bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis between preoperative cervical radiographic parameters represented by the K-line tilt and the short-term prognosis of laminoplasty for posterior longitudinal ligament ossification: A retrospective study
Authors: Wei Baixing , Liu Wanting , Wu Han
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between preoperative radiographic parameters and the short-term prognosis of patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) who underwent laminoplasty (LAMP).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of Cervical OPLL 50 patients with K-line (+) OPLL with no cervical kyphosis who received LAMP was performed. Based on preoperative neutral position x-ray, the K-line tilt, C2–C7 SVA (sagittal vertical axis), CL (cervical lordosis), T1 slope, and T1 slope-CL were recorded. The JOA (Japanese orthopaedic association scores) score and the cervical kyphosis change were recorded 1 year after surgery. Patients were divided into good and poor prognosis groups according to the median (12.5) of the postoperative JOA score.

Results

There were differences between the two groups in K-line tilt, C2–C7 SVA, and T1 slope (all ps < 0.05). There was a strong linear correlation between the three, K-Line tilt, JOA score, and C2–C7 SVA. The degree of influence of K-line tilt, C2–C7 SVA, T1 slope on postoperative JOA score was analyzed using multiple linear regression, and the absolute value of the standardized coefficient Beta were 0.550, 0.319, 0.185, respectively. There was no cervical kyphosis change 1 year after surgery.

Conclusion

As preoperative cervical parameters, the influence of K-line tilt, C2–C7 SVA, and T1 slope on postoperative JOA score decreases in order. There was a linear relationship between preoperative K-line tilt and postoperative JOA score, implying that patients with cervical OPLL with high K-line tilt were not eligible for LAMP. K-line tilt was not predictive of cervical kyphosis change after LAMP in patients with OPLL at short-term follow-up.
Relationship between Manufacturing and Properties of Vacuum Sintered Ti and Ti-6Al-7Nb
Authors: Bolzoni Leandro , Ruiz-Navas Elisa Maria , Gordo Elena
Published: September 2022

Titanium alloys are ideal for a great range of engineering applications; however, their high manufacturing costs hinder their widespread use. This study investigates the relationship between the processing and properties of representative Ti-based materials manufactured via powder metallurgy in order to reduce the manufacturing costs. This is possible as powder metallurgy techniques are near-net shape processes with high yield of material. It is found that the relative density increases with the sintering temperature, and it is slightly higher for longer processing times, reaching values in the 94–97% range. Moreover, homogeneous microstructures are obtained for all the conditions investigated, achieving an equiaxed microstructure for Ti and the typical lamellar structure for the Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy. However, the increment of the temperature also leads to a higher amount of interstitial pick-up, with a maximum increment of 0.21 wt.% and 0.028 wt.% for oxygen and nitrogen, respectively. The highest properties achieved for Ti and Ti-6Al-7Nb are 272 HV (hardness), 17.9 W/m·K (thermal conductivity), and 62.7 μohm·cm (electrical resistivity) and 336 HV, 6.9 W/m·K, and 180 μohm·cm, respectively.
Effects of Long-Term Low-Protein Diets Supplemented with Sodium Dichloroacetate and Glucose on Metabolic Biomarkers and Intestinal Microbiota of Finishing Pigs
Authors: Xu Yetong , Chen Huiyuan , Wan Ke , Tang Zhiru , Sun Weizhong , Wu Liuting , Ren Zhongxiang , Ding Qi , Liang Kaiyang , Sun Zhihong
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-protein (LP) diets supplemented with sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) and glucose (GLUC) on metabolic markers and intestinal microbiota of finishing pigs. A total of 80 crossbred growing barrows were allocated randomly to one of the five treatments, including the normal protein level diet (CON), the LP diets, LP with 120 mg/kg DCA (LP + DCA) or 1.8% glucose (LP + GLUC), and LP with 120 mg/kg DCA and 1.8% glucose (LP + DCA + GLUC). The LP diet increased the plasma HDL, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentrations and reduced the bile acid, urea nitrogen, albumin, and total protein concentrations compared to the CON diet (p < 0.05). The LP + DCA + GLUC diet reduced the plasma VLDL, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentrations and increased the bile acid concentration compared with the LP diet (p < 0.05). Pigs fed the LP + DCA and LP + GLUC diets showed reduced 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase content and increased Cytochrome P450 Family 7 Subfamily A Member 1 activity of liver compared that of the CON diet (p < 0.05). Moreover, the LP diets with or without DCA and GLUC supplementation increased the relative abundance of colonic microbiota related to carbohydrate fermentation in finishing pigs. In conclusion, 120 mg/kg DCA or 1.8% GLUC supplementation in an LP diet modulated the hepatic lipid metabolism of pigs, while the DCA along with GLUC supplementation likely improved the lipid metabolism by stimulating bile acid secretion.
Effect of Lactobacillus reuteri S5 Intervention on Intestinal Microbiota Composition of Chickens Challenged with Salmonella enteritidis
Authors: Shi Shuiqin , Zhou Duoqi , Xu Yuan , Dong Jinsheng , Han Yu , He Guangyu , Li Wenhui , Hu Jie , Liu Yannan , Zhao Kai
Published: September 2022

To understand the mechanism of lactic acid bacteria against Salmonella enteritidis infection; we examined how lactic acid bacteria regulated the intestinal microbiota to resist infection by pathogenic bacteria. The probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri S5 was used to construct an animal model of S. enteritidis infected broilers. A high-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze the regulatory effects of L. reuteri S5 on the structure of the intestinal microbiota of broilers infected with S. enteritidis; and to examine the possible defense mechanism they used. Our results showed that the administration of L. reuteri S5 reduced colonization of S. enteritidis (p < 0.05), decreased intestinal permeability (p < 0.05), and reduced the bacterial displacement likely due by S. enteritidis colonization (p < 0.05), suggesting some enhancement of the intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, L. reuteri S5 increased the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the chicken cecal microflora and the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae and decreased the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae. These results suggest that the lactic acid bacterium L. reuteri S5 protected the intestinal microbiota of chickens against S. enteritidis infection.
On One Problem of the Nonlinear Convex Optimization
Authors: Vrabel Robert
Published: September 2022

In this short paper, we study the problem of traversing a crossbar through a bent channel, which has been formulated as a nonlinear convex optimization problem. The result is a MATLAB code that we can use to compute the maximum length of the crossbar as a function of the width of the channel (its two parts) and the angle between them. In case they are perpendicular to each other, the result is expressed analytically and is closely related to the astroid curve (a hypocycloid with four cusps).
The Transcranial Light Therapy Improves Synaptic Plasticity in the Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model
Authors: Buendía Débora , Guncay Tatiana , Oyanedel Macarena , Lemus Makarena , Weinstein Alejandro , Ardiles Álvaro O. , Marcos José , Fernandes Adriana , Zângaro Renato , Muñoz Pablo
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the main cause of dementia worldwide. Emerging non-invasive treatments such as photobiomodulation target the mitochondria to minimize brain damage, improving cognitive functions. In this work, an experimental design was carried out to evaluate the effect of transcranial light therapy (TLTC) on synaptic plasticity (SP) and cognitive functions in an AD animal model. Twenty-three mice were separated into two general groups: an APP/PS1 (ALZ) transgenic group and a wild-type (WT) group. Each group was randomly subdivided into two subgroups: mice with and without TLTC, depending on whether they would undergo treatment with TLTC. Cognitive function, measured through an object recognition task, showed non-significant improvement after TLTC. SP, on the other hand, was evaluated using four electrophysiological parameters from the Schaffer-CA1 collateral hippocampal synapses: excitatory field potentials (fEPSP), paired pulse facilitation (PPF), long-term depression (LTD), and long-term potentiation (LTP). An improvement was observed in subjects treated with TLTC, showing higher levels of LTP than those transgenic mice that were not exposed to the treatment. Therefore, the results obtained in this work showed that TLTC could be an efficient non-invasive treatment for AD-associated SP deficits.
Common Neuroanatomical Substrate of Cholinergic Pathways and Language-Related Brain Regions as an Explanatory Framework for Evaluating the Efficacy of Cholinergic Pharmacotherapy in Post-Stroke Aphasia: A Review
Authors: Katsari Marina , Angelopoulou Georgia , Laskaris Nikolaos , Potagas Constantin , Kasselimis Dimitrios
Published: September 2022

Despite the relative scarcity of studies focusing on pharmacotherapy in aphasia, there is evidence in the literature indicating that remediation of language disorders via pharmaceutical agents could be a promising aphasia treatment option. Among the various agents used to treat chronic aphasic deficits, cholinergic drugs have provided meaningful results. In the current review, we focused on published reports investigating the impact of acetylcholine on language and other cognitive disturbances. It has been suggested that acetylcholine plays an important role in neuroplasticity and is related to several aspects of cognition, such as memory and attention. Moreover, cholinergic input is diffused to a wide network of cortical areas, which have been associated with language sub-processes. This could be a possible explanation for the positive reported outcomes of cholinergic drugs in aphasia recovery, and specifically in distinct language processes, such as naming and comprehension, as well as overall communication competence. However, evidence with regard to functional alterations in specific brain areas after pharmacotherapy is rather limited. Finally, despite the positive results derived from the relevant studies, cholinergic pharmacotherapy treatment in post-stroke aphasia has not been widely implemented. The present review aims to provide an overview of the existing literature in the common neuroanatomical substrate of cholinergic pathways and language related brain areas as a framework for interpreting the efficacy of cholinergic pharmacotherapy interventions in post-stroke aphasia, following an integrated approach by converging evidence from neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropsychology.
Integrative Analysis Identifies TCIRG1 as a Potential Prognostic and Immunotherapy-Relevant Biomarker Associated with Malignant Cell Migration in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Chao , Jia Bolin , Yang Zhan , Han Zhenwei , Wang Zhu , Liu Wuyao , Cao Yilong , Chen Yao , Gu Junfei , Zhang Yong
Published: September 2022

Background: TCIRG1, also known as V-ATPase-a3, is critical for cellular life activities through its dependent acidification. Prior to the present research, its relationship with prognostic and tumor immunity in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) had not yet been investigated. Methods: We assessed TCIRG1 expression in normal and tumor tissues using data from TCGA, GEO, GTEX, and IHC. We also analyzed the relationship between TCIRG1 and somatic mutations, TMB, DNA methylation, cancer stemness, and immune infiltration. We evaluated the relevance of TCIRG1 to immunotherapy and potential drugs. Finally, we explored the effect of TCIRG1 knockdown on tumor cells. Results: TCIRG1 was overexpressed in tumor tissue and predicted a significantly unfavorable clinical outcome. High TCIRG1 expression may be associated with fewer PBRM1 and more BAP1 mutations and may reduce DNA methylation, thus leading to a poor prognosis. TCIRG1 was strongly associated with CD8+ T-cell, Treg, and CD4+ T-cell infiltration. Moreover, TCIRG1 was positively correlated with TIDE scores and many drug sensitivities. Finally, experiments showed that the knockdown of TCIRG1 inhibited the migration of ccRCC cells. Conclusions: TCIRG1 may have great potential in identifying prognostic and immunomodulatory mechanisms in tumor patients and may provide a new therapeutic strategy for ccRCC.
LiMAx Prior to Radioembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma as an Additional Tool for Patient Selection in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Leyh Catherine , Heucke Niklas , Schotten Clemens , Büchter Matthias , Bechmann Lars P. , Wichert Marc , Dechêne Alexander , Herrmann Ken , Heider Dominik , Sydor Svenja , Lemmer Peter , Ludwig Johannes M. , Pospiech Josef , Theysohn Jens , Damm Robert , March Christine , Powerski Maciej , Pech Maciej , Özcürümez Mustafa , Weigt Jochen , Keitel Verena , Lange Christian M. , Schmidt Hartmut , Canbay Ali , Best Jan , Gerken Guido , Manka Paul P.
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims: Radioembolization (RE) has recently demonstrated a non-inferior survival outcome compared to systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, current guidelines recommend RE for patients with advanced HCC and preserved liver function who are unsuitable for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or systemic therapy. However, despite the excellent safety profile of RE, post-therapeutic hepatic decompensation remains a serious complication that is difficult to predicted by standard laboratory liver function parameters or imaging modalities. LiMAx® is a non-invasive test for liver function assessment, measuring the maximum metabolic capacity for 13C-Methacetin by the liver-specific enzyme CYP 450 1A2. Our study investigates the potential of LiMAx® for predicting post-interventional decompensation of liver function. Patients and methods: In total, 50 patients with HCC with or without liver cirrhosis and not amenable to TACE or systemic treatments were included in the study. For patients prospectively enrolled in our study, LiMAx® was carried out one day before RE (baseline) and 28 and 90 days after RE. Established liver function parameters were assessed at baseline, day 28, and day 90 after RE. The relationship between baseline LiMAx® and pre-and post-interventional liver function parameters, as well as the ability of LiMAx® to predict hepatic decompensation, were analyzed. Results: We observed a strong association between baseline LiMAx® and bilirubin, albumin, ALBI grade, and MELD score. Patients presenting with Child–Pugh score B 28 days after RE or with a deterioration in Child–Pugh score by at least one point had a significantly lower baseline LiMAx® compared to those with Child–Pugh score A or with stable Child–Pugh score. The ability of LiMAx® to predict hepatic decompensation after RE was determined using ROC curve analysis and was compared to MELD score and ALBI grade. LiMAx® achieved a substantial AUC of 0.8117, comparable to MELD score and ALBI grade. Conclusion: Patients with lower LiMAx® values at baseline have a significantly increased risk for hepatic decompensation after RE, despite being categorized as Child–Pugh A. Therefore, LiMAx® can be used as an additional tool to identify patients at high risk of post-interventional hepatic failure.
Increased Density of Growth Differentiation Factor-15+ Immunoreactive M1/M2 Macrophages in Prostate Cancer of Different Gleason Scores Compared with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Authors: Bonaterra Gabriel A. , Schleper Alexander , Skowronek Maximilian , Kilian Lucia S. , Rink Theresa , Schwarzbach Hans , Heers Hendrik , Hänze Jörg , Rexin Peter , Ramaswamy Annette , Denkert Carsten , Wilhelm Beate , Hegele Axel , Hofmann Rainer , Weihe Eberhard , Kinscherf Ralf
Published: September 2022

Although growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is highly expressed in PCa, its role in the development and progression of PCa is unclear. The present study aims to determine the density of GDF-15+ cells and immune cells (M1-/M2 macrophages [MΦ], lymphocytes) in PCa of different Gleason scores (GS) compared to BPH. Immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence were performed on paraffin-embedded human PCa and BPH biopsies with antibodies directed against GDF-15, CD68 (M1 MΦ), CD163 (M2 MΦ), CD4, CD8, CD19 (T /B lymphocytes), or PD-L1. PGP9.5 served as a marker for innervation and neuroendocrine cells. GDF-15+ cell density was higher in all GS than in BPH. CD68+ MΦ density in GS9 and CD163+ MΦ exceeded that in BPH. GDF-15+ cell density correlated significantly positively with CD68+ or CD163+ MΦ density in extratumoral areas. Double immunoreactive GDF-15+/CD68+ cells were found as transepithelial migrating MΦ. Stromal CD68+ MΦ lacked GDF-15+. The area of PGP9.5+ innervation was higher in GS9 than in BPH. PGP9.5+ cells, occasionally copositive for GDF-15+, also occurred in the glandular epithelium. In GS6, but not in BPH, GDF-15+, PD-L1+, and CD68+ cells were found in epithelium within luminal excrescences. The degree of extra-/intra-tumoral GDF-15 increases in M1/M2Φ is proposed to be useful to stratify progredient malignancy of PCa. GDF-15 is a potential target for anti-tumor therapy.
Controversies and Open Questions in Management of Cancer-Free Carriers of Germline Pathogenic Variants in BRCA1/BRCA2
Authors: Bernstein-Molho Rinat , Friedman Eitan , Evron Ella
Published: September 2022

Females harboring germline BRCA1/BRCA2 (BRCA) P/LPV are offered a tight surveillance scheme from the age of 25–30 years, aimed at early detection of specific cancer types, in addition to risk-reducing strategies. Multiple national and international surveillance guidelines have been published and updated over the last two decades from geographically diverse countries. We searched for guidelines published between 1 January 2015 and 1 May 2022. Differences between guidelines on issues such as primary prevention, mammography screening in young (<30 years) carriers, MRI screening in carriers above age 65 years, breast imaging (if any) after risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy, during pregnancy, and breastfeeding, and hormone-replacement therapy, are just a few notable examples. Beyond formal guidelines, BRCA carriers’ concerns also focus on the timing of risk-reducing surgeries, fertility preservation, management of menopausal symptoms in cancer survivors, and pancreatic cancer surveillance, issues that, for some, there are no data to support evidence-based recommendations. This review discusses these unsettled issues, emphasizing the importance of future studies to enable global guideline harmonization for optimal surveillance strategies. Moreover, it raises the unmet need for personalized risk stratification and surveillance in BRCA P/LPV carriers.
Comment on Kieslinger et al. A Recurrent STAT5BN642H Driver Mutation in Feline Alimentary T Cell Lymphoma. Cancers 2021, 13, 5238
Authors: Freiche Valérie , Couronné Lucile , Bruneau Julie , Hermine Olivier
Published: September 2022

We have read with great interest the recently published article by M. Kieslinger et al. in Cancers Journal [...]
[68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor and Sodium [18F]Fluoride PET Can Non-Invasively Identify and Monitor the Dynamics of Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Mouse Model
Authors: Craveiro Rogerio B. , Florea Alexandru , Niederau Christian , Brenji Sihem , Kiessling Fabian , Sahnoun Sabri E. M. , Morgenroth Agnieszka , Mottaghy Felix M. , Wolf Michael
Published: September 2022

The cellular and molecular mechanisms of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) are not yet fully understood, partly due to the lack of dynamical datasets within the same subject. Inflammation and calcification are two main processes during OTM. Given the high sensitivity and specificity of [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor and Sodium [18F]Fluoride (Na[18F]F) for inflammation and calcification, respectively, the aim of this study is to assess their ability to identify and monitor the dynamics of OTM in an established mouse model. To monitor the processes during OTM in real time, animals were scanned using a small animal PET/CT during week 1, 3, and 5 post-implantation, with [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor and Na[18F]F. Both tracers showed an increased uptake in the region of interest compared to the control. For [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor, an increased uptake was observed within the 5-week trial, suggesting the continuous presence of inflammatory markers. Na[18F]F showed an increased uptake during the trial, indicating an intensification of bone remodelling. Interim and end-of-experiment histological assessments visualised increased amounts of chemokine receptor CXCR4 and TRAP-positive cells in the periodontal ligament on the compression side. This approach establishes the first in vivo model for periodontal remodelling during OTM, which efficiently detects and monitors the intricate dynamics of periodontal ligament.
Epigenetic Mechanisms of Postoperative Cognitive Impairment Induced by Anesthesia and Neuroinflammation
Authors: Rump Katharina , Adamzik Michael
Published: September 2022

Cognitive impairment after surgery is a common problem, affects mainly the elderly, and can be divided into postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Both phenomena are accompanied by neuroinflammation; however, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment after anesthesia are not yet fully understood. Anesthesiological drugs can have a longer-term influence on protein transcription, thus, epigenetics is a possible mechanism that impacts on cognitive function. Epigenetic mechanisms may be responsible for long-lasting effects and may implicate novel therapeutic approaches. Hence, we here summarize the existing literature connecting postoperative cognitive impairment to anesthesia. It becomes clear that anesthetics alter the expression of DNA and histone modifying enzymes, which, in turn, affect epigenetic markers, such as methylation, histone acetylation and histone methylation on inflammatory genes (e.g., TNF-alpha, IL-6 or IL1 beta) and genes which are responsible for neuronal development (such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor). Neuroinflammation is generally increased after anesthesia and neuronal growth decreased. All these changes can induce cognitive impairment. The inhibition of histone deacetylase especially alleviates cognitive impairment after surgery and might be a novel therapeutic option for treatment. However, further research with human subjects is necessary because most findings are from animal models.
A Phase Field Approach to Modeling Heavy Metal Impact in Plasma Spraying
Authors: Shen Mingguang , Li Ben Q.
Published: September 2022

A phase field model enhanced with the shared memory parallelism OpenMP was proposed, capable of modeling the impact of a heavy metal droplet under practical plasma spraying conditions. The finite difference solution of the Navier-Stokes equations, coupled with the Cahn-Hilliard equation, tracks the gas-liquid interface. The liquid fraction, defined over the computational domain, distinguishes fluid from solid. The model is employed for Ni and YSZ drop impacts after ruling out the effect of mesh size. The model exhibits a reasonable parallel-computing efficiency, and the predicted maximum spread factors agree well with analytical models.
Impacts of Climate Change in the El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve (REBIVI): Challenges for Coastal Communities and the Conservation of Biodiversity
Authors: Ivanova Boncheva Antonina , Hernández-Morales Pablo
Published: September 2022

The impacts of climate change put pressure onto environmental and natural resources, which in turn increases the vulnerability of ecosystems and human communities. This makes social participation essential for biodiversity conservation. This article addresses the community perceptions of the adaptations made to climate change in the El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve (REBIVI), in Baja California Sur (Mexico), one of the largest natural protected areas in Latin America. Workshops with local communities defined the Socio-ecological Assets for Conservation (SEACs) and prioritized the adaptation strategies and actions by multicriteria analysis. The conclusions point out that a combination of ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and communities-based adaptation (CbA) is the most appropriate pathway to affront the adverse impacts of climate change. Thus, a socioecological approach for land and biodiversity use planning has to be implemented if both human welfare and conservation are to be effectively promoted. The process is necessary and very important, as is the participation of the local residents in the implementation and monitoring of the adaptation actions.
Cross-Laminated Timber and Glulam from Low-Density Paraserianthes falcataria: A Look into Densification and Shear Strength
Authors: Liew Kang Chiang , Tan Yu Feng , Albert Charles Michael , Raman Vinodini
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the shear performance of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam made from densified Paraserianthes falcataria laminas. The densification process involved pre-treatment, compression with heat (105 °C, 6 MPa), and a cooling phase. CLT was manufactured from densified laminas of different thicknesses (24–60 mm), while glulam was produced from densified laminas that underwent pre-treatments of (1) pre-steaming (0–30 min) and (2) alkaline pre-treatment (sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations: 0%–9%). Both CLT and glulam were cut into a pre-determined size before being subjected to a block shear test. The findings showed that the presence of pre-steaming (20 min) exhibited the highest shearing strength value. In contrast, alkaline pre-treatment reduced the shear performance of glulam. Here, 24 mm and 30 mm CLT were found to have the highest shearing strength among the parameters. Pre-steamed laminas showed better wettability, but no statistically significant correlation between the contact angle and shear strength of glulam. The densification process reduced the fiber pore areas of the laminas. The fiber pore areas with a shear strength of glulam, with or without alkaline pre-treatment, revealed a weak correlation. The correlation between fiber pore areas and the shear strength of CLT show no statistical significance. Here, 30 mm CLT with lowest moisture content and highest wood failure percentage exhibited a better bonding performance.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Paulownia tomentosa x elongata Sawn Wood from Spanish, Bulgarian and Serbian Plantations
Authors: Barbu Marius Cătălin , Buresova Katharina , Tudor Eugenia Mariana , Petutschnigg Alexander
Published: September 2022

The aim of this research is the characterization of physical and mechanical properties of Paulownia sawn wood from three plantation sites in Europe, namely Spain, Bulgaria and Serbia. As a fast-growing wood species, Paulownia has a significant positive forecast for the European markets and a wide range of possible applications that still need to be explored. For this purpose, Paulownia tomentosa(Tunb.) x elongata(S.Y. Hu) wood species was investigated. Sorption behaviour, Brinell hardness, 3-point bending strength, flexural modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, compressive strength and screw withdrawal resistance were examined in detail. The samples from Spain have the higher average bulk density (266 kg/m3), 3-point flexural strength (~40 N/mm2), 3-point flexural modulus of elasticity (~4900 N/mm2), compressive strength (~23 N/mm2), tensile strength (~44 N/mm2) and screw withdrawal resistance (~56 N/mm). The plantation wood from Bulgaria has the highest average of annual ring width (46 mm). Paulownia wood has potential in lightweight applications and can replace successfully expensive tropical species as Balsa.
Development and Validation of MPS-Based System for Human Appearance Prediction in Challenging Forensic Samples
Authors: Melchionda Filomena , Silvestrini Beatrice , Robino Carlo , Bini Carla , Fattorini Paolo , Martinez-Labarga Cristina , De Angelis Flavio , Tagliabracci Adriano , Turchi Chiara
Published: September 2022

Forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) provides the ability to predict the human external traits from unknown sample donors, directly from minute amounts of DNA found at the crime scene. We developed a MPS multiplex assay, with the aim of genotyping all 41 DNA markers included in the HIrisPlex-S system for simultaneous prediction of eye, hair and skin colours. Forensic samples such as blood, skeletal remains, touch DNA, saliva swab, artificially degraded samples together with individuals with known phenotypes and a set of 2800 M control DNA were sequenced on the Ion Torrent platform in order to evaluate the concordance testing results and the forensic suitability of the 41-plex MPS assay. The panel was evaluated by testing a different number of PCR cycles and the volume of reagents for library preparation. The study demonstrated that full and reliable profiles were obtained with 0.1–5 ng, even with high degraded DNA. The increment of the number of PCR cycles results in an improvement of correctly genotyping and phenotyping for samples with low amounts of degraded DNA but higher frequencies of artefacts were found. The high DNA degradation level did not influence the correct genotyping and phenotyping and the critical parameter affecting the result is the quantity of input DNA. Eye and hair colour was predicted in 92.60% of individuals and skin colour in 85.15% of individuals. The results suggest that this MPS assay is robust, highly sensitive and useful for human pigmentation prediction in the forensic genetic field.
Whole-Exome Sequencing Reveals Pathogenic SIRT1 Variant in Brain Arteriovenous Malformation: A Case Report
Authors: Mukhtarova Kymbat , Zholdybayeva Elena , Kairov Ulykbek , Akhmetollayev Ilyas , Nurimanov Chingiz , Kulmirzayev Marat , Makhambetov Yerbol , Ramankulov Yerlan
Published: September 2022

Arteriovenous malformations of the brain (bAVMs) are plexuses of pathological arteries and veins that lack a normal capillary system between them. Intracranial hemorrhage (hemorrhagic stroke) is the most frequent clinical manifestation of AVM, leading to lethal outcomes that are especially high among children and young people. Recently, high-throughput genome sequencing methods have made a notable contribution to the research progress in this subject. In particular, whole-exome sequencing (WES) methods allow the identification of novel mutations. However, the genetic mechanism causing AVM is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential genetic mechanism underlying AVM. We analyzed the WES data of blood and tissue samples of a 30-year-old Central Asian male diagnosed with AVM. We identified 54 polymorphisms in 43 genes. After in-silica overrepresentation enrichment analysis of the polymorphisms, the SIRT1 gene variant (g.67884831C>T) indicated a possible molecular mechanism of bAVM. Further studies are required to evaluate the functional impact of SIRT1 g.67884831C>T, which may warrant further replication and biological investigations related to sporadic bAVM.
Identification of a Hypomorphic FANCG Variant in Bernese Mountain Dogs
Authors: Meek Katheryn , Yang Ya-Ting , Takada Marilia , Parys Maciej , Richter Marlee , Engleberg Alexander I. , Thaiwong Tuddow , Griffin Rachel L. , Schall Peter Z. , Kramer Alana J. , Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan Vilma
Published: September 2022

Bernese mountain dogs (BMDs), have an overall cancer incidence of 50%, half of which is comprised of an otherwise rare tumor, histiocytic sarcoma (HS). While recent studies have identified driver mutations in the MAPK pathway, identification of key predisposing genes has been elusive. Studies have identified several loci to be associated with predisposition to HS in BMDs, including near the MTAP/CDKN2A region, but no causative coding variant has been identified. Here we report the presence of a coding polymorphism in the gene encoding FANCG, near the MTAP/CDKN2A locus. This variant is in a conserved region of the protein and appears to be specific to BMDs. Canine fibroblasts derived from dogs homozygous for this variant are hypersensitive to cisplatin. We show this canine FANCG variant and a previously defined hypomorphic FANCG allele in humans impart similar defects in DNA repair. However, our data also indicate that this variant is neither necessary nor sufficient for the development of HS. Furthermore, BMDs homozygous for this FANCG allele display none of the characteristic phenotypes associated with Fanconi anemia (FA) such as anemia, short stature, infertility, or an earlier age of onset for HS. This is similar to findings in FA deficient mice, which do not develop overt FA without secondary genetic mutations that exacerbate the FA deficit. In sum, our data suggest that dogs with deficits in the FA pathway are, like mice, innately resistant to the development of FA.
Genome-Wide Analysis and Expression Profiles of the VOZ Gene Family in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)
Authors: Shi Pibiao , Jiang Runzhi , Li Bin , Wang Deling , Fang Di , Yin Min , Yin Mingming , Gu Minfeng
Published: September 2022

Vascular plant one zinc-finger (VOZ) proteins are a plant-specific transcription factor family and play important roles in plant development and stress responses. However, little is known about the VOZ genes in quinoa. In the present study, a genome-wide investigation of the VOZ gene family in quinoa was performed, including gene structures, conserved motifs, phylogeny, and expression profiles. A total of four quinoa VOZ genes distributed on three chromosomes were identified. Based on phylogenetic analysis, CqVOZ1 and CqVOZ3 belong to subfamily II, and CqVOZ2 and CqVOZ4 belong to subfamily III. Furthermore, the VOZ transcription factors of quinoa and sugarbeet were more closely related than other species. Except for CqVOZ3, all the other three CqVOZs have four exons and four introns. Analysis of conserved motifs indicated that each CqVOZ member contained seven common motifs. Multiple sequence alignment showed that the CqVOZ genes were highly conserved with consensus sequences, which might be plausibly significant for the preservation of structural integrity of the family proteins. Tissue expression analysis revealed that four CqVOZ genes were highly expressed in inflorescence and relatively low in leaves and stems, suggesting that these genes had obvious tissue expression specificity. The expression profiles of the quinoa CqVOZs under various abiotic stresses demonstrated that these genes were differentially induced by cold stress, salt stress, and drought stress. The transcript level of CqVOZ1 and CqVOZ4 were down-regulated by salt stress and drought stress, while CqVOZ2 and CqVOZ3 were up-regulated by cold, salt, and drought stress, which could be used as abiotic stress resistance candidate genes. This study systematically identifies the CqVOZ genes at the genome-wide level, contributing to a better understanding of the quinoa VOZ transcription factor family and laying a foundation for further exploring the molecular mechanism of development and stress resistance of quinoa.
GRANT Motif Regulates CENP-A Incorporation and Restricts RNA Polymerase II Accessibility at Centromere
Authors: Tan Hwei Ling , Chen Ee Sin
Published: September 2022

Precise chromosome segregation is essential for maintaining genomic stability, and its proper execution centers on the centromere, a chromosomal locus that mounts the kinetochore complex to mediate attachment of chromosomes to the spindle microtubules. The location of the centromere is epigenetically determined by a centromere-specific histone H3 variant, CENP-A. Many human cancers exhibit overexpression of CENP-A, which correlates with occurrence of aneuploidy in these malignancies. Centromeric targeting of CENP-A depends on its histone fold, but recent studies showed that the N-terminal tail domain (NTD) also plays essential roles. Here, we investigated implications of NTD in conferring aneuploidy formation when CENP-A is overexpressed in fission yeast. A series of mutant genes progressively lacking one amino acid of the NTD have been constructed for overexpression in wild-type cells using the intermediate strength nmt41 promoter. Constructs hosting disrupted GRANT (Genomic stability-Regulating site within CENP-A N-Terminus) motif in NTD results in growth retardation, aneuploidy, increased localization to the centromere, upregulated RNA polymerase II accessibility and transcriptional derepression of the repressive centromeric chromatin, suggesting that GRANT residues fine-tune centromeric CENP-A incorporation and restrict RNA polymerase II accessibility. This work highlighted the importance of CENP-A NTD, particularly the GRANT motif, in aneuploidy formation of overexpressed CENP-A in fission yeast.
Estimation of Metabolic Effects upon Cadmium Exposure during Pregnancy Using Tensor Decomposition
Authors: Amakura Yuki , Taguchi Y-h.
Published: September 2022

A simple tensor decomposition model was applied to the liver transcriptome analysis data to elucidate the cause of cadmium-induced gene overexpression. In addition, we estimated the mechanism by which prenatal Cd exposure disrupts insulin metabolism in offspring. Numerous studies have reported on the toxicity of Cd. A liver transcriptome analysis revealed that Cd toxicity induces intracellular oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction via changes in gene expression, which in turn induces endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation via abnormal protein folding. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown. In this study, we found that Cd-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress may promote increased expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Based on the high expression of genes involved in the production of sphingolipids, it was also found that the accumulation of ceramide may induce intracellular oxidative stress through the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. In addition, the high expression of a set of genes involved in the electron transfer system may contribute to oxidative stress. These findings allowed us to identify the mechanisms by which intracellular oxidative stress leads to the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1, which plays a significant role in the insulin signaling pathway.
The Regulation of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Radiology in the Scientific Literature: A Narrative Review of Reviews
Authors: Giansanti Daniele
Published: September 2022

Today, there is growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of digital radiology (DR). This is also due to the push that has been applied in this sector due to the pandemic. Many studies are devoted to the challenges of integration in the health domain. One of the most important challenges is that of regulations. This study conducted a narrative review of reviews on the international approach to the regulation of AI in DR. The design of the study was based on: (I) An overview on Scopus and Pubmed (II) A qualification and eligibility process based on a standardized checklist and a scoring system. The results have highlighted an international approach to the regulation of these systems classified as “software as medical devices (SaMD)” arranged into: ethical issues, international regulatory framework, and bottlenecks of the legal issues. Several recommendations emerge from the analysis. They are all based on fundamental pillars: (a) The need to overcome a differentiated approach between countries. (b) The need for greater transparency and publicity of information both for SaMDs as a whole and for the algorithms and test patterns. (c) The need for an interdisciplinary approach that avoids bias (including demographic) in algorithms and test data. (d) The need to reduce some limits/gaps of the scientific literature production that do not cover the international approach.
Influence of COVID-19-Related Restrictions on the Prevalence of Overweight and Obese Czech Children
Authors: Vážná Anna , Vignerová Jana , Brabec Marek , Novák Jan , Procházka Bohuslav , Gabera Antonín , Sedlak Petr
Published: September 2022

Apart from influencing the health of the worldwide population, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the day-to-day life of all, including children. A sedentary lifestyle along with the transformation of eating and sleep habits took place in the child population. These changes created a highly obesogenic environment. Our aim was to evaluate the current weight in the child population and identify the real effects of the pandemic. Height and weight data were collected by pediatricians from the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 periods from 3517 children (1759 boys and 1758 girls) aged 4.71 to 17.33 years. We found a significant rise in the z-score BMI between pediatric visits in the years 2019 and 2021 in both sexes aged 7, 9, 11, and 13 years. Especially alarming were the percentages of (severely) obese boys at the ages of 9 and 11 years, which exceed even the percentages of overweight boys. With the use of statistical modeling, we registered the most dramatic increment at around 12 years of age in both sexes. Based on our research in the Czech Republic, we can confirm the predictions that were given at the beginning of the pandemic that COVID-19-related restrictions worsened the already present problem of obesity and excess weight in children.
Oral Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review
Authors: García-Ríos Paula , Pecci-Lloret María Pilar , Oñate-Sánchez Ricardo Elías
Published: September 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is characterized by clinical heterogeneity and irregularities in its course. The etiology and pathogenesis of this pathology are not well-understood, so there is difficulty in establishing a diagnosis and treatment plan with certainty. The aim of this systematic review is to present a qualitative synthesis of studies referring to the oral manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guideline. On this basis, a search for articles was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases on 19 November 2021 and updated on 15 February 2022. We chose articles published between 2012 and 2022 that analyzed the oral manifestations of SLE patients. The quality of all these studies was analyzed following the STROBE scale. A total of 15 articles were included in this study after selection. The selected articles were cross-sectional, case–control, and cohort studies. The most frequently associated oral manifestations with SLE were oral ulcers, hyposalivation, pigmentations, glossodynia, cleft tongue, cheilitis, arthritis, and secondary Sjögren’s syndrome. However, despite the importance of the perception of these oral manifestations in the early diagnosis of SLE, there are still not enough studies about them.
Social Responsibility and Spiritual Intelligence: University Students’ Attitudes during COVID-19
Authors: Severino-González Pedro , Toro-Lagos Victoria , Santinelli-Ramos Miguel A. , Romero-Argueta José , Sarmiento-Peralta Giusseppe , Kinney Ian S. , Ramírez-Molina Reynier , Villar-Olaeta Francisco
Published: September 2022

Human behavior during COVID-19 has led to the study of attitude and preferences among the population in different circumstances. In this sense, studying human behavior can contribute to creating policies for integral education, which should consider the convergence between social responsibility and spiritual intelligence. This can lead to the sensitization of practices and attitude modification within society. The purpose of our research was to explore the spiritual intelligence attitudes of university students from the perspective of social responsibility, considering the sociodemographic characteristics of the research subjects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our research design is quantitative and sectional, due to the use of two quantitative scales. The participants were university students from a city located in south-central Chile. A total of 415 participations were collected, of which 362 applications were valid. Statistically significant differences were found according to gender and age. Women and the student cohort between 18 and 24 years of age placed more importance on spiritual necessities. We thus highlight the necessity to have adequate spaces for spiritual intelligence training given its links with socially responsible behavior and, finally, the development of explanatory studies to determine its causalities. In practice, these results contribute to designing an educational policy on the formation of integral spiritual intelligence for future professionals.
Influence and Action Mechanisms of Governmental Relations Embeddedness for Fostering Green Production Demonstration Household: Evidence from Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Anhui Province, China
Authors: Li Lipeng , Sarkar Apurbo , Zhou Xi , Ding Xiuling , Li Hua
Published: September 2022

As an innovative tactic, the core aspects of green products should be comprehensively demonstrated and firmly promoted to enhance their adoption. For doing so, continuous governmental support and interventions through distinct sets of networking and relationships could be crucial for synthesizing and diffusing the extent of green production demonstration households. Interestingly, the structural relationship between these two has not yet been evaluated comprehensively by the existing literature. Therefore, the study empirically analyzes the impact and mechanism of government relationships embedded in fostering green production demonstration households. The study compiles the empirical data from 963 farmers which were collected from the major tea-producing areas of Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Anhui provinces, China. In order to craft the findings, first we constructed the ordered Probit for benchmark regression analysis. Meanwhile, the Ordinary Standard Error Ordered Probit model, Ordered Logit model, and multivariate linear model were constructed for the robustness test. Third, the Extended Ordered Probit model and Bootstrap mediation effect model were used to test the path diagram. Finally, robustness testing and endogeneity processing test were used to explore the reliability of the findings. The results showed that: (i) Government relationship embedding has a positive effect on fostering green production demonstration households. In particular, factors such as relationships with general government staff, professional and technical personnel, and village cadre are most significant. (ii) Seemingly, the heterogeneity analysis shows that the farmers with large operating scales and low family economic status have a relatively stronger impact. (iii) Further mechanism research results show that government relations are embedded through government identification (policy identification, government trust), improving farmers’ behavioral ability (production knowledge reserve, self-efficacy), and strengthening farmers’ perceived value of green production (self-interest perception, altruistic values). Therefore, the government should strengthen the interactive mechanism embedded with farm households and extend support for green production demonstration zones. The farmers’ information-sharing facilities and platforms should be modernized and highlighted according to the local conditions and long-term targeted strategies.