bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Titanium oxide nanomaterials as an electron-selective contact in silicon solar cells for photovoltaic devices
Authors: Kang Dongkyun , Ko Jongwon , Lee Changhyun , Kim Donghwan , Lee Hyunju , Kang Yoonmook , Lee Hae-Seok
Published: March 2023

To obtain high conversion efficiency, various carrier-selective contact structures are being applied to the silicon solar cell, and many related studies are being conducted. We conducted research on TiO2 to create an electron-selective contact structure that does not require a high-temperature process. Titanium metal was deposited using a thermal evaporator, and an additional oxidation process was conducted to form titanium oxide. The chemical compositions and phases of the titanium dioxide layers were analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The passivation effects of each titanium oxide layer were measured using the quasi-steady-state photoconductance. In this study, the layer properties were analyzed when TiO2 had a passivation effect on the silicon surface. The charge and interface defect densities of the layer were analyzed through CV measurements, and the passivation characteristics according to the TiO2 phase change were investigated. As a result, by applying optimized TiO2 layer thickness and annealing temperature conditions through the experiment for passivation to the cell-like structure, which is the structure before metal and electrode formation, an implied open-circuit voltage (iVoc) of 630 mV and an emitter saturation current density (J0) value of 60.4 fA/cm2 were confirmed.
Impairment of electron transport chain and induction of apoptosis by chrysin nanoparticles targeting succinate-ubiquinone oxidoreductase in pancreatic and lung cancer cells
Authors: Ragab Eman M. , El Gamal Doaa M. , Mohamed Tarek M. , Khamis Abeer A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Flavonoids may help ameliorate the incidence of the major causes of tumor-related mortality, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and lung cancer, which are predicted to steadily increase between 2020 to 2030. Here we compared the effect of chrysin and chrysin nanoparticles (CCNPs) with 5-fluorouracil (5-FLU) on the activity and expression of mitochondrial complex II (CII) to induce apoptosis in pancreatic (PANC-1) and lung (A549) cancer cells.

Methods

Chrysin nanoparticles (CCNPs) were synthesized and characterized, and the IC50 was evaluated in normal, PANC-1, and A549 cell lines using the MTT assay. The effect of chrysin and CCNPs on CΙΙ activity, superoxide dismutase activity, and mitochondria swelling were evaluated. Apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry, and expression of the C and D subunits of SDH, sirtuin-3 (SIRT-3), and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) was evaluated using RT-qPCR.

Results

The IC50 of CII subunit C and D binding to chrysin was determined and used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment on the activity of SDH with ubiquinone oxidoreductase. Enzyme activity was significantly decreased (chrysin < CCNPs < 5-FLU and CCNPs < chrysin < 5-FLU, respectively), which was confirmed by the significant decrease of expression of SDH C and D, SIRT-3, and HIF-1α mRNA (CCNPs < chrysin < 5-FLU). There was also a significant increase in the apoptotic effects (CCNPs > chrysin > 5-FLU) in both PANC-1 and A549 cells and a significant increase in mitochondria swelling (CCNPs < chrysin < 5-FLU and CCNPs > chrysin > 5-FLU, respectively) than that in non-cancerous cells.

Conclusion

Treatment with CCNPs improved the effect of chrysin on succinate-ubiquinone oxidoreductase activity and expression and therefore has the potential as a more efficient formulation than chemotherapy to prevent metastasis and angiogenesis by targeting HIF-1α in PDAC and lung cancer.
Is atelectasis related to the development of postoperative pneumonia? a retrospective single center study
Authors: Ko Eunji , Yoo Kyung Yeon , Lim Choon Hak , Jun Seungwoo , Lee Kaehong , Kim Yun Hee
Published: March 2023

Background

Atelectasis may play a substantial role in the development of pneumonia. However, pneumonia has never been evaluated as an outcome of atelectasis in surgical patients. We aimed to determine whether atelectasis is related to an increased risk of postoperative pneumonia, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and hospital length of stay (LOS).

Methods

The electronic medical records of adult patients who underwent elective non-cardiothoracic surgery under general anesthesia between October 2019 and August 2020 were reviewed. They were divided into two groups: one who developed postoperative atelectasis (atelectasis group) and the other who did not (non-atelectasis group). The primary outcome was the incidence of pneumonia within 30 days after the surgery. The secondary outcomes were ICU admission rate and postoperative LOS.

Results

Patients in the atelectasis group were more likely to have risk factors for postoperative pneumonia including age, body mass index, a history of hypertension or diabetes mellitus and duration of surgery, compared with those in the non-atelectasis. Among 1,941 patients, 63 (3.2%) developed postoperative pneumonia; 5.1% in the atelectasis group and 2.8% in the non-atelectasis (P = 0.025). In multivariable analysis, atelectasis was associated with an increased risk of pneumonia (adjusted odds ratio, 2.33; 95% CI: 1.24 – 4.38; P = 0.008). Median postoperative LOS was significantly longer in the atelectasis group (7 [interquartile range: 5–10 days]) than in the non-atelectasis (6 [3–8] days) (P < 0.001). Adjusted median duration was also 2.19 days longer in the atelectasis group (β, 2.19; 95% CI: 0.821 – 2.834; P < 0.001). ICU admission rate was higher in the atelectasis group (12.1% vs. 6.5%; P < 0.001), but it did not differ between the groups after adjustment for confounders (adjusted odds ratio, 1.52; 95% CI: 0.88 – 2.62; P = 0.134).

Conclusion

Among patients undergoing elective non-cardiothoracic surgery, patients with postoperative atelectasis were associated with a 2.33-fold higher incidence of pneumonia and a longer LOS than those without atelectasis. This finding alerts the need for careful management of perioperative atelectasis to prevent or reduce the adverse events including pneumonia and the burden of hospitalizations.

Trial registration

None.
Association between calf circumference and incontinence in Chinese elderly
Authors: Li Lin , Chen Feilong , Li Xiaoyan , Gao Yiyuan , Zhu Silin , Diao Xiyezi , Wang Ning , Xu Tao
Published: March 2023

Background

The objective of this study was to analyze the association between calf circumference and incontinence in Chinese elderly, and to find out the maximal cut-off point by gender for the use of calf circumference in screening for incontinence.

Methods

In this study, participants were from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). The maximal calf circumference cut-off point and other incontinence-related risk factors were explored using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and logistic regression analysis.

Results

The study included 14,989 elderly people (6,516 males and 8,473 females) over 60. The prevalence of incontinence in elderly males was 5.23% (341/6,516), significantly lower than females, which was 8.31% (704/8,473) (p < 0.001). There was no correlation between calf circumference < 34 cm in males and < 33 cm in females and incontinence after adjusting the confounders. We further stratified by gender to predict incontinence in elderly based on the Youden index of ROC curves. We found the association between calf circumference and incontinence was the strongest when the cut-off points were < 28.5 cm for males and < 26.5 cm for females, with an odds rate (OR) value of 1.620 (male, 95%CI: 1.197–2.288) and 1.292 (female, 95%CI: 1.044–1.600) after adjusting the covariates, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that calf circumference < 28.5 cm in males and < 26.5 cm in females is a risk factor for incontinence in the Chinese elderly population. Calf circumference should be measured in routine physical examination, and timely interventions should be made to reduce the risk of incontinence in subjects with calf circumference less than the threshold.
Promoting physical activity-related health competence to increase leisure-time physical activity and health-related quality of life in German private sector office workers
Authors: Blaschke Simon , Carl Johannes , Pelster Klaus , Mess Filip
Published: March 2023

Background

Office workers (OWs) are at risk of low levels of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Interventions based on physical activity-related health competence (PAHCO) aim to facilitate long-term changes in HEPA and HRQOL. However, these assumptions rely on the changeability and temporal stability of PAHCO and have not been tested empirically. This study therefore aims to test the changeability and temporal stability of PAHCO in OWs within an interventional design and to examine the effect of PAHCO on leisure-time PA and HRQOL.

Methods

Three hundred twenty-eight OWs (34% female, 50.4 ± 6.4 years) completed an in-person, three-week workplace health promotion program (WHPP) focusing on PAHCO and HEPA. The primary outcome of PAHCO as well as the secondary outcomes of leisure-time PA and HRQOL were examined at four measurement points over the course of 18 months in a pre-post design by employing linear mixed model regressions.

Results

PAHCO displayed a substantial increase from the baseline to the time point after completion of the WHPP (β = 0.44, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was no decrease in PAHCO at the first (p = 0.14) and the second follow-up measurement (p = 0.56) compared with the level at the end of the WHPP. In addition, the PAHCO subscale of PA-specific self-regulation (PASR) had a small to moderate, positive effect on leisure-time PA (β = 0.18, p < 0.001) and HRQOL (β = 0.26, p < 0.001). The subscale of control competence for physical training (CCPT) also had a positive small to moderate effect on HRQOL (β = 0.22, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results substantiate PAHCO’s theoretical characteristics of changeability and temporal stability, and underline the theoretically postulated effects on leisure-time PA and HRQOL. These findings highlight the potential of PAHCO for intervention development, which can be assumed to foster long-term improvements in HEPA and HRQOL in OWs.

Trial registration

The study was retrospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register, which is an approved Primary Register in the WHO network, at the 14/10/2022 (DRKS00030514).
Use of Teriparatide in preventing delayed bone healing and nonunion: a multicentric study on a series of 20 patients
Authors: Gariffo Gabriele , Bottai Vanna , Falcinelli Federico , Di Sacco Federico , Cifali Roberta , Troiano Elisa , Capanna Rodolfo , Mondanelli Nicola , Giannotti Stefano
Published: March 2023

Background

Delayed bone healing and nonunions represent a great challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. In addition to traditional surgical approaches, increasing attention is being given to the use of systemic anabolic therapy with Teriparatide, whose efficacy in preventing osteoporotic fractures is widely validated and whose application as a promoter of bone healing has been described but it is still debated. The aim of the study was to evaluate bone healing in a series of patients with delayed unions or nonunions treated with Teriparatide in conjunction with eventual appropriate surgical procedure.

Methods

Twenty patients with an unconsolidated fracture that were treated at our Institutions from 2011 to 2020 with Teriparatide were retrospectively included into the study. The pharmacological anabolic support was used off-label with a planned duration of 6 months; radiographic healing was evaluated at 1-, 3- and 6-months follow-up outpatient visits over plain radiographs. Also, eventual side-effects were registered.

Results

Radiographic signs indicative of favorable evolution of the bone callus were observed as early as at 1 month of therapy in 15% of cases; at 3 months, healing progression was appreciated in 80% of cases and complete healing in 10%; at 6 months, 85% of delayed and nonunions had healed. In all patients, the anabolic therapy was well tolerated.

Conclusions

In accordance to Literature, this study suggests that Teriparatide plays a potentially important role in the treatment of some forms of delayed unions or nou-nions, even in the presence of failure of hardware. The results suggest a greater effect of the drug when associated with a condition in which the bone is in an active phase of callogenesis, or with a “revitalizing” treatment which represents a local (mechanical and/or biological) stimulus to the healing process. Despite the small sample size and the variety of cases, the efficacy of Teriparatide in treating delayed unions or nonunions emerged, highlighting how this anabolic therapy can represent a useful pharmacological support in the treatment of such a pathology. Although the results obtained are encouraging, further studies, particularly prospective and randomized, are needed to confirm the efficacy of the drug, and define a specific treatment algorithm.
Prevalence of sarcopenia in older women and level of agreement between the diagnostic instruments proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2)
Authors: Sutil Daiana Vieira , Parentoni Adriana Netto , Da Costa Teixeira Leonardo Augusto , de Souza Moreira Bruno , Leopoldino Amanda Aparecida Oliveira , Mendonça Vanessa Amaral , Lacerda Ana Cristina Rodrigues , Danielewicz Ana Lúcia , de Avelar Núbia Carelli Pereira
Published: March 2023

Background

The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2) proposed the use of different diagnostic tools to assess sarcopenia. This study aimed to determine prevalence rates of sarcopenia according to the diagnostic instruments proposed by EWGSOP2 and to assess their level of agreement in older Brazilian women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study with 161 community-dwelling older Brazilian women. Probable sarcopenia was assessed through Handgrip Strength (HGS) and the 5-times sit-to-stand test (5XSST). In addition to reduced strength, Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass (ASM) (obtained by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and ASM/height² were considered for diagnosis confirmation. Sarcopenia severity was determined by reduced muscle strength and mass and poor functional performance assessed by Gait Speed (GS), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). McNemar’s test and Cochran’s Q-test were used to compare sarcopenia prevalence. Cohen’s Kappa and Fleiss’s Kappa tests were used to assess the level of agreement.

Results

The prevalence of probable sarcopenia was significantly different (p < 0.05) when using HGS (12.8%) and 5XSST (40.6%). Regarding confirmed sarcopenia, the prevalence was lower when using ASM/height² than with ASM. Regarding severity, the use of SPPB resulted in a higher prevalence in relation to GS and TUG.

Conclusion

There were differences in the prevalence rates of sarcopenia and low agreement between the diagnostic instruments proposed by the EWGSOP2. The findings suggest that these issues must be considered in the discussion on the concept and assessment of sarcopenia, which could ultimately help to better identify patients with this disease in different populations.
Unravel the regulatory mechanism of Yrr1p phosphorylation in response to vanillin stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zhao Weiquan , Wang Xinning , Yang Bolun , Wang Ying , Li Zailu , Bao Xiaoming
Published: March 2023

Improving the resistance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to vanillin, derived from lignin, will benefit the design of robust cell factories for lignocellulosic biorefining. The transcription factor Yrr1p mediates S. cerevisiae resistance to various compounds. In this study, eleven predicted phosphorylation sites were mutated, among which 4 mutants of Yrr1p, Y134A/E and T185A/E could improve vanillin resistance. Both dephosphorylated and phosphorylated mutations at Yrr1p 134 and 185 gathered in the nucleus regardless of the presence or absence of vanillin. However, the phosphorylated mutant Yrr1p inhibited target gene expression, while dephosphorylated mutants promoted expression. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the dephosphorylated Yrr1p T185 mutant, under vanillin stress, upregulated ribosome biogenesis and rRNA processing. These results demonstrate the mechanism by which Yrr1p phosphorylation regulates the expression of target genes. The identification of key phosphorylation sites in Yrr1p offers novel targets for the rational construction of Yrr1p mutants to improve resistance to other compounds.
A pilot study of the association between maternal mid-pregnancy cholesterol and oxysterol concentrations and labor duration
Authors: Rideout Todd C. , Wallace Jaclyn , Wen Xiaozhong , Barnabei Vanessa M. , Kong Kai Ling , Browne Richard W.
Published: March 2023

Background

Previous animal model studies have highlighted a role for cholesterol and its oxidized derivatives (oxysterols) in uterine contractile activity, however, a lipotoxic state associated with hypercholesterolemia may contribute to labor dystocia. Therefore, we investigated if maternal mid-pregnancy cholesterol and oxysterol concentrations were associated with labor duration in a human pregnancy cohort.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of serum samples and birth outcome data from healthy pregnant women (N = 25) with mid-pregnancy fasting serum samples collected at 22–28 weeks of gestation. Serum was analyzed for total-C, HDL-C, and LDL-C by direct automated enzymatic assay and oxysterol profile including 7α-hydroxycholesterol (7αOHC), 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7βOHC), 24-hydroxycholesterol (24OHC), 25-hydroxycholesterol (25OHC), 27-hydroxycholesterol (27OHC), and 7-ketocholesterol (7KC) by liquid chromatography-selected ion monitoring-stable isotope dilution-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectroscopy. Associations between maternal second trimester lipids and labor duration (minutes) were assessed using multivariable linear regression adjusting for maternal nulliparity and age.

Results

An increase in labor duration was observed for every 1-unit increment in serum 24OHC (0.96 min [0.36,1.56],p < 0.01), 25OHC (7.02 min [1.92,12.24],p = 0.01), 27OHC (0.54 min [0.06, 1.08],p < 0.05), 7KC (8.04 min [2.7,13.5],p < 0.01), and total oxysterols (0.42 min [0.18,0.06],p < 0.01]. No significant associations between labor duration and serum total-C, LDL-C, or HDL-C were observed.

Conclusions

In this cohort, mid-pregnancy concentrations of maternal oxysterols (24OHC, 25OHC, 27OHC, and 7KC) were positively associated with labor duration. Given the small population and use of self-reported labor duration, subsequent studies are required for confirmation.
Silencing LCN2 suppresses oral squamous cell carcinoma progression by reducing EGFR signal activation and recycling
Authors: Huang Zixian , Rui Xi , Yi Chen , Chen Yongju , Chen Rui , Liang Yancan , Wang Yan , Yao Weicheng , Xu Xiaoding , Huang Zhiquan
Published: March 2023

Background

EGFR is an important signal involved in tumor growth that can induce tumor metastasis and drug resistance. Exploring targets for effective EGFR regulation is an important topic in current research and drug development. Inhibiting EGFR can effectively inhibit the progression and lymph node metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) because OSCC is a type of cancer with high EGFR expression. However, the problem of EGFR drug resistance is particularly prominent, and identifying a new target for EGFR regulation could reveal an effective strategy.

Methods

We sequenced wild type or EGFR-resistant OSCC cells and samples from OSCC patients with or without lymph node metastasis to find new targets for EGFR regulation to effectively replace the strategy of directly inhibiting EGFR and exert an antitumor effect. We then investigated the effect of LCN2 on OSCC biological abilities in vitro and in vivo through protein expression regulation. Subsequently, we elucidated the regulatory mechanism of LCN2 through mass spectrometry, protein interaction, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence analyses. As a proof of concept, a reduction-responsive nanoparticle (NP) platform was engineered for effective LCN2 siRNA (siLCN2) delivery, and a tongue orthotopic xenograft model as well as an EGFR-positive patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model were applied to investigate the curative effect of siLCN2.

Results

We identified lipocalin-2 (LCN2), which is upregulated in OSCC metastasis and EGFR resistance. Inhibition of LCN2 expression can effectively inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of OSCC in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting EGFR phosphorylation and downstream signal activation. Mechanistically, LCN2 binds EGFR and enhances the recycling of EGFR, thereby activating the EGFR-MEK-ERK cascade. Inhibition of LCN2 effectively inhibited the activation of EGFR. We translated this finding by systemic delivery of siLCN2 by NPs, which effectively downregulated LCN2 in the tumor tissues, thereby leading to a significant inhibition of the growth and metastasis of xenografts.

Conclusions

This research indicated that targeting LCN2 could be a promising strategy for the treatment of OSCC.
Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis and stroke secondary to protein C deficiency in a child with Down syndrome: a case report
Authors: Ajmi Houda , Bouafsoun Chahra , Arifa Nadia , Chemli Jalel , Abroug Saoussen
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients with Down syndrome are at a higher risk of developing autoimmune disorders such as thyroiditis, diabetes, and celiac disease compared with the general population. Although some diseases are well known to be associated with Down syndrome, others such as idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis and ischemic stroke due to protein C deficiency remain rare.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 2.5-year-old Tunisian girl with Down syndrome and hypothyroiditis admitted with dyspnea, anemia, and hemiplegia. Chest X-ray showed diffuse alveolar infiltrates. Laboratory tests showed severe anemia with hemoglobin of 4.2 g/dl without hemolysis. A diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis was confirmed by bronchoalveolar lavage showing numerous hemosiderin-laden macrophages, with a Golde score of 285 confirming the diagnosis of pulmonary hemosiderosis. Concerning hemiplegia, computed tomography showed multiple cerebral hypodensities suggestive of cerebral stroke. The etiology of these lesions was related to protein C deficiency.

Conclusion

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis remains a severe disease, which is rarely associated with Down syndrome. The management of this disease in Down syndrome patients is difficult, especially when associated with an ischemic stroke secondary to protein C deficiency.
Different MAPT haplotypes influence expression of total MAPT in postmortem brain tissue
Authors: Tauber Christina V. , Schwarz Sigrid C. , Rösler Thomas W. , Arzberger Thomas , Gentleman Steve , Windl Otto , Krumbiegel Mandy , Reis André , Ruf Viktoria C. , Herms Jochen , Höglinger Günter U.
Published: March 2023

The MAPT gene, encoding the microtubule-associated protein tau on chromosome 17q21.31, is result of an inversion polymorphism, leading to two allelic variants (H1 and H2). Homozygosity for the more common haplotype H1 is associated with an increased risk for several tauopathies, but also for the synucleinopathy Parkinson’s disease (PD). In the present study, we aimed to clarify whether the MAPT haplotype influences expression of MAPT and SNCA, encoding the protein α-synuclein (α-syn), on mRNA and protein levels in postmortem brains of PD patients and controls. We also investigated mRNA expression of several other MAPT haplotype-encoded genes. Postmortem tissues from cortex of fusiform gyrus (ctx-fg) and of the cerebellar hemisphere (ctx-cbl) of neuropathologically confirmed PD patients (n = 95) and age- and sex-matched controls (n = 81) were MAPT haplotype genotyped to identify cases homozygous for either H1 or H2. Relative expression of genes was quantified using real-time qPCR; soluble and insoluble protein levels of tau and α-syn were determined by Western blotting. Homozygosity for H1 versus H2 was associated with increased total MAPT mRNA expression in ctx-fg regardless of disease state. Inversely, H2 homozygosity was associated with markedly increased expression of the corresponding antisense MAPT-AS1 in ctx-cbl. PD patients had higher levels of insoluble 0N3R and 1N4R tau isoforms regardless of the MAPT genotype. The increased presence of insoluble α-syn in PD patients in ctx-fg validated the selected postmortem brain tissue. Our findings in this small, but well controlled cohort of PD and controls support a putative biological relevance of tau in PD. However, we did not identify any link between the disease-predisposing H1/H1 associated overexpression of MAPT with PD status. Further studies are required to gain a deeper understanding of the potential regulatory role of MAPT-AS1 and its association to the disease-protective H2/H2 condition in the context of PD.
Intensity and timing of persistence barriers of global sea surface temperature anomalies
Authors: Tian Feng , Ren Hong-Li , Liu Minghong , Su Baohuang , Wang Run
Published: March 2023

Due to its intrinsic connection to predictability, persistence barrier (PB) has been known as a crucial property of some important phenomena like El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), typically depicted as a rapid decline of persistence of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies occurring at a specific season. This study reveals the PB characteristics of the global SST anomalies by extending the ENSO PB diagnosis method to quantify the PB intensity and timing. A general PB intensity index is derived, and the PB timing is newly defined as the calendar month with the highest frequency of PB occurrence. Results show that the strong PBs of global SST anomalies are mainly distributed in the regions of the tropical Pacific and southeastern tropical Indian Ocean, corresponding to the well-known PB features. The PB timing varies globally and particularly shows an evolution along the equatorial Pacific band. These results could provide additional references for oceanic predictions.
Changes in community structures and functions of the gut microbiomes of deep-sea cold seep mussels during in situ transplantation experiment
Authors: Xiao Yao , Wang Hao , Lan Yi , Zhong Cheng , Yan Guoyong , Xu Zhimeng , Lu Guangyuan , Chen Jiawei , Wei Tong , Wong Wai Chuen , Kwan Yick Hang , Qian Pei-Yuan
Published: March 2023

Background

Many deep-sea invertebrates largely depend on chemoautotrophic symbionts for energy and nutrition, and some of them have reduced functional digestive tracts. By contrast, deep-sea mussels have a complete digestive system although symbionts in their gills play vital roles in nutrient supply. This digestive system remains functional and can utilise available resources, but the roles and associations among gut microbiomes in these mussels remain unknown. Specifically, how the gut microbiome reacts to environmental change is unclear.

Results

The meta-pathway analysis showed the nutritional and metabolic roles of the deep-sea mussel gut microbiome. Comparative analyses of the gut microbiomes of original and transplanted mussels subjected to environmental change revealed shifts in bacterial communities. Gammaproteobacteria were enriched, whereas Bacteroidetes were slightly depleted. The functional response for the shifted communities was attributed to the acquisition of carbon sources and adjusting the utilisation of ammonia and sulphide. Self-protection was observed after transplantation.

Conclusion

This study provides the first metagenomic insights into the community structure and function of the gut microbiome in deep-sea chemosymbiotic mussels and their critical mechanisms for adapting to changing environments and meeting of essential nutrient demand.
An oral androgen receptor RIPTAC for prostate cancer.
Authors: Raina Kanak , Eastman Kyle J , Yu Xinheng , Forbes Chris D , Jones Kelli M , Mousseau James J , Li Hao , Kayser-Bricker Katherine J , Crews Craig M
Published: March 2023

184

Background: Resistance to Androgen Receptor Signaling Inhibitors (ARSIs) in prostate cancer occurs in almost all patients and is driven primarily by genomic alterations in AR and increases in AR expression. In the metastatic castration-resistant setting, more than 80% of these patients harbor amplifications of the AR gene or the upstream enhancer region of DNA. Our RIPTAC technology leverages the high level of AR expression to selectively kill prostate cancer cells while sparing normal tissues. Methods: We describe here a novel orally bioavailable heterobifunctional small molecule AR RIPTAC that recruits an essential cellular protein (EP) into a stable ternary complex with AR, thereby inhibiting EP function and leading to cell death selectively in AR-positive cells. Molecules were designed to achieve cooperative binding between AR and EP, oral bioavailability and AR-selective cell killing. Results: AR RIPTACs form a ternary complex between AR and EP across PCa cell lines with an EC50 ~1nM, leading to concomitant inhibition of the EP and antiproliferative activity across PCa cell lines. The cell killing activity of AR RIPTACs is dependent on the presence of AR in the cell. AR RIPTACs induce apoptosis at low nM concentrations in cells overexpressing AR but not in control cells. In castrated mice bearing VCaP xenografts, AR RIPTACs accumulate in the tumor and induce AR:RIPTAC:EP ternary complex formation at a low oral dose, resulting in tumor specific inhibition of the EP and tumor growth inhibition. Leading AR RIPTACs possess pharmacokinetic properties suitable for a drug candidate, and readily achieve efficacious exposures following oral dosing in mouse, rat and dog. Conclusions: In summary, we report preclinical data on orally bioavailable heterobifunctional AR RIPTACs that are active in multiple prostate cancer models. The lead molecules are being evaluated in toxicology studies, with IND filing slated for 2024.
B vitamins in diseases of the nervous system - facts and myths
Authors: Jasłowski Damian
Published: March 2023

Introduction: B vitamins are necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system, taking part in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, RNA and DNA and acting as cofactors in many cellular metabolic pathways. The body does not store them, so they need to be replaced daily. Mild deficiencies can cause non-specific neuropsychiatric disorders, and deep and persistent - serious, fatal disease states that require intensive supplementation, such as beriberi disease or Korsakoff's syndrome.
Materials and methods: My work is based on the articles published in PubMed, medical books and websites. I was looking for the key words such as ‘biotin‘, ‘brain’, ‘homocysteine’, ‘niacin’, ‘pantothenic acid’, ‘riboflavin’, ‘thiamin’, ‘neuropathy’.
Results: B vitamins seem to enhance the analgesic effect of NSAIDs. There is evidence of supportive action in the treatment of low back pain and diabetic neuropathy. There is no reliable evidence of improved cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia.
Conclusions: due to the low toxicity, very few side effects and experimental findings, it seems reasonable to administer B vitamins in numerous pain syndromes, such as neuropathies and back pain syndromes. However, we need more randomized clinical trials to create universal recommendations and finally confirm the positive effects of these substances in neurological diseases.
İade-i-İtibar: Kabak Kemanenin Tarihsel Serüveni
Authors: DOĞRUEL Fulya
Published: March 2023

Bu çalışma Türk halk müziğinde icra edilen kadim ve otantik Kabak kemane çalgısının geçmişten günümüze itibar serüvenini, icra edilme koşullarını, sanatsal ve teknik yönden değişimini ve toplumdaki karşılığını incelemektedir. Kemane Türk boylarının Anadolu’ya göçleriyle getirdikleri ve özellikle Teke yöresi Yörük kültüründe korunmuş önemli bir kültür sembolüdür. Atlı-göçebe kültür’ün önemli bir elementi olan yaylı çalgılar içinde önde gelir. Kemane, halk kültüründe çok uzun yıllar unutulmaya yüz tutmuş bir çalgı ve akademik anlamda ihmal edilmiş bir konudur. Ancak özellikle 1980’lerde Türkiye Radyo ve Televizyon Kurumu’nun (TRT) kemanye yer vermeye başlaması ile ekranlarda yine görünür olmuş, özellikle son yıllarda kemaneye dair akademik çalışmalar çoğalmaya başlamıştır. Kemane, ona gönül vermiş sanatçılar, çalgı yapımcılar, konservatuvarlarda Türk halk müziği eğitimi veren öğretim üyeleri ve öğrencileri tarafından icra edilmeye, geliştirilmeye, öğretilmeye çalışılmaktadır. Kemane üzerine yapılan çalışmalar genelde kemanenin sosyal ve müzikal yönleri, yapım teknikleri, eğitim yöntemleri, değişimi ve gelişme olanaklarının yanı sıra daha geniş müzik evrenine uygulanırlığı üzerine yapılan çalışmalardır. Böylece çalgının biçim ve icra özellikleri, ortamları ve repertuvarı gelişmiştir. Bu çalışmalar Kabak kemane çalgısının yerelden ulusala ve uluslararası alana taşınmasını sağlamıştır. Kemanenin yaşatılması ve toplumsal kültür ve müzik evreni bağlamında değerinin kavranması için gösterilen bu çaba sadece Kabak kemane geleneğinin değil Halk Müziği geleneğinin de sonraki kuşaklara aktarılabilmesi açısından çok önemlidir. Bu konuda daha fazla kurumsal ve toplumsal farkındalığa ve desteğe ihtiyaç bulunmaktadır. Kabak Kemane'nin tanınmasına katkıda bulunmayı amaçlayan bu nitel çalışmanın verileri, Kabak Kemane enstrümanı üzerine yapılan bir literatür taramasına ve bu enstrümanı çalan altı müzisyen ve sanatçıyla yapılan derinlemesine görüşmelere dayanmaktadır.
MASALLARDA SOYUT ANLAM DÜNYASININ TESPİTİ İÇİN BİR METAFOR: “KABUK”
Authors: SAYAR Elif
Published: March 2023

ÖZ: Yeni bir anlamsal ifade aracı olarak kabuk; sembol, değer, dil ve söylem bakımından çok boyutlu bir tartışmayı da beraberinde getirir. Mimari, iletişim, psikoloji, sosyoloji, felsefe, mitoloji ve edebiyat gibi farklı alanlardaki bağlam anlayışı, kabuğun anlamsal ve tanımsal ifadesini değiştirir ve ona yeni yaklaşımlar sunar. Geçişken bir edebi tür olan masal ise sözlü kültürü ve sosyo- kültürel bir edimi bugüne taşır. Olağanüstü donanımlara sahip kahramanları başlangıç, bitiş ve ara formellerin kullanıldığı belirsiz zaman ve mekân içinde ince bir halk mantığını bünyesinde barındıran masalın örtük anlamı, okura elinde fırçası olan bir ressam gibi kesitsel bir zamanda kendini ifade etme fırsatı verir. Masallarda sembolik dilin kullanımı, okurun kendi metaforunu tasarladığı bir evrene dönüşür. Masalların efsunlu yapısı onlara ait arketipik kültür kodlarını, imge ve semboller vasıtasıyla açığa çıkarır. Çalışmada somut anlamlar dünyasından alınan “kabuk” metaforu, masallardaki soyut anlam dünyasının tespiti için kullanılır. Masallarda “kabuk” kavramıyla örtüşen sembol ve değerler düzlemi, temsili dünyanın ardındaki özü görünür kılar. Metnin yapısını kuran bir araç olarak masallardaki malzemenin nasıl seçildiği, imgelerin altında öznenin inşasında hangi ideolojilerin yattığı; değerlendirmeye alınan Kırmızı Başlıklı Kız, Uyuyan Güzel, Külkedisi ve Pamuk Prenses masalları üzerinden görünür hale gelecektir. Böylelikle masallarda kabuğu oluşturan öğelerin kavramsal olarak nasıl okunduğunun ortaya konulması, bu masallardaki kabuğun yeni tanımını, anlamını ve kapsamını güncel söylemler içindeki yerini saptamak, çalışmanın odak noktasını oluşturur.

Anahtar Kelimeler: Kabuk, masal, metafor, sözlü kültür
The role of charitable funding in the provision of public services: the case of the English and Welsh National Health Service
Authors: Abnett Helen , Bowles James , Mohan John
Published: March 2023

The role of charity in the provision of public services is of substantial academic and practitioner interest, and charitable initiative within the English and Welsh National Health Service (NHS) has recently received considerable attention. This study provides rich insights into the role that NHS-linked charities present themselves as playing within the NHS. The dataset analysed is a novel construction of 3,250 detailed expenditure lines from 676 sets of charity accounts. Qualitative content analysis of itemised descriptions of expenditure allows us to explore how these charities portray their activities. We distinguish between expenditures that can be framed as supplementary to government funding (such as amenities and comforts) and items that suggest charitable effort is substituting for government support (such as funding for clinical equipment). We also consider the claims being made through these representations, and suggest that the distinctiveness of the charity and NHS spheres are currently under question. We argue that, through their representational practices, charities are both shaping and blurring the expected roles of government and charity. Acceptance of the benefits that charitable initiative does provide, in terms of innovation, pluralism and participation, must be tempered with the realisation that charitable funds are playing a role in service provision that is not guided by clear policy, and that this has the potential to widen existing inequalities within a key public service.
Mechanical energy on anaerobic capacity during a supramaximal treadmill running in men: Is there influence between runners and active individuals?
Authors: Zagatto Alessandro Moura , González Joel Abraham Martínez , de Poli Rodrigo Araujo Bonetti , Barbieri Fabio Augusto , Bloedow Leonardo de los Santos , Peyré‐Tartaruga Leonardo
Published: March 2023

This study verified whether mechanical variables influence the anaerobic capacity outcome on treadmill running and whether these likely influences were dependent of running experience. Seventeen physical active and 18 amateur runners, males, performed a graded exercise test and constant load exhaustive running efforts at 115% of intensity associated to maximal oxygen consumption. During the constant load were determined the metabolic responses (i.e., gas exchange and blood lactate) to estimate the energetic contribution and anaerobic capacity as well as kinematic responses. The runners showed higher anaerobic capacity (16.6%; p = 0.005), but lesser time to exercise failure (−18.8%; p = 0.03) than active subjects. In addition, the stride length (21.4%; p = 0.00001), contact phase duration (−11.3%; p = 0.005), and vertical work (−29.9%; p = 0.015). For actives, the anaerobic capacity did not correlate significantly with any physiologic, kinematic, and mechanical variables and no regression model was fitted using the stepwise multiple regression, while to runners the anaerobic capacity was significantly correlated with phosphagen energetic contribution (r = 0.47; p = 0.047), external power (r = −0.51; p = 0.031), total work (r = −0.54; p = 0.020), external work (r = −0.62; p = 0.006), vertical work (r = −0.63; p = 0.008), and horizontal work (r = −0.61; p = 0.008), and the vertical work and phosphagen energetic contribution presented a coefficient of determination of 62% (p = 0.001). Based on findings, it is possible to assume that for active subjects, the mechanical variables have no influence over the anaerobic capacity, however, for experienced runners, the vertical work and phosphagen energetic contribution have relevant effect over anaerobic capacity output.
Characterization of acute lung injury in the bleomycin rat model
Authors: Kadam Anil Hari , Schnitzer Jan E.
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to describe and characterize the pathophysiological changes occurring during the early inflammatory phase (first 3 days) in the rat bleomycin model of lung injury preceding the development of fibrosis. Further, we wanted to understand the kinetics and factors contributing to bleomycin‐induced acute lung injury (ALI) and provide a robust, reliable and reproducible framework of features of ALI readouts to assess effects of therapeutics on bleomycin‐induced ALI in rats. We induced ALI in rats with intratracheal (i.t.) installation of bleomycin. The animals were sacrificed on predetermined time points, that is, Day 0, 1, 2, and 3 post the bleomycin challenge. We analyzed bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue to establish and assess relevant experimental features of ALI. We demonstrated that bleomycin induced key features of experimental ALI including a profound increase in neutrophils in BALF (50–60%), pulmonary edema, and lung pathology on Day 3 after challenge. Furthermore, we showed that TGF‐β1, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐6, CINC‐1, TIMP‐1, and WISP‐1 were induced by studying their kinetic profile during the first 3 days after bleomycin injury consistent with their known role ALI. We also confirmed that detectable fibrogenesis occurs at the earliest on Day 3 after injury based on collagen content, along with changes in the TGF‐β/Smad signaling pathway and increased expression of Galectin‐3, Vimentin, and Fibronectin in lung homogenate. Our report presents robust features and contributing mediators/factors to the pathology of bleomycin‐induced ALI in rats on Day 3. The kinetic data provide insights on the progression of ALI and a detailed understanding of early events before actual fibrosis development. This set of experimental endpoints is very appropriate and invaluable for efficacy testing of potential novel therapeutic treatments (single or combined) in ALI and understanding their mechanism of action.
Preparation and properties of epoxy-modified thermosetting phenolic fiber
Authors: Yin YaoWen , Jiao MingLi , Liu AnFei , Wang Hao , Liu Yang , Liu Ying , Yang Kai , Zhu GenXing
Published: March 2023

This article proposes the preparation and microwave thermal cured (MTC) epoxy-modified phenolic fibers for the first time. Epoxy-modified thermoplastic phenolic resin was first prepared in acidic condition using phenol, formaldehyde, and epichlorohydrin as the reactants, and then underwent additive reaction with formaldehyde to obtain epoxy-modified thermosetting phenolic resin, which was converted into nascent fibers through wet spinning. Finally, epoxy-modified phenolic fibers were obtained through different curing methods including solution cured, solution thermal cured, microwave cured, MTC, and was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, microscopic infrared imaging, nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The experiment results show that MTC epoxy-modified phenolic fibers have optimal mechanical property with ultimate elongation of 4% and breaking strength of 133 MPa.
Effectiveness of pH and amount of Artemia urumiana extract on physical, chemical, and biological attributes of UV-fabricated biogold nanoparticles
Authors: Zinsaz Paniz , Jafarizadeh-Malmiri Hoda , Anarjan Navideh , Nekoueifard Ali , Javadi Afshin
Published: March 2023

Artemia urumiana extract was prepared and used in gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) synthesis via ultraviolet radiation accelerated technique. Response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effects of amount of extract (2–8 mL) and its pH (6.5–10.5) on the particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and antioxidant activity of the fabricated Au NPs. Obtained results revealed that Au NPs with small particle size (61 nm) and PDI (0.387), and high zeta potential (−18.8 mV) and antioxidant activity (13.25%) were fabricated using 5.4 mL of the prepared A. urumiana extract with a pH value of 10.5. These optimum conditions were used in Au NPs synthesis, and NPs characteristics were assessed. Results indicated that the colloidal solution containing synthesized Au NPs had a broad emission peak at a wavelength of 562 nm. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy analysis show that the fabricated spherical NPs had a mean particle size of 25 nm. Finally, bactericidal effects of the fabricated Au NPs were assessed against four selected bacteria strains, namely, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and results indicated that synthesized NPs had strong antibacterial activity toward those, with clear zone diameters of 16, 17, 11, and 17 mm, respectively.
Nano-encapsulated tanshinone IIA in PLGA-PEG-COOH inhibits apoptosis and inflammation in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhu Xutong , Huang Lifa , Chen Zupeng , Wang Yuchen , Liu Yajun , Pan Ruihan , Lv Ling
Published: March 2023

Tanshinone IIA has a potential therapeutic effect on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI). In this study, tanshinone IIA was encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-block-poly (ethylene glycol)-carboxylic acid (PLGA-PEG-COOH) nanoparticles, and its therapeutic efficacy on CIRI was investigated. Morphology and dynamic light scattering analyses were performed to identify and optimize nano-formulations. A drug release test was conducted using the dialysis method. The cytotoxic effect of tanshinone IIA on human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) and brain endothelial capillary cells (hCMEC/D3) was measured using the MTT assay. The protective effect of PLGA-PEG-COOH-encapsulated tanshinone IIA against CIRI was evaluated in oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced SH-SY5Y/IR cells and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats. Results showed that PLGA-PEG-COOH-encapsulated tanshinone IIA promoted viability and inhibited apoptosis of SH-SY5Y/IR cells (P < 0.01). Moreover, PLGA-PEG-COOH-encapsulated tanshinone IIA facilitated the invasion of SH-SY5Y/IR cells and repressed inflammation in MCAO rats (P < 0.01). Noteworthy, PLGA-PEG-COOH-encapsulated tanshinone IIA combined with angiopep-2 peptide presented a better inhibitory effect on CIRI than tanshinone IIA alone (P < 0.01). Angiopep-2 peptide contributes to traversing blood–brain barrier by recognizing lipoprotein-related protein expressed in the brain capillary endothelial cells. In conclusion, PLGA-PEG-COOH-encapsulated tanshinone IIA plus angiopep-2 peptide holds promising therapeutic potential toward CIRI.
Wood color modification with iron salts aqueous solutions: effect on wood grain contrast and surface roughness
Authors: Dagher Roberta , Stevanovic Tatjana , Landry Véronic
Published: March 2023

Wood is a biosourced material with unique aesthetic features due to its anatomy and chemical composition. White oak wood surface color can be modified with the use of iron salts, which react with wood phenolic extractives, present as free molecules in wood porous structure. The impact of modifying wood surface color with iron salts on the final appearance of wood, including its color, grain contrast and surface roughness, was evaluated in this study. Results showed that following the application of iron (III) sulphate aqueous solutions on white oak wood surface, its roughness increased, which is due to grain raising after wetting of wood surface. The color modification of wood surface with iron (III) sulphate aqueous solutions was compared with a non-reactive water based blue stain. The contrast associated to wood grain that was expressed by the standard deviation of luminance values in wood images, also increased after application of the iron (III) sulphate aqueous solution on white oak wood surface. The comparison of contrast changes showed that wood samples stained with iron (III) sulphate on their curved surface had the highest increase in grain contrast compared to iron-stained wood showing the straight grain and to wood surfaces colored by a non-reactive water-based stain for both curved and straight grains.