P2 P3 Research Articles

Successional patterns of diatom communities in a restored thermo-mineral spring: a fifteen-month study in the Massif Central, France

ABSTRACT Throughout history, mineral springs have been utilized worldwide for various purposes. In the French Massif Central, numerous mineral springs, such as the CO2-rich Ceix Spring, have been historically significant. The Ceix spring was formerly used for the manufacture of statuettes by petrifying objects. In December 2019, the spring was restored to create a natural area downstream the point of emergence (water catchment that remains confined within a small, enclosed building), including the formation of spring-associated travertines. From January 2020 to March 2021, the evolution of diatom communities was monitored during the implementation of the travertine deposit following the restoration. Four sampling sites for diatoms and water quality were selected: two points near the emergence point of the restored area (P1, P2) and two at the foot of the travertine deposit (P3, P4). A significant difference was observed between the points closest to the emergence and those on the travertines, including changes in mineralization, increased pH, and higher dissolved oxygen content. Regarding diatoms, the community composition between points P1, P2 (e.g. Amphora copulata, Diploneis krammeri, Fallacia pygmaea) and points P3, P4 (e.g. Craticula halophila, Cymbella hantzschiana, Mastogloia lacustris) showed a statistically significant difference, indicating that water quality primarily controlled the diatom community composition.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SUPERMARKET BUILDING PERFORMANCE UNDER CURRENT AND FUTURE WEATHER CONDITIONS IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL COUNCIL (AMAC), ABUJA-NIGERIA

This study investigates the energy performance and carbon emissions of LIDL supermarket buildings in Abuja, Nigeria, under current and future climate conditions. Using a multi-methodological approach, the research evaluates three construction models—Model P1 (steel columns with cladding panels), Model P2 (Poroton blocks), and Model P3 (precast concrete columns with glulam beams)—to understand the impacts of construction techniques and materials on building energy efficiency and sustainability. The study employs Thermal Analysis Software (TAS) v9.5.0 to simulate energy consumption and emissions under different scenarios, utilizing dynamic weather data from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) for both present and future climate projections (2050s and 2080s). The methodology integrates critical building elements, including floor area, thermal properties, and heating, cooling, and lighting systems, and incorporates site-specific data from Jabi, Abuja, to analyze regional climate effects. Key simulation assumptions include construction details, U-values, and infiltration rates, while databases from ASHRAE are used to model thermal properties and heat transfer. Results highlight the energy demand changes and carbon emissions associated with heating and cooling across seasonal extremes. This research provides actionable insights into optimizing supermarket energy performance and sustainability in response to climate change, offering valuable guidance for building designs in urbanizing and climate-vulnerable regions like Nigeria.

3D ultrasound volume quantification for pediatric urinary tract dilation: a semi-automated segmentation software inter-rater analysis.

We determined the reliability of a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound (US) segmentation software for evaluating volumetric hydronephrosis index (HI) and renal parenchymal and pelvicalyceal volume in children with urinary tract dilation (UTD). From 1/2019 to 9/2023, children clinically scheduled for a renal imaging exam to assess UTD at a single center were prospectively enrolled. They underwent a dedicated two-dimensional (2D) and 3D US renal exam. A UTD score was assigned per kidney from the 2D images based on the 2014 consensus classification by an experienced pediatric radiologist. From the 3D dataset, the renal parenchyma and collecting system were independently segmented by three trained raters using a semi-automated software. From this segmentation, the kidney parenchymal and pelvicalyceal volume, dimensions, and volumetric HI values were analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient to grade inter-rater reliability. Forty-eight studies from 47 patients were included (65% male; median age 24 months; IQR 61 months). From these, 46 right and 40 left kidneys were chosen based on image quality. Twenty-nine (33.7%) kidneys had no UTD, 10 (11.6%) had UTD P1, 23 (26.7%) had UTD P2, and 24 (27.9%) had UTD P3. Inter-rater reliability was almost perfect across all parameters, with estimates ranging from 0.85 to 0.95. In sub-analysis of kidneys with UTD P2 and UTD P3, volumetric HI had the lowest inter-rater agreement (0.75 and 0.66, respectively). Semi-automated 3D US segmentation for kidneys with UTD can reliably assess renal dimensions, parenchymal and collecting system volumes, and volumetric HI among raters.

Chronological evolution in liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: Prognostic trends across three decades in early to advanced stages

BackgroundWhile liver resection remains the best curative option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it is unclear whether the consistent progress of multidisciplinary approaches in managing HCC over several decades has influenced the outcomes of liver resection. MethodsPatients undergoing liver resection for HCC from 1993 to 2022 in our institution were retrospectively assessed and stratified into three periods according to the year of liver resection, P1 (1993–2000), P2 (2001–2009), and P3 (2010–2022), and tumor status using the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system. ResultsA total of 1257 patients were included (P1:P2:P3 = 385:490:382, BCLC stage 0/A:B:C = 908:214:135). In the entire cohort, long-term surgical outcomes significantly improved across the three periods. In BCLC stage 0/A HCC, the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate improved from P1 to P3 (P1: 65.5 %, P2: 71.3 %, P3: 80.4 %), with HRs of 0.655 (95 % CI: 0.536 to 0.800) and 0.595 (95 % CI: 0.455 to 0.778) for P2 vs. P1 and P3 vs. P1, respectively. Conversely, limited advancements were observed in patients with BCLC stage B or C HCC. Multivariate analysis in BCLC stage 0/A patients demonstrated that ICGR15 > 15 %, ALBI grade 2 or 3 (vs. 1), multiple tumors, microvascular invasion, and surgical period (P2 vs.P1) remained independent poor prognostic factors for OS. ConclusionsSubstantial advancements in the long-term outcomes for HCC patients undergoing liver resection, particularly in BCLC stage 0/A, were observed, while minimal improvement was noted for BCLC stage B and C.

Does the positioning of the patient in the EOS machine affect the validity of cervical and head parameters calculated on whole-spine radiographs?

The aim was to study the validity of free-standing position using modifiers for assessing cervical spine alignment. A total of 26 asymptomatic subjects (45 ± 11years) and 13 with spinal deformities (30 ± 21years) underwent lateral radiographs using EOS®, while adopting 3 different positions, in 2 sequences, without mirror and then with mirror (m) placed in front of them: first, the neutral standing position (upper extremities positioned on the sides of the body, P1 and P1m), then free-standing (P2 and P2m) and modified free-standing (P3 and P3m) positions (shoulders flexed at 90° and fingers placed on clavicles then cheeks, respectively). Participants were asked not to move their trunk and shoulders when moving from P1 to P2 and then P3. Eighteen cervical radiographic parameters were calculated from the 6 radiographs. The effects of shoulder flexion, mirror placement, and finger positioning on cervical alignment were studied using a repeated-measures ANCOVA. Mirror placement had no effect on cervical alignment. Concerning the effect of shoulder flexion, C2-C7 and T1 slopes were significantly decreased in P2 and P2m (C2-C7 = 10° and 8°; T1 slope = 26° and 24°, respectively) and P3 and P3m (C2-C7 = 9° and 9°; T1 slope = 25° and 26°, respectively) compared to P1 and P1m (C2-C7 = 14°and 14°; T1 slope = 29°and 30°, respectively), without exceeding the uncertainty level. Assessment of cervical alignment is valid on whole-spine radiographs when the shoulders are flexed (free-standing position). Clear instructions regarding the shoulder position at 90°, without moving the trunk, neck, and head before placing the fingers on the clavicles or cheeks, can ensure a cervical alignment comparable to that obtained with the neutral position, which is considered the most physiological one.

KRN5b regulates maize kernel row number through mediating phosphoinositol signalling.

Kernel row number (KRN) is a major yield related trait for maize (Zea mays L.) and is also a major goal of breeders, as it can increase the number of kernels per plant. Thus, identifying new genetic factors involving in KRN formation may accelerate improving yield-related traits genetically. We herein describe a new kernel number-related gene (KRN5b) identified from KRN QTL qKRN5b and encoding an inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase (5PTase). KRN5b has phosphatase activity towards PI(4,5)P2, PI(3,4,5)P3, and Ins(1,4,5)P3 in vitro. Knocking out KRN5b caused accumulation of PI(4,5)P2 and Ins(1,4,5)P3, resulting in disordered kernel rows and a decrease in the number of kernels and tassel branches. The introgression of the allele with higher expression abundance into different inbred lines could increase the ear weight of the inbred lines and the corresponding hybrids by 10.1%-12.2% via increasing KRN, with no adverse effects on other agronomic traits. Further analyses showed that KRN5b regulates inflorescence development through affecting the synthesis and distribution of hormones. Together, KRN5b contributes to spikelet pair meristem development through inositol phosphate and phosphatidylinositols, making it a selecting target for yield improvement.

Optimal Rule-Interposing Reinforcement Learning-Based Energy Management of Series—Parallel-Connected Hybrid Electric Vehicles

P2–P3 series–parallel hybrid electric vehicles exhibit complex configurations with multiple power sources and operational modes, presenting a difficulty in developing efficient energy management strategies. This paper takes a P2–P3 series–parallel hybrid power system-KunTye 2DHT system as the research object and proposes a deep reinforcement learning framework based on pre-optimized energy management to improve the energy consumption performance of the hybrid electric vehicles. Firstly, a control-oriented model is established based on its system configuration and characteristics. Then, the optimal distribution of the motor energy under different operating modes is pre-optimized, which aims to reduce the energy management task’s dimensionality by equating two motors as an equivalent motor. Subsequently, based on real-time traffic information under connected conditions, deep reinforcement learning is utilized to optimize the optimal operating modes of the hybrid system and the optimal distribution between the engine and equivalent motors. Combining the pre-optimized results, the optimal energy distribution between the engine and the two motors in the system is achieved. Finally, performance comparisons are made between the predictive control and the traditional Dynamic Programming and Adaptive Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy, revealing the proposed optimization algorithm’s promising potential in reducing fuel consumption.

Morphological ontogeny of Conoppia palmicincta (Acari, Oribatida, Cepheusidae).

The morphological ontogeny of Conoppia palmicincta (Michael, 1880) is described and illustrated. The adult of this species is poorly known, but the tritonymph is relatively well known as one of the most beautiful oribatid mites. The juveniles of this species are light brown, roundish and flattened. Most prodorsal setae of the juveniles are setiform (short ro, le and ex; long bs), except for phylliform and reticulate in. The larva has 11 pairs of gastronotal setae, including h2, the nymphs have 12 pairs (h3 and p-series are added, and d-series is lost). Most gastronotal setae of juveniles are wide, phylliform, reticulate and occupy the marginal parts of gastronotum, except for five setiform setae in the larva (very long c3 and h1, medium sized h2 and short da and dm), and four setiform setae in the nymphs (very long c3 and h2, long p2 and shorter p3). The nymphs are eupheredermous, i.e. they lose their dorsal seta of d-series and carry the exuvial scalps of previous instars on the gastronotum. Most leg setae of juveniles are setiform, except for three wide, phylliform setae on leg I of larva (l on genu and l' on tibia), from which l'' on genu is reticulate, while l' on genu and tibia has longitudinal lines. Relatively long are seta l'' on tibia I of larva, and l'' on tibia I and II of the nymphs. Seta d accompanies solenidion σ on genua I-III and φ on tibiae II-IV.

Effect of Nigella sativa extract on nasal mucosal inflammation in rats exposed to cigarette smoke

Cigarette smoke contains toxic compounds that can initiate an inflammatory reaction and infiltrate inflammatory cells. The nasal mucosa is the initial part of the respiratory system that comes into contact with irritating chemicals such as cigarettes. Prior studies indicated that Nigella sativa extract (NS) has thymoquinone, a bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory properties. Our study aims to determine the effect of different doses of NS on inflammation of the nasal mucosa in Wistar rats exposed to cigarette smoke. The study employed an experimental post-test-only control group design. Twenty-five Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of the five groups: negative control (K-), positive control (K+), and three treatment groups of P1, P2, and P3 receiving NS at the dose of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g/kg bw/day, respectively. All treatment groups and the positive control group were exposed to smoke from 4 cigarettes/day for 28 days. The degree of inflammatory cell infiltration was evaluated using a histological scoring : 0 if normal; 1 if infiltration was less than 1/3; 2 if infiltration was between 1/2 and 2/3, 3 if infiltration of more than 2/3 indicating normal, less than 1/3, 1/3 to 2/3, and more than 2/3, respectively. The degree of inflammatory cell infiltration in group: K(-): 1.00 ±0.00, K(+): 1.00±0.00, P1: 1.00±0.00, P2: 1.00±0.37, and P3: 1.00±0.33. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed a p-value of 0.001, indicating a significant difference. The Mann-Whitney test revealed significant differences between the K+ and P2 groups (p=0.032), K+ and P3 groups (p=0.013), and P1 and P3 groups (p=0.049). In conclusion, NS can decrease the presence of inflammatory cells in the nasal mucosa in Wistar rats exposed to cigarette smoke.

Attention control training and transfer effects on cognitive tasks

Attention control is the common element underlying different executive functions. The backward Masking Majority Function Task (MFT-M) requires intensive attention control, and represents a diverse situation where attentional resources need to be allocated dynamically and flexibly to reduce uncertainty. Aiming to train attention control using MFT-M and examine the training transfer effects in various executive functions, we recruited healthy young adults (n = 84) and then equally randomized them into two groups trained with either MFT-M or a sham program for seven consecutive days. Cognitive evaluations were conducted before and after the training, and the electroencephalograph (EEG) signals were recorded for the revised Attention Network Test (ANT-R), N-back, and Task-switching (TS) tasks. Compared to the control group, the training group performed better on the congruent condition of Flanker and the double-congruency condition of Flanker and Location in the ANT-R task, and on the learning trials in the verbal memory test. The training group also showed a larger P2 amplitude decrease and P3 amplitude increase in the 2-back task and a larger P3 amplitude increase in the TS task's repeat condition than the control group, indicating improved neural efficiency in two tasks' attentional processes. Introversion moderated the transfer effects of training, as indicated by the significant group*introversion interactions on the post-training 1-back efficiency and TS switching cost. Our results suggested that attention control training with the MFT-M showed a broad transfer scope, and the transfer effect was influenced by the form of training task. Introversion facilitated the transfer to working memory and hindered the transfer to flexibility.

The relationship between event-related potential components and suicide risk in major depressive disorder

BackgroundSuicide is a serious global issue, with major depressive disorder (MDD) being a significant risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. There is an urgent need to determine whether event-related potential components (ERPs) could be used as an indicator to assess suicidal risk. MethodsFrom 2020 to 2023, 258 participants in total were recruited into the study. All participants were divided into four groups: MDD patients at high (n = 66), moderate (n = 66), and low risk (n = 56) of suicide, and healthy controls (HCs)(n = 70). Each participant provided socio-demographic information and underwent evaluations using clinical psychological scales such as 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9), and Nurses' Global Assessment of Suicide Risk (NGASR). The auditory brainstem response test and ERP examination were performed for all subjects. ResultsOur study found that the amplitude of P2–P3 and N2–P3 was significantly reduced in MDD patients at moderate and high risk of suicide, and these were negatively correlated with NGASR total score (all P < 0.05). Point B latency was positively correlated with NGASR total score (P < 0.05). Patients with MDD patients at low risk for suicide had a lower A-B amplitude compared to HCs (P < 0.05). No differences were found in MMN or P50 components between the four groups (all P > 0.05). ConclusionsMDD patients at higher risk of suicide exhibited severe impairment of cognitive function. ERP indices, such as the amplitude of P2–P3 and N2–P3, could be associated with the risk of suicide in MDD patients.

Nuclear phosphoinositide signaling promotes YAP/TAZ-TEAD transcriptional activity in breast cancer.

The Hippo pathway effectors Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) and its homolog TAZ are transcriptional coactivators that control gene expression by binding to TEA domain (TEAD) family transcription factors. The YAP/TAZ-TEAD complex is a key regulator of cancer-specific transcriptional programs, which promote tumor progression in diverse types of cancer, including breast cancer. Despite intensive efforts, the YAP/TAZ-TEAD complex in cancer has remained largely undruggable due to an incomplete mechanistic understanding. Here, we report that nuclear phosphoinositides function as cofactors that mediate the binding of YAP/TAZ to TEADs. The enzymatic products of phosphoinositide kinases PIPKIα and IPMK, including phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (P(I3,4,5)P3), bridge the binding of YAP/TAZ to TEAD. Inhibiting these kinases or the association of YAP/TAZ with PI(4,5)P2 and PI(3,4,5)P3 attenuates YAP/TAZ interaction with the TEADs, the expression of YAP/TAZ target genes, and breast cancer cell motility. Although we could not conclusively exclude the possibility that other enzymatic products of IPMK such as inositol phosphates play a role in the mechanism, our results point to a previously unrecognized role of nuclear phosphoinositide signaling in control of YAP/TAZ activity and implicate this pathway as a potential therapeutic target in YAP/TAZ-driven breast cancer.

The effects of mercury chloride (HgCl2) administration with different intervals on kidney damage in mice (Mus Musculus)

Introduction: Inorganic mercury could cause acute toxicity and absorbed through the digestive system and distributed throughout all tissues of the body, with a significant portion accumulating in kidneys and gallbladder. Objective: This study aims to investigate the influence of mercury chloride (HgCl2) administration at doses contained in rice clams (Corbula faba) from the Kenjeran coast in Surabaya, Indonesia, with varying administration intervals on kidney damage in mice. In this research, 24 male CBR strain mice, aged three months, were randomly divided into four groups, each consisting of six replicates. The groups included Control P0 (without mercury), Group P1 (mercury administration once a day), Group P2 (mercury administration twice a day), and Group P3 (mercury administration three times a day). Mercury administration was carried out orally for 52 days. Data analysis was conducted using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis statistical test, followed by a Z-test with a significance level of 5%. Results: Mercury chloride (HgCl2) administration at a dose of 0.6418 ppm with varying administration intervals resulted in kidney damage characterized by interstitial hemorrhage, degeneration of proximal convoluted tubules, degeneration of distal convoluted tubules, and glomerulonephritis. Administration of mercury three times a day (P3) led to the highest kidney damage, which was not significantly different from the group receiving mercury twice a day (P2), while daily administration of mercury (P1) did not significantly differ from the control group (P0). Conclusion: It can be concluded that administration of HgCl2 could increase decrease kidney damage (p&lt;0.05) and administration of mercury three times a day led to the highest kidney damage.

The Effect of Applying Cow Dung Manure on Plant Growth and Yield Honey Gray (Cucurbita moschata L.)

This study aims to examine the effect of cow manure on the growth and yield of pumpkin honey (Cucurbita moschata L.). This research has been carried out in the Experimental Garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Tridinanti University located in Pulau Semambu Village, North Indralaya District, Ogan Ilir Regency, South Sumatra Province. The study has been conducted from April 2023 to July 2023. The method used in this study is an experimental method, using Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 5 (five) treatments and 5 (five) repeats. Each unit consists of 20 plants so that the plants studied are 500 plants. The treatment in this study was P0 (without cow dung manure), P1 (10 tons of cow dung manure per hectare equivalent to 300 g per plant), P2 (20 tons of cow dung manure per hectare equivalent to 600 g per plant) P3 (30 tons of cow dung manure per hectare equivalent to 900 g per plant) and P4 (40 tons of cow dung manure per hectare equivalent to 1,200 g per plant). Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the application of cow dung manure has a good effect on the growth and yield of honey gourd plants. The application of cow dung manure P2 (20 tons/ha) resulted in the main length of the 1st month as high as 187.62 cm, the length of the main stem of the 2nd month as high as 327.16 cm, the length of the main trunk of the 3rd month as high as 367.36 cm, the number of primary branches 2.33 branches, flowering age 37 hst, the number of female flowers 63.30%, dry weight of plants 53.09 g, the number of fruits per plant 1.18 pieces, Fruit weight per plant 1.12 kg and fruit weight per plot 12.71 kg.

White Kupang Flour (Corbula faba hinds), Fish Meal and Coconut Oil Usage on the Broilers Carcass Percentage and Abdominal Fat

This study was conducted to determine the effect of using white mussel flour fish flour and coconut oil on carcass percentage and abdominal fat percentage in broilers. This study used a completely randomized design consist 4 treatments and 5 replications. The study used DOC ( Day Old Chick ) with the strain Lohman MB 202 Platinum for 20 animals . The treatment in this study was ration without using white mussel flour (P0), ration using 10% white mussel flour (P1), ration using 12.5% white mussel flour (P2), ration using 15% white mussel flour (P3). Variables observed were carcass percentage and abdominal fat percentage. Data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) if there is a significant effect then proceed with Duncan’s Multiple range test significance level of 5%. The results of the analysis showed that P3 showed a significant difference with the control treatment (P0) and treatment P1 (p&lt;0.05). The best broiler carcass percentage was in treatment P3 (76.02%) and P2 (74.7%) while the lowest was in treatment P0 (71.20%). The results of Duncan's test on the percentage of abdominal fat showed that the control treatment (P0), treatment P1, treatment P2, and treatment P3 were not significantly different (p&gt; 0.05).

Morphology of the mural and commissural atrioventricular junction of the mitral valve

ObjectiveThis study investigates mitral annular disjunctions (MAD) in the atrial wall-mitral annulus-ventricular wall junction along the mural mitral leaflet and commissures.MethodsWe examined 224 adult human hearts (21.9% females, 47.9±17.6 years)...

Particle Cement Board Quality From Corn Cob (Zea Mays L.) Based On Differences In Particle Size

Utilization of agricultural waste is still lacking as raw material for biocomposites, so efforts are needed to use it, one of which is the manufacture of cement boards made from corn cobs. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of differences in the size of corn cob particles on the quality of cement particle board. The study was conducted with 3 treatments and 5 repetitions, namely treatment P1 (20 mesh), treatment P2 (40 mesh) and treatment P3 (50 mesh), using a ratio of cement to particles (3:1) with a pressing time of 20 minutes and pressure 40 bars. The research method refers to ISO 8335 (1987), BS 5669 (1989), MS 934 (1986) and SNI 8299 (2017) standards which include testing of physical properties (Density, Moisture Content, Water Absorption and Thickness Swelling) and mechanical properties including testing the Modulus of Elasticity (MoE), Modulus of Rupture (MoR) and Internal Bonding Strength (IBS). Analysis of research data using a completely randomized design (CRD). ANOVA analysis showed that the effect of the treatment of differences in the size of corn cob particles was very significant on testing the water content, water absorption, Modulus of Rupture (MoR). Internal Bonding Strength (IBS) is significant. Has no significant effect on density testing, thickness growth and Modulus of Elasticity (MoE). The best physical properties were density 1.164 g/cm3 (P3), moisture content 10.057% (P3), water absorption 11.630% (P3) and thickness swelling 1.413% (P3) while the best mechanical properties were MoE 2,814.758 N/mm2 (P1), MoR 4.926 N/mm2 (P3), and IBS 0.794 N/mm2 (P3). Corn cob is quite well used as a raw material for making cement particle board.

Physical Characteristics of the Development of Edible Film Gelatin-Xylitol Using Butterfly Pea Extract as an Antioxidant

The study aims to determine a gelatin-xylitol edible film with the addition of butterfly pea extract (Clitoria ternatea L) using the Microwave Assisted Extraction method with optimal physical characteristics of the edible film. The research method uses the experimental method with calculations using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), followed by Duncan analysis (DMRT) if there are significant or very significant effects in each treatment. This research method focuses on differences in the percentage of butterfly pea extract in the manufacture of gelatin-xylitol edible films with 5 treatments P0 (0%), P1 (1%), P2 (2%) P3 (3%), and P4 (4%) and 3 repetitions. The results of the second phase of the study showed the effect of different butterfly pea extracts on edible gelatin-xylitol. There was no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) in the sedimentation test, L and a color, there was a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) in the b color test analysis and in the antioxidant test analysis. The functional groups identified in the eggplant extract were alkanes, alkenes, fluorides, and aromatics. The analysis of the Scanning Electron Microscope test showed the presence of particles in the edible film was 3% addition of butterfly pea extract produces an edible film that has antioxidants.

Novel mutations in genes of the IL-12/IFN-γ axis cause susceptibility to tuberculosis

BackgroundThe IL-12/23/ISG15-IFN-γ pathway is the main immunological pathway for controlling intra-macrophagic microorganisms such as Mycobacteria, Salmonella, and Leishmania spp. Consequently, upon mutations in genes of the IL-12/23/ISG15-IFN-γ pathway cause increased susceptibility to intra-macrophagic pathogens, particularly to Mycobacteria. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize the mutations in genes of the IL-12/23/ISG15-IFN-γ pathway in severe tuberculosis (TB) patients. MethodsClinically suspected TB was initially confirmed in four patients (P) (P1, P2, P3, and P4) using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF and culturing techniques. The patients' Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were then subjected to ELISA to measure Interleukin 12 (IL-12) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Flow cytometry was used to detect the surface expressions of IFN-γR1 and IFN-γR2 as well as IL-12Rβ1and IL-12Rβ2 on monocytes and T lymphocytes, respectively.The phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1(STAT1) on monocytes and STAT4 on T lymphocytes were also detected by flow cytometry. Sanger sequencing was used to identify mutations in the IL-12Rβ1, STAT1, NEMO, and CYBB genes. ResultsP1's PBMCs exhibited reduced IFN-γ production, while P2's and P3's PBMCs exhibited impaired IL-12 induction. Low IL-12Rβ1 surface expression and reduced STAT4 phosphorylation were demonstrated by P1's T lymphocytes, while impaired STAT1 phosphorylation was detected in P2's monocytes. The impaired IκB-α degradation and abolished H2O2 production in monocytes and neutrophils of P3 and P4 were observed, respectively. Sanger sequencing revealed novel nonsense homozygous mutation: c.191 G>A/p.W64 * in exon 3 of the IL-12Rβ1 gene in P1, novel missense homozygous mutation: c.107 A>T/p.Q36L in exon 3 of the STAT1 gene in P2, missense hemizygous mutation:: c.950 A>C/p.Q317P in exon 8 of the NEMO gene in P3, and nonsense hemizygous mutation: c.868 C>T/p.R290X in exon 8 of CYBB gene in P4. ConclusionOur findings broaden the clinical and genetic spectra associated with IL-12/23/ISG15-IFN-γ axis anomalies. Additionally, our data suggest that TB patients in Pakistan should be investigated for potential genetic defects due to high prevalence of parental consanguinity and increased incidence of TB in the country.

Effects of unilateral anteromedial temporal lobe resections on event-related potentials when reading negative and neutral words

ABSTRACT We investigated effects of unilateral left (lTLR, N = 15) or right (rTLR, N = 19) anteromedial temporal lobe resections comprising amygdala and temporal pole on event-related potentials (ERPs) during attentive reading of negative and neutral words, their emotional evaluation, and recognition memory. Content effects on behaviour did not differ between lTLR, rTLR, and controls (N = 18). Negative words elicited larger ERPs than neutral words for P1, Early Posterior Negativity (EPN), and Late Positive Potential (LPP). However, the rTLR group lacked the P1 enhancement and had attenuated EPN effects. Despite showing generally the largest ERP amplitudes, the lTLR group had smaller occipital N1 and left frontal positivity for negative compared with neutral words in the N1 window. Only lTLR also had smaller left parietal P2 and larger right parietal P3 and LPP for negative words. These data help specify left and right anteromedial temporal lobe contributions to the processing of negative and neutral words.