bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semaphorin 3A-Neuropilin-1 Signaling Modulates MMP13 Expression in Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes
Authors: Stöckl Sabine , Reichart Johanna , Zborilova Magdalena , Johnstone Brian , Grässel Susanne
Published: November 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex disorder of diarthrodial joints caused by multiple risk factors and is characterized by articular cartilage destruction as well as changes in other articular tissues. Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), known to be a chemo-repellent for sensory nerve fibers, has recently been implicated in cartilage OA pathophysiology. We demonstrated that the expression of SEMA3A and its receptor neuropilin-1 (NRP1) are synchronously upregulated in chondrocytes isolated from knee cartilage of OA patients compared to non-OA control chondrocytes. In addition, we observed that during in vitro passaging of OA chondrocytes, the Nrp-1 level increases, whereas the Sema3A level decreases. In this study, we aimed to uncover how Sema3A-Nrp-1 signaling affects metabolism and viability of OA chondrocytes via siRNA-mediated inhibition of Nrp-1 expression. We observed a decreased proliferation rate and an increase in adhesion and senescence after Nrp-1 silencing. Moreover, MMP13 gene expression was reduced by approximately 75% in NRP1 knockdown OA chondrocytes, whereas MMP13 expression was induced by Sema3A treatment in control (nt siRNA) OA chondrocytes, accompanied by an impaired AKT phosphorylation. These findings suggest a potential catabolic function of Sema3A signaling in OA chondrocytes by inducing MMP13 expression and by compromising pro-survival AKT activation. We propose that targeting the Sema3A-Nrp-1 signaling axis might be an opportunity to interfere with OA pathogenesis and progression.
Potential Role of the Circadian Clock in the Regulation of Cancer Stem Cells and Cancer Therapy
Authors: Lee Yool , Tanggono Alfian Shan
Published: November 2022

Circadian rhythms, including sleep/wake cycles as well as hormonal, immune, metabolic, and cell proliferation rhythms, are fundamental biological processes driven by a cellular time-keeping system called the circadian clock. Disruptions in these rhythms due to genetic alterations or irregular lifestyles cause fundamental changes in physiology, from metabolism to cellular proliferation and differentiation, resulting in pathological consequences including cancer. Cancer cells are not uniform and static but exist as different subtypes with phenotypic and functional differences in the tumor microenvironment. At the top of the heterogeneous tumor cell hierarchy, cancer stem cells (CSCs), a self-renewing and multi-potent cancer cell type, are most responsible for tumor recurrence and metastasis, chemoresistance, and mortality. Phenotypically, CSCs are associated with the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which confers cancer cells with increased motility and invasion ability that is characteristic of malignant and drug-resistant stem cells. Recently, emerging studies of different cancer types, such as glioblastoma, leukemia, prostate cancer, and breast cancer, suggest that the circadian clock plays an important role in the maintenance of CSC/EMT characteristics. In this review, we describe recent discoveries regarding how tumor intrinsic and extrinsic circadian clock-regulating factors affect CSC evolution, highlighting the possibility of developing novel chronotherapeutic strategies that could be used against CSCs to fight cancer.
Requirement of Zebrafish Adcy3a and Adcy5 in Melanosome Dispersion and Melanocyte Stripe Formation
Authors: Zhang Lin , Wan Meng , Tohti Ramila , Jin Daqing , Zhong Tao P.
Published: November 2022

cAMP-PKA signaling plays a pivotal role in melanin synthesis and melanosome transport by responding to the binding of the α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) to melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R). Adenylate cyclases (ADCYs) are the enzymes responsible for the synthesis of cAMP from ATP, which comprises nine transmembrane isoforms (ADCYs 1-9) and one soluble adenylate cyclase (ADCY 10) in mammals. However, little is known about which and how ADCY isoforms regulate melanocyte generation, melanin biosynthesis, and melanosome transport in vivo. In this study, we have generated a series of single and double mutants of Adcy isoforms in zebrafish. Among them, adcy3a-/- and adcy5-/- double mutants cause defects in melanosome dispersion but do not impair melanoblast differentiation and melanocyte regeneration during the embryonic or larval stages. Activation of PKA, the main effector of cAMP signaling, significantly ameliorates the defects in melanosome dispersion in adcy3a-/- and adcy5-/- double mutants. Mechanistically, Adcy3a and Adcy5 regulate melanosome dispersion by activating kinesin-1 while inhibiting cytoplasmic dynein-1. In adult zebrafish, Adcy3a and Adcy5 participate in the regulation of the expression of microphthalmia transcription factor (Mitfa) and melanin synthesis enzymes Tyr, Dct, and Trp1b. The deletion of Adcy3a and Adcy5 inhibits melanin production and reduces pigmented melanocyte numbers, causing a defect in establishing adult melanocyte stripes. Hence, our studies demonstrate that Adcy3a and Adcy5 play essential but redundant functions in mediating α-MSH-MC1R/cAMP-PKA signaling for regulating melanin synthesis and melanosome dispersion.
Effector-Dependent and -Independent Molecular Mechanisms of Soybean–Microbe Interaction
Authors: Wang Jinhui , Ni Hejia , Chen Lin , Zou Jianan , Liu Chunyan , Chen Qingshan , Ratet Pascal , Xin Dawei
Published: November 2022

Soybean is a pivotal staple crop worldwide, supplying the main food and feed plant proteins in some countries. In addition to interacting with mutualistic microbes, soybean also needs to protect itself against pathogens. However, to grow inside plant tissues, plant defense mechanisms ranging from passive barriers to induced defense reactions have to be overcome. Pathogenic but also symbiotic micro-organisms effectors can be delivered into the host cell by secretion systems and can interfere with the immunity system and disrupt cellular processes. This review summarizes the latest advances in our understanding of the interaction between secreted effectors and soybean feedback mechanism and uncovers the conserved and special signaling pathway induced by pathogenic soybean cyst nematode, Pseudomonas, Xanthomonas as well as by symbiotic rhizobium.
Lactoferrin Ameliorates Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma in Mice through Reducing Dendritic-Cell-Derived Th2 Cell Responses
Authors: Lin Chi-Chien , Chuang Kai-Cheng , Chen Shih-Wei , Chao Ya-Hsuan , Yen Chih-Ching , Yang Shang-Hsun , Chen Wei , Chang Kuang-Hsi , Chang Yu-Kang , Chen Chuan-Mu
Published: November 2022

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease with symptoms such as expiratory airflow narrowing and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Millions of people suffer from asthma and are at risk of life-threatening conditions. Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein with multiple physiological functions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumoral activities. LF has been shown to function in immunoregulatory activities in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) in mice. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of LF in AHR and the functions of dendritic cells (DCs) and Th2-related responses in asthma. Twenty 8-week-old male BALB/c mice were divided into normal control (NC), ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized, and OVA-sensitized with low dose of LF (100 mg/kg) or high dose of LF (300 mg/kg) treatment groups. The mice were challenged by intranasal instillation with 5% OVA on the 21st to 27th day after the start of the sensitization period. The AHR, cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and pulmonary histology of each mouse were measured. Serum OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 and OVA-specific splenocyte responses were further detected. The results showed that LF exhibited protective effects in ameliorating AHR, as well as lung inflammation and damage, in reducing the expression of Th2 cytokines and the secretion of allergen-specific antibodies, in influencing the functions of DCs, and in decreasing the level of Th2 immune responses in a BALB/c mouse model of OVA-induced allergic asthma. Importantly, we demonstrated that LF has practical application in reducing DC-induced Th2 cell responses in asthma. In conclusion, LF exhibits anti-inflammation and immunoregulation activities in OVA-induced allergic asthma. These results suggest that LF may act as a supplement to prevent asthma-induced lung injury and provide an additional agent for reducing asthma severity.
Cell-Free DNA Fragmentomics: A Promising Biomarker for Diagnosis, Prognosis and Prediction of Response in Breast Cancer
Authors: Gianni Caterina , Palleschi Michela , Merloni Filippo , Di Menna Giandomenico , Sirico Marianna , Sarti Samanta , Virga Alessandra , Ulivi Paola , Cecconetto Lorenzo , Mariotti Marita , De Giorgi Ugo
Published: November 2022

Identifying novel circulating biomarkers predictive of response and informative about the mechanisms of resistance, is the new challenge for breast cancer (BC) management. The integration of omics information will gradually revolutionize the clinical approach. Liquid biopsy is being incorporated into the diagnostic and decision-making process for the treatment of BC, in particular with the analysis of circulating tumor DNA, although with some relevant limitations, including costs. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentomics and its integrity index may become a cheaper, noninvasive biomarker that could provide significant additional information for monitoring response to systemic treatments in BC. The purpose of our review is to focus on the available research on cfDNA integrity and its features as a biomarker of diagnosis, prognosis and response to treatments in BC, highlighting new perspectives and critical issues for future applications.
Association of Irisin/FNDC5 with ERRα and PGC-1α Expression in NSCLC
Authors: Nowińska Katarzyna , Jabłońska Karolina , Ciesielska Urszula , Piotrowska Aleksandra , Haczkiewicz-Leśniak Katarzyna , Pawełczyk Konrad , Podhorska-Okołów Marzenna , Dzięgiel Piotr
Published: November 2022

The rapid growth and division of cancer cells are associated with mitochondrial biogenesis or switching to glycolysis. ERRα, PGC-1α and irisin/FNDC5 are some of the proteins that can influence these processes. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation of these proteins in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to investigate their association with clinicopathological parameters. Immunohistochemistry reactions were performed on tissue microarrays (860 NSCLC, 140 non-malignant lung tissue). The normal fibroblast cell line (IMR-90) and lung cancer cell lines (NCI-H1703 and NCI-H522) were used as co-cultures. The mRNA levels of FNDC5 and ESRRA (encoding ERRα) were assessed in IMR-90 cells after co-culture with lung cancer cells. We observed a decreased level of ERRα with an increase in tumor size (T), stages of the disease, and lymph node metastases (N). In the adenocarcinoma (AC) subtype, patients with a higher ERRα expression had significantly longer overall survival. A moderate positive correlation was observed between FNDC5 mRNA and ESRRA mRNA in NSCLCs. The expression of FNDC5 mRNA in IMR-90 cells increased after 24 h, and ESRRA gene expression increased after 48 h of co-culture. The ERRα receptor with PGC-1α participates in the control of FNDC5/irisin expression. Normal fibroblasts revealed an upregulation of the FNDC5 and ESRRA genes under the influence of lung cancer cells.
Salbutamol in the Management of Asthma: A Review
Authors: Marques Lara , Vale Nuno
Published: November 2022

Asthma is a common inflammatory disease of the lungs. The prevalence of asthma is increasing worldwide, and the tendency indicates that the number of asthma sufferers will soar in the coming years for several reasons, in particular, the lifestyles we have adopted that expose us to risk factors. Salbutamol is the first selective short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) used as an alternative reliever in the treatment of asthma. Its therapeutic effect is based on its potent smooth muscle relaxant properties, which allow the inhibition of bronchial smooth muscle contraction and subsequent bronchodilation. Salbutamol can be administered orally, intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM), subcutaneously, or by inhalation. For this reason, the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters—absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination—are highly diverse and, consequently, the efficacy and adverse effects also differ between each formulation. Here, we review the pharmacological profile of different salbutamol formulations, focusing on their efficacy and adverse effects for its original application, asthma.
Low Temperature Inhibits the Defoliation Efficiency of Thidiazuron in Cotton by Regulating Plant Hormone Synthesis and the Signaling Pathway
Authors: Shu Hongmei , Sun Shangwen , Wang Xiaojing , Yang Changqin , Zhang Guowei , Meng Yali , Wang Youhua , Hu Wei , Liu Ruixian
Published: November 2022

Thidiazuron (TDZ) is the main defoliant used in production to promote leaf abscission for machine-picked cotton. Under low temperatures, the defoliation rate of cotton treated with TDZ decreases and the time of defoliation is delayed, but there is little information about this mechanism. In this study, RNA-seq and physiological analysis are performed to reveal the transcriptome profiling and change in endogenous phytohormones upon TDZ treatment in abscission zones (AZs) under different temperatures (daily mean temperatures: 25 °C and 15 °C). Genes differentially expressed in AZs between TDZ treatment and control under different temperatures were subjected to gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses to compare the enriched GO terms and KEGG pathways between the two temperature conditions. The results show that, compared with the corresponding control group, TDZ induces many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AZs, and the results of the GO and KEGG analyses show that the plant hormone signaling transduction pathway is significantly regulated by TDZ. However, under low temperature, TDZ induced less DEGs, and the enriched GO terms and KEGG pathways were different with those under normal temperature condition. Many genes in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway could not be induced by TDZ under low temperature conditions. In particular, the upregulated ethylene-signaling genes and downregulated auxin-signaling genes in AZs treated with TDZ were significantly affected by low temperatures. Furthermore, the expression of ethylene and auxin synthesis genes and their content in AZs treated with TDZ were also regulated by low temperature conditions. The upregulated cell wall hydrolase genes induced by TDZ were inhibited by low temperatures. However, the inhibition of low temperature on genes in AZs treated with TDZ was relieved with the extension of the treatment time. Together, these results indicate that the responses of ethylene and auxin synthesis and the signaling pathway to TDZ are inhibited by low temperatures, which could not induce the expression of cell wall hydrolase genes, and then inhibit the separation of AZ cells and the abscission of cotton leaves. This result provides new insights into the mechanism of defoliation induced by TDZ under low temperature conditions.
A Graph Neural Network Approach for the Analysis of siRNA-Target Biological Networks
Authors: La Rosa Massimo , Fiannaca Antonino , La Paglia Laura , Urso Alfonso
Published: November 2022

Many biological systems are characterised by biological entities, as well as their relationships. These interaction networks can be modelled as graphs, with nodes representing bio-entities, such as molecules, and edges representing relations among them, such as interactions. Due to the current availability of a huge amount of biological data, it is very important to consider in silico analysis methods based on, for example, machine learning, that could take advantage of the inner graph structure of the data in order to improve the quality of the results. In this scenario, graph neural networks (GNNs) are recent computational approaches that directly deal with graph-structured data. In this paper, we present a GNN network for the analysis of siRNA–mRNA interaction networks. siRNAs, in fact, are small RNA molecules that are able to bind to target genes and silence them. These events make siRNAs key molecules as RNA interference agents in many biological interaction networks related to severe diseases such as cancer. In particular, our GNN approach allows for the prediction of the siRNA efficacy, which measures the siRNA’s ability to bind and silence a gene target. Tested on benchmark datasets, our proposed method overcomes other machine learning algorithms, including the state-of-the-art predictor based on the convolutional neural network, reaching a Pearson correlation coefficient of approximately 73.6%. Finally, we proposed a case study where the efficacy of a set of siRNAs is predicted for a gene of interest. To the best of our knowledge, GNNs were used for the first time in this scenario.
Integrated Metabolomics and Morpho-Biochemical Analyses Reveal a Better Performance of Azospirillum brasilense over Plant-Derived Biostimulants in Counteracting Salt Stress in Tomato
Authors: Alzate Zuluaga Mónica Yorlady , Miras-Moreno Begoña , Monterisi Sonia , Rouphael Youssef , Colla Giuseppe , Lucini Luigi , Cesco Stefano , Pii Youry
Published: November 2022

Increased soil salinity is one of the main concerns in agriculture and food production, and it negatively affects plant growth and crop productivity. In order to mitigate the adverse effects of salinity stress, plant biostimulants (PBs) have been indicated as a promising approach. Indeed, these products have a beneficial effect on plants by acting on primary and secondary metabolism and by inducing the accumulation of protective molecules against oxidative stress. In this context, the present work is aimed at comparatively investigating the effects of microbial (i.e., Azospirillum brasilense) and plant-derived biostimulants in alleviating salt stress in tomato plants by adopting a multidisciplinary approach. To do so, the morphological and biochemical effects were assessed by analyzing the biomass accumulation and root characteristics, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and osmotic stress protection. Furthermore, modifications in the metabolomic profiles of both leaves and root exudates were also investigated by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QTOF-MS). According to the results, biomass accumulation decreased under high salinity. However, the treatment with A. brasilense considerably improved root architecture and increased root biomass by 156% and 118% in non-saline and saline conditions, respectively. The antioxidant enzymes and proline production were enhanced in salinity stress at different levels according to the biostimulant applied. Moreover, the metabolomic analyses pointed out a wide set of processes being affected by salinity and biostimulant interactions. Crucial compounds belonging to secondary metabolism (phenylpropanoids, alkaloids and other N-containing metabolites, and membrane lipids) and phytohormones (brassinosteroids, cytokinins and methylsalicylate) showed the most pronounced modulation. Overall, our results suggest a better performance of A. brasilense in alleviating high salinity than the vegetal-derived protein hydrolysates herein evaluated.
SGM: Strategic Game Model for Resisting Node Misbehaviour in IoT-Cloud Ecosystem
Authors: Khan Burhan Ul Islam , Anwar Farhat , Rahman Farah Diyana Bt. Abdul , Olanrewaju Rashidah Funke , Goh Khang Wen , Janin Zuriati , Rahman Md Arafatur
Published: November 2022

This paper introduces a computational strategic game model capable of mitigating the adversarial impact of node misbehaviour in large-scale Internet of Things (IoT) deployments. This security model’s central concept is to preclude the participation of misbehaving nodes during the routing process within the ad hoc environment of mobile IoT nodes. The core of the design is a simplified mathematical algorithm that can strategically compute payoff embrace moves to maximise gain. At the same time, a unique role is given to a node for restoring resources during communication or security operations. Adopting an analytical research methodology, the proposed model uses public and private cloud systems for integrating quality service delivery with secure agreements using a Global Trust Controller and core node selection controller to select an intermediate node for data propagation. The initiation of the game model is carried out by identifying mobile node role followed by choosing an optimal payoff for a normal IoT node. Finally, the model leads to an increment of gain for selecting the regular IoT node for routing. The findings of the evaluation indicate that the proposed scheme offers 36% greater accuracy, 25% less energy, 11% faster response time, and 27% lower cost than the prevalent game-based models currently used to solve security issues. The value added by the proposed study is the simplified game model which balances both security demands and communication demands.
A Thermal Sublimation Generator of 131mXe
Authors: Kulesz Karolina , Azaryan Nikolay , Baranowski Mikołaj , Chojnacki Mateusz Jerzy , Köster Ulli , Lica Razvan , Pascu Sorin Gabriel , Jolivet Renaud Blaise , Kowalska Magdalena
Published: November 2022

Stable and unstable isotopes of the heavy noble gas xenon find use in various medical applications. However, apart from 133Xe, used for Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, radioactive isotopes of xenon are currently complicated to obtain in small quantities. With the GAMMA-MRI project in mind, we investigated a thermal sublimation generator of the long-lived excited state (isomer) 131mXe. This production method utilized the decay of 131I, obtained commercially from a hospital supplier in the form of Na131I powder. Heat treatments of the Na131I powder and cryogenic trapping of released 131mXe allowed us to collect up to 88% of the produced xenon. Our method provides an isomeric mixture of 131mXe and 131Xe. With improvements in scalability and chemical purification, this method could be a cost-effective source of 131mXe for small-scale experiments.
Effect of Silicon Carbide Coating on Osteoblast Mineralization of Anodized Titanium Surfaces
Authors: Calderon Patricia dos Santos , Rocha Fernanda Regina Godoy , Xia Xinyi , Camargo Samira Esteves Afonso , Pascoal Ana Luisa de Barros , Chiu Chan-Wen , Ren Fan , Ghivizzani Steve , Esquivel-Upshaw Josephine F.
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the titanium nanotube diameter and the effect of silicon carbide (SiC) coating on the proliferation and mineralization of pre-osteoblasts on titanium nanostructured surfaces. Anodized titanium sheets with nanotube diameters of 50 and 100 nm were used. The following four groups were tested in the study: (1) non-coated 50 nm nanotubes; (2) SiC-coated 50 nm titanium nanotubes; (3) non-coated 100 nm nanotubes and (4) SiC-coated 100 nm nanotubes. The biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of pre-osteoblasts were evaluated using a CellTiter-BlueCell Viability assay after 1, 2, and 3 days. After 3 days, cells attached to the surface were observed by SEM. Pre-osteoblast mineralization was determined using Alizarin-Red staining solution after 21 days of cultivation. Data were analyzed by a Kruskal–Wallis test at a p-value of 0.05. The results evidenced biocompatibility and non-cytotoxicity of both 50 and 100 nm diameter coated and non-coated surfaces after 1, 2 and 3 days. The statistical analysis indicates a statistically significant higher cell growth at 3 days (p < 0.05). SEM images after 3 days demonstrated flattened-shaped cells without any noticeable difference in the phenotypes between different diameters or surface treatments. After 21 days of induced osteogenic differentiation, the statistical analysis indicates significantly higher osteoblast calcification on coated groups of both diameters when compared with non-coated groups (p < 0.05). Based on these results, we can conclude that the titanium nanotube diameter did not play any role on cell viability or mineralization of pre-osteoblasts on SiC-coated or non-coated titanium nanotube sheets. The SiC coating demonstrated biocompatibility and non-cytotoxicity and contributed to an increase in osteoblast mineralization on titanium nanostructured surfaces when compared to non-coated groups.
Current Development in Biomaterials—Hydroxyapatite and Bioglass for Applications in Biomedical Field: A Review
Authors: Filip Diana Georgiana , Surdu Vasile-Adrian , Paduraru Andrei Viorel , Andronescu Ecaterina
Published: November 2022

Inorganic biomaterials, including different types of metals and ceramics are widely used in various fields due to their biocompatibility, bioactivity, and bioresorbable capacity. In recent years, biomaterials have been used in biomedical and biological applications. Calcium phosphate (CaPs) compounds are gaining importance in the field of biomaterials used as a standalone material or in more complex structures, especially for bone substitutes and drug delivery systems. The use of multiple dopants into the structure of CaPs compounds can significantly improve their in vivo and in vitro activity. Among the general information included in the Introduction section, in the first section of this review paper, the authors provided a background on the development of hydroxyapatite, methods of synthesis, and its applications. The advantages of using different ions and co-ions for substitution into the hydroxyapatite lattice and their influence on physicochemical, antibacterial, and biological properties of hydroxyapatite are also presented in this section of the review paper. Larry Hench’s 45S5 Bioglass®, commercially named 45S5, was the first bioactive glass that revealed a chemical bond with bone, highlighting the potential of this biomaterial to be widely used in biomedicine for bone regeneration. The second section of this article is focused on the development and current products based on 45S5 Bioglass®, covering the historical evolution, importance of the sintering method, hybrid bioglass composites, and applications. To overcome the limitations of the original biomaterials, studies were performed to combine hydroxyapatite and 45S5 Bioglass® into new composites used for their high bioactivity and improved properties. This particular type of combined hydroxyapatite/bioglass biomaterial is discussed in the last section of this review paper.
Collagen as a Biomaterial for Skin and Corneal Wound Healing
Authors: Sklenářová Renáta , Akla Naoufal , Latorre Meagan Jade , Ulrichová Jitka , Franková Jana
Published: November 2022

The cornea and the skin are two organs that form the outer barrier of the human body. When either is injured (e.g., from surgery, physical trauma, or chemical burns), wound healing is initiated to restore integrity. Many cells are activated during wound healing. In particular, fibroblasts that are stimulated often transition into repair fibroblasts or myofibroblasts that synthesize extracellular matrix (ECM) components into the wound area. Control of wound ECM deposition is critical, as a disorganized ECM can block restoration of function. One of the most abundant structural proteins in the mammalian ECM is collagen. Collagen type I is the main component in connective tissues. It can be readily obtained and purified, and short analogs have also been developed for tissue engineering applications, including modulating the wound healing response. This review discusses the effect of several current collagen implants on the stimulation of corneal and skin wound healing. These range from collagen sponges and hydrogels to films and membranes.
Prediction of Machining Condition Using Time Series Imaging and Deep Learning in Slot Milling of Titanium Alloy
Authors: Hojati Faramarz , Azarhoushang Bahman , Daneshi Amir , Hajyaghaee Khiabani Rostam
Published: November 2022

Low surface quality, undesired geometrical and dimensional tolerances, and product damage due to tool wear and tool breakage lead to a dramatic increase in production cost. In this regard, monitoring tool conditions and the machining process are crucial to prevent unwanted events during the process and guarantee cost-effective and high-quality production. This study aims to predict critical machining conditions concerning surface roughness and tool breakage in slot milling of titanium alloy. Using the Siemens SINUMERIK Edge Box integrated into a CNC machine tool, signals were recorded from main spindle and different axes. Instead of extraction of features from signals, the Gramian angular field (GAF) was used to encode the whole signal into an image with no loss of information. Afterwards, the images obtained from different machining conditions were used for training a convolutional neural network (CNN) as a suitable and frequently applied deep learning method for images. The combination of GAF and trained CNN model indicates good performance in predicting critical machining conditions, particularly in the case of an imbalanced dataset. The trained classification CNN model resulted in recall, precision, and accuracy with 75%, 88%, and 94% values, respectively, for the prediction of workpiece surface quality and tool breakage.
New Experimental Data on Partial Pressures of Gas Phase Components over Uranium-Zirconium Carbonitrides at High Temperatures and Its Comparative Analysis
Authors: Bulatov G. , German Konstantin
Published: November 2022

Data from the literature were analyzed and experimental data were obtained on the sublimation of uranium-zirconium carbonitrides with different contents of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen impurities in a wide temperature range (1773–2323 K). The composition of the gas phase was determined and the analytical dependences of the partial pressures of its components on temperature were calculated. It was shown that the sublimation of uranium-zirconium carbonitrides occurs incongruently with the predominant loss of nitrogen, which led to a shift in their compositions to the side richer in carbon. The chemical mechanism of sublimation was considered, according to which oxygen impurities in these materials contribute to the additional release of nitrogen and the appearance of oxide components UO, UO2 and CO in the gas phase. The introduction of zirconium carbonitrides and an increase in the carbon content led to a decrease in the partial pressures of uranium monoxide and nitrogen, thereby increasing the thermal stability of materials.
Preliminary Investigation about Aspergillus spp. Spread in Umbrian Avian Farms
Authors: Cruciani Deborah , Crotti Silvia , Maresca Carmen , Pecorelli Ivan , Verdini Emanuela , Rodolfi Marinella , Scoccia Eleonora , Spina Sara , Valentini Andrea , Agnetti Francesco
Published: November 2022

Among the fungi responsible for deep mycosis, the genus Aspergillus plays a predominant role both in human and veterinary medicine. From a “One Health” perspective, infections by Aspergillus spp. often represent a public health problem linked to specific occupational categories that could have a greater risk of inhaling spores and developing any respiratory disease. This preliminary investigation allowed to acquire information about the spread of Aspergillus spp. in avian livestock of the Umbria region (Central Italy), their sensitivity to antifungals, and the presence of mycotoxins in the considered farms. Environmental, feed, animal, and human samples were collected for mycological investigations; chemical analyses were also performed in feed samples. Moreover, prevalence estimated of the fungal isolates were provided for each individual farm sampled. Direct fungal identification was possible in 298 out of the 559 total samples; 162 of the samples were positive for Aspergillus spp. Mycotoxins were detected in 5 out of the 21 feed samples collected. All the aspergilli tested for antifungal susceptibility were resistant to fluconazole. The results obtained show how much the genus Aspergillus is widespread in the investigated farms; therefore, the poultry livestock represents a favorable environment for the maintenance and spread of fungal spores and their potential transmission to animals and humans.
Efficacy of Propolis Gel on Mature Biofilm Formed by Neocosmospora keratoplastica Isolated from Onychomycosis
Authors: Costa Polyana de Souza , Cruz Elton , Veiga Flávia , Jarros Isabelle Carrilho , Negri Melyssa , Svidzinski Terezinha Inez Estivalet
Published: November 2022

This article describes Neocosmospora keratoplastica as an etiological onychomycosis agent. Ex vivo studies were initially performed to demonstrate the ability of this species to grow and form a well-organized characteristic biofilm on sterilized healthy nails. Based on the history of excellent results, both for antifungal and antibiofilm, of propolis resin gum, we evaluated its activity using artificially formed biofilm. In vitro, the minimal biofilm eradication concentration of the propolis extract (PE) was 375 µg of total polyphenol content (TPC) per mL, while for the propolis gel (PG) it was 450 µg of TPC per mL. In biofilm exposed to the propolis products, a decrease in hyphae and conidia was evident, accompanied by a disorganization of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, this low concentration of PE was able to significantly reduce the number of colony-forming units and the metabolic activity. Furthermore, the treatment of a 15-year nail infection due to N. keratoplastica was carried out exclusively using a topical treatment with a gel containing propolis (30%) with a daily dosage. This treatment achieved complete remission of the onychomycosis in 12 months. It is important to point out that some inconveniences previously reported by other patients treated with propolis extract were eliminated, increasing adherence to treatment.
Comparative Efficacy of 14-Day Tegoprazan-Based Triple vs. 10-Day Tegoprazan-Based Concomitant Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication
Authors: Park Chan Hyuk , Song Myung Jin , Jung Byung Wook , Park Jung Ho , Jung Yoon Suk
Published: November 2022

Tegoprazan, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, is currently available for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. We compared the efficacies of tegoprazan-based triple and concomitant therapies in a real-world practice. Data of patients treated with a 14-day tegoprazan-based triple therapy (50 mg of tegoprazan + 1000 mg of amoxicillin + 500 mg of clarithromycin twice daily) or 10-day tegoprazan-based concomitant therapy (50 mg of tegoprazan + 1000 mg of amoxicillin + 500 mg of clarithromycin + 500 mg of metronidazole twice daily) were retrospectively reviewed. Primary endpoint was eradication rate in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Of the 928 included patients, 551 and 377 were treated with triple and concomitant therapies, respectively. Eradication rate from ITT analysis was 76.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 72.7–79.8%) in the triple therapy group and 85.9% (95% CI, 82.2–89.2%) in the concomitant therapy group (p < 0.001). Eradication rate in the per-protocol analysis was also higher in the concomitant therapy group than in the triple therapy group (triple vs. concomitant therapy: 84.5% [81.1–87.5%] vs. 91.1% [87.8–93.8%]). Overall adverse event rate was 29.0% in the triple therapy group and 45.9% in the concomitant therapy group (p < 0.001). Adherence rate was similar between the two groups (triple vs. concomitant therapy: 90.0 vs. 92.6%, p = 0.180). Overall, the 10-day tegoprazan-based concomitant therapy had superior efficacy than the 14-day tegoprazan-based triple therapy for H. pylori eradication. Although concomitant therapy showed common adverse events, adherence was comparable between the two therapies.
The Asymmetric Overnight Return Anomaly in the Chinese Stock Market
Authors: An Yahui , Huang Lin , Li Youwei
Published: November 2022

Traditional asset pricing theory suggests that to compensate for the uncertainty that investors bear, risky assets should generate considerably higher rates of return than the risk-free rate. However, the overnight return anomaly in the Chinese stock market, which refers to the anomaly that overnight return is significantly negative, contradicts the risk–return trade-off. We find that this anomaly is asymmetrical, as the overnight return is significantly negative after a negative daytime return, whereas the anomaly does not occur following a positive daytime return. We explain this anomaly from the perspective of investor attention. We show that the attention of individual investors behaves asymmetrically such that they draw more attention on negative daytime returns, and play an essential role in explaining the overnight return puzzle.
Machine Learning to Develop Credit Card Customer Churn Prediction
Authors: AL-Najjar Dana , Al-Rousan Nadia , AL-Najjar Hazem
Published: November 2022

The credit card customer churn rate is the percentage of a bank’s customers that stop using that bank’s services. Hence, developing a prediction model to predict the expected status for the customers will generate an early alert for banks to change the service for that customer or to offer them new services. This paper aims to develop credit card customer churn prediction by using a feature-selection method and five machine learning models. To select the independent variables, three models were used, including selection of all independent variables, two-step clustering and k-nearest neighbor, and feature selection. In addition, five machine learning prediction models were selected, including the Bayesian network, the C5 tree, the chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) tree, the classification and regression (CR) tree, and a neural network. The analysis showed that all the machine learning models could predict the credit card customer churn model. In addition, the results showed that the C5 tree machine learning model performed the best in comparison with the three developed models. The results indicated that the top three variables needed in the development of the C5 tree customer churn prediction model were the total transaction count, the total revolving balance on the credit card, and the change in the transaction count. Finally, the results revealed that merging the multi-categorical variables into one variable improved the performance of the prediction models.
Assessment of Eating Disorders and Eating Behavior to Improve Treatment Outcomes in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Kolnikaj Tea Shehu , Herman Rok , Janež Andrej , Jensterle Mojca
Published: November 2022

The essential role of the frequent coexistence of mental disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is being increasingly recognized in the management of PCOS patients since it influences the success of weight loss interventions. Patients frequently experience disrupted eating behaviors, evidenced by the high prevalence of eating disorders in this population. Therefore, assessment and potential modification of eating disorders and eating-related behavior might be especially relevant to improve obesity treatment outcomes in this population, which remains the most efficient causal treatment in PCOS patients with high metabolic risk. Following a literature overview on common eating disorders and eating behaviors in PCOS, the aim of this review was to explore the prevalence and underlying mechanisms behind those occurrences. Understanding the clinical relevance of those associations and the addition of the assessments of eating disorders as well as eating phenotypes, eating chronotypes, and eating content as essential determinants of eating behavior could aid in the successful management of women with PCOS. In addition, the review also covers the potential of using eating disorders and eating behavior as a tool for the personalization of obesity treatment in PCOS.
Functionalised Mineral Materials in Environmental and Civil Engineering, Ceramics, Foundries and Metals
Authors: Bajda Tomasz
Published: November 2022

There has been increasing interest in functionalised mineral materials in terms of both scientific research and the development of the world economy [...]
Integrated Numerical Simulations and Experimental Measurements for the Sintering Process of Injection-Molded Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Su Shaohua , Hong Zijian , Huang Yuhui , Wang Peng , Li Xiaobao , Wu Junwen , Wu Yongjun
Published: November 2022

Metal injection molding (MIM) is an advanced manufacturing technology that enables the mass production of high-performance and complex materials, such as the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The determination of the size change and deformation of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy after the sintering process is challenging and critical for quality control. The numerical simulation could be a fast and cost-effective way to predict size change and deformation, given the large degrees of freedom for the sintering process. Herein, a finite element method based on the thermal-elastic-viscoplastic macroscopic model is developed to predict the shrinkage, deformation, relative density, and crack of injection-molded Ti-6Al-4V after sintering, using the Simufact software. Excellent agreements between experimental measurements and numerical simulations of the size and deformation are demonstrated (within a 3% error), confirming the accuracy of the numerical model. This approach can serve as a guideline for the mold design and sintering optimization of the MIM process.
Assessment of the Applicability of Selected Data Mining Techniques for the Classification of Mortars Containing Recycled Aggregate
Authors: Dębska Bernardeta
Published: November 2022

The article contains the results of selected tests of physical and mechanical properties of mortars differentiated in terms of the binder used: cement, epoxy, epoxy modified with PET waste glycolysate and polyester. Each type of mortar was modified by partial (0–20% vol.) substitution of sand with an agglomerate made from waste polyethylene. The obtained results were used to build a database of mortar properties, which was then analyzed with the use of three different techniques of knowledge extraction from databases, i.e., cluster analysis, decision trees and discriminant analysis. The average results of the properties tested were compared, taking into account the type of mortar, indicating those with the most favorable parameters. The possibilities and correctness of mortar classification with the use of the indicated “data mining” methods were compared. The results obtained confirmed that it is possible to successfully apply these methods to the classification of construction mortars and then to propose mortars with such a composition that will guarantee that the composite will have the expected properties. Both the presented method of plastic waste management and the proposed statistical approach are in line with the assumptions of the currently important concept of sustainable development in construction.
Selected Mechanical Properties of Glue-Laminated Timber Produced from Locally Repaired Timber
Authors: Derkowski Adam , Kuliński Marcin , Trociński Adrian , Krzosek Sławomir , Mirski Radosław
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties determined in a 4-point bending test of beams made of lumber from which knots had been locally removed and the resulting loss replaced with sound wood. Three sets of beams were prepared, which differed in the number of layers/lamellas and the position of the lamellas from which edge knots were removed. All the lamellas used in the tests were subjected to a modulus of elasticity assessment. In addition to the distribution of defects, it determined the position of a given piece in the beam structure. The tests showed that high mechanical properties could characterise the beams produced in this way, i.e., a modulus of elasticity close to 12 kN/mm2 and a strength above 40 N/mm2, if the lamellas without knots were located below the outer tension lamella. Significantly better results were obtained when PUR glue was used in the inserts rather than MUF. In this case, beams with an improved outer lamella in the tension zone using semi-circular inserts glued with PUR glue had an average strength of 34.6 N/mm2.
Evaluation of the Fatigue Behavior and Failure Mechanisms of 4340 Steel Coated with WIP-C1 (Ni/CrC) by Cold Spray
Authors: Goanță Viorel , Munteanu Corneliu , Müftü Sinan , Istrate Bogdan , Schwartz Patricia , Boese Samuel , Ferguson Gehn , Morăraș Ciprian-Ionuț , Stefan Adrian
Published: November 2022

Fatigue behavior of standardized 4340 steel samples uniformly coated with WIP-C1 (Ni/CrC) by cold spray was investigated. In particular, when a crack appeared at the interface between the base material and the coating, the cause of it as well as its shape and size were investigated. Fatigue loading was applied by alternating symmetrical cycles. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the onset of failure and the subsequent propagation of cracks. The interface between the two materials performed well—in all samples, the initial crack propagation occurred on the surface of the base material, continuing into the coating material and in the interior of the base material. The fatigue durability curve of stress vs. number of cycles (S-N) presented a conventional form for a metallic alloy and the coating material had an influence only on the damage on the surface of the base material.
Modeling of Biological Activity of PEO-Coated Titanium Implants with Conjugates of Cyclic RGD Peptide with Amino Acid Bisphosphonates
Authors: Parfenova Lyudmila V. , Galimshina Zulfiya R. , Gil’fanova Guzel U. , Alibaeva Eliza I. , Danilko Ksenia V. , Aubakirova Veta R. , Farrakhov Ruzil G. , Parfenov Evgeny V. , Valiev Ruslan Z.
Published: November 2022

Titanium is considered to be the most essential metal in the field of implantology. The main factors determining metal biocompatibility, among others, include the morphology and chemical composition of the titanium surface. Therefore, the aim of this work was to develop approaches to control the biological activity of the titanium surface by creating coatings that combine both an inorganic phase with a given morphology and organic molecules containing an integrin-selective peptide that regulate cell adhesion and proliferation. As such, we synthesized new c(RGDfC) derivatives of amino acid bisphosphonates (four examples) with different bisphosphonate anchors and maleimide linkers. These molecules were deposited on a highly developed porous surface obtained via the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) of coarse-grained and nanostructured titanium. In vitro studies demonstrated the increase in the viability degree of mesenchymal stem cells and fibroblasts on the surface of coarse-grained or nanostructured titanium modified with PEO and a c(RGDfC) derivative of ε-aminocaproic acid bisphophonate with an SMCC linker. As a result, the use of conjugates of amino acid bisphosphonates with a cyclic RGD peptide for the modification of PEO-coated titanium opens the ways for the effective control of the biological activity of the metal implant surface.