bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Insights into Anthocyanin Synthesis in the Calyx of Roselle Using Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses
Authors: Li Jing , Li Yunqing , Li Mei , Lin Lihui , Qi Jianmin , Xu Jiantang , Zhang Liwu , Fang Pingping , Tao Aifen
Published: November 2022

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is an annual herbaceous plant of the genus Hibiscus in family Malvaceae. Roselle calyxes are rich in anthocyanins, which play important roles in human health. However, limited information is available on anthocyanin biosynthesis in the roselle calyx. In this study, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to identify the key genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis in the roselle calyx. Three roselle cultivars with different calyx colors, including FZ-72 (red calyx, R), Baitao K (green calyx, G), and MG5 (stripped calyx, S), were used for metabolomic analyses with UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and RNA-seq. Forty-one compounds were quantified, including six flavonoids and 35 anthocyanins. The calyx of FZ-72 (red calyx) had the highest contents of anthocyanin derivatives such as delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside (955.11 μg/g) and cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside (531.37 μg/g), which were responsible for calyx color, followed by those in MG5 (stripped calyx) (851.97 and 330.06 μg/g, respectively). Baitao K (green calyx) had the lowest levels of these compounds. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed 114,415 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the calyxes at 30 days after flowering (DAF) for the corresponding cultivars FZ-72 (R), Baitao K (G), and MG5(S). The gene expression levels in the calyxes of the three cultivars were compared at different flowering stages, revealing 11,555, 11,949, and 7177 DEGs in R vs. G, R vs. S, and G vs. S, respectively. Phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways were found to be enriched. In the flavonoid pathway, 29, 28, and 27 genes were identified in G vs. R, G vs. S, and S vs. R, respectively. In the anthocyanin synthesis pathway, two, two, and one differential genes were identified in the three combinations; these differential genes belonged to the UFGT gene family. After joint analysis of the anthocyanin content in roselle calyxes, nine key genes belonging to the CHS, CHI, UFGT, FLS, ANR, DFR, CCoAOMT, SAT, and HST gene families were identified as strongly related to anthocyanin synthesis. These nine genes were verified using qRT-PCR, and the results were consistent with the transcriptome data. Overall, this study presents the first report on anthocyanin biosynthesis in roselle, laying a foundation for breeding roselle cultivars with high anthocyanin content.
Differential Expression of Endogenous Retroviruses and Inflammatory Mediators in Female and Male Offspring in a Mouse Model of Maternal Immune Activation
Authors: Cipriani Chiara , Tartaglione Anna Maria , Giudice Martina , D’Avorio Erica , Petrone Vita , Toschi Nicola , Chiarotti Flavia , Miele Martino Tony , Calamandrei Gemma , Garaci Enrico , Matteucci Claudia , Sinibaldi-Vallebona Paola , Ricceri Laura , Balestrieri Emanuela
Published: November 2022

Maternal infections during pregnancy and the consequent maternal immune activation (MIA) are the major risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Epidemiological evidence is corroborated by the preclinical models in which MIA leads to ASD-like behavioral abnormalities and altered neuroinflammatory profiles, with an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and microglial markers. In addition to neuroinflammatory response, an abnormal expression of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) has been identified in neurodevelopmental disorders and have been found to correlate with disease severity. Our aim was to evaluate the transcriptional profile of several ERV families, ERV-related genes, and inflammatory mediators (by RT real-time PCR) in mouse offspring of both sexes, prenatally exposed to polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C), a synthetic double-stranded RNA molecule targeting TLR-3 that mimics viral maternal infection during pregnancy. We found that prenatal exposure to Poly I:C deregulated the expression of some ERVs and ERV-related genes both in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, while no changes were detected in the blood. Interestingly, sex-related differences in the expression levels of some ERVs, ERV-related genes, and inflammatory mediators that were higher in females than in males emerged only in PFC. Our findings support the tissue specificity of ERV and ERV-related transcriptional profiles in MIA mice.
Metabolomic Profiling of Plasma, Urine, and Saliva of Kidney Transplantation Recipients
Authors: Iwamoto Hitoshi , Okihara Masaaki , Akashi Isao , Kihara Yu , Konno Osamu , Kawachi Shigeyuki , Sunamura Makoto , Sugimoto Masahiro
Published: November 2022

Kidney biopsy is commonly used to diagnose kidney transplant dysfunction after transplantation. Therefore, the development of minimally invasive and quantitative methods to evaluate kidney function in transplant recipients is necessary. Here, we used capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry to analyze the biofluids collected from transplant recipients with impaired (Group I, n = 31) and stable (Group S, n = 19) kidney function and from donors (Group D, n = 9). Metabolomics analyses identified and quantified 97 metabolites in plasma, 133 metabolites in urine, and 108 metabolites in saliva. Multivariate analyses revealed apparent differences in the metabolomic profiles of the three groups. In plasma samples, arginine biosynthesis and purine metabolism between the I and S Groups differed. In addition, considerable differences in metabolomic profiles were observed between samples collected from participants with T cell-mediated rejection (TCR), antibody-mediated rejection, and other kidney disorders (KD). The metabolomic profiles in the three types of biofluids showed different patterns between TCR and KD, wherein 3-indoxyl sulfate showed a significant increase in TCR consistently in both plasma and urine samples. These results suggest that each biofluid has different metabolite features to evaluate kidney function after transplantation and that 3-indoxyl sulfate could predict acute rejection.
The Impact of Duodenal Mucosal Vulnerability in the Development of Epigastric Pain Syndrome in Functional Dyspepsia
Authors: Okata Tomoki , Asanuma Kiyotaka , Nakagawa Kenichiro , Hatta Waku , Koike Tomoyuki , Imatani Akira , Masamune Atsushi
Published: November 2022

An unidentified cause of functional dyspepsia (FD) is closely associated with medication resistance. Acid suppression is a traditional and preferential method for the treatment of FD, but the efficacy of this treatment varies between epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) and postprandial syndrome (PDS): it is efficient in the former but not much in the latter. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), a surrogate of mucosal barrier function, was measured under pH 3 and pH 5 acidic conditions using duodenal biopsy specimens obtained from the patients with EPS and PDS and asymptomatic healthy controls. The infiltration of inflammatory cells to the duodenal mucosa was accessed by immunohistochemical analysis. The duodenal mucosal TEER in EPS patients was decreased by exposure to the acidic solution compared to that of the controls and the PDS patients. The decrease in TEER of the EPS patients was observed even under pH 5 weak acidic condition and was correlated to degree of the epigastric pain. Moreover, the duodenal mucosa of EPS patients presented an increase in mast cells and plasma cells that expressed Ig-E. Duodenal mucosal vulnerability to acid is likely to develop EPS.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding Due to NOACs Use: Exploring the Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Saviano Angela , Brigida Mattia , Petruzziello Carmine , Candelli Marcello , Gabrielli Maurizio , Ojetti Veronica
Published: November 2022

Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are drugs approved for the prevention and treatment of many thromboembolic cardiovascular conditions as a safer alternative to warfarin. We reviewed studies published in PubMed®, UpToDate®, Web of Science®, and Cochrane® about NOACs’ risks and benefits in patients requiring anticoagulation, with a focus on gastrointestinal bleeding and on molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the risk of bleeding in patients treated with them. Apixaban resulted in a lower rate of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to dabigatran and rivaroxaban. However, data reported that gastrointestinal bleeding in patients treated with NOACs was less severe compared to warfarin. Studies show promising results on the increased and widespread use of NOACs in patients who require anticoagulation (for example—in case of atrial fibrillation or high risk of venous thromboembolism), reporting an overall lower risk of major bleeding events. The profile of NOACs was more effective and secure compared to warfarin, but a more careful medical prescription is required in patients who are at high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
MiR-223 Exclusively Impairs In Vitro Tumor Growth through IGF1R Modulation in Rhabdomyosarcoma of Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Casanova Michela , Pontis Francesca , Ghidotti Patrizia , Petraroia Ilaria , Venturini Lara Veronica , Bergamaschi Luca , Chiaravalli Stefano , De Cecco Loris , Massimino Maura , Sozzi Gabriella , Ferrari Andrea , Fortunato Orazio , Gasparini Patrizia
Published: November 2022

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) form a subgroup of patients whose optimal clinical management and best possible access to care remain a challenge and whose survival rates lag behind that of children diagnosed with histologically similar tumors. A better understanding of tumor biology that differentiates children (PEDS-) from AYA-RMS could provide critical information and drive new initiatives to improve their final outcome. We investigated the functional role of miRNAs implicated in AYA-RMS development, as they have the potential to lead to discovery of new targets pathways for a more tailored treatment in these age groups of young RMS patients. MiR-223 and miR-486 were observed de-regulated in nine RMS tissues compared to their normal counterparts, yet only miR-223 replacement impaired proliferation and aggressiveness of AYA-RMS cell lines, while inducing apoptosis and determining cell cycle arrest. Interestingly, IGF1R resulted in the direct target of miR-223 in AYA-RMS cells, as demonstrated by IGF1R silencing. Our results highlight an exclusive functional role of miR-223 in AYA-RMS development and aggressiveness.
High-Density Lipoprotein Suppresses Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Enhanced by Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein or Oxidized Phospholipids
Authors: Ohinata Hitomi , Obama Takashi , Makiyama Tomohiko , Watanabe Yuichi , Itabe Hiroyuki
Published: November 2022

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are found in patients with various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. We previously reported that copper-oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) promotes NET formation of neutrophils, and that the resulting NETs increase the inflammatory responses of endothelial cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) on NET formation. HL-60-derived neutrophils were treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and further incubated with oxLDL and various concentrations of HDL for 2 h. NET formation was evaluated by quantifying extracellular DNA and myeloperoxidase. We found that the addition of native HDL partially decreased NET formation of neutrophils induced by oxLDL. This effect of HDL was lost when HDL was oxidized. We showed that oxidized phosphatidylcholines and lysophosphatidylcholine, which are generated in oxLDL, promoted NET formation of PMA-primed neutrophils, and NET formation by these products was completely blocked by native HDL. Furthermore, we found that an electronegative subfraction of LDL, LDL(–), which is separated from human plasma and is thought to be an in vivo oxLDL, was capable of promoting NET formation. These results suggest that plasma lipoproteins and their oxidative modifications play multiple roles in promoting NET formation, and that HDL acts as a suppressor of this response.
Identification of Epigenetic Interactions between MicroRNA-30c-5p and DNA Methyltransferases in Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Francés Raquel , Mata-Garrido Jorge , de la Fuente Roberto , Carcelén María , Lafarga Miguel , Berciano María Teresa , García Raquel , Hurlé María A. , Tramullas Mónica
Published: November 2022

Neuropathic pain is a prevalent and severe chronic syndrome, often refractory to treatment, whose development and maintenance may involve epigenetic mechanisms. We previously demonstrated a causal relationship between miR-30c-5p upregulation in nociception-related neural structures and neuropathic pain in rats subjected to sciatic nerve injury. Furthermore, a short course of an miR-30c-5p inhibitor administered into the cisterna magna exerts long-lasting antiallodynic effects via a TGF-β1-mediated mechanism. Herein, we show that miR-30c-5p inhibition leads to global DNA hyper-methylation of neurons in the lumbar dorsal root ganglia and spinal dorsal horn in rats subjected to sciatic nerve injury. Specifically, the inhibition of miR-30-5p significantly increased the expression of the novo DNA methyltransferases DNMT3a and DNMT3b in those structures. Furthermore, we identified the mechanism and found that miR-30c-5p targets the mRNAs of DNMT3a and DNMT3b. Quantitative methylation analysis revealed that the promoter region of the antiallodynic cytokine TGF-β1 was hypomethylated in the spinal dorsal horn of nerve-injured rats treated with the miR-30c-5p inhibitor, while the promoter of Nfyc, the host gene of miR-30c-5p, was hypermethylated. These results are consistent with long-term protection against neuropathic pain development after nerve injury. Altogether, our results highlight the key role of miR-30c-5p in the epigenetic mechanisms’ underlying neuropathic pain and provide the basis for miR-30c-5p as a therapeutic target.
Lactate Activates AMPK Remodeling of the Cellular Metabolic Profile and Promotes the Proliferation and Differentiation of C2C12 Myoblasts
Authors: Zhou Yu , Liu Xi , Huang Caihua , Lin Donghai
Published: November 2022

Lactate is a general compound fuel serving as the fulcrum of metabolism, which is produced from glycolysis and shuttles between different cells, tissues and organs. Lactate is usually accumulated abundantly in muscles during exercise. It remains unclear whether lactate plays an important role in the metabolism of muscle cells. In this research, we assessed the effects of lactate on myoblasts and clarified the underlying metabolic mechanisms through NMR-based metabonomic profiling. Lactate treatment promoted the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts, as indicated by significantly enhanced expression levels of the proteins related to cellular proliferation and differentiation, including p-AKT, p-ERK, MyoD and myogenin. Moreover, lactate treatment profoundly regulated metabolisms in myoblasts by promoting the intake and intracellular utilization of lactate, activating the TCA cycle, and thereby increasing energy production. For the first time, we found that lactate treatment evidently promotes AMPK signaling as reflected by the elevated expression levels of p-AMPK and p-ACC. Our results showed that lactate as a metabolic regulator activates AMPK, remodeling the cellular metabolic profile, and thereby promoting the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts. This study elucidates molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of lactate on skeletal muscle in vitro and may be of benefit to the exploration of lactate acting as a metabolic regulator.
Granulosa Cell Specific Loss of Adar in Mice Delays Ovulation, Oocyte Maturation and Leads to Infertility
Authors: Nelson Rikki N. , Chakravarthi V. Praveen , Ratri Anamika , Hong Xiaoman , Gossen Jan A. , Christenson Lane K.
Published: November 2022

Adenosine deaminases acting on RNA-(ADAR) comprise one family of RNA editing enzymes that specifically catalyze adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) editing. A granulosa cell (GC) specific Adar depleted mouse model [Adar flox/flox:Cyp19a1-Cre/+ (gcAdarKO)] was used to evaluate the role of ADAR1 during the periovulatory period. Loss of Adar in GCs led to failure to ovulate at 16 h post-hCG, delayed oocyte germinal vesicle breakdown and severe infertility. RNAseq analysis of GC collected from gcAdarKO and littermate control mice at 0 and 4 h post-hCG following a super-ovulatory dose of eCG (48 h), revealed minimal differences after eCG treatment alone (0 h), consistent with normal folliculogenesis observed histologically and uterine estrogenic responses. In contrast, 300 differential expressed genes (DEGs; >1.5-fold change and FDRP < 0.1) were altered at 4 h post-hCG. Ingenuity pathway analysis identified many downstream targets of estrogen and progesterone pathways, while multiple genes involved in inflammatory responses were upregulated in the gcAdarKO GCs. Temporal expression analysis of GCs at 0, 4, 8, and 12 h post-hCG of Ifi44, Ifit1, Ifit3b, and Oas1g and Ovgp1 confirmed upregulation of these inflammatory and interferon genes and downregulation of Ovgp1 a glycoprotein involved in oocyte zona pellucida stability. Thus, loss of ADAR1 in GCs leads to increased expression of inflammatory and interferon response genes which are temporally linked to ovulation failure, alterations in oocyte developmental progression and infertility.
Characteristics of PoVIN3, a Key Gene of Vernalization Pathway, Affects Flowering Time
Authors: Li Yuying , Wang Can , Guo Qi , Song Chengwei , Wang Xiaohui , Guo Lili , Hou Xiaogai
Published: November 2022

The tree peony (Paeonia section Moutan DC.) is the candidate flower in China, with abundant germplasm resources and high ornamental value. However, the short and concentrated flowering period severely restricted the improvement of the economic value of tree peonies. Based on the full-length transcriptome database of tree peonies, the PoVIN3 (GenBank ID: OP341879), involved in the flowering regulation of tree peonies were identified and cloned for the first time. The PoVIN3 was also characterized by bioinformatics methods, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and the establishment of a transgenic system. The expression levels of PoVIN3 in seven different petals developmental stages were the highest at the initial flowering stage of the variant cultivar of Paeonia ostii ‘Fengdan,’ the initial decay stage of the normal flowering Paeonia ostii ‘Fengdan,’ and the half opening stage of the late flowering Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Lianhe.’ Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that the relative expression levels of PoVIN3 were the highest in sepals of both normal flowering Paeonia ostii ‘Fengdan’ and the late flowering Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Lianhe,’ and the highest expression was in stamens of early flowering mutant Paeonia ostii ‘Fengdan.’ In addition, the flowering time of pCAMBIA2300-PoVIN3 transgenic plants was significantly earlier than that of the wild-type, indicating that PoVIN3 could promote plant flowering. The results provide a theoretical basis for exploring the role of PoVIN3 in the regulation of flowering in tree peonies.
The Oncopig as an Emerging Model to Investigate Copper Regulation in Cancer
Authors: Carlson Alyssa L. , Carrazco-Carrillo Jaime , Loder Aaron , Elkhadragy Lobna , Schachtschneider Kyle M. , Padilla-Benavides Teresita
Published: November 2022

Emerging evidence points to several fundamental contributions that copper (Cu) has to promote the development of human pathologies such as cancer. These recent and increasing identification of the roles of Cu in cancer biology highlights a promising field in the development of novel strategies against cancer. Cu and its network of regulatory proteins are involved in many different contextual aspects of cancer from driving cell signaling, modulating cell cycle progression, establishing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Human cancer research in general requires refined models to bridge the gap between basic science research and meaningful clinical trials. Classic studies in cultured cancer cell lines and animal models such as mice and rats often present caveats when extended to humans due to inherent genetic and physiological differences. However, larger animal models such as pigs are emerging as more appropriate tools for translational research as they present more similarities with humans in terms of genetics, anatomical structures, organ sizes, and pathological manifestations of diseases like cancer. These similarities make porcine models well-suited for addressing long standing questions in cancer biology as well as in the arena of novel drug and therapeutic development against human cancers. With the emergent roles of Cu in human health and pathology, the pig presents an emerging and valuable model to further investigate the contributions of this metal to human cancers. The Oncopig Cancer Model is a transgenic swine model that recapitulates human cancer through development of site and cell specific tumors. In this review, we briefly outline the relationship between Cu and cancer, and how the novel Oncopig Cancer Model may be used to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms and causal relationships between Cu and molecular targets involved in cancer.
Transcriptome and Phenotype Integrated Analysis Identifies Genes Controlling Ginsenoside Rb1 Biosynthesis and Reveals Their Interactions in the Process in Panax ginseng
Authors: Jiang Yue , Liu Sizhang , Li Li , Zang Kaiyou , Wang Yanfang , Zhao Mingzhu , Wang Kangyu , Zhu Lei , Chen Ping , Lei Jun , Wang Yi , Zhang Meiping
Published: November 2022

Genes are the keys to deciphering the molecular mechanism underlying a biological trait and designing approaches desirable for plant genetic improvement. Ginseng is an important medicinal herb in which ginsenosides have been shown to be the major bioactive component; however, only a few genes involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis have been cloned through orthologue analysis. Here, we report the identification of 21 genes controlling Rb1 biosynthesis by stepwise ginseng transcriptome and Rb1 content integrated analysis. We first identified the candidate genes for Rb1 biosynthesis by integrated analysis of genes with the trait from four aspects, including gene transcript differential expression between highest- and lowest-Rb1 content cultivars, gene transcript expression–Rb1 content correlation, and biological impacts of gene mutations on Rb1 content, followed by the gene transcript co-expression network. Twenty-two candidate genes were identified, of which 21 were functionally validated for Rb1 biosynthesis by gene regulation, genetic transformation, and mutation analysis. These genes were strongly correlated in expression with the previously cloned genes encoding key enzymes for Rb1 biosynthesis. Based on the correlations, a pathway for Rb1 biosynthesis was deduced to indicate the roles of the genes in Rb1 biosynthesis. Moreover, the genes formed a strong co-expression network with the previously cloned Rb1 biosynthesis genes, and the variation in the network was associated with the variation in the Rb1 content. These results indicate that Rb1 biosynthesis is a process of correlative interactions among Rb1 biosynthesis genes. Therefore, this study provides new knowledge, 21 new genes, and 96 biomarkers for Rb1 biosynthesis useful for enhanced research and breeding in ginseng.
Chitin Derived Small Molecule AVR-48 Reprograms the Resting Macrophages to an Intermediate Phenotype and Decrease Pseudomonas aeruginosa Mouse Lung Infection
Authors: Behera Sumita , Panda Santosh K. , Donkor Michael , Acharya Eesha , Jones Harlan , Acharya Suchismita
Published: November 2022

AVR-48 is a structural derivative of chitin previously shown by our laboratory to significantly decrease lung injury parameters in LPS, hyperoxia and sepsis-induced rodent models. The current study objectives are to determine the cellular mechanism of action and demonstrate efficacy in a mouse bacterial lung infection model. For in vitro receptor binding and macrophage polarization studies, C57Bl/6J mouse derived spleens and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) were treated with AVR-48 ± LPS or biotin conjugated AVR-48. Different macrophage types were determined using flow cytometry and secreted cytokines were measured using ELISA. In vivo, a CD-1 mouse Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection was treated with AVR-48, assessing bacterial colony forming unit (CFU), IL-10 and IL-17A levels in lung and blood samples. AVR-48 binds to both the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the CD163 receptor on mouse monocytes. In hPBMCs, frequency of intermediate macrophages increased upon AVR-48 treatment for 72 h. Increased bacterial phagocytosis/intracellular killing were observed in THP-1 cells and reduction in CFU in CD-1 mouse lungs. Binding of AVR-48 to both TLR4 and CD163 receptors bring the macrophages to an intermediary stage, resulting in increased phagocytosis and decreased inflammation, altogether providing an optimal immune balance for treating lung injury and infection.
Enhancement in the Performance of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) by Incorporation of Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO) and Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) in ZnO Nanostructures
Authors: Alshahrie Ahmed , Alghamdi Ahmed A. , Hasan Prince M. Z. , Ahmed Faheem , Albalawi Hanadi Mohammed Eid , Umar Ahmad , Alsulami Abdullah
Published: November 2022

In this work, a fast, environment-friendly and economic route was used to prepare ZnO and their nanocomposites containing reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The prepared nanostructures were well-characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman measurements. The XRD, Raman and TEM results confirmed that the ZnO nanostructures were crystallized into the hexagonal phase, and the nanocomposites containing RGO and CNTs. Morphological studies performed by using FESEM and TEM images showed that the ZnO possessed tube-like morphology with length and diameter in the range of ~1 micron and 90–200 nm, respectively, which were uniform and densely covered on the surface of the carbon materials. The DSSCs were fabricated using prepared nanostructures as a working electrode and platinum as a counter electrode with ruthenium-based dyes and iodide electrolytes. To further improve the efficiency of fabricated solar cells, nanocomposites of prepared nanostructures of ZnO with RGO and CNTs were synthesized, and their results were compared with the pristine samples. The results showed that the ZnO/CNTs (0.5 wt%) nanocomposites electrode exhibited the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of DSSCs with a maximum value of 0.612% compared to 0.326% of DSSC with pure ZnO, and 0.574% of DSSC with ZnO/RGO. Significantly, this technique could be used for large-scale production using the existing economical and highly effective DSSC fabrication technique.
Synthesis of Novel Ferrocene-Benzofuran Hybrids via Palladium- and Copper-Catalyzed Reactions
Authors: Nagy Enikő , Váradi Márk , Nagymihály Zoltán , Kollár László , Kovács Krisztina , Andreidesz Kitti , Gömöry Ágnes , Tumanov Nikolay , Wouters Johan , Skoda-Földes Rita
Published: November 2022

The combination of the ferrocene skeleton with pharmacophores often leads to molecules with interesting biological properties. Five ferrocene-benzofuran hybrids of different structures were synthesized by transition metal catalyzed reactions. The efficiency of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic methods was tested. The products were characterized using 1H, 13C NMR and FTIR spectroscopy, HRMS and cyclic voltammetry. The structure of one of the new compounds was also proved with X-ray crystallography. The new hybrids showed moderate cytotoxicity on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. It is remarkable that the less curable MDA-MB-231 cell line was more sensitive to treatment with three ferrocene derivatives.
How to Protect ortho-Carborane from Decapitation—Practical Synthesis of 3,6-Dihalogen Derivatives 3,6-X2-1,2-C2B10H10 (X = Cl, Br, I)
Authors: Shmal’ko Akim V. , Anufriev Sergey A. , Suponitsky Kyrill Yu. , Sivaev Igor B.
Published: November 2022

The 3-halogen and 3,6-dihalogen derivatives of ortho-carborane 3-X-1,2-C2B10H11 and 3,6-X2-1,2-C2B10H10 (X = Cl, Br, I) were prepared by Cu-assisted halodeboronation of the corresponding pinacolborate derivatives 3-Bpin-1,2-C2B10H11 and 3,6-(Bpin)2-1,2-C2B10H10. It was shown that decapitation of 3-Cl-1,2-C2B10H11, similarly to the corresponding bromo and iodo derivatives, proceeds regioselectively with the retention of the B-Cl bond. Crystal structures of 3,6-Cl2-1,2-C2B10H10 and Cs [3-Cl-7,8-C2B9H11] were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.
Effect of Physical Training on the Morphology of Parasympathetic Atrial Ganglia after Unilateral Vagotomy in Rats
Authors: Mamontov Oleg V. , Grozov Roman V. , Minasian Sarkis M. , Zhuravskii Sergei G. , Galagudza Michael M. , Kamshilin Alexei A.
Published: November 2022

Cardiac denervation is a serious problem in a number of patients, including patients after heart transplantation. The status of the parasympathetic ganglia after crossing the preganglionic fibers of the vagus nerve has not been enough studied. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of physical training on the morphological parameters of the parasympathetic atrial ganglia and autonomic regulation of heart rate after right- and left-sided vagotomy in rats. Morphometric characteristics of the right atrial ganglia were evaluated using an immunohistochemical method after a study that included a three-time assessment of heart rate variability. It was found that right-sided vagotomy leads to both an increase in the volume of ganglion and autonomic dysfunction. No significant change in the number of nerve cells was found in animals with false and left-sided vagotomy while maintaining preganglionic innervation after the physical training, whereas exercises led to a decrease in the volume of nerve tissue of rats with right-sided denervation. It was also found that in animals with preserved vagal innervation, the volume of atrial ganglion tissue correlates with overall heart rate variability and a normalized parasympathetic component. Therefore, a positive effect from regular physical activity on parasympathetic regulation can be expected only if preganglionic vagal influence is preserved.
The Vaginal Patch Plastron Associated to the Anterior Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation for the Treatment of Advanced Anterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse
Authors: Ruffolo Alessandro Ferdinando , Lambert Benjamin , Lallemant Marine , Candiani Massimo , Salvatore Stefano , Cosson Michel
Published: November 2022

Background: this study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of vaginal patch plastron (VPP) associated to anterior sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF-A) with SSLF-A associated or not to the anterior colporrhaphy (AC) for cystocele treatment. Methods: single-center retrospective study in women with cystocele ≥ III stage submitted to surgery. The primary outcome was to compare objective and subjective cystocele relapse and reoperation rate at follow-up > 6 months. The secondary outcome was to describe peri- and postoperative complications and risk factors for cystocele objective relapse. Results: 75 women were submitted to SSLF-A and 61 women to VPP. VPP objective and subjective relapse (6.5%, 4/61 and 1.1%, 1/61) were lower than SSLF-A (26.7%, 20/75 and 20%, 15/75; p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). SSLF-A had a higher reintervention rate, but not significantly (6.6%, 5/75 vs. 0%, 0/61; p = 0.06). Previous hysterectomy was a risk factor (HR 4; 1.3–12.1) while VPP was protective factor (HR 0.2; 0.1–0.9) for cystocele anatomical relapse. Postoperative buttock pain was more prevalent in VPP (57.4%, 35/75 vs. 34.7%, 26/61; p = 0.01). Conclusions: VPP is effective and safe for advanced cystocele treatment, with lower objective and subjective relapse rates in comparison to isolated SSLF-A or associated with the AC.
Acquired Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency
Authors: Pes Giovanni Mario , Dore Maria Pina
Published: November 2022

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a hereditary condition caused by mutations on chromosome X and is transmitted by a sex-linked inheritance. However, impairment of G6PD activity may result from biochemical mechanisms that are able to inhibit the enzyme in specific clinical conditions in the absence of a structural gene-level defect. In this narrative review, a number of clinical settings associated with an “acquired” G6PD deficiency, phenotypically undistinguishable from the primary deficiency, as well as the mechanisms involved, were examined. Hyperaldosteronism and diabetes are the most common culprits of acquired G6PD deficiency. Additional endocrine and metabolic conditions may cause G6PD deficiency in both hospitalized and outpatients. Contrary to the inherited defect, acquired G6PD deficiency is a condition that is potentially curable by removing the factor responsible for enzyme inhibition. Awareness regarding acquired G6PD deficiency by physicians might result in improved recognition and treatment.
Mid- and Long-Term Surgical Outcomes Due to Infective Endocarditis in Elderly Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jussli-Melchers Jill , Salem Mohamed Ahmed , Schoettler Jan , Friedrich Christine , Huenges Katharina , Elke Gunnar , Puehler Thomas , Cremer Jochen , Haneya Assad
Published: November 2022

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is one of the true remaining dreaded situations in cardiovascular medicine. Current international guidelines do not include specific recommendations for treatment options of infective endocarditis (conventional vs. surgical) based on the patient’s age, functional status or comorbidities. Elderly patients have less invasive and often delayed surgeries compared to younger patients due to their shorter long-term survival probabilities. In the setting of IE, this might not be the right treatment, as surgery is the only curative option in up to 50% of all endocarditis patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the mid- and long-term surgical outcomes due to infective endocarditis of patients aged ≥70 years. Methods: Between 2002 and 2020, a retrospective study with 137 patients aged 70 years and older and 276 patients aged below 70 years was conducted. Altogether, 413 consecutive patients who received surgery due to infective native or prosthetic valve endocarditis were assigned to either the elderly (E)-Group or the control (C)-Group. Primary endpoints were short- and long-term MACCEs (Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events) as a composite of death or major adverse events, and secondary endpoints were intraoperative variables and postoperative course. Results: Preoperative risk factors differed significantly. Elderly patients had more arterial hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, chronic renal insufficiency and coronary heart disease. Fewer of them were in a state of emergency. Time from diagnosis to OR, antibiotic pretreatment, length of surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass time were significantly longer in the E-Group. Furthermore, 44.5% of patients in the E-Group had prosthesis endocarditis as opposed to 29.7% in the C-group. During postoperative follow-up, new onset of hemodialysis, duration of ventilation, delirium, reintubation and tracheotomy rates were significantly higher in the E-Group. There were significant differences in 7- and 30-day mortality. One- year survival was 62% for the E-Group and 79% for the C-Group. Five-year survival was 47% for the E-Group and 67% for the C-Group. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that surgery for infective endocarditis is a high-risk procedure, especially for elderly people. Nevertheless, as it is more or less the only concept to increase long-term survival, it should be offered generously to all patients who are still able to take care of themselves.
What Are the Key Factors of Functional Outcomes in Patients with Spinopelvic Dissociation Treated with Triangular Osteosynthesis?
Authors: Su Po-Han , Huang Yi-Hsun , Yeh Chen-Wei , Chen Chun-Yen , Lo Yuan-Shun , Chen Hsien-Te , Tsai Chun-Hao
Published: November 2022

For patients with spinopelvic dissociation (SPD), triangular osteosynthesis is the current method for the fixation of the posterior pelvis. This study aimed to assess the recovery process and radiographic parameters associated with the functional outcomes in patients with SPD treated by triangular osteosynthesis. We collected data from 23 patients with SPD. To investigate the key aspect regarding the functional outcomes of these patients, we measured pre- and post-operative parameters, and a statistical analysis adjusted for age, gender, and time windows was used. The radiographic displacement measurement in the pre-operative period showed that the EQ−5D−5L increased by 2.141 per outlet ratio unit. The EQ−5D−5L increased by 1.359 per inlet ratio unit and 1.804 per outlet ratio during the postoperative period. The EQ−VAS increased significantly only with the inlet ratio in the postoperative period (1.270 per inlet ratio). A vertical reduction in SPD during the surgery can achieve more satisfactory outcomes than a horizontal anatomical reduction, in which the horizontal displacement causes inferior functional outcomes.
Effect of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy with the oXiris Hemofilter on Critically Ill Patients: A Narrative Review
Authors: Li Yupei , Sun Peiyan , Chang Kaixi , Yang Mei , Deng Ningyue , Chen Shanshan , Su Baihai
Published: November 2022

Critically ill patients with sepsis and severe COVID-19 are commonly characterized by a dysregulated immune response and an acute kidney injury. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is now proposed as a promising adjuvant therapy to treat these critically ill patients by removing cytokines, pathogen-associated molecular patterns, and damage-associated molecular patterns from the blood. Although multiple hemofilters, including high-cutoff membranes, the oXiris hemofilter, the CytoSorb hemoadsorption device, and the Toraymyxin hemoperfusion cartridge, have been used in current clinical practice, the use of the oXiris hemofilter in critically ill patients is of particular interest because it is the only kind of hemofilter that can provide renal replacement therapy, remove endotoxins, and adsorb cytokines simultaneously. During the past five years, a growing body of literature has shown that CRRT with the oXiris hemofilter can improve hemodynamics and organ function and can decrease cytokines and endotoxins in both septic and COVID-19 patients. Here, we performed a narrative review to describe the development history of the oXiris hemofilter and to discuss the therapeutic effect of oXiris-CRRT on critically ill patients by searching the PubMed, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov databases for articles published from inception to 8 September 2022 (updated on 1 November) with an English language restriction. We also summarized the current knowledge on anticoagulation techniques and safety concerns when delivering oXiris-CRRT sessions.
Sexual Health after a Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Addressing a Forgotten Aspect of Survivorship
Authors: Vegunta Suneela , Kuhle Carol L. , Vencill Jennifer A. , Lucas Pauline H. , Mussallem Dawn M.
Published: November 2022

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The life expectancy after a breast cancer diagnosis is improving steadily, leaving many more persons with the long-term consequences of treatment. Sexual problems are a common concern for breast cancer survivors yet remain overlooked in both the clinical setting and the research literature. Factors that contribute to sexual health concerns in breast cancer survivors are biopsychosocial, as are the barriers to addressing and treating these health concerns. Sexual health needs and treatment may vary by anatomy and gender. Multidisciplinary management may comprise lifestyle modifications, medications, sexual health aids such as vibrators, counseling, and referrals to pelvic health physical therapy and specialty care. In this article, we review the contributing factors, screening, and management of sexual difficulties in cisgender female breast cancer survivors. More information is needed to better address the sexual health of breast cancer survivors whose sexual/gender identity differs from that of cisgender women.
Coordination of Cilia Movements in Multi-Ciliated Cells
Authors: Arata Masaki , Usami Fumiko Matsukawa , Fujimori Toshihiko
Published: November 2022

Multiple motile cilia are formed at the apical surface of multi-ciliated cells in the epithelium of the oviduct or the fallopian tube, the trachea, and the ventricle of the brain. Those cilia beat unidirectionally along the tissue axis, and this provides a driving force for directed movements of ovulated oocytes, mucus, and cerebrospinal fluid in each of these organs. Furthermore, cilia movements show temporal coordination between neighboring cilia. To establish such coordination of cilia movements, cilia need to sense and respond to various cues, including the organ’s orientation and movements of neighboring cilia. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which cilia movements of multi-ciliated cells are coordinated, focusing on planar cell polarity and the cytoskeleton, and highlight open questions for future research.
Full Recovery from O’Donoghue’s Triad with Autologous Bone Marrow Aspirate Matrix: A Case Report
Authors: Lana José Fábio Santos Duarte , Sugano André Atsushi , De Barros Henrique Valadão , Mosaner Tomas , Santos Gabriel Silva , Lana João Vitor Bizinotto , Vicente Rodrigo , De Andrade Marco Antônio Percope
Published: November 2022

O’Donoghue’s triad is an extremely debilitating condition. Although there are many conventional treatments available, there is still no consensus regarding the most effective rehabilitation protocol for a full recovery. Surgical interventions have become an ordinary consideration, but problems may still persist even after the surgical procedure. Orthobiologics, however, have gained considerable popularity in regenerative medicine. Notable autologous alternatives, such as bone marrow aspirate (BMA), are often utilized in clinical settings. To our knowledge, the administration of BMA products for the management of O’Donoghue’s triad has not been thoroughly investigated in the literature. In this case report we describe a full recovery from O’Donoghue’s triad with BMA matrix in a patient who was recalcitrant to surgical intervention due to fear of complications. Our patient received three BMA matrix injections with four-week intervals, exhibiting significant recovery according to pain scores, functional assessment outcomes, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results. The patient returned to normal activities with no complaints and MRI evidence at follow-up showed significant signs of structural restoration of the musculoskeletal tissues. Here, we demonstrate that autologous BMA products are a feasible alternative for the accelerated recovery of musculoskeletal tissue injury with safety and efficacy.
Which Performance Tests Best Define the Special Judo Fitness Test Classification in Elite Judo Athletes?
Authors: Ceylan Bayram , Šimenko Jožef , Balcı Şükrü Serdar
Published: November 2022

The normative values of the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) are used to evaluate judo athletes, and the question arises of which performance tests from crucial motor abilities best define the SJFT classification in elite judo athletes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between elite judo athletes’ physical performance and the evaluation using SJFT index norms. Nineteen judo athletes (11 females) (22.8 ± 2.5 years old) from the senior judo national team voluntarily participated in this study. Body composition, reaction time, balance, flexibility, agility, hand grip strength, 20 m sprint, vertical jump, SJFT, and Wingate tests were performed by athletes on four separate days at one-day intervals. Athletes were classified as regular and above (≥regular) or poor and below (≤poor) according to their SJFT index scores. Simple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate this classification’s consistency with performance test results. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals related to each possible factor and Wald test statistics were calculated. The SJFT index classification was associated with Wingate peak and mean power, vertical jump, and sprint performance results (p < 0.05), whereas it was not associated with body fat percentage, agility, reaction time, hand grip strength, flexibility, and balance performances (p > 0.05). SJFT index classificatory norms are mainly related to athletes’ anaerobic power. Higher anaerobic power increases athletes’ possibility of being classified as ≥regular.
When Memory and Metamemory Align: How Processes at Encoding Influence Delayed Judgment-of-Learning Accuracy
Authors: Hughes Gregory Isaac , Thomas Ayanna Kim
Published: November 2022

Judgments of learning are most accurate when made at a delay from the initial encoding of the assessed material. A wealth of evidence suggests that this is because a delay encourages participants to base their predictions on cues retrieved from long-term memory, which are generally the most diagnostic of later memory performance. We investigated the hypothesis that different types of study techniques affect delayed JOL accuracy by influencing the accessibility of cues stored in long-term memory. In two experiments, we measured the delayed-JOL accuracy of participants who encoded semantically unrelated and weakly related word pairs through one of three study techniques: reading the pairs twice (study practice), generating keywords (elaborative encoding), or taking a cued-recall test with feedback (retrieval practice). We also measured the accessibility, utilization, and diagnostic quality of two long-term memory cues at the time of the delayed JOL: (a) retrieval of the target, and (b) noncriterial cues (retrieval of contextual details pertaining to the encoding of the target). We found that the accessibility of targets was positively associated with delayed-JOL accuracy. Further, we provide evidence that when study techniques enhance the accessibility of targets, they likewise enhance delayed-JOL accuracy.