Biological Components Research Articles

Carbohydrate polymer-based nanoparticles with cell membrane camouflage for cancer therapy: A review.

Recent developments in biomimetic nanoparticles, specifically carbohydrate polymer-coated cell membrane nanoparticles, have demonstrated considerable promise in treating cancer. These systems improve drug delivery by imitating natural cell actions, enhancing biocompatibility, and decreasing immune clearance. Conventional drug delivery methods frequently face challenges with non-specific dispersal and immune detection, which can hinder their efficiency and safety. These biomimetic nanoparticles improve target specificity, retention times, and therapeutic efficiency by using biological components like chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and alginate. Chitosan-based nanoparticles, which come from polysaccharides found in nature, have self-assembly abilities that make them better drug carriers. Hyaluronic acid helps target tissues more effectively, especially in cancer environments where there are high levels of hyaluronic acid receptors. Alginate-based systems also enhance drug delivery by being biocompatible and degradable, making them ideal choices for advanced therapeutic uses. Moreover, these particles hold potential for overcoming resistance to multiple drugs and boosting the body's immune reaction to tumors through precise delivery and decreased side effects of chemotherapy drugs. This review delves into the possibilities of using carbohydrate polymer-functionalized nanoparticles and their impact on enhancing the efficacy of cancer treatment.

Perceived biopsyhosocial determinants of psychotic illness among caregivers impacts on the family of Kathmandu district in Nepal

The aim of the study is to determine whether the biological, psychological, and social components contributing to psychotic illness and examine their effects on families across social, financial, emotional, and health dimensions. A Population Proportion Formula was used to determine the sample size, applying a theoretical approach to a sample of approximately 200 caregivers of psychotic patients in Kathmandu, Nepal. Quantitative data were gathered via questionnaires. Nonclinical data were used for analysis. Findings from the analysis of Objective 1 revealed that social determinants were most reported; however, biological and psychosocial factors were also prevalent. These determinants were both directly and indirectly linked to psychological or emotional factors, aligning with the biopsyhosocial (BPS) model developed by George Libman Engel of the University of Rochester Medical Center, New York. The biopsyhosocial (BPS) model was formulated in the mid-1970s, with significant discussion of the model occurring in a seminal article published in 1977 in the journal Science. For Objective 2, results showed that the emotional impact on families was the most prominent, followed by social, financial, and health impacts. The findings show that emotional effects have the greatest influence, followed by financial, social, and health effects. These results reinforce the need for further research into the factors associated with psychotic disorders and their effects on families.

Is periodontitis triggering an inflammatory response in the liver, and does this reaction entail oxidative stress?

An inflammatory disorder known as periodontitis impacts 10%-15% of adults. The pathogenesis of periodontal disease and system illnesses such as liver disease is similar in that it is marked by a chronically dysregulated inflammatory reaction. Injuries caused by inflammation and oxidative stress, such as hepatotoxicity caused by drugs, often affect the liver. Nearly every disease has oxidative damage and inflammation as its primary components. Inflammation and direct activation of HSCs are mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Major biological components, such as DNA, proteins, and lipids, are damaged by oxidative damage. ROS are crucial in activating the signalling channels of NF-κB and NLRP3. Oxidative damage occurs via ROS and NO and ittriggers inflammatory reactions via IL-12,IL-1β,IL-6, MIP-1α,IL-10, TNF-α, MCP-5,INF-γ,IL-8,nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 within the tissues, leading to tissue damage. Because oxidative damage is a major factor in chronic inflammatory conditions including gum disease and liver damage, recent epidemiological investigations have demonstrated a link among the two. This review has concentrated on the ways whereby periodontopathic microbes exacerbate liver illness and persistent inflammation through elevated oxidative damage.

Molecular dynamics exploration of cacophony protein interactions with brood volatiles in honey bee colonies

The cacophony protein is a key component of honey bee biology that has been investigated concerning hygienic behavior. The voltage-gated calcium channel subunit α1 appears to play a significant role in modulating neuronal activity associated with the detection and response to compromised brood within honey bee colonies. Despite its essential role, the molecular mechanisms underpinning hygienic behavior remain incompletely understood. Recent research suggests that the expression of the cacophony protein is linked to the efficiency of hygienic behavior, where colonies with enhanced hygienic behavior exhibit distinct patterns of cacophony expression. Understanding the role of cacophony in honey bee behavior provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying social interactions within bee colonies, with implications for enhancing pollination services and mitigating threats to honey bee populations. Therefore, the present study focused on unraveling and characterizing its structure and function, a bioinformatics approach involving sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Homology modeling developed three-dimensional models of cacophony protein for Apis cerana and A. mellifera. Molecular docking studies were performed for various brood pheromones and volatiles, triggering hygienic behavior in honey bees, against cacophony providing computational insights into their molecular interactions. Binding free energy calculations using MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA consistently demonstrate a higher affinity of γ-octalactone for AcerCAC protein (−21.77 ± 3.01 kcal/mol and −24.81 ± 4.07 kcal/mol respectively) compared to AmelCAC protein (−20.03 ± 3.01 kcal/mol and −21.47 ± 3.19 kcal/mol respectively). This study lays a theoretical foundation for further studies regarding the mechanism of interaction ofcacophony with hygienic behavior.

Light grazing increased but heavy grazing decreased the abundance and family richness of soil arthropods community in an alpine grassland in the Qinghai Lake Basin.

Soil arthropods are important biological components of the soil food web, which are highly sensitive to environmental disturbances and can rapidly respond to changes in the external environment, then reflect the stability and health of the soil ecosystem. We investigated the community structure of soil arthropod and their responses to grazing intensity along soil depth (from topsoil to subsoil) through a manipulated grazing treatment with four intensity levels (no grazing, light grazing, moderate grazing and heavy grazing) in an alpine grassland in the Qinghai Lake basin. The results showed that: (1) Collembola was the dominant group in the experimental site. (2) Nearly two-thirds of the individuals were distributed in the topsoil (0-10 cm), and grazing did not cause soil arthropods to migrate from the topsoil to deeper soil layers. (3) Light grazing had a positive effect on increasing the individual number, family richness and diversity of soil arthropods, while heavy grazing had the opposite effect, exerting a negative impact on the soil arthropod community. (4) When the grazing intensity did not exceed moderate grazing (i.e. stocking rate of 3.86 Tibetan sheep·hm-2), grazing would have a positive effect on the soil arthropod community. In summary, light grazing is the intensity of disturbance that has a positive effect on the soil arthropod community in this region. This study not only revealed the impact of grazing on the community structure of soil arthropods but also aided in assessing the potential effects of grazing activities on the stability of soil ecosystems, providing scientific evidence for the sustainable management of alpine grasslands.

Optimization of the extraction process of goji berry pectin using response surface methodology and its suitability as thickener for yogurt

Although goji berry with many main biological activity components is a nutritional medicinal and edible plan and widespread in the northeast of China, its current development also faces a new challenge of overcapacity. So this study was largely focused to investigate the optimal extraction process conditions (extraction water proportion, acidic pH regulating reagent, adjusted pH, extraction temperature, extraction time) for goji berry with increased yield. Box Behnken experimental design (BBD) was used to model the mathematical model of the relationship between the three main influence of pivotal extraction parameters (extraction pH, extraction time and extraction temperature) selected by the single factor experiments on the responses of goji berry pectin yield (%). Morover the predicted models were adequately fitted to the real experimental data (18.507 % ± 0.275 %, P < 0.001) for all the response variables within a short time. The maximum yield of pectin was sufficiently obtained with optimal conditions of the best water-goji ratio of 20:1, extraction pH of 2.2 adjusted by hydrochloric acid, extraction time of 80 min at 76 °C. Interesting, as thickener, goji berry pectin does not only improve the health benefits of yogurt in some studies have reported, but it also improves its sensory properties and viscosity of the yogurt in this paper. It will effectively improve the efficiency of obtaining goji berry pectin, which will provide strong experimental evidence for the widespread application of goji berry pectin. Although goji berry pectin does not have significant advantages in sensory evaluation and yogurt viscosity, it has been proven in some studies to have good functionality in terms of nutrition. This provides a good idea for the development of functional foods urgently needed in the current aging society. Goji berry will be an effective alternative source of pectin on health food industry on large scale. In addition, this paper also provides a feasible approach to effectively solve the problem of goji berry overcapacity.

The Future of Biohybrid Regenerative Bioelectronics.

Biohybrid regenerative bioelectronics are an emerging technology combining implantable devices with cell transplantation. Once implanted, biohybrid regenerative devices integrate with host tissue. The combination of transplant and device provides an avenue to both replace damaged or dysfunctional tissue, and monitor or control its function with high precision. While early challenges in the fusion of the biological and technological components limited development of biohybrid regenerative technologies, progress in the field has resulted in a rapidly increasing number of applications. In this perspective the great potential of this emerging technology for the delivery of therapy is discussed, including both recent research progress and potential new directions. Then the technology barriers are discussed that will need to be addressed to unlock the full potential of biohybrid regenerative devices.

Impact of stockpiling on soil fungal communities and their functions

Fungal communities are important components of soil biology and play crucial roles in multiple ecosystem functions and services; therefore, they can be used as effective indicators of soil function in stockpiled reclamation soils. We profiled the fungal communities of seven stockpiles of different ages (0.5, 1.5, 2, 5, 7, 11, and 28 years old) at various soil depths (0–300 cm) in two oil sand extraction locations in northern Alberta. Fungal communities of the stockpiles differed from the communities in the nearby undisturbed reference soils. The differences with the reference soils were more pronounced for the oldest and some of the younger stockpiled soils. Similar to previous studies, there was a decrease in fungal richness and overall diversity with increasing stockpile depth. Furthermore, soil stockpiling generated a shift in the functional composition based on inferred fungal guilds and trophic modes. Ectomycorrhizal fungi decreased and saprotrophic fungi increased in the stockpiles relative to the reference soils. Such a shift may have important implications for ecosystem functions and services associated with fungal communities, such as litter decomposition and plant growth promotion, when these stockpiles are used to reclaim ecosystems. Our results align with previous research identifying the negative effects of stockpiling on soil microbial communities, shed light on the soil functions that may be affected by this disturbance and their consequences for ecosystem functioning, and reflect the high sensitivity of fungal communities to soil disturbances like stockpiling.

Brief Review on Fermentation Process and Food Additives

People’s interest in healthy eating and quality food is growing these days. There are various sources through which we learn about the advantages and disadvantages of foods, their benefits and some of their harmful effects on humans. Since school, young people are excited and discuss topics related to the composition of food and the role of its components - fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Theirstructure and properties are studied in the subject Chemistry and environmental protection in the profiled classes. The obtained theoretical knowledge is a basis on which young people form a culture of nutrition, striving to be healthy and energetic. More and more of them choose to continue their studies in specialties related to nutrition. The aim of the present study is to present knowledge from the field of Food Chemistry that is useful for human health. Food chemistry is an evolving discipline studying the chemical processes and interactions of all biological and non-biological components in foods. Foods are a complex combination of chemicals, many of which are vital to our survival. An important part of food content are food additives such as emulsifiers, food colourings, flavourings and preservatives, the main characteristics of which will be presented in the article. Examples of food additives and sweeteners that are harmful to human health are also given. The experimental part of the article describes fermentation as a chemical technology, as well as the importance of alcoholic, acetic acid and lactic fermentations. As an expected result, information about chemical technologies and food additives in food will enrich the knowledge of adolescents on the one hand, and on the other hand, will be beneficial for their proper development and good health. In addition, students can focus on studying food chemistry and realize themselves professionally in this field.

Allowable total error in CD34 cell analysis by flow cytometry based on state of the art using Spanish EQAS data.

CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) enumeration, crucial for HSC transplantation, is performed by flowcytometry to guide clinical decisions. Variability in enumeration arises from biological factors, assay components, and technology. External quality assurance schemes (EQAS) train participants to minimize inter-laboratory variations. The goal is to estimate total error (TE) values for CD34 cell enumeration using state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods with EQA data and to define quality specifications by comparing TE using different cutoffs. A total of 3,994 results from 40 laboratories were collected over 11 years (2011-2022) as part of the IC-2 Stem Cells Scheme of the GECLID Program that includes absolute numbers of CD34 cells. The data were analyzed in two periods: 2011-2016 and 2017-2022. The TE value achieved by at least 60 %, 70 %, 80 %, and 90 % of laboratories was calculated across the two different periods and at various levels of CD34 cell counts: above 25, 25 to 15, and under 15 cells/μL. A decrease in the SOTA-based TE for CD34 cell enumeration was observed in the most recent period in 2017-2021 compared with 2012-2016. A significant increase of P75 TE values in the low CD34 range (<15 cells/μL) levels was found (p<0.001). Technical advancements contribute to the decrease TE over time. The TE of CD34 cell FC counts is measure-dependent, making it responsive to precision enhancement strategies. The TE measured by EQAS in this study may serve as a quality specification for implementing ISO 15189 standards in clinical laboratories for CD34 cell enumeration.

Responses of plant stoichiometric niche to locust disturbance with different densities in Inner Mongolia grasslands

Producers, consumers, decomposers and their relationships are all important biological components of a healthy ecosystem. Grasshoppers (including locusts) have been extensively studied as a group of members of grassland ecosystems. However, the effects of different degrees of locust disturbance on plant niches remain unclear. We carried out a field experiment by manipulating locust (Oedaleus asiaticus) grazing at different densities in the Inner Mongolia Grassland Ecosystem Research Station in northern China, to investigate the outcome of locust plague on plant C:N:P stoichiometric niche. Based on the Copula function with improved modelling methods to simulate the stoichiometric niche projection map of different plants, we found that Leymus chinensis and Stipa grandis, after being disturbed by locusts, had a relatively larger niche space and niche overlap among the seven plant species, indicating that they remained the dominant species in the area. Achnatherum sibiricum, Cleistogenes squarrosa, and Koeleria cristata showed little change in their C:N:P stoichiometric niche in response to locust plague, while the mechanisms involving stoichiometric niche variation were not the same in these plants; food importance to locust and physiology (e.g., photosynthesis pathway type) may account for this. Our results suggest that a heavy degree of locust plague might benefit the expansion of chemical niche space (species' niche in chemical resource utilization) in some plants in Inner Mongolian grasslands, but does not necessarily increase their physical niche (species' niche under abiotic environmental conditions like temperature and humidity). To our knowledge, the present work is the first to study C:N:P stoichiometric niche variation in response to locust disturbance and may have significance in theoretical studies and provide guidance for the protection of biodiversity and grassland ecosystem management.

HC-HA/PTX3 from Human Amniotic Membrane Induced Differential Gene Expressions in DRG Neurons: Insights into the Modulation of Pain.

Background: The biologics derived from human amniotic membranes (AMs) demonstrate potential pain-inhibitory effects in clinical settings. However, the molecular basis underlying this therapeutic effect remains elusive. HC-HA/PTX3 is a unique water-soluble regenerative matrix that is purified from human AMs. We examined whether HC-HA/PTX3 can modulate the gene networks and transcriptional signatures in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons transmitting peripheral sensory inputs to the spinal cord. Methods: We conducted bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) of mouse DRG neurons after treating them with HC-HA/PTX3 (15 µg/mL) for 10 min and 24 h in culture. Differential gene expression analysis was performed using the limma package, and Gene Ontology (GO) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses were conducted to identify the networks of pain-related genes. Western blotting and in vitro calcium imaging were used to examine the protein levels and signaling of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) in DRG neurons. Results: Compared to the vehicle-treated group, 24 h treatment with HC-HA/PTX3 induced 2047 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were centered on the ATPase activity, receptor-ligand activity, and extracellular matrix pathways. Importantly, PPI analysis revealed that over 50 of these DEGs are closely related to pain and analgesia. Notably, HC-HA/PTX3 increased the expression and signaling pathway of POMC, which may affect opioid analgesia. Conclusions: HC-HA/PTX3 induced profound changes in the gene expression in DRG neurons, centered around various neurochemical mechanisms associated with pain modulation. Our findings suggest that HC-HA/PTX3 may be an important biological active component in human AMs that partly underlies its pain inhibitory effect, presenting a new strategy for pain treatment.

Green biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles: a thoroughly exploration of characterization and biological efficacy

Conventional physical and chemical methods for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) often use reducing agents, and other chemicals that are harmful to the environment because of their toxic properties. This has prompted significant concern and the need to develop environmentally acceptable approaches. Due to the constraints of traditional chemicalphysical methods, green synthesis methods are being developed to fill these gaps by utilizing biological components extracted from plants. These plant-derived biomolecules are highly specific and facilitate the creation of metal nanoparticles. AgNPs, produced through these methods, possess a wide variety of metabolites with antibacterial effects. In light of this, the current investigation aimed to produce AgNPs using aqueous extracts obtained from Moringa leaves (Ml), Juniper leaves (Jl), and Juniper beans (Jb)via a green chemistry technique. Various analytical methods, including UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis, were employed to characterize the synthesized AgNPs. After adding the plant extracts, the color of the aqueous silver nitrate solution noticeably changed to brown. Furthermore, a shift in absorption spectra was noted, with absorbance peaks appearing around λmax = 449.5 nm, 478.5 nm, and 440.5 nm for Juniper leaves, Jb, and Moringa extracts, respectively. DLS analysis revealed that the synthesized AgNPs varied in size and polydispersity index (PDI) values, with sizes of 108 nm (PDI = 0.246), 101 nm (PDI = 0.278), and 161 nm (PDI = 0.240) form Jl, Jb, and Ml extracts, respectively. These nanoparticles displayed no agglomeration and were stable over a long period. Transmission electron microscope/TEM analysis confirmed the synthesis of well/dispersed AgNPs with an average sizes of less than 22 nm, displaying different shapes likely due to the variety of capping agents present in the bean and leaf extracts. Elemental profiles showed a peak at 3 keV for the synthesized AgNPs, indicating a high proportion of silver elements in all three samples. The synthesized nanoparticles were also subjected to biological screening. The investigation involved testing their antibacterial activity against various bacterial and fungal strains. The Jlnano extract exhibited significant antifungal activity. Conversely, the aqueous and nano-extracts of Ml showed less effectiveness against fungal growth. The plant nano extracts, in particular, demonstrated a clearer effect against all tested fungi compared to the plant aqueous extracts. Among the AgNPs synthesized, those from Moringa extract had the greatest effect on Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus), with an inhibitory zone diameter of 4.5 mm.

Impact of Water Ionic Chemistry on Kombucha Fermentation

Kombucha is made by using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) to ferment sweetened tea. This fermentation produces a beverage with a unique aroma and acidic flavor. Kombucha has recently gained popularity in the United States and has been reported to have numerous health benefits. While there is a wide variation in kombucha composition, little is known about the impact water’s chemistry has on the fermentation and the resulting kombucha. Brewing water for kombucha was altered using the following ions: bicarbonate, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and sulfate at different concentrations. Pre-(tea) and post-(kombucha) fermentation (kombucha) products were analyzed for total acidity, pH, free amino nitrogen (FAN), total phenols, antioxidants, and biological components. A one-way ANOVA was run to determine statistical (p &lt; 0.05) differences between the characteristics analyzed. Statistical differences were observed between the different water chemistry ions for all of the characteristics analyzed. Further investigation into the impact water chemistry has on flavor analysis is required. The information obtained from this research can be used to help producers to make kombuchas with an optimized chemical profile and improved antioxidant potentials.

Pioneering Innovations in Biological Weed Control: A Comprehensive Review

The biological method of weed control is an effective option. Before implementing bio-agents, there is a need for a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in interactions by multiple agents against weeds. This covers knowledge of how plants integrate and prioritize their responses to multiple attackers. Across the globe, terrestrial ecosystems are known to be characterized by a huge diversity of species and a corresponding diversity of interactions between these species. These include species of different trophic levels of habitats on the same food chain. Plants undoubtedly play significant role as intermediaries in interactions between the insect and microbial populations with which they are involved. Plant interactions brought forth by one species can have cascading impacts on other species, influencing their abundances and the composition of communities. Several research efforts are underway to develop highly effective biological control agents to reliably control a problematic broad spectrum of weeds. Sustainable and ecosystem-compatible weed management for controlling weeds by biological means, such as insects, bio-agents, myco-herbicides and harmful Rhizobacteria. Their interaction with cultural practices and allelochemicals are some biological components of sustainable agriculture. Hence, biological agents enhance efficiency and restrict the detrimental effect of weeds compared to weeds being left alone. The challenge is to identify appropriate microbe/bioagents, which reduce weed growth. Logically, biological weed management is the only way to control weeds in eco-friendly weed management.

How to Define Sexual Health? A Qualitative Analysis of People’s Perceptions

Objectives Sexual health is an essential aspect of overall health that affects an individual’s physical, psychological, and social well-being. Understanding people’s perceptions of sexual health is essential because it can impact their sexual health-related behaviors, namely, their interactions with health services, campaigns, information, and policies. Furthermore, these perceptions may have a systemic impact, as public health policies related to promoting sexual health can be influenced by social factors. Such perceptions may also influence individuals’ sexual expression and interactions with sexual partners. Thus, an understanding of people’s perceptions of sexual health can facilitate the appropriate seeking of sexual healthcare, inform professional interactions with patients and the community, and guide policymakers in the promotion of it. Methods A total of 151 people living in Portugal, aged 19 to 75, answered a cross-sectional online questionnaire with an open-ended question: “In your opinion, what is sexual health?”. The data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results We created four themes: (1) Let’s get physical, physical, (2) I’m in charge!, (3) I am not alone in this, and (4) Sexual justice is a must!. Participants presented diverse and complex views of sexual health, considering that it includes physical and biological components, cognitive and behavioral aspects and relational factors, and it is framed by the social and political context. Conclusions This study emphasizes that defining and achieving sexual health goes beyond healthism and needs to be considered at multiple levels. It highlights the need for individual awareness and self knowledge, to recognize equity within relationships and the strive for social equality and sexual rights. The study also emphasizes the significance of considering and respecting sexual developmental when promoting positive attitudes toward sex in formal and informal settings, increasing education about sexual pleasure, accepting and celebrating sexual and gender diversity, recognizing consensual non-monogamous relationships, and the need for inclusivity within sexually tolerant societies. Viewing sexual health through a political lens may play a crucial role in reshaping societal norms, promoting sexual justice, and influencing policymakers to better address and support the sexual health needs of a population following their own perspectives and expressed needs.

Selection for agronomic traits in intermediate wheatgrass increases responsiveness to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Societal Impact StatementAgricultural practices have had a negative impact on the physical, chemical, and biological components of soil. Perennial cropping systems that facilitate positive soil microbial interactions could not only rebuild soils but also sustain productivity through expected variations in environmental conditions. Here, we show the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, soil symbionts that can improve host performance and soil health, increased the growth of intermediate wheatgrass, a novel perennial grain crop, in populations that have been increasingly bred for desirable agricultural characteristics. The right pairing of intermediate wheatgrass and a beneficial AM fungal community could lead to more sustainable agroecosystems.Summary Intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) is a novel perennial grain that can provide many soil health benefits in agroecosystems; however, little is known about how selection for agronomic traits has impacted interactions with soil biota. Here, we assess how the selection for agronomic traits in IWG has impacted its relationship with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. First, growth response to AM fungi was compared across five generations of IWG with varying degrees of selection. Second, variation in AM fungal responsiveness was compared among genets of IWG individuals within a more advanced generation. Finally, a meta‐analysis was performed on all published studies exploring AM fungal inocula effects on IWG performance to increase understanding of selection effects. AM fungal responsiveness increased with selection for agronomic traits, responsiveness varied among genets in the advanced generation, and a majority of genets performed better in the presence of AM fungi. The meta‐analysis supported the findings that AM fungal responsiveness has increased with selection in IWG. Further studies are needed to realize the combined potential soil health and sustainability benefits of IWG and AM fungi, including assessment of symbiotic benefits beyond biomass production, identification of IWG traits correlated with responsiveness, and characterization of AM fungal community response to IWG.

Bariatric Surgery in Adolescent Age Group

Obesity in children is a problematic condition which interfere with physical and mental health. It is a complicated disorder with interwoven environmental, genetic, biological components, developmental, and behavioral. A combination of medical treatment and behavioral and lifestyle modifications was typically what causes poor short-term weight loss and long-term failure. For this reason, adolescents who suffer from moderate to severe obesity and have attempted lifestyle interventions in the past but had no success should think about having bariatric surgery. Specifically, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is thought to be the most often carried out bariatric procedure globally. The technique is safe and doable. It has been demonstrated that this surgical weight loss procedure is effective in young patients. However, there are obstacles that need to be removed at the levels of patients, providers, and the healthcare system. Above all, for ensuring successful long-term treatment and permit healthy growth, more should be done to stop the nutritional status decline that frequently follows bariatric surgery, as well as to prevent insufficient weight loss and weight regain. With a focus on LSG, nutritional management, and the resolution of metabolic comorbidities, we examined the clinical indications, surgical treatment options, and outcomes in adolescents with severe obesity in this narrative review.

High-density, high-frequency and large-scale electrohydrodynamic drop-on-demand jetting via a protruding polymer-based printhead design

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing has critical merits in micro/nanoscale additive manufacturing because of its ultrahigh resolution and wide ink compatibility, making it an advantageous choice for electronics manufacturing, high-resolution prototyping, and biological component fabrication. However, EHD printing is currently limited by its rather low throughput due to the lack of high-frequency and high-density multi-nozzle printheads. This paper presents a novel EHD printhead with a protruding polymer-based nozzle design. An insulated, hydrophobic, and protruding polymer nozzle array with an appropriate geometric structure can effectively address key problems in multi-nozzle jetting, such as electrical crosstalk, electrical discharge, liquid flooding, and nonuniform jetting. By investigating the influence of the electrical and geometric characteristics of the nozzle arrays on the electrical crosstalk behavior and fabricating the optimized nozzle array via MEMS technology, we achieve an EHD printhead with a large scale (256), high density (127 dpi), and high jetting frequency (23 kHz), and addressable jetting can be realized by adding independently controllable extractors underneath the nozzle array. Many functional materials, such as quantum dots, perovskite, and nanosilver inks, can be ejected into high-resolution patterns through the optimized nozzle array, demonstrating the great prospects of our designed printhead in electronics manufacturing. This MEMS-compatible printhead design lays the foundation for high-throughput fabrication of micro/nanostructures and promotes practical applications of EHD printing in functional electronics and biomedical/energy devices.

MIMR: Development of a Web-Based System for miRNA and mRNA Integrated Analysis.

The human body is a complex network of systems that is harmonized with multiple biological components. To understand these interactions is very challenging. With rapid development of advanced sequencing technologies, massive amounts of data such as mRNA, miRNA are rapidly accumulated. The integrated analysis of mRNA-miRNA has brought an extensive understanding of complex biological systems and pathological mechanisms. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that intricately regulate target gene products, resulting in the inhibition of gene expression. While these miRNAs play crucial roles in essential biological processes-ranging from immunity and metabolism to cell death-their specific impacts on diseases remain unknown. Recent studies have been focused on the integration of miRNA and mRNA expression to reveal the underlying biological pathways and mechanisms responsible for disease manifestation. We proposed a novel approach for integrative analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression data and developed MIMR (Integrative Analysis of miRNA and mRNA), a web-based application that leverages the Random Walk with Restart (RWR) algorithm. MIMR incorporates both direct and indirect interactions by utilizing protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and experimentally validated mRNA-miRNA target interactions. MIMR provides comprehensive results, including novel pathological pathways associated with a specific disease and interactive network diagrams representing the mRNAs and miRNAs. We applied it to Alzheimer and breast cancer data and successfully identified the novel biological pathways related to these diseases. In summary, MIMR will offer a deeper insight into the hidden mechanisms of diseases and identify potential therapeutic strategies through integrated analysis of miRNAs and mRNAs.