fe3O4-activated PS in degrading BPA were investigated using single factor experiments. magnetite dosage, PS concentration, and pH were identified as factors in the response surface experimental protocol. Using Box-Behnken analysis, a quadratic model with a high correlation coefficient (0.9152) was obtained, which was accurate in predicting the experimental results. The optimal parameter conditions obtained by the response surface methodology (RSM) were [magnetite] = 0.3 g/L, [PS] = 0.26 mM, and pH = 4.9, under which the predicted BPA degradation rate was 59.54%, close to the real value.
Epoxidation of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters with Hydrogen Peroxide Catalyzed by Peroxopolyoxotungstate PW4 Encapsulated in the MIL-100(Cr) Framework
Authors: Esipovich Anton L. , Kanakov Evgeny A. , Charykova Tatyana A. , Otopkova Ksenia V.
Published: January 2023

The MIL-100(Cr), PW12@MIL-100(Cr) and PW4@MIL-100(Cr) catalysts were prepared and characterized through XRD, FTIR, BET, SEM, EDS and Raman spectroscopy. A comparison of the catalytic properties of the synthesized materials in the epoxidation of FAMEs with hydrogen peroxide was made. The PW4@MIL-100(Cr) catalyst exhibited the highest catalytic activity and provided a high selectivity for the formation of epoxides. The effects of the reaction temperature, catalyst loading, reaction time and FAME:hydrogen peroxide molar ratio on the reaction performance were investigated, and the optimal process conditions were determined. An epoxide yield of 73% with a selectivity of 77% could be obtained using PW4@MIL-100(Cr) after 4 h at 40 °C. The catalytic stability test showed that PW4@MIL-100(Cr) could be easily separated and reused without any treatment for at least five consecutive cycles without a loss of activity or selectivity.
Age-Related Dysfunction in Proteostasis and Cellular Quality Control in the Development of Sarcopenia
Authors: Paez Hector G. , Pitzer Christopher R. , Alway Stephen E.
Published: January 2023

Sarcopenia is a debilitating skeletal muscle disease that accelerates in the last decades of life and is characterized by marked deficits in muscle strength, mass, quality, and metabolic health. The multifactorial causes of sarcopenia have proven difficult to treat and involve a complex interplay between environmental factors and intrinsic age-associated changes. It is generally accepted that sarcopenia results in a progressive loss of skeletal muscle function that exceeds the loss of mass, indicating that while loss of muscle mass is important, loss of muscle quality is the primary defect with advanced age. Furthermore, preclinical models have suggested that aged skeletal muscle exhibits defects in cellular quality control such as the degradation of damaged mitochondria. Recent evidence suggests that a dysregulation of proteostasis, an important regulator of cellular quality control, is a significant contributor to the aging-associated declines in muscle quality, function, and mass. Although skeletal muscle mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) plays a critical role in cellular control, including skeletal muscle hypertrophy, paradoxically, sustained activation of mTORC1 recapitulates several characteristics of sarcopenia. Pharmaceutical inhibition of mTORC1 as well as caloric restriction significantly improves muscle quality in aged animals, however, the mechanisms controlling cellular proteostasis are not fully known. This information is important for developing effective therapeutic strategies that mitigate or prevent sarcopenia and associated disability. This review identifies recent and historical understanding of the molecular mechanisms of proteostasis driving age-associated muscle loss and suggests potential therapeutic interventions to slow or prevent sarcopenia.
Pathogenesis and Mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Intestine, Liver, and Pancreas
Authors: Khreefa Zaid , Barbier Mallory T. , Koksal Ali Riza , Love Gordon , Del Valle Luis
Published: January 2023

The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, rapidly spread worldwide, causing an ongoing global pandemic. While the respiratory system is the most common site of infection, a significant number of reported cases indicate gastrointestinal (GI) involvement. GI symptoms include anorexia, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Although the mechanisms of GI pathogenesis are still being examined, viral components isolated from stool samples of infected patients suggest a potential fecal–oral transmission route. In addition, viral RNA has been detected in blood samples of infected patients, making hematologic dissemination of the virus a proposed route for GI involvement. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors serve as the cellular entry mechanism for the virus, and these receptors are particularly abundant throughout the GI tract, making the intestine, liver, and pancreas potential extrapulmonary sites for infection and reservoirs sites for developing mutations and new variants that contribute to the uncontrolled spread of the disease and resistance to treatments. This transmission mechanism and the dysregulation of the immune system play a significant role in the profound inflammatory and coagulative cascades that contribute to the increased severity and risk of death in several COVID-19 patients. This article reviews various potential mechanisms of gastrointestinal, liver, and pancreatic injury.
Sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC), a Causative Factor of SPC-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Contraction, Is Taken Up via Endocytosis
Authors: Tsurudome Natsuko , Minami Yuji , Kajiya Katsuko
Published: January 2023

The reaction field of abnormal vascular contraction induced by sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) and the action point of SPC around the plasma membranes remain unknown. However, we found in a previous study that fisetin prevents SPC-induced vascular smooth muscle cells contraction, while the mechanism remains unknown. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to address the action point of SPC around the plasma membranes and the involvement of fisetin. We focused on microdomains and evaluated their markers flotillin-1 and caveolin-1 and the localization of SPC to investigate their action point. The results showed that microdomains of vascular smooth muscle cells were not involved in SPC-induced contraction. However, we found that after SPC had been affected on the plasma membrane, cells took up SPC via endocytosis. Moreover, SPC remained in the cells and did not undergo transcytosis, and SPC-induced contracting cells produced exosomes. These phenomena were similar to those observed in fisetin-treated cells. Thus, we speculated that, although not involved in the reaction field of SPC-induced contractions, the microdomain induced the endocytosis of SPCs, and fisetin prevented the contractions by directly targeting vascular smooth muscle cells. Notably, this preventive mechanism involves the cellular uptake of SPC via endocytosis.
Structure, Mechanical and Luminescent Properties of Solid Solution (Y0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01)Nb0.7Ta0.3O4
Authors: Palatnikov Mikhail , Shcherbina Olga , Smirnov Maxim , Masloboeva Sofja , Efremov Vadim
Published: January 2023

Ceramic samples of polycomponent solid solution (Y0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01)Nb0.7Ta0.3O4 have been prepared by sol–gel synthesis from fine powders obtained using nitrate solutions of rare earth elements REE and coprecipitated hydroxides of niobium and tantalum. The structural state of the initial powders’ crystal lattice has been investigated. The morphological features of the microstructure of the ceramics samples have been studied in dependence of temperature regimes of their preparation. The ceramics’ strength characteristics (Young’s modulus) and the critical stress intensity factor of the mode I KIC have been estimated. Cathode- and photoluminescent properties of ceramic solid solutions (Y0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01)Nb0.7Ta0.3O4 have been studied.
Digital Image Correlation Characterization of Deformation Behavior and Cracking of Porous Segmented Alumina under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Kibitkin Vladimir , Savchenko Nickolai , Grigoriev Mikhail , Solodushkin Andrey , Burlachenko Alexander , Buyakov Ales , Zykova Anna , Rubtsov Valery , Tarasov Sergei
Published: January 2023

In this study, the two-dimensional digital image correlation (DIC) technique has been applied to sequences of images taken from the surfaces of porous, segmented alumina samples during uniaxial compression tests. The sintered alumina was structurally composed of polycrystalline alumina grains with interior ~3–5-μm pores, a network of discontinuities that subdivided the sample into ~230 μm segments, and ~110 μm pores located at the discontinuity network nodes. Bimodal pore structure and the segment boundaries were the results of the evaporation and the outgassing of the paraffin and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene admixed with alumina powder via slip casting. Only partial bonding bridges between the segments were formed during a low-temperature sintering at 1300 °C for 1 h. A special technological approach made it possible to change the strength of the partial bonding bridges between the segments, which significantly affected the deformation behavior ceramics during compression. The subpixel accuracy of the DIC results was achieved using an interpolation scheme for the identification functional. The vector fields obtained in the experiment made it possible to characterize the processes of deformation and destruction of a porous, segmented alumina using the strain localization in situ maps, cardinal plastic shear, and circulation of vector fields. The use of these characteristics made it possible to reveal new details in the mechanisms of deformation and destruction of segmented ceramics. The localizations of damage were identified and related to the characteristic structural heterogeneities of the tested porous segmented ceramics.
Exploratory Longitudinal Analysis of the Circulating CHIT1 Activity in Pediatric Patients with Obesity
Authors: Țaranu Ioana , Răcătăianu Nicoleta , Drugan Cristina , Cătană Cristina-Sorina , Mirea Andreea-Manuela , Miclea Diana , Bolboacă Sorana D.
Published: January 2023

Macrophage activation and cytokine release play a pivotal role in inflammation-mediated metabolic disturbances in obesity. The proinflammatory macrophage secretes human chitotriosidase (CHIT1). The expression of the CHIT1 in visceral adipose tissue is associated with cytokine production. Our study aimed to assess whether the CHIT1 circulating activity, as a macrophage activation indicator, reflects the change of the adiposity level and the insulin resistance (IR) in children with obesity. We longitudinally (median follow-up period of 7 months; IQR [5 to 8.5] and {2 to 13} months) evaluated the CHIT1 circulating activity, the adiposity level (waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), and body mass index (BMI)-for-age z score), and two surrogate markers of IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance, HOMA-IR and the triglycerides-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, TG/HDLc) in 29 pediatric patients (16 girls and 13 boys) with obesity. We found a significant reduction in CHIT1 circulating activity (Wilcoxon test, p = 0.015) and a decrease in TG/HDLc at the follow-up evaluation (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.001). Indicators of adiposity were positively correlated with HOMA-IR at baseline, among which WC was the sole indicator associated with HOMA-IR (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients, p < 0.05) at follow-up. Human chitotriosidase has the potential to be a valuable measure of the progression of subclinical inflammation in children with obesity. Subclinical inflammation, as expressed by the circulating CHIT1 activity, progresses independently of the abdominal adiposity, as measured by the clinical indicators, and is associated with a change in insulin resistance.
Secular Trend of Self-Concept in the Context of Childhood Obesity—Data from the CHILT III Programme, Cologne
Authors: Grünberg Lisa , Eisenburger Nina , Ferrari Nina , Friesen David , Haas Fabiola , Klaudius Marlen , Schmidt Lisa , Joisten Christine
Published: January 2023

Juvenile obesity is associated with a lower self-concept. Given the continued prevalence of obesity, we examined the secular trend of body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) and self-concept in participants of a German weight management programme (n = 242, 53.3% female, mean age 12.5 ± 2.1 years, mean BMI-SDS 2.45 ± 0.46) over a period of 15 years. Anthropometric data, physical fitness (watt/kg), and demographic data were assessed. The years 2005 to 2020 were grouped into six sections containing a mean of n = 40 participants. The questionnaire for the assessment of self and competence in children (FSK-K) was used to assess the following domains: “scholastic competence”, “social competence”, “physical appearance”, “global self-worth”, and “behavioural conduct”. No significant between-group differences in self-assessment across self-concept domains were found. In all time periods, heavier children assigned the lowest rating to physical appearance. Social competence increased with higher physical fitness. Even though no negative trend in the self-concept of children with obesity was found in this cohort, the findings confirmed an association between juvenile overweight/obesity and lower physical self-concept, and between a better social competence and increasing physical fitness. Accompanying psychosocial care, therefore, rightly remains an important pillar of obesity therapy.
“Losing the Brakes”—Suppressed Inhibitors Triggering Uncontrolled Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling May Provide a Potential Therapeutic Target in Elderly Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Elyamany Ghaleb , Rizwan Hassan , Akhter Ariz , Aljabry Mansour S. , Alotaibi Sultan , Albalawi Mohammad A. Hameed , Shabani-Rad Meer-Taher , Roshan Tariq Mahmood , Mansoor Adnan
Published: January 2023

Dysregulated Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction is implicated in initiation, propagation, and poor prognosis in AML. Epigenetic inactivation is central to Wnt/β-catenin hyperactivity, and Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors are being investigated as targeted therapy. Dysregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling has also been linked to accelerated aging. Since AML is a disease of old age (>60 yrs), we hypothesized age-related differential activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in AML patients. We probed Wnt/β-catenin expression in a series of AML in the elderly (>60 yrs) and compared it to a cohort of pediatric AML (<18 yrs). RNA from diagnostic bone marrow biopsies (n = 101) were evaluated for key Wnt/β-catenin molecule expression utilizing the NanoString platform. Differential expression of significance was defined as >2.5-fold difference (p < 0.01). A total of 36 pediatric AML (<18 yrs) and 36 elderly AML (>60 yrs) were identified in this cohort. Normal bone marrows (n = 10) were employed as controls. Wnt/β-catenin target genes (MYC, MYB, and RUNX1) showed upregulation, while Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors (CXXR, DKK1-4, SFRP1-4, SOST, and WIFI) were suppressed in elderly AML compared to pediatric AML and controls. Our data denote that suppressed inhibitor expression (through mutation or hypermethylation) is an additional contributing factor in Wnt/β-catenin hyperactivity in elderly AML, thus supporting Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors as potential targeted therapy.
Spatiotemporal Kriging for Days without Rainfall in a Region of Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Medeiros Elias Silva de , Lima Renato Ribeiro de , Santos Carlos Antonio Costa dos
Published: January 2023

Climate change has had several negative effects, including more severe storms, warmer oceans, high temperatures and, in particular, increased drought, directly affecting the water availability in a region. The Northeast Region of Brazil (NEB) is known to have scarce rainfall, especially in the northeastern semiarid region. Droughts and high temperatures in the NEB negatively affect water resources in the region, resulting in a gradual decrease in the storage volume in the reservoirs and contributing to unprecedented water scarcity. The objective of this research was to investigate the spatiotemporal behavior of the number of days without rain (DWR) in a region of northeastern Brazil, making use of the spatiotemporal geostatistical methodology. Cross-validation resulted in an R2 of 71%, indicating a good performance of spatiotemporal kriging for predicting DWRs. The results indicate a spatial dependence for a radius of up to 39 km and that the DWR observations in a certain location influence its estimates in the next 2.8 years. The projection maps from 2021 to 2030 identified a growing trend in the DWRs. With the results presented in our study, it is expected that they can be used by government agencies for the adoption of public policies aiming to minimize the possible damage caused by long periods of drought.
Development of Catalyst-Free Self-Healing Biobased UV-Curable Coatings via Maleate Monoester Transesterification
Authors: Yu Xixi , Hu Yun , Lei Wen , Liu Chengguo , Zhou Yonghong
Published: January 2023

Developing environmentally friendly UV-curable polymers with multi-functionality is very significant for sustainable development and environmental protection. In this work, a novel tung-oil-based UV-curable oligomer (TOMAH) was synthesized by Diels–Alder and ring-opening reactions via microwave technology. Subsequently, catalyst-free self-healing UV-curable materials based on a maleate monoester transesterification (MMETER) were developed by co-photopolymerization of TOMAH and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The obtained UV-cured materials possessed a high glass transition temperature (Tg > 81 °C), excellent adhesion (grade 1), and flexibility (2 mm). Particularly, the outstanding photopolymerization activity of the UV-curable resins was proved by UV-curing kinetics. In addition, dynamic transesterifications occurred without an external catalyst at a moderate temperature, resulting in good self-healing properties (with a scratch-repair efficiency of 78.6–93.3%) and shape-memory properties for the obtained UV-cured materials. This work combines the multiple advantages of biomass raw material, microwave synthesis technology, UV-curing method, and multifunctional polymers, thus providing an innovative strategy to fabricate sustainable and intelligent coatings.
Time-Resolved Photoluminescence in GeSn Film by New Infrared Streak Camera Attachment Based on a Broadband Light Upconversion
Authors: Ščajev Patrik , Miasojedovas Saulius , Mekys Algirdas , Onufrijevs Pavels , Cheng Hung-Hsiang
Published: January 2023

GeSn coatings on commercial Si substrates have gained increased interest for application in infrared detectors and lasers. The characterization of these materials is crucial for their quality assessment and in describing device performance for commercialization. The time-resolved photoluminescence is an efficient method for contactless, time-resolved characterization of GeSn optoelectronic properties. For this purpose, in this work, we developed an infrared streak camera attachment based on the broadband upconversion of infrared photoluminescence by using powerful nanosecond 1064 nm pulses. The attachment achieved picosecond time resolution, being limited by the laser pulse duration, jitter, and temporal resolution of the streak camera. The spectral range for time-resolved photoluminescence in the 1100–2400 nm interval was obtained, outperforming the range of commercial infrared InGaAs streak cameras. The developed setup was applied for excitation-dependent time-resolved photoluminescence decay measurements in a GeSn and compared to the conventional upconversion technique with the optically delayed picosecond gate pulses. The new setup provided 2D spectro-temporal images for analysis. The photoluminescence decay times in the 30–80 ps range were obtained in the GeSn layer depending on the excitation pulse energy and spectral emission wavelength. Carrier thermalization was observed as a redshift of the photoluminescence spectra with time.
Sustainable Isolation and Application of Plant Extract-Based Natural Dye for Bio-Dyeing of Silk Fabric
Authors: Talib Abu , Fazal-ur-Rehman  , Adeel Shahid , Ali Aamir , Ahmad Tanvir , Hussaan Muhammad , Qayyum Muhammad Abdul
Published: January 2023

Green products such as plant pigments are gaining fame globally due to their excellent ayurvedic and biological characteristics. In this study, microwave (M.W.) has been employed to isolate colourant from black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), and bio-mordants have been included to obtain colourfast shades. Central Composite design (CCD) was formulated under response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize dyeing variables statistically. The results obtained after a series of experiments show that using 35 mL of irradiated acidic extract (RE = 6 min) of (pH4) in the presence of 1 g/100 mL of table salt as an exhausting agent at 65 °C for 55 min has demonstrated excellent colour depth (K/S) onto microwave-treated silk fabric (RS = 6 min). By applying bio-mordants, it has been found that walnut extract (1.5%), pinenut hull extract (1%), and orange peel extract (1.5%) are there before dyeing. In contrast, walnut extract (1.5%), pinenut hull extract (1.5%), and orange peel extracts (1.5%) after dyeing have shown colourfast shades of high strength. Comparatively, salts of Al+3 (1.5%), salts of Fe+2 (1.5%), and T.A. (tannic acid = 1.5%) before dyeing, while salts of Al+3 (0.5%) and salts of Fe+2 (2%) and T.A. (Tannic acid = 1%) after dyeing, have given good results. It has been observed that the use of M.W. radiation has not only improved the yield of dyes extracted from leaves when applied to silk fabric but also the inclusion of the optimum amount of bio and chemical mordants have resulted in moderate to good and excellent colour fastness ratings.
Improved Computational Prediction of the Electrochemical Reduction Potential of Twenty 3-Aryl-Quinoxaline-2-Carbonitrile 1,4-Di-N-Oxide Derivatives
Authors: Bhattarai Shambhu , Mareta Pradeep , Crawford Philip W. , Kessler Jonathan M. , Ragain Christina M.
Published: January 2023

The ability of density functional theory (DFT) using the functional B3LYP with the cc-pVTZ basis set to accurately predict the electrochemical properties of 20 3-aryl-quinoxaline-2-carbonitrile 1,4-di-N-oxide derivatives in dimethylformamide (DMF) was investigated and compared to previous predictions from B3LYP/6-31G and B3LYP/lanl2dz. The B3LYP/cc-pVTZ method was an improvement over the B3LYP/6-31G and B3LYP/lanl2dz methods as it was able to predict the first reduction potential of the diazine ring (wave 1) for all of the 3-aryl-quinoxaline-2-carbonitrile 1,4-di-N-oxide derivatives accurately. The B3LYP/cc-pVTZ predicted electrochemical potentials had a strong correlation to experimental values for wave 1. None of the methods demonstrated the ability to predict the nitro wave reduction potential for derivatives containing a nitro group. B3LYP/cc-pVTZ predicted electrochemical potentials for the second reduction of the diazine ring (wave 2) had a low correlation to the experimental values for the derivatives without a nitro group and no correlation of the derivatives when the nitro group was included in the analysis.
Topic Classification of Online News Articles Using Optimized Machine Learning Models
Authors: Daud Shahzada , Ullah Muti , Rehman Amjad , Saba Tanzila , Damaševičius Robertas , Sattar Abdul
Published: January 2023

Much news is available online, and not all is categorized. A few researchers have carried out work on news classification in the past, and most of the work focused on fake news identification. Most of the work performed on news categorization is carried out on a benchmark dataset. The problem with the benchmark dataset is that model trained with it is not applicable in the real world as the data are pre-organized. This study used machine learning (ML) techniques to categorize online news articles as these techniques are cheaper in terms of computational needs and are less complex. This study proposed the hyperparameter-optimized support vector machines (SVM) to categorize news articles according to their respective category. Additionally, five other ML techniques, Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD), Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and Naïve Bayes (NB), were optimized for comparison for the news categorization task. The results showed that the optimized SVM model performed better than other models, while without optimization, its performance was worse than other ML models.
Excited Non-Local Microelongated Semiconductor Layer Thermal-Optical Mechanical Waves Affected by Rotational Field
Authors: El-Sapa Shreen , Alhejaili Weaam , Lotfy Khaled , El-Bary Alaa A.
Published: January 2023

The main goal of this research is to provide a novel model that describes an optically heated layer of an excited non-local microelongated semiconductor material. In a rotating field, the model is examined as the photo-excitation processes occur. The model presents the microelongation scalar function, which describes the microelement processes according to the micropolar-thermoelasticity theory. The model analyses the interaction situation between optical-thermomechanical waves under the impact of rotation parameters when the microelongation parameters are taken into consideration according to the photo-thermoelasticity theory. During the electronic and thermoelastic deformation, the fundamental governing equations were obtained in dimensionless form, and they were investigated using the harmonic wave methodology. Two-dimensional general solutions for the fundamental fields of an isotropic, homogeneous, and linear non-local microelongated semiconductor medium are derived (2D). The free surface of the medium is subjected to several conditions to produce complete solutions due to the laser pulse. The physical properties of silicon (Si) material are used to show numerical modeling of the main fields. Some comparisons are made and graphically shown under the impact of various relaxation time and rotational parameters.
Wintering and Cold Hardiness of the Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae (Linnaeus, 1758) (Nymphalidae, Lepidoptera) in the West and East of the Northern Palearctic
Authors: Meshcheryakova Ekaterina N. , Bulakhova Nina A. , Zhigulskaya Zoya A. , Shekhovtsov Sergei V. , Berman Daniil I.
Published: January 2023

The geographic variability of the cold hardiness of poikilothermic animals is one of the keys to understanding the mechanisms of the formation of their ranges under climate change or anthropogenic introductions. A convenient object is the small tortoiseshell butterfly Aglais urticae, which is distributed from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. On the edges of the distribution range, the difference between the averages of the absolute minimum air temperatures reaches 60 °C. The cold hardiness (supercooling point and lower lethal temperatures) of imago wintering in a supercooled state in the northeast of Russia was assessed in comparison to the previously studied European ones. Despite the huge difference in air temperatures, the mean supercooling points ranges in the east (−23...−29 °C) and the west (−17...−22 °C) differ by only 7 °C; the lower lethal temperatures for this species is near −30 °C. The identified cold hardiness is not enough for overwintering of A. urticae on the vast majority part of the species range in natural shelters above the level of snow cover. The inhabiting of A. urticae in regions with air temperatures below −30 °C is possible only when wintering under snow. This primitive behavioral adaptation probably does not require physiological changes and may not be unique to Lepidoptera.
Natural Selection at the Edge of Life: Allelic Polymorphism and Recruitment in High Latitude Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) Generated and Maintained by Environmental Extremes
Authors: Hammar Johan
Published: January 2023

Information from extreme habitats of polymorphic populations is expected to answer questions related to evolutionary changes occurring at their niche border. Landlocked and resident/anadromous populations of the Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus (L.) sp. complex), sampled during three successive years in northern Svalbard, were assessed for life-history characteristics, allele-frequency variation at the polymorphic EST-2* locus, and tested for genotype–environment interactions. While year-class strength correlated positively with mean air temperature during the two summers preceding spawning, the EST-2*100 allele frequency correlated positively with the air temperature in June after birth. By affecting two asynchronous and independent population variables, which are both no doubt correlated with fitness, annual temperature variation is suggested to generate and maintain polymorphism in Arctic char in the High Arctic by modifying year-class strength and selecting for variant alleles influencing cold resistance. Intra- and inter-population comparisons imply an additional selection between the two variant EST-2* alleles to operate ontogenetically, with a fixation on the 90 allele in landlocked and resident individuals and the 100 allele in anadromous individuals. The selective mechanism behind the latter processes is unknown. Because of low substrate specificity, however, esterases may form a reserve of adaptive ability towards environmental stress during contrasting conditions.
Litter, Root, and Mycorrhiza Input Affected Soil Microbial Community Structure in Schima superba Pure Forest in Subtropical China
Authors: Zhu Liqin , Huang Rongzhen , Wang Jinping , Huang Guomin , Guan Hongzhi , Lin Lijing , Yang Mengjia , Li Yanyan , Zou Xianhua
Published: January 2023

During forest vegetation rehabilitation, changes in aboveground litter and underground root inputs affect soil microbial communities. Clarifying the effects of forest ecosystem carbon inputs on soil microbial community structure can provide a theoretical basis for the microbial driving mechanism of soil fertility evolution and ecosystem rehabilitation of vegetation rehabilitation in degraded red soil. Our research focuses on a Schima superba pure forest recovered from eroded and degraded red soil in a subtropical region. Five treatments were set as follows: control treatment (CT), mycorrhiza (M), root + mycorrhiza (RM), litter + root + mycorrhiza (LRM), and double litter + root + mycorrhiza (DLRM). We used Illumina HiSeq technology to study the effects of different organic carbon inputs on soil microbial community structure. The results showed that all organic carbon input treatments reduced the total population of soil bacteria by 55–79%; M, RM, and DLRM treatments increased the quantity of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) by 25–37%, ACE index by 25–34%, and Chao1 index by 28–39%. Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the dominant bacteriophyta in the Schima superba pure forest soil. The relative abundance of Alphaproteobacteria decreased by 55% under LRM treatment, and Thermoleophilia increased by 81% under M treatment. The dominant fungal phyla were Basidiomycota and Ascomycota. RM, LRM, and DLRM treatments reduced the relative abundance of Sordariomycetes by 46–64% and increased the relative abundance of Mortierellomycetes by 251–615%. The order of effects of different organic carbon inputs on the bacterial community composition at the phylum level was LRM > RM > M > DLRM and that on the fungal community composition was DLRM > LRM and RM > M. Alphaproteobacteria, Thermoleophilia, Sordariomycetes, and Mortierellomycetes were the main microbial groups affected by changes in organic carbon inputs. Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen were the key factors affecting the change of Mortierellomycetes. The bacterial community mainly affected the activity of soil acid invertase, while the fungal community affected the activities of various enzymes, with positive or negative effects. We concluded that the organic carbon inputs changed the species and quantity of soil microorganisms in the Schima superba forest, and the influence of organic carbon input on the fungal community structure was greater than that of bacteria.