bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suppression of AGTR1 Induces Cellular Senescence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Inactivating ERK Signaling
Authors: Wang Houhong , Cui Yayun , Gong Huihui , Xu Jianguo , Huang Shuqin , Tang Amao 
Published: July 2022

Objective: Cellular senescence is an effective barrier against tumorigenesis. Hence, it is of significance to characterize key features of cellular senescence and the induction of senescence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells via pharmacological interventions. Our study determined the biological roles as well as mechanisms of angiotensin II type I receptor (AGTR1) on cellular senescence in HCC.Methods: Lentivirus vector-mediated overexpression or knockdown of AGTR1 was conducted in HCC cells, respectively. A volume of 8 μM sorafenib was used to induce cellular senescence, and ERK was activated by 30 ng/ml ERK agonist EGF. Proliferation was evaluated via clone formation assay. HCC cell senescence was examined by flow cytometry for cell cycle, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, and senescence-associated heterochromatin foci (SAHF) analysis. AGTR1, p53, p21, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and p-ERK expression were assessed through Western blot or immunofluorescence.Results: AGTR1-knockout HCC cells displayed the attenuated proliferative capacity, G2-M phase arrest, increased expression of p53 and p21, and elevated percentages of SA-β-gal- and SAHF-positive cells. In sorafenib-exposed HCC cells, overexpressed AGTR1 enhanced the proliferative capacity and alleviated G2-M phase arrest as well as decreased p53 and p21 expression and the proportions of SA-β-gal- and SAHF-positive cells. Moreover, AGTR1 knockdown attenuated the activity of p-ERK in HCC cells, and ERK agonist ameliorated AGTR1 knockdown-induced cellular senescence.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that suppression of AGTR1 induces cellular senescence in HCC through inactivating ERK signaling. The significant synergistic effect of AGTR1 suppression and sorafenib might represent a potential combination therapy for HCC.
Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Exploration of Carbon-Infused Intercalation-Type Spinel Composite for Aqueous Systems
Authors: Willenberg Shane , Carleschi Emanuela , Ross Natasha 
Published: July 2022

Lithium-manganese-based compounds are promising intercalation host materials for aqueous battery systems due to their synergy with high ionic conductive aqueous electrolytes, safety, eco-friendliness, and low cost. Yet, due to poor electrical conductivity and trapping of diffused electrolyte cations within its crystal formation, achieving optimum cycle stability and rate capability remains a challenge. This unfortunately limits their use in modern day high-powered devices, which require quality output with high reliability. Here, the authors propose a facile method to produce LiMn2O4 and LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4 and compare their structural stability and corresponding electrochemical performance by controlling the interfacial layer through multi-walled carbon nanotubes’ (MWCNTs) infusion. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy results revealed that the active particles were connected by MWCNT via the formation of a three-dimensional wiring network, suggesting that stronger interfacial bonding exists within the composite. As a result, the conducting composite decreases the electron transport distance with an increased number of active sites, thus accelerating the lithium ion intercalation/de-intercalation process. Compared to C/LMO with a Rct of 226.3 Ω and change transfer (io) of 2.75 × 10−3, the C/LFMPO-composite has a reduced Rct of 138 Ω and enhanced rate of 1.86 × 10−4 A cm−2. The faster kinetics can be attributed to the unique synergy between the conductive MWCNTs and the contribution of both single-phase and two-phase regions in Li1-x(Fe,Mn)PO4 during Li+ extraction and insertion. The electrochemical features before and after modification correlate well with the interplanar distance of the expanded manganese and manganese phosphate layers shown by their unique surface features, as analyzed by advanced spectroscopy techniques. The results reveal that MWCNTs facilitate faster electron transmission whilst maintaining the stability of the host framework, which makes them favorable as next generation cathode materials.
Coinage Metal Compounds With 4-Methoxy-Diphenylphosphane Benzoate Ligand Inhibit Female Cancer Cell Growth
Authors: Luciani Lorenzo , Galassi Rossana , Wang Junbiao , Marchini Cristina , Cogo Alessia , Di Paolo Maria Luisa , Dalla Via Lisa 
Published: July 2022

In the continuous effort to find new metal-based compounds as alternatives to platinum-related anticancer drugs, 11th group metal phosphane compounds have been thoroughly taken into consideration. Tris-arylphosphane metal derivatives have been extensively considered as heteroleptic metal compounds exhibiting remarkable cytotoxic activities. Functional groups in the aryl moieties modulate the activity reinforcing or eliminating it. Previous works have highlighted that the presence of hydrophilic groups in the phosphane ligands, such as COOH or OH, hampers the anticancer activity of gold azolate/PPh3 compounds. To increase the polarity of the triarylphosphane ligand without affecting the activity, we considered the preparation of esters starting from the 4-diphenylphosphane-benzoic acid. The resulting phosphanes are poorer donators than the PPh3, leading to poly-phosphane M(I) compounds, and they exhibit intense emissive properties. A homologous series of L3MX-type compounds (where M = Au and X = Cl, M = Cu and X = BF4, and M = Ag and X = PF6) were obtained with the 4-methoxy-diphenylphosphane benzoate. The homologous metal compounds have been characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods and, remarkably, their formation was associated with high frequencies of 31P NMR chemical shift variations (5–35 ppm in CDCl3). The new complexes and the ligand were evaluated on sensitive and cisplatin-resistant human tumor cell lines. The ligand is ineffective on cells while the complexes exert a notable antiproliferative effect. The homologous series of the L3MX complexes were able to significantly reduce the cell viability of human triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), representing the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, and of ovarian carcinoma (A2780). Among these coinage metal compounds, L3AgPF6 results the most interesting, showing the lowest GI50 values in all cell lines. Interestingly, this silver complex is more cytotoxic than cisplatin, taken as reference drug. The investigation of the mechanism of action of L3AgPF6 in A2780 cells highlighted the induction of the apoptotic pathway, the depolarization of the mitochondrial inner membrane, and a significant accumulation in cells.
Preparation, Shelf, and Eating Quality of Ready-to-Eat “Guichang” Kiwifruit: Regulation by Ethylene and 1-MCP
Authors: Yan Han , Wang Rui , Ji Ning , Cao Sen , Ma Chao , Li Jiangkuo , Wang Guoli , Huang Yaxin , Lei Jiqing , Ba Liangjie 
Published: July 2022

The acceptance of kiwifruit by consumers is significantly affected by its slow ripening and susceptibility to deterioration. Ready-to-eat “Guichang” kiwifruit and its preparation technology were studied by the regulation of ethylene and 1-MCP. Harvested kiwifruits were treated with 100–2000 μl L−1ethylene for 36 h (20°C) and then treatment with 0–0.5 μl L−1 1-MCP. The results showed that the preservation effect of 0.5 μl L−1 1-MCP is inefficient when the soluble solid content of kiwifruit exceeded 15%. The ethylene-treated fruits reached an “edible window” after 24 h, but a higher concentration of ethylene would not further improve ripening efficiency, while the optimal ethylene concentration was 250 μl L−1. Moreover, after 250 μl L−1 ethylene treatment, 0.5 μl L−1 1-MCP would effectively prolong the “edible window” of fruits by approximately 19 days. The volatile component variety and ester content of 0.5 μl L−1 1-MCP-treated fruits were not different from those of the CK group. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that the eating quality of fruits treated with 0.5 μl L−1 1-MCP was similar to that of fruits treated with ethylene. Consequently, ready-to-eat “Guichang” kiwifruit preparation includes ripening with 250 μl L−1 (20°C, 36 h) ethylene without exceeding the 1-MCP threshold and then treated with 0.5 μl L−1 1-MCP (20°C, 24 h). This study highlights the first development of a facile and low-cost preparation technology for ready-to-eat “Guichang” kiwifruit, which could reduce the time for harvested kiwifruit to reach the “edible window” and prolong the “edible window” of edible kiwifruit.
Clinical Application and Influencing Factor Analysis of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS) in ICU Patients With Sepsis
Authors: Sun Limin , Zhang Shuguang , Yang Ziyue , Yang Fei , Wang Zhenhua , Li Hongqiang , Li Yaoguang , Sun Tongwen 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical application and related influencing factors of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in patients with sepsis in intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsThe study included 124 patients with severe sepsis admitted to the ICU in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2020 to September 2021. Two experienced clinicians took blood mNGS and routine blood cultures of patients meeting the sepsis diagnostic criteria within 24 hours after sepsis was considered, and collection the general clinical data.ResultsmNGS positive rate was higher than traditional blood culture (67.74% vs. 19.35%). APACHE II score [odds ratio (OR)=1.096], immune-related diseases (OR=6.544), and hypertension (OR=2.819) were considered as positive independent factors for mNGS or culture-positive. The sequence number of microorganisms and pathogen detection (mNGS) type had no effect on prognosis. Age (OR=1.016), female (OR=5.963), myoglobin (OR=1.005), and positive virus result (OR=8.531) were independent risk factors of sepsis mortality. Adjusting antibiotics according to mNGS results, there was no statistical difference in the prognosis of patients with sepsis.ConclusionmNGS has the advantages of rapid and high positive rate in the detection of pathogens in patients with severe sepsis. Patients with high APACHE II score, immune-related diseases, and hypertension are more likely to obtain positive mNGS results. The effect of adjusting antibiotics according to mNGS results on the prognosis of sepsis needs to be further evaluated.
Light intensity physical activity is beneficially associated with brain volume in older adults with high cardiovascular risk
Authors: Makino Keitaro , Lee Sangyoon , Bae Seongryu , Harada Kenji , Chiba Ippei , Katayama Osamu , Tomida Kouki , Morikawa Masanori , Yamashiro Yukari , Sudo Motoki , Takayanagi Naoto , Shimada Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundOlder people with high cardiovascular risk, including those without cardiovascular diseases, are an at-risk population for dementia. Regular physical activity is generally recommended to maintain brain health; however, the optimal intensity of physical activity for maintaining brain volume in older adults with cardiovascular risk remains unclear. We examined the associations between intensity-specific physical activity and brain volume stratified by absolute cardiovascular risk level in older adults without cardiovascular diseases.Methods and resultsThis cross-sectional study involved 725 community-dwelling older Japanese adults without cardiovascular diseases. We estimated absolute cardiovascular risk using the World Health Organization risk estimation charts, which include variables such as age, sex, diabetes mellitus, smoking, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol, and stratified cardiovascular risk level into three risk categories: low (≤ 9%), moderate (10–14%), and high (≥15%). We measured daily physical activity using a triaxial accelerometer, and calculated the average time spent in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and light intensity physical activity (LPA). We performed brain T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and calculated the volume of the cortical gray matter, subcortical gray matter, and cerebral white matter, using the FreeSurfer software. In the overall sample, multivariable linear regression analysis showed that greater MVPA was significantly associated with greater volume of the cortical gray matter and cerebral white matter, and greater LPA was significantly associated with greater volume of the cerebral white matter. Additionally, in the analysis of the sample stratified by absolute cardiovascular risk level, cerebral white matter volume was significantly associated with both MVPA and LPA in the high cardiovascular risk group.ConclusionsThe association between physical activity and brain volume differed according to cardiovascular risk level in community-dwelling older adults. In a population at high cardiovascular risk, maintaining or increasing LPA might be a practical and achievable strategy for healthy brain aging.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Extracellular Vesicle-Derived miRNAs in an Italian Cohort of Individuals With Obesity: A Key to Explain the Link Between Depression and Atherothrombosis
Authors: Amadio Patrizia , Macchi Chiara , Favero Chiara , Zarà Marta , Solazzo Giulia , Dioni Laura , Sandrini Leonardo , Vigna Luisella , Greco Maria Francesca , Buoli Massimiliano , Sirtori Cesare R. , Pesatori Angela Cecilia , Ieraci Alessandro , Ruscica Massimiliano , Barbieri Silvia Stella , Bollati Valentina 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundObesity and depression are intertwined diseases often associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) complications. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), altered in the brain both of subjects with depression and obesity, provides a potential link between depression and thrombosis. Since the relationship among peripheral BDNF, depression and obesity is not well-defined, the aim of the present report has been to address this issue taking advantage of the contribution played by extracellular vesicle (EV)-derived miRNAs.Research ProcessAssociations among circulating BDNF, depression and EV-derived miRNAs related to atherothrombosis have been evaluated in a large Italian cohort of obese individuals (n = 743), characterized by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) score.ResultsBDI-II was negatively associated with BDNF levels without a significant impact of the rs6265 BDNF polymorphism; this association was modified by raised levels of IFN-γ. BDNF levels were linked to an increase of 80 EV-derived miRNAs and a decrease of 59 miRNAs related to atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Network analysis identified at least 18 genes targeted by these miRNAs, 7 of which involved in depression and CV risk. The observation of a possible link among BDNF, depression, and miRNAs related to atherothrombosis and depression in obesity is novel and may lead to a wider use of BDNF as a CV risk biomarker in this specific subject group.
Association Between Pulse Pressure With All-Cause and Cardiac Mortality in Acute Coronary Syndrome: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Man , Su Wen , Jiang Chun-Yan , Li Wei-Ping , Chen Hui , Li Hong-Wei 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundPulse pressure (PP) is a surrogate of aortic stiffness, and reflects cardiac performance and stroke volume. Previous studies have indicated that PP was a robust predictor of cardiovascular outcomes and mortality. However, results have been mixed, and very few studies have focused on the association of PP with mortality in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between admission PP and the prognosis of patients with ACS.MethodsThis cohort study included 10,824 patients diagnosed with ACS from the Cardiovascular Center Beijing Friendship Hospital Database Bank (CBDBANK) from January 2013 to October 2018. Patients with cardiogenic shock, malignancy, severe trauma and, no PP at admission were excluded. Restricted cubic spline and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to evaluate the association between PP and 1-year all-cause and cardiac mortality.ResultsIn the whole cohort, a total of 237 (2.19%) all-cause deaths were reported at 1-year follow-up. Restricted cubic spline analysis suggested a J-shaped relationship between PP and mortality. Among patients with ACS, both lower and higher PP levels were related to an increased risk of mortality (Pnon–linear &lt; 0.001); with a PP level of 30 or 80 mmHg, as compared with 50 mmHg, the adjusted hazard ratios for 1-year all-cause mortality were 2.02 (95% CI, 1.27–3.22) and 1.62 (95% CI, 1.13–2.33), respectively, after adjustments for potential confounders. Similar results were observed for cardiac deaths. The J-shaped relationship between PP and mortality remained in a series of subgroup analyses.ConclusionOur results suggested that both low and high PP were associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients with ACS.
Molecular Tools for Guiding Therapy in Patients With Staphylococcal Bone and Joint Infections: A Diagnostic Test Accuracy Meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Ke , Wang Yanqiu , Yuan Yue , Qin Wen , Sheng Yun-Jian , Ahmed Sarfraz , Sun Changfeng , Deng Cun-Liang , Ojha Suvash Chandra 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundTimely detection of causative pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance are essential for guiding targeted therapies in bone and joint infections (BJI) patients. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic value of testing osteoarticular samples with the nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) for effective staphylococcal strain identification and the administration of appropriately targeted antimicrobial agents in BJI patients.MethodsFive databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, were searched for related publications from inception to July 24, 2021. Studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy of NAAT to a microbiological culture reference standard of osteoarticular specimens were eligible. Pooled summary values of sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of NAAT compared to the microbiological culture reference standard were calculated using bivariate random-effects meta-analyses.ResultsFrom 906 citations, 11 studies were included. Eleven studies comprising 13 datasets (n = 1047) evaluated NAAT accuracy for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) identification, while seven studies comprising nine datasets (n = 727) evaluated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) identification. Against the microbiological culture reference standard, the pooled summary estimates for detection of both MSSA [sensitivity: 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84–0.93), specificity: 0.99 (95% CI 0.97–0.99), PLR: 34.13 (95% CI 20.54–56.73), NLR: 0.19 (95% CI 0.12–0.3), and DOR: 283.37 (95% CI 129.49–620.1)] and MRSA [sensitivity: 0.81 (95% CI 0.67–0.91), specificity: 1.0 (95% CI 0.99–1.0), PLR: 62.1 (95% CI 24.5–157.6), NLR: 0.33 (95% CI 0.16–0.69), and DOR: 300.25 (95% CI 85.01–1060.5)] were comparable. Heterogeneity was moderate. GeneXpert was frequently used among NAA tests, and its diagnostic accuracy was in line with the overall pooled summary estimates. The heterogeneity in diagnostic efficacy (P &gt;0.05) could not be explained by a meta-regression and subgroup analysis of the research design, sample condition, and patient selection technique.ConclusionsOur study suggested that NAAT can be applied as the preferred prescreening test for the timely diagnosis of staphylococcal strains associated with BJI in osteoarticular samples for successful antimicrobial therapy.
Mechanistic Kinetic Analysis of Fast Pyrolysis of Vanillin to Primary Phenols
Authors: Yerrayya Attada , Natarajan Upendra , Vinu Ravikrishnan 
Published: July 2022

Vanillin is a major fine chemical in the flavoring industry and one of the pyrolysates from lignin. In order to understand the primary decomposition pathways of vanillin, analytical fast pyrolysis experiments were performed in the temperature range of 500°C–650°C, and the primary pyrolysates were quantified. The proposed pyrolysis chemistry involves 31 elementary reactions of 23 species. Thermodynamic and kinetic analyses were performed using quantum chemical density functional theory calculations. Reaction pathways for the formation of three major phenolics, viz., guaiacol, 5-formylsalicyaldehyde and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, that accounted for ∼80 wt% yield at 650°C, were proposed. Based on the bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of homolytic cleavage of the various bonds in vanillin, the primary reaction is shown to involve the cleavage of O–CH3 bond whose BDE is 61.4 kcal mol−1. New bimolecular reactions such as ipso-addition involving the reaction of vanillin with hydrogen and methyl radicals were proposed. The generation of 4-hydroxy methoxybenzyl radical was found to be vital for the formation of guaiacol, while 4-hydroxy-3-(λ3-methoxyl) benzaldehyde radical was the key intermediate for the formation of 5-formylsalicyaldehyde. Multiple pathways for the formation of guaiacol, 5-formylsalicyaldehyde, catechol and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde were evaluated. In order to track the time evolution of vanillin and its major pyrolysates, a detailed kinetic model was developed using the elementary reactions and their Arrhenius rate parameters. Based on the kinetic model, it is inferred that the timescale of fast pyrolysis is captured well by the model.
Bacterial Cadmium-Immobilization Activity Measured by Isothermal Microcalorimetry in Cacao-Growing Soils From Colombia
Authors: Bravo Daniel 
Published: July 2022

In cacao farms, the presence of cadmium (Cd) is a major issue for commercialization, particularly for countries such as Colombia. Cadmium-tolerant bacteria (CdtB) are an important functional group of microorganisms with a potential for bioremediation strategies. Cd immobilization activity by CdtB can be accurately measured by isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC). In this study, the metabolic capacity of an entire CdtB community in cacao farm soils from three cacao-producing districts of Colombia, with and without the addition of Cd was measured using IMC. The differences between the observed peaks in metabolic activity related to Cd immobilization were analysed to determine whether activation of CdtB populations occurred when Cd content was increased. The thermograms from Santander soil samples have a major metabolic activity of the CdtB community compared to peaks of maximal heat-flow in the samples from Antioquia and Arauca. IMC showed differences in Cd immobilization ratios of the soil samples of 0.11–0.30 mg kg−1 h−1 at 25°C over 12 days of thermal monitoring. Furthermore, the amplicons of cadA and smt genes from the soil samples allow elucidation of possible metabolic mechanisms used by CdtB soil populations. The gene amplification confirmed the existence of CdtB populations related to both bioweathering and biochelating metabolic capacities. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images supported the existence of otavite biologically induced by CdtB naturally. A Pearson correlation analysis was made between kinetical growth parameters and thermodynamic data. Besides, a PCA was performed between CdtB cadA gene copies, soil pH and SOM indicating the effect of CdtB in Cd translocation. Thus, it is concluded that the combination of Cd immobilization ratios obtained using isothermal microcalorimetry, the molecular basis of metabolic immobilization, and SEM imagery could act as a useful toolkit to identify CdtB populations for bioremediation strategies in contaminated cacao farms. The research importance of this study is the use of combined tools for quantitative IMC measurements to identify and assess Cd metabolic capacities of CdtB populations in soil, in situ, as a new proxy for CdtB assessment in cacao-growing soils.