bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypogonadism in Patients with Prader Willi Syndrome: A Narrative Review
Authors: Napolitano Luigi , Barone Biagio , Morra Simone , Celentano Giuseppe , La Rocca Roberto , Capece Marco , Morgera Vincenzo , Turco Carmine , Caputo Vincenzo Francesco , Spena Gianluca , Romano Lorenzo , De Luca Luigi , Califano Gianluigi , Collà Ruvolo Claudia , Mangiapia Francesco , Mirone Vincenzo , Longo Nicola , Creta Massimiliano
Published: February 2021

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multisystemic complex genetic disorder related to the lack of a functional paternal copy of chromosome 15q11-q13. Several clinical manifestations are reported, such as short stature, cognitive and behavioral disability, temperature instability, hypotonia, hypersomnia, hyperphagia, and multiple endocrine abnormalities, including growth hormone deficiency and hypogonadism. The hypogonadism in PWS is due to central and peripheral mechanisms involving the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. The early diagnosis and management of hypogonadism in PWS are both important for physicians in order to reach a better quality of life for these patients. The aim of this study is to summarize and investigate causes and possible therapies for hypogonadism in PWS. Additional studies are further needed to clarify the role of different genes related to hypogonadism and to establish a common and evidence-based therapy.
First Evidence for a Role of Siglec-8 in Breast Cancer
Authors: Trebo Anna , Ditsch Nina , Degenhardt Tom , Kuhn Christina , Rahmeh Martina , Schmoeckel Elisa , Mayr Doris , Czogalla Bastian , Kolben Thomas , Meister Sarah , Mahner Sven , Jeschke Udo , Hester Anna
Published: February 2021

Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs) are involved in various immune cell-mediated diseases. Their role in cancer is poorly investigated, and research focusses on Siglec-expression on immune cells interacting with tumor cells. This study evaluates the role of Siglec-8 in breast cancer (BC). Siglec-8 expression was analyzed immunohistochemically on 235 primary BC cases and was correlated with clinical and pathological parameters and outcome. Cell culture experiments were performed with various BC cell lines. Siglec-8 was expressed in 215 BC cases and expression was lowest in triple-negative BC. It correlated with estrogen receptor-status, grading and the prognostic factors galectin (Gal)-7 and tumor-associated mucin-1 (TA-MUC1). However, Gal-7 and TA-MUC1 were only prognosticators for clinical outcome in the cohort expressing high (Immunoreactivity score IRS > 3) Siglec-8 levels but not in the low-expressing cohort. Siglec-8 knockdown led to a significantly reduced Gal-7 expression in MCF7 cells. All BC cell lines expressed low Siglec-8-levels, that could be elevated in MCF7 by Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ)-stimulation. This study demonstrates that Siglec-8 is expressed in BC cells and correlates with known clinical and prognostic parameters. It is probably associated with Gal-7 and TA-MUC1 and might be regulated via PPARγ. Further analyses focusing on functional associations will clarify Siglec-8’s eligibility as a possible therapeutic target.
Role of Selected miRNAs as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Diseases, Including Coronary Artery Disease, Myocardial Infarction and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Mir Rashid , Elfaki Imadeldin , Khullar Naina , Waza Ajaz Ahmad , Jha Chandan , Mir Mohammad Muzaffar , Nisa Shamsu , Mohammad Babar , Mir Tahir Ahmad , Maqbool Mohsin , Barnawi Jameel , Albalawi Salem Owaid , Abu-Duhier Faisel M.
Published: February 2021

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide in different cohorts. It is well known that miRNAs have a crucial role in regulating the development of cardiovascular physiology, thus impacting the pathophysiology of heart diseases. MiRNAs also have been reported to be associated with cardiac reactions, leading to myocardial infarction (MCI) and ultimately heart failure (HF). To prevent these heart diseases, proper and timely diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction is pivotal. Though there are many symptoms associated with an irregular heart condition and though there are some biomarkers available that may indicate heart disease, authentic, specific and sensitive markers are the need of the hour. In recent times, miRNAs have proven to be promising candidates in this regard. They are potent biomarkers as they can be easily detected in body fluids (blood, urine, etc.) due to their remarkable stability and presence in apoptotic bodies and exosomes. Existing studies suggest the role of miRNAs as valuable biomarkers. A single biomarker may be insufficient to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) or acute myocardial infarction (AMI); thus, a combination of different miRNAs may prove fruitful. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the role of circulating miRNA as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI) and atherosclerosis.
Positive Effects of Saliva on Oral Candidiasis: Basic Research on the Analysis of Salivary Properties
Authors: Kawanishi Norishige , Hoshi Noriyuki , Adachi Takuya , Ichigaya Narumi , Kimoto Katsuhiko
Published: February 2021

The major causes of oral candidiasis include decreased salivary flow rate and the use of ill-fitting dentures. However, the relationships among prosthetic treatment, saliva, and Candida albicans have not been elucidated. This study aimed to examine the effects of prosthetic treatment and changes in saliva (mainly the salivary flow rate) on oral candidiasis symptoms. Participants requiring prosthetic treatment underwent testing for C. albicans, salivary flow rate, intraoral symptoms, and bite force at the initial visit and four months after treatment to evaluate pretreatment and post-treatment changes. The relationships among C. albicans, salivary flow rate, dentures, and intraoral symptoms were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Denture treatment improved activity against C. albicans as well as the salivary flow rate, intraoral symptoms, and masticatory function. Multiple regression analysis revealed that changes in the stimulated salivary flow rate due to prosthetic treatment significantly improved C. albicans detection (p = 0.011), intraoral symptoms (p = 0.037), and bite force (p = 0.031). This study showed that prosthetic treatment improved salivary flow and intraoral symptoms and confirmed the influence of stimulated salivary flow rate changes.
Outcomes of Small Size Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation in Asian Chronic Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Authors: Huang Ke-Hao , Chen Ching-Long , Lu Da-Wen , Chen Jiann-Torng , Chen Yi-Hao
Published: February 2021

For chronic angle-closure glaucoma (ACG), Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) is a useful drainage device for intraocular pressure (IOP) control but there are few reports discussing the outcomes of small size AGV in adult patients. This retrospective study involved 43 Asian adult patients (43 eyes) with chronic ACG. All patients had undergone small size AGV insertion and were divided into anterior chamber (AC) group and posterior chamber (PC) group. In the AC group, tube was inserted through sclerectomy gap into the anterior chamber. In the PC group, tube was inserted into posterior chamber through a needling tract. Outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, number of antiglaucoma medications, survival curve and incidence of complications. In total, 43 eyes of 43 patients, 24 in the AC group and 19 in the PC group, were reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 28.5 months (95% confidence interval: 25.5–31.4). Mean IOP had significantly decreased following AGV insertion. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated a probability of success at 24 months of 67.4% for qualified success and 39.5% for complete success. There were no significant differences between the AC and PC groups in terms of the mean IOP, cumulative probability of success, visual acuity change or antiglaucoma medication change, except IOP at 1-day and 1-month mean IOP. The most common complications noted was hyphema in the PC group. For adult chronic ACG patients, small size AGV insertion could be effective at lowering IOP. Besides, tube insertion into AC with sclerectomy may prevent the hypertensive phase in the early postoperative period.
Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Fortunato Fernanda , Rossi Rachele , Falzarano Maria Sofia , Ferlini Alessandra
Published: February 2021

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common childhood muscular dystrophy affecting ~1:5000 live male births. Following the identification of pathogenic variations in the dystrophin gene in 1986, the underlining genotype/phenotype correlations emerged and the role of the dystrophin protein was elucidated in skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles, as well as in the brain. When the dystrophin protein is absent or quantitatively or qualitatively modified, the muscle cannot sustain the stress of repeated contractions. Dystrophin acts as a bridging and anchoring protein between the sarcomere and the sarcolemma, and its absence or reduction leads to severe muscle damage that eventually cannot be repaired, with its ultimate substitution by connective tissue and fat. The advances of an understanding of the molecular pathways affected in DMD have led to the development of many therapeutic strategies that tackle different aspects of disease etiopathogenesis, which have recently led to the first successful approved orphan drugs for this condition. The therapeutic advances in this field have progressed exponentially, with second-generation drugs now entering in clinical trials as gene therapy, potentially providing a further effective approach to the condition.
Tumor Environment-Responsive Hyaluronan Conjugated Zinc Protoporphyrin for Targeted Anticancer Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Gao Shanghui , Islam Rayhanul , Fang Jun
Published: February 2021

Targeted tumor accumulation, tumor environment responsive drug release, and effective internalization are critical issues being considered in developing anticancer nanomedicine. In this context, we synthesized a tumor environment-responsive nanoprobe for anticancer photodynamic therapy (PDT) that is a hyaluronan conjugated zinc protoporphyrin via an ester bond (HA-es-ZnPP), and we examined its anticancer PDT effect both in vitro and in vivo. HA-es-ZnPP exhibits high water-solubility and forms micelles of ~40 nm in aqueous solutions. HA-es-ZnPP shows fluorescence quenching without apparent 1O2 generation under light irradiation because of micelle formation. However, 1O2 was extensively generated when the micelle is disrupted, and ZnPP is released. Compared to native ZnPP, HA-es-ZnPP showed lower but comparable intracellular uptake and cytotoxicity in cultured mouse C26 colon cancer cells; more importantly, light irradiation resulted in 10-time increased cytotoxicity, which is the PDT effect. In a mouse sarcoma S180 solid tumor model, HA-es-ZnPP as polymeric micelles exhibited a prolonged systemic circulation time and the consequent tumor-selective accumulation based on the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect was evidenced. Consequently, a remarkable anticancer PDT effect was achieved using HA-es-ZnPP and a xenon light source, without apparent side effects. These findings suggest the potential of HA-es-ZnPP as a candidate anticancer nanomedicine for PDT.
Idiosyncratic Viral Loss Theory: Systemic Operational Losses in Banks
Authors: Velez Sophia Beckett
Published: February 2021

Basel III regulation intent is to increase the resiliency of banks through effective risk management practices that can reduce significant idiosyncratic operational losses. A systemic risk event that leads to significant losses in a bank holding company (BHC) can expose them to become insolvent and cause significant volatility and unpredictable negative impact on the United States economy. The viral spread of operational losses through global markets by interconnected multinational banks can be compared to viruses spread through interconnected countries and the significant losses incurred; this can be referred to as idiosyncratic viral loss theory. This idiosyncratic viral loss theory discusses systemic operational losses that are evident in human error, fraud, and legal expenses that are aligned to systemic operational risk. The occurrences of significant losses that are idiosyncratic in nature and that are linked to failed internal processes, people, systems, and external events are defined by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision as operational risk losses; these losses’ idiosyncratic nature makes them comparable to viruses. This study employs the Compliance and Ethics Group’s (OCEG’s) standard that integrates governance, risk management, internal control, assurance, and compliance (GRC capability model) into one functional goal to improve quality and principled performance through measurable tools that may enhance effectiveness and efficiency practices. This study concerns senior manager activities that can be effective towards meeting effective risk management practices posed by the Basel III regulation for BHCs, which may reduce the spread of significant losses in the banks. Through the use of a qualitative e-Delphi study, 10 banking finance experts were convened to build consensus on effective risk management practices. Data were collected from three electronic questionnaires submitted through Qualtrics. Data were analyzed using theoretical triangulation, coding, and thematic analysis. Four important considerations were identified that could bolster effective risk management practices: (a) a comprehensive enterprise-wide risk; (b) controlling fraud; (c) going beyond the minimum risk assessment requirements set forth by the banking regulators; (d) independent risk identification and management. These considerations towards effective risk management practices may help reduce systemic operational losses viral spread in banks.
Use of Derivative and Firm Performance: Evidence from the Chinese Shenzhen Stock Exchange
Authors: Wen Yantao , Kang Yuanfei , Qin Yafeng , Kennedy Jeffrey C.
Published: February 2021

Financial derivatives have been increasingly used by firms to hedge against financial risks. However, it is still not clear what factors at the firm level lead to firms’ derivative use and whether derivative use can generate performance improvement, especially in the context of firms operating in emerging economies. Using the unbalanced panel data consisting of 2529 listed firms from China covering an 11-year period from 2005 to 2015, this study examines these two questions regarding firms’ use of financial derivatives. Based on results from the empirical analysis, this study identified operational cash flow, tax shield, R&D investment, and the possibility of bankruptcy, as the firm-level factors that enable firms’ decision to invest in financial derivatives. More importantly, empirical findings from this study suggest that a firm’s derivative use tends to negatively affect firm performance, rather than improve firm performance. The negative effect of derivative use on firm performance is not consistent between the two groups of the better performer and poorer performer firms. While the poorly performed firms are more likely to use financial derivatives for the purpose of performance improvement, their derivative use tends to further damage, rather than improve, performance. These research findings have theoretical and practical implications.
Microresonators and Microantennas—Tools to Explore Magnetization Dynamics in Single Nanostructures
Authors: Cansever Hamza , Lindner Jürgen
Published: February 2021

The phenomenon of magnetic resonance and its detection via microwave spectroscopy provide insight into the magnetization dynamics of bulk or thin film materials. This allows for direct access to fundamental properties, such as the effective magnetization, g-factor, magnetic anisotropy, and the various damping (relaxation) channels that govern the decay of magnetic excitations. Cavity-based and broadband ferromagnetic resonance techniques that detect the microwave absorption of spin systems require a minimum magnetic volume to obtain a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio (S/N). Therefore, conventional techniques typically do not offer the sensitivity to detect individual micro- or nanostructures. A solution to this sensitivity problem is the so-called planar microresonator, which is able to detect even the small absorption signals of magnetic nanostructures, including spin-wave or edge resonance modes. As an example, we describe the microresonator-based detection of spin-wave modes within microscopic strips of ferromagnetic A2 Fe60Al40 that are imprinted into a paramagnetic B2 Fe60Al40-matrix via focused ion-beam irradiation. While microresonators operate at a fixed microwave frequency, a reliable quantification of the key magnetic parameters like the g-factor or spin relaxation times requires investigations within a broad range of frequencies. Furthermore, we introduce and describe the step from microresonators towards a broadband microantenna approach. Broadband magnetic resonance experiments on single nanostructured magnetic objects in a frequency range of 2–18 GHz are demonstrated. The broadband approach has been employed to explore the influence of lateral structuring on the magnetization dynamics of a Permalloy (Ni80Fe20) microstrip.
Functional Modeling of High-Dimensional Data: A Manifold Learning Approach
Authors: Hernández-Roig Harold A. , Aguilera-Morillo M. Carmen , Lillo Rosa E.
Published: February 2021

This paper introduces stringing via Manifold Learning (ML-stringing), an alternative to the original stringing based on Unidimensional Scaling (UDS). Our proposal is framed within a wider class of methods that map high-dimensional observations to the infinite space of functions, allowing the use of Functional Data Analysis (FDA). Stringing handles general high-dimensional data as scrambled realizations of an unknown stochastic process. Therefore, the essential feature of the method is a rearrangement of the observed values. Motivated by the linear nature of UDS and the increasing number of applications to biosciences (e.g., functional modeling of gene expression arrays and single nucleotide polymorphisms, or the classification of neuroimages) we aim to recover more complex relations between predictors through ML. In simulation studies, it is shown that ML-stringing achieves higher-quality orderings and that, in general, this leads to improvements in the functional representation and modeling of the data. The versatility of our method is also illustrated with an application to a colon cancer study that deals with high-dimensional gene expression arrays. This paper shows that ML-stringing is a feasible alternative to the UDS-based version. Also, it opens a window to new contributions to the field of FDA and the study of high-dimensional data.
Modeling Precious Metal Returns through Fractional Jump-Diffusion Processes Combined with Markov Regime-Switching Stochastic Volatility
Authors: Carpinteyro Martha , Venegas-Martínez Francisco , Aali-Bujari Alí
Published: February 2021

This paper is aimed at developing a stochastic volatility model that is useful to explain the dynamics of the returns of gold, silver, and platinum during the period 1994–2019. To this end, it is assumed that the precious metal returns are driven by fractional Brownian motions, combined with Poisson processes and modulated by continuous-time homogeneous Markov chains. The calibration is carried out by estimating the Jump Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (Jump-GARCH) and Markov regime-switching models of each precious metal, as well as computing their Hurst exponents. The novelty in this research is the use of non-linear, non-normal, multi-factor, time-varying risk stochastic models, useful for an investors’ decision-making process when they intend to include precious metals in their portfolios as safe-haven assets. The main empirical results are as follows: (1) all metals stay in low volatility most of the time and have long memories, which means that past returns have an effect on current and future returns; (2) silver and platinum have the largest jump sizes; (3) silver’s negative jumps have the highest intensity; and (4) silver reacts more than gold and platinum, and it is also the most volatile, having the highest probability of intensive jumps. Gold is the least volatile, as its percentage of jumps is the lowest and the intensity of its jumps is lower than that of the other two metals. Finally, a set of recommendations is provided for the decision-making process of an average investor looking to buy and sell precious metals.
Membrane Distillation Process
Authors: Criscuoli Alessandra
Published: February 2021

The water stress that we have been experiencing in the last few years is driving the development of new technologies for the purification and recovery of water [...]
Homogenization of 7075 and 7049 Aluminium Alloys Intended for Extrusion Welding
Authors: Woźnicki Antoni , Leszczyńska-Madej Beata , Włoch Grzegorz , Grzyb Justyna , Madura Jacek , Leśniak Dariusz
Published: February 2021

During the extrusion of aluminum alloys profiles using porthole dies, the temperature of the material in the welding chamber is one of crucial parameters determining the quality of longitudinal welds. In order to extend the permissible temperature range, the billets intended for this process should be characterized by the maximum attainable solidus temperature. Within the present work, the homogenization of AlZnMgCu alloys DC-cast (Direct Chill-cast) billets was investigated, with the aim of solidus temperature maximization. Conditions of soaking and cooling stages were analyzed. The materials were homogenized in laboratory conditions, and the microstructural effects were evaluated on the basis of DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) tests and SEM/EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy) investigations. For all examined alloys, the unequilibrium low-melting microstructure components were dissolved during soaking, which led to the significant solidus temperature increase, in comparison to the as-cast state. The values within the range of 525–548 °C were obtained. In the case of alloy with highest Cu concentration, the application of two-step soaking was necessary. In order to take advantage of the high solidus temperature obtained after soaking, the cooling rate from homogenization must be controlled, and the effective cooling manner is strongly dependent on alloy composition. For high-Cu alloy, the solidus decreased, despite the fast cooling and the careful billets preheating being necessary.
In Vitro Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum LN66 and Antibiotics Used Alone or in Combination on Helicobacter pylori Mature Biofilm
Authors: Ji Jianfu , Yang Hong
Published: February 2021

Helicobacter pylori is a gastrointestinal pathogen with high prevalence that harms human health. Studies have shown that H. pylori can form antibiotic-tolerant biofilms, which may interfere with the efficacy of clinical antibiotic therapy. Probiotics can antagonize planktonic and biofilm pathogen cells and thus may play an auxiliary role in H. pylori antibiotic therapy. However, the effects of different probiotic strains and antibiotic combinations on H. pylori biofilms need to be further investigated. We determined the cell viability of H. pylori mature biofilms after treatment with Lactobacillus plantarum LN66 cell-free supernatant (CFS), clarithromycin (CLR), and levofloxacin (LVX) alone or in combination by the XTT method. Biofilm cells were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Subsequently, protein and polysaccharide concentrations in biofilm extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) were quantitatively detected by the Bradford method and the phenol-sulfate method. The results showed that LN66 CFS had an eradication effect on mature H. pylori biofilm. When used in combination with CLR, LN66 CFS significantly attenuated the eradication effect of CLR on biofilms; in contrast, when used in combination with LVX, LN66 CFS enhanced the disrupting effect of LVX. We speculate that the different effects of CFS and antibiotic combinations on biofilms may be related to changes in the content of proteins and polysaccharides in EPS and that the combination of CFS and CLR might promote the secretion of EPS, while the combination of CFS and LVX might have the opposite effect. Accordingly, we suggest that supplementation with L. plantarum LN66 may provide additional help when therapy involving LVX is used for clinical H. pylori biofilm eradication, whereas it may impair CLR efficacy when therapy involving CLR is used.
Identification of Beneficial Microbial Consortia and Bioactive Compounds with Potential as Plant Biostimulants for a Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Tabacchioni Silvia , Passato Stefania , Ambrosino Patrizia , Huang Liren , Caldara Marina , Cantale Cristina , Hett Jonas , Del Fiore Antonella , Fiore Alessia , Schlüter Andreas , Sczyrba Alexander , Maestri Elena , Marmiroli Nelson , Neuhoff Daniel , Nesme Joseph , Sørensen Søren Johannes , Aprea Giuseppe , Nobili Chiara , Presenti Ombretta , Giovannetti Giusto , Giovannetti Caterina , Pihlanto Anne , Brunori Andrea , Bevivino Annamaria
Published: February 2021

A growing body of evidence demonstrates the potential of various microbes to enhance plant productivity in cropping systems although their successful field application may be impaired by several biotic and abiotic constraints. In the present work, we aimed at developing multifunctional synthetic microbial consortia to be used in combination with suitable bioactive compounds for improving crop yield and quality. Plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) with different functional attributes were identified by a bottom-up approach. A comprehensive literature survey on PGPMs associated with maize, wheat, potato and tomato, and on commercial formulations, was conducted by examining peer-reviewed scientific publications and results from relevant European projects. Metagenome fragment recruitments on genomes of potential PGPMs represented in databases were also performed to help identify plant growth-promoting (PGP) strains. Following evidence of their ability to coexist, isolated PGPMs were synthetically assembled into three different microbial consortia. Additionally, the effects of bioactive compounds on the growth of individually PGPMs were tested in starvation conditions. The different combination products based on microbial and non-microbial biostimulants (BS) appear worth considering for greenhouse and open field trials to select those potentially adoptable in sustainable agriculture.
A Mixed Valence CoIICoIII2 Field-Supported Single Molecule Magnet: Solvent-Dependent Structural Variation
Authors: Hazra Susanta , Rajnák Cyril , Titiš Ján , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Boča Roman , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: February 2021

One-pot reaction of the Schiff base N,N’-ethylene bis(salicylaldimine) (H2L), CoCl2.6H2O, and [Ph2SnCl2] in acetone produces the mixed valence CoIICoIII2 compound [CoIICoIII2(μ-L)2(Ph)2(μ-Cl)2]·(CH3)2CO·H2O (1). Our recent study already revealed that the same reaction mixtures in methanol or ethanol produced a heterometallic SnIVCoIII (2) or monometallic CoIII complex (3), respectively. Comparison of these organometallic systems shows that the 2,1-intermetallic Ph shift occurs in any of those solvents, but their relevant structural features (mononuclear, dinuclear-heterometallic, and trinuclear mixed valence) are solvent dependent. Geometrical structural rotation is also discussed among the related organometallic CoIICoIII2 systems. The AC magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that 1 is a single molecule magnet (SMM), exhibiting a field-induced slow magnetic relaxation with two modes. The relaxation time for the low-frequency channel is as slow as τ~0.6 s at T = 2.0 K and BDC = 1.0 T.
57Fe Mössbauer Spectroscopy as a Tool for Study of Spin States and Magnetic Interactions in Inorganic Chemistry
Authors: Kuzmann Ernő , Homonnay Zoltán , Klencsár Zoltán , Szalay Roland
Published: February 2021

In this mini-review of our research group’s activity, the application of 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy in studies of electronic structure, coordination environment, and magnetic interactions in an interesting series of Fe(II/III) compounds selected is discussed. We selected two prominent phenomena that arose during investigations of selected groups of compounds carried out at different periods of time: (1) very high magnetic hyperfine fields observed at low temperatures; (2) changes in the oxidation state of the central iron atom of complexes in the solid state during interactions with gaseous O2/H2O mixtures, resulting in spin crossover (SCO).
Response Surface Methodology: Photocatalytic Degradation Kinetics of Basic Blue 41 Dye Using Activated Carbon with TiO2
Authors: Kweinor Tetteh Emmanuel , Obotey Ezugbe Elorm , Asante-Sackey Dennis , Armah Edward Kwaku , Rathilal Sudesh
Published: February 2021

Water decontamination still remains a major challenge to some developing countries not having centralized wastewater systems. Therefore, this study presents the optimization of photocatalytic degradation of Basic Blue 41 dye in an aqueous medium by an activated carbon (AC)-TiO2 photocatalyst under UV irradiation. The mesoporous AC-TiO2 synthesized by a sonication method was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for crystal phase identification and molecular bond structures, respectively. The efficiency of the AC-TiO2 was evaluated as a function of three input variables viz. catalyst load (2–4 g), reaction time (15–45 min) and pH (6–9) by using Box-Behnken design (BBD) adapted from response surface methodology. Using color and turbidity removal as responses, a 17 run experiment matrix was generated by the BBD to investigate the interaction effects of the three aforementioned input factors. From the results, a reduced quadratic model was generated, which showed good predictability of results agreeable to the experimental data. The analysis of variance (ANOVA), signposted the selected models for color and turbidity, was highly significant (p < 0.05) with coefficients of determination (R2) values of 0.972 and 0.988, respectively. The catalyst load was found as the most significant factor with a high antagonistic impact on the process, whereas the interactive effect of reaction time and pH affected the process positively. At optimal conditions of catalyst load (2.6 g), reaction time (45 min), and pH (6); the desirability of 96% was obtained by a numerical optimization approach representing turbidity removal of 93% and color of 96%.
Regulation of ZMYND8 to Treat Cancer
Authors: Chen Yun , Tsai Ya-Hui , Tseng Sheng-Hong
Published: February 2021

Zinc finger myeloid, nervy, and deformed epidermal autoregulatory factor 1-type containing 8 (Zinc finger MYND-type containing 8, ZMYND8) is a transcription factor, a histone H3-interacting protein, and a putative chromatin reader/effector that plays an essential role in regulating transcription during normal cellular growth. Mutations and altered expression of ZMYND8 are associated with the development and progression of cancer. Increased expression of ZMYND8 is linked to breast, prostate, colorectal, and cervical cancers. It exerts pro-oncogenic effects in breast and prostate cancers, and it promotes angiogenesis in zebrafish, as well as in breast and prostate cancers. In contrast, downregulation of ZMYND8 is also reported in breast, prostate, and nasopharyngeal cancers. ZMYND8 acts as a tumor suppressor in breast and prostate cancers, and it inhibits tumor growth by promoting differentiation; inhibiting proliferation, cell-cycle progression, invasiveness, and metastasis; and maintaining the epithelial phenotype in various types of cancers. These data together suggest that ZMYND8 is important in tumorigenesis; however, the existing data are contradictory. More studies are necessary to clarify the exact role of ZMYND8 in tumorigenesis. In the future, regulation of expression/activity of ZMYND8 and/or its binding partners may become useful in treating cancer.
Biopharmaceutical Evaluation of Capsules with Lyophilized Apple Powder
Authors: Butkevičiūtė Aurita , Liaudanskas Mindaugas , Ramanauskienė Kristina , Janulis Valdimaras
Published: February 2021

Apples are an important source of biologically active compounds. Consequently, we decided to model hard gelatin capsules with lyophilized apple powder by using different excipients and to evaluate the release kinetics of phenolic compounds. The apple slices of “Ligol” cultivar were immediately frozen in a freezer (at −35°C) with air circulation and were lyophilized with a sublimator at the pressure of 0.01 mbar (condenser temperature, −85°C). Lyophilized apple powder was used as an active substance filled into hard gelatin capsules. We conducted capsule disintegration and dissolution tests to evaluate the quality of apple lyophilizate-containing capsules of different encapsulating content. Individual phenolic compounds can be arranged in the following descending order according to the amount released from the capsules of different compositions: chlorogenic acid > rutin > avicularin > hyperoside > phloridzin > quercitrin > (−)-epicatechin > isoquercitrin. Chlorogenic acid was the compound that was released in the highest amounts from capsules of different encapsulating content: its released amounts ranged from 68.4 to 640.3 μg/mL. According to the obtained data, when hypromellose content ranged from 29% to 41% of the capsule mass, the capsules disintegrated within less than 30 min, and such amounts of hypromellose did not prolong the release of phenolic compounds. Based on the results of the dissolution test, the capsules can be classified as fast-dissolving preparations, as more than 85% of the active substances were released within 30 min.
Smart Electrospun Hybrid Nanofibers Functionalized with Ligand-Free Titanium Nitride (TiN) Nanoparticles for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Nirwan Viraj , Filova Eva , Al-Kattan Ahmed , Kabashin Andrei , Fahmi Amir
Published: February 2021

Herein, we report the fabrication and characterization of novel polycaprolactone (PCL)-based nanofibers functionalized with bare (ligand-free) titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticles (NPs) for tissue engineering applications. Nanofibers were prepared by a newly developed protocol based on the electrospinning of PCL solutions together with TiN NPs synthesized by femtosecond laser ablation in acetone. The generated hybrid nanofibers were characterised using spectroscopy, microscopy, and thermal analysis techniques. As shown by scanning electron microscopy measurements, the fabricated electrospun nanofibers had uniform morphology, while their diameter varied between 0.403 ± 0.230 µm and 1.1 ± 0.15 µm by optimising electrospinning solutions and parameters. Thermal analysis measurements demonstrated that the inclusion of TiN NPs in nanofibers led to slight variation in mass degradation initiation and phase change behaviour (Tm). In vitro viability tests using the incubation of 3T3 fibroblast cells in a nanofiber-based matrix did not reveal any adverse effects, confirming the biocompatibility of hybrid nanofiber structures. The generated hybrid nanofibers functionalized with plasmonic TiN NPs are promising for the development of smart scaffold for tissue engineering platforms and open up new avenues for theranostic applications.
Optimization of the Obtaining of Cellulose Nanocrystals from Agave tequilana Weber Var. Azul Bagasse by Acid Hydrolysis
Authors: Gallardo-Sánchez Manuel Alberto , Diaz-Vidal Tania , Navarro-Hermosillo Alejandra Berenice , Figueroa-Ochoa Edgar Benjamin , Ramirez Casillas Rogelio , Anzaldo Hernández José , Rosales-Rivera Luis Carlos , Soltero Martínez J. Felix Armando , García Enríquez Salvador , Macías-Balleza Emma Rebeca
Published: February 2021

A multilevel factorial design of 23 with 12 experiments was developed for the preparation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul bagasse, an agro-industrial waste from tequila production. The studied parameters were acid type (H2SO4 and HCl), acid concentration (60 and 65 wt% for H2SO4, 2 and 8N for HCl) temperature (40 and 60 °C for H2SO4, 50 and 90 °C for HCl), and hydrolysis time (40, 55 and 70 min for H2SO4; and 30, 115 and 200 min for HCl). The obtained CNC were physical and chemically characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XDR) techniques. The maximum CNC yield was 90 and 96% for HCL and H2SO4, respectively, and the crystallinity values ranged from 88–91%. The size and morphology of A. tequilana CNC strongly depends on the acid type and hydrolysis time. The shortest CNC obtained with H2SO4 (65 wt%, 40 °C, and 70 min) had a length of 137 ± 68 nm, width 33 ± 7 nm, and height 9.1 nm, whereas the shortest CNC obtained with HCl (2 N, 50 °C and 30 min) had a length of 216 ± 73 nm, width 69 ± 17 nm, and height 8.9 nm. In general, the obtained CNC had an ellipsoidal shape, whereas CNC prepared from H2SO4 were shorter and thinner than those obtained with HCl. The total sulfate group content of CNC obtained with H2SO4 increased with time, temperature, and acid concentration, exhibiting an exponential behavior of CSG=aebt.
Enhanced Performance and Diffusion Robustness of Phase-Change Metasurfaces via a Hybrid Dielectric/Plasmonic Approach
Authors: Shields Joe , Galarreta Carlota Ruiz de , Bertolotti Jacopo , Wright C. David
Published: February 2021

Materials of which the refractive indices can be thermally tuned or switched, such as in chalcogenide phase-change alloys, offer a promising path towards the development of active optical metasurfaces for the control of the amplitude, phase, and polarization of light. However, for phase-change metasurfaces to be able to provide viable technology for active light control, in situ electrical switching via resistive heaters integral to or embedded in the metasurface itself is highly desirable. In this context, good electrical conductors (metals) with high melting points (i.e., significantly above the melting point of commonly used phase-change alloys) are required. In addition, such metals should ideally have low plasmonic losses, so as to not degrade metasurface optical performance. This essentially limits the choice to a few noble metals, namely, gold and silver, but these tend to diffuse quite readily into phase-change materials (particularly the archetypal Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy used here), and into dielectric resonators such as Si or Ge. In this work, we introduce a novel hybrid dielectric/plasmonic metasurface architecture, where we incorporated a thin Ge2Sb2Te5 layer into the body of a cubic silicon nanoresonator lying on metallic planes that simultaneously acted as high-efficiency reflectors and resistive heaters. Through systematic studies based on changing the configuration of the bottom metal plane between high-melting-point diffusive and low-melting-point nondiffusive metals (Au and Al, respectively), we explicitly show how thermally activated diffusion can catastrophically and irreversibly degrade the optical performance of chalcogenide phase-change metasurface devices, and how such degradation can be successfully overcome at the design stage via the incorporation of ultrathin Si3N4 barrier layers between the gold plane and the hybrid Si/Ge2Sb2Te5 resonators. Our work clarifies the importance of diffusion of noble metals in thermally tunable metasurfaces and how to overcome it, thus helping phase-change-based metasurface technology move a step closer towards the realization of real-world applications.
A Three-Month Consumption of Eggs Enriched with ω-3, ω-5 and ω-7 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Significantly Decreases the Waist Circumference of Subjects at Risk of Developing Metabolic Syndrome: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ngo Njembe Monique T. , Pachikian Barbara , Lobysheva Irina , Van Overstraeten Nancy , Dejonghe Louis , Verstraelen Eleonore , Buchet Marine , Rasse Catherine , Gardin Cécile , Mignolet Eric , Balligand Jean-Luc , Larondelle Yvan
Published: February 2021

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), rumenic acid (RmA), and punicic acid (PunA) are claimed to influence several physiological functions including insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism and inflammatory processes. In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, we investigated the combined effect of ALA, DHA, RmA and PunA on subjects at risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Twenty-four women and men were randomly assigned to two groups. Each day, they consumed two eggs enriched with oleic acid (control group) or enriched with ALA, DHA, RmA, and PunA (test group) for 3 months. The waist circumference decreased significantly (−3.17 cm; p < 0.001) in the test group. There were no major changes in plasma insulin and blood glucose in the two groups. The dietary treatments had no significant effect on endothelial function as measured by peripheral arterial tonometry, although erythrocyte nitrosylated hemoglobin concentrations tended to decrease. The high consumption of eggs induced significant elevations in plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL)- and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (p < 0.001), which did not result in any change in the LDL/HDL ratio in both groups. These results indicate that consumption of eggs enriched with ALA, DHA, RmA and PunA resulted in favorable changes in abdominal obesity without affecting other factors of the metabolic syndrome.
Resistance Training Diminishes the Expression of Exosome CD63 Protein without Modification of Plasma miR-146a-5p and cfDNA in the Elderly
Authors: Estébanez Brisamar , Visavadiya Nishant , de Paz José , Whitehurst Michael , Cuevas María , González-Gallego Javier , Huang Chun-Jung
Published: February 2021

Aging-associated inflammation is characterized by senescent cell-mediated secretion of high levels of inflammatory mediators, such as microRNA (miR)-146a. Moreover, a rise of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is also related to systemic inflammation and frailty in the elderly. Exosome-mediated cell-to-cell communication is fundamental in cellular senescence and aging. The plasma changes in exercise-promoted miR-146a-5p, cfDNA, and exosome release could be the key to facilitate intercellular communication and systemic adaptations to exercise in aging. Thirty-eight elderly subjects (28 trained and 10 controls) volunteered in an 8-week resistance training protocol. The levels of plasma miR-146a-5p, cfDNA, and exosome markers (CD9, CD14, CD63, CD81, Flotillin [Flot]-1, and VDAC1) were measured prior to and following training. Results showed no changes in plasma miR-146a-5p and cfDNA levels with training. The levels of exosome markers (Flot-1, CD9, and CD81) as well as exosome-carried proteins (CD14 and VDAC1) remained unchanged, whereas an attenuated CD63 response was found in the trained group compared to the controls. These findings might partially support the anti-inflammatory effect of resistance training in the elderly as evidenced by the diminishment of exosome CD63 protein expression, without modification of plasma miR-146a-5p and cfDNA.
Oral Nutritional Supplements in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: Effects on Intake, Levels of Fat-Soluble Vitamins, and Bone Remodeling Biomarkers
Authors: Contreras-Bolívar Victoria , Olveira Casilda , Porras Nuria , Abuín-Fernández José , García-Olivares María , Sánchez-Torralvo Francisco , Girón María , Ruiz-García Ignacio , Olveira Gabriel
Published: February 2021

Background: The use of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) is common practice in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). We aimed to describe the rate of ONS use to assess their contribution to dietary intake and to determine if they are associated with respiratory status, body composition, muscle strength, bone mineral density (BMD), bone remodeling biomarkers, and plasmatic levels of vitamins. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Patients were clinically stable adults recruited from the CF unit. A 4-day prospective dietary questionnaire was conducted; in addition to respiratory variables, body composition, and BMD (through densitometry, DXA), muscle strength (JAMAR dynamometer), fat-soluble vitamins, and bone remodeling biomarkers (vitamins A, D, and E; osteocalcin, OC; undercarboxylated osteocalcin, ucOC; degradation of the C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen, CTX; and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand, RANKL) were also evaluated. Results: The study included 59 subjects with CF (57.6% female, mean age 29.3 ± 9.4 years, and BMI 22.0 ± 3.6 kg/m2). In this study, 22% (13) patients were taking ONS and presented, compared with those not taking them, significantly more total and mild exacerbations and lower BMI; moreover, they showed a significantly higher total daily calorie intake in addition to a higher consumption of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids per kg of body weight, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, and E. Vitamin E plasmatic levels were significantly higher in the group on ONS, as was the case with RANKL; finally, a lower rate of vitamin D deficiency was also found. Conclusions: ONS were used by patients with worse respiratory and nutritional statuses and their use was associated with a higher intake of macro- and micronutrients and with better plasmatic levels of fat-soluble vitamins.
Limited Sampling Strategy for Determination of Ibrutinib Plasma Exposure: Joint Analyses with Metabolite Data
Authors: Le Louedec Félicien , Gallais Fanny , Thomas Fabienne , White-Koning Mélanie , Allal Ben , Protin Caroline , Ysebaert Loïc , Chatelut Étienne , Puisset Florent
Published: February 2021

Therapeutic drug monitoring of ibrutinib is based on the area under the curve of concentration vs. time (AUCIBRU) instead of trough concentration (Cmin,ss) because of a limited accumulation in plasma. Our objective was to identify a limited sampling strategy (LSS) to estimate AUCIBRU associated with Bayesian estimation. The actual AUCIBRU of 85 patients was determined by the Bayesian analysis of the full pharmacokinetic profile of ibrutinib concentrations (pre-dose T0 and 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h post-dose) and experimental AUCIBRU were derived considering combinations of one to four sampling times. The T0–1–2–4 design was the most accurate LSS (root-mean-square error RMSE = 11.0%), and three-point strategies removing the 1 h or 2 h points (RMSE = 22.7% and 14.5%, respectively) also showed good accuracy. The correlation between the actual AUCIBRU and Cmin,ss was poor (r2 = 0.25). The joint analysis of dihydrodiol-ibrutinib metabolite concentrations did not improve the predictive performance of AUCIBRU. These results were confirmed in a prospective validation cohort (n = 27 patients). At least three samples, within the pre-dose and 4 h post-dose period, are necessary to estimate ibrutinib exposure accurately.