bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic and Predictive Role of Body Composition in Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Patients Treated with Everolimus: A Real-World Data Analysis
Authors: Ranallo Nicoletta , Iamurri Andrea Prochoswski , Foca Flavia , Liverani Chiara , De Vita Alessandro , Mercatali Laura , Calabrese Chiara , Spadazzi Chiara , Fabbri Carlo , Cavaliere Davide , Galassi Riccardo , Severi Stefano , Sansovini Maddalena , Tartaglia Andreas , Pieri Federica , Crudi Laura , Bianchini David , Barone Domenico , Martinelli Giovanni , Frassineti Giovanni Luca , Ibrahim Toni , Calabrò Luana , Berardi Rossana , Bongiovanni Alberto
Published: July 2022

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare neoplasms frequently characterized by an upregulation of the mammalian rapamycin targeting (mTOR) pathway resulting in uncontrolled cell proliferation. The mTOR pathway is also involved in skeletal muscle protein synthesis and in adipose tissue metabolism. Everolimus inhibits the mTOR pathway, resulting in blockade of cell growth and tumor progression. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of body composition indexes in patients with metastatic NETs treated with everolimus. The study population included 30 patients with well-differentiated (G1-G2), metastatic NETs treated with everolimus at the IRCCS Romagnolo Institute for the Study of Tumors (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola (FC), Italy. The body composition indexes (skeletal muscle index [SMI] and adipose tissue indexes) were assessed by measuring on a computed tomography (CT) scan the cross-sectional area at L3 at baseline and at the first radiological assessment after the start of treatment. The body mass index (BMI) was assessed at baseline. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 8.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.4–13.7 months). The PFS stratified by tertiles was 3.2 months (95% CI: 0.9–10.1 months) in patients with low SMI (tertile 1), 14.2 months (95% CI: 2.3 months-not estimable [NE]) in patients with intermediate SMI (tertile 2), and 9.1 months (95% CI: 2.7 months-NE) in patients with high SMI (tertile 3) (p = 0.039). Similarly, the other body composition indexes also showed a statistically significant difference in the three groups on the basis of tertiles. The median PFS was 3.2 months (95% CI: 0.9–6.7 months) in underweight patients (BMI ≤ 18.49 kg/m2) and 10.1 months (95% CI: 3.7–28.4 months) in normal-weight patients (p = 0.011). There were no significant differences in terms of overall survival. The study showed a correlation between PFS and the body composition indexes in patients with NETs treated with everolimus, underlining the role of adipose and muscle tissue in these patients.
Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling by TET1/FOXO4 Inhibits Metastatic Spreading and Self-Renewal of Cancer Stem Cells in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Qi Jingjing , Cui Di , Wu Qi-Nian , Zhao Qi , Chen Zhan-Hong , Li Lianjie , Birchmeier Walter , Yu Yong , Tao Ran
Published: July 2022

Metastasis is the main cause of death for patients suffering gastric cancer. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells (CSC) are critical attributes of metastasis, both of which are regulated tightly by DNA methylation and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Here, we studied the functions of DNA dioxygenase TET1 in regulating Wnt signaling and in gastric cancer metastasis. Knocking-down and overexpressing TET1 in gastric cancer cells promoted and inhibited metastatic spreading to the liver in immune-deficient mice, respectively. TET1 showed inhibitory effects on metastasis-related features -EMT and CSC, which were reversed by interfering with Wnt/β-catenin signaling. RNA-sequencing identified FOXO4 as a direct transactivating target of TET1. FOXO4 directly interacted with β-catenin and recruited it in the cytoplasm, so as to inhibit β-catenin-mediated transcription of Wnt target genes, including CSC marker EpCAM. Moreover, modulation of FOXO4 could reverse the effects of TET1 manipulation on EMT and self-renewal of CSCs. The analysis with clinical samples confirmed the value of FOXO4 as an independent prognostic predictor of patients’ overall survival. Taken together, regulation of Wnt signaling by TET1/FOXO4 is essential for metastasis-associated cellular properties, and targeting TET1/FOXO4/β-catenin pathway may serve as promising therapeutics in the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer metastasis.
Genotype-to-Phenotype Associations in the Aggressive Variant Prostate Cancer Molecular Profile (AVPC-m) Components
Authors: Soundararajan Rama , Viscuse Paul , Pilie Patrick , Liu Jingjing , Logotheti Souzana , Laberiano Fernández Caddie , Lorenzini Daniele , Hoang Anh , Lu Wei , Soto Luisa Maren Solis , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Xu Mingchu , Song Xingzhi , Shepherd Peter D. A. , Navone Nora M. , Tidwell Rebecca S. S. , Lozano Guillermina , Logothetis Christopher , Zhang Jianhua , Long James P. , Estecio Marcos R. , Tzelepi Vasiliki , Aparicio Ana M.
Published: July 2022

The aggressive variant prostate cancer molecular profile (AVPC-m), composed of combined defects in TP53, RB1 and PTEN, characterizes a subset of prostate cancers linked to androgen indifference and platinum sensitivity. To contribute to the optimization of the AVPC-m assessment for inclusion in prospective clinical trials, we investigated the status of the AVPC-m components in 28 patient tumor-derived xenografts (PDXs) developed at MDACC. We subjected single formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks from each PDX to immunohistochemistry (IHC), targeted next-generation genomic sequencing (NGS) and Clariom-S Affymetrix human microarray expression profiling. Standard validated IHC assays and a 10% labeling index cutoff resulted in high reproducibility across three separate laboratories and three independent readers for all tumor suppressors, as well as strong correlations with loss-of-function transcriptional scores (LOF-TS). Adding intensity assessment to labeling indices strengthened the association between IHC results and LOF-TS for TP53 and RB1, but not for PTEN. For TP53, genomic alterations determined by NGS had slightly higher agreement scores with LOF-TS than aberrant IHC, while for RB1 and PTEN, NGS and IHC determinations resulted in similar agreement scores with LOF-TS. Nonetheless, our results indicate that the AVPC-m components can be assessed reproducibly by IHC using various widely available standardized assays.
Electrocatalysis of 2,6-Dinitrophenol Based on Wet-Chemically Synthesized PbO-ZnO Microstructures
Authors: Rahman Mohammed M. , Alam Md M. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Chowdhury Mohammad Asaduzzaman , Uddin Jamal
Published: July 2022

In this approach, a reliable 2,6-dinitrophenol (2,6-DNP) sensor probe was developed by applying differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) decorated with a wet-chemically prepared PbO-doped ZnO microstructures’ (MSs) electro-catalyst. The nanomaterial characterizing tools such as FESEM, XPS, XRD, UV-vis., and FTIR were used for the synthesized PbO-doped ZnO MSs to evaluate in detail of their optical, structural, morphological, functional, and elemental properties. The peak currents obtained in DPV analysis of 2,6-DNP using PbO-doped ZnO MSs/GCE were plotted against the applied potential to result the calibration of 2,6-DNP sensor expressed by ip(µA) = 1.0171C(µM) + 22.312 (R2 = 0.9951; regression co-efficient). The sensitivity of the proposed 2,6-DNP sensor probe obtained from the slope of the calibration curve as well as dynamic range for 2,6-DNP detection were found as 32.1867 µAµM−1cm−2 and 3.23~16.67 µM, respectively. Besides this, the lower limit of 2,6-DNP detection was calculated by using signal/noise (S/N = 3) ratio and found as good lowest limit (2.95 ± 0.15 µM). As known from the perspective of environment and healthcare sectors, the existence of phenol and their derivatives are significantly carcinogenic and harmful which released from various industrial sources. Therefore, it is urgently required to detect by electrochemical method with doped nanostructure materials. The reproducibility as well as stability of the working electrode duration, response-time, and the analysis of real environmental-samples by applying the recovery method were measured, and found outstanding results in this investigation. A new electrochemical research approach is familiarized to the development of chemical sensor probe by using nanostructured materials as an electron sensing substrate for the environmental safety (ecological system).
Fibronectin Functions as a Selective Agonist for Distinct Toll-like Receptors in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Ambesi Anthony , Maddali Pranav , McKeown-Longo Paula J.
Published: July 2022

The microenvironment of tumors is characterized by structural changes in the fibronectin matrix, which include increased deposition of the EDA isoform of fibronectin and the unfolding of the fibronectin Type III domains. The impact of these structural changes on tumor progression is not well understood. The fibronectin EDA (FnEDA) domain and the partially unfolded first Type III domain of fibronectin (FnIII-1c) have been identified as endogenous damage-associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs), which induce innate immune responses by serving as agonists for Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs). Using two triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231, we show that FnEDA and FnIII-1c induce the pro-tumorigenic cytokine, IL-8, by serving as agonists for TLR5 and TLR2, the canonical receptors for bacterial flagellin and lipoprotein, respectively. We also find that FnIII-1c is not recognized by MDA-MB-468 cells but is recognized by MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting a cell type rather than ligand specific utilization of TLRs. As IL-8 plays a major role in the progression of TNBC, these studies suggest that tumor-induced structural changes in the fibronectin matrix promote an inflammatory microenvironment conducive to metastatic progression.
Mitoribosomal Deregulation Drives Senescence via TPP1-Mediated Telomere Deprotection
Authors: Min Seongki , Kwon So Mee , Hong Jiwon , Lee Young-Kyoung , Park Tae Jun , Lim Su Bin , Yoon Gyesoon
Published: July 2022

While mitochondrial bioenergetic deregulation has long been implicated in cellular senescence, its mechanistic involvement remains unclear. By leveraging diverse mitochondria-related gene expression profiles derived from two different cellular senescence models of human diploid fibroblasts, we found that the expression of mitoribosomal proteins (MRPs) was generally decreased during the early-to-middle transition prior to the exhibition of noticeable SA-β-gal activity. Suppressed expression patterns of the identified senescence-associated MRP signatures (SA-MRPs) were validated in aged human cells and rat and mouse skin tissues and in aging mouse fibroblasts at single-cell resolution. TIN2- and POT1-interaction protein (TPP1) was concurrently suppressed, which induced senescence, accompanied by telomere DNA damage. Lastly, we show that SA-MRP deregulation could be a potential upstream regulator of TPP1 suppression. Our results indicate that mitoribosomal deregulation could represent an early event initiating mitochondrial dysfunction and serve as a primary driver of cellular senescence and an upstream regulator of shelterin-mediated telomere deprotection.
DNA Methylation as an Early Indicator of Aging in Stored Seeds of “Exceptional” Species Populus nigra L.
Authors: Michalak Marcin , Plitta-Michalak Beata Patrycja , Naskręt-Barciszewska Mirosława Zofia , Barciszewski Jan , Chmielarz Paweł
Published: July 2022

Ex situ preservation of genetic resources is an essential strategy for the conservation of plant biodiversity. In this regard, seed storage is the most convenient and efficient way of preserving germplasm for future plant breeding efforts. A better understanding of the molecular changes that occur during seed desiccation and aging is necessary to improve conservation protocols, as well as real-time methods for monitoring seed quality. In the present study, we assessed changes in the level of genomic 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in seeds of Populus nigra L. by 2D-TLC. Epigenetic changes were characterized in response to several seed storage regimes. Our results demonstrate that P. nigra seeds represent an intermediate type of post-harvest behavior, falling between recalcitrant and orthodox seeds. This was also true for the epigenetic response of P. nigra seeds to external factors. A crucial question is whether aging in seeds is initiated by a decline in the level of 5mC, or if epigenetic changes induce a process that leads to deterioration. In our study, we demonstrate for the first time that 5mC levels decrease during storage and that the decline can be detected before any changes in seed germination are evident. Once P. nigra seeds reached an 8–10% reduction in the level of 5mC, a substantial decrease in germination occurred. The decline in the level of 5mC appears to be a critical parameter underlying the rapid deterioration of intermediate seeds. Thus, the measurement of 5mC can be a fast, real-time method for assessing asymptomatic aging in stored seeds.
Recognition of Melanocytes in Immuno-Neuroendocrinology and Circadian Rhythms: Beyond the Conventional Melanin Synthesis
Authors: Chen Yan-Yan , Liu Li-Ping , Zhou Hang , Zheng Yun-Wen , Li Yu-Mei
Published: July 2022

Melanocytes produce melanin to protect the skin from UV-B radiation. Notwithstanding, the spectrum of their functions extends far beyond their well-known role as melanin production factories. Melanocytes have been considered as sensory and computational cells. The neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and other hormones produced by melanocytes make them part of the skin’s well-orchestrated and complex neuroendocrine network, counteracting environmental stressors. Melanocytes can also actively mediate the epidermal immune response. Melanocytes are equipped with ectopic sensory systems similar to the eye and nose and can sense light and odor. The ubiquitous inner circadian rhythm controls the body’s basic physiological processes. Light not only affects skin photoaging, but also regulates inner circadian rhythms and communicates with the local neuroendocrine system. Do melanocytes “see” light and play a unique role in photoentrainment of the local circadian clock system? Why, then, are melanocytes responsible for so many mysterious functions? Do these complex functional devices work to maintain homeostasis locally and throughout the body? In addition, melanocytes have also been shown to be localized in internal sites such as the inner ear, brain, and heart, locations not stimulated by sunlight. Thus, what can the observation of extracutaneous melanocytes tell us about the “secret identity” of melanocytes? While the answers to some of these intriguing questions remain to be discovered, here we summarize and weave a thread around available data to explore the established and potential roles of melanocytes in the biological communication of skin and systemic homeostasis, and elaborate on important open issues and propose ways forward.
The Role of Microglia in Neuroinflammation of the Spinal Cord after Peripheral Nerve Injury
Authors: Pottorf Tana S. , Rotterman Travis M. , McCallum William M. , Haley-Johnson Zoë A. , Alvarez Francisco J.
Published: July 2022

Peripheral nerve injuries induce a pronounced immune reaction within the spinal cord, largely governed by microglia activation in both the dorsal and ventral horns. The mechanisms of activation and response of microglia are diverse depending on the location within the spinal cord, type, severity, and proximity of injury, as well as the age and species of the organism. Thanks to recent advancements in neuro-immune research techniques, such as single-cell transcriptomics, novel genetic mouse models, and live imaging, a vast amount of literature has come to light regarding the mechanisms of microglial activation and alluding to the function of microgliosis around injured motoneurons and sensory afferents. Herein, we provide a comparative analysis of the dorsal and ventral horns in relation to mechanisms of microglia activation (CSF1, DAP12, CCR2, Fractalkine signaling, Toll-like receptors, and purinergic signaling), and functionality in neuroprotection, degeneration, regeneration, synaptic plasticity, and spinal circuit reorganization following peripheral nerve injury. This review aims to shed new light on unsettled controversies regarding the diversity of spinal microglial-neuronal interactions following injury.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel Species of Genus Akkermansia with Metabolic Health Effects in a Diet-Induced Obesity Mouse Model
Authors: Kumar Ritesh , Kane Helene , Wang Qiong , Hibberd Ashley , Jensen Henrik Max , Kim Hye-Sook , Bak Steffen Yde , Auzanneau Isabelle , Bry Stéphanie , Christensen Niels , Friedman Andrew , Rasinkangas Pia , Ouwehand Arthur C. , Forssten Sofia D. , Hasselwander Oliver
Published: July 2022

Akkermansia muciniphila is a well-known bacterium with the ability to degrade mucin. This metabolic capability is believed to play an important role in the colonization of this bacterium in the gut. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of a novel Akkermansia sp. DSM 33459 isolated from human feces of a healthy donor. Phylogenetic analysis based on the genome-wide average nucleotide identity indicated that the Akkermansia sp. DSM 33459 has only 87.5% similarity with the type strain A. muciniphila ATCC BAA-835. Akkermansia sp. DSM 33459 showed significant differences in its fatty acid profile and carbon utilization as compared to the type strain. The Akkermansia sp. DSM 33459 strain was tested in a preclinical obesity model to determine its effect on metabolic markers. Akkermansia sp. DSM 33459 showed significant improvement in body weight, total fat weight, and resistin and insulin levels. Interestingly, these effects were more pronounced with the live form as compared to a pasteurized form of the strain. The strain showed production of agmatine, suggesting a potential novel mechanism for supporting metabolic and cognitive health. Based on its phenotypic features and phylogenetic position, it is proposed that this isolate represents a novel species in the genus Akkermansia and a promising therapeutic candidate for the management of metabolic diseases.
Impact of Exercise and Aging on Mitochondrial Homeostasis in Skeletal Muscle: Roles of ROS and Epigenetics
Authors: Li Jialin , Wang Zhe , Li Can , Song Yu , Wang Yan , Bo Hai , Zhang Yong
Published: July 2022

Aging causes degenerative changes such as epigenetic changes and mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle. Exercise can upregulate muscle mitochondrial homeostasis and enhance antioxidant capacity and represents an effective treatment to prevent muscle aging. Epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation, histone posttranslational modifications, and microRNA expression are involved in the regulation of exercise-induced adaptive changes in muscle mitochondria. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in signaling molecules in exercise-induced muscle mitochondrial health benefits, and strong evidence emphasizes that exercise-induced ROS can regulate gene expression via epigenetic mechanisms. The majority of mitochondrial proteins are imported into mitochondria from the cytosol, so mitochondrial homeostasis is regulated by nuclear epigenetic mechanisms. Exercise can reverse aging-induced changes in myokine expression by modulating epigenetic mechanisms. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of exercise-generated ROS in the regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. In addition, the potential epigenetic mechanisms involved in exercise-induced myokine expression are reviewed.
Whole Exome Sequencing Points towards a Multi-Gene Synergistic Action in the Pathogenesis of Congenital Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency
Authors: Sertedaki Amalia , Tatsi Elizabeth Barbara , Vasilakis Ioannis Anargyros , Fylaktou Irene , Nikaina Eirini , Iacovidou Nicoletta , Siahanidou Tania , Kanaka-Gantenbein Christina
Published: July 2022

Combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) is characterized by deficiency of growth hormone and at least one other pituitary hormone. Pathogenic variants in more than 30 genes expressed during the development of the head, hypothalamus, and/or pituitary have been identified so far to cause genetic forms of CPHD. However, the etiology of around 85% of the cases remains unknown. The aim of this study was to unveil the genetic etiology of CPHD due to congenital hypopituitarism employing whole exome sequencing (WES) in two newborn patients, initially tested and found to be negative for PROP1, LHX3, LHX4 and HESX1 pathogenic variants by Sanger sequencing and for copy number variations by MLPA. In this study, the application of WES in these CPHD newborns revealed the presence of three different heterozygous gene variants in each patient. Specifically in patient 1, the variants BMP4; p.Ala42Pro, GNRH1; p.Arg73Ter and SRA1; p.Gln32Glu, and in patient 2, the SOX9; p.Val95Ile, HS6ST1; p.Arg306Gln, and IL17RD; p.Pro566Ser were identified as candidate gene variants. These findings further support the hypothesis that CPHD constitutes an oligogenic rather than a monogenic disease and that there is a genetic overlap between CPHD and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
In Vitro and Ex Vivo Kinetic Release Profile of Growth Factors and Cytokines from Leucocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) Preparations
Authors: Wang Xuzhu , Fok Melissa R. , Pelekos George , Jin Lijian , Tonetti Maurizio S.
Published: July 2022

L-PRF is an autologous blood-derived biomaterial (ABDB) capable of releasing biologically active agents to promote healing. Little is known about its release profile of growth factors (GFs), cytokines, and MMPs. This study reported the in vitro and ex vivo release kinetics of GFs, cytokines, and MMPs from L-PRF at 6, 24, 72, and 168 h. The in vitro release rates of PDGF, TGF-β1, EGF, FGF-2, VEGF, and MMPs decreased over time with different rates, while those of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-10 were low at 6 h and then increased rapidly for up to 24 h and subsequently decreased. Of note, the release rates of the GFs followed first-order kinetics both in vitro and ex vivo. Higher rates of release were found ex vivo, suggesting that significant amounts of GFs were produced by the local cells within the wound. In addition, the half-life times of GFs locally produced in the wound, including PDGF-AA, PDGF-AB/BB, and VEGF, were significantly extended (p < 0.05). This work demonstrates that L-PRF can sustain the release of GFs and cytokines for up to 7 days, and it shows that the former can activate cells to produce additional mediators and amplify the communication network for optimizing the wound environment, thereby enhancing healing.
Mining the Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Secretome in Patients with Chronic Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: Morrissey Jacquelynn , Mesquita Fernanda C. P. , Chacon-Alberty Lourdes , Hochman-Mendez Camila
Published: July 2022

Close examination of the initial results of cardiovascular cell therapy clinical trials indicates the importance of patient-specific differences on outcomes and the need to optimize or customize cell therapies. The fields of regenerative medicine and cell therapy have transitioned from using heterogeneous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) to mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which are believed to elicit benefits through paracrine activity. Here, we examined MSCs from the BMMNCs of heart failure patients enrolled in the FOCUS-CCTRN trial. We sought to identify differences in MSCs between patients who improved and those who declined in heart function, regardless of treatment received. Although we did not observe differences in the cell profile of MSCs between groups, we did find significant differences in the MSC secretome profile between patients who improved or declined. We conclude that “mining” the MSC secretome may provide clues to better understand the impact of patient characteristics on outcomes after cell therapy and this knowledge can inform future cell therapy trials.
Poverty, Material Hardship, and Children’s Outcomes: A Nuanced Understanding of Material Hardship in Childhood
Authors: Schenck-Fontaine Anika , Ryan Rebecca M.
Published: July 2022

There are four distinct, related types of material hardship—basic expense hardship, food insecurity, housing hardship, and medical hardship. Extant research has not sufficiently accounted for the complex relationships between these different types of material hardship. Using 1997 and 2002 data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics Child Development Study on a national sample of 3- to 17-year-old children (N = 3563), this study describes the prevalence of each type of material hardship, their relative correlations, and their associations with children’s behavior problems, and reading and math scores. Material hardship is more prevalent than income poverty and the four types of material hardship were only moderately correlated with each other. Only basic expense hardship, food security, and one type of medical hardship were associated with increased behavior problems. Only housing hardship was associated with lower math and reading scores. These findings highlight the need to more carefully investigate the distinctions between material hardship types in childhood and the importance of a diversified set of policy responses to protect children from the possible effects of distinct, but interrelated experiences of material hardship.
An Atypical Case of Aphasia: Transitory Ischemic Attack in a 13-Year-Old Patient with Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Scaglione Marco , Napoli Flavia , Prato Giulia , Severino Mariasavina , Bertamino Marta , Signa Sara , Maghnie Mohamad
Published: July 2022

We report the case of a 13-year-old patient, female, born in Northern Italy, who presented with an acute episode of aphasia, lasting about 15 min, accompanied by left arm dysesthesia. The state of consciousness remained preserved throughout the episode. After a first clinical evaluation at second-level hospital, the patient was sent to our institute for further investigations. Brain MRI performed at admission showed no noteworthy structural alterations. Electroencephalogram was not significant, as was the echocardiographic examination. ECG was normal, except for a corrected-QT at the upper limits of the normal range for age and gender. The neurological examination was substantially normal for the entire duration of the hospital stay. The symptomatology initially described has never reappeared. Blood tests were substantially negative, in particular thrombophilic screening excluded hereditary-familial thrombophilic diseases. Color doppler ultrasound of the supra-aortic trunks, splanchnic vessels and lower limbs were also normal. Only positivity to SARS-CoV-2 serology is reported. In the recent clinical history there were no symptoms attributable to symptomatic coronavirus infection.
Effect of Key Phytochemicals from Andrographis paniculata, Tinospora cordifolia, and Ocimum sanctum on PLpro-ISG15 De-Conjugation Machinery—A Computational Approach
Authors: Singh Prachi , Bhat Shruthi S. , Punnapuzha Ardra , Bhagavatula Amrutha , Venkanna Babu U. , Mohamed Rafiq , Rao Raghavendra P.
Published: July 2022

ISGylation is an important process through which interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) elicit an antiviral response in the host cells. Several viruses, including the SARS-CoV-2, suppress the host immune response by reversing the ISGylation through a process known as de-ISGylation. The PLpro of SARS-CoV-2 interacts with the host ISG15 and brings about de-ISGylation. Hence, inhibiting the de-ISGylation to restore the activity of ISGs can be an attractive strategy to augment the host immune response against SARS-CoV-2. In the present study, we evaluated several phytochemicals from well-known immunomodulatory herbs, viz. Andrographispaniculata (AG), Tinospora cordifolia (GU), and Ocimum sanctum (TU) for their effect on deISGylation that was mediated by the PLpro of SARS-CoV2. For this purpose, we considered the complex 6XA9, which represents the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 PLpro and ISG15 proteins. The phytochemicals from these herbs were first evaluated for their ability to bind to the interface region between PLpro and ISG15. Molecular docking studies indicated that 14-deoxy-15-isopropylidene-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (AG1), Isocolumbin (GU1), and Orientin (TU1) from AG, GU, and TU, respectively possess better binding energy. The molecular dynamic parameters and MMPBSA calculations indicated that AG1, GU1, and TU1 could favorably bind to the interface and engaged key residues between (PLpro-ISG15)-complex. Protein–protein MMPBSA calculations indicated that GU1 and TU1 could disrupt the interactions between ISG15 and PLpro. Our studies provide a novel molecular basis for the immunomodulatory action of these phytochemicals and open up new strategies to evaluate drug molecules for their effect on de-ISGylation to overcome the virus-mediated immune suppression.
An Optical Camera Communication Using Novel Hybrid Frequency Shift and Pulse Width Modulation Technique for Li-Fi
Authors: Salvi Sanket , Vasantha Geetha
Published: July 2022

With an increase in network-connected devices, the existing Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum is getting highly saturated. Non-RF-based communication systems have recently garnered attention as they can be considered an alternative to RF-based systems for some applications. The availability of efficient and low-cost electronic components like Light Emitting Diode (LED), photodiode, and cameras have been pivotal in building communications systems using visible light. High-speed communication using visible light can be achieved with customized hardware and software. Visible Light Communication (VLC) uses various properties of light to encode digital data, which is then modulated and transmitted over a short distance to the receiver. Photodiodes are inexpensive and provide low complexity implementation, but their adoption requires modifying existing devices to house dedicated sensors. On the other hand, in Optical Camera Communication (OCC), existing camera-based receivers are used to extract encoded data using properties of light like color, blink frequency, intensity, and polarity. In this paper, a novel OCC technique to achieve improved robustness using a Hybrid Frequency Shift Pulse Width Modulation (HFSPDM) is proposed, implemented, and evaluated. The performance of the proposed technique is compared for a short distance with On-Off Keying (OOK) and Binary Frequency Shift-OOK (BFSOOK) due to similar computational requirements. It was observed that the proposed technique used a 17% lesser number of frames than BFSOOK and provided 8% better BER than OOK under a test environment. It also supports longer distance communication than OOK as it is less sensitive to external noise.
Rapid Detection of Cardiac Pathologies by Neural Networks Using ECG Signals (1D) and sECG Images (3D)
Authors: Aguiar-Salazar Evelyn , Villalba-Meneses Fernando , Tirado-Espín Andrés , Amaguaña-Marmol Daniel , Almeida-Galárraga Diego
Published: July 2022

Usually, cardiac pathologies are detected using one-dimensional electrocardiogram signals or two-dimensional images. When working with electrocardiogram signals, they can be represented in the time and frequency domains (one-dimensional signals). However, this technique can present difficulties, such as the high cost of private health services or the time the public health system takes to refer the patient to a cardiologist. In addition, the variety of cardiac pathologies (more than 20 types) is a problem in diagnosing the disease. On the other hand, surface electrocardiography (sECG) is a little-explored technique for this diagnosis. sECGs are three-dimensional images (two dimensions in space and one in time). In this way, the signals were taken in one-dimensional format and analyzed using neural networks. Following the transformation of the one-dimensional signals to three-dimensional signals, they were analyzed in the same sense. For this research, two models based on LSTM and ResNet34 neural networks were developed, which showed high accuracy, 98.71% and 93.64%, respectively. This study aims to propose the basis for developing Decision Support Software (DSS) based on machine learning models.
Comparative Analysis of Various Plant-Growth-Regulator Treatments on Biomass Accumulation, Bioactive Phytochemical Production, and Biological Activity of Solanum virginianum L. Callus Culture Extracts
Authors: Usman Hazrat , Jan Hasnain , Zaman Gouhar , Khanum Mehnaz , Drouet Samantha , Garros Laurine , Tungmunnithum Duangjai , Hano Christophe , Abbasi Bilal Haider
Published: July 2022

Solanum virginianum L. (Solanum xanthocarpum) is an important therapeutic plant due to the presence of medicinally useful plant-derived compounds. S. virginianum has been shown to have anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiaging, and anti-inflammatory properties. This plant is becoming endangered due to overexploitation and the loss of its native habitat. The purpose of this research is to develop an ideal technique for the maximum biomass and phytochemical accumulation in S. virginianum leaf-induced in vitro cultures, as well as to evaluate their potential antiaging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant abilities. Leaf explants were grown on media (Murashige and Skoog (MS)) that were supplemented with various concentrations and combinations of plant hormones (TDZ, BAP, NAA, and TDZ + NAA) for this purpose. When compared with the other hormones, TDZ demonstrated the best response for callus induction, biomass accumulation, phytochemical synthesis, and biological activities. However, with 5 mg/L of TDZ, the optimal biomass production (FW: 251.48 g/L and DW: 13.59 g/L) was estimated. The highest total phenolic level (10.22 ± 0.44 mg/g DW) was found in 5 mg/L of TDZ, whereas the highest flavonoid contents (1.65 ± 0.11 mg/g DW) were found in 10 mg/L of TDZ. The results of the HPLC revealed that the highest production of coumarins (scopoletin: 4.34 ± 0.20 mg/g DW and esculetin: 0.87 ± 0.040 mg/g DW) was determined for 10 mg/L of TDZ, whereas the highest accumulations of caffeic acid (0.56 ± 0.021 mg/g DW) and methyl caffeate (18.62 ± 0.60 mg/g DW) were shown by 5 mg/L of TDZ. The determination of these phytochemicals (phenolics and coumarins) estimates that the results of our study on biological assays, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging assays, are useful for future cosmetic applications.
Overview of Cosmetic Regulatory Frameworks around the World
Authors: Ferreira Mariana , Matos Ana , Couras Ana , Marto Joana , Ribeiro Helena
Published: July 2022

To ensure safety and efficacy, cosmetic products are regulated and controlled worldwide. However, the regulatory approaches of each country may be significantly different and impact the competitiveness and economic viability of the industry. This work presents an updated review and comparison of regulatory requirements from the European Union, United States of America, Canada, Japan, People’s Republic of China and Brazil. It outlines contents such as the definition, classification and categorization of cosmetics, pre-market requirements, ingredients management, general labelling requirements, regulation of claims concerning advertisement and commercial practices, increase of animal testing and marketing bans on cosmetic products. Furthermore, it weighs the impact of regulatory differences on the safety and accessibility of these products in the mentioned regions.
Effect of CaO on the Phase Evolution of Vanadium Slag during Crystallization and Roasting–Leaching Processes for Selective Extraction of Vanadium
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zhou Wang , Li Yuanyuan , Ye Qian , Yu Xiaowen , Chen Zhao
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the effects of CaO on the phase evolution mechanism of vanadium slag during slagging, direct roasting, and (NH4)2CO3 leaching processes are investigated. Results indicate that with the increase in CaO content, vanadium is always concentrated as (Fe, Mn, Mg)V2O4 in spinels, part of titanium is concentrated and transformed into CaTiO3, and phosphorus is concentrated in 3CaO·P2O5 (C3P) and transformed into n·2CaO·SiO2-3CaO·P2O5 (nC2S-C3P). During the direct roasting process, a part of the vanadium-containing spinel phase oxidizes and reacts with Ca2SiO4 to produce calcium vanadate (Ca3V2O8, Ca10V6O25, and Ca2V2O7), which is soluble in (NH4)2CO3 aqueous solution. However, a part of the vanadium-containing spinel phase is oxidized and decomposed to vanadium oxides (V2O5 and V6O13), which are insoluble in (NH4)2CO3 aqueous solution. This is not beneficial for vanadium extraction using (NH4)2CO3 aqueous solution. In addition, (NH4)2CO3 aqueous solution can restrain the leaching of C3P from the nC2S-C3P solid solution in the directly roasted vanadium slag with high CaO content.
Low-Temperature Magnetothermodynamics Performance of Tb1-xErxNi2 Laves-Phases Compounds for Designing Composite Refrigerants
Authors: Ćwik Jacek , Koshkid’ko Yurii , Nenkov Konstantin , Tereshina-Chitrova Evgenia , Weise Bruno , Kowalska Karolina
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the results of heat capacity measurements performed on the polycrystalline Tb1-xErxNi2 intermetallic compounds with x = 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 are presented. The Debye temperatures and lattice contributions as well as the magnetic part of the heat capacity were determined and analyzed. The heat capacity measurements reveal that the substitution of Tb atoms for Er atoms leads to a linear reduction of the Curie temperatures in the investigated compounds. The ordering temperatures decrease from 28.3 K for Tb0.25Er0.75Ni2 to 12.9 K for Tb0.75Er0.25Ni2. Heat capacity measurements enabled us to calculate with good approximation the isothermal magnetic entropy ΔSmag and adiabatic temperature changes ΔTad for Tb1-xErxNi2, for the magnetic field value equal to 1 T and 2 T. The optimal molar ratios of individual Tb0.75Er0.25Ni2, Tb0.5Er0.5Ni2 and Tb0.25Er0.75Ni2 components in the final composite were theoretically determined. According to the obtained results, the investigated composites make promising candidates that can find their application as an active body in a magnetic refrigerator performing an Ericsson cycle at low temperatures. Moreover, for the Tb0.5Er0.5Ni2 compound, direct measurements of adiabatic temperature change in the vicinity of the Curie temperature in the magnetic field up to 14 T were performed. The obtained high-field results are compared to the data for the parent TbNi2 and ErNi2 compounds, and their magnetocaloric properties near the Curie temperature are analyzed in the framework of the Landau theory for the second-order phase transitions.
Molecular and Morphological Characterization of Two New Species of Globisporangium from Southern China, G. pengfuense and G. tenuihyphum
Authors: Chen Jia-Jia , Zong Shu-Bin , Huang Xiao-Xiao , Yu Jian , Yang Hong-Jun , Ye Wen-Wu
Published: July 2022

Two new species of Globisporangium, G. pengfuense and G. tenuihyphum, that were isolated from soybean in China are described and illustrated based on their morphological characters and molecular evidence. The characteristics of G. pengfuense include globose to sub-globose sporangia that are: catenulate, terminal, occasionally with apical papillae or intercalary, smooth oogonia, mostly monoclinous, occasionally diclinous antheridia, fist-shaped to crook-necked, with straight or curved antheridial cells, and plerotic or nearly plerotic with thin-walled oospores (0.5–1.0 µm). Globisporangium tenuihyphum differs from other species in this genus by its relatively narrow hyphae that are: mostly sub-globose to globose, occasionally ovoid-obpyriform sporangia, smooth oogonia, monoclinous antheridia, subclavate, falcate or semicircular to subcircular antheridial cells, and with aplerotic oospores. Phylogenetically, data from the combined internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (Cox1) sequences support the designation of G. pengfuense and G. tenuihyphum as two distinct species of Globisporangium (Pythium sensu lato clades G and J). In addition, the two new species were compared to closely related Globisporangium species, to delineate their phylogenetic positions and morphological features.
Microalgae Indicators of Charophyte Habitats of South and Southeast Kazakhstan
Authors: Sametova Elmira , Jumakhanova Gaukhar , Nurashov Satbay , Barinova Sophia , Jiyenbekov Aibek , Smith Thomas
Published: July 2022

Charophyte algae is a very sensitive group of organisms occupying Kazakhstan waterbodies. They are distributed throughout the country; however, not enough studies have been conducted, especially in the southern region. Research carried out in 2019–2022 identified 33 habitats of charophyte algae in the south and southeastern regions of Kazakhstan, including 15 new to Kazakhstan. Bioindicators and the statistical analysis of 223 species of nine phyla of microalgae associated with charophytes revealed that the main factors influencing the distribution of algal diversity may be habitat altitude and hydrology. The habitat altitude of about 700 m above sea level was shown to be the boundary between the different diversity distributions. The application of bioindicator methods can expand our knowledge on the ecology of the charophyte species in Kazakhstan. The study of algal diversity in charophyte habitats can serve as a tool for tracking climate change under potential future climate warming.
Molecular Characterization of Ctenotaenia marmotae (Frölich, 1802) Railliet, 1893 (Cyclophyllidea: Anoplocephalidae) Parasitizing Rodents of the Genus Marmota and Spermophilus from Eurasia
Authors: Krivopalov Anton , Abramov Sergey , Akimova Lyudmila , Barkhatova Alina , Gromov Anton , Konyaev Sergey , Lopatina Natalia , Sidorovich Anna , Vlasov Egor , Vlasenko Pavel , Zinchenko Vadim
Published: July 2022

Cestodes Ctenotaenia marmotae are a widespread parasite of Eurasian ground squirrels. Being the only valid species of its genus, it has been recorded in ten host species from the genera Marmota and Spermophilus. Its definitive hosts live in similar ecological conditions and their area covers a wide geographical territory. Therefore, it remained unclear whether C. marmotae is a single species and how high the level of its genetic variability is. The present study analyzed the variability of two mitochondrial cestode genes from four host species from geographically distant localities. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the newly obtained sequences form a species-level clade with already known sequences from the GenBank. Small genetic distances between the studied sequences indicate low intraspecific genetic variability within the C. marmotae, which may be a consequence of rapid expansion of the cestodes in ground squirrel species inhabiting the flat and mountain steppe landscapes in the past.
What’s Inside the Hole? A Review of European Dendrolimnetic Moth Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Psychodinae)
Authors: Jaume-Schinkel Santiago , Morelli Alessio , Kvifte Gunnar Mikalsen , Mengual Ximo
Published: July 2022

We conducted an extensive literature review in search of records of dendrolimnetic Psychodinae, with additional field sampling of the European species of Psychodinae associated with water-filled tree holes. After checking more than 100 publications, only 11 specific published records involving dendrolimnetic Psychodinae were found. Our results show that six genera, represented by 13 species of Psychodinae, are associated with 13 species of plant trees. As a result of our field sampling, we report Lepiseodina latipennis (Sarà, 1953) and Telmatoscopus bartai (Ježek, 2004) comb. nov. for the first time in Germany. Furthermore, we redescribe L. latipennis based on freshly collected material with a closer examination of the holotype. Derived from our findings, we review the genera Lepiseodina Enderlein, 1937 and Telmatoscopus Eaton, 1904, providing an identification key for the males of both genera. In addition, we synonymyze Krivosheinoscopus Ježek, 2001 syn. nov. under Telmatoscopus, changing combination of Telmatoscopus ussuricus (Ježek, 2001) comb. nov. and Telmatoscopus bartai (Ježek, 2004), additionally, we change combination and a sononymy of Tematoscopus wagneri (Salmanna, 1982) comb. et syn. nov. under Telmatoscopus advena (Eaton, 1893). Furthermore, we describe for the first time the female and eggs of Telmatoscopus advena. Moreover, we provide the first published DNA barcodes (COI) for Telmatoscopus bartai, Lepiseodina latipennis (Sarà, 1953), Lepiseodina rothschildi (Eaton, 1912), and Lepiseodina tristis (Meigen, 1830). Finally, we also discuss the taxonomy and ecology of the European dendrolimnetic species of the subfamily Psychodinae.
First Records of Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from the World’s Largest Cave in Vietnam
Authors: Thong Vu Dinh , Limbert Howard , Limbert Debora
Published: July 2022

Located within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Central Vietnam, Son Doong Cave is the world’s largest cave and has become one of the most famous sites for caving tourists and scientists worldwide. It contains highly diverse landscapes and ecosystems with special value in many natural aspects including biodiversity. Bat species are usually regarded as key and fascinating dwellers in cave ecosystems. We recently conducted a bat survey in Son Doong Cave in May 2022 for an initial understanding of the bat species inhabiting this special cave. Bats were captured using mist nets. Echolocation calls were recorded and analyzed using the PCTape system and Batman and Selena software, respectively. Results from the survey confirmed that Son Doong Cave is a home for at least six echolocating bat species of five genera and four families: Hipposideridae (Aselliscus stoliczkanus, Hipposideros scutinares), Rhinolophidae (Rhinolophus thomasi), Molossidae (Mops plicatus) and Vespertilionidae (Myotis pilosus and Myotis cf. muricola). Of these five species, H. scutinares and M. pilosus are listed as globally “vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Among the six captured and recorded species from the Son Doong Cave, each species is clearly distinguishable from the others in terms of morphological features, echolocation call structure and frequencies.
Fungal Flora in Adult Females of the Rearing Population of Ambrosia Beetle Euwallacea interjectus (Blandford) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae): Does It Differ from the Wild Population?
Authors: Jiang Zi-Ru , Masuya Hayato , Kajimura Hisashi
Published: July 2022

Ambrosia beetles bore into host trees, and live with fungi symbiotically that serve as a food source. However, it is challenging to directly observe these beetles in the wild. In this study, Euwallacea interjectus (Blandford) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), a pest of fig trees in Japan, were reared under artificial conditions to emulate the behavior of ambrosia beetle. Fungi were isolated from the adult females of E. interjectus to identify the species associated with secondary symbiosis. In total, nine filamentous fungi and one yeast were identified using morphological characteristics and DNA sequence data. Neocosmospora metavorans (Hypocreales: Nectriaceae), Fusarium sp. (Hypocreales: Nectriaceae), that is undescribed, and Meyerozyma guilliermondii (Saccharomycetes: Saccharomycetales) (yeast) were isolated more frequently from the head (including from mycangia, the fungus-carrying organ) than from the thorax and abdomen of adult beetles. Neocosmospora metavorans was the dominant species isolated from 12 out of 16 heads at 200 to 3300 CFUs/head, compared to the primary mycangia fungus from wild beetles, i.e., Fusarium kuroshium (Hypocreales: Nectriaceae). Temperature had a marked effect on fungal growth in the three symbiont species. Our results represent a major paradigm shift in understanding beetle–fungal interactions, as they show specific symbiont switching can occur in different nesting places.