bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How the Sodium Cations in Anode Affect the Performance of a Lithium-ion Battery
Authors: Shao Dan , Rao Dewei , Wu Aihua , Luo Xiangyi
Published: July 2022

Large cations such as potassium ion (K+) and sodium ion (Na+) could be introduced into the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery system during material synthesis or battery assembly. However, the effect of these cations on charge storage or electrochemical performance has not been fully understood. In this study, sodium ion was taken as an example and introduced into the lithium titanium oxide (LTO) anode through the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder. After the charge/discharge cycles, these ions doped into the LTO lattice and improved both the lithium-ion diffusivity and the electronic conductivity of the anode. The sodium ion’s high concentration (>12.9%), however, resulted in internal doping of Na+ into the LTO lattice, which retarded the transfer of lithium ions due to repulsion and physical blocking. The systematic study presented here shows that large cations with an appropriate concentration in the electrode would be beneficial to the electrochemical performance of the Li-ion battery.
Modelling of Malt Mixture for the Production of Wort with Increased Biological Value
Authors: Shopska Vesela , Teneva Desislava , Denkova-Kostova Rositsa , Ivanova Kristina , Denev Petko , Kostov Georgi
Published: July 2022

Wort can be used as a basis for functional beverages production because of its content of fibres, antioxidants and vitamins. The biological value of wort depends on the malt used and the mashing regime. Therefore, we investigated the main brewing characteristics (extract, pH, and colour), phenolic compounds content, and antioxidant activity (measured by DPPH, FRAP, CUPRAC, ABTS, and ORAC) of wort, produced by Vienna, Melanoidin, Caramel pils and Special X malt or mixture of them. The results obtained were used for the modelling and optimisation of malt mixture that can be used for the production of functional beverages. Optimisation was made on the basis of wort extract, total phenolic compounds (measured by Folin–Ciocalteu method), and antioxidant activity, measured by DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC methods. Although optimised variants with high content of Special X malt showed highest antioxidant activity, they had an unpleasant taste and slow mash filtration rate. Therefore, the variant with 24.2% Vienna, 51.8% Melanoidin, 20% Caramel pils, and 4% Special X malts was chosen for the production of functional wort-based beverages.
A Review on the Bioactivity of Cannabinoids on Zebrafish Models: Emphasis on Neurodevelopment
Authors: Licitra Rosario , Marchese Maria , Naef Valentina , Ogi Asahi , Martinelli Marco , Kiferle Claudia , Fronte Baldassare , Santorelli Filippo Maria
Published: July 2022

For centuries, the cannabis plant has been used as a source of food, fiber, and medicine. Recently, scientific interest in cannabis has increased considerably, as its bioactive compounds have shown promising potential in the treatment of numerous musculoskeletal and neurological diseases in humans. However, the mechanisms that underlie its possible effects on neurodevelopment and nervous-system functioning remain poorly understood and need to be further investigated. Although the bulk of research on cannabis and cannabinoids is based on in vitro or rodent models, the zebrafish has now emerged as a powerful in vivo model for drug-screening studies and translational research. We here review the available literature on the use of cannabis/cannabinoids in zebrafish, and particularly in zebrafish models of neurological disorders. A critical analysis suggests that zebrafish could serve as an experimental tool for testing the bioactivity of cannabinoids, and they could thus provide important insights into the safety and efficacy of different cannabis-extract-based products. The review showed that zebrafish exhibit similar behaviors to rodents following cannabinoid exposure. The authors stress the importance of analyzing the full spectrum of naturally occurring cannabinoids, rather than just the main ones, THC and CBD, and they offer some pointers on performing behavioral analysis in zebrafish.
The Search for Antibacterial Inhibitors Targeting Cell Division Protein FtsZ at Its Nucleotide and Allosteric Binding Sites
Authors: Andreu José M. , Huecas Sonia , Araújo-Bazán Lidia , Vázquez-Villa Henar , Martín-Fontecha Mar
Published: July 2022

The global spread of bacterial antimicrobial resistance is associated to millions of deaths from bacterial infections per year, many of which were previously treatable. This, combined with slow antibiotic deployment, has created an urgent need for developing new antibiotics. A still clinically unexploited mode of action consists in suppressing bacterial cell division. FtsZ, an assembling GTPase, is the key protein organizing division in most bacteria and an attractive target for antibiotic discovery. Nevertheless, developing effective antibacterial inhibitors targeting FtsZ has proven challenging. Here we review our decade-long multidisciplinary research on small molecule inhibitors of bacterial division, in the context of global efforts to discover FtsZ-targeting antibiotics. We focus on methods to characterize synthetic inhibitors that either replace bound GTP from the FtsZ nucleotide binding pocket conserved across diverse bacteria or selectively bind into the allosteric site at the interdomain cleft of FtsZ from Bacillus subtilis and the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. These approaches include phenotype screening combined with fluorescence polarization screens for ligands binding into each site, followed by detailed cytological profiling, and biochemical and structural studies. The results are analyzed to design an optimized workflow to identify effective FtsZ inhibitors, and new approaches for the discovery of FtsZ-targeting antibiotics are discussed.
Factors Associated with Fear of Falling in Individuals with Different Types of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Chen Pei-Hao , Yang Ya-Yuan , Liao Ying-Yi , Cheng Shih-Jung , Wang Pei-Ning , Cheng Fang-Yu
Published: July 2022

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered an intermediate state between normal aging and early dementia. Fear of falling (FOF) could be considered a risk indicator for falls and quality of life in individuals with MCI. Our objective was to explore factors associated with FOF in those with MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD-MCI) and mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD-MCI). Seventy-one participants were separated into two groups, AD-MCI (n = 37) and PD-MCI (n = 34), based on the disease diagnosis. FOF was assessed using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale. The neuropsychological assessment and gait assessment were also measured. FOF was significantly correlated with global cognitive function, attention and working memory, executive function, Tinetti assessment scale scores, gait speed, and stride length in the AD-MCI group. Moreover, attention and working memory were the most important factors contributing to FOF. In the PD-MCI group, FOF was significantly correlated with gait speed, and time up and go subtask performance. Furthermore, turn-to-walk was the most important factor contributing to FOF. We noted that FOF in different types of MCI was determined by different factors. Therapies that aim to lower FOF in AD-MCI and PD-MCI populations may address attention and working memory and turn-to-walk, respectively.
Serum microRNA miR-491-5p/miR-206 Is Correlated with Poor Outcomes/Spontaneous Hemorrhagic Transformation after Ischemic Stroke: A Case Control Study
Authors: Song Xindi , Liu Junfeng , Wang Yanan , Zheng Lukai , Liu Ming
Published: July 2022

Background: It is unclear whether miR-491-5p, miR-206, miR-21-5p or miR-3123 are associated with functional outcomes and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between these four microRNAs and functional outcomes, as well as spontaneous HT after AIS; Methods: We included 215 AIS patients and retrospectively assayed for miR-21-5p, miR-206, miR-3123 and miR-491-5p levels in serum. Poor functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≥ 3. Spontaneous HT referred to hemorrhage detected in follow-up brain imaging but not on admission, without reperfusion therapies. Logistic regression, generalized additive model and 2-piecewise regression model were used to explore the independent, non-linear correlation between miRNA expression levels and outcomes; Results: We included 215 AIS patients. Higher miR-491-5p level independently reduced the risk of poor functional outcomes at 1 year (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82–0.98, corrected p value = 0.044). Higher miR-206 level significantly increased the risk of spontaneous HT (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.17–2.30, corrected p value = 0.016). There was a nonlinear correlation found between miR-491-5p level and 1 year outcome with an inflection point of 2.180, while an approximately linear correlation was observed with an inflection point of 2.037 between miR-206 level and spontaneous HT; Conclusions: Higher serum miR-491-5p level independently reduced risk of 1-year poor functional outcome of AIS patients. Higher serum miR-206 level independently increased the risk of spontaneous HT in AIS patients. These two miRNAs may be as the potential biomarkers for improving prognosis after AIS.
Social Connectedness in Schizotypy: The Role of Cognitive and Affective Empathy
Authors: Stinson Jessica , Wolfe Rebecca , Spaulding Will
Published: July 2022

Social connectedness is increasingly understood to be a resilience factor that moderates vulnerability to poor physical and mental health. This study examines cognitive and affective processes that support normal socialization and social connectedness, and the impact of schizotypy, in well-functioning college students. In this study, a total of 824 college students completed a series of self-report questionnaires, and structural equation modeling was then employed to identify relationships between cognitive and affective empathy, alexithymia, distress tolerance, social connectedness, and schizotypy. Schizotypy is a trait-like condition, presumed to be genetic in origin, associated with the risk for schizophrenia. Like schizophrenia, schizotypy is thought to have three distinct dimensions or categories, termed positive, negative, and disorganized. Results indicate that the respective dimensions of schizotypy have different pathways to social connectedness, through both direct and indirect effects. Positive schizotypy exerts a counterintuitive positive influence on social connectedness, mediated by positive effects on cognitive empathy, but this is obscured by the high correlations between the schizotypal dimensions and the strong negative influences on empathy and social connectedness of the negative and disorganized dimensions, unless all those intercorrelations are taken into account. Overall, the pathways identified by structural equation modeling strongly support the role of empathy in mediating the impact of schizotypy on social connectedness. Implications for the etiology of social impairments in schizotypy, and for interventions to enhance social connectedness to improve quality of life and reduce health disparities in people at risk for severe mental illness, are discussed.
Korea at the Exhibition: Making the Appearance of Korean Style with ‘Hybrid Roof’ in Early 20th Century
Authors: Kim Jihong , Kim Jeonghyun
Published: July 2022

This study analyzed 15 unique cases of buildings designed by the Japanese that had the exterior appearance of traditional Korean architecture while the Western timber truss was applied. The characteristics of Korean-style roofs were first categorized into three parts: structural frame, roof curve, and eaves space. Then, the analytic drawings were prepared in order to scrutinize the cases in accordance with these characteristics. The analysis revealed that the Western truss was hybridized to embody the Korean-style roofs. The truss was segmented, diagonal supplementary building components were added, or some components of the Korean or Japanese-style timber structure were partially applied. The advent of such a ‘hybrid roof’ shares a background with the westernization of the construction techniques of the timber structure since the late 19th century in Japan. The political initiatives of Japan deliberately led to the exhibition of exotic Joseon in the expositions, thereby requiring Korean-style pavilions. As a result, the pavilion reflected double layers of hybridization: a Korean timber structure transformed through the Japanese westernization method. Although the buildings studied in this research were designed by non-Koreans and were already demolished, they are noteworthy for the unprecedented attempts to realize the appearance of traditional Korean architecture by using truss structures.
The Influence of Web Holes on the Behaviour of Cold-Formed Steel Members: A Review
Authors: Živaljević Vladimir , Jovanović Đorđe , Kovačević Dušan , Džolev Igor
Published: July 2022

The use of cold-formed steel (CFS) members in structural engineering has been on the increase recently due to a wide range of benefits. The placement of electrical and/or plumbing installations within the floor or wall thickness requires that members are being manufactured with holes along the web, inevitably affecting their resistance. This article aims at providing a useful and comprehensive overview of the existing literature regarding CFS members with web holes. Experimental and numerical research on CFS members with web holes subjected to pure compression, bending, web crippling and shear is outlined and discussed. Although research on these types of members date back to the early 1970s, the greatest progress in the research field of CFS members with web holes was achieved during the past 15 years; hence, mostly the research conducted during this period was addressed. Additionally, design proposals are summarised for each of the aforementioned stress states. A brief description of the main concepts of design presented in four principal design codes, as well as numerical solution methods for predicting global, local, and distortional buckling modes, is also presented, aiming to collect the accessible up-to-date knowledge of CFS members with holes and identify areas that were modestly covered by previous research.
On the Optical Characterization of Architectural Three-Dimensional Skins and Their Solar Control Potential
Authors: Mainini Andrea Giovanni , Speroni Alberto , Poli Tiziana , Zinzi Michele
Published: July 2022

The use of second building skins is becoming a trademark in modern architecture, opening for innovative solutions, such as three-dimensional (3D) systems. This paper explores the potential of these systems to provide adequate solar protection to glazed façades by means of an advanced optical characterization. Spectral transmittance and reflectance of fourteen samples, belonging to several technological families, are measured with a built-in spectrophotometer, suitable to accurately characterize complex semi-transparent systems. Solar and lighting properties are then calculated. The normal optical properties strongly depend on the openness factor, thus the geometry primarily affects the performance. A total of 11 samples exhibit normal solar transmittance in the 40–53% range; the value decreases to 20% for the plissé metal grid and increases to 70% on average for metal meshes. The angular transmittance depends on the system texture geometry and its self-shading capabilities. It was found that such systems underperform as static conventional shading systems; however, one of the metal meshes, the plissé grid and the plastic grid exhibit relevant angular selectivity, with transmittance decay at 60° in the 58–72% range compared to the normal incidence value. The results show that some of the selected 3D systems provide adequate solar protection. The developed dataset can be used for early-stage design analyses, as well as for energy performance model input and validation.
PTEN Dual Lipid- and Protein-Phosphatase Function in Tumor Progression
Authors: Liu Anne , Zhu Yanyu , Chen Weiping , Merlino Glenn , Yu Yanlin
Published: July 2022

PTEN is the second most highly mutated tumor suppressor in cancer, following only p53. The PTEN protein functions as a phosphatase with lipid- and protein-phosphatase activity. PTEN-lipid-phosphatase activity dephosphorylates PIP3 to form PIP2, and it then antagonizes PI3K and blocks the activation of AKT, while its protein-phosphatase activity dephosphorylates different protein substrates and plays various roles in tumorigenesis. Here, we review the PTEN mutations and protein-phosphatase substrates in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Our purpose is to clarify how PTEN protein phosphatase contributes to its tumor-suppressive functions through PI3K-independent activities.
Etiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Practical Implications of Hepatocellular Neoplasms
Authors: Hytiroglou Prodromos , Bioulac-Sage Paulette , Theise Neil D. , Sempoux Christine
Published: July 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a major global contributor of cancer death, usually arises in a background of chronic liver disease, as a result of molecular changes that deregulate important signal transduction pathways. Recent studies have shown that certain molecular changes of hepatocarcinogenesis are associated with clinicopathologic features and prognosis, suggesting that subclassification of HCC is practically useful. On the other hand, subclassification of hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs), a heterogenous group of neoplasms, has been well established on the basis of genotype–phenotype correlations. Histologic examination, aided by immunohistochemistry, is the gold standard for the diagnosis and subclassification of HCA and HCC, while clinicopathologic correlation is essential for best patient management. Advances in clinico-radio-pathologic correlation have introduced a new approach for the diagnostic assessment of lesions arising in advanced chronic liver disease by imaging (LI-RADS). The rapid expansion of knowledge concerning the molecular pathogenesis of HCC is now starting to produce new therapeutic approaches through precision oncology. This review summarizes the etiology and pathogenesis of HCA and HCC, provides practical information for their histologic diagnosis (including an algorithmic approach), and addresses a variety of frequently asked questions regarding the diagnosis and practical implications of these neoplasms.
Prognostic and Clinicopathological Significance of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Upregulation in Oral Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: González-Moles Miguel Ángel , Moya-González Eloísa , García-Ferrera Alberto , Nieto-Casado Paola , Ramos-García Pablo
Published: July 2022

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the current evidence on the prognostic and clinicopathological significance value of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) upregulation in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for studies published before April 2022, not restricted by date or publication language. The methodological quality of primary-level studies was critically assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. We carried out meta-analyses, explored heterogeneity and its sources, and performed subgroup, meta-regression, sensitivity, and small-study effects analyses. Twenty-one studies (1698 patients) met inclusion criteria. TERT protein overexpression was significantly associated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.70–5.35, p < 0.001), disease-free survival (HR = 4.03, 95% CI = 1.80–9.05, p = 0.001), and higher histological grade OSCC (odds ratio [OR] = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.83–5.62, p < 0.001). These large effect sizes were consistently obtained by homogeneous subgroups (p > 0.10, I2 = 0.0, respectively), which reflects a high quality of evidence. On the other hand, TERT gene mutations obtained constantly nonsignificant null effect sizes for all outcomes investigated, evidencing no prognostic or clinicopathological value. In conclusion, our findings indicate that TERT upregulation is a prognostic indicator of poor survival in oral cancer. Our findings support the immunohistochemical assessment of TERT overexpression, which could probably be incorporated into the prognostic evaluation of OSCC.
BAP1 Loss Promotes Suppressive Tumor Immune Microenvironment via Upregulation of PROS1 in Class 2 Uveal Melanomas
Authors: Kaler Christopher , Dollar James , Cruz Anthony , Kuznetsoff Jeffim , Sanchez Margaret , Decatur Christina , Licht Jonathan , Smalley Keiran , Correa Zelia , Kurtenbach Stefan , Harbour J.
Published: July 2022

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary cancer of the eye and is associated with a high rate of metastatic death. UM can be stratified into two main classes based on metastatic risk, with class 1 UM having a low metastatic risk and class 2 UM having a high metastatic risk. Class 2 UM have a distinctive genomic, transcriptomic, histopathologic, and clinical phenotype characterized by biallelic inactivation of the BAP1 tumor-suppressor gene, an immune-suppressive microenvironment enriched for M2-polarized macrophages, and poor response to checkpoint-inhibitor immunotherapy. To identify potential mechanistic links between BAP1 loss and immune suppression in class 2 UM, we performed an integrated analysis of UM samples, as well as genetically engineered UM cell lines and uveal melanocytes (UMC). Using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we found that the most highly upregulated gene associated with BAP1 loss across these datasets was PROS1, which encodes a ligand that triggers phosphorylation and activation of the immunosuppressive macrophage receptor MERTK. The inverse association between BAP1 and PROS1 in class 2 UM was confirmed by single-cell RNA-seq, which also revealed that MERTK was upregulated in CD163+ macrophages in class 2 UM. Using ChIP-seq, BAP1 knockdown in UM cells resulted in an accumulation of H3K27ac at the PROS1 locus, suggesting epigenetic regulation of PROS1 by BAP1. Phosphorylation of MERTK in RAW 264.7 monocyte–macrophage cells was increased upon coculture with BAP1−/− UMCs, and this phosphorylation was blocked by depletion of PROS1 in the UMCs. These findings were corroborated by multicolor immunohistochemistry, where class 2/BAP1-mutant UMs demonstrated increased PROS1 expression in tumor cells and increased MERTK phosphorylation in CD163+ macrophages compared with class 1/BAP1-wildtype UMs. Taken together, these findings provide a mechanistic link between BAP1 loss and the suppression of the tumor immune microenvironment in class 2 UMs, and they implicate the PROS1–MERTK pathway as a potential target for immunotherapy in UM.
Traditional Systemic Treatment Options in Advanced Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer after Successful Cytoreduction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Montero-Macías Rosa , Rigolet Pascal , Mikhael Elie , Krell Jonathan , Villefranque Vincent , Lecuru Fabrice , Fotopoulou Christina
Published: July 2022

Objective: We performed a systematic literature review and a subsequent meta-analysis to compare traditional treatment options, i.e., antihormonal and cytotoxic, in LGSOC. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review in MEDBASE and MEDLINE between September 2000 and June 2021 for women who received cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or antihormonal treatment after primary cytoreduction due to stage II–IV LGSOC and also at relapse. PFS and OS were calculated depending on the type of their adjuvant treatment. For each endpoint in the meta-analysis, pooled HR was calculated using the random effect model with the inverse variance weighted method. Only primary patients were included in the subsequent meta-analysis due to the small number of studies in the relapsed setting. Results: Five eligible first-line studies were included. Systemic chemotherapy failed to provide a significant OS benefit when compared to no systemic treatment (pooled HR = 1.01, 95% CI [0.79, 1.29]) after successful cytoreduction. Moreover, systemic chemotherapy followed by antihormonal treatment also did not result to a significant PFS or OS benefit when compared to systemic chemotherapy alone (for PSF: pooled HR = 0.59, 95% CI [0.33, 1.04]; for OS: pooled HR = 0.83, 95% CI [0.50, 1.39]). There were insufficient data from studies in the recurrent setting to allow their inclusion in the meta-analysis. Conclusions: In this meta-analysis, we failed to identify a traditional cytotoxic or antihormonal systemic treatment option that was associated with a significant OS or PFS benefit when administered following successful cytoreduction for advanced LGSOC. Prospective randomized studies are urgently warranted to define optimal adjuvant options in this challenging disease.
Bright-Field Multiplex Immunohistochemistry Assay for Tumor Microenvironment Evaluation in Melanoma Tissues
Authors: Ugolini Filippo , Pasqualini Elisa , Simi Sara , Baroni Gianna , Massi Daniela
Published: July 2022

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in melanoma development, progression and response to treatment. As many of the most relevant TME cell phenotypes are defined by the simultaneous detection of more than two markers, the bright-field (BF) multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique has been introduced for the quantitative assessment and evaluation of the relative spatial distances between immune cells and melanoma cells. In the current study, we aimed to validate BF multiplex IHC techniques in the Ventana Discovery Ultra Immunostainer to be applied to the evaluation of the TME in variably pigmented melanoma tissues. The BF multiplex IHC staining was performed using different combinations of six immune-cell markers—CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD68 and CD163—and the melanoma cell marker SOX10. Our results show that the BF double IHC Yellow/Purple protocol guarantees the maximum contrast in all the cell populations tested and the combination SOX10 (Green), CD8 (Yellow) and CD163 (Purple) of the BF triple IHC protocol ensures the best contrast and discrimination between the three stained cell populations. Furthermore, the labeled cells were clearly distinct and easily identifiable using the image analysis software. Our standardized BF IHC multiplex protocols can be used to better assess the immune contexts of melanoma patients with potential applications to drive therapeutic decisions within clinical trials.
The Significance of External Quality Assessment Schemes for Molecular Testing in Clinical Laboratories
Authors: Laudus Nele , Nijs Lynn , Nauwelaers Inne , Dequeker Elisabeth
Published: July 2022

External quality assessment (EQA) schemes are a tool for clinical laboratories to evaluate and manage the quality of laboratory practice with the support of an independent party (i.e., an EQA provider). Depending on the context, there are different types of EQA schemes available, as well as various EQA providers, each with its own field of expertise. In this review, an overview of the general requirements for EQA schemes and EQA providers based on international guidelines is provided. The clinical and scientific value of these kinds of schemes for clinical laboratories, clinicians and patients are highlighted, in addition to the support EQA can provide to other types of laboratories, e.g., laboratories affiliated to biotech companies. Finally, recent developments and challenges in laboratory medicine and quality management, for example, the introduction of artificial intelligence in the laboratory and the shift to a more individual-approach instead of a laboratory-focused approach, are discussed. EQA schemes should represent current laboratory practice as much as possible, which poses the need for EQA providers to introduce latest laboratory innovations in their schemes and to apply up-to-date guidelines. By incorporating these state-of-the-art techniques, EQA aims to contribute to continuous learning.
Advanced Cellular Models for Preclinical Drug Testing: From 2D Cultures to Organ-on-a-Chip Technology
Authors: Foglizzo Valentina , Cocco Emiliano , Marchiò Serena
Published: July 2022

Cancer is a complex disease arising from a homeostatic imbalance of cell-intrinsic and microenvironment-related mechanisms. A multimodal approach to treat cancer that includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy often fails in achieving tumor remission and produces unbearable side effects including secondary malignancies. Novel strategies have been implemented in the past decades in order to replace conventional chemotherapeutics with targeted, less toxic drugs. Up to now, scientists have relied on results achieved in animal research before proceeding to clinical trials. However, the high failure rate of targeted drugs in early phase trials leaves no doubt about the inadequacy of those models. In compliance with the need of reducing, and possibly replacing, animal research, studies have been conducted in vitro with advanced cellular models that more and more mimic the tumor in vivo. We will here review those methods that allow for the 3D reconstitution of the tumor and its microenvironment and the implementation of the organ-on-a-chip technology to study minimal organ units in disease progression. We will make specific reference to the usability of these systems as predictive cancer models and report on recent applications in high-throughput screenings of innovative and targeted drug compounds.
Surface Modification of Biochar for Dye Removal from Wastewater
Authors: Goswami Lalit , Kushwaha Anamika , Kafle Saroj Raj , Kim Beom-Soo
Published: July 2022

Nowadays, biochar is being studied to a great degree because of its potential for carbon sequestration, soil improvement, climate change mitigation, catalysis, wastewater treatment, energy storage, and waste management. The present review emphasizes on the utilization of biochar and biochar-based nanocomposites to play a key role in decontaminating dyes from wastewater. Numerous trials are underway to synthesize functionalized, surface engineered biochar-based nanocomposites that can sufficiently remove dye-contaminated wastewater. The removal of dyes from wastewater via natural and modified biochar follows numerous mechanisms such as precipitation, surface complexation, ion exchange, cation–π interactions, and electrostatic attraction. Further, biochar production and modification promote good adsorption capacity for dye removal owing to the properties tailored from the production stage and linked with specific adsorption mechanisms such as hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Meanwhile, a framework for artificial neural networking and machine learning to model the dye removal efficiency of biochar from wastewater is proposed even though such studies are still in their infancy stage. The present review article recommends that smart technologies for modelling and forecasting the potential of such modification of biochar should be included for their proper applications.
Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Linoleic Acid in Models of Parkinson’s Disease: The Implication of Lipid Droplets and Lipophagy
Authors: Alarcon-Gil Jesus , Sierra-Magro Ana , Morales-Garcia Jose A. , Sanz-SanCristobal Marina , Alonso-Gil Sandra , Cortes-Canteli Marta , Niso-Santano Mireia , Martínez-Chacón Guadalupe , Fuentes Jose M. , Santos Angel , Perez-Castillo Ana
Published: July 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease. The principal pathological feature of PD is the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral midbrain. This pathology involves several cellular alterations: oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, loss of proteostasis, and autophagy impairment. Moreover, in recent years, lipid metabolism alterations have become relevant in PD pathogeny. The modification of lipid metabolism has become a possible way to treat the disease. Because of this, we analyzed the effect and possible mechanism of action of linoleic acid (LA) on an SH-SY5Y PD cell line model and a PD mouse model, both induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) treatment. The results show that LA acts as a potent neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory agent in these PD models. We also observed that LA stimulates the biogenesis of lipid droplets and improves the autophagy/lipophagy flux, which resulted in an antioxidant effect in the in vitro PD model. In summary, we confirmed the neuroprotective effect of LA in vitro and in vivo against PD. We also obtained some clues about the novel neuroprotective mechanism of LA against PD through the regulation of lipid droplet dynamics.
A Differentiation-Related Gene Prognostic Index Contributes to Prognosis and Immunotherapy Evaluation in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Xiao Jingjing , Liu Tao , Liu Zhenhua , Xiao Chuan , Du Jun , Zuo Shi , Li Haiyang , Gu Huajian
Published: July 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common gastrointestinal tumor with a poor prognosis, which is associated with poor differentiation of tumor cells. However, the potential value of cell differentiation-related molecules in predicting the benefit and prognosis of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) therapy remains unknown. Herein, to investigate the differentiation trajectory of HCC cells and their clinical significance, a differentiation-related gene prognostic index (DRGPI) based on HCC differentiation-related genes (HDRGs) was constructed to elucidate the immune characteristics and therapeutic benefits of ICI in the HCC subgroup defined by DRGPI. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA-seq data from four HCC samples were integrated for bioinformatics analysis. Then, PON1, ADH4, SQSTM1, HSP90AA1, and STMN1 were screened out to construct a DRGPI. More intriguingly, RT-qPCR validation of the expression of these genes yielded consistent results with the TCGA database. Next, the risk scoring (RS) constructed based on DRGPI suggested that the overall survival (OS) of the DRGPI-high patients was significantly worse than that of the DRGPI-low patients. A nomogram was constructed based on DRGPI-RS and clinical characteristics, which showed strong predictive performance and high accuracy. The comprehensive results indicated that a low DRGPI score was associated with low TP53 mutation rates, high CD8 T cell infiltration, and more benefit from ICI therapy. Homoplastically, the high DRGPI score reflected the opposite results. Taken together, our study highlights the significance of HCC cell differentiation in predicting prognosis, indicating immune characteristics, and understanding the therapeutic benefits of ICI, and suggests that DRGPI is a valuable prognostic biomarker for HCC.
Clinical Characteristics of Venous Thrombosis Associated with Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter in Premature Infants
Authors: Zhu Weiwei , Zhang Hua , Xing Yan
Published: July 2022

Background: This study aimed to analyze clinical characteristics and risk factors for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement in premature infants. Materials: This study included seven premature infants who were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Peking University Third Hospital from 1 January 2014–30 June 2021, and suffered PICC-related venous thrombosis. The control group included premature infants (n = 56) matched (1:8) by the following: Did not experience venous thrombosis; born with a similar gestational age (±2 w), birth weight (±200 g); and received PICC catheterization in the same period (±4 w). Clinical neonatal data were collected through the hospital electronic medical record system and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: The incidence of PICC-related thrombus was 0.23% (7/3043. Univariate analysis revealed that, compared to the non-thrombotic group, mothers in the thrombosis group had autoimmune diseases (χ2 = 9.844, p = 0.030) and used anticoagulative drugs during pregnancy (χ2 = 8.036, p = 0.025). The corrected gestational age when PICC-related thrombosis occurred in the thrombosis group was 32 + 6 (30 + 1, 34 + 1) weeks. The average time from catheter placement to thrombosis was 5 (1, 12) days. Among infants, 85.7% (6/7) experienced deep vein thrombosis, of which four were in the lower extremity veins; three occurred within 2 days after central venous catheter extubation, and four occurred during central venous catheter indwelling. The clinical manifestations of thrombosis include skin edema, color changes, and skin temperature changes in the affected limbs. The seven neonates had normal coagulation at the time of thrombus diagnosis, but D-dimers significantly increased 1–2 days after thrombosis, returning to normal 5–8 days after thrombus. The thrombus persisted for 4.5 (3, 8) days. All seven neonates were treated with low molecular weight heparin calcium anticoagulation for 10 (3, 17) days and recovered completely. Conclusions: PICC-related thrombosis occurred within 1 week after catheter placement, and thrombosis more likely happened in infants whose mothers had autoimmune disease. When this high-risk factor exists and the patient has been intubated for 1 week and has sudden swelling in the intubated limb, venous ultrasound should be performed immediately to diagnose, and treatment should be provided in a timely manner to reduce adverse events.
Bullying Perpetration and Homophobic Teasing: Mediation through Gender Role Attitudes
Authors: Gao Yutong , Zhang Zhenying , Chen Binli , Wang Xiying
Published: July 2022

Homophobic teasing or name-calling, one form of school-related gender-based violence, refers to the use of derogatory language or actions towards sexual- or gender-nonconforming individuals. Research in the Global North has indicated that it is highly prevalent among adolescents, and is associated with a broad range of negative outcomes for both victims and perpetrators. However, such behaviors remain understudied in China. Using a cross-sectional design, the present study investigated the structural relations between homophobic teasing, bullying perpetration, and gender role attitudes among 1915 Chinese high school students. The results showed that 11.5% of the participants had perpetrated such harassment in the past month. Structural equation analyses revealed that bullying perpetration predicted more teasing involvement, and that the relationship was partially mediated by gender role attitudes among both female and male youth. The moderation effect of sex was found only for the direct effect of bullying; such that males who engaged in bullying were more likely to perpetrate homophobic teasing than females. These findings suggest the need for further examination and effective interventions and preventions for the behavior in Chinese contexts.
Comparison of Health Literacy Assessment Tools among Beijing School-Aged Children
Authors: Guo Shuaijun , Yu Xiaoming , Davis Elise , Armstrong Rebecca , Naccarella Lucio
Published: July 2022

Health literacy is a broad and multidimensional construct, making its measurement and conclusions inconsistent. This study aims to compare the patterning of health literacy using different assessment tools and examine their impact on children’s developmental outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 650 students in Years 7–9 from four secondary schools in Beijing. Health literacy was measured by the eight-item health literacy assessment tool (HLAT, score range 0–37), the six-item Newest Vital Sign (NVS, score range 0–6), and the 16-item Health Literacy Survey (HLS, score range 0–16). Based on Manganello’s health literacy framework, information on upstream factors (e.g., gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status) and developmental outcomes (e.g., health-promoting behaviours, health service use, global health status) was collected. Overall, the average scores for health literacy were 26.34 ± 5.89, 3.64 ± 1.64, and 13.72 ± 2.94, respectively, for HLAT, NVS, and HLS. The distribution of health literacy varied by socio-demographics and individual characteristics except for gender, no matter which health literacy assessment tool was used. The magnitude of associations between health literacy, its upstream factors and developmental outcomes was greater when using three-domain instruments (HLAT and HLS) than using single-domain instruments (NVS). The approach to health literacy measurement will influence the conclusion. Using multidimensional assessment tools may better capture a child’s health literacy and contribute to the maximum efficiency and effectiveness of school-based health literacy interventions.
Performance Analysis of the Self-Pumping Hydrodynamic Mechanical Seal with a Conical Convergent Diffuser Groove
Authors: Su Xuchen , Sun Jianjun , Ma Chenbo , Yu Qiuping
Published: July 2022

Requirements such as high opening force, low leakage rate, and design without matching auxiliary flushing systems are expected of the modern fluid machinery shaft seals used in the process industry. A self-pumping hydrodynamic mechanical seal with a conical convergent diffuser groove is proposed and its sealing performance is studied by numerical simulation in this paper. Further, its sealing performance is compared to that of a flat-bottomed equal cross-sectional diffuser groove and the results have shown that the proposed seal has more superior sealing performance. The influence of structural and operating parameters on the sealing performance of the proposed seal is discussed and its working mechanism is explained. The results have shown that when the structural parameters of the spiral groove and the operating parameters are the same, the proposed design has a similar leakage rate and a higher opening force. The conical convergent diffuser groove has better wrapping properties, whereas the fluid energy is utilized more efficiently, improving the sealing interface opening force. The taper degree variation causes a slight change to the pressure at the root of the spiral groove, causing slight fluctuations in the seal leakage rate. The research results broaden the design of non-contact mechanical seals and provide a theoretical basis for the engineering application of the proposed self-pumping hydrodynamic mechanical seal with a conical convergent diffuser groove.
Failure Analysis of Thermal Corrosion Cycling of EB-PVD YSZ Thermal Barrier Coatings Exposed to Molten NaCl
Authors: Liu Yang , Xie Min , Li Ruiyi , Pei Xun , Zhang Yonghe , Mu Rende , Song Xiwen
Published: July 2022

NaCl is the most abundant salt in seawater, thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) face the challenge of chloride salt hot corrosion in the marine environment. In this work, we focus on evaluating the thermal corrosion cycling of 9 wt.% Y2O3-ZrO2 (YSZ) exposed to NaCl molten salt. YSZ was prepared by electron beam–physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD). The result showed that the thermal cycling life of YSZ coating in the presence of NaCl molten salt was significantly shortened. The shortening of the service life of the coating can be ascribed to the collective effects of the thickening of thermal growth oxide and the degradation of the bond coating.
Adhesive Cementation of Zirconia Based Ceramics-Surface Modification Methods Literature Review
Authors: Szawioła-Kirejczyk Magdalena , Chmura Karolina , Gronkiewicz Krzysztof , Gala Andrzej , Loster Jolanta E. , Ryniewicz Wojciech
Published: July 2022

Introduction: The conditioning procedures for glass-based ceramic restorations before adhesive cementation are generally recognized. In the case of polycrystalline ceramics, which include zirconium oxide, there is still no standardized protocol. The aim of this work was to present conditioning methods of the cementation surface of zirconium oxide fixed dentures. The new generation high translucency zirconia has been also considered. Material and method: The following keywords for the PUBMED and EMBASE databases were used: zirconium oxide, zirconium oxide with increased translucency, bond strength, bending strength, surface treatment. The inclusion criteria were original papers in English published between 2015–2021. Results: Out of 1537 publications, 53 articles were selected for the study, covering methods of conditioning zirconium ceramics, including new materials with increased translucency. These procedures were divided into 5 main groups. Summary: Due to the widespread use of zirconia ceramics and the introduction of new zirconia-based materials, the use of a predictable and standardized cementation protocol is one of the most important factors contributing to the long-term clinical success of prosthetic restorations. Therefore, the research showed differences in the properties of the covered materials after conditioning. It suggests the need to create separate conditioning protocols for highly translucent and traditional zirconia.
Compositional Glass: A State with Inherent Chemical Disorder, Exemplified by Ti-rich Ni3(Al,Ti)1 D024 Phase
Authors: Zarkevich Nikolai , Smith Timothy , Baum Eli , Lawson John
Published: July 2022

A compositional glass is a state with an unavoidable disorder in chemical compositions on each site, characterized by frustration and freezing of the compositional degrees of freedom at low temperature. From this state a full atomic long-range order is unachievable by a reasonable thermodynamic treatment. There is a similarity between a spin glass (a magnetic state with disorder in spin orientations) and a compositional glass (with disorder in site occupations by chemical elements): both have frustrated ground states and a frozen disorder at low temperatures T < Tf (here Tf is called the freezing temperature). While it is possible to perform a ground-state search in a compositional glass, the resulting set of the fully ordered structures does not adequately represent the real solid with an inherent atomic disorder. Compositional glasses constitute a class of materials, which is insufficiently understood, but is of high industrial importance. Some of the phases in the precipitated alloys (including steels, high-entropy alloys, and superalloys) might be compositional glasses, and their better understanding would facilitate materials design. Due to their strength at high operating temperatures, superalloys are used in combustion engines and particularly in jet turbine engines. Precipitation strengthening of nickel superalloys is an area of active research. Local phase transformations inside Ni3Al-based precipitates are of particular interest due to their impact on creep strength. In the Ni3(Al1−xTix)1 ternary system, the competing phases are Ni3Al-type L12 (γʹ) and Ni3Ti-type D024 (η), while D019 (χ) is higher in energy. These three phases differ by the stacking of atomic layers: locally, the last two look like the internal and external stacking faults in L12. We compute enthalpies of disordered and ordered Ni3(Al1−xTix)1 ternary structures, examine phase stability, investigate the ground states and competing structures, and predict that the Ti-rich Ni3(Al1−xTix)1 D024 phase is a compositional glass with the atomic disorder on the Al/Ti sublattice. To resolve apparent contradictions among the previous experiments and to confirm our prediction, we perform X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis of the cast Ni3(Ti0.917Al0.083)1 sample. Our measurements appear to confirm the ab initio computed results. Our results elucidate properties of compositional glasses and provide a better understanding of precipitation strengthening mechanisms in Ni superalloys.