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The Boolean map χ n : F 2 n → F 2 n , x ↦ y defined by y i = x i + (x i + 1 + 1) x i + 2 (where i ∈ Z / n Z ) is used in various permutations that are part of cryptographic schemes, e.g., Keccak-f (the SHA-3-permutation), ASCON (the winner of the NIST Lightweight competition), Xoodoo, Rasta and Subterranean (2.0). In this paper, we study various algebraic properties of this map. We consider χ n (through vectorial isomorphism) as a univariate polynomial. We show that it is a power function if and only if n = 1 , 3 . We furthermore compute bounds on the sparsity and degree of these univariate polynomials, and the number of different univariate representations. Secondly, we compute the number of monomials of given degree in the inverse of χ n (if it exists). This number coincides with binomial coefficients. Lastly, we consider χ n as a polynomial map, to study whether the same rule ( y i = x i + (x i + 1 + 1) x i + 2 ) gives a bijection on field extensions of F 2 . We show that this is not the case for extensions whose degree is divisible by two or three. Based on these results, we conjecture that this rule does not give a bijection on any extension field of F 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In symmetric cryptography, block ciphers, stream ciphers and permutations often make use of a round function and many round functions consist of a linear and a non-linear layer. One that is often used is based on the cellular automaton that is denoted by χ as a Boolean map on bi-infinite sequences, F 2 Z . It is defined by σ ↦ ν where each ν i = σ i + (σ i + 1 + 1) σ i + 2 . A map χ n is a map that operates on n-bit arrays with periodic boundary conditions. This corresponds with χ restricted to periodic infinite sequences with period that divides n. This map χ n is used in various permutations, e.g., Keccak-f (the permutation in SHA-3), ASCON (the NIST standard for lightweight cryptography), Xoodoo, Rasta and Subterranean (2.0). In this paper, we characterize the graph of χ on periodic sequences. It turns out that χ is surjective on the set of all periodic sequences. We will show what sequences will give collisions after one application of χ . We prove that, for odd n, the order of χ n (in the group of bijective maps on F 2 n ) is 2 ⌈ lg (n + 1 2) ⌉ . A given periodic sequence lies on a cycle in the graph of χ , or it can be represented as a polynomial. By regarding the divisors of such a polynomial one can see whether it lies in a cycle, or after how many iterations of χ it will. Furthermore, we can see, for a given σ , the length of the cycle in its component in the state diagram. Finally, we extend the surjectivity of χ to F 2 Z , thus to include non-periodic sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personal naming culture among the Igbos in South-eastern Nigeria is ethnopragmatically conceived to contextualize their collective worldview which communicates their religious and sociocultural connections. This paper explores an aspect of Igbo naming practices which shows the diverse conceptualization of Chi (God) from an ethnopragmatic perspective that situate names and meanings within the language and religious interpretations. Data for the study were generated through participant observation, semi-structured interviews and informal interactions with 40 recruited participants as representative sample of the name-givers, bearers and users among Mbaise and Ngwa people in Aboh Mbaise and Aba North Local Government Areas in Imo and Abia States of Nigeria. Findings show that the personal names contextualize Igbo Christians' conceptualization of Chi as supreme, virtuous, extolling and trustworthy, giver of wealth and a faithful promise keeper. We conclude that Chi has a deepened value in the Igbo sociocultural and religious beliefs nuanced in their naming practices that construct particular circumstance(s) of the name bearer, parents and community. The emerging orientations expand the ethnopragmatic functions of the personal names beyond linguistic and sociocultural identities to situate Igbo as a society with supreme attachment to Christian religion, reverence to, and propagation of the virtues and nature of God. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the increase in the number of male nursing sta, more and more highly educated male nursing sta are joining the nursing higher education industry. Nevertheless, male nursing teachers in China are still a very small group in the education industry, but they have made important contributions to nursing education in China. Work experience is a key factor in the stability of the professional team and the quality of education. However, there is little research on the professional feelings of Chinese male nursing teachers. Objective: Explore the true feelings of male nursing teachers in Chinese universities about their work, understand their actual work diffculties, their sources of work stress and methods of coping with stress under the Chinese cultural background, and combine their professional expectations to provide ways to solve these problems, and help male nursing educators better apply nursing education work. Methods: This study uses an interpretive and exploratory qualitative research design method, in which the participants of male nursing teachers are selected from 30 universities with nursing majors in Zhejiang Province by the method of purpose sampling, and semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to collect data. A Van Manen process was used for data analysis. The 10th respondents were saturated. Results: Five themes were extracted in this study, namely realistic diffculties of career, positive feelings of career, sources of occupational stress, coping methods for occupational stress, and career development expectations. Conclusions: Male nursing teachers in universities can actively adjust their thoughts and behaviors and face negative professional feelings due to gender factors. But they still need more comprehension and support from educational institutions and society. The support of leaders and universities can help them better adjust to professional development and maintain a rational and stable nursing teacher team [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers increasingly search for health information online but can become frustrated in their efforts. Here, public libraries can play an important role as trusted sources. A random sample of 200 U.S. public libraries was used to identify the availability of online consumer health information (CHI) and related characteristics. We found that 110 libraries provided online CHI. The average site provided 28 sources and required two clicks to reach the information. About a third of libraries collaborated by sharing sources or linking to existing content. Collaboration may provide a way to expand the availability and quality of online CHI on public library websites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper studies some aspects of the Igbo non-philosophy, which include elements such as cosmology, myth, language, culture, belief system, folklore, and so on which, though not philosophy, can offer materials for philosophical reflection. It then goes ahead to conceptualize 'initiative-democracy' and 'covenant-based authority' as implicit in Igbo nonphilosophy. By making explicit what is implicit in Igbo non-philosophy, the author hopes to offer some grounds for answering the question of why political centralization was/is resisted in Igbo society. Initiative-democracy is a form of social structure, while covenant-based authority is an ordered or prescriptive way of securing the well-being of persons and communities. Both social engagements, as existential and dispositional attitudes, will foreground the organization of human affairs within the Igbo environment of occurrence. The Igbo are a people for whom reality is hugely encountered from the standpoint of process; hence, one thinks they are primarily inclined to abhor a centralized system of control. The method of hermeneutics is adopted in this study to reveal the philosophy hidden in the nonphilosophical corpus of some aspects of Igbo life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper documents the long history of feng shui belief and practice in Chinese culture, and its spread worldwide in the past half century. It shows that commitment to the peculiar qi or chi entity is central to feng shui and more generally to traditional Chinese writings on medicine, astrology, philosophy, politics, literature, natural philosophy and science. Despite their centrality and omnipresence, chi claims have rarely been scientifically appraised. This is, in part, because they are stated so vaguely and mysteriously that no definite test is possible. This paper examines, and refutes, the claims of one rare but well-credentialled, multi-university-based research programme affirming the reality of chi. The paper shows that the cost of seriously endorsing a chi-based explanation of any putative effect is a rejection of the entire ontological, epistemological and methodological edifice of modern science. Chi explanations are incompatible with both a methodological and an ontological naturalist understanding of science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual guardian angel belief is one aspect of Second-Temple Jewish angelology that infiltrated early Christianity. In Mtt. 18:10, these angels were referred to as guards to people, especially those whom Jesus referred to as 'the little ones.' Jesus' mention of this second temple angelology explains the popularity of this angelic belief within Jesus' time. Meanwhile, in Africa-Igbo mythology there is a belief in individual destiny spirit (chi) who is also a guardian spirit. This destiny or guardian spirit is possessed individually by each Igbo person. The chi-spirit personality is seen to display certain characteristics which make it possible that the Igbo philosophy on individual chi and the individual angel of Mtt. 18:10 refer to the same spirit beings. The study aims to verify the nexus between these two spirit phenomena.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The higher-order linear moments (LH-moments) method is one of the most commonly used methods for estimating the parameters of probability distributions in flood frequency analysis without sample censoring. This article presents the relationships necessary to estimate the parameters for eight probability distributions used in flood frequency analysis. Eight probability distributions of three parameters using first- and second-order LH-moments are presented, namely the Pearson V distribution, the CHI distribution, the inverse CHI distribution, the Wilson–Hilferty distribution, the Pseudo-Weibull distribution, the Log-normal distribution, the generalized Pareto Type I distribution and the Fréchet distribution. The exact and approximate relations for parameter estimation are presented, as are the exact and approximate relations for estimating the frequency factor specific to each method. In addition, the exact and approximate relationships of variation in the LH-skewness–LH-kurtosis are presented, as is the variation diagram of these statistical indicators. To numerically represent the analyzed distributions, a flood frequency analysis case study using the annual maximum series was carried out for the Prigor River. The analysis is presented compared to the linear moments (L-moments) method, which is the method that is intended to be used in the development of a new norm in Romania for determining the maximum flows. For the Prigor River, the most fit distributions are the Pseudo-Weibull and the generalized Pareto Type I for the linear moments method and the CHI and the Wilson–Hilferty distributions for the first higher-order linear moments method. The performance was evaluated using linear and higher-order linear moment values and diagrams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system characterized by lacked clinical pregnancy after 12 or more months of regular unprotected sex. To diagnose the causes and choose the tactics of infertility treatment, a personalized approach to each patient is required, which is beneficial for both the doctor and the patient. A comprehensive examination of patients is important from the point of pharmacoeconomics and clinical efficiency view. Here, a comprehensive diagnostics of the spouses resulting in birth of a healthy child is discussed.

This article presents six probability distributions from the gamma family with three parameters for the flood frequency analysis in hydrology. The choice of the gamma family of statistical distributions was driven by its frequent use in hydrology. In the Faculty of Hydrotechnics, the improvement of the estimation of maximum flows, including the methodological bases for the realization of a regionalization study with the linear moments method with the corrected parameters, was researched and is an element of novelty. The linear moments method performs better than the method of ordinary moments because it avoids the choice of skewness depending on the origin of the flows, and is the method practiced in Romania. The L-moments method conforms to the current trend for estimating the parameters of statistical distributions. Observed data from hydrometric stations are of relatively short length, so the statistical parameters that characterize them are of a sample that requires correction. The correction of the statistical parameters is proposed using the method of least squares based on the inverse functions of the statistical distributions expressed with the frequency factor for L-moments. All the necessary elements for their use are presented, such as quantile functions, the exact and approximate relations for estimating parameters, and frequency factors. A flood frequency analysis case study was carried out for the Ialomita river to verify the proposed methodology. The performance of this distributions is evaluated using Kling–Gupta and Nash–Sutcliff coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is a method utilized for producing proteins without the limits of cell viability. The plug-and-play utility of CFPS is a key advantage over traditional plasmid-based expression systems and is foundational to the potential of this biotechnology. A key limitation of CFPS is the varying stability of DNA types, limiting the effectiveness of cell-free protein synthesis reactions. Researchers generally rely on plasmid DNA for its ability to support robust protein expression in vitro. However, the overhead required to clone, propagate, and purify plasmids reduces the potential of CFPS for rapid prototyping. While linear templates overcome the limits of plasmid DNA preparation, linear expression templates (LETs) were under-utilized due to their rapid degradation in extract based CFPS systems, limiting protein synthesis. To reach the potential of CFPS using LETs, researchers have made notable progress toward protection and stabilization of linear templates throughout the reaction. The current advancements range from modular solutions, such as supplementing nuclease inhibitors and genome engineering to produce strains lacking nuclease activity. Effective application of LET protection techniques improves expression yields of target proteins to match that of plasmid-based expression. The outcome of LET utilization in CFPS is rapid design–build–test–learn cycles to support synthetic biology applications. This review describes the various protection mechanisms for linear expression templates, methodological insights for implementation, and proposals for continued efforts that may further advance the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and chitosan (CHI) are two well-known natural polymer derivatives, as such the CMC@CHI complex beads fulfill many requirements for bio-related and safety-required applications. However, poor mechanical properties of CMC@CHI beads hinder their applications. We managed to improve the beads stability by a simple thermal treatment during the bead preparation. The effects of temperature, changing from 25 °C to 75 °C, on the stability of the formed beads were investigated. The morphology, diameter, shell thickness and structure of the beads treated at different temperature were analyzed using SEM, XPS and FTIR. The mechanical test and swelling experiments showed that the thermal treatment enhanced the bead's ability to withstand pressure and swelling. The beads treated at 75 °C showed the best pressure resistance, while the beads treated at 55 °C exhibited the highest swelling capability without losing integrity. This method is convenient to implement, not only improves the stability, but also controls the swelling capacity and mechanical properties of the beads, which are important for their potential applications in adsorption and controlled release. More importantly, this work offered insights on the effects of thermal treatment on the complexation process of the two polysaccharide molecular chains. [Display omitted] • Thermal treatment speeds up the complexation of polysaccharide chains. • Complex beads prepared via extrusion method tend to have a core-shell structure. • Heating affects size, shell thickness, and surface morphology of complex beads. • Mechanical performance has both positive and negative effects on the beads swelling. • Swelling ratio increases first and then decreases with the increase of temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of the chakras and their associated energy fields is admitted by oriental tradition but has never been scientifically and convincingly demonstrated. After showing the weaknesses of past attempts toward this goal, the author describes preliminary experiments which enable to better specify behavior of the chakra energy field. From these empirical results, a new experimental protocol is carefully designed and proposed, along with the relevant statistical analysis. The main experiment detailed here relies on randomly generated trials monitored by a computer to ensure that the double-blind criterion is met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a functional non-coding RNA with transcripts longer than 200 nt. lncRNA not only participates in the regulation of plant growth and development, but also responds to biological processes such as various stress. Chalcone isomerase (CHI) is one of the key enzyme genes in plant anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. In order to explore lncRNA that may be involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.), the lncRNA of Xuzishu 3 (purple-fleshed sweet potato) and Xushu 18 (white-fleshed sweet potato) were sequenced and their target genes were predicte. lncRNA TCONS＿00074371 and its target gene CHI were found may be related to anthocyanin biosynthesis in our previous study. It will lay a foundation for further study on the function and regulation mechanism of lncRNA in anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. In this study, lncRNA TCONS＿00074371 and its target gene CHI were cloned, and the bioinformatics analysis of CHI was conducted. the results showed that the length of lncRNA TCONS＿00074371 gene and CHI was 1 085 bp and 852 bp, respectively. The ORF of CHI was 732 bp, encoding 243 amino acids. CHI protein was a non-secretory protein. Phylogenic analysis showed that the CHI protein of sweet potato was highly related to the CHI protein of Ipomoea triloba, I. purpurea Lam. and I. nil (Linn.) . RT-qRCR results showed that the expression levels of lncRNA TCONS＿00074371 and CHI were different in Xuzishu 3 and Xushu 18, and both of them had higher expression in Xuzishu 3, but lower expression in Xushu 18, speculating that lncRNA TCONS＿00074371 may positively regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis by promoting the expression of CHI in sweet potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global experience of health care financing systems, acquired as a result of the geoeconomic pandemic crisis of 2020-2022, requires a deep systemic retrospective study. It is substantiated that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic showed the weakness of the healthcare systems of the EU and Ukraine. However, it is advisable to consider it as a powerful multisystem trigger and catalyst for the transformation of healthcare systems, the maximum impact of which is predicted in the financial and logistics sectors, which are considered the weakest link of local healthcare systems. It was determined that during the period of geo-economic pandemic instability, a fundamental difference in ensuring the functioning of healthcare systems was clearly outlined. The need for a constructive redistribution of limited financial resources to combat the pandemic was combined with a global shortage of unique specialized resources. In the process of analysis, the economic, epidemiological, and social effectiveness of the use of the Government Stringency Index (GSI), the Containment and Health Index (CHI) and Global Health Security Index (GHS) are emphasized. The study confirmed that during the period of geo-economic instability in the EU, the concept of global collective responsibility and increasing the sustainability of the health care financing system was conceptualized within the scope of the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA); EU4Health programs; single digital European health data space. The authors to introduce the concept of modification stability of health care financing systems, which is understood as process of transformation of the health care financing system, which make it possible to overcome unforeseeable variations of external and internal influences not with the aim of preventing their relapse, but with the prospect of stable recovery and self-improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural and religious representations may seem different from one culture to another. Yet the concept of the 'Force' that George Lucas developed in the Star Wars saga (1977–2019) has been compared to the Judeo-Christian and East Asian religions and traditions, and even to the Greco-Roman philosophical concept of 'pneuma'. In turn, the Igbo of Nigeria believe in the existence of 'Chi', an enigmatic concept that has given rise to various interpretations. This article conducts a comparative analysis of the concept of 'Force' in Lucas' Star Wars saga and the Igbo 'Chi' in Nigerian author Buchi Emecheta's novel Kehinde (1994). It focuses on the principle of duality these works establish between the natural and supernatural worlds and its relevance for the twin characters in the narratives. The connections between the 'Force' and the twins Luke and Leia and between 'Chi' and Kehinde and her dead twin sister Taiwo evoke the epic structure of a hero that must, in Joseph Campbell's terms, "slay [the] dragon" (Campbell and Moyers 1988/1991: 182). The article examines the relevance of religion and myths in these twentieth-century narratives that readdress the development of the heroes' identity and their struggle to offer audiences role models to confront modern social and political questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the concept of God in traditional Igbo-African religious thought, prior to the advent of Western religion, with a view to showing that the idea of a God/Deity who is supreme in every area of life and sphere of influence and who "creates out of nothing," like the God of the Christian or Western missionaries, is unrecognized in the Igbo-African traditional religious thought. Even though the Igbo conceive of strong and powerful deities that can only reign supreme within their respective sphere of influence where they are in charge, none of these deities is identical to the supreme God promoted by the Christian missionaries. The Igbo traditional religious worldview maintains a polytheistic religious view, unlike the monotheistic outlook of the Christian religion. To achieve its goal, the paper adopts the method of historical hermeneutics and textual analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. A comparative analysis of urinary and recombinant gonadotropins is relevant for the enhancement of the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) programs. Of particular interest is the analysis of the pharmacoeconomic efficiency of highly purified human menopausal gonadotropins (HMG) and the identification of individual groups of patients for whom the use of these drugs for ovarian stimulation in the ART program is most feasible and economically justified.Aim. To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of the use of Menopur Multidose at a dosage of 1200 IU for ovarian function stimulation in the standard ART protocols with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and antagonists (GnRH-a and GnRH-ant).Materials and methods. The retrospective study included 4080 women aged 20 to 43 years. Stimulation of ovarian function in the ART program was carried out according to the GnRH antagonist protocol in 65.8% of patients and according to the GnRH-a protocol using Menopur Multidose at a dosage of 1200 IU supplemented with Menopur at a dosage of 75 IU used for its indications in 34.2% of women.Results and discussion. The clinical and laboratory data of the patients, stimulated cycle parameters, characteristics of the embryological stage, and the results of the ART program were analysed. The characteristics of the embryological stage met the KPI criteria, reflecting the key performance indicators of the embryology laboratory. Pharmacoeconomic analysis showed high involvement and adherence of patients to the treatment. In addition, it was found that the use of HMG makes efficient use of the budget within the average compulsory health insurance (CHI) tariff and accounts for 12% of the total tariff.Conclusion. Prescription of highly purified HMG (Menopur Multidose 1200 IU) to stimulate ovarian function in patients of different ages is accompanied by an adequate number of mature oocytes, good quality blastocysts, as well as satisfactory indicators of clinical pregnancy. A cost-effectiveness analysis of the use of Menopur Multidose at a dosage of 1200 IU showed that the prescription of this drug is clinically justified and economically feasible in patients of different age groups.

The Pueraria mirifica plant is used as a precious material in healthcare and herbal supplement production as it is rich in phytoestrogen content. The wide cultivation gradually directs to the differences among cultivars based on their local original planting region. Besides variation in morphology, P. mirifica plants are different in phytoestrogen content. With barcoding markers located on nuclear and chloroplast, our phylogenetic analysis proved that using the group of matK, rp°C, rps16, and trnH-psbA concatenated sequences provides better discriminating power than using a single marker of common P. mirifica cultivars. Only the maximum likelihood tree based on marker combination separate P. mirifica plants from other members of the Pueraria family and separated tribes in the Fabaceae family. In addition, daidzein, genistin, and puerarin contents were recorded from the tuber of all cultivars. These results showed that some are potential cultivars for extracting phytoestrogens from the tuber. Among the five varieties studied, NA has the highest content of Daidzein and Puerarin, and TLBYT has the most difference in the sequences of rps16 and trnH-psbA and the lowest content of Puerarin, Genistin, and Daidzein. Together, qRT-PCR was performed to evaluate eight phytoestrogen biosynthesis gene expressions in leaf and tuber, in which four novel genes CHS11, CHS13, CHI2A, and UGT2 were examined for the first time in P. mirifica. These gene expressions varied depending on organs and cultivars. The differences in both the content of substances and in DNA barcodes as well as gene expression showed a clear polymorphism between varieties. The information is valuable for the selection of material sources for production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The focal form of CHI is caused by an autosomal recessive pathogenic variant affecting the paternal homologue of genes ABCC8 or KCNJ11 and a second somatic event specifically occurring in the affected islet of Langerhans. The approach of this study was to integrate the genetic changes occurring in pancreatic focal lesions of CHI at the genomic and transcriptional level. Research Design and Methods: Patients receiving therapeutic surgery and with proven ABCC8 or KCNJ11 pathogenic variants were selected and analyzed for loss of heterozygosity (LOH), changes in copy number and uniparental disomy (UPD) on the short am of chromosome 11 by molecular microarray analysis and methylation-specific MLPA. Gene expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and Massive Analysis of cDNA Ends (MACE). Results: Both genes, ABCC8 and KCNJ11, are located in proximity to the Beckwith-Wiedemann (BWS) imprinting control region on chromosome 11p15. Somatic paternal uniparental isodisomy (UPD) at chromosome 11p was identified as second genetic event in focal lesions resulting in LOH and monoallelic expression of the mutated ABCC8/KCNJ11 alleles. Of five patients with samples available for microarray analysis, the breakpoints of UPD on chromosome 11p were different. Samples of two patients were analyzed further for changes in gene expression. Profound downregulation of growth suppressing genes CDKN1 and H19 was detected in focal lesions whereas growth promoting gene ASCL2 and pancreatic transcription factors of the endocrine cell lineage were upregulated. Conclusions: Paternal UPD on the short arm of chromosome 11 appears to be the major second genetic event specifically within focal lesions of CHI but no common breakpoint for UDP can be delineated. We show for the first time upregulation of growth promoting ASCL2 (achaete-scute homolog 2) suggestive of a driving factor in postnatal focal expansion in addition to downregulation of growth suppressing genes CDKN1C and H19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThe focal form of CHI is caused by an autosomal recessive pathogenic variant affecting the paternal homologue of genes ABCC8 or KCNJ11 and a second somatic event specifically occurring in the affected islet of Langerhans. The approach of this study was to integrate the genetic changes occurring in pancreatic focal lesions of CHI at the genomic and transcriptional level.Research Design and MethodsPatients receiving therapeutic surgery and with proven ABCC8 or KCNJ11 pathogenic variants were selected and analyzed for loss of heterozygosity (LOH), changes in copy number and uniparental disomy (UPD) on the short am of chromosome 11 by molecular microarray analysis and methylation-specific MLPA. Gene expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and Massive Analysis of cDNA Ends (MACE).ResultsBoth genes, ABCC8 and KCNJ11, are located in proximity to the Beckwith-Wiedemann (BWS) imprinting control region on chromosome 11p15. Somatic paternal uniparental isodisomy (UPD) at chromosome 11p was identified as second genetic event in focal lesions resulting in LOH and monoallelic expression of the mutated ABCC8/KCNJ11 alleles. Of five patients with samples available for microarray analysis, the breakpoints of UPD on chromosome 11p were different. Samples of two patients were analyzed further for changes in gene expression. Profound downregulation of growth suppressing genes CDKN1 and H19 was detected in focal lesions whereas growth promoting gene ASCL2 and pancreatic transcription factors of the endocrine cell lineage were upregulated.ConclusionsPaternal UPD on the short arm of chromosome 11 appears to be the major second genetic event specifically within focal lesions of CHI but no common breakpoint for UDP can be delineated. We show for the first time upregulation of growth promoting ASCL2 (achaete-scute homolog 2) suggestive of a driving factor in postnatal focal expansion in addition to downregulation of growth suppressing genes CDKN1C and H19.

Trong bài báo này, graphen oxit (GO) được tổng hợp từ bột graphit bằng phương pháp Hummer; GO được khử bằng axit ascorbic thành graphen oxit dạng khử (rGO). Titan dioxit (TiO2) cấu trúc nano có tính ổn định vật lý và hóa học cao với nhiều ứng dụng, đặc biệt là trong lĩnh vực môi trường. Vật liệu TiO2/rGO được đặc trưng bằng nhiễu xạ tia X (XRD) và hiển vi điện tử quét (SEM) để chứng minh các đặc điểm hình thái của bề mặt chất hấp phụ. Quá trình hấp phụ – giải hấp phụ nitơ được sử dụng để xác định diện tích bề mặt riêng và độ xốp. Vật liệu vừa tổng hợp được ứng dụng để biến tính điện cực nền than thủy tinh nhằm xác định đồng thời hàm lượng cadimi và chì bằng phương pháp von-ampe hòa tan anot xung vi phân (DP-ASV). Độ nhạy của phương pháp đối với CdII và PbII là 0,329 ± 0,005 và 0,346 ± 0,004 μA/ppb. Giới hạn phát hiện đối với CdII và PbII là 3,17 và 2,42 ppb. Giữa Ip và nồng độ kim loại có tương quan tuyến tính tốt trong khoảng 6–80 ppb với R2 ≥ 0,998.

Background: Chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI) is a rare placental lesion with a high recurrence rate and poor perinatal outcomes. There are currently limited guidelines regarding the diagnosis of this condition in the index pregnancy and treatment where recurrence is suspected. Objective: The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the perinatal outcomes of pregnancies affected by chronic histiocytic intervillositis and to what extent they can be improved with treatment. The secondary objective was to assess the relationship between CHI lesion severity and pregnancy loss. Methods: A systematic search of Ovid Embase, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Ovid Medline, Google Scholar and CINAHL was carried out. Case reports, cohort, case-control and randomised controlled trials (RCT) detailing the perinatal outcomes of CHI pregnancies, both treated and untreated, were included. Results: No RCTs were identified. However, in a review population of 659 pregnancies, with additional 7 in case reports, CHI treatments included aspirin, prednisone, prednisolone, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), hydroxychloroquine and adalimumab. A descriptive synthesis of data found mixed results for treatments in relation to live birth, miscarriage and fetal growth restriction outcomes. Furthermore, quantitative synthesis of 38 pregnancies revealed a non-significant improvement in live birth rate with CHI targeted treatment (OR 1.79 [95% CI 0.33-9.61] (p=0.50), while meta-analysis of CHI severity in line with pregnancy loss, in a sample of 231 pregnancies, revealed lower odds of pregnancy loss with less severe lesions (OR: 0.17 [0.03-0.80], p=0.03). Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis reinforce notions surrounding the insufficient evidence for CHI treatment. It also strengthens previous hypotheses detailing the positive association between CHI lesion severity and odds of pregnancy loss. Aspirin, LMWH, prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine and adalimumab are candidates with varying levels of weak to moderate evidence supporting their use. Further prospective research is required to obtain robust evidence pertaining to treatment safety and efficacy and optimal drug regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Christian theology in general, and Chinese theology in particular, has remained reticent toward the Needham Question originally posed by Joseph Needham in the 1930s. After a brief survey of the Christian response to the theory of evolution introduced into China in 1898, I address the Needham Question from a theological perspective. Then, building on Jürgen Moltmann's trinitarian proposal, which places science and theology on the common life plane of wisdom, I propose a pneumatological‐trinitarian Chinese theology of science by integrating the natural wisdom and the revealed wisdom, the Chinese wisdom and the wisdom of other cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundChronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI) is a rare placental lesion with a high recurrence rate and poor perinatal outcomes. There are currently limited guidelines regarding the diagnosis of this condition in the index pregnancy and treatment where recurrence is suspected.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the perinatal outcomes of pregnancies affected by chronic histiocytic intervillositis and to what extent they can be improved with treatment. The secondary objective was to assess the relationship between CHI lesion severity and pregnancy loss.MethodsA systematic search of Ovid Embase, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Ovid Medline, Google Scholar and CINAHL was carried out. Case reports, cohort, case-control and randomised controlled trials (RCT) detailing the perinatal outcomes of CHI pregnancies, both treated and untreated, were included.ResultsNo RCTs were identified. However, in a review population of 659 pregnancies, with additional 7 in case reports, CHI treatments included aspirin, prednisone, prednisolone, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), hydroxychloroquine and adalimumab. A descriptive synthesis of data found mixed results for treatments in relation to live birth, miscarriage and fetal growth restriction outcomes. Furthermore, quantitative synthesis of 38 pregnancies revealed a non-significant improvement in live birth rate with CHI targeted treatment (OR 1.79 [95% CI 0.33-9.61] (p=0.50), while meta-analysis of CHI severity in line with pregnancy loss, in a sample of 231 pregnancies, revealed lower odds of pregnancy loss with less severe lesions (OR: 0.17 [0.03-0.80], p=0.03).ConclusionsThis systematic review and meta-analysis reinforce notions surrounding the insufficient evidence for CHI treatment. It also strengthens previous hypotheses detailing the positive association between CHI lesion severity and odds of pregnancy loss. Aspirin, LMWH, prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine and adalimumab are candidates with varying levels of weak to moderate evidence supporting their use. Further prospective research is required to obtain robust evidence pertaining to treatment safety and efficacy and optimal drug regimes.Systematic Review Registration[website], identifier CRD42021237604

The higher-order linear moments (LH-moments) method is one of the most commonly used methods for estimating the parameters of probability distributions in flood frequency analysis without sample censoring. This article presents the relationships necessary to estimate the parameters for eight probability distributions used in flood frequency analysis. Eight probability distributions of three parameters using first- and second-order LH-moments are presented, namely the Pearson V distribution, the CHI distribution, the inverse CHI distribution, the Wilson–Hilferty distribution, the Pseudo-Weibull distribution, the Log-normal distribution, the generalized Pareto Type I distribution and the Fréchet distribution. The exact and approximate relations for parameter estimation are presented, as are the exact and approximate relations for estimating the frequency factor specific to each method. In addition, the exact and approximate relationships of variation in the LH-skewness–LH-kurtosis are presented, as is the variation diagram of these statistical indicators. To numerically represent the analyzed distributions, a flood frequency analysis case study using the annual maximum series was carried out for the Prigor River. The analysis is presented compared to the linear moments (L-moments) method, which is the method that is intended to be used in the development of a new norm in Romania for determining the maximum flows. For the Prigor River, the most fit distributions are the Pseudo-Weibull and the generalized Pareto Type I for the linear moments method and the CHI and the Wilson–Hilferty distributions for the first higher-order linear moments method. The performance was evaluated using linear and higher-order linear moment values and diagrams.

This article presents six probability distributions from the gamma family with three parameters for the flood frequency analysis in hydrology. The choice of the gamma family of statistical distributions was driven by its frequent use in hydrology. In the Faculty of Hydrotechnics, the improvement of the estimation of maximum flows, including the methodological bases for the realization of a regionalization study with the linear moments method with the corrected parameters, was researched and is an element of novelty. The linear moments method performs better than the method of ordinary moments because it avoids the choice of skewness depending on the origin of the flows, and is the method practiced in Romania. The L-moments method conforms to the current trend for estimating the parameters of statistical distributions. Observed data from hydrometric stations are of relatively short length, so the statistical parameters that characterize them are of a sample that requires correction. The correction of the statistical parameters is proposed using the method of least squares based on the inverse functions of the statistical distributions expressed with the frequency factor for L-moments. All the necessary elements for their use are presented, such as quantile functions, the exact and approximate relations for estimating parameters, and frequency factors. A flood frequency analysis case study was carried out for the Ialomita river to verify the proposed methodology. The performance of this distributions is evaluated using Kling–Gupta and Nash–Sutcliff coefficients.

Key message: 5-Hydroxyisoflavonoids, no 5-deoxyisoflavonoids, in Lupinus species, are due to lack of CHRs and Type II CHIs, and the key enzymes of isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathway in white lupin were identified. White lupin (Lupinus albus) is used as food ingredients owing to rich protein, low starch, and rich bioactive compounds such as isoflavonoids. The isoflavonoids biosynthetic pathway in white lupin still remains unclear. In this study, only 5-hydroxyisoflavonoids, but no 5-deoxyisoflavonoids, were detected in white lupin and other Lupinus species. No 5-deoxyisoflavonoids in Lupinus species are due to lack of CHRs and Type II CHIs. We further found that the CHI gene cluster containing both Type I and Type II CHIs possibly arose after the divergence of Lupinus with other legume clade. LaCHI1 and LaCHI2 identified from white lupin metabolized naringenin chalcone to naringenin in yeast and tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana), and were bona fide Type I CHIs. We further identified two isoflavone synthases (LaIFS1 and LaIFS2), catalyzing flavanone naringenin into isoflavone genistein and also catalyzing liquiritigenin into daidzein in yeast and tobacco. In addition, LaG6DT1 and LaG6DT2 prenylated genistein at the C-6 position into wighteone. Two glucosyltransferases LaUGT1 and LaUGT2 metabolized genistein and wighteone into its 7-O-glucosides. Taken together, our study not only revealed that exclusive 5-hydroxyisoflavonoids do exist in Lupinus species, but also identified key enzymes in the isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathway in white lupin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intelligent tissue theory states that organ information is conveyed on electromagnetic waves and these are interpreted by bodily tissue, so that real-time organ states are reflected in the tissue at each organ’s related meridian. This article describes the practical implications of this, how this relates to acupuncture, and how it accounts for the common acupuncture-related phenomena. The Chinese medicine notion of “chi” is also explored. Its history is described, including the 1970’s reinterpretation. This article suggests that both the Nei Jing and also the 1970’s model of how acupuncture works are merely metaphorical; do not describe reality; and that “chi” (which is central to these models) does not really exist. Alternative explanations are provided for all the common phenomena that are usually attributed to “chi”, and a simple account of how acupuncture works is given.

A basilica has been found in Hazor-Ashdod, with a narthex in the west and a hall attached on the north side. The eastern part has not survived, but a capital of an altar table leg has been found, not in situ. The complex is decorated with mosaic floors, and each part of the building is decorated with a different pattern. The dedicatory inscriptions on the mosaic floors date completion of the mosaic floor in the northern hall to 506/507 CE, and completion of the basilica floor to 512 CE. The nave of the basilica is emphasized by the choice of a vine scroll pattern, populated by inanimate objects, animals, and birds. The carpet is dynamic, rich and crowded with motifs. By contrast, the aisles, the intercolumnars, and the northern hall are decorated with geometric carpets. Special panels mark the entrances to the nave, the northern aisle, and the transition between the first and second carpet in the northern hall. The Hazor-Ashdod panels contain a few crosses, the letters Α, Ω, Ι, Χ, and motifs with deep and symbolic Christian significance. All the motifs in the panels are depicted in one direction – from west to east from the viewpoint of a worshipper entering the church. The mosaic floor is similar in style, composition and iconography to early 6th century CE mosaic floors in the southern coastal plain, western Negev, and Gaza area. The floor belongs to a group of mosaics made to a moderately high technical standard. The style is schematic and quite flat. The style and technique are uniform throughout the church, and differ from those documented in the neighboring mosaic floors – evidence that they were made by an anonymous artist or a local workshop.

La implantación de la red 5G es la causa de uno de los enfrentamientos diplomáticos más graves de cuantos se han vivido en los últimos años. La guerra comercial que mantienen Estados Unidos y China por liderar el desarrollo de la quinta generación de Internet móvil se está librando, entre otros campos de batalla, en las redes sociales. La presente investigación realiza un análisis del papel de dichas herramientas de comunicación en el marco de este conflicto internacional. Para ello, se examina el uso de las redes sociales y el valor de estas en el desarrollo de lo que se conoce como ciberdiplomacia. Al mismo tiempo, se analizan las decisiones tomadas por ambos Estados encaminadas a la prohibición de la actividad de determinadas redes sociales en sus respectivos territorios. El estudio plantea la importancia de las redes sociales en la transmisión de mensajes entre las partes contendientes y cómo estas son utilizadas por parte de los gobiernos de ambos países para llevar a cabo sus acciones de ataque y defensa en dicha guerra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent hypoglycaemia in newborns and infants is most commonly caused by congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). Most CHI studies report outcomes in children from both consanguineous and non-consanguineous families which can affect the phenotype-genotype analysis. The aim of this study was to analyze characteristics of patients with CHI in 21 non-consanguineous families from Serbia. This retrospective cohort study included a total of 21 patients with CHI treated in the Mother and Child Healthcare Institute of Serbia during the past 20 years. The prevalence of macrosomia at birth was very low in our cohort (4.8%). Median age at presentation was 6 days, with seizures as the presenting symptom in 76% of patients. Only four patients (19%) were diazoxide unresponsive, and eventually underwent pancreatectomy. Genetic testing was performed in 15 patients and genetic diagnosis was confirmed in 60%, with all patients being heterozygous for detected mutations. The ABCC8 gene mutations were detected in 55.6%, GLUD1 in three patients (33.3%) with HIHA syndrome and one patient had HNF4A gene mutation and unusual prolonged hyperglycaemia lasting 6 days after diazoxide cessation. Neurodevelopmental deficits persisted in 33% of patients. Conclusion: This is the first study regarding CHI patients in Serbia. It suggests that in countries with low consanguinity rate, majority of CHI patients are diazoxide responsive. The most common mutations were heterozygous ABCC8, followed by GLUD1 and HNF4A mutations, suggesting the potential benefit of population-tailored genetic analysis approach, targeting the mutations causing CHI via dominant inheritance model in regions with low consanguinity rates. What is Known: • Persistent hypoglycaemia during infancy and early childhood is most commonly caused by congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). • Consanguinity is a very important factor regarding the genetics and phenotype of CHI, increasing the risk of autosomal recessive genetic disorders, including the severe, diazoxide-unresponsive forms caused by recessive inactivating mutations in ABCC8 and KCNJ11. What is New: • Results of the present study which included CHI patients from 21 non-consanguineous families suggest that in countries with low consanguinity rates, majority of CHI patients can be diazoxide responsive, with most common mutations being heterozygous ABCC8, followed by GLUD1 and HNF4A mutations. • Unusually prolonged hyperglycaemic reaction to diazoxide treatment in a patient with HNF4A mutation was also described in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Điện cực màng bizmut tạo ra theo kiểu in-situ trên nền đĩa rắn than thủy tinh (viết tắt là BiFE in-situ) được dùng cho phương pháp von-ampe hòa tan anot xung vi phân (DP-ASV) để xác định đồng (Cu) và chì (Pb) trong nền đệm axetat (pH = 5). Các yếu tố ảnh hưởng đến dòng đỉnh hòa tan (Ip) của Cu và Pb như nồng độ BiIII, pH, thế và thời gian điện phân làm giàu, tốc độ quay điện cực, các chất cản trở… cũng được khảo sát. Ở thế điện phân làm giàu –1400 mV, thời gian điện phân làm giàu 120 s và các điều kiện thí nghiệm khác thích hợp, phương pháp đạt được độ nhạy cao (tương ứng đối với Cu và Pb là 0,313 ± 0,004 và 0,220 ± 0,010 μA/ppb), độ lặp lại tốt của Ip : RSD = 3,2% và 1,8% (n = 8) tương ứng với Cu và Pb, giới hạn phát hiện (3) thấp (đối với Cu và Pb là 1,8 và 0,8 ppb); giữa Ip và nồng độ kim loại có tương quan tuyến tính tốt trong khoảng từ 2,5 đến 25 ppb với R ≥ 0,995. Phương pháp đã được áp dụng thành công để xác định Cu và Pb trong ba mẫu nước ở tỉnh Thừa Thiên Huế.

Kinesthesia is a universal condition. It may be understood as the creative condition for all sense and sensibility. Kinesthesia operates as an enabling mechanism of “I can” and “I cannot”. Health communication requires a reconsideration of the situated communicative body and expression found in comparative East/West wellness practices. In order to accomplish this task, the exploration of whole and healthy require a different understanding, that is, that wholeness is a process of the interaction of body’s internal environment and external environment in rhythmic interplay of healthy/unhealthy, wholly/unwholly play. The articulation of the above will see that kinesthesis is the creative condition of maintaining and restoring health. It is through a phenomenology of kinesthesia that the fundamental dimension of health communication can be established as a science. Santrauka Kinestezija – tai universali būklė. Ji gali būti suprantama kaip kūrybinė visų pojūčių ir visų jausmų sąlyga. Kinestezija veikia kaip funkcijų „Aš galiu“ ir „Aš negaliu“ derinimo mechanizmas. Sveikatos komunikacija reikalauja iš naujo apsvarstyti komunikuojančio kūno būklę ir raišką, aptinkamą lyginamosiose Rytų ir Vakarų sveikatingumo praktikose. Siekiant atlikti šią užduotį, visumos ir sveikatingumo tyrimą reikia suprasti kitaip: vientisumas – tai vidinės kūno terpės ir išorinės aplinkos interakcijos procesas, vykstantis ritmiškos sveikatingumo / nesveikatingumo, visumos / nevisumos sąveikos žaismo sąlygomis. Minėtų dalykų pabrėžimas atskleidžia, kad kinestezija – tai kūrybinė sveikatos palaikymo ir atkūrimo būklė. Remiantis būtent kinestezijos fenomenologija, sveikatos komunikacija gali būti pozicionuojama kaip mokslas. Reikšminiai žodžiai: kūnas, či, komunikacija, kūrybiškumas, kinestezija, tai či, daiktai, vientisumas.

BACKGROUND Development of anti‐plant‐virus compounds and improvement of biosafety remain hot research topics in controlling plant viral disease. Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infects all tobacco species as well as many other plants worldwide and causes severe losses in tobacco production. To date, no efficient chemical treatments are known to protect plants from virus infection. Therefore, the search for a highly active antiviral compound with high efficacy in field application is required. RESULTS: We reported the synthesis of a novel antiviral halogenated acyl compound Chloroinconazide (CHI) using tryptophan as a substrate and examined its anti‐TMV activity. We found that CHI displayed the ability to strongly inhibit the infection of TMV on Nicotiana benthamiana via multiple mechanisms. We observed that CHI was able to impair the virulence of TMV by directly altering the morphological structure of virions and increasing the activity of anti‐oxidative enzymes, resulting in reduced TMV‐induced ROS production during infection of the plant. In addition, the expression of salicylic acid‐responsive genes was significantly increased after CHI application. However, after application of CHI on SA‐deficient NahG plants no obvious anti‐TMV activity was observed, suggesting that the SA signaling pathway was required for CHI‐induced anti‐TMV activity associated with reduced infection of TMV. CHI exhibited no effects on plant growth and development. CONCLUSION: The easily synthesized CHI can actively induce plant resistance against TMV as well as act on virus particles and exhibits high biosafety, which provides a potential for commercial application of CHI in controlling plant virus disease in the future. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinesthesia is a universal condition. It may be understood as the creative condition for all sense and sensibility. Kinesthesia operates as an enabling mechanism of "I can" and "I cannot". Health communication requires a reconsideration of the situated communicative body and expression found in comparative East/West wellness practices. In order to accomplish this task, the exploration of whole and healthy require a different understanding, that is, that wholeness is a process of the interaction of body's internal environment and external environment in rhythmic interplay of healthy/unhealthy, wholly/unwholly play. The articulation of the above will see that kinesthesis is the creative condition of maintaining and restoring health. It is through a phenomenology of kinesthesia that the fundamental dimension of health communication can be established as a science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In African philosophy and cultural studies, there have been many debates concerning the concept of the human person. Many earlier examinations of African thought by European academics have emphasized the merely communal nature of the African person. Yet in traditional African thought there is also a tension between this communalism and a recognition of individuality which relates to the dignity of the human being as created by God. This concept of life of the individual is called "Chi". This paper investigates the seemingly complex concept of the human person, not from the Western perspective, but from an African perspective, particularly the Igbo perspective. Because the individual and his/her society share an inseparable symbiotic relationship, this paper aims to show how such a concept can lead to a better understanding of the balances between individual life, with the communal relationships of one's culture and one's environment. This balance is a weak spot in much of Western thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prana is the universal principle of energy or life-force, essential for survival. This vital energy can be felt by almost anybody with guidance and training. Objectives: The present study seeks to assess the extent of sensations during perceiving the pranic energy between hands. The sample consists of 237 National Cadets Corps (NCC) students from northern, southern, eastern and western states of India, with a mean age of 18.0 years. Cross-sectional research design was used in this study. The experiment on prana involves experiencing the prana between the hands. After the experiment on prana, participants were instructed to measure the extent of sensations experienced by them and mark on the centimetres level given against each sensation in the questionnaire. The results were analysed using Pearson chi-square and contingency coefficient analysis. There were significant differences observed between participant's ratings on each pranic energy sensation ranges from 0 to 30 cm. Participants rated their sensations on cm given, in which the majority of the ratings concentrated more in 1-10 cm and least rating found in 30 cm or more. Participants from different states, irrespective of their region, found alike in perceiving the extent of pranic energy sensations. Experiencing the prana between the hands led the participants to feel and quantify the pranic energy through felt sensations. This study provides the fundamentals of a scientific foundation for understanding the vital energy more concretely. Further theoretical and experimental research is needed to refine and standardize the measurements of life energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Boesenbergia rotunda chalcone isomerase (BrCHI) belongs to type I chalcone isomerase. • BrCHI gene has a single intron, suggesting two intron-loss events. • BrCHI tagged with maltose binding protein (MBP-BrCHI) can be successfully expressed in E. coli. • E.coli -expressed BrCHI remains functional and can convert naringenin chalcone to naringenin. Chalcone isomerase (CHI; E.C. 5.5.1.6) is an enzyme that plays critical roles in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway and plant secondary metabolism. Although CHI genes have been widely studied in various higher plants, to date there are no studies about CHI genes in Boesenbergia rotunda. The CHI gene (747 bp) was isolated from different parts of the plant, including rhizomes, leaves and flowers of B. rotunda. The isolated B. rotunda CHI, designated BrCHI, contained one intron and two exons and encoded a peptide of 248 amino acid with a predicted molecular mass of 26.2 kDa and pI of 5.03. The deduced amino acid sequence of BrCHI shares 63–65% identity with CHI from other plants within the order of Zingiberales such as banana and canna lily. Sequence alignment showed that the coding region of the BrCHI gene is highly similar to CHI genes from other plant species and has four conserved amino acid residues (Thr53, Tyr112, Asn119, and Ser191) which are essential for CHI function. Phylogenetic analysis has clustered BrCHI together with other CHIs belonging to CHI type I. Recombinant BrCHI protein was successfully expressed in E. coli using the pMAL-c4X vector cloning system. In vitro enzyme activity, assayed by HPLC, indicated that recombinant BrCHI could catalyse the formation of naringenin from naringenin chalcone. This study demonstrates the ability of bacterial host to overexpress BrCHI gene isolated from B. rotunda to produce functional BrCHI that successfully converts naringenin chalcone to naringenin [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrahepatic cholestasis induced by drug toxicity may cause cholestatic hepatic injury (CHI) leading to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5) is a membrane receptor with well-known roles in the regulation of glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis. However, the role and mechanism of TGR5 in the context of inflammation during CHI remains unclear. Wild-type (WT) and TGR5 knockout (TGR5−/−) mice with CHI induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) were involved in vivo , and WT and TGR5−/− bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were used in vitro. TGR5 deficiency significantly exacerbated BDL-induced liver injury, inflammatory responses and hepatic fibrosis compared with WT mice in vivo. TGR5−/− macrophages were more susceptible to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation than WT macrophages. TGR5 activation by its ligand suppressed LPS-induced pro-inflammatory responses in WT but not TGR5−/− BMDMs. Notably, expression of β-catenin was effectively inhibited by TGR5 deficiency. Furthermore, TGR5 directly interacted with Gsk3β to repress the interaction between Gsk3β and β-catenin, thus disrupting the β-catenin destruction complex. The pro-inflammatory nature of TGR5-knockout was almost abolished by lentivirus-mediated β-catenin overexpression in BMDMs. BMDM migration in vitro was accelerated under TGR5-deficient conditions or supernatant from LPS-stimulated TGR5−/− BMDMs. From a therapeutic perspective, TGR5−/− BMDM administration aggravated BDL-induced CHI, which was effectively rescued by β-catenin overexpression. Our findings reveal that TGR5 plays a crucial role as a novel regulator of immune-mediated CHI by destabilizing the β-catenin destruction complex, with therapeutic implications for the management of human CHI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Mosaic Research is the property of Uludag University, Mosaic Research Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Numerous studies have recently established the potential of chitosan (Chi) to enhance wound healing. Chi is a carbohydrate biopolymer that is biocompatible, low-cost, toxic-free, and has excellent antibacterial properties. In this study, we synthesized Chi/Bi 2 Se 3 hybrid nanocomposites (NCs) using a liquid exfoliation approach. The physicochemical characterization of the hybrid NCs was investigated using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared, Thermogravimetric, Scanning electron microscope, and Transmission electron microscope. The antibacterial ability has been investigated versus two pathogens, S. aureus and E. coli. In comparison to bare materials, the hybrid NCs demonstrated better antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains. As a result, the electrostatic attraction of positively charged Chi can easily attract the negatively charged surface of the bacteria cell membrane and NCs generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). This ROS can attack bacteria's intracellular components and eventually kill bacteria. The biocompatibility of the Chi/Bi 2 Se 3 NCs was evaluated against L929 mice fibroblast cells, and there was no evident cytotoxicity. Furthermore, an in-vitro wound scratch test was carried out on L929 mouse fibroblast cells and the Chi/Bi 2 Se 3 hybrid NCs promote wound healing and cell proliferation. These findings suggest that the Chi/Bi 2 Se 3 hybrid NCs as a promising future material for bacteria-infected in-vivo wound healing. • Biocompatible Chi/Bi 2 Se 3 hybrid NCs for wound healing applications. • XRD, FTIR, and TGA spectra indicate that Chi was successfully functionalized on Bi 2 Se 3. • NCs exhibit excellent antibacterial activity as well as cytocompatibility. • The hybrid NCs exhibit an excellent cell migration rate in vitro test. • Chi/Bi 2 Se 3 hybrid NCs promising candidates for future infected wound healing application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]