Current Knowledge Research Articles

Strategies to enhance stress tolerance in lactic acid bacteria across diverse stress conditions.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) hold significant importance in diverse fields, including food technology, industrial biotechnology, and medicine. As basic components of starter cultures, probiotics, immunomodulators, and live vaccines, LAB cells resist a variety of stressors, including temperature fluctuations, osmotic and pH shocks, exposure to oxidants and ultraviolet radiation, substrate deprivation, mechanical damage, and more. To stay alive in these adversities, LAB employ a wide range of stress response strategies supported by various mechanisms, for example rearrangement of metabolism, expression of specialized biomolecules (e.g., chaperones and antioxidants), exopolysaccharide synthesis, and complex repair and regulatory systems. LAB can coordinate responses to various stressors using global regulators. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about stress response strategies used by LAB and consider mechanisms of response to specific stressful factors, supported by illustrative examples. In addition, we discuss technical approaches to increase the stress resistance of LAB, including pre-adaptation, genetic modification of strains, and adjustment of cultivation conditions. A critical analysis of the recent findings in this field augments comprehension of stress tolerance mechanisms in LAB, paving the way for prospective research directions with implications in fundamental and practical areas.

Causes of Asphalt Pavement Blistering: A Review

No theoretical model effectively explains the blistering process, which provokes functional distress in asphalt pavements worldwide. This study focuses on the possible causes of blistering, the physical processes that drive blistering, the role of asphalt properties, and the uncertainties and gaps in the current knowledge. This paper analyzes peer-reviewed studies on pavement blistering published between 1959 and 2022 retrieved in a systematic literature review to justify and model this distress observed on sidewalks, airports, and bridges. According to the scientific literature, high surface temperatures due to solar radiation are the common factor responsible for uplifting, but several causal mechanisms have been investigated. Indeed, chemical reactions, evolutionary materials, thermal buckling, and physical reactions are the generally recognized causes. Their effects on pavement smoothness vary according to the various interdependent geometrical, physical, and mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures and the boundary conditions. Both the mix design and construction processes can hinder the blistering process that occurs during daytime hours of the hot season, right after the work is finished or a few years later. Further research should identify measures to prevent bulges whose management after uplift is difficult but necessary to avoid safety and functional issues.

Crystallization Cycles in Masonry Walls: Experimental Technique to Develop Accelerated Aging on a Real Scale

Moisture in historic built heritage is one of the main degenerative agents, because it supports or manifests itself through multiple pathologies. Current knowledge allows for the diagnosis and assessment of the problem, but there are deficiencies in the evaluation of corrective systems due to the time it takes for moisture to become significant. In response, this study proposes an experimental methodology that aims to reproduce the accelerated aging of real scale specimens under laboratory conditions. Thereby improving the understanding of the impact of moisture related deterioration on masonry structures. To achive this, eight masonry walls were constructed and subjected to eight cycles of sulfate crystallization. They were saturated with different sulfate concentrations (5% or 10%) and exposed to different drying conditions (outdoor or solar dehydrator) in order to identify the factors favoring sulfate crystallization and the resulting deterioration. The progress of the experiments was monitored using a hygrometer, a thermographic camera and photogrammetry. The results indicate that it is possible to induce efflorescence in real scale specimens. Temperature and moisture monitoring helped identify the solar dehydrator as a more effective drying treatment. While digital photogrammetry was considered inefficient for quantifying volumetric damage, since this technique can present errors greater than 2%, a value exceeding the observed wear. Reason why the weight of material detached at the end of the experiment was recorded and a positive correlation between the increase in sulfate concentration and the use of the dehydrator was observed. Finally, pertinent considerations are made to improve the experimental conditions.

Recent Trends and Applications of Nanostructure-based Drug Delivery in Alleviating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a chronic lung disease that causes breathing difficulties and obstructs airflow from the lungs, has a significant global health burden and affects millions of people worldwide. The use of pharmaceuticals in COPD treatment is aimed to alleviate symptoms, improve lung function, prevent exacerbations, and enhance the overall quality of life for patients. Nanotechnology holds great promise to alleviate the burden of COPD. The main goal of this review is to present the full spectrum of therapeutics based on nanostructures for the treatment and management of COPD, including nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, solid-lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, exosomes, nanoemulsions, nanosuspensions, and niosomes. Nanotechnology is just one of the many areas of research that may contribute to the development of more effective and personalized treatment modalities for COPD patients in the future. Future studies may be focused on enhancing the therapeutic effectiveness of nanocarriers by conducting extensive mechanistic investigations to translate current scientific knowledge for the effective management of COPD with little or no adverse effects.

Metaverse-based education: literature review and a proposed framework

ABSTRACT In recent years, with the improvement of information and communication technologies and the step towards 5G technology in the Internet infrastructure, the use of technologies in education is increasing day by day. Metaverse is one of the important technologies that contribute to digital education processes. While various studies search the literature to synthesize Metaverse-related findings in education, there are few studies that describe the main features of the Metaverse-based education concept, systematically summarize the findings related to this concept. To fill this gap, this study aims to conduct a systematic literature review on the Metaverse-based education concept and propose a framework for this concept. The search was made in different databases, and both quantitative analysis and qualitative discussion were used to analyze the state of the art. This study contributes a structured overview of Metaverse-based education-related publications and reports on the existing state of literature, categorizes publications, analyzes and links trends, highlights gaps, and accordingly proposes a framework (i.e. characteristics, critical success and risk factors, technologies, and components). This study not only adds to the current Metaverse-based education knowledge body but also offers policymakers and practitioners with references for developing policies and good practices to support Metaverse-based education.

A systematic review of altered resting-state networks in early deafness and implications for cochlear implantation outcomes.

Auditory deprivation following congenital/pre-lingual deafness (C/PD) can drastically affect brain development and its functional organisation. This systematic review intends to extend current knowledge of the impact of C/PD and deafness duration on brain resting-state networks (RSNs), review changes in RSNs and spoken language outcomes post-cochlear implant (CI) and draw conclusions for future research. The systematic literature search followed the PRISMA guideline. Two independent reviewers searched four electronic databases using combined keywords: 'auditory deprivation', 'congenital/prelingual deafness', 'resting-state functional connectivity' (RSFC), 'resting-state fMRI' and 'cochlear implant'. Seventeen studies (16 cross-sectional and one longitudinal) met the inclusion criteria. Using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool, the publications' quality was rated between 65.0% and 92.5% (mean: 84.10%), ≥80% in 13 out of 17 studies. A few studies were deficient in sampling and/or ethical considerations. According to the findings, early auditory deprivation results in enhanced RSFC between the auditory network and brain networks involved in non-verbal communication, and high levels of spontaneous neural activity in the auditory cortex before CI are evidence of occupied auditory cortical areas with other sensory modalities (cross-modal plasticity) and sub-optimal CI outcomes. Overall, current evidence supports the idea that moreover intramodal and cross-modal plasticity, the entire brain adaptation following auditory deprivation contributes to spoken language development and compensatory behaviours.

Human Pesticide Exposure in Bolivia: A Scoping Review of Current Knowledge, Future Challenges and Research Needs.

Numerous studies have shown that pesticide exposure is linked to adverse health outcomes. Nevertheless, in Bolivia, where there is an increasing use of pesticides, the literature is sparse. To address knowledge gaps and guide future research in Bolivia, we conducted a scoping review spanning 22 years (January 2000 to December 2022). Our search identified 39 peer-reviewed articles, 27 reports/documents on Bolivian regulations, and 12 other documents. Most studies focused on farmers and revealed high pesticide exposure levels, assessed through biomarkers of exposure, susceptibility, and effect. The literature explored a range of health effects due to pesticide exposure, spanning from acute to chronic conditions. Many studies highlighted the correlation between pesticide exposure and genotoxic damage, measured as DNA strand breaks and/or micronuclei formation. This was particularly observed in farmers without personal protection equipment (PPE), which increases the risk of developing chronic diseases, including cancer. Recent findings also showed the alarming use of banned or restricted pesticides in Bolivian crops. Despite existing Bolivian regulations, the uncontrolled use of pesticides persists, leading to harmful health effects on the population and increasing land and water pollution. This review underscores the need for the stringent enforcement of regulations and continued research efforts, and it provides a scientific foundation for decision-making by relevant authorities.

The Role of Apigenin in Alleviating the Impact of Environmental Pollutants

Abstract: Environmental pollutants pose a serious risk to human health and are a factor in the emergence of many diseases and disorders. In recent years, the research for efficient defence against these pollutants has focused much interest. Natural flavonoid apigenin in various fruits and vegetables has shown great defence against environmental toxins. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding the protective effect of apigenin environmental pollutants and its underlying mechanisms. The study starts by summarizing the main industrial chemicals, environmental pollutants, water contaminants, and the health hazards they provide. The article discusses apigenin's bioactive attributes and focuses on its anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and antioxidant activities. Previous studies have shown that apigenin supplementation can reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and organ toxicity from pollutants. The molecular processes behind apigenin's anti-inflammatory effects are explored, including its interactions with important signaling networks. Additional research is required to assess its ideal dosage, bioavailability, and potential interactions with other drugs. Moreover, more human studies are required to evaluate the long-term advantages and safety of apigenin supplementation as a defence against the harmful health consequences of environmental contaminants.

A Review on the Role and Function of Cinnabarinic Acid, a "Forgotten" Metabolite of the Kynurenine Pathway.

In the human body, the majority of tryptophan is metabolized through the kynurenine pathway. This consists of several metabolites collectively called the kynurenines and includes, among others, kynurenic acid, L-kynurenine, or quinolinic acid. The wealth of metabolites, as well as the associated molecular targets and biological pathways, bring about a situation wherein even a slight imbalance in the kynurenine levels, both in the periphery and central nervous system, have broad consequences regarding general health. Cinnabarinic acid (CA) is the least known trace kynurenine, and its physiological and pathological roles are not widely understood. Some studies, however, indicate that it might be neuroprotective. Information on its hepatoprotective properties have also emerged, although these are pioneering studies and need to be replicated. Therefore, in this review, I aim to present and critically discuss the current knowledge on CA and its role in physiological and pathological settings to guide future studies.

Kaplan lecture 2023: lymphopenia in particle therapy.

Lymphopenia is now generally recognized as a negative prognostic factor in radiotherapy. Already at the beginning of the century we demonstrated that high-energy carbon ions induce less damage to the lymphocytes of radiotherapy patients than X-rays, even if heavy ions are more effective per unit dose in the induction of chromosomal aberrations in blood cells irradiated ex-vivo. The explanation was based on the volume effect, i.e. the sparing of larger volumes of normal tissue in Bragg peak therapy. Here we will review the current knowledge about the difference in lymphopenia between particle and photon therapy and the consequences. There is nowadays an overwhelming evidence that particle therapy reduces significantly the radiotherapy-induced lymphopenia in several tumor sites. Because lymphopenia turns down the immune response to checkpoint inhibitors, it can be predicted that particle therapy may be the ideal partner for combined radiation and immunotherapy treatment and should be selected for patients where severe lymphopenia is expected after X-rays.

Zingiber Officinale Roscoe: The Antiarthritic Potential of a Popular Spice-Preclinical and Clinical Evidence.

The health benefits of ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) have been known for centuries. Recently, ginger root has gained more attention due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Many of the bioactive components of ginger may have therapeutic benefits in treating inflammatory arthritis. Their properties seem especially helpful in treating diseases linked to persistent inflammation and pain, symptoms present in the course of the most prevalent rheumatic diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This review analyzes the current knowledge regarding ginger's beneficial anti-inflammatory effect in both in vitro and in vivo studies as well as clinical trials. The drug delivery systems to improve ginger's bioavailability and medicinal properties are discussed. Understanding ginger's beneficial aspects may initiate further studies on improving its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy and achieving more a comprehensive application in medicine.

Lysosomes in Cancer-At the Crossroad of Good and Evil.

Although it has been known for decades that lysosomes are central for degradation and recycling in the cell, their pivotal role as nutrient sensing signaling hubs has recently become of central interest. Since lysosomes are highly dynamic and in constant change regarding content and intracellular position, fusion/fission events allow communication between organelles in the cell, as well as cell-to-cell communication via exocytosis of lysosomal content and release of extracellular vesicles. Lysosomes also mediate different forms of regulated cell death by permeabilization of the lysosomal membrane and release of their content to the cytosol. In cancer cells, lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy are increased to support the increased metabolism and allow growth even under nutrient- and oxygen-poor conditions. Tumor cells also induce exocytosis of lysosomal content to the extracellular space to promote invasion and metastasis. However, due to the enhanced lysosomal function, cancer cells are often more susceptible to lysosomal membrane permeabilization, providing an alternative strategy to induce cell death. This review summarizes the current knowledge of cancer-associated alterations in lysosomal structure and function and illustrates how lysosomal exocytosis and release of extracellular vesicles affect disease progression. We focus on functional differences depending on lysosomal localization and the regulation of intracellular transport, and lastly provide insight how new therapeutic strategies can exploit the power of the lysosome and improve cancer treatment.

Foraging Activity of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L., 1758) and Exposure to Cadmium: a Review.

Honey bees are commonly exposed to a broad spectrum of xenobiotics, including heavy metals. Heavy metal toxicity is of concern in the context of global pollinator declines, especially since honey bees seem to be particularly susceptible to xenobiotics in general. Here we summarize current knowledge on the interplay between cadmium, one of the most toxic and mobile elements in the environment, and honey bees, the primary managed pollinator species worldwide. Overall, cadmium pollution has been shown to be ubiquitous, affecting industrial, urban and rural areas alike. Uptake of this heavy metal by plants serves as the primary route of exposure for bees (through pollen and nectar). Reported cadmium toxicity consists of lethal and sublethal effects (reduced development and growth) in both adult and larval stages, as well as various molecular responses related to detoxification and cellular antioxidant defence systems. Other effects of cadmium in honey bees include the disruption of synaptic signalling, calcium metabolism and muscle function.

Review of: "A review of the drawdown in African Reservoirs: current knowledge, understudied areas..."

Review of: "A review of the drawdown in African Reservoirs: current knowledge, understudied areas..."

HD\,7977 and its possible influence on Solar System bodies

In the latest Gaia third data release, one can find extremely small proper motion components for the star HD\,7977. This, together with the radial velocity measurement lead to the conclusion that this star passed very close to the Sun in the recent past. Such a very close approach of a one solar mass star must have resulted in noticeable changes in the motion of all Solar System bodies, especially those on less tight orbits, namely long-period comets (LPCs) and transneptunian objects (TNOs). We estimate and discuss these effects. Our current knowledge on the solar neighbourhood found in the latest Gaia catalogues allowed us to perform numerical integrations and prepare a list of potential stellar perturbers of LPCs. We used this list, made available in the StePPeD database. To study the past motion of LPCs under the simultaneous action of the Galactic potential and passing stars, we used precise original cometary orbits taken from the current CODE catalogue. We examined the reliability of the extremely small proper motion of HD\,7977 and conclude that this star can be an unresolved binary; however, according to the astrometry covering more than a century, the current Gaia data cannot be ruled out. We present the parameters of a very close passage of this star near the Sun. We also show examples of the strong influence of this passage on the past motion of some LPCs. We also discuss the possible influence of this perturber on other Solar System bodies. It is possible that 2.47 Myr ago the one solar mass star HD\,7977 passed as close as 1000 au from the Sun. Such an event constitutes a kind of dynamical horizon for all studies of the past Solar System bodies' dynamics.

Sentinel node biopsy in gynaecological cancers: state of art and future perspectives

Abstract Purpose This review aims to provide an overview of current knowledge and future perspectives on sentinel node biopsy in gynaecological cancers. Methods Literature research in the PubMed/MEDLINE database was carried out to identify relevant studies on sentinel node biopsy in gynaecological cancers. We selected only original studies, published in the English language and including a minimum of nine patients. Results The most relevant results on sentinel node biopsy in gynaecological cancers were summed up, focusing on clinical indications, technical aspects, preoperative and intraoperative procedures and the latest technological advances. Conclusion Sentinel node biopsy has been widely validated in well-selected patients with early-stage vulvar, cervical and endometrial cancers. It is essential to standardise the acquisition protocol, including SPECT/CT imaging, for an improved surgical planning and a personalised approach. Recent technological advances, such as hybrid tracers and intraoperative tools, may efficiently guide gynaecological cancer surgery.

Digital ethicswashing: a systematic review and a process-perception-outcome framework

AbstractThe term “ethicswashing” was recently coined to describe the phenomenon of instrumentalising ethics by misleading communication, creating the impression of ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI), while no substantive ethical theory, argument, or application is in place or ethicists involved. Ethicswashing resembles greenwashing for environmental issues and has become an issue – particularly since 2019 with Thomas Metzinger’s harsh criticisms as a member of the EU panel for developing ethical guidelines for AI, which he called “ethicswashing.” Nowadays, increased ethics washing has changed the perception of AI ethics, leading critics to find a “trivialization” of ethics that may even lead to “ethics bashing.” Considering the scattered literature body and the various manifestations of digital ethicswashing, we recognise the need to assess the existing literature comprehensively. To fill this gap, this research systematically reviews current knowledge about digital ethicswashing stemming from various academic disciplines, contributing to an up-to-date assessment of its underlying characteristics. Applying content analysis to map the field leads us to present five thematic clusters: ethicswashing, ethics bashing, policymaking and regulation, watchdogs, and academia. In conclusion, we synthesise ethicswashing along a process-perception-outcome framework to provide future research to explore the multiple meanings of digital ethicswashing.

Re-framing the importance of Group B Streptococcus as a gut-resident pathobiont.

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is a Gram-positive bacterial species that causes disease in humans across the lifespan. While antibiotics are used to mitigate GBS infections, it is evident that antibiotics disrupt human microbiomes (which can predispose people to other diseases later in life), and antibiotic resistance in GBS is on the rise. Taken together, these unintended negative impacts of antibiotics highlight the need for precision approaches for minimizing GBS disease. One possible approach involves selectively depleting GBS in its commensal niches before it can cause disease at other body sites or be transmitted to at-risk individuals. One understudied commensal niche of GBS is the adult gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which may predispose colonization at other body sites in individuals at risk for GBS disease. However, a better understanding of the host-, microbiome-, and GBS-determined variables that dictate GBS GI carriage is needed before precise GI decolonization approaches can be developed. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge of the diverse body sites occupied by GBS as a pathogen and as a commensal. We summarize key molecular factors GBS utilizes to colonize different host-associated niches to inform future efforts to study GBS in the GI tract. We also discuss other GI commensals that are pathogenic in other body sites to emphasize the broader utility of precise de-colonization approaches for mitigating infections by GBS and other bacterial pathogens. Finally, we highlight how GBS treatments could be improved with a more holistic understanding of GBS enabled by continued GI-focused study.

Eosinophils in otorhinolaryngology: friend or foe?

This article summarizes the essential aspects of current knowledge about eosinophils, classifies eosinophilia in terms of the dimensions healthy or harmful reaction, takes aspecific look at eosinophils in the field of otorhinolaryngology, and gives recommendations for diagnostic workup and therapeutic intervention in case of proven eosinophilia, particularly as an adverse drug reaction. The thoughts are inspired by communications at the 29thCongress of the European Rhinologic Society in Sofia, Bulgaria, 2023.

Unveiling the enigma: Exploring how uncertain crude oil prices shape investment expenditure and efficiency in Chinese enterprises

As a crucial energy resource, crude oil plays a vital role in propelling global economic progress. China's energy consumption is extensive due to its position as the second-largest global economy and leading importer of crude oil. A stable crude oil supply can support China's steady economic growth. The China Crude Oil Futures (INE) launch in 2018 has enriched the WTI and Brent crude oil market systems, further consolidating the critical position of crude oil in China's economic and financial development. Therefore, this paper first examines the impact of crude oil price uncertainty on the investment activities of Chinese micro-enterprises by selecting three crude oil futures: WTI, Brent, and INE. Based on the quarterly (half-year) report of Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed enterprises from 2008 to 2023, this study examines the effects of uncertainty in crude oil prices on investment spending and efficiency inside enterprises and the underlying mechanisms that drive these effects. This study provides evidence that the fluctuation in crude oil prices has a detrimental impact on investment expenditure, while concurrently improving the investment efficiency of enterprises. The mechanism test also demonstrates that the volatility of crude oil prices has the potential to diminish investment expenditure and enhance the investment efficiency of enterprises. On the macro level, it mainly depends on reducing the macroeconomic boom index, enterprise boom index, and entrepreneur confidence index. At the micro level, it relies on increasing enterprise cash flow, lowering enterprise investment expectations and consumer product demand. Further heterogeneous analysis indicates that during significant events such as the global COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, there is a substantial increase in crude oil price uncertainty, leading to reduced enterprise investment expenditure and improved enterprise investment efficiency. Furthermore, the volatility associated with the increase in oil prices has a more pronounced effect on investment outlays and operational effectiveness. Moreover, the volatility of crude oil prices significantly influences the investment expenditure and investment efficiency of enterprises in the secondary industry and non-state-owned sectors. This empirical study examined the causal relationship between crude oil price, investment spending, and investment efficiency. The results of this investigation enhance the current scholarly knowledge on the relationship between crude oil prices and investment, so contributing to the advancement and refinement of this particular field of inquiry. This paper makes a valuable exploration and attempt to explain the mechanism of the impact of crude oil price on the investment activities of micro-enterprises.