bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actin Polymerization Defects Induce Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cellular Models of Nemaline Myopathies
Authors: Piñero-Pérez Rocío , López-Cabrera Alejandra , Ávarez-Córdoba Mónica , Cilleros-Holgado Paula , Talaverón-Rey Marta , Suárez-Carrillo Alejandra , Munuera-Cabeza Manuel , Gómez-Fernández David , Reche-López Diana , Romero-González Ana , Romero-Domínguez José Manuel , De Pablos Rocío M. , Sánchez-Alcázar Jose Antonio
Published: November 2023

Nemaline myopathy (NM) is one of the most common forms of congenital myopathy and it is identified by the presence of "nemaline bodies" (rods) in muscle fibers by histopathological exam-ination. The most common forms of NM are caused by mutations in the ACTA1 (Actin Alpha 1) and NEB (Nebulin) genes. Clinical features include hypotonia and muscle weakness. Unfortunate-ly, there is no curative treatment and the pathogenetic mechanisms remains unclear. In this man-uscript, we examined the pathophysiological alterations in NM using dermal fibroblasts derived from patients with mutations in ACTA1 and NEB genes. Patients’ fibroblasts were stained with rhodamine phalloidin to analyze the polymerization of actin filaments by fluorescence microsco-py. We found that patients' fibroblasts showed incorrect actin filament polymerization compared to control fibroblasts. Actin filament polymerization defects was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, we identified two mitochondrial boosting compounds, linoleic acid (LA) and L-carnitine (LCAR), that improved the formation of actin filaments in mutant fibro-blasts and corrected mitochondrial bioenergetics. Our results indicate that cellular models can be useful to study the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in NM and to find new potential therapies. Furthermore, targeting mitochondrial dysfunction with LA and LCAR can revert the pathological alterations in NM cellular models.
Uric Acid and Purine Recycling Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shima Sayuri , Mizutani Yasuaki , Yoshimoto Junichiro , Maeda Yasuhiro , Ohdake Reiko , Nagao Ryunosuke , Maeda Toshiki , Higashi Atsuhiro , Ueda Akihiro , Ito Mizuki , Mutoh Tatsuro , Watanabe Hirohisa
Published: November 2023

The phenomenon of decreased serum uric acid (UA) levels in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and its relationship with purine metabolic pathways remain unclear. We compared inosine, hy-poxanthine, xanthine, and UA levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of PD patients with those of controls, and investigated the effect of changes in the purine metabolic system on UA levels in PD. Overall, 134 samples (serum, 45 PD patients and 30 controls; CSF, 39 PD patients and 20 controls), were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A general linear model (GLM) was used to investigate relationships among purine metabolites. Compared to controls, PD patients had significantly lower UA levels in the serum and CSF, and serum and CSF UA levels were significantly correlated. Additionally, in PD, decreased serum hypoxanthine levels were observed with decreased CSF inosine and hypoxanthine levels, suggesting the involvement of the purine recycling system. GLM analysis indicated that the reduced UA levels in PD were mainly due to sources other than the purine metabolic system, such as exercise, nutritional indices, muscle volume, or adipose tissue. Our results highlight the impairment of purine recycling pathways in PD, as evidenced by the decreased serum hypoxanthine and CSF inosine.
Psychometric Properties of the Slovenian Version of Brief Sensation Seeking Scale
Authors: Kastrin Andrej
Published: November 2023

Sensation seeking (SS) is a psychobiological personality trait characterized by an individual’s propensity to engage in various forms of risk-taking behavior. The Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS-8) is a widely used instrument for assessing SS that has been translated into several languages. However, only outdated and non-validated questionnaires have been used to measure SS in the Slovenian population. The aim of this study was to translate and psychometrically validate the Slovenian version of the BSSS-8. A total of 363 participants aged between 14 and 65 years completed the translated BSSS-8 and the questionnaire on drug abuse. The scale demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach’s α=0.81) and a unidimensional factorial structure, as revealed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The multigroup CFA showed gender-specific measurement invariance. In the nomological network, SS was positively associated with drug-related variables. The Slovenian version of the BSSS-8 scale is a short and simple instrument to assess SS for research and epidemiological purposes.
A Review into the Energy Policies of the BRICS Countries: A Possible Just Energy Transition Policy Adoption for South Africa
Authors: Ramluckun Rajesh , Malumbazo Nandi , Ngubevana Lwazi
Published: November 2023

This review focuses on the Just Energy Transition (JET) policies of the BRICS member countries, with the aim of finding lessons and possible adoption of some of the key energy policy aspects utilized in other countries for benchmarking for the South African context. Considerations of the present stage of JET in South Africa and the energy-source mix supporting the electricity sector, cognisant of the lifespan and condition of power plants. Analysis of the energy mix revealed that all nations were energy dependent on electricity which was produced by predominantly fossil fuelled power plants with high GHG (concentrating on high CO2 emissions). It was concluded that some of the learnings and lessons learnt from the BRICS countries might be incorporated into a South African energy plan for the transition with options and guidance for formulation of policies. This study will attract responsible environmentally conscious audience that has a commitment and drive to combat global warming and curbing climate change.
The CDPK Gene Family in Mustard (Brassica juncea L.): Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis under Cold Stress
Authors: Li Haibo , Wu Hao , Huang Weifeng , Liu Jiaxian , Deng Jiaxin , Li Chuanhong , Mao Cui , Zhang Yang , Wang Yukun , Zheng Jie
Published: November 2023

The CDPK family genes play crucial roles in signal transduction pathways during plant develop-ment and stress response. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the CDPK family genes in mustard (Brassica juncea L.), resulting in the identification of 101 genes (BjuCDPK1–101) located on chromosomes AA_Chr01 to BB_Chr08. RNA-seq analysis showed that most BjuCDPK genes were predominantly expressed in the root and flower bud, suggesting their organ-specific expression patterns. Furthermore, the expression levels of most BjuCDPK genes were significantly altered by cold stress. The promoter regions of BjuCDPK genes had abundant cis-acting elements related to hormone and stress. The interaction network analysis predicted that BjuCDPK proteins respond to abiotic stress probably via interaction with ABF1, ABF4, and/or DI19. Our findings provide valu-able information for further investigation of the cold stress adaption of mustard via the CDPK signaling pathway.
Tacrolimus as a Promising Drug for Epistaxis and Gastro Intestinal Bleeding in HHT
Authors: Alvárez-Hernández Paloma , Patier José Luis , Marcos Sol , Gómez del Olmo Vicente , Lorente-Herraiz Laura , Recio-Poveda Lucía , Botella Luisa María , Viteri-Noël Adrián , Albiñana Virginia
Published: November 2023

Background: Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a vascular autosomically inherited rare disease. Epistaxis (nose bleeds) is the most common symptom in HHT, leading to anemia and affecting patient’s quality of life. In addition to epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding (GI), more often at older ages, may lead to severe anemia and need for blood transfussions. Thus, finding drugs to control both types of bleeding is a primary necessity in HHT. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a series of 11 HHT patients treated with low tacrolimus doses (0.5-1mg) on an off-label prescription basis. Patients showed refractory bleeding to previous treatments. Epistaxis severity score (ESS) and hemoglobin levels were parameters used to evaluate tacrolimus impact. The occurrence of side effects was also recorded. Results: Tacrolimus was well tolerated in most of the patients, except in 2 which abandoned the treatment. The remaining patients tolerated the treatment, with a general improvement in their health condition. Epistaxis was significantly reduced comparing the ESS before and after treatment. Hemoglobin levels were significantly increased overcoming the anemia in the course of the treatment. Conclusion: Tacrolimus at low doses should be considered as a promising treatment for bleeding derived of epistaxis and GI in HHT.
Clinical Impact of Digitalis Therapy in a Large Multicenter Cohort of CRT‐Recipients
Authors: Erath Julia W , Vigh Nikolett , Muk Balázs , Israel Carsten W , Kattih Badder , Pilecky Dávid , Duray Gabor Z , Vamos Mate
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Digitalis use in patients with severe heart failure is controversial. We assessed the effects of digitalis therapy on mortality in a large, observational study in recipients of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
Methods: Consecutive patients receiving a CRT-defibrillator in three European tertiary referral centers were enrolled and followed for a median of 28 months. Digitalis use was assessed at the time of CRT implantation. Multivariate Cox-regression model and propensity score matching was used to determine all-cause mortality as primary endpoint. CRT-response (defined as improvement of ≥1 NYHA class), echocardiographic improvement (defined as improvement of LVEF of ≥ 5%), and ICD shocks were assessed as secondary endpoints.
Results: The study comprised 552 CRT recipients with standard indications, including 219 patients (40%) treated with digitalis. Compared to patients without digitalis, they had more often atrial fibrillation, poorer LVEF and higher NYHA class (all p ≤ 0.002). Crude analysis of all-cause mortality demonstrated a similar relative risk of death for patients with and without digitalis (HR=1.14; 95% CI 0.88-1.5; p=0.40). After adjustment for independent predictors of mortality, digitalis therapy did not alter the risk for death (adjusted HR=1.04; 95% CI 0.75-1.45; p=0.82). Also, in comparison to 286 propensity score matched patients, mortality was not affected by digitalis intake (propensity adjusted HR=1.11; 95% CI 0.72-1.70; p=0.64). CRT response was predominant in digitalis non-users concerning both improvement of HF symptoms and LVEF (NYHA p<0.01; LVEF p<0.01) while patients on digitalis had more often ventricular tachyarrhythmias requiring ICD shock (p=0.01).
Conclusions: Digitalis therapy had no effect on mortality but did negatively affect CRT response and susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias requiring ICD shock treatment.
Future Trade-off for Water Resource Allocation: The Role of Land Cover/Land Use Change
Authors: Sigalla Onesmo Zakaria , Twisa Sekela , Chilagane Nyemo Amos , Mwabumba Mohamed Fadhili , Selemani Juma Rajabu , Valimba Patrick
Published: November 2023

Global croplands, pastures, plantations, and human settlement areas have expanded in recent decades, accompanied by large increases in energy, water, and fertilizer consumption, along with considerable losses of biodiversity. In sub-Saharan Africa, policies are implemented without critical consideration e.g., agricultural expansions impair ecosystem services of the several river basins. The current study has studied landuse/cover and associated rate of change for four-time epochs i.e., 1991, 2001, 2011 and 2021. This employed remote sensing and GIS techniques for LULC analysis while future projection was modelled using cellular automata and Markov chain. The Kappa coefficient statistics were used to assess the accuracy of final classified image while reference images for accuracy assessment were developed based on ground truthing. Overall change results between 1991 and 2021, showed that major percentage loss in area were experienced by water, forest, woodland and wetland which decreased by 8,222Ha (44.11%), 426,161Ha (35.72%), 399,584Ha (35.01%) and 105,186Ha (34.82%). On the other hand, percentage increase in area during the same period were experienced in cultivated land, built up areas and grasslands which increased by 659,346Ha (205.28%), 11,894Ha (159.93%) and 33,547Ha (98.47%). However, even with the expanding thirsty sectors water discharged out of the catchment is on increment at a rate of 498.6 m3/s/year. For dualistic benefits, agroforest practices are recommended along with participatory law enforcement and capacity building of local communities through their institutions.
Effect of Pulse Conditions on Machining Characteristics in Bipolar-Pulse Electrochemical Machining of Cemented Carbide
Authors: Koyano Tomohiro , Hokin Taisei , Furumoto Tatsuaki
Published: November 2023

Electrochemical machining was performed on two cemented carbides with different compositions using unipolar and bipolar short-pulse voltages to investigate the effects of the composition and pulse conditions on the machining characteristics. In the case of cemented carbides with high cobalt and low tungsten carbide (WC) contents, machining progressed even when a unipolar voltage was used. This is believed to be due to the dissolution of the binder, that is, Co, which causes the WC and WO3 particles to drop out. Machining progressed more easily when a bipolar voltage was used than when a unipolar voltage was used. This is attributed to the effective removal of WO3. The unevenness of the machined surface was also reduced with bipolar voltage. The negative pulse duration had to be sufficiently but appropriately long, because too long a duration increased the wear of the tool electrode. Even when bipolar pulse voltages were used, similar to the machining of general materials, a shorter positive pulse duration resulted in more precise machining. However, in the case of cemented carbide with low Co and high WC contents, the removal did not progress when a unipolar pulse voltage was applied. On the other hand, the machining progressed when a bipolar voltage was applied. However, if the positive pulse duration was excessively long, the amount of removal decreased. This is believed to be because the longer positive pulse duration increased the amount of WO3 generated, thereby inhibiting the current flow. Therefore, it is necessary to set an appropriate positive pulse duration to avoid the excessive production of WO3.
CONSIDERACIONES EN TORNO A LA TOLERANCIA Y LA LIBERTAD DE CULTOS EN COLOMBIA A PARTIR DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN POLÍTICA DE 1991
Authors:   Corporación Universitaria Republicana, Parra Salas Doris
Published: November 2023

Consideraciones en torno a la tolerancia y la libertad de cultos en Colombia a partir de la Constitución Política de 1991 194 Revista Republicana Núm. 35, julio a diciembre de 2023 Este texto presenta tres hechos religiosos ocurridos en Francia antes de la Revo- lución, es decir, antes del desarrollo de las ideas de la Ilustración francesa, como ejemplos de lo peligroso que puede ser el autoritarismo religioso. Estos hechos se presentan para darnos cuenta de la importancia del respeto de las libertades individuales, y sobre todo de la importancia de utilizar la razón humana para desligarse de las vendas que las creencias imponen, y más cuan- do esas creencias se vuelven fanatismo. Palabras clave: Tolerancia, agnosticismo, ateísmo, fanatismo religioso ABSTRACT This article analyzes some of the transformations of the notion of freedom of religious convictions derived from the new approach on the matter that the Political Constitution of 1991 brought to Colombian society. An analysis was carried out between the Political Constitution of 1886 and that of 1991, showing how the principle of religious tolerance was introduced in Colombia. This principle also means respect for those agnostic and/or atheist people, who prefer to believe in the use of human reason to decide for themselves about their life principles. This text presents three religious events that occurred in France before the Revolution, that is, before the development of the ideas of the French Enlightenment, as examples of how dangerous religious authoritarianism can be. These facts are presented to make us realize the importance of respect for indi- vidual freedoms, and above all the importance of using human reason to free oneself from the blindfolds that beliefs impose, and even more so when those beliefs become fanaticism.
Oocyte growth, gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index and levels of reproductive hormones in goldspot mullet Planiliza parsia (Hamilton, 1822) reared in captivity
Authors: Kumar Prem , Behera P. , Biswas G. , Ghoshal T. K.
Published: November 2023

Goldspot mullet Planiliza parsia (Hamilton, 1822) is a commercial food fish in South-east Asian countries. Availability of hatchery produced seed is the major bottleneck in the development of aquaculture of this species. Therefore, an attempt was made to develop captive broodstock of P. parsia and understand its reproductive maturation. Broodstock reared for eighteen months were sampled and six maturation stages were defined (I-VI) in both the sexes. Ovarian biopsy, gonad histology, gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI) and reproductive hormones assay were performed in different maturation stages. Diameter of pre-vitellogenic, vitellogenic, post-vitellogenic and ripe oocytes was less than 369.80, 444.38, 477.41 and 665.5 Âµm, respectively. In the female, the highest value (p<0.05) of GSI (18.31Â±1.15), HSI (1.84Â±0.84), 17 Î²-estradiol (E2) (898.45Â±0.35 pg ml-1), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (81.14Â±40.48 ml U ml-1) and vitellogenin (Vtg) were found at stage IV, whereas luteinising hormone (LH) attained its peak at V stage. In males, the concentration of testosterone (T) increased gradually from stage I (7.60Â±0.43 pg ml-1) to VI (40Â±2.89 pg ml-1). Histological observations revealed synchronous type of oogenesis and cystic type of spermatogenesis. The results of this study will help in the captive seed production of this species.Keywords: Captive maturation, Histology, Ovarian stages, Reproductive hormones, Vitellogenin
Mapping the research impact of collaboration and networking of ICAR fisheries research institutes in India: A scientometric study
Authors: Bhoomaiah Dasari , Pandian Krishnan , Kantharajan G. , Agarwal Surekha , Hemalatha M. , Rajedran K. V. , Srinivasa Rao CH.
Published: November 2023

The eight National Fisheries Research Institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) play a significant role in driving fisheries development in the country by advancing knowledge through basic and applied research; technology development and extension/outreach. Collaboration and networking among researchers and institutes are fundamental to address the multi-faceted issues confronting the fisheries sector in India. Collaborative research pattern among ICARFisheries Research Institutes (IFRIs) and with R&D organisations in other countries was studied for a period of 20 years (2000-2019). Research productivity and focus areas of research of these institutes were also assessed through bibliometrics of publications extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) database. The search yielded 4,557 publications and a significant increase in the number of publications from 2000 to 2019 was evident . Major chunk of these papers (87%) was published in collaboration with National Institutes while only 10.6% had international collaboration especially with the United States of America (USA), Australia and Japan. A positive correlation (p<0.01) was observed between the extent of collaboration (both national and international) and the average citation per paper. The average impact factor of the journals carrying fisheries research papers with at least one international author was higher than those in which the papers were with only Indian authors. This leads us to hypothesise that the network of IFRIs with international research institutions aids in increasing the quality, visibility and impact of research. The co-authorship pattern revealed a gradual reduction in single and two-authored papers during the last 20 years, while multi-authored papers exhibited an increasing trend. The study showed that the collaboration network in fisheries research is growing fast; collaborating countries in the network increased gradually, and the number of authors and publications increased almost exponentially, as indicated by the growth rate and doubling time in research publications. The present study provides a multi-dimensional overview of the impact of research publications from IFRIs and provides specific insights in to the research managers to plan and strategise their collaborations to enhance the influence of fisheries research in India.Keywords: Collaborative index, Collaboration coefficient, Doubling time, Research productivity
Insect meals as emerging protein source in the aquafeed sector: Emphasis on complementary effects to fishmeal, digestibility, carcass characterisation and immunomodulation in aquatic species
Authors: Jannathulla R. , Rajaram V. , Ambasankar K. , Sravanthi O. , Gopikrishna G. , Dayal J. S.
Published: November 2023

Insect meals received great attention in the aquafeed sector during the past decade due to the unsustainable demand for fishmeal. Desirable nutrient content, especially protein with balanced amino acids is of great importance in the use of insect meals as a viable protein source in aquafeeds. Insect meal could complement about 20-75% of dietary fishmeal in various aquatic species. They have better digestibility compared to low-quality fishmeal, oil meals/cakes, fermented plant proteins, feather meal; blood and meat meal and showed equal performance to high-quality fishmeal. Though partial substitution of fishmeal using insect meals could promote the health status, complete substitution resulted in detrimental effects in some aquatic species. This review concludes that insect meals are of great importance as a sustainable protein source and a viable complement to fishmeal in aquafeeds, thereby, helping to reduce the tremendous demand on fishmeal.Keywords: Aquafeed, Carcass characterisation, Fishmeal, Immunomodulatory effect, Insect meal
Age and growth in different stocks of striped snakehead Channa striata (Bloch, 1793) inhabiting the three rivers of Gangetic river system
Authors: Khan Salman , Khan M. Afzal , Khan Shahista
Published: November 2023

Age was estimated using different types of otoliths (sagittae, lapilli and asterisci) collected from 486 specimens of Channa striata (Bloch, 1793) from three Indian rivers, the Ganga, Gomti and Yamuna, during the period November 2012 - August 2015. The size range of the specimens was 15-70 cm total length (TL). The age estimates were compared and assessed for potential bias between readers and between pairs of aging structures. Due to the highest percentage of agreement and lowest average percentage of error and coefficient of variation values between readers, sagittae were found to be the most suitable aging structure for C. striata. When sagittae age reading were compared with those from lapilli and asterisci, the percentage of agreement was found to be highest between estimates of sagittae and lapilli. Mean values of age estimate from sagittae were comparable (p>0.05) to the values obtained from lapilli but significantly (p<0.05) different with that of asterisci. Thus, sagittae emerged as the preferred otolith for age estimation in C. striata followed by lapilli. The growth of C. striata was assessed by examining annual growth increments on sectioned sagittae. The parameters of von Bertalanffy growth equations for the fish in the selected rivers were: Lt = 94.4 (1-e-0.15(t+1.07)) for river Ganga, Lt = 93.7 (1-e-0.15(t+0.96)) for river Yamuna and Lt = 96.9 (1-e-0.14(t+1.02)) for river Gomti. The growth performance index was highest in fish stocks collected from river Ganga (3.13) followed by river Gomti (2.96) and river Yamuna (2.38). Marginal increment analysis suggested annual periodicity of the growth band formation.Keywords: Ageing precision, Channa striata, Marginal increment analysis, Otoliths, VBGF
Population dynamics of two morphotypes ofgreen tiger shrimp Penaeus semisulcatus de Haan, 1844 in the northern coast of Iran
Authors: Alizadeh Ebrahim , Safaie Mohsen , Momeni Mohammad , Kamrani Ehsan
Published: November 2023

Population biology of two morphotypes of Penaeus semisulcatus de Haan, 1844 was investigated from January to July 2017 and January 2018 to December 2019 in the Hormozgan coastal waters off Iran. Growth in both sexes was negative allometric. The sex ratio (M:F) was significantly different in terms of month and length classes in both the morphotypes. Year round the female population dominated in the banded morphotype while males in the non-banded morphotype. Size-wise, the male population was more in smaller classes and females in larger classes for both the morphotypes. The spawning peak of shrimps occurred in spring season (from March to May) and in winter-spring (from January to May) for banded and non-banded morphotypes, respectively. The Lm50% for banded and non-banded shrimp was estimated at a carapace length of 37.86 and 43.43 mm, respectively. The K and CL∞ in banded shrimp were 1.6 y-1 and 46 mm for males and 1.8 y-1 and 57 mm for females and in non-banded shrimps were 1.7 y-1 and 55 mm and 2.1 Y-1 and 69 mm for males and females, respectively. The total mortality (Z) and fishing mortality (F) estimated in males were more than in females. The evidence showed that these are probably two different species in the region.
Keywords: Growth and mortality, Oman Sea, Penaeus semisulcatus, Persian Gulf, Reproductive biology, Size structure
Record of deep-sea lobster Palinustus waguensis Kubo, 1963 (Decapoda: Palinuridea) from southern coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea
Authors: Al-Ghassani Salim Ahmed , Kahoom Salem Mohammed
Published: November 2023

Deep-sea lobster Palinustus waguensis Kubo, 1963, was recorded in the southern Omani coast in Dhofar region in the Arabian Sea for the first time. On 18 October 2021, a single male specimen was captured in a fish cage trap at 230 m depth about 600 m off Mirbat area on the Arabian Sea. The specimen measured 117.63 mm in total length, 41.63 mm carapace length and weighed 65.84 g. The findings of the present record expand the distribution of this lobster species in the Omani coastline and the south-west of the Arabian Sea.
Keywords: Arabian Sea, Deep-sea lobster, Oman, Palinustus waguensis
Molecular characterisation and antibiotic resistance profile of Escherichia coli isolated from seafood
Authors: Safeena M. P. , R. Preenanka  , N. V. Sreedudha  , Kishore Pankaj , K. L. Blossom
Published: November 2023

The present study made an attempt to investigate the occurrence of pathogenic Escherichia coli in seafood, its antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and the biofilm forming capacity. Total of 43 seafood samples collected from ten commercial markets of Kochi was screened for the presence of pathogenic E. coli. The PCR results revealed that out of 21 isolates screened, only one isolate from fish sample showed positive for rfb E gene of Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates revealed that 90% of them were multidrug resistant to more than 5 antibiotics of four structurally different classes. The MAR index of all the isolates was found between 0.2 and 0.5. Out of the 15 moderate biofilm forming E. coli obtained, 2 of them exhibited maximum multidrug resistance to 8 antibiotics of six different classes whereas remaining 13 isolates showed multidrug resistance to 5 antibiotics. Hence, this study revealed the emergence of antibiotic resistance in biofilm forming E. coli in seafood from Kochi markets, which may pose future threat to develop control strategies in the fish processing industry and also pose significant treatment challenge to physicians.
Keywords: Biofilm, Multidrug resistance, Pathogenic E. coli, Seafood
Biological parameters, culture potential and nutritional quality of freshwater mussel Lamellidens marginalis (Lamarck, 1819)
Authors: AHIRWAL SURENDRA KUMAR , Sarma Kamal , Kumar Amrendra , Narayan Deva
Published: November 2023

Lamellidens marginalis (Lamarck, 1819), is a widely distributed mussel species in India and it is an important bivalve that can be used for the production of pearl. In the present study, L. marginalis were collected from low lying areas around Patna and analysed for length-weight relationship, proximate composition, amino acid concentration and fatty acid profiling. Growth study was also conducted for a period of 160 days to record the performance of this species, when reared at subsurface and bottom of a fish pond. The length-weight relationship was found to be Y=3.856X-12.81 and growth coefficient “b” was significantly higher indicating allometric growth pattern. Crude protein, fat, ash and moisture content in the flesh recorded were 7.19, 1.64, 3.70 and 83.92% respectively. Among essential amino acids, lysine was most abundant and low levels of isoleucine was recorded, while among non-essential amino acids, glutamate was dominant. Moreover, 32 fatty acids were recorded in the mussel including omega-3-fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Off-bottom culture in the pond performed better than on-bottom culture. Percentage body weight gain (BWG%) and specific growth rate (SGR%) were also higher for off-bottom grown mussels.
Keywords: Amino acid, Growth, Lamellidens marginalis, Length-weight relationship, Protein, Survival
Effect of salinity on serum steroid levels and gonad development in common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) reared in inland saline water
Authors: Iffat Jahan , Tiwari V. K. , Sambid Swain
Published: November 2023

The effect of salinity on serum steroid levels and gonadal development were investigated in the common carp Cyprinus carpio  Linnaeus, 1758. Fishes were stocked in eight rectangular earthen ponds at four different salinities of 0, 5, 10 and 15 ppt. Changes in serum concentration of cortisol, 17 β – Estradiol, progesterone; 17α, 20β dihydroxyprogesterone and androgens were investigated. Gonadal histology in male and female C. carpio was studied at different stages of gonadal maturity till ovulation or spermiation. Serum steroid analysis showed significantly high levels  (p<0.05) in fish groups reared at 0 and 5 ppt compared to 10 and 15 ppt. Significantly higher cortisol levels were found during ovulation or spermiation at 10 and 15ppt. In the present study, C. carpio was found to mature faster at 5 ppt as compared to     higher salinities of 10 and 15 ppt, in inland saline water.
Keywords: Aquaculture, Cyprinus carpio, Maturation, Salinity, Steroid hormones
Environmental monitoring of munitions constituents during a demonstration of the Underwater Cut-and-Capture System demilitarization technology
Authors: Lotufo Guilherme , Wilkens Justin , Smith Jared , Ballard John , Rosen Gunther , Schmit Steve , Herbert John
Published: November 2023

The presence of underwater military munitions (UWMM) in aquatic environments may present explosive blast risks and potentially affect the environment because of the release of munitions constituents (MC). Therefore, in situ demilitarization of UWMM is highly desirable. This technical note presents the results of environmental monitoring measuring water and sediment contamination resulting from the demonstration of an in situ technology that uses high-pressure water jets to render UWMM safe.
Mantle Metasomatism and REE Enrichment in the Genetic Source of the Dalucao Carbonatite Complex (Sichuan, China): Insights from Elemental Geochemistry and In-Situ Sr Isotopes of Two Calcite Types
Authors: Shu Xiaochao , Meng Fanwei , Tao Rui , Wang Kun
Published: November 2023

Carbonatites possess the highest rare earth element (REE) concentrations among all magmatic rocks, yet the mechanisms governing the enrichment of REEs in carbonatites remain enigmatic. Carbonatite-hosted calcites provide crucial mineralogical and geochemical insights into addressing this matter. In this study, we present a dataset comprising major and trace elemental geochemistry, as well as in-situ Sr isotopic data, for two types of calcites from the Dalucao carbonatite complex in Sichuan Province, China. Our primary objective is to shed light on the origin of fertile carbonatites. These calcites are believed to have originated at different stages of carbonatitic evolution. Type I calcites, characterized by a euhedral granular texture and a homogeneous surface, crystallized at the early stage of carbonatite magmatism. In contrast, type II calcites, closely associated with bastnäsite in a paragenesis, formed within a fluid setting of hydrothermal overprinting. Both calcite types exhibit highly radiogenic (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios, ranging from 0.7059 to 0.7060 for type I calcites and 0.7059 to 0.7068 for type II calcites. The high Sr concentrations (3646–7315 µg/g for type I calcites and 6566–13,427 µg/g for type II calcites) and uniform Pb isotopic compositions (206Pb/204Pb ratios of 18.23–18.27) in the Dalucao calcites refute the hypothesis of crustal assimilation as their genetic source. Instead, the radiogenic Sr isotopic compositions suggest that subducted marine sediments have contaminated the lithospheric mantle that generated the carbonatitic magma. Mineralogical evidence indicating the presence of abundant silicate minerals in the Dalucao carbonatites, combined with a compilation of published C-O isotopic data, suggests that these carbonatites may have resulted from low-degree partial melting (melting proportion <1%) of a metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Finally, we propose a comprehensive model for REE enrichment in the Dalucao carbonatite complex and explore the significance of tectonism in the genesis of fertile carbonatites.
Dynamic response of Two-DOF homogeneous dynamical systems
Authors: Mohan Govind , Pandey Umesh Kumar
Published: November 2023

When structures are subjected to dynamic types of loads, cracks are fairly consistent. Under dynamic loads, such structures exhibit nonlinear and inelastic behaviour. If a suitable load history is taken into account, such structures are assumed to have been fully cracked in flexural tension on top as well as at bottom. This assumption implies that no new cracks will appear when the beam is loaded in the future. As the future loads are assumed not to exceed working load levels, the member behaves as nonlinear-elastic systems. A new class of nonlinear homogeneous dynamical systems has been used to anticipate the dynamical behaviour of the two-DOF cracked concrete beam. This class of systems has a fully nonlinear vibration response that is dependent on the loading details and system parameters of the defined two-DOF dynamical system. In the same way as other nonlinear dynamical systems, concrete beam response has been demonstrated to be extremely sensitive to initial conditions as well as the system parameters and display sub-harmonics. The empirical validity and practical applicability of the proposed theory have been investigated.
BECLIN1 is essential for intestinal homeostasis
Authors: Lee Erinna , Tran Sharon , Juliani Juliani , Harris Tiffany , Evangelista Marco , Ratcliffe Julian , Ellis Sarah , Johnson Chad , Reehorst Camilla , Nightingale Rebecca , Luk Ian , Jenkins Laura , Ghilas Sonia , Buchert Michael , Lee James , De Cruz Peter , Duszyc Kinga , Yap Alpha , Gleeson Paul , Kile Benjamin , Mielke Lisa , Mariadason John , Fairlie Walter , Yakou Marina , Baloyan David , Inguanti Chantelle
Published: November 2023

BECLIN1 is a component of Class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complexes that orchestrates autophagy initiation and endocytic trafficking. Here we show intestinal epithelium-specific BECLIN1 deletion in adult mice led to rapid fatal enteritis with compromised gut barrier integrity, highlighting its intrinsic critical role in gut maintenance. BECLIN1-deficient intestinal epithelial cells exhibited extensive apoptosis, impaired autophagy, and stressed endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Remaining absorptive enterocytes and secretory cells displayed morphological abnormalities. Deletion of the autophagy regulator, ATG7, failed to elicit similar effects, suggesting novel autophagy-independent functions of BECLIN1 distinct from ATG7. Indeed, organoids derived from BECLIN1 KO mice showed E-cadherin mislocalisation providing a mechanism linking endocytic trafficking mediated by Beclin1 and loss of intestinal barrier integrity. Our findings establish an indispensable role of BECLIN1 in maintaining mammalian intestinal homeostasis and uncover its involvement in endocytic trafficking in this process. Hence, this study has significant implications for our understanding of intestinal pathophysiology.
A seven-Earth-radius helium-burning star inside a 20.5-min verification binary of GWs
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Lin Jie , Wu Chengyuan , Xiong Heran , Nemeth Peter , Han Zhanwen , Li Jiangdan , Elias-Rosa Nancy , Salmaso Irene , Filippenko Alexei , Brink Thomas , Yang Yi , Chen Xuefei , Yan Shengyu , Zhang Jujia , Guo Sufen , Cai Yongzhi , Mo Jun , Xi Gaobo , Liu Jialian , Guo Jincheng , Xia Qiqi , Xiang Danfeng , Li Gaici , Li Zhenwei , Zheng Weikang , Zhang Jicheng , Liu Qichun , Guo Fangzhou , Chen Liyang , Li Wenxiong
Published: November 2023

Binary evolution theory predicts that the second common envelope (CE) ejection can produce low-mass (0.32-0.36 M⊙) subdwarf~B (sdB) stars inside ultrashort-orbital-period binary systems as their helium cores are ignited under nondegenerate conditions. With the orbital decay driven by radiation of gravitational waves, the minimum orbital period that an sdB binary formed in this channel can reach before the Roche-lobe overflow is ~20 minutes. However, only four sdB binaries with orbital periods below an hour have been reported so far, while none of them has an orbital period approaching the above theoretical limit. This leads to an unclear role of the second CE ejection in forming ultracompact sdB binaries and a blocked link between detached helium-burning-star binaries and gravitational-wave sources, AM CVn stars. Here we report the discovery of a 20.5-minute-orbital-period ellipsoidal binary, TMTS J052610.43+593445.1, in which the visible helium-burning sdB star is being tidally deformed by an invisible carbon-oxygen white dwarf (WD) companion. This sdB star is inferred to have a mass of ~0.33 M⊙, approaching that of the helium-ignition limit. Owing to the low-mass sdB star, WD companion, and extremely short orbital period, this system provides the first clear case to justify the formation of sdB binaries through the nondegenerate channel of second CE ejection. In particular, the radius of this low-mass sdB star is only 0.066 R⊙, about seven Earth radii, representing the most compact nondegenerate star ever known. As the shortest-orbital-period single-degenerate detached binary discovered up to date, TMTS J052610.43+593445.1 provides a crucial bridge to map the binary evolution scheme from the second CE ejection to the formation of AM CVn stars having a helium-star donor, and will serve as a crucial verification binary of space-borne gravitational-wave detectors in the future.
Accelerating molecular docking using machine learning methods
Authors: Bande Abdulsalam Yazıd , Baday Sefer
Published: November 2023

Virtual screening (VS) is one of the well-established approaches in drug discovery which speeds up the search for a bioactive molecule and, reduces costs and efforts associated with experiments. VS helps to narrow down the search space of chemical space and allows selecting fewer and more probable candidate compounds for experimental testing. Docking calculations are one of the commonly used and highly appreciated structure-based drug discovery methods. Databases for chemical structures of small molecules have been growing rapidly. However, at the moment virtual screening of large libraries via docking is not very common. In this work, we aim to accelerate docking studies by predicting docking scores without explicitly performing docking calculations. We experimented with an attention based long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network for an efficient prediction of docking scores as well as other machine learning models such as XGBoost. By using docking scores of a small number of ligands we trained our models and predicted docking scores of a few million molecules. Specifically, we tested our approaches seven datasets that were produced in-house drug discovery studies. In one of the targets, by training only 7000 molecules we predicted docking scores for 3 million molecules with R2 (coefficient of determination) of 0.84. We designed the system with ease of use in mind. All the user needs to provide is a csv file containing smiles and their respective docking scores, the system then outputs a model that the user can use for the prediction of docking score for a new molecule.
Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group (DPWG) guideline for the gene-drug interaction of CYP2C9, HLA-A and HLA-B with anti-epileptic drugs
Authors: Nijenhuis Marga , Manson Lisanne , Soree Bianca , de Boer-Veger Nienke , Buunk Anne Marie , Houwink Elisa , Risselada Arne , Rongen Gerard , Schaik Ron van , Swen Jesse , Touw Daniel , Westrhenen Roos van , Deneer Vera , Guchelaar Henk-Jan
Published: November 2023

The Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group (DPWG) aims to facilitate PGx implementation by developing evidence-based pharmacogenetics guidelines to optimize pharmacotherapy. This guideline describes the gene-drug interaction of CYP2C9 and HLA-B with phenytoin, HLA-A and HLA-B with carbamazepine and HLA-B with oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine. A systematic review was performed and pharmacotherapeutic recommendations were developed. For CYP2C9 intermediate and poor metabolisers, the DPWG recommends lowering the daily dose of phenytoin and adjust based on effect and serum concentration after 7–10 days. For HLA-B*15:02 carriers, the risk of severe cutaneous adverse events associated with phenytoin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine is strongly increased. For carbamazepine, this risk is also increased in HLA-B*15:11 and HLA-A*31:01 carriers. For HLA-B*15:02, HLA-B*15:11 and HLA-A*31:01 positive patients, the DPWG recommends choosing an alternative anti-epileptic drug. If not possible, it is recommended to advise the patient to report any rash while using carbamazepine, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine or phenytoin immediately. Carbamazepine should not be used in an HLA-B*15:02 positive patient. DPWG considers CYP2C9 genotyping before the start of phenytoin “essential” for toxicity prevention. For patients with an ancestry in which the abovementioned HLA-alleles are prevalent, the DPWG considers HLA-B*15:02 genotyping before the start of carbamazepine, phenytoin, oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine “beneficial”, as well as genotyping for HLA-B*15:11 and HLA-A*31:01 before initiating carbamazepine.
Landslide Susceptibility Assessment using GIS-based multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) along a part of National Highway-1, Kashmir- Himalayas, India
Authors: Beigh Iftikhar Hussain , Bukhari Kaiser
Published: November 2023

The current study aims at GIS-based multicriteria decision analysis (AHP) to generate a landslide-susceptible map from Baramulla to Uri Road segment along NH-1, Kashmir Himalaya, India. The landslide causative factors examined to generate our AHP matrix are slope gradient, elevation, slope aspect, curvature, distance to drainage, distance to roads, distance to lineaments, geology, land use land cover (LULC), and Rainfall. The study mapped and identified the active landslides along NH-1 through extensive field investigations and other secondary data sources. The landslide events were dominated by rockfall and debris slides. Based on their importance in landslide occurrences, the thematic layers were given relative relevance scores using Saaty's scale. Besides, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to normalize the relative weights and attributes of the various thematic layers. In addition, all thematic data layers were combined using a weighted linear approach to generate the landslide susceptibility (LS) map. Furthermore, the resultant LS map was classed into five categories viz., very high (24.18%), high (30.24%), medium (28.61%), low (15.28%), and very low (1.69%). The study reveals that 54.42% of the area falls under the high and very high susceptible zones. Likewise, 78.9% of overall model accuracy was computed from the Area under curve (AUC) method. Moreover, this study would aid infrastructural, geo-environmental, and landslide hazard planning in the studied region.
High uterosacral ligament suspension by transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery or laparoendoscopic surgery for uterine prolapse: a protocol for a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hou Tao , Chen Li , He Shan , Huang Lishan , Zhou Ping , Chen Yang , Liang Ye , Zhong Qijun , He Wen
Published: November 2023

Introduction:
Uterine prolapse is a prevalent health condition that significantly impairs the daily activities and quality of life of women. High uterosacral ligament suspension (HULS) through conventional laparoscopy (cLap) is a frequently employed surgical procedure for treating uterine prolapse. In recent years, gynecological surgeons have increasingly considered transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) due to its favorable outcomes, including enhanced cosmetic appearance and expedited postoperative recovery. However, there is a lack of studies comparing the techniques of vNOTES-HULS and cLap-HULS. Therefore, this trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety of vNOTES-HULS and cLap-HULS for the treatment of uterine prolapse at stage 2 or higher, providing valuable insights for surgical decision-making.
Methods
A two-arm, single-center, non-inferiority randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to evaluate whether the vNOTES-HULS procedure is non-inferior to the cLap-HULS procedure in the repair of uterine prolapse. The study aims to recruit a total of 116 patients diagnosed with stage 2 or above uterine prolapse from Meizhou People's Hospital. These patients will be randomly allocated to either the vNOTES-HULS or cLap-HULS intervention. The primary objective of the study is to determine the rate of successful uterine prolapse treatment during the 1-year follow-up evaluation. Secondary outcomes include perioperative parameters, complications, costs, postoperative recovery, and quality of life assessed at 1-month, 1-year, and 5-year intervals.
Discussion
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of vNOTES-HULS and cLap-HULS in the treatment of stage II or higher uterine prolapse based on the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification classification.
Trial registration:
The study protocol received approval from the Research Ethics Committee of the Meizhou People’s Hospital (No. 2022-C-23) on October 3, 2022. It was registered into the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry on September 6, 2022 (no. ChiCTR2200063408). This study is currently in progress.