bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Polyphenols, Microbiome, and Multiple Sclerosis: From Molecular Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Mechanisms to Clinical Evidence
Authors: La Rosa Giuliana , Lonardo Maria Serena , Cacciapuoti Nunzia , Muscariello Espedita , Guida Bruna , Faraonio Raffaella , Santillo Mariarosaria , Damiano Simona
Published: April 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial, immune-mediated disease caused by complex gene-environment interactions. Dietary factors modulating the inflammatory status through the control of the metabolic and inflammatory pathways and the composition of commensal gut microbiota, are among the main environmental factors involved in the pathogenesis of MS. There is no etiological therapy for MS and the drugs currently used, often accompanied by major side effects, are represented by immunomodulatory substances capable of modifying the course of the disease. For this reason, nowadays, more attention is paid to alternative therapies with natural substances with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as adjuvants of classical therapies. Among natural substances with beneficial effects on human health, polyphenols are assuming an increasing interest due to their powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Beneficial properties of polyphenols on the CNS are achieved through direct effects depending on their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and indirect effects exerted in part via interaction with the microbiota. The aim of this review is to examine the literature about the molecular mechanism underlying the protective effects of polyphenols in MS achieved by experiments conducted in vitro and in animal models of the disease. Significant data have been accumulated for resveratrol, curcumin, luteolin, quercetin, and hydroxytyrosol, and therefore we will focus on the results obtained with these polyphenols. Clinical evidence for the use of polyphenols as adjuvant therapy in MS is restricted to a smaller number of substances, mainly curcumin and epigallocatechin gallate. In the last part of the review, a clinical trial studying the effects of these polyphenols in MS patients will also be revised.
Streptococcus salivarius as an Important Factor in Dental Biofilm Homeostasis: Influence on Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in Mixed Biofilm
Authors: Begić Gabrijela , Badovinac Ivana Jelovica , Karleuša Ljerka , Kralik Kristina , Cvijanovic Peloza Olga , Kuiš Davor , Gobin Ivana
Published: April 2023

A disturbed balance within the dental biofilm can result in the dominance of cariogenic and periodontopathogenic species and disease development. Due to the failure of pharmacological treatment of biofilm infection, a preventive approach to promoting healthy oral microbiota is necessary. This study analyzed the influence of Streptococcus salivarius K12 on the development of a multispecies biofilm composed of Streptococcus mutans, S. oralis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Four different materials were used: hydroxyapatite, dentin and two dense polytetrafluoroethylene (d-PTFE) membranes. Total bacteria, individual species and their proportions in the mixed biofilm were quantified. A qualitative analysis of the mixed biofilm was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The results showed that in the presence of S. salivarius K 12 in the initial stage of biofilm development, the proportion of S. mutans was reduced, which resulted in the inhibition of microcolony development and the complex three-dimensional structure of the biofilm. In the mature biofilm, a significantly lower proportion of the periodontopathogenic species A. actinomycetemcomitans was found in the salivarius biofilm. Our results show that S. salivarius K 12 can inhibit the growth of pathogens in the dental biofilm and help maintain the physiological balance in the oral microbiome.
Critical Role of the Presynaptic Protein CAST in Maintaining the Photoreceptor Ribbon Synapse Triad
Authors: Hagiwara Akari , Mizutani Ayako , Kawamura Saki , Abe Manabu , Hida Yamato , Sakimura Kenji , Ohtsuka Toshihisa
Published: April 2023

The cytomatrix at the active zone-associated structural protein (CAST) and its homologue, named ELKS, being rich in glutamate (E), leucine (L), lysine (K), and serine (S), belong to a family of proteins that organize presynaptic active zones at nerve terminals. These proteins interact with other active zone proteins, including RIMs, Munc13s, Bassoon, and the β subunit of Ca2+ channels, and have various roles in neurotransmitter release. A previous study showed that depletion of CAST/ELKS in the retina causes morphological changes and functional impairment of this structure. In this study, we investigated the roles of CAST and ELKS in ectopic synapse localization. We found that the involvement of these proteins in ribbon synapse distribution is complex. Unexpectedly, CAST and ELKS, in photoreceptors or in horizontal cells, did not play a major role in ribbon synapse ectopic localization. However, depletion of CAST and ELKS in the mature retina resulted in degeneration of the photoreceptors. These findings suggest that CAST and ELKS play critical roles in maintaining neural signal transduction in the retina, but the regulation of photoreceptor triad synapse distribution is not solely dependent on their actions within photoreceptors and horizontal cells.
Synthesis of Novel 2-(Cyclopentylamino)thiazol-4(5H)-one Derivatives with Potential Anticancer, Antioxidant, and 11β-HSD Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Baumgart Szymon , Kupczyk Daria , Archała Aneta , Koszła Oliwia , Sołek Przemysław , Płaziński Wojciech , Płazińska Anita , Studzińska Renata
Published: April 2023

In this study, a series of nine new 2-(cyclopentylamino)thiazol-4(5H)-one derivatives were synthesized, and their anticancer, antioxidant, and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) inhibitory activities were tested. Anticancer activity has been assessed using the MTS (MTS: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) assay against human colon carcinoma (Caco-2), human pancreatic carcinoma (PANC-1), glioma (U-118 MG), human breast carcinoma (MDA-MB-231), and skin melanoma (SK-MEL-30) cancer cell lines. Cell viability reductions, especially in the case of Caco-2, MDA-MB-231, and SK-MEL-30 lines, were observed for most compounds. In addition, the redox status was investigated and oxidative, but nitrosative stress was not noted at a concentration of 500 µM compounds tested. At the same time, a low level of reduced glutathione was observed in all cell lines when treated with compound 3g (5-(4-bromophenyl)-2-(cyclopentylamino)thiazol-4(5H)-one) that most inhibited tumor cell proliferation. However, the most interesting results were obtained in the study of inhibitory activity towards two 11β-HSD isoforms. Many compounds at a concentration of 10 µM showed significant inhibitory activity against 11β-HSD1 (11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1). The compound 3h (2-(cyclopentylamino)-1-thia-3-azaspiro[4.5]dec-2-en-4-one) showed the strongest 11β-HSD1 inhibitory effect (IC50 = 0.07 µM) and was more selective than carbenoxolone. Therefore, it was selected as a candidate for further research.
The FomYjeF Protein Influences the Sporulation and Virulence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. momordicae
Authors: Wei Chenxing , Wen Caiyi , Zhang Yuanyuan , Du Hongyan , Zhong Rongrong , Guan Zhengzhe , Wang Mengjiao , Qin Yanhong , Wang Fei , Song Luyang , Zhao Ying
Published: April 2023

Fusarium oxysporum causes vascular wilt in more than 100 plant species, resulting in massive economic losses. A deep understanding of the mechanisms of pathogenicity and symptom induction by this fungus is necessary to control crop wilt. The YjeF protein has been proven to function in cellular metabolism damage-repair in Escherichia coli and to play an important role in Edc3 (enhancer of the mRNA decapping 3) function in Candida albicans, but no studies have been reported on related functions in plant pathogenic fungi. In this work, we report how the FomYjeF gene in F. oxysporum f. sp. momordicae contributes to conidia production and virulence. The deletion of the FomYjeF gene displayed a highly improved capacity for macroconidia production, and it was shown to be involved in carbendazim’s associated stress pathway. Meanwhile, this gene caused a significant increase in virulence in bitter gourd plants with a higher disease severity index and enhanced the accumulation of glutathione peroxidase and the ability to degrade hydrogen peroxide in F. oxysporum. These findings reveal that FomYjeF affects virulence by influencing the amount of spore formation and the ROS (reactive oxygen species) pathway of F. oxysporum f. sp. momordicae. Taken together, our study shows that the FomYjeF gene affects sporulation, mycelial growth, pathogenicity, and ROS accumulation in F. oxysporum. The results of this study provide a novel insight into the function of FomYjeF participation in the pathogenicity of F. oxysporum f. sp. momordicae.
Involvement in Tumorigenesis and Clinical Significance of CXCL1 in Reproductive Cancers: Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Ovarian Cancer and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Korbecki Jan , Bosiacki Mateusz , Barczak Katarzyna , Łagocka Ryta , Brodowska Agnieszka , Chlubek Dariusz , Baranowska-Bosiacka Irena
Published: April 2023

C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) is a member of the CXC chemokine subfamily and a ligand for CXCR2. Its main function in the immune system is the chemoattraction of neutrophils. However, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews summarizing the significance of CXCL1 in cancer processes. To fill this gap, this work describes the clinical significance and participation of CXCL1 in cancer processes in the most important reproductive cancers: breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer. The focus is on both clinical aspects and the significance of CXCL1 in molecular cancer processes. We describe the association of CXCL1 with clinical features of tumors, including prognosis, ER, PR and HER2 status, and TNM stage. We present the molecular contribution of CXCL1 to chemoresistance and radioresistance in selected tumors and its influence on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells. Additionally, we present the impact of CXCL1 on the microenvironment of reproductive cancers, including its effect on angiogenesis, recruitment, and function of cancer-associated cells (macrophages, neutrophils, MDSC, and Treg). The article concludes by summarizing the significance of introducing drugs targeting CXCL1. This paper also discusses the significance of ACKR1/DARC in reproductive cancers.
An Overview of the Role of MicroRNAs on Carcinogenesis: A Focus on Cell Cycle, Angiogenesis and Metastasis
Authors: Pekarek Leonel , Torres-Carranza Diego , Fraile-Martinez Oscar , García-Montero Cielo , Pekarek Tatiana , Saez Miguel A. , Rueda-Correa Francisco , Pimentel-Martinez Carolina , Guijarro Luis G. , Diaz-Pedrero Raul , Alvarez-Mon Melchor , Ortega Miguel A.
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the importance of epigenetic markers in the carcinogenesis of different malignant neoplasms has been demonstrated, also demonstrating their utility for understanding metastatic spread and tumor progression in cancer patients. Among the different biomarkers, microRNAs represent a set of non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, having been involved in a wide variety of neoplasia acting in different oncogenic pathways. Both the overexpression and downregulation of microRNAs represent a complex interaction with various genes whose ultimate consequence is increased cell proliferation, tumor invasion and interaction with various driver markers. It should be noted that in current clinical practice, even though the combination of different microRNAs has been shown to be useful by different authors at diagnostic and prognostic levels, there are no diagnostic kits that can be used for the initial approach or to assess recurrences of oncological diseases. Previous works have cited microRNAs as having a critical role in several carcinogenic mechanisms, ranging from cell cycle alterations to angiogenesis and mechanisms of distant metastatic dissemination. Indeed, the overexpression or downregulation of specific microRNAs seem to be tightly involved in the modulation of various components related to these processes. For instance, cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases, transcription factors, signaling molecules and angiogenic/antiangiogenic products, among others, have been recognized as specific targets of microRNAs in different types of cancer. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to describe the main implications of different microRNAs in cell cycle alterations, metastasis and angiogenesis, trying to summarize their involvement in carcinogenesis.
Changes in K+ Concentration as a Signaling Mechanism in the Apicomplexa Parasites Plasmodium and Toxoplasma
Authors: Santos Benedito M. Dos , Przyborski Jude M. , Garcia Célia R. S.
Published: April 2023

During their life cycle, apicomplexan parasites pass through different microenvironments and encounter a range of ion concentrations. The discovery that the GPCR-like SR25 in Plasmodium falciparum is activated by a shift in potassium concentration indicates that the parasite can take advantage of its development by sensing different ionic concentrations in the external milieu. This pathway involves the activation of phospholipase C and an increase in cytosolic calcium. In the present report, we summarize the information available in the literature regarding the role of potassium ions during parasite development. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms that allow the parasite to cope with ionic potassium changes contributes to our knowledge about the cell cycle of Plasmodium spp.
Extracellular Vesicles for Therapeutic Nucleic Acid Delivery: Loading Strategies and Challenges
Authors: Oshchepkova Anastasiya , Zenkova Marina , Vlassov Valentin
Published: April 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane vesicles released into the extracellular milieu by cells of various origins. They contain different biological cargoes, protecting them from degradation by environmental factors. There is an opinion that EVs have a number of advantages over synthetic carriers, creating new opportunities for drug delivery. In this review, we discuss the ability of EVs to function as carriers for therapeutic nucleic acids (tNAs), challenges associated with the use of such carriers in vivo, and various strategies for tNA loading into EVs.
Immune-Mediated Neuropathies: Pathophysiology and Management
Authors: Shastri Abhishek , Al Aiyan Ahmad , Kishore Uday , Farrugia Maria Elena
Published: April 2023

Dysfunction of the immune system can result in damage of the peripheral nervous system. The immunological mechanisms, which include macrophage infiltration, inflammation and proliferation of Schwann cells, result in variable degrees of demyelination and axonal degeneration. Aetiology is diverse and, in some cases, may be precipitated by infection. Various animal models have contributed and helped to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms in acute and chronic inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathies (Guillain–Barre Syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, respectively). The presence of specific anti-glycoconjugate antibodies indicates an underlying process of molecular mimicry and sometimes assists in the classification of these disorders, which often merely supports the clinical diagnosis. Now, the electrophysiological presence of conduction blocks is another important factor in characterizing another subgroup of treatable motor neuropathies (multifocal motor neuropathy with conduction block), which is distinct from Lewis–Sumner syndrome (multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy) in its response to treatment modalities as well as electrophysiological features. Furthermore, paraneoplastic neuropathies are also immune-mediated and are the result of an immune reaction to tumour cells that express onconeural antigens and mimic molecules expressed on the surface of neurons. The detection of specific paraneoplastic antibodies often assists the clinician in the investigation of an underlying, sometimes specific, malignancy. This review aims to discuss the immunological and pathophysiological mechanisms that are thought to be crucial in the aetiology of dysimmune neuropathies as well as their individual electrophysiological characteristics, their laboratory features and existing treatment options. Here, we aim to present a balance of discussion from these diverse angles that may be helpful in categorizing disease and establishing prognosis.
Longitudinal Variations in Antibody Responses against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Epitopes upon Serial Vaccinations
Authors: Yalcin Dicle , Bennett Sydney J. , Sheehan Jared , Trauth Amber J. , Tso For Yue , West John T. , Hagensee Michael E. , Ramsay Alistair J. , Wood Charles
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) impacted healthcare, the workforce, and worldwide socioeconomics. Multi-dose mono- or bivalent mRNA vaccine regimens have shown high efficacy in protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants with varying degrees of efficacy. Amino acid changes, primarily in the receptor-binding domain (RBD), result in selection for viral infectivity, disease severity, and immune evasion. Therefore, many studies have centered around neutralizing antibodies that target the RBD and their generation achieved through infection or vaccination. Here, we conducted a unique longitudinal study, analyzing the effects of a three-dose mRNA vaccine regimen exclusively using the monovalent BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccine, systematically administered to nine previously uninfected (naïve) individuals. We compare changes in humoral antibody responses across the entire SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (S) using a high-throughput phage display technique (VirScan). Our data demonstrate that two doses of vaccination alone can achieve the broadest and highest magnitudes of anti-S response. Moreover, we present evidence of novel highly boosted non-RBD epitopes that strongly correlate with neutralization and recapitulate independent findings. These vaccine-boosted epitopes could facilitate multi-valent vaccine development and drug discovery.
Simple and Highly Efficient Detection of PSD95 Using a Nanobody and Its Recombinant Heavy-Chain Antibody Derivatives
Authors: Kilisch Markus , Gere-Becker Maja , Wüstefeld Liane , Bonnas Christel , Crauel Alexander , Mechmershausen Maja , Martens Henrik , Götzke Hansjörg , Opazo Felipe , Frey Steffen
Published: April 2023

The post-synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) is a crucial scaffolding protein participating in the organization and regulation of synapses. PSD95 interacts with numerous molecules, including neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels. The functional dysregulation of PSD95 as well as its abundance and localization has been implicated with several neurological disorders, making it an attractive target for developing strategies able to monitor PSD95 accurately for diagnostics and therapeutics. This study characterizes a novel camelid single-domain antibody (nanobody) that binds strongly and with high specificity to rat, mouse, and human PSD95. This nanobody allows for more precise detection and quantification of PSD95 in various biological samples. We expect that the flexibility and unique performance of this thoroughly characterized affinity tool will help to further understand the role of PSD95 in normal and diseased neuronal synapses.
New Breeding Technologies in Grasses
Authors: Gadaleta Agata , Soriano Jose Miguel
Published: April 2023

Plant breeding is continuously evolving to develop new cultivars with the desired traits in the most efficient way [...]
PGE2 Produced by Exogenous MSCs Promotes Immunoregulation in ARDS Induced by Highly Pathogenic Influenza A through Activation of the Wnt-β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yudhawati Resti , Shimizu Kazufumi
Published: April 2023

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is an acute respiratory failure caused by cytokine storms; highly pathogenic influenza A virus infection can induce cytokine storms. The innate immune response is vital in this cytokine storm, acting by activating the transcription factor NF-κB. Tissue injury releases a danger-associated molecular pattern that provides positive feedback for NF-κB activation. Exogenous mesenchymal stem cells can also modulate immune responses by producing potent immunosuppressive substances, such as prostaglandin E2. Prostaglandin E2 is a critical mediator that regulates various physiological and pathological processes through autocrine or paracrine mechanisms. Activation of prostaglandin E2 results in the accumulation of unphosphorylated β-catenin in the cytoplasm, which subsequently reaches the nucleus to inhibit the transcription factor NF-κB. The inhibition of NF-κB by β-catenin is a mechanism that reduces inflammation.
Preparation of Glass-Ceramics in the R2O-Bi2O3-B2O3-SiO2 System Applied in Automobile Glass Enamel
Authors: Zhao Tiangui , Wang Wei , Liu Kun , Liu Li , Dong Weixia , Bao Qifu , Xu Heliang , Zhou Jianer
Published: April 2023

Environmental deterioration has put higher requirements on the acid resistance of automotive glass enamel. The present paper aims to prepare acid-resistant glass-ceramics used in automobile glass enamel. Base glasses with the compositions 15R2O-xBi2O3-10B2O3-(75-x) SiO2 (R2O is a mixture of Li2O, Na2O, and K2O (1:1:1, molar ratio), where x = 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30, respectively) was prepared by the melt-quenching method, and glass-ceramics were prepared by their controlling crystallization heat treatment. Crystallization behavior and crystallization ability of base glasses were investigated using the thermal stability parameter (S), the crystallization kinetics calculation results of base glasses, as well as the phase identification results of the heat-treated samples. The effects of the heat treatment temperature on the micromorphology and acid resistance of the heat-treated glasses were also investigated. Then, the optimized glass ceramic was used to prepare automotive glass enamel. The results indicate that: (I) with the increase of Bi2O3/SiO2 ratio, the characteristic temperature of the base glass decreases, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and crystallization ability increases significantly, the crystallization temperature range becomes wider; (II) the crystallization activation energy of base glasses are in the range of 169~264 kJ/mol; (III) Bi2SiO5 and Bi2O2SiO3 metastable phases are mainly precipitated when the crystallization temperature is between 530 °C and 650 °C, while only Bi4Si3O12 phase is precipitated when the crystallization temperature is above 650 °C; (IV) crystallinity of base glass increases significantly with increasing heat treatment temperature, which is beneficial to improve the acid resistance of heat treated products; (V) automotive glass enamel was prepared by mixing 15R2O-25Bi2O3-10B2O3-50SiO2 glass-ceramic powder with copper-chrome black and varnish, and then printed on the automobile glass substrate. All the properties of the sintered enamel can meet the market requirements, and the acid resistance of our product is better than that of market products.
The SisaMob Information System: Implementation of Digital Data Collection as a Tool for Surveillance and Vector Control in the State of São Paulo
Authors: Barbosa Gerson Laurindo , Gomes Antônio Henrique Alves , de Camargo-Neves Vera Lucia Fonseca
Published: April 2023

Information systems are essential instruments in managing resources, in the evaluation of the epidemiological situation, and for decision-making at all hierarchical levels. Technological advances have allowed the development of systems that meet these premises. Therefore, it is recommended to consider the optimization of data entry and its immediate georeferencing in order to obtain information in real time. To meet this objective, we describe the application introduction process for the implementation of the digital collection of primary data and its integration with the database through synchronization with the SisaWeb platform (Information System for surveillance and control of Aedes aegypti), developed to meet the needs of the Arbovirus Surveillance and Control Program in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. For this purpose, the application—SisaMob—was conceived in the Android Studio development environment, Google®, following the same guidelines as the traditional collection method. Tablets equipped with the Android® operating system were used. To evaluate the implementation of the application, a semi-structured test was applied. The results highlighted that 774.9% (27) of the interviewees evaluated its use positively and, replacing the standard bulletin, 61.1% (22) of the users considered it regular to excellent. The automatic collection of geographic coordinates represented the greatest innovation in the use of the portable device, with reductions in errors and in the time taken to complete the report in the field. The integration to SisaWeb allowed obtaining information in real-time, being easily presented in tabular and graphic modes and spatially arranged through maps, making it possible to monitor the work at a distance, and allowing preliminary analyses during the data collection process. For the future, we must improve the mechanisms for assessing the effectiveness of information, increase the potential of the tool to produce more accurate analyses, which can direct actions more efficiently.
Functional Characterization of the Nuclear Receptor Gene SaE75 in the Grain Aphid, Sitobion avenae
Authors: Zheng Haixia , Yan Yi , Wei Guohua , Merchant Austin , Gu Yaxin , Zhou Xuguo , Zhu Xun , Zhang Yunhui , Li Xiangrui
Published: April 2023

Ecdysteroid hormones are key regulators of insect development and metamorphosis. Ecdysone-inducible E75, a major component of insect ecdysone signaling pathway, has been well characterized in holometabolous insects, however, barely in hemimetabolous species. In this study, a total of four full-length E75 cDNAs from the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae, were identified, cloned, and characterized. The four SaE75 cDNAs contained 3048, 2625, 2505, and 2179 bp open reading frames (ORF), encoding 1015, 874, 856, and 835 amino acids, respectively. Temporal expression profiles showed that SaE75 expression was low in adult stages, while high in pseudo embryo and nymphal stages. SaE75 was differentially expressed between winged and wingless morphs. RNAi-mediated suppression of SaE75 led to substantial biological impacts, including mortality and molting defects. As for the pleiotropic effects on downstream ecdysone pathway genes, SaHr3 (hormone receptor like in 46) was significantly up-regulated, while Sabr-c (broad-complex core protein gene) and Saftz-f1 (transcription factor 1) were significantly down-regulated. These combined results not only shed light on the regulatory role of E75 in the ecdysone signaling pathway, but also provide a potential novel target for the long-term sustainable management of S. avenae, a devastating global grain pest.
Clinical Impact of Cardiac Fibrosis on Arrhythmia Recurrence after Ablation in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Perna Francesco , Telesca Alessandro , Scacciavillani Roberto , Narducci Maria Lucia , Bencardino Gianluigi , Pinnacchio Gaetano , Spera Francesco Raffaele , Sabarese Rocco , Comerci Gianluca , Pelargonio Gemma
Published: April 2023

Background. Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are often affected by cardiac arrhythmias requiring catheter ablation. Catheter ablation in this setting represents the treatment of choice but is flawed by frequent recurrencies. Predictors of arrhythmia relapse have been identified, but the role of cardiac fibrosis in this setting has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the extension of cardiac fibrosis, detected by electroanatomical mapping, in predicting arrhythmia recurrencies after ablation in ACHD. Materials and Methods. Consecutive patients with congenital heart disease and atrial or ventricular arrhythmias undergoing catheter ablation were enrolled. An electroanatomical bipolar voltage map was performed during sinus rhythm in each patient and bipolar scar was assessed according to the current literature data. During follow-up, arrhythmia recurrences were recorded. The relationship between the extent of myocardial fibrosis and arrhythmia recurrence was assessed. Results. Twenty patients underwent successful catheter ablation of atrial (14) or ventricular (6) arrhythmias, with no inducible arrhythmia at the end of the procedure. During a median follow-up period of 207 weeks (IQR 80 weeks), eight patients (40%; five atrial and three ventricular arrhythmias) had arrhythmia recurrence. Of the five patients undergoing a second ablation, four showed a new reentrant circuit, while one patient had a conduction gap across a previous ablation line. The extension of the bipolar scar area (HR 1.049, CI 1.011–1.089, p = 0.011) and the presence of a bipolar scar area >20 cm2 (HR 6.101, CI 1.147–32.442, p = 0.034) were identified as predictors of arrhythmia relapse. Conclusion. The extension of the bipolar scar area and the presence of a bipolar scar area >20 cm2 can predict arrhythmia relapse in ACHD undergoing catheter ablation of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Recurrent arrhythmias are often caused by circuits other than those previously ablated.
Targeting of Periprosthetic Muscles for the Ultrasonographic Screening of Hip Abnormalities in Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty Patients
Authors: Choe Hyonmin , Kobayashi Naomi , Abe Koki , Hieda Yuta , Ike Hiroyuki , Kumagai Ken , Miyatake Kazuma , Fujisawa Takahiro , Inaba Yutaka
Published: April 2023

Background: Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) patients require subsequent annual screening for postoperative complications. Ultrasonography may be useful for this purpose but lacks a screening protocol for hips. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography for detecting postoperative complications in HRA patients using a screening protocol that specifically targets periprosthetic muscles. Methods: We enrolled 45 hips from 40 HRA patients with a mean follow-up period of 8.2 years. MRI and ultrasonography scans were simultaneously conducted at follow-up. The ultrasonography assessments were conducted on the anterior part of the hip that targets iliopsoas, sartorius, rectus femoris, lateral with anterior superior and inferior iliac spine (ASIS and AIIS) as bony landmarks, and the lateral and posterior parts that target fascia tensor, short rotators, and gluteus minimus, medius, and maximus with greater trochanter and ischial tuberosity as bony landmarks. The accuracy of diagnosing postoperative abnormalities and the visibility of periprosthetic muscles were compared between these two modalities. Results: Both MRI and ultrasonography detected an abnormal region in eight cases comprising two infections, two pseudotumors, and four patients with greater trochanteric bursitis. Among these cases, four hips required implant removal. The increase in anterior space, measured as the distance between the iliopsoas and resurfacing head, was a good indicator for the abnormal mass in these four HRA cases. In the assessment of periprosthetic muscles, MRI showed a much lower visibility than ultrasonography in the iliopsoas (6.7% vs. 100%), gluteus minimus (6.7% vs. 88.9%), and short rotators (8.8% vs. 71.4%) due to implant halation. Conclusions: By targeting periprosthetic muscles, ultrasonography can detect postoperative complications as effectively as MRI assessments in HRA patients. Ultrasonography has superior visibility in the periprosthetic muscles of HRA patients, indicating its utility for the screening of small legions in these cases which may not be visible by MRI.
Evaluation of the Prevalence of Refractive Defects and Ocular Function in a Group of 1518 Children Aged 8 Years in Northwestern Poland—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Monika Modrzejewska , Durajczyk Magdalena
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of refractive errors in a group of 8-year-old school children in northwestern Poland. Material and Methods: In 2017–2019, refractive errors were examined in a group of 1518 Caucasian children aged 8 years old with cycloplegia. Refraction was obtained with a hand-held autorefractor (Retinomax 3). The refractive error reading was expressed as the spherical equivalent (SE) as myopia (≤−0.5 D), emmetropia (>−0.5 D to ≤+0.5 D), mild hyperopia (>+0.5 D to ≤+2.0 D) and hyperopia (>+2.0 D), and astigmatism (≤−0.75 DC) and anisometropia (≥1.00 D). Data analysis was performed using Statistica 13.5 software and included Pearson’s chi-squared and Mann–Whitney U tests. p-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Mild hyperopia was most common (37.6%), myopia was observed in 16.8% and astigmatism in 10.6% of participants. Pseudomyopia concerned up to 51.91% children. Girls were significantly more likely to have mild hyperopia (p = 0.0144) and were significantly more likely to wear glasses (p = 0.00093). Conclusions: Screening children for refractive errors after cycloplegia is key for detecting accommodative spasm and refractive errors. The largest group of children presented with mild hyperopia, which is a physiological feature of refraction in 8-year-old children, but myopia and astigmatism were the most common refractive errors.
Biodegradation of Aqueous Superabsorbents: Kinetic Assessment Using Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis
Authors: Smagin Andrey V. , Sadovnikova Nadezhda B. , Budnikov Viktor I.
Published: April 2023

Biodegradation is an important environmental factor controlling the effectiveness of aqueous superabsorbents for soil conditioning. The purpose of the study is to quantify this process using biological oxygen demand (BOD) analysis of composite superabsorbents with an acrylic polymer matrix, amphiphilic fillers (humates, peat) and silver ions as an inhibitor of biological activity. A simple kinetic model of BOD is proposed for standardization of the analysis and calculation of polymer half-life after their long-term (60–120 days) incubation in the VELP BOD analyzer (Italy) with automatic control. The half-life of pure hydrogels pre-swollen in distilled water (1:100) at 30 °C varied from 0.8 ± 0.2 to 2.4 ± 1.6 years. The addition of water extract from compost sharply enhances the biodegradation, lowering the half-life up to 40–60 days. Doses of 0.1–1% silver in a polymer matrix or 10–100 ppm in swollen hydrogels increase their half-life by 5–20 times. The discussion part questions the traditional division of aqua superabsorbents into “biodegradable” and “non-biodegradable”, and also analyzes the main advantages and disadvantages of the new methodology for their BOD analysis. The results may be of interest to a wide range of specialists from chemical technologists and biochemists to environmental engineers.
The Interaction Mechanism of Intramuscular Gene Delivery Materials with Cell Membranes
Authors: Cui Zhanpeng , Jiao Yang , Pu Linyu , Chen Jianlin , Liu Ming , Tang James Zhenggui , Wang Gang
Published: April 2023

It has been confirmed that skeletal muscle cells have the capability to receive foreign plasmid DNA (pDNA) and express functional proteins. This provides a promisingly applicable strategy for safe, convenient, and economical gene therapy. However, intramuscular pDNA delivery efficiency was not high enough for most therapeutic purposes. Some non-viral biomaterials, especially several amphiphilic triblock copolymers, have been shown to significantly improve intramuscular gene delivery efficiency, but the detailed process and mechanism are still not well understood. In this study, the molecular dynamics simulation method was applied to investigate the structure and energy changes of the material molecules, the cell membrane, and the DNA molecules at the atomic and molecular levels. From the results, the interaction process and mechanism of the material molecules with the cell membrane were revealed, and more importantly, the simulation results almost completely matched the previous experimental results. This study may help us design and optimize better intramuscular gene delivery materials for clinical applications.
Preparation and Characterization of Gluten/SDS/Chitosan Composite Hydrogel Based on Hydrophobic and Electrostatic Interactions
Authors: Li Guangfeng , Lan Ni , Huang Yanling , Mo Chou , Wang Qiaoli , Wu Chaoxi , Wang Yifei
Published: April 2023

Gluten is a natural byproduct derived from wheat starch, possessing ideal biocompatibility. However, its poor mechanical properties and heterogeneous structure are not suitable for cell adhesion in biomedical applications. To resolve the issues, we prepare novel gluten (G)/sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS)/chitosan (CS) composite hydrogels by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Specifically, gluten is modified by SDS to give it a negatively charged surface, and then it conjugates with positively charged chitosan to form the hydrogel. In addition, the composite formative process, surface morphology, secondary network structure, rheological property, thermal stability, and cytotoxicity are investigated. Moreover, this work demonstrates that the change can occur in surface hydrophobicity caused by the pH−eading influence of hydrogen bonds and polypeptide chains. Meanwhile, the reversible non−covalent bonding in the networks is beneficial to improving the stability of the hydrogels, which shows a prominent prospect in biomedical engineering.
Deep Learning Approaches for Data Augmentation in Medical Imaging: A Review
Authors: Kebaili Aghiles , Lapuyade-Lahorgue Jérôme , Ruan Su
Published: April 2023

Deep learning has become a popular tool for medical image analysis, but the limited availability of training data remains a major challenge, particularly in the medical field where data acquisition can be costly and subject to privacy regulations. Data augmentation techniques offer a solution by artificially increasing the number of training samples, but these techniques often produce limited and unconvincing results. To address this issue, a growing number of studies have proposed the use of deep generative models to generate more realistic and diverse data that conform to the true distribution of the data. In this review, we focus on three types of deep generative models for medical image augmentation: variational autoencoders, generative adversarial networks, and diffusion models. We provide an overview of the current state of the art in each of these models and discuss their potential for use in different downstream tasks in medical imaging, including classification, segmentation, and cross-modal translation. We also evaluate the strengths and limitations of each model and suggest directions for future research in this field. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive review about the use of deep generative models for medical image augmentation and to highlight the potential of these models for improving the performance of deep learning algorithms in medical image analysis.
Spectral Super-Resolution for High Dynamic Range Images
Authors: Mikamoto Yuki , Kaminaka Yoshiki , Higaki Toru , Raytchev Bisser , Kaneda Kazufumi
Published: April 2023

The images we commonly use are RGB images that contain three pieces of information: red, green, and blue. On the other hand, hyperspectral (HS) images retain wavelength information. HS images are utilized in various fields due to their rich information content, but acquiring them requires specialized and expensive equipment that is not easily accessible to everyone. Recently, Spectral Super-Resolution (SSR), which generates spectral images from RGB images, has been studied. Conventional SSR methods target Low Dynamic Range (LDR) images. However, some practical applications require High Dynamic Range (HDR) images. In this paper, an SSR method for HDR is proposed. As a practical example, we use the HDR-HS images generated by the proposed method as environment maps and perform spectral image-based lighting. The rendering results by our method are more realistic than conventional renderers and LDR SSR methods, and this is the first attempt to utilize SSR for spectral rendering.
Numerical Study on Tsunami Force on Coastal Bridge Decks with Superelevation
Authors: Song Yang , Jia Jingtao , Liu Haibin , Chen Fang , Fang Qinghe
Published: April 2023

Many coastal bridges have been destroyed or damaged by tsunami waves. Some studies have been conducted to investigate wave impact on bridge decks, but there is little concerning the effect of bridge superelevation. A three-dimensional (3D) dam break wave model based on OpenFOAM was developed to study tsunami-like wave impacts on bridge decks with superelevation. The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations and the k-ɛ turbulence model were used. The numerical model was satisfactorily checked against Stoker’s analytical solution and the published hydrodynamic experiment. The validated model was employed to carry out parametric analyses to investigate the effects of upstream and downstream water depths and the bridge deck’s superelevation. The results show that the tsunami force is proportional to the relative wave height. The dam break wave impact on the bridge deck can be identified as two distinct scenarios according to whether the wave height is higher than the bridge deck top. The trend of the tsunami force is also different in different scenarios. The superelevation will significantly influence the tsunami forces acting on the box girder, with some exceptions.
Seasonal and Spatial Variations of Bacterial Community Structure in the Bailang River Estuary
Authors: Dong Wenxun , Cui Zhengguo , Zhao Mengjuan , Li Junfeng
Published: April 2023

Planktonic cells are a vital part of biogeochemical nutrient cycling and play an extremely important role in maintaining the balance of water ecosystems. In this study, surface water samples were collected in three seasons (spring, summer, and winter) 10 km along the estuary of the Bailang River to assess the relationship between environmental factors and the bacterial community structure, which was determined by high-throughput sequencing. The physicochemical properties of the samples, including the pH, salinity, and inorganic nitrogen (NH4+, NO3−, and NO2−), exhibited significant seasonal variations, and the diversity and structure of the bacterial community also varied seasonally. A redundancy analysis showed that the inorganic nitrogen (NH4+, NO3−, NO2−), pH, and salinity are key factors in shaping the bacterial community composition. Among the different seasons, the core taxa of bacterial communities were the same, and Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Proteobacteria were the key components during the three seasons. The bacterial diversity and structure also varied seasonally, but there were no significant differences in spatial composition. Based on a phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states analysis, nitrogen-cycle-related processes include four dominant processes: nitrogen mineralization, nitrogen fixation, dissimilatory nitrate reduction, and denitrification. These results suggest that the bacterial community structure in the waters of the Bailang River estuary is subject to seasonal rather than spatial variation. These findings provide new evidence for studies of the seasonal variation of bacterial communities in estuaries.
Development and Application of a GIS for Identifying Areas for Ocean Energy Deployment in Irish and Western UK Waters
Authors: O’Connell Ross , Furlong Rebecca , Guerrini Marco , Cullinane Margaret , Murphy Jimmy
Published: April 2023

Ireland and the UK possess vast ocean energy resources within their respective maritime areas. However, not all offshore areas are suitable for deployment of ocean energy devices. This article describes the development of a multitude of geospatial data relating to ocean energy site suitability, as well as a Web-GIS tool for hosting and performing analysis on this data. A validation of wave, water depth and seabed character data used in the study revealed good correlation between modelled and in situ data. The data is mapped, and the spatial patterns are discussed with relevance to ORE sector implications. A site selection model, which included much of this data, was developed for this study and the Web-GIS tool. A survey conducted with ocean energy technology developers revealed their desired site criteria. The responses were applied in a case study using the site selection model to uncover potential and optimum areas for deployment of both wave and tidal energy devices. The results reveal extensive areas of the Atlantic Ocean and Celtic Sea appropriate for wave energy deployment and less extensive areas for tidal energy deployment, in the Irish Sea and Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland.
A Carrier-Based Gardner Timing Synchronization Algorithm for BPSK Signal in Maritime Communication
Authors: Qu Fengzhong , Li Zhengchao , Zhang Minhao , Tu Xingbin , Wei Yan
Published: April 2023

Wireless communication at sea is an essential way to establish a smart ocean. In the communication system, however, signals are affected by the carrier frequency offset (CFO), which results from the Doppler effect and crystal frequency offset. The offset deteriorates the demodulation performance of the communication system. The conventional Gardner bit-synchronization algorithm performs timing synchronization on the baseband, but it fails to solve the problem of carrier frequency offset. In this paper, a carrier-based timing-synchronization Gardner algorithm was proposed. The algorithm performed error detection in the carrier signal to estimate the synchronization error in real time and the time-domain expansion in the passband signal. Based on the estimated expansion factor, the algorithm located the sampling points of the ideal signal and re-interpolated all the sampling points on the passband to recover the passband signal without Doppler. This algorithm can solve both the frequency shift and time-domain expansion caused by the Doppler effect without further CFO estimation and compensation, thus reducing the overall computational complexity of the system. The simulations showed that the proposed algorithm greatly improves the ability of the communication system to combat Doppler compared to the conventional Gardner algorithm. The algorithm is primarily designed for binary phase-shift keying (BPSK)-modulated signals under the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel and can be applied to various maritime communication scenarios.