Biological Forms Research Articles

Influence of Nitride Coatings on Corrosion Resistance and the Biocompatibility of Titanium Alloy Products

The bioadhesion of bacteria to the surface of samples with Ti–TiN, Zr–ZrN, Zr–(Zr, Nb)N, and Zr–(Zr, Hf)N coatings was studied via incubation with gram-positive strains of Staphylococcus aureus. The samples were kept at 25 °C for 30 days in a 3% NaCl solution. The deposition of coatings slows, whereas oxidation processes intensify. The oxygen content on the TiN and (Zr, Nb)N coating surfaces was higher than that of the Ti sample without a coating. Samples with ZrN and, especially, (Zr, Hf)N coatings resist oxidation better. Regarding bioactivity toward S. aureus, the highest density of biological forms was observed on the surfaces of TiN and (Zr, Hf)N coatings. The lowest density was on the surfaces of uncoated, ZrN-coated, and (Zr, Nb)N-coated samples. On Ti–TiN, Zr–ZrN, and Zr–(Zr, Nb)N coatings, the formation of surface biostructures of a filamentary type was observed. In the uncoated sample, the biostructures have an island character, and in the sample with a Zr–(Zr, Hf)N coating, the formation of extensive areas of biostructures was observed. Between the biostructures and coating, a layer 5 to 15 nm thick was observed, presumably associated with bacterial adhesion. The presence of biostructures on the coating surface can activate or slow oxidation processes.

Revision Meniscal Repair With Amniotic Membrane Augmentation

Meniscal injury is common, and despite modern techniques, the failure rate following repair remains high. While there are recent treatment advances in the form of biologics, there is limited evidence and agreement on these emerging therapies and their role in meniscal healing. Amniotic tissue (umbilical cord allograft) is a biologic augmentation therapy that has been utilized in other musculoskeletal applications but has not been reported for use in meniscal repair. We describe a technique to deliver an allograft amniotic membrane into a meniscus tear repair site, potentially optimizing healing.

Form and Information in Biology—An Evolutionary Perspective

Form and Information in Biology—An Evolutionary Perspective

Arginine-solubilized lipoic acid-induced β-sheets of silk fibroin-strengthened hydrogel for postoperative rehabilitation of breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) following tumor removal is one of the most commonly used treatments for breast cancer. However, the high risk of tumor recurrence and inevitable radiation skin injury after RT remain fatal problems, seriously challenging the patient's postoperative rehabilitation. Herein, a multifunctional poly (lipoic acid)-based hydrogel is constructed through one-step heating the mixture of α-lipoic acid (LA)/arginine (Arg)/silk fibroin (SF), without introducing any non-natural molecules. The multiple synergistic interactions among LA, Arg, and SF not only enhance the solubilization of LA in aqueous systems but also stabilize poly(lipoic acid) through strong salt bridge hydrogen bonds and ionic hydrogen bonds. Intriguingly, the LA-based surfactant induced β-sheet transformation of SF can further modulate the bulk strength of the hydrogel. Regulating the content of LA in hydrogels not only allows efficient control of hydrogel bioactivity but also enables the evolution of hydrogels from injectable forms to adhesive patches. Based on the different biological activities and forms of hydrogels, they can be implanted internally or applied externally on the mice's skin, achieving simultaneous prevention of tumor recurrence post-surgery and assistance in treating radiation-induced skin damage after radiotherapy.

3D-Printed Hierarchical Electrodes for Ampere-Level Alkaline Water Electrolysis

In the realm of water electrolysis technology, Alkaline Electrolysis Cell (ALK) hydrogen production stands as a pivotal technology, playing a critical role in the pursuit of large-scale green hydrogen production and the achievement of the "dual carbon" objective. Despite its importance, the mass transfer efficiency of commercial porous nickel electrodes currently used in ALK systems is suboptimal. These electrodes, plagued by unstable catalyst loading, typically operate at current densities between 300-500 mA/cm², seldom reaching the desired threshold of 1 A/cm². This limitation hampers the potential of ALK hydrogen production to satisfy industrial-scale hydrogen production demands.In the quest to overcome these limitations, the concept of the Triple Periodic Minimum Surface (TPMS) structure, a cellular architecture mathematically defined and prevalent in natural biological forms such as butterfly wings and beetle shells, is introduced. The TPMS's unique geometry is adept at adapting to mechanical requirements for various applications, including structural and fluidic systems. It allows for versatile manipulation of geometric parameters like aperture size, porosity, and tortuosity, thereby substantially broadening the design possibilities for electrode structures and enhancing the efficiency of gas-liquid and electron transfer.To harness these benefits, we propose the creation of nickel/nickel-iron electrodes using 3D printing technology. These electrodes are characterized by their cross-scale porosity, ordered structure, and adjustable TPMS design. This innovative electrode design significantly augments bubble transport efficiency and mass transfer performance, while also providing additional anchor points for catalysts, thereby enhancing the electrochemical active surface area, intrinsic activity, and stability of the composite catalyst. As a result, these electrodes achieve ampere-level current densities in ALK electrolysis cells, enhancing electrolysis efficiency and reducing energy consumption.Our methodology involves the use of selective laser melting printing technology to fabricate multi-tier nickel/nickel-iron electrodes of varying specifications. These electrodes are then coated with MOOH catalysts using an electrochemical deposition process. Through rigorous testing and comparison of electrochemical performance parameters, we identified the optimal multi-stage nickel/nickel-iron electrode and its composite catalyst.Electrochemical performance tests reveal that, compared to traditional commercial porous nickel electrodes, our 3D printed electrodes decrease overpotential by 14% and improve electrolytic cell efficiency by 10% at a current density of 1 A/cm². Furthermore, these electrodes exhibit minimal degradation after a 500-hour durability test. The demonstrated efficiency and durability of these 3D-printed hierarchical electrodes indicate significant potential for their application in ampere-level alkaline water electrolysis. Figure 1

Эколого-биологическая характеристика медоносных растений Удмуртской Республики

Abstract. The purpose is to analyze honey–bearing resources, biological forms and species diversity of natural, cultural and adventitious honey-bearing flora in the territory of the Udmurt Republic to create a scheme-map of the honey conveyor. Methods. In the study of this issue “Methods of conducting research in beekeeping” (2003), “Plant determinant of Udmurtia” were used. Results. As of January 1, 2023, the area of agricultural land in all land categories amounted to 1838.3 thousand ha, or 43.7 %, non-gricultural land – 2367.8 thousand hectares, or 56.3 % of the total land fund of the Udmurt Republic. The area of coniferous plants has increased by an average of 38 % since 1966, and hardwood by 35 %. The dynamics of the increase in areas for many species is positive – pine, spruce, ash, elm, alder, linden, willows. The life forms of honey plants of the republic have a different ratio: the largest number of 73 species are grasses (65.2 %), 29 are trees (25.8 %) and 10 are shrubs (9 %). When analyzing data on the flowering of honey plants in Udmurtia, most plants bloom in the off-season – 72.5 %, 25.8 % – in summer, spring. There are plants of prolonged flowering, and honey plants that bloom only in September are absent. The main honey-bearing crop is small-leaved linden. It has a large honey reserve; its specific weight of honey reserve is 90.92 %. To develop the honey reserve of the Udmurt Republic, it is necessary to have a number of bee colonies 4.5 times higher than the current level, which is 224.75 thousand bee colonies. Scientific novelty. Beekeeping in the Udmurt Republic is a promising area of agriculture in the development of forest and agricultural lands, the possibility of improving it and using the export of bees to the honey harvest, taking into account the flowering time of honeybees of natural and agricultural honeybees and active nomads.

Comparison of proteomic profiles and biological properties for corneal wound healing of canine amniotic membrane and its extracts.

The application of canine amniotic membrane (cAM) for corneal reconstruction is widely used in the veterinary field. However, the information on biological properties and alternative forms of cAM for corneal wound healing is limited. This study aimed to investigate the proteomic profiles and corneal wound healing properties of cAM, cAM extract (cAME), and lyophilized cAM extract (cAMX). A total number of 14 cAMs were sterilely harvested from healthy full-term puppies and randomly divided into three different forms: cAM (n = 14), cAME (n = 14), and cAMX (n = 14). Each form of cAMs was subjected to proteomic analysis using label-free liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), followed by bioinformatic analysis. The proteins were classified into properties by comparing them with the literature search on human amniotic membrane (hAM) properties and the effect on corneal wound healing when given topically. The analyses identified 8136 proteins in cAM, 8211 proteins in cAME, and 7093 proteins in cAMX. A total number of 100 proteins were matched with proteins in hAM properties and were classified into anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-microbial, anti-angiogenic, promotion of epithelialization, analgesic, and support cell adhesion and growth properties. Furthermore, proteins with corneal wound healing effects were identified in cAME and cAMX. cAM and its extracts contain numerous proteins, including proteins related to corneal wound healing properties. Additionally, cAME and cAMX showed proteins involved in corneal wound healing and their potential benefits for topical use in ophthalmology.

A novel spectrofluorimetric method using optical sensor Eu3+-ACAC as a highly selective photo probe to determine Pregabalin in biological samples and pharmaceutical form

A novel spectrofluorimetric method with high selectivity and sensitivity was created to determine Pregabalin (PG) in pharmaceutical form, human serum, and urine. This method relies on detecting quenching in the intensity of luminescence of the europium acetylacetone complex (Eu3+-ACAC) at emission wavelength λem = 616 nm, which results from interaction with various concentrations of PG after excitation at λex = 395 nm and pH 6.5 in dimethylformamide (DMF). The calibration curve was generated using concentrations ranging from 7.6 × 10-8 to 6.3 × 10-6 mol/L. The plot showed a high correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.994 with a detection limit (LOD) of 2.81 × 10-8 mol/L and a quantification limit (LOQ) of 8.5 × 10-8 mol/L. The remarkable luminescence intensity quenching of the Eu3+-ACAC by ranged concentrations of PG was effectively employed as a photo probe to determine PG in marketable form and different body fluids. Spectroscopic characterization, such as absorption and emission spectra, confirmed the obtained sensor. The improved method is verified using a range of characteristics, such as accuracy, precision, selectivity, linearity, and robustness.

Geometric morphometrics analysis of forensically important Sarcophaga species

Abstract Geometric morphometrics is a method that offers a mathematical description of biological forms based on geometric definitions of their size and shape, enabling the discrimination between species. In this study, we aimed to utilize geometric morphometrics as a valuable tool for identifying Sarcophagidae species, a family of flies that are challenging to distinguish morphologically. We collected a total of 80 wings (both left and right) from male individuals representing nine species (Sarcophaga africa, S. argyrostoma, S. hirticrus, S. jacobsoni, S. lehmanni, S. melanura, S. pandellei, S. portschinskyi, and S. teretirostris). These wings were removed, mounted on microscope slides, photographed, and digitized using 15 landmarks. The results demonstrated effective differentiation among seven species, representing significant progress in the expedited identification of Sarcophaga species. Due to its speed, affordability, and user-friendly nature, the wing landmark-based geometric morphometrics, when combined with taxonomy, can enhance the robustness of Sarcophagidae analyses and prove useful for discriminating flesh flies in forensic contexts.

Different analytical methods for quantitative determination of alogliptin benzoate as single drug either in a biological sample or pharmaceutical dosage forms

Different analytical methods for quantitative determination of alogliptin benzoate as single drug either in a biological sample or pharmaceutical dosage forms

Metabolic and Immune Systems Are the Primary Tenets of Biological Life

A theory is much broader than a hypothesis or a conjecture if it can provide explanations for a wide range of observations while remaining robust to challenges through experimentation. There is a paucity of such theories in biology. The main motivation behind this research was to propose a broad theory of biological life and to explore whether it can be used as a framework for understanding health and disease conditions. A conceptual and theoretical approach was followed for this purpose. Extensive exploration and analysis of the biomedical literature in a non-systematic but purposeful manner were undertaken. They were then extrapolated using a top-down approach to identify the fundamental systems mediating life processes. Two attributes must exist for the survival of any biological life form, including the ability to grow and the ability to self-protect. These two functions are performed by the metabolic system and immune system, respectively. It is proposed that all other processes and every entity in a life form are involved in conducting these two fundamental functions. It is inferred that both of these functions exhibit the universal characteristics of duality and complementarity, features that cut across disciplines. A given life form may thus be biased toward one of the two processes mediated by the immune system and metabolic system at different stages in its life history. Identifying factors that confer bias might provide a better understanding of biology with direct implications for medicine. It is proposed that life and disease could be the result of the interplay of immune and metabolic systems acting complementarily. Other physiological systems lend support to the balancing act between the immune and metabolic systems in a biological life form.

О социальной эволюции как части мегаэволюции

The present article is devoted to the issue of the unity of laws, patterns and mechanisms of evolution in all its phases and levels, as well as to the clarification of the aspects of the similarity between social evolution and previous phases in a single process of universal evolution, or megaevolution. Despite the enormous differences between cosmic, planetary, chemical, biological and social forms of evolution, there are many similarities between them. In this article we will consider a number of important similarities which we believe clearly demonstrate the systemic-structural and functional-evolutionary unity of the world at its different levels and in various domains. Understanding of these similarities deepens our perception of social evolution and its patterns and moves us away from the misconception that social evolution is different in all aspects from the evolution of previous levels.

Nicotiana benthamiana-derived dupilumab-scFv reaches deep into the cultured human nasal epithelial cells and inhibits CCL26 expression

Plants offer a cost-effective and scalable pharmaceutical platform devoid of host-derived contamination risks. However, their medical application is complicated by the potential for acute allergic reactions to external proteins. Developing plant-based protein therapeutics for localized diseases with non-invasive treatment modalities may capitalize on the benefits of plant proteins while avoiding their inherent risks. Dupilumab, which is effective against a variety of allergic and autoimmune diseases but has systemic responses and injection-related side effects, may be more beneficial if delivered locally using a small biological form. In this study, we engineered a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) of dupilumab, termed Dup-scFv produced by Nicotiana benthamiana, and evaluated its tissue permeability and anti-inflammatory efficacy in air–liquid interface cultured human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs). Despite showing 3.67- and 17-fold lower binding affinity for IL-4Ra in surface plasmon resonance assays and cell binding assays, respectively, Dup-scFv retained most of the affinity of dupilumab, which was originally high, with a dissociation constant (KD) of 4.76 pM. In HNECs cultured at the air–liquid interface, Dup-scFv administered on the air side inhibited the inflammatory marker CCL26 in hard-to-reach basal cells more effectively than dupilumab. In addition, Dup-scFv had an overall permeability of 0.8% across cell layers compared to undetectable levels of dupilumab. These findings suggest that plant-produced Dup-scFv can be delivered non-invasively to cultured HNESc to alleviate inflammatory signaling, providing a practical approach to utilize plant-based proteins for topical therapeutic applications.

Secreted dengue virus NS1 from infection is predominantly dimeric and in complex with high-density lipoprotein

Severe dengue infections are characterized by endothelial dysfunction shown to be associated with the secreted nonstructural protein 1 (sNS1), making it an attractive vaccine antigen and biotherapeutic target. To uncover the biologically relevant structure of sNS1, we obtained infection-derived sNS1 (isNS1) from dengue virus (DENV)-infected Vero cells through immunoaffinity purification instead of recombinant sNS1 (rsNS1) overexpressed in insect or mammalian cell lines. We found that isNS1 appeared as an approximately 250 kDa complex of NS1 and ApoA1 and further determined the cryoEM structures of isNS1 and its complex with a monoclonal antibody/Fab. Indeed, we found that the major species of isNS1 is a complex of the NS1 dimer partially embedded in a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle. Crosslinking mass spectrometry studies confirmed that the isNS1 interacts with the major HDL component ApoA1 through interactions that map to the NS1 wing and hydrophobic domains. Furthermore, our studies demonstrated that the sNS1 in sera from DENV-infected mice and a human patient form a similar complex as isNS1. Our results report the molecular architecture of a biological form of sNS1, which may have implications for the molecular pathogenesis of dengue.

Kinetic studies on optimized extracellular laccase from Trichoderma harzianum PP389612 and its capabilities for azo dye removal

BackgroundAzo dyes represent a common textile dye preferred for its high stability on fabrics in various harsh conditions. Although these dyes pose high-risk levels for all biological forms, fungal laccase is known as a green catalyst for its ability to oxidize numerous dyes.MethodsTrichoderma isolates were identified and tested for laccase production. Laccase production was optimized using Plackett–Burman Design. Laccase molecular weight and the kinetic properties of the enzyme, including Km and Vmax, pH, temperature, and ionic strength, were detected. Azo dye removal efficiency by laccase enzyme was detected for Congo red, methylene blue, and methyl orange.ResultsEight out of nine Trichoderma isolates were laccase producers. Laccase production efficiency was optimized by the superior strain T. harzianum PP389612, increasing production from 1.6 to 2.89 U/ml. In SDS-PAGE, purified laccases appear as a single protein band with a molecular weight of 41.00 kDa. Km and Vmax values were 146.12 μmol guaiacol and 3.82 μmol guaiacol/min. Its activity was stable in the pH range of 5–7, with an optimum temperature range of 40 to 50 °C, optimum ionic strength of 50 mM NaCl, and thermostability properties up to 90 °C. The decolorization efficiency of laccase was increased by increasing the time and reached its maximum after 72 h. The highest efficiency was achieved in Congo red decolorization, which reached 99% after 72 h, followed by methylene blue at 72%, while methyl orange decolorization efficiency was 68.5%.ConclusionTrichoderma laccase can be used as an effective natural bio-agent for dye removal because it is stable and removes colors very well.

Secreted dengue virus NS1 from infection is predominantly dimeric and in complex with high-density lipoprotein.

Severe dengue infections are characterized by endothelial dysfunction shown to be associated with the secreted nonstructural protein 1 (sNS1), making it an attractive vaccine antigen and biotherapeutic target. To uncover the biologically relevant structure of sNS1, we obtained infection-derived sNS1 (isNS1) from dengue virus (DENV)-infected Vero cells through immunoaffinity purification instead of recombinant sNS1 (rsNS1) overexpressed in insect or mammalian cell lines. We found that isNS1 appeared as an approximately 250 kDa complex of NS1 and ApoA1 and further determined the cryoEM structures of isNS1 and its complex with a monoclonal antibody/Fab. Indeed, we found that the major species of isNS1 is a complex of the NS1 dimer partially embedded in a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle. Crosslinking mass spectrometry studies confirmed that the isNS1 interacts with the major HDL component ApoA1 through interactions that map to the NS1 wing and hydrophobic domains. Furthermore, our studies demonstrated that the sNS1 in sera from DENV-infected mice and a human patient form a similar complex as isNS1. Our results report the molecular architecture of a biological form of sNS1, which may have implications for the molecular pathogenesis of dengue.

#1230 Comparative analysis of vitamin D status between patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and those on dialysis

Abstract Background and Aims Decreased plasma concentration of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 or calcitriol, the most active biological form of vitamin D3, in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) and on dialysis, is almost universal. In addition, 25-50% of these patients also have decreased levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (calcidiol or calcifediol). The main cause of calcitriol deficiency is decreased hydroxylation in the kidney, both due to intrinsic renal damage and hyperphosphataemia. Calcifediol deficiency is directly related to decreased intake and sun exposure. We already know that this calcifediol deficiency is associated with ACKD, but we do not know if there are differences between ACKD patients and dialysis patients. The aim of this study is to analyse whether there are differences in calcifediol levels between ACKD and dialysis patients. Method An observational, analytical, ambispective, multicentre, analytical study was carried out with the participation of five Centres in Spain, under conditions of routine clinical practice. As study subjects, we included patients with ACKD and on haemodialysis from the University Hospitals of Virgen del Rocío, La Paz and Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, and the dialysis centres: Avericum, Quironsalud Tenerife. We selected demographic variables and also included serum levels of calcifediol, calcium, phosphorus and PTH; treatment with: phosphorus binders, erythropoietin synthesis analogues (ESA), ferrotherapy, calcimimetics, active vitamin D, native vitamin D. Data are organised and analysed with SPSS Statistics v22. In all analyses, the significance level is set for a P value < 0.05. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was also performed. Results A total of 161 patients were included. Both groups were homogeneous in the presence of diabetes, calcium levels and treatment with iron, native vitamin D, active vitamin D and calcimimetics. There were significant differences in sex, age, phosphorus levels, PTH, phosphate binders, ESA treatment. There are no significant differences in calcifediol levels or vitamin D status between the two comparison groups. Conclusion In our study, within a general context of hypovitaminosis D, patients with ACKD have a vitamin D status similar to dialysis patients.

The Mismeasure of Sport: Race and the Science of Athletic Performance

The dominance of some Black athletes in some sports after civil rights led scientists and journalists to search for explanations in athletes’ culture, geography, psychology, and, increasingly, in their genes—all contributing, whether they landed on culture or biology, to a resurgent race science that invented what it purported to investigate. Science writers could not stop asking whether Kenyans won marathons because of their genes or because of their nation’s running tradition, frequently turning to a more fully naturalized gender binary to justify their pursuit of racial difference in sports. The question itself, no matter how it got answered, legitimized the idea that the Black athlete constituted a scientifically valid category, a category that in a society that privileges the natural above the social sciences (and all sciences above the humanities) ultimately entered the public sphere in biological form.

Chiral Induction in 2D Borophene Nanoplatelets through Stereoselective Boron-Sulfur Conjugation.

Chirality is a structural metric that connects biological and abiological forms of matter. Although much progress has been made in understanding the chemistry and physics of chiral inorganic nanoparticles over the past decade, almost nothing is known about chiral two-dimensional (2D) borophene nanoplatelets and their influence on complex biological networks. Borophene's polymorphic nature, derived from the bonding configurations among boron atoms, distinguishes it from other 2D materials and allows for further customization of its material properties. In this study, we describe a synthetic methodology for producing chiral 2D borophene nanoplatelets applicable to a variety of structural polymorphs. Using this methodology, we demonstrate feasibility of top-down synthesis of chiral χ3 and β12 phases of borophene nanoplatelets via interaction with chiral amino acids. The chiral nanoplatelets were physicochemically characterized extensively by various techniques. Results indicated that the thiol presenting amino acids, i.e., cysteine, coordinates with borophene in a site-selective manner, depending on its handedness through boron-sulfur conjugation. The observation has been validated by circular dichroism, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and 11B NMR studies. To understand how chiral nanoplatelets interact with biological systems, mammalian cell lines were exposed to them. Results showed that the achiral as well as the left- and right-handed biomimetic χ3 and β12 borophene nanoplatelets have distinct interaction with the cellular membrane, and their internalization pathway differs with their chirality. By engineering optical, physical, and chemical properties, these chiral 2D nanomaterials could be applied successfully to tuning complex biological events and find applications in photonics, sensing, catalysis, and biomedicine.

Identification of Depression from the Speech of a Person

The world’s population has experienced profound psychological effects over time due to stress, anxiety, and fast-paced modern lifestyles. Accurate mapping of the diverse forms of human biology is made possible by the global technological development in healthcare, which digitizes scopious data more than usual measuring methods. Healthcare data analysis can now be done more effectively with the use of machine learning (ML), thanks to its vast volume of data. To forecast the likelihood of mental illnesses and, consequently, carry out possible treatment outcomes, machine learning techniques are being applied to the field of mental health. This review paper outlines many machine learning techniques that are employed in the identification of depression. Classification, Deep learning, and ensemble—are used to group the machine learning-based depression detection systems. A comprehensive approach for identification depression is introduced, which includes data extraction, pre-processing, ML classifier training, detection, classification, and performance assessment. Additionally, it provides a summary that identifies the goals and constraints of various research projects that have been presented in the field of depression detection. It also covers potential directions for future research in the realm of depression diagnosis