bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feeding mode drives mandibular shape in extant Delphinidae
Authors: Vicari D. , Boccone G. , Pandolfi L.
Published: September 2024

Delphinidae is the most diverse family within the toothed whale clade, displaying two biosonar modes, different feeding strategies, and diving and habitat adaptations. This work examines the delphinid mandible to determine the association between shape, size and ecological variables in extant species. Geometric morphometric analysis on 95 mandibles belonging to 30 (out of 38) extant species, representatives of all 17 extant genera, was performed in occlusal (or dorsal) and lateral (or labial) view. The results reveal that feeding mode and climate primarily drive mandibular shape in extant species. Biosonar mode is an evolutionary driver in mandibular shape in occlusal view, while diet and maximum prey size play a significant role in size only in both views. By contrast, Diving Ecology, Superficial Temperature and Rostral index do not play a significant role in driving delphinid mandibular shape and size.
Understanding the role of the human gut microbiome in overweight and obesity
Authors: McBurney Michael I. , Cho Clara E.
Published: September 2024

The gut microbiome may be related to the prevalence of overweight and obesity, but high interindividual variability of the human microbiome complicates our understanding. Obesity often occurs concomitantly with micronutrient deficiencies that impair energy metabolism. Microbiota composition is affected by diet. Host–microbiota interactions are bidirectional. We propose three pathways whereby these interactions may modulate the gut microbiome and obesity: (1) ingested compounds or derivatives affecting small intestinal transit, endogenous secretions, digestion, absorption, microbiome balance, and gut barrier function directly affect host metabolism; (2) substrate availability affecting colonic microbial composition and contact with the gut barrier; and (3) microbial end products affecting host metabolism. The quantity/concentration, duration, and/or frequency (circadian rhythm) of changes in these pathways can alter the gut microbiome, disrupt the gut barrier, alter host immunity, and increase the risk of and progression to overweight and obesity. Host‐specific characteristics (e.g., genetic variations) may further affect individual sensitivity and/or resilience to diet‐ and microbiome‐associated perturbations in the colonic environment. In this narrative review, the effects of selected interventions, including fecal microbiota transplantation, dietary calorie restriction, dietary fibers and prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, on the gut microbiome, body weight, and/or adiposity are summarized to help identify mechanisms of action and research opportunities.
Higher Flower Hydraulic Safety, Drought Tolerance and Structural Resource Allocation Provide Drought Adaptation to Low Mean Annual Precipitation in Caragana Species
Authors: Du Ya‐Xian , Qi Shi‐Hua , Tian Xue‐Qian , Yao Guang‐Qian , Zhang Long , Li Feng‐Ping , Jiang Hui , Zhang Xia‐Yi , Fang Xiang‐Wen
Published: September 2024

Determining the differences in flower hydraulic traits and structural resource allocation among closely related species adapted to low mean annual precipitation (MAP) can provide insight into plant adaptation to arid environments. Here, we measured the maximum flower hydraulic conductance (Kmax‐flower), water potential at induction 50% loss of Kmax‐flower (P50‐flower), flower pressure–volume parameters, dry mass of individual flowers and structural components (vexillum, wings, keels, stamens and sepals) of six Caragana species growing in regions ranging from 110 to 1400 mm MAP. Compared with species from high‐MAP environments, those from low‐MAP environments presented lower Kmax‐flower, more negative P50‐flower, osmotic potential at full turgor (πo) and turgor loss points (πtlp), and a greater bulk modulus of elasticity (ε). Consequently, a negative correlation between Kmax‐flower (hydraulic efficiency) and P50‐flower (hydraulic safety) was observed across Caragana species. Furthermore, the dry masses of individual flowers and structural components (vexillum, wings, keels, stamens and sepals) were greater in the species from the low‐MAP environment than in those from the high‐MAP environment. These findings suggest that greater flower hydraulic safety and drought tolerance combined with greater structural resource allocation promote drought adaptation in Caragana species to low‐MAP environments.
Absence and objectivity
Authors: Ordóñez Angulo Emmanuel
Published: September 2024

I first show that a growing body of literature about the phenomenological and epistemic role of the structural features of experience can be recruited in favour of the view that absence experience is non‐veridical. Then I argue that such literature is in fact amenable to the view that absence experience is veridical if we rethink our conception of absence, and presence, itself.
Detection of Legionella species other than Legionella pneumophila in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue: An autopsy case study
Authors: Riku Miho , Nakamura Ritsuko , Terashima Tsuguaki , Sakanashi Daisuke , Nakata Sosuke , Kawamura Makoto , Ohnishi Koji , Ito Hideaki , Watanabe Eizo , Mikamo Hiroshige , Kasai Kenji
Published: September 2024

Diagnosing the cause of death can be challenging, particularly for patients with no prior history of visits to the treating hospital. We encountered a case involving a 76‐year‐old male who was discovered in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest at his home and subsequently declared deceased in our hospital due to severe pneumonia. He had exhibited symptoms of fever over 37°C and severe coughing for several days. Despite consulting a primary care physician one day prior, his symptoms worsened. Autopsy findings revealed an increase in lung weight and diffuse changes in parenchyma. Histological analysis showed numerous inflammatory cells and exudate within the alveoli. Gram and Periodic acid‐Schiff staining were negative, but slight staining was observed in the cytoplasm of macrophages by Warthin‐starry and Gimenez stains. Tests using a pan bacterial/viral detection kit and qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Legionella pneumophila were negative. However, using deoxyribonucleic acid extracted from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded lung tissue, PCR amplification of the ssrA gene of congeneric Legionella species yielded positive results. The results suggest that the cause of death was likely due to bacterial pneumonia caused by Legionella species.
A novel null HLA‐B allele, B*40:510N, due to a single nucleotide deletion in exon 2
Authors: Zhong Xian‐Xin , Quan Zhan‐Rou
Published: September 2024

One nucleotide deletion in codon 15 of HLA‐B*40:01:02:01 results in a novel null allele, HLA‐B*40:510N.
Identification of the novel HLA‐C*08:291 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Moya‐Quiles María Rosa , Muro Manuel
Published: September 2024

HLA‐C*08:291, a novel HLA class I allele detected by next‐generation sequencing.
HLA‐DQA1*05:115, the first DQA1 allele described with an alanine at position 59 of alpha‐1 domain
Authors: Marin Rubio Luis Alberto , Ontañon Jesus
Published: September 2024

HLA‐DQA1*05:115 shows an alanine at position 59 not described previously.
Evaluation of ocular surface parameters before and after cryo‐ and laser therapy for distichiasis in dogs: A pilot study
Authors: Zwiauer‐Wolfbeisser V. , Tichy A. , Nell B.
Published: September 2024

Objective

The aim of this pilot study was to establish a satisfactory, scientific approach to effectively compare quantitative measurements of various ocular surface parameters before and after surgical treatment in dogs suffering from distichiasis.

Methods

An ophthalmic examination was conducted on 12 dogs (23 eyes) before and after surgical treatments for distichiasis, at four different time points, (t0 = before surgery, t1 = 1–2 h after surgery, t2 = 1 week after surgery, t3 = 1 month after surgery, and t4 = 6 months after surgery) between 2021 and 2022, and analyzed retrospectively. The examination included Schirmer tear test‐1 (STT‐1), interferometry, noninvasive tear film break‐up time (NIBUT), tear meniscus size (TMS), and meibography.

Results

No statistically significant changes were found in STT‐1 (t0: 22.2 ± 6.5 mm, t2: 22.5 ± 5.7 mm, t3: 20.8 ± 5.1 mm, and t4: 22.6 mm ± 4.8 mm) before and after surgery. Mean interferometry scores showed a slight, not statistically significant, decrease from t0 to t3 and t4 (t0: 2.1 ± 0.8, t1: 2.1 ± 0.7, t2: 2.1 ± 0.9, t3: 1.8 ± 0.6, and t4: 1.9 ± 1.1). Mean NIBUT did not change significantly between time points (t0: 3.9 ± 1.3 s, t1: 4.0 ± 1.3 s, t2: 4.0 ± 1.4 s, t3: 3.5 ± 0.7 s, and t4: 3.5 ± 0.9 s). TMS showed a slight, not statistically significant increase (t0: 0.5 ± 0.3 mm, t1: 0.5 ± 0.3, t2: 0.5 ± 0.3 mm, t3: 0.6 ± 0.2 mm, and t4: 0.7 ± 0.3 mm). There were no changes in the gross morphology of the meibomian glands (MG).

Conclusion

This pilot study could not detect a negative effect of different forms of treatment of distichiasis on the precorneal tear film parameters in dogs. However, due to the study's retrospective nature and small sample size, no definitive conclusion can be drawn regarding the changes at the different time points.
ПРОБИОТИКАЛЫҚ МИКРООРГАНИЗМДЕРДІҢ ЛИОФИЛЬДІК КЕПТІРУ ЖАҒДАЙЫН ОҢТАЙЛАНДЫРУ
Authors: Байқоныс Т.Б. , Құрманғали Д.Е. , Абилхадиров А.С. , Бекшин Ж.М. , Абитаева Г. К.
Published: September 2024

Микроорганизмдер коллекциясын құру және қалпында сақтау  биоалуантүрлілікті сақтау тәсілдері ретінде өзекті проблема болып табылады. Лиофильдік кептіру – культуралар коллекцияларындағы бактерияларды сақтаудың негізгі әдісі. Лиофилизация процесінде жасушалар зақымдайтын стресс факторларға ұшырайды. Төмен температура, судың кристалдануы, осмостық стресс, ерітінділердің pH өзгеруі, дегидратация жасуша құрылымдары мен молекулаларына зақым келтіреді. Аталып өтілген  факторлардан қорғау үшін лиофильдік кептіру алдында микробтық массаға қосылатын қорғаныс ортасының құрамын дұрыс тандау болып табылады. Құрамында көмірсулар, аминқышқылдары, қалпына келтірілген сүт, желатин және басқа компоненттер бар қорғаныс орталарын қолдану жасуша компоненттерінің зақымдану мүмкіндігін азайтады, бактериялардың сақтау мерзімін ұзартады.
Бұл зерттеуде әртүрлі криопротекторлардың Lactobacillus plantarum 5 LB, Lactobacillus casei 13n-1, Lactobacillus brevis 13b және Lactobacillus fermentum BV-4 сүтқышқылды бактерияларынан тұратын пробиотикалық консорциумның лиофильді кептіруден кейінгі өміршеңдігіне әсері анықталды. Біздің жұмысымыздың мақсаты лиофильді кептіру процесінде сүт қышқылы бактерияларын мүмкіндігінше сақтауға мүмкіндік беретін қорғаныс ортасын таңдау болды.
Барлығы 3 түрлі қорғаныс ортасының нұсқалары сыналды. Криопротекторлар ретінде 10% майсыздандырылған сүт, 1,5% майсыздандырылған сүт, желатин-сахароза криопротекторы және PBS бар масса бақылау ретінде пайдаланылды. Лиофильді кептіру стандартты әдіс бойынша жүргізілді. Мұздатқышта үлгілер -40 °C дейін 12 сағат ішінде алдын ала мұздатылып, артынан -80 °C  15 сағатқа лиофильді кептіруге қойылды.
Жасушалардың өміршеңдігін анықтау үшін Мiles & Misra әдісі қолданылып, колония құраушы бірлік (КҚБ) арқылы өлшенілді.
Зерттеу нәтижесінде, лиофильді кептіру алдында суспензиядағы тірі микроорганизмдердің өміршеңдігінің орташа мөлшері 2,25х108 КҚБ болды. Ал лиофилизация процесінен  кейін өміршеңдіктін деңгейі артты, жоғарғы көрсеткішті 4х1010 КҚБ мөлшерінде 10% майсыздандырылған сүт негізіндегі қорғаныс ортасы  көрсетті. PBS қолданылған бақылау тобында бактериялардың өміршеңдігі  криопротекторлар қосылған үлгілермен салыстырғанда төмен болып, 2х107 КҚБ-ті көрсетті.  Ал қалған екі үлгі 1,5% майсыздандырылған сүт және желатин-сахарозды криопротекторлар бірдей көрсеткіш көрсетіп,  сәйкесінше өміршеңдігі 2х1010 КҚБ-ке тең болды.
4 ай 4°C температурда сакталғаннан кейін  өміршеңдік көрсеткіштері келесідей болды 1,5% майсыздандырылған сүт 6х108 КҚБ, желатин-сахарозды криопротектор 2х109 КҚБ және ең жоғарғы көрсеткішті 1х1010 КҚБ-ті 10%  майсыздандырылған сүт негізіндегі қорғаныс ортасы  көрсетті. Ал PBS қосылған бақылау тобында бактериялардың өміршеңдігі  2х106 КҚБ-ке тең болды.
Осылайша, лиофильді кептіру кезінде 10% майсыздандырылған сүтті қолдану жоғары қорғаныс қасиеттерін қамтамасыз ететіні анықталды.
EFFECT OF THE CONCENTRATION OF THE PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS ON IN VITRO SHOOT GROWTH OF BLACKBERRY
Authors: Zhanybekova Zh. , Islamova S. , Samatova I. , Kakimzhanova A.
Published: September 2024

Berry fruit species, such as Ribes nigrum, are highly esteemed in numerous countries for their biological and economic value, being regarded as important species of small fruits. Ribes nigrum, indigenous to northern Europe, and northern and central Asia.
Conserving species like blackcurrant, as highlighted in the International Scientific reports, is crucial due to their potential health benefits and contributions to maintaining vascular health, especially in postmenopausal populations. The discovery that blackcurrant extract, rich in phytoestrogens, shows promise in preventing elastin degradation and pathological vascular remodeling underscores the importance of preserving this species.
In Kazakhstan, the preservation of Ribes nigrum includes various factors, such as ecological significance, local economic value through agriculture, and conservation priorities since blackcurrant plays a significant role in the country's biodiversity and traditional uses.
The potential of in vitro propagation for rapid mass production of valuable species is substantial. Our study addresses biodiversity conservation by employing this approach. Specifically, we aimed to investigate the impact of nutrient media and growth regulators on shoot multiplication of Ribes nigrum.
Our findings reveal that the optimal concentration of plant growth regulators (PGR) significantly influences both the number and length of shoots. Notably, the highest multiplication rate for Ribes nigrum was achieved on MS with a combination of BAP at 0.5 μ/L and GA 0.5 μ/L.
In conclusion, our study elucidates the effects of manipulating PGR concentrations in culture media on Ribes nigrum. We recommend optimizing these concentrations to enhance the growth of Ribes nigrum for potential reintroduction efforts and biodiversity conservation.
The research is being conducted as part of program BR21882166, which focuses on the scientific and practical aspects of reproducing, conserving, and utilizing fruit and berry plants from the natural flora of Western, Eastern, Central, and Northern Kazakhstan to ensure food security. This program is financially supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the period 2023-2025.
IN VITRO SLOW-GROWTH STORAGE OF THE ENDANGERED SPECIES MALUS NIEDZWETZKYANA FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Authors: Nurtaza A.S. , Magzumova G.K. , Kakimzhanova A.A.
Published: September 2024

The conservation of biodiversity requires efficient ex situ methods for storing plant genetic material outside its natural habitat. This approach will maintain valuable, endemic, and endangered plant species for extended periods. One widely used method is in vitro slow-growth storage.
Our study describes the results of slow-growth storage of micropropagated shoots of the endangered and endemic Malus niedzwetzkyana. In vitro shoots of annual shoots of the Malus niedzwetzkyana were used as the object of the study. The shoots were obtained using a previously developed protocol of micropropagation.
To develop slow-growth storage in in vitro culture of shoots, we studied the influence of osmotic agents, light, and temperature regimes. We investigated cultivation conditions such as temperature (4°C and 24°C) and photoperiod (16/8 and growth in the dark), as well as the composition of nutrient media to slow growth (sucrose, mannitol, abscisic acid). The research results showed that the optimal condition for medium-term storage of shoots is the QL nutrient medium with the addition of 3% or 6% sucrose under standard conditions. The optimized protocol allowed us to preserve the shoots of Malus niedzwetzkyana for 5 months without re-cultivation.
This result confirms the effectiveness of the selected protocol for slow-growth storage of Malus niedzwetzkyana shoots. The explants stopped growing but remained viable, and the recovery period took 35 days (1 passage). The developed protocol enabled us to preserve plant material for several months without intermediate cultivation. As a result of this work, an in vitro collection was created to conserve the rare and endangered species of Malus niedzwetzkyana.
  The research is conducted in the framework of the program BR18574125 with financial support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (duration: 2023-2024).
БИОБЕЗОПАСНОСТЬ ПРИ РАБОТЕ СО ШТАММАМИ МИКРООРГАНИЗМОВ
Authors: Ануарбекова С.С. , Альжанова Г.С. , Садыков А.М.
Published: September 2024

Штаммы культур микроорганизмов являются объектом интеллектуальной собственности.
Использование стандартных коллекционных штаммов значительно повышает безопасность и эффективность работ, связанных с использованием микроорганизмов. Учёт, контроль и оценка промышленно ценных свойств, хранящихся в научных организациях, профильных лабораториях и коллекциях промышленных микроорганизмов являются актуальной проблемой для государства, что решает проблему биологической безопасности и исследования их гено-и фенотипических свойств.
Для оценки эффективности хранения микроорганизмов института в работу были взяты 32 культуры, принадлежащие к различным таксономическим группам.
Выбор был основан на промышленной ценности микроорганизмов: продуценты биологически активных веществ, антагонисты, нефтедеструкторы. Штаммы культур хранятся в лиофильно высушенном состоянии от нескольких до десятков лет.
В качестве защитных сред использовали желатин, глицерин, сахарозу и обезжиренное стерильное молоко.
Для выполнения этой задачи провели реактивацию культур, оценку чистоты культуры и соответствие их таксономическим характеристикам (соответствие морфо-культуральным свойствам и паспортным данным). Для этого рассевали культуры в элективные питательные среды. Чистота проверялась при росте и при микроскопии.
Следующим этапом является оценка максимального показателя жизнеспособности (ЖСП) методом разведений по Коху.
Культуры микроорганизмов дали в основном хороший рост, кроме двух объектов, которые не дали рост после реактивации, что может свидетельствовать о не жизнеспособности культур или не эффективности защитной среды, наиболее достоверно первое предположение.
Нами установлено, что штаммы культур микроорганизмов в количестве 30 соответствуют своим паспортным данным, видовым и родовым характеристикам.
Исследование максимального показателя ЖСП необходимо, так как это основной признак коллекционных и промышленных культур микроорганизмов, вследствие того, что культура должна быть жизнеспособна и иметь показатель выше 106 КОЕ/мл.
Показатель ЖСП в пределах допустимого по требованиям к промышленным и коллекционным штаммам:107 - 1010 КОЕ/мл.
Один штамм имеет показатель 107 – это Lactobacillus acidophilus A-2, 1 – 1010 - это Streptococcus thermophilus S-1; основную массу составляют штаммы в 108 и 109 степени.
Таким образом, из 32 штаммов коллекционных культур взятых в работу, 2 штамма не дали рост, остальные культуры жизнеспособны и соответствуют своим паспортным данным.
Установлена стабильность максимального показателя ЖСП и соответствие характерным фенотипическим признакам коллекционных штаммов.
Полученные результаты свидетельствуют об эффективности метода хранения в лиофильновысушенном состоянии и подобранной защитной среды, так как культуры хранились на протяжении нескольких десятков лет.
АНАЛИЗ ПРОТЕКТИВНОЙ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ КОММЕРЧЕСКИХ ГРИППОЗНЫХ ВАКЦИН ПРОТИВ ЭПИЗООТИЧЕСКИ АКТУАЛЬНОГО ВИРУСА ВЫСОКОПАТОГЕННОГО ГРИППА ПТИЦ
Authors: Табынов К.К. , Ельчибаева Л.С. , Жармамбет Қ.Қ. , Куанышбек А. , Жусамбаева С.И. , Фомин Г.И. , Бердикулов М.А. , Карибаев Т.Б. , Табынов К.К.
Published: September 2024

Высокопатогенный грипп птиц (ВПГП) ежегодно наносит колоссальный экономический ущерб для мировой птицеводческой отрасли, и вместе с тем глобальной продовольственной безопасности. Проблема в том, что используемые в настоящее время коммерческие ВПГП вакцины, ввиду генетической отдаленности между вакцинным и полевым вирусами, имеют ограниченную защиту против постоянно эволюционирующего возбудителя инфекции. Несмотря на проводимую массовую иммунизацию поголовья против ВПГП на птицефабриках Казахстана, в некоторых из них по-прежнему отмечаются случаи падежа и снижения продуктивности птиц от данной заболевания. В настоящей работе проведен анализ протективной эффективности коммерческих вакцин против вируса ВПГП субтипа Н5 клада 2.3.4.4b, представляющего эпизоотическую актуальность для Казахстана и других стран мира. Для этого вакцины от разных производителей, широко применяемых в Казахстане и странах Евразийского экономического союза (Flu Protect H5, Ставропольская биофабрика, Россия; Volvac® B.E.S.T., Boehringer Ingelheim, Мексика; Вакцина инактивированная эмульгированная против гриппа птиц, НИИ проблем биологической безопасности, Казахстан), были сравнительно экспериментально протестированы на способность защиты от инфицирования, трансмиссии и гибели иммунизированных птиц от дикого типа вируса ВПГП. В качестве препарата сравнения использовалась экспериментальная инактивированная эмульгированная вакцина из гомологичного штамма субтипа Н5 клайда 2.3.4.4b, приготовленная КазНАИУ (X-vac 1) в научных целях. Эффективность вакцинации, оцениваемая по выживаемости птиц после заражения эпизоотическим ВПГП субтипа Н5 клайда 2.3.4.4b была следующей: Flu Protect H5 – 40%; Volvac® B.E.S.T. – 60%; Вакцина НИИПББ – 100%; X-vac 1 (препарат сравнения) – 100%. Однако ни одна из коммерческих вакцин не обеспечила защиту от трансмиссии вируса, так как все контактные птицы без иммунизации, подселенные к вакцинированным птицам после их заражения, пали от ВПГП инфекции. Лишь экспериментальная вакцина X-vac 1 (препарат сравнения), приготовленная из гомологичного штамма субтипа Н5 клайда 2.3.4.4b, обеспечила 66.7%-й уровень защиты от трансмиссии вируса. Полученные данные объясняют причину циркуляции в некоторых птицефабриках Казахстана ВПГП субтипа Н5 несмотря на проводимую массовую иммунизацию с использованием вышеназванных коммерческих вакцин.
Таким образом, независимый анализ коммерческих ВПГП вакцин показал, что наиболее эффективной вакциной среди исследованных является препарат производства НИИПББ, который обеспечивает 100% защиту привитых птиц от гибели. При этом ни одна из коммерческих вакцин не обеспечила защиту от трансмиссии вируса. Для достижения наилучшей защиты птиц не только от гибели, но и вирусной трансмиссии рекомендуется производителям гриппозных вакцин осуществить актуализацию вакцинных штаммов.
ПОДБОР ЭКСПЛАНТОВ RIBES JANCZEWSKII ДЛЯ КРИОСОХРАНЕНИЯ
Authors: Саматова И.Н. , Дюсембекова Д.А. , Исламова С.С. , Какимжанова А.А.
Published: September 2024

Один из перспективных подходов к сохранению генофонда растений является криоконсервация. Этот метод особенно ценен для редких и уязвимых видов, поскольку он позволяет замораживать растительный материал при очень низких температурах, обеспечивая его долгосрочное хранение без потери жизнеспособности. Кроме того, криосохранение является экономически выгодным по сравнению с другими методами, так как не требует значительных ресурсов на поддержание. Однако, эффективное применение криоконсервации требует индивидуальной оптимизации протоколов для каждого вида.
В качестве объекта исследования использовали апикальные меристемы in vitro и пазушные почки краснокнижного вида Ribes janczewskii. Сбор растительного материала 2-х популяций Ribes janczewskii осуществляли в ГНПП «Сайрам-Угам».
Для прекультивации этапа криоконсервации апексов микропобегов in vitro подобрали питательную среду ½ WPM с добавлением 0,25 М сахарозы и 1,0 мг/л АБК с временем прекультивирования 30 дней, где использовали метод Droplet vitrification. Однако, жизнеспособность эксплантов оказалась низкой от 2 до 20%.
Для увеличения жизнеспособности эксплантов после криосохранения решили использовать в качестве растительного материала пазушные почки побегов. В результате исследований подобрана питательная среда QL с БАП 1,0 мг/л для посткриогенного восстановления эксплантов, где жизнеспособность пазушных почек составила до 62%.
Таким образом, выявлено, что для эффективного криосохранения Ribes janczewskii наиболее подходящим эксплантом являются пазушные почки побегов.
Данная работа выполнена в рамках грантового проекта: АР 14869409 «Разработка биотехнологии краснокнижного вида смородины Янчевского (Ribes janczewskii) для сохранения и воспроизводство».
КОМБИНИРОВАННОЕ ЛЕЧЕНИЕ РАКА ЛЕГКИХ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ ТОМОТЕРАПИИ И ИММУНОТЕРАПИИ АУТОЛОГИЧНЫМИ АКТИВИРОВАННЫМИ ЛИМФОЦИТАМИ
Authors: Аскаров М.Б. , Ганина А.М. , Каримова М.Х. , Козина Л.В.
Published: September 2024

Рак легких является основной причиной смертности от рака во многих странах. Хотя молекулярная таргетная терапия и новые противораковые препараты улучшили прогноз, общая выживаемость по-прежнему составляет всего 20-30%. В этой связи, очень актуальным является разработка новых биотехнологических методов активации лимфоцитарных клеток для реализации иммуноспецифических функций и включение в качестве агентов в комбинированную терапию рака легкого.
Преимуществом использования аутологичных активированных лимфоцитов периферической крови является их способность разрушать иммуносупрессивное микроокружение опухоли и высвобождать собственный противоопухолевый иммунитет пациента. В основном активированные непосредственно или в перекрестном взаимодействии с другими типами клеток, лигандами, цитокинами и их рецепторами участвуют в апоптозе клеток рака легкого и предотвращении прогрессии и метастазирования рака легкого.
Группой ученых АО «Национальный научный медицинский центр» была разработана инновационная биотехнологическая схема активации лимфоцитов периферической крови.
Для получения функциональных лимфоцитов в данном исследовании были использованы ex vivo-дифференцированные гранулоцитарные колониестимулирующие факторы (ГКСФ), где мобилизованные гемопоэтические прогениторные клетки (ГПК). Был осуществлен подбор оптимальных условий для генерации активированных лимфоцитов в культуре, под воздействием цитокинов разной концентрации (ил-7, ил-15).
Определены целевые мониторируемые показатели в рамках протокола: CD8, CD4, СD16, CD38, CD56, активность фактора роста эндотелия сосудов (VEGF) в сыворотке крови. Проведены исследования фенотипического состава активированных иммунных клеток на маркеры CD56, CD8, CD16, CD38; таким образом, показана активность и увеличение количества CD56 в 1,5 раза по сравнению с исходным показателем. При исследовании цитокинов в культуральной среде на 3 и 7 сутки нами выявлена экспрессия TNFα и IL2.
Таким образом, в тестовом режиме был разработан оптимальный протокол культивирования собственных лимфоцитов с применением цитокинов.
Получены активированные лимфоциты, что является перспективным методом в эффективном распознавании и уничтожении клеток рака легкого.
МУЛЬТИОМНЫЙ ПОДХОД ИЗУЧЕНИЕ КЛЕТОЧНОГО ОТВЕТА BACTEROIDES FRAGILIS К МЕРОПЕНЕМУ
Authors: Баянбек Д.С. , Бекбаева A. , Ауганова Д.Н. , Тарлыков П.В. , Кожахметова С.С. , Жолдыбаева Е.В.
Published: September 2024

На основе исследования ВОЗ, по глобальному росту устойчивости к карбапенемам и бета-лактамам среди изолятов Bacteroides fragilis, показали, что частота резистентности обычно колеблется от 1% до 5% в зависимости от географического расположения.
В данном исследовании был проанализирован клинический изолят Bacteroides fragilis BFR_KZ01 (wMEM), полученный от пациентов с интраабдоминальными заболеваниями, а также субкультуры, выращенные с использованием меропенема (MEM2, MEM8) и без антибиотика (rMEM2, rMEM8). Основная цель исследования заключалась в изучении транскриптома и протеома указанных бактерий с целью выявления связей между их генами и механизмами резистентности.
Бактериальный изолят был выращен в сердечно-мозговом бульоне при 37°C в анаэробных условиях в течение 48 часов. Субкультуры бактерии проходили культивацию в средах с меропенемом и без него с интервалом в 48 часов в течение 8 дней.
Чувствительность к меропенему оценили с помощью полосок M.I.C. Evaluator™. Использовали коммерческий набор RNeasy mini kit для извлечения общей РНК из жидких культур B. fragilis. Секвенирование РНК, ориентированное на конкретные области, проводилось на платформе DNBSEQ. Белки B. fragilis были извлечены и разделены с использованием метода додецилсульфата натрия-полиакриламидного гель-электрофореза (SDS-PAGE). Элюированные пептиды были анализированы с использованием метода жидкостной хроматографии-тандемной масс-спектрометрии (LC-MS/MS). Протеомные данные анализировали с использованием программы Mascot 2.6.1. Для кластерного анализа использовали онлайн базу данных для аннотации, визуализации и интегрированных открытий (DAVID).
Субингибирующая концентрация меропенема составила (SIC) 0,5 мкг/мл.  Картирование референсного генома позволило выявить 2 477 экспрессированных генов среди всех образцов B. fragilis BFR KZ01. Десять генов с дифференциальной экспрессией были обнаружены как общие между группами сравнения под воздействием антибиотиков и после удаления меропенема (wMEM против MEM2 и MEM2 против rMEM8), однако значимых обогащенных терминов генной онтологии не выявлено. Кластер обогащения, связанный с оксидоредуктазой W-0560, дифференциально экспрессируемых генов после удаления антибиотика, был выявлен как значимый. С использованием LC-MS/MS было идентифицировано 859 белков B. fragilis. Три белка были увеличены в обогащенной категории сворачивания белков: 3-оксоацил-[ацил-карриер-белок] редуктаза, субъединица биотин-карбоксилазы ацетил-КоА карбоксилазы и бета-кетоацил-АЦП синтаза III. Белки-шапероны включают пептидил-пролил-цис-транс-изомеразы FKBP-типа (участвующие в цис-транс-изомеризации пролиловых пептидных связей) и GroES (ко-шаперон, функционирующий вместе с GroEL).
 Полученные результаты углубляют наше понимание ответа B. fragilis на меропенем, особенно в контексте бета-лактамазы SIC, и способствуют более глубокому анализу стратегий выживания бактерий в условиях стресса.
MARKER REGIONS OF THE GENOME FOR MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS OF OPISTHORCHIIDAE FAMILY
Authors: Smagulova A.M. , Bekenova A.B.
Published: September 2024

Infectious diseases caused by representatives of the Opisthorhidae family rank 8th in terms of health concern in the world among all food parasites. According to FAO data, studies of representatives of the Opisthorhidae family rank first and range from 0.66 to 88.7%.
When performing a PCR analysis, a molecular marker plays an important role. In our studies, ribosomal genome clusters and mitochondrial genes were used as molecular markers.
In eukaryotic organisms, ribosomal genes are presented in the form of clusters located in groups on different chromosomes. Each cluster includes three ribosomal genes (18S, 5.8S and 28S), separated by spacer regions. The ribosomal gene cluster consists of a transcribed region, internal transcribed spacers (ITS - Internal Transcribed Spacer) and flanking external transcribed spacers (ETS - Eternal Transcribed Spacer)
The ITS noncoding sequence differs greatly among closely related organisms and is therefore used to classify parasites at the genus, species, and subspecies level. The ribosomal nuclear gene 5.8S forms the complete transcribed internal spacer region together with the molecular markers ITS1 and ITS2. This region of the genome is used in species studies of 19 families of digenetic flukes.
Mitochondrial genes are also one of the most commonly used mtDNA gene fragments in the molecular identification of the family Opisthorchiidae. The advantage of using COX in research is the high degree of mutation, which makes it possible to differentiate closely related species
The use of these genome regions makes it possible to quickly and accurately identify pathogens of the family Opishorchiidae, even for such individuals with practically indistinguishable morphological stages of the life cycle, such as parasite eggs and capsules in fish muscles. Therefore, in our studies, primers were used for the nuclear regions of ribosomal DNA ITS1, ITS2 and mitochondrial genes COX1, COX3.
The hidden menagerie of the posterolateral corner of the knee
Authors: Yalçınkaya Berkay , Çolak Ahmet Furkan , Abdulsalam Ahmad Jasem , Kara Murat
Published: September 2024

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Ultrasound-guided proximal-anterior axillary nerve block: a novel technique
Authors: Hata Akiko , Sato Makoto , Kunisawa Takayuki
Published: September 2024

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Co-speech head nods are used to enhance prosodic prominence at different levels of narrow focus in French
Authors: Carignan Christopher , Esteve-Gibert Núria , Lœvenbruck Hélène , Dohen Marion , D'Imperio Mariapaola
Published: September 2024

Previous research has shown that prosodic structure can regulate the relationship between co-speech gestures and speech itself. Most co-speech studies have focused on manual gestures, but head movements have also been observed to accompany speech events by Munhall, Jones, Callan, Kuratate, and Vatikiotis-Bateson [(2004). Psychol. Sci. 15(2), 133–137], and these co-verbal gestures may be linked to prosodic prominence, as shown by Esteve-Gibert, Borrás-Comes, Asor, Swerts, and Prieto [(2017). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 141(6), 4727–4739], Hadar, Steiner, Grant, and Rose [(1984). Hum. Mov. Sci. 3, 237–245], and House, Beskow, and Granström [(2001). Lang. Speech 26(2), 117–129]. This study examines how the timing and magnitude of head nods may be related to degrees of prosodic prominence connected to different focus conditions. Using electromagnetic articulometry, a time-varying signal of vertical head movement for 12 native French speakers was generated to examine the relationship between head nod gestures and F0 peaks. The results suggest that speakers use two different alignment strategies, which integrate both temporal and magnitudinal aspects of the gesture. Some evidence of inter-speaker preferences in the use of the two strategies was observed, although the inter-speaker variability is not categorical. Importantly, prosodic prominence itself is not the cause of the difference between the two strategies, but instead magnifies their inherent differences. In this way, the use of co-speech head nod gestures under French focus conditions can be considered as a method of prosodic enhancement.
Microbial production of 5-
epi
-jinkoheremol, a plant-derived antifungal sesquiterpene
Authors: Wang Guoli , Wu Zhenke , Li Mingkai , Liang Xiqin , Wen Yiwei , Zheng Qiusheng , Li Defang , An Tianyue
Published: September 2024

Synthetic biology using microbial chassis is emerging as a powerful tool for the production of natural chemicals. In the present study, we constructed a microbial platform for the high-level production of a sesquiterpene from
Catharanthus roseus
, 5-
epi
-jinkoheremol, which exhibits strong fungicidal activity. First, the mevalonate and sterol biosynthesis pathways were optimized in engineered yeast to increase the metabolic flux toward the biosynthesis of the precursor farnesyl pyrophosphate. Then, the transcription factor Hac1- and m
6
A writer Ime4-based metabolic engineering strategies were implemented in yeast to increase 5-
epi
-jinkoheremol production further. Next, protein engineering was performed to improve the catalytic activity and enhance the stability of the 5-
epi
-jinkoheremol synthase TPS18, resulting in the variant TPS18
I21P/T414S
, with the most improved properties. Finally, the titer of 5-
epi
-jinkoheremol was elevated to 875.25 mg/L in a carbon source-optimized medium in shake flask cultivation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to construct an efficient microbial cell factory for the sustainable production of this antifungal sesquiterpene.

IMPORTANCE

Biofungicides represent a new and sustainable tool for the control of crop fungal diseases. However, hindered by the high cost of biofungicide production, their use is not as popular as expected. Synthetic biology using microbial chassis is emerging as a powerful tool for the production of natural chemicals. We previously identified a promising sesquiterpenoid biofungicide, 5-
epi
-jinkoheremol. Here, we constructed a microbial platform for the high-level production of this chemical. The metabolic engineering of the terpene biosynthetic pathway was firstly employed to increase the metabolic flux toward 5-
epi
-jinkoheremol production. However, the limited catalytic activity of the key enzyme, TPS18, restricted the further yield of 5-
epi
-jinkoheremol. By using protein engineering, we improved its catalytic efficiency, and combined with the optimization of regulation factors, the highest production of 5-
epi
-jinkoheremol was achieved. Our work was useful for the larger-scale efficient production of this antifungal sesquiterpene.
Conjugation of anti-HIV gp41 monoclonal antibody to a drug capable of targeting resting lymphocytes produces an effective cytotoxic anti-HIV immunoconjugate
Authors: Pincus Seth H. , Cole Frances M. , Ober Kelli , Tokmina-Lukaszewska Monika , Marcotte Tamera , Kovacs Ernest W. , Zhu Tong , Khasanov Alisher , Copié Valérie , Peters Tami
Published: September 2024

HIV-infected cells persisting in the face of suppressive antiretroviral therapy are the barrier to curing infection. Cytotoxic immunoconjugates targeted to HIV antigens on the cell surface may clear these cells. We showed efficacy in mouse and macaque models using immunotoxins, but immunogenicity blunted the effect. As an alternative, we propose antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), as used in cancer immunotherapy. In cancer, the target is a dividing cell, whereas it may not be in HIV. We screened cytotoxic drugs on human primary cells and cell lines. An anthracycline derivative, PNU-159682 (PNU), was highly cytotoxic to both proliferating and resting cells. Human anti-gp41 mAb 7B2 was conjugated to ricin A chain or PNU. The conjugates were tested
in vitro
for cytotoxic efficacy and anti-viral effect, and
in vivo
for tolerability. The specificity of killing for both conjugates was demonstrated on Env+ and Env− cells. The toxin conjugate was more potent and killed more rapidly, but 7B2–PNU was effective at levels achievable in patients. The ricin conjugate was well tolerated in mice; 7B2–PNU was toxic when administered intraperitoneally but was tolerated intravenously. We have produced an ADC with potential to target the persistent HIV reservoir in both dividing and non-dividing cells while avoiding immunogenicity. Cytotoxic anti-HIV immunoconjugates may have greatest utility as part of an “activate and purge” regimen, involving viral activation in the reservoir. This is a unique comparison of an immunotoxin and ADC targeted by the same antibody and tested in the same systems.

IMPORTANCE

HIV infection can be controlled with anti-retroviral therapy, but it cannot be cured. Despite years of therapy that suppresses HIV, patients again become viremic shortly after discontinuing treatment. A long-lived population of memory T cells retain the genes encoding HIV, and these cells secrete infectious HIV when no longer suppressed by therapy. This is the persistent reservoir of HIV infection. The therapies described here use anti-HIV antibodies conjugated to poisons to kill the cells in this reservoir. These poisons may be of several types, including protein toxins (immunotoxins) or anti-cancer drugs (antibody drug conjugates, ADCs). We have previously shown that an anti-HIV immunotoxin had therapeutic effects in animal models, but it elicited an anti-drug immune response. Here, we have prepared an anti-HIV ADC, which would be less likely to provoke an immune response, and show its potential for use in eliminating the persistent reservoir of HIV infection.
Differential diagnosis of pseudogout of the lumbar spine
Authors: Kanjanakeereewong Ishthayapong , Tirawanish Panlop , Suvithayasiri Siravich , Ruangchainikom Monchai
Published: September 2024

This case report details a rare instance of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (CPPD), commonly known as pseudogout, affecting the lumbar spine. A man in his mid-50s of age presented with severe low-back pain and fever, initially suspected as a spinal infection. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and leucocytosis were observed, while the initial imaging showed only lumbar spondylosis with arthritic changes in the right L4–L5 facet joint. However, an MRI revealed a cystic lesion at the right L5–S1 facet joint without signs of spondylodiscitis. Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration and synovial fluid analysis, including polarised light microscopy, identified calcium pyrophosphate crystals. Treatment with intravenous pain management was initially ineffective. Confirmation of CPPD led to successful treatment with oral colchicine, resulting in rapid pain alleviation and fever reduction. The patient reported significant improvement at a 2-week follow-up. This case emphasises the importance of thorough investigation in differentiating common symptoms and avoiding unnecessary treatments, highlighting the role of histological examination in diagnosing rare conditions like spinal CPPD.
Comparison of two digital alignment systems for toric intraocular lens implantation
Authors: Zeilinger Johannes , Schlatter Andreas , Ruiss Manuel , Bayer Natascha , Kronschläger Martin , Findl Oliver
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To compare the two most used digital alignment systems regarding precision, repeatability and loss of track.

Methods

15 eyes of 15 patients older than 21 years with cataracts were included in this prospective study. The two systems were intraoperatively superimposed and recorded, and the alignment of the two displayed alignment axes was analysed regarding precision, repeatability and loss of track.

Results

There was a significant difference in precision and repeatability between the two digital alignment systems regarding the projected alignment axis. The deviation from the actual target axis was significantly different, with a mean of 0.34°±0.75° for the Zeiss system and 1.60°±1.08° for the Alcon system (p=0.03, n=14). The within-subject SD was significantly lower with 0.21° for the Zeiss system and 0.34° for the Alcon system (p=0.03, n=14).

Conclusions

The Zeiss Callisto system showed a significantly lower deviation from the target axis, higher stability with eye movements and less need for microscope illumination than the Alcon system. Both systems showed high precision when compared with manual marking methods.

Trial registration number

NCT05220683.
Superluminal propagation of light in a atomic medium
Authors: Uddin Najm , Khan Meraj Ali
Published: September 2024

We manipulated and adjusted the absorption, dispersion, group index, and group velocity in a sodium atomic medium by controlling the strength and collective phase of the driving fields. The group index in these regions is calculated to be [Formula: see text]250,000. The group velocity [Formula: see text] in these locations is measured to be [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m/s. An investigation is conducted on a negative delay of [Formula: see text]s in the sodium medium. The presence of negative delay and negative group velocity indicates the occurrence of superluminal propagation of light pulses within the medium. The negative group index is increased from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], and the negative delay time is increased from [Formula: see text]s to [Formula: see text]s, with the driving field [Formula: see text] having a Rabi frequency. The work presented in this paper has substantial implications for the fields of gravitational wave detection, radar technology, and temporal cloaks.
Corporate bond default prediction using bilateral topic information of credit rating reports
Authors: Lu Wang , Chen Bo , Jiang Cuiqing , Wang Zhao , Ding Yong
Published: September 2024

The default of corporate bonds can result in large financial losses as well as irreparable harm to investors’ trust and the economy as a whole, which implies that the identification of corporate bond default must be done promptly and properly. Current studies mainly rely on accounting and/or macroeconomic data and use the credit rank (CR) to disclose the credit status of corporate bonds in the default prediction task. However, the textual data of credit rating reports (CRRs) contain richer and more comprehensive information and are neglected in related work. In this paper, we propose a novel framework that draws on the unstructured data in CRR to predict the default of corporate bonds. We extract the rating opinion sentences (categorized as positive and negative) from the collected CRR files and use latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) models to mine topic information. The bilateral topic information of positive and negative opinions can reflect the anti-risk ability and potential risk of corporate bonds, respectively, based on which the constructed topic features are used for default prediction. Results on real-world Chinese corporate bonds dataset show that the bilateral topic information of CRR can significantly improve the predicting power of models (LR, SVM, KNN and MLP) under three performance metrics (AUC, KS and H-measure). By analyzing the ranking of topic features using SHAP value, the proposed framework can explain the factors that affect bond defaults, which can provide a basis for the decision-making of investment behavior.
From Value Realism to Inclusive Ethics: A New Path for Human Rights and AI Development
Authors: Parra-Dorantes Roberto
Published: September 2024

This paper critically examines Carlos Montemayor’s human rights-based approach to AI ethics, as presented in his 2023 book The Prospect of a Humanitarian Artificial Intelligence. Montemayor proposes that the concept of human rights, grounded in the cognitive needs of human beings, should guide AI development. This paper challenges Montemayor’s moral value-realism (the belief in objective moral values) by arguing for a more inclusive ethical framework that reconciles moral value-realism with skepticism. By proposing an agnostic stance towards moral truths, it suggests a new framework for AI ethics based on subjective intrinsic valuations and shared moral commitments, rather than on objective moral truths. In this proposed framework, without either denying or asserting the existence of absolute values and moral truths, human rights in AI ethics are grounded in collective moral commitments to value human beings intrinsically, rather than in inherent moral truths. This facilitates a more pragmatic and inclusive solution that allows for a diversity of ethical and metaethical perspectives while aligning with the complex nature of AI’s societal integration. The paper concludes that while Montemayor’s work is foundational, it invites further adaptation to develop AI systems that are ethically sound and in harmony with a broad spectrum of human values.
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79 Vesuvius eruption revisited: Plinian and post-Plinian falls
Authors: Scarpati Claudio , Chiominto Giulia , Santangelo Ileana , Perrotta Annamaria , Fedele Lorenzo
Published: September 2024

The well-exposed Plinian fall deposit of the
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79 Vesuvius eruption is herein divided into 12 lithostratigraphic units: seven units in the white pumice deposit and five units in the grey pumice deposit. These distinct units are distinguished by significant variations in grain size and the ratio of lithic to juvenile clasts, enabling us to reconstruct the highly fluctuating dynamics of the eruptive column during the Plinian phase of the
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79 eruption with previously undetected detail. These characteristics allow their distributions around the vent to be mapped, showing that the plume fluctuated between 14 and 34 km in height, depositing 6.4 km
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of tephra in 17 h. To broaden the scope of our investigation, we extended our research to encompass five lithic-rich fall layers that occurred after the Plinian phase, providing information on the dispersion and eruptive parameters of these late fallout phases. Post-Plinian sustained column pulses persisted for several tens of minutes, with the first pulse being the longest, lasting for 44 min. This initial pulse possibly facilitated the attempts made by numerous Pompeians to flee the city following the arrival of the first two weak pyroclastic density currents.