bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synaptic and dendritic architecture of different types of hippocampal somatostatin interneurons
Authors: Takács Virág , Bardóczi Zsuzsanna , Orosz Áron , Major Abel , Tar Luca , Berki Péter , Papp Péter , Mayer Márton I. , Sebők Hunor , Zsolt Luca , Sos Katalin E. , Káli Szabolcs , Freund Tamás F. , Nyiri Gábor
Published: March 2024

GABAergic inhibitory neurons fundamentally shape the activity and plasticity of cortical circuits. A major subset of these neurons contains somatostatin (SOM); these cells play crucial roles in neuroplasticity, learning, and memory in many brain areas including the hippocampus, and are implicated in several neuropsychiatric diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Two main types of SOM-containing cells in area CA1 of the hippocampus are oriens-lacunosum-moleculare (OLM) cells and hippocampo-septal (HS) cells. These cell types show many similarities in their soma-dendritic architecture, but they have different axonal targets, display different activity patterns in vivo, and are thought to have distinct network functions. However, a complete understanding of the functional roles of these interneurons requires a precise description of their intrinsic computational properties and their synaptic interactions. In the current study we generated, analyzed, and make available several key data sets that enable a quantitative comparison of various anatomical and physiological properties of OLM and HS cells in mouse. The data set includes detailed scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-based 3D reconstructions of OLM and HS cells along with their excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs. Combining this core data set with other anatomical data, patch-clamp electrophysiology, and compartmental modeling, we examined the precise morphological structure, inputs, outputs, and basic physiological properties of these cells. Our results highlight key differences between OLM and HS cells, particularly regarding the density and distribution of their synaptic inputs and mitochondria. For example, we estimated that an OLM cell receives about 8,400, whereas an HS cell about 15,600 synaptic inputs, about 16% of which are GABAergic. Our data and models provide insight into the possible basis of the different functionality of OLM and HS cell types and supply essential information for more detailed functional models of these neurons and the hippocampal network.
Proteasome inhibition triggers tissue-specific immune responses against different pathogens in C. elegans
Authors: Grover Manish , Gang Spencer S. , Troemel Emily R. , Barkoulas Michalis
Published: March 2024

Protein quality control pathways play important roles in resistance against pathogen infection. For example, the conserved transcription factor SKN-1/NRF up-regulates proteostasis capacity after blockade of the proteasome and also promotes resistance against bacterial infection in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. SKN-1/NRF has 3 isoforms, and the SKN-1A/NRF1 isoform, in particular, regulates proteasomal gene expression upon proteasome dysfunction as part of a conserved bounce-back response. We report here that, in contrast to the previously reported role of SKN-1 in promoting resistance against bacterial infection, loss-of-function mutants in skn-1a and its activating enzymes ddi-1 and png-1 show constitutive expression of immune response programs against natural eukaryotic pathogens of C. elegans. These programs are the oomycete recognition response (ORR), which promotes resistance against oomycetes that infect through the epidermis, and the intracellular pathogen response (IPR), which promotes resistance against intestine-infecting microsporidia. Consequently, skn-1a mutants show increased resistance to both oomycete and microsporidia infections. We also report that almost all ORR/IPR genes induced in common between these programs are regulated by the proteasome and interestingly, specific ORR/IPR genes can be induced in distinct tissues depending on the exact trigger. Furthermore, we show that increasing proteasome function significantly reduces oomycete-mediated induction of multiple ORR markers. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that proteasome regulation keeps innate immune responses in check in a tissue-specific manner against natural eukaryotic pathogens of the C. elegans epidermis and intestine.
An ancient bacterial zinc acquisition system identified from a cyanobacterial exoproteome
Authors: Sarasa-Buisan Cristina , Ochoa de Alda Jesús A. G. , Velázquez-Suárez Cristina , Rubio Miguel Ángel , Gómez-Baena Guadalupe , Fillat María F. , Luque Ignacio
Published: March 2024

Bacteria have developed fine-tuned responses to cope with potential zinc limitation. The Zur protein is a key player in coordinating this response in most species. Comparative proteomics conducted on the cyanobacterium Anabaena highlighted the more abundant proteins in a zur mutant compared to the wild type. Experimental evidence showed that the exoprotein ZepA mediates zinc uptake. Genomic context of the zepA gene and protein structure prediction provided additional insights on the regulation and putative function of ZepA homologs. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that ZepA represents a primordial system for zinc acquisition that has been conserved for billions of years in a handful of species from distant bacterial lineages. Furthermore, these results show that Zur may have been one of the first regulators of the FUR family to evolve, consistent with the scarcity of zinc in the ecosystems of the Archean eon.
Noncanonical and reversible cysteine ubiquitination prevents the overubiquitination of PEX5 at the peroxisomal membrane
Authors: Francisco Tânia , Pedrosa Ana G. , Rodrigues Tony A. , Abalkhail Tarad , Li Hongli , Ferreira Maria J. , van der Heden van Noort Gerbrand J. , Fransen Marc , Hettema Ewald H. , Azevedo Jorge E.
Published: March 2024

PEX5, the peroxisomal protein shuttling receptor, binds newly synthesized proteins in the cytosol and transports them to the organelle. During its stay at the peroxisomal protein translocon, PEX5 is monoubiquitinated at its cysteine 11 residue, a mandatory modification for its subsequent ATP-dependent extraction back into the cytosol. The reason why a cysteine and not a lysine residue is the ubiquitin acceptor is unknown. Using an established rat liver-based cell-free in vitro system, we found that, in contrast to wild-type PEX5, a PEX5 protein possessing a lysine at position 11 is polyubiquitinated at the peroxisomal membrane, a modification that negatively interferes with the extraction process. Wild-type PEX5 cannot retain a polyubiquitin chain because ubiquitination at cysteine 11 is a reversible reaction, with the E2-mediated deubiquitination step presenting faster kinetics than PEX5 polyubiquitination. We propose that the reversible nonconventional ubiquitination of PEX5 ensures that neither the peroxisomal protein translocon becomes obstructed with polyubiquitinated PEX5 nor is PEX5 targeted for proteasomal degradation.
One Health approach for Brucella canis: Serological and molecular detection in animal-hoarding individuals and their dogs
Authors: Schiavo Letícia , Ribeiro Matheus Lopes , de Almeida Meila Bastos , da Cunha Graziela Ribeiro , Espírito Santo Giselle Almeida Nocera , Morikawa Vivien Midori , Vicente Acácia Ferreira , Ponsart Claire , de Santi Carlos Eduardo , Kmetiuk Louise Bach , Megid Jane , Biondo Alexander Welker
Published: March 2024

Animal hoarding disorder (AHD) is classified as a psychiatric obsessive-compulsive condition characterized by animal accumulation and often accompanied by unsanitary conditions and animal cruelty. Although AHD may increase pathogen transmission and spread, particularly for zoonotic diseases, human and dog exposure in such cases has yet to be fully established. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess Brucella canis in 19 individuals with AHD (11 households) and their 264 dogs (21 households) in Curitiba, the eighth largest city in Brazil, with approximately 1.8 million habitants. Anti-B. canis antibodies were detected by the 2-mercaptoethanol microplate agglutination test (2ME-MAT) and by a commercial lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), while molecular detection of previously positive seropositive samples was performed by conventional PCR. Although all the human samples were 2ME-MAT negative, 12/264 (4.5%, 95% Confidence Interval: 2.0–7.0%) dog samples were 2ME-MAT and LFIA positive, with 2ME-MAT titers ranging from 20 to 640. At least one dog in 4/21 (19.0%, 95% CI: 2.0–46.0%) households was seropositive. Despite the absence of seropositivity in individuals with AHD and the comparatively low seroprevalence in dogs, B. canis circulation and outbreaks should be considered in such human populations due to the high burden and recurrent character of B. canis exposure in high-density dog populations and the constant introduction of susceptible animals.
A location discrete choice model of crime: Police elasticity and optimal deployment
Authors: Newball-Ramírez Douglas , Riascos Villegas Álvaro J. , Hoyos Andrés , Dulce Rubio Mateo
Published: March 2024

Despite the common belief that police presence reduces crime, there is mixed evidence of such causal effects in major Latin America cities. In this work we identify the casual relationship between police presence and criminal events by using a large dataset of a randomized controlled police intervention in Bogotá D.C., Colombia. We use an Instrumental Variables approach to identify the causal effect of interest. Then we consistently estimate a Conditional Logit discrete choice model with aggregate data that allow us to identify agents’ utilities for crime location using Two Stage Least Squares. The estimated parameters allow us to compute the police own and cross-elasticities of crime for each of the spatial locations and to evaluate different police patrolling strategies. The elasticity of crime to police presence is, on average across spatial locations, −0.26 for violent crime, −0.38 for property crime and −0.38 for total crime, all statistically significant. Estimates of cross-elasticities are close to zero; however, spillover effects are non-negligible. Counterfactual analysis of different police deployment strategies show, for an optimal allocating algorithm, an average reduction in violent crime of 7.09%, a reduction in property crimes of 8.48% and a reduction in total crimes of 5.15% at no additional cost. These results show the potential efficiency gains of using the model to deploy police resources in the city without increasing the total police time required.
Overweight in childhood and consumer purchases in a Danish cohort
Authors: Sørensen Kathrine Kold , Andersen Mikkel Porsborg , Møller Frederik Trier , Wiingreen Rikke , Broccia Marcella , Fosbøl Emil L. , Zareini Bochra , Gerds Thomas Alexander , Torp-Pedersen Christian
Published: March 2024

Background

Prevention and management of childhood overweight involves the entire family. We aimed to investigate purchase patterns in households with at least one member with overweight in childhood by describing expenditure on different food groups.

Methods

This Danish register-based cohort study included households where at least one member donated receipts concerning consumers purchases in 2019–2021 and at least one member had their Body mass index (BMI) measured in childhood within ten years prior to first purchase. A probability index model was used to evaluate differences in proportion expenditure spent on specific food groups.

Results

We identified 737 households that included a member who had a BMI measurement in childhood, 220 with overweight and 517 with underweight or normal weight (reference households). Adjusting for education, income, family type, and urbanization, households with a member who had a BMI classified as overweight in childhood had statistically significant higher probability of spending a larger proportion of expenditure on ready meals 56.29% (95% CI: 51.70;60.78) and sugary drinks 55.98% (95% CI: 51.63;60.23). Conversely, they had a statistically significant lower probability of spending a larger proportion expenditure on vegetables 38.44% (95% CI: 34.09;42.99), compared to the reference households.

Conclusion

Households with a member with BMI classified as overweight in childhood spent more on unhealthy foods and less on vegetables, compared to the reference households. This study highlights the need for household/family-oriented nutrition education and intervention.
SARS-CoV2 evokes structural brain changes resulting in declined executive function
Authors: Deuter Daniel , Hense Katharina , Kunkel Kevin , Vollmayr Johanna , Schachinger Sebastian , Wendl Christina , Schicho Andreas , Fellner Claudia , Salzberger Bernd , Hitzenbichler Florian , Zeller Judith , Vielsmeier Veronika , Dodoo-Schittko Frank , Schmidt Nils Ole , Rosengarth Katharina
Published: March 2024

Background

Several research has underlined the multi-system character of COVID-19. Though effects on the Central Nervous System are mainly discussed as disease-specific affections due to the virus’ neurotropism, no comprehensive disease model of COVID-19 exists on a neurofunctional base by now. We aimed to investigate neuroplastic grey- and white matter changes related to COVID-19 and to link these changes to neurocognitive testings leading towards a multi-dimensional disease model.

Methods

Groups of acutely ill COVID-19 patients (n = 16), recovered COVID-19 patients (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 13) were prospectively included into this study. MR-imaging included T1-weighted sequences for analysis of grey matter using voxel-based morphometry and diffusion-weighted sequences to investigate white matter tracts using probabilistic tractography. Comprehensive neurocognitive testing for verbal and non-verbal domains was performed.

Results

Alterations strongly focused on grey matter of the frontal—basal ganglia—thalamus network and temporal areas, as well as fiber tracts connecting these areas. In acute COVID-19 patients, a decline of grey matter volume was found with an accompanying diminution of white matter tracts. A decline in executive function and especially verbal fluency was found in acute patients, partially persisting in recovered.

Conclusion

Changes in gray matter volume and white matter tracts included mainly areas involved in networks of executive control and language. Deeper understanding of these alterations is necessary especially with respect to long-term impairments, often referred to as ‘Post-COVID’.
A mathematical model to assess the effectiveness of test-trace-isolate-and-quarantine under limited capacities
Authors: Heidecke Julian , Fuhrmann Jan , Barbarossa Maria Vittoria
Published: March 2024

Diagnostic testing followed by isolation of identified cases with subsequent tracing and quarantine of close contacts—often referred to as test-trace-isolate-and-quarantine (TTIQ) strategy—is one of the cornerstone measures of infectious disease control. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that an appropriate response to outbreaks of infectious diseases requires a firm understanding of the effectiveness of such containment strategies. To this end, mathematical models provide a promising tool. In this work, we present a delay differential equation model of TTIQ interventions for infectious disease control. Our model incorporates the assumption of limited TTIQ capacities, providing insights into the reduced effectiveness of testing and tracing in high prevalence scenarios. In addition, we account for potential transmission during the early phase of an infection, including presymptomatic transmission, which may be particularly adverse to a TTIQ based control. Our numerical experiments inspired by the early spread of COVID-19 in Germany demonstrate the effectiveness of TTIQ in a scenario where immunity within the population is low and pharmaceutical interventions are absent, which is representative of a typical situation during the (re-)emergence of infectious diseases for which therapeutic drugs or vaccines are not yet available. Stability and sensitivity analyses reveal both disease-dependent and disease-independent factors that impede or enhance the success of TTIQ. Studying the diminishing impact of TTIQ along simulations of an epidemic wave, we highlight consequences for intervention strategies.
Framework-based qualitative analysis of free responses of Large Language Models: Algorithmic fidelity
Authors: Amirova Aliya , Fteropoulli Theodora , Ahmed Nafiso , Cowie Martin R. , Leibo Joel Z.
Published: March 2024

Today, with the advent of Large-scale generative Language Models (LLMs) it is now possible to simulate free responses to interview questions such as those traditionally analyzed using qualitative research methods. Qualitative methodology encompasses a broad family of techniques involving manual analysis of open-ended interviews or conversations conducted freely in natural language. Here we consider whether artificial “silicon participants” generated by LLMs may be productively studied using qualitative analysis methods in such a way as to generate insights that could generalize to real human populations. The key concept in our analysis is algorithmic fidelity, a validity concept capturing the degree to which LLM-generated outputs mirror human sub-populations’ beliefs and attitudes. By definition, high algorithmic fidelity suggests that latent beliefs elicited from LLMs may generalize to real humans, whereas low algorithmic fidelity renders such research invalid. Here we used an LLM to generate interviews with “silicon participants” matching specific demographic characteristics one-for-one with a set of human participants. Using framework-based qualitative analysis, we showed the key themes obtained from both human and silicon participants were strikingly similar. However, when we analyzed the structure and tone of the interviews we found even more striking differences. We also found evidence of a hyper-accuracy distortion. We conclude that the LLM we tested (GPT-3.5) does not have sufficient algorithmic fidelity to expect in silico research on it to generalize to real human populations. However, rapid advances in artificial intelligence raise the possibility that algorithmic fidelity may improve in the future. Thus we stress the need to establish epistemic norms now around how to assess the validity of LLM-based qualitative research, especially concerning the need to ensure the representation of heterogeneous lived experiences.
Environmental factors influence cross-talk between a heat shock protein and an oxidative stress protein modification in the lizard Gallotia galloti
Authors: Gilbert Edward , Žagar Anamarija , López-Darias Marta , Megía-Palma Rodrigo , Lister Karen A. , Jones Max Dolton , Carretero Miguel A. , Serén Nina , Beltran-Alvarez Pedro , Valero Katharina C. Wollenberg
Published: March 2024

Better understanding how organisms respond to their abiotic environment, especially at the biochemical level, is critical in predicting population trajectories under climate change. In this study, we measured constitutive stress biomarkers and protein post-translational modifications associated with oxidative stress in Gallotia galloti, an insular lizard species inhabiting highly heterogeneous environments on Tenerife. Tenerife is a small volcanic island in a relatively isolated archipelago off the West coast of Africa. We found that expression of GRP94, a molecular chaperone protein, and levels of protein carbonylation, a marker of cellular stress, change across different environments, depending on solar radiation-related variables and topology. Here, we report in a wild animal population, cross-talk between the baseline levels of the heat shock protein-like GRP94 and oxidative damage (protein carbonylation), which are influenced by a range of available temperatures, quantified through modelled operative temperature. This suggests a dynamic trade-off between cellular homeostasis and oxidative damage in lizards adapted to this thermally and topologically heterogeneous environment.
White matter microstructure in transmasculine and cisgender adolescents: A multiparametric and multivariate study
Authors: Thurston Lindsey T. , Skorska Malvina N. , Lobaugh Nancy J. , Zucker Kenneth J. , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Lai Meng-Chuan , Chavez Sofia , VanderLaan Doug P.
Published: March 2024

Adolescence is a sensitive developmental period for neural sex/gender differentiation. The present study used multiparametric mapping to better characterize adolescent white matter (WM) microstructure. WM microstructure was investigated using diffusion tensor indices (fractional anisotropy; mean, radial, and axial diffusivity [AD]) and quantitative T1 relaxometry (T1) in hormone therapy naïve adolescent cisgender girls, cisgender boys, and transgender boys (i.e., assigned female at birth and diagnosed with gender dysphoria). Diffusion indices were first analyzed for group differences using tract-based spatial statistics, which revealed a group difference in AD. Thus, two multiparametric and multivariate analyses assessed AD in conjunction with T1 relaxation time, and with respect to developmental proxy variables (i.e., age, serum estradiol, pubertal development, sexual attraction) thought to be relevant to adolescent brain development. The multivariate analyses showed a shared pattern between AD and T1 such that higher AD was associated with longer T1, and AD and T1 strongly related to all five developmental variables in cisgender boys (10 significant correlations, r range: 0.21–0.73). There were fewer significant correlations between the brain and developmental variables in cisgender girls (three correlations, r range: -0.54–0.54) and transgender boys (two correlations, r range: -0.59–0.77). Specifically, AD related to direction of sexual attraction (i.e., gynephilia, androphilia) in all groups, and T1 related to estradiol inversely in cisgender boys compared with transgender boys. These brain patterns may be indicative of less myelination and tissue density in cisgender boys, which corroborates other reports of protracted WM development in cisgender boys. Further, these findings highlight the importance of considering developmental trajectory when assessing the subtleties of neural structure associated with variations in sex, gender, and sexual attraction.
Constructed wetland as a green remediation technology for the treatment of wastewater from underground coal gasification process
Authors: Jałowiecki Łukasz , Strugała-Wilczek Aleksandra , Ponikiewska Katarzyna , Borgulat Jacek , Płaza Grażyna , Stańczyk Krzysztof
Published: March 2024

The wastewater from underground coal gasification (UCG) process has extremely complex composition and high concentrations of toxic and refractory compounds including phenolics, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, ammonia, cyanides, hazardous metals and metalloids. So, the development of biological processes for treating UCG wastewater poses a serious challenge in the sustainable coal industry. The aim of the study was to develop an innovative and efficient wetland construction technology suitable for a treatment of UCG wastewater using available and low-cost media. During the bioremediation process the toxicity of the raw wastewater decreased significantly between 74%—99%. The toxicity units (TU) ranged from values corresponding to very high acute toxic for raw wastewater to non-toxic for effluents from wetland columns after 60 days of the experiment. The toxicity results correlated with the decrease of some organic and inorganic compounds such as phenols, aromatic hydrocarbons, cyanides, metals and ammonia observed during the bioremediation process. The removal percentage of organic compounds like BTEX, PAHs and phenol was around 99% just after 14 days of treatment. A similar removal rate was indicated for cyanide and metals (Zn, Cr, Cd and Pb). Concluded, in order to effectively assess remediation technologies, it is desirable to consider combination of physicochemical parameters with ecotoxicity measurements. The present findings show that wetland remediation technology can be used to clean-up the heavily contaminated waters from the UCG process. Wetland technology as a nature-based solution has the potential to turn coal gasification wastewater into usable recycled water. It is economically and environmentally alternative treatment method.
KSHV vIL-6 promotes SIRT3-induced deacetylation of SERBP1 to inhibit ferroptosis and enhance cellular transformation by inducing lipoyltransferase 2 mRNA degradation
Authors: Zhou Jing , Wang Tianjiao , Zhang Haoran , Liu Jianhong , Wei Pengjun , Xu Ruoqi , Yan Qin , Chen Guochun , Li Wan , Gao Shou-Jiang , Lu Chun
Published: March 2024

Ferroptosis, a defensive strategy commonly employed by the host cells to restrict pathogenic infections, has been implicated in the development and therapeutic responses of various types of cancer. However, the role of ferroptosis in oncogenic Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-induced cancers remains elusive. While a growing number of non-histone proteins have been identified as acetylation targets, the functions of these modifications have yet to be revealed. Here, we show KSHV reprogramming of host acetylation proteomics following cellular transformation of rat primary mesenchymal precursor. Among them, SERPINE1 mRNA binding protein 1 (SERBP1) deacetylation is increased and required for KSHV-induced cellular transformation. Mechanistically, KSHV-encoded viral interleukin-6 (vIL-6) promotes SIRT3 deacetylation of SERBP1, preventing its binding to and protection of lipoyltransferase 2 (Lipt2) mRNA from mRNA degradation resulting in ferroptosis. Consequently, a SIRT3-specific inhibitor, 3-TYP, suppresses KSHV-induced cellular transformation by inducing ferroptosis. Our findings unveil novel roles of vIL-6 and SERBP1 deacetylation in regulating ferroptosis and KSHV-induced cellular transformation, and establish the vIL-6-SIRT3-SERBP1-ferroptosis pathways as a potential new therapeutic target for KSHV-associated cancers.
A Rare Case of Emphysematous Gastritis Secondary to Organo-Axial Gastric Volvulus Associated With Sarcina ventriculi
Authors: Rozenberg Jonathan , Mir Adil , Mönkemüller Klaus , Collier Bryan , Grider Douglas
Published: March 2024

Gastric volvulus is a potentially life-threatening condition that can compromise the blood supply to the stomach predisposing to ischemia, eventually necrosis and cell death associated with gas-forming bacteria. Sarcina ventriculi has been associated with emphysematous gastritis also. We report a case of emphysematous gastritis associated with S. ventriculi in the setting of organo-axial gastric volvulus.
Rumen Fermentation Profiles of Protein-Energy Synchronization Index-Based Ration: an In Vitro Study
Authors: Syamsi Afduha Nurus , Ifani Merryafinola
Published: March 2024

The study examined the effect of protein-energy synchronization (PES) index-based rations on the rumen fermentation profile. The material used was the Jawa Randu goat's rumen fluid, collected soon after the goat was slaughtered. The treatment ration consisted of elephant grass, lamtoro (Leucaena leucocephala), coconut meal, tofu waste, bran, cassava waste, and mineral mix arranged based on the PES index of each feed ingredient. The research was conducted in vitro using a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatment consisted of 4 PES indexes, namely 0.55 (R1); 0.6 (R2); 0.65 (R3); 0.7 (R4), and each had 5 replications. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and orthogonal polynomials (OP). The results of the ANOVA showed that the PES index did not affect the production of acetate (C2) and butyrate (C4) but had a highly significant effect on dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), pH, a total of volatile fatty acids (VFA), propionate (C3), C2:C3 ratio, methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), and microbial protein synthesis (MPS). The analysis of OP showed a quadratic effect on all variables with the equation Y= - 81.601X2 + 375.04X â€“ 310.78Â  (DMD), Y= -433.69X2 + 522.69X â€“ 128.75 (OMD), Y=-44X2 + 54.04X â€“ 9.9 (pH), Y= -2160X2 + 2576.8X â€“ 604.2 (VFA Total), Y= -481.8X2 + 585.01X â€“ 143.45 (C3), Y = 50.93X2 â€“ 60.177X + 21.067 (C2:C3), Y = 202.45X2 â€“ 223.18X + 103.41 (CH4), Y= 436X2 â€“ 552.28X + 181.08 (NH3), dan Y= -1012X2 + 1260X â€“ 311.64 (MPS). Protein-energy synchronization (PES) index of 0.6 achieved the best rumen fermentability. The formulation of the PES index-based ration of 0.6 had the most effective compared to other indexes based on the high of propionate, the lowest methane, the lowest NH3, and the best microbial protein synthesis. The ration with an index of 0.6 is composed of 30% elephant grass, 30% Leucaena leucocephala, 10% coconut meal, 10% tofu waste, 10% rice brand, 9% cassava waste, and 1% mineral mix.
Meat Quality Characteristics of IPB-D1 Chicken and the Final Stock from Different Locations
Authors: Adelta Kresna Bhayu , Arief Irma Isnafia , Sumantri Cece , Wulandari Zakiah
Published: March 2024

The increasing demand for animal protein encourages innovations development of new livestock types or breeds.Â  IPB-D1 chicken is an improved local chicken for their productivity.Â  Its rearing was carried out in Sukabumi and Bekasi Regency.Â  Physical, chemical, and microbiological quality testing of IPB-D1 chicken meat was carried out at the Integrated IPTP Laboratory and the Microbiology Laboratory of Livestock Products, and organoleptic testing was carried out in the Organoleptic Room, both of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, IPB University.Â  The research was carried out from February to June 2022.Â  The scope of this research includes chicken rearing at two locations and sampling that aims to test the physical, chemical, microbiological, and organoleptic quality.Â  The chickens tested were the IPB-D1 Sukabumi chicken, IPB-D1 Bekasi chicken, IPB-D1 final stock Sukabumi chicken, IPB-D1 Bekasi final stock chicken, and Kampong, Sentul, and broiler chickens, which consist of 15 chickens each.Â  At each location, sampling was carried out 10 times as a replication.Â  The sampling technique used is simple random sampling.Â  The results showed that the quality of IPB-D1 chicken meat and its Final Stock did not have a significant difference (P0.05) in physical quality aspects such as pH and water holding capacity (WHC) but had a significant difference (P0.05) in cooking loss and tenderness than Kampong, Sentul, and broilers.Â  Meanwhile, the chemical quality of IPB-D1 broilers and their final stock showed significantly different results (P0.05) in the fat content of the meat.Â  As for the parameters of ash content, protein, minerals, and cholesterol showed no significant difference (P0.05).Â  Microbiological quality analysis in the form of total bacterial colonies (total plate count) of IPB-D1 broilers and its Final Stock was 105 CFU/g.Â  These results are still within the Maximum Microbial Contamination Limits set by the Indonesian National Standardization Agency in 2009.Â  Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to improve handling methods, hygienic packaging, and sanitation so that the quality of broilers can be improved and microbial contamination can be minimized.
Atividades Turísticas e os Distúrbios sobre Aves Migratórias Neárticas no Litoral do Piauí, Brasil
Authors: Siqueira Airton  Janes da Silva , Nascimento Muryllo dos Santos , Santos Suely Silva , Guzzi Anderson , Braga Solano de Souza
Published: March 2024

A migração de aves é um fenômeno que leva milhares de indivíduos a se deslocarem entre diferentes áreas de alimentação e reprodução, podendo esses movimentos ultrapassarem fronteiras geopolíticas. Este é um comportamento crucial para a sobrevivência de muitas espécies. No entanto, os impactos antrópicos estão afetando os habitats das espécies, contribuindo para o declínio populacional das aves. Diante disto, este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os distúrbios causados pelas atividades turísticas sobre as aves migratórias que visitam os estuários dos rios Cardoso e Camurupim, no litoral do estado do Piauí, e propor medidas para mitigar as perturbações sobre as aves. As amostragens foram realizadas em três pontos de observação, onde foram analisadas as alterações do comportamento das aves em repostas às atividades turísticas. Para isto, foram utilisados binóculos, câmera fotográfica e um telêmetro a laser para auxiliar na elaboração das zonas de impacto. Embora ocorram diversos tipos de atividades turísticas na região, as principais perturbações são causadas pelo kitesurf e turistas caminhando próximo às áreas de alimentação ou repouso das espécies. Calidris minutilla, Calidris pusilla, Calidris alba, Actitis macularius e Charadriius semipalmatus foram as espécies menos sensíveis aos distúrbios, reagindo com mais frequência dentro das zonas de impactos Z = 0-30m e Z = 30-60m, ao passo que as espécies Pluvialis squatarola, Numenius hudsonicus, Tringa melanoleuca, Calidris canutus, Limnodromus griseus e Pandion haliaetus apresentaram maiores distâncias de fuga. Os resultados deste estudo mostram que a presença de turistas caminhando e a prática do kitesurf são as principais atividades que impactam as aves migratórias na região, o que demonstra a necessidade de medidas para mitigar tais impactos. Com base nos resultados deste estudo, a criação de zonas de proteção mínima de 160m e 200m são indicadas para mitigar os distúrbios provocados pela aproximação de banhistas e kitesurfistas.
Impact of reproduction on roost selection of the Indian flying fox, Pteropus medius (Temminck, 1825)
Authors: Elangovan Vadamalai
Published: March 2024

A thorough knowledge of ecology and behaviour is a clear requirement for proper conservation and management of a species. The Indian flying fox, Pteropus medius (formerly P. giganteus Brünnich, 1782), lives gregariously in large trees and spends a considerable time at day roosts. The roost sites play vital roles in survival, reproduction and population persistence. This study describes changes in roost selection, colony size and behaviours of P. medius during reproductive and non-reproductive seasons in a large colony at Mohanlal Ganj, Lucknow (India). The colony size was significantly lower during the summer non-reproductive season (486.5 ± 121.1 SD) than during the spring (1942 ± 488.8 SD) and monsoon (2367.7 ± 277 SD) reproductive seasons. The number of roost trees utilised and roost site selection differed across the reproductive and non-reproductive seasons. The bats occupied the southern periphery of the sampled garden during the non-reproductive period (summer), whereas they shifted to the central and northern parts of the garden during the reproductive seasons and winter periods. The reproductively active individuals secluded themselves from the reproductively inactive colony members. The selection of secluded roost sites during the reproductive period demonstrates the need for social exclusion, less disturbance, and reduced mate competition. The higher population size during the reproductive period might be due to the immigration of bats, most probably male individuals, facilitating gene flow from nearby populations and thus increasing genetic diversity and species resilience.
Blumea lacera (Burm.f.) DC: A review on ethnobotany, phytochemistry, ancient medicinal and pharmacological Uses
Authors: Sinha Dwaipayan , Banerjee Swastika , Majgaonkar Aqsa , Pomila  , Datta Soumi , Chanda Soma , Chatterjee Moumita , Bhattacharya Ratul , Maurya Arun Kumar
Published: March 2024

Blumea lacera (Burm.f.) DC., a member of the Asteraceae family, is an annual herbaceous plant with a rich array of phytochemicals that hold immense therapeutic promise. Commonly known as Karanda jangli muli (in Hindi) and kukkuradru (in Sanskrit), this herb is cultivated for its applications in food, essential oil extraction and various ethnomedical purposes. It thrives in diverse regions, including the Indian plains, the northwest Himalayas, China, Tropical Africa, the Malay Islands, Australia, Ceylon and Malaya. B. lacera boasts a multitude of valuable phytochemical components, including alpha-amyrin, ß-sitosterol, acetates, hentriacontane, stigmasterol, lupeol and lupeol acetate. These phytochemicals exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties such as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, diuretic, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, astringent, hepatoprotective, sedative, anxiolytic, anti-viral, analgesic, hypothermic, anti-bacterial, anti-atherothrombotic, anti-leukemic and tranquilizing effects. Additionally, the phytochemicals derived from B. lacera align with various Ayurvedic attributes, encompassing dravya (substance), rasa (taste), guna (qualities), veerya (potency), vipaka (post-digestion outcome), karma (pharmacological actions) and prabha (therapeutics). Despite the plant's extensive bioactive chemical profile and therapeutic significance, scientific studies on B. lacera remain surprisingly scarce. In light of its numerous applications, this review aims to elucidate the diversity of phytochemicals, ethnomedicinal uses and therapeutic potentials of B. lacera.
Effect of heat stress on the hypothalamic expression profile of water homeostasis‐associated genes in low‐ and high‐water efficient chicken lines
Authors: Aloui Loujain , Greene Elizabeth S. , Tabler Travis , Lassiter Kentu , Thompson Kevin , Bottje Walter G. , Orlowski Sara , Dridi Sami
Published: March 2024

With climate change, selection for water efficiency and heat resilience are vitally important. We undertook this study to determine the effect of chronic cyclic heat stress (HS) on the hypothalamic expression profile of water homeostasis‐associated markers in high (HWE)‐ and low (LWE)‐water efficient chicken lines. HS significantly elevated core body temperatures of both lines. However, the amplitude was higher by 0.5–1°C in HWE compared to their LWE counterparts. HWE line drank significantly less water than LWE during both thermoneutral (TN) and HS conditions, and HS increased water intake in both lines with pronounced magnitude in LWE birds. HWE had better feed conversion ratio (FCR), water conversion ratio (WCR), and water to feed intake ratio. At the molecular level, the overall hypothalamic expression of aquaporins (AQP8 and AQP12), arginine vasopressin (AVP) and its related receptor AVP2R, angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1), and calbindin 2 (CALB2) were significantly lower; however, CALB1 mRNA and AQP2 protein levels were higher in HWE compared to LWE line. Compared to TN conditions, HS exposure significantly increased mRNA abundances of AQPs (8, 12), AVPR1a, natriuretic peptide A (NPPA), angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE), CALB1 and 2, and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 and 4 (TRPV1 and TRPV4) as well as the protein levels of AQP2, however it decreased that of AQP4 gene expression. A significant line by environment interaction was observed in several hypothalamic genes. Heat stress significantly upregulated AQP2 and SCT at mRNA levels and AQP1 and AQP3 at both mRNA and protein levels, but it downregulated that of AQP4 protein only in LWE birds. In HWE broilers, however, HS upregulated the hypothalamic expression of renin (REN) and AVPR1b genes and AQP5 proteins, but it downregulated that of AQP3 protein. The hypothalamic expression of AQP (5, 7, 10, and 11) genes was increased by HS in both chicken lines. In summary, this is the first report showing improvement of growth performances in HWE birds. The hypothalamic expression of several genes was affected in a line‐ and/or environment‐dependent manner, revealing potential molecular signatures for water efficiency and/or heat tolerance in chickens.
Liouville theorems of solutions to mixed order Hénon-Hardy type system with exponential nonlinearity
Authors: Dai Wei , Peng Shaolong
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we are concerned with the Hénon-Hardy type systems with exponential nonlinearity on a half space

R

+

2

${\mathbb{R}}_{+}^{2}$

:

(

−
Δ

)

α

2

u

(

x

)

=
|
x

|

a

u

p

1

(

x

)

e

q

1

v

(

x

)

,

x
∈

R

+

2

,

(

−
Δ

)

v

(

x

)

=
|
x

|

b

u

p

2

(

x

)

e

q

2

v

(

x

)

,

x
∈

R

+

2

,

$\begin{cases}{\left(-{\Delta}\right)}^{\frac{\alpha }{2}}u\left(x\right)=\vert x{\vert }^{a}{u}^{{p}_{1}}\left(x\right){e}^{{q}_{1}v\left(x\right)}, x\in {\mathbb{R}}_{+}^{2},\quad \hfill \\ \left(-{\Delta}\right)v\left(x\right)=\vert x{\vert }^{b}{u}^{{p}_{2}}\left(x\right){e}^{{q}_{2}v\left(x\right)}, x\in {\mathbb{R}}_{+}^{2},\quad \hfill \end{cases}$

with Dirichlet boundary conditions, where 0 < α < 2 and p
1, p
2, q
1, q
2 > 0. First, we derived the integral representation formula corresponding to the above system under the assumption

p

1

≥
−

2
a

α

−
1

${p}_{1}\ge -\frac{2a}{\alpha }-1$

. Then, we prove Liouville theorem for solutions to the above system via the method of scaling spheres.
Geometry of branched minimal surfaces of finite index
Authors: Meeks William H. , Pérez Joaquín
Published: March 2024

Given

I
,
B
∈
N
∪

{

0

}

$I,B\in \mathbb{N}\cup \left\{0\right\}$

, we investigate the existence and geometry of complete finitely branched minimal surfaces M in

R

3

${\mathbb{R}}^{3}$

with Morse index at most I and total branching order at most B. Previous works of Fischer-Colbrie (“On complete minimal surfaces with finite Morse index in 3-manifolds,” Invent. Math., vol. 82, pp. 121–132, 1985) and Ros (“One-sided complete stable minimal surfaces,” J. Differ. Geom., vol. 74, pp. 69–92, 2006) explain that such surfaces are precisely the complete minimal surfaces in

R

3

${\mathbb{R}}^{3}$

of finite total curvature and finite total branching order. Among other things, we derive scale-invariant weak chord-arc type results for such an M with estimates that are given in terms of I and B. In order to obtain some of our main results for these special surfaces, we obtain general intrinsic monotonicity of area formulas for m-dimensional submanifolds Σ of an n-dimensional Riemannian manifold X, where these area estimates depend on the geometry of X and upper bounds on the lengths of the mean curvature vectors of Σ. We also describe a family of complete, finitely branched minimal surfaces in

R

3

${\mathbb{R}}^{3}$

that are stable and non-orientable; these examples generalize the classical Henneberg minimal surface.
A systematic review of symbiotic organisms search algorithm for data clustering and predictive analysis
Authors: AL-Gburi Abbas Fadhil Jasim , Nazri Mohd Zakree Ahmad , Yaakub Mohd Ridzwan Bin , Alyasseri Zaid Abdi Alkareem
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the field of data analytics has witnessed a surge in innovative techniques to handle the ever-increasing volume and complexity of data. Among these, nature-inspired algorithms have gained significant attention due to their ability to efficiently mimic natural processes and solve intricate problems. One such algorithm, the symbiotic organisms search (SOS) Algorithm, has emerged as a promising approach for clustering and predictive analytics tasks, drawing inspiration from the symbiotic relationships observed in biological ecosystems. Metaheuristics such as the SOS have been frequently employed in clustering to discover suitable solutions for complicated issues. Despite the numerous research works on clustering and SOS-based predictive techniques, there have been minimal secondary investigations in the field. The aim of this study is to fill this gap by performing a systematic literature review (SLR) on SOS-based clustering models focusing on various aspects, including the adopted clustering approach, feature selection approach, and hybridized algorithms combining K-means algorithm with different SOS algorithms. This review aims to guide researchers to better understand the issues and challenges in this area. The study assesses the unique articles published in journals and conferences over the last ten years (2014–2023). After the abstract and full-text eligibility analysis, a limited number of articles were considered for this SLR. The findings show that various SOS methods were adapted as clustering and feature selection methods in which CSOS, discrete SOS, and multiagent SOS are mostly used for the clustering applications, and binary SOS, binary SOS with S-shaped transfer functions, and BSOSVT are used for feature selection problems. The findings also revealed that, of all the selected studies for this review, only a few studies specifically focused on hybridizing SOS with K-means algorithm for automatic data clustering application. Finally, the study analyzes the study gaps and the research prospects for SOS-based clustering methods.
A spatial model to understand tuberculosis granuloma formation and its impact on disease progression
Authors: Feng Peng
Published: March 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). When Mtb enters inside the pulmonary alveolus, it is phagocytosed by the alveolar macrophages, followed by a cascade of immune responses. This leads to the recruitment and accumulation of additional macrophages and T cells in the pulmonary tissues. A key outcome of this is the formation of granuloma, the hallmark of TB infection. In this paper, we develop a mathematical model of the evolution of granuloma by a system of partial differential equations that is based on the classical Keller–Segel chemotaxis equation. We investigate the effect of different parameters on the formation of granuloma. We present numerical simulation results that illustrate the impact of different parameters. The implication of our result on the disease progression is also discussed.
A mathematical model to study herbal and modern treatments against COVID-19
Authors: Ouemba Tassé Arsène Jaurès , Tsanou Berge , Kwa Kum Cletus , Lubuma Jean
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we propose a two-group deterministic COVID-19 model which takes into account educational campaigns and the fact that people infected with COVID-19 may choose either modern (allopathic) medicine, traditional medicine or may combine the two modes of treatment. The model is analysed in the case where modern medicine is the only mode of treatment and when traditional medicine is taken as an adjuvant (or another mode of treatment). We prove in the first case that the model has a disease-free equilibrium (DFE), globally asymptotically stable when the control reproduction number is less than one and whenever it is greater than one, we prove the local asymptotic stability of the endemic equilibrium. In the second case, we prove that, misconceptions in the population lead to a backward bifurcation phenomenon, which makes the control of the disease more difficult. We derive using the Lyapunov method that a threshold

T

$\mathcal{T}$

ensures the global asymptotic stability of DFE in some cases when its value is less than one. Both models are fitted using daily COVID-19 cumulative cases reported from January to February 2022 in South Africa. We found a control reproduction number less than one, meaning that COVID-19 will be eliminated. Comparison of the two models fits highlights that misconceptions should be taken into account to accurately describe the dynamics of COVID-19 in South Africa. Numerically, we prove that educational campaigns should focus on preventive measures and both traditional and allopathic medicine health care systems should complement each other in the fight against COVID-19.