Browse Articles

miR-340 reverses chemotherapy resistance in colon cancer via the PDCD4/WNT/β-catenin signalling pathway

Investigation and machine learning-based prediction of mechanical properties in hybrid natural fiber composites

In situ secondary structure imaging of protein phase separation and aggregation by hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering microscopy

Survey on Chinese users’ acceptance of AI assistants: expanding technology acceptance model

T817MA protects against inflammation and pyroptosis in response to brain ischemia via activating Sirt1 signaling

Phase-selective synthesis and polymorphic transformation of crystalline red phosphorus

Adaptive control system for collaborative sorting robotic arms based on multimodal sensor fusion and edge computing

Precision measurement and sustainable assessment in milling of additively manufactured TiC–Ti64-ELI composites

The pathogen effector BcSSP2 suppresses the NPC phase separation to facilitate Botrytis cinerea infection

How different aspects of plasma treated liquids (PTLs) influence their antimicrobial properties

Abstract This work studies the decontamination efficacy of different plasma treated liquids (PTLs) on bacteria from the genera Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas, both commonly associated with various infections. Clinical isolates and reference strains were used, to ensure the relevance to real-life applications. Bacterial suspensions were exposed to studied PTLs and to different comparative solutions that help dissect the mechanisms behind the observed antimicrobial effects. These comparative solutions comprised standard solutions of major reactive species (hydrogen peroxide, nitrites, nitrates) typically found in PTLs, solutions simulating the chemical composition of PTLs, and solutions adjusted to different pH levels to isolate the role of acidity in bacterial inactivation. The antimicrobial effects of studied solutions were examined at various contact times from 10 min up to 24 h. This allowed for a comprehensive understanding of both immediate antimicrobial effects and the persistence of PTL´s activity over time. The findings of this research demonstrate a superior antimicrobial efficacy of plasma treated liquids compared to the other studied solutions. Neither the individual standard solutions of reactive species, the solutions simulating the chemical composition of PTLs, nor pH-adjusted solutions were able to match the antimicrobial efficacy of the tested PTLs. Although it has been found that for some bacterial species, pH of the PTL may play a key role in the decontamination efficacy. The study also shows that different PTLs vary in their antimicrobial efficacy, depending on the specific formulation and the type of targeted microbial species. These differences in bacterial response may be influenced by factors such as cell wall structure, antioxidant capacity, and pH tolerance. In conclusion, this work supports the potential of indirect cold plasma treatment (via PTLs) for antimicrobial purposes. It highlights the complex interplay of factors involved in microbial inactivation and offers deeper insight into the differing responses of gram-negative and gram‑positive bacterial species to various PTLs. Furthermore, the study provides an overview of the antimicrobial effects of individual components present in PTLs across a wide range of concentrations and pH conditions. This may help other researchers compare the efficacy of different antimicrobial agents and explore potential mechanisms of inhibition.

Discovery of Roman and early medieval palisades in Grado (Italy) constraining relative sea level and paleoenvironment in the northern Adriatic Sea

Integrative omics of the genetic basis for wheat WUE and drought resilience reveal the function of TaMYB7-A1

A new exponential family of distributions with applications to engineering and medical data

Sporadic cefiderocol resistance in Escherichia coli from the United Arab Emirates involves multifactorial mechanisms reversible by novel beta-lactamase inhibitors

Multivalent binding of the tardigrade Dsup protein to chromatin promotes yeast survival and longevity upon exposure to oxidative damage

Abstract Tardigrades are remarkable in their ability to survive extreme environments. The damage suppressor (Dsup) protein is thought to contribute to their extreme resistance to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by irradiation. Here we show that expression of Ramazzottius varieornatus Dsup in Saccharomyces cerevisiae reduces oxidative DNA damage and extends lifespan in response to chronic oxidative genotoxicity. Dsup uses multiple modes of engagement with the nucleosomal H2A/H2B acidic patch, H3/H4 histone tails and DNA to bind across the yeast genome without bias. Effective chromatin binding and genome protection requires the Dsup HMGN-like motif and C-terminal sequences. These findings give precedent and mechanistic understanding for engineering an organism by physically shielding its genome to promote survival and longevity in the face of oxidative damage.

Sexual dimorphism in zebrafish liver proteins and implications for hepatic regeneration and diseases

Abstract The liver is a central metabolic hub, performing vital functions such as bile production, protein, carbohydrate, lipid and drug metabolism, detoxification of xenobiotics, and the synthesis of essential biomolecules for reproduction, and also shows regenerative capability. Several of these functions can be affected by sexual dimorphisms with important consequences. In this study we used high-throughput proteomics to identify and quantify proteins involved in sexual dimorphism of the zebrafish liver, as a model for preclinical human research. Additionally, we conducted an extensive literature review to explore potential effects of sex-biased protein abundances on liver regeneration capacity and hepatic diseases. The results showed wide-spread sex-specific differences in proteins involved in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. Female livers exhibited higher levels of proteins involved in protein synthesis, while male liver protein abundances were higher in energy-producing biochemical pathways, such as the TCA, β-oxidation, and glycolysis. Furthermore, significant sex differences were observed in proteins related to drug metabolism, which should be considered in toxicological and pharmacological research. Some potential links between sex-biased quantities of some key hepatic proteins and the susceptibility of males to liver diseases, as well as the higher hepatic regenerative capacity in females, were suggested. These findings offer a foundation for future targeted research to facilitate the development of sex-specific therapeutic approaches for liver disorders and regenerative medicine. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD061886.

Extraction of PEM fuel cell variables based on modified hippopotamus optimization algorithm

Contractile fibroblasts form a transient niche for the branching mammary epithelium

A case study on optimizing helical tomotherapy parameters for small cell lung cancer with extensive pleural metastasis

Using multiple linear regression to predict engine oil life

Abstract This paper deals with the use of multiple linear regression to predict the viscosity of engine oil at 100 °C based on the analysis of selected parameters obtained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The spectral range (4000–650 cm⁻¹), resolution (4 cm⁻¹), and key pre-processing steps such as baseline correction, normalization, and noise filtering applied prior to modeling. A standardized laboratory method was used to analyze 221 samples of used motor oils. The prediction model was built based on the values of Total Base Number (TBN), fuel content, oxidation, sulphation and Anti-wear Particles (APP). Given the large number of potential predictors, stepwise regression was first used to select relevant variables, followed by Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) to optimize model selection. Based on these methods, a regression relationship was developed for the prediction of viscosity at 100 °C. The calibration model was subsequently validated, and its accuracy was determined using the Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) metric, it was 0.287. Finally, the obtained model was used to predict the lifetime of engine oil in diesel engines operating under severe conditions.