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Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Horticulture

Ali Haidar Shah,

Priyanka Thakur,

Anju Sharma,

Pardeep Kumar,

Rajesh Kumar Pandey,

Rakesh Kumar,

Imtiyaz T. Nazki,

Balbir Singh Dilta,

Arshi Sultanpuri,

Amit Kanawjia

+2 authors
Abstract: Chrysanthemums are popular worldwide due to their beautiful range of colors, shapes, and flower sizes. Since they are in high demand during the off seasons, the present investigation was carried out on the effect of covering materials on off-season flower production of chrysanthemums during 2022-23. The covering materials used in the experiment included tarpaulin and three cultivars, each of standard and spray type. In the present investigation, the profitability of six chrysanthemum flower cultivars i.e. White Star, Yellow Star, Purnima, Surf, Apricot Parasol, and Wellspring White were assessed under two types of covering materials i.e. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and Tarpaulin. The results show that Yellow Star (2.08) with HDPE as a covering material performs best in w.r.t. return on investment followed by Surf (2.01). In contrast, the cultivar Wellspring White has the lowest BCR of 1.38. The cultivar White Star (1.92) and Apricot Parasol (1.65) have moderate BCRs. The results further showed that the cultivar Yellow Star has the highest BCR value among others when HDPE is used as a covering material. The study also presents the yield and profitability of these cultivars under Tarpaulin covering. Yellow Star (1.64) has the maximum BCR, followed by white Star (1.25) which was almost twice that of Purnima (0.88). Surf and Apricot Parasol also have typical BCRs (0.94 and 0.81, respectively), while Wellspring White has a minimum BCR of 0.73. Finally, the study revealed that Yellow Star is the most beneficial variety in terms of yield and return under both HDPE and Tarpaulin, followed by White Star and Purnima. These results provide valuable insights for both cut flower farms and investors, highlighting the significance of cultivar choice and covering material type when making investment or resource allocation decisions.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Tizita Alemu Muluneh,

Fikru Mosisa Hunde

Abstract: Vermicomposting is a Biotechniques and vermicompost are a good superlative for organic farming. The aim of present study was to evaluate supplement of nutrient from Pisum sativum, Guizotia abyssinica and Eragrostis tef through the process of vermicompost employing Eisenia fetida to treat soil acidity and maintain soil fertility and to enhance farmer’s crop productivity. The prepared for laboratory analysis and vermicomposting at PH 7.0, temperature 23 oc and Moisture level of 80%. For vermicomposting three local bins were prepared, then each with 0.125 Kg of field pea residue, noug residue and teff hay with 300 fetida were added in bin one, two and three respectively. Among residues, pea residue took 122th days which was the highest of the day for the decomposition to be completed. The highest TN% was obtained in the treatment T2 (2.866%) followed by T1 (2.557%). The percentage of total Phosphorus content was highest in T3 (0.305%), which may be due mineralization of phosphorous. The highest percentage of total K content was highest in T1 (4.404%), which could be attributed by pisum sativum. The enhancement of nutrients in vermicompost was probably due to mineralization of the organic matter, action of microorganisms and earthworms. In order to maintain soil fertility and increase productivity vermicompost is recommended for farmers rather than commercial fertilizer
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Virology

Eva Dias,

Filipe Tomaz,

Silvia Fabi,

Cristiano Salata,

Ana Domingos,

Gonçalo Seixas

Abstract: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) causes severe or fatal infections in humans and is geographically widespread. The virus has coevolved with its tick vectors, establishing persistent infections critical to its transmission. This study explores the mechanisms underpinning these persistent infections, using tick cell lines and Hazara virus (HAZV) as a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) model for CCHFV. Initially, an RT-qPCR protocol was developed to detect HAZV in tick cells. The study then focused on the production of virus-derived DNA (vDNAs) by tick cells as a defensive response to infection. These vDNAs regulate viral particle production, enabling tick cells to maintain viability and establish persistent infections. Experiments characterized vDNAs production, viral titers, and subcellular localization, and examined the effect of the reverse transcriptase inhibitor azidothymidine triphosphate (AZT). Results showed that all tested tick cell lines supported HAZV replication, achieving persistent infections without cytopathic effects. vDNAs was detected in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, and its formation was dependent on HAZV infection. Importantly, vDNAs presence was linked to infection persistence; cells treated with AZT exhibited a marked reduction in vDNAs production and an associated increase in viral particle production, which correlated with higher cell death. These findings underscore the critical role of vDNAs in balancing viral replication and promoting long-term cell survival in tick cells, highlighting their importance in the coevolution of tick-borne viruses and their vectors.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Immunology and Microbiology

Orfa Inés Contreras-Martínez,

María Paula Montes Marzola,

Alberto Angulo-Ortíz

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important opportunistic pathogen that causes healthcare-associated and community-acquired infections; these include urinary tract infections, bacteremia, pneumonia, and liver abscesses. The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and hy-pervirulent (hvKP) strains of K. pneumoniae, with the ability to adapt to the hospital environment, poses a major challenge for their treatment and control, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality rates globally. In this context, the search for new treatment alternatives is imminent today, with plant-based products being an excellent alternative for use. The aim of this research was to evaluate the antibacterial and an-tibiofilm potential of the alkaloid capsaicin (CAP) against clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae, as well as to explore its possible effect on the cell membrane. Methods/Results: Susceptibility testing using the mi-crodilution method showed antibacterial activity of CAP against all K. pneumoniae isolates tested, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90) values ranging from 28.44 to 1696 µg/mL. Assays to evaluate the effect of CAP against biofilms using the crystal violet technique, showed the ability of CAP to inhibit the formation of biofilms and mature biofilms of K. pneumoniae. Intracellular material leakage experiments (260/280 nm) and Evans blue microscopy showed damage to the cell membrane. Conclusions: This in-dicates that the antibacterial action of CAP could be associated with damage to the integrity of the cell membrane and consequent death of these pathogens. These results serve as a reference for future studies in which the antimicrobial action mechanisms of CAP and its possible synergistic action with other compounds are established
Communication
Biology and Life Sciences
Endocrinology and Metabolism

Katsunori Nonogaki,

Takao Kaji

Abstract: Tryptophan hydroxylase (Tph), the rate-limiting enzyme of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptophan; 5-HT) synthesis, exists in two isoforms, Tph1 and Tph2. Tph1 upregulates peripheral 5-HT syn-thesis and blood 5-HT levels, whereas Tph2 upregulates brain 5-HT synthesis. Here, we show that plasma and brain levels of tryptophan and its metabolites, including 5-HT, 5-hydroxy in-doleacetic acid, indolepropionic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, kynurenine, and xanthurenic acid, are decreased in young (8-week-old) Tph1-mutant mice compared with age-matched wild-type mice. In older (7-month-old) Tph1-mutants, the decreases in tryptophan and its metabolites outside the 5-HT pathway were diminished. Although single-housed Tph1 mutants displayed age-related alterations in food intake, body weight, and plasma FGF21 levels, blood glucose levels were lower in both young and older Tph1 mutants compared with age-matched wild-type mice. These findings suggest that Tph1 regulates tryptophan and its metabolites in the plasma and brain, as well as blood glucose homeostasis.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Virology

Zhaohua Wang,

Wei Dai,

Xiaohuan Yan,

Tianyi Leng,

Zhenya Su,

Zhenni Yan,

Songda Li,

Ming Li,

Songli Li

Abstract: It has been widely known that the Pseudorabies virus (PRV) presents a significant health risk to swine, inflicting considerable economic losses in breeding industry, but those basic function about this disease still keeps unknown. For further understanding its potentiality, the antiviral potential of extracts from five plants against PRV was investigated in vitro. Notably, Aconitum tanguticum and Belamcanda chinensis demonstrated significant inhibition through distinct antiviral mechanisms. Aconitum tanguticum exhibited dose-dependent antiviral activity, significantly reducing viral RNA synthesis, protein expression, and the production of infectious progeny in infected Vero cells. Its primary mechanism involves direct viral binding, leading to substantial reduction in viral titers and a 90% inhibition rate in Vero cells with a concentration of 10 mg/mL. Conversely, Belamcanda chinensis interferes with host cell processes, showing enhanced efficacy post-PRV infection. Both agents effectively protected mice by prolonging survival, alleviating clinical symptoms and histopathological damage in their major organs, and reducing viral loads in lungs and livers. These findings dig out the potential of Aconitum tanguticum and Belamcanda chinensis as therapeutic agents against PRV infections.
Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Neuroscience and Neurology

Yasuaki Watanabe,

Tadashi Nakagawa,

Makiko Nakagawa,

Keiko Nakayama

Abstract: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and death. Although significant progress has been made in understanding ALS, its molecular mechanisms remain complex and multifactorial. This review explores the potential convergent mechanisms underlying ALS pathogenesis, focusing on the roles of key proteins including NEK1, C21ORF2, Cyclin F, VCP, and TDP-43. Recent studies suggest that mutations in C21ORF2, lead to the stabilization of NEK1, while Cyclin F mutations activate VCP, resulting in TDP-43 aggregation. TDP-43 aggregation, a hallmark of ALS, impairs RNA processing and protein transport, both of which are essential for neuronal function. Furthermore, TDP-43 has emerged as a key player in DNA damage repair, translocating to DNA damage sites and recruiting repair proteins. Given that NEK1, VCP, and Cyclin F are also involved in DNA repair, this review examines how these proteins may intersect to disrupt DNA damage repair mechanisms, contributing to ALS progression. Impaired DNA repair and protein homeostasis are suggested to be central downstream mechanisms in ALS pathogenesis. Ultimately, understanding the interplay between these pathways could offer novel insights into ALS and provide potential therapeutic targets. This review aims to highlight the emerging connections between protein aggregation, DNA damage repair, and cellular dysfunction in ALS, fostering a deeper understanding of its molecular basis and potential avenues for intervention.
Concept Paper
Biology and Life Sciences
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Lynda Sedley

Abstract: Population-specific variations in folate metabolism, influenced by evolutionary pressures, challenge the universal application of standardised dietary folate recommendations. This paper examines historical folate intake, the impact of fortification, and the role of a metabolic switch in nucleotide synthesis, proposing that mandatory fortification may pose risks for populations unadapted to high folic acid exposure. Some diets, specifically the diet of Indigenous Australian’s, were historically rich in animal protein, providing sufficient natural folate. The transition to fortified foods, has led to excessive folic acid intake, potentially resulting in toxicity with epigenetic consequences. Additionally, formula-fed infants receive significantly higher folic acid levels than breastfed infants, compounded by maternal supplementation and processes foods being fortified, also raising concerns about excessive exposure. Emerging technologies, including biophysical modelling and deep learning, offer promising avenues for personalised nutrition and precision healthcare.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Yongshang Ye,

Zhiyu Li,

Ying Zhou,

Xiujun Gao,

Dingfan Yan

Abstract: Alginate lyases are of great importance in biotechnological and industrial processes, yet research on these enzymes from Mesonia genus bacteria is still limited. In this study, a novel PL6 family alginate lyase, MhAly6, was cloned and characterized from the deep-sea bacterium Mesonia hitae R32. The enzyme, composed of 797 amino acids, contains both PL6 and GH28 catalytic domains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed its classification into the subfamily 1 of the PL6 family. MhAly6 showed optimal activity at 45°C and pH 9.0, retaining over 50% activity after 210 min of incubation at 40°C, highlighting its remarkable thermal stability. The enzyme exhibited degradation activity toward sodium alginate, poly M, and poly G, with the highest affinity for its natural substrate, sodium alginate, producing alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) with degrees of polymerization (DP) ranging from 2 to 7. Molecular docking identified conserved catalytic sites (Lys241/Arg262) and calcium-binding sites (Asn202/Glu234/Glu236), while the GH28 domain played an auxiliary role in substrate binding. Antioxidant assays revealed that MhAly6-derived AOS showed potent radical-scavenging activity, achieving 80.64% and 95.39% inhibition rates against DPPH and ABTS radicals, respectively, highlighting their potential as natural antioxidants. This work provides a promising candidate for developing efficient alginate lyases and functional AOS, while expanding the application potential of Mesonia genus bacteria.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Biology and Biotechnology

Safia Iqbal,

Dong UK Yang,

Shahnawaz Mohammad,

Md Niaj Morshed,

Md. Sarowre Hossen,

Abdus Samad,

Deok Chun Yang,

Hyocheol Bae,

Yeon Ju Kim,

Md. Rezaul Karim

Abstract: Background: Ginsenoside-CK (G-CK), a bioactive molecule found in Korean Panax ginseng Meyer. According to recent studies, CK exhibits a broad range of pharmacological actions. In this study, we investigated the G-CK's anticancer efficacy using both in-silico and in-vitro approaches. Our investigation predicted that G-CK can suppress kidney and colon cancer by suppressing gene targets such as PHLDA1, PHLDA2, and PHLDA3. Materials & Methods: We performed in-silico investigation and G-CK exhibited a strong affinity for each of the three target proteins' binding sites. We used 150 ns of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to evaluate G-CK's stability, followed by cytotoxicity assays, RT-PCR, and qRT-PCR validation. Results: Based on its stable and favorable energies, G-CK demonstrated strong binding to the targets, as demonstrated by free energy calculations and MD simulations. Similarly, G-CK reduced the PHLDA gene family's (PHLDA1, PHLDA2, and PHLDA3) mRNA expression in A498, HT-29 cells at 10 μg/mL, as well as normal cells HEK-293 and RAW 264.7, without substantial cytotoxicity. Lastly, G-CK treatments resulted in a significant decrease in PHLDA gene family expression, confirmed by RT-PCR and qRT-PCR results. Conclusion: Thus, we can conclude that G-CK suppresses the expression of PHLDA gene family gene targets, hence regulating kidney and colon cancer.
Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Life Sciences

Bernhard H.J. Juurlink

Abstract: This paper considers whether forest volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and/or their metabolites have health-promoting activities, and whether this is through ‘mindfulness’ practices and/or activation of health-promoting physiological processes. The VOCs considered are the monoterpenes D-limonene, a-pinene, D3-carene and 1,8-cineole. Clearly, some of the health benefits of forest bathing come from ‘mindfulness’ practice that promote parasympathetic activities. There is also clear evidence that the 4 monoterpenes at high enough concentrations can activate physiological processes that lead to better health outcomes, particularly with decreases in anxiety and decreases in inflammation. These processes appear to involve activation of the A2A receptor and down-regulating activation of Nuclear Factor kappa B. The question is whether the monoterpenes can do so at the concentrations encountered in a forest setting. There is some research that indicates that forest atmospheric concentrations of monoterpenes can activate physiological processes that promote health but more research is required to definitively establish this. This review ends with suggestions on how to unequivocally answer the question whether the 4 monoterpenes considered at concentrations found in a forest, or their metabolites, can activate physiological processes that promote health, in particular physiological processes that decrease anxiety and inflammatory conditions and promote better endothelial function.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Aquatic Science

Vinícius Paulino Pinto Menezes,

Aldeni Moreira da Silva Filho,

Aline Jeferson Costa,

Elielton Nascimento,

Ulisses Santos Pinheiro,

Renata Pinheiro Chaves,

Alexandre Lopes Andrade,

Mayron Alves Vasconcelos,

Edson Holanda Teixeira,

Alexandre Holanda Sampaio

+2 authors
Abstract: This study investigated the antibacterial activity of aqueous and organic extracts from 78 marine organisms, including seaweeds and sponges, collected from the coastal zone of Ceará, Brazil. Biological tissue extracts were obtained by maceration using distilled water and 50% acetonitrile. The extracts were tested against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacterial strains using the disk diffusion method and measuring inhibition zone diameters. Results showed that 30.7% of the organisms exhibited antibacterial activity, with greater effectiveness in organic extracts. Demonstrated remarkable bioactive potential, particularly the genus Aplysina, Amphimedon compressa, Amphimedon viridis, Mycale sp., and Pseudosuberites sp. Seaweeds showed no activity in aqueous extracts, but some organic extracts were effective against Gram-positive strains, notably Amansia multifida. Most extracts were more effective against Gram-positive bacteria, likely due to their simpler cell wall structure. These findings highlight the biotechnological potential of marine organisms from the Brazilian coast as sources of novel antibacterial molecules, contributing to the search for alternative therapies in response to the growing issue of bacterial resistance.
Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Neuroscience and Neurology

Tierney Woitas,

Kaustov Chakrabarti,

Amanda Mohabir,

Mahesh Nukala,

Sara Safiullah

Abstract: Glioblastoma (GBM) poses a formidable challenge to patients for several reasons. Given its grim prognosis, understanding the various mechanisms GBM tumors utilize to resist therapy is essential to improve patient outcomes. Using PubMed, this focused review identifies and characterizes five critical elements of GBM tumors that contribute to their resistance to treatment: DNA repair enzymes, temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation mechanisms, anti-apoptosis mechanisms, GBM tumor heterogeneity and its effects on the cell cycle. This review explores various challenges associated with GBM tumors, such as their resistance against standard treatments such as TMZ and radiation therapy (RT). We explore the importance of epigenetic reprogramming, genetic mutations critical for cell proliferation and tumor suppression, and the role of mismatch repair (MMR) processes that influence RT and immune response interplay as contributors to GBM resistance. In addition, this review highlights vital DNA repair enzymes such as O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and Alkylpurine-DNA N-Glycosylase (APNG), which repair DNA damage introduced by alkylating agents such as TMZ. The involvement of the NuRD complex, particularly CHD4, in regulating access to DNA repair enzymes. Recent advancements in understanding the transcriptional regulation of MGMT through NF-κB activity are examined. Further, we explore novel approaches, including using anticancer neural stem cells and targeting hexokinase 2 (HK2) with antifungal drugs. Examining critical elements of the GBM cell cycle, such as the role of CDK's, cyclin(s) and proliferation markers such as ki67, can also give us a foundation for identifying possible target proteins and kinases for cancer drugs. While targeting DNA repair enzymes, proteins, and regulatory elements shows promise in enhancing GBM treatment efficacy, we acknowledge the challenges, including potential side effects and the risk of secondary cancers. Future research should focus on leveraging personalized medicine approaches and emerging biotechnologies, such as CRISPR gene editing, to develop targeted therapies that can overcome resistance mechanisms of GBM and improve patient outcomes.
Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Zhanjiang Liu,

Dongya Gao

Abstract: The canonical model of vertebrate sex chromosome evolution predicts one way of trend toward degradation. However, most sex chromosomes in lower vertebrates are homomorphic. Recent progress in studies of sex determination resulted in the discovery of more than 30 master sex determination (MSD) genes, most of which were from teleost fish. Analysis of MSD gene acquisition, recombination suppression, and sex chromosome-specific sequences revealed correlation of the modes of MSD gene acquisition and evolution of sex chromosomes: Sex chromosomes remain homomorphic with MSD genes acquired by simple mutations, gene duplications, allelic variations or neofunctionalization; in contrast, they become heteromorphic with MSD genes acquired by chromosomal inversions, fusions and fissions. There is no recombination suppression with sex chromosomes carrying MSD genes gained through simple mutations. In contrast, there is extensive recombination suppression with sex chromosomes carrying MSD genes gained through chromosome inversion. There is limited recombination suppression with sex chromosomes carrying MSD genes gained through transpositions or translocations. We proposed the cause-effect model that predicts sex chromosomes evolution being consequential of the acquisition modes of MSD genes, which explains evolution of sex chromosomes in various vertebrates. A key factor determining the trend of sex chromosome evolution is if non-homologous regions are created during the acquisition of MSD genes. Chromosome inversion creates inversely homologous but directly non-homologous sequences which lead to recombination suppression but remain recombination potential. Over time, recurrent recombination in the inverted regions causes degradation of sex chromosomes. Depending on the nature of deletions in the inverted regions, sex chromosomes may evolve with dosage compensation or mechanisms to retain haploinsufficient genes.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Life Sciences

Rana Haider Ali,

Vincenzo Zammuto,

Marco Sebastiano Nicolò,

Filomena De Leo,

Sandra Lo Schiavo,

Clara Enza Urzì

Abstract: The antifouling performance of a zwitterionic Sulfobetaine-Hydroxyethyl containing-Polymethylmethacrylate ter-co-polymer (PSBM) is evaluated against three photosynthetic strains, namely Chlorella sp., Nannochloropsis sp., and Arthrospira maxima. PSBM coated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) surfaces displayed significantly reduced propensity for biofilm formation, compared to rough and untreated controls, leaving clean surfaces after 7 days of exposure. A tribological approach was adopted to estimate the long-term durability of the PSBM coating. Repeated cycles of exposure to Chlorella sp., Nannochloropsis sp., and A. maxima biomass subject the coating to stress and continuous biofilm challenge. After several cycles, the PSBM coating maintains a higher antifouling efficacy than untreated PMMA surfaces, suggesting stability and high potential in Photobioreactors application.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Orsolya Mózner,

Kata Sára Szabó,

Anikó Bodnár,

Csenge Koppány,

László Homolya,

György Várady,

Tamás Hegedűs,

Balázs Sarkadi,

Ágnes Telbisz

Abstract: In the human ABCG2 multidrug transporter a so called “leucin plug/valve” (aa. L554/L555) has been suggested to determine substrate exit and coupling of drug transport to ATPase activity. In this work we have analyzed the effects of selected var-iants in this region by expressing these variants both in mammalian and Sf9 insect cells. We found that in mammalian cells the L554A, L554F, L555F and a combination of L554F/L555F variants of ABCG2 were functional, processed to the plasma membrane, and exhibited substrate transport activity similar to the wild-type ABCG2, while the L555A and the L554A/L555A mutants were poorly expressed and processed in mam-malian cells. In Sf9 cells, all the variants were expressed at similar levels, still, the L555A and the L554A/L555A variants lost all transport-related function, while the L554F and the L555F variants had reduced dye transport and altered sub-strate-stimulated ATPase activity. In molecular dynamics simulations the mutant var-iants exhibited highly rearranged contacts in the central transmembrane helices, thus alterations both in folding, trafficking and function can be expected to occur. Our cur-rent studies reinforce the importance of L554/L555 in ABCG2 folding and function, while do not support the specific role of this region in selective substrate handling and show a general reduction of the coupling of drug transport to ATPase activity.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Biology and Biotechnology

Andrea Pagliaro,

Anna Alioto,

Alessia Boatta,

Giuseppe Messina,

Patrick Drid,

Paolo Milazzo,

Cristina Cortis,

Andrea Fusco,

Sonya Vasto,

Patrizia Proia

+1 authors
Abstract: The interplay between genetics and athletic performance has garnered significant at-tention, emphasizing the role of Performance-Enhancing Polymorphisms (PEPs) in determining traits critical for athletic success. This study investigates the genetic pre-dispositions related to PPARα, ACE, and CKM gene variants and their influence on elite Point-Fighting (PF) athletes. Twenty-four elite PF athletes underwent genetic analysis using saliva samples collected for DNA extraction. Genotyping revealed the prevalen-ceof key genetic markers, including the D allele (58.33%) and ID genotype for the ACE variant, the G allele (77.08%) and GG genotype (54.17%) for PPARα, and the A allele (77.08%) with an AA genotype (62.50%) for CKM. The Total Genetic Score (TGS) analysis highlighted a mixed-oriented predisposition among athletes, contrasting with their training practices, which are predominantly focused on strength development. These findings suggest the importance of a more balanced training approach, incorporating both aerobic and power components. Preliminary results indicate that applying TGS could enhance early talent identification and support the development of personalized training programs, ultimately improving individual performance in disciplines like PF.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Zoology

Xiaobing He,

Hua Yang,

Peng Ji,

Guohua Chen,

Yongxiang Fang,

Zhizhong Jing,

Yanming Wei

Abstract: The outbreaks of pseudorabies (PR) caused by the pseudorabies virus (PRV) variant strains have led to huge economic losses to the pig industry in China in recent years. In this study, a novel PRV variant strain named PRV/Gansu/China/2021 (GS-2021) was suc-cessfully isolated and identified from the brain tissue samples of PRV-suspected dead piglets at a Bartha-K61-vaccinated pig farm in Gansu Provinces, China, in 2021, and its biological characteristics, genetic features, evolutionary relationship and pathogenicity were further evaluated. The results showed that the PRV GS-2021 strain had different plaque sizes but no significant difference in replication kinetics with Bartha-K61 strain in vitro. In addition, sequence alignments revealed that the gB, gC, gD, and gE proteins of PRV GS-2021 strain shared highly homologous to those of the variant strains. However, glutamate was replaced by glycine at position 91 in the gE protein of the viral strain, alt-hough two aspartate insertions were detected at sites 48 and 498 in the gE protein of the virus. Phylogenetic analysis found that it was more closely related to endemic PRV strains, particularly the variant strains circulating in China, based on those gB, gC, gD, and gE genes and complete genome sequence. Moreover, we further discovered that the PRV GS-2021 strain exhibited a higher pathogenicity than the Bartha-K61 strain in mice through mortality, histopathology, and viral loads. Overall, our results suggested that the isolated PRV GS-2021 strain as a higher virulence variant, has prevalent in Gansu prov-ince of China before 2021 and these findings are important for continuously monitoring the epidemiological characterization and genetic evolution of PRV, which will provide a useful guidance for the design of novel vaccines and more efficacious control and preven-tion strategies of PR in the future.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Aging

Juana Rosado-Pérez,

Laura Daniela Barroso-Pérez,

Graciela Gavia-García,

David Hernández-Álvarez,

Taide Laurita Arista-Ugalde,

Itzen Aguiñiga-Sánchez,

Edelmiro Santiago-Osorio,

Víctor Manuel Mendoza-Núñez

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Chronic hyperglycemia, characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), promotes the development of complications through oxidative stress. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the antioxidant defenses of diabetic patients, even more so if they are elderly. Sechium edule contains high amounts of flavonoids, cucurbitacins, and phenolic acids, which is why it is attributed hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties, so our aim was to determine the antioxidant and hypoglycemic effect of Schium edule in older diabetic patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out in a convenience sample of 33 older diabetic adults: (i) placebo group (PG; n = 14); (ii) experimental group (EG; n = 19). Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipoperoxides (LPO), protein carbonylation (PC), Total Oxidant Status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase enzyme activity were measured at baseline and three months post-intervention. Results: In the EG, a statistically significant decrease in HbA1c was observed (EG baseline 8.9 2.2 post 7.8 2.0), as well as in the oxidative damage markers LPO, PC, TOS and OSI (LPO baseline 0.243 0.067, post 0.222 0.050; PC baseline 29.4 10, post 19.2 6; TOS baseline 6.0 2.6, post 3.1 1.8; OSI baseline 5.7 3.1 post 2.0 1.1); coupled with a significative increase in TAS (baseline 0.94 0.29 post 1.22 0.28), modifications not observed in the PG. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Sechium edule has a hypoglycemic and antioxidant effect in older adults with DM2.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Toxicology

Kazuki Ikoma,

Takuomi Hosaka,

Akira Ooka,

Ryota Shizu,

Kouichi Yoshinari

Abstract: Centrilobular hepatocyte hypertrophy is frequently observed in animal studies for chemical safety assessment. Although its toxicological significance and precise mechanism remain unknown, it is considered an adaptive response resulting from the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs). This study aimed to elucidate the association between centrilobular hepatocyte hypertrophy and DME induction using machine learning on toxicogenomic data. Utilizing publicly available gene expression data and pathological findings from rat livers of 134 compounds, we developed six different types of machine learning models to predict the occurrence of centrilobular hepatocyte hypertrophy based on gene expression data as explanatory variables. Among these, a LightGBM-based model demonstrated the best performance with an accuracy of approximately 0.9. With this model, we assessed each gene's contribution to predicting centrilobular hepatocyte hypertrophy using mean absolute SHAP values. The results revealed that Cyp2b1 had an extremely significant contribution, while other DME genes also displayed positive contributions. Additionally, enrichment analysis of the top 100 genes based on mean absolute SHAP values identified "Metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450" as the most significantly enriched term. In conclusion, the current results suggest that the induction of multiple DMEs, including CYP2B1, is crucial for the development of centrilobular hepatocyte hypertrophy.

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