Specific Database Research Articles

The use of machine learning for the determination of a type/model of firearms by the characteristics on cartridge cases

Cartridge cases are commonly collected at crime scenes involving firearms. One of the stages in forensic examination is the determination of the type and model of firearms based on the class characteristics of these cartridge cases. A firearm examiner evaluates the class characteristics on the basis of their knowledge and experience, and by referring to collections of cartridge cases representing class characteristics of different firearms, special databases and reference books. However, this process is highly subjective. The novelty of this research is in developing objective methods of firearms determination by applying a machine learning approach. In this study, several Convolutional Neural Networks from Keras programming package were trained to determine the type/model of a firearm based on the class characteristics observed on cartridge cases from seven different categories of firearms. The prediction accuracies received by this method range from 71 to 81 percent for models based on different Convolutional Neural Networks, while using an ensemble of the machine learning models increased the accuracy to 88 %. The research demonstrates the efficacy of machine learning in enhancing accuracy and reducing subjectivity in firearm identification, highlighting its significant potential in forensic science applications.

From Obesity to Diabetes: Uncovering Molecular Connections Sketching Proteomics, A Narrative Review

Background: Recent research has illuminated the pivotal role of low-grade inflammation in metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, with gut microbiota dysbiosis playing a key role. Metaproteomics offers a novel lens to explore these interactions by profiling protein compositions in microbial communities, revealing insights into the metabolic disruptions that accompany these conditions. Objective: This study aims to compile and analyze existing metaproteomic research related to obesity and both types of diabetes, identifying specific metaproteomic alterations that correlate with these metabolic diseases. Methods: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a rigorous selection process was employed to gather relevant studies on the metaproteomics of obesity and diabetes. This involved analyzing microbial and human protein alterations, focusing on patterns consistently observed in these diseases. Results: Analysis identified unique metaproteomic signatures associated with obesity and diabetes, highlighting both microbial and human proteins. Specifically, alterations in proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism and inflammation were recurrent. Despite the identification of up- or down-regulated proteins across studies, the limited breadth of comprehensive metaproteomic data restricts definitive conclusions. Conclusion: Metaproteomics has shed light on the intricate metabolic disturbances in obesity and diabetes. However, the discipline remains nascent, necessitating further development of specialized databases and standardized methodologies to deepen our understanding and treatment of these complex diseases.

Data Synchronization for Distributed Heterogeneous Database

Heterogeneous distributed database concurrent data is one of the important topics of heterogeneous databases that have important meaning. This paper discusses the mechanism of optimizing data synchronization for distributed heterogeneous database and trying to propose real solutions. Database synchronization is the exchange of records in databases on the condition that they are different. When modifications are made to a specific database, they will be applied to the database that has been synchronized in different environments and servers horizontally. The synchronization is either a one-way or two-way application and can be incidental, i.e. it is synchronous to the local network and asynchronous to the Internet due to its lagging technology. Heterogeneous distributed database systems consisting of a row storage database and a column storage database will face many difficulties, due to the inconsistent storage type such as: synchronization speed mismatch in data synchronization compared to a homogeneously distributed database system. Heterogeneous database management systems work on exchanging information for a package of various formats, accessing modification information in a heterogeneous database, maintaining the independence of the proposed system, and ensuring a good application of the proposed system in order to reach data synchronization between several packages of databases.

Searching for new plastic-degrading enzymes from the plastisphere of alpine soils using a metagenomic mining approach.

Plastic materials, including microplastics, accumulate in all types of ecosystems, even in remote and cold environments such as the European Alps. This pollution poses a risk for the environment and humans and needs to be addressed. Using shotgun DNA metagenomics of soils collected in the eastern Swiss Alps at about 3,000 m a.s.l., we identified genes and their proteins that potentially can degrade plastics. We screened the metagenomes of the plastisphere and the bulk soil with a differential abundance analysis, conducted similarity-based screening with specific databases dedicated to putative plastic-degrading genes, and selected those genes with a high probability of signal peptides for extracellular export and a high confidence for functional domains. This procedure resulted in a final list of nine candidate genes. The lengths of the predicted proteins were between 425 and 845 amino acids, and the predicted genera producing these proteins belonged mainly to Caballeronia and Bradyrhizobium. We applied functional validation, using heterologous expression followed by enzymatic assays of the supernatant. Five of the nine proteins tested showed significantly increased activities when we used an esterase assay, and one of these five proteins from candidate genes, a hydrolase-type esterase, clearly had the highest activity, by more than double. We performed the fluorescence assays for plastic degradation of the plastic types BI-OPL and ecovio® only with proteins from the five candidate genes that were positively active in the esterase assay, but like the negative controls, these did not show any significantly increased activity. In contrast, the activity of the positive control, which contained a PLA-degrading gene insert known from the literature, was more than 20 times higher than that of the negative controls. These findings suggest that in silico screening followed by functional validation is suitable for finding new plastic-degrading enzymes. Although we only found one new esterase enzyme, our approach has the potential to be applied to any type of soil and to plastics in various ecosystems to search rapidly and efficiently for new plastic-degrading enzymes.

Genetic polymorphisms as predictors of methotrexate toxicity: literature review

Background. A significant advancement in the treatment of high-grade aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas and acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the inclusion of high-dose (1000–5000 mg/m2) methotrexate in the treatment protocol. This approach has significantly increased the long-term survival rate, but it has been associated with toxicity, requiring supportive care. Factors that predict toxicity were identified, including genes involved in the metabolism (MTHFR) or transport (SLCO1B1) of methotrexate. The analysis of methotrexate metabolism has identified additional genes responsible for the elimination of this drug, allowing for more effective prevention and treatment of methotrexate-associated toxicity.Aim. To study the genetic polymorphisms of enzymes involved in the methotrexate metabolism and associated toxicity in the treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.Materials and methods. Data were analyzed in specialized medical databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Frontiers, and Google Scholar from 2001 to 2024.Results. The main predictors of high-dose methotrexate-associated toxicity are gene polymorphisms in MTHFR, SLCO1B1, ARID5B.Conclusion. Despite the contradictory data presented in the literature, it is important to consider the detection of polymorphisms during high-dose methotrexate treatment in order to administer timely supportive care and prevent significant toxicity.

Network Pharmacology and Intestinal Microbiota Analysis Revealing the Mechanism of Punicalagin Improving Bacterial Enteritis.

The Chinese medicine punicalagin (Pun), the most important active ingredient in pomegranate peel, has significant bacteriostatic and anti-inflammatory properties. The potential mechanisms of Pun for bacterial enteritis, however, are unknown. The goal of our research is to investigate the mechanism of Pun in the treatment of bacterial enteritis using computer-aided drug technology, as well as to investigate the intervention effect of Pun on mice with bacterial enteritis using intestinal flora sequencing. The targets of Pun and Bacterial enteritis were obtained by using the specific database, and cross-targets were screened among these targets, followed by PPI and enrichment analysis of the targets. Furthermore, the degree of binding between Pun and key targets was predicted through molecular docking. After successfully establishing the bacterial enteritis model in vivo, mice were randomly assigned to groups. They were treated for 7 days, the symptoms were observed daily, and the daily DAI and body weight change rate were calculated. Following administration, the intestinal tissue was removed, and the contents were separated. The tight junction protein expression was detected in the small intestine by the immunohistochemical method; ELISA and Western Blot (WB) were performed to detect the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin- 6 (IL-6) in the serum and intestinal wall of mice. The 16S rRNA sequence was used to determine the composition and diversity of the intestinal flora of mice. In total, 130 intersection targets of Pun and disease were screened by network pharmacology. The enrichment analysis showed cross genes were closely related and enriched in the cancer regulation and the TNF signal pathway. The active components of Pun could specifically bind to the core targets TNF, IL-6, etc., determined from molecular docking results. In vivo experiment results showed that the symptoms in the PUN group mice were alleviated, and the expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly reduced. A Pun can cause substantial changes in the intestinal flora of mice in terms of structure and function. Pun plays a multi-target role in alleviating bacterial enteritis by regulating intestinal flora.

Possible Role of Cannabis in the Management of Neuroinflammation in Patients with Post-COVID Condition.

The post-COVID condition (PCC) is a pathology stemming from COVID-19, and studying its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment is crucial. Neuroinflammation causes the most common manifestations of this disease including headaches, fatigue, insomnia, depression, anxiety, among others. Currently, there are no specific management proposals; however, given that the inflammatory component involves cytokines and free radicals, these conditions must be treated to reduce the current symptoms and provide neuroprotection to reduce the risk of a long-term neurodegenerative disease. It has been shown that cannabis has compounds with immunomodulatory and antioxidant functions in other pathologies. Therefore, exploring this approach could provide a viable therapeutic option for PCC, which is the purpose of this review. This review involved an exhaustive search in specialized databases including PubMed, PubChem, ProQuest, EBSCO, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials. Phytocannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), exhibit significant antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to be an effective treatment for neuroinflammatory conditions. These compounds could be promising adjuvants for PCC alone or in combination with other antioxidants or therapies. PCC presents significant challenges to neurological health, and neuroinflammation and oxidative stress play central roles in its pathogenesis. Antioxidant therapy and cannabinoid-based approaches represent promising areas of research and treatment for mitigating adverse effects, but further studies are needed.

Desarrollo de competencias digitales docentes mediante entornos virtuales: una revisión sistemática

The purpose of this research is to analyze the acquisition of teachers’ digital competencias through the use of virtual environments and information and communication technologies to improve the teaching-learning process. A systematic review was conducted through the search and compilation of empirical studies over five years (2019 to 2023), in the specialized databases: Scopus, Redalyc, SciELO, and the academic search engine Google Scholar. Based on the PRISMA statement, and through inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of fourteen research papers were selected. After examining them, it was possible to identify how digital literacy through the use of virtual learning environments influences the development of teaching work and performance and consequently also contributes to student learning. Among the digital skills most used by teachers that have allowed innovation and improvement of the teaching process are mainly the management of information and mastery of digital tools for the creation and management of educational resources.

Estimation of Symptomatic Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Incidence in Adults in Multiple Countries: A Time-Series Model-Based Analysis Protocol.

Estimating respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) burden in adults is challenging because of non-specific symptoms, infrequent standard-of-care testing, resolution of viral shedding before seeking medical care, test positivity that varies by specimen site in the upper airway and lower diagnostic test sensitivity compared to children. Conducting prospective observational studies to assess RSV burden in adults is time- and resource-intensive. Thus, model-based approaches can be applied using existing data to obtain more accurate estimates of RSV burden. This protocol establishes essential elements for estimating RSV incidence rate in adults using a time series model-based approach. It can be tailored to specific databases and applied globally across countries, enabling estimation of local RSV disease burden to inform public health decision-making, including immunization policy. Data are analysed using a quasi-Poisson regression model, considering the effect of baseline trends and pathogen co-circulation, stratified by age and risk status. Pathogen co-circulation is represented by viral proxies defined based on ICD code groupings indicating RSV and influenza-specific hospitalizations, lagged 0 up to 4weeks based on the model selection. A final model is constructed in two steps: optimization of the time trend (using p-values) and selection of the viral proxy lag time (using test statistics, to prioritize the most biologically plausible option). The yearly incidence rate and percentage of events attributable to RSV are estimated from the final model. Confidence intervals are calculated using residual bootstrapping. Outcomes to be modelled are based on administrative ICD code groupings and include the number of cardiorespiratory, respiratory and cardiovascular events in a specific care setting (e.g., general practitioner visit, emergency department visit, hospitalization and death). Cardiovascular events are limited to those for which existing evidence suggests an association with RSV infection. Additional secondary outcomes are constructed as a subset of the primary outcomes based on specific ICD code groups.

Impact of family-centered care in families with children with intellectual disability: A systematic review

BackgroundFamily-Centered Care (FCC) is an approach to healthcare planning, delivery and evaluation, based on beneficial partnerships between health professionals, patients and families. FCC may be particularly relevant for families with children with intellectual disability (ID), given their needs of continuum care. ObjectiveTo identify which components of the FCC are practiced and which health outcomes are considered effective in families with children with ID. MethodA systematic review guided by the PRISMA STATEMENT 2020 approach and the STROBE reporting guidelines was performed on specific databases through the EBSCOhost Web platform: MEDLINE with Full Text, CINAHL PLUS with Full Text, Academic Search Complete and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Peer-reviewed articles published in English or Portuguese languages from 2018 to September 2023 were retrieved. Methodological quality was established using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational, Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies – NHLBI, NIH. ResultsTen studies met the eligibility criteria and were synthetized. The results revealed nine components, reflecting the way FCC was developed: shared decision-making; family education; respect for culture; family engagement; recognition of the family's needs, characteristics and interests; specialized care support; social and emotional support; family functionality; and family seen as a unit. The health outcomes demonstrate effective gains in improving children's health through family satisfaction with health services. Also achieved psychological and social benefits, with improved family well-being and quality of life, favoring family empowerment. ConclusionsThe evidence suggests that FCC components involves an effective partnership between the family and health professionals as the main key in developing care plans, as well as the experience that the family unit brings to the delivery of care. FCC approach include all family members as decision-makers, providing emotional, physical and instrumental levels of support. Health outcomes emerged in three strands; for children with ID, families and health services.

RDCanon: A Python Package for Canonicalizing the Order of Tokens in SMARTS Queries.

SMARTS is a widely used language in cheminformatics for defining substructural queries for database lookups, reaction templates for chemical transformations, and other applications. As an extension to SMILES, many SMARTS patterns can represent the same query. Despite this, no canonicalization algorithm invariant of the line notation sequence or atomic numbering is publicly available. Here, we introduce RDCanon, an open-source Python package that can be used to standardize SMARTS queries. RDCanon is designed to ensure that the sequence of atomic queries remains consistent for all graphs representing the same substructure query and to ensure a canonical sequence of primitives within each individual atom query; furthermore, the algorithm can be applied to canonicalize the order of reactants, agents, and products and their atom map numbers in reaction SMARTS templates. As part of its canonicalization algorithm, RDCanon provides a mechanism in which the canonicalized SMARTS is optimized for speed against specific molecular databases. Several case studies are provided to showcase improved efficiency in substructure matching and retrosynthetic analysis.

Analysis of Whole-Genome as a Novel Strategy for Animal Species Identification.

Survival crises stalk many animals, especially endangered and rare animals. Accurate species identification plays a pivotal role in animal resource conservation. In this study, we developed an animal species identification method called Analysis of whole-GEnome (AGE), which identifies species by finding species-specific sequences through bioinformatics analysis of the whole genome and subsequently recognizing these sequences using experimental technologies. To clearly demonstrate the AGE method, Cervus nippon, a well-known endangered species, and a closely related species, Cervus elaphus, were set as model species, without and with published genomes, respectively. By analyzing the whole genomes of C. nippon and C. elaphus, which were obtained through next-generation sequencing and online databases, we built specific sequence databases containing 7,670,140 and 570,981 sequences, respectively. Then, the species specificities of the sequences were confirmed experimentally using Sanger sequencing and the CRISPR-Cas12a system. Moreover, for 11 fresh animal samples and 35 commercially available products, our results were in complete agreement with those of other authoritative identification methods, demonstrating AGE's precision and potential application. Notably, AGE found a mixture in the 35 commercially available products and successfully identified it. This study broadens the horizons of species identification using the whole genome and sheds light on the potential of AGE for conserving animal resources.

The Relationship Between Personality Traits and Sports Injuries, Based on the Stress and Sports Injury Model: A Systematic Review

Background and Aims Although several studies have been conducted on the relationship between personality traits and sports injuries, their relationship with the occurrence of sports injuries is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review study was to review the relationship between personality factors presented in Williams and Anderson’s stress sports injury model. Methods The present study was a systematic review. Search for articles was conducted in the specialized databases “Embase,” “Medline,” “SPORTDiscus,” “Biomed Central,” “Web of Science,” and “PubMed” from inception until May 2021. The keywords “sports injury,” “sensation seeking,” “achievement motivation,” “locus of control,” “anxiety,” “personality traits,” and “hardiness” were used for the search. Results The literature search in different databases led to the extraction of 1283 articles. After duplicate removal, article screening, and full-text assessment, 28 articles were found that examined the association between personality traits and sports injuries. The study of the content of these articles showed a significant relationship between trait anxiety and the emergence of sports injuries. However, there are conflicting results regarding the relationship between locus of control and sensation seeking with the occurrence of sports injuries. Additionally, the number of studies on the relationship between hardiness and achievement motivation with sports injuries was limited. Conclusion A review of previous studies suggests a significant relationship between competitive trait anxiety and sports injuries. Further studies are needed to draw better and stronger conclusions about the relationship between mental hardiness, locus of control, sensation seeking, and achievement motivation with sports injuries.

Clinical practice guidelines in prehospital pain management for paramedics: a systematic review protocol.

The purpose of this review is to examine prehospital pain management clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to identify recommendations that can be adopted or adapted into paramedic clinical practice. An additional aim is to consider the methodological quality of these CPGs and the recommendations within them. Quality, evidence-based CPGs support clinicians and optimize patient care. However, not all CPGs meet rigorous evidence-based standards, and some may be misleading. As pain is a common reason for patients to access ambulance services, the evaluation of pain management CPGs, their quality, and whether their recommendations can be adopted or adapted into practice is required to increase understanding in this area. We will include CPGs for pain management intended for prehospital services in civilian communities. CPGs in English published from 2017, and containing clear recommendations addressing pain of any cause will be considered for inclusion. This review will combine methodologies, including the PICAR framework (population, intervention, comparison, attributes of eligible CPGs, recommendation characteristics) by Johnston et al. , and the JBI umbrella and scoping review methodologies. The search strategy will cover 12 databases, including PubMed, Embase, and specific CPG databases (eg, GIN Library). Additionally, Google Scholar and Google will be searched, and prehospital organizations without regular publications will be contacted. The AGREE II and AGREE-REX tools will be used to assess the methodological rigor and clinical credibility of the CPGs. The characteristics of both CPGs and the recommendations will be extracted and discussed in the review. PROSPERO CRD42022352951.

MetaCerberus: distributed highly parallelized HMM-based processing for robust functional annotation across the tree of life.

MetaCerberus is a massively parallel, fast, low memory, scalable annotation tool for inference gene function across genomes to metacommunities. MetaCerberus provides an elusive HMM/HMMER-based tool at a rapid scale with low memory. It offers scalable gene elucidation to major public databases, including KEGG (KO), COGs, CAZy, FOAM, and specific databases for viruses, including VOGs and PHROGs, from single genomes to metacommunities. MetaCerberus is 1.3× as fast on a single node than eggNOG-mapper v2 on 5× less memory using an exclusively HMM/HMMER mode. In a direct comparison, MetaCerberus provides better annotation of viruses, phages, and archaeal viruses than DRAM, Prokka, or InterProScan. MetaCerberus annotates more KOs across domains when compared to DRAM, with a 186× smaller database, and with 63× less memory. MetaCerberus is fully integrated for automatic analysis of statistics and pathways using differential statistic tools (i.e. DESeq2 and edgeR), pathway enrichment (GAGE R), and pathview R. MetaCerberus provides a novel tool for unlocking the biosphere across the tree of life at scale. MetaCerberus is written in Python and distributed under a BSD-3 license. The source code of MetaCerberus is freely available at https://github.com/raw-lab/metacerberus compatible with Python 3 and works on both Mac OS X and Linux. MetaCerberus can also be easily installed using bioconda: mamba create -n metacerberus -c bioconda -c conda-forge metacerberus.

15 Years of application of digital marketing and other technologies in tourism: A bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review

The objective of this bibliometric analysis is to examine the gradual evolution of research on digital marketing and other relevant technologies in the tourism sector from 2009 to 2023. A total of 102 papers were selected from the Scopus database, and the analysis was conducted using programs such as R Studio. The bibliometric and systematic literature review research dimensions, such as the overall number of citations, the articles with the highest citation counts, the authors with the most citations, the journals with the highest citation rates, and the networks of nations involved in research activities, were investigated. The study’ reveal the patterns of year-on-year expansion in publications and the incorporation of new keywords within the field of tourism research. It provides details on esteemed academic publications, influential authors, collaborative efforts, and nations involved in the field of tourism research, thereby providing insights into the current developments taking place in the area of various scholarly works. This study provides valuable insights for future researchers since it effectively reviews and analyses the current body of literature, identifies areas where information is lacking, and proposes novel approaches for further research. Nevertheless, the scope of this study is limited to data extraction exclusively from a specific database, impeding its applicability to a broader context.

Tetanus is an Acute Infectious Disease

Tetanus is an acute infectious disease characterized by painful muscle spasms, mostly in the face and neck, and then throughout the body. Infection most often occurs when bacteria enter the body through injuries to the skin or mucous membranes. If the causative agent reaches anaerobic conditions, their growth and reproduction follows in the contaminated wound, creating an exotoxin that causes the symptoms of the disease. Tetanus can occur after trivial or even imperceptible wounds if the oxygen content in the injured tissue is low. The aim of this paper is to give a brief description of the events after contracting this disease. In the processing, the desk method of research was used, which enabled the review of a large number of specialized databases.

Representation of the program model using predicates

The object of research in this article is the process of modeling programs and their subsequent development. The purpose of this article is to develop a methodology for describing and building software models in the form of nondeterministic finite automat. To achieve this goal, a task was set to improve the method for describing such models using predicates based on the MODEL CHECKING technology. The result of this article is a method for describing and presenting program models directly according to the chosen algorithm using predicates. If the program algorithm is chosen and described correctly, the resulting model should also be correct. The model will be a non-deterministic state machine that will not require further checking, as provided by the MODEL CHECKING technology. Structurally, the model will represent a special database, the processing of which will allow turning the model into a program in any procedural programming language. When developing parallel programs that are widely used for control in aviation, land transport, military affairs, etc., two additional states of the automaton are introduced into the model, which take into account the features of such programs. Therefore, a state monitor is provided for access to shared resources and a state protocol to process parallel branches of the program. To describe the algorithm of the program, we propose to present it in the form of a connected sequence of certain actions using predicates with the use of extended temporal logic. This description covers both the logic of the program and its branches and the specific actions at each location of the program model. With the help of this methodology, a program model of a stack algorithm was developed, which is the main component for the future automated system of processing the description of program models. The program which was created according to this technology, is currently in the testing and verification stage. The sequence of processing steps of such a model is shown in the example of a floating-point constant translation program. This program is also created using this technology in the target language assembly, has been fully tested, and has shown its functionality. This description covers both the logic of the program with its branches and the specific actions at each location of the application model. Conclusions: with a correct description of the program algorithm, an adequate model of it is built, with the help of which the program itself is created in the target procedural programming language. Note that in the conditions of the rapid development of management and control automation systems in various spheres of human activity, research on the creation of reliable based on the description of their models is an urgent problem.004.414.23:510.637

Формирование цифрового паспорта огнестрельного повреждения методами компьютерного зрения

Разработано программное обеспечение ImgOpinion, которое позволяет выполнять оптико-структурный анализ цифрового изображения объекта методами компьютерного зрения. Оно предназначено для использования в экспертных лабораториях в составе аппаратно-программного комплекса компьютерного зрения MS-Unit, который включает специализированный осветитель “Фотобокс 3138” с цифровой регистрирующей камерой. Выходные данные строятся в виде цифрового паспорта огнестрельного повреждения, в котором приводятся криминалистически значимые характеристики объекта исследования, а также выявленных на нем следов выстрела. The ImgOpinion software, capable to perform the optical and structural analysis of a digital image of the object by computer vision methods, was developed. It can be employed in expert laboratories as a part of the computer vision hardware-software complex MS-Unit together with specialized illuminator “Photobox 3138” with a digital recording camera. The output data is constructed in the form of a digital passport of the gunshot residue, which contains forensically significant characteristics of the object under investigation, as well as a gunshot residue detected on it. Purpose. The research has solved the problem of creating a specialised hardware and software complex for forensic examination, the use of which partially automates the processes of identification and quantitative characterisation of gunshot traces and products. Methodology. Non-destructive research methods are implemented in computer vision systems, which include two main stages: a digital image acquisition and its mathematical processing. The hardware and software complex of a computer vision usually consists of an illuminator, a digital recording video camera and a specialised program for processing the raw data. Findings. ImgOpinion software has been developed, which allows performing the optical-structural analyses of digital images using the computer vision methods and is intended for use in expert laboratories as part of the MS-Unit computer vision hardware and software complex, which includes a specialized illuminator “Photobox 3138” with a digital recording camera. Autonomous and portable device has a mobile design and provides white light with colour temperature 5000 K (CIE D50) and colour rendering index CRI = 97+. Six independently switched LED monochrome illuminators with narrow spectral bands from 365 to 880 nm (UV to IR spectral bands) provide the uniform illumination without extraneous stray light on the working field (light intensity drop below 2 % at the edges of the working field). Value. The ImgOpinion output is constructed in the form of a digital passport of a gunshot injury, which contains forensically relevant characteristics of the object of investigation. The digital passport is an adaptation of the forensically significant information on the firearm traces for the integration into specialized databases for further development of the automation of expert evaluation processes, conducting the automated trace comparison and the determination of incident circumstances by it.

Novel functional insights into the microbiome inhabiting marine plastic debris: critical considerations to counteract the challenges of thin biofilms using multi-omics and comparative metaproteomics

BackgroundMicrobial functioning on marine plastic surfaces has been poorly documented, especially within cold climates where temperature likely impacts microbial activity and the presence of hydrocarbonoclastic microorganisms. To date, only two studies have used metaproteomics to unravel microbial genotype–phenotype linkages in the marine ‘plastisphere’, and these have revealed the dominance of photosynthetic microorganisms within warm climates. Advancing the functional representation of the marine plastisphere is vital for the development of specific databases cataloging the functional diversity of the associated microorganisms and their peptide and protein sequences, to fuel biotechnological discoveries. Here, we provide a comprehensive assessment for plastisphere metaproteomics, using multi-omics and data mining on thin plastic biofilms to provide unique insights into plastisphere metabolism. Our robust experimental design assessed DNA/protein co-extraction and cell lysis strategies, proteomics workflows, and diverse protein search databases, to resolve the active plastisphere taxa and their expressed functions from an understudied cold environment.ResultsFor the first time, we demonstrate the predominance and activity of hydrocarbonoclastic genera (Psychrobacter, Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas) within a primarily heterotrophic plastisphere. Correspondingly, oxidative phosphorylation, the citrate cycle, and carbohydrate metabolism were the dominant pathways expressed. Quorum sensing and toxin-associated proteins of Streptomyces were indicative of inter-community interactions. Stress response proteins expressed by Psychrobacter, Planococcus, and Pseudoalteromonas and proteins mediating xenobiotics degradation in Psychrobacter and Pseudoalteromonas suggested phenotypic adaptations to the toxic chemical microenvironment of the plastisphere. Interestingly, a targeted search strategy identified plastic biodegradation enzymes, including polyamidase, hydrolase, and depolymerase, expressed by rare taxa. The expression of virulence factors and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance suggested pathogenic genera were active, despite representing a minor component of the plastisphere community.ConclusionOur study addresses a critical gap in understanding the functioning of the marine plastisphere, contributing new insights into the function and ecology of an emerging and important microbial niche. Our comprehensive multi-omics and comparative metaproteomics experimental design enhances biological interpretations to provide new perspectives on microorganisms of potential biotechnological significance beyond biodegradation and to improve the assessment of the risks associated with microorganisms colonizing marine plastic pollution.EMsdtEfK7hXyizwjh4GBBGVideo