bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of Algorithms for Retrieving Chlorophyll a Concentrations in the Arctic Ocean: Impact on Primary Production Estimates
Authors: Li Juan , Matsuoka Atsushi , Pang Xiaoping , Massicotte Philippe , Babin Marcel
Published: December 2023

Chlorophyll a concentration (Chl) is a key variable to estimate primary production (PP) through ocean color remote sensing (OCRS). Accurate Chl estimate is crucial for better understanding of spatio-temporal trends of PP over recent decades as a consequence of climate change. However, a number of studies have reported that currently operational chlorophyll a algorithms perform poorly in the Arctic Ocean (AO), which is mainly caused by the interference of colored and detrital material (CDM) with the phytoplankton signal in the visible part of the spectrum. To determine how and to what extent that CDM would bias the estimation of Chl, we evaluated the performances of 8 currently available ocean color algorithms: OC4v6, OC3Mv6, OC3V, OC4L, OC4P, AO.emp, GSM01 and AO.GSM. Our results suggest that the empirical AO.emp algorithm performs the best overall, but for waters with high CDM (acdm(443) > 0.067 m-1), which is of much interest in the Arctic, it is the two semi-analytical GSM models that show better performance. Besides, sensitivity analyses using an Arctic spectrally- and vertically-resolved primary production model further show that errors in Chl mostly propagate proportionally to PP estimates with 7% amplification at maximum. We aslo demonstrate that the higher level of CDM relative to Chl in the water column, the larger the bias would occur in both Chl and PP estimates. Although the AO.GSM overall best performs among algorithms tested in the present study, it tends to fail for a significant number of pixels (16.2% observed in the present study) particularly for waters with high CDM. Our results suggest that an algorithm that provides reasonable Chl estimates for a wide range of optically-complex Arctic waters is still required.
Identification of Chromoblastomycosis and Phaeohyphomycosis Agents Through ITS-RFLP
Authors: Sousa Gabriel S M. , De Oliveira Rodrigo , De Souza Alex B. , Monteiro Ruan C. , Santo Elaine P T E. , Franco Filho Luciano , Da Silva Silvia H M.
Published: December 2023

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) and phaeohyphomycosis (FEO) are infections caused by melanized filamentous fungal agents, primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. Both infections pose significant challenges for the correct identification of the causative agent due to their morphological similarity, making conventional methods of morphological analysis highly subjective. Therefore, molecular techniques are necessary for the precise determination of these species. In this regard, this study aimed to contribute to a new methodology based on PCR-RFLP for the identification of agents causing CBM and FEO. Sequences from the ITS region were used to identify potential restriction enzyme sites in silico, followed by in vitro validation using the selected restriction enzymes. The obtained results were compared with species identification through morphological analyses and sequencing. The results demonstrated that the PCR-RFLP applied in this study accurately identified two major agents of chromoblastomycosis, Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Fonsecaea monophora, as well as Cladophialophora bantiana and Exophiala dermatitidis, both causative agents of phaeohyphomycosis. In this context, the proposed assay can complement current methods for identifying these species, aiding in diagnosis, and contributing to the proper management of these infections.
A Soluble ACE2 Protein Improves Survival and Lowers Viral Titers in a Lethal Mouse Model of SARS-CoV-2 Infection with the Delta Variant
Authors: Cianfarini Cosimo , Hassler Luise , Wysocki Jan , Hassan Abdelsabour , Nicolaescu Vlad , Elli Derek , Gula Haley , Ibrahim Amany M. , Randall Glenn , Henkin Jack , Batlle Daniel
Published: December 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) utilizes Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) as its main receptor for cell entry. We have bioengineered a soluble ACE2 protein termed ACE2 618-DDC-ABD that has increased binding to SARS-CoV-2 and prolonged duration of action. Here we investigated the protective effect of this protein when administered intranasally to k18-hACE2 mice infected with the aggressive SARS-CoV-2 delta variant. k18-hACE2 mice were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant by inoculation of a lethal dose (2x104 PFU) and followed for up to 14 days. ACE2-618-DDC-ABD (10mg/kg) or PBS was administered intranasally six hours prior and 24 and 48 hours post viral inoculation. All animals in the PBS-control group had succumbed to the disease on day 7 post infection (0% survival) whereas, by contrast, there was only one casualty in the group that received ACE2-618-DDC-ABD (90% survival). Mice in the ACE2-618-DDC-ABD group had minimal disease as assessed by a clinical score and stable weight and both brain and lung viral titers were markedly reduced. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of a bioengineered soluble ACE2 decoy with extended duration of action in protecting against the aggressive delta SARS-CoV-2 variant. Together with previous work these findings demonstrate the universal protective potential against current and future emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Novel Piperazine and Morpholine Derivatives: Mass Spectrometry Characterization and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Acquavia Maria Assunta , Bonomo Maria Grazia , Bianco Giuliana , Salzano Giovanni , Gaeta Carmine , Iannece Patrizia , Di Capua Angela , Giuzio Federica , Saturnino Carmela
Published: December 2023

Recently, pharmaceutical research has been focused on the design of new antibacterial drugs with higher selectivity towards several strains. Major issues concern the possibility to obtain com-pounds with fewer side effects, at the same time effectively overcoming the problem of antimi-crobial resistance. Several solutions include the synthesis of new pharmacophores starting from piperazine or morpholine core units. Mass spectrometry-based techniques offer important sup-port for the structural characterization of newly synthesized compounds to design safer and more effective drugs for various medical conditions. Here, two new piperazine derivatives and four new morpholine derivatives were synthesized and structurally characterized through a combined approach of FT-ICR and LTQ mass spectrometry. The support of both high-resolution and low-resolution mass spectrometric data namely accurate mass measurements, isotopic distribu-tion and MSn spectra, was crucial to confirm the success of the synthesis. These compounds were further evaluated for inhibitory activity against a total of twenty-nine Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria to determine the action spectrum and the antimicrobial effectiveness. Results demonstrated compounds’ antimicrobial activity against many tested bacterial species, providing an inhibitory effect linked to different chemical structure and suggesting that the new-synthesized derivatives could be considered as promising antimicrobial agents.
An Evaluation of the Anti-QS Activity and Virulence Factors Production Potential of Rhamnus cathartica L. against Some Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: IBRAHIM Bashar , REİS AhuREİS , ARIN Ulaş Evren , MUHAMMED Muhammed Tilahun , ONEM Ebru
Published: December 2023

The study aims to evaluate the Quorum Sensing (QS) system inhibition against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria detected by molecular modeling of R. cathartica L. plant extract. R. cathartica L. methanol extract was evaluated in vitro. The research was carried out for the possible role and mechanism of R. cathartica L. The antibacterial activity of R. cathartica L. seed extract on some Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains was evaluated using culture-based and computational analysis. Gentamicin (CN; 30 µg/ml, Bioanalyse) was used as an antibacterial control of the extract on the production potential of QS-dependent virulence factors on Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 was investigated. Phytochemical analysis resulted in the identification of 23 phenolic phytochemicals. R. cathartica L. extract was observed to have antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at different rates (11.3 mm-16 mm). The inhibitory effect of R. cathartica L. extract on P. aeruginosa PAO1 (elastase 61%, pyocyanin 18%, and biofilm 61%) was recorded moderately. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the main component of the extract is kaempferol. Therefore, the binding potential of kaempferol on QS system receptors was investigated via molecular docking. Computational analysis showed that kaempferol can inhibit the QS system by preventing competitive ligands from connecting to LasR. This study explored the activity and mechanism of action for a new green alternative against resistance. might provide a mechanism for R. cathartica L. seed extract components and thus provide a new avenue for using R. cathartica L. seed extract as a green antibacterial agent.
Essential Oil from the Leaves, Fruits and Twigs of Schinus terebinthifolius: Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potential
Authors: Oliveira Kátia C. , Franciscato Lidaiane M. S. S. , Mendes Suelen S. , Barizon Francielly M. A. , Gonçalves Daniela D. , Barbosa Lidiane N. , Faria Maria G. I. , Valle Juliana S. , Casalvara Rhaira F. A. , Gonçalves José E. , Gazim Zilda C. , Ruiz Suelen P.
Published: December 2023

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi is a plant native to Brazil. The objective of this work was to analyze the chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial potential of essential oils (EOs) from the leaves, fruits and twigs of S. terebinthifolius aiming for their application in food safety. EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation and the chemical composition was determined by gas chromatog-raphy coupled to mass spectrometry. Phenolic compounds were quantified and antioxidant ac-tivity was evaluated using three different methods. The antibacterial activity was determined by the broth microdilution method against foodborne bacteria. In the chemical analysis, 22 com-pounds were identified in the leaves, 13 compounds in the fruits and 37 compounds in the twigs, revealing the presence of the main compounds germacrene D, caryophyllene, α-pinene, β-pinene and γ-gurjunene. EOs showed better antioxidant potential using the β-carotene/linoleic acid method with 40.74, 61.52 and 63.65% oxidation inhibition for leaves, fruits and twigs, respectively. The EO from the leaves showed greater antibacterial potential against Escherichia coli and Staphy-lococcus aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.62 mg mL-1, values lower than the MIC of sodium nitrite (5.00 mg mL-1), antimicrobial standard synthetic. The activities of pink pepper EOs suggest their potential as a biopreservative in foods.
Advancing Early Disease Detection: The Pivotal Role of Sensor Technologies
Authors: Haque Ziaul
Published: December 2023

This review explores the transformative impact of sensor technologies in early disease detection. It highlights recent advancements in nanotechnology-based sensors, particularly focusing on their applications in identifying disease biomarkers at early stages. The integration of these sensors with artificial intelligence for predictive analytics in healthcare is also discussed. Applications in cancer, infectious diseases, and chronic disease management underscore their diverse utility. Challenges in sensor technology adoption and future directions, including multiplexed sensors and wearable devices, are examined. This review underscores sensors' potential in enhancing disease management and patient outcomes.
Metal Halide Perovskite: A Promising Materials for Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Li Xuyang , Shen Xia , Lv Qihang , Guo Pengfei , Xiao Liantuan
Published: December 2023

Metal halide perovskites have shown excellent optoelectronic properties, including high photoluminescence quantum yield, tunable emission wavelength, narrow full-width at half-maximum and low-cost solution-processed fabrication, which make it exhibit great potential as the emission layer materials of light emitting diodes. With the joint efforts of researchers from different disciplines, there has been a significant progress in the improvement of external quantum efficiency (EQE) and stability of perovskite light emitting diodes (PeLEDs) in recent few years, especially in green PeLEDs with EQE over 30%. In this review, we firstly introduce the basic device structure of PeLEDs, as well as the factors influencing EQE and stability of PeLEDs. Secondly, the development of lead-based and lead-free PeLEDs are summarized systematically. Thirdly, challenges of PeLEDs are discussed in detail, including low EQE of blue PeLEDs, poor device stability and EQE roll-off. Finally, some suggestions and perspectives of the future research directions for PeLEDs are proposed.
Melatonin and Sodium Nitroprusside Impact on Vegetative Growth, Physiological, Biochemical Traits and Mineral Elements Contents of California Wonder Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Under Different Temperatures
Authors: Ramezan Dariush , Zargar Meisam , Stybayev Gani , Zharlygassov Zhenis , Kipshakbayeva Gulden , Baitelenova Aliya
Published: December 2023

In the present study, the effect of melatonin and sodium nitroprusside treatments on the improvement of high temperature tolerance in California Wonder green bell pepper plant was studied. For this purpose, a factorial experiment was conducted in a form of a completely randomized design in three replications at Zabol University's Faculty of Agriculture. In this research, green bell pepper plants of Wonder cultivar were exposed to different temperature treatments (25°C, 35°C and 40°C) for 24 hours after being sprayed (foliar application) with 0μM, 50μM and 100μM concentrations of melatonin and sodium nitroprusside. Results showed that Shoot dry weight without fruit (DWPWF) at 40°C in compared to 25°C, 21.54% decreased. Also, foliar application with 100μM melatonin in compared to control (0uM) caused a 13.26% an increased in dry weight of shoots without fruit (DWPWF). Also, leaf chlorophyll at 40°C temperature in compared to 25°C temperature 32.82% decreased and foliar application with 100μM melatonin and 100μM sodium nitroprusside improved leaf chlorophyll value in compared to other foliar application treatments. Foliar application with 50uM and 100uM sodium nitroperoxide at 40°C temperature caused decreased of 15.16% and 20.99% of leaf hydrogen peroxide in compared to 0uM foliar application treatment, respectively. Also, under 40°C temperature, foliar application with melatonin and sodium nitroprusside (50μM and 100μM) in compared to 0μM foliar application activity of leaf superoxide dismutase enzyme increased. Also, leaf nitrogen under with 50 μM and 100μM melatonin in compared to 0μM foliar application 9.61% and 23.72% increased. Leaf potassium in 40°C temperature, foliar application with 50uM melatonin, 100uM melatonin, 50uM sodium nitroprusside and 100μM sodium nitroprusside 55.20, 72, 25.60 and 70.40% in compared to 0uM foliar application increased respectively. leaf iron in foliar application with 100μM sodium nitroprusside in compared to 0μM foliar application 17.96% increased.
Incorporating Wearable Technology for Enhanced Rehabilitation Monitoring after Hip and Knee Replacement
Authors: Lebleu Julien , Daniels Kim , Pauwels Andries , Dekimpe Lucie , Mapinduzi Jean , Poilvache Hervé , Bonnechère Bruno
Published: December 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) poses a growing challenge for the aging population, especially in hip and knee joints, contributing significantly to disability and societal costs. Conventional clinical evaluations, typically performed in controlled settings, face difficulties in capturing the dynamic characteristics of rehabilitation and functioning in real-life scenarios. The study assessed the use of automated unsupervised evaluations in the rehabilitation process for patients after hip and knee replacements. We analyzed data from 1144 individuals who used a digital application after surgery, activity data were collected using the Garmin Vivofit 4. Several parameters such as the Peak 6-Minute Consecutive Cadence (P6MC) and Peak 1-Minute Cadence (P1M) were computed and analyzed on a daily basis. The results indicated that cadence measurements, specifically, can effectively differ among individuals with hip and knee conditions as well as the recovery process. Moreover, these metrics demonstrated a high level of responsiveness in monitoring the progress of recovery, surpassing the effectiveness of simply measuring the total number of steps taken. The study highlighted the capacity of technology-driven, patient-centered rehabilitation to improve accuracy, tailor therapy to individual patients, and increased patient involvement. This research also highlighted the significance of automated, unsupervised assessments in enhancing rehabilitation results for OA patients following hip and knee replacement, as tele-rehabilitation becomes increasingly important.
Dyke Davidoff Masson Syndrome: Study of a Rare Case of Western Disease in Western India
Authors: Udernani Bhavika , Gami Vismit , Teraiya Tushar , Shah Sahil , Desai Dev
Published: December 2023

A rare neurological condition known as Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome (DDMS) is characterized by cerebral hemiatrophy, facial asymmetry, contralateral motor impairment, and seizures. Cerebral hypoplasia, ventriculomegaly, paranasal sinus hyper-pneumatization, and compensatory osseous expansion are classic imaging findings. The relationship between clinical and neuroimaging findings provides the basis for the diagnosis of DDMS. DDMS is treated with anticonvulsant medication and physical therapy. This is the case of a 26-year-old male, with a known case of cerebral palsy and on antiepileptics for 15 years, who presented with complaints of generalized weakness, vomiting, difficulty walking, recurrent convulsions, and a recent episode of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Neuroimaging revealed findings significant of Dyke Davidoff Masson Syndrome. Understanding its imaging and clinical characteristics facilitates prompt and precise diagnosis, permitting appropriate management.
Inference of Stress-Strength Reliability Based on Adaptive Progressive Type-II Censing from Bath Tube Distribution with Application to Carbon Fiber Data
Authors: A. Ahmed Essam
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we will use the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and the Bayes methods to perform estimation procedures for the reliability of stress-strength ℜ=P[X>Y] based on independent adaptive progressive censored samples that were taken from the Chen distributions. An approximate confidence interval of ℜ is constructed using a variety of classical techniques, such as the normal approximation of the MLE, the normal approximation of the log-transformed MLE, and the percentile bootstrap (Boot-p) procedure. The Bayesian estimation of ℜ is obtained based on the balanced loss function, which comes in two versions here, the symmetric balanced squared error (BSE) loss function and the asymmetric balanced linear exponential (BLINEX) loss function. When estimating ℜ using the Bayesian approach, all the unknown parameters of the Chen distributions are assumed to be independently distributed and to have informative gamma priors. Further, a mixture of Gibbs sampling algorithm and Metropolis-Hastings algorithm is used to compute the Bayes estimate of ℜ and the associated highest posterior density credible interval. In the end, simulation research are used to assess the general overall performance of the proposed estimators and a real data set is provided to exemplify the theoretical results.
Expressed in HPV 16 Infected Epidermoid Carcinoma Cells, HIV‐1 Reverse Transcriptase Shifts Their Metabolism towards aerobic Glycolysis, Induces Hybrid E/M Cell Phenotype and Increases Expression of E6 Transcripts
Authors: Zhitkevich Alla S , Bayurova Ekaterina O , Avdoshina Daria V , Zakirova Natalia F , Frolova Galina A , Jansons Juris , Chowdhury Sona , Ivanov Alexander V , Gordeychuk Ilya V , Palefsky Joel M. , Isaguliants Maria G
Published: December 2023

High incidence of epithelial malignancies in HIV-1 infection is associated with co-infection with oncogenic viruses, such as high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR HPVs), most often HPV16. A collaboration between HIV-1 and HR HPVs in the malignant transformation of epithelial cells exposed to both viruses have long been anticipated. Here, we delineated the effects on in vitro and in vivo properties of HPV16-infected cervical cancer cells of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Epidermoid carcinoma Ca Ski cells were made to express RT of HIV-1 clade A (RT_A) or Green Fluorescence Protein (GFP) by lentiviral transduction, subclones with one or six copies of RT_A and six copies of GFP DNA were generated. Expression by subclones of GFP was assessed by flow cytometry, and of RT_A, by Western blotting. Cells were assessed for the levels of mRNA of the RT_A, E6 and its isoforms, and cellular factors characterizing oxidative stress, and EMT by the real-time PCR. Parameters of glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration were assessed by Seahorse technology. Subclones were surveyed for the changes in cell cycle, doubling time, migration capacity, clonogenic activity and for the capacity to form tumors in nude mice. Ca Ski RT_A produced 20-55 fg of RT_A per cell. Expression of RT_A caused a proportional increase in the expression of E6*I isoform. In Ca Ski, RT_A suppressed mitochondrial respiration and oxygen consumption, and increased glycolysis. Compared to parental cells and GFP control, transcription in Ca Ski RT_A of epithelial (E-CADHERIN) state marker was increased, and of mesenchymal (VIMENTIN) decreased, indicating acquisition by cells of the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotype. While Ca Ski GFP and Ca Ski RT_A with one gene insert had reduced migration rate, decreased clonogenic activity in vitro, and diminished capacity to form tumors in nude mice, increase in RT_A copicity/expression mitigated these effects. Altogether, expression of HIV-1 RT_A gave Ca Ski cells the plasticity required to overcome negative effects of lentiviral transduction and potentially increased their tumorigenicity.
A Review of Natural Polysaccharides: Sources, Characteristics, Properties, Food and Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Benalaya Ikbel , Alves Gilberto , Lopes João , Silva Luís R.
Published: December 2023

Natural polysaccharides, which are described in this study, are some of the most extensively used biopolymers in food, pharmaceutical and medical applications, because they are renewable and have a high level of biocompatibility and biodegradability. The fundamental understanding required to properly exploit polysaccharides potential in the biocomposite, nanoconjugate, and pharmaceutical industries is depended on detailed research of these molecules. Polysaccharides are preferred over other polymers because of their biocompatibility, bioactivity, homogeneity, and bioadhesive. Natural polysaccharides have also been discovered to have excellent rheological and biomucoadhesive properties, which may be used to design and create a variety of useful and cost-effective drug delivery systems. Polysaccharide-based composites derived from natural sources have been widely exploited due to their multifunctional properties, particularly in drug delivery systems and biomedical applications. These materials have achieved global attention and are in great demand because to their biochemical properties, which mimic both human and animal cells. Although synthetic polymers account for a substantial amount of organic chemistry, natural polymers play a vital role in a range of industries, including biomedical, pharmaceutical, and construction. As a consequence, the current study will provide information on natural polymers, their biological uses, food and pharmaceutical applications.Keywords: Polymers Biopolymers, Excipient, Natural source, Food and Pharmaceutical applications.
Preparation of pH-Responsive BTA@DME/PDA Microcapsules and Their Application in Anti-corrosion Coatings
Authors: Zhang Beiyao , Zhang Mingjun , Jin Jiaying , Liu Shupei , Rao Jin song , Li Haiyan
Published: December 2023

Diatomite (DME) consists of natural ordered porous structures that are excellent candidates as microcontainers. However, to the best of our knowledge, the application of DME loaded with corrosion inhibitors in anti-corrosion coatings has not hitherto been reported. In this study, DME has been used as a source of microcontainers to load benzotriazole (BTA) inhibitor by an immersion method. In order to prevent unwanted early release of the small molecule BTA inhibitor from the DME microcontainers, inspired by the adhesion characteristics of catechol and amine in mussel adhesion protein, polydopamine (PDA) was coated on their surfaces to generate BTA@DME/PDA microcapsules. Because of the depolymerization characteristics of PDA at low pH, the synthesize microcapsules showed a controllable release function. The SEM morphology, chemical structure, and loading capacity of the synthesized BTA@DME/PDA microcapsules were characterized. The corrosion resistances of epoxy coatings with different contents of BTA@DME/PDA microcapsules were compared by saline immersion and electrochemical impedance tests. A scratched coating with 5wt.% BTA@DME/PDA microcapsules showed the best anti-corrosion effect.
Advances in Droplet-Based Microfluidic High-Throughput Screening Based on Ultraviolet, Visible and Fluorescent Spectroscopy
Authors: Hu Shunyang , Wang Bangxu , Luo Qing , Zeng Rumei , Zhang Jiamin , Cheng Jie
Published: December 2023

Genetic engineering and directed evolution are effective methods to address the low yield and poor industrialization level of microbial target products. The current research focus is on how to efficiently and rapidly screen beneficial mutants from constructed large-scale mutation libraries. Traditional screening methods such as plate screening and well plate screening are severely limited in their development and application due to their low efficiency and high costs. In the past decade, microfluidic technology has become an important high-throughput screening technology due to its fast speed, low cost, high automation, and high screening throughput, and it has developed rapidly. Droplet-based microfluidic high-throughput screening has been widely used in various fields such as strain/enzyme activity screening, pathogen detection, single-cell analysis, drug discovery, and chemical synthesis, and has been widely applied in industries such as materials, food, chemicals, textiles, and biomedicine. In particular, in the field of enzyme research, droplet-based microfluidic high-throughput screening has shown excellent performance in discovering enzymes with new functions, improved catalytic efficiency or stability, acid-base tolerance, etc. Currently, droplet-based microfluidic high-throughput screening technology has achieved high-throughput screening of enzymes such as glycosidase, lipase, peroxidase, protease, amylase, oxidase, and transaminase, as well as high-throughput detection of products such as riboflavin, coumarin, 3-dehydroquinate, lactic acid, and ethanol. This article reviews the application of droplet-based microfluidics in high-throughput screening, with a focus on high-throughput screening strategies based on UV, visible, and fluorescence spectroscopy, including labeled optical signal detection screening, as well as label-free electrochemical detection, mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, etc. Furthermore, the research progress and development trends of droplet-based microfluidic technology in enzyme modification and strain screening are also introduced.
Living on the Edge: Navigating the Complex Landscape of Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Sadat Sharif Mohammed , Desai Dev , Malafi Maria Eleni
Published: December 2023

Individuals with BPD grapple with unstable relationships, marked by extreme emotional swings and interpersonal conflicts. Emotional instability, a distorted self-image, and impulsivity further complicate matters, often leading to self-harm and suicide attempts as desperate coping mechanisms. Genetics and adverse childhood experiences contribute to BPD's development, shaping brain function and emotional regulation. Diagnosis involves meticulous assessments, paving the way for personalized treatments like dialectical behavior therapy and, in severe cases, hospitalization. Early intervention, professional support, and societal understanding are pivotal for positive outcomes, and challenging mental health stigma.
The Use of Mannans as a Sustainable Approach to Activate Vitis vinifera Innate Immunity in Response to Fungi Causing Grapevine Trunk Diseases (GTD)
Authors: Ortega Alfonso , García José Antonio , Del Moral Jerónimo , Espinosa Francisco , Garrido Inmaculada
Published: December 2023

Grapevine Trunk Diseases (GTDs) are caused by a wide variety of phytopathogenic fungal species that compromise grapevine productivity and wine quality. Each year they lead to major economic losses. Most GTD treatments currently available on the market are chemical-based and environ-mentally harmful. Given that one of the goals proposed by the European Green Deal is to develop sustainable agriculture which does not harm the environment, reduces pesticide use, and pro-motes rural area economies, an alternative to those treatments may be the use of elicitors such as oligosaccharides from fungal organisms. Indeed, many studies have confirmed that oligosaccha-rides play important roles in activating plants' innate immunity. Mannans are one possible type of such oligosaccharides. The present work analysed Vitis vinifera L. (cv. Tempranillo and cv. Airén) leaves and grapes to evaluate their physiological and molecular response to GTDs and how this response might be conditioned using different concentrations of mannans as elicitors. It was found that mannan addition to diseased vines was more positive for the leaves than for the grapes. In general, mannans increased the expression levels of chalcone synthase (CHS1, CHS3), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in healthy leaves of both varieties. In diseased leaves, CHS3 and PAL decreased in both varieties, while CHS1 and PPO increased in Tempranillo but not in Airén. In the grapes, the expression pat-terns of the genes studied varied greatly due to the development of the disease. The mannan treatment seemed to reduce the oxidative stress caused by GTDs, although this response depend-ed on the variety and on the plant's phytosanitary status.
Roles of a Glycolipid MPIase in Sec-Independent Membrane Protein Insertion
Authors: Nomura Kaoru , Mori Shoko , Shimamoto Keiko
Published: December 2023

Membrane protein integrase (MPIase), an endogenous glycolipid in Escherichia coli (E. coli) membrane, is essential for membrane protein insertion in E. coli. We have examined Sec-independent membrane protein insertion mechanisms facilitated by MPIase using physicochemical analytical techniques such as solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, fluorescence measurements, and surface plasmon resonance. In this review, we outline the physicochemical characteristics of membranes that may affect membrane insertion of proteins. Subsequently, we introduce our results verifying the effects of membrane lipids on insertion and estimate the impact of MPIase. Although MPIase is a minor component of E. coli membranes, it regulates insertion by altering the physicochemical properties of the membrane. In addition, MPIase promotes insertion by interacting with substrate proteins. We propose comprehensive mechanisms of membrane insertion of proteins involving MPIase, which provide a physicochemical basis for understanding the roles of glycolipids in protein translocation.
Effect of Pre-, Pro- and Synbiotics on Biomarkers of Systemic Inflammation in Children: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kadia Benjamin Momo , Allen Stephen John
Published: December 2023

Systemic inflammation plays a central role in many diseases and is, therefore, an important therapeutic target. In a scoping review, we assessed the evidence base for anti-inflammatory effects of pre-, pro- and synbiotics in children. Of 1254 clinical trials published in English in Ovid Medline and Cochrane Library PubMed from January 2003 through September 2022, 29 were included in the review. In 6 studies of healthy children (n=1552), one reported that fructo-oligosaccharides added to infant formula significantly reduced pro-inflammatory biomarkers and one study of a single strain probiotic reported both anti- and pro-inflammatory effects. No effects were seen in the remaining two single-strain and one multi-strain probiotic and one synbiotic study. In 23 studies of children with diseases (n=1550), prebiotics were tested in 3, single-strain in 16 and multi-strain probiotics in 6 and synbiotics in 2 studies. Significantly reduced inflammatory biomarkers were reported in 7/10 studies of atopic/allergic conditions, 3/5 studies of auto-immune diseases, 1/2 studies of preterm infants, 1 study of overweight/obesity, 2/2 studies of severe illness and 2/3 studies of other diseases. However, often only one or two of several biomarkers were improved, increased pro-inflammatory biomarkers occurred in 5 of these studies and a probiotic increased inflammatory biomarkers in a study of newborns with congenital heart disease. The evidence base for the effects of pre-, pro- and synbiotics on systemic inflammation in children is weak. Further research is needed to determine if anti-inflammatory effects depend on the specific pre-, pro- and synbiotic preparations, health status and biomarkers studied.
Inhibitory Effects of Human β-Defensin 3 on Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Il-1β Production by Bv-2 Microglia through Suppression of Cathepsins B and L
Authors: Innoue Erika , Minatozaki Shiyo , Shimizu Sachi , Miyamoto Sayaka , Jo Misato , Ni Junjun , Tozaki-Saitoh Hidetoshi , Oda Kosuke , Nonaka Saori , Nakanishi Hiroshi
Published: December 2023

Cathepsin B (CatB) is thought to be essential for the induction of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg LPS)-induced Alzheimer’s disease- like pathologies in mice, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production and cognitive decline. However, little is known about the role of CatB in Pg virulence factor-induced IL-1β production by microglia. We first subjected IL-1β-luciferase reporter BV-2 microglia to inhibitors of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), IκB kinase, and the NLRP3 inflammasome following stimulation with Pg LPS and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). To clarify the involvement of CatB, we used several known CatB inhibitors, including CA-074Me, ZRLR, and human β-defensin 3 (hBD3). IL-1β production in BV-2 microglia induced by Pg LPS and OMVs was significantly inhibited by the TLR2 inhibitor C29 and the IκB kinase inhibitor wedelolactonne, but not by the NLRPs inhibitor MCC950. Both hBD3 and CA-074Me significantly inhibited Pg LPS-induced IL-1β production in BV-2 microglia. Although CA-074Me also suppressed OMV-induced IL-1β production, hBD3 did not inhibit it. Furthermore, both hBD3 and CA-074Me significantly blocked Pg LPS-induced nuclear NF-κB p65 translocation and IκBα degradation. In contrast, hBD3 and CA-074Me did not block OMV-induced nuclear NF-κB p65 translocation or IκBα degradation. Furthermore, neither ZRLR, a specific CatB inhibitor, nor shRNA-mediated knockdown of CatB expression had any effect on Pg virulence factor-induced IL-1β production. Interestingly, phagocytosis of OMVs by BV-2 microglia induced IL-1β production. Finally, the structural models generated by AlphaFold indicated that hBD3 can bind to the substrate-binding pocket of CatB, and possibly CatL as well. These results suggest that Pg LPS induces CatB/CatL-dependent synthesis and processing of pro-IL-1β without activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In contrast, OMVs promote the synthesis and processing of pro-IL-1β through CatB/CatL-independent phagocytic mechanisms. Thus, hBD3 can improve the IL-1β-associated vicious inflammatory cycle induced by microglia through inhibition of CatB/CatL.
Studying for Characterization of Ovarian Development and Associated Factors during the Breeding Migration of Coilia nasus in the Yangtze River
Authors: Wei Shuwei , Hua Zhong , Yang Yanping , Ma Fengjiao , Han Wei , Zhang Wei , Ying Congping , Deng Yanmin , Liu Kai
Published: December 2023

Coilia nasus is a typical anadromous migratory fish in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Every year, C. nasus cluster offshore and swim upstream along the Yangtze River into the tributaries and lakes in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River to breed. In this study, female C. nasus collected as the subjects from Chongming section in Shanghai, Taizhou section in Jiangsu and Anqing section in Anhui. The ovaries were used for examining in tissue sections and researching of gene expression including follicle stimulating hormone receptor (fshr), luteinizing hormone receptors (lr), kisspeptin-1 (kiss1) and forkhead box l2 (foxl2) related to the reproductive development, and the estrogen (estradiol, E2) and progesterone (17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregenen-3-one, 17α,20β-DHP) were also analyzed in serum levels. The results showed that, first, the growth period of oocytes was small in stage II of ovarian development, in which both E2, 17α,20β-DHP levels and gene expression were low. Then, in stage Ⅲ, the growth period of oocytes were become large, as well as the yolk granules and oil droplets began to appear. Simultaneously, E2 and expression of kiss1 and foxl2 were significantly elevated. Finally, stage Ⅳ was the period of large accumulation of nutrients in oocytes, and 17α,20β-DHP level and expression of fshr and lhr were significantly elevated. The results have enriched the theoretical study of ovarian development in the natural population of C. nasus, supplemented the biological basis of C. nasus reproduction, and scientifically supported the study of C. nasus population ecology and resource conservation.
The Impact of Item Preknowledge on Scaling and Equating: Item Response Theory True and Observed Score Equating Methods
Authors: AKIN ARIKAN Çiğdem , COHEN Allan
Published: December 2023

Testing programs often reuse items due mainly to the difficulty and expense of creating new items. This poses potential problems to test item security if some or all test-takers have knowledge of the items prior to taking the test. Simulated data are used to assess the effect of preknowledge on item response theory true and observed score equating. Root mean square error and bias were used for the recovery of equated scores and linking coefficients for two scaling methods. Results of this study indicated that item preknowledge has a large effect on equated scores and linking coefficients. Furthermore, as the mean ability distribution of the group difference, the number of exposed items, and the number of examinees with item preknowledge increase, the bias and RMSE for equated scores and linking coefficients also increase. Additionally, IRT true score equating results in a larger bias and RMSE than does IRT observed score equating. These findings suggest that item preknowledge has the potential to inflate equated scores, putting the validity of the test scores at risk.
Comparison of Different Computerized Adaptive Testing Approaches with Shadow Test Under Different Test Length and Ability Estimation Method Conditions
Authors: YİĞİTER Mahmut Sami , DOĞAN Nuri
Published: December 2023

Adaptive testing approaches have been used and adopted in many international large-scale assessments (PISA, TIMSS, PIRLS, etc.). The shadow test approach, on the other hand, is an innovative testing approach that both meets all test specifications and constraints and aims to provide maximum information at the test taker's true ability level. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of four different adaptive testing approaches created with shadow test (CAT, 2-Stage O-MST, 3-Stage O-MST and LOFT) according to the test length and ability estimation method. With the Monte Carlo (MC) study in R software, 200 item parameters and 2000 test takers were generated under the 3PL model and the results were calculated over 50 replications. The results show that CAT, 2-Stage O-MST and 3-Stage O-MST are quite similar in effectiveness, while LOFT is less effective than these techniques. As the test length increases, the measurement precision increases in all different types of adaptive tests. Although EAP method generally presents better measurement precision than MLE method, at the extremes of the ability scale MLE has been found to present good measurement precision. In the research, it is discussed that large-scale assessments can benefit from adaptive testing created with shadow test approach.
The Factor Structure of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS): A Meta-Analytic Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: KANADLI Sedat , UZUN Nezaket Bilge
Published: December 2023

This study aims to determine the most appropriate factor structure for the life satisfaction scale by using the meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) approach. For this purpose, we extracted 41 correlation matrices from 33 primary studies (N = 49316) in accordance with the inclusion criteria. In the first step of MASEM, we created the total correlation matrix according to the random-effects model. At this stage, we determined that there was a large and significant relationship between the scale items. In the second phase of MASEM, we established four models of SWLS (original single-factor model, modified single-factor model, two-factor model, and the first three-item model). As a result of the analysis, we determined that although the goodness-of-fit indices of the original single-factor model were at a “good” level, the model-data fit of modified-single-factor model and the two-factor model was better. However, we determined that the modified-single factor model was the most appropriate one since there was a high correlation (r = 0.92, p < .01) between the factors in the two-factor model, and its divergent validity could not be ensured. We determined that the first three-item model is a saturated model.
A case of 17q12 deletion syndrome characterized by hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia
Authors: Ye Meng , Xu Jing , Zhang Zhi , He Juan , Xu Yi , Hu Ying , Wang Rui , Peng Nianchun , Zhang Miao , Xiao Banghui
Published: December 2023

Background
The 17q12 deletion syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disease, the phenotypes of genetic diseases include abnormalities of the kidney, pancreas, brain, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive tract. The manifestations of these diseases vary among individuals, and the clinical manifestations are different. Here we report a case of 17q12 deletion syndrome characterized by hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia to explore the diagnosis and treatment of 17q12 deletion syndrome.
Case presentation:
A 14-year-old young man was diagnosed with diabetes, further examination indicated that the patient had renal cysts, hepatic cysts, pancreatic atrophy, and mental retardation, in addition, the patient continued to have refractory hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. A copy number heterozygous deletion of 1359.63kb was detected in the 17q12 region of the patient, the deletion interval was chr17:36385253 to 37744884, which contains 4 known Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) pathogenic genes, including PIGW, ZNHIT3, HNF1β, ACACA. Finally, Maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 5(MODY5) caused by HNF1β heterozygosity missing based on 17q12 deletion syndrome was confirmed.
Conclusion
The patient was diagnosed with diabetes combined with renal cysts, hepatic cysts, pancreatic atrophy, this suggested that we should consider the possibility of MODY5, in addition, the patient was complicated with intellectual disability, refractory hypomagnesemia and hypomagnesemia, these unexplained abnormal laboratory results and symptoms remind us of the possibility of screening for genetic syndromes. 17q12 deletion syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder affecting multiple organ systems, diabetic physicians should be alert to the possibility of MODY5 caused by 17q12 deletion syndrome.
Quantitative Analysis of Peri-intestinal Lymph Node Metastasis Using Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging Technology
Authors: Lin Weiyang , Cui Wei , Li Qi , Sheng Jie , Zhao Yibing
Published: December 2023

Objective: This study evaluates the efficacy of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (ICG-FI) compared to traditional nanocarbon dye in assessing peri-intestinal lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer, a key factor in prognosis. The relationship between ICG-FI and histopathological outcomes in colon cancer patients is also explored.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 colon cancer patients (May to October 2023), confirmed by surgical pathology. Tumors were marked with ICG or nanocarbon under colonoscopy 16-24 hours pre-surgery. Post-surgery, within 15 minutes, peri-intestinal lymph node fluorescence photography and hematoxylin and eosin staining assessed the cancer foci distribution. The study measured the correlation between cancer foci distribution, fluorescence intensity, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC).
Results: Out of 243 metastatic lymph nodes from 30 patients, metastases were found in 18 nodes from 9 patients. Dividing patients into metastasis and non-metastasis groups, significant differences were noted in tumor differentiation and staging (p<0.001). Fluorescence intensity strongly correlated with metastasis presence and proportion (AUC=0.931), while nanocarbon staining showed no significant correlation (p=0.81). All p-values were two-sided, with p<0.05 indicating significance.
Conclusion: Lymph nodes with malignant intestinal tumor metastasis displayed weaker ICG fluorescence compared to non-metastatic nodes. Combining ICG and nanocarbon staining techniques enhances intraoperative lymph node dissection and postoperative analysis, indicating their potential utility in colorectal cancer surgeries.
Pan-Cancer Analysis of the Prognostic and Immunological Role of HCCS: A Potential Target for Survival and Immunotherapy
Authors: Luo Ming , Deng Xinzhou , Jiang Shan , Lv Jiaqi , Wang Jincheng , Shi Mingliang , Feng Wei , Yan Yutao , Chai Jingjing , Luo Zhiguo
Published: December 2023

Background: Holocytochrome c synthase (HCCS) is a cytochrome c synthase that connects heme to cytochrome c. At present, the role of HCCS in tumors have not been reported.
Methods: The TIMER2, UALCAN, and HPA databases were also used to explore the expression level of HCCS, the GEPIA2 database was utilized to investigate the relationship between HCCS and the prognosis of patients with tumor, and the TISIDB website was utilized to study the relationship between HCCS and molecular subtypes and immune subtypes. R 3.6.2 software was used to construct ROC curves, DAVID database was used to perform GO and KEGG annotations.
Results: We find that HCCS is differentially expressed in 8 types of tumors, high expression of HCCS was correlated with poor prognosis in 5 types of tumors and good prognosis in 3 types of tumors. HCCS is differentially expressed in various molecular subtypes of 14 tumors and various immune subtypes of 19 tumors. HCCS has potential value for the diagnosis estimation of 12 types of tumors. HCCS may be involved in multiple processes, such as organelle fission, chromosome segregation and cell cycle. Silencing HCCS significantly inhibits LAUD cell proliferation, promotes G2M cell cycle arrest, and cisplatin induced cell apoptosis. HCCS is associated with the expression of PD-L1 and immunotherapeutic efficacy in several tumors.
Conclusions: This study suggests that HCCS is a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis estimation of various tumors, and it may also affect the efficacy of immunotherapy for tumors.