Growth Curve Research Articles

CRISPR du-HITI an attractive approach to targeting Long Noncoding RNA HCP5 as inhibitory factor for proliferation of ovarian cancer cell.

This research provides a glimmer of hope that the knockout of HCP5 leads to a therapy response to considerably prolong the life of patients with OC. RT-PCR evaluated the expression of lncRNA HCP5 in the ovarian cancer OVCAR-3 cell line. CRISPR knockout cell lines validated by western blot. Small genomic deletions at the targeted locus were induced. CCK-8 colony formation assays were used to analyze the effect of HCP5 knockout on the proliferation capacity of OVCAR-3 cells. Transwell migration and invasion assayed. Furthermore, the Sphere-formation assay isolated the most aggressive population of cancer stem cells. Bioinformatic analysis showed a significant correlation between lncRNA HCP5 up-regulation and OVCAR-3 cell proliferation. The ChIP technique assesses specific sites of interaction between transcription factors and DNA. Real-time PCR assays explored the relationship between HCP5, Hsa-miR-9-5p, CXCR4, CDH1, caspase-3, p53, bcl2 and survivin. PCR carried out amplification of the 448-bp band for sgRNA1 and sgRNA2 after the use of particular primers for HCP5. the number of breast cancer cells that moved to the bottom chamber reduced considerably after transfection with PX461-sgRNA1/2 vectors compared to the Blank control groups (P < 0.05). MTT assay designated growth curves that showed the rate of OVCAR-3 growth was significantly repressed (***P < 0.001) when compared with control OVCAR-3 cells after HCP5 knockdown. Also, the survival results of W.T cells in 24, 48 and 72 h showed 92%, 87% and 85%, respectively. This is while the cells of the CRISPR/Cas9 group in which LncRNA HCP5 was knocked out had 42% (*P < 0.05), 23%(**P < 0.01) and 14% (**P < 0.01) survival, respectively. The expression levels of caspase-3, Hsa-miR-9-5p, P53 genes in the HCP5 deletion of CRISPR/Cas9 group significantly increased than the W.T. control group; the deletion group showed a considerable reduction in HCP5 expression compared to the blank control group (3.6-fold, p < 0.01). Whereas BCL2, SURVIVIN, CXCR4, CDH1 genes expression markedly increased than in HCP5 knockout cells (5.8-fold, p < 0.05). These results indicate that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated HCP5 disruption on OVCAR-3 cell lines promotes anti-tumor biomarkers, suppressing ovarian cancer progression. Consistent with these results, HCP5 is one of the most critical lnc for the efficient proliferation and migration of OVCAR-3 cell lines.

Upaya Promotif Dan Preventif Stunting Kepada Pengunjung Posyandu RW 3 Kelurahan Mojosongo, Kecamatan Jebres, Kota Surakarta

Introduction: According to WHO (2015), stunting is a disruption in the growth and development of children due to chronic malnutrition and recurrent infections, which are characterized by body length or height below standard. Furthermore, according to WHO (2020) stunting is short based on length/height according to age which is less than -2 standard deviation (SD) on the WHO child growth curve which occurs due to irreversible conditions due to inadequate nutritional intake and/or recurrent infections/chronic disease that occurs within 1000 first-time days of life. Mojosongo is one of the Villages in Jebres District, Surakarta City. Based on the jateng.prov.go report in 2022, in Mojosongo there are 137 stunting cases that will be handled. Wrong parenting patterns, inappropriate feeding, high cases of young marriages, and lack of knowledge cause the risk of stunting in children. Reflecting on these conditions, this area was chosen to be the target of promotive and preventive efforts in carrying out willing to make the pulic of Indonesia healthier Objective: This activity aims to increase general public understanding about stunting in children. Method: Activities with lecture speaking and give education through leaflet media. Evaluation using a questionnaire both before counseling and after presenting the material.

Establishment of Big Bone chicken fibroblast cell bank and study of its biological characteristics

A fibroblast bank of Big Bone chicken was established using tissue adherent culture method. This cell bank included 29 embryo samples, had stocks of 147 cryogenically-preserved vials each containing 2~3Å~106 cells, and met all the cell line quality control standards established by the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). The cells cultured in vitro showed the typical morphology of fibroblasts. The growth curve assumed the “S” shape, and the cell population doubling time (PDT) was about 30h. Cell viability was 98.1% before cryopreservation and 96.6% after recovery. All tests for microbial contamination were negative. The isoenzyme pattern was of species specificity. The frequency of diploid cells was 91%. The transfection efficiency of three fluorescent protein genes fluctuated between 10.6% and 26.5%. These results showed that the cells cultured in vitro grew well and had stable genetic properties. This research thus does not only preserve the poultry genetic resources of Big Bone chicken at the cell level, but also opens new ways for preserving important genetic resources of endangered animals in the form of somatic cells.

Synthesis and Crystallization Mechanism for SAPO-34 Zeolite Derived from Magadiite.

In this work, we explored the hydrothermal synthesize and crystallization process of SAPO-34 zeolites from two-dimensional layered silicate magadiite by using tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEAOH) as a templating agent. Comprehensive characterization was conducted by XRD, SEM, FTIR, Raman, and BET. Time-resolved PXRD analysis revealed that SAPO-34 zeolite exhibited a steep growth curve when the crystallization time was 30 h, and the crystallinity reached 98.65 % at 48 h. Specifically, the disruption of the magadiite layer exposed charged silanol groups on the surface, fostering an affinity for AlO4 and PO4 species, thereby initiating the nucleation process. Under the guidance of TEAOH, these nucleation sites transformed into SAPO-34 nuclei, gradually advancing towards crystallization. FTIR and Raman analyses affirmed the presence of 6Rs, followed by D6R and 4Rs SBUs, along with the characteristic CHA structure. Combined with 29 Si NMR established that disaggregated silicate minerals served as zeolite synthesis "seeds", enhancing nucleation sites and overall crystallization efficiency.

Tracking correlations and predictors of plasma glucose in young adulthood: A comprehensive analysis from adolescence to young adulthood in TLGS study

AimsWe investigated the tracking correlations between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in adolescence with both FPG and 2-hour post-load glucose (2 h-PG) in adulthood, and identified the predictors of FPG and 2 h-PG in young adulthood using traditional risk factors during adolescence and adulthood. MethodsWe included 2188 participants (1033 male) from the Tehran lipid and glucose study within the age ranges 11–18 and 19–40 years during 1999–2018. The area under the curve (AUC) was computed using the growth curve models, and predictors were identified by the linear regression model. ResultsThe partial correlation between AUCs of FPG in adolescence and adulthood was 0.37 (P < 0.001). The correlation between AUCs of FPG in adolescence and 2 h-PG in adulthood was 0.17 (P < 0.001). The AUC of FPG was a significant positive predictor for both FPG and 2 h-PG in young adulthood. Other predictors of adult FPG included sex, as well as BMI and the ratio of triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol during both adolescence and adulthood. ConclusionsTracking correlation was observed for FPG, suggesting that monitoring and managing risk factors in adolescence may have implications for future glucose metabolism in young adulthood.

Isolation and identification of a novel phage targeting clinical multidrug-resistant Corynebacterium striatum isolates.

Over the past decade, Corynebacterium striatum (C. striatum), an emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen, has significantly challenged healthcare settings, especially those involving individuals with weakened immune systems. The rise of these superbugs necessitates innovative solutions. This study aimed to isolate and characterize bacteriophages targeting MDR-C. striatum. Utilizing 54 MDR-C. striatum isolates from a local hospital as target strains, samples were collected from restroom puddles for phage screening. Dot Plaque and Double-layer plate Assays were employed for screening. A novel temperate bacteriophage, named CSP1, was identified through a series of procedures, including purification, genome extraction, sequencing, and one-step growth curves. CSP1 possesses a 39,752 base pair circular double-stranded DNA genome with HK97-like structural proteins and potential for site-specific recombination. It represents a new species within the unclassified Caudoviricetes class, as supported by transmission electron microscopy, genomic evolutionary analysis, and collinearity studies. Notably, CSP1 infected and lysed 21 clinical MDR-C. striatum isolates, demonstrating a wide host range. The phage remained stable in conditions ranging from -40 to 55°C, pH 4 to 12, and in 0.9% NaCl buffer, showing no cytotoxicity. The identification of CSP1 as the first phage targeting clinical C. striatum strains opens new possibilities in bacteriophage therapy research, and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools against pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract P437: Cumulative Effect of Early-Onset Type 2 Diabetes on Left Ventricular Geometry - The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasingly common in young adults. Increases in left ventricular (LV) mass and wall thickness are early manifestations of myocardial involvement in T2D. The association between the cumulative burden of risk factors (RFs) and LV structural abnormalities in patients with early-onset T2D has not been well characterized. Objective: Investigate how metabolic RFs accumulated in a 25-year period among patients with early-onset T2D relate to LV mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT). Methods: We used data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study (CARDIA, baseline to year 25). We defined early-onset T2D by self-reported T2D or anti-diabetic medication use, fasting glucose (FG) ≥126 mg/dL, or oral glucose ≥200 mg/dL at or before follow-up year 10 (age&lt;40). LV outcomes were measured by Doppler echocardiography (LVMI by Devereux formula indexed to body surface area; RWT = LV posterior wall thickness at end diastole x 2/LV internal dimension at end-diastole). Hypertrophy was defined by LVMI ≥115 g/m 2 in men or ≥95 g/m 2 in women. We used the area under the growth curve (AUC) that was derived from quadratic random-effects models of ≥4 repeated measures of RFs (BMI, SBP, DBP, LDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and fasting insulin) to estimate the cumulative burden of T2D through adulthood. We performed linear regressions to examine the associations of the total AUC of each RF with LVMI or RWT, accounting for sex, race, mid-life age, education, smoking, and control for hypertension, lipids, and diabetes. We assessed the associations by sex and race. Results: Among 227 patients with early-onset T2D, 39% had hypertrophy, and 13% had RWT&gt;0.42 at midlife. Each standard deviation (SD) increase in total AUCs of BMI, SBP, DBP, triglycerides, FG, and fasting insulin was significantly associated with increased LVMI (β coefficients =5.9, 11.5, 10, 7, 4.1, and 6.7, respectively), while high total AUC of HDL-c was inversely associated with LVMI (β = -5.1). Increased total AUC of triglycerides was associated with increased RWT (β = 0.2). Significant sex and race differences were shown in the cumulative effect of RFs on outcomes. The positive associations between AUC of RFs and LVMI were significant in both sexes, but the associations were stronger in male patients than in women. The inverse association between AUC of HDL-c and LVMI was only significant in male patients (P-interaction &lt;0.05). Women with early-onset T2D but not men exhibited significantly increased RWT related to the increase in AUCs of SBP, DBP, triglycerides, FG, and insulin (P-interaction &lt;0.05). The positive association between AUC of BMI and LVMI was significant in Whites but not Blacks (P-interaction &lt;0.05). Conclusion: Cumulative RFs alter mid-adulthood LV geometry in patients with early-onset T2D. This cumulative impact of early-onset T2D on LV geometry varies by sex and race.

Isolation, Biological Characterization, and Quality Inspection of Human Umbilical Cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Clinical Research

Background: Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) represent a valuable and versatile cell type derived from the umbilical cord tissue of newborns. These cells exhibit diverse characteristics, including multipotent differentiation potential and low immunogenicity. hUCMSCs hold promise for clinical applications, yet concerns persist regarding their chromosomal stability. This study employs short tandem repeat (STR) analysis to assess genomic integrity. By focusing on chromosomal stability, the study aims to enhance confidence in the clinical viability of hUCMSCs, contributing to their safe and effective use in regenerative medicine. hUCMSCs were extracted from healthy newborn umbilical cords using tissue block adherence and enzyme digestion. The third generation of hUCMSCs undergoes biological characterization and quality checks, including examinations of cell morphology, viability, growth curves, surface markers, cell cycle, and multi-lineage differentiation potential. The result of the present study shows that hUCMSCs exhibit mesenchymal stem cell characteristics, with robust growth and high viability. Positive surface markers are expressed at rates exceeding 95%, while negative markers are ≤2%. Cell karyotyping analysis, STR spectrum identification, and chromosomal microarray analysis confirm genetic stability. Microbial testing shows the absence of contaminants, and immunological studies demonstrate the immunomodulatory capabilities of hUCMSCs. Specific residues, such as trypsin, were not detected. In conclusion, hUCMSCs produced under strict GLP and GMP conditions meet the quality guidelines for clinical application in various stem cell therapies. The findings support the clinical application of hUCMSCs in various medical contexts.

Abstract 14: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Physical Activity Behavior After Hospitalization for Suspected Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background: An acute coronary syndrome (ACS) related event can induce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and post-ACS PTSD is associated with a greater risk for secondary clinical outcomes among ACS survivors. While moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has been shown to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes after ACS, its impact on PTSD symptoms remains largely unknown. There is a notable absence of empirical evidence, especially from large-scale observational cohort studies with device-based measures of physical activity, on this topic. Aim: To investigate the relationship between physical activity behaviors over the first month post-discharge with PTSD symptoms at one month among patients with suspected ACS. Methods: Patients (n = 434, 48.6% female, 62.6±12.4yrs) evaluated for ACS in the emergency department were fitted with a GENEActiv wrist accelerometer in-hospital and wore the device on their non-dominant wrist for 30 days post-discharge to measure MVPA. Presence and severity of PTSD symptoms were assessed at 1-month follow-up using the PCL-5. Multilevel structural equation modeling was used to simultaneously 1) fit a linear growth curve (GC) model to patients’ 30-day trajectories of MVPA and 2) predict total PTSD symptoms from a) mean daily MVPA, b) average daily change in MVPA (GC slope), and c) covariates (age, biological sex, education, and Charlson Comorbidity Index). Results: Patients engaged in an average of 20.8 (95% CI: 18.4, 23.3, p &lt; 0.001) minutes of MVPA per day. MVPA levels increased at an average rate of 0.11 mins/day (95% CI: 0.05, 0.16, p &lt; 0.001) over the 30 days post-discharge. There was substantial between-patient variability in both average MVPA minutes (SD = 26.0) and daily rate of change in MVPA minutes (SD = 0.38). The daily rate of change in MVPA was significantly associated with 1-month PTSD symptoms (β per 0.5 mins/day difference in daily rate of change in MVPA minutes = -4.5 points on the PCL-5; 95% CI: -6.5, -2.5, p &lt; 0.001), controlling for the above-mentioned covariates. The association between average MVPA minutes and PCL-5 score was small and not statistically significant (β = 0.02; 95% CI: -0.04, 0.07, p = 0.60). Conclusion: PTSD symptoms appear to be mitigated in patients whose MVPA minutes increased over the 30 days post-discharge, whereas no evident association was observed between PTSD symptoms and average daily MVPA minutes. These findings suggest that progressively increasing MVPA by as little as .5 mins/day (i.e., ~1 SD above the mean rate of increase) within the immediate first month post-discharge, as opposed to maintaining a consistent daily average of MVPA, may impede the development of PTSD symptoms in ACS survivors.

Abstract P271: Greater Long-Term Non-High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Variability From Childhood is Associated With Poorer Midlife Cognitive Function: The Bogalusa Heart Study

Background: Exposure to elevated plasma non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels during adulthood has been associated with higher risk of cardiovascular events. However, whether long term non-HDL-C variability from childhood impacts midlife cognitive function (CF) is unclear. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that higher long-term non-HDL-C variability from childhood would be associated with worse midlife CF measures. Aim: We aimed to identify the effect of long term lipid variability from childhood on midlife CF. Methods: We studied 1,249 midlife participants of the Bogalusa Heart Study (age at baseline: mean 9.5 years+/- standard deviation(SD)3.5 years; age at midlife: mean 48.2 years+/- SD 5.2 years; 59.8 % women(747 of 1249), 34.3% Black(428 of 1249)) with ≥3 lipid measurements across follow up. Non-HDL-C levels were obtained as total cholesterol - HDL cholesterol. Visit-to visit non-HDL-C variability from childhood was estimated by the deviation from age predicted values (DEV), and residual SD (RSD). Non-HDL-C measurements were fitted in random-effects models stratified by race and sex, to produce individual growth curves. DEV and RSD were measured as the mean and SD of the residuals of observed and predicted non-HDL levels. Midlife CF was measured by 10 neuropsychological (NP) tests. NP test results were categorized into 3 distinct NP profiles (optimal, average, and mixed-low) using cluster analysis. Associations between non-HDL-C and NP profiles were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression models, adjusting for education status and the mean of non-HDL-C measurements from childhood to midlife. DEV and RSD were standardized to z-scores before conducting regression analysis. Interactions according to race and sex were performed. Results: The odds of having a mixed-low CF compared to optimal increased by 31.1% (95% CI 1.075, 1.599) for every 1 SD increase in DEV, and by 30.5% (95% CI 1.069, 1.591) for every 1 SD increase in RSD, respectively, adjusted for education status and mean non-HDL-C levels. Neither race or sex were found to modify the associations of DEV nor RSD on CF. Conclusions: Higher long-term non-HDL-C variability was linked to poorer midlife CF. Further studies are needed to identify the impact of long-term non-HDL-C variability in the association of cardiometabolic risk factors and midlife CF.

Abstract P270: Higher Long-Term Fasting Glucose Variability From Childhood is Associated With Poorer Cognitive Function in Midlife: The Bogalusa Heart Study

Background: Elevated fasting blood glucose(FBG) levels have been associated with poorer cognitive function. High FBG variability has also been associated with accelerated cognitive decline in late life. However, the impact of long term FBG variability from childhood on midlife cognitive function (CF) remains understudied. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that there would be an association of higher long-term FBG variability from childhood with poorer midlife CF measures. Aim: We aimed to identify the influence of higher long term FBG variability on midlife CF. Methods: We studied 1,005 midlife Bogalusa Heart Study participants (age at baseline: mean 9.4 years +/- SD 3.5 years; age at neuropsychological(NP) exam: mean 47.9 years+/- SD 5.2 years; 60.4% women(607 of 1005); 33.5 % Black(337 of 1005)) with ≥3 FBG measurements across follow up. Participants having type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) were excluded. T2DM was defined as FBG ≥126 mg/dL or taking diabetes medication. Long-term visit-to visit FBG variability was measured as deviation from age predicted values (DEV) and residual SD (RSD). Using ≥3 FBG measurements, DEV and RSD were obtained from individual growth curves created by fitting random-effects models stratified by race and sex. Participants’ midlife CF was first measured with 10 NP tests, then were classified into 3 distinct NP profiles (optimal, average, and mixed-low) using cluster analysis. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations between long-term FBG variability parameters and NP profiles, adjusting for education status and mean of FBG measures from childhood to midlife . DEV and RSD were standardized to z-scores by race and sex before regression analysis. Tests for interaction according to race and sex were conducted. Results: After adjusting for the mean FBG level and education status, for a 1 SD increase in DEV, the odds of having a mixed-low CF increased by 57.3% (95% CI 1.244, 1.990) and the odds of an average CF increased by 36.9% (95% CI 1.144, 1.640) respectively, compared to optimal CF. After adjusting for the mean FBG level and education status, for a 1 SD increase in RSD, the odds of having a mixed-low CF increased by 56% (95% CI 1.232, 1.974) and the odds of an average CF increased by 37.7% (95% CI 1.147, 1.653), respectively, compared to optimal CF. No significant interactions between long-term FBG variability parameters and race and sex were found. Conclusions: Higher long-term FBG variability was associated with poorer midlife CF. Further studies are needed to identify the role of long-term FBG variability in the association of cardiometabolic risk factors and midlife CF.

Cultivating efficiency: high-throughput growth analysis of anaerobic bacteria in compact microplate readers.

We present a workflow that facilitates the production and analysis of growth curves for anaerobic microbes using small-footprint microplate readers and an R script. This workflow is a cost and space-effective solution to most high-throughput solutions for collecting growth data from anaerobic microbes. This technology can be used for applications where high throughput would advance discovery, including microbial isolation, bioprospecting, co-culturing, host-microbe interactions, and drug/toxin-microbial interactions.

Abstract 45: Elevated Long-Term Triglyceride-Glucose Index Variability From Childhood is Linked to Poorer Midlife Cognitive Function: The Bogalusa Heart Study

Background: Insulin resistance has been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular events and cognitive impairment in older adults. Recently, an elevated triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a noninvasive marker of insulin resistance, has been linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Whether long-term TyG index variability from childhood to midlife impacts midlife cognitive function (CF) is unclear. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that elevated TyG index variability from childhood to midlife is associated with poorer midlife CF. Aim: We aimed to identify the impact of elevated TyG index variability from childhood to midlife on midlife CF. Methods: We studied 1,100 midlife Bogalusa Heart Study participants (age at enrollment: mean 9.5 years +/- standard deviation(SD) 3.5 years; age at midlife: 48.1 +/- 5.2 years; 60.3% women(663 of 1100), 34% Black(374 of 1100)) with ≥ 3 lipid and glucose measurements across follow-up. Participants with Type 2 diabetes mellitus were excluded. TyG index levels were calculated as ln [(serum fasting triglyceride in mg/dL x serum fasting glucose in mg/dL)/2]. TyG index measures of each individual were fitted into random-effects models stratified by race and sex, and individual growth curves were obtained. Visit-to visit TyG index variability from childhood to midlife was calculated by the deviation from age-predicted values (DEV) and residual SD (RSD) from these models. Midlife CF was measured from 10 neuropsychological (NP) tests, which were categorized into 3 distinct NP profiles (optimal, average, and mixed-low) using cluster analysis. Associations between TyG index variability and NP profiles were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression models, adjusting for education status and the mean of TyG index levels from childhood to midlife. DEV and RSD were standardized to z-scores according to race and sex before regression analysis. Interactions according to race and sex were performed. Results: Every 1 SD increase in DEV increased the odds of having a mixed-low CF by 48.9% (95% CI 1.201, 1.847) and an average CF by 22.9% (95% CI 1.046, 1.443) compared to optimal CF, after adjusting for education status and mean TyG levels. Every 1 SD increase in RSD increased the odds of having a mixed-low CF by 51% (95% CI 1.217, 1.873) and an average CF by 25.4% (95% CI 1.068, 1.472) compared to optimal CF, adjusting for education status and mean TyG levels. Neither race nor sex modified the effects of DEV nor RSD on CF. Conclusions: Greater long-term TyG index variability was linked with poorer midlife CF. Further studies are needed to elucidate the brain effects of higher long-term variability in insulin resistance from childhood to midlife.

Penicillium oxalicum SL2-enhanced nanoscale zero-valent iron effectively reduces Cr(VI) and shifts soil microbiota

Most current researches focus solely on reducing soil chromium availability. It is difficult to reduce soil Cr(VI) concentration below 5.0 mg kg-1 using single remediation technology. This study introduced a sustainable soil Cr(VI) reduction and stabilization system, Penicillium oxalicum SL2–nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), and investigated its effect on Cr(VI) reduction efficiency and microbial ecology. Results showed that P. oxalicum SL2–nZVI effectively reduced soil total Cr(VI) concentration from 187.1 to 3.4 mg kg–1 within 180 d, and remained relatively stable at 360 d. The growth curve of P. oxalicum SL2 and microbial community results indicated that γ-ray irradiation shortened the adaptation time of P. oxalicum SL2 and facilitated its colonization in soil. P. oxalicum SL2 colonization activated nZVI and its derivatives, and increased soil iron bioavailability. After restoration, the negative effect of Cr(VI) on soil microorganisms was markedly alleviated. Cr(VI), Fe(II), bioavailable Cr/Fe, Eh, EC and urease (SUE) were the key environmental factors of soil microbiota. Notably, Penicillium significantly stimulated the growth of urease-positive bacteria, Arthrobacter, Pseudarthrobacter, and Microvirga, synergistically reducing soil chromium availability. The combination of P. oxalicum SL2 and nZVI is expected to form a green, economical and long-lasting Cr(VI) reduction stabilization strategy.

Irritability across adolescence: Examining longitudinal trajectory, stability, and associations with psychopathology and functioning at age 18

BackgroundIrritability, marked by diminished frustration tolerance, holds significant implications for youth mental health treatment. Despite prior research on irritability trajectories, understanding of individual differences during adolescence remains limited. This study examines the stability and trajectory of irritability across ages 12–18, investigating associations with psychopathology and functioning at age 18. MethodsA community sample of families with 3-year-old children (N = 518) was recruited via commercial mailing lists. Irritability was assessed at ages 12, 15, and 18 using the Affective Reactivity Index. Psychopathology at age 18 was evaluated with the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia, and functioning was assessed through the UCLA Life Stress Interview. Measurement invariance analyses and latent growth curve modeling were conducted within a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework. ResultsConfigural, metric, and scalar invariance models were supported. Elevated irritability at age 12 predicted adverse outcomes at age 18, including increased psychotropic medication use, mental health treatment, suicidal ideation, self-injury, and psychiatric disorders. Importantly, these associations persisted even after accounting for corresponding variables at age 12. The trajectory of irritability during early adolescence significantly predicted heightened risks for various outcomes at age 18, including suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, disruptive behavior disorders, and impaired interpersonal functioning. DiscussionLimitations include using only youth-reported data at age 18, limited generalizability from a mostly White, middle-class sample, and insufficient exploration of the broader developmental trajectory of irritability. Nevertheless, the findings emphasize the crucial role of irritability's trajectory in influencing various psychopathological and functional outcomes in late adolescence.

Optimization of Ganciclovir and Valganciclovir Starting Dose in Children by Machine Learning.

Ganciclovir (GCV) and valganciclovir (VGCV) show large interindividual pharmacokinetic variability, particularly in children.The objectives of this study were (1) to develop machine learning (ML) algorithms trained on simulated pharmacokinetics profiles obtained by Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the best gancicloviror valganciclovirstarting dose in children and (2) to compare its performances on real-world profiles to previously published equation derived from literature population pharmacokinetic (POPPK) models achieving about 20% of profiles within the target. The pharmacokinetic parameters of four literature POPPK models in addition to the World Health Organization (WHO) growth curve for children were used in the mrgsolve R package to simulate 10,800 pharmacokinetic profiles. ML algorithms were developed and benchmarked to predict the probability to reach the steady-state, area-under-the-curve target (AUC0-24within 40-60 mg × h/L) based on demographic characteristics only. The best ML algorithm was then used to calculate the starting dose maximizing the target attainment. Performances were evaluated for ML and literature formula in a test set and in an external set of 32 and 31 actual patients (GCV and VGCV, respectively). A combination of Xgboost, neural network, and random forest algorithms yielded the best performances and highest target attainment in the test set (36.8% for GCV and 35.3% for the VGCV). In actual patients, the best GCV ML starting dose yielded the highest target attainment rate (25.8%) and performed equally for VGCV with the Franck model formula (35.3% for both). The ML algorithms exhibit good performances in comparison with previously validated models and should be evaluated prospectively.

Behavioral and neural responses to social rejection: Individual differences in developmental trajectories across childhood and adolescence

Dealing with social rejection is challenging, especially during childhood when behavioral and neural responses to social rejection are still developing. In the current longitudinal study, we used a Bayesian multilevel growth curve model to describe individual differences in the development of behavioral and neural responses to social rejection in a large sample (n > 500). We found a peak in aggression following negative feedback (compared to neutral feedback) during late childhood, as well as individual differences during this developmental phase, possibly suggesting a sensitive window for dealing with social rejection across late childhood. Moreover, we found evidence for individual differences in the linear development of neural responses to social rejection in our three brain regions of interest: The anterior insula, the medial prefrontal cortex, and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. In addition to providing insights in the individual trajectories of dealing with social rejection during childhood, this study also makes a meaningful methodological contribution: Our statistical analysis strategy (and can be found in this study’s online supplementary materials at https://jeroendmulder.github.io/social-emotion-regulation/) can be used as an example on how to take into account the many complexities of developmental neuroimaging datasets, while still enabling researchers to answer interesting questions about individual-level relationships.

Antibacterial activity and mechanism of X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide against Acinetobacter baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii is a pathogenic bacterium widespread in human environments, especially in intensive care units, and is associated with high morbidity and infection rates. Multiple drug resistance in A. baumannii frequently leads to the death of patients, making the development of multi-effect antibacterial agents against this bacterium a research hotspot. We have previously found that the X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide can effectively inhibit the growth of Penicillium digitatum and Candida albicans. Herein, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide against A. baumannii by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration, inhibition zone, and growth curve. The increase in extracellular alkaline phosphatase and the leakage of intracellular compounds confirmed the effect of X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide on the cell wall and membrane. Changes in reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, ATP, reducing sugar, soluble protein, and pyruvate content demonstrated that the incubation with X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide affected energy metabolism and oxidative stress. Consistent with the physiological characteristics, transcriptomics analysis indicated that incubation with X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide significantly induced changes in the expression of 2339 genes, including 1262 upregulated and 1077 downregulated genes, which participate in oxidative phosphorylation, ribosome, quorum sensing, fatty acid degradation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and citrate cycle pathways. These results provide a fundamental basis for investigating the mechanism of X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide as a potential drug against A. baumannii.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Cytotoxicity, Antibacterial, Anti-Motility, and Anti-Biofilm Effects of Myrothamnus flabellifolius Welw. Leaves and Stem Defatted Subfractions.

The formation of biofilms underscores the challenge of treating bacterial infections. The study aimed to assess the antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antibacterial, anti-motility, and anti-biofilm effects of defatted fractions from Myrothamnus flabellifolius (resurrection plant). Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging and hydrogen peroxide assays. Cytotoxicity was screened using a brine shrimp lethality assay. Antibacterial activity was determined using the micro-dilution and growth curve assays. Antibiofilm potential was screened using the crystal violet and tetrazolium reduction assay. Liquid-liquid extraction of crude extracts concentrated polyphenols in the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions. Subsequently, these fractions had notable antioxidant activity and demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against selected Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and Mycobacterium smegmatis (MIC values < 630 μg/mL). Growth curves showed that the bacteriostatic inhibition by the ethyl acetate fractions was through the extension of the lag phase and/or suppression of the growth rate. The sub-inhibitory concentrations of the ethyl acetate fractions inhibited the swarming motility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae by 100% and eradicated more than 50% of P. aeruginosa biofilm biomass. The polyphenolic content of M. flabellifolius plays an important role in its antibacterial, anti-motility, and antibiofilm activity, thus offering an additional strategy to treat biofilm-associated infections.

Non-linear regression models in the management of accumulated production of parchment coffee in Peru

Parchment coffee results from washing the coffee cherry, and its production has achieved a significant increase in the coffee-growing regions of Peru. Knowing the production pattern of this grain is essential to help coffee producers make decisions in the economic and social sector. As growth curves generally have sigmoidal behavior, which is well fit by non-linear models, this study aimed to model the cumulative production pattern of parchment coffee as a function of time (in months) in the year 2022, comparing the fit of the non-linear Logistic, Gompertz and von Bertalanffy models. The cumulative national production, and production of the departments of Huánuco and San Martín, in Peru, were analyzed. Data used to fit the models were obtained from the Ministry of Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) of Peru. To check the assumptions of normality, homoscedasticity, and independence of residuals, the Shapiro-Wilk, Breusch-Pagan, and Durbin-Watson tests were used, respectively. The model parameters were estimated using the least squares method using the Gauss-Newton algorithm in the R software. The goodness-of-fit of the models was tested using goodness-of-fit measures such as Coefficient of Determination (R2), Residual Standard Deviation (RSD), Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), and nonlinearity measures. Based on the models’ goodness-of-fit measures, the Gompertz model with a first-order autoregressive error term (AR1) fit best to national production data, and the Logistic model was the most suitable for describing the production of the departments of Huánuco, and San Martín.