Basic Studies Research Articles

Editorial: Basic, clinical, and translational studies of Yao syndrome and other NOD2 related diseases

Editorial: Basic, clinical, and translational studies of Yao syndrome and other NOD2 related diseases

Visseral Lipectomy Improves Metabolic Syndrome Parameters and Adipokines in a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome Induced by Monosodium Glutamate.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) includes abdominal obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Research has indicated that reducing excess visceral fat has positive effects on inflammation and insulin resistance. We examined whether visceral lipectomy modifies the effects of MetS parameters and adipocytokine levels. Each group included 15 newborn male rats: control+sham (C+S), metabolic syndrome+sham (MetS+S), and metabolic syndrome+visceral lipectomy (MetS+VL). On postnatal days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, subcutaneous injections of monosodium glutamate (MSG) (4g/mg) were administered to induce MetS. The control group received saline injection. The rats underwent sham surgery or lipectomy on the 120th day of life. Two months post-surgery, tests were performed to check lipid and insulin levels as well as the Lee index, HOMA-IR, serum adiponectin (ADP), resistin, interleukin-6 (IL6), leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. These findings showed that the Lee index (p = 0.001), insulin resistance (p = 0.002), and hyperinsulinemia (p = 0.009) were significantly improved in the MetS+VL group compared to those in the MetS+S group. The lipid profile was unaffected by visceral lipectomy. Furthermore, visceral lipectomy normalized MetS-induced adipokine imbalance. The decrease in the Lee index and improvement in hyperinsulinemia suggest that visceral lipectomy may benefit impaired glucose metabolism. Although visceral lipectomy has no apparent effect on the lipid profile, positive effects on adipokine levels by reducing various inflammatory markers including resistin, IL6, leptin, TNF-α, and CRP. These findings indicate that visceral lipectomy may have therapeutic potential for MetS. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species-mediated fibroblast activation has a role in tumor microenvironment formation in radiation carcinogenesis.

Cancer risks attributable to low-dose and low-dose-rate radiation are a serious concern for public health. Radiation risk assessment is based on lifespan studies among Hiroshima-Nagasaki A-bomb survivors; however, there are statistical limitations due to a small sample size for low-dose radiation. Therefore, basic biological studies are helpful in understanding the mechanism of radiation carcinogenesis. The detrimental effects of ionising radiation (IR) are caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative DNA damage. IR-induced delayed ROS are produced in the electron transport chain reaction of the mitochondrial complex. Thus, mitochondria are a source of ROS and a primary target for ROS attacks. Consequently, mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to be a key event in the metabolic changes of cancer cells and is important in radiation-induced carcinogenesis. In this paper, we present recent findings on radiation carcinogenesis effect assessment, focusing on mitochondrial function as stress sensors.

FETAL ULTRASOUND ANATOMY AND MORPHOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF THE ULNA AND RADIUS IN FETUSES OF 19-22 WEEKS OF GESTATION

Assessment of the length of the long tubular bones of the fetus, including the ulna and radius, is used in modern fetal anatomy and to estimate the gestational age of the fetus. In addition, assessment of the length of the long tubular bones of the skeleton is important for the detection of skeletal disproportion, namely achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia. Congenital defects can also be diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound.Objective of the research. To determine the morphometric parameters of ulna and radius length at 19-22 weeks of gestation.Materials and methods. To determine the fetal anatomy of the structures of the ulna and radius, we used an imaging method such as ultrasound scanning. Fetometric measurements of the length of the fetal ulna and radius were performed using intravital ultrasound (IVUS) at 19-22 weeks of gestation. We analyzed 44 fetal ultrasounds in women with normal pregnancies.Results. From the 19th to the 22nd week of intrauterine development, the length of the right ulna increases from 2.77±0.17 mm to 3.22±0.12 mm, while the length of the left ulna increases from 2.73±0.16 mm to 3.26±0.15 mm. From the 19th to the 22nd week of intrauterine development, the length of the right radius increases from 2.50±0.12 mm to 2.92±0.22 mm, while the length of the left radius increases from 2.46±0.12 mm to 2.88±0.20 mm.Conclusions. Fetometry of the ulna and radius bones by ultrasound is one of the basic studies of fetal development. The bones of the forearm grow almost equally during the study period and no signifi cant diff erences in their growth are observed. We found that the period of intensive growth of forearm bones in the second trimester is 20-21 weeks of gestation, and the period of slow growth is 19-20 weeks of gestation.

SOCS1 Inhibits IL-6-Induced CD155 Overexpression in Lung Adenocarcinoma

CD155, also known as the poliovirus receptor (PVR), is a crucial molecule in the development and progression of cancer, as its overexpression favors immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapy. However, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate its overexpression. Proinflammatory factors produced by various cellular components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been associated with CD155 expression. We analyzed the effect of interleukin (IL)-6 on CD155 expression in lung adenocarcinoma. We found a positive relationship between mRNA and protein levels. This correlation was also observed in bioinformatics analysis and in biopsies and serum from patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Interestingly, lung adenocarcinoma cell lines expressing suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) did not show increased CD155 levels upon IL-6 stimulation, and SOCS1 silencing reverted this effect. IL-6 and SOCS1 are critical regulators of CD155 expression in lung adenocarcinoma. Further basic and clinical studies are needed to define the role of these molecules during tumor development and to improve their clinical impact as biomarkers and targets for predicting the efficacy of immunotherapies. This study deepens the understanding of the intricate regulation of the immune checkpoints mediated by soluble factors and allows us to devise new ways to combine conventional treatments with the most innovative anticancer options.

CSIG-23. CYTOMEGALOVIRUS-INFECTED HUMAN GLIOBLASTOMA CELL LINES SHOW AN AGGRESSIVE PHENOTYPE ASSOCIATED WITH UPREGULATION OF IL-6/STAT3 AND AKT SIGNALING

Abstract BACKGROUND Cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been implicated in glioblastoma (GBM) pathogenesis by affecting stemness, angiogenesis and immune pathways. Clinical trials targeting CMV in GBM patients have shown some early promise, and CMV seropositivity has been associated with poorer outcomes. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we investigated the effects of CMV infection on critical signaling pathways in GBM (IL6/STAT3, and Akt signaling) based on the hypothesis that CMV may contribute to poorer outcomes in GBM by increasing oncogenic signaling. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human U251 and LN229 GBM cell lines were infected with mCherry expressing human CMV TB40 strain at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.5. We performed basic phenotypic studies in vitro and investigated the status of IL6/STAT3, and Akt signaling by Western blotting. RESULTS Both LN229 and U251 cell lines were readily infectable by CMV. Infection of U251 cells was over 90% and in LN229 cells was approximately 60%. Interestingly expression of CMV was sustained over many passages in these cell lines. Infection was also verified by the presence of the CMV pp65 protein assessed by Western blotting. Measurement of cell proliferation indicated faster growth after CMV infection. Interrogation of key pro-oncogenic signaling pathways in GBM revealed a robust upregulation of IL6, as well as phospho(Tyr705)-STAT3 and phospho(Thr308)-Akt. This elevation of pro-oncogenic signaling pathways was observed in both cell lines compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS Here we show for the first time that infection of human GBM cell lines with CMV results in a more aggressive phenotype associated with upregulation of IL6/STAT3 signaling as well as a significant increase in phospho-Akt levels. We are currently studying sensitivity to standard therapies and additional molecular changes in these cells. These data support the hypothesis that CMV causes more aggressive disease and that CMV is a relevant therapeutic target in GBM.

Comparative Efficacy of Postoperative Pain Management Techniques Following Costal Cartilage Harvest: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

Efficient pain control is essential in reconstructive surgeries, particularly in procedures involving the harvest of costal cartilage. This study examines and compares different pain relief treatments using a network meta-analysis (NMA) to determine the most effective techniques for managing pain. We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) by scanning several databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and Weipu till March 18, 2024. The review analyzed randomized controlled trials and observational studies that evaluated the effectiveness of local anesthetics and multimodal analgesia techniques in treating postoperative pain following costal cartilage harvest. Primary outcomes were pain scores at 6-, 12-, 24-, and 48-h post-surgery, while secondary outcomes included the need for rescue analgesia and opioid-related adverse effects. Fourteen studies involving 935 participants were included. The analysis revealed that multimodal strategies, particularly 'Methylene Blue and Ropivacaine Intercostal Nerve Block (MB & Ropivacaine ICNB) combined with Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA),' were the most effective techniques to reduce pain scores across 6, 24, and 48-h time points. "Pre-operation SAPB & PSB + PCA" was most effective in reducing pain score at 12h and significantly decreased the need for rescue analgesia and opioid-related adverse effects. In contrast, traditional ICNB with single drug consistently showed the least efficacy. The results of our study strongly support the use of multimodal analgesic techniques instead of typical single medication ICNB for managing postoperative pain after costal cartilage harvest. These strategies not only provide superior pain control but also contribute to reducing the dependency on opioids, aligning with current clinical priorities to enhance recovery and minimize opioid-related risks. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Immunohistochemical Characterization of Spermatogenesis in the Ascidian Ciona robusta

Animals show diverse processes of gametogenesis in the evolutionary pathway. Here, we characterized the spermatogenic cells in the testis of the marine invertebrate Ciona robusta. Ciona sperm differentiate in a non-cystic type of testis, comprising many follicles with various sizes and stages of spermatogenic cells. In the space among follicles, we observed free cells that were recognized by antibody against Müllerian inhibiting substance, a marker for vertebrate Sertoli cells. We further categorized the spermatogenic cells into four round stages (RI to RIV) and three elongated stages (EI to EIII) by morphological and immunohistochemical criteria. An antibody against a vertebrate Vasa homolog recognized a few large spermatogonium-like cells (RI) near the basal wall of a follicle. Consistent with the period of meiosis, a synaptonemal complex protein SYCP3 was recognized from early spermatocytes (RII) to early spermatids (E1). Acetylated tubulins were detected in spermatids before flagellar elongation at the RIV stage and became distributed along the flagella. Electron microscopy showed that the free cells outside the testicular follicle possessed a characteristic of vertebrate Sertoli cells. These results would provide a basis for basic and comparative studies on the mechanism of spermatogenesis.

Designing optimized geometry and fiber orientation of composites for dynamic tension via artificial intelligence

Machine learning is quickly becoming an invaluable tool for examining large databases to find patterns and predictions based on similar parameters tested in previous studies. A natural application of this subset of artificial intelligence revolves around material data sets where tests are repeated for basic studies (e.g. tension, compression, bending, or shear) and extrapolating the data for tests not yet considered. Dynamic testing and validation with machine learning is examined here, as a significant time and cost is required for understanding larger-sized specimens (cm scale and larger) especially when the samples are composite materials in tension. This is due in part to the challenges involved in ensuring failure at the region of interests for an anisotropic material and minimizing the number of repeated tests. In this study, the data sets were generated artificially via finite element analysis with failure, and a machine learning code applied to infer the shape of the tensile test coupon knowing only the failure and stress field. Then the algorithm was run to generate a library of ideal coupon geometries based on ply angle and area location of failure within the test specimen. The result is a highly efficient prediction algorithm that can create the ideal specimen shape for tensile testing at speeds orders of magnitude faster than comparable finite element codes.

Inhibition of Small Extracellular Vesicles by GW4869 Does not Disrupt the Paracrine Regulation of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Over Keloid Fibroblasts.

Keloid, scar caused by atypical wound repair, represents a significant difficulty for specialists in plastic surgery and dermatology. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) can regulate fibrotic phenotypes of keloid fibroblasts (KFs) in a paracrine fashion, but whether small extracellular vesicles (SEVs) are the key functional carrier in ADSC paracrine regulation of KFs remains unknown. This study aims to explore whether the regulatory effects of conditioned medium (CM) obtained from ADSCs on KFs can be impaired by decreased SEV content in the ADSC-CM. Clinical specimens were utilized to extract keloid fibroblasts (KFs), normal fibroblasts (NFs), and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). Fibroblasts were cultured with CM obtained from ADSCs untreated or treated with the sphingomyelinase inhibitor GW4869. The features of SEVs derived from ADSC-CM were characterized, and fibroblast proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and expression of ECM proteins were analyzed. The sphingomyelinase inhibitor GW4869 successfully reduced the SEV content in ADSC-CM, and both control ADSC-CM and ADSC-CM with reduced SEV content significantly inhibited KF proliferation, migration, and α-SMA synthesis but not KF apoptosis, whereas only NF proliferation was inhibited by ADSC-CM. The reduced SEV content only affected the inhibition of KF proliferation induced by ADSC-CM. ADSC-CM inhibits various fibrotic phenotypes of KFs, but decreasing the SEV content in ADSC-CM did not significantly alter the antifibrotic effects of ADSC-CM. Thus, SEVs may not be the key mediator of ADSCs paracrine regulation of KFs. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors . www.springer.com/00266 .

A Basic Study on an Electricity Market Model Integrating the Interaction between Spot and Reserve Market

A Basic Study on an Electricity Market Model Integrating the Interaction between Spot and Reserve Market

Basic Study on the Proposal of New Measures to Improve the Ductility of RC Bridge Pier and Their Effectiveness

To enhance the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) elements, it is essential to consider both strength and ductility post-yielding. This study proposed a novel method to improve the ductility of RC piers by using preformed inward-bending longitudinal reinforcements at the plastic hinges. Two full-scale model tests of standard and ductility-enhanced (DE) RC piers and numerical simulations were conducted. The lateral reversed cyclic loading experiments were conducted to assess the effectiveness of this new approach. The performance was evaluated regarding failure mode, plastic hinge distribution, hysteretic properties, normalized stiffness degradation, normalized energy dissipation capacity, bearing capacity, and ductility. Non-linear finite element method (FEM) analyses were also carried out to investigate the usefulness of the proposed method by DIANA, and simulation was validated against the experiment results by hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, failure mode crack pattern, ductility coefficient, and bearing capacity. The results indicated that the proposed method enhanced bearing capacity, resistance to stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, and ductility. Additionally, it was observed that the preformed positions and curvature of the main steel bars influenced the plastic hinge location and the buckling of longitudinal reinforcements. FEM analysis revealed that it might be reasonable to deduce the other factors that influenced the ductility of the specimens by using the same material parameters and models.

Vital pulp therapy: A bibliometric analysis of the 100 most-cited articles from 1966 to 2022

Introduction: Vital pulp therapy (VPT) aims to preserve dental pulp after injury and has gained significant popularity due to advancements in materials and understanding of pulp biology. While bibliometric analyses are common in various fields, none have been conducted specifically for the 100 most-cited articles on VPT. Materials and Methods: This bibliometric study analyzed the 100 most-cited VPT papers using data from Web of Science (WoS-CC), Scopus, and Google Scholar. Articles were manually reviewed to extract key bibliometric data, including titles, citation counts, citation density, authorship, country of origin, publication year, journal, study design, and VPT type. Results: The articles collectively received 19,782 citations, with the oldest from 1966 and the most recent from 2019, having 803 and 104 citations, respectively. Key journals included the Journal of Endodontics, International Endodontic Journal, and Dental Materials. Review articles were the predominant study design, followed by clinical, laboratory, and basic research studies. Eight of the top 20 articles focused on the properties of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Torabinejad and Parirokh were notable contributors before 2010, while Duncan, Bjørndal, and Simon were prominent after 2010. VPT research has increased significantly post-2010, with a notable shift in focus from early studies on calcium hydroxide to more recent studies on MTA’s biocompatibility and its use as a pulp capping agent. Conclusion: This analysis provides a comprehensive list of the top 100 cited VPT articles, offering valuable insights for researchers, students, and clinicians. The study highlights key trends and influential contributions in the field of VPT research.

Association between the systemic immune-inflammation index and stress urinary incontinence: analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2016

BackgroundInflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The present study investigated the association between the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and SUI in a nationally representative adult population. MethodsData from the 2007-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. SUI was determined by self-report of urine leakage caused by activity such as coughing, lifting, or exercise. The SII was calculated as (platelet count × neutrophil count)/lymphocyte count. Survey-weighted logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between the SII and SUI. ResultsData from 18,797 participants, of whom 2695 (14.3%) reported SUI, were included. After adjusting for covariates, multivariate logistic models revealed that a high SII was associated with an increased overall likelihood of SUI (odds ratio [OR] 1.116 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.018–1.223]; P = 0.0206). A higher risk was observed for monthly and weekly SUI (OR 1.144 [95% CI 1.009–1.297]; P = 0.0359, and OR 1.205 [95% CI 1.002–1.449]; P = 0.0478, respectively). Separate interaction analyses revealed no significant effects of age, gender, race, body mass index, marital status, alcohol use, or vigorous recreational activities on the association between the SII and SUI. ConclusionsResults revealed that a high SII associated with an increased risk for SUI. The SII may serve as a novel predictive biomarker in clinical practice to predict the occurrence and progression of SUI symptoms. A physiological mechanism underlying this relationship could be proposed and further evaluated in translational and basic scientific studies.

Elucidating the Signaling Pathways Involved in Erectile Dysfunction

Background: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual disorder among men aged 20 years and over. It is predominantly characterized by alterations in the key physiological pathways regulating erectile function, such as nitric oxide and Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK). Beyond these pathways, multiple molecular signaling networks are involved in ED pathogenesis. Objective: This review aims todescribe the major signal transduction pathways that impact erectile function and contribute to the introduction of the pathogenesis of ED. Methods: A literature review of ED was performed from 2000 to 2023 using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. “ED” and “related signaling pathway”, “molecular mechanisms” terms were used. Results: Further basic and clinical studies are required to define the underlying molecular mechanisms of ED. The signaling pathways that were not affected by phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) may be the reason for the reduced efficacy of this first-line treatment option in a variety of conditions. Conclusion: There is still a need for a deeper description of the molecular mechanisms in terms of fibrosis, angiogenesis, apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, autophagy, and hypoxia to identify new possible targets underlying the pathogenesis of ED. This comprehensive review expounds on the principal signaling pathways, offering valuable insights that may catalyze the development of innovative and enhanced therapies for managing ED.

Utilizing Saliva Metabolomics for Diagnosing Gastric Cancer and Exploring the Changes in Saliva Metabolites After Surgery.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a disease with high prevalence and mortality, but we lack convenient and accurate methods to screen for this disease. Thus, we aimed to search for some salivary biomarkers and explore changes in metabolites in patients' saliva after radical gastrectomy. A total of 152 subjects were divided into three groups (healthy group, GC group, and one-week postoperative group). After simple processing, saliva samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. First, we used total ion chromatography and principal component analysis to determine the metabolite profiles. Next, t-test, partial least squares discriminant analysis, support vector machine, and receiver operating characteristics curve analysis were performed to identify biomarkers. Then, Fisher discriminant analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis were performed to determine the discriminating ability of biomarkers. Finally, we established a generalized linear model to predict GC based on biomarkers, and used bootstrapping for internal validation. Between the healthy and GC groups, we identified four biomarkers: lactic acid, kynurenic acid, 3-hydroxystachydrine, and S-(1,2,2-trichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine. We used stepwise regression to select five metabolites and develop a model with areas under the curve equal to 0.973 in the training dataset and 0.924 in the validation dataset. Between the GC and one-week postoperative groups, we found two differential metabolites: 19-hydroxyprostaglandin E2 and DG (14:0/0:0/18:2n6). Differential metabolites were observed among the three groups. GC could be initially diagnosed on the basis of detection of these biomarkers. Moreover, changes in salivary metabolites in postoperative patients could provide important insights for basic studies.

Basic Study on Long-Term Changes in the Composition of Rooftop Greening Vegetation Using Artificial Soil - Focus on the Soil Analysis Results of the 20-Year Green Roof Testbed -

Basic Study on Long-Term Changes in the Composition of Rooftop Greening Vegetation Using Artificial Soil - Focus on the Soil Analysis Results of the 20-Year Green Roof Testbed -

Innovation Plan of Liberal Arts Education for the Cultivation of Future Convergence Talent

In this article, we looked at what changes liberal arts education should seek to cultivate future convergent talents. If major education performs the function of problem-solving, liberal arts education should be able to diagnose problems in our lives and cultivate basic academic and academic skills that are the basis for problem-solving. In order to cultivate future convergent talents, liberal arts education at universities should seek the following changes.</br>First, a convergence liberal arts curriculum should be designed. It is necessary to design and operate a thematic convergence curriculum that fits the goals of each university by utilizing the various infrastructure of the liberal arts curriculum.</br>Second, it is necessary to seek changes in the operation of liberal arts subjects through the identity of liberal arts education. Liberal arts and liberal arts education are about cultivating both knowledge and practice. Based on the performance of liberal arts education, changes should be made to the instructors in charge of liberal arts education, teaching and learning, educational evaluation, lecture size, and lecture evaluation.</br>Third, support from the Ministry of Education is needed. Liberal arts education consists of common basic studies with liberal arts ranging from humanities, society and nature. If students are compared to one tree, support for liberal arts (basic studies), which are the basis of student growth, is needed in the entire structure of ‘root-culture’, ‘flower-major’, and ‘fruit-self-achievement’ (employment, etc.).</br>Universities must bridge the gap between knowing and living. In order for universities to perform the function of fostering future convergent talents, majors and liberal arts must coexist. It is important to solve a problem, but you must be able to diagnose the problem beforehand, and the foundation for solving the problem must be solid. Liberal arts education should design a convergence curriculum to cultivate future convergent talents and operate the curriculum in accordance with the identity of liberal arts education. In order to successfully carry this out, the support of the Ministry of Education is urgently needed.

Physiological and molecular characterization of novel gut strains isolated from the fecal pellets of Nilgiritragus hylocrius

The Nilgiri Tahr are the high-altitude dwelling mountain ungulates, endemic to the Southern Western Ghats of India. These endangered, hoofed mammals inhabit the unique shola grassland biome. These herbivores feed on a diversity of plants including grasses, herbs, shrubs etc. They play an important ecological role in the maintenance of montane grassland ecosystems. Grazing by Nilgiri Tahrs in the montane grasslands supports the hydrology of these areas. In the present study, four novel gut bacterial species were isolated from the fecal pellets of Nilgiri Tahr. The four isolated strains from the gut of Nilgiri Tahr were characterized through an integrated approach involving morphology, physiology, and phylogeny. Molecular characterization was conducted using universal bacterial primers, followed by sequencing. Homology analysis of the sequences confirmed that the isolates were Bacillus safensis, B. aerius, B. subtilis and B. australimaris. These four Bacillus isolates are of viable importance in maintaining the gut health of Nilgiri Tahr and improves digestion in ruminants. The present study prompts that more intense research could be done on B. safensis to augment its use as biofertilizer , whereas B. aerius, B. subtilis and B. australimaris could have a great potential for enzyme production and bioprospecting studies. However, in depth research is needed and this current research is only a basic study for characterization of gut microbial isolates of Nilgiri Tahr.

Advances in Chitosan Derivatives: Preparation, Properties and Applications in Pharmacy and Medicine

Chitosan (CS) derivatives have been extensively investigated to enhance the physicochemical and biological properties of CS, such as its solubility, biocompatibility, and bioactivity, which are required in various areas of pharmacy and medicine. The present work emphasizes the ongoing research and development in this field, suggesting that the further exploration of CS derivatives could lead to innovative solutions that benefit society. The physicochemical properties, biological activities, methods of preparation, advantages, limitations, intended application areas, and realized practical implementations of particular CS derivatives are summarized and discussed herein. Despite the numerous promising attributes of CS derivatives as reported in this paper, however, challenges like target selectivity, standardization (purity, chitosan structural variability), and cost-effectiveness still need addressing for widespread implementation, especially in drug delivery. Therefore, basic research studies still prevail in CS drug delivery systems. However, for specific applications such as wound healing and tissue engineering, implementations of CS derivatives in practice are found to be more frequent. To obtain a more complex view of the topic, information from the scientific papers reviewed is supplemented with information from actual patents and clinical studies. Both basic research advances and the most successful and important medical implementations of CS derivatives are discussed concerning further challenges and future perspectives.