bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma Metabolomics Predicts Chemotherapy Response in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Muranaka Hayato , Hendifar Andrew , Osipov Arsen , Moshayedi Natalie , Placencio-Hickok Veronica , Tatonetti Nicholas , Stotland Aleksandr , Parker Sarah , Van Eyk Jennifer , Pandol Stephen J. , Bhowmick Neil A. , Gong Jun
Published: June 2023

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest cancers. Developing biomarkers for chemotherapeutic response prediction is crucial for improving the dismal prognosis of advanced-PC patients (pts). To evaluate the potential of plasma metabolites as predictors of the response to chemotherapy for PC patients, we analyzed plasma metabolites using high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry from 31 cachectic, advanced-PC subjects enrolled into the PANCAX-1 (NCT02400398) prospective trial to receive a jejunal tube peptide-based diet for 12 weeks and who were planned for palliative chemotherapy. Overall, there were statistically significant differences in the levels of intermediates of multiple metabolic pathways in pts with a partial response (PR)/stable disease (SD) vs. progressive disease (PD) to chemotherapy. When stratified by the chemotherapy regimen, PD after 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy (e.g., FOLFIRINOX) was associated with decreased levels of amino acids (AAs). For gemcitabine-based chemotherapy (e.g., gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel), PD was associated with increased levels of intermediates of glycolysis, the TCA cycle, nucleoside synthesis, and bile acid metabolism. These results demonstrate the feasibility of plasma metabolomics in a prospective cohort of advanced-PC patients for assessing the effect of enteral feeding as their primary source of nutrition. Metabolic signatures unique to FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel may be predictive of a patient’s response and warrant further study.
Awakening of Dormant Breast Cancer Cells in the Bone Marrow
Authors: Wieder Robert
Published: June 2023

Up to 40% of patients with breast cancer (BC) have metastatic cells in the bone marrow (BM) at the initial diagnosis of localized disease. Despite definitive systemic adjuvant therapy, these cells survive in the BM microenvironment, enter a dormant state and recur stochastically for more than 20 years. Once they begin to proliferate, recurrent macrometastases are not curable, and patients generally succumb to their disease. Many potential mechanisms for initiating recurrence have been proposed, but no definitive predictive data have been generated. This manuscript reviews the proposed mechanisms that maintain BC cell dormancy in the BM microenvironment and discusses the data supporting specific mechanisms for recurrence. It addresses the well-described mechanisms of secretory senescence, inflammation, aging, adipogenic BM conversion, autophagy, systemic effects of trauma and surgery, sympathetic signaling, transient angiogenic bursts, hypercoagulable states, osteoclast activation, and epigenetic modifications of dormant cells. This review addresses proposed approaches for either eliminating micrometastases or maintaining a dormant state.
Targeted Therapy in the Palliative Setting of Colorectal Cancer—Survival and Medical Costs
Authors: Inci Kamuran , Nilsson Bengt , Ny Lars , Strömberg Ulf , Wilking Nils , Lindskog Stefan , Giglio Daniel
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: Targeted therapy is used alone or together with chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to assess overall survival and medical costs in a cohort of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. (2) Methods: Demographic and clinical characteristics of 337 patients and pathological data of colorectal tumors were retrospectively collected in this population-based study. The overall survival and medical costs for patients receiving chemotherapy plus targeted therapy were compared with those for patients receiving chemotherapy only. (3) Results: Patients administered chemotherapy plus targeted therapy were less frail and had more often RAS wild-type tumors but had higher CEA levels than patients receiving chemotherapy only. No prolonged overall survival could be observed in patients receiving palliative targeted therapy. The medical costs for patients undergoing treatment with targeted therapy were significantly higher than for patients treated only with chemotherapy; they were especially higher in the group receiving targeted therapy early than late in the palliative setting. (4) Conclusions: The use of targeted therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer leads to significantly higher medical costs when used early in the palliative setting. No positive effects of the use of targeted therapy could be observed in this study; therefore, we suggest that targeted therapy be used in later lines of palliative therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer.
Targeted Therapies in Colorectal Cancer: Recent Advances in Biomarkers, Landmark Trials, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Manzi Joao , Hoff Camilla O. , Ferreira Raphaella , Pimentel Agustin , Datta Jashodeep , Livingstone Alan S. , Vianna Rodrigo , Abreu Phillipe
Published: June 2023

In 2022, approximately 600,000 cancer deaths were expected; more than 50,000 of those deaths would be from colorectal cancer (CRC). The CRC mortality rate in the US has decreased in recent decades, with a 51% drop between 1976 and 2014. This drop is attributed, in part, to the tremendous therapeutic improvements, especially after the 2000s, in addition to increased social awareness regarding risk factors and diagnostic improvement. Five-fluorouracil, irinotecan, capecitabine, and later oxaliplatin were the mainstays of mCRC treatment from the 1960s to 2002. Since then, more than a dozen drugs have been approved for the disease, betting on a new chapter in medicine, precision oncology, which uses patient and tumor characteristics to guide the therapeutic choice. Thus, this review will summarize the current literature on targeted therapies, highlighting the molecular biomarkers involved and their pathways.
The Scarface Score: Deciphering Response to DNA Damage Agents in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer—A GEICO Study
Authors: Fernández-Serra Antonio , López-Reig Raquel , Márquez Raúl , Gallego Alejandro , de Sande Luís Miguel , Yubero Alfonso , Pérez-Segura Cristina , Ramchandani-Vaswani Avinash , Barretina-Ginesta María Pilar , Mendizábal Elsa , Esteban Carmen , Gálvez Fernando , Sánchez-Heras Ana Beatriz , Guerra-Alía Eva María , Gaba Lydia , Quindós María , Palacio Isabel , Alarcón Jesús , Oaknin Ana , Aliaga Jessica , Ramírez-Calvo Marta , García-Casado Zaida , Romero Ignacio , López-Guerrero José Antonio
Published: June 2023

Genomic Instability (GI) is a transversal phenomenon shared by several tumor types that provide both prognostic and predictive information. In the context of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), response to DNA-damaging agents such as platinum-based and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) has been closely linked to deficiencies in the DNA repair machinery by homologous recombination repair (HRR) and GI. In this study, we have developed the Scarface score, an integrative algorithm based on genomic and transcriptomic data obtained from the NGS analysis of a prospective GEICO cohort of 190 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples from patients diagnosed with HGSOC with a median follow up of 31.03 months (5.87–159.27 months). In the first step, three single-source models, including the SNP-based model (accuracy = 0.8077), analyzing 8 SNPs distributed along the genome; the GI-based model (accuracy = 0.9038) interrogating 28 parameters of GI; and the HTG-based model (accuracy = 0.8077), evaluating the expression of 7 genes related with tumor biology; were proved to predict response. Then, an ensemble model called the Scarface score was found to predict response to DNA-damaging agents with an accuracy of 0.9615 and a kappa index of 0.9128 (p < 0.0001). The Scarface Score approaches the routine establishment of GI in the clinical setting, enabling its incorporation as a predictive and prognostic tool in the management of HGSOC.
Diagnostic Approach for Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients
Authors: Helfer Hélène , Skaff Yara , Happe Florent , Djennaoui Sadji , Chidiac Jean , Poénou Géraldine , Righini Marc , Mahé Isabelle
Published: June 2023

Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) is a common complication in cancer patients. The currently recommended VTE diagnostic approach involves a step-by-step algorithm, which is based on the assessment of clinical probability, D-dimer measurement, and/or diagnostic imaging. While this diagnostic strategy is well validated and efficient in the noncancer population, its use in cancer patients is less satisfactory. Cancer patients often present nonspecific VTE symptoms resulting in less discriminatory power of the proposed clinical prediction rules. Furthermore, D-dimer levels are often increased because of a hypercoagulable state associated with the tumor process. Consequently, the vast majority of patients require imaging tests. In order to improve VTE exclusion in cancer patients, several approaches have been developed. The first approach consists of ordering imaging tests to all patients, despite overexposing a population known to have mostly multiple comorbidities to radiations and contrast products. The second approach consists of new diagnostic algorithms based on clinical probability assessment with different D-dimer thresholds, e.g., the YEARS algorithm, which shows promise in improving the diagnosis of PE in cancer patients. The third approach uses an adjusted D-dimer threshold, to age, pretest probability, clinical criteria, or other criteria. These different diagnostic strategies have not been compared head-to-head. In conclusion, despite having several proposed diagnostic approaches to diagnose VTE in cancer patients, we still lack a dedicated diagnostic algorithm specific for this population.
The Changing Landscape of Thyroid Surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Four-Year Analysis in a University Hospital in Romania
Authors: Feier Catalin Vladut Ionut , Muntean Calin , Faur Alaviana Monique , Blidari Andiana , Contes Oana Elena , Streinu Diana Raluca , Olariu Sorin
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to highlight the changes in the surgical treatment of patients with thyroid pathology over a 4-year period. The dynamics of various parameters during this period at a tertiary University Hospital in Timisoara, Romania were examined. Data from 1339 patients who underwent thyroid surgery between 26 February 2019 and 25 February 2023 were analyzed. The patients were divided into four groups: Pre-COVID-19, C1 (first year of the pandemic), C2 (second year), and C3 (third year). Multiple parameters of the patients were analyzed. Statistical analysis revealed a significant decrease in the number of surgical interventions performed during the first two years of the pandemic (p < 0.001), followed by an increase in subsequent periods (C3). Furthermore, an increase in the size of follicular tumors was observed during this period (p < 0.001), along with an increase in the proportion of patients with T3 and T4 stage in C3. There was also a reduction in the total duration of hospitalization, postoperative hospitalization, and preoperative hospitalization (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was an increase in the duration of the surgical procedure compared to the pre-pandemic period (p < 0.001). Moreover, correlations were observed between the duration of hospitalization and the duration of the surgical procedure (r = 0.147, p < 0.001), and between the duration of the surgical procedure and postoperative hospitalization (r = 0.223, p < 0.001). These findings confirm the modification of clinical and therapeutic management of patients who underwent thyroid surgery over the past 4 years, with the pandemic generating an impact whose full consequences are not yet fully known.
An Aminosteroid Derivative Shows Higher In Vitro and In Vivo Potencies than Gold Standard Drugs in Androgen-Dependent Prostate Cancer Models
Authors: Poirier Donald , Roy Jenny , Maltais René , Weidmann Cindy , Audet-Walsh Étienne
Published: June 2023

The aminosteroid derivative RM-581 blocks with high potency the growth of androgen-dependent (AR+) prostate cancer VCaP, 22Rv1, and LAPC-4 cells. Notably, RM-581 demonstrated superior antiproliferative activity in LAPC-4 cells compared to enzalutamide and abiraterone, two drugs that exhibited a synergistic effect in combination with RM-581. These findings suggest that RM-581 may have an action that is not directly associated with the hormonal pathway of androgens. Furthermore, RM-581 completely blocks tumor growth in LAPC-4 xenografts when given orally at 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg in non-castrated (intact) nude mice. During this study, an accumulation of RM-581 was observed in tumors compared to plasma (3.3–10 folds). Additionally, the level of fatty acids (FA) increased in the tumors and livers of mice treated with RM-581 but not in plasma. The increase was greater in unsaturated FA (21–28%) than in saturated FA (7–11%). The most affected FA were saturated palmitic acid (+16%), monounsaturated oleic acid (+34%), and di-unsaturated linoleic acid (+56%), i.e., the 3 most abundant FA, with a total of 55% of the 56 FA measured. For cholesterol levels, there was no significant difference in the tumor, liver, or plasma of mice treated or not with RM-581. Another important result was the innocuity of RM-581 in mice during a 28-day xenograft experiment and a 7-week dose-escalation study, suggesting a favorable safety window for this new promising drug candidate when given orally.
A Novel Gene List Identifies Tumors with a Stromal-Mesenchymal Phenotype and Worse Prognosis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Demirkol Canli Secil , Uner Meral , Kucukkaraduman Baris , Karaoglu Diren Arda , Isik Aynur , Turhan Nesrin , Akyol Aytekin , Gomceli Ismail , Gure Ali Osmay
Published: June 2023

Background: Molecular biomarkers that predict disease progression can help identify tumor subtypes and shape treatment plans. In this study, we aimed to identify robust biomarkers of prognosis in gastric cancer based on transcriptomic data obtained from primary gastric tumors. Methods: Microarray, RNA sequencing, and single-cell RNA sequencing-based gene expression data from gastric tumors were obtained from public databases. Freshly frozen gastric tumors (n = 42) and matched FFPE (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded) (n = 40) tissues from a Turkish gastric cancer cohort were used for quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry-based assessments of gene expression, respectively. Results: A novel list of 20 prognostic genes was identified and used for the classification of gastric tumors into two major tumor subgroups with differential stromal gene expression (“Stromal-UP” (SU) and “Stromal-DOWN” (SD)). The SU group had a more mesenchymal profile with an enrichment of extracellular matrix-related gene sets and a poor prognosis compared to the SD group. Expression of the genes within the signature correlated with the expression of mesenchymal markers ex vivo. A higher stromal content in FFPE tissues was associated with shorter overall survival. Conclusions: A stroma-rich, mesenchymal subgroup among gastric tumors identifies an unfavorable clinical outcome in all cohorts tested.
Oxidative Stress in Melanoma: Beneficial Antioxidant and Pro-Oxidant Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Becker Alyssa L. , Indra Arup K.
Published: June 2023

Cutaneous melanoma ranks as the fifth most common cancer in the United States and represents one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. While recent advances in systemic targeted therapies and immunotherapies have positively impacted melanoma survival, the survival rate of stage IV melanoma remains at a meager 32%. Unfortunately, tumor resistance can impede the effectiveness of these treatments. Oxidative stress is a pivotal player in all stages of melanoma progression, with a somewhat paradoxical function that promotes tumor initiation but hinders vertical growth and metastasis in later disease. As melanoma progresses, it employs adaptive mechanisms to lessen oxidative stress in the tumor environment. Redox metabolic rewiring has been implicated in acquired resistance to BRAF/MEK inhibitors. A promising approach to enhance the response to therapy involves boosting intracellular ROS production using active biomolecules or targeting enzymes that regulate oxidative stress. The complex interplay between oxidative stress, redox homeostasis, and melanomagenesis can also be leveraged in a preventive context. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of oxidative stress in melanoma, and how the antioxidant system may be manipulated in a therapeutic context for improved efficacy and survival.
Clinical Outcomes Depending on Sympathetic Innervation in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Târtea Elena-Anca , Petrescu Mihai , Udriștoiu Ion , Gheorman Victor , Biciușcă Viorel , Petrescu Alexandra-Roxana , Ciurea Ana-Maria , Vere Cristin Constantin
Published: June 2023

Background: The aim of our study was to evaluate sympathetic neuronal remodeling in patients with pancreatic cancer, together with its correlation with clinical outcomes. Methods: In this descriptive, retrospective study, we analyzed pancreatic cancer specimens and peritumoral pancreatic tissue from 122 patients. We also investigated tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity for the analysis of sympathetic nerve fibers and beta 2 adrenoreceptors immunoreactivity. To investigate the potential interaction between tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), beta 2 adrenoreceptors (B2A) immunoreactivity, and clinicopathological outcomes, we used the median to classify each case as TH+, respectively, B2A+ (if it presented a value higher than the median). Results: Firstly, the overall survival was analyzed according to TH and B2A immunoreactivity, in both intratumoral and peritumoral tissue. Only B2A immunoreactivity in the peritumoral pancreatic tissue influenced overall survival at 5 years of follow-up; thus, B2A+ patients recorded a 5-year survival of only 3% compared to B2A− patients who recorded an overall survival at 5 years of follow-up of 14% (HR = 1.758, 95% CI of ratio 1.297 to 2.938, p = 0.0004). Additionally, the increased immunoreactivity of B2A in the peritumoral tissue was also associated with other factors of poor prognosis, such as moderately or poorly differentiated tumors, the absence of response to first-line chemotherapy, or metastatic disease. Conclusions: The increased immunoreactivity of beta 2 adrenoreceptors in pancreatic peritumoral tissue represents a poor prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer.
An Assessment of Zeolite Framework Effect for Low-Temperature NOX Adsorbers
Authors: Castoldi Lidia , Morandi Sara , Ticali Pierfrancesco , Matarrese Roberto , Lietti Luca
Published: June 2023

Pd-promoted zeolites (Y, ZSM-5, FER, SSZ-13) were prepared and characterized to analyze their properties as low-temperature NOx adsorbers. The samples were investigated by BET and XRD and by in situ FT-IR spectroscopy of CO and NO adsorption to probe the Pd sites and the nature of the adsorbed NOx species. The NOx adsorption/desorption performances at low temperatures were examined by microreactor measurements upon NO/O2 adsorption followed by TPD in the presence of water and carbon dioxide. It was enlightened that: (i) the zeolite framework influences the Pd dispersion: the smaller the zeolite cage, the higher the Pd dispersion, irrespective of the Si/Al ratio. Accordingly, the following Pd dispersion order has been observed, inversely to the zeolite cage size: Pd/SSZ-13 > Pd/ZSM-5 ~ Pd/FER >> Pd/Y; (ii) Pd is present as isolated Pdn+ species and in PdOx particles; (iii) the Pd dispersion governs the NOx storage capacity: the smaller the zeolite cage, the higher the Pd dispersion and the storage capacity; (iv) NO adsorbs mainly in the form of Pd nitrosyls and nitrates; (v) NO desorption occurs both at a temperature below 200 °C and in a high-temperature range (near 350 °C).
Correction: Hui et al. Wrangling Actin Assemblies: Actin Ring Dynamics during Cell Wound Repair. Cells 2022, 11, 2777
Authors: Hui Justin , Stjepić Viktor , Nakamura Mitsutoshi , Parkhurst Susan M.
Published: June 2023

In the original publication [...]
Altered Metabolism in Motor Neuron Diseases: Mechanism and Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: Barone Cassandra , Qi Xin
Published: June 2023

Motor Neuron Diseases (MND) are neurological disorders characterized by a loss of varying motor neurons resulting in decreased physical capabilities. Current research is focused on hindering disease progression by determining causes of motor neuron death. Metabolic malfunction has been proposed as a promising topic when targeting motor neuron loss. Alterations in metabolism have also been noted at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and skeletal muscle tissue, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive system. Finding metabolism changes consistent throughout both neurons and skeletal muscle tissue could pose as a target for therapeutic intervention. This review will focus on metabolic deficits reported in MNDs and propose potential therapeutic targets for future intervention.
Dilute-and-Shoot-Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry for Pteridine Profiling in Human Urine and Its Association with Different Pathologies
Authors: Giménez-Campillo Claudia , Pastor-Belda Marta , Arroyo-Manzanares Natalia , Campillo Natalia , Oliver Blanca del Val , Zarauz-García José , Sáenz Luis , Viñas Pilar
Published: June 2023

Pteridines are a group of compounds synthesised by many living organisms that are involved in the metabolism of many cofactors and vitamins. Their concentration in biological fluids may be altered by various pathologies such as cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, urine being the main route of excretion. In this study, three lumazines and ten pterins were analysed in their native oxidation state using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Their high concentration in urine samples and their good ionisation behaviour allow the use of the dilute-and-shoot method by simple filtration of the urine prior to chromatographic analysis. The final method offers excellent linearity, sensitivity and precision parameters, and a total of 135 urine samples were analysed from patients with some relevant information such as faecal calprotectin (FCP) levels, common diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia and immunological diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The pteridine profile was related to FCP levels without showing any correlation. In addition, pteridine levels were compared between healthy subjects and IBD, diabetic, hypertensive and dyslipidaemic patients, and significant differences were found between the two groups for some of the pteridines.
Spray-On Colorimetric Sensors for Distinguishing the Presence of Lead Ions
Authors: Shiveshwarkar Priyanka , Jaworski Justyn
Published: June 2023

Sprayable stimuli-responsive material coatings represent a new class of detection system which can be quickly implemented to transform a surface into a color-responsive sensor. In this work, we describe a dipicolylamine-terminated diacetylene-containing amphiphile formulation for spray coating on to a simple paper substrate to yield disposable test strips that can be used to detect the presence of lead ions in solution. We find the response to be very selective to only lead ions and that the sensitivity can be modulated by altering the UV curing time after spraying. Sensitive detection to at least 0.1 mM revealed a clear color change from a blue to red phase. This represents the first demonstration of a spray-on sensor system capable of detection of lead ions in solution.
Sadness and Loneliness in Adolescents with Physical, Sensory or Health Problems in Low/Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Denche-Zamorano Angel , García-Gil María Ángeles , Mendoza-Muñoz María , Barrios-Fernandez Sabina
Published: June 2023

Feelings of loneliness and sadness are increasing among the global youth, especially in disadvantaged settings. Young people with disabilities from low-income countries may be at greater risk of experiencing such emotions. This study aims to assess the dependence between difficulties/disability and sadness, loneliness and crying for no reason in young people from low- to middle-income countries and to test the risk of experiencing these emotions in young people with different disabilities versus the overall population. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the Programme for International Student Assessment for Development survey, with 34,604 participants aged 15 years from seven countries: Cambodia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, Senegal, and Zambia. Dependent relationships were found between difficulties/disabilities and loneliness, sadness and crying. People with disabilities had a higher prevalence of these emotions. The probability of experiencing sadness, loneliness and crying was higher among people with difficulties/disabilities. Young people with disabilities in low-income countries are at a higher risk of experiencing feelings of loneliness, sadness and crying compared to the general population of the same age.
Adenovirus as a Vector and Oncolytic Virus
Authors: Matsunaga Wataru , Gotoh Akinobu
Published: June 2023

Adenoviral vectors, both oncolytic viruses and gene delivery vectors, are among the earliest approved and commercialised vectors for gene therapy. Adenoviruses have high cytotoxicity and immunogenicity. Therefore, lentiviruses or adeno-associated viruses as viral vectors and herpes simplex virus as an oncolytic virus have recently drawn attention. Thus, adenoviral vectors are often considered relatively obsolete. However, their high cargo limit and transduction efficiency are significant advantages over newer viral vectors. This review provides an overview of the new-generation adenoviral vectors. In addition, we describe the modification of the fiber knob region that enhances affinity of adenoviral vectors for cancer cells and the utilisation of cancer-cell-specific promoters to suppress expression of unwanted transgenes in non-malignant tissues.
Mitogenomic Research of Silverleaf Sunflower (Helianthus argophyllus) and Its Interspecific Hybrids
Authors: Makarenko Maksim S. , Azarin Kirill V. , Gavrilova Vera A.
Published: June 2023

Interspecific hybridization is widespread for sunflowers, both in wild populations and commercial breeding. One of the most common species that can efficiently cross with Helianthus annuus is the Silverleaf sunflower—Helianthus argophyllus. The current study carried out structural and functional organization analyses of mitochondrial DNA in H. argophyllus and the interspecific hybrid, H. annuus (VIR114A line) × H. argophyllus. The complete mitogenome of H. argophyllus counts 300,843 bp, has a similar organization to the mitogenome of cultivated sunflower, and holds SNPs typical for wild sunflowers. RNA editing analysis predicted 484 sites in H. argophyllus mitochondrial CDS. The mitochondrial genome of the H. annuus × H. argophyllus hybrid is identical to the maternal line (VIR114A). We expected that significant rearrangements in the mitochondrial DNA of the hybrid would occur, due to the frequent recombination. However, the hybrid mitogenome lacks rearrangements, presumably due to the preservation of nuclear–cytoplasmic interaction paths.
Study on the Changes in Shielding Performance Based on Electrospinning Pattern Shapes in the Manufacturing Process of Polymer-Metal Composite Radiation Shielding Materials
Authors: Kim Seon-Chil
Published: June 2023

X-rays are commonly employed in medical institutions for diagnostic examinations, which often results in radiation exposure for both patients and medical personnel during treatments and procedures. Hands are typically the most exposed body parts, with scattered rays causing secondary exposure. To address this issue, a lightweight functional radiation protection fabric that guarantees the activity of medical personnel is required. In this study, a shielding fabric was fabricated with nanofibers using a mixture of tungsten and polyurethane to resolve the weight reduction problem of such nanofibers. To improve the shielding performance, the change in the performance arising from the spinning pattern in the nanofiber electrospinning manufacturing process was compared and tracked. The patterns reproduced via electrospinning included honeycomb, matrix-orthogonal, double-circle, and spider web patterns. Through this, a nanofiber fabric was produced, and the shielding performance was evaluated. The honeycomb pattern fabric exhibited the best shielding rate of 89.21% at an effective X-ray energy of 60.3 keV, and the double-circle pattern exhibited the lowest shielding rate of 62.55% at the same energy. Therefore, it was observed that the pattern arising from the nanofiber spinning conditions affects the dispersion of the shielding material, which affects the shielding performance. When 0.3 mm tungsten nanofiber fabric is compared with its lead equivalent of 0.25 mm, a difference of 8.7% was observed, suggesting that the nanofiber can be used in medical institutions. Future research will explore the potential of protective fabrics that minimally impact medical personnel’s mobility but provide enhanced protection against radiation exposure.
Ca–Zn Phosphate Conversion Coatings Deposited on Ti6Al4V for Medical Applications
Authors: Burduhos-Nergis Diana-Petronela , Cimpoesu Nicanor , Epure Elena-Luiza , Istrate Bogdan , Burduhos-Nergis Dumitru-Doru , Bejinariu Costica
Published: June 2023

This paper aims to study the possibility of improving the chemical and surface characteristics of the Ti6Al4V alloy by depositing phosphate layers on its surface. Accordingly, an innovative phosphating solution was developed and used in a chemical conversion process to obtain Ca–Zn phosphate layers on the base material surface. Moreover, the chemical composition of the phosphate solution was chosen considering the biocompatibility of the chemical elements and their possibility of contributing to the formation of phosphate compounds. The obtained layer was characterized by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and potentiodynamic polarization tests. The wetting of the Ca–Zn sample surface was also investigated using water and two liquids similar to body fluids, namely, Ringer and Dulbecco solutions. According to the surface energy study, the polar component is almost two times larger compared with the dispersive one. The SEM and EDS tests revealed a uniformly coated surface with intercalated crystals leading to a rough surface. Furthermore, the XRD results showed not only the presence of hopeite and scholzite but also of phosphophyllite. By the vibrations of the PO4−3 groups, the FTIR test confirmed the presence of these phases. The potentiodynamic tests revealed that the samples coated with the Ca–Zn phosphate layer present better corrosion resistance and a lower corrosion rate compared with the uncoated ones.
PECVD Synthesis and Thermoelectric Properties of Thin Films of Lead Chalcogenides (PbTe)1−x(PbS)x
Authors: Kuznetsov Yurii , Mochalov Leonid , Dorokhin Mikhail , Fukina Diana , Kudryashov Mikhail , Kudryashova Yuliya , Zdoroveyshchev Anton , Zdoroveyshchev Daniil , Kalentyeva Irina , Kriukov Ruslan
Published: June 2023

Lead-based ternary-chalcogenide thin films of the (PbTe)1−x(PbS)x system were obtained using the plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor-deposition (PECVD) technique under conditions of a nonequilibrium low-temperature argon plasma of an RF discharge (40.68 MHz) at a reduced pressure (0.01 Torr). High-purity elements were directly used as starting materials, namely Pb, S and Te. Plasma–chemical synthesis was carried out on the surface of c-sapphire and silicon substrate. The physicochemical properties of the films were studied using various analytical methods. The dependence of the Seebeck coefficient, resistivity and power factor on the structural properties and composition has been studied. The thermoelectric characteristics were found to be dependent on film composition. Upon the selection of optimal sulfur concentration, one can increase the power factor compared to single-phase PbS or PbTe films.
Hot Corrosion Behavior of Co–Al–W Superalloys with Si Additions
Authors: Zhou Pengjie , Wang Yingjie , Liu Qilong , Qiao Yanxin , Chen Shujin
Published: June 2023

The hot corrosion behavior of Co-9Al-9.5W-xSi (where x = 0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, at.%) alloys in a salt mixture at 900 °C was investigated. The effect of Si on hot corrosion resistance was examined using corrosion kinetics. The surface morphology of the corrosion products was explored via SEM with EDS and the phase constituents were examined using XRD. The results revealed that hot corrosion occurred as a combination of both sulfidation and oxidation behavior. With the increase in Si content, the hot corrosion resistance of the alloy was capable of remarkable advancement. Corrosion scales on the three Co-based alloys were mostly comprised of Co3O4, CoO, CoAl2O4, CoWO4, and Al2O3. The hot corrosion mechanism for the Co-based alloy in the presence of 75 wt.% Na2SO4 and 25 wt.% NaCl deposits were analyzed.
Effect of Laser Remelting of Fe-Based Thermally Sprayed Coating on AZ91 Magnesium Alloy on Its Structural and Tribological Properties
Authors: Buchtík Martin , Březina Matěj , Mrňa Libor , Palán Marek , Filipenský Jan , Doležal Pavel , Nečas David , Frýza Josef , Kajánek Daniel , Wasserbauer Jaromír , Doskočil Leoš
Published: June 2023

An Fe-based coating was thermally sprayed onto the surface of AZ91 magnesium alloy via the High-Velocity-Oxygen-Fuel (HVOF) method. The thermally sprayed coating with a thickness of 530 ± 25 µm and a porosity of 0.7 ± 0.1% did not show any macrostructural defects and did not cause any degradation of the AZ91 alloy. Laser remelting of the surface layer of the sprayed coating resulted in the recrystallization of the structure and the disappearance of presented pores, splat boundaries, and other defects. This led to an increase in the hardness of the remelted layer from the original 535 ± 20 HV0.3 up to 625 ± 5 HV0.3. However, during the laser remelting at a laser power of 1000 W, stress cracking in the coating occurred. The tribological properties were evaluated by the ball-on-plate method under dry conditions. Compared to the uncoated AZ91 magnesium alloy, a higher value of friction coefficient (COF) was measured for the as-sprayed coating. However, there was a decrease in wear rate and weight loss. The remelting of the surface layer of the as-sprayed coating led to a further decrease in the wear rate and weight loss. Based on the obtained data, it has been shown that the application of laser-remelted thermally sprayed Fe-based coatings on AZ91 Mg alloy improves hardness and tribological properties compared to bare Mg alloy and as-sprayed Fe-based coatings.
UV-C Irradiation and Essential-Oils-Based Product as Tools to Reduce Biodeteriorates on the Wall Paints of the Archeological Site of Baia (Italy)
Authors: Cennamo Paola , Scielzo Roberta , Rippa Massimo , Trojsi Giorgio , Carfagna Simona , Chianese Elena
Published: June 2023

This study is aimed to compare, through laboratory experimentations, the efficiency of UV-C irradiation and an essential-oils-based product as tools to reduce the biofilm identified in a semi-hypogeum room located in the archaeological park of Baia, Italy. During this study, the autotrophic component of the original biofilm, mostly composed of Chlorophyceae and Cyanophycean, was isolated in the laboratory, while simultaneously, the composition of the pigments used for the fresco paintings was examined in situ through X-ray fluorescence. These examinations were necessary for the creation of test samples that were similar to the original surfaces and used for subsequent experiments. The plaster testers were contaminated with artificial biofilm, exposed to UV-C at a distance of 80 cm for a fixed time interval and treated with ESSENZIO©, a product based on oregano and thyme essential oils, to eradicate the biological species. The treatment’s effectiveness was then assessed by employing optical microscopy and spectrometric techniques applied to the areas previously occupied by the biofilm on the different test samples. To obtain an additional parameter to evaluate the treatments efficacy, the concentrations of the photosynthetic pigments were also measured by spectrophotometry. Results showed that biofilms were successfully removed by the irradiation of the surfaces and by the essential-oils-based product at a dilution of 50% in demineralized water with a time of application of 1 h and 30 min; in addition, no visible change of the pigments used on the testers were observed, demonstrating the high efficiency of the treatments against biodeteriogens. The two methods and their different mechanisms of action have provided interesting aspects that suggest a combined strategy to contrast and prevent biological growth in archaeological contexts.
Effects of Wet and Dry Treatments on Surface Functional Groups and Mechanical Properties of Flax Fiber Composites
Authors: Moradkhani Ghane , Profili Jacopo , Robert Mathieu , Laroche Gaétan , Elkoun Saïd
Published: June 2023

Flax fibers have found widespread use in eco-composite materials because of their remarkable mechanical properties compared to glass fibers. However, their low stability limits their use on a larger scale when employed in hot or humid environments. Therefore, the surfaces should be modified before the composite process to provide the best interfacial interactions and increase the dispersion of natural fibers. To tackle this problem, two kinds of modifications can be considered: wet and dry modifications. This research explores different methods to improve the adhesion between flax fibers and the poly lactic acid (PLA) polymer. Morphological and chemical modifications in the presence of acetone, alkali (as a wet modification), and with air atmospheric pressure plasma (as a dry modification) are compared in this research. The results revealed that altering the chemical characteristics on the surface significantly changed the mechanical properties of the final composite. More specifically, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) data indicate that wax-related peaks (2850 and 2920 cm−1) were eliminated by both wet and dry treatments. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results also highlighted that a better bond between the flax fibers and the PLA matrix is obtained with the plasma modification.
Tunable Photonic Band Gaps in Two-Dimensional Bravais–Moiré Photonic Crystal Composed of High-Tc Superconductors
Authors: Gómez-Urrea Hernán A. , Cardona José G. , Mora-Ramos Miguel E. , Duque Carlos A.
Published: June 2023

In this study, we perform a theoretical study of light propagation properties in two-dimensional square photonic crystals (PCs) following Bravais–Moiré (BM) patterns composed of copper oxide high-temperature superconductors (HTSCs). The BM PCs are made of cylindrical cores formed from the combination of two square Bravais lattices. The Moiré pattern forms due to a commensurable rotation of one of these lattices with respect to the other. The dielectric function of the superconducting material is modeled by the two-fluid Gorter–Casimir theory. We report on the corresponding gap, the mapping as a function of the radius of dielectric cores, as well as the dispersion relations of TM modes for BM PCs and for the waveguide system built of defect lines within such a crystal. The BM PCs were composed of copper oxide HTSCs, which exhibit large tunability in terms of temperature.
Cosmetic and Pharmaceutic Products with Selected Natural and Synthetic Substances for Melasma Treatment and Methods of Their Analysis
Authors: Wawrzyńczak Agata
Published: June 2023

Melasma is a fairly common condition that is the result of hyperpigmentation caused by increased melanin secretion. In the course of melasma, certain areas of the skin become darker than the rest of the epidermis. Although the pathogenesis remains incompletely clarified, several contributing factors have been identified, namely exposure to ultraviolet and visible light, family predisposition, pregnancy, and the use of exogenous hormones. Since current beauty standards associate healthy skin with its flawless and uniform color, people strive to eliminate any unaesthetic discoloration. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical products containing active substances with a whitening effect then become helpful. The most commonly used for this purpose are hydroquinone, arbutin, retinoids, organic acids (e.g., kojic, azelaic, and ellagic), and vitamins (B3, C, and E). However, the undesirable side effects they cause and the drive to replace synthetic chemicals with their natural counterparts have resulted in numerous reports on extracts of natural origin that exhibit skin-whitening effects. The purpose of this paper is to review the most recent scientific literature, which presents active substances of natural and synthetic origin with potential for the treatment of melasma. In addition, analytical techniques that can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of these substances present in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products will also be presented.
Timing-Attack-Resistant Acceleration of NTRU Round 3 Encryption on Resource-Constrained Embedded Systems
Authors: Camacho-Ruiz Eros , Martínez-Rodríguez Macarena C. , Sánchez-Solano Santiago , Brox Piedad
Published: June 2023

The advent of quantum computing with high processing capabilities will enable brute force attacks in short periods of time, threatening current secure communication channels. To mitigate this situation, post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms have emerged. Among the algorithms evaluated by NIST in the third round of its PQC contest was the NTRU cryptosystem. The main drawback of this algorithm is the enormous amount of time required for the multiplication of polynomials in both the encryption and decryption processes. Therefore, the strategy of speeding up this algorithm using hardware/software co-design techniques where this operation is executed on specific hardware arises. Using these techniques, this work focuses on the acceleration of polynomial multiplication in the encryption process for resource-constrained devices. For this purpose, several hardware multiplications are analyzed following different strategies, taking into account the fact that there are no possible timing information leaks and that the available resources are optimized as much as possible. The designed multiplier is encapsulated as a fully reusable and parametrizable IP module with standard AXI4-Stream interconnection buses, which makes it easy to integrate into embedded systems implemented on programmable devices from different manufacturers. Depending on the resource constraints imposed, accelerations of up to 30–45 times with respect to the software-level multiplication runtime can be achieved using dedicated hardware, with a device occupancy of around 5%.
Effect of the Cu/Mg Ratio on Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of Wrought Al–Cu–Mg–Ag Alloy
Authors: Alshammari Talal Talib , Ijaz Muhammad Farzik , Alharbi Hamad F. , Soliman Mahmoud S.
Published: June 2023

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of magnesium (Mg) on the mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of wrought Al–4Cu–xMg–0.6Ag alloys. The results from Optical Microscope, SEM, XRD analysis, and Thermo-Calc simulation were used to identify the microstructure formed after the aging process. Testing for hardness and tensile strength was conducted, in addition to corrosion testing. It was found that Mg significantly impacts the hardness of the alloys, with a high Mg content (low Cu/Mg ratio) increasing the hardness but reducing the tensile strength and ductility. This study attributed this to the formation of the S phase, which is dependent on both the quantity in the bulk and the size of the phase. The grain size was found to be finer with a higher Mg content, since the particle size inhibits grain growth during the artificial aging process. Counterintuitively, the corrosion activity was reduced in the high-Mg-content alloy due to its large particle size and the reduced galvanic cell effect. This study highlighted the importance of considering the effects of Mg on the mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of Al–Cu–Mg–Ag alloys.
Graphocrown—A Novel, Two-Dimensional Oxocarbon: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Kalinin Mikhail A. , Kriebel Maximilian , Oshchepkov Alexander S. , Sharapa Dmitry I.
Published: June 2023

An innovative 2D-material, graphocrown, was designed and studied. Our graphocrown computations revealed a higher stability compared to previous materials studied with the same generalized C2O formula. The energetic benefit of the graphocrown formation from benzenehexol was also evaluated. The structure and properties of graphocrowns with various layer arrangements were analysed and compared. In addition, the formation of potassium complexes with the new material was studied. It was found that graphocrown binds potassium better than 18-crown-6, and the intercalation of graphocrown with potassium is more favourable, compared to graphite. Finally, the band structure, as well as the mobility of the charge carriers in the graphocrown, were investigated.
Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Physical Activity Levels and Health Parameters in Young Adults with Cancer
Authors: Castellanos-Montealegre Mónica , Rivera-Theruel Fernando , García-Coll Virginia , Rioja-Collado Natalia , Gil-Herrero Lucía , López-Tarruella Sara , Montealegre Sanz María , Cerezo González Sara , Fernández Aramburo Antonio , Ruiz-Casado Ana , Laundos Rebecca , Casla-Barrio Soraya
Published: June 2023

The lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted physical activity (PA) levels around the world, affecting health parameters in young adults with cancer (YAC). To our knowledge, there is no evidence of the impact of the lockdown on the Spanish YAC. To analyse the changes in PA levels before, during, and after the lockdown of the YAC and its impact on health metrics in Spain, in this study, we utilized a self-reported web survey. PA levels decreased during the lockdown, and a significant increase in PA was observed after the lockdown. Moderate PA had the largest reduction (49%). Significant increases in moderate PA were noted after the lockdown (85.2%). Participants self-reported more than 9 h of sitting per day. HQoL and fatigue levels were significantly worse during the lockdown. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in this cohort of Spanish YAC showed a decrease in PA levels during the lockdown, affecting sedentarism, fatigue and HQoL. After lockdown, PA levels partially recovered, while HQoL and fatigue levels remained altered. This may have long-term physical effects such as cardiovascular comorbidities associated with sedentarism and psychosocial effects. It is necessary to implement strategies such as cardio-oncology rehabilitation (CORE), an intervention that can be delivered online, potentially improving participants’ health behaviours and outcomes.