bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Preferred Habitat of Reintroduced Banteng (Bos javanicus) at the Core and the Edge of Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand
Authors: Chaiyarat Rattanawat , Ingudomnukul Passorn , Yimphrai Nattanicha , Nakbun Seree , Youngpoy Namphung
Published: July 2023

Monitoring of banteng (Bos javanicus) after reintroduction is important for their management. This study aimed to monitor the preferred habitat and area of use of reintroduced banteng at the core (13 banteng) and the edge (three banteng) of Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary between 2019 and 2021 and compared the finding with previous studies conducted from 2014 to 2019. The Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) showed the most preferred, moderately preferred, and least preferred areas were 44.7 km2, 1.2 km2, and 54.1 km2 in the dry season, and 25.9 km2, 1.0 km2, and 9.3 km2 in the wet season, respectively. Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) showed the most preferred, moderately preferred, and least preferred areas as 12.1 km2, 17.3 km2, and 65.9 km2, respectively. Banteng have previously been found close to ponds and salt licks. The area of use size, as determined by Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), was 20.3 km2 and 6.5 km2, respectively. Three banteng were reintroduced to the edge area in 2020. The edge area was temporarily utilized by these individuals. In the core area, the area of use in this study decreased compared to the previous studies from 2014 to 2019, indicating they were able to find their preferred habitat. This study suggested that, if the area is managed appropriately, banteng will be able to live in a smaller habitat, and we will be able to restore the banteng population in the future.
Exploring the Milk Microbiota of Healthy and Mastitic Nili Ravi Buffalo Using 16S rRNA Gene Base Metagenomic Analysis
Authors: Salman Mian Muhammad , Nawaz Muhammad , Yaqub Tahir , Mushtaq Muhammad Hassan
Published: July 2023

The Nili Ravi, a buffalo breed from Pakistan, significantly contributes to the dairy industry. Mastitis is one of the major challenges affecting milk production in this breed. The objective of the current study was to identify the bacterial communities and diversity in healthy and mastitic milk of this breed. Milk samples (n = 14) were collected from Nili Ravi buffaloes with different udder health statuses, i.e., healthy (5), subclinical mastitis (4), and clinical mastitis (5). The DNAs were extracted, subjected to partial amplification of 16S rDNA (V3 and V4 regions), and sequenced using the Illumina platform. The results revealed variations in the bacterial communities in the milk of animals with different udder health statuses. Proteobacteria was the predominant phylum in the healthy group, while clinical and subclinical mastitis milk had a higher abundance of Firmicutes. Dominant bacterial genera in the healthy group were Streptococcus (11.60%), Herbaspirillum (7.65%), and Staphylococcus (4.70%), whereas the clinical mastitis group was dominated by Streptococcus (33.96%), Staphylococcus (7.87%), and Corynebacterium (2.68%), and the subclinical mastitis group was dominated by Bacillus (15.70%), Corynebacterium (6.70%), and Staphylococcus (6.58%). Assignment of operational taxonomic units at the species level resulted in most species being assigned to uncultured or unknown bacteria or remaining unassigned. Alpha diversity indices indicated lower microbial diversity in the clinical mastitis group, while beta diversity indices showed a scattered pattern of sample clustering in PCA plots among different groups. It is concluded that bacterial diversity in the milk of Nili Ravi buffaloes suffering from clinical mastitis is lower compared to healthy and subclinical mastitis cases. It is concluded that the variations in the microbiota of healthy and mastitic milk may be further investigated and exploited as signature microbes associated with the udder health status of Nili Ravi buffalo.
Characteristics of the Fecal Microbiome of Piglets with Diarrhea Identified Using Shotgun Metagenomics Sequencing
Authors: Gryaznova Mariya , Smirnova Yuliya , Burakova Inna , Morozova Polina , Nesterova Ekaterina , Gladkikh Mariya , Mikhaylov Evgeny , Syromyatnikov Mikhail
Published: July 2023

Diarrhea in piglets is one of the most common diseases leading to high mortality and, as a result, to economic losses. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed on the DNBSEQ-G50, MGI system to study the role of the fecal microbiome in the development of diarrhea in newborn piglets. Analysis of the study data showed that the composition of the fecal microbiome at the level of bacteria and fungi did not differ in piglets with diarrhea from the healthy group. Bacteria belonging to the phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria were the most abundant. However, a higher level of bacterial alpha diversity was observed in the group of piglets with diarrhea, which may be due to dysbacteriosis and inflammation. The study of the virome showed the difference between the two types of phages: Bacteroides B40-8 prevailed in diseased piglets, while Escherichia virus BP4 was found in greater numbers in healthy piglets. The results of our study suggest that the association between the fecal microbiome and susceptibility to diarrhea in suckling piglets may have been previously overestimated.
Untargeted Analysis of Serum Metabolomes in Dogs with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Authors: Barko Patrick C. , Rubin Stanley I. , Swanson Kelly S. , McMichael Maureen A. , Ridgway Marcella D. , Williams David A.
Published: July 2023

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a malabsorptive syndrome resulting from insufficient secretion of pancreatic digestive enzymes. EPI is treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), but the persistence of clinical signs, especially diarrhea, is common after treatment. We used untargeted metabolomics of serum to identify metabolic disturbances associated with EPI and generate novel hypotheses related to its pathophysiology. Fasted serum samples were collected from dogs with EPI (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 10), all receiving PERT. Serum metabolomes were generated using UPLC-MS/MS, and differences in relative metabolite abundances were compared between the groups. Of the 759 serum metabolites detected, 114 varied significantly (p < 0.05, q < 0.2) between dogs with EPI and healthy controls. Differences in amino acids (arginate, homoarginine, 2-oxoarginine, N-acetyl-cadaverine, and α-ketoglutaramate) and lipids (free fatty acids and docosahexaenoylcarnitine) were consistent with increased proteolysis and lipolysis, indicating a persistent catabolic state in dogs with EPI. Relative abundances of gut microbial metabolites (phenyllactate, 4-hydroxyphenylacetate, phenylacetyl-amino acids, catechol sulfates, and o-cresol-sulfate) were altered in dogs with EPI, consistent with disruptions in gut microbial communities. Increased kynurenine is consistent with the presence of intestinal inflammation in dogs with EPI. Whether these metabolic disturbances participate in the pathophysiology of EPI or contribute to the persistence of clinical signs after treatment is unknown, but they are targets for future investigations.
Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori Resistance to Antibiotics (A Narrative Review)
Authors: Mladenova Irena
Published: July 2023

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most common bacterial infection worldwide and one of the main etiological factors of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and stomach neoplasms. The mass application of antibiotics without testing, especially during the last years of the pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, could lead to a dramatic increase in antibiotic resistance and reduced effectiveness of eradication regimens for H. pylori infection. The epidemiology of H. pylori resistance to antibiotics still has unclear mechanisms. Antibiotic policy should be intensified to optimize treatment, and regular monitoring of resistance of H. pylori in different geographical regions should be conducted. Individualized treatment according to susceptibility testing is strongly advisable, and the best treatment regimens should be selected. The mutations in the genes encoding the antibiotic target protein are significant risk factors for H. pylori resistance. Iatrogenic errors in diagnosis and prescribing treatment for the failure of H. pylori eradication are other important risk factors. The low level of awareness and compliance with the correct treatment influence the rate of H. pylori resistance. Epidemiological surveillance of antibiotic resistance and the adoption of new treatment strategies are needed. The discovery of an efficient vaccine against H. pylori could reduce the pressure of the world’s growing antibiotic resistance.
A Review on Enterocin DD14, the Leaderless Two-Peptide Bacteriocin with Multiple Biological Functions and Unusual Transport Pathway
Authors: Ladjouzi Rabia , Dussert Elodie , Teiar Radja , Belguesmia Yanath , Drider Djamel
Published: July 2023

Enterocin DD14 (EntDD14) is a two-peptide leaderless bacteriocin (LLB) produced by Enterococcus faecalis 14, a human strain isolated from meconium. Studies performed on EntDD14 enabled it to show its activity against Gram-positive bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringens, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus. EntDD14 was also shown to potentiate the activity of different antibiotics such as erythromycin, kanamycin, and methicillin when assessed against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro and in vivo in the NMRI-F holoxenic mouse model. Additionally, EntDD14 has an antiviral activity and decreased the secretion of pro-inflammatory IL-6 and IL-8 in inflamed human intestinal Caco-2 cells. The genome of E. faecalis 14 was sequenced and annotated. Molecular tools such as Bagel4 software enabled us to locate a 6.7kb-EntDD14 cluster. Transport of EntDD14 outside of the cytoplasm was shown to be performed synergistically by a channel composed of two pleckstrin-homology-domain-containing proteins, namely DdE/DdF and the ABC transporter DdGHIJ. This latter could also protect the bacteriocinogenic strain against extracellular EntDD14. Here, we focus on academic data and potential therapeutic issues of EntDD14, as a model of two-peptide LLB.
Calculating the Aqueous pKa of Phenols: Predictions for Antioxidants and Cannabinoids
Authors: Walton-Raaby Max , Floen Tyler , García-Díez Guillermo , Mora-Diez Nelaine
Published: July 2023

We aim to develop a theoretical methodology for the accurate aqueous pKa prediction of structurally complex phenolic antioxidants and cannabinoids. In this study, five functionals (M06-2X, B3LYP, BHandHLYP, PBE0, and TPSS) and two solvent models (SMD and PCM) were combined with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set to predict pKa values for twenty structurally simple phenols. None of the direct calculations produced good results. However, the correlations between the calculated Gibbs energy difference of each acid and its conjugate base, ΔGaq(BA)°=ΔGaqA−°−ΔGaq(HA)°, and the experimental aqueous pKa values had superior predictive accuracy, which was also tested relative to an independent set of ten molecules of which six were structurally complex phenols. New correlations were built with twenty-seven phenols (including the phenols with experimental pKa values from the test set), which were used to make predictions. The best correlation equations used the PCM method and produced mean absolute errors of 0.26–0.27 pKa units and R2 values of 0.957–0.960. The average range of predictions for the potential antioxidants (cannabinoids) was 0.15 (0.25) pKa units, which indicates good agreement between our methodologies. The new correlation equations could be used to make pKa predictions for other phenols in water and potentially in other solvents where they might be more soluble.
Examining the Mechanisms behind Exercise’s Multifaceted Impacts on Body Composition, Cognition, and the Gut Microbiome in Cancer Survivors: Exploring the Links to Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Matei Benjamin , Winters-Stone Kerri M. , Raber Jacob
Published: July 2023

This review focuses on the effects of exercise on various health-related outcomes in cancer survivors, encompassing body composition, cognitive function (including sleep), and gut microbiome health. By analyzing multiple studies, we aimed to summarize the existing evidence and shed light on underlying mechanisms. The findings strongly suggest that exercise serves as a multifaceted non-pharmacological strategy, playing a significant role in improving the overall health of cancer survivors by effectively reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Exercise plays a crucial role in preventing muscle wasting, diminishing the presence of reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhancing antioxidant systems. Furthermore, exercise displays notable benefits in terms of executive cognitive functioning and fatigue alleviation, largely attributed to its anti-inflammatory impact on the central nervous system and its ability to induce neurogenesis via growth factors. Additionally, exercise positively influences microbial diversity, reduces gut inflammation, and enhances neurogenesis through the gut–brain axis. Our key findings underscore the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation as primary mechanisms by which exercise effectively enhances health outcomes in cancer survivors. By delving deeper into these candidate mechanisms, we aim to provide valuable guidance for future research and interventions targeting the symptoms experienced by cancer survivors.
Improved Retinex-Theory-Based Low-Light Image Enhancement Algorithm
Authors: Wang Jiarui , Wang Hanjia , Sun Yu , Yang Jie
Published: July 2023

Researchers working on image processing have had a hard time handling low-light images due to their low contrast, noise, and brightness. This paper presents an improved method that uses the Retinex theory to enhance low-light images, with a network model mainly composed of a Decom-Net and an Enhance-Net. Residual connectivity is fully utilized in both the Decom-Net and Enhance-Net to reduce the possible loss of image details. Additionally, Enhance-Net introduces a positional pixel attention mechanism that directly incorporates the global information of the image. Specifically, Decom-Net serves to decompose the low-light image into illumination and reflection maps, and Enhance-Net serves to increase the brightness of the illumination map. Finally, via adaptive image fusion, the reflectance map and the enhanced illuminance map are fused to obtain the final enhanced image. Experiments show better results in terms of both subjective visual aspects and objective evaluation indicators. Compared to RetinexNet, the proposed method shows improvements in the full-reference evaluation metrics, including a 4.6% improvement in PSNR, a 1.8% improvement in SSIM, and a 10.8% improvement in LPIPS. Additionally, it achieved an average improvement of 17.3% in the no-reference evaluation metric NIQE.
Noise Reduction in Helicopter Cabins Using Microperforated Panel Composite Sound Absorption Structures
Authors: Li Chenglei , Lu Yang , Lan Chunbo , Wang Yang
Published: July 2023

The high level of noise in helicopter cabins considerably compromises the comfort and safety of the pilot and passengers. To verify the feasibility and effectiveness of microperforated panel composite sound absorption structures for noise suppression in helicopter cabins, simulation and experimental studies were conducted on a model of a light helicopter cabin. First, three microperforated composite sound absorption structures for the helicopter cabin wall panel were designed. Then, a finite element model of the main gear/body acoustic vibration coupling was established to obtain the target frequencies of the microperforated composite sound absorption structures; the acoustic effect was verified via simulation. Finally, a model helicopter cabin equipped with the three microperforated composite sound absorption structures was built, and a cabin noise test was performed. The test results showed that the combined microperforated panel acoustic structure and microperforated panel–porous material composite structure realized an overall cabin sound pressure level attenuation of 8–10 dB, on average, in a wide frequency range of 500–2000 Hz, with an amplitude of more than 20 dB. The microperforated panel–acoustic supermaterial composite structure achieved low-frequency sound absorption in the frequency range of 300–450 Hz. The sound absorption effect reached 50%, and it also exhibited good noise reduction effects in the middle- and high-frequency bands.
Study on Characteristics of Tool Wear and Breakage of Ultrasonic Cutting Nomex Honeycomb Core with the Disc Cutter
Authors: Li Leilei , Qin Yan , Kang Renke , Dong Zhigang , Song Hongxia , Wang Yidan
Published: July 2023

Ultrasonic cutting is an advanced technology for processing Nomex honeycomb materials. The disc cutter is one of the most commonly used tools, whose wear and breakage state have an important impact on the honeycomb material machining process. Currently, the disc cutter lacks systematic characterization methods, and its tool wear laws are not yet clear. This paper conducts a wear experiment of the disc cutter in an ultrasonic cutting Nomex honeycomb core and proposes the attributes of cutting edge rounding (CER), flank wear VB, diameter reduction, and cutting edge breakage width to characterize the tool wear and breakage forms quantitatively. Moreover, the tool wear and breakage forms of the disc cutter are categorized, and the variation laws of the disc cutter wear and breakage characteristics are studied. The experimental study reveals that the wear forms of the disc cutter are mainly cutting edge dulling and flank wear. The CER and flank wear VB increase with increasing cutting length, and the wear mechanism is mainly abrasive wear. The breakage forms are mainly chipping and cracking breakage. The diameter reduction changed slowly, and the cutting edge breakage width tended to increase. The surface quality of the honeycomb gradually deteriorates with the increase of tool wear and breakage. The experimental results are important to study the tool wear mechanism of ultrasonic cutting of the Nomex honeycomb core with the disc cutter as well as tool design and manufacture.
Techno-Economic Assessment of an Innovative Small-Scale Solar-Biomass Hybrid Power Plant
Authors: Vélez Godiño José Antonio , Torres García Miguel
Published: July 2023

The current context of the climate emergency highlights the need for the decarbonization of the energy sector by replacing current fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. In this regard, concentrating solar power (CSP) technology represents a commercially proven alternative. However, these types of plants are associated with high production costs and difficulties in controlling production during temporary variations in solar resource availability. In order to minimize these drawbacks, this study proposes the hybridization of CSP technology with direct biomass combustion, with the particularity of an innovative process scheme that does not correspond to traditional series or parallel configurations. This paper focuses on the techno-economic evaluation of this novel configuration in a small-scale power plant. To achieve this, both solar resource and biomass production, which are dependent on the selected location, were analyzed. Additionally, the plant was characterized from both technical and economic perspectives. The obtained results allowed for the characterization of the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) based on various parameters such as the size of the solar field and biomass boilers, as well as limitations on biomass consumption.
Accuracy of Assessing Weight Status in Adults by Structured Observation
Authors: Jorge Tânia , Sousa Sofia , do Carmo Isabel , Lunet Nuno , Padrão Patrícia
Published: July 2023

The assessment of weight status is important in many epidemiological studies, but its direct measurement is not always possible. Self-reported weight and height are often used, although previous research reported low accuracy. This study aimed to test the ability of trained observers to accurately estimate weight status in adults using structured observation. A cross-sectional study was conducted. For each participant, height and weight were estimated in categories, and weight status was recorded using Stunkard’s body figures, by two trained observers. Height and weight were also measured, using standardized procedures. Subjects were classified according to World Health Organization body mass index (BMI) cut-offs from objective measurements and from the BMI assigned to each body figure. Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were calculated to assess the accuracy of estimating weight status by observation. Kappa was used to test inter-observer reliability. A total of 127 participants were assessed, 70 women and 57 men, aged between 19 and 89 years (mean ± standard deviation: 50.3 ± 16.3 years). Most participants were overweight or obese (64.3% women; 78.9% men). The sensitivity and specificity of overweight/obesity status identification were 72.8% and 78.4%, respectively. Observers’ gender, participants’ gender, and participants’ age were significantly associated with the estimation of overweight/obesity. The agreement between observers was moderate for BMI estimates (κ = 0.52) but substantial when distinguishing normal weight from overweight/obesity (κ = 0.67). Trained observers were able to distinguish normal weight from overweight/obesity with high sensitivity and specificity, and substantial interrater reliability. This innovative methodology showed potential for improvement through enhanced training techniques. The use of structured observation may be a useful and accurate alternative to self-reported weight status assessment, whenever anthropometric measurement is not achievable.
Chokeberry Pomace Utilization for Improving Selected Quality Parameters of Green Tea Leaves or Hibiscus Flower Infusions
Authors: Kidoń Marcin , Marciszak Ewelina , Uğur Şuheda , Kuligowski Maciej , Radziejewska-Kubzdela Elżbieta
Published: July 2023

The utilization of food industrial by-products, especially pomace after juice processing, could be a big challenge. Chokeberry pomace is a valuable source of phenolic compounds, including procyanidins and anthocyanins. These compounds have, e.g., antioxidant, anticancer, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, hepatoprotective and cardioprotective effects. In this work, dried chokeberry pomace (2.0 g, 2.5 g and 3.0 g) was added to green tea leaves or white or red hibiscus flowers (0.5 g of each) to obtain mixtures for preparing infusions. Such products could be a valuable source of bioactive compounds. After brewing and cooling, selected quality parameters of the obtained infusions were tested: pH, total phenolic content (TPC), anthocyanin content and the instrumentally and sensorily determined color. The composition of the infusion had an impact on the color. Those from a mixture of chokeberry by-products and hibiscus possessed lower L* and higher a* and b* values than those composed of chokeberry and green tea leaves. Infusions prepared from the mixture containing dried chokeberry pomace (3.0 g) and green tea leaves (0.5 g) had a higher content of anthocyanins (17%) and phenols (48%), respectively, than other samples with the same proportions of ingredients. According to PCA analysis, the highest content of the tested bioactive compounds was obtained in infusions of green tea leaves with the addition of chokeberry pomace.
A Snapshot of the Influent and Effluent Bacterial Populations in a Wastewater Treatment Plant in the North-West Province, South Africa
Authors: Makuwa Stenly , Green Ezekiel , Fosso-Kankeu Elvis , Moroaswi Victor , Tlou Matsobane
Published: July 2023

Wastewater treatment plants receive influent wastewater that is contaminated with bacterial pathogens which may be released into the environment if the plant effluent is inadequately treated. In this study, next-generation sequencing was used to perform a 16S rDNA-based survey of bacterial populations in the influent and effluent from a treatment facility in the North-West Province (SA). In total, 3638 and 3872 effective DNA reads were obtained for the influent and effluent, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed the detection of a diverse bacterial constituency in both the influent and effluent samples. The phyla: Proteobacteria (49.82% and 52.04%), Firmicutes (14.06% and 13.14%) and Actinobacteria (5.00% and 9.99%) were found to be taxonomically abundant in the influent and effluent, respectively. This translated to the detection of biological treatment-, fecal coliform-, and disease-associated bacterial groups that are classified under the following genera: Escherichia spp., Serratia spp., Aeromonas spp., Legionella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Mycobacterium spp., Clostridium spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp., Comamonas spp., Nitrosomonas spp., Acinetobacter spp., Rhodobacter spp., Paracoccus spp., Hyphomicrobium spp., and Desulfovibrio spp.
The Probiotic Streptococcus salivarius M18 Increases Plasma Nitrite but Does Not Alter Blood Pressure: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Burleigh Mia C. , Rosier Bob T. , Simpson Annabel , Sculthorpe Nicholas , Henriquez Fiona , Easton Chris
Published: July 2023

Some species of oral bacteria can reduce dietary nitrate to nitrite, which can later be converted to nitric oxide in the nitrate—nitrite—nitic oxide pathway. Increasing nitric oxide availability can reduce blood pressure (BP) and improve exercise performance. Streptococcus salivarius M18 (Streptococcus salivarius M18) is a bacteriocin-producing probiotic that is known to improve oral health by inhibiting pathogenic oral bacteria. However, it is presently unclear whether probiotic-induced alterations to the oral microbiome will influence circulating levels of nitric oxide metabolites and BP. Purpose: To determine the effects of Streptococcus salivarius M18 supplementation on plasma and salivary nitrate and nitrite levels and BP. Methods: Ten healthy males (age 32 ± 8 y, body mass 88.2 ± 15.1 kg) completed 2 × 14-day supplementation phases in a randomized order at least 14 days apart. In one phase, participants consumed Streptococcus salivarius M18 probiotic lozenges (2.5 billion colony-forming units/dose) once per day, and in the other, they ingested water (placebo). The abundance of bacteria on the tongue was assessed via Illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing, unstimulated saliva, and venous blood samples were collected, and BP was measured pre and post each phase. Saliva and plasma were analysed for nitrate and nitrite using chemiluminescence, and pH was measured in saliva. The change in each outcome from pre- to post-supplementation was compared between phases using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Plasma nitrite increased from baseline following probiotic supplementation (from 173 ± 39 to 223 ± 63 nM, p = 0.003, 95% CI 192–250 nM). In comparison, there was no change in the placebo phase or between baselines (all p > 0.05). The abundance of nitrite-producing bacteria was not altered, salivary nitric oxide metabolites and pH did not change, and the increase in plasma nitrite did not result in reductions in BP (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Supplementation with Streptococcus salivarius M18 increased plasma nitrite, a key marker of NO availability. Despite this, Streptococcus salivarius M18 did not lower BP in these healthy normotensive participants. Additionally, the increase in plasma nitrite was not associated with abundance changes in bacteria thought important to NO generation. Further research is required to determine the mechanism behind the increase in plasma nitrite and the potential therapeutic and ergogenic benefits of Streptococcus salivarius M18 supplementation.
Yeast and Virus-like Particles: A Perfect or Imperfect Couple?
Authors: Brachelente Sara , Galli Alvaro , Cervelli Tiziana
Published: July 2023

Virus-like particles (VLPs) comprise viral structural proteins that self-assemble to form a particle similar to the native virus capsid. Since their discovery, they have been employed mainly as vaccines to prevent viral infection because they can elicit an immune response. Besides their use as vaccines, their application in cancer prevention and drug delivery is under intensive investigation. They can be produced in different systems such as bacteria, mammalian, plant, insect, and yeast cells. The main hurdle for their use is establishing a platform for production because many variables need to be considered. First, VLPs must be effective in the action for which they are constructed, depending on the nature of the VLPs. Second, the production platform must be suitable for safe and high-scale production. Yeast has been shown to be a valuable tool in VLP production, as it is able to express heterologous proteins efficiently and its manipulation is cheap and easy. Several species have been employed for this purpose. In the present review, we analyze the features of different yeast species and how they have been used to produce VLPs.
Hydrodynamic Model Tests for Seaweed as a Source of Energy Reduction during Extreme Events
Authors: Oladokun Olanrewaju
Published: July 2023

One fifth of the world’s population and critical infrastructures are close to the coast and regions of high-risk sea level rise elevation. The last decades have been characterized by increasing extreme events, including storm surges, flooding, coastal erosion, enhanced coastal vulnerability with associated livelihood, and economic losses. Nature-based engineering solutions are being adopted as sustainable solutions for helping existing technologies live their design life and providing climate change adaptation and resilience for coastal and riverine communities. This paper involves the investigation of nature-based eco-hydraulic soft coastal engineering to cultivate seaweed for coastal protection. In this context, the present study involves an advanced risk evaluation performed by conducting an extreme bore interaction with seaweed as a soft engineering coastal protection measure. The load reduction on the inland structure during extreme flooding conditions, incorporating seaweed, is addressed. The present study indicates that the load on inland structures can be reduced by as much as 14% in extreme flooding conditions in the presence of seaweed with two rows of seaweed, indicating the usage of seaweed as a part of coastal protection over existing site protection infrastructure for improved coastal mitigation.
The Zone of Photography: Magic, Ghosts and Haecceity
Authors: Slevin Tom
Published: July 2023

Photography evidences presence, but what does it present? This article explores the notion of magic in photography through Deleuze and Guattari’s concept of ‘haecceity’, Jacques Derrida’s logic of the ‘supplement’ and Jean-François Lyotard’s ‘inhuman’. The sections ‘The Zone of Photography’, ‘Ghosts in/of the Machine’, ‘The Crypt and Encryption’, ‘Affect-Event-Haecceity’ and ‘Magic, Consumerism, Desire’ consider how photography provides a ‘zone’ that encrypts the desires of its photographer and viewer. A photograph, in its various forms and appearances, from scientific instrument to personal documentation, bears our need and desire to be affected. The photographic zone can connect with the anxiety, fear, grief, and ha ppiness that are latent within the irrationality of its viewer. The photography is never past as it continually unfolds into, and is entangled with, the fabric of the present. Through consideration of photography we will consider how magic does not happen to people but people happen to magic. We desire magic to appear.
Impact of Silicon Content and Particle Size in Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes on Particulate Properties and Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Müller Jannes , Michalowski Peter , Kwade Arno
Published: July 2023

Silicon (Si) is considered a promising anode active material to enhance energy density of lithium-ion batteries. Many studies have focused on new structures and the electrochemical performance, but only a few investigated the particulate properties in detail. Therefore, a comprehensive study on the impact of Si content (5, 10, 15 wt.%) and particle size (120, 160, 250 nm) of core–shell structured Si@Gr composites on particulate and electrode properties was conducted. It was shown that both parameters had significant impact on the specific surface area (SSA) of particles, which was later correlated to the initial capacities and coulombic efficiencies (ICEs). Furthermore, changes in pore size distribution and electrical conductivity were found. The built full cells showed high initial capacities (>150 mAh g−1), good rate capability (75% at 1 C, 50% at 2 C) and ICEs (>80%). The energy density was found to increase by 32% at 15 wt.% Si compared to graphite (Gr), indicating the future potential of Si. In addition, the impact of a carbon coating was investigated (Si@Gr/C), which led to a reduction in SSA, improved particle stability and higher capacity retention. Consequently, this study emphasizes the importance of also investigating the particulate properties of Si anodes.
Differential Immune Response to Bioprosthetic Heart Valve Tissues in the α1,3Galactosyltransferase-Knockout Mouse Model
Authors: Casós Kelly , Llatjós Roger , Blasco-Lucas Arnau , Kuguel Sebastián G. , Sbraga Fabrizio , Galli Cesare , Padler-Karavani Vered , Le Tourneau Thierry , Vadori Marta , Perota Andrea , Roussel Jean-Christian , Bottio Tomaso , Cozzi Emanuele , Soulillou Jean-Paul , Galiñanes Manuel , Máñez Rafael , Costa Cristina
Published: July 2023

Structural valve deterioration (SVD) of bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) has great clinical and economic consequences. Notably, immunity against BHVs plays a major role in SVD, especially when implanted in young and middle-aged patients. However, the complex pathogenesis of SVD remains to be fully characterized, and analyses of commercial BHVs in standardized-preclinical settings are needed for further advancement. Here, we studied the immune response to commercial BHV tissue of bovine, porcine, and equine origin after subcutaneous implantation into adult α1,3-galactosyltransferase-knockout (Gal KO) mice. The levels of serum anti-galactose α1,3-galactose (Gal) and -non-Gal IgM and IgG antibodies were determined up to 2 months post-implantation. Based on histological analyses, all BHV tissues studied triggered distinct infiltrating cellular immune responses that related to tissue degeneration. Increased anti-Gal antibody levels were found in serum after ATS 3f and Freedom/Solo implantation but not for Crown or Hancock II grafts. Overall, there were no correlations between cellular-immunity scores and post-implantation antibodies, suggesting these are independent factors differentially affecting the outcome of distinct commercial BHVs. These findings provide further insights into the understanding of SVD immunopathogenesis and highlight the need to evaluate immune responses as a confounding factor.
A General Approach for the Modelling of Negative Feedback Physiological Control Systems
Authors: Ponsiglione Alfonso Maria , Montefusco Francesco , Donisi Leandro , Tedesco Annarita , Cosentino Carlo , Merola Alessio , Romano Maria , Amato Francesco
Published: July 2023

Mathematical models can improve the understanding of physiological systems behaviour, which is a fundamental topic in the bioengineering field. Having a reliable model enables researchers to carry out in silico experiments, which require less time and resources compared to their in vivo and in vitro counterparts. This work’s objective is to capture the characteristics that a nonlinear dynamical mathematical model should exhibit, in order to describe physiological control systems at different scales. The similarities among various negative feedback physiological systems have been investigated and a unique general framework to describe them has been proposed. Within such a framework, both the existence and stability of equilibrium points are investigated. The model here introduced is based on a closed-loop topology, on which the homeostatic process is based. Finally, to validate the model, three paradigmatic examples of physiological control systems are illustrated and discussed: the ultrasensitivity mechanism for achieving homeostasis in biomolecular circuits, the blood glucose regulation, and the neuromuscular reflex arc (also referred to as muscle stretch reflex). The results show that, by a suitable choice of the modelling functions, the dynamic evolution of the systems under study can be described through the proposed general nonlinear model. Furthermore, the analysis of the equilibrium points and dynamics of the above-mentioned systems are consistent with the literature.
Type 2 Low Biomarker Stability and Exacerbations in Severe Uncontrolled Asthma
Authors: Viinanen Arja , Aakko Juhani , Lassenius Mariann I. , Telg Gunilla , Nieminen Kaisa , Kaijala Saara , Lehtimäki Lauri , Kankaanranta Hannu
Published: July 2023

We investigated the stability of T2 low status, based on low levels of T2 biomarkers, and exacerbation rates in T2 low and non-T2 low asthma from clinical retrospective data of severe uncontrolled asthma patients. Knowledge of the T2 low biomarker profile is sparse and biomarker stability is uncharted. Secondary care patients with severe uncontrolled asthma and at least two blood eosinophil counts (BEC) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measured for determination of type 2 inflammation status were evaluated from a follow-up period of 4 years. Patients were stratified into four groups: T2 low150 (n = 31; BEC < 150 cells/µL and FeNO < 25 ppb), non-T2 low150 (n = 138; BEC > 150 cells/µL and/or FeNO > 25 ppb), T2 low300 (n = 66; BEC < 300 cells/µL and FeNO < 25 ppb), and non-T2 low300 (n = 103; BEC > 300 cells/µL and/or FeNO > 25 ppb). Exacerbation rates requiring hospital care, stability of biomarker status, and cumulative OCS and ICS doses were assessed during follow-up. Among patients with severe uncontrolled asthma, 18% (n = 31) were identified as T2 low150, and 39% (n = 66) as T2 low300. In these groups, the low biomarker profile was stable in 55% (n = 11) and 72% (n = 33) of patients with follow-up measures. Exacerbation rates were different between the T2 low and non-T2 low groups: 19.7 [95% CI: 4.3–45.6] in T2 low150 vs. 8.4 [4.7–13.0] in non-T2 low150 per 100 patient-years. BEC and FeNO are useful biomarkers in identifying T2 low severe uncontrolled asthma, showing a stable follow-up biomarker profile in up to 72% of patients. Repeated monitoring of these biomarkers is essential in identifying and treating patients with T2 low asthma.
Design of Beta-2 Microglobulin Adsorbent Protein Nanoparticles
Authors: Miller Justin E. , Castells-Graells Roger , Arbing Mark A. , Munoz Aldo , Jiang Yi-Xiao , Espinoza Charlize T. , Nguyen Brian , Moroz Paul , Yeates Todd O.
Published: July 2023

Beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) is an immune system protein that is found on the surface of all nucleated human cells. B2M is naturally shed from cell surfaces into the plasma, followed by renal excretion. In patients with impaired renal function, B2M will accumulate in organs and tissues leading to significantly reduced life expectancy and quality of life. While current hemodialysis methods have been successful in managing electrolyte as well as small and large molecule disturbances arising in chronic renal failure, they have shown only modest success in managing plasma levels of B2M and similar sized proteins, while sparing important proteins such as albumin. We describe a systematic protein design effort aimed at adding the ability to selectively remove specific, undesired waste proteins such as B2M from the plasma of chronic renal failure patients. A novel nanoparticle built using a tetrahedral protein assembly as a scaffold that presents 12 copies of a B2M-binding nanobody is described. The designed nanoparticle binds specifically to B2M through protein–protein interactions with nanomolar binding affinity (~4.2 nM). Notably, binding to the nanoparticle increases the effective size of B2M by over 50-fold, offering a potential selective avenue for separation based on size. We present data to support the potential utility of such a nanoparticle for removing B2M from plasma by either size-based filtration or by polyvalent binding to a stationary matrix under blood flow conditions. Such applications could address current shortcomings in the management of problematic mid-sized proteins in chronic renal failure patients.
Serum Level of Cytokeratin 18 (M65) as a Prognostic Marker of High Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Individuals with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Pagano Sabrina , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Juillard Catherine , Dullaart Robin P. F. , Vuilleumier Nicolas
Published: July 2023

Alterations in apoptosis, as reflected by circulating Cytokeratin 18 (CK18), are involved in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and atherogenesis. We aimed to explore the discriminant accuracy of Cytokeratin 18 (CK18, including M65 and M30 forms) for an elevated fatty liver index (FLI) as a validated proxy of NAFLD, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in the general population. Both serum CK18 forms were measured using a commercial immunoassay in randomly selected samples from 312 participants of the PREVEND general population cohort. FLI ≥ 60 was used to indicate NAFLD. Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and the SCORE2 were used to estimate the 10-year risk of CVD. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, linear/logistic regression models, and Spearman’s correlations were used. Intricate associations were found between CK18, FLI, and CVD risk scores. While M30 was the only independent predictor of FLI ≥ 60, M65 best discriminated NAFLD individuals at very-high 10-year CVD risk according to SCORE2 (AUC: 0.71; p = 0.001). Values above the predefined manufacturer cutoff (400 U/L) were associated with an independent 5-fold increased risk (adjusted odds ratio: 5.44, p = 0.01), with a negative predictive value of 93%. Confirming that NAFLD is associated with an increased CVD risk, our results in a European general population-based cohort suggest that CK18 M65 may represent a candidate biomarker to identify NAFLD individuals at low CVD risk.
Polypeptide Substrate Accessibility Hypothesis: Gain-of-Function R206H Mutation Allosterically Affects Activin Receptor-like Protein Kinase Activity
Authors: Groppe Jay C. , Lu Guorong , Tandang-Silvas Mary R. , Pathi Anupama , Konda Shruti , Wu Jingfeng , Le Viet Q. , Culbert Andria L. , Shore Eileen M. , Wharton Kristi A. , Kaplan Frederick S.
Published: July 2023

Although structurally similar to type II counterparts, type I or activin receptor-like kinases (ALKs) are set apart by a metastable helix–loop–helix (HLH) element preceding the protein kinase domain that, according to a longstanding paradigm, serves passive albeit critical roles as an inhibitor-to-substrate-binding switch. A single recurrent mutation in the codon of the penultimate residue, directly adjacent the position of a constitutively activating substitution, causes milder activation of ACVR1/ALK2 leading to sporadic heterotopic bone deposition in patients presenting with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, or FOP. To determine the protein structural–functional basis for the gain of function, R206H mutant, Q207D (aspartate-substituted caALK2) and HLH subdomain-truncated (208 Ntrunc) forms were compared to one another and the wild-type enzyme through in vitro kinase and protein–protein interaction analyses that were complemented by signaling read-out (p-Smad) in primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts and Drosophila S2 cells. Contrary to the paradigm, the HLH subdomain actively suppressed the phosphotransferase activity of the enzyme, even in the absence of FKBP12. Unexpectedly, perturbation of the HLH subdomain elevated kinase activity at a distance, i.e., allosterically, at the ATP-binding and polypeptide-interacting active site cleft. Accessibility to polypeptide substrate (BMP Smad C-terminal tails) due to allosterically altered conformations of type I active sites within heterohexameric cytoplasmic signaling complexes—assembled noncanonically by activin-type II receptors extracellularly—is hypothesized to produce a gain of function of the R206H mutant protein responsible for episodic heterotopic ossification in FOP.
Pregnancy Zone Protein Serves as a Prognostic Marker and Favors Immune Infiltration in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Kehong , Zheng Taihao , Chen Cai , Liu Liangzhong , Guo Zhengjun , Peng Yuan , Zhang Xiaoyue , Yang Zhenzhou
Published: July 2023

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a public enemy with a very high incidence and mortality rate, for which there is no specific detectable biomarker. Pregnancy zone protein (PZP) is an immune-related protein; however, the functions of PZP in LUAD are unclear. In this study, a series of bioinformatics methods, combined with immunohistochemistry (IHC), four-color multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry (mIHC), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), were utilized to explore the prognostic value and potential role of PZP in LUAD. Our data revealed that PZP expression was markedly reduced in LUAD tissues, tightly correlated with clinical stage and could be an independent unfavorable prognostic factor. In addition, pathway analysis revealed that high expression of PZP in LUAD was mainly involved in immune-related molecules. Tumor immune infiltration analysis by CIBERSORT showed a significant correlation between PZP expression and several immune cell infiltrations, and IHC further confirmed a positive correlation with CD4+ T-cell infiltration and a negative correlation with CD68+ M0 macrophage infiltration. Furthermore, mIHC demonstrated that PZP expression gave rise to an increase in CD86+ M1 macrophages and a decrease in CD206+ M2 macrophages. Therefore, PZP can be used as a new biomarker for the prediction of prognosis and may be a promising immune-related molecular target for LUAD.
Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: Current Diagnosis, Biomarkers, and Treatment Options with Future Perspectives
Authors: Krpina Kristina , Vranić Semir , Tomić Krešimir , Samaržija Miroslav , Batičić Lara
Published: July 2023

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by rapid proliferation, early dissemination, acquired therapy resistance, and poor prognosis. Early diagnosis of SCLC is crucial since most patients present with advanced/metastatic disease, limiting the potential for curative treatment. While SCLC exhibits initial responsiveness to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, treatment resistance commonly emerges, leading to a five-year overall survival rate of up to 10%. New effective biomarkers, early detection, and advancements in therapeutic strategies are crucial for improving survival rates and reducing the impact of this devastating disease. This review aims to comprehensively summarize current knowledge on diagnostic options, well-known and emerging biomarkers, and SCLC treatment strategies and discuss future perspectives on this aggressive malignancy.
Identification of Healthy Tissue from Malignant Tissue in Surgical Margin Using Raman Spectroscopy in Oral Cancer Surgeries
Authors: Sharma Mukta , Li Ying-Chang , Manjunatha S. N. , Tsai Chia-Lung , Lin Ray-Ming , Huang Shiang-Fu , Chang Liann-Be
Published: July 2023

Oral cancer, associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates, involves the development of cancerous cells in the tissues of the oral cavity, including the mouth, tongue, lips, gums, the floor of the mouth, and the inner lining of the cheeks [...]