bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online application for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis by six genes
Authors: Zhao Zunlan , Chen Shouhang , Wei Hongzhao , Ma Weile , Shi Weili , Si Yixin , Wang Jun , Wang Liuyi , Li Xiqing
Published: April 2024

Background

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a primary contributor to cardiovascular disease, leading to significant global mortality rates. Developing effective diagnostic indicators and models for AS holds the potential to substantially reduce the fatalities and disabilities associated with cardiovascular disease. Blood sample analysis has emerged as a promising avenue for facilitating diagnosis and assessing disease prognosis. Nonetheless, it lacks an accurate model or tool for AS diagnosis. Hence, the principal objective of this study is to develop a convenient, simple, and accurate model for the early detection of AS.

Methods

We downloaded the expression data of blood samples from GEO databases. By dividing the mean values of housekeeping genes (meanHGs) and applying the comBat function, we aimed to reduce the batch effect. After separating the datasets into training, evaluation, and testing sets, we applied differential expression analyses (DEA) between AS and control samples from the training dataset. Then, a gradient-boosting model was used to evaluate the importance of genes and identify the hub genes. Using different machine learning algorithms, we constructed a prediction model with the highest accuracy in the testing dataset. Finally, we make the machine learning models publicly accessible by shiny app construction.

Results

Seven datasets (GSE9874, GSE12288, GSE20129, GSE23746, GSE27034, GSE90074, and GSE202625), including 403 samples with AS and 325 healthy subjects, were obtained by comprehensive searching and filtering by specific requirements. The batch effect was successfully removed by dividing the meanHGs and applying the comBat function. 331 genes were found to be related to atherosclerosis by the DEA analysis between AS and health samples. The top 6 genes with the highest importance values from the gradient boosting model were identified. Out of the seven machine learning algorithms tested, the random forest model exhibited the most impressive performance in the testing datasets, achieving an accuracy exceeding 0.8. While the batch effect reduction analysis in our study could have contributed to the increased accuracy values, our comparison results further highlight the superiority of our model over the genes provided in published studies. This underscores the effectiveness of our approach in delivering superior predictive performance. The machine-learning models were then uploaded to the Shiny app’s server, making it easy for users to distinguish AS samples from normal samples.

Conclusions

A prognostic Shiny application, built upon six potential atherosclerosis-associated genes, has been developed, offering an accurate diagnosis of atherosclerosis.
Fungal microbiota in newborn infants with and without respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Friaza Vicente , Rojas Pilar , de la Horra Carmen , García Elisa , Morilla Rubén , Pavón Antonio , de Armas Yaxsier , Vallejo-Vaz Antonio J. , Salsoso Rocío , Medrano Francisco J. , Calderón Enrique J.
Published: April 2024

Background

Pneumocytis jirovecii infection in preterm newborns has recently been associated with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Changes in the bacterial microbiota of the airways have also been described in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. However, until now there has been no information on the airway mycobiota in newborns. The purpose of this study was to describe the airway mycobiota in term and preterm newborns and its possible association with respiratory distress syndrome.

Methods

Twenty-six matched preterm newborns with and without respiratory distress syndrome were studied, as well as 13 term babies. The identification of the fungal microbiota was carried out using molecular procedures in aspirated nasal samples at birth.

Results

The ascomycota phylum was identified in 89.7% of newborns, while the basidiomycota phylum was found in 33.3%. Cladosporium was the predominant genus in both term and preterm infants 38.4% vs. 73% without statistical differences. Candida sake and Pneumocystis jirovecii were only found in preterm infants, suggesting a potential relationship with the risk of prematurity.

Conclusions

This is the first report to describe the fungal microbiota of the airways in term and preterm infants with and without respiratory distress syndrome. Although no differences have been observed, the number of cases analyzed could be small to obtain conclusive results, and more studies are needed to understand the role of the fungal microbiota of the airways in neonatal respiratory pathology.
Sja-let-7 suppresses the development of liver fibrosis via Schistosoma japonicum extracellular vesicles
Authors: Zhong Haoran , Dong Bowen , Zhu Danlin , Fu Zhiqiang , Liu Jinming , Jin Yamei
Published: April 2024

Schistosomiasis is a fatal zoonotic parasitic disease that also threatens human health. The main pathological features of schistosomiasis are granulomatous inflammation and subsequent liver fibrosis, which is a complex, chronic, and progressive disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from schistosome eggs are broadly involved in host-parasite communication and act as important contributors to schistosome-induced liver fibrosis. However, it remains unclear whether substances secreted by the EVs of Schistosoma japonicum, a long-term parasitic “partner” in the hepatic portal vein of the host, also participate in liver fibrosis. Here, we report that EVs derived from S. japonicum worms attenuated liver fibrosis by delivering sja-let-7 into hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Mechanistically, activation of HSCs was reduced by targeting collagen type I alpha 2 chain (Col1α2) and downregulation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Overall, these results contribute to further understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying host-parasite interactions and identified the sja-let-7/Col1α2/TGF-β/Smad axis as a potential target for treatment of schistosomiasis-related liver fibrosis.
SARS-CoV-2 infects cells lining the blood-retinal barrier and induces a hyperinflammatory immune response in the retina via systemic exposure
Authors: Monu Monu , Ahmad Faraz , Olson Rachel M. , Balendiran Vaishnavi , Singh Pawan Kumar
Published: April 2024

SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to cause wide-ranging ocular abnormalities and vision impairment in COVID-19 patients. However, there is limited understanding of SARS-CoV-2 in ocular transmission, tropism, and associated pathologies. The presence of viral RNA in corneal/conjunctival tissue and tears, along with the evidence of viral entry receptors on the ocular surface, has led to speculation that the eye may serve as a potential route of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Here, we investigated the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with cells lining the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) and the role of the eye in its transmission and tropism. The results from our study suggest that SARS-CoV-2 ocular exposure does not cause lung infection and moribund illness in K18-hACE2 mice despite the extended presence of viral remnants in various ocular tissues. In contrast, intranasal exposure not only resulted in SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein presence in different ocular tissues but also induces a hyperinflammatory immune response in the retina. Additionally, the long-term exposure to viral S-protein caused microaneurysm, retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) mottling, retinal atrophy, and vein occlusion in mouse eyes. Notably, cells lining the BRB, the outer barrier, RPE, and the inner barrier, retinal vascular endothelium, were highly permissive to SARS-CoV-2 replication. Unexpectedly, primary human corneal epithelial cells were comparatively resistant to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The cells lining the BRB showed induced expression of viral entry receptors and increased susceptibility towards SARS-CoV-2-induced cell death. Furthermore, hyperglycemic conditions enhanced the viral entry receptor expression, infectivity, and susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2-induced cell death in the BRB cells, confirming the reported heightened pathological manifestations in comorbid populations. Collectively, our study provides the first evidence of SARS-CoV-2 ocular tropism via cells lining the BRB and that the virus can infect the retina via systemic permeation and induce retinal inflammation.
Genetic diversity and haplotype analysis of cattle hydatid cyst isolates using mitochondrial markers in Kazakhstan
Authors: Uakhit Rabiga , Yalysheva Sofiya , Abdybekova Aida , Smagulova Ainura , Lider Lyudmila , Jazina Karina , Tautanova Aidana , Kiyan Vladimir
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim: In Kazakhstan, the study of Echinococcus infection among farm animals is crucial to monitor the invasion among livestock and map the data obtained. Unfortunately, there are only partial data on the study of Echinococcus among cattleâ€™s in Kazakhstan, which makes it difficult to conduct a comparative analysis of the epidemiological situation among livestock animals. The present study aimed to molecularly identify the species and haplotypes of the E. granulosus complex infecting cattle in Kazakhstan and investigate their genetic variation relative to mitochondrial (mt) targets.

Materials and Methods: Individual cyst isolates (n = 700) were collected from infected cattle lungs and livers after slaughter from the slaughterhouse. Total DNA was extracted from the germinal layers of the cyst from each isolate. This DNA sequenced partial mt genes of cytochrome c oxidase 1 (450 bp) and NADH dehydrogenase 1 (1200 bp).

Results: We determined that all the sequences were detected as E. granulosus s.s., of which 69 (94.5%) samples belonged to G1, and only 4 (5.4%) samples belonged to the G3 genotype. After bioinformatic analysis, 38 haplotypes were identified.

Conclusion: Our findings revealed that the G1 genotype of E. granulosus s.s. is the predominant cattle genotype in Kazakhstan. However, only one region showed the presence of two genotypes G1 and G3, in the sequence, which suggests that further research is needed to investigate the epidemiology of Echinococcus infection in cattle in Kazakhstan.

Keywords: cattle, cystic echinococcosis, Echinococcus granulosus, genotypes, haplotype, Kazakhstan.
ESTIMATION OF THE ELEMENTAL PROFILE OF LEAVES, ROOTS, SEEDS AND DRY EXTRACTS OF ARCTIUM LAPPA AND ARCTIUM TOMENTOSUM
Authors: Kolomiets Natalya Eduardovna , Boev Roman Sergeevich , Zhalnina Lyudmila Vladimirovna , Ali Abdujalil Qaeed Hassan , Maryin Andrey Alexandrovich
Published: April 2024

The use of plant raw materials can be hindered due to concerns about their quality and safety for the human body, resulting from exceeding permissible limits of radionuclides, heavy metals, and other xenobiotics. Ensuring the quality and safety and guaranteeing the quality of raw materials and finished products is one of the tasks for researchers and practitioners. The composition and content of macro- and microelements in the seeds, roots, and leaves of A.lappa and A. tomentosum, cultivated and growing wild in the Tomsk region (Timiryazevskoye village) and Altai Territory (Altaiskoe village), have been determined, and samples a dry extracts of the roots and leaves of A. tomentosum produced by Visterra LLC, have been analyzed. The elemental composition was determined by using neutron activation analysis and flame photometry. The samples of wild and cultivated species, extracts revealed the presence of 31 chemical elements. According to the potassium content, Arctium lappa and Arctium tomentosum can be attributed to potassium concentrator plants. The leaves, roots, and seeds have the same elemental composition parts of the plant and species. In all samples of roots, seeds, leaves, and dry extracts, the levels of Cd, As complied with the requirements of the standards and sanitary norms.
Innovation of Standardized Extract of Yam Bean Seed and Red Betel Leaf as Bioinsecticide for Myiasis Treatment
Authors: Mustika Aulia Andi
Published: April 2024

Myiasis causes severe economic and production losses in animals. Chemicals are frequently employed to prevent or control myiasis in animals, however long-term exposure to chemical-based pesticides can have severe effects. This study aims to assess the effectiveness combination of ethanol extract of yam bean seeds and red betel leafÂ in vitroÂ as a preparation capable of killing all larval stages ofÂ Chrysomya bezziana, the primary agent responsible for myiasis. This study consisted of eleven treatment groups. Twenty instar 1 (L1), 2 (L2), and 3 (L3)Â C. bezzianaÂ larvae were used forÂ in vitroÂ testing utilizing plastic pots containing larval media and ethanol extract of yam bean seeds, red betel leaf, and their combination as well as a combination of 0.5%, 1%, and 2% concentrations of ethanol extract of yam bean seeds and red betel leaf. Asuntol and sterile distilled water were utilized as positive and negative controls, rerspectively. The results demonstrated that the combination of 2% ethanol extract of yam bean seeds and red betel leaf was able to induce 100% larval death and 100% pupal failure. The L3 test demonstrated that the combination of yam bean seed ethanol extract and red betel leaf reduced hatchability at all doses. The L1 and L2 tests suggested that the extract was efficient as a stomach poison, whilst the L3 test indicated that it was also a contact poison. Yam bean seeds and red betel leaf show larvicidal efficacy against multiple species ofÂ Chrysomya bezzianaÂ insect larvae.Â Key Words:Â yam bean seeds, bioinsecticide,Â Chrysomya bezziana, red betel leaf, myiasis
Estimate the effect of non-genetic factors on the reproductive traits of Afec-Assaf strain in Bani Naim Farm, Palestine
Authors: Abuzahra Mutasem , Wijayanti Dwi , Effendi Mustofa Helmi , Mustofa Imam , Eid Loay Abu
Published: April 2024

The aim of the study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of the Afec-Assaf strain in intensive farming. The research was carried out in Bani Naim, Hebron city, Palestine. Data collected from 450 ewes and 1660 lambs born over the period 2019 to 2022 were used to compile the data for this study. Linear models with fixed effects were used to estimate the influence of year of birth and parity on litter size born alive (LS), litter size at weaning (LSAW), and lambing interval (LI). The most influential component in LS was parity, which resulted in an average of 1.81 ± 0.9. There was a significant difference between the size of litters born in the first and fourth parities, with the smallest litters born in the first parity (1.75±0.04) and the largest born in the fourth (2.25±0.14). LSAW lamb averaged 1.75±0.82. The LSAW was significantly influenced by parity (P0.05). LI was 250.60±77.59 days on average. There was no significant (P0.05) relationship between parity and LI. The longest LI was observed at third parity (251.56±6.15 days). According to the findings, the birth type of a lamb is significantly affected by the parity. Non-genetic variables have a substantial impact on the diversity of reproductive traits in Afec-Assaf.
Determination of Growth and Survival Rates of Saanen Kid in UniSZA Dairy Goat Farm
Authors: Anuar N I , Ahmad N , Rosli N S A , Ahmad K , Azmi N S , Mustaffa N D A N , Ibrahim Noor Syaheera
Published: April 2024

Live weight is one of the parameters for evaluating milk and meat production of livestock. Live weight is an important  indicator for improving production traits. The present study was conducted to measure growth performances based on two factors; sex differences and litter size and observation  of survival between these factors during the sample period. Data from 22 Saanen kid were recorded for 6 weeks. Results showed that male kid had higher live weight than female kid (P0.05), with a difference of 3.3% in the percentage of live weight gained over 6 weeks of sampling. This resulted in a body gain of  0.68 kg/day for male kid and 0.48 kg/day for female  kid. The current study also showed  that twin kid had  a higher average live weight than single kid (P0.05). The average size of single-born Saanen kid was not significantly different from twin-born Saanen goat kid  (P0.05). Twin-born  Saanen  kid gained 9.9% more live weight in 6 weeks than singleton- born. Survival was 86.4%, with all deaths attributable to singleton-born kid. In this study, preweaning kid survival  was not affected by sex or litter size, but was affected by maternal age. Other factors such as pellet deficiency should be considered as they affect the overall production of the animals. The data collected in this study could potentially lead to  more accurate evaluation of breeding value, and improvements in feeding and management.
Morphometric Diversity and Polymorphism of Melanocortin-4 Receptor (MC4R) Gene in Red Kedu and Kampung Chickens
Authors: Faizah Arina Umi , Ismoyowati Ismoyowati , Purwantini Dattadewi , Rosidi Rosidi , Susanto Agus , Sulistyawan Ibnu Hari
Published: April 2024

The aim of this research was to compare morphometric differences and to determine the presence of MC4R gene polymorphisms in Red Kedu and Kampung chickens. This research used a total of 98 Red Kedu and Kampung chickens. The 37-week-old chickens were subjected to experimental study with morphometric measurements. PCR used a pair of MC4R primers based on GenBank access number AB01221 to amplify the PCR targets 221 base pairs long. Data analysis used the t-test to compare the morphometrics between Red Kedu and Kampung chickens. The genotype frequency, gene frequency, heterozygosity, and genetic distances determine the presence of polymorphisms. Analysis of variance to determine the effect of genotype on body weight and shank length. The results showed significant differences (P0.05) between male and female Red Kedu and Kampung chickens in terms of body morphometric parameters. Sequencing of the PCR product found SNP in base pair 54GC. GC and GG genotype frequencies of Red Kedu chicken were 0.51 and 0.49, while those of Kampung chicken were 0.32, 0.50, and the CC genotype was 0.18. Allele frequency for G and C of Red Kedu and Kampung chickens were 0.74 vs. 0.26 and 0.66 vs. 0.34, respectively, and the heterozygosity was 38% and 45%, respectively. The genetic distance between Red Kedu and Kampung chickens showed a close kinship of 0.42. Conclusively, the association of the MC4R gene had no significant effect (P0.05) on body weight and shank length, and therefore, the MC4R gene could not be used as a marker assisted selection.
Effect of Replacing Grass Silage with Hydroponic Maize Fodder on Nutrient Intake and Digestibility, Rumen Parameters and Blood Metabolites of Weaned Ongole x Brahman Calves
Authors: Benu Imanuel , Jelantik I Gusti Ngurah , Penu Cardial LO , Laut Meity Marviana
Published: April 2024

Hydroponic maize fodder (HMF) may replace grass silage as an alternative green forage for ruminants during dry seasons. An in vivo experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of replacing grass silage with HMF on nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen parameters and blood metabolites of weaned calves. Four weaned Ongole x Brahman calves (BW= 127±17.45 kg) were fed 70% grass silage + 30% concentrates (G; control), 35% grass silage + 35% HMF + 30% concentrates (GCF1), 17,5% grass silage + 52,5% HMF + 30% concentrates (GCF2), and 70% HMF + 30% concentrates (GCF3) in a 4 x 4 Latin Square Design experiment. Calves fed HMF had lesser total dry matter intake (DMI) (P0.05), total organic matter intake (OMI), and total crude fibre intake (CFI) compared with calves fed only grass silage. There were no differences (P0.05) between treatments for total crude protein (CP) intake, dry matter digestibility (DMD), crude protein digestibility (CPD), crude fibre digestibility (CFD), digestible crude fibre intake (DCFI), digestible crude protein intake (DCPI) and ruminal pH. Calves provided HMF in their diet had the greatest (P 0.05) ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) concentration compared with calves fed only grass silage. There were no differences between treatments (P 0.05) for the concentration of acetate, propionate, butyrate, iso-butyrate, iso-valerate, blood glucose or blood urea of calves. Hence, hydroponic maize fodder could be used as a replacement for silage to improve the rumen fermentation of weaned Ongole x Brahman calves, although it might decrease the total dry matter intake.
Comparison of The Nutritional Composition of Black Soldier Fly Bred on Organic Waste and Bred on Commercial Pellet mixed with Rice Bran
Authors: Ningrum Siti Gusti , Ilham Mukhammad Zakkiyah , Yulianto Andreas Berny , Nussa Olan Rahayu Puji Astuti , Purnamasari Kartika
Published: April 2024

The black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) is an insect often used as animal feed that is easy, inexpensive, and fast to breed.  However, these flies have never been used for the poultry diet.  This study compares the nutritional content of black soldier flies, third-instar larvae, and pupae fed with organic waste and a mixture of commercial chicken pellets with rice bran.  The method used in this study uses proximate analysis of the nutritional content of black soldier flies for dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, calcium, nitrogen-free extract, and gross energy.
O dilema das redes!
Authors: Fadanelli Marcos Alexandre
Published: April 2024

Olá leitor! Depois de uma breve pausa nessa minha seção, retorno com uma questão a ser refletida por todos nós: O dilema das redes sociais na Odontologia. Será que as tais redes têm o poder de ditar a qualidade dos procedimentos odontológicos? Ou elas ditam apenas alguns modismos? Ouço, quase diariamente, reclamações de colegas acerca de conteúdos postados por dentistas nas redes sociais. Há algum tempo, eu também reclamava, mas parei. E por que parei? Por fazer uma análise na linha do tempo recente da nossa sociedade. Nas décadas de 80 e 90, quando não havia sequer smartphones, o que ditava os modismos eram a televisão e as revistas. Quem viveu essa época, lembra de revistas como Manchete, Contigo, Capricho e Caras, entre tantas outras que ditavam moda, comportamento e até algumas fofocas da época (Fig. 1). Ou seja, isso sempre existiu; porém, com uma velocidade e alcance muito menores. Procedimentos de baixa qualidade na Odontologia também existiam. Nada de novo! Mas, como diz o ditado: “O que os olhos não veem, o coração não sente”. Quem viveu essas décadas supracitadas, lembra que havia regras dentro de casa, nas escolas, na relação aluno/professor. Lembra que os professores da faculdade cobravam mesmo, mas também ensinavam! E, se você não atingisse a nota, teria que repetir a disciplina, ou o ano letivo, no caso das escolas.
Efeito da concentração do ácido hidrofluorídrico e do envelhecimento na resistência de união da cerâmica vítrea ao cimento resinoso
Authors: Correr Sobrinho Lourenço , Correr Américo Bortolazzo , Consani Rafael Leonardo Xedieck , Ferraz Analia Gabriella Borges , Borges Gilberto Antonio , Costa Ana Rosa
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: O objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar a influência da concentração do ácido hidrofluorídrico (HF) na resistência de união à microtração (RUµT) da cerâmica/cimento resinoso/compósito submetido à ciclagem térmica/mecânica. Métodos: Blocos cerâmicos e de resina composta (9 mm x 9 mm x 4 mm de espessura) foram confeccionados para cada grupo experimental. As superfícies cerâmicas foram condicionadas com ácido HF (5% e 10%) por 20 segundos e silanizadas. As superfícies do compósito foram limpas por 30 segundos com ácido fosfórico a 35% e tratadas com Single Bond 2. Os blocos cerâmicos foram cimentados aos blocos de compósitos com cimento resinoso e armazenados em água destilada a 37ºC por 24 horas. Os blocos foram submetidos à fadiga mecânica (250.000 ciclos) ou ciclagem térmica (3.000; 5 e 55ºC). Palitos com 1mm2 foram obtidos e submetidos ao teste de RUµT usando máquina de teste universal (Instron 4411) com velocidade de 1,0 mm/minuto. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA dois fatores e teste post-hoc de Tukey (α=0,05). Resultados: A média da RUµT após 24 horas foi significativamente maior comparada à ciclagem térmica ou fadiga mecânica (p<0,05). Não foi observada diferença estatística entre ciclagem térmica e fadiga mecânica (p > 0,05). Não foi encontrada diferença estatística entre as concentrações do ácido HF 5% e 10% (p>0,05). Conclusão: A RUµT diminuiu significativamente após ciclagem térmica e fadiga mecânica para concentrações do ácido HF 5% e 10%. Nenhuma diferença estatística foi encontrada na RUµT entre as concentrações do ácido HF.
Resina composta posterior indireta: relato de caso
Authors: Martins Tristan Carlos , Morata Leandro Gregoletto
Published: April 2024

Introdução: As restaurações diretas em resina composta são amplamente utilizadas pelos cirurgiões-dentistas na sua prática clínica diária. Porém, quando o elemento dentário apresenta destruição coronária extensa ou comprometimento estrutural envolvendo uma ou mais cúspides — situações em que é difícil conseguir um bom contato proximal (classe II extensa) —, ou em cavidades com término subgengival, uma ótima alternativa é realizar o procedimento restaurador de forma indireta (como, por exemplo, restaurações do tipo inlay, onlay e overlay). Essas restaurações podem ser confeccionadas pelo próprio cirurgião-dentista em um formato rígido ou semirrígido, utilizando resina composta como material de confecção. objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo é relatar um caso clínico utilizando a resina composta de forma indireta como tratamento de restauração dos dentes #36 e #37, que se apresentavam com infiltração em restaurações já existentes. Relato do caso: Foi realizada a remoção do tecido cariado de forma seletiva, seguida de toda a sequência do protocolo adesivo, preenchimento morfológico da cavidade com resina composta, e preparo para onlay (Biobase), com pontas diamantadas em alta rotação, moldagem da Biobase e do antagonista, confecção dos modelos rígidos em gesso-pedra tipo IV e troquelização dos elementos envolvidos. A confecção das peças foi feita sobre o modelo pela técnica de incremento único, utilizando-se uma resina composta nano-híbrida com zircônia (Forma, Ultradent®). A cimentação preconizada foi a adesiva, realizada com uma resina flow (Opallis, FGM®), seguindo todo protocolo de adesão para cimentação sob isolamento absoluto e, então, ajuste oclusal. A finalização seguiu com acabamento e polimento. Conclusão: A técnica restauradora descrita constitui-se como alternativa clínica viável dos pontos de vista funcional e estético, possibilitando aos profissionais da área oferecer tratamento eficaz e de baixo custo, com ótimos resultados para o paciente e para o cirurgião-dentista.
Autotaxin and Lysophosphatidic Acid Signalling: the Pleiotropic Regulatory Network in Cancer
Authors: Vít Ondřej , Petrák Jiří
Published: April 2024

Autotaxin, also known as ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase family member 2, is a secreted glycoprotein that plays multiple roles in human physiology and cancer pathology. This protein, by converting lysophosphatidylcholine into lysophosphatidic acid, initiates a complex signalling cascade with significant biological implications. The article outlines the autotaxin gene and protein structure, expression regulation and physiological functions, but focuses mainly on the role of autotaxin in cancer development and progression. Autotaxin and lysophosphatidic acid signalling influence several aspects of cancer, including cell proliferation, migration, metastasis, therapy resistance, and interactions with the immune system. The potential of autotaxin as a diagnostic biomarker and promising drug target is also examined.
MiR-19a-3p Promotes Aerobic Glycolysis in Ovarian Cancer Cells via IGFBP3/PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Du Lijun , Dou Kaikai , Zhang Dan , Xia Huidong , Liang Nianhai , Wang Ningping , Sun Jianmin , Bai Ru
Published: April 2024

Aerobic glycolysis is a prominent feature of cancer. Here, we reported that miR-19a-3p promotes aerobic glycolysis in ovarian cancer cells SKVO3 and ES-2 by increased production of ATP, lactic acid, extracellular acidification (ECAR), and increased expression of PKM2, LDHA, GLUT1 and GLUT3. Further study showed that over-expression of IGFBP3, the target of miR-19a-3p, decreases aerobic glycolysis in ovarian cancer cells, while knockdown of IGFBP3 expression increases aerobic glycolysis. The rescue assay suggested that miR-19a-3p promotes aerobic glycolysis in ovarian cancer cells through targeting IGFBP3. Moreover, over-expression of miR-19a-3p or silencing of IGFBP3 expression promoted activation of AKT, which is important for aerobic glycolysis in cancer cells, indicating that miR-19a-3p promotes aerobic glycolysis in ovarian cancer cells through the IGFBP3/PI3K/AKT pathway. This suggests that miR-19a-3p and IGFBP3 may serve as potential treatment targets of ovarian cancer.
CD14 Polymorphism Is Not Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Central European Population
Authors: Hubáček Jaroslav A. , Philipp Tom , Májek Ondřej , Dlouhá Dana , Adámková Věra , Dušek Ladislav
Published: April 2024

A 2021 in silico study highlighted an association between the CD14 polymorphism rs2569190 and increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of our study was to confirm this finding. We analysed the CD14 polymorphism (C→T; rs2569190) in 516 individuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, with differing disease severity (164 asymptomatic, 245 symptomatic, and 107 hospitalized). We then compared these patients with a sample from the general population consisting of 3,037 individuals using a case-control study design. In comparison with carriers of the C allele, TT homozygotes accounted for 21.7 % of controls and 20.5 % in SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals (P = 0.48; OR; 95 % CI – 0.92; 0.73–1.16). No significant differences in the distribution of genotypes were found when considering co-dominant and recessive genetic models or various between-group comparisons. The CD14 polymorphism is unlikely to be an important predictor of COVID-19 in the Caucasian population in Central Europe.
Many Ways to the Cell Cycle Exit after Inhibition of CDK4/6
Authors: Macůrek Libor
Published: April 2024

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are master regulators of proliferation, and therefore they represent attractive targets for cancer therapy. Deve­lopment of selective CDK4/6 inhibitors including palbociclib revolutionized the treatment of advanced HR+/HER2– breast cancer. Inhibition of CDK4/6 leads to cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and eventually to a permanent cell cycle exit called senescence. One of the main features of the senescence is an increased cell size. For many years, it was believed that the non-dividing cells simply continue to grow and as a result, they become excessively large. There is now emerging evidence that the increased cell size is a cause rather than consequence of the cell cycle arrest. This review aims to summarize recent advances in our understanding of senescence induction, in particular that resulting from treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors.
Evaluation of the content of polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins, the antioxidant capacity, and the antimicrobial activity of different organic and aqueous fractions of stems of Retama monosperma
Authors: Benkhouili Fatima Zahra , Moutawalli Amina , Ouchari Lahcen , El Fahime Elmostafa , Benzeid Hanane , Doukkali Anass , Zahidi Ahmed
Published: April 2024

Retama monosperma is an endemic plant of the Mediterranean region that has been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat various ailments. It contains a variety of bioactive phytochemicals and exhibited several biological activities. This study aimed to assess the phytochemical screening, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total tannin compounds, as well as the antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity. The phytochemical screening involved color reactions, characteristic reagents, and precipitation methods. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin compounds were quantified using colorimetric methods across four fractions. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power, 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging, and phosphomolebdenum assay. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated through disc diffusion method and the microdilution assay. Qualitative phytochemical tests revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and sterols. Quantification of total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin compounds confirmed the richness of polyphenolic compounds in all fractions. The antioxidant capacity measurements revealed that the ethanol fractions exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity in 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power assays, and phosphomolebdenum assay. Conversely, the aqueous fraction showed highest activity in the 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay. Regarding antimicrobial activity, the ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated superior efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. These findings suggest that R. monosperma could serve as a valuable source of antioxidant and anti-infective phytocompounds.
Sustainability Clauses in ‘Public’ Contracts
Authors: Uysal Ezgi
Published: April 2024

Under the Public Sector Directive, public buyers are allowed to include sustainability considerations in their purchasing decisions within the limits of the principles of procurement. This framework allows criteria linked to the subject matter to be contractualised. Though different criteria are widely employed in public procurement within the umbrella of sustainable public procurement, the literature mostly focuses on stages leading to the contract award instead of considering the public contract as a document incorporating contractual obligations. On the other side, green and social commitments in (business) contracts are considerations that are not necessarily linked to the subject matter. Though their value is acknowledged, their enforcement proves to be challenging due to the restraints of contract law. By using European contract law as a reference point, this paper compares sustainability clauses in business contracts to sustainability clauses in public contracts – to determine whether the EU regime applicable to public contracts offers solutions to these hurdles.
Snakes on a Page: Visual Receptions of the Eden Serpent through the History of Western Art and Their Survivals in Modern Children’s Bibles
Authors: Wilkowski R. K.
Published: April 2024

Visual receptions of the Eden serpent throughout the history of Western art have reflected various interpretive attempts to understand the nature of this creature. In the investigation of these receptions, five iconographic categories emerge: the female-headed serpent, the demonic serpent, the dragon-like serpent, the etiological serpent, and the zoological serpent. Of these categories, all but the female-headed serpent survives in modern children’s Bible illustration. Due to the cultural prevalence of children’s Bibles and the tendency of images to inform later readings of texts, these visual receptions of the Eden serpent hold significant interpretive power for the child. Survivals of demonic, dragon-like, and etiological iconographic categories in modern children’s Bibles limit the interpretive possibilities of the child’s subsequent reading of the biblical text. The child is predisposed to regard the serpent as a demonic figure or a fantastical creature, or to regard Genesis 3 as a purely etiological tale, proscribing other interpretive possibilities. In contrast, the survival of the zoological serpent in modern children’s Bibles highlights the interpretive tensions within the Hebrew text of Genesis 3. Rather than proscribing certain interpretations of the Eden serpent, the survival of the zoological serpent in modern children’s Bibles invites the child to interact with the interpretive gaps and ambiguities in both text and image.
Emerging role and function of SPDL1 in human health and diseases
Authors: Feng Yuejiao , Tang Donghao , Wang Jie
Published: April 2024

SPDL1 (spindle apparatus coiled-coil protein 1), also referred to as CCDC99, is a recently identified gene involved in cell cycle regulation. SPDL1 encodes a protein, hSpindly, which plays a critical role in the maintenance of spindle checkpoint silencing during mitosis. hSpindly coordinates microtubule attachment by promoting kinesin recruitment and mitotic checkpoint signaling. Moreover, the protein performs numerous biological functions in vivo and its aberrant expression is closely associated with abnormal neuronal development, pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, and malignant tumor development. In this review, we provide an overview of studies that reveal the characteristics of SPDL1 and of the protein encoded by it, as well as its biological and tumor-promoting functions.
SPOP attenuates the proliferation, invasion, and migration of choriocarcinoma JAR cells by promoting KIF23 degradation
Authors: Zhou Chunli , Chen Yiyu , Jiang Hairong , Xia Chenchen , Yuan Xiaohan , Yu Qiubo
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Choriocarcinoma is a highly malignant and aggressive trophoblastic tumor. In our previous study, we discovered that the speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP), which recognizes substrates of E3 ubiquitin ligase, plays a crucial role in trophoblast-derived choriocarcinoma cell lines. Therefore, we investigated the correlation between SPOP and the substrate kinesin-like protein KIF23, as well as the role of KIF23 in choriocarcinoma cells.

Methods

We constructed JAR cells overexpressing SPOP using lentiviral vectors and subsequently screened the related proteins through ubiquitination-modified quantitative proteomic analysis. The relationship between KIF23 and SPOP was determined using western blotting, and CCK-8, plate cloning, flow cytometry, and Transwell assays were used to investigate the effects of KIF23 and SPOP/KIF23.

Results

We identified the KIF23 protein and observed that SPOP promoted its degradation. The abundance of KIF23 increased after the addition of the protease inhibitor MG132. KIF23 was highly expressed in choriocarcinoma cells. Compared with JAR cells transfected with NC–small-interfering RNA (siRNA), the proliferation, invasion, migration, and percentage of G0/G1 cells in the KIF23-siRNA group were significantly lower, and the activation of the Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway was markedly attenuated. Additionally, the sh-SPOP+KIF23-siRNA group exhibited significantly inhibited JAR cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, along with clearly attenuated activation of the Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway.

Conclusions

SPOP attenuates the proliferation, invasion, and migration of choriocarcinoma JAR cells by promoting KIF23 degradation.
INCREASING Q-FACTOR OF THE DIGITAL SENSOR SIGNALS PROCESSING PATH IN AUTONOMOUS MOBILE ROBOTIC PLATFORMS WITH LIMITED COMPUTING RESOURCES
Authors:   Odesa Polytechnic National University, Sytnikov T. V.
Published: April 2024

Abstract. The paper is considered the problem of constructing autonomous mobile robotic platform with the possibility of rearranging their characteristics depending on the operating conditions. A new approach is proposed for calculating the parameters of a new connection with a series connection of low-order components of the same type. The resulting ratio allows you to accurately calculate the frequencies of the n-th connection of the same type components. Such a connection allows increasing the quality factor characteristic of the amplitude frequency characteristic and reducing the bandwidth by 3 times with eight connected filters of the same type. Bandpass filters and notch Butterworth filters are considered. Behavior of the AFC for serial connection is described. Key words: amplitude frequency characteristic, phase frequency characteristic, Industry 4.0-6.0, digital filter, bandpass filter, notch filter, quality factor characteristics, frequency dependent component, notch filter based on bandpass filer, serial connection.
SEARCHING FOR THE BOUNDARIES OF REPRESENTATION OF INTERNAL DISTURBANCES OF THE VVER-1000 CORE IN THE FORM OF PHYSICAL-MATHEMATICAL AND APPROXIMATION MODELS
Authors:   Odesa Polytechnic National University, Petik T. V. , Lobachev M. V. ,   Odessa Polytechnic National University
Published: April 2024

Abstract. The scientific article is devoted to the study of the use of physical-mathematical and approximation models for simulation of the power change control system at nuclear power plants with VVER-1000. Methods for controlling energy release have been studied, problem of optimal reactor control has been solved, and block diagram of the automatic control system has been developed. The limits of using models to ensure the stability of control processes are clarified. Keywords: Automatic control system, control programs, reactor power, boundaries search, pressurized water reactor.
Lipid regulation of the glucagon receptor family
Authors: Oqua Affiong Ika , Manchanda Yusman , McGlone Emma Rose , Jones Ben , Rouse Sarah , Tomas Alejandra
Published: April 2024

The glucagon receptor family are typical class B1 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with important roles in metabolism, including the control of pancreas, brain, and liver function. As proteins with seven transmembrane domains, GPCRs are intimately in contact with lipid bilayers and therefore can be putatively regulated by interactions with their lipidic components, including cholesterol, sphingolipids, and other lipid species. Additionally, these receptors, as well as the agonists they bind to, can undergo lipid modifications, which can influence their binding capacity and/or elicit modified or biased signalling profiles. While the effect of lipids, and in particular cholesterol, has been widely studied for other GPCR classes, information about their role in regulating the glucagon receptor family is only beginning to emerge. Here we summarise our current knowledge on the effects of cholesterol modulation of glucagon receptor family signalling and trafficking profiles, as well as existing evidence for specific lipid–receptor binding and indirect effects of lipids via lipid modification of cognate agonists. Finally, we discuss the different methodologies that can be employed to study lipid–receptor interactions and summarise the importance of this area of investigation to increase our understanding of the biology of this family of metabolically relevant receptors.
Soberanía Digital y Educación: Un Vínculo Ausente en la Literatura
Authors: Parcerisa Lluís , Jacovkis Judith , Lindín Carles , Màrquez Irene
Published: April 2024

El presente postdigital está caracterizado por una suerte de plataformización de la sociedad liderada por las grandes corporaciones tecnológicas, y que tiene consecuencias en aspectos relacionados con la datificación, la gestión de la privacidad y los derechos de la ciudadanía. El concepto de soberanía digital surge como un espacio de reflexión en construcción sobre el que diferentes actores, especialmente administraciones, proponen gestionar derechos y deberes, entre los que se encuentran los que afectan a la educación. Este artículo explora la evolución en la investigación sobre soberanía digital a través de una scoping review de literatura. Entre los resultados destacamos: (a) el aumento exponencial del interés sobre la temática en los últimos tres años, (b) el creciente número de análisis con un foco global y supranacional, (c) el mayor interés desde el campo de las ciencias sociales, (d) la existencia de definiciones centradas en una visión estatal y (e) la aparición de un corpus emergente de literatura con enfoque multiescalar. Se constata que estamos ante una realidad a debate de espectro global, que las administraciones intentan gestionar desde lógicas estado-céntricas.
Dual-dispatch protocols and return of spontaneous circulation in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a nationwide observational study
Authors: Lee Seung Hyo , Hong Won Pyo , Kim Young Su , Park Jeseong , Lim Hyouk Jae
Published: April 2024

Objective: The Korean National Fire Agency conducted a pilot project examining Advanced Life Support (ALS) protocols, including epinephrine administration, to improve survival among patients suffering out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the Korean National Fire Agency ALS protocol on prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in patients with OHCA.Methods: This study included patients with adult-presumed cardiac arrest between January and December 2020. The main factor of interest was ambulance type according to ALS protocol, which was divided into dedicated ALS ambulance (DA), smartphone-based ALS ambulance (SALS), and non-DA, and the main analysis factor was prehospital ROSC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.Results: During the study period, a total of 18,031 adult patients with OHCA was treated by the emergency medical services, including 7,520 DAs (41.71%), 2,622 SALSs (14.54%), and 7,889 non-DAs (43.75%). The prehospital ROSC ratio was 13.19% for DA, 11.17% for SALS, and 7.91% for non-DA (P<0.01). Compared with that of the DA group, the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for prehospital ROSC ratio were 0.97 (0.82–1.15) in the SALS group and 0.57 (0.50–0.65) in the non-DA group. The prehospital ROSC ratio of the DA group was higher than those of the non-DA group and the SALS group.Conclusion: ALS protocol intervention was associated with prehospital ROSC rates. Therefore, continuous efforts to promote systemic implementation of the ALS protocol to improve OHCA outcomes are necessary.
Un estudio de las PYME lideradas por mujeres en Latinoamérica
Authors: Camarena Adame María Elena , Saavedra García María Luisa
Published: April 2024

Las PYME lideradas por mujeres en Latinoamérica cobran vital importancia en el contexto actual, de problemas de desempleo y baja calidad de vida de la población, la literatura señala que empoderar económicamente a las mujeres mejora la economía de los países y de los hogares y mejora la calidad de vida. El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en proporcionar un panorama breve acerca de las PYME lideradas por mujeres en el contexto Latinoamericano, con el fin de conocer sus características y problemática. Para este fin se realizó un trabajo de tipo documental y descriptivo, revisando documentos de fuentes secundarias de información conformadas por investigaciones antecedentes y estudios realizados por organismos internacionales como el FOMIN, el BIRF, entre otros. El principal hallazgo de este trabajo muestra que a pesar de la importancia que tienen las PYME lideradas por mujeres la brecha todavía es muy amplia y existe una gran desigualdad en las oportunidades que tiene para ser una empresaria exitosa a diferencia de las PYME lideradas por hombres. Lo anterior, marca un desafío para las instituciones públicas y privadas que deben impulsar a las PYME lideradas por mujeres.