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Acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (LVO) continues to present a considerable challenge to global health, marked by substantial morbidity and mortality rates. Although definitive diagnostic markers exist in the form of neuroimaging, their expense, limited availability, and potential for diagnostic delay can often result in missed opportunities for life-saving interventions. Despite several past attempts, research efforts to date have been fraught with challenges likely due to multiple factors, such as the inclusion of diverse stroke types, variable onset intervals, differing pathobiologies, and a range of infarct sizes, all contributing to inconsistent circulating biomarker levels. In this context, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a promising biomarker, demonstrating potential as biomarkers across various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and neurological disorders. These circulating miRNAs embody a wide spectrum of pathophysiological processes, encompassing cell death, inflammation, angiogenesis, neuroprotection, brain plasticity, and blood–brain barrier integrity. This pilot study explores the utility of circulating exosome-enriched extracellular vesicle (EV) miRNAs as potential biomarkers for anterior circulation LVO (acLVO) stroke. In our longitudinal prospective cohort study, we collected data from acLVO stroke patients at four critical time intervals post-symptom onset: 0–6 h, 6–12 h, 12–24 h, and 5–7 days. For comparative analysis, healthy individuals were included as control subjects. In this study, extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated from the plasma of participants, and the miRNAs within these EVs were profiled utilizing the NanoString nCounter system. Complementing this, a scoping review was conducted to examine the roles of specific miRNAs such as miR-140-5p, miR-210-3p, and miR-7-5p in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This review involved a targeted PubMed search to assess their influence on crucial pathophysiological pathways in AIS, and their potential applications in diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. The review also included an assessment of additional miRNAs linked to stroke. Within the first 6 h of symptom onset, three specific miRNAs (miR-7-5p, miR-140-5p, and miR-210-3p) exhibited significant differential expression compared to other time points and healthy controls. These miRNAs have previously been associated with neuroprotection, cellular stress responses, and tissue damage, suggesting their potential as early markers of acute ischemic stroke. This study highlights the potential of circulating miRNAs as blood-based biomarkers for hyperacute acLVO ischemic stroke. However, further validation in a larger, risk-matched cohort is required. Additionally, investigations are needed to assess the prognostic relevance of these miRNAs by linking their expression profiles with radiological and functional outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over recent decades, there was a substantial evolution in the productive management of dairy animals worldwide with a consequent boost in individual milk yield. This evolution positioned the milk production as the central metabolic priority around which all other physiological functions are coordinated and partially minimised. This shift underscores the crucial role of effectively managing stressful phases in intensive dairy farming systems, also highlighting the resilience exhibited by the animals. Indeed, monitoring the nutritional and health status becomes paramount, aiming for an early detection of (sub)clinical health impairments. Given the mammary gland's centrality in high-yielding dairy breeds, it's unsurprising that the milk matrix provides insights about udder itself but also systemic metabolic function. The emerging field of milk phenomics explores links between milk components and animal health, holding great promise for studying dairy cow resilience. The use of infrared spectroscopy on milk to predict indicators and complex traits at the herd level is a promising approach. In the dairy sector, the available infrared instruments mainly implement the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. This method is widely employed in milk recording schemes worldwide for animal monitoring and breeding purposes. In addition, visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is increasingly integrated into milking systems for daily on-farm monitoring of milk quality and animals' physiological status. This review examines the topic of milk phenomics together with potential and challenges of infrared spectroscopy to predict indicators and complex traits related to health and nutritional disorders exploiting the biological bonds that exist between milk and blood in dairy animals. HIGHLIGHTS: Milk is a valuable source of information for assessing nutritional and health proxies in dairy animals. Infrared spectroscopy is used within routine milk recording systems for the determination of major components, but other useful applications exist. This review summarises research on milk phenomics carried out by mean of infrared spectroscopy to predict complex traits related to animals' health and nutritional disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cem Kaya,1 Alparslan Kapisiz,1 Sibel Eryilmaz,1 Ramazan Karabulut,1 Zafer Turkyilmaz,1 Mehmet Arda Inan,2 Gizem Yaz Aydin,3 Mert Alperen Celik,4 Kaan Sonmez1 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Yenimahalle, Ankara, Turkey; 2Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Yenimahalle, Ankara, Turkey; 3Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Yenimahalle, Ankara, Turkey; 4Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Yenimahalle, Ankara, TurkeyCorrespondence: Cem Kaya, Medical Faculty, Gazi University, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Emniyet Mahallesi, Mevlana Bulvarı, No: 29, Yenimahalle, Ankara, 06500, Turkey, Tel +90 312 2026213, Fax +90 312 2230528, Email drcemkaya61@gmail.comBackground: Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury can occur in a wide variety of diseases and surgeries. If necessary, the blood flow should be restored, including re-anastomosis by removing the intestines with impaired circulation. In this process, anastomotic strength is as important as inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Therefore, we conducted the study to investigate the effects of lupeol on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury, not only biochemically and histopathologically but also on anastomotic strength and miRNAs.Methods: Female rats were randomly divided into six groups. While only laparotomy was performed in the control group (Group C), anastomosis was performed in the sham group (Group S). In the other groups, the superior mesenteric artery was clamped for 45 minutes. In the groups I/R1 and L1, the intestine was transected, and end-to-end anastomosis was performed at the 1st hour of reperfusion. In the groups I/R24 and L24, this procedure was performed at the 24th hour of reperfusion. In addition, lupeol treatment was given before reperfusion and for the following 4 days in the groups L1 and L24. All rats, except the control group, bursting pressure was measured on the 5th day of anastomosis, and then all rats including the control group were sacrificed. TNF-α, IL-6 levels in blood samples and MDA, GSH, caspase-3, miR-29b-3p, miR-34a-5p, miR-495-3p levels in intestinal tissues were measured, and intestinal histopathology was also examined.Results: Lupeol treatment, which was statistically significant in some parameters, demonstrated positive effects by decreasing TNF, IL-6, MDA, caspase-3, histopathological damage levels and increasing GSH and bursting pressure. In addition, lupeol decreased miR-34a-5p expression and increased miR-29b-3p and miR-495-3p expression.Conclusion: Lupeol protected the intestines from I/R damage with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Besides, it reduced the histopathological damage and increased the anastomotic strength. Additionally, miR-29b-3p, miR-34a-5p, miR-495-3p expressions were altered by lupeol.Keywords: lupeol, ischemia/reperfusion injury, small intestine, miR

Abstract Measuring the quality of life of an animal in a production system is difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. We tested the ability of both NIR and MIR spectroscopy, each combined with machine learning, to predict the prior exposure of pigs to long- and short-term life challenges when they are raised in an intensive system. Samples were obtained post-mortem from two locations in the prefrontal cortex. The analysis showed a clear separation between the gray and white matter from the prefrontal cortex with MIR spectroscopy. Exposure to long-term challenge was poorly predicted by the MIR or NIR spectra (

Abstract Background This investigation evaluated the mechanism of hsa_circ_0000423 in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods The hsa_circ_0000423 gene was identified by bioinformatics analyses of GEO circRNA microarrays, and its expression in CRC was investigated. Based on this, in vitro experiments were conducted. Assays with dual luciferase reporter and RIP were conducted to detect interactions between hsa_circ_0000423, miR-369-3p and CCND1. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT and colony formation assay assays, apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, migration and invasion were detected by Transwell, and expression of EMT-related proteins was detected by Western Blot. SW480 cells and T cells were co-cultured to assess immune escape. Results hsa_circ_0000423 and CCND1 were elevated in CRC while miR-369-3p was downregulated Silencing hsa_circ_0000423 resulted in reduced CCND1 expression by upregulating miR-369-3p. Overexpressing CCND1 or down-regulating miR-369-3p both interrupted the anti-tumor role of silencing hsa_circ_0000423 on CRC cells. Conclusion Hsa_circ_0000423 promotes CCND1 expression through competitive binding of miR-369-3p and promotes CRC cell development and immune escape.

We aimed to study electroacupuncture (EA) for its potential neuroprotection against oxidative stress, death of hippocampal neurons and behavioral deficits in rats with Parkinson"s disease (PD). PD was induced by rotenone (2 mg/kg, subcutaneous injection) in male Wistar rats. EA group, control group, miR-331-5p antagomir group, model group and EA + miR-331-5p antagomir group were set up. The novel object recognition tests together with shuttle box tests were conducted to examine the cognitive function, and the pain sensitivity was measured by the tail flick test. In comparison to the control group, the cognitive function and thermal pain threshold significantly declined in the model group. The model group had decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the hippocampus. More hippocampal neuronal loss was detected from the model group. EA increased the hippocampal GPx plus SOD activity and decreased the MDA content. EA or miR-331-5p antagomir raised the quantity of alive hippocampal neurons and the BDNF expression. EA can prevent rotenone-induced non-motor disorders through antioxidation and neuroprotective functions.

In mice, the fetal brain is dependent upon the placenta for factors that guide its early development. This linkage between the two organs has given rise to the term, the placenta–brain axis. A similar interrelationship between the two organs may exist in humans. We hypothesize that extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from placental trophoblast (TB) cells transport small RNA and other informational biomolecules from the placenta to the brain where their contents have pleiotropic effects. Here, EVs were isolated from the medium in which human trophoblasts (TBs) had been differentiated in vitro from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and from cultured iPSC themselves, and their small RNA content analyzed by bulk RNA-seq. EVs derived from human TB cells possess unique profiles of miRs, including hsa-miR-0149-3p, hsa-302a-5p, and many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) relative to EVs isolated from parental iPSC. These miRs and their mRNA targets are enriched in neural tissue. Human neural progenitor cells (NPCs), generated from the same iPSC, were exposed to EVs from either TB or iPSC controls. Both sets of EVs were readily internalized. EVs from TB cells upregulate several transcripts in NPCs associated with forebrain formation and neurogenesis; those from control iPSC upregulated a transcriptional phenotype that resembled glial cells more closely than neurons. These results shed light on the possible workings of the placenta–brain axis. Understanding how the contents of small RNA within TB-derived EVs affect NPCs might yield new insights, possible biomarkers, and potential treatment strategies for neurobehavioral disorders that originate in utero, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing evidence on the significant role of prolonged inflammation in triggering and progressing of numerous diseases with substantial health and socioeconomic impacts, such as musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop therapies that can overcome the main challenges of currently used approaches, such as non-target action, partial modulation of the complex inflammatory pathways, and short-term effects, to effectively manage and resolve chronic inflammatory states. This work investigates the therapeutic synergy of clinically relevant anti-inflammatory agents approaching naïve and classically activated macrophages owing to their central role in inflammation. Aiming at human therapies, a dual-loading nanoplatform reunites molecules with different physico-chemical properties in a single system, seeking to more effectively and comprehensively regulate macrophage functions for precision cell guidance and greater versatility in disease managing. To build this platform, palmitic acid grafted chitosan, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, the clinically approved NSAID celecoxib (also known as Celebrex®), and RNA technologies were combined into superparamagnetic polymeric micelles (SPMs). Our findings demonstrated that traditional anti-inflammatory drugs such as celecoxib and microRNA molecules were efficiently delivered by the SPMs, altering the inflammatory profile of naïve (M0φ) and M1-primed macrophages (M1φ) assessed by gene and protein expression. The impact of the dual-loaded SPMs in naïve Mφ is an interesting finding towards the modulation of the initial immune response, reducing the potential for chronic inflammation and promoting tissue healing. Collectively, these encouraging results demonstrate the promise of multi-nanomedicine strategies to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic interventions by offering a fresh approach to more precisely and carefully regulated nanotherapeutics delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of the central and external zones of ten industrial and artisanal Maroilles cheeses showed differences in their physicochemical parameters, namely fat, pH, moisture content, ash, and color. This difference significantly impacted the rheological properties of the investigated cheeses, which depended on the protein network englobing lipid and water and its interaction with the other components. Overall, Maroilles cheeses had an elastic-like behavior, with the central zones exhibiting the greatest viscoelastic modules (G′ and G″). The mid-infrared (MIR) spectra highlighted the presence of lipids, proteins, and sugars. A significant difference in α-helix and β-sheet levels in the central zones was noted between artisanal and industrial Maroilles cheeses. It is suggested that the difference between artisanal and industrial Maroilles cheeses observed at the macroscopic level, due to the cheese-making procedure and ripening stage, affects the structure at the molecular level, which can be determined by MIR spectroscopy. This trend was confirmed by the FDA when applied to the MIR spectra, since 96.67% correct classification was noted between artisanal and industrial cheeses. The present study indicates that MIR spectroscopy can be used successfully to study Maroilles cheese samples belonging to different production chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the world's third most frequent cancer, with a significant mortality rate due to late detection. There is a need to search for biomarkers that can detect colorectal cancer at an early stage. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate several targets that function as oncogenes and/or tumor suppressor genes, so any change in microRNA expression level can predict abnormality. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the expression of miR-1290, and Suppressor of cancer cell invasion (SCAI) gene that may be used as biomarkers for early diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma. Methodology: This study included 50 subjects consisting of newly diagnosed colorectal carcinoma patients (n = 25), and healthy controls (n = 25). After RNA isolation and reverse transcription, the expression level of miR-1290 and SCAI gene in the tissues and plasma samples of CRC patients were analyzed using real time PCR and compared with healthy individuals as normal controls. The 2−ΔΔCt formula was used to compute the fold-change, while using miR-16 and GAPDH as reference genes for normalization. Results: We found that miR-1290 is upregulated, whereas SCAI gene is downregulated in both plasma and tissue samples of CRC patients. For miR-1290, the sensitivity was 96% and specificity was 100%, and for SCAI, 100% sensitivity and 88% specificity was calculated by ROC analysis. Conclusion: The expression of miR-1290 and SCAI gene may be utilized as biomarkers for diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic and excessive glucocorticoid (GC) exposure can cause Cushing's syndrome, resulting in fat accumulation in selected body areas. Particularly in the brown adipose tissue (BAT), GC acts negatively, resulting in whitening of the tissue. We hypothesized that dysregulation of microRNAs by GC could be an additional mechanism to explain its negative actions in BAT. Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: (1) Control sham and (2) GC group that was administered dexamethasone 6.25 mg/200 μL via osmotic pump implantation over 28 days. After this period, the animals were euthanized and BAT tissue was properly stored. Human fat cells treated with dexamethasone were used to translate the experimental results found in animals to human biology. GC‐treated rat BAT presented with large lipid droplets, severely impaired thermogenic activation, and reduced glucose uptake measured by 18F‐FDG PET/CT. GC exposure induced a reduction in the mitochondrial OXPHOS system and oxygen consumption. MicroRNA profiling of BAT revealed five top‐regulated microRNAs and among them miR‐21‐5p was the most significantly upregulated in GC‐treated rats compared to the control group. Although upregulation of miR‐21‐5p in the tissue, differentiated primary brown adipocytes from GC‐treated rats had decreased miR‐21‐5p levels compared to the control group. To translate these results to the clinic, human brown adipocytes were treated with dexamethasone and miR‐21‐5p inhibitor. In human brown cells, inhibition of miR‐21‐5p increased brown adipocyte differentiation and prevented GC‐induced glucose uptake, resulting in a lower glycolysis rate. In conclusion, high‐dose GC therapy significantly impacts brown adipose tissue function, with a notable association between glucose uptake and miR‐21‐5p. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is the oldest and most widespread mutualistic association on Earth and involves plants and soil fungi belonging to Glomeromycotina. A complex molecular, cellular, and genetic developmental program enables partner recognition, fungal accommodation in plant tissues, and activation of symbiotic functions such as transfer of phosphorus in exchange for carbohydrates and lipids. AM fungi, as ancient obligate biotrophs, have evolved strategies to circumvent plant defense responses to guarantee an intimate and long-lasting mutualism. They are among those root-associated microorganisms able to boost plants' ability to cope with biotic stresses leading to mycorrhiza-induced resistance (MIR), which can be effective across diverse hosts and against different attackers. Here, we examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of plant immunity during colonization by AM fungi and at the onset and display of MIR against belowground and aboveground pests and pathogens. Understanding the MIR efficiency spectrum and its regulation is of great importance to optimizing the biotechnological application of these beneficial microbes for sustainable crop protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ongoing technological advancements in the field of mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy continuously yield novel sensing modalities, offering capabilities beyond traditional techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). One such advancement is MIR dispersion spectroscopy, utilizing a tunable quantum cascade laser and Mach–Zehnder interferometer for liquid-phase analysis. Our study assesses the performance of a custom MIR dispersion spectrometer at its current development stage, benchmarks its performance against FT-IR, and validates its potential for time-resolved chemical reaction monitoring. Unlike conventional methods of IR spectroscopy measuring molecular absorptions using intensity attenuation, our method detects refractive index changes (phase shifts) down to a level of 6.1 × 10–7 refractive index units (RIU). This results in 1.5 times better sensitivity with a sevenfold increase in analytical path length, yielding heightened robustness for the analysis of liquids compared to FT-IR. As a case study, we monitor the catalytic activity of invertase with sucrose, observing the formation of resultant monosaccharides and their progression toward thermodynamic equilibrium. Anomalous refractive index spectra of reaction mixtures, with substrate concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 25 g/L, are recorded, and analyzed at various temperatures, yielding Michaelis–Menten kinetics findings comparable to the literature. Additionally, the first-time application of two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy on the recorded dynamic dispersion spectra correctly identifies the mutarotation of reaction products (glucose and fructose). The results demonstrate high precision and sensitivity in investigating complex time-dependent chemical reactions via broadband refractive index changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El siguiente trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar la compleja situación que atravesó la guerrilla uruguaya del Movimiento de Liberación Nacional-Tupamaros (MLN-T) en Chile, durante la vigencia del Gobierno de Salvador Allende, entre 1970 y 1973. Al respecto, se abordan las dificultades que la presencia tupamara ocasionaba al Gobierno socialista, como el marco de camaradería que, sobre todo, existía con el Movimiento de Izquierda Revolucionaria (MIR). Así, la difícil relación entre el mandatario chileno y la guerrilla liderada por Miguel Enríquez obligó a los tupamaros a convivir bajo una posición de contradicción y oportunidad, conocedores de su mayor proximidad hacia el MIR, pero conscientes de que la protección que le ofrecía el gobierno era de un valor incalculable, dada la situación que se experimentaba en Uruguay. Para la realización de este trabajo se recurre a una notable documentación primaria, proveniente del Archivo de Lucha Armada “David Cámpora”, ubicado en la Universidad de La República (Montevideo) pero, principalmente, a fuentes orales obtenidas a partir de una veintena de entrevistas realizadas a destacados tupamaros, entre finales de 2021 y 2022.

The European Union aim to have all soils healthy by 2050. However, a major challenge to soil health monitoring is identifying key metrics for soil health indicators. Moreover, how to analyse numerous soil properties which are time-consuming, labour intensive and expensive. MIR spectroscopy is a rapid, non-destructive cheaper alternative to wet chemical methods. Here, we combined known soil properties that limit transport of heavy metals (i.e. drainage class, depth, organic matter, particle size/texture, bulk density and cation-exchange-capacity) to develop a topsoil (≤50 cm) leaching potential model (n = 3,515). The study area consisted of mostly grassland soils which had mainly high and moderately low leaching potential (43 and 36 %, respectively), with lower coverage of high and intermediate classes (10 and 11 %, respectively). However, known topsoil prediction models of 5–25 cm (n = 4759) were extrapolated to deeper samples 30–50 cm. As a result, 26 % of samples were identified as ‘out of control’ in peatland transition areas. For full spatial coverage for environmental modelling from spectral data, reference values are needed for the deeper samples in peatland transition areas.Furthermore, this study used a geological survey of the northern half of Ireland at ≤4 km2 resolution to map regions of naturally high levels of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb by ICP and XRF spectroscopy. Geospatial clipping of heavy metal thresholds showed high coverage of As and Ni in Eastern regions, and Cd in the Midland regions of Ireland. Therefore, it would be useful to include fertiliser loadings, transport pathways or any source/recipient data to assess heavy metal movement throughout the soil profile, particularly in these regions.

This paper presents the Cadenza Woodwind Dataset. This publicly available data is synthesised audio for woodwind quartets including renderings of each instrument in isolation. The data was created to be used as training data within Cadenza's second open machine learning challenge (CAD2) for the task on rebalancing classical music ensembles. The dataset is also intended for developing other music information retrieval (MIR) algorithms using machine learning. It was created because of the lack of large-scale datasets of classical woodwind music with separate audio for each instrument and permissive license for reuse. Music scores were selected from the OpenScore String Quartet corpus. These were rendered for two woodwind ensembles of (i) flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon; and (ii) flute, oboe, alto saxophone and bassoon. This was done by a professional music producer using industry-standard software. Virtual instruments were used to create the audio for each instrument using software that interpreted expression markings in the score. Convolution reverberation was used to simulate a performance space and the ensembles mixed. The dataset consists of the audio and associated metadata.

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and are crucial in lipid metabolism. ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is essential for cholesterol efflux from cells to high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Dysregulation of miRs targeting ABCA1 can affect cholesterol homeostasis and contribute to coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to investigate the expression of miRs targeting ABCA1 in human monocytes, their role in cholesterol efflux, and their relationship with CAD. We included 50 control and 50 CAD patients. RT-qPCR examined the expression of miR-33a-5p, miR-26a-5p, and miR-144-3p in monocytes. Logistic regression analysis explored the association between these miRs and CAD. HDL's cholesterol acceptance was analyzed using the J774A.1 cell line. Results showed that miR-26a-5p (p = 0.027) and ABCA1 (p = 0.003) expression levels were higher in CAD patients, while miR-33a-5p (p < 0.001) levels were lower. Downregulation of miR-33a-5p and upregulation of ABCA1 were linked to a lower CAD risk. Atorvastatin upregulated ABCA1 mRNA, and metformin downregulated miR-26a-5p in CAD patients. Decreased cholesterol efflux correlated with higher CAD risk and inversely with miRs in controls. Reduced miR-33a-5p expression and increased ABCA1 expression are associated with decreased CAD risk. miR deregulation in monocytes may influence atherosclerotic plaque formation by regulating cholesterol efflux. Atorvastatin and metformin could offer protective effects by modulating miR-33a-5p, miR-26a-5p, and ABCA1, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for CAD prognosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under vasculogenic conditioning, certain pro-inflammatory subsets within peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) undergo phenotypic transformation into pro-regenerative types, such as vasculogenic endothelial progenitor cells, M2 macrophages, and regulatory T cells. These transformed cells are collectively termed regeneration-associated cells (RACs). In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of RAC-derived extracellular vesicles (RACev) compared with a vehicle-treated group in the context of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (R-IRI). Human PBMCs were cultured with defined growth factor cocktails for seven days to harvest RACs. EV quantity and size were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis. Notably, the systemic injection of RACev significantly decreased serum creatinine and blood urine nitrogen at day three compared to the control group. Histologically, the treatment group showed less fibrosis in the cortex and medullary areas (p < 0.04 and p < 0.01) compared to the control group. The CD31 staining confirmed enhanced capillary densities in the treatment group compared to the control group (p < 0.003). These beneficial effects were accompanied by angiogenesis, anti-fibrosis, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis RACev miR delivery to ischemic injury to control inflammatory, endothelial mesenchymal transition, and hypoxia pathways. In vivo bioluminescence analysis demonstrated a preferential accumulation of RACev in the IR-injured kidney. The systemic transplantation of RACev beneficially restored kidney function by protecting from tissue fibrosis and through anti-inflammation, angiogenesis, and anti-apoptosis miR delivery to the ischemic tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide-field mid-infrared (MIR) hyperspectral imaging offers a promising approach for studying heterogeneous chemical systems due to its ability to independently characterize the molecular properties of different regions of a sample. However, applications of wide-field MIR microscopy are limited to spatial resolutions no better than ∼1 μm. While methods exist to overcome the classical diffraction limit of ∼λ/2, chromatic aberration from transmissive imaging reduces the achievable resolution. Here we describe the design and implementation of a simple MIR achromatic lens combination that we believe will aid in the development of resolution-enhanced wide-field MIR hyperspectral optical and chemical absorption imaging. We also examine the use of this doublet lens to image through polystyrene microspheres, an emerging and simple means for enhancing spatial resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrocytes specifically synthesize and release endozepines, a family of regulatory peptides including octadecaneuropeptide (ODN). We have previously reported that ODN rescues neurons and astrocytes from 6-OHDA-induced oxidative stress and cell death. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential implication of miR-34b, miR-29a, and miR-21 in the protective activity of ODN on 6-OHDA-induced oxidative stress and cell death in cultured rat astrocytes. Flow cytometry analysis showed that 6-OHDA increased the number of early apoptotic and apoptotic dead cells while treatment with the subnanomolar dose of ODN significantly reduced the number of apoptotic cells induced by 6-OHDA. 6-OHDA-treated astrocytes exhibited the over-expression of miR-21 (+118%) associated with a knockdown of miR-34b (−61%) and miR-29a (−49%). Co-treatment of astrocytes with ODN blocked the 6-OHDA-stimulated production of ROS and NO and stimulation of Bax and caspase-3 gene transcription. Concomitantly, ODN down-regulated the expression of miR-34b and miR-29a and rescued the 6-OHDA-associated reduced expression of miR21, indicating that ODN regulates their expression during cell death. Transfection with miR-21-3p inhibitor prevented the effect of 6-OHDA against cell death. In conclusion, our study indicated that (i) the expression of miRNAs miR-34b, miR-29a, and miR-21 is modified in astrocytes under 6-OHDA injury and (ii) that ODN prevents this deregulation to induce its neuroprotective action. The present study identified miR-21 as an emerging candidate and as a promising pharmacological target that opens new neuroprotective therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative diseases, especially in Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of research on the strength of feelings and the status of female figures in the different literary genres of the Old Testament with particular reference to the figure of Abigail in the literary context of 1 Sam 25. The analysis of the biblical text in the original Hebrew and in ancient and modern translations has allowed us to highlight the dynamics of feelings present in the three protagonists: Nabal, David and Abigail. In addition, particular attention has been paid to the role of Abigail in promoting the emergence of feelings of life and in transforming the feelings of revenge of the main protagonist, David. The article pays particular attention to the use of the vocabulary employed in the Hebrew text in the expression of the feelings considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in acute ischemic stroke is likely to occur in patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and may lead to neurological deterioration and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Despite the complex inclusion and exclusion criteria for IVT and some useful tools to stratify HT risk, sICH still occurs in approximately 6% of patients because some of the risk factors for this complication remain unknown. Objective: This study aimed to explore whether there are any differences in circulating microRNA (miRNA) profiles between patients who develop HT after thrombolysis and those who do not. Methods: Using qPCR, we quantified the expression of 84 miRNAs in plasma samples collected prior to thrombolytic treatment from 10 individuals who eventually developed HT and 10 patients who did not. For miRNAs that were downregulated (fold change (FC) <0.67) or upregulated (FC >1.5) with p < 0.10, we investigated the tissue specificity and performed KEGG pathway annotation using bioinformatics tools. Owing to the small patient sample size, instead of multivariate analysis with all major known HT risk factors, we matched the results with the admission NIHSS scores only. Results: We observed trends towards downregulation of miR-1-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-133b and miR-376c-3p, and upregulation of miR-7-5p, miR-17-3p, and miR-296-5p. Previously, the upregulated miR-7-5p was found to be highly expressed in the brain, whereas miR-1, miR-133a-3p and miR-133b appeared to be specific to the muscles and myocardium. Conclusion: miRNA profiles tend to differ between patients who develop HT and those who do not, suggesting that miRNA profiling, likely in association with other omics approaches, may increase the current power of tools predicting thrombolysis-associated sICH in acute ischemic stroke patients. This study represents a free hypothesis-approach pilot study as a continuation from our previous work. Herein, we showed that applying mathematical analyses to extract information from raw big data may result in the identification of new pathophysiological pathways and may complete standard design works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrophils are considered 'first‐line defence' cells as they can be rapidly recruited to the site of the immune response. As key components of non‐specific immune mechanisms, neutrophils use phagocytosis, degranulation, and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to fight pathogens. Recently, immunoregulatory abilities of neutrophils associated with the secretion of several mediators, including cytokines and extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing, among other components, microRNAs (miRNAs), have also been reported. EVs are small structures released by cells into the extracellular space and are present in all body fluids. Microvesicles show the composition and status of the releasing cell, its physiological state, and pathological changes. Currently, EVs have gained immense scientific interest as they act as transporters of epigenetic information in intercellular communication. This review summarises findings from recent scientific reports that have evaluated the utility of miRNA molecules as biomarkers for effective diagnostics or even as start‐points for new therapeutic strategies in neutrophil‐mediated immune reactions. In addition, this review describes the current state of knowledge on miRNA molecules, which are endogenous regulators of gene expression besides being involved in the regulation of the immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portable visible-to-near-infrared (VNIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy coupled with machine learning can provide detailed and inexpensive information on various key soil properties. However, on-site VNIR and MIR proximal sensing applications are hampered by soil moisture and particle size variations, which distort reflectance spectra collected on field-condition soils and impede the integration of established MIR and VNIR soil spectral libraries in predictive models for field measurements.In this study, we explored the capacity of various machine-learning approaches to calibrate VNIR-MIR models for the prediction of soil organic carbon and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA)-derived microbial soil properties with field-condition spectral data. We further evaluated the potential to integrate soil spectral libraries into VNIR-MIR proximal sensing applications by testing the transfer of VNIR-MIR models calibrated on pre-treated soil samples to field-condition VNIR-MIR scans using the External Parameter Orthogonalization (EPO) approach to minimize soil moisture and particle size effects.We compiled a diverse soil dataset encompassing a wide range of organic matter content, soil texture, and parent material from soils under grassland and arable land use (n = 175). VNIR-MIR models were used to predict soil organic carbon (SOC), bacterial biomass (BAC), fungal biomass (FUN), and different soil quality indicators (C:N, Fungal-to-bacterial ratio, gram-positive-to-gram-negative ratio) for both field-condition and pre-treated soil spectral data. Calibrations were developed with Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), Random Forest (RF), Elastic Net (ENET), Cubist, Support Vector Machines (SVM), and an Ensemble-GLM. We further tested the effectiveness of coupling each machine-learning model with the EPO algorithm to transfer models calibrated on pre-treated soils to field-condition scans.Our results show that machine learning methods such as Cubist and SVM readily outperformed the standard PLSR calibration, with average improvements of ΔRMSE ∼15 % for pre-treated soils and ΔRMSE ∼10 % for field-condition samples. Ensemble-GLM models were about as accurate as the best individual model in each case but did not yield further improvements. The direct calibration transfer from laboratory calibrations to field-condition spectra exhibited very low accuracy. The EPO approach improved model transfer results significantly (ΔRMSE ∼40 %) but was still less accurate than predictive models using spectra from pre-treated soils (ΔRMSE ∼18 %).Our findings highlight the benefits of employing a diverse set of machine-learning algorithms and model ensembles for improved VNIR-MIR calibrations of soil properties and demonstrate that the EPO transform is effective in removing moisture and particle size effects from VNIR and MIR soil spectra collected in field-condition. This opens the opportunity to integrate archived local soil data or extensive soil spectral libraries into proximal soil sensing applications with portable VNIR and MIR spectrometers to facilitate the acquisition of high-quality soil information at high spatiotemporal resolution directly in the field.

We present an approach to overcome the challenges associated with the increasing demand of high‐throughput characterization of technical lignins, a key resource in emerging bioeconomies. Our approach offers a resort from the lack of direct, simple, and low‐cost analytical techniques for lignin characterization by employing multivariate calibration models based on infrared (IR) spectroscopy to predict structural properties of lignins (i. e., functionality, molar mass). By leveraging a comprehensive database of over 500 well‐characterized technical lignin samples – a factor of 10 larger than previously used sets – our chemometric models achieved high levels of quality and statistical confidence for the determination of different functional group contents (RMSEPs of 4–16 %). However, the statistical moments of the molar mass distribution are still best determined by size‐exclusion chromatography. Analyses of over 500 technical lignins offered also a great opportunity to provide information on the general variability in kraft lignins and lignosulfonates (from different origins). Overall, the effected savings in analysis time (>7 h), resources, and required sample mass combined with non‐destructiveness of the measurement satisfy key demands for efficient high‐throughput lignin analyses. Finally, we discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of our approach, along with critical insights into the associated chemical‐analytical and spectroscopic challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of cannabidiol (CBD) oil products has increased in recent years. No analytical controls are mandatory for these products leading to uncertainties about composition and quality. In this paper, a methodology was developed to identify the oil matrix and to estimate the CBD content in such samples, using mid‐infrared and near‐infrared spectroscopy. Different oils were selected based on the information labeled on products and were bought in food stores in order to create a sample set with a variety of matrices. These oils were spiked with CBD to obtain samples with CBD levels from 0% to 20%. The first part of the study was focused on the qualitative analysis of the oil matrix. A classification model, based on Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy, was build using the spiked oils to distinguish between the different oil matrices. For both spectroscopic techniques, the sensitivity, the specificity, the accuracy and the precision were equal to 100%. These models were applied to determine the oil matrix of seized samples. The second part of the study was focused on the quantitative estimation of CBD. After determination of CBD in seized samples using gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, partial least square regression (PLS‐R) models were built, one for each matrix in the sample set. Both techniques were able to classify unknown oily samples according to their matrix, and although only few samples were available to evaluate the PLS‐R models, the approach clearly showed promising results for the estimation of the CBD content in oil samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Process Analytical Technologies (PATs) are taking a key role in the run for automatization in the biopharmaceutical industry. Spectroscopic methods such as Raman spectroscopy or mid‐infrared (MIR) spectroscopy are getting more recognition in the recent years for inline monitoring of bioprocesses due to their ability to measure various molecules simultaneously. However, their dependency on laborious model calibration making them a challenge to implement. In this study, a novel one‐point calibration that requires a single reference point prior to the inline monitoring of glucose and lactate in bioprocesses with MIR spectroscopy is assessed with 22 mammalian cell perfusion (PER) processes in two different scales and four different products. Concentrations are predicted over all PERs runs with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.29 g/L for glucose and 0.24 g/L for lactate, respectively. For comparison conventional partial least square regression (PLSR) models were used and trained with spectroscopic data from six bioreactor runs in two different scales and three products. The general accuracy of those models (RMSE of 0.41 g/L for glucose and 0.16 g/L for lactate) are in the range of the accuracy of the one‐point calibration. This shows the potential of the one‐point calibration as an approach making spectroscopy more accessible for bioprocess development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundHemorrhagic transformation (HT) in acute ischemic stroke is likely to occur in patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and may lead to neurological deterioration and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Despite the complex inclusion and exclusion criteria for IVT and some useful tools to stratify HT risk, sICH still occurs in approximately 6% of patients because some of the risk factors for this complication remain unknown.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore whether there are any differences in circulating microRNA (miRNA) profiles between patients who develop HT after thrombolysis and those who do not.MethodsUsing qPCR, we quantified the expression of 84 miRNAs in plasma samples collected prior to thrombolytic treatment from 10 individuals who eventually developed HT and 10 patients who did not. For miRNAs that were downregulated (fold change (FC) 1.5) with p

Kako se suočavamo s nadolazećim političkim ustrojstvom svijeta, autor članka izvodi kritičku rekonstrukciju argumenata kritičkih političkih teoretičara (Petito, Mouffe, Burgess, Rowan i Zolo) koji nalaze uporište u političkom učenju Carla Schmitta, posebno u njegovom shvaćanju nomosa. Pritom autor uvažava Schmittov naputak o pojmovima iz Predgovora za talijansko izdanje Pojma političkoga (1971). Prvo se osvrće na pokušaj da se Schmitta prikaže pobornikom mira. Nakon toga se razmatraju načini preuzimanja Schmittova shvaćanja veleprostora i nomosa od strane spomenutih teoretičara. I treće, najviše se pozornosti posvećuje Rowanovom radikalno demokratskom čitanju Schmittova učenja o nomosu. Kritički se razmatra njegov pokušaj da se pomoću Schmittova shvaćanja konstitutivne moći dokine "prostor" i tako uspostavi novi demokratski nomos (ili čak post-nomos).

Background and purpose: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major public health problem and in 2019 it was the leading cause of years of life lost due to premature death. Knowing its incidence and mortality rates can help in designing and implementing preventive interventions in different regions of the country. In this study, the incidence and mortality pattern of IHD during the years 1990-2019 was investigated in the provinces of Iran. Materials and methods: In the current ecology study (ethics code IR.ZUMS.REC.1402.216), age-standardized incidence and mortality rate (per 100,000 population) of ischemic heart disease for 31 provinces of Iran from the Global Burden of Disease Database (GBD) in 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2019 were extracted. Also, the incidence and mortality rates in the age groups below 44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75-84, and above 85 years in the studied years were investigated. In men and women, in different age groups and overall, the mortality-incidence ratio (MIR) was also calculated. To identify provinces with similar trends in incidence, mortality, and MIR in the studied years, model-based clustering analysis was used. A finite mixture of multivariate t-distributions was used in the clustering method. Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) was used to determine the number of clusters (number of different trends). To determine the number of clusters, different clusters were considered and BIC was calculated. The number of clusters with the lowest BIC value was considered as the final number of clusters in each index. Analyzes were performed in R 4.2.0 software. Results: During the years 1990 to 2019, the incidence rate of IHD in women has decreased by 6% and men by 4%, the mortality rate of IHD in women by 35% and men by 40%, and MIR in women by 69% and men by 62%. The results showed that from 1990 to 2019, in Khorasan Razavi province, we saw a 13% decrease in the total incidence of the disease, and in Ardabil province, we saw only a 1% decrease in the total incidence of the disease. The lowest rate of IHD in 2019 was in Tehran province. Also, in both genders, Tehran province had the lowest mortality rate and the lowest MIR. North Khorasan province has the highest incidence and Golestan province has the highest mortality rate and the highest MIR of the disease in 2019. Based on the results of clustering analysis, the incidence rate is 3, the mortality rate is 2 and MIR has 2 trends (clusters) in 31 provinces. The IHD incidence rate in Ardabil, Golestan, South Khorasan, Qazvin, Qom, Sistan, and Baluchistan, Tehran, and Yazd, the mortality rate in Ardabil, Bushehr, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Hormozgan, Ilam, Kurdistan, Lorestan, Qazvin and Semnan, and MIR in West and East Azerbaijan, Bushehr, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Fars, Gilan, Golestan, Hormozgan, Ilam, Isfahan, Kerman, Kermanshah, Khorasan Razavi, Khuzestan, Kurdistan, Lorestan, Markazi, Mazandaran, Semnan and Yazd had a similar trend and a higher value than other provinces. Conclusion: The incidence and mortality rate and MIR have decreased during the 30 years of study in Iran, but this decrease in the incidence rate was less than the decrease in the other two indices. This shows the need for health system planners to pay attention and focus on first-level preventive programs. Also, the observed difference in incidence and mortality rate according to different provinces, and planning according to different regions is noted.

The scientific review provides the mechanisms of drug regulation of microRNA in the human body. To write the article, information was searched using Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Global Health, The Cochrane Library databases. To restore the reduced functional activity of microRNAs, replacement therapy is used, with modified synthetic analogs of endogenous microRNAs, and drugs that enhance the production of the body’s own microRNAs. The authors state that numerous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of miRNA replacement therapy. It is known that there are several groups of drugs among miRNA inhibitors: anti-miRNA oligonucleotides, miRNA traps, miRNA mimics that prevent miRNA binding; peptide nucleic acids, small-molecule inhibitors. The authors suggest that the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes is controlled by nuclear receptors and transcription factors, epigenetic regulation such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, and post-translational modification. It is emphasized that ursodeoxycholic acid modulates the expression of some miRNAs. It is known that probiotic bacteria can modulate the expression level of miRNA genes. The use of probiotics is accompanied by a change in the expression of nume­rous genes of the body involved in the regulation of the inflammatory response, allergic reactions, metabolism and other biological processes. Thus, modern science is intensively studying the potential of using drugs that restore miRNA content or inhibit miRNA acti­vity for the therapy of miRNA-dependent conditions. The results of scientific research confirmed the therapeutic effect of ursodeoxycholic acid and probiotic preparations due to the effect on the acti­vity of miRNA generation in hepatobiliary diseases. Therefore, the introduction into clinical practice of drugs than can modulate the content and expression of specific miRNAs will certainly open new perspectives in the treatment of patients with hepatobiliary diseases.

The investigation of the central and external zones of ten industrial and artisanal Maroilles cheeses showed differences in their physicochemical parameters, namely fat, pH, moisture content, ash, and color. This difference significantly impacted the rheological properties of the investigated cheeses, which depended on the protein network englobing lipid and water and its interaction with the other components. Overall, Maroilles cheeses had an elastic-like behavior, with the central zones exhibiting the greatest viscoelastic modules (G′ and G″). The mid-infrared (MIR) spectra highlighted the presence of lipids, proteins, and sugars. A significant difference in α-helix and β-sheet levels in the central zones was noted between artisanal and industrial Maroilles cheeses. It is suggested that the difference between artisanal and industrial Maroilles cheeses observed at the macroscopic level, due to the cheese-making procedure and ripening stage, affects the structure at the molecular level, which can be determined by MIR spectroscopy. This trend was confirmed by the FDA when applied to the MIR spectra, since 96.67% correct classification was noted between artisanal and industrial cheeses. The present study indicates that MIR spectroscopy can be used successfully to study Maroilles cheese samples belonging to different production chains.

The scientific review considers the mechanisms of microRNA regulation of biological processes in the human body with the help of food products, namely those of animal origin. To write the article, information was searched using Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Global Health, The Cochrane Library databases. It is known that micro­RNA molecules of milk retain their biological activity in the digestive tract for a long time, reach the intestinal mucosa and penetrate the internal continuum of the body. It is stated that in breast milk, microRNAs are mainly found in extracellular vesicles, which are signalosomes that mediate the effectiveness of molecular communication between the mother and her child. Breast milk has been shown to contain about 1,400 different miRNAs, most of which are located in exosomes. The authors indicate that the representation of miRNA in breast milk changes during the postpartum period. Scientists believe that large amounts of microRNAs are found both in raw cow’s milk and in commercial dairy foods. Formulas are miRNA-deficient dairy foods. The authors provide data that miR-148a deficiency is associated with the development of pathological processes of the hepatobiliary system such as inflammation, liver fibrosis, carcinogenesis and lipid metabolism disorders. It has been shown that meat products contain large amounts of various miRNAs, which can retain their functional activity even after heat treatment. So, in a comprehensive review using the latest information search databases, it was found that in the modern scientific li­terature, the authors determine the horizontal transfer of numerous microRNA molecules from animals to the human body. The main food product that restores microRNA deficiency is milk. Breast milk contains mRNA, microRNA and many other active substances. Feeding children with formulas leads to a pronounced deficiency of exogenous miRNAs. The change in the structure of the human transcriptome is due to the consumption of meat products.

Тhe scientific review presents the mechanisms of microRNA regulation of biological processes in the human body with the help of food products of plant origin. To write the article, information was searched using Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine, PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Global Health, The Cochrane Library databases. The obtained information on dietary microRNAs is organized into the Dietary MicroRNA Databases (http://sbbi.unl.edu/dmd/), which is a repository for archiving and analyzing structural and functional microRNAs that enter the human body with food. It is stated that exogenous plant miRNAs entering the body with food are present in blood serum, tissues of humans and various animals, and regulate the expression of target genes. More than 50 miRNAs of plant origin have been identified in human blood serum using next-generation sequencing. The authors list some representatives from the multitude of dietary plant miRNAs. It is emphasized that several miRNAs show their functional activity both in plants and in mammals and easily overcome physiological barriers (miR-155, miR-168 and miR-854). Scientists believe that the ambiguous effect of plant products on the expression of human microRNA was shown by the results of a study conducted in vegetarians. Thus, with a comprehensive review using the latest information search databases, it was found that in modern scientific literature, the authors determine the horizontal transfer of numerous microRNA molecules from plants to the human body. Exogenous xenogenic xenomiRs are identified in most samples of human tissues and biological fluids. Entering the body together with food, they can significantly change the structure of the human transcriptome. Food products not only bring xenogeneic miRNAs, but also act as modulators of the endogenous miRNA generation by cells of the human body.

The role of miRNA in the development of cho­langiopathies is considered in the scientific review. This article discusses the role of miRNA in biliary atresia, polycystic liver disease, and cholangiocarcinoma. To write the article, information was searched using Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine, PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Global Health, The Cochrane Library databases. The results of experimental studies indicate that the influence of miRNA causes the development of biliary atresia. It is found that, according to the results of ­miRNA expression profiling of extrahepatic bile ducts and gallbladder, miR-133a/b, ­miR-30b/c, miR-200a, miR-195, miR-365 and miR-320 are involved in the pathogenesis of biliary atresia. The article states that the scientists demonstrated a high level of ADD3 mRNA expression in the liver tissue of patients with biliary atresia. ADD3 overexpression promotes the adhesion and accumulation of epithelial cells in the bile ducts, which can lead to obstruction of the bile ducts and cholestasis. In turn, an excess of bile acids stimulates the proliferation of cholangiocytes and causes the development of liver fibrosis. Given that hyperproli­feration of epithelial cells of the bile ducts due to an impaired cell cycle is a key feature of cystogenesis in polycystic liver disease, researchers hypothesized that miRNAs, changing the cell cycle, may contribute to hepatic cystogenesis. The authors showed that polycystic liver disease is accompanied by a decrease in the expression of miR-15a, whose target is the mRNA of the cell division cycle 25A regulator. Numerous miRNAs are involved in the development of cholangiocarcinoma, changes in the expression and content of which in blood serum were noted in patients with this form of neoplasms. Thus, after a comprehensive review using the latest information search databases, it was found that in the modern scientific literature, the authors determine the association of micro-RNA generation activity and the development of cholangiopathies, namely: biliary atresia, polycystic liver disease, cholangiocarcinoma.

This editorial introduces the new education track for the Transactions of the International Society for Music Information Retrieval (TISMIR) and aims to provide guidance to both prospective authors and users of this track’s material regarding its context, goals, and scope. To begin, we offer TISMIR-specific context, including the journal’s history, its unchanged scope and remit, and the motivations behind introducing the new track. This context is supplemented by broader insights into developments in the field of Music Information Retrieval (MIR), the personal pedagogical experiences of the authors, and the rapid, extensive development of Open Educational Resources across various domains. We highlight the key characteristics of educational articles in general and explore why the music domain may provide an intuitive and motivating setting for education across various levels and disciplines. The education track aligns with existing tracks in terms of TISMIR’s dedication to scientific research in MIR, broadly defined as the processing, analyzing, organizing, and creating of music and music-related information using computational methods. Educational articles within this track maintain the high standards expected in terms of scientific rigor, clarity of language, and compelling presentation. However, they differ in their focus on a tutorial-style delivery and their emphasis on existing MIR research methods, techniques, principles, and practical matters relevant to the diverse interests of the MIR community. Through this editorial, our objective is to offer guidance, clarify review criteria, and stimulate discussion on crafting effective educational articles, thereby laying the foundation for a broader discourse on education within MIR and beyond.