bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A high‑efficiency Agrobacterium tumefaciens‑mediated transient expression system in the leaves of Spinacia oleracea
Authors: Zhang Yumeng , Qiu Liuliu , Zhang Yongxue , Wang Yiran , Wang Quanhua , Fu Chunxiang , Dai Shaojun , Sun Meihong
Published: October 2023

Background The establishment of a highly efficient transient expression system is critical for the study of gene function, particularly in plants for which stable transformation methods are not widely available. Agrobacterium tumefaciens‑mediated transient transformation is a simple and low-cost method that has been extensively developed and applied to a wide variety of plant species. However, the transient expression in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is still not reported.
Results Here, we performed a transient expression system in leaves of spinach variety Sp75 and Sp73. Several factors influencing the transformation efficiency were optimized such as Agrobacterium strain, spinach seedling stage, leaf position, and the expression time after injection. Agrobacterium strain GV3101 (pSoup-p19) was more effective than AGL1 in expressing recombinant protein in spinach leaves. In general, the leaves of Sp75 were more suitable than those of Sp73 no matter at four-leaf stage or at six-leaf stage. At four-leaf stage, higher transient expression intensity and efficiency were observed in group 1 (G1) of Sp75 at 53 hours after injection (HAI) and in G1of Sp73 at 64 HAI. At six-leaf stage of Sp75, group 3 (G3) at 72 HAI were the most effective condition for transient expression. Using the optimized expression system, we detected the subcellular localization of a transcriptional co-activator SoMBF1c and a NADPH oxidase SoRbohF. We also detected the interaction of the protein kinase SoCRK10 and the NADPH oxidase SoRbohB.
Conclusion This study established a high‑efficiency Agrobacterium‑mediated transient expression method using spinach leaves. The transient expression system will facilitate the gene function analysis and lay a solid foundation for molecular design breeding of spinach.
Activation of Cytotoxic Lymphocytes Through CD6 Enhances Killing of Cancer Cells
Authors: Gurrea-Rubio Mikel , Wu Qi , Amin M. Asif , Tsou Pei-Suen , Campbell Phillip L. , Amarista Camila E. , Ikari Yuzo , Brodie William D. , Mattichak Megan N. , Muraoka Sei , Randon Peggy M. , Lind Matthew E. , Ruth Jeffrey H. , Mao-Draayer Yang , Ding Shengli , Shen Xiling , Cooney Laura A. , Lin Feng , Fox David A.
Published: October 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated efficacy and improved survival in a growing number of cancers. Despite their success, ICIs are associated with immune-related adverse events that can interfere with their use. Therefore, safer approaches are needed. CD6, expressed by T-lymphocytes and human NK cells, engages in cell-cell interactions by binding to its ligands CD166 (ALCAM) and CD318 (CDCP1). CD6 is a target protein for regulating immune responses and is required for the development of several mouse models of autoimmunity. Interestingly, CD6 is exclusively expressed on immune cells while CD318 is strongly expressed on most cancers. Here we demonstrate that disrupting the CD6-CD318 axis with UMCD6, an anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody, prolongs survival of mice in xenograft models of human breast and prostate cancer, treated with infusions of human lymphocytes. Analysis of tumor-infiltrating immune cells showed that augmentation of lymphocyte cytotoxicity by UMCD6 is due to effects of this antibody on NK, NKT and CD8+ T cells. Tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic lymphocytes were found in higher proportions and were activated in UMCD6-treated mice compared to controls. Similar changes in gene expression were observed by RNA-seq analysis of NK cells treated with UMCD6. Particularly, UMCD6 up-regulated the NKG2D-DAP10 complex and activated PI3K. Thus, the CD6-CD318 axis can regulate the activation state of cytotoxic lymphocytes and their positioning within the tumor microenvironment.
C4 Grasses Employ Various Strategies to Acclimate Rubisco Activase to Heat Stress
Authors: Stainbrook Sarah C , Aubuchon Lindsey N , Chen Amanda , Johnson Emily , Si Audrey , Walton Laila , Ahrendt Angela , Strenkert Daniela , Jez Joseph
Published: October 2023

C4 crops such as Zea mays (maize) and Sorghum bicolor (sorghum) are crucial producers of food and bioenergy. In these crops, carbon assimilation is limited at higher temperatures because the enzyme rubisco activase (RCA), which is responsible for proper function of the CO2 fixing protein rubisco, has been shown to be thermolabile. We present a holistic approach to understand carbon assimilation and RCA function in maize, sorghum, and the C4 model grass Setaria viridis (setaria) during heat stress acclimation. Gas exchange data confirms that assimilation is limited by Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylation during heat. Plants express a variety of RCA isoforms and we show that each species changes the isoform expression and proteoform abundances of these variants in different ways. In addition, to understand how changing conditions in the chloroplast stroma affect RCA function during heat, we examined the regulation of RCA activity by thioredoxin F, magnesium ions and adenosine diphosphate. As expected, the activity of RCA is modulated by a combination of these variables, but surprisingly, how these biochemical environment factors affect RCA function differs vastly between species. Unexpected differences are even apparent within a single species: different cultivars of maize show differences in assimilation, proteoform abundance and regulation. Our surprising observation that each grass expresses and regulates RCA differently suggests that even closely related plants use different strategies to maintain RCA function and we conclude that a single reference system cannot accurately reflect protein function in every cultivar.
Water absorption and 3D expansion of different injectable hyaluronic acids
Authors: Paulino Patrícia , Santos Virgínia , Silva Neusa , Mata António , Cruz Mariana Brito da
Published: October 2023

Hyaluronic acid’s water absorption and expansion capacities define a filler’s ability to lift the tissues. Therefore, studying these properties is essential to better understand filler’s clinical performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare water absorption and expansion (bidimensional and three-dimensional) of five Fillmed fillers (Universal, Fine Lines, Volume, Lips and Lips Soft). Water absorption was measured through swelling ratio 24 hours post-hydration. For two-dimensional expansion, samples were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively, using calibrated photographs, before and two hours after hydration. Three-dimensional volume was evaluated before and immediately after injecting the fillers, and 30 minutes, 2 hours and 24 hours post-injection in ex vivo pig skin. The tissue was scanned with the 3Shape TRIOS scanner and resulting STL files were compared. Group comparisons were analyzed with the one-way ANOVA test, and a p-value ≤ 0,05 was established. Lips showed a statistically higher swelling ratio than other fillers (p < 0,05). Fine Lines had the lowest swelling ratio, even if only statistically significant when compared to Universal (p = 0,021). Fine Lines had a significantly higher initial bidimensional width than all fillers (p < 0,05) except Lips Soft. 24 hours post-injection, Fine Lines had the highest three-dimensional volume, which was statistically higher than Volume’s (p = 0,049). All fillers absorbed water and expanded, with Fine Lines tending to have the highest three-dimensional expansion, despite its lowest viscosity and water absorption. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to investigate the influence of other properties over water absorption and expansion.
Postoperative Shunt Failure Following Hemispherectomy in Pediatric Patients with Pre-Existing Hydrocephalus
Authors: Das Nikita , Sharma Akshay , Mann Michael , Gordillo Alan , Desai Ansh , Serletis Demitre , Moosa Ahsan N. , Rammo Richard , Bingaman William
Published: October 2023

Objective:
The risk of hydrocephalus following hemispherectomy for drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) remains high. Patients with pre-existing hydrocephalus pose a post-operative challenge, as maintaining existing shunt patency is necessary but lacks a clearly defined strategy. This study examines incidence and predictors of shunt failure in pediatric hemispherectomy patients with pre-existing ventricular shunts.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective chart review at our center to identify pediatric patients diagnosed with DRE who were treated with ventricular shunt prior to their first hemispherectomy surgery. Demographic and perioperative data were obtained including shunt history, hydrocephalus etiology, epilepsy duration, surgical technique, and postoperative outcomes. Univariate analysis was performed using Fischer’s Exact Test and Pearson Correlation, with Bonferroni correction to a = 0.00625 and a = 0.01, respectively.
Results:
5 of 19 (26.3%) patients identified with ventriculoperitoneal shunting prior to hemispherectomy experienced postoperative shunt malfunction. All 5 of these patients underwent at least 1 shunt revision prior to hemispherectomy, with significant association between pre- and post-hemispherectomy shunt revisions. There was no significant association between post-hemispherectomy shunt failure and valve type, intraoperative shunt alteration, postoperative external ventricular drain placement, hemispherectomy revision, lateralization of shunt relative to resection, postoperative complications, or postoperative aseptic meningitis. There was no significant correlation between number of post-hemispherectomy shunt revisions and age at shunt placement, age at hemispherectomy, epilepsy duration, or shunt duration prior to hemispherectomy.
Conclusions:
Earlier shunt revision surgery may portend a subsequent need for shunt revision following hemispherectomy. These findings may guide neurosurgeons in counseling patients with pre-existing ventricular shunts prior to hemispherectomy surgery.
Sex-steroid hormones and risk of postmenopausal estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer: a case-cohort analysis
Authors: Albers Frances EM , Lou Makayla WC , Dashti S Ghazaleh , Swain Christopher TV , Rinaldi Sabina , Viallon Vivian , Karahalios Amalia , Brown Kristy A , Gunter Marc J , Milne Roger L , English Dallas R , Lynch Brigid M
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Sex-steroid hormones are associated with postmenopausal breast cancer but potential confounding from other biological pathways is rarely considered. We estimated risk ratios for sex-steroid hormone biomarkers in relation to postmenopausal estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, while accounting for biomarkers from insulin/insulin-like growth factor-signaling and inflammatory pathways.
Methods
This analysis included 1,208 women from a case-cohort study of postmenopausal breast cancer within the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Weighted Poisson regression with a robust variance estimator was used to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of postmenopausal ER-positive breast cancer, per doubling plasma concentration of progesterone, estrogens, androgens, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Analyses included sociodemographic and lifestyle confounders, and other biomarkers identified as potential confounders.
Results
Increased risks of postmenopausal ER-positive breast cancer were observed per doubling plasma concentration of progesterone (RR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.44), androstenedione (RR: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.45), dehydroepiandrosterone (RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.34), total testosterone (RR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.29), free testosterone (RR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.28), estrone (RR: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.48), total estradiol (RR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.39) and free estradiol (RR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.41). A possible decreased risk was observed for SHBG (RR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.66 to 1.05).
Conclusion
Progesterone, estrogens and androgens likely increase postmenopausal ER-positive breast cancer risk, whereas SHBG may decrease risk. These findings strengthen the causal evidence surrounding the sex hormone-driven nature of postmenopausal breast cancer.
Spectrophotometric Assessment of Environmental Toxicity of Zineb Fungicide for Sustainability in Agriculture.
Authors: Rana Kanika , Sharma Devender , Chaudhary Akhil , Sharma Shubham , Sharma Nisha , Thakur Maridula , Kumari Meena
Published: October 2023

Sustainable agriculture aims to meet the food needs of the growing world population while ensuring minimal impact on the environment and humans as well as productivity. Although pesticides represent the backbone of the agri-food sector in its endeavor to secure food production, their application is perceived by many as an obstacle to the achievement of sustainability; the main concerns are linked with their adverse effects on human health and the environment. Management of pesticides can corroborate sustainability in agriculture. The presence of pesticides in surface and groundwater has frequently been detected and has led many workers to carry out experimental studies on pesticide adsorption by soils because such studies could provide important information regarding the prediction of pesticide movement in soil and aquifers. A spectrophotometric method has been developed based on the reaction of the zineb with chloranil. The proposed spectrophotometric method has been applied to the determination of zineb in commercial formulation, grains, fruits, vegetables, and spiked water samples, resulting in high recoveries indicating good accuracy and precision of the method employed. The method has also been validated to study the adsorption of zineb on three Indian soils by using the batch-equilibrium technique. The reaction between zineb and chloranil yielded a yellow-colored product in the solution and was extracted using acrylonitrile which showed maximum absorbance at 415 nm. The relationship between the absorbance and concentration of the fungicide has been established and found to be linear in the range of 1.10-15.45 µgmL− 1. The leaching potential has been evaluated from adsorption data in terms of Ground Water Ubiquity Score (GUS) and the values obtained in the range 1.34–1.40 which are less than the standard value i.e., 1.8, classifying it as a non-leacher fungicide.
Cardiovascular and renal diseases in type 2 diabetes patients: 5-year cumulative incidence of the first occurred manifestation and hospitalization cost: a cohort within the French SNDS nationwide claims database
Authors: Blin Patrick , Joubert Michael , Jourdain Patrick , Zaoui Philippe , Guiard Estelle , Sakr Dunia , Dureau-Pournin Caroline , Bernard Marie-Agnès , Lassalle Régis , Thomas-Delecourt Florence , Bineau Sébastien , Moore Nicholas , Droz-Perroteau Cécile
Published: October 2023

Background
Myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are common cardiovascular renal disease (CVRD) manifestations for type 2 diabetes. The incidence of the first occurring CVRD manifestation and cumulative hospitalization costs of each CVRD manifestation are not well known for type 2 diabetes without CVRD history.
Methods
A cohort study of all type 2 diabetes free of CVRD as of January 1st 2014, was identified and followed-up for 5 years within the French SNDS nationwide claims database. The cumulative incidence of the first occurring CVRD manifestation was estimated using the cumulative incidence function, with death as a competing risk. Cumulative hospitalization costs of each CVRD manifestations were estimated from the perspective of all payers.
Results
From about 2 million type 2 diabetes without cancer or transplantation, 76.5% were free of CVRD at baseline with a mean age of 65 years, 52% of women and 7% with microvascular complications history. The cumulative incidence of a first CVRD manifestation was 15.3% after 5 years of follow-up with a constant linear increase over time for all CVRD manifestations: The most frequent was CKD representing 40.6% of first occurred CVRD manifestation, followed by HF (23.0%), then PAD (13.5%), stroke (13.2%) and MI (9.7%). HF and CKD together reached about one patient out of ten after 5 years and represented 63.6% of first CVRD manifestations. The 5-year global cost of all CVRD hospitalizations was 3.9 billion euros (B€), i.e. 2,450€ per patient of the whole cohort, with an exponential increase over time for each specific CVRD manifestation. The costliest was CKD (2.0 B€), followed by HF (1.2 B€), then PAD (0.7 B€), stroke (0.6 B€) and MI (0.3 B€).
Conclusions/interpretation
While MI, stroke and PAD remain classic major risks of complications for CVRD-free type 2 diabetes, HF and CKD nowadays represent individually a higher risk and cost than each of these classic manifestations, and jointly represents a risk and a cost twice as high as of these three classic manifestations all together. This should encourage the development of specific HF and CKD preventive strategies.
Adaptive Multi-Layered Cloud Security Framework Leveraging Artificial Intelligence, Quantum-Resistant Cryptography, and Systems for Robust Protection in Optical and Healthcare
Authors: Niyasudeen F. , Mohan M.
Published: October 2023

In the face of growing reliance on cloud computing, robust security and data protection are paramount concerns, particularly in the domains of optical and healthcare. Traditional cryptographic methods are vulnerable in the post-quantum era, necessitating advanced security frameworks. This paper presents an adaptive multi-layered cloud security framework leveraging artificial intelligence, quantum-resistant cryptography, and systems to ensure comprehensive protection in cloud environments within optical and healthcare sectors. The framework encompasses data encryption, access control, and intrusion detection mechanisms, bolstered by advanced decision-making processes for threat detection and response. The integration of artificial intelligence and quantum-resistant cryptographic techniques enhances adaptability and resilience against emerging threats. This adaptive multi-layered cloud security framework offers a comprehensive, adaptable, and efficient solution for securing cloud infrastructures, safeguarding sensitive data, and mitigating risks associated with the post-quantum era.
Filling the Gap: brief neuropsychological assessment protocol in glioma patients undergoing awake surgeries
Authors: Ohy Juliana Bastos , Formentin Cleiton , Gripp Daniel Andrade , Júnior Joab Alves Nicácio , Velho Maíra Cristina , Vilany Larissa Núbia Nunes , Greggianin Gabriel Frizon , Sartori Beatriz , Verst Silvia Mazzali , Maldaun Marcos Vinicius Calfat
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of applying a concise cognitive assessment protocol - Ohy-Maldaun Fast Track Cognitive Test (OMFTCT) and to compare it with the Boston Naming Test (BNT). This study aims to address the demand for a streamlined neurocognitive assessment in clinical practice.
Methods: This is a prospective longitudinal observational clinical study conducted on a cohort of 50 glioma patients eligible for awake craniotomies. The proposed protocol assesses multiple cognitive domains, including language, short-term verbal and visual memories, working memory, praxis, executive functions, and calculation ability. The protocol comprises ten different subtests, with a maximum score of 50 points and was applied at three time points: preoperative, immediate postoperative period and 30 days after surgery.
Results: Among the initial 50 patients enrolled, 36 underwent assessment at all three designated time points. The mean age of patients was 45.3 years, with an average of 15 years of education. Predominant tumor types included Glioblastoma, IDH-wt (44.1%), and diffuse astrocytoma, IDH-mutant (41.2%). Tumors were mainly located in the left temporal lobe (27.8%), followed by the left frontal lobe (25%). The full test had an average completion time of 23 minutes. Findings revealed a moderate correlation (r=0.6) and statistical significance (p=0.02) between the OMFTCT protocol and the BNT short version, with the proposed protocol also detecting additional deficits in visual memory.
Conclusion: OMFTCT provided preoperative and postoperative assessment of different cognitive domains, enabling precise planning of intraoperative cognitive testing. Additionally, immediate diagnosis of neurocognitive deficits played a crucial role in optimizing patient care.
Computing a Sparse Approximate Inverse on Quantum Annealing Machines
Authors: Suresh Sanjay , Suresh Krishnan
Published: October 2023

Many engineering problems involve solving large linear systems of equations. Conjugate gradient (CG) is one of the most popular iterative methods for solving such systems. However, CG typically requires a good preconditioner to speed up convergence. One such preconditioner is the sparse approximate inverse (SPAI).
In this paper, we explore the computation of an SPAI on quantum annealing machines by solving a series of quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) problems. Numerical experiments are conducted using both well-conditioned and poorly-conditioned linear systems arising from a 2D finite difference formulation of the Poisson problem.
Single nuclei chromatin accessibility and transcriptomic map of breast tissues of women of diverse genetic ancestry
Authors: Nakshatri Harikrishna , Bhat-Nakshatri Poornima , Gao Hongyu , Khatpe Aditi , McGuire Patrick , Erdogan Cihat , Chen Duojiao , Jiang Guanglong , New Felicia , German Rana , Storniolo Anna Maria , Liu Yunlong
Published: October 2023

Single nuclei analysis is allowing robust classification of cell types in an organ that helps to establish relationships between cell-type specific gene expression and chromatin accessibility status of gene regulatory regions. Using breast tissues of 92 healthy donors of various genetic ancestry, we have developed a comprehensive chromatin accessibility and gene expression atlas of human breast tissues. Integrated analysis revealed 10 distinct cell types in the healthy breast, which included three major epithelial cell subtypes (luminal hormone sensing, luminal adaptive secretory precursor, and basal-myoepithelial cells), two endothelial subtypes, two adipocyte subtypes, fibroblasts, T-cells, and macrophages. By integrating gene expression signatures derived from epithelial cell subtypes with spatial transcriptomics, we identify specific gene expression differences between lobular and ductal epithelial cells and age-associated changes in epithelial cell gene expression patterns and signaling networks. Among various cell types, luminal adaptive secretory cells and fibroblasts showed genetic ancestry dependent variability. A subpopulation of luminal adaptive secretory cells with alveolar progenitor (AP) cell state were enriched in Indigenous American (IA) ancestry and fibroblast populations were distinct in African ancestry. ESR1 expression pattern was distinctly different in cells from IA compared to the rest, with a high level of ESR1 expression extending to AP cells and crosstalk between growth factors and Estrogen Receptor signaling being evident in these AP cells. In general, cell subtype-specific gene expression did not uniformly correlate with cell-specific chromatin accessibility, suggesting that transcriptional regulation independent of chromatin accessibility governs cell type-specific gene expression in the breast.
Monitoring memory B cells by next generation ImmunoSpot® provides insights into humoral immunity that measurements of circulating antibodies do not reveal
Authors: Lehmann Paul V. , Liu Zhigang , Becza Noémi , Valente Alexis V. , Wang Junbo , Kirchenbaum Greg A.
Published: October 2023

Memory B cells (Bmem) provide the second wall of adaptive humoral host defense upon specific antigen rechallenge when the first wall, consisting of pre-formed antibodies originating from a preceding antibody response, fails. This is the case, as recently experienced with SARS-CoV-2 infections and previously with seasonal influenza, when levels of neutralizing antibodies decline or when variant viruses arise that evade such. While in these instances reinfection can occur, in both scenarios, the rapid engagement of preexisting Bmem into the recall response can still confer immune protection. Bmem are known to play a critical role in host defense, yet their assessment has not become part of the standard immune monitoring repertoire. Here we describe a new generation of B cell ELISPOT/FluoroSpot (collectively ImmunoSpot®) approaches suited to dissect, at single-cell resolution, the Bmem repertoire ex vivo, revealing its immunoglobulin class/subclass utilization, and its affinity distribution for the original, and for variant viruses/antigens. Because such comprehensive B cell ImmunoSpot® tests can be performed with minimal cell material, are scalable, and robust, they promise to be well-suited for routine immune monitoring.
Validating Rural Women's Intentions and Behaviors to Participate in Two- Cancer Screening Using Extended Protection Motivation Theory in an Area of Mongolian Agglomeration
Authors: Huang Ya-Ting , Huang Xue-feng , Li Ying-Ying , Wang Rong-Rong , Wang Xiao-xue , Guan Chong-Yuan , Wu Yu-Qing , Xi Yu , Hao Jing-han , huang Zu-dong , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: October 2023

Background
Local rural women in Inner Mongolia are deeply influenced by the Mongolian ethnic culture. Compared with other regions, rural women in areas where the Mongolian ethnic group is concentrated have a weaker awareness of participating in screening for the two cancers. The study investigated the factors influencing rural women's intentions and behaviors to participate in two-cancer screening in Mongolian agglomerations and verified the feasibility of extending the theoretical hypothesis model of protection motivation.
Methods
A cross-sectional study consisting of 1015 rural women was conducted from January to April 2023 in Wulashan Town, Ulatqian Banner, Bayannur City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. This study intends to use descriptive statistics to count demographic characteristics and test the hypothesized relationships among variables in the Extended Protection Theory Model (E-PMT) by Boots tracts. Designing a NIMHD Multilevel Approach to Measuring and Addressing Differences in Two-Cancer Screening to Effectively Reduce Screening Disparities and Improve Health Equity.
Results
Technical service support, perceived risk, response efficacy, response cost, and self-efficacy directly affect behavioral intentions; financial support, social support, and fear arousal directly affect behaviors; and environmental improvements both directly affect behavioral intentions and have a direct effect on behaviors. Policy support, screening knowledge, and health education indirectly affect behavioral intentions through self-efficacy; screening knowledge indirectly affects behavioral intentions through response costs; and health education indirectly affects behavioral intentions through perceived risk. The extended model data were well fitted: SRMR = 0.079; NFI = 0.703; RMS theta = 0.110.
Conclusion
The Extended Theoretical Model of Protective Motivation (E-TPB) is a sound theoretical basis for predicting the intentions and behaviors of rural women in Mongolian agglomerations to participate in two-cancer screening, and the results of the study effectively reduced disparities in two-cancer screening among rural women in Mongolian agglomerations and promoted health equity.
Probiotic-enriched oily suspension in modulating skin microbiome and treating seborrheic dermatitis
Authors: Domenico Enea Gino Di , Truglio Mauro , Sivori Francesca , Cavallo Ilaria , Abril Elva , Licursi Valerio , Fabrizio Giorgia , Cardinali Giorgia , Pignatti Marco , Toma Luigi , Valensise Floriana , Cristaudo Antonio , Pimpinelli Fulvia
Published: October 2023

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) affects 2-5% of the global population, with imbalances in the skin microbiome implicated in its development. This study assessed the impact of an oily suspension containing Lactobacillus crispatus P17631 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei I1688 (termed EUTOPLAC) on SD symptoms and skin microbiome modulation.
25 SD patients were treated with EUTOPLAC for a week. Symptom severity and skin microbiome changes were measured at the start of the treatment (T0), after seven days (T8), and three weeks post-treatment (T28). Results indicated symptom improvement post-EUTOPLAC, with notable reductions in the Malassezia genus. Concurrently, bacterial shifts were observed, including a decrease in Staphylococcus and an increase in Lactobacillus and Lacticaseibacillus. Network analysis highlighted post-EUTOPLAC instability in fungal and bacterial interactions, with increased negative correlations between Malassezia and Lactobacillus and Lacticaseibacillus genera.
The study suggests EUTOPLAC's potential as a targeted SD treatment, reducing symptoms and modulating the microbiome composition.
Land potential assessment and trend-analysis using 2000–2021 FAPAR monthly time-series at 250 m spatial resolution
Authors: Hackländer Julia , Parente Leandro , Ho Yu-Feng , Hengl Tomislav , Simoes Rolf , Consoli Davide , Şahin Murat , Tian Xuemeng , Jung Martin , Herold Martin , Duveiller Grégory , Weynants Mélanie , Wheeler Ichsani
Published: October 2023

The paper presents results of using remote sensing time series and machine learning to map and assess land potential based on time-series of potential Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FAPAR) composites. Monthly aggregated FAPAR time series of three percentiles (0.05, 0.50 and 0.95 probability) at 250 m spatial resolution were derived from the 8–day GLASS FAPAR V6 product for 2000–2021 and used to determine long–term trends in FAPAR, as well as to model potential FAPAR in the absence of human pressure. CCa 3 million training points sampled from 12,500 locations across the globe were overlaid with 68 bio–physical variables representing climate, terrain, land form, and vegetation cover, as well as several variables related to human pressure including: population count, cropland intensity, nightlights and a human footprint index. The training points were used in an ensemble machine learning model that stacks three base learners (Extremely Randomized Trees, Gradient Descended Trees and Artificial Neural Network) using a linear regressor as meta-learner. The potential FAPAR was then projected by removing the impact of urbanization and intensive agriculture in the covariate layers. The results of strict cross-validation show that the global distribution of FAPAR can be explained with an R2 of 0.89, with the most important covariates being growing season length, forest cover indicator and annual precipitation. From this model, a global map of potential monthly FAPAR for the recent year (2021) was produced, and used to predict gaps in actual vs. potential FAPAR. The produced global maps of actual vs potential FAPAR and long–term trends were each spatially matched with stable and transitional land cover classes. The assessment showed large negative FAPAR gaps (actual lower than potential) for classes urban, needle-leave deciduous trees, and flooded shrub or herbaceous cover, while strong negative FAPAR trends were found for classes urban, sparse vegetation and rainfed cropland. On the other hand, classes irrigated or post-flooded cropland, tree cover mixed leaf type, and broad-leave deciduous showed largely positive trends. The framework allows land managers to assess potential land degradation from two aspects: as an actual declining trend in observed FAPAR and as a difference between actual and potential vegetation FAPAR.
Analysing Determinants of Household Broiler Chicken Meat Purchases amidst Misinformation: A Tobit Study
Authors: KATHIRAVAN G.
Published: October 2023

The Indian poultry sector significantly boosts GDP. It's grown at 8–10% annually, reaching $22.97 billion in 2022, expected to hit $41.94 billion (10.18% CAGR) from 2023 to 2028. Social media misinformation adversely affected the broiler sector, lowering prices and consumption. Using the Tobit Model, this study analysed Indian households' broiler chicken purchases during misinformation. Data on demographics, socioeconomics, and monthly consumption of chicken meat was collected from 503 respondents and analysed. Men often made more purchases than women. Unexpectedly, households with better incomes and more education purchased less broiler meat. Marital status, place of residence, cohabitation, and presence of children did not significantly affect the outcome. Muslim families purchased more broiler chicken meat, and larger households consumed more. Consumption frequency was important, with daily and alternate-day customers making larger purchases. Purchases of broiler meat were negatively impacted by the consumption of country chicken. Furthermore, despite the prevalent misinformation, a resounding majority of respondents (97.20%) persisted in their broiler chicken meat purchases, possibly indicative of the efficacy of media coverage efforts by the government, poultry producers, and health authorities. The Indian poultry industry is vital for food security and economic growth, making it imperative to address social media-induced panic. Transparency, trust, and accurate information transmission are essential. In order to effectively handle market challenges, stakeholders need to take into account factors like demography and dietary preferences that impact consumer behaviour.
A customizable multiplex protein microarray for antibody testing and its application for tickborne and other infectious diseases
Authors: Krishnamurthy Hari , Jayaraman Vasanth , Krishna Karthik , Wang Tianhao , Bei Kang , Suresh Chithra , Matilda Shiny , Rai Alex , Welc-Falęciak Renata , Pawełczyk Agnieszka , Blanton Lucas , Chrdle  Aleš , Fořtová Andrea , Růžek Daniel , Nasrallah Gheyath , Abu-Raddadi Laith , Al-Sadeq Duaa , Abdallah Marah , Lilleri Daniele , Fornara Chiara , D'Angelo Piera , Furione Milena , Söderlund-Venerm Maria , Hedman Klaus , Chochlakis Dimosthenis , Psaroulaki Anna , Makridaki Eirini , Ntoula Artemis , Rajasekaran John
Published: October 2023

Tick-borne infections are the most common vector-borne diseases in the USA. Ticks harbor and spread several infections with Lyme disease being the most common tickborne infection in the US and Europe. Lack of awareness about tick populations, specific diagnostic tests, and overlapping symptoms of tick-borne infections can often lead to misdiagnosis affecting treatment and the prevalence data reported especially for non-Lyme tick-borne infections. The diagnostic tests currently available for tick-borne diseases are severely limited in their ability to provide accurate results and cannot detect multiple pathogens in a single run. The multiplex protein microarray developed at Vibrant was designed to detect multiple serological antibodies thereby detecting exposure to multiple pathogens simultaneously. Our microarray in its present form can accommodate 400 antigens and can multiplex across antigen types, whole cell sonicates, recombinant proteins, and peptides. A designed array containing multiple antigens of several microbes including Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease spirochete, was manufactured and evaluated. The immunoglobulin M (IgM) and G (IgG) responses against several tick-borne microbes and other infectious agents were analyzed for analytical and clinical performance. The microarray improved IgM and IgG sensitivities and specificities of individual microbes when compared with the respective gold standards. The testing was also performed in a single run in comparison to multiple runs needed for comparable testing standards. In summary, our study presents a flexible multiplex microarray platform that can provide quick results with high sensitivity and specificity for evaluating exposure to varied infectious agents especially tick-borne infections.
Direct TAMRA-dUTP labeling of M. tuberculosis genes using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)
Authors: Altattan Basma , Ullrich Jasmin , Mattig Emily , Poppe Aline , Martins Renata , Bier Frank
Published: October 2023

Fluorescent molecule-based direct labeling of amplified DNA is a sensitive method employed across diverse DNA detection and diagnostics systems. However, using pre-labeled primers only allows for the attachment of a single fluorophore to each DNA strand and any modifications of the system are less flexible, requiring new sets of primers. As an alternative, direct labeling of amplified products with modified nucleotides is available, but still poorly characterized. To address these limitations, we sought a direct and adaptable approach to label amplicons produced through Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), using labeled nucleotides (dUTPs) rather than primers. The focus of this study was the development and examination of a labeling technique to amplify and detect multidrug M. tuberculosis resistance genes, quickly and sensitively. We used 5-(3-Aminoallyl)-2'-deoxyuridine-5'triphosphate, tagged with 5/6-TAMRA (TAMRA-dUTP) for labeling LAMP amplicons during the amplification process and characterized amplification and incorporation efficiency. The optimal TAMRA-dUTP concentration was first determined based on amplification efficiency (0.5% to total dNTPs). Higher concentrations of modified nucleotides reduced or completely inhibited the amplification yield. Target size also showed to be determinant to the success of amplification, as longer sequences showed lower amplification rates, thus less TAMRA incorporated amplicons. Finally, we were able to successfully amplify all four M. tuberculosis target genes using LAMP and TAMRA-modified dUTPs.
Boosting Drought Resistance in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) with the Aid of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Key Phytohormones
Authors: Akhoundnejad Yelderem , Baran Seyhmus
Published: October 2023

Drought is a primary abiotic stressor that markedly impairs pepper growth and quality. This study aimed to investigate the effects of foliar applications of phytohormones, including salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and root application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), on severe and moderate drought stress of 38-day-old ‘Anemon F1’ pepper plants. The results showed that drought stress led to a considerable decrease in plant growth parameters, nutrient uptake, leaf water content, and chlorophyll content, and it increased leaf temperature, phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Nevertheless, the combined application of AMF with SA and JA demonstrated substantial synergistic effects, resulting in a notable improvement in the ability to alleviate the detrimental impacts of drought stress. Furthermore, the combined application of AMF and phytohormones exhibited a stronger effect on drought stress compared with the individual application of AMF or phytohormones alone. The application of AMF+SA and AMF+JA not only improves the availability of essential nutrients but also leads to an increase in fresh shoot weight, relative water content, leaf area, and chlorophyll and antioxidant capacity. Consequently, the combined application of SA and JA with mycorrhiza emerged as a promising treatment for enhancing pepper growth under drought-stress conditions. The positive results observed in pepper cultivation through the combined use of phytohormones and mycorrhizae in regions with limited water availability emphasize the importance of investigating the effectiveness of similar approaches in other agricultural crops.
Culture as a “melting pot” of history: The value profile of a new civilization
Authors:   Belarussian State University, Danilov Alexander N.
Published: October 2023

The article examines the phenomenon of culture as a “melting pot” of history, where the value profile of a new civilization is formed. Global crises are growing, and it is not clear how to cope with them, where are the roots of these crises, how to define them. When it is not clear how to cope with crises, where their roots are, it is very important in the context of growing global instability to identify scenarios that lead to catastrophic consequences, so as not to fall into these traps, or at least to see them. The answer to the new challenges of the time will undoubtedly be found. It is already building up in culture, absorbing the experience of centuries, traditions and dominant values. Generating new meanings, culture is able to select the modern future from previous experience, to determine its main tendencies and ways of development. The main function of culture is to preserve in memory what confirms the ideal image of the people. A story can continually return to the same plot in search of acceptable answers for each generation. Language as a code and a mechanism for cognizing reality here is considered an important sign of cultural identity. Building a new ideal of civilizational development is fixed through the disclosure of a complex developing value system. In such a situation, culture is increasingly associated with the environment for the preservation and possible transmission of the spiritual civilizational heritage. Now it is impossible to say what the new system of values will be in the new civilization, it is just emerging.
“Typological thinking” and neoplatonism in the 20th century biology
Authors:   Kassel University, Levit Georgy S. , Hossfeld Uwe ,   Friedrich-Schiller University, Lvov Alexander A. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: October 2023

The modern synthesis was born in the vehement discussions between English-, German- and Russian-speaking scientists — biologists and philosophers of science, and therefore these disputes were by default not only theoretical, but also concerned worldviews. Thus, E. Mayr named several reasons why German biologists were opposed to the Modern synthesis: they boil down to the commitment of German natural scientists to idealistic morphology, equated with typology and essentialism. He believed that the conflict between “population” (founded by Darwin) and “typological” (developed by Goethe) thinking seemed to be the cornerstone of the entire history of Western philosophy and natural science, and he defined essentialism, which he considered to form the basis for “typological thinking”, as a special ideology akin to Plato’s doctrine. Consequently, “typological thinking” reflects the fundamental ”dealistic” understanding of nature itself, which is quite typical for German-speaking researchers (not only biologists, but also some physicists) due to the special tradition of natural philosophy in Germany. That is why the refutation of essentialism in the history of science and philosophy of the twentieth century reflected the methodological opposition of the champions of intuitive knowledge and consistent empirical research. Neo-Platonism, reinforced by Goethe’s creative method, made it possible to look differently at the principles of the formation of scientific knowledge, the canonical analysis of which was presented by I. Kant, and the Neoplatonic trends that influenced “typological thinking” (as Mayr understood it) opposed positivist-oriented Darwinism. However, the breeding ground of the idealist morphologists was essentially the soil of purely speculative natural philosophy, which was losing ground under the pressure of more and more substantiated empirical data. Hence, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the case form the history of German-speaking biology of the last century, which the paper discusses, was fully reflected one of the fundamental problems in the history of philosophy, namely: the opposition of intuitive, or creative and discursive, or natural epistemologies.
Digital vigilantism: Performance versus reality?
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Kulakova Tatyana A. , Volkova Anna V. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: October 2023

The article continues the series of publications by the research team devoted to the introduction of the “digital vigilantism” concept into Russian academic discourse. The authors examine the subjects and actors of public governance in the digital world, sovereignty of the vigilante movement, organizational structures of groups, social practices, values, aesthetics and stylistics of actions, mythology and discourse of online vigilante communities. The interdisciplinary character of this research is manifested in the fact that not only issues of public politics and social philosophy, but also culture studies, ethics, sociolinguistics and aesthetics are taken into consideration. As revealed by the authors of the study, the nature of digital Russian vigilantism as a notable civil society phenomenon is ambivalent. On the one hand, it can be viewed as a response to the limited management abilities of public institutions in a changed communication environment, compensating their inability to work with civil society, yet on the other hand, such activist groups can also demonstrate deviant behavior online and even claim to exercise violence, challenging the state monopoly. The purpose of the research team was identifying the ability of vigilante groups to shape and articulate public values, form public strategies to defend the interests of civil society, and influence other civil society institutions by imposing their worldview on them. An analysis of the institutionalized vigilante groups “StopHam”, “Lev Protiv”, “Hrjuschi Protiv” and “AntiDealer”, “Sober Yards” and “Sorok sorokov” was carried out for this purpose. The authors point out the non-political nature of the movements, whose activities focus on social spheres of high importance to the general public, but conclude that the formation of a digital environment of trust and cooperation is threatened by aggressive online initiatives and the non-civic nature of digital activism.
Heraclitus, fr. 94 Mch. (22 B 119 DK), and some aspects of ancient demonology
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Melnikov Sergey A.
Published: October 2023

The work is devoted to the analysis of one of the most important, despite the brevity, fragments of Heraclitus of Ephesus (fr. 94 Mch. = 22 B 119 DK). Particular attention is paid to the consideration of the historical and conceptual meanings of the term daimôn. The article traces the relationship of the philosophical teachings of Socrates and Heraclitus in the light of their extraordinary identification of the spheres of ethical issues and a specially interpreted demonology. In particular, it is noted that in the fate and thinking of both Heraclitus and Socrates, one can consistently observe the clash of popular religion and generally accepted ethics with a new experience of an inner inalienable life, conditioned by the requirements of self-knowledge, personal morality and personal responsibility. It is suggested that the meaning of the ethical statement of Heraclitus, with some reservations, corresponds to a number of the most significant provisions of the so-called “New ethics”, in the style of the teachings of E. Neumann. To fill in the missing or unobvious links in the chain of Heraclitean reasoning about human morals, this work for the first time uses a text that has not previously attracted the attention of specialists, namely: Cornelii Nepotis Vita Attici, 11, 6 & 19, 1.