bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Membrane potential hyperpolarization: a critical factor in acrosomal exocytosis and fertilization in sperm within the female reproductive tract
Authors: Balestrini Paula A. , Sulzyk Valeria , Jabloñski Martina , Schiavi-Ehrenhaus Liza J. , González Soledad N. , Ferreira Juan J. , Gómez-Elías Matías D. , Pomata Pablo , Luque Guillermina M. , Krapf Dario , Cuasnicu Patricia S. , Santi Celia M. , Buffone Mariano G.
Published: May 2024

Hyperpolarization of the membrane potential (Em), a phenomenon regulated by SLO3 channels, stands as a central feature in sperm capacitation—a crucial process conferring upon sperm the ability to fertilize the oocyte. In vitro studies demonstrated that Em hyperpolarization plays a pivotal role in facilitating the mechanisms necessary for the development of hyperactivated motility (HA) and acrosomal exocytosis (AE) occurrence. Nevertheless, the physiological significance of sperm Em within the female reproductive tract remains unexplored. As an approach to this question, we studied sperm migration and AE incidence within the oviduct in the absence of Em hyperpolarization using a novel mouse model established by crossbreeding of SLO3 knock-out (KO) mice with EGFP/DsRed2 mice. Sperm from this model displays impaired HA and AE in vitro. Interestingly, examination of the female reproductive tract shows that SLO3 KO sperm can reach the ampulla, mirroring the quantity of sperm observed in wild-type (WT) counterparts, supporting that the HA needed to reach the fertilization site is not affected. However, a noteworthy distinction emerges—unlike WT sperm, the majority of SLO3 KO sperm arrive at the ampulla with their acrosomes still intact. Of the few SLO3 KO sperm that do manage to reach the oocytes within this location, fertilization does not occur, as indicated by the absence of sperm pronuclei in the MII-oocytes recovered post-mating. In vitro, SLO3 KO sperm fail to penetrate the ZP and fuse with the oocytes. Collectively, these results underscore the vital role of Em hyperpolarization in AE and fertilization within their physiological context, while also revealing that Em is not a prerequisite for the development of the HA motility, essential for sperm migration through the female tract to the ampulla.
The biophysics of water in cell biology: perspectives on a keystone for both marine sciences and cancer research
Authors: Pouliquen Daniel L.
Published: May 2024

The biophysics of water, has been debated over more than a century. Although its importance is still underestimated, significant breakthroughs occurred in recent years. The influence of protein condensation on water availability control was documented, new findings on water-transport proteins emerged, and the way water molecules rearrange to minimize free energy at interfaces was deciphered, influencing membrane thermodynamics. The state of knowledge continued to progress in the field of deep-sea marine biology, highlighting unknown effects of high hydrostatic pressure and/or temperature on interactions between proteins and ligands in extreme environments, and membrane structure adaptations. The role of osmolytes in protein stability control under stress is also discussed here in relation to fish egg hydration/buoyancy. The complexity of water movements within the cell is updated, all these findings leading to a better view of their impact on many cellular processes. The way water flow and osmotic gradients generated by ion transport work together to produce the driving force behind cell migration is also relevant to both marine biology and cancer research. Additional common points concern water dynamic changes during the neoplastic transformation of cells and tissues, or embryo development. This could improve imaging techniques, early cancer diagnosis, and understanding of the molecular and physiological basis of buoyancy for many marine species.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of novel Ti/BTB-MOFs as porous anticancer and antibacterial agents
Authors: Altharawi Ali , Alqahtani Safar M. , Aldakhil Taibah , Ahmad Irfan
Published: May 2024

Nano compounds, especially metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), have significant properties. Among the most important properties of these compounds, which depend on their specific surface area and porosity, are biological properties, such as anticancer and antibacterial properties. In this study, a new titanium/BTB metal-organic framework (Ti/BTB-MOF) was synthesized by using titanium nitrate and 1,3,5-Tris(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene (BTB) under microwave radiation. The structure of the synthesized Ti/BTB-MOF was characterized and confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis mapping, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curves, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The in vitro anticancer properties of Ti/BTB-MOF were evaluated using the MTT method against MG-63/bone cancer cells and A-431/skin cancer cells. The in vitro antibacterial activity was tested using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. In the anticancer activity, IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) values of 152 μg/mL and 201 μg/mL for MG-63/bone cancer cells and A-431/skin cancer cells, respectively, were observed. In the antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 2–64 μg/mL were observed against studied pathogenic strains. The antimicrobial activity of Ti/BTB-MOF was higher than that of penicillin and gentamicin. Therefore, the synthesized Ti/BTB-MOF could be introduced as a suitable bioactive candidate.
Causal relationships between gut microbiota and lymphoma: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liang Jing , Liu Gengqiu , Wang Wenqing , Xue Hongman
Published: May 2024

Background

Multiple studies have suggested a possible connection between the gut microbiota and the development of lymphoma, though the exact nature of this relationship remains unclear. This study aimed to explore whether a causal association exists between gut microbiota and lymphoma.

Methods

A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach was conducted to investigate potential causal effects between gut microbiota and various lymphoma subtypes. The primary method employed for MR analysis was inverse variance weighted (IVW), supplemented by additional methods including MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode approaches. The Cochrane Q test, MR-PRESSO global test and MR-Egger intercept test were performed to assess pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Furthermore, a reverse MR analysis was performed to explore potential reverse causal effect.

Results

The primary MR analysis identified 36 causal relationships between genetic liabilities in gut microbiota and different lymphoma subtypes. Neither the MR-PRESSO test nor the MR-Egger regression detected any pleiotropy, and Cochran’s Q test indicated no significant heterogeneity.

Conclusions

Our MR analysis revealed substantial causal associations between gut microbiota and lymphoma, offering new insights into lymphoma prevention and management microbiota.
Plasmodium falciparum AMA1 and CSP antigen diversity in parasite isolates from southern Ghana
Authors: Kusi Kwadwo A. , Amoah Linda E. , Acquah Festus Kojo , Ennuson Nana Aba , Frempong Abena F. , Ofori Ebenezer A. , Akyea-Mensah Kwadwo , Kyei-Baafour Eric , Osei Frank , Frimpong Augustina , Singh Susheel K. , Theisen Michael , Remarque Edmond J. , Faber Bart W. , Belmonte Maria , Ganeshan Harini , Huang Jun , Villasante Eileen , Sedegah Martha
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Diversity in malarial antigens is an immune evasion mechanism that gives malaria parasites an edge over the host. Immune responses against one variant of a polymorphic antigen are usually not fully effective against other variants due to altered epitopes. This study aimed to evaluate diversity in the Plasmodium falciparum antigens apical membrane antigen 1 (PfAMA1) and circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP) from circulating parasites in a malaria-endemic community in southern Ghana and to determine the effects of polymorphisms on antibody response specificity.

Methods

The study involved 300 subjects, whose P. falciparum infection status was determined by microscopy and PCR. Diversity within the two antigens was evaluated by msp2 gene typing and molecular gene sequencing, while the host plasma levels of antibodies against PfAMA1, PfCSP, and two synthetic 24mer peptides from the conserved central repeat region of PfCSP, were measured by ELISA.

Results

Of the 300 subjects, 171 (57%) had P. falciparum infection, with 165 of the 171 (96.5%) being positive for either or both of the msp2 allelic families. Gene sequencing of DNA from 55 clonally infected samples identified a total of 56 non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the Pfama1 gene and these resulted in 44 polymorphic positions, including two novel positions (363 and 365). Sequencing of the Pfcsp gene from 69 clonal DNA samples identified 50 non-synonymous SNPs that resulted in 42 polymorphic positions, with half (21) of these polymorphic positions being novel. Of the measured antibodies, only anti-PfCSP antibodies varied considerably between PCR parasite-positive and parasite-negative persons.

Discussion

These data confirm the presence of a considerable amount of unique, previously unreported amino acid changes, especially within PfCSP. Drivers for this diversity in the Pfcsp gene do not immediately seem apparent, as immune pressure will be expected to drive a similar level of diversity in the Pfama1 gene.
Antibiofilm activity of carotenoid crocetin against Staphylococcal strains
Authors: Paramanya Saurav , Lee Jin-Hyung , Lee Jintae
Published: May 2024

Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis stand as notorious threats to human beings owing to the myriad of infections they cause. The bacteria readily form biofilms that help in withstanding the effects of antibiotics and the immune system. Intending to combat the biofilm formation and reduce the virulence of the pathogens, we investigated the effects of carotenoids, crocetin, and crocin, on four Staphylococcal strains. Crocetin was found to be the most effective as it diminished the biofilm formation of S. aureus ATCC 6538 significantly at 50 µg/mL without exhibiting bactericidal effect (MIC >800 µg/mL) and also inhibited the formation of biofilm by MSSA 25923 and S. epidermidis at a concentration as low as 2 µg/mL, and that by methicillin-resistant S. aureus MW2 at 100 µg/mL. It displayed minimal to no antibiofilm efficacy on the Gram-negative strains Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as a fungal strain of Candida albicans. It could also curb the formation of fibrils, which partly contributes to the biofilm formation in S. epidermidis. Additionally, the ADME analysis of crocetin proclaims how relatively non-toxic the chemical is. Also, crocetin displayed synergistic antibiofilm characteristics in combination with tobramycin. The presence of a polyene chain with carboxylic acid groups at its ends is hypothesized to contribute to the strong antibiofilm characteristics of crocetin. These findings suggest that using apocarotenoids, particularly crocetin might help curb the biofilm formation by S. aureus and S. epidermidis.
Non-linear association and benchmark dose of blood pressure on carotid artery intima-media thickening in a general population of southern China
Authors: Qin Linyuan , Wu Xiaoyan , Tan Chao , Zhang Zhengbao , Li You , Zhu Xiaonian , Qin Shenghua , Tan Shengkui
Published: May 2024

Background and aims

This study aimed to evaluate whether there is a J-curve association between blood pressure (BP) and carotid artery intima-media thickening (CAIT) and estimate the effect of the turning point of BP on CAIT.

Methods and results

Data from 111,494 regular physical examinations conducted on workers and retirees (aged 18 years or older) between January 2011 and December 2016, exported from the hospital information system, were analyzed. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) logistic regression was employed to access the association of BP with CAIT, and Bayesian benchmark dose methods were used to estimate the benchmark dose as the departure point of BP measurements. All the pnon-linear values of BP measurements were less than 0.05 in the RCS logistic regression models. Both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) had J-curve associations with the risk of CAIT at a turning point around 120/70 mmHg in the RCS. The benchmark dose for a 1% change in CAIT risk was estimated to be 120.64 mmHg for SBP and 72.46 mmHg for DBP.

Conclusion

The J-curve associations between SBP and DBP and the risk of CAIT were observed in the general population in southern China, and the turning point of blood pressure for significantly reducing the risk of CAIT was estimated to be 120.64/72.46 mmHg for SBP/DBP.
Infant action understanding: the roles of active training and motor development
Authors: Chung Haerin , Filippi Courtney A. , Woodward Amanda L.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study examined the potential interplay between motor development and intervention in support of action understanding.

Methods

Eighty nine-month-old infants completed a tool-use training session and goal imitation paradigm that assessed action understanding in counterbalanced order. A metric of motor development was obtained using the Early Motor Questionnaire.

Results

Results indicated that training improved action understanding, particularly for those infants who started out with lower means-end skills. Results further indicated that infants who did not receive any training experience in the lab beforehand, drew on their existing means-end skills.

Discussion

These results emphasize independent contributions of training and motor development on action understanding and shed light on the interaction between training and individual motor readiness in facilitating action understanding in infancy.
Sedimentary records of giant landslide-dam breach events in western Sichuan, China
Authors: Ma Junxue , Chen Jian , Xu Chong
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Landslide-dammed lake outburst floods (LLOFs) are common natural disasters in high-mountain regions, posing serious safety threats to residents’ livelihoods and properties and causing major damage to engineering facilities. Giant landslides and river damming events commonly occur in the Eastern Tibetan Plateau in southwestern China. Dam failure generate LLOFs that form outburst deposits (ODs). This phenomenon is particularly common in some giant ancient landslide-dammed lakes.

Methods: This study conducted a detailed investigation of the sedimentary characteristics of large-scale landslide-dammed lake outburst deposits in the Diexi Reach of the Upper Minjiang River and Tangjiashan Reach of the Tongkou River Basin, West Sichuan Plateau, China. Meanwhile, typical evidence of high-energy ODs was recorded.

Results and Discussion: The longitudinal distribution of these ODs is similar to an elongated fan-shaped terrace along the river channel, presenting a distinctive sedimentary disordered–sub-ordered–ordered sequence from upstream to downstream. Several typical units of “sedimentary facies” are developed in the OD profiles, such as boulder units deposited by high-energy outburst flood (OF) events and the gravel and sand units representing pulsating-flow sedimentary environments during the recession stage. The grain size frequency curves are bimodal, and the granularity accumulated curves are upward convex, which reflect that the detrital characteristics of the sediment source area are mainly composed of coarse gravel and boulders. This indicates that the coarse gravel sediment gradually become decreased from upstream to downstream. Moreover, the OD hydrodynamic intensity displays a gradual weakening, and sediment sorting is improved. From upstream to the downstream, the mean particle-size and sorting of the ODs gradually decrease. The skewness become larger, and the kurtosis of the ODs is distributed in all the types. In addition, the different combinations of quartz sand surface microtextures indicate the transformation from high-to low-energy impacts over a short distance, which is controlled by flood hydrodynamics and regime.

Significance: These sedimentary characteristics of ODs explain the hydrodynamic changes during the propagation of OFs, and are also important records for distinguishing between ODs, and “normal” floods.
Research on the impact of green insurance on regional environmental quality: evidence from China
Authors: You Xiaojing , Wu Jiaxin , Li Zhijiang
Published: May 2024

Green insurance (GI), as an innovative product integrating environmental protection and the financial sector, not only contributes to improving regional environmental quality (EQ) but also enhances corporate environmental risk management and awareness, driving the flourishing development of green finance and the environmental protection industry. Therefore, understanding the relationship between GI and EQ is crucial. This article delves into the mechanisms through which GI influences EQ, proposing a hypothesis that suggests an inverted “U” shape impact. Subsequently, based on panel data from 30 provinces in China spanning from 2000 to 2021, nonlinear regression models and threshold regression models were constructed to test the hypothesis. The research findings indicate: (1) Results from the fixed-effects regression model demonstrate that the impact of GI on China’s EQ follows an inverted “U” shape. (2) Results from the threshold regression model also reveal an inverted “U” shape impact of GI on China’s EQ, with a threshold value of 2.196. (3) Economic level and industrial structure exhibit significant inhibitory effects on EQ improvement. Technological level and environmental regulations demonstrate notable promotional effects. Population size shows no significant impact on EQ improvement. The study identifies a nonlinear effect of GI on EQ improvement, surpassing existing linear effect research, deepening the understanding of its impact on EQ, and contributing to the enhancement of regional EQ.
Genome-wide identification of the walnut MYC gene family and functional characterization of Xinjiang wild walnut under low-temperature stress
Authors: Song Ya-Ting , Ma Kai , Zhao Yu , Han Li-Qun , Liu Li-Qiang
Published: May 2024

Introduction: MYC transcription factors are the basic regulators of the jasmonic acid signaling pathway and play important roles in plant growth and development and the response to adverse stress. In recent years, severe winter freezing and late spring frost in the main planting area of walnut in Xinjiang have affected the growth and development of walnut, which has become a prominent problem restricting walnut production. Xinjiang wild walnut is the only remaining wild species of walnuts in China, which contains a lot of genes with excellent traits, and is important for the cultivation and breeding.

Methods: In this paper, the physicochemical properties and bioinformatics of MYC transcription factor members in walnut were analyzed, and the nine MYC were screened from the transcriptome data under low temperature stress. At last, we study the subcellular localizations and the expression patterns of the nine MYC members in Xinjiang wild walnut.

Results: The results revealed that 30 MYC members were identified from published walnut whole-genome data, and their evolutionary relationships with Arabidopsis and poplar were divided into six groups according to clustering analysis, among which JrMYC22 and JrMYC23 had high homology with PtrMYC2b, which is induced by jasmonic acid in response to low-temperature stress. Walnut MYC members are unevenly distributed on 12 chromosomes. The prediction of promoter cis-acting elements of walnut MYC transcription factor family members revealed that cis-acting elements related to jasmonic acid and lowtemperature stress were the ones with the greatest number of members, with 12. In addition, all nine MYC family members in Xinjiang wild walnut plants responding to low-temperature stress exhibited strong fluorescence responses in the nucleus. The expression levels of these members in response to low-temperature stress revealed that JrMYC28, JrMYC31, JrMYC33, JrMYC34, and JrMYC35 were highly expressed, and it was hypothesized that JrMYC28, JrMYC31, JrMYC33, JrMYC34, and JrMYC35 might play a key role in the response to lowtemperature stress.

Discussion: The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for further research on the functional mechanisms of the MYC transcription factor family members in walnut.
Effect of coastal hypoxia on bacterial diversity as elucidated through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing
Authors: Naik Vruti V. , Damare Samir R. , Shah Shruti S. , Shenoy Damodar M. , Mulla Amara Begum
Published: May 2024

The formation of oxygen-depleted zones in the bottom waters is one of the most widespread phenomena in coastal areas. Upwelling episodes along India’s west coast due to the southwest monsoon increase biological productivity, further lowering the dissolved oxygen in the upwelled waters, which intensifies annually between June and October. Here, we have determined the changes in the microbial community in response to the varying oxygen levels and other physicochemical parameters at the Candolim Time Series Station using high-throughput sequencing. Amplicon Sequence Variants across all the samples collected in different seasons were mostly affiliated to the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes and Planctomycetes, with the most dominant being Proteobacteria (21-41%). Statistical analysis revealed that microbial diversity differed significantly with changing DO, ammonia, nitrate and nitrite concentrations during different seasons. The microbial community shift due to seasonal hypoxia results in the differential biogeochemical cycling of essential nutrients, with certain years seeing redox conditions up to sulphate reduction while certain years seeing only nitrogen loss. Future global warming scenarios will serve as a big challenge for understanding the role of microbial diversity and its implications in the cycling of natural elements.
Study on ice resistance of Antarctic krill ship with trawl under floating ice sea conditions
Authors: Xiong Zhixin , Wu Xinyuan , Guo Yu , Fu Zheng
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study focused on a Chinese Antarctic krill vessel utilising continuous pumping fishing technology. The resistance characteristics of Antarctic krill ships trawling in floating ice areas is of great significance for the navigation and fishing of krill ships in ice areas.

Methods

Firstly, MATLAB programming using discrete elements combined with genetic algorithms was used to construct a normal distribution ice flow model. Secondly, a fluid-structure coupling interface is created through the contact between the fluid and the trawl grid, and the displacement and resistance of the trawl grid are evaluated on the shared interface. Finally, the effects of ice density and ship sailing speed on ice resistance were studied.

Results and discussion

The results of the calculations results show that ice resistance is positively related to the concentration and speed of floating ice, moreover, there is a special speed point where ice resistance increases rapidly. As the speed increases, the proportion of trawl resistance to the total resistance continues to increase, while the proportion of ice resistance continues to decrease. This paper provides a reference for the navigation and fishing resistance assessment of Antarctic krill ships in floating ice areas.
Anesthesia strategies for elderly patients with craniocerebral injury due to foreign-body penetration in the plateau region: a case report
Authors: Sun Yongtao , Liu Yang , Liu Peng , Zhang Min , Liu Mengjie , Wang Yuelan
Published: May 2024

Background

The administration of anesthesia for elderly individuals who are critically ill, suffering from severe craniocerebral injuries, and living in plateau regions presents a rare, intricate, and high-risk challenge. This case study outlines the specific anesthesia management protocols necessary for plateau-dwelling patients with significant craniocerebral damage undergoing prolonged invasive procedures.

Case report

A 76-year-old male patient had a 26-year history of foreign-body penetration of the skull and had experienced local purulent discharge and pain for the previous 20 days. The diagnoses included right hypoplasia, a foreign body in the skull with an infection, hypokalemia, hypoproteinemia, pulmonary fibrous foci, and bilateral pleural effusion. For almost 6 months, the patient suffered from recurring headaches, blurred vision, and sluggish bodily movement. The patient had a poor diet, poor sleep quality, normal urination, and no noticeable weight loss since the onset of the illness. The right anterior ear had a 2 cm skin abscess with yellow pus and a black metal foreign body tip. The left eyelid was red and swollen, and the left conjunctiva was hyperemic; the right eyelid showed no abnormalities, and both pupils were wide and round, with light and adjustment reflexes and no cyanosis on the lips. Skull development was normal. No dry or moist rales were audible in either lung. The heart rhythm was regular, and the heart rate was 50 bpm. Chest CT revealed left lung calcification foci, bilateral pleural effusion, and fiber foci in the lower lobes of both lungs.

Conclusion

Furthermore, the patient in question was of advanced age and had a complex medical history, including prolonged exposure to high altitudes and previous instances of severe craniocerebral trauma, among other uncommon pathophysiological characteristics. In particular, the patient also underwent surgical interventions at both high and low altitudes, adding to the complexity of their case. To ensure patient safety, close multidisciplinary collaboration, the development of a precise surgical plan, and the implementation of a suitable perioperative anesthetic management strategy are imperative.
Bio-fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles mediated by endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. SA17 with antimicrobial and anticancer activities: in vitro supported by in silico studies
Authors: Abdelrahman Sally El Said Abo Halawa , El Hawary Seham , Mohsen Engy , El Raey Mohamed A. , Selim Heba Mohammed Refat M. , Hamdan Ahmed M. E. , Ghareeb Mosad A. , Hamed Ahmed A.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

In recent years, the world’s attention has been drawn to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) because to the frightening prospect of growing death rates. Nanomaterials are being investigated due to their potential in a wide range of technical and biological applications.

Methods

The purpose of this study was to biosynthesis zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using Aspergillus sp. SA17 fungal extract, followed by characterization of the produced nanoparticles (NP) using electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), UV-analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR).

Results and Discussion

The HR-TEM revealed spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 7.2 nm, and XRD validated the crystalline nature and crystal structure features of the generated ZnONPs, while the zeta potential was 18.16 mV, indicating that the particles’ surfaces are positively charged. The FT-IR was also used to identify the biomolecules involved in the synthesis of ZnONPs. The antibacterial and anticancer properties of both the crude fungal extract and its nano-form against several microbial strains and cancer cell lines were also investigated. Inhibition zone diameters against pathogenic bacteria ranged from 3 to 13 mm, while IC50 values against cancer cell lines ranged from 17.65 to 84.55 M. Additionally, 33 compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, organic acids, anthraquinones, and lignans, were discovered through chemical profiling of the extract using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Some molecules, such pomiferin and glabrol, may be useful for antibacterial purposes, according to in silico study, while daidzein 4’-sulfate showed promise as an anti-cancer metabolite.
Antifungal activity of Carica papaya fruit extract against Microsporum canis: in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Aljuhani Salma , Rizwana Humaira , Aloufi Abeer S. , Alkahtani Saad , Albasher Gadah , Almasoud Hadeel , Elsayim Rasha
Published: May 2024

Background

Tinea capitis (T. capitis), commonly known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection affecting the scalp and hair. Among the causative agents, Microsporum canis (M. canis) stands out, often transmitted from cats to humans (zoonotic disease). In this study, we investigated the efficacy of Carica papaya (C. papaya), fruit extract against dermatophytes, particularly M. canis, both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we aimed to identify the active compounds responsible for suppressing fungal growth and assess the toxicity of C. papaya on human cells.

Methodology

It conducted in two parts. First, In Vitro Study include the preparation of C. papaya fruit extract using methanol as the solvent, Phytochemical analysis of the plant extract including Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was conducted, Cytotoxicity assays were performed using HUH-7 cells, employing the MTT assay (1-(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide), Antimicrobial activity against M. canis was evaluated, including: Zone of inhibition (ZI), Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), M. canis cell alterations were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Second, In Vivo, Albino Wistar male rats were included.

Results

The phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extract from papaya revealed several functional groups, including hydroxyl, ammonia, alkane, carbonate, and alcohol. Additionally, the GC–MS analysis identified 15 compounds, with xanthosine and decanoic acid being the predominant components. The methanolic extract of papaya fruits demonstrated potent antifungal activity: ZI = 37 mm, MIC = 1,000 μg/mL, MFC = 1900 μg/mL, MTT results indicated lower cytotoxicity of the fruit extract at concentrations of 20 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL, 150 μg/mL, and 200 μg/mL, The IC50 revealed a significant decrease in cell viability with increasing extract concentration. Notably, papaya extract induced considerable alterations in the morphology of M. canis hyphae and spores. In animal tissue, improvements were observed among the group of rats which treated with Papaya extract. This study highlights the potential of C. papaya fruits as a natural antifungal agent, warranting further exploration for clinical applications.
G2NPAN: GAN-guided nuance perceptual attention network for multimodal medical fusion image quality assessment
Authors: Tian Chuangeng , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2024

Multimodal medical fusion images (MMFI) are formed by fusing medical images of two or more modalities with the aim of displaying as much valuable information as possible in a single image. However, due to the different strategies of various fusion algorithms, the quality of the generated fused images is uneven. Thus, an effective blind image quality assessment (BIQA) method is urgently required. The challenge of MMFI quality assessment is to enable the network to perceive the nuances between fused images of different qualities, and the key point for the success of BIQA is the availability of valid reference information. To this end, this work proposes a generative adversarial network (GAN) -guided nuance perceptual attention network (G2NPAN) to implement BIQA for MMFI. Specifically, we achieve the blind evaluation style via the design of a GAN and develop a Unique Feature Warehouse module to learn the effective features of fused images from the pixel level. The redesigned loss function guides the network to perceive the image quality. In the end, the class activation mapping supervised quality assessment network is employed to obtain the MMFI quality score. Extensive experiments and validation have been conducted in a database of medical fusion images, and the proposed method is superior to the state-of-the-art BIQA method.
Valine induces inflammation and enhanced adipogenesis in lean mice by multi-omics analysis
Authors: Zheng Hui-Yi , Wang Li , Zhang Rong , Ding Ran , Yang Cai-Xia , Du Zhi-Qiang
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential to mammalian growth and development but aberrantly elevated in obesity and diabetes. Each BCAA has an independent and specific physio-biochemical effect on the host. However, the exact molecular mechanism of the detrimental effect of valine on metabolic health remains largely unknown.

Methods and results

This study showed that for lean mice treated with valine, the hepatic lipid metabolism and adipogenesis were enhanced, and the villus height and crypt depth of the ileum were significantly increased. Transcriptome profiling on white and brown adipose tissues revealed that valine disturbed multiple signaling pathways (e.g., inflammation and fatty acid metabolism). Integrative cecal metagenome and metabolome analyses found that abundances of Bacteroidetes decreased, but Proteobacteria and Helicobacter increased, respectively; and 87 differential metabolites were enriched in several molecular pathways (e.g., inflammation and lipid and bile acid metabolism). Furthermore, abundances of two metabolites (stercobilin and 3-IAA), proteins (AMPK/pAMPK and SCD1), and inflammation and adipogenesis-related genes were validated.

Discussion

Valine treatment affects the intestinal microbiota and metabolite compositions, induces gut inflammation, and aggravates hepatic lipid deposition and adipogenesis. Our findings provide novel insights into and resources for further exploring the molecular mechanism and biological function of valine on lipid metabolism.
The use of photodynamic therapy in medical practice
Authors: Aebisher David , Rogóż Kacper , Myśliwiec Angelika , Dynarowicz Klaudia , Wiench Rafał , Cieślar Grzegorz , Kawczyk-Krupka Aleksandra , Bartusik-Aebisher Dorota
Published: May 2024

Cancer therapy, especially for tumors near sensitive areas, demands precise treatment. This review explores photodynamic therapy (PDT), a method leveraging photosensitizers (PS), specific wavelength light, and oxygen to target cancer effectively. Recent advancements affirm PDT’s efficacy, utilizing ROS generation to induce cancer cell death. With a history spanning over decades, PDT’s dynamic evolution has expanded its application across dermatology, oncology, and dentistry. This review aims to dissect PDT’s principles, from its inception to contemporary medical applications, highlighting its role in modern cancer treatment strategies.
Differentiation of benign and malignant parotid gland tumors based on the fusion of radiomics and deep learning features on ultrasound images
Authors: Wang Yi , Gao Jiening , Yin Zhaolin , Wen Yue , Sun Meng , Han Ruoling
Published: May 2024

Objective

The pathological classification and imaging manifestation of parotid gland tumors are complex, while accurate preoperative identification plays a crucial role in clinical management and prognosis assessment. This study aims to construct and compare the performance of clinical models, traditional radiomics models, deep learning (DL) models, and deep learning radiomics (DLR) models based on ultrasound (US) images in differentiating between benign parotid gland tumors (BPGTs) and malignant parotid gland tumors (MPGTs).

Methods

Retrospective analysis was conducted on 526 patients with confirmed PGTs after surgery, who were randomly divided into a training set and a testing set in the ratio of 7:3. Traditional radiomics and three DL models (DenseNet121, VGG19, ResNet50) were employed to extract handcrafted radiomics (HCR) features and DL features followed by feature fusion. Seven machine learning classifiers including logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), RandomForest, ExtraTrees, XGBoost, LightGBM and multi-layer perceptron (MLP) were combined to construct predictive models. The most optimal model was integrated with clinical and US features to develop a nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed for assessing performance of various models while the clinical utility was assessed by decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

The DLR model based on ExtraTrees demonstrated superior performance with AUC values of 0.943 (95% CI: 0.918-0.969) and 0.916 (95% CI: 0.861-0.971) for the training and testing set, respectively. The combined model DLR nomogram (DLRN) further enhanced the performance, resulting in AUC values of 0.960 (95% CI: 0.940- 0.979) and 0.934 (95% CI: 0.876-0.991) for the training and testing sets, respectively. DCA analysis indicated that DLRN provided greater clinical benefits compared to other models.

Conclusion

DLRN based on US images shows exceptional performance in distinguishing BPGTs and MPGTs, providing more reliable information for personalized diagnosis and treatment plans in clinical practice.
Improved MRI methods to quantify retinal and choroidal blood flow applied to a model of glaucoma
Authors: Jiang Zhao , Chernoff Diane , Galenchik-Chan Andre , Tomorri David , Honkanen Robert A. , Duong Timothy Q. , Muir Eric R.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Blood flow (BF) of the retinal and choroidal vasculatures can be quantitatively imaged using MRI. This study sought to improve methods of data acquisition and analysis for MRI of layer-specific retinal and choroidal BF and then applied this approach to detect reduced ocular BF in a well-established mouse model of glaucoma from both eyes.

Methods

Quantitative BF magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on glaucomatous DBA/2J and normal C57BL/6J mice. Arterial spin labeling MRI was applied to image retinal and choroidal BF using custom-made dual eye coils that could image both eyes during the same scan. Statistics using data from a single eye or two eyes were compared. BF values were calculated using two approaches. The BF rate per quantity of tissue was calculated as commonly done, and the peak BF values of the retinal and choroidal vasculatures were taken. Additionally, the BF rate per retinal surface area was calculated using a new analysis approach to attempt to reduce partial volume and variability by integrating BF over the retinal and choroidal depths.

Results

Ocular BF of both eyes could be imaged using the dual coil setup without effecting scan time. Intraocular pressure was significantly elevated in DBA/2J mice compared to C57BL/6J mice (P<0.01). Both retinal and choroidal BF were significantly decreased in DBA/2J mice in comparison to the age-matched normal C57BL/6J mice across all measurements (P < 0.01). From simulations, the values from the integrated BF analysis method had less partial volume effect, and from in vivo scans, this analysis approach also improved power.

Conclusion

The dual eye coil setup allows bilateral eye data acquisition, increasing the amount of data acquired without increasing acquisition times in vivo. The reduced ocular BF found using the improved acquisition and analysis approaches replicated the results of previous studies on DBA/2J mice. The ocular hypertensive stress-induced BF reduction found within these mice may represent changes associated with glaucomatous progression.
Next step towards point-of-care molecular diagnosis of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS): evaluation of an instrument-free LAMP procedure
Authors: van Bergen Kim J. M. , Brienen Eric A.T. , Randrianasolo Bodo S. , Ramarokoto Charles E. , Leutscher Peter , Kjetland Eyrun F. , van Diepen Angela , Dekker Floris , Saggiomo Vittorio , Velders Aldrik H. , van Lieshout Lisette
Published: May 2024

Detection of Schistosoma spp. DNA in gynaecological samples by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is considered to be the reference diagnostic test for female genital schistosomiasis (FGS). However, qPCR needs expensive laboratory procedures and highly trained technicians. Loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) is a more field-friendly isothermal procedure for the detection of parasite-specific DNA, but it still requires electrically powered equipment. Here, we validated a Schistosoma haematobium-specific Sh-LAMP procedure and tested a fully instrument-free isothermal amplification using a novel low-cost, and reusable Temperature-cup (T-cup) device. Specific primers were selected based on published assays, targeting the ribosomal intergenic spacer (IGS) region of S. haematobium. Technical validation of the IGS-Sh-LAMP was performed using 20 negative controls, including DNA extracts of soil-transmitted helminths and S. mansoni, and a 10-fold dilution series (100–10−3) of DNA extracted from a single S. haematobium egg (n=4). For clinical validation, the IGS-Sh-LAMP was tested on 125 DNA samples extracted from vaginal swabs of a previous FGS study in Madagascar. Results were compared with the quantification cycle value (Cq) of the standard ITS-2 targeting qPCR. Single S. haematobium egg DNA up to a 10–2 dilution and an ITS-2 Cq <35 tested positive in the IGS-Sh-LAMP. The specificity was found to be excellent (100%). In the clinical samples, IGS-Sh-LAMP showed comparable results with the qPCR, with 35.2% and 33.6% positives, respectively, and a concordance of 79.2% (99/125). Of the 12 false-negatives, 5 corresponded to the 7 qPCR positive samples with very low DNA levels (Cq ≥35). On the other hand, IGS-Sh-LAMP detected 14 additional cases that were not detected by qPCR. The T-cup IGS-Sh-LAMP performance was evaluated in a representative sub-selection (n=10) of IGS-Sh-LAMP positive clinical samples. The T-cup IGS-Sh-LAMP was found to be a very user-friendly method, but in different runs, it missed 1 to 4 of the 10 IGS-Sh-LAMP positive samples, specifically those with a low DNA load. Our results show that the IGS-Sh-LAMP is a suitable alternative to the ITS-2 qPCR for the diagnosis of FGS in gynaecological samples, with high potential for the T-cup as a fully instrument-free isothermal amplification device for point-of-care diagnosis in low-resource settings.
Case Report: A rare instance of acute appendicitis induced by Balantidium Coli parasitic infection
Authors: Alzate-Ricaurte Sergio , Garcia Moreno Isabel Cristina , Serna Lorza Juan David , Hincapie-Ayala Daniela , Diaz Maria Camila , Alzate Gallego Edgar Darío , Sanchez Sanchez Juan Pablo
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Acute appendicitis secondary to parasitic infections is uncommon, being detected in less than 1% of cases. Balantidium coli is a parasite found in pigs and primates with zoonotic potential. To date, only three cases of acute appendicitis induced by this parasite have been documented globally.

Case

A 7-year-old female patient, who consumed pork daily, presented to the emergency department with a one-day history of abdominal pain in the lower quadrants, described as colic-like, alongside abdominal distension. Initial abdominal radiography led to a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. Conservative management without therapeutic response necessitated referral to a higher complexity center. Upon admission, an abdominal computed tomography scan diagnosed acute appendicitis and secondary ileus. During surgical intervention, an appendiceal phlegmon formed by loops of the small intestine was mechanically released, revealing a perforated appendix with extensive fecal peritoneal contamination. Pathological analysis identified an inflammatory infiltrate and the presence of Balantidium coli trophozoites. Medical treatment included Piperacillin-Tazobactam and Metronidazole. The patient was discharged after 10 days of medical treatment.

Discussion

Acute appendicitis caused by Balantidium coli is a rare occurrence. It is crucial to identify parasites in pathological samples due to their impact on postoperative management. The close contact between humans and pigs, especially in developing countries, suggests that the prevalence of parasitic infection and colonization by Balantidium coli may be higher than currently recognized. Regarding the identification of this patient's specific exposure, the regular consumption of pork suggests the hypothesis that improper processing is linked to the acquisition of the parasitic infection.
A systematic review of the mechanism of action and potential medicinal value of codonopsis pilosula in diseases
Authors: Guo Huina , Lou YiChen , Hou Xiaofang , Han Qi , Guo Yujia , Li Zhongxun , Guan Xiaoya , Liu Hongliang , Zhang Chunming
Published: May 2024

As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a long history, Codonopsis pilosula (CP) has attracted much attention from the medical community in recent years. This review summarizes the research progress of CP in the medical field in the past 5 years. By searching and analyzing the literature, and combining with Cytoscape software, we comprehensively examined the role and mechanism of action of CP in individual application, combination drug application, and the role and mechanism of action of codonopsis pilosula’s active ingredients in a variety of diseases. It also analyzes the medicinal use of CP and its application value in medicine. This review found that CP mainly manifests important roles in several diseases, such as cardiovascular system, nervous system, digestive system, immune system, etc., and regulates the development of many diseases mainly through the mechanisms of inflammation regulation, oxidative stress, immunomodulation and apoptosis. Its rich pharmacological activities and diverse medicinal effects endow CP with broad prospects and application values. This review provides valuable reference and guidance for the further development of CP in traditional Chinese medicine.
Effect of a helium and oxygen mixture on physiological parameters of rats with cerebral arterial air embolism
Authors: Palikov V. A. , Pavlov N. B. , Amirov R. R. , Ismailova A. M. , Borozdina N. A. , Palikova Yu. A. , Dyachenko I. A. , Khokhlova O. N. , Ponomareva T. I. , Rykov V. A. , Logunov A. T. , Murashev A. N. , Baranov V. M.
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Cerebral arterial air embolism (CAE) is a serious and potentially dangerous condition that can interrupt the blood supply to the brain and cause stroke. One of the promising gas mixtures for emergency treatment of air embolism is an oxygen-helium mixture.

Methods: We modeled CAE in awake rats by injecting air into the common carotid artery. Immediately after CAE, animals were either untreated or underwent hyperbaria, oxygen inhalation, heated air inhalation, or helium-oxygen mixture inhalation. Body temperature, locomotor activity, respiratory and cardiovascular parameters were monitored in the animals before CAE modeling, and 3 and 24 h after CAE modeling.

Results: After 3 hours of CAE modeling in awake rats, depression of the nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as decreased body temperature were observed. 24 h after CAE modeling multifocal cerebral ischemia was observed. Normobaric helium-oxygen mixture inhalation, on par with hyperbaric treatment, restored body temperature, locomotor activity, respiratory volume, respiratory rate, and blood pressure 3 hours after CAE, and prevented the formation of ischemic brain damage lesions 24 h after CAE.

Discussion: Thus, inhalation of a heated oxygen-helium gas mixture (O2 30% and He 70%) immediately after CAE improves the physiological condition of the animals and prevents the foci of ischemic brain damage formation.