bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR-223-3p attenuates the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells by regulating NLRP3
Authors: Zhu Shasha , Kong Xiangbing , Song Mengru , Chi Mingyang , Liu Yitong , Zhang Peng , Zhang Qiao , Shang Pingping , Feng Feifei
Published: October 2022

Lung cancer is the malignant tumor with high invasion and metastasis, which seriously threatens public health. Previous study showed that NLRP3 could promote the occurrence of lung tumors in B(a)P-induced mice. MicroRNAs are closely related to the progression and metastasis of lung cancer by regulating target genes. However, which miRNAs affect the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells through regulating NLRP3 remains poorly defined. In this study, the miRNAs targeting NLRP3 were selected from TargetScan and miRDB database and finally miR-223-3p was chosen due to the consistent expression in both A549 and H520 cells. Then, the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells were detected with miR-223-3p mimic and inhibitor using Transwell assay, at the same time the expression of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 was determined using Western Blot and immunohistochemistry assay. Our data demonstrated that miR-223-3p was upregulated in both A549 and H520 cells. Furthermore, the migration and invasion of A549 and H520 cells were promoted after inhibiting miR-223-3p. Besides, the levels of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 were increased in the two lung cancer cells. And the corresponding results were contrary in miR-223-3p mimic group. Taken together, miR-223-3p attenuates the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells by regulating NLRP3, which provides evidence for the prevention and targeted treatment of NSCLC.
Ferroptosis-related gene signature predicts prognosis in kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma
Authors: Yin Haiying , Lin Mei , Liang Shaoying , Wei Meijuan , Huang Cuiting , Qin Fengfei , Nong Jiejin , Zeng Xianchang , Nong Caimei , Qin Houji
Published: October 2022

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of selective cell death, is involved in the development of many cancers. However, the role of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP) is unclear. In this study, we examined the mRNA expression profiles and clinical data of patients with KIRP from the TCGA cohort. Consequently, 41 differentially-expressed FRGs were screened using the limma package, and 17 prognostic-related FRGs were identified by survival analysis and univariate Cox regression analyses. Thereafter, a ferroptosis-related gene prognostic index (FRGPI) was constructed based on five FRGs (AKR1C3, SAT1, FANCD2, HSBP1 and SQLE), using lasso Cox and multivariate Cox regression analyses. KIRP patients with high FRGPI scores displayed worse outcomes. Furthermore, the FRGPI was shown to be a reliable independent prognostic factor in both the training and testing cohorts. Comprehensive analysis also showed that the FRGPI can distinguish gene mutation, functional enrichment of immune cells and molecular function-related pathways. Interestingly, low FRGPI score could be more benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy. Then, the two hub prognostic genes (AKR1C3 and FANCD2) as a risk gene for KIRP were identified based on the FRGPI module, and the expression profiles of these two genes were validated using human KIRP cells, besides, we furthermore discovered that Fancd2 is significantly up-regulated in most cancers and is associated with prognosis. In conclusion, these findings showed that FRGPI can accurately predict the prognosis of patients with KIRP, suggesting that this risk model is a promising prognostic biomarker for these patients. Moreover, targeting ferroptosis (FANCD2) could be a potential therapeutic alternative for various cancers.
B-cell malignancies treated with targeted drugs and SARS-CoV-2 infection: A European Hematology Association Survey (EPICOVIDEHA)
Authors: Infante Maria Stefania , Salmanton-García Jon , Fernández-Cruz Ana , Marchesi Francesco , Jaksic Ozren , Weinbergerová Barbora , Besson Caroline , Duarte Rafael F. , Itri Federico , Valković Toni , Szotkovski Tomáš , Busca Alessandro , Guidetti Anna , Glenthøj Andreas , Collins Graham P. , Bonuomo Valentina , Sili Uluhan , Seval Guldane Cengiz , Machado Marina , Cordoba Raul , Blennow Ola , Abu-Zeinah Ghaith , Lamure Sylvain , Kulasekararaj Austin , Falces-Romero Iker , Cattaneo Chiara , Van Doesum Jaap , Piukovics Klára , Omrani Ali S. , Magliano Gabriele , Ledoux Marie-Pierre , de Ramon Cristina , Cabirta Alba , Verga Luisa , López-García Alberto , Da Silva Maria Gomes , Stojanoski Zlate , Meers Stef , Lahmer Tobias , Martín-Pérez Sonia , Dávila-Vals Julio , Van Praet Jens , Samarkos Michail , Bilgin Yavuz M. , Karlsson Linda Katharina , Batinić Josip , Nordlander Anna , Schönlein Martin , Hoenigl Martin , Ráčil Zdeněk , Mladenović Miloš , Hanakova Michaela , Zambrotta Giovanni Paolo Maria , De Jonge Nick , Adžić-Vukičević Tatjana , Nunes-Rodrigues Raquel , Prezioso Lucia , Navrátil Milan , Marchetti Monia , Cuccaro Annarosa , Calbacho Maria , Giordano Antonio , Cornely Oliver A. , Hernández-Rivas José-Ángel , Pagano Livio
Published: October 2022

Patients with lymphoproliferative diseases (LPD) are vulnerable to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Here, we describe and analyze the outcome of 366 adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) treated with targeted drugs and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosed between February 2020 and January 2022. Median follow-up was 70.5 days (IQR 0-609). Most used targeted drugs were Bruton-kinase inhibitors (BKIs) (N= 201, 55%), anti-CD20 other than rituximab (N=61, 16%), BCL2 inhibitors (N=33, 9%) and lenalidomide (N=28, 8%).Only 16.2% of the patients were vaccinated with 2 or more doses of vaccine at the onset of COVID-19. Mortality was 24% (89/366) on day 30 and 36%(134/366) on the last day of follow-up. Age >75 years (p<0.001, HR 1.036), active malignancy (p<0.001, HR 2.215), severe COVID-19 (p=0.017, HR 2.270) and admission to ICU (p<0.001, HR 5.751) were risk factors for mortality at last day of follow up. There was no difference in OS rates in NHL vs CLL patients (p=0.306), nor in patients treated with or without BKIs (p=0.151). Mortality in ICU was 66% (CLL 61%, NHL 76%). Overall mortality rate decreased according to vaccination status, being 39% in unvaccinated patients, 32% and 26% in those having received one or two doses, respectively, and 20% in patients with a booster dose (p=0.245). Overall mortality rate dropped from 41% during the first semester of 2020 to 25% at the last semester of 2021. These results show increased severity and mortality from COVID-19 in LPDs patients treated with targeted drugs.
A performance review of novel adiposity indices for assessing insulin resistance in a pediatric Latino population
Authors: McGraw Mac B. , Kohler Lindsay N. , Shaibi Gabriel Q. , Mandarino Lawrence J. , Coletta Dawn K.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Body mass index (BMI) percentile or BMI adjusted for age and sex is the most common anthropometric index to monitor and assess obesity in children. However, the ability of BMI to accurately predict insulin resistance (IR) in youth is debated. Determining the best method to noninvasively measure IR in the pediatric population is especially important due to the growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is more likely to develop in people with IR. Therefore, this study analyzed the performance of BMI against newer anthropometric indices in assessing IR in a pediatric Latino identifying sample.

Methods

We studied 127 pediatric Latino participants from the Arizona Insulin Resistance (AIR) registry and performed linear regression analyses between various measures of IR and adiposity indices, including body mass index (BMI), triponderal mass index (TMI), body adiposity index (BAI), pediatric body adiposity index (pBAI), a body shape index (ABSI), abdominal volume index (AVI), waist to height ratio (WtHR) and waist to hip ratio (WHR). Log transformations of each index adjusted for age and sex and IR were used for the linear regressions. Additionally, we generated receiver operating characteristics (ROC) from logistic regressions between HOMA-IR and HOMA2IR against the same indices.

Results

Using the homeostatic assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HOMA2IR, the quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI), fasting serum insulin, and FPG/FSI to measure IR, we showed that BMI adjusted for age and sex performs similarly to many of the newer indices in our sample. The correlation coefficients for pBAI [R2: 0.27, 95% confidence interval: 0.88–1.81, p < 0.001] and BMI [R2: 0.27, 95% confidence interval: 0.92–1.92, p < 0.001] were the highest for HOMA-IR. Similarly, pBAI [R2: 0.29, 95% confidence interval: 0.88–1.72, p < 0.001] and BMI [R2: 0.29, 95% confidence interval: 0.93–1.83, p < 0.001] were the highest for HOMA2IR. A similar trend was observed with QUICKI, FSI, and FPG/FSI. ABSI had the lowest R2 value for all measures of IR. Area under the curve (AUC) values for the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) for HOMA-IR and HOMA2IR support these conclusions.

Conclusions

BMI adjusted for age and sex, despite its usage and simplicity, still stacks up well against newer indices in our Latino sample. Testing these indices across larger samples is necessary to generalize these findings and translate performance to adults.
Barriers to adherence to iron chelation therapy among adolescent with transfusion dependent thalassemia
Authors: Mohamed Rafaa , Abdul Rahman Amir Hamzah , Masra Farin , Abdul Latiff Zarina
Published: October 2022

Study background

Thalassemia is the commonest genetic blood disorder in Malaysia which requires life-long blood transfusions. From a total of 7,984 thalassemia patients in Malaysia, adolescent age group account for the highest number of patients (2,680 patients, 33.57%). In developed countries, the average rate of adherence to long-term treatment among children and adolescents is only 58%. Sub-optimal adherence to iron chelation therapy may impact the outcome and quality of life in these patients. Thus, assessing adherence level and identification of risk factors for non-adherence is essential in optimizing management.

Objectives

To determine the association between mean serum ferritin level with self-reported level of adherence to iron chelation therapy in transfusion dependent thalassemia (TDT) adolescents in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA), Kuantan and Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Cheras; to determine the association between socio-demographic factors and patients’ knowledge on thalassemia and iron chelation therapy with the level of adherence.

Materials and methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted between 1st March 2019 and 31st March 2020. Data was collected through face-to-face interview by a single interviewer during the thalassemia clinic follow up, with content validated questionnaires. The questionnaires comprised four sections which included socio-demographic data, medication adherence questionnaire, knowledge of disease, and clinical characteristics of the participants.

Results

A total of 70 participants were recruited. Results showed that only 51.4% of participants had good adherence to iron chelation therapy. There was a significant association between monthly household incomes of the family with the level of adherence to iron chelation (p-value 0.006). There was also an association between the mean serum ferritin levels with total Adherence Starts with Knowledge (ASK-12) score (p-value 0.001). However, there was no association between knowledge on thalassemia with the level of adherence.

Conclusion

Adherence to iron chelation was generally unsatisfactory amongst adolescents with TDT as only 51.4% had good adherence. Low monthly household income of the family may affect adherence to iron chelation therapy in TDT patients. As adherence remains to be an issue amongst adolescent thalassemia patients, management should include regular and objective assessments to address this problem so as to optimize patient outcome.
Traditional uses, phytochemical, pharmacology, quality control and modern applications of two important Chinese medicines from Rosa laevigata Michx.: A review
Authors: Quan Xiao-Xiao , Huang Yuan-Yuan , Chen Lu , Yuan Jing-Quan
Published: October 2022

Rosa laevigata Michx. is an ethnic medicine that have strong biological activities used in the traditional medicine system for the treatment of diabetes, nephropathy, myocardial damage, oxidative damage, liver damage and so on. Currently, The Chinese herb R. laevigata Michx. can be divided into two important medicines: Fructus R. laevigata and Radix R. laevigata, from which approximately 148 chemical components have been isolated, including flavonoids, lignans, polyphenols, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins as well as other components. Pharmacological studies have already confirmed that both of these herbs have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-tumor activities, as well as renal protective, immunomodulatory, lipid-lowering, cardiovascular protective, bacteriostatic, and other pharmacological effects. Toxicological tests and quality control studies revealed the safety and nontoxicity of R. laevigata Michx. Therefore, this paper systematically summarizes the traditional uses, botanical, phytochemical, and pharmacology as well as the quality control and toxicology of Fructus and Radix, which in order to provide a comprehensive reference for its continued research.
Network analysis and experimental pharmacology study explore the protective effects of Isoliquiritigenin on 5-fluorouracil-Induced intestinal mucositis
Authors: Liao Yi-fan , Luo Feng-lin , Tang Shan-shan , Huang Jing-wei , Yang Ying , Wang Shuang , Jiang Tang-yu , Man Qiong , Liu Sha , Wu Yi-ying
Published: October 2022

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most widely used chemotherapy drugs for malignant tumors. However, intestinal mucositis caused by 5-FU is a severe dose-limiting toxic effect and even leads to treatment interruption. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is one of the main active compounds of licorice, which is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine commonly used in inflammation and gastrointestinal diseases. It is speculated that ISL have protective effects on intestinal mucositis. However, no such studies have been reported. Therefore, to investigate the impact of ISL on 5-Fu-induced intestinal mucositis, a strategy based on network prediction and pharmacological experimental validation was proposed in this study. Firstly, the targets and mechanism of ISL in alleviating 5-Fu-induced gastrointestinal toxicity were predicted by network analysis. And the results were further confirmed by molecular docking. Then, a mouse model of intestinal mucositis was established by intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU (384 μmol/kg) to verify the prediction of network analysis. The network analysis results suggested that PTGS2 (Prostaglandin G/H synthase 2) and NOS2 (Nitric oxide synthase, inducible) might be the critical targets of ISL for reducing the intestinal toxicity of 5-FU. In addition, KEGG and GO enrichment analysis revealed that the HIF-1, TNF, MAPK, IL-17, PI3K-Akt, Ras, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, and biological processes of the inflammatory response, apoptosis regulation, NO production and NF-kappa B transcription factor activity might be involved in the mechanism of ISL against intestinal mucositis. Subsequent animal experiments showed that ISL could reduce the weight loss, leukopenia and mucosal damage caused by 5-FU. Compared with the intestinal mucositis model, the protein expressions of PTGS2, NOS2, TNFα (Tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and NF-κB p65 (nuclear factor kappa-B P65) were decreased after ISL treatment. In conclusion, this study is the fist time to find that ISL can attenuate 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis in mice. Its anti-mucositis effect may be through regulating TNF/NF-κB pathway and inhibiting inflammatory mediators PTGS2 and NOS2. It will provide a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis.
Bibliometric analysis of research on immunogenic cell death in cancer
Authors: Zhou Yan , Hu Fen , Cui Yang , Wu Haiyang , Hu Shunan , Wei Wei
Published: October 2022

Background: Immunotherapy is changing the way we treat cancer. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) has received considerable attention in the treatments of various cancer types, due to the long-lasting antitumor responses elicited in human body. However, to date, no relevant bibliometric research has been reported.

Methods: Publications related to ICD in cancer research were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection. Using CiteSpace, VOSviewer and an online platform, the analyses of co-author, co-citation, and co-occurrence of terms retrieved from literatures were carried out.

Results: A total of 1,577 publications were included in this study. The global research literatures on ICD in cancer research have been increasing from 2005 to 2021. China, the United States and France dominated in this area and had close collaborations with many countries. Six of the top 10 most contributive institutions were from France. When it comes to author analysis, Kroemer G, Zitvogel L, Kepp O, Garg AD and Galluzzi L were in both the top 10 most productive authors and top 10 most co-cited authors lists. The co-occurring author keywords could be grouped into three clusters: “biomarkers of ICD”, “nanoparticles” and “combination therapy”. In terms of promising hotspots, keywords (author keywords and KeyWords Plus) with recent citation bursts could be summarized into two aspects: “tumor microenvironment” and “nanoparticles”.

Conclusion: Increased attention has been paid to ICD in cancer treatment. However, there are still many unresolved domains in the field of ICD, such as clinical application and molecular mechanisms of this cell death process. ICD-inducing modalities combined with nanotechnology could potentiate the current immunotherapies, and will be hotspots for future research.
Autophagy plays an essential role in ultraviolet radiation-driven skin photoaging
Authors: Ma Jingwen , Teng Yan , Huang Youming , Tao Xiaohua , Fan Yibin
Published: October 2022

Photoaging is characterized by a chronic inflammatory response to UV light. One of the most prominent features of cutaneous photoaging is wrinkling, which is due primarily to a loss of collagen fibers and deposits of abnormal degenerative elastotic material within the dermis (actinic elastosis). These changes are thought to be mediated by inflammation, with subsequent upregulation of extracellular matrix-degrading proteases and down-regulation of collagen synthesis. Autophagy is a vital homeostatic cellular process of either clearing surplus or damaged cell components notably lipids and proteins or recycling the content of the cells’ cytoplasm to promote cell survival and adaptive responses during starvation and other oxidative and/or genotoxic stress conditions. Autophagy may also become a means of supplying nutrients to maintain a high cellular proliferation rate when needed. It has been suggested that loss of autophagy leads to both photodamage and the initiation of photoaging in UV exposed skin. Moreover, UV radiation of sunlight is capable of regulating a number of autophagy-linked genes. This review will focus on the protective effect of autophagy in the skin cells damaged by UV radiation. We hope to draw attention to the significance of autophagy regulation in the prevention and treatment of skin photoaging.
Systemic triplet therapy for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Jian Tengteng , Zhan Yang , Hu Kebang , He Liang , Chen Sunmeng , Hu Rui , Lu Ji
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of currently available docetaxel-based systemic triplet therapies for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC).

Methods: We searched for eligible publications in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Improvements in overall survival (OS) and radiographic progression-free time (rPFS) were compared indirectly using network meta-analysis and evaluated using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Other secondary endpoints, such as time to castration-resistant prostate cancer and/or adverse events (AEs), were also compared and evaluated.

Results: Five trials were selected and analyzed using a network meta-analysis. Compared to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) plus docetaxel, darolutamide (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.68, 95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.57–0.80) and abiraterone (HR: 0.75, 95% CrI: 0.59–0.95) triplet therapy had significantly longer OS, and darolutamide triplet therapy was the first treatment ranked. Abiraterone (HR: 0.49, 95% CrI: 0.39–0.61) and enzalutamide (HR: 0.52, 95% CrI: 0.30–0.89) had significantly better rPFS than ADT plus docetaxel; however, all three therapies, including abiraterone, apalutamide, and enzalutamide, were the best options with a similar SUCRA. At most secondary endpoints, systemic triplet therapy was superior to ADT plus docetaxel. The risk of any AEs in darolutamide or abiraterone triplet therapy was comparable with ADT plus docetaxel (odds ratio [OR]: 2.53, 95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.68–12.63; OR: 1.07, 95% CrI: 0.03–36.25). Abiraterone triplet therapy had an increased risk of grade≥3 AEs (OR: 1.56, 95% CrI: 1.15–2.11).

Conclusion: Systemic triplet therapy was more effective than ADT plus docetaxel for mHSPC. Of the triplet therapy regimens, darolutamide ranked first in terms of improved OS. Abiraterone and enzalutamide triplet ranked first in terms of rFPS, however, it did not confer a statistically difference among all triplet regimens. The overall risk of AEs was comparable. More studies are required for current and potential combinations of systemic triplet therapy.
How does plasticity of migration help tumor cells to avoid treatment: Cytoskeletal regulators and potential markers
Authors: Alexandrova Antonina , Lomakina Maria
Published: October 2022

Tumor shrinkage as a result of antitumor therapy is not the only and sufficient indicator of treatment success. Cancer progression leads to dissemination of tumor cells and formation of metastases - secondary tumor lesions in distant organs. Metastasis is associated with acquisition of mobile phenotype by tumor cells as a result of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and further cell migration based on cytoskeleton reorganization. The main mechanisms of individual cell migration are either mesenchymal, which depends on the activity of small GTPase Rac, actin polymerization, formation of adhesions with extracellular matrix and activity of proteolytic enzymes or amoeboid, which is based on the increase in intracellular pressure caused by the enhancement of actin cortex contractility regulated by Rho-ROCK-MLCKII pathway, and does not depend on the formation of adhesive structures with the matrix, nor on the activity of proteases. The ability of tumor cells to switch from one motility mode to another depending on cell context and environmental conditions, termed migratory plasticity, contributes to the efficiency of dissemination and often allows the cells to avoid the applied treatment. The search for new therapeutic targets among cytoskeletal proteins offers an opportunity to directly influence cell migration. For successful treatment it is important to assess the likelihood of migratory plasticity in a particular tumor. Therefore, the search for specific markers that can indicate a high probability of migratory plasticity is very important.
Aldosterone-stimulated endothelial epithelial sodium channel (EnNaC) plays a role in cold exposure–induced hypertension in rats
Authors: Tang Liang-Liang , Yang Xu , Yu Shu-Qi , Qin Qi , Xue Rong , Sun Yu , Xiao Han , Shang An-Qi , Liu Jia-Qun , Han Song-Qi , Liang Chen , Lou Jie , Wang Qiu-Shi , Yu Chang-Jiang , Wu Ming-Ming , Zhang Zhi-Ren
Published: October 2022

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that activated endothelial epithelial sodium channel (EnNaC) impairs vasodilatation, which contributes to salt-sensitive hypertension. Here, we investigate whether mesenteric artery (MA) EnNaC is involved in cold exposure–induced hypertension (CIH) and identify the underlying mechanisms in SD rats.

Methods: One group of rats was housed at room temperature and served as control. Three groups of rats were kept in a 4°C cold incubator for 10 h/day; among which two groups were administrated with either benzamil (EnNaC blocker) or eplerenone (mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, MR). Blood pressure (BP), vasodilatation, and endothelial function were measured with tail-cuff plethysmography, isometric myograph, and Total Nitric Oxide (NO) Assay kit, respectively. A cell-attached patch-clamp technique, in split-open MA, was used to determine the role of EnNaC in CIH rats. Furthermore, the plasma aldosterone levels were detected using an ELISA kit; and Western blot analysis was used to examine the relative expression levels of Sgk1 and Nedd4-2 proteins in the MA of SD rats.

Results: We demonstrated that cold exposure increased BP, impaired vasodilatation, and caused endothelial dysfunction in rats. The activity of EnNaC significantly increased, concomitant with an increased level of plasma aldosterone and activation of Sgk1/Nedd4-2 signaling. Importantly, CIH was inhibited by either eplerenone or benzamil. It appeared that cold-induced decrease in NO production and impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) were significantly ameliorated by either eplerenone or benzamil in MA of CIH rats. Moreover, treatment of MAs with aldosterone resulted in an activation of EnNaC, a reduction of NO, and an impairment of EDR, which were significantly inhibited by either eplerenone or GSK650394 (Sgk1 inhibitor) or benzamil.

Conclusion: Activation of EnNaC contributes to CIH; we suggest that pharmacological inhibition of the MR/Sgk1/Nedd4-2/EnNaC axis may be a potential therapeutic strategy for CIH.
Multifunctional role of natural products for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease: At a glance
Authors: Rahman Md. Mominur , Wang Xiaoyan , Islam Md. Rezaul , Akash Shopnil , Supti Fatema Akter , Mitu Mohona Islam , Harun-Or-Rashid Md. , Aktar Most. Nazmin , Khatun Kali Most. Sumaiya , Jahan Farhana Israt , Singla Rajeev K. , Shen Bairong , Rauf Abdur , Sharma Rohit
Published: October 2022

Natural substances originating from plants have long been used to treat neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a ND. The deterioration and subsequent cognitive impairments of the midbrain nigral dopaminergic neurons distinguish by this characteristic. Various pathogenic mechanisms and critical components have been reported, despite the fact that the origin is unknown, such as protein aggregation, iron buildup, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Anti-Parkinson drugs like dopamine (DA) agonists, levodopa, carbidopa, monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors and anticholinergics are used to replace DA in the current treatment model. Surgery is advised in cases where drug therapy is ineffective. Unfortunately, the current conventional treatments for PD have a number of harmful side effects and are expensive. As a result, new therapeutic strategies that control the mechanisms that contribute to neuronal death and dysfunction must be addressed. Natural resources have long been a useful source of possible treatments. PD can be treated with a variety of natural therapies made from medicinal herbs, fruits, and vegetables. In addition to their well-known anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory capabilities, these natural products also play inhibitory roles in iron buildup, protein misfolding, the maintenance of proteasomal breakdown, mitochondrial homeostasis, and other neuroprotective processes. The goal of this research is to systematically characterize the currently available medications for Parkinson’s and their therapeutic effects, which target diverse pathways. Overall, this analysis looks at the kinds of natural things that could be used in the future to treat PD in new ways or as supplements to existing treatments. We looked at the medicinal plants that can be used to treat PD. The use of natural remedies, especially those derived from plants, to treat PD has been on the rise. This article examines the fundamental characteristics of medicinal plants and the bioactive substances found in them that may be utilized to treat PD.
Quantum voting protocol without quantum memory
Authors: Xu Lidong , Wang Mingqiang
Published: October 2022

Most of the quantum voting protocols are impractical due to the currently limited quantum storage capabilities. In this article, based on the interference principle of light, we proposed a new quantum voting protocol without quantum memory. In our protocol, the ballot is a sequence of non-orthogonal coherent states, the voting information is encoded by implying different phase shifts on the coherent states, and the vote counting is carried out by performing USD measurement on the coherent states. Particularly, the design of USD measurement on coherent states eliminates the need for quantum storage. Our protocol satisfies the general security requirements of quantum voting protocols and can resist various attacks. In addition, our protocol can be implemented by only linear optics and thus can be experimentally achieved with current technology.
AI in society: A theory
Authors: Quandt Ryan Phillip
Published: October 2022

Human-machine teams or systems are integral parts of society and will likely become more so. Unsettled are the effects of these changes, their mechanism(s), and how to measure them. In this article, I propose a central concept for understanding human-machine interaction: convergent cause. That is, Agent 1’s response to the object is caused by the object and Agent 2’s response, while Agent 2 responds to Agent 1’s response and the object. To the extent a human-machine team acts, AI converges with a human. One benefit of this concept is that it allows degrees, and so avoids the question of Strong or Weak AI. To defend my proposal, I repurpose Donald Davidson’s triangulation as a model for human-machine teams and systems.
Wideband photoacoustic imaging in vivo with complementary frequency conventional ultrasound transducers
Authors: Chandramoorthi Sowmiya , Riksen Jonas J. M. , Nikolaev Anton V. , Van Der Steen Antonius F. W. , Van Soest Gijs
Published: October 2022

Photoacoustic (PA) signals are typically broadband in nature. The bandwidth of PA signals depends on the size distribution of the underlying chromophores. Typically, conventional ultrasound (US) transducers, designed for pulse-echo imaging, have limited bandwidth, which reduces their sensitivity to the broadband PA signal. The rejection of out-of-band signals impairs image reconstruction, leading to the loss of image details. Visualization of biological structures, in particular deep targets with a range of sizes requires large acquisition bandwidth. In this work, we combine PA data acquired with two conventional US array probes with complementary frequency bands in order to widen the bandwidth. However, the two conventional transducers also differ in sensitivity and combining the data results in misrepresentation of PA signal strengths. Therefore, in this article we report a novel PA-based method to calibrate the relative sensitivities of the transducers. The proposed method was applied in various scenarios, including imaging vascular structures in vivo. Results revealed that it is feasible to visualize targets varying widely in sizes while combining complementary information acquired with dual US transducers. In addition, the application of sensitivity compensation ratios avoids misrepresentation in the imaging scheme by accounting for sensitivity differences of both transducers during image acquisition.
Hall currents and EDL effects on multiphase wavy flow of Carreau fluid in a microchannel having oscillating walls: A numerical study
Authors: Alqarni M. M. , Riaz Arshad , Firdous Muazma , Lali Ikram Ullah , El-Din ElSayed M. Tag , Rahman Shafiq ur
Published: October 2022

In this analysis, the authors reveal the effects of electro-osmosis on the multiphase flow of Carreau fluid in a microchannel in the presence of Hall currents and solid particles. Moreover, the compliant channel walls are subject to oscillation occurring at the surface. To investigate the problem quantitatively, mathematical models for fluid phase and particulate phase have been structured. A lubrication approach is adopted due to laminar flow and the small dimensions of the channel. To produce the data, a system of differential equations is produced with the help of a numerical process performed on Mathematica through a built-in NDSolve tool. The results are presented graphically to examine the effects of various physical factors on the flow quantities. From pictorial discussion, it is gathered that the Helmholtz–Smoluchowski velocity parameter and the presence of an increasing amount of solid particles increasing the heat exchange while producing electro-kinetic energy. It is also found that velocity is a direct function of solid particles and compliant walls, but an inverse link is seen in the presence of electro-kinetic energy. Such studies can be employed with microfluidic devices and \may also be productive in medical and mechanical research.
Quantitative phosphoproteomics analyses reveal the regulatory mechanisms related to frozen-thawed sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction in yak (Bos grunniens)
Authors: Zhang Renzheng , Liang Chunnian , Guo Xian , Bao Pengjia , Pei Jie , Wu Fude , Yin Mancai , Chu Min , Yan Ping
Published: October 2022

Mammalian spermatozoa are not mature after ejaculation and must undergo additional functional and structural changes within female reproductive tracts to achieve subsequent fertilization, including both capacitation and acrosome reaction (AR), which are dominated by post-translational modifications (PTMs), especially phosphorylation. However, the mechanism of protein phosphorylation during frozen-thawed sperm capacitation and AR has not been well studied. In this study, the phosphoproteomics approach was employed based on tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) strategy to analyze frozen-thawed sperm in Ashidan yak under three sequential conditions (density gradient centrifugation-based purification, incubation in the capacitation medium and induction of AR processes by the calcium ionophore A23187 treatment). The identification of 1,377 proteins with 5,509 phosphorylation sites revealed changes in phosphorylation levels of sperm-specific proteins involved in regulation of spermatogenesis, sperm motility, energy metabolism, cilium movement, capacitation and AR. Some phosphorylated proteins, such as AKAP3, AKAP4, SPA17, PDMD11, CABYR, PRKAR1A, and PRKAR2A were found to regulate yak sperm capacitation and AR though the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway cascades. Notably, the phosphorylation level of SPA17 at Y156 increased in capacitated sperm, suggesting that it is also a novel functional protein besides AKAPs during sperm capacitation. Furthermore, the results of this study suggested that the phosphorylation of PRKAR1A and PRKAR2A, and the dephosphorylation of CABYR both play key regulatory role in yak sperm AR process. Protein-protein interaction analysis revealed that differentially phosphorylated proteins (AKAP3, AKAP4, FSIP2, PSMD11, CABYR, and TPPP2) related to capacitation and AR process played a key role in protein kinase A binding, sperm motility, reproductive process, cytoskeleton and sperm flagella function. Taken together, these data provide not only a solid foundation for further exploring phosphoproteome of sperm in yak, but an efficient way to identify sperm fertility-related marker phosphorylated proteins.
Detection of endo-epicardial atrial low-voltage areas using unipolar and omnipolar voltage mapping
Authors: Van Schie Mathijs S. , Knops Paul , Zhang Lu , Van Schaagen Frank R. N. , Taverne Yannick J. H. J. , De Groot Natasja M. S.
Published: October 2022

Background: Low-voltage areas (LVA) can be located exclusively at either the endocardium or epicardium. This has only been demonstrated for bipolar voltages, but the value of unipolar and omnipolar voltages recorded from either the endocardium and epicardium in predicting LVAs at the opposite layer remains unknown. The goal of this study was therefore to compare simultaneously recorded endo-epicardial unipolar and omnipolar potentials and to determine whether their voltage characteristics are predictive for opposite LVAs.

Methods: Intra-operative simultaneous endo-epicardial mapping (256 electrodes, interelectrode distances 2 mm) was performed during sinus rhythm at the right atrium in 93 patients (67 ± 9 years, 73 male). Cliques of four electrodes (2 × 2 mm) were used to define maximal omnipolar (Vomni,max) and unipolar (Vuni,max) voltages. LVAs were defined as Vomni,max ≤0.5 mV or Vuni,max ≤1.0 mV.

Results: The majority of both unipolar and omnipolar LVAs were located at only the endocardium (74.2% and 82.0% respectively) or epicardium (52.7% and 47.6% respectively). Of the endocardial unipolar LVAs, 25.8% were also located at the opposite layer and 47.3% vice-versa. In omnipolar LVAs, 18.0% of the endocardial LVAs were also located at the epicardium and 52.4% vice-versa. The combination of epicardial Vuni,max and Vomni,max was most accurate in identifying dual-layer LVAs (50.4%).

Conclusion: Unipolar and omnipolar LVAs are frequently located exclusively at either the endocardium or epicardium. Endo-epicardial LVAs are most accurately identified using combined epicardial unipolar and omnipolar voltages. Therefore, a combined endo-epicardial unipolar and omnipolar mapping approach is favoured as it may be more indicative of possible arrhythmogenic substrates.
Emerging role of transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels in cardiac fibroblast pathophysiology
Authors: Gwanyanya Asfree , Mubagwa Kanigula
Published: October 2022

Cardiac fibroblasts make up a major proportion of non-excitable cells in the heart and contribute to the cardiac structural integrity and maintenance of the extracellular matrix. During myocardial injury, fibroblasts can be activated to trans-differentiate into myofibroblasts, which secrete extracellular matrix components as part of healing, but may also induce cardiac fibrosis and pathological cardiac structural and electrical remodeling. The mechanisms regulating such cellular processes still require clarification, but the identification of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in cardiac fibroblasts could provide further insights into the fibroblast-related pathophysiology. TRP proteins belong to a diverse superfamily, with subgroups such as the canonical (TRPC), vanilloid (TRPV), melastatin (TRPM), ankyrin (TRPA), polycystin (TRPP), and mucolipin (TRPML). Several TRP proteins form non-selective channels that are permeable to cations like Na+ and Ca2+ and are activated by various chemical and physical stimuli. This review highlights the role of TRP channels in cardiac fibroblasts and the possible underlying signaling mechanisms. Changes in the expression or activity of TRPs such as TRPCs, TRPVs, TRPMs, and TRPA channels modulate cardiac fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, especially under pathological conditions. Such TRPs contribute to cardiac fibroblast proliferation and differentiation as well as to disease conditions such as cardiac fibrosis, atrial fibrillation, and fibroblast metal toxicity. Thus, TRP channels in fibroblasts represent potential drug targets in cardiac disease.
“Omics” insights into plastid behavior toward improved carotenoid accumulation
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Jian Yue , Mao Yuanyu , Meng Fanliang , Shao Zhiyong , Wang Tonglin , Zheng Jirong , Wang Qiaomei , Liu Lihong
Published: October 2022

Plastids are a group of diverse organelles with conserved carotenoids synthesizing and sequestering functions in plants. They optimize the carotenoid composition and content in response to developmental transitions and environmental stimuli. In this review, we describe the turbulence and reforming of transcripts, proteins, and metabolic pathways for carotenoid metabolism and storage in various plastid types upon organogenesis and external influences, which have been studied using approaches including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabonomics. Meanwhile, the coordination of plastid signaling and carotenoid metabolism including the effects of disturbed carotenoid biosynthesis on plastid morphology and function are also discussed. The “omics” insight extends our understanding of the interaction between plastids and carotenoids and provides significant implications for designing strategies for carotenoid-biofortified crops.
GROP: A genomic information repository for oilplants
Authors: Guo Wenlei , Jin Hongmiao , Chen Junhao , Huang Jianqin , Zheng Dingwei , Cheng Zhitao , Liu Xinyao , Yang Zhengfu , Chen Fei , Lim Kean-Jin , Wang Zhengjia
Published: October 2022

Biomass energy is an essential component of the agriculture economy and represents an important and particularly significant renewable energy source in the fight against fossil fuel depletion and global warming. The recognition that many plants naturally synthesize hydrocarbons makes these oil plants indispensable resources for biomass energy, and the advancement of next-generation sequencing technology in recent years has now made available mountains of data on plants that synthesize oil. We have utilized a combination of bioinformatic protocols to acquire key information from this massive amount of genomic data and to assemble it into an oil plant genomic information repository, built through website technology, including Django, Bootstrap, and echarts, to create the Genomic Information Repository for Oil Plants (GROP) portal (http://grop.site/) for genomics research on oil plants. The current version of GROP integrates the coding sequences, protein sequences, genome structure, functional annotation information, and other information from 18 species, 22 genome assemblies, and 46 transcriptomes. GROP also provides BLAST, genome browser, functional enrichment, and search tools. The integration of the massive amounts of oil plant genomic data with key bioinformatics tools in a database with a user-friendly interface allows GROP to serve as a central information repository to facilitate studies on oil plants by researchers worldwide.
Food and agricultural wastes-derived biochars in combination with mineral fertilizer as sustainable soil amendments to enhance soil microbiological activity, nutrient cycling and crop production
Authors: Mustafa Adnan , Brtnicky Martin , Hammerschmiedt Tereza , Kucerik Jiri , Kintl Antonin , Chorazy Tomas , Naveed Muhammad , Skarpa Petr , Baltazar Tivadar , Malicek Ondrej , Holatko Jiri
Published: October 2022

The ever-increasing human population associated with high rate of waste generation may pose serious threats to soil ecosystem. Nevertheless, conversion of agricultural and food wastes to biochar has been shown as a beneficial approach in sustainable soil management. However, our understanding on how integration of biochar obtained from different wastes and mineral fertilizers impact soil microbiological indicators is limited. Therefore, in the present study the effects of agricultural (AB) and food waste derived (FWB) biochars with and without mineral fertilizer (MF) on crop growth and soil health indicators were compared in a pot experiment. In particular, the impacts of applied amendments on soil microbiological health indicators those related to microbial extracellular (C, N and P acquiring) enzymes, soil basal as well as different substrate induced respirations along with crop’s agronomic performance were explored. The results showed that compared to the control, the amendment with AB combined with MF enhanced the crop growth as revealed by higher above and below ground biomass accumulation. Moreover, both the biochars (FWB and AB) modified soil chemical properties (pH and electric conductivity) in the presence or absence of MF as compared to control. However, with the sole application of MF was most influential strategy to improve soil basal and arginin-induced respiration as well as most of the soil extracellular enzymes, those related to C, N and P cycling. Use of FWB resulted in enhanced urease activity. This suggested the role of MF and FWB in nutrient cycling and plant nutrition. Thus, integration of biochar and mineral fertilizers is recommended as an efficient and climate smart package for sustainable soil management and crop production.
Cucumber powdery mildew detection method based on hyperspectra-terahertz
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Pei , Wang Yafei , Hu Lian , Luo Xiwen , Mao Hanping , Shen Baoguo
Published: October 2022

To explore the use of information technology in detecting crop diseases, a method based on hyperspectra-terahertz for detecting cucumber powdery mildew is proposed. Specifically, a method of effective hyperspectrum establishment, a method of spectral preprocessing, a method of selecting the feature wavelength, and a method of establishing discriminant models are studied. Firstly, the effective spectral information under visible light and near infrared is preprocessed by Savitzky-Golay (SG) smoothing, discrete wavelet transform, and move sliding window, which determine the optimal preprocessing method to be wavelet transform. Then stepwise discriminant analysis is used to select the feature wavelengths in the visible and near-infrared bands, forming the feature space. According to the features, a linear discriminant model is established for the wave bands, and the average recognition rate of cucumber powdery mildew is 93% in the whole wave band. The preprocessing method of terahertz data, the screening method of terahertz effective spectrum, the selection method of feature wavelength and the establishment method of classification model are studied. Python 3.8 is used to preprocess the terahertz raw data and establish the terahertz effective spectral data set for subsequent processing. Through iterative variable subset optimization - iterative retaining informative variables (IVSO-IRIV), the terahertz effective spectrum is screened twice to form the terahertz feature space. After that, the optimal regularization parameter and regularization solution methods are selected, and a sparse representation classification model is established. The accuracy of cucumber powdery mildew identification under the terahertz scale is 87.78%. The extraction and analysis methods of terahertz and hyperspectral feature images are studied, and more details of lesion samples are restored. Hence, the use of hyperspectral and terahertz technology can realize the detection of cucumber powdery mildew, which provides a basis for research on the hyperspectral and terahertz technology in detection of crop diseases.