bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inherent Safety Assessment of Industrial-Scale Production of Chitosan Microbeads Modified with TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Meramo-Hurtado Samir , Ceballos-Arrieta Nicolas , Cortes-Caballero Jose , Leon-Pulido Jeffrey , Gonzalez-Quiroga Arturo , Gonzalez-Delgado Ángel Dario
Published: April 2021

In this study, the inherent safety analysis of large-scale production of chitosan microbeads modified with TiO2 nanoparticles was developed using the Inherent Safety Index (ISI) methodology. This topology was structured based on two main stages: (i) Green-based synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles based on lemongrass oil extraction and titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) hydrolysis, and (ii) Chitosan gelation and modification with nanoparticles. Stage (i) is divided into two subprocesses for accomplishing TiO2 synthesis, lemongrass oil extraction and TiO2 production. The plant was designed to produce 2033 t/year of chitosan microbeads, taking crude chitosan, lemongrass, and TTIP as the primary raw materials. The process was evaluated through the ISI methodology to identify improvement opportunity areas based on a diagnosis of process risks. This work used industrial-scale process inventory data of the analyzed production process from mass and energy balances and the process operating conditions. The ISI method comprises the Chemical Inherent Safety Index (CSI) and Process Inherent Safety Index (PSI) to assess a whole chemical process from a holistic perspective, and for this process, it reflected a global score of 28. Specifically, CSI and PSI delivered scores of 16 and 12, respectively. The analysis showed that the most significant risks are related to TTIP handling and its physical-chemical properties due to its toxicity and flammability. Insights about this process′s safety performance were obtained, indicating higher risks than those from recommended standards.
Cardioprotective Effect of Glycyrrhizin on Myocardial Remodeling in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Thakur Vikram , Alcoreza Narah , Delgado Monica , Joddar Binata , Chattopadhyay Munmun
Published: April 2021

Myocardial fibrosis is one of the major complications of long-term diabetes. Hyperglycemia induced cardiomyocyte atrophy is a frequent pathophysiological indicator of diabetic heart. The objective of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective effect of glycyrrhizin (GLC) on myocardial damage in diabetic rats and assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effect of GLC. Our study demonstrates that hyperglycemia can elevate cardiac atrophy in diabetic animals. Type 2 diabetic fatty and the lean control rats were evaluated for cardiac damage and inflammation at 8–12 weeks after the development of diabetes. Western blot and immunohistochemical studies revealed that gap junction protein connexin-43 (CX43), cardiac injury marker troponin I, cardiac muscle specific voltage gated sodium channel NaV1.5 were significantly altered in the diabetic heart. Furthermore, oxidative stress mediator receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), as well as inflammatory mediator phospho-p38 MAPK and chemokine receptor CXCR4 were increased in the diabetic heart whereas the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), the antioxidant proteins that protect against oxidative damage was reduced. We also observed an increase in the expression of the pleiotropic cytokine, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in the diabetic heart. GLC treatment exhibited a decrease in the expression of phospho-p38 MAPK, RAGE, NaV1.5 and TGF-β and it also altered the expression of CX43, CXCR4, Nrf2 and troponin I. These observations suggest that GLC possesses cardioprotective effects in diabetic cardiac atrophy and that these effects could be mediated through activation of Nrf2 and inhibition of CXCR4/SDF1 as well as TGF-β/p38MAPK signaling pathway.
The Relationship between Physical Activity, Self-Perceived Health, and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Authors: Dostálová Radka , Stillman Chelsea , Erickson Kirk I. , Slepička Pavel , Mudrák Jiří
Published: April 2021

There are consistent associations between physical activity and self-perceived health. However, it is not clear whether associations between self-perceived health and participation in physical activity could be accounted for by associations with cognitive function. In the present study, we examined whether associations between physical activity and cognitive functioning could explain the variability between physical activity and self-perceived health. A sample of 204 older adults performed three cognitive tests selected from the Vienna test system battery: The Determination, Cognitrone, and Visual Memory tests. These tests measure general processing speed, attention, and visual memory, respectively. Participants also completed the 12-item Short Form Health Questionnaire SF-12 to measure perceived health, and the Physical Activity Survey for the Elderly to measure physical activity. Linear regressions and the PROCESS macro for SPSS were used to test our hypotheses. Consistent with our hypotheses, processing speed accounted for significant variance in the relationship between physical activity and self-perceived health. This suggests that cognitive processing speed might be an indirect path by which physical activity relates to enhanced health perceptions. The results demonstrate that associations between physical activity and self-perceptions of health are related to a fundamental cognitive process.
The Effects of Functionally Guided, Connectivity-Based rTMS on Amygdala Activation
Authors: Beynel Lysianne , Campbell Ethan , Naclerio Maria , Galla Jeffrey T. , Ghosal Angikar , Michael Andrew M. , Kimbrel Nathan A. , Davis Simon W. , Appelbaum Lawrence G.
Published: April 2021

While repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is widely used to treat psychiatric disorders, innovations are needed to improve its efficacy. An important limitation is that while psychiatric disorders are associated with fronto-limbic dysregulation, rTMS does not have sufficient depth penetration to modulate affected subcortical structures. Recent advances in task-related functional connectivity provide a means to better link superficial and deeper cortical sources with the possibility of increasing fronto-limbic modulation to induce stronger therapeutic effects. The objective of this pilot study was to test whether task-related, connectivity-based rTMS could modulate amygdala activation through its connectivity with the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). fMRI was collected to identify a node in the mPFC showing the strongest connectivity with the amygdala, as defined by psychophysiological interaction analysis. To promote Hebbian-like plasticity, and potentially stronger modulation, 5 Hz rTMS was applied while participants viewed frightening video-clips that engaged the fronto-limbic network. Significant increases in both the mPFC and amygdala were found for active rTMS compared to sham, offering promising preliminary evidence that functional connectivity-based targeting may provide a useful approach to treat network dysregulation. Further research is needed to better understand connectivity influences on rTMS effects to leverage this information to improve therapeutic applications.
Childhood Maltreatment and Its Interaction with Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis Activity and the Remission Status of Major Depression: Effects on Functionality and Quality of Life
Authors: Salvat-Pujol Neus , Labad Javier , Urretavizcaya Mikel , De Arriba-Arnau Aida , Segalàs Cinto , Real Eva , Ferrer Alex , Crespo José Manuel , Jiménez-Murcia Susana , Soriano-Mas Carles , Menchón José Manuel , Soria Virginia
Published: April 2021

Relationships among childhood maltreatment (CM), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis disturbances, major depressive disorder (MDD), poor functionality, and lower quality of life (QoL) in adulthood have been described. We aimed to study the roles of the remission status of depression and HPA axis function in the relationships between CM and functionality and QoL. Ninety-seven patients with MDD and 97 healthy controls were included. The cortisol awakening response, cortisol suppression ratio in the dexamethasone suppression test, and diurnal cortisol slope were assessed. Participants completed measures of psychopathology, CM, functionality, and QoL. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to study the relationships between CM and functionality and QoL. Only non-remitted MDD patients showed lower functionality and QoL than controls, indicating that depressive symptoms may partly predict functionality and QoL. Cortisol measures did not differ between remitted and non-remitted patients. Although neither HPA axis measures nor depression remission status were consistently associated with functionality or QoL, these factors moderated the effects of CM on functionality and QoL. In conclusion, subtle neurobiological dysfunctions in stress-related systems could help to explain diminished functionality and QoL in individuals with CM and MDD and contribute to the persistence of these impairments even after the remission of depressive symptoms.
Meaning Matters: Self-Perceived Meaning in Life, Its Predictors and Psychological Stressors Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Humphrey Ashley , Vari Olivia
Published: April 2021

Past research has found that a perceived meaning in life can act as a protective factor against adverse mental health symptomology, while also providing coping resources to buffer against the impact of negative life events. The current research investigated how the impact of self-perceived meaning in life as well as its predictors interact with stressors and worry related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected survey based data (n = 260) from Australian participants during the pandemic, measuring their meaning in life, orientation to differing life goals and COVID-19 related stressors via the impact of events scale. We found that meaning in life predicted less stress and worry associated with COVID-19. We also found that intrinsic based aspirations related positively to meaning in life within this context whereas extrinsic based goals related negatively to it, although these aspirations were not significant in reducing the stressors associated with COVID-19. These results reinforce past findings that meaning in life can effectively buffer against the impact of negative life events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. They also suggest that intrinsic based aspirations centred on relationships and self-acceptance may be an important mechanism in how people choose to pursue life meaning during uncertain life events.
A Targeted-Covalent Inhibitor of 17β-HSD1 Blocks Two Estrogen-Biosynthesis Pathways: In Vitro (Metabolism) and In Vivo (Xenograft) Studies in T-47D Breast Cancer Models
Authors: Poirier Donald , Roy Jenny , Maltais René
Published: April 2021

17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17β-HSD1) plays an important role in estrogen-dependent breast tumor growth. In addition to being involved in the production of estradiol (E2), the most potent estrogen in women, 17β-HSD1 is also responsible for the production of 5-androsten-3β,17β-diol (5-diol), a weaker estrogen than E2, but whose importance increases after menopause. 17β-HSD1 is therefore a target of choice for the treatment of estrogen-dependent diseases such as breast cancer and endometriosis. After we developed the first targeted-covalent (irreversible) and non-estrogenic inhibitor of 17β-HSD1, a molecule named PBRM, our goal was to demonstrate its therapeutic potential. Enzymatic assays demonstrated that estrone (E1) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were transformed into E2 and 5-diol in T-47D human breast cancer cells, and that PBRM was able to block these transformations. Thereafter, we tested PBRM in a mouse tumor model (cell-derived T-47D xenografts). After treatment of ovariectomized (OVX) mice receiving E1 or DHEA, PBRM given orally was able to reduce the tumor growth at the control (OVX) level without any observed toxic effects. Thanks to its irreversible type of inhibition, PBRM retained its anti-tumor growth effect, even after reducing its frequency of administration to only once a week, a clear advantage over reversible inhibitors.
The Role of Elective Neck Treatment in the Management of Sinonasal Carcinomas: A Systematic Review of the Literature and a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Galloni Costanza , Locatello Luca Giovanni , Bruno Chiara , Cannavicci Angelo , Maggiore Giandomenico , Gallo Oreste
Published: April 2021

The impact of elective neck treatment (ENT), whether by irradiation or dissection, on the prognosis of patients with cN0 sinonasal carcinomas (SNCs) remains an understudied issue. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature were performed according to PRISMA guidelines in order to assess regional nodal relapse rate after ENT compared to observation in cN0 SNCs patients. Twenty-six articles for a total of 1178 clinically N0 patients were analyzed. Globally, the 5-year overall survival was 52%; 34.6% of patients underwent ENT and 140 regional recurrences were registered (5.9% in the ENT cohort and 15% in the observation group). ENT appears to confer a lower risk of regional recurrence compared to observation alone, with a cumulative OR of 0.38 (95% CI 0.25–0.58). Our meta-analysis supports the efficacy of ENT for reducing the risk of regional recurrence, but its overall impact on survival remains uncertain.
CT Simplified Radiomic Approach to Assess the Metastatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
Authors: D’Onofrio Mirko , De Robertis Riccardo , Aluffi Gregorio , Cadore Camilla , Beleù Alessandro , Cardobi Nicolò , Malleo Giuseppe , Manfrin Erminia , Bassi Claudio
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to perform a simplified radiomic analysis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma based on qualitative and quantitative tumor features and to compare the results between metastatic and non-metastatic patients. A search of our radiological, surgical, and pathological databases identified 1218 patients with a newly diagnosed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who were referred to our Institution between January 2014 and December 2018. Computed Tomography (CT) examinations were reviewed analyzing qualitative and quantitative features. Two hundred eighty-eight patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. Overall, metastases were present at diagnosis in 86/288 patients, while no metastases were identified in 202/288 patients. Ill-defined margins and a hypodense appearance on portal-phase images were significantly more common among patients with metastases compared to non-metastatic patients (p < 0.05). Metastatic tumors showed a significantly larger size and significantly lower arterial index, perfusion index, and permeability index compared to non-metastatic tumors (p < 0.05). In the management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, early detection and correct staging are key elements. The study of computerized tomography characteristics of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma showed substantial differences, both qualitative and quantitative, between metastatic and non-metastatic disease.
Murlentamab, a Low Fucosylated Anti-Müllerian Hormone Type II Receptor (AMHRII) Antibody, Exhibits Anti-Tumor Activity through Tumor-Associated Macrophage Reprogrammation and T Cell Activation
Authors: Prat Mélissa , Salon Marie , Allain Thibault , Dubreuil Olivier , Noël Grégory , Preisser Laurence , Jean Bérangère , Cassard Lydie , Lemée Fanny , Tabah-Fish Isabelle , Pipy Bernard , Jeannin Pascale , Prost Jean-François , Barret Jean-Marc , Coste Agnès
Published: April 2021

AMHRII, the anti-Müllerian hormone receptor, is selectively expressed in normal sexual organs but is also re-expressed in gynecologic cancers. Hence, we developed murlentamab, a humanized glyco-engineered anti-AMHRII monoclonal antibody currently in clinical trial. Low-fucosylated antibodies are known to increase the antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) potency of effector cells, but some preliminary results suggest a more global murlentamab-dependent activation of the immune system. In this context, we demonstrate here that the murlentamab opsonization of AMHRII-expressing ovarian tumor cells, in the presence of unstimulated- or tumor-associated macrophage (TAM)-like macrophages, significantly promotes macrophage-mediated ADCC and shifts the whole microenvironment towards a pro-inflammatory and anti-tumoral status, thus triggering anti-tumor activity. We also report that murlentamab orients both unstimulated- and TAM-like macrophages to an M1-like phenotype characterized by a strong expression of co-stimulation markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, favoring T cell recruitment and activation. Moreover, we show that murlentamab treatment shifts CD4+ Th1/Th2 balance towards a Th1 response and activates CD8+ T cells. Altogether, these results suggest that murlentamab, through naïve macrophage orientation and TAM reprogrammation, stimulates the anti-tumor adaptive immune response. Those mechanisms might contribute to the sustained clinical benefit observed in advanced cancer patients treated with murlentamab. Finally, the enhanced murlentamab activity in combination with pembrolizumab opens new therapeutic perspectives.
Meningiomas and Cognitive Impairment after Treatment: A Systematic and Narrative Review
Authors: Gondar Renato , Patet Gildas , Schaller Karl , Meling Torstein R.
Published: April 2021

Clinical outcomes after surgery for intracranial meningiomas might be overvalued as cognitive dimensions and quality of life are probably underreported. This review aims to summarize the current state of cognitive screening and treatment-related outcomes after meningioma surgery. We present a systematic review (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-P) 2015-based) of cognitive outcomes after intracranial meningioma surgery. A total of 1572 patients (range 9–261) with a mean age of 58.4 years (range 23–87), and predominantly female (n = 1084, 68.9%) were identified. Mean follow-up time after treatment was 0.86 ± 0.3 years. Neuropsychological assessment was very heterogeneous, but five dimensions of cognition were described: memory (19/22); attention (18/22); executive functions (17/22); language (11/22); flexibility (11/22 studies). Cognitive abilities were impaired in 18 studies (81.8%), but only 1 showed deterioration in all dimensions simultaneously. Memory was the most affected. with significant post-therapy impairment in 9 studies (40.9%). Postoperatively, only 4 studies (18.2%) showed improvement in at least one dimension. Meningioma patients had significantly lower cognitive scores when compared to healthy subjects. Surgery and radiotherapy for meningiomas were associated with cognitive impairment, probably followed by a partial recovery. Cognition is poorly defined, and the assessment tools employed lack standardization. Cognitive impairment is probably underreported in meningioma patients.
The Effects of In-Plane Spatial Resolution on CT-Based Radiomic Features’ Stability with and without ComBat Harmonization
Authors: Ibrahim Abdalla , Refaee Turkey , Primakov Sergey , Barufaldi Bruno , Acciavatti Raymond J. , Granzier Renée W. Y. , Hustinx Roland , Mottaghy Felix M. , Woodruff Henry C. , Wildberger Joachim E. , Lambin Philippe , Maidment Andrew D. A.
Published: April 2021

While handcrafted radiomic features (HRFs) have shown promise in the field of personalized medicine, many hurdles hinder its incorporation into clinical practice, including but not limited to their sensitivity to differences in acquisition and reconstruction parameters. In this study, we evaluated the effects of differences in in-plane spatial resolution (IPR) on HRFs, using a phantom dataset (n = 14) acquired on two scanner models. Furthermore, we assessed the effects of interpolation methods (IMs), the choice of a new unified in-plane resolution (NUIR), and ComBat harmonization on the reproducibility of HRFs. The reproducibility of HRFs was significantly affected by variations in IPR, with pairwise concordant HRFs, as measured by the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), ranging from 42% to 95%. The number of concordant HRFs (CCC > 0.9) after resampling varied depending on (i) the scanner model, (ii) the IM, and (iii) the NUIR. The number of concordant HRFs after ComBat harmonization depended on the variations between the batches harmonized. The majority of IMs resulted in a higher number of concordant HRFs compared to ComBat harmonization, and the combination of IMs and ComBat harmonization did not yield a significant benefit. Our developed framework can be used to assess the reproducibility and harmonizability of RFs.
Recruitment and Expansion of Tregs Cells in the Tumor Environment—How to Target Them?
Authors: Cinier Justine , Hubert Margaux , Besson Laurie , Di Roio Anthony , Rodriguez Céline , Lombardi Vincent , Caux Christophe , Ménétrier-Caux Christine
Published: April 2021

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are present in a large majority of solid tumors and are mainly associated with a poor prognosis, as their major function is to inhibit the antitumor immune response contributing to immunosuppression. In this review, we will investigate the mechanisms involved in the recruitment, amplification and stability of Tregs in the tumor microenvironment (TME). We will also review the strategies currently developed to inhibit Tregs’ deleterious impact in the TME by either inhibiting their recruitment, blocking their expansion, favoring their plastic transformation into other CD4+ T-cell subsets, blocking their suppressive function or depleting them specifically in the TME to avoid severe deleterious effects associated with Treg neutralization/depletion in the periphery and normal tissues.
Health-Related Quality of Life in a Cohort of Breast Cancer Survivors over More Than 10 Years Post-Diagnosis and in Comparison to a Control Cohort
Authors: Maurer Tabea , Thöne Kathrin , Obi Nadia , Jung Audrey Y. , Behrens Sabine , Becher Heiko , Chang-Claude Jenny
Published: April 2021

Background: Breast cancer (BC) survivors often suffer from late and long-term residual symptoms of the disease and its treatment. To date, long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in breast cancer survivors has been seldom investigated and rarely compared to unaffected women (controls). Aim: This study aimed to investigate HRQoL over time using patient-reported status before diagnosis, during treatment, 1 year post-surgery, approx. 5 years and ≥10 years post-diagnosis. We also compared survivors’ HRQoL with controls’ still alive 10 years after recruitment. Methods: Data from the German population-based Mamma Carcinoma Risk Factor Investigation (MARIE) cohort of 1123 BC patients aged 50–74 years at diagnosis (2002–2005) and of 3453 matched controls were used for analysis. HRQoL was assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30) questionnaire. All analyses were conducted for all ages as well as stratified according to three age groups (≤58 years, 59–64 years, ≥64 years). Differences in survivors’ general HRQoL before, during, and after therapy were investigated using a t-test/Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Changes in the HRQoL of survivors stratified by age from FU1 to FU2 were assessed via repeated analysis of variance. The HRQoL of survivors compared to the controls at FU2 was analyzed using an analysis of variance. Results: Over all ages, the general HRQoL in patients improved in the first 5 years post-diagnosis. In the subsequent years, HRQoL slightly deteriorated but was comparable to that of the controls. Younger survivors mostly improved their HRQoL from the 5 to 10-year follow-up but remained negatively affected for most functioning and symptom scales compared to controls. In older survivors, HRQoL hardly changed over time and detriments were less pronounced compared to controls, except for insomnia. Conclusions: Restrictions of HRQoL persist for more than 10 years and are most prominent among younger survivors. Researchers and clinicians should be aware of such potential deteriorations and age-dependent differences in order to optimize/adapt long-term cancer survivor care.
Radiotherapy for Clinically Localized T3b or T4 Very-High-Risk Prostate Cancer-Role of Dose Escalation Using High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy Boost or High Dose Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy
Authors: Yamazaki Hideya , Suzuki Gen , Masui Koji , Aibe Norihiro , Shimizu Daisuke , Kimoto Takuya , Yoshida Ken , Nakamura Satoaki , Okabe Haruumi
Published: April 2021

To examine the efficacy of dose escalating radiotherapy into patients with cT3b or T4 localized prostate cancer, we compared Group A (86 conventional dose external beam radiotherapy: EBRT group, treated with 70–72 Gy) and group B (39 high dose EBRT group (HDEBRT group, 74–80 Gy) and 124 high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR) + EBRT (HDR boost)) using multi-institutional retrospective data. The actuarial 5-year biochemical disease-free survival (bDFS) rate, prostate cancer specific survival rate (PSS), and overall survival rate (OS) were 75.8%, 96.8%, and 93.5%. Group B showed superior 5-year bDFS rate (81.2%) as compared to the group A (66.5%) (p < 0.0001) with a hazard ratio of 0.397. Equivocal 5-year PSS (98.3% and 94.8% in group B and group A) and OS (both 93.7%) were found between those groups. Accumulated late grade ≥ 2 toxicities in gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts were similar among those three groups. Therefore, both HDEBRT and HDR boost could be good options for improving the bDFS rate in cT3–T4 localized prostate cancer without affecting PSS and OS.
Thermal Inactivation of Butyrylcholinesterase in Starch and Gelatin Gels
Authors: Lonshakova-Mukina Victoria I. , Esimbekova Elena N. , Kratasyuk Valentina A.
Published: April 2021

The present study demonstrates a simple approach to enhancing thermal stability of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) by using natural polymers. Analysis of thermal inactivation of the tetrameric BChE in starch and gelatin gels at 50–64 °C showed that thermal inactivation followed second-order kinetics and involved two alternating processes of BChE inactivation, which occurred at different rates (fast and slow processes). The activation enthalpy ΔH# and the activation entropy ΔS# for BChE in starch and gelatin gels were evaluated. The values of ΔH# for the fast and the slow thermal inactivation of BChE in starch gel were 61 ± 3, and 22 ± 2 kcal/mol, respectively, and the values of ΔS# were 136 ± 12 and −2.03 ± 0.05 cal∙K−1∙mol−1, respectively. Likewise, the values of ΔH# for BChE in gelatin gel were 58 ± 6 and 109 ± 11 kcal/mol, and the values of ΔS# were 149 ± 16 and 262 ± 21 cal∙K−1∙mol−1, respectively. The values of the activation parameters obtained in this study suggest that starch gel produced a stronger stabilizing effect on BChE exposed to elevated temperatures over long periods compared with gelatin gel.
Selectively Producing Acetic Acid via Boric Acid-Catalyzed Fast Pyrolysis of Woody Biomass
Authors: Hou Xueli , Li Zhen , Zhang Zhijun
Published: April 2021

Boric acid is recently proved to be a good substitute for conventional acidic catalytic materials. However, few studies used boric acid as a catalyst in biomass pyrolysis. This study focused on the catalytic effects of boric acid (BA) on pyrolysis behaviors of woody biomass. The birch wood flour (WF) was used as feedstock and treated by impregnation of boric acid solution. Both untreated and boric acid-treated samples (BW) were characterized by FTIR and SEM. Thermogravimetry (TG) and pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) techniques were used for studying mass loss, composition, and distribution of evolved volatiles formed from pyrolysis process. Additionally, a small fixed-bed pyrolyzer with an amplificated loading amount was used to prepare liquid products, and further, GC/MS were used to analyze the composition of these liquid products. Different pyrolysis temperatures and boric acid/wood flour mass ratios were also studied. The main results are as follows. Boric acid infiltrated into both cell cavity and cell wall through impregnation treatment. FTIR analysis showed that boric acid reacted with wood flour to form B-O-C bond during the treatment. After the treatment of boric acid, the initial degradation temperatures and residual carbon contents were increased, while the maximum weight loss rates were decreased. Boric acid significantly altered the composition and distribution of volatile pyrolysis products of wood flour. It significantly increased the contents of small molecule compounds such as acetic acid and furfural but, decreased the contents of phenol derivatives with high molecular weights. And these changes became more pronounced as the temperature increased. When mass ratio of boric acid (BA) to wood flour (WF) was 2, the acetic acid accounted for 91.28% of the total product in the pyrolysis liquid, which was 14 times higher than that of untreated wood flour. Boric acid effectively catalyzed fast pyrolysis of woody biomass to selectively produce acetic acid
Advances in Understanding of the Role of Lipid Metabolism in Aging
Authors: Chung Ki Wung
Published: April 2021

During aging, body adiposity increases with changes in the metabolism of lipids and their metabolite levels. Considering lipid metabolism, excess adiposity with increased lipotoxicity leads to various age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the multifaceted nature and complexities of lipid metabolism make it difficult to delineate its exact mechanism and role during aging. With advances in genetic engineering techniques, recent studies have demonstrated that changes in lipid metabolism are associated with aging and age-related diseases. Lipid accumulation and impaired fatty acid utilization in organs are associated with pathophysiological phenotypes of aging. Changes in adipokine levels contribute to aging by modulating changes in systemic metabolism and inflammation. Advances in lipidomic techniques have identified changes in lipid profiles that are associated with aging. Although it remains unclear how lipid metabolism is regulated during aging, or how lipid metabolites impact aging, evidence suggests a dynamic role for lipid metabolism and its metabolites as active participants of signaling pathways and regulators of gene expression. This review describes recent advances in our understanding of lipid metabolism in aging, including established findings and recent approaches.
Brain CHID1 Expression Correlates with NRGN and CALB1 in Healthy Subjects and AD Patients
Authors: Castrogiovanni Paola , Sanfilippo Cristina , Imbesi Rosa , Maugeri Grazia , Lo Furno Debora , Tibullo Daniele , Castorina Alessandro , Musumeci Giuseppe , Di Rosa Michelino
Published: April 2021

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, devastating, and irreversible brain disorder that, day by day, destroys memory skills and social behavior. Despite this, the number of known genes suitable for discriminating between AD patients is insufficient. Among the genes potentially involved in the development of AD, there are the chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) CHI3L1, CHI3L2, and CHID1. The genes of the first two have been extensively investigated while, on the contrary, little information is available on CHID1. In this manuscript, we conducted transcriptome meta-analysis on an extensive sample of brains of healthy control subjects (n = 1849) (NDHC) and brains of AD patients (n = 1170) in order to demonstrate CHID1 involvement. Our analysis revealed an inverse correlation between the brain CHID1 expression levels and the age of NDHC subjects. Significant differences were highlighted comparing CHID1 expression of NDHC subjects and AD patients. Exclusive in AD patients, the CHID1 expression levels were correlated positively to calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1) levels. Furthermore, both in NDHC and in AD patient’s brains, the CHID1 expression levels were directly correlated with calbindin 1 (CALB1) and neurogranin (NRGN). According to brain regions, correlation differences were shown between the expression levels of CHID1 in prefrontal, frontal, occipital, cerebellum, temporal, and limbic system. Sex-related differences were only highlighted in NDHC. CHID1 represents a new chitinase potentially involved in the principal processes underlying Alzheimer’s disease.
Muscle Glycogen Phosphorylase and Its Functional Partners in Health and Disease
Authors: Migocka-Patrzałek Marta , Elias Magdalena
Published: April 2021

Glycogen phosphorylase (PG) is a key enzyme taking part in the first step of glycogenolysis. Muscle glycogen phosphorylase (PYGM) differs from other PG isoforms in expression pattern and biochemical properties. The main role of PYGM is providing sufficient energy for muscle contraction. However, it is expressed in tissues other than muscle, such as the brain, lymphoid tissues, and blood. PYGM is important not only in glycogen metabolism, but also in such diverse processes as the insulin and glucagon signaling pathway, insulin resistance, necroptosis, immune response, and phototransduction. PYGM is implicated in several pathological states, such as muscle glycogen phosphorylase deficiency (McArdle disease), schizophrenia, and cancer. Here we attempt to analyze the available data regarding the protein partners of PYGM to shed light on its possible interactions and functions. We also underline the potential for zebrafish to become a convenient and applicable model to study PYGM functions, especially because of its unique features that can complement data obtained from other approaches.
Changes in Drp1 Function and Mitochondrial Morphology Are Associated with the α-Synuclein Pathology in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Portz Philipp , Lee Michael K.
Published: April 2021

Alterations in mitochondrial function and morphology are associated with many human diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondrial impairment is linked to Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis, and alterations in mitochondrial dynamics are seen in PD models. In particular, α-synuclein (αS) abnormalities are often associated with pathological changes to mitochondria. However, the relationship between αS pathology and mitochondrial dynamics remains poorly defined. Herein, we examined a mouse model of α-synucleinopathy for αS pathology-linked alterations in mitochondrial dynamics in vivo. We show that α-synucleinopathy in a transgenic (Tg) mouse model expressing familial PD-linked mutant A53T human αS (TgA53T) is associated with a decrease in Drp1 localization and activity in the mitochondria. In addition, we show that the loss of Drp1 function in the mitochondria is associated with two distinct phenotypes of enlarged neuronal mitochondria. Mitochondrial enlargement was only present in diseased animals and, apart from Drp1, other proteins involved in mitochondrial dynamics are unlikely to cause these changes, as their levels remained mostly unchanged. Further, the levels of Mfn1, a protein that facilitates mitochondrial fusion, was decreased nonspecifically with transgene expression. These results support the view that altered mitochondrial dynamics are a significant neuropathological factor in α-synucleinopathies.
Towards Physiologic Culture Approaches to Improve Standard Cultivation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Nikolits Ilias , Nebel Sabrina , Egger Dominik , Kreß Sebastian , Kasper Cornelia
Published: April 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are of great interest for their use in cell-based therapies due to their multipotent differentiation and immunomodulatory capacities. In consequence of limited numbers following their isolation from the donor tissue, MSCs require extensive expansion performed in traditional 2D cell culture setups to reach adequate amounts for therapeutic use. However, prolonged culture of MSCs in vitro has been shown to decrease their differentiation potential and alter their immunomodulatory properties. For that reason, preservation of these physiological characteristics of MSCs throughout their in vitro culture is essential for improving the efficiency of therapeutic and in vitro modeling applications. With this objective in mind, many studies already investigated certain parameters for enhancing current standard MSC culture protocols with regard to the effects of specific culture media components or culture conditions. Although there is a lot of diversity in the final therapeutic uses of the cells, the primary stage of standard isolation and expansion is imperative. Therefore, we want to review on approaches for optimizing standard MSC culture protocols during this essential primary step of in vitro expansion. The reviewed studies investigate and suggest improvements focused on culture media components (amino acids, ascorbic acid, glucose level, growth factors, lipids, platelet lysate, trace elements, serum, and xenogeneic components) as well as culture conditions and processes (hypoxia, cell seeding, and dissociation during passaging), in order to preserve the MSC phenotype and functionality during the primary phase of in vitro culture.
Precast Concrete Building Construction and Envelope Thermal Behavior: A Case Study on Portuguese Public Social Housing
Authors: Brandão Pedro I. , Lanzinha João C. G.
Published: April 2021

A considerable part of Southern European countries building stock was constructed before the implementation of national thermal regulations, and as such, it is currently exposed to challenges such as energy poverty and climate change. Portuguese public social housing presents a significant variety of construction systems and applied typologies. Among them, the “Novobra NK1”, a precast concrete construction system that exploits some innovative features in envelope components, has been used in several projects. Considering the importance of retrofitting to improve and adapt the thermal behaviors of buildings to face the aforementioned challenges, this article aims to provide an understanding of the behavior of a NK1 thermal envelope of a dwelling located in Covilhã, Portugal, and the impact of some constructive envelope retrofit measures applied. Results show that existing opaque envelope elements and glazed areas present characteristics that are no longer able to provide proper responses to contemporary building constructive requirements. External insulation was identified as a key retrofit measure, window replacement also being an advised solution for rigorous heating seasons. Improvements from the internal side of windows, such as roller shades, may provide few benefits during cooling seasons, and applying solar films is not advised without a proper thermal repercussion analysis.
Simplified Method of Determining Torsional Stability of the Multi-Storey Reinforced Concrete Buildings
Authors: Khatiwada Prashidha , Lumantarna Elisa
Published: April 2021

This article proposes a simplified method for determining the elastic radius ratio of the multi-storey reinforced concrete building. The elastic radius ratio is the benchmark parameter of the buildings in determining torsional stability during an earthquake. When buildings are torsionally flexible, the torsional component of seismic response amplifies the overall response of the building. Because of the numbers of simplified assumptions such as the adoption of the single-storey model, much of the published articles have a very limited range of application. Quantifying the interaction of different forces in multi-story non-proportional buildings has been the main challenge of these studies. The proposed “shear and bending combination method” solves this by introducing parameters that can determine the relative influence of individual actions. Moreover, the proposed method applies to buildings with all type of structural systems, having asymmetry, and accidental eccentricity. The method is validated through a parametric study consisting of eighty-one building models and using computer analysis. The proposed method and the research findings of this study are useful in determining the torsional stability of the building, in verifying the results of the computer-based analysis, and in optimizing the structural system in the buildings.
Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanomaterials via Sol-Gel Process with Anti-Corrosive Effect for Cu, Al and Zn Metallic Substrates
Authors: Somoghi Raluca , Purcar Violeta , Alexandrescu Elvira , Gifu Ioana Catalina , Ninciuleanu Claudia Mihaela , Cotrut Cosmin Mihai , Oancea Florin , Stroescu Hermine
Published: April 2021

Nanosized zinc oxide (ZnO) particles modified with different silane coupling agents (octyltriethoxysilane (OTES), octadecyltriethoxysilane (ODTES) and (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS)) were synthesized in basic catalysis using the sol-gel method. The structure and morphology were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for bonding characteristics. The final hybrid materials were deposited on three types of metallic substrates (aluminum (Al), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)) in order to obtain coatings with ultrahydrophobic and anti-corrosion properties. Water wettability was studied revealing a contact angle of 145° for the surface covered with ZnO material modified with ODTES. The water contact angle increased with the length of the alkyl chain supplied by the silica precursor. The anti-corrosive behavior of ZnO/silane coupling agents particles deposited on metallic substrates was studied by the linear polarization technique in neutral medium.
Effect of Shroud in Plasma Spraying on Chemical Composition and Thickness of Titanium Coatings
Authors: Zhou Hong , Peng Cheng
Published: April 2021

Titanium and its alloys are wildly used in industries. Shrouded plasma spray can be considered as a useful technology to produce low oxide containing titanium coatings. In this paper, the effect of shroud in plasma spraying on chemical composition and thickness of titanium coatings were investigated. Shrouded plasma-sprayed titanium coatings were deposited onto mild steel substrates. Air plasma-sprayed titanium coatings were also deposited for comparison under the same spraying parameters. Those titanium coatings were then studied in terms of microstructure, oxygen and nitrogen contents and coating’s thickness. The titanium coatings were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and quantitative chemical analysis. The results showed that the shroud played a key role in protecting the particles from oxidation in flight. The shrouded titanium coatings exhibited lower oxygen content and an enhanced microstructure. The reduction in air entrainment with the shroud resulted in better heating of the particles and increases in deposition efficiency and coating thickness.
Topological Edge States of a Majorana BBH Model
Authors: Maiellaro Alfonso , Citro Roberta
Published: April 2021

We investigate a Majorana Benalcazar–Bernevig–Hughes (BBH) model showing the emergence of topological corner states. The model, consisting of a two-dimensional Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) system of Majorana fermions with π flux, exhibits a non-trivial topological phase in the absence of Berry curvature, while the Berry connection leads to a non-trivial topology. Indeed, the system belongs to the class of second-order topological superconductors (HOTSC2), exhibiting corner Majorana states protected by C4 symmetry and reflection symmetries. By calculating the 2D Zak phase, we derive the topological phase diagram of the system and demonstrate the bulk-edge correspondence. Finally, we analyze the finite size scaling behavior of the topological properties. Our results can serve to design new 2D materials with non-zero Zak phase and robust edge states.
Electrodeposition of Graphene Oxide Modified Composite Coatings Based on Nickel-Chromium Alloy
Authors: Tseluikin Vitaly , Dzhumieva Asel , Yakovlev Andrey , Mostovoy Anton , Lopukhova Marina
Published: April 2021

Composite electrochemical coatings (CECs) based on nickel-chromium alloy and modified with multilayer graphene oxide (GO) were obtained. The electrodeposition process of these coatings was studied in the potentiodynamic mode. The structure and the composition of nickel–chromium–GO CECs were studied by scanning electron microscopy and laser microspectral analysis. Nickel–chromium–GO CECs are dense and uniform. The carbon content in them increases when moving from the substrate to the surface. It was established that the addition of GO particles into the composition of electrolytic coatings with a nickel-chromium alloy results in the increase in their microhardness from 4423–5480 MPa to 6120–7320 MPa depending on the cathodic current density.
Quantile Regression with Generated Regressors
Authors: Chen Liqiong , Galvao Antonio F. , Song Suyong
Published: April 2021

This paper studies estimation and inference for linear quantile regression models with generated regressors. We suggest a practical two-step estimation procedure, where the generated regressors are computed in the first step. The asymptotic properties of the two-step estimator, namely, consistency and asymptotic normality are established. We show that the asymptotic variance-covariance matrix needs to be adjusted to account for the first-step estimation error. We propose a general estimator for the asymptotic variance-covariance, establish its consistency, and develop testing procedures for linear hypotheses in these models. Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the finite-sample performance of the estimation and inference procedures are provided. Finally, we apply the proposed methods to study Engel curves for various commodities using data from the UK Family Expenditure Survey. We document strong heterogeneity in the estimated Engel curves along the conditional distribution of the budget share of each commodity. The empirical application also emphasizes that correctly estimating confidence intervals for the estimated Engel curves by the proposed estimator is of importance for inference.
Educational Rationality: Measurement, Correlates, and Consequences
Authors: Karwowski Maciej , Milerski Bogusław
Published: April 2021

This paper introduces and empirically tests the model of tetragonal educational rationality that consists of four interrelated categories: hermeneutic, emancipatory, praxeological, and negational rationalities. Based on a large longitudinal study on primary and middle school students (total N = 1990), we investigated the psychometric properties of the Educational Rationalities Questionnaire (ERQ) and examined relevant correlates, antecedents and longitudinal consequences of the four rationalities. Confirmatory factor analysis corroborated the four-factor structure of the ERQ. Praxeological rationality was more prevalent than hermeneutic rationality, which was accepted more often than emancipatory and negational rationality. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that hermeneutic rationality was primarily driven by participants’ academic self-concept in their native language, as well as extraversion, neuroticism, and valuing creativity. Emancipatory rationality was linked to academic self-concept, valuing creativity, and agreeableness, while praxeological rationality was predicted by extraversion, school achievement, and valuing creativity. Finally, negational rationality was inversely linked with several individual characteristics: academic self-concept, agreeableness, and school achievement. Longitudinal analyses demonstrated that negational rationality was associated with lower grades and more negative emotions during lessons, while hermeneutic rationality was associated with school grades improvement. Emancipatory rationality was related to positive emotions felt during classes, yet negatively with grades. We discuss potential reasons and consequences of these findings.