bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Mitochondrial Calcium Overload via MKT077-Induced Inhibition of Glucose-Regulated Protein 75 Alleviates Skeletal Muscle Pathology in Dystrophin-Deficient mdx Mice
Authors: Dubinin Mikhail V. , Stepanova Anastasia E. , Mikheeva Irina B. , Igoshkina Anastasia D. , Cherepanova Alena A. , Talanov Eugeny Yu. , Khoroshavina Ekaterina I. , Belosludtsev Konstantin N.
Published: September 2024

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is secondarily accompanied by Ca2+ excess in muscle fibers. Part of the Ca2+ accumulates in the mitochondria, contributing to the development of mitochondrial dysfunction and degeneration of muscles. In this work, we assessed the effect of intraperitoneal administration of rhodacyanine MKT077 (5 mg/kg/day), which is able to suppress glucose-regulated protein 75 (GRP75)-mediated Ca2+ transfer from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) to mitochondria, on the Ca2+ overload of skeletal muscle mitochondria in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice and the concomitant mitochondrial dysfunction contributing to muscle pathology. MKT077 prevented Ca2+ overload of quadriceps mitochondria in mdx mice, reduced the intensity of oxidative stress, and improved mitochondrial ultrastructure, but had no effect on impaired oxidative phosphorylation. MKT077 eliminated quadriceps calcification and reduced the intensity of muscle fiber degeneration, fibrosis level, and normalized grip strength in mdx mice. However, we noted a negative effect of MKT077 on wild-type mice, expressed as a decrease in the efficiency of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, SR stress development, ultrastructural disturbances in the quadriceps, and a reduction in animal endurance in the wire-hanging test. This paper discusses the impact of MKT077 modulation of mitochondrial dysfunction on the development of skeletal muscle pathology in mdx mice.
Tityus stigmurus-Venom-Loaded Cross-Linked Chitosan Nanoparticles Improve Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Gláucia-Silva Fiamma , Torres João Vicente Pereira , Torres-Rêgo Manoela , Daniele-Silva Alessandra , Furtado Allanny Alves , Ferreira Sarah de Sousa , Chaves Guilherme Maranhão , Xavier-Júnior Francisco Humberto , Rocha Soares Karla Samara , Silva-Júnior Arnóbio Antônio da , Fernandes-Pedrosa Matheus de Freitas
Published: September 2024

The rapid resistance developed by pathogenic microorganisms against the current antimicrobial pool represents a serious global public health problem, leading to the search for new antibiotic agents. The scorpion Tityus stigmurus, an abundant species in Northeastern Brazil, presents a rich arsenal of bioactive molecules in its venom, with high potential for biotechnological applications. However, venom cytotoxicity constitutes a barrier to the therapeutic application of its different components. The objective of this study was to produce T. stigmurus-venom-loaded cross-linked chitosan nanoparticles (Tsv/CN) at concentrations of 0.5% and 1.0% to improve their biological antimicrobial activity. Polymeric nanoparticles were formed with a homogeneous particle size and spherical shape. Experimental formulation parameters were verified in relation to mean size (<180 nm), zeta potential, polydispersity index and encapsulation efficiency (>78%). Tsv/CN 1.0% demonstrated an ability to increase the antimicrobial venom effect against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, exhibiting an MIC value of 44.6 μg/mL. It also inhibited different yeast species of the Candida genus, and Tsv/CN 0.5% and 1.0% led to a greater inhibitory effect of C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis strains, presenting MIC values between 22.2 and 5.5 µg/mL, respectively. These data demonstrate the biotechnological potential of these nanosystems to obtain a new therapeutic agent with potential antimicrobial activity.
Lipid Selectivity of Membrane Action of the Fragments of Fusion Peptides of Marburg and Ebola Viruses
Authors: Shekunov Egor V. , Efimova Svetlana S. , Kever Lyudmila V. , Ishmanov Tagir F. , Ostroumova Olga S.
Published: September 2024

The life cycle of Ebola and Marburg viruses includes a step of the virion envelope fusion with the cell membrane. Here, we analyzed whether the fusion of liposome membranes under the action of fragments of fusion peptides of Ebola and Marburg viruses depends on the composition of lipid vesicles. A fluorescence assay and electron microscopy were used to quantify the fusogenic activity of the virus fusion peptides and to identify the lipid determinants affecting membrane merging. Differential scanning calorimetry of lipid phase transitions revealed alterations in the physical properties of the lipid matrix produced by virus fusion peptides. Additionally, we found that plant polyphenols, quercetin, and myricetin inhibited vesicle fusion induced by the Marburg virus fusion peptide.
Exploring Protein Post-Translational Modifications of Breast Cancer Cells Using a Novel Combinatorial Search Algorithm
Authors: Vasileva-Slaveva Mariela , Yordanov Angel , Metodieva Gergana , Metodiev Metodi V.
Published: September 2024

Post-translational modification of proteins plays an important role in cancer cell biology. Proteins encoded by oncogenes may be activated by phosphorylation, products of tumour suppressors might be inactivated by phosphorylation or ubiquitinylation, which marks them for degradation; chromatin-binding proteins are often methylated and/or acetylated. These are just a few of the many hundreds of post-translational modifications discovered by years of painstaking experimentation and the chemical analysis of purified proteins. In recent years, mass spectrometry-based proteomics emerged as the principal technique for identifying such modifications in samples from cultured cells and tumour tissue. Here, we used a recently developed combinatorial search algorithm implemented in the MGVB toolset to identify novel modifications in samples from breast cancer cell lines. Our results provide a rich resource of coupled protein abundance and post-translational modification data seen in the context of an important biological function—the response of cells to interferon gamma treatment—which can serve as a starting point for future investigations to validate promising modifications and explore the utility of the underlying molecular mechanisms as potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets.
NMR-Based Metabolomic Analysis of Biotic Stress Responses in the Traditional Korean Landrace Red Pepper (Capsicum annuum var. annuum, cv. Subicho)
Authors: Seong Gi-Un , Yun Dae-Yong , Shin Dong-Hyeok , Cho Jeong-Seok , Park Seul-Ki , Choi Jeong Hee , Park Kee-Jai , Lim Jeong-Ho
Published: September 2024

Korean landrace red peppers (Capsicum annuum var. Subicho), such as the traditional representative Subicho variety, are integral to Korean foods and are often consumed raw or used as a dried powder for cuisine. However, the known vulnerability of local varieties of landrace to biotic stresses can compromise their quality and yield. We employed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy coupled with a multivariate analysis to uncover and compare the metabolomic profiles of healthy and biotic-stressed Subicho peppers. We identified 42 metabolites, with significant differences between the groups. The biotic-stressed Subicho red peppers exhibited lower sucrose levels but heightened concentrations of amino acids, particularly branched-chain amino acids (valine, leucine, and isoleucine), suggesting a robust stress resistance mechanism. The biotic-stressed red peppers had increased levels of TCA cycle intermediates (acetic, citric, and succinic acids), nitrogen metabolism-related compounds (alanine, asparagine, and aspartic acid), aromatic amino acids (tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan), and γ-aminobutyric acid. These findings reveal the unique metabolic adaptations of the Subicho variety, underscoring its potential resilience to biotic stresses. This novel insight into the stress response of the traditional Subicho pepper can inform strategies for developing targeted breeding programs and enhancing the quality and economic returns in the pepper and food industries.
Metabolomics-Based Study of the Protective Effect of 4-Hydroxybenzyl Alcohol on Ischemic Astrocytes
Authors: Xiao Tian , Yu Xingzhi , Tao Jie , Yang Liping , Duan Xiaohua
Published: September 2024

Ischemic stroke is a common and dangerous disease in clinical practice. Astrocytes (ASs) are essential for maintaining the metabolic balance of the affected regions during the disease process. 4-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol (4HBA) from Gastrodia elata Bl. has potential neuroprotective properties due to its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier. In an in vitro experiment, we replicated the oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation model, and used methyl thiazoly tertrazolium, flow cytometry, kits, and other technical means to clarify the protective effect of 4HBA on primary ASs. In in vivo experiments, the 2VO model was replicated, and immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry techniques were used to clarify the protective effect of 4HBA on ASs and the maintenance of the blood-brain barrier. Differential metabolites and related pathways were screened and verified using metabolomics analysis and western blot. 4HBA noticeably amplified AS cell survival, reduced mitochondrial dysfunction, and mitigated oxidative stress. It demonstrated a protective effect on ASs in both environments and was instrumental in stabilizing the blood–brain barrier. Metabolomic data indicated that 4HBA regulated nucleic acid and glutathione metabolism, influencing purines, pyrimidines, and amino acids, and it activated the N-methyl-D-aspartate/p-cAMP-response element binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathway via N-methyl-D-aspartate R1/N-methyl-D-aspartate 2C receptors. Our findings suggest that 4HBA is a potent neuroprotective agent against ischemic stroke, enhancing AS cell survival and function while stabilizing the blood–brain barrier. The N-methyl-D-aspartate/p-cAMP-response element binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathway is activated by 4HBA.
Potential Antidiabetic, Antioxidative and Antiproliferative Properties of Functional Wheat Flour Muffins Enriched with White Clover Flowers (Trifolium repens L.)
Authors: Borczak Barbara , Szewczyk Agnieszka , Domagała Dominik , Kapusta-Duch Joanna , Leszczyńska Teresa , Kotuła Marta , Grulova Daniela
Published: September 2024

The aim of the study was to evaluate the functional properties of muffins fortified with white clover flowers (Trifolium repens L.), which were added to the dough in the following amounts: (i) 0% (control); (ii) 2.5%; (iii) 5.5%; (iv) 7.5%; and (v) 10%. The organoleptic properties were assessed by a panel of consumers. Additionally, the following parameters were also tested: basic chemical composition, total polyphenols, the antioxidant activity together with antiproliferative effects on the A375 melanoma cell line, starch nutritional fractions and the in vitro glycemic index. As a result, replacing wheat flour with white clover flour significantly affected the color, aroma and taste of the muffins. The content of proteins, fats, total ash, dietary fiber, resistant starch (RS), slowly digestible starch (SDS),total polyphenols and antioxidant activity increased statistically significantly with the elevated amount of white clover flour added to the dough. At the same time, the content of free glucose (FG), rapidly available glucose (RAG) and rapidly digestible starch (RDS), the value of the in vitro glycemic index and the viability of melanoma cancer cells decreased significantly. The muffins enriched with white clover flowers might constitute an interesting proposition and extension of the existing assortment of confectionery products.
Virtual Reality as a Therapeutic Tool in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Evaluation and Systematic Review
Authors: Scalise Matteo , Bora Tevfik Serhan , Zancanella Chiara , Safa Adrian , Stefini Roberto , Cannizzaro Delia
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The spinal rehabilitation process plays a crucial role in SCI patients’ lives, and recent developments in VR have the potential to efficiently engage SCI patients in therapeutic activities and promote neuroplasticity. Objective: The primary objective of this study is to assess a complete review of the extended impacts of VR-assisted training on spine rehabilitation in SCI patients. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) through a single database search in PubMed/Medline between the dates 1 January 2010 and 1 February 2024. MESH terms and keywords were combined in the following search strategy: (Augmented Reality OR VR OR Virtual Reality) AND (Spine OR Spinal) AND Rehabilitation. Included articles were written in English, involved adults with SCI, included an intervention with VR, AR, or any mixed reality system, and assessed changes in outcomes after the intervention. Results: The search produced 257 articles, and 46 of them were allocated for data extraction to evaluate 652 patients. Both when VR training was analyzed and reviewed separately, and when compared to traditional training, the findings exhibited predominantly promising outcomes, reflecting a favorable trend in the study. VR technologies were used in different settings and customizations, and the medium total time of VR training among the studies was 60.46 h per patient. Conclusions: This auspicious outcome of the study further motivates the intervention of VR and AR in the rehabilitation of SCI patients along with ameliorating their overall holistic well-being.
Molecular and Functional Cargo of Plasma-Derived Exosomes in Patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Wang Yanru , Hofmann Linda , Huber Diana , Lochbaum Robin , Ludwig Sonja , Brunner Cornelia , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Lehner René , Theodoraki Marie-Nicole
Published: September 2024

Background: Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic disorder leading to frequent bleeding in several organs. As HHT diagnosis is demanding and depends on clinical criteria, liquid biopsy would be beneficial. Exosomes from biofluids are nano-sized vesicles for intercellular communication. Their cargo and characteristics represent biomarkers for many diseases. Here, exosomes of HHT patients were examined regarding their biosignature. Methods: Exosomes were isolated from the plasma of 20 HHT patients and 17 healthy donors (HDs). The total exosomal protein was quantified, and specific proteins were analyzed using Western blot and antibody arrays. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) co-incubated with exosomes were functionally examined via immunofluorescence, proliferation, and scratch assay. Results: The levels of the angiogenesis-regulating protein Thrombospondin-1 were significantly higher in HHT compared to HD exosomes. Among HHT, but not HD exosomes, a negative correlation between total exosomal protein and soluble Endoglin (sENG) levels was found. Other exosomal proteins (ALK1, ALK5) and the particle concentration significantly correlated with disease severity parameters (total consultations/interventions, epistaxis severity score) in HHT patients. Functionally, HUVECs were able to internalize both HD and HHT exosomes, inducing a similar change in the F-Actin structure and a reduction in migration and proliferation. Conclusions: This study provided first insights into the protein cargo and function of HHT-derived exosomes. The data indicate changes in sENG secretion via exosomes and reveal exosomal Thrombospondin-1 as a potential biomarker for HHT. Several exosomal characteristics were pointed out as potential liquid biomarkers for disease severity, revealing a possible new way of diagnosis and prognosis of HHT.
Screening Strategies to Improve Early Diagnosis in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Cabrera Silvia , de la Calle Irene , Baulies Sonia , Gil-Moreno Antonio , Colas Eva
Published: September 2024

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy in high-income countries and the sixth most common cancer in women. Overall incidence has risen in the last few decades as a consequence of the increase in the prevalence of its risk factors, mainly obesity and the aging of the population, and although diagnoses have increased across all age groups, the incidence rates have doubled in women under the age of 40 years. The survival rates of endometrial cancer are highly dependent on its stage at diagnosis, bringing to the fore the importance of early diagnosis. The aim of a screening strategy in this type of tumor should be to detect the disease in the pre-invasive or early stage (before developing myometrial invasion), which would improve cure rates, reduce the morbidity associated with aggressive treatment and offer uterus-sparing management options for younger women. The ideal screening tool in this scenario would be a minimally invasive, inexpensive and easy-to-perform test or auto-test, which could be implemented in a routine gynecologic checkup of patients at-risk or in the general adult population. In this comprehensive review, we aim to define the populations at higher risk of developing endometrial cancer, to assess the performance of current diagnostic tools when used in a screening setting and to discuss the accuracy of new molecular screening strategies.
Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair and Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Approaches for Managing Aortic Pathologies: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Aljabri Badr , Iqbal Kaisor , Alanezi Tariq , Al-Salman Mussaad , Altuwaijri Talal , Aldossary Mohammed Yousef , Alarify Ghadah A. , Alhadlaq Leen S. , Alhamlan Sarah A. , AlSheikh Sultan , Altoijry Abdulmajeed
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Since thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) are increasingly utilized, examining their outcomes and safety in real-world scenarios is crucial. This study investigated the management and outcomes of TEVAR and EVAR as alternatives to traditional open surgical repair for managing aortic pathologies. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. We analyzed the data from 59 consecutive patients who underwent TEVAR or EVAR between 2015 and 2022 at a single tertiary care center. The primary outcome was survival, and secondary outcomes were complications assessment, including re-intervention and occurrence of endoleaks. Results: TEVAR accounted for 47.5% of cases (n = 28), while EVAR comprised 52.5% (n = 31). Patients were mostly 61–70 years old (23.7%) and male (91.5%). Surgery indications differed, with aneurysmal repair being the prevalent indication for EVAR (90.3%, n = 28) and trauma being the main indication for TEVAR (67.9%, n = 19). Regarding the primary outcome, 11 patients (18.6%) died for various reasons; of those, 2 patients (3.4%) were determined to have died from vascular-related issues. Most patients (81.4%, n = 48) did not experience intraoperative complications. The most common intraoperative complications were endoleaks and access failure, each affecting 5.1% (n = 3) of patients. Re-intervention was necessary in 16.9% (n = 10) of cases, with endoleaks being the major indication (60%). Emergency intervention was more frequent in the TEVAR group (p = 0.013), resulting in significantly longer hospitalization (p = 0.012). Conclusions: Despite limitations, our analysis indicates a good safety profile with high success rates and a low incidence of adverse health outcomes and mortality in TEVAR/EVAR procedures. Nevertheless, the results emphasize the ongoing concern of endograft leaks, necessitating re-interventions.
In Silico Modeling of Stress Distribution in the Diseased Ankle Joint
Authors: Lorkowski Jacek , Mrzyglod Miroslaw W. , Pokorski Mieczyslaw
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Osteoarthritis is a feature of the aging process. Here, we adopted in silico 2D finite element modeling (FEM) for the simulation of diseased ankle joints. We delved into the influence of body weight intensity on the stress distribution caused by subchondral cysts imitating degenerative age-related arthritic changes. Methods: FEM was performed using virtually generated pictorial schemes of the ankle joint skeletal contour. It included a constellation of scenarios with solitary or multiple cysts, or the lack thereof, located centrally, peripherally, or both in the talus and tibia at increased fixed levels of body weight. Results: The modeling showed that the highest stress was in the presence of a solitary central cyst in the talus and two centrally located cysts in the talus and the tibia, with the averaged values of 1.81 ± 0.52 MPa and 1.92 ± 0.55 MPa, respectively; there was a significant increase compared with the 1.24 ± 0.35 MPa in the control condition without cysts. An increase in body weight consistently increased the strain on the ankle joint. In contrast, peripherally located cysts failed to affect the stress distribution significantly. Conclusions: We conclude that subchondral central cysts substantially enhance the stress exerted on the ankle joint and its vicinity with body weight dependence. FEM’s ability to predict the location and magnitude of subchondral stress changes when confirmed in clinical trials might help to optimize the management of age-related degenerative joint changes.
Erythropoietin Reduces Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis in a Rat Model of Bleomycin-Induced Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Tsavlis Drosos , Domvri Kalliopi , Porpodis Konstantinos , Papoutsopoulou Stamatia , Anestakis Doxakis , Tzoumaka Anna , Meditskou Soultana , Symeonidoy Konstantina , Spandou Evangelia
Published: September 2024

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal interstitial disease with unknown etiology and no effective cure, posing a great health burden to society. Erythropoietin (EPO) has been demonstrated to have protective roles in various tissues such as brain, spinal cord, heart, kidney and lung tissues. In this study, we investigate the specific anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects of erythropoietin on lung tissue in a bleomycin-induced rat model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: Recombinant human EPO or saline was injected, and the animals were monitored for 14 days after bleomycin instillation. Their hematocrit and serum EPO levels were determined. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. Results: The extent of tissue injury, determined through morphometric analysis, was significantly decreased in size in animals treated with erythropoietin. An immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible synthase of nitric oxide (i-NOS), metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), erythropoietin receptor (EPO-R), and cytochrome-C (cyt-C) found these enzymes to be decreased in a statistically significant manner in animals treated with erythropoietin when compared to a non-treated group. Conclusions: The reduced expression of COX-2, i-NOS, MMP-9, EPO-R, and i-NOS in the lung tissues of animals treated with EPO indicates the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiapoptotic action of erythropoietin, suggesting its potential therapeutic role in pulmonary fibrosis.
Detecting 3D Salinity Anomalies from Soil Sampling Points: A Case Study of the Yellow River Delta, China
Authors: Han Zhoushun , Fu Xin , Yu Jianing , Zhang Hengcai
Published: September 2024

Rapidly capturing the spatial distribution of soil salinity plays important roles in saline soils’ management. Existing studies mostly focus on the macroscopic distribution of soil-salinity changes, lacking effective methods to detect the structure of micro-regional areas of soil-salinity anomalies. To overcome this problem, this study proposes a 3D Soil-Salinity Anomaly Structure Extraction (3D-SSAS) methodology to discover soil-salinity anomalies and step forward in revealing the irregular 3D structure of soil-anomaly salinity areas from limited sampling points. We first interpolate the sampling points to soil voxels using 3D EBK. A novel concept, the Local Anomaly Index (LAI), is developed to identify the candidate soil-salinity anomalies with the greatest amplitude of change. By performing differential calculations on the LAI sequence to determine the threshold, the anomaly candidates are selected. Finally, we adopt 3D DBSCAN to construct anomalous candidates as a 3D soil-salinity anomaly structure. The experimental results from the Yellow River Delta data set show that 3D-SSAS can effectively identify the 3D structure of salinity-anomaly areas, which are highly correlated with the geographical distribution mechanism of soil salinity. This study provides a novel method for soil science, which is conducive to further research on the complex variation process of soil salinity’s spatial distribution.
Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Female Infertility Treatment: Protocols and Preliminary Results
Authors: Chatzianagnosti Sofia , Dermitzakis Iasonas , Theotokis Paschalis , Kousta Eleni , Mastorakos George , Manthou Maria Eleni
Published: September 2024

Infertility is a global phenomenon that impacts people of both the male and the female sex; it is related to multiple factors affecting an individual’s overall systemic health. Recently, investigators have been using mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for female-fertility-related disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POF), endometriosis, preeclampsia, and Asherman syndrome (AS). Studies have shown promising results, indicating that MSCs can enhance ovarian function and restore fertility for affected individuals. Due to their regenerative effects and their participation in several paracrine pathways, MSCs can improve the fertility outcome. However, their beneficial effects are dependent on the methodologies and materials used from isolation to reimplantation. In this review, we provide an overview of the protocols and methods used in applications of MSCs. Moreover, we summarize the findings of published preclinical studies on infertility treatments and discuss the multiple properties of these studies, depending on the isolation source of the MSCs used.
Regulation of Safracin Biosynthesis and Transport in Pseudomonas poae PMA22
Authors: Hernández Delgado J. Gerardo , Acedos Miguel G. , de la Calle Fernando , Rodríguez Pilar , García José Luis , Galán Beatriz
Published: September 2024

Pseudomonas poae PMA22 produces safracins, a family of compounds with potent broad-spectrum anti-bacterial and anti-tumor activities. The safracins’ biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC sac) consists of 11 ORFs organized in two divergent operons (sacABCDEFGHK and sacIJ) that are controlled by Pa and Pi promoters. Contiguous to the BGC sac, we have located a gene that encodes a putative global regulator of the LysR family annotated as MexT that was originally described as a transcriptional activator of the MexEF-OprN multidrug efflux pump in Pseudomonas. Through both in vitro and in vivo experiments, we have demonstrated the involvement of the dual regulatory system MexT-MexS on the BGC sac expression acting as an activator and a repressor, respectively. The MexEF-OprN transport system of PMA22, also controlled by MexT, was shown to play a fundamental role in the metabolism of safracin. The overexpression of mexEF-oprN in PMA22 resulted in fourfold higher production levels of safracin. These results illustrate how a pleiotropic regulatory system can be critical to optimizing the production of tailored secondary metabolites, not only through direct interaction with the BGC promoters, but also by controlling their transport.
Utilization of Water-Insoluble Carbon Nitride-Phosphotungstic Acid Hybrids in Composite Proton Exchange Membranes
Authors: Yuan Xiancan , Lu Zhongrui , Jia Xiaoyang , Yang Zhuoran , Wang Jian , Wang Xiong , Lin Jun , He Shaojian
Published: September 2024

Phosphotungstic acid (HPW) can retain water in proton exchange membranes to increase proton conductivity; however, its water-soluble nature limits further application. In this work, we combined HPW and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) via sintering to prepare water-insoluble hybrids (HWN), where HPW was chemically linked to g-C3N4 to fix HPW. Then, HWN fillers were added to a sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) matrix to prepare composite membranes. The conductivity of the composite membrane with 10 wt% HWN is up to 0.066 S cm−1 at room temperature, which is 53% higher than that of the SPEEK control membrane (0.043 S cm−1). The composite membrane also showed stable proton conductivity after being immersed in water for 2000 h. Therefore, our study demonstrates that preparing water-insoluble nanofillers containing HPW components through sintering is a promising approach.
Influence of Printing Strategies on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Alloy 625 Using Directed Energy Deposition (DED-LB-p)
Authors: Scherm Florian , Daoud Haneen , Glatzel Uwe
Published: September 2024

Directed energy deposition (DED-LB-p) is used for the production of large components due to the high deposition rates. The large number of process parameters and printing strategies makes it difficult to optimize this process to achieve the optimal properties. Intensive post-processing is still the main obstacle to the widespread use of this process. In this work, the influence of different printing strategies and process parameters on the microstructural and tensile mechanical performance at room temperature is investigated. The porosity is measured in both printing directions. The grain orientation and size are analyzed by EBSD. A very low porosity of less than 0.4% is found in all the printed samples. The samples printed with the optimized offset printing strategy show a significant improvement in tensile strength of 1000 MPa without heat treatment compared to the other processing routes.
Enrichment of Geobacter on Anode Biofilms from Domestic Wastewater without Posing Anode Potential in Microbial Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Yadav Ravi Shankar , He Weihua , Liang Dandan , Li Chao , Yu Yanling , Feng Yujie
Published: September 2024

Microbial electrochemical cells (MxCs) offer a sustainable approach for wastewater treatment and energy recovery by harnessing the electroactive properties of microorganisms. This study explores the enrichment of Geobacter species on anode biofilms in single-(S-MxCs) and double-chambered (D-MxCs) MxCs, using domestic wastewater without an external anode potential. Stable current densities were achieved within 10 days for S-MxCs (9.52 ± 0.8 A/m2) and 14 days for D-MxCs (4.28 ± 0.9 A/m2), with S-MxCs showing a superior electrochemical performance. Hydrogen production rates were higher in D-MxCs (14.93 ± 0.66 mmol H2/L/day) compared to S-MxCs (9.46 ± 0.8 mmol H2/L/day), with cumulative production rates of 12.9 ± 1.3 mmol H2/g COD and 6.48 ± 1.4 mmol H2/g COD, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry confirmed enhanced bioelectrocatalytic activity in S-MxCs, while SEM imaging showed denser biofilms on S-MxC anodes. The novelty of this study lies in its demonstration of efficient biofilm development and microbial community resilience under non-potentialized conditions, providing insights that advance the practical application of MxCs in environmental biotechnology.
Spatial Analysis of the Ecogeographic Diversity of Wild Creeping Cucumber (Melothria pendula L.) for In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation in Mexico
Authors: González-Santos Rosalinda , Hernández-Sandoval Luis , Parra-Quijano Mauricio
Published: September 2024

Melothria pendula L., a wild relative of cucurbit crops, is also used for food and as a medicinal plant in Mexico. The objective of this study was to ecogeographically characterize the known populations of M. pendula in Mexico, determining its adaptive range and possible sites for in situ and ex situ conservation. To achieve this goal, we compiled a dataset of 1270 occurrences of M. pendula from herbarium and botanical databases and individual observations. Adaptive scenarios were generated through the development of an ecogeographic land characterization (ELC) map, preceded by the identification of abiotic variables influencing the species’ distribution. Eleven bioclimatic, edaphic, and geophysical variables were found to be important for the species’ distribution. The ELC map obtained contained 21 ecogeographic categories, with 14 exhibiting the presence of M. pendula. By analyzing ecogeographic representativeness, 111 sites of high interest were selected for the efficient collection of M. pendula in Mexico. Eight high-priority hotspots for future in situ conservation of M. pendula were also identified based on their high ecogeographic diversity, with only three of these hotspots located within protected natural areas. In this study, ecogeographic approaches show their potential utility in conservation prioritization when genetic data are scarce, a very common condition in crop wild relatives.
Introduced Herbivores Threaten the Conservation Genetics of Two Critically Endangered Single-Island Endemics, Crambe sventenii and Pleudia herbanica
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Priscila , Sarmiento Cabello Sonia , Scholz Stephan , Curbelo Leticia , Sosa Pedro A.
Published: September 2024

Crambe sventenii Pett. ex Bramwell & Sunding and Pleudia herbanica (A.Santos & M.Fernández) M.Will, N.Schmalz & Class.-Bockh. are two single-island endemic species from Fuerteventura (Canary Islands), inhabiting the same areas and similar habitats. They are under the “Critically Endangered” category due to historical herbivore pressure, mainly goats, leading to habitat fragmentation and poor population recruitment. The main aim of our study was to provide insights into the conservation genetics and habitat suitability of these two species. For this purpose, we sampled all known populations on the island and developed two new sets of microsatellite markers. Moreover, to assist restoration plans, we performed species distribution models to determine the most suitable areas for reintroduction. While Crambe sventenii is highly fragmented, with low genetic diversity indices in some populations, Pleudia herbanica’s genetic structure is quite homogeneous, grouped in three main regions, with signs of inbreeding and an overall low genetic diversity. Both species could present moderate to high levels of autogamy. Our findings can provide guidance to local governments regarding conservation actions to be implemented in the field, like the identification of propagule sources and new suitable areas for restoration.
The Impact of Online Media on Religious Authority
Authors: Andok Mónika
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study is to reveal in an interpretive way how computer-mediated communication, the Internet, and social media can be grasped by authority models and how these new types of authority influence religious communities that are (also) present on online platforms. In some cases, computer-mediated communication weakened and made traditional church authorities porous, but in other cases, it specifically helped and strengthened them. In other words, the impact of digital media is not uniform or unidirectional in this respect. Although there is no doubt that the Internet has multiplied it, made it optional, and personalized it from the user’s point of view, it has made religious authority customizable. The power of choice means that, in the digital sphere, the user decides when, what form of network authority they will submit to, for how long, and why they do so. In the classics of the sociology of religion, the concept of authority appears in a hierarchical representation under the concepts of (social) order and rationality. In other words, it cannot be thought of in a way that is contrary to rationality and contrary to social order. In network communication, the concept of authority is subordinated to technology, or as Castells puts it, power can only be interpreted with the logic of the network. Of course, the technological network and its contents are under external (legal) control, but it is precisely the power of the symbolic struggles taking place here that shows how important this issue is in the 21st century. The concept of authority classified under technology will no longer be linked to order or rationality, but to the processes of control, datafication, and attention management on the part of the owners of the platforms, while from the users’ side to concepts such as identity, authenticity, choice, and voluntariness. Its boundaries will be malleable, and the phenomenon itself will multiply. In summary, we cannot talk about one single online religious authority but more types of religious authorities, which are continuously and discursively formed, change, and occasionally hybridize.
A Novel Active Learning Framework for Cross-Subject Human Activity Recognition from Surface Electromyography
Authors: Ding Zhen , Hu Tao , Li Yanlong , Li Longfei , Li Qi , Jin Pengyu , Yi Chunzhi
Published: September 2024

Wearable sensor-based human activity recognition (HAR) methods hold considerable promise for upper-level control in exoskeleton systems. However, such methods tend to overlook the critical role of data quality and still encounter challenges in cross-subject adaptation. To address this, we propose an active learning framework that integrates the relation network architecture with data sampling techniques. Initially, target data are used to fine tune two auxiliary classifiers of the pre-trained model, thereby establishing subject-specific classification boundaries. Subsequently, we assess the significance of the target data based on classifier discrepancy and partition the data into sample and template sets. Finally, the sampled data and a category clustering algorithm are employed to tune model parameters and optimize template data distribution, respectively. This approach facilitates the adaptation of the model to the target subject, enhancing both accuracy and generalizability. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed adaptation framework, we conducted evaluation experiments on a public dataset and a self-constructed electromyography (EMG) dataset. Experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms the compared methods across all three statistical metrics. Furthermore, ablation experiments highlight the necessity of data screening. Our work underscores the practical feasibility of implementing user-independent HAR methods in exoskeleton control systems.
Qualitative examination of functional drinks from tuber plants
Authors:   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Shtovkhun A.I. , Berketova L.V. ,   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow
Published: September 2024

One of the most common diseases is hypersensitivity of the body, which is developed by the adaptive immune system in response to infectious substances in the environment, in other words, allergy. The creation of a food product technology for a drink based on tuber plants will make it possible to provide the population with hypoallergenic nutrition, that is, functional drinks.
Commodity assessment of the quality of yoghurts sold on the consumer market
Authors:   FSBEI HE Donetsk National University of Economics and Trade named after Mikhailo Tugan-Baranovsky, Donetsk, DPR, Malygina V.D. , Grosova D.A. ,   FSBEI HE Donetsk National University of Economics and Trade named after Mikhailo Tugan-Baranovsky, Donetsk, DPR
Published: September 2024

The work presents a commodity assessment of the quality of yoghurts sold on the consumer market. During the research, organoleptic (color, taste, smell, appearance, and consistency) and physicochemical (acidity, fat mass fraction) analysis methods were used.
E-commerce in the context of digitalization of the Russian economy
Authors:   Patrice Lumumba Russian People’s Friendship University, Moscow, RF, Kurbanov M. Sh.
Published: September 2024

Digitalization puts forward new rules of the game, where technologies play a leading role. The article examines the development of e-commerce in Russia and the world.
Some aspects of the use of artificial intelligence in the tourism business
Authors:   Higher School of Management, Russian People’s Friendship University named after Patrice Lumumba, Moscow, Russia, Balev N. N. , Zeveke O. Yu. ,   Higher School of Management, Russian People’s Friendship University named after Patrice Lumumba, Moscow, Russia
Published: September 2024

The article considers aspects of the use of neural networks in business processes of formation and promotion of tourist products (excursions and tourist programs). The analysis of neural network software in the Google and Yandex search engines in Russian and English is carried out.
Research On Issues of State Support for Dairy Industry Enterprises in The Region (Using the Example of The Krasnoyarsk Territory)
Authors:   Branch of the Moscow University named after S. Yu. Witte in Ryazan, Lukovnikova N. S.
Published: September 2024

The relevance of the study is determined by the study of the current state and problems of reducing the efficiency of production in the dairy industry at the regional level (using the example of the Krasnoyarsk Territory). The prerequisites for the development of the milk market based on foreign statistics for 2018–2022 have been studied, focusing on the dynamics of the price index for cheeses, powdered and whole milk, and butter. The directions of development of the dairy industry in the region were clarified and the role of transferring the capacities of commodity producers to the production of dairy products with a high fat content: butter, cheese was emphasized. The author analyzes the main indicators of the cattle breeding industry for agricultural enterprises of the Krasnoyarsk Territory for 2022-2023. Attention is focused on the fact that the improvement of the mechanism of state intervention in the system of regulating the results of milk, butter, and cheese production must be organized along with forecasting the self-suffi ciency of the industry with genetic potential. At the same time, it is important to improve feed production; increase the return on robotization of dairy farms. The issues of effectiveness and efficiency of providing state support to economic entities of the Krasnoyarsk Territory have been studied. A comparative assessment made it possible to identify non-fulfillment of actual expenses in accordance with the plan when providing state support to dairy cattle enterprises in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. At the same time, a scientifi cally based classifi cation of state support measures for commodity producers made it possible to identify a stimulating subsidy as a priority form for fi nancial assistance to the subjects of the dairy industry in the region. The article reveals the systemic measures of state support for dairy farming entities of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. As a result of the analysis and research, a set of forms of state support for dairy producers is presented, depending on the quality of milk fermentation. Based on the study of the mechanisms of budget support distribution in the region, the author recommended stimulating milk producers through their active involvement in the implementation of national projects: "Small and mediumsized enterprises"; "Labor productivity and employment support"; "International cooperation and export".
ROLE AND PLACE OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY IN ENSURING FOOD SECURITY IN RUSSIA
Authors: АМЕРХАНОВ Х.А.
Published: September 2024

В статье приведены актуальные данные по обеспечению продовольственной безопасности РФ. Дан анализ производства молока и мяса, приведены динамика поголовья крупного рогатого скота в целом и коров в частности, прогнозные расчеты по числу коров и производству молока до 2030 года.

The article presents relevant data on the maintenance of food security in the Russian Federation. Analysis of dairy and meat manufacture was performed; the dynamics of the cattle population in general and cows in particular were described, along with prediction calculations for the number of cows and dairy production until 2023.
Trastornos emocionales y su impacto en el aprovechamiento docente en estudiantes de Educación Básica
Authors: Ruiz Piza Angélica Lucia
Published: September 2024

Los trastornos emocionales constituyen un desafío significativo para los sistemas educativos, afectando la calidad de la docencia y el bienestar de los estudiantes. El propósito del presente artículo fue describir el estado de las investigaciones sobre los trastornos emocionales en estudiantes de educación básica y su impacto en el aprovechamiento docente. La metodología utilizada fue una revisión sistemática cualitativa, se seleccionaron 17 artículos comprendidos entre 2020 y 2024, usando el método PRISMA. Los resultados indicaron que existe una relación significativa entre las manifestaciones de los trastornos emocionales y el aprovechamiento docente. Se concluye que el desarrollo y fortalecimiento de las competencias emocionales, a través de programas y estrategias psicopedagógicas y psiconeuronales, pueden mejorar significativamente el proceso de aprendizaje y el bienestar de los estudiantes, contribuyendo a la autorregulación emocional, la motivación, a atenuar los efectos del estrés, el Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad, la depresión y la ansiedad.
Improving children's communication: the impact of multidisciplinary support on children with speech disorders
Authors: Zelinska-Liubchenko Kateryna , Marieieva Tetiana , Usyk Dmytro , Kordonets Viktoriya , Sylchenko Viktoriya
Published: September 2024

In recent years, the number of young children with speech disorders has been increasing. One of the approaches to solving this problem is the use of multidisciplinary support, with the involvement of specialized professionals in coordination with parents. The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of multidisciplinary support for young children with speech disorders. Methods of the study. The study examined 70 children with speech disorders of early age (from 1 to 4 years), including 28 girls (40%) and 42 boys (60%). Diagnostics of speech disorders was carried out by examining articulatory motor skills, sound pronunciation, phonemic system of speech, vocabulary, grammatical and coherent speech, fine motor skills, etc. It was found that young children had the following speech disorders: rhinolalia - 10%, generalized underdevelopment of speech of the second degree - 20%, generalized underdevelopment of speech of the third degree - 10%; dyslalie 30%; dysarthria 20%; allia 10%. The children received qualification support and support in the form of a certain number of correctional classes with specialized specialists, and the rate of hours of correctional component was 100%. 7 children (10%) had level IV support and received 6 hours of correctional sessions with a speech therapist, psychologist and defectologist. 7 children (10%) were under the supervision of a teacher's assistant, 14 children (20%) had level II support and received 2 hours of lessons with a speech therapist per week, according to the current protocols. The effectiveness of multidisciplinary support for children with speech disorders, which depends on consistent, regular and well-organized coordinated work between narrow specialists and parents, has been shown.