bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Characterization of 1-Hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-2-cyclohexene-1-acetic Acid, a Metabolite in Bacterial Transformation of Abscisic Acid
Authors: Yuzikhin Oleg S. , Shaposhnikov Alexander I. , Konnova Tatyana A. , Syrova Darya S. , Hamo Hamza , Ermekkaliev Taras S. , Shevchenko Valerii P. , Shevchenko Konstantin V. , Gogoleva Natalia E. , Nizhnikov Anton A. , Safronova Vera I. , Kamnev Alexander A. , Belimov Andrey A. , Gogolev Yuri V.
Published: October 2022

We report the discovery of a new abscisic acid (ABA) metabolite, found in the course of a mass spectrometric study of ABA metabolism by the rhizosphere bacterium Rhodococcus sp. P1Y. Analogue of (+)-ABA, enriched in tritium in the cyclohexene moiety, was fed in bacterial cells, and extracts containing radioactive metabolites were purified and analyzed to determine their structure. We obtained mass spectral fragmentation patterns and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of a new metabolite of ABA identified as 1-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-2-cyclohexene-1-acetic acid, which we named rhodococcal acid (RA) and characterized using several other techniques. This metabolite is the second bacterial ABA degradation product in addition to dehydrovomifoliol that we described earlier. Taken together, these data reveal an unknown ABA catabolic pathway that begins with side chain disassembly, as opposed to the conversion of the cyclohexene moiety in plants. The role of ABA-utilizing bacteria in interactions with other microorganisms and plants is also discussed.
A DNA Replication Mechanism Can Explain Structural Variation at the Pigeon Recessive Red Locus
Authors: Haddock Jonathan , Domyan Eric T.
Published: October 2022

For species to adapt to their environment, evolution must act upon genetic variation that is present in the population. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms that give rise to this variation is thus of crucial importance for understanding how organisms evolve. In addition to variation caused by point mutations, structural variation (deletions, duplications, inversions, translocations) is also an important source of variety. Mechanisms involving recombination, transposition and retrotransposition, and replication have been proposed for generating structural variation, and each are capable of explaining certain rearrangements. In this study, we conduct a detailed analysis of two partially overlapping rearrangements (e1 and e2 allele) in domestic rock pigeon (Columba livia) which are both associated with the recessive red phenotype. We find that a replicative mechanism is best able to explain the complex architecture of the e1 allele, and is also compatible with the simpler architecture of the e2 allele as well.
The Modifying Effect of Obesity on the Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase Gene Polymorphisms with Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Pavlova Nadezhda , Demin Sergey , Churnosov Mikhail , Reshetnikov Evgeny , Aristova Inna , Churnosova Maria , Ponomarenko Irina
Published: October 2022

Objective: We investigated the possible modifying effect of obesity on the association of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene polymorphisms with breast cancer (BC) risk. Methods: A total of 1104 women divided into two groups according to their body mass index (BMI): BMI ≥ 30 (119 BC, and 190 control) and BMI < 30 (239 BC, and 556 control) were genotyped for specially selected (according to their association with BC in the previous study) 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of MMP1, 2, 3, 8, and 9 genes. Logistic regression association analysis was performed in each studied group of women (with/without obesity). Functional annotation of BC-correlated MMP polymorphic variants was analyzed by in silico bioinformatics. Results: We observed significant differences in the involvement of MMP SNPs in BC in obese and non-obese women. Polymorphic loci MMP9 (c.836 A > G (rs17576) and c. 1721 C > G (rs2250889)) were BC-protective factors in obese women (OR 0.71, allelic model, and OR 0.55, additive model, respectively). Genotypes TT MMP2 (c.-1306 C > T,rs243865) and AA MMP9 (c. 1331-163 G > A,rs3787268) determined BC susceptibility in non-obese women (OR 0.31, and OR 2.36, respectively). We found in silico substantial multidirectional influences on gene expression in adipose tissue BC-related polymorphic loci: BC risk allele A-rs3787268 in non-obese women is associated with low expression NEURL2, PLTP, RP3-337O18.9, SPATA25, and ZSWIM1, whereas BC risk allele A-rs17576 in obese women is associated with high expression in the same genes in visceral and/or subcutaneous adipose. Conclusions: our study indicated that obesity has a significant modifying effect on the association of MMP genes with BC risk in postmenopausal women.
REVIO: Range- and Event-Based Visual-Inertial Odometry for Bio-Inspired Sensors
Authors: Wang Yingxun , Shao Bo , Zhang Chongchong , Zhao Jiang , Cai Zhihao
Published: October 2022

Visual-inertial odometry is critical for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and robotics. However, there are problems of motion drift and motion blur in sharp brightness changes and fast-motion scenes. It may cause the degradation of image quality, which leads to poor location. Event cameras are bio-inspired vision sensors that offer significant advantages in high-dynamic scenes. Leveraging this property, this paper presents a new range and event-based visual-inertial odometry (REVIO). Firstly, we propose an event-based visual-inertial odometry (EVIO) using sliding window nonlinear optimization. Secondly, REVIO is developed on the basis of EVIO, which fuses events and distances to obtain clear event images and improves the accuracy of position estimation by constructing additional range constraints. Finally, the EVIO and REVIO are tested in three experiments—dataset, handheld and flight—to evaluate the localization performance. The error of REVIO can be reduced by nearly 29% compared with EVIO in the handheld experiment and almost 28% compared with VINS-Mono in the flight experiment, which demonstrates the higher accuracy of REVIO in some fast-motion and high-dynamic scenes.
Progress in Data Acquisition of Wearable Sensors
Authors: Liu Zixuan , Kong Jingjing , Qu Menglong , Zhao Guangxin , Zhang Cheng
Published: October 2022

Wearable sensors have demonstrated wide applications from medical treatment, health monitoring to real-time tracking, human-machine interface, smart home, and motion capture because of the capability of in situ and online monitoring. Data acquisition is extremely important for wearable sensors, including modules of probes, signal conditioning, and analog-to-digital conversion. However, signal conditioning, analog-to-digital conversion, and data transmission have received less attention than probes, especially flexible sensing materials, in research on wearable sensors. Here, as a supplement, this paper systematically reviews the recent progress of characteristics, applications, and optimizations of transistor amplifiers and typical filters in signal conditioning, and mainstream analog-to-digital conversion strategies. Moreover, possible research directions on the data acquisition of wearable sensors are discussed at the end of the paper.
Current Perspectives on Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Interventions for the Inflammatory Mechanism of Unipolar Depression
Authors: Dogaru Ioana-Alexandra , Puiu Maria Gabriela , Manea Mirela , Dionisie Vlad
Published: October 2022

Since depression remains a major public health issue there is a constant need for new and more efficient therapeutic strategies based on the mechanisms involved in the aetiology of depression. Thus, the pathogenic link between depression and inflammation is considered to play a potential key role in the development of such therapies. This review summarizes the results of various pharmacological (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, cyclooxygenase inhibitors, cytokine inhibitors, corticosteroids, statins, minocycline, N-acetyl cysteine, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics) and non-pharmacological interventions (electroconvulsive therapy, physical exercise and psychological therapy) and outlines their efficacy and discusses potential challenges. Both conventional and non-conventional anti-inflammatory drugs showed promising results according to the specific group of patients. The pre-existing pro-inflammatory status was, in most cases, a predictor for clinical efficacy and, in some cases, a correlation between clinical improvement and changes in various biomarkers was found. Some of the non-pharmacological interventions (physical exercise and electroconvulsive therapy) have also showed beneficial effects for depressive patients with elevated inflammatory markers. Treatments with anti-inflammatory action may improve clinical outcomes in depression, at least for some categories of patients, thus opening the way for a future personalised approach to patients with unipolar depression regarding the inflammation-related mechanism.
Alzheimer’s Disease and SARS-CoV-2: Pathophysiological Analysis and Social Context
Authors: Ortiz Genaro Gabriel , Velázquez-Brizuela Irma E. , Ortiz-Velázquez Genaro E. , Ocampo-Alfaro María J. , Salazar-Flores Joel , Delgado-Lara Daniela L. C. , Torres-Sanchez Erandis D.
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a challenge for healthcare systems, especially in terms of the care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Age is one of the major risk factors for severe forms of COVID-19, most probably due to the presence of comorbidities and inflammations. It is known that SARS-CoV-2 invades nerve endings and olfactory nerves through the binding of the spike protein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. This interaction triggers an inflammatory cascade that results in cognitive impairment. In turn, the isoform of apolipoprotein-E4 (APOE-4ε) in AD is a risk factor for increased neuroinflammation through microglia activation, increased oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration. AD and SARS-CoV-2 are associated with increases in levels of inflammatory markers, as well as increases in levels of APOE-4ε, ACE2 and oxidative stress. Thus, there is a synergistic relationship between AD and SARS-CoV-2. In addition, the social isolation and other health measures resulting from the pandemic have led to a higher level of anxiety and depression among AD patients, a situation which may lead to a decline in cognitive function. Therefore, there is a need to develop strategies for keeping the patient calm but active.
The Individuals’ Willingness to Get the Vaccine for COVID-19 during the Third Wave: A Study on Trust in Mainstream Information Sources, Attitudes and Framing Effect
Authors: Masiero Marianna , Mazzoni Davide , Pizzoli Silvia Francesca Maria , Gargenti Simone , Grasso Roberto , Mazzocco Ketti , Pravettoni Gabriella
Published: October 2022

Different inner and external determinants might explain an individual’s willingness to get the vaccine for COVID-19. The current study aims at evaluating the effects of trust in mainstream information sources on individuals’ willingness to get the vaccine and the moderator role of the message framing. Six hundred and thirty-four participants (68.5% females and 31.5% males) were enrolled in an online survey. Participants filled out a questionnaire assessing: trust in mainstream information sources and vaccinal attitude (trust in vaccine benefit, worries over unforeseen future effects, concerns about commercial profiteering, and preference for natural immunity). In addition, participants were randomly exposed to one of four conditions of framing information about the vaccine (gain-probability; gain-frequency; loss-probability; loss-frequency). Results showed that trust in vaccine benefit (b = 9.90; 95% CI: 8.97, 11.73) and concerns about commercial profiteering (b = −4.70; 95% CI: −6.58, −2.81) had a significant effect on the intention to get the vaccine. Further, a significant interaction was observed between loss-gain and trust in vaccine benefit and between frequency-probability and concerns about commercial profiteering. Future vaccination campaigns should consider the individuals’ concerns about vaccine benefit and economic profits to efficaciously deliver frequency-framed or probability-framed information.
A Review of Psychological Stress among Students and Its Assessment Using Salivary Biomarkers
Authors: Špiljak Bruno , Vilibić Maja , Glavina Ana , Crnković Marija , Šešerko Ana , Lugović-Mihić Liborija
Published: October 2022

Numerous psychoneuroimmune factors participate in complex bodily reactions to psychological stress, and some of them can be easily and non-invasively measured in saliva (cortisol, alpha-amylase, proinflammatory cytokines). Cortisol plays a crucial role in the stress response; thus, stressful events (academic examinations, cardiac surgery, dental procedures) are accompanied by an increase in cortisol levels. (A correlation between cortisol blood levels and salivary values has already been confirmed, particularly during stress). Academic stress is defined as everyday stress among students that has an impact on aspects of their psychological and physiological well-being. For example, exams are considered one of the most acute stressful experiences for students. The strength of the association between academic self-efficacy, psychological stress, and anxiety depends on a variety of factors: the type of academic challenge (e.g., oral exam), the presence of an audience, etc. Higher stress levels were predominantly recorded among younger students, primarily regarding their academic tasks and concerns (grades, exams, competing with peers for grades, fear of failing the academic year, etc.). The measurement of stress levels during academic stress can improve our understanding of the character and influence of stressful events in populations of students, preventing adverse reactions to long-term stress, such as a decreased immune response and increased anxiety.
Numerical Study on Static and Dynamic Load Response of Temporary Support System for Group Tunnels Excavation
Authors: Zeng Yu , Huang Bo , Zou Yu , Bai Yao
Published: October 2022

In this study, the static response of the preliminary pilot tunnels excavation to the ground, and the dynamic response of the group cavern system under seismic excitation under the use of the construction of a metro station based on the Pile-Beam-Arch approach are investigated through numerical calculation. The results suggest that the excavation sequences of “top first and then bottom” and “middle first and then both sides” can generate the minimum ground settlement. When the pilot tunnels were excavated, the horizontal PGA (peak ground acceleration) amplification coefficient tends to increase with significant nonlinear characteristics under the excitation of EI Centro wave with a horizontal acceleration of 0.15 g, and the horizontal PGA amplification coefficient reaches the maximum at the ground surface. The effect of horizontal acceleration around the upper pilot tunnels increases. Under the static load, the maximum principal stress of the lining structure after the completion of the pilot tunnels is largely concentrated at the foot of the arch of the pilot tunnel, and the maximum principal stress value is 1.124 MPa. The maximum principal stress is primarily concentrated at the foot of the arch and the foot of the upper and lower guide tunnel under seismic excitation, and the maximum principal stress value is 1.424 MPa. This study reveals that a reasonable excavation sequence can be employed when the pilot tunnels are being excavated to control the settlement. Furthermore, the support of the arch and footing of the pilot tunnels should be enhanced during the seismic design.
Sources of Challenges for Sustainability in the Building Design—The Relationship between Designers and Clients
Authors: de Paula Nathalia , Jyo Lincoln K. , Melhado Silvio B.
Published: October 2022

Sustainability demands have changed the building design nature increasing the diversity of requirements, activities, agents, and tools. The aim of this paper is to investigate the sources of challenges in the relationship between architectural and engineering (AE) design firms and clients for promoting sustainability in the building design. Additionally, this study investigated the building information modeling (BIM) deployment by the firms that supports sustainability. The research method adopted is qualitative and participatory, based on focus groups. Two groups were interviewed, eight AE design firms and six developers and/or construction companies, gathering the points of view of service providers and their clients. The identified sources of challenges around sustainability include lack of communication and imprecision of definition, requirements, and scope. Additionally, management issues include performance evaluation, traditional work relationships, tools, and processes that do not support collaboration needs. In addition, AE design firms’ organization affects the client relationship and design quality, including the consideration of sustainability issues in the design solutions. The sources are found in the AE design firm’s processes of strategy planning, business and marketing, design, people, and knowledge management.
The Analysis of the EDGE Certification System on Residential Complexes to Improve Sustainability and Affordability
Authors: Isimbi Delphine , Park Jihyun
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the characteristics of the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) green building certification system in terms of the scope of certification, and environmental and social strategies focused on 6024 units in the 17 EDGE-certified residential buildings in South Africa was investigated. This research analyzed the efficiency of energy, water, embodied energy in materials, and annual CO2 emissions and their contribution to solving housing issues in the given context. This research revealed that the design of EDGE-certified buildings focuses on the “efficiency first” approach and reduced energy and water demand more than on-site energy production. In energy-saving strategies, energy-saving solutions are three times (69.2%) higher than energy-generating solutions (23.1%). The results on resource savings showed that, on average, embodied energy in materials (54%) is the most reduced resource, followed by water (31%) and energy (29.7%). The statistical analysis indicated that there is no statistically significant correlation between energy, water, embodied energy in materials, and CO2 savings with floor areas of the buildings. In addition, this research highlighted how EDGE certification has positively contributed to solving South Africa’s resource shortage and affordable housing scarcity problems.
Evaluating Communication Features of Human Resource Management Practices: The Construction Industry in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Babalola Ifedolapo Helen , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis
Published: October 2022

Human resource management practices (HRMPs) cannot thrive in an organisation without communication features. The communication attributes are essential as they are means through which meaningful information is shared or transferred in a functional organisation for effective and efficient work process. This study aims to evaluate the communication features of HRMPs in Lagos State, Nigeria, with a view to improving information dissemination among practising construction professionals and HRs in the built environment. Using a quantitative research design, a questionnaire was designed to achieve the quantitative strand through the target population. Data retrieved were screened and analysed using descriptive and principal component analysis (PCA). The Cronbach alpha and the Kruskal–Wallis H non-parametric tests were both utilised to evaluate the reliability of the data and to determine the respondents’ group opinions, respectively. This study was carried out in Lagos State, Nigeria and was limited to practising construction professionals (CPs) and HR in the built environment. The analysis showed that all the communication features ranked above the average mean, with a good communication network, formal communication methods, and use of appropriate communication channels ranking as the top three. PCA clustered the identified communication features into two components: feedback and involvement system, and communication methods. The originality of this study lies in its ability to display the communication features that will assist stakeholders and policymakers in channeling their resources appropriately with defined clusters rather than the usual mean ranking. Based on the findings, this study recommends that more attention should be given to the cluster groups (same as the two components mentioned above) in order to achieve the best optimal manner for efficiency and effectiveness of communication in the construction industry (CI).
GOF Mutant p53 in Cancers: A Therapeutic Challenge
Authors: Dolma Lobsang , Muller Patricia A. J.
Published: October 2022

TP53 is mutated in the majority of human cancers. Mutations can lead to loss of p53 expression or expression of mutant versions of the p53 protein. These mutant p53 proteins have oncogenic potential. They can inhibit any remaining WTp53 in a dominant negative manner, or they can acquire new functions that promote tumour growth, invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance. In this review we explore some of the mechanisms that make mutant p53 cells resistant to chemotherapy. As mutant p53 tumours are resistant to many traditional chemotherapies, many have sought to explore new ways of targeting mutant p53 tumours and reinstate chemosensitivity. These approaches include targeting of mutant p53 stability, mutant p53 binding partners and downstream pathways, p53 vaccines, restoration of WTp53 function, and WTp53 gene delivery. The current advances and challenges of these strategies are discussed.
CEMIP, a Promising Biomarker That Promotes the Progression and Metastasis of Colorectal and Other Types of Cancer
Authors: Domanegg Kevin , Sleeman Jonathan P. , Schmaus Anja
Published: October 2022

Originally discovered as a hypothetical protein with unknown function, CEMIP (cell migration-inducing and hyaluronan-binding protein) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including deafness, arthritis, atherosclerosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and cancer. Although a comprehensive definition of its molecular functions is still in progress, major functions ascribed to CEMIP include the depolymerization of the extracellular matrix component hyaluronic acid (HA) and the regulation of a number of signaling pathways. CEMIP is a promising biomarker for colorectal cancer. Its expression is associated with poor prognosis for patients suffering from colorectal and other types of cancer and functionally contributes to tumor progression and metastasis. Here, we review our current understanding of how CEMIP is able to foster the process of tumor growth and metastasis, focusing particularly on colorectal cancer. Studies in cancer cells suggest that CEMIP exerts its pro-tumorigenic and pro-metastatic activities through stimulating migration and invasion, suppressing cell death and promoting survival, degrading HA, regulating pro-metastatic signaling pathways, inducing the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) program, and contributing to the metabolic reprogramming and pre-metastatic conditioning of future metastatic microenvironments. There is also increasing evidence indicating that CEMIP may be expressed in cells within the tumor microenvironment that promote tumorigenesis and metastasis formation, although this remains in an early stage of investigation. CEMIP expression and activity can be therapeutically targeted at a number of levels, and preliminary findings in animal models show encouraging results in terms of reduced tumor growth and metastasis, as well as combating therapy resistance. Taken together, CEMIP represents an exciting new player in the progression of colorectal and other types of cancer that holds promise as a therapeutic target and biomarker.
Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Irene Tai-Lin , Shen Chin-Hsuan , Tsai Feng-Chiao , Chen Chun-Bing , Ma Kevin Sheng-Kai
Published: October 2022

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) as one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Full-body skin exam and biopsy is the gold standard for cSCC diagnosis, but it is not always feasible given constraints on time and costs. Furthermore, biopsy fails to reflect the dynamic changes in tumor genomes, which challenges long-term medical treatment in patients with advanced diseases. Extracellular vesicle (EV) is an emerging biological entity in oncology with versatile clinical applications from screening to treatment. In this systematic review, pre-clinical and clinical studies on cSCC-derived EVs were summarized. Seven studies on the genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics of cSCC-derived EVs were identified. The contents in cSCC-derived EVs may reflect the mutational landscape of the original cancer cells or be selectively enriched in EVs. Desmoglein 2 protein (Dsg2) is an important molecule in the biogenesis of cSCC-derived EVs. Ct-SLCO1B3 mRNA, and CYP24A1 circular RNA (circRNA) are enriched in cSCC-derived EVs, suggesting potentials in cSCC screening and diagnosis. p38 inhibited cSCC-associated long intergenic non-coding RNA (linc-PICSAR) and Dsg2 involved in EV-mediated tumor invasion and drug resistance served as prognostic and therapeutic predictors. We also proposed future directions to devise EV-based cSCC treatment based on these molecules and preliminary studies in other cancers.
Downstaging Therapies for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Awaiting Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Intention-to-Treat Outcomes
Authors: Di Martino Marcello , Vitale Alessandro , Ferraro Daniele , Maniscalco Marilisa , Pisaniello Donatella , Arenga Giuseppe , Falaschi Federica , Terrone Alfonso , Iacomino Alessandro , Galeota Lanza Alfonso , Esposito Ciro , Cillo Umberto , Vennarecci Giovanni
Published: October 2022

Background: Locoregional therapies (LRTs) are commonly used to increase the number of potential candidates for liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this paper is to assess the outcomes of LRTs prior to LT in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond the listing criteria. Methods: In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, we searched the Medline and Web of Science databases for reports published before May 2021. We included papers assessing adult patients with HCC considered for LT and reporting intention-to-treat (ITT) survival outcomes. Two reviewers independently identified and extracted the data and evaluated the papers. Outcomes analysed were drop-out rate; time on the waiting list; and 1, 3 and 5 year survival after LT and based on an ITT analysis. Results: The literature search yielded 3,106 records, of which 11 papers (1874 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Patients with HCC beyond the listing criteria and successfully downstaged presented a higher drop-out rate (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.45–2.88, p < 0.001) and a longer time from the initial assessment to LT than those with HCC within the listing criteria (MD 1.93, 95% CI 0.91–2.94, p < 0.001). The 1, 3 and 5 year survival post-LT and based on an ITT analysis did not show significant differences between the two groups. Patients with HCC beyond the listing criteria, successfully downstaged and then transplanted, presented longer 3 year (OR 3.77, 95% CI 1.26–11.32, p = 0.02) and 5 year overall survival (OS) (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.15–8.23, p = 0.02) in comparison with those that were not submitted to LT. Conclusions: Patients with HCC beyond the listing criteria undergoing downstaging presented a higher drop-out rate in comparison with those with HCC within the listing criteria. However, the two groups did not present significant differences in 1, 3 and 5 year survival rates based on an ITT analysis. Patients with HCC beyond the listing, when successfully downstaged and transplanted, presented longer 3 and 5-year OS in comparison with those who were not transplanted.
Environmentally Safe Magnetic Nanocatalyst for the Production of Biodiesel from Pongamia pinnata Oil
Authors: Sami Hafiza Qurat ul Ain , Hanif Muhammad Asif , Rashid Umer , Nisar Shafaq , Bhatti Ijaz Ahmad , Rokhum Samuel Lalthazuala , Tsubota Toshiki , Alsalme Ali
Published: October 2022

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel in many developing and developed countries worldwide. Biodiesel has significant and numerous economic, environmental, and social benefits. However, the problem with conventional biodiesel production is the high industrial production cost, mainly contributed by the raw materials. Therefore, catalysts and feedstock are essential in increasing total biodiesel production rates and minimizing production costs. Magnetic nano-catalysts play a crucial role in heterogeneous catalysis due to their easy recovery, recyclability, excellent selectivity, and fast reaction rates, owing to their larger surface area. This research activity used heterogeneous magnetic nano-catalysts of ICdO, ISnO, and their modified form, to produce biodiesel. The synthesized nano-catalysts were made through co-precipitation and found quite efficient for transesterifying Pongamia pinnata oil. The effect of various parameters on biodiesel yield in the presence of prepared magnetic nano-catalysts has been studied. In the transesterification supported by ISnO, high yield, i.e., 99%, was achieved after 2 h of reaction time at 60 °C. The nano-catalysts were magnetically recovered and reused 4–5 times without any change in their activity. All the synthesized magnetic nano-catalysts performed SEM analysis. Each fraction of the produced biodiesel was assessed for different quality parameters, and the results were per ASTM standards. The components present in biodiesel produced from Pongamia pinnata oil were determined by GCMS.
Study of the Hydrothermal-Catalytic Influence on the Oil-Bearing Rocks of the Usinskoye Oil Field
Authors: Mukhamatdinov Irek I. , Lapin Artem V. , Mukhamatdinova Rezeda E. , Akhmadiyarov Aydar A. , Affane Boudkhil , Emel’yanov Dmitriy A. , Slavkina Olga V. , Vakhin Alexey V.
Published: October 2022

In this work, a synthesis of an oil-soluble iron-based catalyst precursor was carried out and its efficiency was tested in a laboratory simulation of the aquathermolysis process at different temperatures. The rocks of the Usinskoe field from the Permian deposits of the Komi Republic, obtained by steam-gravity drainage, and the iron-based catalyst precursor, as well as the products of non-catalytic and catalytic aquathermolysis, were selected as the object of study. As a result, it was found that the content of alkanes in the samples after thermal steam treatment (TST) at 300 °C increased 8-fold compared to the original oil, and the content of cycloalkanes in the sample with the catalyst increased 2-fold compared to the control experience. This may indicate that not only the carbon-heteroatom bonds (C-S, N, O) but also the C-C bonds were broken. It also shows that increasing the iron tallate concentration at TST 300 °C leads to a decrease in the molecular mass of the oil compared to the control experiment. According to SEM, the catalyst is nanodisperse particles with a size of ≈60–80 nm, which are adsorbed on the rock surface, catalyst removal occurs at a small scale.
Ni-Al Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis Catalysts in Dry Reforming of Methane to Hydrogen-Enriched Fuel Mixtures
Authors: Tungatarova Svetlana , Xanthopoulou Galina , Vekinis George , Karanasios Konstantinos , Baizhumanova Tolkyn , Zhumabek Manapkhan , Sadenova Marzhan
Published: October 2022

The worldwide increase in demand for environmentally friendly energy has led to the intensification of work on the synthesis of H2-containing fuel. The dry reforming of methane has become one of the most important avenues of research since the consumption of two greenhouse gases reduces the rate of global warming. A study of NiAl composite materials as catalysts for methane reforming has been carried out. Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) has been used to produce NiAl catalysts. Comparative studies were carried out regarding the dry reforming and partial oxidation of methane, as well as catalysts prepared using the impregnation (IM) and SHS methods. A catalyst with 29% Ni and 51% Al after SHS contains the phases of NiAl and NiAl2O4, which are active phases in the dry reforming of methane. The optimal crystal lattice parameter (for the maximum possible conversion of CO2 and CH4) is 3.48–3.485 Å for Al2O3, which plays the role of a catalyst carrier, and 1.42 Å, for NiAl2O4, which plays the role of a catalyst. The aim of the work is to develop a new and efficient catalyst for the dry reforming of methane into a synthesis gas, which will further promote the organization of a new era of environmentally friendly energy-saving production methods.
Ex Situ Upgrading of Extra Heavy Oil: The Effect of Pore Shape of Co-Mo/γ-Al2O3 Catalysts
Authors: Kirgizov Alexey Y. , Ding Baodong , Spiridonov Artur A. , Liu Lei , Laskin Artem I. , Cao Chang , Il’yasov Il’dar R. , Al-Muntaser Ameen A. , Zhou Xiaodong , Zinnatov Radik A. , Lamberov Alexander A. , Yuan Chengdong , Varfolomeev Mikhail A.
Published: October 2022

Co-Mo/γ-Al2O3 catalysts with different pore shapes were synthesized for the ex situ upgrading of extra heavy oils by hydrodesulfurization (HDS), hydrodemetallization (HDM), and hydrodeasphaltization (HDA). The catalysts were synthesized using aluminum oxides that were prepared by various methods. It was found that using the product obtained by the thermochemical activation of gibbsite leads to the formation of slit-shaped pores in aluminum oxide, while the application of the hydroxide deposition method by the precipitation of sodium aluminate and nitric acid gives cylindrical pores in aluminum oxide. Co-Mo catalysts synthesized using these two types of pores exhibit different catalytic activities. The catalyst synthesized on a carrier with cylindrical pores exhibited a higher catalytic activity in sulfur, heavy metals, and asphaltenes removal reactions that are synthesized on a carrier with slit-like pores. This is because the presence of cylindrical pores leads to a decrease in diffusion restrictions when removing large molecules of asphaltenes and sulfur-containing and metal-containing compounds.
Research Progress on the Role of Pyroptosis in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Jing , Zhang Deju , Yu Peng , Zhang Jun , Yu Shuchun
Published: October 2022

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) results in the aggravation of myocardial injury caused by rapid recanalization of the ischemic myocardium. In the past few years, there is a growing interest in investigating the complex pathophysiological mechanism of MIRI for the identification of effective targets and drugs to alleviate MIRI. Currently, pyroptosis, a type of inflammatory programmed death, has received greater attention. It is involved in the MIRI development in combination with other mechanisms of MIRI, such as oxidative stress, calcium overload, necroptosis, and apoptosis, thereby forming an intertwined association between different pathways that affect MIRI by regulating common pathway molecules. This review describes the pyroptosis mechanism in MIRI and its relationship with other mechanisms, and also highlights non-coding RNAs and non-cardiomyocytes as regulators of cardiomyocyte pyroptosis by mediating associated pathways or proteins to participate in the initiation and development of MIRI. The research progress on novel small molecule drugs, clinical drugs, traditional Chinese medicine, etc. for regulating pyroptosis can play a crucial role in effective MIRI alleviation. When compared to research on other mature mechanisms, the research studies on pyroptosis in MIRI are inadequate. Although many related protective drugs have been identified, these drugs generally lack clinical applications. It is necessary to further explore and verify these drugs to expand their applications in clinical setting. Early inhibition of MIRI by targeted regulation of pyroptosis is a key concern that needs to be addressed in future studies.
The Efficacy of Faecal Microbiota Transplant and Rectal Bacteriotherapy in Patients with Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Svensson Camilla Kara , Cold Frederik , Ribberholt Iben , Zangenberg Mike , Mirsepasi-Lauridsen Hengameh Chloé , Petersen Andreas Munk , Helms Morten
Published: October 2022

The most effective treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT); however, the optimal route of administration is thus far unknown. This retrospective cohort study of 343 patients sought to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with FMT capsules, FMT enema, and rectal bacteriotherapy (RBT) during a five-year period. The primary endpoint was clinical resolution from CDI after eight weeks, and secondary endpoints were time to recurrence and death during the follow-up period. The proportion of patients with clinical resolution was 79.9% in the FMT capsule group, 53.3% in the FMT enema group, and 61.8% in the RBT group, corresponding to an adjusted odds ratio of 3.79 (CI: 1.82 to 8.26) in the FMT capsule group compared with FMT enema, and 2.92 (CI: 1.49 to 6.03) compared with RBT. The hazards ratio for recurrence within the first 12 months of follow-up was 0.24 (CI: 0.06 to 0.89) in the FMT capsule group compared with FMT enema, and 0.26 (CI: 0.08 to 0.91) compared with RBT. There was no difference in mortality. In conclusion, FMT capsules were more effective than both FMT enema and RBT as treatment of recurrent CDI and reduced the risk of further recurrences.
Targeting Asparagine Synthetase in Tumorgenicity Using Patient-Derived Tumor-Initiating Cells
Authors: Nishikawa Gen , Kawada Kenji , Hanada Keita , Maekawa Hisatsugu , Itatani Yoshiro , Miyoshi Hiroyuki , Taketo Makoto Mark , Obama Kazutaka
Published: October 2022

Reprogramming of energy metabolism is regarded as one of the hallmarks of cancer; in particular, oncogenic RAS has been shown to be a critical regulator of cancer metabolism. Recently, asparagine metabolism has been heavily investigated as a novel target for cancer treatment. For example, Knott et al. showed that asparagine bioavailability governs metastasis in a breast cancer model. Gwinn et al. reported the therapeutic vulnerability of asparagine biosynthesis in KRAS-driven non-small cell lung cancer. We previously reported that KRAS-mutated CRC cells can adapt to glutamine depletion through upregulation of asparagine synthetase (ASNS), an enzyme that synthesizes asparagine from aspartate. In our previous study, we assessed the efficacy of asparagine depletion using human cancer cell lines. In the present study, we evaluated the clinical relevance of asparagine depletion using a novel patient-derived spheroid xenograft (PDSX) mouse model. First, we examined ASNS expression in 38 spheroid lines and found that 12 lines (12/37, 32.4%) displayed high ASNS expression, whereas 26 lines (25/37, 67.6%) showed no ASNS expression. Next, to determine the role of asparagine metabolism in tumor growth, we established ASNS-knockdown spheroid lines using lentiviral short hairpin RNA constructs targeting ASNS. An in vitro cell proliferation assay demonstrated a significant decrease in cell proliferation upon asparagine depletion in the ASNS-knockdown spheroid lines, and this was not observed in the control spheroids lines. In addition, we examined asparagine inhibition with the anti-leukemia drug L-asparaginase (L-Asp) and observed a considerable reduction in cell proliferation at a low concentration (0.1 U/mL) in the ASNS-knockdown spheroid lines, whereas it exhibited limited inhibition of control spheroid lines at the same concentration. Finally, we used the PDSX model to assess the effects of asparagine depletion on tumor growth in vivo. The nude mice injected with ASNS-knockdown or control spheroid lines were administered with L-Asp once a day for 28 days. Surprisingly, in mice injected with ASNS-knockdown spheroids, the administration of L-Asp dramatically inhibited tumor engraftment. On the other hands, in mice injected with control spheroids, the administration of L-Asp had no effect on tumor growth inhibition at all. These results suggest that ASNS inhibition could be critical in targeting asparagine metabolism in cancers.
TRAF3/p38-JNK Signalling Crosstalk with Intracellular-TRAIL/Caspase-10-Induced Apoptosis Accelerates ROS-Driven Cancer Cell-Specific Death by CD40
Authors: Ibraheem Khalidah , Yhmed Albashir M. A. , Nasef Mohamed M. , Georgopoulos Nikolaos T.
Published: October 2022

The capacity to induce tumour-cell specific apoptosis represents the most unique feature of the TNF receptor (TNFR) family member CD40. Recent studies on the signalling events triggered by its membrane-presented ligand CD40L (mCD40L) in normal and malignant epithelial cells have started to unravel an exquisite context and cell type specificity for the functional effects of CD40. Here, we demonstrate that, in comparison to other carcinomas, mCD40L triggered strikingly more rapid apoptosis in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) cells, underpinned by its ability to entrain two concurrently operating signalling axes. CD40 ligation initially activates TNFR-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) and subsequently NADPH oxidase (NOX)/Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)-signalling and induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to mediate p38/JNK- and ROS-dependent cell death. At that point, p38/JNK signalling directly activates the mitochondrial pathway, and triggers rapid induction of intracellular TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) that signals from internal compartments to initiate extrinsic caspase-10-asscociated apoptosis, leading to truncated Bid (tBid)-activated mitochondrial signalling. p38 and JNK are essential both for direct mitochondrial apoptosis induction and the TRAIL/caspase-10/tBid pathway, but their involvement follows functional hierarchy and temporally controlled interplay, as p38 function is required for JNK phosphorylation. By engaging both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways to activate apoptosis via two signals simultaneously, CD40 can accelerate CRC cell death. Our findings further unravel the multi-faceted properties of the CD40/mCD40L dyad, highlighted by the novel TNFR crosstalk that accelerates tumour cell-specific death, and may have implications for the use of CD40 as a therapeutic target.
Key Role of Hyaluronan Metabolism for the Development of Brain Metastases in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Hamester Fabienne , Stürken Christine , Legler Karen , Eylmann Kathrin , Möller Katrin , Roßberg Maila , Gorzelanny Christian , Bauer Alexander T. , Windhorst Sabine , Schmalfeldt Barbara , Laakmann Elena , Müller Volkmar , Witzel Isabell , Oliveira-Ferrer Leticia
Published: October 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is the second-most common cause of brain metastases (BM) and BCBM patients have a reduced quality of life and a poor prognosis. Hyaluronan (HA), and in particular the hyaluronidase Hyal-1, has been already linked to the development of BCBM, and therefore presents an interesting opportunity to develop new effective therapeutic options. HA metabolism was further discovered by the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of HYAL1 and the shRNA-mediated down-regulation of HA-receptor CD44 in the brain-seeking triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231-BR. Therefore, the impact of Hyal-1 on adhesion, disruption, and invasion through the brain endothelium, both in vitro and in vivo, was studied. Our analysis points out a key role of Hyal-1 and low-molecular-weight HA (LMW-HA) in the formation of a pericellular HA-coat in BC cells, which in turn promotes tumor cell adhesion, disruption, and migration through the brain endothelium in vitro as well as the extent of BM in vivo. CD44 knockdown in MDA-MB-231-BR significantly reduced the pericellular HA-coat on these cells, and, consequently, tumor cell adhesion and invasion through the brain endothelium. Thus, the interaction between Hyal-1-generated LMW-HA fragments and the HA-receptor CD44 might represent a potential target for future therapeutic options in BC patients with a high risk of cerebral metastases formation.
Correction: Huang et al. A Next Generation Sequencing-Based Protocol for Screening of Variants of Concern in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cells 2022, 11, 10
Authors: Huang Jie , Liu Jun , Tian Ruiyi , Liu Kevin , Zhuang Patrick , Sherman Hannah Tayla , Budjan Christoph , Fong Michelle , Jeong Min-Seo , Kong Xue-Jun
Published: October 2022

In the original publication [...]
DLX Genes in the Development and Maintenance of the Vertebrate Skeleton: Implications for Human Pathologies
Authors: Levi Giovanni , Narboux-Nême Nicolas , Cohen-Solal Martine
Published: October 2022

Skeletal shape and mechanical properties define, to a large extent, vertebrate morphology and physical capacities. During development, skeletal morphogenesis results from dynamic communications between chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and other cellular components of the skeleton. Later in life, skeletal integrity depends on the regulatory cascades that assure the equilibrium between bone formation and resorption. Finally, during aging, skeletal catabolism prevails over anabolism resulting in progressive skeletal degradation. These cellular processes depend on the transcriptional cascades that control cell division and differentiation in each cell type. Most Distal-less (Dlx) homeobox transcription factors are directly involved in determining the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes and osteoblasts and, indirectly, of osteoclasts. While the involvement of Dlx genes in the regulation of skeletal formation has been well-analyzed thanks to several mutant mouse models, the role of these genes in the maintenance of bone integrity has been only partially studied. The importance of Dlx genes for adult bone tissues is evidenced by their central role in the regulatory pathways involving Osx/Sp7 and Runx2, the two major master genes of osteogenesis. Dlx genes appear to be involved in several bone pathologies including, for example, osteoporosis. Indeed, at least five large-scale GWAS studies which aimed to detect loci associated with human bone mineral density (BMD) have identified a known DLX5/6 regulatory region within chromosome 7q21.3 in proximity of SEM1/FLJ42280/DSS1 coding sequences, suggesting that DLX5/6 expression is critical in determining healthy BMD. This review aims to summarize the major findings concerning the involvement of Dlx genes in skeletal development and homeostasis and their involvement in skeletal aging and pathology.
New Insight on 2D In Vitro Angiogenesis Models: All That Stretches Is Not a Tube
Authors: Beloglazova Irina , Zubkova Ekaterina , Dergilev Konstantin , Goltseva Yulia , Parfyonova Yelena
Published: October 2022

A Matrigel-based tube formation assay is a simple and widely accepted 2D angiogenesis model in vitro. Extracellular matrix (EM) proteins and growth factors (GFs) from MatrigelTM exclusively trigger endothelial cell (EC) tubular network (ETN) formation. Co-culture of ECs with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is another and more reliable in vitro angiogenesis assay. MSCs modulate ETN formation through intercellular interactions and as a supplier of EM and GFs. The aim of the present study was to compare the expression profile of ECs in both models. We revealed upregulation of the uPA, uPAR, Jagged1, and Notch2 genes in dividing/migrating ECs and for ECs in both experimental models at 19 h. The expression of endothelial–mesenchymal transition genes largely increased in co-cultured ECs whereas Notch and Hippo signaling pathway genes were upregulated in ECs on MatrigelTM. We showed that in the co-culture model, basement membrane (BM) deposition is limited only to cell-to-cell contacts in contrast to MatrigelTM, which represents by itself fully pre-assembled BM matrix. We suggest that ETN in a co-culture model is still in a dynamic process due to immature BM whereas ECs in the MatrigelTM assay seem to be at the final stage of ETN formation.