Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asexual Blood-Stage Malaria Vaccine Candidate PfRipr5: Enhanced Production in Insect Cells

The malaria asexual blood-stage antigen PfRipr and its most immunogenic fragment PfRipr5 have recently risen as promising vaccine candidates against this infectious disease. Continued development of high-yielding, scalable production platforms is essential to advance the malaria vaccine research. Insect cells have supplied the production of numerous vaccine antigens in a fast and cost-effective manner; improving this platform further could prove key to its wider use. In this study, insect (Sf9 and High Five) and human (HEK293) cell hosts as well as process-optimizing strategies (new baculovirus construct designs and a culture temperature shift to hypothermic conditions) were employed to improve the production of the malaria asexual blood-stage vaccine candidate PfRipr5. Protein expression was maximized using High Five cells at CCI of 2 × 106 cell/mL and MOI of 0.1 pfu/cell (production yield = 0.49 mg/ml), with high-purity PfRipr5 binding to a conformational anti-PfRipr monoclonal antibody known to hold GIA activity and parasite PfRipr staining capacity. Further improvements in the PfRipr5 expression were achieved by designing novel expression vector sequences and performing a culture temperature shift to hypothermic culture conditions. Addition of one alanine (A) amino acid residue adjacent to the signal peptide cleavage site and a glycine-serine linker (GGSGG) between the PfRipr5 sequence and the purification tag (His6) induced a 2.2-fold increase in the expression of secreted PfRipr5 over using the expression vector with none of these additions. Performing a culture temperature shift from the standard 27–22°C at the time of infection improved the PfRipr5 expression by up to 1.7 fold. Notably, a synergistic effect was attained when combining both strategies, enabling to increase production yield post-purification by 5.2 fold, with similar protein quality (i.e., purity and binding to anti-PfRipr monoclonal antibody). This work highlights the potential of insect cells to produce the PfRipr5 malaria vaccine candidate and the importance of optimizing the expression vector and culture conditions to boost the expression of secreted proteins.
Molecular Modeling Approaches Can Reveal the Molecular Interactions Established between a Biofilm and the Bioactive Compounds of the Essential Oil of Piper divaricatum

Molecular modeling approaches are used in a versatile way to investigate the properties of diverse organic and inorganic structures such as proteins, biomolecules, nanomaterials, functionalized nanoparticles, and membranes. However, more detailed studies are needed to understand the molecular nature of interactions established in gelatin biofilms impregnated with bioactive compounds. Because of this, we used computational methods to evaluate how the major compounds of Piper divaricatum essential oil can interact with the gelatin biofilm structure. For this, we used as inspiration the paper published, where various properties of the essential oil impregnated gelatin biofilm P. divaricatum are reported. After our computer simulations, we related our molecular observations to biofilm’s structural and mechanical properties. Our results suggest that the major compounds of the essential oil were able to interrupt intermolecular interactions between the chains of the biofilm matrix. However, the compounds also established interactions with the amino acid residues of these chains. Our molecular analyses also explain changes in the structural and mechanical properties of the essential oil-impregnated biofilm. These results can support the planning of functional packaging impregnated with bioactive compounds that can protect food against microorganisms harmful to human health.
Subspecies differentiation and range‐wide genetic structure are driven by climate in the California gnatcatcher, a flagship species for coastal sage scrub conservation

Understanding genetic structure and diversity within species can uncover associations with environmental and geographic attributes that highlight adaptive potential and inform conservation and management. The California gnatcatcher, Polioptila californica, is a small songbird found in desert and coastal scrub habitats from the southern end of Baja California Sur to Ventura County, California. Lack of congruence among morphological subspecies hypotheses and lack of measurable genetic structure found in a few genetic markers led to questions about the validity of subspecies within P. californica and the listing status of the coastal California gnatcatcher, P. c. californica. As a U.S. federally threatened subspecies, P. c. californica is recognized as a flagship for coastal sage scrub conservation throughout southern California. We used restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing to develop a genomic dataset for the California gnatcatcher. We sampled throughout the species' range, examined genetic structure, gene–environment associations, and demographic history, and tested for concordance between genetic structure and morphological subspecies groups. Our data support two distinct genetic groups with evidence of restricted movement and gene flow near the U.S.‐ Mexico international border. We found that climate‐associated outlier loci were more strongly differentiated than climate neutral loci, suggesting that local climate adaptation may have helped to drive differentiation after Holocene range expansions. Patterns of habitat loss and fragmentation are also concordant with genetic substructure throughout the southern California portion of the range. Finally, our genetic data supported the morphologically defined P. c. californica as a distinct group, but there was little evidence of genetic differentiation among other previously hypothesized subspecies in Baja California. Our data suggest that retaining and restoring connectivity, and protecting populations, particularly at the northern range edge, could help preserve existing adaptive potential to allow for future range expansion and long‐term persistence of the California gnatcatcher.
Saccharification of unripe banana flour using microwave assisted starch degrading enzyme hydrolysis for development of wine and vinegar fermentations

Unripe banana flour (UBF) from Musa (ABB) ‘Kluai Namwa’ was used as the substrate for sugar syrup production by microwave assisted starch degrading enzyme hydrolysis. Results showed that a concentration of 300 g/L of UBF subjected to 800 W microwave power for 2.0 min, with subsequent hydrolysis by a low temperature amylase (iKnowZyme® LTAA) and glucoamylase (iKnowZyme® GA) at 50°C for 9 h yielded highest sugar syrup production at 20 ± 0.89 °Brix of total soluble solids (TSS). The major hydrolysis product from UBF determined by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was glucose, with reduced amounts of maltose and maltotriose. Fermentation by mixed strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae produced alcohol content at 13.2 ± 0.07% (w/v) after 10 d at room temperature. Acetic acid fermentation achieved using Acetobacter aceti TISTR 354 by surface culture fermentation (SCF) in a stainless-steel tray chamber yielded 5.10 ± 0.12% (v/v) after cultivation at room temperature for 9 d, corresponding to standard commercial vinegar products at over 4.0%. This is the first report detailing production of sugar syrup, wine, and vinegar from UBF, using microwave assisted starch degrading enzyme hydrolysis at 50°C. Results showed that producing an alternative healthy products from natural material could be feasible with added value through biotechnological processes.
Globalization and Current Challenges in Business

The challenges in the modern global world in different areas of human activity are presented in the monograph. The issues for introducing innovative technologies for the development of modern energy are analyzed as well as the importance of energy companies in solving this big problem and their management. Particular attention is paid to the specific culture of each structural unit (enterprise, organization, firm, etc.). Characteristics of multiethnic collectives of certain organizations, traditions, norms of human behavior, which arise from the interethnic relations, influence the results of the activities of the organization. The development of tourism in Georgia over the last two decades is analyzed in detail, which in its own way contributed to the sharing of information about Georgia and the increase of international awareness by state and private structures in the country and abroad. The use of innovative technologies in banking is also discussed - which result in better customer service and increased accessibility and functionality of banking services, ensuring a more complete understanding of risk management approaches; The developed recommendations will be useful for theorists and practitioners of politics, economics and social relations spheres interested in studying the global political-economic challenges of the modern world.
The Impact of Diabetes and Prediabetes on Prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection Among Household Contacts of Active Tuberculosis Cases in Ethiopia

Abstract Background It is uncertain whether diabetes affects the risk of developing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) following exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). We assessed the relationship of diabetes or prediabetes and LTBI among close and household contacts (HHCs) of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) disease in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we performed interferon-γ release assays, TB symptom screening, and point-of-care glycolated hemoglobin (HbA1c) testing among HHCs of active TB cases. Diabetes status was classified into diabetes (HbA1c ≥6.5% or self-reported diagnosis), prediabetes (5.7%–6.4%), and euglycemia (≤5.6%). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association of diabetes with LTBI. Results Among 597 study participants, 123 (21%) had dysglycemia including diabetes (n = 31) or prediabetes (n = 92); 423 (71%) participants were diagnosed with LTBI. Twelve of 31 (39%) HHCs with diabetes were previously undiagnosed with diabetes. The prevalence of LTBI among HHCs with diabetes, prediabetes, and euglycemia was 87% (27/31), 73% (67/92), and 69% (329/474), respectively. In multivariable analysis adjusted for age, sex, and HIV status, the odds of LTBI among HHCs with diabetes were 2.33 (95% confidence interval [CI], .76–7.08) times the odds of LTBI without diabetes. When assessing interaction with age, the association of diabetes and LTBI was robust among participants aged ≥40 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.68 [95% CI, .77–17.6]) but not those <40 years (aOR, 1.15 [95% CI, .22–6.1]). Conclusions HHCs with diabetes may be more likely to have LTBI than those with euglycemia. Further investigations are needed to assess mechanisms by which diabetes may increase risk of LTBI after Mtb exposure.
Numerical study on the influence of process parameters in direct ink writing of high viscosity bio-inks

This study uses a computational fluid dynamics model to investigate the effect of direct ink writing process parameters on the quality of 3D-printed sedimentary materials. The numerical simulation employs the level-set method of the two-phase flow module of COMSOL Multiphysics software. The selected bio-ink consists of the powder portion (45s5 bio-glass and β-TCP nanoparticles) and the polymer portion (polyvinyl alcohol), which has applications in constructing biological bone scaffolds. First, the empirical results validate the extrudate shape obtained from numerical simulation. According to the observations, increasing the inlet velocity from 15 mm/s increased the extruded ink distortion, and finally, at 50 mm/s, the distortion reached its maximum. Secondly, after calibration and validation results, the role of the most common nozzles with different diameters and input speeds on the maximum ink output velocity of the nozzle is predicted. Finally, the influence of the two dimensionless parameters (the ratio of the distance between nozzle and bed to nozzle diameter and the ratio of inlet ink velocity to print speed) on the adhesion and shape of the printed layers is examined. At distances greater than 1.5 times the diameter of the nozzle, when the extrusion speed is greater (more than 1.5 times) relative to the linear speed of the nozzle, the printed filament becomes uneven. Reducing the speed ratio between 1× and 1.5× prevents the printed filament from sticking to the substrate or causing distortion.
Supercritical CO2 Curing of Resource-Recycling Secondary Cement Products Containing Concrete Sludge Waste as Main Materials

This study aims to develop highly durable, mineral carbonation-based, resource-recycling, secondary cement products based on supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) curing as part of carbon capture utilization technology that permanently fixes captured CO2. To investigate the basic characteristics of secondary cement products containing concrete sludge waste (CSW) as the main materials after supercritical CO2 curing, the compressive strengths of the paste and mortar (fabricated by using CSW as the main binder), ordinary Portland cement, blast furnace slag powder, and fly ash as admixtures were evaluated to derive the optimal mixture for secondary products. The carbonation curing method that can promote the surface densification (intensive CaCO3 formation) of the hardened body within a short period of time using supercritical CO2 curing was defined as “Lean Carbonation”. The optimal curing conditions were derived by evaluating the compressive strength and durability improvement effects of applying Lean Carbonation to secondary product specimens. As a result of the experiment, for specimens subjected to Lean Carbonation, compressive strength increased by up to 12%, and the carbonation penetration resistance also increased by more than 50%. The optimal conditions for Lean Carbonation used to improve compressive strength and durability were found to be 35 °C, 80 bar, and 1 min.
Comparative Genomics of Three Aspergillus Strains Reveals Insights into Endophytic Lifestyle and Endophyte-Induced Plant Growth Promotion

Aspergillus includes both plant pathogenic and beneficial fungi. Although endophytes beneficial to plants have high potential for plant growth promotion and improving stress tolerance, studies on endophytic lifestyles and endophyte-plant interactions are still limited. Here, three endophytes belonging to Aspergillus, AS31, AS33, and AS42, were isolated. They could successfully colonize rice roots and significantly improved rice growth. The genomes of strains AS31, AS33, and AS42 were sequenced and compared with other Aspergillus species covering both pathogens and endophytes. The genomes of AS31, AS33, and AS42 were 36.8, 34.8, and 35.3 Mb, respectively. The endophytic genomes had more genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and small secreted proteins (SSPs) and secondary metabolism gene clusters involved in indole metabolism than the pathogens. In addition, these endophytes were able to improve Pi (phosphorus) accumulation and transport in rice by inducing the expression of Pi transport genes in rice. Specifically, inoculation with endophytes significantly increased Pi contents in roots at the early stage, while the Pi contents in inoculated shoots were significantly increased at the late stage. Our results not only provide important insights into endophyte-plant interactions but also provide strain and genome resources, paving the way for the agricultural application of Aspergillus endophytes.
Zika Virus Induces Sex-Dependent Metabolic Changes in Drosophila melanogaster to Promote Viral Replication

Zika is a member of the Flaviviridae virus family that poses some of the most significant global health risks, causing neurologic complications that range from sensory neuropathy and seizures to congenital Zika syndrome (microcephaly) in infants born to mothers infected during pregnancy. The recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) and its serious health threats calls for the characterization and understanding of Zika pathogenesis, as well as host antiviral immune functions. Although ZIKV has been associated with activating the RNA interference (RNAi) immune pathway and altering host metabolism, in-depth studies are still required to uncover the specifics of the complex host-virus interactions and provide additional insights into the molecular components that determine the outcome of this disease. Previous research establishes the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a reliable model for studying viral pathogens, as it shares significant similarities with that of vertebrate animal systems. Here, we have developed an in vivo Drosophila model to investigate ZIKV-mediated perturbed metabolism in correlation to the RNAi central mediator Dicer-2. We report that ZIKV infection reprograms glucose and glycogen metabolism in Dicer-2 mutants to maintain efficient replication and successful propagation. Flies that exhibit these metabolic effects also show reduced food intake, which highlights the complicated neurological defects associated with ZIKV. We show that ZIKV infection significantly reduces insulin gene expression in Dicer-2 mutants, suggesting an insulin antiviral role against ZIKV and a direct connection to RNAi immunity. Moreover, we find that the insulin receptor substrate chico is crucial to the survival of ZIKV-infected flies. These observations are remarkably more severe in adult female flies compared to males, indicating possible sex differences in the rates of infection and susceptibility to the development of disease. Such findings not only demonstrate that metabolic alterations can be potentially exploited for developing immune therapeutic strategies but also that preventive measures for disease development may require sex-specific approaches. Therefore, further studies are urgently needed to explore the molecular factors that could be considered as targets to inhibit ZIKV manipulation of host cell metabolism in females and males.
How effective is the obesity treatment on improving oxidative stress? Is there any difference between drugs?

How effective is the obesity treatment on improving oxidative stress? Is there any difference between drugs? Northwestern Med J. 2022;2(2):75-83. ABSTRACT Introduction: Obesity shortens the life period and decreases its quality, causing several complications. Recently, oxidative stress produced by lipid peroxydation is considered a cardiovascular risk factor. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between weight loss with lipid profile, insulin resistance, and lipid peroxidation products malondialdehyde (MDA, oxidant) and paraoxonase-1 (PON1, antioxidant) levels which is protective in atherosclerosis, and to evaluate alteration on oxidative stress. Methods: Patients diagnosed as obese at the Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Outpatient Clinics of Inonu University Faculty of Medicine between December 2005 and February 2008 were studied. 103 patients were included in the study. Study population was divided into two treatment groups. In the first group, 120 mg of orlistat, three times daily, and in the second group, sibutramine 15 mg per day were given in addition to appropriate diet therapy. The patients were evaluated at the end of three months treatment period. Results: Dramatic changes in body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist and hip circumference were observed during the three-month evaluation in patients receiving orlistat or sibutramine. Additionally, significant improvements were measured in systolic-diastolic blood pressure levels, lipid levels, and insulin resistance. The decrease in the MDA level and the increase in the PON level were similar and significant in both patient groups. Discussion and Conclusion: The treatment of obesity, aimed at reducing body weight, acts to reduce oxidative stress by increasing paraoxonase-1 activity (antioxidant) and reducing the amount of the peroxidation product malondialdehyde (oxidant), regardless of the type of medication administered. çalışma için ön değerlendirmeye alındı. Çalışmaya toplam 103 hasta alındı. Karaciğer ve böbrek fonksiyon testleri anormal olan hastalar çalışmaya alınmadı. Hastalar uygun diyetle beraber iki gruba ayrıldı. Orlistat 3x120 mg ve sibutramin 1x15 mg verildi. Üçüncü ay kontrolleri değerlendirildi. Bulgular: Orlistat ve sibutramin ilaç tedavisi alan hastaların başlangıç ve 3. ay kontrollerindeki kilo, beden kitle indeksi, bel, kalça çevresi değerlerinde anlamlı
Interaction between RME-based blended learning and self-regulated learning in improving mathematical literacy

Most prior studies on mathematical literacy (ML), self-regulated learning (SRL), and RME-based blended learning were carried out qualitatively. Therefore, it was necessary to test them with statistical inference. This study aimed to analyze the interaction between RME-based blended learning, conventional learning, and SRL in improving students' ML. The method used was quasi-experimental with a 2x2 factorial design. The population was students in grade 7 with a sample of 38 students (21 males and 17 females). RME-based blended learning was conducted in the experiment class, while conventional learning was in the control class. Self-regulated learning and mathematical literacy data were obtained from the questionnaire and test, respectively. Data were analyzed using the Adjusted Rank Transform Test with Two-Way ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U test. The result showed an interaction between RME-based blended learning, conventional learning, and SRL towards students' ML improvement. Students' ML improvement who received RME-based blended learning was higher than those who received conventional learning regarding the high level of SRL and vice versa at the low level. Furthermore, students' ML improvement with high SRL was slightly higher than those with low SRL after receiving RME-based blended learning and vice versa after getting conventional learning.
ALPHA-MANGOSTIN (Garcinia mangostana Linn.) AND ITS POTENTIAL APPLICATION IN MITIGATING CHRONIC WOUND HEALING

Wound healing is a complex and dynamic cellular process to restore tissue function. Current treatments for chronic wounds especially diabetic ulcers are expensive, with adverse effects. Recently, numerous researchers have focused on the potential effect of natural products on wound healing. One of them is mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn). It is a well-known tropical fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. The active ingredient of mangosteen pericarp contains xanthones that exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which are the core elements needed in wound healing. Firstly, this review discusses the concepts of abnormal and normal wound healing mechanisms. Then an in depth observation of the pharmacological activities of mangosteen and its derivatives was presented to study their potentially beneficial applications in the treatment of chronic wound healing which is a contemporary medical issue.