bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SDF-1α Gene-Activated Collagen Scaffold Restores Pro-Angiogenic Wound Healing Features in Human Diabetic Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Laiva Ashang L. , O’Brien Fergal J. , Keogh Michael B.
Published: February 2021

Non-healing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) can lead to leg amputation in diabetic patients. Autologous stem cell therapy holds some potential to solve this problem; however, diabetic stem cells are relatively dysfunctional and restrictive in their wound healing abilities. This study sought to explore if a novel collagen–chondroitin sulfate (coll–CS) scaffold, functionalized with polyplex nanoparticles carrying the gene encoding for stromal-derived factor-1 alpha (SDF-1α gene-activated scaffold), can enhance the regenerative functionality of human diabetic adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). We assessed the impact of the gene-activated scaffold on diabetic ADSCs by comparing their response against healthy ADSCs cultured on a gene-free scaffold over two weeks. Overall, we found that the gene-activated scaffold could restore the pro-angiogenic regenerative response in the human diabetic ADSCs similar to the healthy ADSCs on the gene-free scaffold. Gene and protein expression analysis revealed that the gene-activated scaffold induced the overexpression of SDF-1α in diabetic ADSCs and engaged the receptor CXCR7, causing downstream β-arrestin signaling, as effectively as the transfected healthy ADSCs. The transfected diabetic ADSCs also exhibited pro-wound healing features characterized by active matrix remodeling of the provisional fibronectin matrix and basement membrane protein collagen IV. The gene-activated scaffold also induced a controlled pro-healing response in the healthy ADSCs by disabling early developmental factors signaling while promoting the expression of tissue remodeling components. Conclusively, we show that the SDF-1α gene-activated scaffold can overcome the deficiencies associated with diabetic ADSCs, paving the way for autologous stem cell therapies combined with novel biomaterials to treat DFUs.
The Lectin-Like Domain of Thrombomodulin Inhibits β1 Integrin-Dependent Binding of Human Breast Cancer-Derived Cell Lines to Fibronectin
Authors: Kawamoto Eiji , Nago Nodoka , Okamoto Takayuki , Gaowa Arong , Masui-Ito Asami , Akama Yuichi , Darkwah Samuel , Appiah Michael Gyasi , Myint Phyoe Kyawe , Obeng Gideon , Ito Atsushi , Caidengbate Siqingaowa , Esumi Ryo , Yamaguchi Takanori , Park Eun Jeong , Imai Hiroshi , Shimaoka Motomu
Published: February 2021

Thrombomodulin is a molecule with anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, thrombomodulin was reported to be able to bind extracellular matrix proteins, such as fibronectin and collagen; however, whether thrombomodulin regulates the binding of human breast cancer-derived cell lines to the extracellular matrix remains unknown. To investigate this, we created an extracellular domain of thrombomodulin, TMD123-Fc, or domain deletion TM-Fc proteins (TM domain 12-Fc, TM domain 23-Fc) and examined their bindings to fibronectin in vitro by ELISA. The lectin-like domain of thrombomodulin was found to be essential for the binding of the extracellular domain of thrombomodulin to fibronectin. Using a V-well cell adhesion assay or flow cytometry analysis with fluorescent beads, we found that both TMD123-Fc and TMD12-Fc inhibited the binding between β1 integrin of human breast cancer-derived cell lines and fibronectin. Furthermore, TMD123-Fc and TMD12-Fc inhibited the binding of activated integrins to fibronectin under shear stress in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ but not under strong integrin-activation conditions in the presence of Mg2+ without Ca2+. This suggests that thrombomodulin Fc fusion protein administered exogenously at a relatively early stage of inflammation may be applied to the development of new therapies that inhibit the binding of β1 integrin of breast cancer cell lines to fibronectin.
Ouabain-Induced Gene Expression Changes in Human iPSC-Derived Neuron Culture Expressing Dopamine and cAMP-Regulated Phosphoprotein 32 and GABA Receptors
Authors: Lopachev Alexander V. , Lagarkova Maria A. , Lebedeva Olga S. , Ezhova Margarita A. , Kazanskaya Rogneda B. , Timoshina Yulia A. , Khutorova Anastasiya V. , Akkuratov Evgeny E. , Fedorova Tatiana N. , Gainetdinov Raul R.
Published: February 2021

Cardiotonic steroids (CTS) are specific inhibitors and endogenous ligands of a key enzyme in the CNS—the Na+, K+-ATPase, which maintains and creates an ion gradient on the plasma membrane of neurons. CTS cause the activation of various signaling cascades and changes in gene expression in neurons and other cell types. It is known that intracerebroventricular injection of cardiotonic steroid ouabain causes mania-like behavior in rodents, in part due to activation of dopamine-related signaling cascades in the dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein 32 (DARPP-32) expressing medium spiny neurons in the striatum. Dopaminergic projections in the striatum innervate these GABAergic medium spiny neurons. The objective of this study was to assess changes in the expression of all genes in human iPSC-derived expressing DARPP-32 and GABA receptors neurons under the influence of ouabain. We noted a large number of statistically significant upregulated and downregulated genes after a 16-h incubation with non-toxic concentration (30 nM) of ouabain. These changes in the transcriptional activity were accomplished with activation of MAP-kinase ERK1/2 and transcriptional factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Thus, it can be concluded that 30 nM ouabain incubated for 16 h with human iPSC-derived expressing DARPP-32 and GABA receptors neurons activates genes associated with neuronal maturation and synapse formation, by increasing the expression of genes associated with translation, vesicular transport, and increased electron transport chain function. At the same time, the expression of genes associated with proliferation, migration, and early development of neurons decreases. These data indicate that non-toxic concentrations of ouabain may induce neuronal maturation, neurite growth, and increased synaptogenesis in dopamine-receptive GABAergic neurons, suggesting formation of plasticity and the establishment of new neuronal junctions.
Effects of Mind–Body Exercise on Brain Structure and Function: A Systematic Review on MRI Studies
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyou , Zong Boyi , Zhao Wenrui , Li Lin
Published: February 2021

Mind–body exercise has been proposed to confer both physical and mental health benefits. However, there is no clear consensus on the neural mechanisms underlying the improvements in health. Herein, we conducted a systematic review to reveal which brain region or network is regulated by mind–body exercise. PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were systematically searched to identify cross-sectional and intervention studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to explore the effect of mind–body exercise on brain structure and function, from their inception to June 2020. The risk of bias for cross-sectional studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist, whereas that of interventional studies was analyzed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Our analysis revealed that mind–body exercise modulated brain structure, brain neural activity, and functional connectivity, mainly in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus/medial temporal lobe, lateral temporal lobe, insula, and the cingulate cortex, as well as the cognitive control and default mode networks, which might underlie the beneficial effects of such exercises on health. However, due to the heterogeneity of included studies, more randomized controlled trials with rigorous designs, similar measured outcomes, and whole-brain analyses are warranted.
Biomarkers for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma—A Novel View on Inflammation
Authors: Vogl Melanie , Rosenmayr Anna , Bohanes Tomas , Scheed Axel , Brndiar Milos , Stubenberger Elisabeth , Ghanim Bahil
Published: February 2021

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive disease with limited treatment response and devastating prognosis. Exposure to asbestos and chronic inflammation are acknowledged as main risk factors. Since immune therapy evolved as a promising novel treatment modality, we want to reevaluate and summarize the role of the inflammatory system in MPM. This review focuses on local tumor associated inflammation on the one hand and systemic inflammatory markers, and their impact on MPM outcome, on the other hand. Identification of new biomarkers helps to select optimal patient tailored therapy, avoid ineffective treatment with its related side effects and consequently improves patient’s outcome in this rare disease. Additionally, a better understanding of the tumor promoting and tumor suppressing inflammatory processes, influencing MPM pathogenesis and progression, might also reveal possible new targets for MPM treatment. After reviewing the currently available literature and according to our own research, it is concluded that the suppression of the specific immune system and the activation of its innate counterpart are crucial drivers of MPM aggressiveness translating to poor patient outcome.
The Prognostic Value of the New Combined Hemo-Eosinophil Inflammation Index (HEI Index): A Multicenter Analysis of Anal Cancer Patients Treated with Concurrent Chemo-Radiation
Authors: Rimini Margherita , Franco Pierfrancesco , De Bari Berardino , Zampino Maria Giulia , Vagge Stefano , Frassinetti Giovanni Luca , Arcadipane Francesca , Bacigalupo Almalina , Valgiusti Martina , Aloi Deborah , Gervaso Lorenzo , Corvò Renzo , Bartolini Giulia , Gerardi Marianna Alessandra , Cascinu Stefano , Casadei-Gardini Andrea
Published: February 2021

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare tumor, and bio-humoral predictors of response to chemo-radiation (CT-RT) are lacking. We developed a prognostic score system based on laboratory inflammation parameters. We investigated the correlation between baseline clinical and laboratory variables and disease-free (DFS) and overall (OS) survival in anal SCC patients treated with CT-RT in five institutions. The bio-humoral parameters of significance were included in a new scoring system, which was tested with other significant variables in a Cox’s proportional hazard model. A total of 308 patients was included. We devised a prognostic model by combining baseline hemoglobin level, SII, and eosinophil count: the Hemo-Eosinophils Inflammation (HEI) Index. We stratified patients according to the HEI index into low- and high-risk groups. Median DFS for low-risk patients was not reached, and it was found to be 79.5 months for high-risk cases (Hazard Ratio 3.22; 95% CI: 2.04–5.10; p < 0.0001). Following adjustment for clinical covariates found significant at univariate analysis, multivariate analysis confirmed the HEI index as an independent prognostic factor for DFS and OS. The HEI index was shown to be a prognostic parameter for DFS and OS in anal cancer patients treated with CT-RT. An external validation of the HEI index is mandatory for its use in clinical practice.
The Cancer Genome: Paradigm or Paradox?
Authors: Tu Shi-Ming
Published: February 2021

Nowadays, many professionals are sequencing the DNA and studying the cancer genome. However, if the genetic theory of cancer is flawed, our faith in the cancer genome will falter. If gene sequencing is only a tool, we should question what we are making or creating with this tool. When we do not have the right cancer theory at our disposal, we cannot be sure that what we create from the cancer genome is meaningful or useful. In this article, we illustrate that mosaicism, CHIP, and heteroplasmy dispute our traditional perspectives about a genetic origin of cancer and challenge our current narratives about the cancer genome. We caution that when we have the wrong cancer theory, big data can provide poor evidence. Precision medicine may become rather imprecise. Targeted therapy either does not work or work for the wrong reasons. The cancer genome thus becomes a paradox rather than a paradigm.
Enhance the Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Efficacy with Radiotherapy Induced Immunogenic Cell Death: A Comprehensive Review and Latest Developments
Authors: Procureur Adrien , Simonaggio Audrey , Bibault Jean-Emmanuel , Oudard Stéphane , Vano Yann-Alexandre
Published: February 2021

The immunogenic cell death (ICD) is defined as a regulated cell death able to induce an adaptive immunity. It depends on different parameters including sufficient antigenicity, adjuvanticity and favorable microenvironment conditions. Radiation therapy (RT), a pillar of modern cancer treatment, is being used in many tumor types in curative, (neo) adjuvant, as well as metastatic settings. The anti-tumor effects of RT have been traditionally attributed to the mitotic cell death resulting from the DNA damages triggered by the release of reactive oxygen species. Recent evidence suggests that RT may also exert its anti-tumor effect by recruiting tumor-specific immunity. RT is able to induce the release of tumor antigens, to act as an immune adjuvant and thus to synergize with the anti-tumor immunity. The advent of new efficient immunotherapeutic agents, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), in multiple tumor types sheds new light on the opportunity of combining RT and ICI. Here, we will describe the biological and radiobiological rationale of the RT-induced ICD. We will then focus on the interest to combine RT and ICI, from bench to bedside, and summarize the clinical data existing with this combination. Finally, RT technical adaptations to optimize the ICD induction will be discussed.
Cytoskeletal Organization Correlates to Motility and Invasiveness of Malignant Mesothelioma Cells
Authors: Keller Maureen , Reis Katarina , Hjerpe Anders , Dobra Katalin , Aspenström Pontus
Published: February 2021

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare but highly aggressive cancer that primarily originates from the pleura, peritoneum or pericardium. There is a well-established link between asbestos exposure and progression of MM. Direct invasion of the surrounding tissues is the main feature of MM, which is dependent on dysregulated communication between the mesothelium and the microenvironment. This communication is dependent on the dynamic organization of the cytoskeleton. We have analyzed the organization and function of key cytoskeletal components in MM cell lines of increasing malignancies measured as migratory and invasive properties, and we show that highly malignant and invasive MM cells have an organization of the actin filament and vimentin systems that is distinct from the less malignant MM cell lines. In addition, the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway was inactivated in the invasive MM cells, which was seen as increased YAP nuclear localization.
Cu-IM-5 as the Catalyst for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx with NH3: Role of Cu Species and Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Fu Guangying , Chen Junwen , Liang Yuqian , Li Rui , Yang Xiaobo , Jiang Jiuxing
Published: February 2021

The role of Cu species in Cu ion-exchanged IM-5 zeolite (Cu-IM-5) regarding the performance in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with NH3 (NH3-SCR) and the reaction mechanism was studied. Based on H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results, Cu–O–Cu and isolated Cu species are suggested as main Cu species existing in Cu-IM-5 and are active for SCR reaction. Cu–O–Cu species show a good NH3-SCR activity at temperatures below 250 °C, whereas their NH3 oxidation activity at higher temperatures hinders the SCR performance. At low temperatures, NH4NO3 and NH4NO2 are key reaction intermediates. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) suggests a mixed Eley–Rideal (E–R) and Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) mechanism over Cu-IM-5 at low temperatures.
Gel-Free 3D Tumoroids with Stem Cell Properties Modeling Drug Resistance to Cisplatin and Imatinib in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sogawa Chiharu , Eguchi Takanori , Namba Yuri , Okusha Yuka , Aoyama Eriko , Ohyama Kazumi , Okamoto Kuniaki
Published: February 2021

Researchers have developed several three-dimensional (3D) culture systems, including spheroids, organoids, and tumoroids with increased properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs), also called cancer-initiating cells (CICs). Drug resistance is a crucial issue involving recurrence in cancer patients. Many studies on anti-cancer drugs have been reported using 2D culture systems, whereas 3D cultured tumoroids have many advantages for assessing drug sensitivity and resistance. Here, we aimed to investigate whether Cisplatin (a DNA crosslinker), Imatinib (a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor), and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU: an antimetabolite) alter the tumoroid growth of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Gene expression signatures of highly metastatic aggregative CRC (LuM1 cells) vs. low-metastatic, non-aggregative CRC (Colon26 and NM11 cells) were analyzed using microarray. To establish a 3D culture-based multiplexing reporter assay system, LuM1 was stably transfected with the Mmp9 promoter-driven ZsGreen fluorescence reporter gene, which was designated as LuM1/m9 cells and cultured in NanoCulture Plate®, a gel-free 3D culture device. LuM1 cells highly expressed mRNA encoding ABCG2 (a drug resistance pump, i.e., CSC/CIC marker), other CSC/CIC markers (DLL1, EpCAM, podoplanin, STAT3/5), pluripotent stem cell markers (Sox4/7, N-myc, GATA3, Nanog), and metastatic markers (MMPs, Integrins, EGFR), compared to the other two cell types. Hoechst efflux stem cell-like side population was increased in LuM1 (7.8%) compared with Colon26 (2.9%), both of which were markedly reduced by verapamil treatment, an ABCG2 inhibitor. Smaller cell aggregates of LuM1 were more sensitive to Cisplatin (at 10 μM), whereas larger tumoroids with increased ABCG2 expression were insensitive. Notably, Cisplatin (2 μM) and Imatinib (10 μM) at low concentrations significantly promoted tumoroid formation (cell aggregation) and increased Mmp9 promoter activity in mCRC LuM1/m9, while not cytotoxic to them. On the other hand, 5-FU significantly inhibited tumoroid growth, although not completely. Thus, drug resistance in cancer with increased stem cell properties was modeled using the gel-free 3D cultured tumoroid system. The tumoroid culture is useful and easily accessible for the assessment of drug sensitivity and resistance.
Metabolomics Intervention Towards Better Understanding of Plant Traits
Authors: Sharma Vinay , Gupta Prateek , Priscilla Kagolla , SharanKumar SharanKumar , Hangargi Bhagyashree , Veershetty Akash , Ramrao Devade Pandurang , Suresh Srinivas , Narasanna Rahul , Naik Gajanana R. , Kumar Anirudh , Guo Baozhu , Zhuang Weijian , Varshney Rajeev K. , Pandey Manish K. , Kumar Rakesh
Published: February 2021

The majority of the most economically important plant and crop species are enriched with the availability of high-quality reference genome sequences forming the basis of gene discovery which control the important biochemical pathways. The transcriptomics and proteomics resources have also been made available for many of these plant species that intensify the understanding at expression levels. However, still we lack integrated studies spanning genomics–transcriptomics–proteomics, connected to metabolomics, the most complicated phase in phenotype expression. Nevertheless, for the past few decades, emphasis has been more on metabolome which plays a crucial role in defining the phenotype (trait) during crop improvement. The emergence of modern high throughput metabolome analyzing platforms have accelerated the discovery of a wide variety of biochemical types of metabolites and new pathways, also helped in improving the understanding of known existing pathways. Pinpointing the causal gene(s) and elucidation of metabolic pathways are very important for development of improved lines with high precision in crop breeding. Along with other -omics sciences, metabolomics studies have helped in characterization and annotation of a new gene(s) function. Hereby, we summarize several areas in the field of crop development where metabolomics studies have made its remarkable impact. We also assess the recent research on metabolomics, together with other omics, contributing toward genetic engineering to target traits and key pathway(s).
Genetic Modifiers of Hereditary Neuromuscular Disorders and Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Bazrafshan Sholeh , Kushlaf Hani , Kakroo Mashhood , Quinlan John , Becker Richard C. , Sadayappan Sakthivel
Published: February 2021

Novel genetic variants exist in patients with hereditary neuromuscular disorders (NMD), including muscular dystrophy. These patients also develop cardiac manifestations. However, the association between these gene variants and cardiac abnormalities is understudied. To determine genetic modifiers and features of cardiac disease in NMD patients, we have reviewed electronic medical records of 651 patients referred to the Muscular Dystrophy Association Care Center at the University of Cincinnati and characterized the clinical phenotype of 14 patients correlating with their next-generation sequencing data. The data were retrieved from the electronic medical records of the 14 patients included in the current study and comprised neurologic and cardiac phenotype and genetic reports which included comparative genomic hybridization array and NGS. Novel associations were uncovered in the following eight patients diagnosed with Limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophy, Bethlem Myopathy, Necrotizing Myopathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, Peripheral Polyneuropathy, and Valosin-containing Protein-related Myopathy. Mutations in COL6A1, COL6A3, SGCA, SYNE1, FKTN, PLEKHG5, ANO5, and SMCHD1 genes were the most common, and the associated cardiac features included bundle branch blocks, ventricular chamber dilation, septal thickening, and increased outflow track gradients. Our observations suggest that features of cardiac disease and modifying gene mutations in patients with NMD require further investigation to better characterize genotype–phenotype relationships.
The Ratio of RAC1B to RAC1 Expression in Breast Cancer Cell Lines as a Determinant of Epithelial/Mesenchymal Differentiation and Migratory Potential
Authors: Eiden Caroline , Ungefroren Hendrik
Published: February 2021

Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogenous disease encompassing tumors with different histomorphological phenotypes and transcriptionally defined subtypes. However, the non-mutational/epigenetic alterations that are associated with or causally involved in phenotype diversity or conversion remain to be elucidated. Data from the pancreatic cancer model have shown that the small GTPase RAC1 and its alternatively spliced isoform, RAC1B, antagonistically control epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cell motility induced by transforming growth factor β. Using a battery of established BC cell lines with either a well-differentiated epithelial or poorly differentiated mesenchymal phenotype, we observed subtype-specific protein expression of RAC1B and RAC1. While epithelial BC lines were RAC1Bhigh and RAC1low, mesenchymal lines exhibited the reverse expression pattern. High RAC1B and/or low RAC1 abundance also correlated closely with a poor invasion potential, and vice versa, as revealed by measuring random cell migration (chemokinesis), the preferred mode of cellular movement in cells that have undergone mesenchymal transdifferentiation. We propose that a high RAC1B:RAC1 ratio in BC cells is predictive of an epithelial phenotype, while low RAC1B along with high RAC1 is a distinguishing feature of the mesenchymal state. The combined quantitative assessment of RAC1B and RAC1 in tumor biopsies of BC patients may represent a novel diagnostic tool for probing molecular subtype and eventually predict malignant potential of breast tumors.
Factors Associated with Mental Health Problems among Malaysian Children: A Large Population-Based Study
Authors: Sahril Norhafizah , Ahmad Noor Ani , Idris Idayu Badilla , Sooryanarayana Rajini , Abd Razak Mohamad Aznuddin
Published: February 2021

Mental health problems are a major public health issue, particularly among children. They impair children’s development, academic achievement, and ability to live a productive life. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with mental health problems among children aged 5 to 15 years old in Malaysia. Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2015 were analyzed. A validated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used. The overall prevalence of mental health problems among children in Malaysia was 11.1%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that for every year increment in age, mental health problems decreased by 5%. Further analysis found that children who had fathers with a non-formal education and worked in the private sector, had parents who were widowed or divorced, and had either parent with mental health problems were more likely to have mental health problems themselves. Children from the lower socioeconomic group and who had either parent with mental health problems had higher odds of having mental health problems in Malaysia.
Rate-Dependent Cohesive Models for Dynamic Mode I Interfacial Propagation and Failure of Unidirectional Composite Laminates
Authors: Zhang Chenxu , Liu Huifang , Cao Junchao , Zhang Chao
Published: February 2021

With the increasing application of composite materials in anti-impact structure, the development of reliable rate-dependent interlaminar constitutive model becomes necessary. This study aims to assess and evaluate the applicability of three types of rate-dependent cohesive models (logarithmic, exponential and power) in numerical delamination simulation, through comparison with dynamic test results of double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens made from T700/MTM28-1 composite laminate. Crack propagation length history profiles are extracted to calibrate the numerical models. Crack propagation contours and fracture toughness data are predicted, extracted and compared to investigate the difference of the three different rate-dependent cohesive models. The variation of cohesive zone length and force profiles with the implemented models is also investigated. The results suggest that the crack propagation length can be better predicted by logarithmic and power models. Although crack propagation length profiles are well predicted, the numerical calculated dynamic fracture toughness tends to be higher than that of experimental measured results. The three models also show differences in the prediction of maximum loading forces. The results of this work provide useful guidance for the development of more efficient cohesive models and more reliable interface failure simulation of impact problems.
Self-Healing Properties of Cerium-Modified Molybdate Conversion Coating on Steel
Authors: Kirdeikiene Aliona , Girčiene Olga , Gudavičiūte Laima , Jasulaitiene Vitalija , Selskis Algirdas , Tutliene Skirmante , Skruodiene Monika , Pilipavičius Jurgis , Juodkazyte Jurga , Ramanauskas Rimantas
Published: February 2021

Environmentally friendly alternatives to chromium—phosphate/molybdate and cerium-modified phosphate/molybdate conversion coatings—were deposited on a carbon steel surface. Different surface analytic techniques were applied to obtain complementary information on the composition, element distribution morphology and inner structure of the coatings in order to establish the relationship between coating properties and corrosion performance. The higher protective and stronger self-healing abilities were found for phosphate/molybdate/cerium conversion coating deposited in a sulphate-containing solution. The protective barrier strength was found to be related with certain aspects of the coating morphology such like homogeneous distribution of fine crystallites and, hence, lower number of structural defects. The self-healing ability depended on both, the composition (higher amount of Ce(IV)) and micro-structural characteristics, such as defectiveness, of the conversion layer.
Theory of the Thermal Stability of Silicon Vacancies and Interstitials in 4H–SiC
Authors: Coutinho José
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a theoretical study of the electronic and dynamic properties of silicon vacancies and self-interstitials in 4H–SiC using hybrid density functional methods. Several pending issues, mostly related to the thermal stability of this defect, are addressed. The silicon site vacancy and the carbon-related antisite-vacancy (CAV) pair are interpreted as a unique and bistable defect. It possesses a metastable negative-U neutral state, which “disproportionates” into VSi+ or VSi−, depending on the location of the Fermi level. The vacancy introduces a (−/+) transition, calculated at Ec−1.25 eV, which determines a temperature threshold for the annealing of VSi into CAV in n-type material due to a Fermi level crossing effect. Analysis of a configuration coordinate diagram allows us to conclude that VSi anneals out in two stages—at low temperatures (T≲600 °C) via capture of a mobile species (e.g., self-interstitials) and at higher temperatures (T≳1200 °C) via dissociation into VC and CSi defects. The Si interstitial (Sii) is also a negative-U defect, with metastable q=+1 and q=+3 states. These are the only paramagnetic states of the defect, and maybe that explains why it escaped detection, even in p-type material where the migration barriers are at least 2.7 eV high.
Broadband Detection Based on 2D Bi2Se3/ZnO Nanowire Heterojunction
Authors: Zeng Zhi , Wang Dongbo , Wang Jinzhong , Jiao Shujie , Liu Donghao , Zhang Bingke , Zhao Chenchen , Liu Yangyang , Liu Yaxin , Xu Zhikun , Fang Xuan , Zhao Liancheng
Published: February 2021

The investigation of photodetectors with broadband response and high responsivity is essential. Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanowire has the potential of application in photodetectors, owing to the great optoelectrical property and good stability in the atmosphere. However, due to a large number of nonradiative centers at interface and the capture of surface state electrons, the photocurrent of ZnO based photodetectors is still low. In this work, 2D Bi2Se3/ZnO NWAs heterojunction with type-I band alignment is established. This heterojunction device shows not only an enhanced photoresponsivity of 0.15 A/W at 377 nm three times of the bare ZnO nanowire (0.046 A/W), but also a broadband photoresponse from UV to near infrared region has been achieved. These results indicate that the Bi2Se3/ZnO NWAs type-I heterojunction is an ideal photodetector in broadband detection.
Investigating the Adoption of Big Data Management in Healthcare in Jordan
Authors: Bani-Salameh Hani , Al-Qawaqneh Mona , Taamneh Salah
Published: February 2021

Software developers and data scientists use and deal with big data to easily discover useful knowledge and find better solutions to improve healthcare services and patient safety. Big data analytics (BDA) is getting attention due to its role in decision-making across the healthcare field. Therefore, this article examines the adoption mechanism of big data analytics and management in healthcare organizations in Jordan. Additionally, it discusses health big data’s characteristics and the challenges, and limitations for health big data analytics and management in Jordan. This article proposes a conceptual framework that allows utilizing health big data. The proposed conceptual framework suggests a way to merge the existing health information system with the National Health Information Exchange (HIE), which might play a role in extracting insights from our massive datasets, increases the data availability and reduces waste in resources. When applying the framework, the collected data are processed to develop knowledge and support decision-making, which helps improve the health care quality for both the community and individuals by improving diagnosis, treatment, and other services.
Profiled Horn Antenna with Wideband Capability Targeting Sub-THz Applications
Authors: Gupta Jay , Pujara Dhaval , Teniente Jorge
Published: February 2021

This paper proposes a wideband profiled horn antenna designed using the piecewise biarc Hermite polynomial interpolation and validated experimentally at 55 GHz. The proposed design proves S11 and directivity better than −22 dB and 25.5 dB across the entire band and only needs 3 node points if compared with the well-known spline profiled horn antenna. Our design makes use of an increasing radius and hence does not present non-accessible regions from the aperture, allowing its fabrication with electro erosion techniques especially suitable for millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths.
Physiological and Morphological Variation in Balsam Fir Provenances Growing in New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Akalusi Matthew E. , Bourque Charles P.-A.
Published: February 2021

There is a need to understand the physio-morphological responses of northern tree species to climate change. The hypothesis of the current study was that provenance and light intensity were both influential in the control of intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE). Diameter at breast height (DBH)-increment was hypothesized as being more affected by provenance. Intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE), the ratio of photosynthesis (A) to stomatal conductance (gs), was assessed in foliage under two levels of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR; i.e., 300 and 1200 μmol m−2 s−1) in 63-year-old balsam fir [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.] provenances derived from seed sources from across the species’ natural range (namely, within 44–51° N latitudes and 53–102° W longitudes) and cultivated in a common garden in eastern Canada. Diameter at breast height (DBH) of provenances from the common garden were measured when they were 42 and 58 years old (DBH1998, DBH2014). The results confirmed the hypotheses regarding the roles of provenance on iWUE and DBH (p < 0.05), but showed a diminished role of PAR on iWUE. The lowest and highest mean iWUE and DBH among the provenances ranged between 0.028 and 0.031 and 0.079–0.083 μmol mmol−1 and 11.82–12.78 and 16.38–18.44 cm, respectively. Stomatal conductance of balsam fir had a strong relationship with iWUE at both light settings, whereas A had a weaker relationship with iWUE. There were no significant relationships between iWUE at the two light settings and climatic variables at the provenance source (p > 0.05). Diameter at breast height in 2014 was significantly greater than DBH1998 (p < 0.05). The relationships between DBH2014 and climatic variables at the provenance source were statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive relationship between iWUE and DBH measured in 2014. Survivorship of provenances was shown to vary with DBH-increment. The results show that for present-day and future forest management, (i) selection in balsam fir, in relation to iWUE should ideally be based on a criterion of intraspecific stomatal conductance; (ii) shade tolerance of balsam fir, population differentiation, and consistent pace of DBH-growth under variable climatic conditions are important factors in the species’ sustained growth under changes in forest dynamics projected to accompany changes in regional climate; (iii) temperature variables are strong indicators of DBH-increment in balsam fir; (iv) the effect of tree size on its survival is maintained under variable climatic conditions; and (v) there is a clear association between iWUE and the species’ radial growth.
Liming Alters the Soil Microbial Community and Extracellular Enzymatic Activities in Temperate Coniferous Forests
Authors: Cha Sangsub , Kim Yong Suk , Lee Ah Lim , Lee Dong-Hyeon , Koo Namin
Published: February 2021

Soil acidification caused by anthropogenic activities adversely affects forest ecosystems by altering soil pH, which is an important factor in soil quality and function. Liming is one suggested way to solve this problem. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of liming in acidic forest soils by determining soil microbial biomass, microbial community structure, and extracellular enzyme activities associated with carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling. Lime treatment increased soil pH by up to 40%, significantly increased organic matter (OM) content at some sites, and altered the enzyme activity of the soil. With liming, the microbial biomass appeared to be affected by the chemical properties of the soil, such as pH, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and exchangeable aluminum (Ale) levels, although there were no significant differences at the site level. Enzymatic activity was found to be affected by pH, Ca2+, Mg2+, electrical conductivity (EC), and Ale; and acid phosphatase (AP) and phenol oxidase (POX) activity were significantly affected by lime treatment. AP activity decreased from 0.62 to 0.66, and POX activity increased from 1.75 to 3.00 in part of the sites. The bacterial community richness was influenced by pH as a direct effect of lime treatment. The fungal community richness was associated with changes in K+ that were not due to lime treatment. The bacterial community structure was affected by soil OM, total nitrogen (TN), pH, and Ca2+; and the fungal community structure was affected by pH, Mg2+, and K+. In conclusion, changes in soil environmental conditions by liming can affect soil microbial communities and functions through direct or indirect processes, further changing ecosystem processes.
Parental Supervision: Predictive Variables of Positive Involvement in Cyberbullying Prevention
Authors: Martín-Criado Jose M. , Casas Jose A. , Ortega-Ruiz Rosario
Published: February 2021

From an increasingly early age, parents face the challenge of educating their sons and daughters to act in the world of offline and online relationships. If for professional educators it is not proving easy, the involvement and guidance of parents in their children′s use of the internet seems to be a complex and unexplored challenge. This work aims to analyse the variables that influence digital education and determine a predictive model of positive parental involvement. This study was done with a representative sample consisting of five hundred and ninety-six families (596), representing the parents of children from schools with similar socio-cultural indexes. To do this, and using self-report instruments convertible into independent scales, four predictor variables were analysed: (1) parental knowledge of cyberbullying; (2) perception of parental competence in this regard; (3) parental perception of online risks; and (4) the attribution of parental responsibility in digital education. A structural equations model (SEM) examined the predictive value of these variables with respect to positive parental involvement. The structural equations model confirmed direct and mediated relationships between the independent and mediating variables on the dependent variable: parental supervision. The results indicate that positive parental involvement can be predicted from higher scores in parental knowledge of cyberbullying, perception of parental competence, risk adjustment, and attribution of parental responsibility.
Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Risk Factors among Nurses at King Abdulaziz University Hospital
Authors: Almaghrabi Aishah , Alsharif Fatmah
Published: February 2021

Aim: To determine the prevalence of LBP and the associated risk factors among nurses at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH). Methods: A cross-sectional study design was adopted with a convenience sample of 234 nurses recruited from nine different departments at KAUH in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants completed the questionnaire, which had two parts: Part I: Socio-demographic data, medical factors, and work-related factors; and Part II: Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to obtain data. Data collection was carried out from March to April 2020. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 22. Results: Cumulative prevalence of LBP was 82.9%, annual prevalence was 85.5%, while one-week prevalence of LBP was 53.6%. The factor significantly associated with LBP over the past 12 months was manual lifting of patients (p = 0.030). Nurses working in surgical wards had higher prevalence of LBP. About 24.7% of them changed their working unit, hospitalization was necessary for 11.9%, and 39.8% sought medical care. Conclusions: The findings from this study may better enable policymakers to adopt certain strategies toward reducing the burdens and challenges of LBP among nurses.
Diet and Health Benefits Associated with In-Home Eating and Sharing Meals at Home: A Systematic Review
Authors: Glanz Karen , Metcalfe Jessica J. , Folta Sara C. , Brown Alison , Fiese Barbara
Published: February 2021

In-home and shared meals have been hypothesized to have positive effects. This narrative review examines research on the influence of in-home eating on diet quality, health outcomes, and family relationships. A combination search approach included a search of PubMed, backward searches of previous published reviews, and studies the authors were familiar with. A search identified 118 publications; 54 original studies and 11 review studies were included in this review. Each study was reviewed and summarized. The diverse designs precluded quantitative data synthesis. Relatively strong evidence from cross-sectional research supports the association of shared family meals with favorable dietary patterns in children and adolescents, including consumption of fruits, vegetables, and healthful nutrients. Correlational evidence links shared meals with health and psychosocial outcomes in youth, including less obesity, decreased risk for eating disorders, and academic achievement. Most evidence is cross-sectional, thus, limiting attribution of causality. There is insufficient evidence to conclude that interventions improve the frequency of shared meals, improve diet, or prevent child obesity. Despite the “common wisdom”, the evidence that in-home, shared meals, per se, have positive effects on diet quality, health outcomes, psychosocial outcomes, and family relationships is limited due to weak research designs and single-item measurement of the independent variable. More research, with stronger designs, is warranted.
Inhibitors of Nucleotide Excision Repair Decrease UVB-Induced Mutagenesis—An In Vitro Study
Authors: Fidrus Eszter , Hegedűs Csaba , Janka Eszter Anna , Paragh György , Emri Gabriella , Remenyik Éva
Published: February 2021

The high incidence of skin cancers in the Caucasian population is primarily due to the accumulation of DNA damage in epidermal cells induced by chronic ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure. UVB-induced DNA photolesions, including cyclobutane–pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), promote mutations in skin cancer driver genes. In humans, CPDs are repaired by nucleotide excision repair (NER). Several commonly used and investigational medications negatively influence NER in experimental systems. Despite these molecules’ ability to decrease NER activity in vitro, the role of these drugs in enhancing skin cancer risk is unclear. In this study, we investigated four molecules (veliparib, resveratrol, spironolactone, and arsenic trioxide) with well-known NER-inhibitory potential in vitro, using UVB-irradiated CHO epithelial and HaCaT immortalized keratinocyte cell lines. Relative CPD levels, hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase gene mutation frequency, cell viability, cell cycle progression, and protein expression were assessed. All four molecules significantly elevated CPD levels in the genome 24 h after UVB irradiation. However, veliparib, spironolactone, and arsenic trioxide reduced the mutagenic potential of UVB, while resveratrol did not alter UVB-induced mutation formation. UVB-induced apoptosis was enhanced by spironolactone and arsenic-trioxide treatment, while veliparib caused significantly prolonged cell cycle arrest and increased autophagy. Spironolactone also enhanced the phosphorylation level of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), while arsenic trioxide modified UVB-driven mitochondrial fission. Resveratrol induced only mild changes in the cellular UVB response. Our results show that chemically inhibited NER does not result in increased mutagenic effects. Furthermore, the UVB-induced mutagenic potential can be paradoxically mitigated by NER-inhibitor molecules. We identified molecular changes in the cellular UVB response after NER-inhibitor treatment, which may compensate for the mitigated DNA repair. Our findings show that metabolic cellular response pathways are essential to consider in evaluating the skin cancer risk–modifying effects of pharmacological compounds.
Gut Microbiota Profile in Children with IgE-Mediated Cow’s Milk Allergy and Cow’s Milk Sensitization and Probiotic Intestinal Persistence Evaluation
Authors: Mennini Maurizio , Reddel Sofia , Del Chierico Federica , Gardini Simone , Quagliariello Andrea , Vernocchi Pamela , Valluzzi Rocco Luigi , Fierro Vincenzo , Riccardi Carla , Napolitano Tania , Fiocchi Alessandro Giovanni , Putignani Lorenza
Published: February 2021

Food allergy (FA) and, in particular, IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergy is associated with compositional and functional changes of gut microbiota. In this study, we compared the gut microbiota of cow’s milk allergic (CMA) infants with that of cow’s milk sensitized (CMS) infants and Healthy controls. The effect of the intake of a mixture of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BB536, Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis M-63 on gut microbiota modulation of CMA infants and probiotic persistence was also investigated. Gut microbiota of CMA infants resulted to be characterized by a dysbiotic status with a prevalence of some bacteria as Haemophilus, Klebsiella, Prevotella, Actinobacillus and Streptococcus. Among the three strains administered, B.longum subsp. infantis colonized the gastrointestinal tract and persisted in the gut microbiota of infants with CMA for 60 days. This colonization was associated with perturbations of the gut microbiota, specifically with the increase of Akkermansia and Ruminococcus. Multi-strain probiotic formulations can be studied for their persistence in the intestine by monitoring specific bacterial probes persistence and exploiting microbiota profiling modulation before the evaluation of their therapeutic effects.
The Anticancer Effect of Natural Plant Alkaloid Isoquinolines
Authors: Yun Dahye , Yoon So Young , Park Soo Jung , Park Yoon Jung
Published: February 2021

Isoquinoline alkaloids-enriched herbal plants have been used as traditional folk medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic effects. They induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy, leading to cell death. While the molecular mechanisms of these effects are not fully understood, it has been suggested that binding to nucleic acids or proteins, enzyme inhibition, and epigenetic modulation by isoquinoline alkaloids may play a role in the effects. This review discusses recent evidence on the molecular mechanisms by which the isoquinoline alkaloids can be a therapeutic target of cancer treatment.