bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of Expanded Allogeneic NK Cells and T Cell-Based Immunotherapy Exert Enhanced Antitumor Effects
Authors: Wang Xiao , Yang Xuejiao , Wang Yueping , Chen Yunshuo , Yang Ying , Shang Siqi , Wang Wenbo , Wang Yueying
Published: January 2023

Immunotherapies based on immune checkpoint blockade, neoantigen-reactive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and T cell receptor-engineered T cells (TCR-T) have achieved favorable clinical outcomes in tumor treatment. However, sustained immune response and tumor regression have been observed only in a few patients due to immune escape. Natural killer (NK) cells can mediate direct tumor lysis and target cancer cells with low or no expression of human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) that are no longer recognized by T cells during immune escape. Therefore, the combination of T cell-based immunotherapy and NK cell therapy is a promising strategy for improving antitumor response and response rate. However, allogeneic NK cells for adoptive cell therapy have been limited by both the required cell number and quality. Here, we developed an efficient manufacturing system that relies on genetically modified K562 cells for the expansion of high-quality NK cells derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. NK cells with the optimal expansion and activity were identified by comparing the different culture systems. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the cooperation of NK cells with tumor-reactive T cells or with NY-ESO-1-specific TCR-T cells further enhanced tumors lysis, especially against tumors with downregulated HLA-I expression. The advantages of HLA-mismatch and non-rejection by other allogeneic immune cells demonstrated the potential of “off-the-shelf” NK cells with the capacity to target tumors for immunotherapy. Our results indicate that the combination strategy based on T cell and allogeneic NK cell immunotherapy might have potential for overcoming the barrier of immune incompetence caused by HLA-I downregulation.
Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting in 5-Year Quality-of-Life Comparison among Three Surgical Procedures for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chang Der-Ming , Chen Yu-Fu , Chen Hong-Yaw , Chiu Chong-Chi , Lee King-Teh , Wang Jhi-Joung , Sun Ding-Ping , Lee Hao-Hsien , Shiu Yu-Tsz , Chen I-Te , Shi Hon-Yi
Published: January 2023

This prospective longitudinal cohort study analyzed long-term changes in individual subscales of quality-of-life (QOL) measures and explored whether these changes were related to effective QOL predictors after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surgery. All 520 HCC patients in this study had completed QOL surveys before surgery and at 6 months, 2 years, and 5 years after surgery. Generalized estimating equation models were used to compare the 5-year QOL among the three HCC surgical procedures. The QOL was significantly (p < 0.05) improved at 6 months after HCC surgery but plateaued at 2–5 years after surgery. In postoperative surveys, the effect size was largest in the nausea and vomiting subscales in patients who had received robotic surgery, and the effect size was smallest in the dyspnea subscale in patients who had received open surgery. It revealed the following explanatory variables for postoperative QOL: surgical procedure type, gender, age, hepatitis C, smoking, tumor stage, postoperative recurrence, and preoperative QOL. The comparisons revealed that, when evaluating QOL after HCC surgery, several factors other than the surgery itself should be considered. The analysis results also implied that postoperative quality of life might depend not only on the success of the surgical procedure, but also on preoperative quality of life.
Integrative Multi-OMICs Identifies Therapeutic Response Biomarkers and Confirms Fidelity of Clinically Annotated, Serially Passaged Patient-Derived Xenografts Established from Primary and Metastatic Pediatric and AYA Solid Tumors
Authors: Pandya Pankita H. , Jannu Asha Jacob , Bijangi-Vishehsaraei Khadijeh , Dobrota Erika , Bailey Barbara J. , Barghi Farinaz , Shannon Harlan E. , Riyahi Niknam , Damayanti Nur P. , Young Courtney , Malko Rada , Justice Ryli , Albright Eric , Sandusky George E. , Wurtz L. Daniel , Collier Christopher D. , Marshall Mark S. , Gallagher Rosa I. , Wulfkuhle Julia D. , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Coy Kathy , Trowbridge Melissa , Sinn Anthony L. , Renbarger Jamie L. , Ferguson Michael J. , Huang Kun , Zhang Jie , Saadatzadeh M. Reza , Pollok Karen E.
Published: January 2023

Establishment of clinically annotated, molecularly characterized, patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) from treatment-naïve and pretreated patients provides a platform to test precision genomics-guided therapies. An integrated multi-OMICS pipeline was developed to identify cancer-associated pathways and evaluate stability of molecular signatures in a panel of pediatric and AYA PDXs following serial passaging in mice. Original solid tumor samples and their corresponding PDXs were evaluated by whole-genome sequencing, RNA-seq, immunoblotting, pathway enrichment analyses, and the drug–gene interaction database to identify as well as cross-validate actionable targets in patients with sarcomas or Wilms tumors. While some divergence between original tumor and the respective PDX was evident, majority of alterations were not functionally impactful, and oncogenic pathway activation was maintained following serial passaging. CDK4/6 and BETs were prioritized as biomarkers of therapeutic response in osteosarcoma PDXs with pertinent molecular signatures. Inhibition of CDK4/6 or BETs decreased osteosarcoma PDX growth (two-way ANOVA, p < 0.05) confirming mechanistic involvement in growth. Linking patient treatment history with molecular and efficacy data in PDX will provide a strong rationale for targeted therapy and improve our understanding of which therapy is most beneficial in patients at diagnosis and in those already exposed to therapy.
Immunotherapy as a Promising Option for the Treatment of Advanced Chordoma: A Systemic Review
Authors: Wang Xiang , Chen Zhaoyu , Li Bo , Fan Jiefu , Xu Wei , Xiao Jianru
Published: January 2023

Objective: To summarize the function and efficacy of immunotherapy as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of advanced chordoma. Methods: Literature search was conducted by two reviewers independently. Case reports, case series and clinical trials of immunotherapy for chordoma were retrieved systematically from Pubmed, Web of Science, Scoupus and Cochrane Library. Clinical outcome data extracted from the literature included median progression-free survival (PFS), median overall survival (OS), clinical responses and adverse events (AEs). Results: All studies were published between 2015 and 2022. Twenty-two eligible studies were selected for systemic review. PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) were the most common used immunotherapy agents in chordoma, among which Pembrolizumab was the most frequently prescribed. CTLA-4 antibody was only used as combination therapy in chordoma. Dose Limiting Toxicity (DLT) was not observed in any vaccine targeting brachyury, and injection site response was the most frequent AV. The response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) were the most generally used evaluation standard in chordoma immunotherapy, and none of the included studies employed the Choi criteria. Conclusions: No clinical data have demonstrated that CTLA-4 ICIs combined with PD-1/PD-L1 ICIs is more effective than ICIs monotherapy in treating chordoma, and ICIs in combination with other therapies exhibit more toxicity than monotherapy. PD-1/PD-L1 ICIs monotherapy is recommended as an immunotherapy in patients with advanced chordoma, which may even benefit PD-L1-negative patients. The brachyury vaccine has shown good safety in chordoma patients, and future clinical trials should focus on how to improve its therapeutic efficacy. The use of immunomodulatory agents is a promising therapeutic option, though additional clinical trials are required to evaluate their safety and effectiveness. RECIST does not seem to be an appropriate standard for assessing medications of intratumoral immunotherapy.
Theranostic Applications of Glycosaminoglycans in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hua San Hue , Viera Maximillian , Yip George W. , Bay Boon Huat
Published: January 2023

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) makes up the majority of kidney cancers, with a poor prognosis for metastatic RCC (mRCC). Challenges faced in the management of mRCC, include a lack of reliable prognostic markers and biomarkers for precise monitoring of disease treatment, together with the potential risk of toxicity associated with more recent therapeutic options. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are a class of carbohydrates that can be categorized into four main subclasses, viz., chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, heparan sulfate and keratan sulfate. GAGs are known to be closely associated with cancer progression and modulation of metastasis by modification of the tumor microenvironment. Alterations of expression, composition and spatiotemporal distribution of GAGs in the extracellular matrix (ECM), dysregulate ECM functions and drive cancer invasion. In this review, we focus on the clinical utility of GAGs as biomarkers for mRCC (which is important for risk stratification and strategizing effective treatment protocols), as well as potential therapeutic targets that could benefit patients afflicted with advanced RCC. Besides GAG-targeted therapies that holds promise in mRCC, other potential strategies include utilizing GAGs as drug carriers and their mimetics to counter cancer progression, and enhance immunotherapy through binding and transducing signals for immune mediators.
Fusobacterium Nucleatum-Induced Tumor Mutation Burden Predicts Poor Survival of Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Hsieh Yung-Yu , Kuo Wen-Lin , Hsu Wan-Ting , Tung Shui-Yi , Li Chin
Published: January 2023

Co-infection of Helicobacter pylori and Fusobacterium nucleatum is a microbial biomarker for poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Fusobacterium nucleatum is associated with microsatellite instability and the accumulation of mutations in colorectal cancer. Here, we investigated the mutation landscape of Fusobacterium nucleatum-positive resected gastric cancer tissues using Illumina TruSight Oncology 500 comprehensive panel. Sequencing data were processed to identify the small nucleotide variants, small insertions and deletions, and unstable microsatellite sites. The bioinformatic algorithm also calculated copy number gains of preselected genes and tumor mutation burden. The recurrent genetic aberrations were identified in this study cohort. For gene amplification events, ERBB2, cell cycle regulators, and specific FGF ligands and receptors were the most frequently amplified genes. Pathogenic activation mutations of ERBB2, ERBB3, and PIK3CA, as well as loss-of-function of TP53, were identified in multiple patients. Furthermore, Fusobacterium nucleatum infection is positively correlated with a higher tumor mutation burden. Survival analysis showed that the combination of Fusobacterium nucleatum infection and high tumor mutation burden formed an extremely effective biomarker to predict poor prognosis. Our results indicated that the ERBB2-PIK3-AKT-mTOR pathway is frequently activated in gastric cancer and that Fusobacterium nucleatum and high mutation burden are strong biomarkers of poor prognosis for gastric cancer patients.
Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity in Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose Tissues from Obese and Non-Obese Patients with and without Colorectal Cancer
Authors: García-Martínez Sergio , González-Gamo Daniel , Tesolato Sofía Elena , Barabash Ana , de la Serna Sofía Cristina , Domínguez-Serrano Inmaculada , Dziakova Jana , Rivera Daniel , Torres Antonio José , Iniesta Pilar
Published: January 2023

To investigate the molecular mechanisms that link obesity and colorectal cancer (CRC), we analyzed parameters related to telomere function in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues (SAT and VAT), including subjects with and without CRC, who were classified according to their body mass index (BMI). Adipose tissues were obtained from 147 patients who had undergone surgery. A total of 66 cases corresponded to CRC patients, and 81 subjects were not affected by cancer. Relative telomere length was established by qPCR, and telomerase activity was determined by a method based on the telomeric repeat amplification protocol. Our results indicated longer telomeres in patients affected by CRC, both in SAT and VAT, when compared to the group of subjects without CRC. Tumor local invasion was associated with telomere length (TL) in SAT. Considering the BMI values, significant differences were found in the TL of both adipose tissues between subjects affected by CRC and those without cancer. Overweight subjects showed the greatest differences, with longer telomeres in the group of CRC patients, and a higher number of cases with telomerase reactivation in the VAT of subjects without cancer. In conclusion, parameters related to telomere function in adipose tissue could be considered as potential biomarkers in the evaluation of CRC and obesity.
YO2 Induces Melanoma Cell Apoptosis through p53-Mediated LRP1 Downregulation
Authors: Salama Yousef , Takahashi Satoshi , Tsuda Yuko , Okada Yoshio , Hattori Koichi , Heissig Beate
Published: January 2023

The multifunctional endocytic receptor low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) has been implicated in melanoma growth. However, the mechanism of LRP1 expression in melanoma cells remains only partially understood. In most melanomas, the TP53 tumor suppressor is retained as a non-mutated, inactive form that fails to suppress tumors. We identify TP53 as a regulator of LRP1-mediated tumor growth. TP53 enhances the expression of miRNA miR-103/107. These miRNAs target LRP1 expression on melanoma cells. TP53 overexpression in human and murine melanoma cells was achieved using lentivirus or treatment with the small molecule YO-2, a plasmin inhibitor known to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. TP53 restoration enhanced the expression of the tumor suppressor miR-103/107, resulting in the downregulation of LRP1 and suppression of tumor growth in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, LRP1 overexpression or p53 downregulation prevented YO-2-mediated melanoma growth inhibition. We identified YO-2 as a novel p53 inducer in melanoma cells. Cotreatment of YO-2 with doxorubicin blocked tumor growth in vivo and in a murine melanoma model, suggesting that YO-2 exerts anti-melanoma effects alone or in combination with conventional myelosuppressive drugs.
Telomere Status of Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Offers a Novel Promising Prognostic and Predictive Biomarker
Authors: Faugeras Eve , Véronèse Lauren , Jeannin Gaëlle , Janicot Henri , Bailly Sébastien , Bay Jacques-Olivier , Pereira Bruno , Cayre Anne , Penault-Llorca Frédérique , Cachin Florent , Merle Patrick , Tchirkov Andrei
Published: January 2023

Telomere length appears to correlate with survival in early non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the prognostic impact of telomere status in advanced NSCLC remains undetermined. Our purpose was to evaluate telomere parameters as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in advanced NSCLC. In 79 biopsies obtained before treatment, we analyzed the telomere length and expression of TERT and shelterin complex genes (TRF1, TRF2, POT1, TPP1, RAP1, and TIN2), using quantitative PCR. Non-responders to first-line chemotherapy were characterized by shorter telomeres and low RAP1 expression (p = 0.0035 and p = 0.0069), and tended to show higher TERT levels (p = 0.058). In multivariate analysis, short telomeres were associated with reduced event-free (EFS, p = 0.0023) and overall survival (OS, p = 0.00041). TERT and TRF2 overexpression correlated with poor EFS (p = 0.0069 and p = 0.00041) and OS (p = 0.0051 and p = 0.007). Low RAP1 and TIN2 expression-levels were linked to reduced EFS (p = 0.00032 and p = 0.0069) and OS (p = 0.000051 and p = 0.02). Short telomeres were also associated with decreased survival after nivolumab therapy (p = 0.097). Evaluation of telomere status in advanced NSCLC emerges as a useful biomarker that allows for the selection of patient groups with different clinical evolutions, to establish personalized treatment.
Salivary miRNAs Expression in Potentially Malignant Disorders of the Oral Mucosa and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Pilot Study on miR-21, miR-27b, and miR-181b
Authors: Di Stasio Dario , Romano Antonio , Boschetti Ciro Emiliano , Montella Marco , Mosca Laura , Lucchese Alberta
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) represent a fundamental challenge for clinicians, considering the possibility of progression into oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Several studies have examined the expression of miRNAs in humans as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Among these, miR-21, miR-27b, and miR-181b proved to be promising. This cohort study evaluated the different expressions of those miRNAs in the saliva of patients with OPMD and OSCC. (2) Methods: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of OPMD and/or OSCC were enrolled; saliva samples were collected; miRNAs were extracted and quantified via qRT-PCR was performed. Data were analyzed by subgroups based on the histopathological diagnosis (OSCC and the grade of OED) using the ΔΔCt method. Saliva from 10 healthy donors was used as the control. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed to assess the differences between groups. (3) Results: 23 patients for the OPMD group (6 with no dysplasia, 7 with low-grade, and 10 with high-grade dysplasia) and 10 with OSCC were analyzed. MiR-21 did not show any variation among groups; miR-27b was under-expressed in dysplastic lesions (p = 0.046); miR-181b was upregulated in high-grade dysplasia (p = 0.006), increasing with the degree of dysplasia, and decreasing in OSCCs. (4) Conclusions: Salivary miR-27b and miR-181b could be promising biomarkers for oral dysplasia. Further studies are needed to clarify their feasibility.
High ME1 Expression Is a Molecular Predictor of Post-Transplant Survival of Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Ortiz Rojas César Alexander , Costa-Neto Abel , Pereira-Martins Diego A. , Le Duy Minh , Sternadt Dominique , Weinhäuser Isabel , Huls Gerwin , Schuringa Jan Jacob , Magalhães Rego Eduardo
Published: January 2023

Several laboratory and clinical variables have been reported to be associated with the outcome of intensive chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but only a few have been tested in the context of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). This study aimed to identify genes whose expression of AML at diagnosis were associated with survival after HSCT. For this purpose, three publicly available adult AML cohorts (TCGA, BeatAML, and HOVON), whose patients were treated with intensive chemotherapy and then subjected to allogeneic or autologous HSCT, were included in this study. After whole transcriptome analysis, we identified ME1 as the only gene whose high expression was associated with shorter survival in patients subjected to HSCT. In addition, the inclusion of ME1 expression was able to improve the European LeukemiaNet risk stratification. Pathways related to lipid biosynthesis, mainly fatty acids, and cholesterol were positively correlated with ME1 expression. Furthermore, ME1 expression was associated with an M2 macrophage-enriched microenvironment, mature AML blasts hierarchy, and oxidative phosphorylation metabolism. Therefore, ME1 expression can be used as biomarker of poor response to HSCT in AML.
PSMA-RLT in Patients with Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Banda Amina , Privé Bastiaan M. , Allach Youssra , Uijen Maike J. M. , Peters Steffie M. B. , Loeff Cato C. , Gotthardt Martin , Muselaers Constantijn H. J. , Witjes J. Alfred , van Oort Inge M. , Sedelaar J. P. Michiel , Westdorp Harm , Mehra Niven , Khreish Fadi , Ezziddin Samer , Sabet Amir , Kreissl Michael C. , Winkens Thomas , Seifert Philipp , Janssen Marcel J. R. , van Gemert Willemijn A. M. , Nagarajah James
Published: January 2023

Background: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-directed radioligand therapy (RLT) is a novel treatment for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Given the mode of action, patients in an earlier disease stage, such as hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC), are also likely to benefit from [177Lu]Lu-PSMA- (177Lu-PSMA) or [225Ac]Ac-PSMA-radioligand treatment (225Ac-PSMA). In this retrospective study, we analyzed the safety and efficacy of PSMA-RLT in early-stage and hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer patients. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in patients who received 177Lu-PSMA and/or 225Ac-PSMA with early-stage metastatic prostate cancer. The primary outcome parameter evaluated in this study was the progression-free survival (PFS) after PSMA-RLT and toxicity according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Secondary outcome parameters were prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response and the date of onset of CRPC state. Results: In total, 20 patients were included of which 18 patients received 177Lu-PSMA radioligand and two patients received tandem treatment with both 177Lu-PSMA and 225Ac-PSMA radioligands. Patients received a median of 2 treatment cycles (range 1–6) and a median activity of 6.2 GBq 177Lu-PSMA per cycle (interquartile range (IQR) 5.2–7.4 GBq). PSMA-RLT was overall well-tolerated. The most common grade 1–2 side effects were xerostomia (n = 6) and fatigue (n = 8), which were only temporarily reported. One patient that received 225Ac-PSMA developed grade 3–4 bone marrow toxicity. The median PFS was 12 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 4.09–19.9 months). Seventeen (85%) patients had a ≥50% PSA response following PSMA-RLT. One patient developed CRPC 9 months following PSMA-RLT. Conclusions: In this small cohort study, PSMA-RLT appeared safe and showed encouraging efficacy for (metastasized) early-stage and hormone-sensitive prostate cancer patients. Prospective studies are awaited and should include long-term follow-up.
Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) Fluorescence during Meningioma Surgery: Correlations with Histological Findings and Expression of Heme Pathway Molecules
Authors: Spille Dorothee C. , Bunk Eva C. , Thomas Christian , Özdemir Zeynep , Wagner Andrea , Akkurt Burak H. , Mannil Manoj , Paulus Werner , Grauer Oliver M. , Stummer Walter , Senner Volker , Brokinkel Benjamin
Published: January 2023

Background: The usefulness of 5-ALA-mediated fluorescence-guided resection (FGR) in meningiomas is controversial, and information on the molecular background of fluorescence is sparse. Methods: Specimens obtained during 44 FGRs of intracranial meningiomas were analyzed for the presence of tumor tissue and fluorescence. Protein/mRNA expression of key transmembrane transporters/enzymes involved in PpIX metabolism (ABCB6, ABCG2, FECH, CPOX) were investigated using immunohistochemistry/qPCR. Results: Intraoperative fluorescence was observed in 70 of 111 specimens (63%). No correlation was found between fluorescence and the WHO grade (p = 0.403). FGR enabled the identification of neoplastic tissue (sensitivity 84%, specificity 67%, positive and negative predictive value of 86% and 63%, respectively, AUC: 0.75, p < 0.001), and was improved in subgroup analyses excluding dura specimens (86%, 88%, 96%, 63% and 0.87, respectively; p < 0.001). No correlation was found between cortical fluorescence and tumor invasion (p = 0.351). Protein expression of ABCB6, ABCG2, FECH and CPOX was found in meningioma tissue and was correlated with fluorescence (p < 0.05, each), whereas this was not confirmed for mRNA expression. Aberrant expression was observed in the CNS. Conclusion: FGR enables the intraoperative identification of meningioma tissue with limitations concerning dura invasion and due to ectopic expression in the CNS. ABCB6, ABCG2, FECH and CPOX are expressed in meningioma tissue and are related to fluorescence.
High-Temperature Cracking of Pentene to Ethylene and Propylene over H-ZSM-5 Zeolites: Effect of Reaction Conditions and Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Han Yueyang , Du Lingyin , Zhu Yuan , Xu Youhao , Bai Xuhui , Ouyang Ying , Luo Yibin , Shu Xingtian
Published: January 2023

The effects of reaction conditions on the yield of ethylene and propylene from pentene cracking were investigated in a fixed-bed reactor at 500–750 °C and for a weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of 15–83 h−1. The total yield of ethylene and propylene reached a maximum (67.8 wt%) at 700 °C and 57 h−1. In order to explore the reaction mechanism at high temperatures, a thermal/catalytic cracking proportion model was established. It was found that the proportion of pentene feed chemically adsorbed with the acid sites and cracked through catalytic cracking was above 88.4%, even at 750 °C. Ethylene and propylene in the products were mainly derived from catalytic cracking rather than thermal cracking at 650–750 °C. In addition, the suitable reaction network for pentene catalytic cracking was deduced and estimated. The results showed that the monomolecular cracking proportion increased from 1% at 500 °C to 95% at 750 °C. The high selectivity of ethylene and propylene at high temperatures was mainly due to the intensification of the monomolecular cracking reaction. After 20 times of regeneration, the acidity and pore structure of the zeolite had hardly changed, and the conversion of pentene remained above 80% at 650 °C.
Composite CdS/TiO2 Powders for the Selective Reduction of 4-Nitrobenzaldehyde by Visible Light: Relation between Preparation, Morphology and Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Milani Martina , Mazzanti Michele , Caramori Stefano , Di Carmine Graziano , Magnacca Giuliana , Molinari Alessandra
Published: January 2023

A series of composite CdS/TiO2 powders was obtained by nucleation of TiO2 on CdS nanoseeds. This combination presents the appropriate band edge position for photocatalytic redox reactions: visible light irradiation of CdS allows the injection of electrons into dark TiO2, increasing the lifetimes of separated charges. The electrons have been used for the quantitative photoreduction of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde to 4-aminobenzaldehyde, whose formation was pointed out by 1H NMR and ESI-MS positive ion mode. Concomitant sacrificial oxidation of 2-propanol, which was also the proton source, occurred. The use of characterization techniques (XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption) evidenced the principal factors driving the photocatalytic reaction: the nanometric size of anatase crystalline domains, the presence of dispersed CdS to form an extended active junction CdS/anatase, and the presence of mesopores as nanoreactors. The result is an efficient photocatalytic system that uses visible light. In addition, the presence of TiO2 in combination with CdS improves the stability of the photoactive material, enabling its recyclability.
Cyanate Degradation in Different Matrices Using Heat-Purified Enzymes
Authors: Hsieh Chia-Jung , Yu Chi-Yang
Published: January 2023

A green and low-cost removal method for cyanate, a toxic byproduct from the treatment of cyanide, is still needed. Cyanase converts cyanate to CO2 and NH3, but its industrial practicality is limited because the reaction requires HCO3− as a substrate. In this study, we used carbonic anhydrase from Sulfurihydrogenibium azorense (SazCA) to provide HCO3− for cyanase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TlCyn); both TlCyn and SazCA were purified by one-step heating without prior cell lysis. The heat treatment resulted in higher activities of both enzymes than the conventional two-step process. From a 50 mL-culture, the highest total activity of 147 U and 47,174 WAU was obtained from 5 min of heating at 60 and 80 °C for TlCyn and SazCA, respectively. The coupled enzymatic system was used to degrade cyanate in three different matrices: 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8), industrial wastewater, and artificial wastewater. In the industrial wastewater, with the addition of 0.75 WAU (Wilbur-Anderson unit) of SazCA, cyanate degradation using 0.5 mM NaHCO3 was similar to that using 3 mM NaHCO3, indicating an 83% reduction in NaHCO3. We have demonstrated that the dependence on HCO3− of cyanate degradation can be effectively alleviated by using low-cost heat-purified TlCyn and SazCA; the industrial practicality of the coupled enzymatic system is therefore improved.
Plasma Jet Sputtering as an Efficient Method for the Deposition of Nickel and Cobalt Mixed Oxides on Stainless-Steel Meshes: Application to VOC Oxidation
Authors: Jirátová Květa , Čada Martin , Naiko Iryna , Ostapenko Alina , Balabánová Jana , Koštejn Martin , Maixner Jaroslav , Babii Timur , Topka Pavel , Soukup Karel , Hubička Zdeněk , Kovanda František
Published: January 2023

Hollow cathode plasma sputtering is an advantageous method of preparing catalysts in the form of thin oxide films on supports. Such catalysts are particularly suitable for processes such as catalytic total oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), representing an economically feasible and environmentally friendly method of VOC abatement. Catalysts with Ni:Co molar ratios of 1:4, 1:1, and 4:1 were prepared on stainless-steel meshes and compared with single-component Ni and Co oxide catalysts. The properties of the catalysts were characterized by EDX, SEM, powder XRD, temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), Raman spectroscopy, and XPS. Powder XRD revealed the formation of various crystalline phases that were dependent on molar the Ni:Co ratio. NiO and Co3O4 were identified in the single-component Ni and Co oxide catalysts, whereas Ni-Co mixed oxides with a spinel structure, together with NiO, were found in the catalysts containing both Ni and Co. Raman spectra of the catalysts prepared at high working pressures showed a slightly lower intensity of bands, indicating the presence of smaller oxide particles. The TPR profiles confirmed the improved reducibility of the Ni-Co oxide catalysts compared to the single-component Ni and Co catalysts. Catalytic activity was investigated in the deep oxidation of ethanol and toluene, which were used as model volatile organic compounds. In ethanol oxidation, the activity of sputtered catalysts was up to 16 times higher than that of the commercial Cu-Mn oxide catalyst EnviCat® VOC-1544. The main benefits of the sputtered catalysts are the much lower content of Ni and Co oxides and a negligible effect of internal diffusion. Moreover, the process of plasma jet sputtering can be easily implemented on a large scale.
ORR Catalysts Derived from Biopolymers
Authors: Rupar Jelena , Tekić Danijela , Janošević Ležaić Aleksandra , Upadhyay Kush K.
Published: January 2023

Due to the limited reaction rate of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), it is considered as a limiting factor in the performance of fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Platinum is considered the benchmark catalyst for ORR; however, the scarcity of platinum, its high price, the drift phenomenon, its insufficient durability, and its susceptibility to gas poisoning are the reasons for the constant search for new ORR catalysts. Carbon-based catalysts show exceptional promise in this respect considering economic profitability and activity, and, in addition, they have favorable conductivity and often a large specific surface area. The use of chitin, cellulose, lignin, coconut shell particles, shrimp shells, and even hair for this purpose was reported, as they had similar electrochemical activity regarding Pt. Alginate, a natural polymer and a constituent of brown algae, can be successfully used to obtain carbon materials that catalyze ORR. In addition, metal atomic-level catalysts and metal N-doped porous carbon materials, obtained from sodium alginate as a precursor, have been proposed as efficient electrocatalysts for ORR. Except for alginate, other biopolymers have been reported to play an important role in the preparation of ORR catalysts. In this review, recent advances regarding biopolymer-derived ORR catalysts are summarized, with a focus on alginate as a source.
MOF-Based G−Quadruplex/Hemin DNAzymes for Cascade Reaction
Authors: Zhang Ying , Liao Junya , Liang Hao
Published: January 2023

DNA-based biomimetic enzymes have attracted extensive attention due to their unique structure and stability compared to natural enzymes. Meanwhile, the specific sequences of DNA itself also have a catalytic effect. Herein, we first designed three guanine-rich DNA sequences numbered c−Myc3c, PG4TC, and TTT to construct g−quadruplex/hemin DNAzymes. Then, the g−quadruplex/hemin DNAzymes with the best activity were selected by a comprehensive examination of activity, degradation rate, and affinity. Subsequently, the stability and reusability of UiO66−DNAzymes were investigated using UiO66 as the carrier to immobilize DNAzymes. The results showed that UiO66−DNAzymes had excellent reusability and stability. Finally, UiO66−DNAzymes were successfully used for glucose detection by cascading with glucose oxidase (GOx) with a detection limit of 0.62 μM. The constructed glucose sensor had a good specificity, which is of great significance for developing a novel, accurate, fast, and economical glucose detection sensor.
Nickel Catalysts on Carbon-Mineral Sapropel-Based Supports for Liquid-Phase Hydrogenation of Nitrobenzene
Authors: Terekhova Elena N. , Belskaya Olga B. , Izmaylov Rinat R. , Trenikhin Mikhail V. , Likholobov Vladimir A.
Published: January 2023

Nickel catalysts with carbon-mineral supports derived from sapropel were synthesized; the effect exerted by the nature of the support (type of the initial sapropel) and active component precursor on the activity of the catalysts in the model reaction of liquid-phase nitrobenzene hydrogenation was studied. The catalysts, synthesized using the support with a smaller fraction of carbon, were more active irrespective of the precursor nature. The highest activity was observed for the catalysts synthesized from nickel nitrate and formate; nitrobenzene conversion was 65% and 51%, respectively, after 1 h of reaction. The catalysts retained high activity after six reaction cycles at 100% aniline selectivity. The presence of sulfur in the nickel precursor deteriorated the catalytic activity (convection less than 3%) due to formation of the sulfide phase.
A Novel Chalcone Derivative Regulates the Expression and Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 by Inhibiting Fli-1 Promoter Activity for Preventing the Malignant Progression of Erythroleukemia
Authors: Mo Min , Ma Youfen , Yu Jia , Ahmad Mashaal , Wan Xinwei , Yu Zijiang , Xu Bixue , Luo Heng
Published: January 2023

Acute erythroleukemia is a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia recognized by its distinct phenotypic attribute of erythroblasts proliferation. In this study, in vitro experiments showed that a newly synthesized chalcone (ZH-254) inhibited cell proliferation, caused apoptosis, arrested the cell cycle in the G1 phase, and downregulated Fli-1 expression by inhibiting Fli-1 promoter activity. In vivo experiments showed that ZH-254 could effectively alleviate splenomegaly and prolong the survival of erythroleukemia mice. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that ZH-254 could regulate the expression of Fli-1 target genes and G1-phase-related cell cycle proteins, including Rb, Bcl-2, Bax, ERK1/2, Gata-1, P110, SHIP-1, p-ERK1, CDK4, C-myc, Cyclin D1, Smad-3, GSK-3, and p21. Among them, the compound most significantly regulated the expression and phosphorylation of ERK1, the target gene of Fli-1 involved in regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, ZH-254 restricts the malignancy of erythroleukemia by causing the inactivation of Fli-1 expression via suppressing its promoter activity, further regulating the expression and phosphorylation of ERK1- and G1-phase-related genes. These results reveal the critical role of Fli-1 in the growth and survival of various hematological malignancies and point to chalcone derivatives as lead compounds for the development of anti-Fli-1 drugs for the treatment of erythroleukemia with overexpression of Fli-1.
A Novel Application of Photocatalysis: A UV-LED Photocatalytic Device for Controlling Diurnal Evaporative Fuel Vapor Emissions from Automobiles
Authors: Almquist Catherine B. , Kocher Julia , Saxton Kylie , Simonson Lauryn , Danciutiu Alex , Nguyen Phat John , Bain Jack
Published: January 2023

A novel application of photocatalysis was investigated to reduce diurnal evaporative fuel vapor emissions from automobiles. A light-weight annulus photocatalytic device was designed, fabricated, and characterized for its performance for the oxidation of diurnal evaporative fuel vapor emissions. The prototype photocatalytic device was made with PVC pipe and ultraviolet (λ = 365 nm) light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) as light sources. Commercially available Evonik P25 TiO2 was used as the photocatalyst. The study results demonstrate that the UV LED photocatalytic device is capable of reducing diurnal evaporative fuel vapor emissions from automobiles by 60 wt%. However, the presence of high concentrations of light alkanes and aromatic fuel vapors in the diurnal emissions may limit the longevity of the device due to photocatalyst deactivation. Further development of the idea to enhance the longevity of its performance is recommended.
Photocatalytic Activity and Reusability of F, Sm3+ Co-Doped TiO2/MWCNTs Hybrid Heterostructure for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Brilliant Black Bis-Azo Dye
Authors: Mukonza Sabastian Simbarashe , Chaukura Nhamo , Mishra Ajay Kumar
Published: January 2023

A global freshwater pollution catastrophe is looming due to pollutants of emerging concern (PECs). Conventional water treatment methods are limited in removing PECs such as pharmaceuticals and dye house effluent from aquatic systems. This study provides an effective potential solution by developing an innovative wastewater treatment method based on solar-light-responsive semiconductor-based photocatalysts. A sol-gel synthesis technique was used to produce Fluorine-Sm3+ co-doped TiO2 (0.6% Sm3+) (FST3) photocatalysts. This was followed by loading multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the range of 0.25 to 1 wt% into the FST3 matrix. Solid state UV-visible spectroscopy measurements showed a bathochromic shift into the visible light region after the co-doping of TiO2, whereas XRD analysis confirmed the presence of predominantly anatase polymorphs of TiO2. The FT-IR and EDX results confirmed the presence of the F and Sm3+ dopants in the synthesised photocatalysts. XRD and TEM measurements confirmed that the crystallite sizes of all synthesised photocatalysts ranged from 12–19 nm. The resultant photocatalysts were evaluated for photocatalytic degradation of Brilliant Black BN bis-azo dye in aqueous solution under simulated solar irradiation. FST3 completely degraded the dye after 3 h, with a high apparent rate constant (Ka) value (2.73 × 10−2 min−1). The degree of mineralisation was evaluated using the total organic carbon (TOC) technique, which revealed high TOC removal (82%) after 3 h and complete TOC removal after 4 h. The incorporation of F improved the optical properties and the surface chemistry of TiO2, whereas Sm3+ improved the quantum efficiency and the optical properties. These synergistic effects led to significantly improved photocatalytic efficiency. Furthermore, incorporating MWCNTs into the F and Sm3+ co-doped TiO2 (0.6% Sm3+) improved the reaction kinetics of the FST3, effectively reducing the reaction time by over 30%. Recyclability studies showed that after 5 cycles of use, the FST3/C1 degradation efficiency dropped by 7.1%, whereas TiO2 degradation efficiency dropped by 33.4% after the same number of cycles. Overall, this work demonstrates a sustainable and efficient dye-removal technique.
Ru-Catalyzed One-Pot Synthesis of Heterocyclic Backbones
Authors: Fathi Vavsari Vaezeh , Seyed Hashtroudi Mehri , Balalaie Saeed
Published: January 2023

Ruthenium complexes are remarkable catalysts for the C–H activation approaches and organic transformations. Combining a Ru-catalyst with oxidants and other additives in a one-pot process is considered a sustainable approach due to the reduction in reaction steps and the minimal usage of solvents during synthesis, work-up, isolation of chemicals, and purification of the products. This review highlights the ruthenium-catalyzed organic transformations in a one-pot manner to achieve heterocyclic backbones, including indoles, benzofurans, indazoles, pyrans, pyrimidines, quinolines, and isoquinolines.
Redrawing HER Volcano with Interfacial Processes—The Role of Hydrogen Spillover in Boosting H2 Evolution in Alkaline Media
Authors: Gutić Sanjin J. , Metarapi Dino , Jovanović Aleksandar Z. , Gebremariam Goitom K. , Dobrota Ana S. , Nedić Vasiljević Bojana , Pašti Igor A.
Published: January 2023

The requirements for the efficient replacement of fossil fuel, combined with the growing energy crisis, places focus on hydrogen production. Efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts are needed for H2 production, and novel strategies for their discovery must be developed. Here, we utilized Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations to demonstrate that hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) can be boosted via hydrogen spillover to the support when the catalyst surface is largely covered by adsorbed hydrogen under operating conditions. Based on the insights from KMC, we synthesized a series of reduced graphene-oxide-supported catalysts and compared their activities towards HER in alkaline media with that of corresponding pure metals. For Ag, Au, and Zn, the support effect is negative, but for Pt, Pd, Fe, Co, and Ni, the presence of the support enhances HER activity. The HER volcano, constructed using calculated hydrogen binding energies and measured HER activities, shows a positive shift of the strong binding branch. This work demonstrates the possibilities of metal–support interface engineering for producing effective HER catalysts and provides general guidelines for choosing novel catalyst–support combinations for electrocatalytic hydrogen production.
In-Situ Construction Molecular Imprinting Electrocatalyst of Au-MoO3/Graphene for Bisphenol A Determination with Long-Term Stability
Authors: Li Zhi , Zhang Hongmin , Zha Qingbing , Li Jinhua , Zhu Mingshan
Published: January 2023

Molecular imprinting (MI) technology has been used in electrochemical analysis technology because of its unique selectivity and specificity. In this work, an electrochemical sensor based on in-situ inorganic MI-Au-MoO3/graphene for bisphenol A (BPA) analysis is designed, where MI-MoO3 is hybridized with graphene nanosheets and Au nanoparticles, and BPA is acted as the temple molecular. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to evaluate the sensing performance of the MI-Au-MoO3/rGO sensor toward BPA determination and it is about 2.0 times that of NI-Au-MoO3/rGO. The as-constructed sensor presents a wide linear range from 0.01 to 106.04 μM and a low limit of detection of 0.003 μM. It also displays outstanding stability and repeatability up to 20 days, and can be used to analyze the content of BPA in dust leachate and plastic bottle. This sensor offers a promising strategy for environment pollution and food analysis via MI technology.
Effect of Morphological Modification over g-C3N4 on Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Performance of g-C3N4-Pt Photocatalysts
Authors: Hoang Thi Van Anh , Nguyen Phuong Anh , Shin Eun Woo
Published: January 2023

In this study, the morphological properties of g-C3N4 in g-C3N4-Pt photocatalysts were modified by a simple hydrothermal treatment for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. In addition, the morphological modification effect of g-C3N4 on the hydrogen evolution performance was investigated. The long-time hydrothermal treatment clearly changed the morphology of g-C3N4 by building extended melem units with more oxygen functional groups at the defect edges of the extended melem units, which was evidenced by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. The different morphological features of g-C3N4 resulted in lower photoluminescence (PL) emission intensity in PL spectra and a smaller semicircle radius in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data. This indicates the more efficient charge separation of the g-C3N4-Pt photocatalyst with a modified morphology. Consequently, morphologically modified g-C3N4-Pt showed a higher photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate due to the better charge separation efficiency.
Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis for the Synthesis of Fluorinated Aromatic Compounds
Authors: Kliś Tomasz
Published: January 2023

Fluorine-containing functional groups are important motifs influencing physical and biological properties of organic compounds. Visible-light photoredox catalysis as a powerful strategy for the activation of small molecules contributed significantly to the rapid progress of new synthetic procedures allowing introduction of fluorine atoms into organic substrates. In this review, we highlight the distinct strategies for transition metal- and organic-photocatalytic fluorination of arenes and heteroarenes by a broad range of fluorinating compounds. The presented procedures are divided into two groups. The first group involves the reactions enabling a direct attachment of CF3-, CnFm-, F-, CF3O-, CF3S-, and SO2F- substituents to various aromatic compounds. The second group presents the tandem reactions where the formation of the aromatic system occurs after installation of the fluorine-containing group on the non-aromatic fragment of the molecule.
Role of Heat Shock Proteins in Atrial Fibrillation: From Molecular Mechanisms to Diagnostic and Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Liu Daiqi , Han Xuyao , Zhang Zhiwei , Tse Gary , Shao Qingmiao , Liu Tong
Published: January 2023

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are endogenous protective proteins and biomarkers of cell stress response, of which examples are HSP70, HSP60, HSP90, and small HSPs (HSPB). HSPs protect cells and organs, especially the cardiovascular system, against harmful and cytotoxic conditions. More recent attention has focused on the roles of HSPs in the irreversible remodeling of atrial fibrillation (AF), which is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice and a significant contributor to mortality. In this review, we investigated the relationship between HSPs and atrial remodeling mechanisms in AF. PubMed was searched for studies using the terms “Heat Shock Proteins” and “Atrial Fibrillation” and their relevant abbreviations up to 10 July 2022. The results showed that HSPs have cytoprotective roles in atrial cardiomyocytes during AF by promoting reverse electrical and structural remodeling. Heat shock response (HSR) exhaustion, followed by low levels of HSPs, causes proteostasis derailment in cardiomyocytes, which is the basis of AF. Furthermore, potential implications of HSPs in the management of AF are discussed in detail. HSPs represent reliable biomarkers for predicting and staging AF. HSP inducers may serve as novel therapeutic modalities in postoperative AF. HSP induction, either by geranylgeranylacetone (GGA) or by other compounds presently in development, may therefore be an interesting new approach for upstream therapy for AF, a strategy that aims to prevent AF whilst minimizing the ventricular proarrhythmic risks of traditional anti-arrhythmic agents.