Functional Capabilities Research Articles

Transarterial microembolization for the management of refractory chronic joint pain in osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease significantly impacting both patient quality of life and socioeconomics. Traditional treatment options, including pharmacological and surgical interventions, are often limited. Advancements in our understanding of the pathological mechanisms behind OA indicate the involvement of pathological angiogenesis. Transarterial microembolization (TAME), a minimally invasive radiological procedure, may present an innovative therapeutic approach. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge and experiences regarding TAME as a therapeutic modality for alleviating chronic joint pain associated with OA. It explores the role of TAME, focusing on its indications, patient selection, clinical outcomes, and future perspectives. Potential complications and associated risks are systematically addressed, alongside proposed strategies for risk mitigation and effective management.The presented patient cases originate from our institution, supplemented by a thorough review of relevant literature retrieved from PubMed.TAME represents a promising therapeutic approach, providing relief from the burden of joint diseases and substantially enhancing patient quality of life. Clinical outcomes emphasize the efficacy and safety of TAME in mitigating pain and improving functional capabilities in patients with chronic joint pain associated with OA. With mounting evidence of its therapeutic benefits and applicability to numerous joint-related pathologies, TAME offers a valuable addition to the arsenal of treatments for these conditions. · TAME is an innovative therapy for treating chronic joint pain related to OA.. · TAME is a technically challenging minimally invasive intervention requiring a high level of expertise.. · Understanding the challenges and complications of TAME can reduce risk and enhance procedural outcomes.. · Wilms LM, Jannusch K, Weiss D et al. Transarterial microembolization for the management of refractory chronic joint pain in osteoarthritis. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2288-5743.

Анаеробні можливості дівчат постпубертатного періоду онтогенезу мешканок гірських районів Закарпаття

Anaerobic productivity is characterized by the body’s ability to perform muscle work due to anaerobic processes of energy supply and is characterized by their power and capacity. Data on the age-related dynamics of the body’s anaerobic productivity are contradictory. Studying the anaerobic capabilities of girls in the mountainous regions of Zakarpattia Oblast, we understand that the somatotype and functional capabilities of the body are formed in this category of persons in conditions of relative hypoxia. Szymczak R.K. et al researching the effect on the physiology of the body of a long stay at a very high altitude (over 3500 m), male climbers note that in conditions of hypoxia, the anaerobic productivity of the body decreases, the maximum respiratory volume increases, and the relative content of the fat component of the body weight decreases. Therefore, the study of indicators of anaerobic productivity of the body’s energy supply in healthy girls may allow developing individual and population medical prognosis in the future. The level of physical health was assessed by indicators of anaerobic productivity of the body, assessing the ability of women living in mountainous regions to adapt to performing physical work in an anaerobic mode. For this purpose, we used the Wingat anaerobic test method described by Yu.M. Furman et al, the method of Shogy A., Cherebetin G. and somatotype was determined according to Heath-Carter. Having studied the anaerobic capabilities of 102 girls aged 16 to 20, residents of the mountainous regions of the Transcarpathian region. we noted that the performance of physical work in the anaerobic regime of the body’s energy supply depends on the somatotype. The power of anaerobic alactate and lactate processes turned out to be the highest in girls with an endomesomorphic somatotype. The power of anaerobic alactate and lactate processes turned out to be the lowest in girls with an ectomorphic somatotype. Studying the level of anaerobic productivity of females based on the relative indicator of the capacity of anaerobic lactate processes of energy supply showed that girls with a balanced somatotype have the lowest level of anaerobic capacity compared to girls of other somatotypes.

Impact of a Six-Week Treadmill Walking Program Combined with Submaximal Inspiratory Exercise in a Prehypertensive Female Living with Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report

<i>Introduction:</i> Multiple sclerosis (MS) can result in a range of disability, cognitive and ambulatory dysfunction, depression, fatigue, pain, and reduced quality of life. Hypertension has also been identified as a comorbidity for people living with MS. This case report investigated the impact of a six-week treadmill walking program combined with submaximal inspiratory exercise in a 39-year-old prehypertensive female living with MS. <i>Case Description:</i> The patient was referred for outpatient physical therapy to manage prehypertension and symptoms associated with MS. The patient completed a six-week treadmill walking program combined with submaximal inspiratory exercise. Outcomes included were systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). <i>Results:</i> Following six weeks of intervention, the patient's resting SBP decreased from 128 mmHg to 122 mmHg and resting DBP decreased from 88 mmHg to 82 mmHg. The patient's fatigue level, measured with MFIS, improved from 57/84 to 35/84. LEFS increased from 26/80 to 39/80 with improvements in balance, walking, and stair-climbing activities. <i>Discussion:</i> A six-week treadmill walking program combined with submaximal inspiratory exercise effectively lowered resting blood pressure and MS-related symptoms, improving the patient's quality of life and functional capabilities.

Design and analysis of a large tolerance docking mechanism

On-Orbit Servicing is increasingly crucial with the growing number of spacecraft. The foundation for On-orbit servicing is space docking mechanisms. As On-Orbit Servicing tasks become more complex, the demands for docking capture mechanisms increase in both function and performance. Therefore, it is crucial to design a docking mechanism with a large tolerance. Among various docking capture mechanisms, the multi-claw capture mechanism has the advantages of low impact and reliable capture. This paper analyzes the Common Berthing Mechanism and a docking mechanism with an underactuated two-degree-of-freedom claw-type capture mechanism as its core is proposed. Subsequently, this paper provided a detailed design of the mechanism based on the principle of underactuated capture. Furthermore, this article conducts numerical analyses of key mechanisms such as the capture mechanism and guide mechanism in the design process, verifying the functionality of the mechanisms. After completing the analysis of capturing dynamics, the tolerance ability of the mechanism was also verified, various key parameters were determined, and the parameters of components such as the torsion spring were also determined. Finally, the prototype of the proposed docking mechanism is developed, and the experiment is completed to validate its functional principle and tolerance capability.

Preparation, structural characterization, and functional attributes of zein-lysozyme-κ-carrageenan ternary nanocomposites for curcumin encapsulation

The low water solubility and inadequate bioavailability of curcumin significantly hinder its broad biological applications in the realms of food and medicine. There is limited information currently available regarding the particle characteristics and functional capabilities of zein-lysozyme-based nanomaterials. Thereby, the primary goal of the current work is to effectively develop innovative zein-lysozyme-κ-carrageenan complex nanocomposites (ZLKC) as a reliable carrier for curcumin encapsulation. As a result, ZLKC nanoparticles showed a smooth spherical nanostructure with improved encapsulation efficiency. Fourier-transform infrared, fluorescence spectroscopy, dissociation assay, and circular dichroism analysis revealed that hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding were pivotal in the construction and durability of these composites. X-ray diffraction examination affirmed the lack of crystallinity in curcumin encapsulated within nanoparticles. The incorporation of κ-carrageenan significantly improved the physicochemical stability of ZLKC nanoparticles in diverse environmental settings. Additionally, ZLKC nanocomposites demonstrated enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, as well as sustained release characteristics. Therefore, these findings demonstrate the potential application of ZLKC nanocomposites as delivery materials for encapsulating bioactive substances.

Use of non-invasive mesodiencephalic brain modulation for enhancing stress resistance in athletes

BACKGROUND: During many years of intensive training, professional athletes may experience manifestations of stress due to significant physical and emotional stress, which require corrective measures. AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of mesodiencephalic modulation of the brain to increase stress resistance in athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted, in which 57 athletes of complex coordination sports took part, of which 42 were girls and 15 were young men, the average age of the subjects was 18 ± 5,4 years. Two groups were formed: main (n = 35) and control (n = 22). To assess the functional capabilities of the body, all subjects included in the study were assessed for nonspecific adaptation responses by the percentage of lymphocytes and the ratio of leukogram elements in peripheral blood, and the level of adaptation and anxiety was assessed using structured questionnaires. Athletes of the main group (n = 35) underwent a course of mesodiencephalic modulation of the brain. RESULTS: The increase in adaptation capabilities in the control group was due to an increase in the frequency of the increased activation reaction, and in the main group — a calm activation reaction, which, in the presence of stress, is a more favorable adaptation state. CONCLUSIONS: The use of non-invasive mesodiencephalic modulation of the brain to increase stress resistance in athletes is advisable. Course of mesodiencephalic modulation of brain by cycle consisting of 10 procedures, duration 30 min, average intensity — 1.19 mA, allows to reduce level of psychoemotional tension, to improve general well-being, to increase speed of recovery processes after training. The course of mesodiencephalic modulation contributed to an increase in the adaptation capabilities of the body of athletes.

Multiwavelength laser diode based portable photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging system for point of care applications.

Vascular diseases are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Despite having precursor conditions like peripheral arterial disease (PAD), they are often only diagnosed after the onset of stroke or heart attack. Low-cost, portable, noninvasive, point-of-care (POC), label-free assessment of deep vascular function benefits PAD diagnosis, especially in resource poor settings of the world. Doppler ultrasound-based blood flow measurements can diagnose PAD, albeit with limited sensitivity and specificity. To overcome this, here, we propose the first-of-its-kind dual-modality photoacoustic-and-ultrasound (PAUS) imaging system that integrates a multiwavelength pulsed laser diode (PLD) with a compact ultrasound data acquisition unit. The mesoscopic imaging depth of the portable PLD-PAUS system was validated using tissue phantoms, and its multispectral photoacoustic imaging capabilities were validated using an atherosclerosis-mimicking phantom. Furthermore, we demonstrated high-contrast volumetric in vivo photoacoustic imaging of rodent abdominal vasculature and quantified vessel reactivity due to hypercapnia stimulation. The multiparametric functional and molecular imaging capabilities of the PLD-PAUS system holds promise for POC applications.

Abstract PS05-02: PET Imaging of PARP Expression as a Biomarker of Response to Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Introduction: Poly–(adenosine diphosphate–ribose) polymerase (PARP) proteins are involved in double-stranded break repair, mediated through homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). The majority of PARP activity in this context is attributed to PARP-1 (85-90%). PARP-1 binding to damaged DNA, catalytic activity, and subsequent release to allow access for other DNA repair proteins are necessary for efficient DNA repair. The critical function of PARP-1 in these processes makes this protein a unique potential biomarker of DNA repair capability. [18F]FluorThanatrace ([18F]FTT) is an 18F-labeled PARP inhibitor analog that binds to the same site as approved PARPi drugs. We hypothesized that the biologically relevant form of PARP in untreated breast cancer might provide an indication of functional tumor DNA repair capabilities and therefore predict chemotherapy response. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether a non-invasive quantitative measure of in vivo PARP expression correlated with response to chemotherapy in breast cancer. Methods: A single-arm prospective trial enriched for subjects with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania from May 2017 to March 2022 (NCT03083288 and NCT03846167). Inclusion criteria were primary breast cancer with tumor diameter of at least 1 cm on conventional imaging and willingness to undergo an [18F]FTT-PET scan prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Participants provided written informed consent. [18F]FTT uptake in breast cancer was measured pre-therapy and tested for association with pathologic complete response (pCR). Subjects were scanned on an Ingenuity TF PET/CT (Philips Healthcare) following injection of [18F]FTT using a 20-minute static acquisition. Peak 1 cm3 average uptake (SUVpeak) were recorded from a spherical region-of-interest (ROI) covering the primary malignancy, guided by CT and prior imaging studies. All SUVs were partial volume corrected and normalized using muscle (NM). A Mann-Whitney test was used to determine if [18F]FTT uptake differed by pCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to test the performance of [18F]FTT uptake in predicting pCR. Statistical analyses utilized STATA v15.1 with significance based on a two-sided alpha level of ≤0.05. Participants: Twenty-six women with stage I-III breast cancer met inclusion criteria with age range of 29-74 years and self-reported race as Asian (1, 4%), Black (9, 37%) or White (16, 60%). One subject had bilateral tumors (ER+ stage IIA and HER2+ stage I) that were evaluated separately (27 total tumors). Breast tumors were pathologically confirmed and included 6 (22%) ER+/HER2-, 5 (19%) HER2+, and 16 (59%) TNBC. Germline sequencing was available for 21 participants. Results: Mean tumor diameter ranged from 15 to 91 mm (median 30 mm). A considerable range of [18F]FTT uptake was seen across subjects (SUVpeak/NM 0.66-6.5). [18F]FTT uptake was independent of subtype (ER+, HER2+, TN) (P=0.35), stage (P=0.39), and between mutations in genes associated with homologous recombination deficiency (i.e., BRCA1/2, PALB2) and wild-type (P=0.73). In the TNBC cohort, pre-treatment [18F]FTT uptake was higher in subjects who went on to have a pCR (n=16, P=0.05), while a trend toward higher uptake was seen when including all tumor types (n=27, P=0.11). ROC analysis of the value of [18F]FTT uptake for predicting pCR revealed an AUC of 0.79 and showed that a threshold SUV ratio < 2.47 predicted pCR in TNBC patients with a 100% specificity and 64% sensitivity. Conclusions: These early clinical results suggest a relationship between [18F]FTT uptake, a measure of PARP expression, and chemotherapy sensitivity in TNBC, warranting future studies to elucidate underlying mechanistic processes and potential clinical implications. Citation Format: Sarah Gitto, Anthony Young, Ira Bleiweiss, Amy Clark, Elizabeth McDonald. PET Imaging of PARP Expression as a Biomarker of Response to Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PS05-02.

Abstract PO5-08-06: Metabolic shift to serine pathway induced by lipids confers oncogenic properties in non-transformed breast cells

Abstract Introduction. Oncogenic factors that are local/in-breast are of great interest as they may be more specifically targetable for breast cancer prevention than systemic factors. We have identified a lipid metabolism gene signature that is enriched in breast tissue at risk for estrogen negative breast cancer (ER- BC). Utilizing the medium chain fatty acid Octanoic acid (OA) to probe lipid metabolism in non-transformed breast epithelial cells, we observed increased flux through several metabolic reactions and altered histone methylation with consequent changes in gene expression (e.g. neural genes). Neuronal signaling and regulatory circuits are observed in cancer cells of multiple origins, not just ones with ontological relationships to neurons. We hypothesize that the first and rate limiting step in the de novo serine pathway, which is catalyzed by Phosphoglycerate Dehydrogenase (PHGDH) is key to these observations. In the forward direction, PHGDH participates in the serine, one-carbon, glycine (SOG) and methionine pathways that produce the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and in the reverse direction produces the oncometabolite 2-Hydroxyglycerate (2-HG). Methods. Non-transformed MCF-10A cells exposed to OA were utilized for U13C-glucose tracing. SAM and 2-HG concentrations following treatment with OA ± PHGDH inhibitor were measured by liquid chromatography. CUT&RUN for H3K4me3 was performed and genes affected by OA (PMID: 28263391) were compared with OA-responsive peaks. Single cell RNA-sequencing was carried out using breast microstructures derived from reduction mammoplasty tissue exposed to vehicle or OA. Microstructures were dissociated into single cells and sequenced using the 10x Genomics platform. The digital expression matrix file containing UMIs were analyzed with Seurat. Alkaline comet assay was performed to detect DNA breaks. Results. U13C-glucose tracing in presence of OA revealed that one-carbon-THF was redirected to the methionine cycle increasing flux to methylation. Concentrations of SAM and 2-HG increased after 15- and 30-min OA exposure, respectively; PHGDH inhibitor blocked these increases. H3K4me3 CUT&RUN revealed 661 differential peaks (FDR < 0.05) comparing OA to control. 73% of H3K4me3 OA-associated peaks were in regulatory regions of OA-induced genes (FDR < 0.01), these genes are involved in neural pathways, EMT and ER- BC. Motif analysis revealed an overrepresentation of binding sites for transcription factors ATF3/4 (p < 0.05), which are regulators of the serine pathway. Single cell RNA-sequencing revealed OA not only affected the distribution of cell subpopulations but also modulated the expression of many genes within each subcluster. The percentage of luminal progenitor subcluster 3 increased upon OA from less than 1% to about 13%. Within basal subcluster 3, OA drives the expression of ATF3, along with two of the enzymes in the de novo serine pathway: PHGDH and PSAT1. Alkaline comet assay showed DNA breaks in OA- and control 2-HG- treated cells. Conclusions. Metabolism of OA in preference to glucose and glutamine results in a metabolic shift toward the serine pathway increasing the production of SAM and 2-HG, with implications for oncogenesis: 1. SAM production results in epigenetic fostered plasticity leading to reprogramming/selecting cells that express genes consistent with a neural/neural crest-like state. These co-opted neuronal regulatory mechanisms can make critical contributions to the acquired functional capabilities that drive cancer development. 2. 2-HG exposure results in appearance of DNA breaks, which are likely consequent to the inhibition of the alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases KDM 4A/B by 2-HG. Their catalytic activity is required for homologous recombination repair; inhibition results in metabolic “BRCAness”. Citation Format: Mariana Bustamante Eduardo, Gannon Cottone, Shiyu Liu, Maria Paula Zappia, Elizaveta V. Benevolenskaya, Abul Bashar Mir Md. Khademul Islam, Maxim V. Frolov, Seema Khan, Susan Clare. Metabolic shift to serine pathway induced by lipids confers oncogenic properties in non-transformed breast cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-08-06.

Efficient, cost-effective isolation of functional antigen specific antibodies using Nanovial technology

Abstract The therapeutic application of monoclonal antibodies has been invaluable in improving the quality of life for countless patients across numerous indications. Despite advances in streamlining the process, enhanced screening methods still necessitate substantial investments in equipment, reagents, and training. To address this gap, we have developed a workflow utilizing Nanovials, hydrogel nanoliter containers, to enable the discovery of functional antibodies from single cells with a simple workflow without any new equipment or protracted hands-on assay steps. We demonstrate this workflow using a hybridoma producing anti-Hen egg lysozyme (HEL) antibodies. As a proxy for rare “on target” cells, HEL hybridoma was spiked into a non-antigen specific hybridoma at known percentages and functional, HEL specific clones were enriched and isolated with a Nanovial assay. Nanovials specifically enrich the target antigen specific secreting cells at concentrations as low as 1% and isolate desired clones by sorting. Further improving the functional screening capabilities without lengthening the assay, multi-cell Nanovial assays were performed combining a target antibody secreting cell and reporter cell to specifically sort cells based on antibody binding or pathway modulation. By providing increased functional assay capabilities while reducing the time and material needed to isolate functional, antigen specific antibodies, Nanovials enable the rapid discovery of potent antibody therapeutics.

Age reporting by and for older people in Uganda: relationships with frailty, human capital and population registration

In this article, we investigate the accuracy of age reporting by people aged 60 and older and proxy reporting by their carers in a peri-urban area of Uganda, and analyse the factors that influence reporting by both groups. We find a high level of age heaping on terminal digits 0 and 5, indicating poor knowledge of age. Contrary to other studies, we find that literate people were more likely to exhibit age heaping. We link this to the absence of birth registration for this cohort and the introduction of National Identification (ID) cards in Uganda five years before our survey. We conclude that age heaping is better interpreted as an indicator of registration machinery than of human capital. We also find that the health, functional capabilities and education of older people influenced the age ascribed to them by their carers. Carers who knew the older people less well were more likely to overestimate their age, and carers of healthy and more educated people were more likely to report a younger age than that reported by the older people themselves. Where people don’t know their age, the age they report may also be influenced by their health and capabilities, making it difficult to establish true relationships between chronological age and outcomes such as health. In many disciplines, self-reported age or age reported by proxy respondents is accepted uncritically by researchers, but our study shows that in peri-urban Uganda age reporting remains approximate and biased, and this has strong implications for appropriate targeting and monitoring of interventions to support healthy ageing in such contexts.

Balloon compression-induced spinal cord injury in canines: a large animal model for spinal cord injury research.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering condition that severely impacts an individual's functional capabilities and has significant implications for both the individual and society. Large animal models are crucial for understanding the pathology and biomechanics of SCI. Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are promising models for SCI research due to their anatomical and histopathological similarities to humans. Balloon compression is an established method for inducing controlled SCI in canines. In this study, we optimized a balloon compression procedure for inducing SCI in dogs, aiming to develop a reliable model for future in vivo studies. Our methodology successfully induced total motoric loss in canines, observed for seven days, a critical period for therapeutic interventions. Histopathological examinations using Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining revealed total demyelination in intralesional samples, confirming the structural damage caused by balloon compression. We concluded that a balloon compression model at the T10-T11 vertebral level, with an inflated balloon volume of 1.0 ml, induced SCI while minimizing the risk of balloon rupture. Longer duration of compression ensures total paralysis in this model, providing a platform for testing therapeutic interventions during the acute phase of SCI. The canine model generated consistent data and facilitated straightforward observational findings.

Evaluating the Functional Capability of Circulating Natural Killer Cells in Human Studies

Abstract Introduction: Interleukin-15 (IL-15) appears to be involved in T cell and natural killer (NK) cell homeostasis and immune-mediated diseases. In a first-in-human study of a monoclonal antibody against IL-15 (TEV-53408), a reduction of circulating NK cells was observed in healthy volunteers. In order to determine if there was also a qualitative effect on NK cells, in-vitro functional assessments were performed on the remaining NK cells. Methods: PBMCs were obtained from 81 healthy participants(administered TEV-53408 or placebo) in a single-dose (SD) and a multiple dose (MD) study. Samples were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)/ionomycin to induce degranulation, stained with an NK cell-extracellular panel and CD107a. After fixation, permeabilization, and intracellular staining for perforin, cells were run through a flow-cytometry assay. Results: The collected data demonstrated a standard CD56 bright:dim ratio at all time points. Perforin load (MFI) and % of CD107a expression with or without stimulation suggest that TEV-53408 had no effect on the degranulation ability of NK cells. Discussion: These assessments provide an effective method to assess the phenotype and functionality of remaining NK cells following anti-IL-15 treatment. The results suggest that treatment with TEV-53408 does not affect the functionality of the remaining NK cells during the studied timeframe, despite the reduction of circulating NK cells.

Non-subjective artificial intelligence in the system of subject-object relations

Expansion of functional capabilities of artificial intelligence systems actualizes the question of the possibility of their autonomous activity aimed at cognition and creation of the world. A significant factor determining the properties of artificial intelligence is its subjectiveness. If the world is deterministic, its subjectiveness is not necessary to ensure the functionality of artificial intelligence. Subjectiveness, however, is necessary for the initialization of cognitive or creative activity. A reasonable question arises regarding the ability of non-subjective artificial intelligence to act as a subject of cognition. Studies show that two main forms of participation of non-subject artificial intelligence in the system of subject-object relations are possible: as part of an integrated subject of cognition, in which a human being-operator plays the leading role, or fully autonomous functioning of artificial intelligence initialized (formalized or non-formalized) by the tasks of satisfying human being's needs. The analysis of the properties of cognition by means of artificial intelligence and other cognitive systems shows that the ability to act as a subject of cognition is formed not at the formation of subjectness, but at a lower level - the level of formation of self-consciousness, available to relatively uncomplicated cognitive systems, both natural and artificial. The conclusion about the direct connection between self-consciousness and the ability to cognize follows from the definition of cognition in the logic of subject-object opposition, corresponding to the epistemological interpretation of subject-object relations. However, an alternative ontological interpretation is also possible, which identifies being and consciousness. Such an idealistic understanding of the world corresponds to the philosophy of irrationalism, in the framework of which a reliable answer to the question of the necessity of subjectiveness for solving intellectual problems cannot be obtained.

Unearthing the soil-borne microbiome of land plants.

Plant-soil biodiversity interactions are fundamental for the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Yet, the existence of a set of globally distributed topsoil microbial and small invertebrate organisms consistently associated with land plants (i.e., their consistent soil-borne microbiome), together with the environmental preferences and functional capabilities of these organisms, remains unknown. We conducted a standardized field survey under 150 species of land plants, including 58 species of bryophytes and 92 of vascular plants, across 124 locations from all continents. We found that, despite the immense biodiversity of soil organisms, the land plants evaluated only shared a small fraction (less than 1%) of all microbial and invertebrate taxa that were present across contrasting climatic and soil conditions and vegetation types. These consistent taxa were dominated by generalist decomposers and phagotrophs and their presence was positively correlated with the abundance of functional genes linked to mineralization. Finally, we showed that crossing environmental thresholds in aridity (aridity index of 0.65, i.e., the transition from mesic to dry ecosystems), soil pH (5.5; i.e., the transition from acidic to strongly acidic soils), and carbon (less than 2%, the lower limit of fertile soils) can result in drastic disruptions in the associations between land plants and soil organisms, with potential implications for the delivery of soil ecosystem processes under ongoing global environmental change.

HISTORY AND PROSPECTS OF THE STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONAL METHOD IN ETHNOLOGY: IMPLEMENTATION IN FAMILY RITUALS, STREET ART AND ACTIVITIES OF LOCAL ARTISTIC COMMUNITIES

The purpose of the article is to establish which structures should be considered the most characteristic and typical for the founders of the structural and functional analysis in ethnology – C. Lévi-Strauss, A. Radcliffe-Brown, E. Leach, V. Turner, V. Propp. The researcher singles out the main structure for each of them and demonstrates its functional capabilities. For Radcliffe-Brown, in the author’s opinion, the structure of the tribe and family relations between its members in one of the areas of Western Australia is fundamental. From the scientific heritage of Lévi-Strauss, the structure of the division into components of the ancient Greek myth about Oedipus stands out. Characteristic for Leach is the structure of “condensation”, in which two interconnected functions give rise to a third one, usually based on symbols and metaphors. A structure characteristic of Turner is a diagram of the spatial symbolism of a certain ritual of one Central African tribe. As an example of Propp’s structuralism, the division of a folk tale according to the functions of the characters is given, where each of the functions has a conventional designation, and as a result, we get the formula of the fairy tale plot. The author concludes that the possibilities of the structural and functional method are far from exhausted. Thanks to the examples presented in the article, it was possible to establish that the method of structural and functional analysis, initiated in the middle of the last century, can be successfully used in the latest research, in particular, the study of Ukrainian national rites of the family cycle, as well as street art and activities of artistic communities.

Canola Seed Protein: Pretreatment, Extraction, Structure, Physicochemical and Functional Characteristics.

The rapid growth of the global population has led to an unprecedented demand for dietary protein. Canola seeds, being a widely utilized oil resource, generate substantial meal by-products following oil extraction. Fortunately, canola meals are rich in protein. In this present review, foremost attention is directed towards summarizing the characteristics of canola seed and canola seed protein. Afterwards, points of discussion related to pretreatment include an introduction to pulsed electric field treatment (PEF), microwave treatment (MC), and ultrasound treatment (UL). Then, the extraction method is illustrated, including alkaline extraction, isoelectric precipitation, acid precipitation, micellization (salt extraction), and dry fractionation and tribo-electrostatic separation. Finally, the structural complexity, physicochemical properties, and functional capabilities of rapeseed seeds, as well as the profound impact of various applications of rapeseed proteins, are elaborated. Through a narrative review of recent research findings, this paper aims to enhance a comprehensive understanding of the potential of canola seed protein as a valuable nutritional supplement, highlighting the pivotal role played by various extraction methods. Additionally, it sheds light on the broad spectrum of applications where canola protein demonstrates its versatility and indispensability as a resource.

Establishing Genuine Human Connections Through Digital Entities

This academic inquiry systematically analyzes the cognitive processes that impact the perception of authenticity in human-virtual entity interactions, covering domains such as empathy, emotional involvement, social presence, anthropomorphism, as well as the influence of visual and auditory aesthetics. Drawing from a broad spectrum of recent research and foundational literature, the study explores how these elements fortify the trustworthiness of virtual agents across various fields including education, healthcare, entertainment, and customer service. The primary discoveries underscore the importance of emotional intelligence, encompassing empathy and the capacity to adjust reactions based on user emotions, as vital in heightening the perceived authenticity of virtual entities. Additionally, the analysis reveals that achieving a balanced integration of human-like qualities and functional capabilities, while avoiding the uncanny valley, is crucial in nurturing confidence and involvement. The paper also addresses ethical issues concerning the authenticity and potential manipulation of virtual entities, underscoring the need for robust ethical standards in this rapidly advancing area. The review identifies several gaps in the literature, like the necessity for more extensive research on the dynamics of human-virtual entity relationships and exploration into cross-cultural differences in authenticity perceptions. It recommends that forthcoming studies incorporate a variety of methodologies, including physiological gauges and longitudinal analyses, to enhance our comprehension of these interactions. The implications for the layout and execution of virtual entities are examined, emphasizing the necessity for developers to prioritize emotional intelligence and user-centered design to craft genuinely captivating virtual agents. The inquiry advocates for interdisciplinary cooperation to tackle the ethical dilemmas and ensure that progressions in virtual entity technologies enhance human encounters and engagements.

Exploring the Metatranscriptome of Bacterial Communities of Two Moss Species Thriving in Different Environments-Terrestrial and Aquatic.

Mosses host diverse bacterial communities essential for their fitness, nutrient acquisition, stress tolerance, and pathogen defense. Understanding the microbiome's taxonomic composition is the first step, but unraveling their functional capabilities is crucial for grasping their ecological significance. Metagenomics characterizes microbial communities by composition, while metatranscriptomics explores gene expression, providing insights into microbiome functionality beyond the structure. Here, we present for the first time a metatranscriptomic study of two moss species, Hypnum cupressiforme (Hedw.) and Platyhypnidium riparioides (Hedw.) Dixon., renowned as key biomonitors of atmospheric and water pollution. Our investigation extends beyond taxonomic profiling and offers a profound exploration of moss bacterial communities. Pseudomonadota and Actinobacteria are the dominant bacterial phyla in both moss species, but their proportions differ. In H. cupressiforme, Actinobacteria make up 62.45% and Pseudomonadota 32.48%, while in P. riparioides, Actinobacteria account for only 25.67% and Pseudomonadota 69.08%. This phylum-level contrast is reflected in genus-level differences. Our study also shows the expression of most genes related to nitrogen cycling across both microbiomes. Additionally, functional annotation highlights disparities in pathway prevalence, including carbon dioxide fixation, photosynthesis, and fatty acid biosynthesis, among others. These findings hint at potential metabolic distinctions between microbial communities associated with different moss species, influenced by their specific genotypes and habitats. The integration of metatranscriptomic data holds promise for enhancing our understanding of bryophyte-microbe partnerships, opening avenues for novel applications in conservation, bioremediation, and sustainable agriculture.

The role of insect gut microbiota in host fitness, detoxification and nutrient supplementation.

Insects are incredibly diverse, ubiquitous and have successfully flourished out of the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of evolutionary processes. The resident microbiome has accompanied the physical and biological adaptations that enable their continued survival and proliferation in a wide array of environments. The host insect and microbiome's bidirectional relationship exhibits their capability to influence each other's physiology, behavior and characteristics. Insects are reported to rely directly on the microbial community to break down complex food, adapt to nutrient-deficit environments, protect themselves from natural adversaries and control the expression of social behavior. High-throughput metagenomic approaches have enhanced the potential for determining the abundance, composition, diversity and functional activities of microbial fauna associated with insect hosts, enabling in-depth investigation into insect-microbe interactions. We undertook a review of some of the major advances in the field of metagenomics, focusing on insect-microbe interaction, diversity and composition of resident microbiota, the functional capability of endosymbionts and discussions on different symbiotic relationships. The review aims to be a valuable resource on insect gut symbiotic microbiota by providing a comprehensive understanding of how insect gut symbionts systematically perform a range of functions, viz., insecticide degradation, nutritional support and immune fitness. A thorough understanding of manipulating specific gut symbionts may aid in developing advanced insect-associated research to attain health and design strategies for pest management.