Search Results (25)

This paper analyzes 20th century colloquialization processes in Peninsular Spanish, in line with recent works addressing mass-media colloquialization. Previous studies suggest a change in sports-talk announcing towards a more informal model, which is supported by the incorporation of new linguistic features as well as by the influence of some external changes. In this context, this study delves into the role of discourse markers as a colloquialization parameter, as a growth in their employment has been detected since ca. 1990. To further explore the data, a manually compiled corpus has been transcribed and analyzed: our corpus consists of both radio and TV football-match recordings aired in Spain from 1980 to 2000 and from 2000 to 2024. These two big periods have been subdivided into five-year periods or micro-diachronies to allow for a more detailed analysis. Results reveal a consolidation of the use of discourse markers by sports announcers, contrasting with earlier broadcasts that tended to avoid them or that employed more formal discourse markers, typically related to written, planned discourses. Full article

The type V CRISPR/Cas12f system, with its broad PAM recognition range, small size, and ease of delivery, has significantly contributed to the gene editing toolbox. In this study, enOsCas12f1 activity was detected during transient expression in rice protoplasts. The results showed that enOsCas12f1 exhibited DNA cleavage activity when it recognized TTN PAMs. Subsequently, we examined the gene editing efficiency of enOsCas12f1 in stably transformed rice plants, and the results showed that enOsCas12f1 could identify the TTT and TTC PAM sequences of the OsPDS gene, resulting in gene mutations and an albino phenotype. The editing efficiencies of TTT and TTC PAMs were 6.21% and 44.21%, respectively. Furthermore, all mutations were base deletions, ranging in size from 7 to 29 base pairs. Then, we used enOsCas12f1 to edit the promoter and 5′ UTR of the OsDREB1C gene, demonstrating that enOsCas12f1 could stably produce base deletion, mutant rice plants. Additionally, we fused the transcriptional activation domain TV with the dead enOsCas12f1 to enhance the expression of the target gene OsIPA1. Our study demonstrates that enOsCas12f1 can be utilized for rice gene modification, thereby expanding the toolbox for rice gene editing. Full article

Background/Objectives: High rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increase HIV transmission risk among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa. AGYW prefer discreet self-testing options for HIV and pregnancy; however, other STI self-testing options are currently unavailable in this region. Methods: Seven Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) assays were validated for AGYW self-test use (using self-collected vaginal samples) in a cross-sectional study (PROVE). Paired GeneXpert^® NG/CT (Cepheid_®, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) and OSOM^® Trichomonas test (Sekisui Diagnostics, Burlington, MA, USA) results from nurse-collected samples served as reference results to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV). One test, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based Visby Medical™ Sexual Health Test device (Visby Medical™, San Jose, CA, USA), was validated for accuracy of positive test results using self-collected samples and home-based testing in a longitudinal follow-up study enrolling AGYW aged 16–18 years. Paired GeneXpert^® NG/CT and TV results from nurse-collected vaginal samples served as reference tests. Results: In PROVE, 146 AGYW contributed 558 paired samples. The Visby Medical™ Sexual Health Test exhibited moderate to high sensitivity (66.7–100%), specificity (80–100%), NPV (66.7–100%), and PPV (66.7–100%) for NG, CT, and TV. The remaining tests’ performances were markedly lower. In the longitudinal study, 28 AGYW contributed 84 paired samples, and the Visby Medical™ Sexual Health Test demonstrated 100% accuracy of positive results for CT, NG, and TV. Conclusions: The Visby Medical™ Sexual Health Test demonstrated high reliability as a potential option for AGYW to discreetly self-test for multiple STIs concurrently. Testing of its acceptability, utility, and feasibility in a larger sample of AGYW is in progress. Full article

In atherosclerosis, the proliferation and migration of endothelial and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and platelet activation alter endothelial function. Naturally occurring substances, such as caffeic acid (CA) and Trametes versicolor extract (TvE), have medicinal properties and are traditionally used for their antiproliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Electrospun 5% and 8% polycaprolactone-loaded CA or TvE was developed as a delivery system. Cytocompatibility was evaluated using human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs), coronary artery SMCs (CASMCs), and platelets. Three types of systems (µF-CA, µF-TvE, and µF-CA/TvE) were developed and microscopically characterized. Analysis with scanning electron microscopy showed multidirectional fibers with diameters of 2–4.5 μm. The µF systems were hydrophobic and low cellular adhesion. The viability of CASMCs decreased with microfibers of 8% PCL and high CA concentration. However, the viability of CASMCs and HCAECs improved with 5% PCL and low CA concentration. Treatment with µF-TvE and µF-CA/TvE increased cell viability. HCAEC proliferation was affected by µF-CA, but incorporating TvE improved it. Platelet viability was unaffected by any µF system, but µF-CA and µF-CA/TvE inhibited the activation and adhesion of platelets. The results suggest that microfibers loaded with CA and TvE play a dual role in modifying HCAEC proliferation and blocking human platelet activation and adhesion. These findings have the potential to mitigate the atherosclerotic process. Full article

The article analyses the impact of two different types of dispersive glass on cement hydration and compressive strength at 7 and 28 days. The study employed dispersive glass from various LCDs (TV sets, computer monitors, smart phones), characterised by a composition of approximately 8% SrO, and dispersive glass from washing machines, which consists mainly of SiO₂, Na₂O, and CaO. The chemical composition and particle-size distribution of different types of dispersive glass were analysed. The study compares the effect of electronic waste glass on cement hydration by evaluating the amount and rate of heat released during the process. In addition, the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are provided. Different types of glass were determined to have a similar effect on the physical and mechanical properties as well as the mineral composition of cementitious samples: density and UPV decrease up to 6% and compressive strength decreases by about 30%, when 5–20% of cement was replaced by glass waste. However, more prominent differences were observed in the workability of the mixtures: the waste glass from home appliances increased the spread by up to 25%, while the waste glass from electronic devices decreased the spread compared to the reference sample by approximately 20%. The mixtures modified with the waste glass of electronic devices had a higher degree of early hydration (96%) due to the higher water absorption of the mixtures compared to the waste glass of home appliances (88%). Full article

Obesity induced by a high-fat (HF) diet increases bone resorption and/or decreases bone formation, resulting in reduced bone mass and strength in various animal models. Studies showed that Ca intake is a modifiable factor for osteoporosis and obesity. This study investigated whether Ca deficiency affects bone structure and adiposity in ovariectomized (OVX) rats fed a HF diet. We hypothesized that Ca deficiency further decreases bone mass and increases fat mass in HF-fed OVX rats. Forty-seven OVX at 6-month-old were randomly assigned to four groups in a 2 × 2 factorial design: normal-fat (NF, 10% fat as energy) or HF (45% fat as energy) diet with either low Ca (LC, 1 g/4057 kcal) or normal Ca (NC, 6 g/4057 kcal). In addition, 12 sham-operated rats at 6 months old were fed a NFNC diet as a control for the OVX procedure. Rats were fed the respective diet for 4 months. Dietary Ca content did not affect body weight, fat mass, lean mass, food intake, energy intake, and serum cytokines. Compared to NC, LC resulted in lower tibial bone volume/total volume (BV/TV, p < 0.01), connectivity density (p < 0.01), trabecular number (Tb.N, p = 0.01), bone mineral density (BMD, p < 0.01), and femur weight (p < 0.01), femur content of Ca (p < 0.01), Cu (p = 0.03), Zn (p < 0.01), and greater trabecular separation (Tb.Sp, p < 0.01) at proximal tibia indicating bone structure deterioration. Compared to rats on the NF diet, animals fed the HF had lower BV/TV (p = 0.03) and Tb.N (p < 0.01) with greater body weight (p < 0.01), fat mass (p < 0.01), Tb.Sp (p = 0.01), the content of Ca, Cu, and Zn in the femur, and serum leptin (p < 0.01). There were no significant interactions between Ca and fat for body composition and bone structural parameters. Compared to Sham, OVX resulted in greater body weight and fat mass. The trabecular bone structure of the tibia, but not the cortical bone, was significantly impaired by the OVX procedure. These data indicate that inadequate Ca intake and a high-fat diet have independent negative effects on bone structure and that Ca deficiency does not affect adiposity in OVX rats. Full article

The commercial production of poinsettias begins with the propagation of apical cuttings from stock plants. The aim of the study was to use bacterial mixtures prepared with PGPRs in the cultivation of stock mother poinsettia plants and determine an effective IBA dose to increase root development and root yield of cuttings prepared from these stock mother plants. Rooted cuttings of Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.ex Klotzsch were used for planting stocks of mother plants. Eight different bacterial isolates were mixed in triple combinations to form 4 different bacterial formulations: (BI) formulation 1 (Paenibacillus polymyxa TV-12E + Pseudomonas putida TV-42A + Pantoea agglomerans RK-79); (BII) formulation 2 (Bacillus megaterium TV-91C + Pantoea agglomerans RK-92 + Bacillus subtilis TV-17C); (BIII) formulation 3 (Bacillus megaterium TV-91C + Pantoea agglomerans RK-92 + Kluyvera cryocrescens TV-113C); and (BIV) formulation 4 (Bacillus megaterium TV-91C + Pantoea agglomerans RK-79 + Bacillus megaterium TV-6D). In the first year, rooted cuttings of stock mother plants were dipped in liquid microbial solution (bacterial formulations) for 15 min and then planted in plastic pots. In the second year, the same bacterial formulations were freshly prepared and applied to the 1-year-old stock mother plants as irrigation water for the second time. Amounts of 0 (control), 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg L⁻¹ IBA doses were used for rooting cuttings taken from the 2-year-old stock mother plants. In the experimental group treated with the BI bacterial formulation, the number of rooted cuttings (NR) increased by 14.26% and 19.00%, compared with the control, in response to IBA 1500 mg L⁻¹ and IBA 2000 mg L⁻¹ treatment, respectively. Compared to the mean root length of the cuttings in the control treatment, the mean root length of the cuttings in the BIV treatment increased by 18.83%. The mean root length values decreased with the increase in IBA doses. The highest value of the number of mean shoots (NAS) was in cuttings treated with BI + 1500 treatment, which was 1.93 times higher than the control. The highest nitrogen content (5.73%) was determined in the bract leaf samples of the BIV application, and an 81.33% nitrogen increase was detected in the related application when compared to the control. In terms of P, Ca, and Fe contents, higher values were obtained from the BIV application when compared to the control application. The highest values of K content were determined in BIII and BII applications. This study provides positive effects on the feedback of stock mother plants with PGPR to provide sprout production by cuttings technique. It has been revealed that lower IBA dose applications can be recommended for rooting cuttings taken from mother plants treated with the BIV bacterial formulation. Full article

This study aims to analyze the chemical composition of Lioua’s groundwater in order to determine the geological processes influencing the composition and origin of its chemical elements. Therefore, chemometrics techniques, such as multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) and time series methods (TSM) are used. Indeed, MSA includes a component analysis (PCA) and a cluster analysis (CA), while autocorrelation analysis (AA), supplemented by a simple spectral density analysis (SDA), is used for the TMS. PCA displays three main factors explaining a total variance (TV) of 85.01 %. Factors 1, 2, and 3 are 68.72%, 11.96%, and 8.89 % of TV, respectively. In the CA, total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) controlled three groups. The elements SO₄²⁻, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ are closely related to TDS, the elements Na⁺, Cl⁻, and Mg²⁺ are closely related to CE, while HCO³⁻ and NO³⁻ indicate the dissociation of other chemical elements. AA shows a linear interrelationship of EC, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, and SO₄²⁻. However, NO₃⁻ and HCO₃⁻ indicate uncorrelated characteristics with other parameters. For SDA, the correlograms of Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, and SO₄²⁻ have a similar trend with EC. Nonetheless, pH, Ca²⁺, HCO₃⁻ and NO₃⁻ exhibit multiple peaks related to the presence of several distinct cyclic mechanisms. Using these techniques, the authors were able to draw the following conclusion: the geochemical processes impacting the chemical composition are (i) dissolution of evaporated mineral deposits, (ii) water–rock interaction, and (iii) evaporation process. In addition, the groundwater exhibits two bipolar characteristics, one recorded with negative and positive charges on pH and Ca⁺ and another recorded only with negative charges on HCO₃⁻ and NO₃⁻. On the other hand, SO₄²⁻, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and TDS are the major predominant elements in the groundwater’s chemical composition. Chloride presence mainly increases the electrical conductivity of water. The lithological factor is dominant in the overall mineralization of the Plio Quaternary surface aquifer waters. The origins of HCO₃⁻ and NO₃⁻ are as follows: HCO₃⁻ has a carbonate origin, whereas NO₃^– has an anthropogenic origin. The salinity was affected by Mg²⁺, SO₄²⁻, Cl⁻, Na⁺, K⁺, and EC. Ca²⁺, HCO₃⁻, and NO₃⁻ result from human activity such as the usage of fertilizers, the carbonate facies outcrops, and domestic sewage. Full article

Infectious vaginitis is a microbiological syndrome of great importance in public health that affects millions of women worldwide. However, no studies have explored the phenomenon of the production of the neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that are released into the female reproductive tract in these pathologies. This study aimed to determine the presence of NETosis in vaginal discharges of women with bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and trichomoniasis by characterizing NETs. Extracellular DNA with neutrophil elastase and citrullinated histones was identified to confirm the NET components (n = 10). The concentration, phenotypes of NETs, and number of NETotic cells were determined. The results showed an increase in NETotic cells in women with Candida albicans (CA) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and an increase in NETs in TV-induced vaginitis. Samples of CA- and TV-infected women showed different NET phenotypes (diffNETs, sprNETs, and aggNETs); diffNETs were found in high concentrations in samples with CA and were increased in three types of NETs in TV infections. Samples with intermediate microbiota and bacterial vaginosis showed increased NETotic cells while the intermediate microbiota presented a higher concentration of NETs. Therefore, alterations in the microbiota and the presence of fungal and parasitic infections are important stimuli for the activation and induction of NETosis, and their cytotoxic effects could enhance tissue damage. Full article

Genome editing technology has become one of the hottest research areas in recent years. Among diverse genome editing tools, the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-associated proteins system (CRISPR/Cas system) has exhibited the obvious advantages of specificity, simplicity, and flexibility over any previous genome editing system. In addition, the emergence of Cas9 mutants, such as dCas9 (dead Cas9), which lost its endonuclease activity but maintains DNA recognition activity with the guide RNA, provides powerful genetic manipulation tools. In particular, combining the dCas9 protein and transcriptional activator to achieve specific regulation of gene expression has made important contributions to biotechnology in medical research as well as agriculture. CRISPR/dCas9 activation (CRISPRa) can increase the transcription of endogenous genes. Overexpression of foreign genes by traditional transgenic technology in plant cells is the routine method to verify gene function by elevating genes transcription. One of the main limitations of the overexpression is the vector capacity constraint that makes it difficult to express multiple genes using the typical Ti plasmid vectors from Agrobacterium. The CRISPRa system can overcome these limitations of the traditional gene overexpression method and achieve multiple gene activation by simply designating several guide RNAs in one vector. This review summarizes the latest progress based on the development of CRISPRa systems, including SunTag, dCas9-VPR, dCas9-TV, scRNA, SAM, and CRISPR-Act and their applications in plants. Furthermore, limitations, challenges of current CRISPRa systems and future prospective applications are also discussed. Full article

Downy mildew (DM), caused by P. cubensis, is harmful to cucurbits including luffa, with increased shortcomings associated with its control through cultural practices, chemical fungicides, and resistant cultivars; there is a prompt need for an effective, eco-friendly, economical, and safe biocontrol approach. Current research is therefore dealt with the biocontrol of luffa DM1 through the endophytic fungi (EF) consortium. Results revealed that T. harzianum (ThM9) and T. virens (TvA1) showed pathogen-dependent inducible metabolic production of squalene and gliotoxins by higher gene expression induction of SQS1/ERG9 (squalene synthase) and GliP (non-ribosomal peptide synthetase). Gene expression of lytic enzymes of EF was also induced with subsequently higher enzyme activities upon confrontation with P. cubensis. EF-inoculated luffa seeds showed efficient germination with enhanced growth potential and vigor of seedlings. EF-inoculated plants showed an increased level of growth-promoting hormone GA with higher gene expression of GA2OX8. EF-pre-inoculated seedlings were resistant to DM and showed an increased GSH content and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, POD). The level of MDA, H₂O_2, REL, and disease severity was reduced by EF. ACC, JA, ABA, and SA were overproduced along with higher gene expression of LOX, ERF, NCED2, and PAL. Expression of defense-marker genes (PPO, CAT2, SOD, APX, PER5, LOX, NBS-LRR, PSY, CAS, Ubi, MLP43) was also modulated in EF-inoculated infected plants. Current research supported the use of EF inoculation to effectively escalate the systemic immunity against DM corresponding to the significant promotion of induced systemic resistance (ISR) and systemic acquired resistance (SAR) responses through initiating the defense mechanism by SA, ABA, ET, and JA biosynthesis and signaling pathways in luffa. Full article

In this study, we attempt to assess the influence of Trichoderma spp. on the flowering and nutritional status of Gladiolus hybridus L. ‘Advances Red’, as well as on the content of chlorophyll a + b and carotenoids in the leaves. During both years of the experiment, there was a treatment in which Trichoderma fungi were not used (control), and in another treatment, plants were treated with these fungi. After five weeks of cultivation, when leaf apexes were visible above the surface of the substrate, each plant was irrigated with a suspension (20 mL) of mix of Trichoderma spp. (T. viride Schumach-Tv14, T. harzianum Rifai-Thr2, T. hamatum/Bonord/Bainier-Th15). The treatment of the plants Trichoderma-spp. improved their uptake of macro- (P, K and Ca) and micronutrients (Zn, Fe and B), and increased the chlorophyll a + b and carotenoids in their leaves. Trichoderma spp. accelerated the flowering of Gladiolus hybridus L. ‘Advances Red’ by 10–14 days. The fungi stimulated the elongation of inflorescence shoots and inflorescences, in which the number of flowers increased, but flower diameter did not change. Trichoderma spp. improved the nutrients uptake, chlorophyll a + b and carotenoids, and flowering; hence, Trichoderma spp. treatment is suggested for enhancing inflorescence and inflorescence shoots in Gladiolus hybridus. Full article

Ionic calcium can help in the prevention of the process of osseous decalcification. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties and toxic effects of ionic calcium-fiber supplement (ICa⁺) and its impact on bone health preservation in mice C57/BL6 fed a calcium-deficient diet. Physicochemical properties include FTIR, apparent calcium solubility estimated by the calcium ratio obtained by ionization chromatography and atomic absorption. In vitro genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of the ICa⁺ were assessed. Twenty-five 7-week-old C57/BL6 mice were fed calcium-free diet (CFD) or CFD plus CaCO₃ (1.33 mg Ca) or CFD plus ICa⁺ (1.33–6.66 mg Ca) for six weeks. After that, bone mass and microstructure parameters were assessed. Histological staining was performed to determine calcium deposits. ICa⁺ (100%) exhibited an apparent calcium solubility higher than CaCO₃ (12.3%). ICa⁺ showed no cytotoxic and genotoxic in vitro activities. Histomorphometry analysis showed that the ICa⁺ treated group displayed a higher trabecular number than the trabecular space. Also, the ratio BV/TV was increased compared with all treatments. Ionic calcium-fiber supplementation prevents bone deterioration compared to mice fed a calcium-deficient diet. Full article

Endoscopic ultrasound-ablation with HybridTherm-Probe (EUS-HTP) significantly reduces tumour volume (TV) in locally-advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (LA-PDAC). We aimed at investigating the clinical efficacy of EUS-HTP plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy (HTP-CT and CT arms) in LA- and borderline-resectable (BR) PDAC, with 6-months progression-free survival (6-PFS) rate as primary endpoint. In a phase-II randomized-controlled-trial, 33 LA/BR-PDAC patients per-arm were planned to verify 20% improved 6-PFS rate. Radiological response (Choi criteria), TV and serum CA19.9 were assessed up to 6-months. Seventeen and 20 LA/BR-PDAC patients were randomized to HTP-CT or CT. Baseline and CT-related features were balanced. At 6-months, 6-PFS rate was 41.2% and 30% in HTP-CT and CT arms (p = 0.48), respectively. A decrease ≥50% of serum CA19.9 was achieved in 75% and 64.3% of HTP-CT and CT patients (p = 0.53), respectively. TV reduced up to 6-months in 64.3% and 47.1% of HTP-CT and CT patients (p = 0.35), respectively. Resection rate, PFS-time and overall survival (OS-time) were similar. HTP-CT achieves a non-significant 11.2%, 10.7% and 17.2% improved 6-PFS, CA19.9 decrease ≥50% and TV reduction rates over CT, without any impact on resection rate, PFS-time and OS-time. As the study was underpowered, these results suggest further investigation of EUS-local ablation in selected patients with localized disease after induction CT. Full article

Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) is a flagellated protist parasite that infects the human urogenital tract. The symbiotic relationship between Tv and Mycoplasma hominis has been reported. Recent studies have identified a new Mycoplasma strain, Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii (Ca. M. girerdii), present in the vaginal secretions of women and have shown that this strain may be related to trichomoniasis. Here, we evaluated the presence of Tv, M. hominis and Ca. M. girerdii in 312 clinical samples from adult women diagnosed with vaginitis in Zhangye, Gansu province, China. Among these samples, 94, 153, and 48 were Tv, M. hominis and Ca. M. girerdii positive, respectively. Moreover, Tv was highly frequent in 17–30-year-old women in this region. Forty samples (83.3%) positive for Ca. M. girerdii were also positive for Tv. Six Tv isolates were successfully cultured, including five isolates that showed symbiotic relationships with Mycoplasma. This is the first report to evaluate the genetic characteristics of Ca. M. girerdii in China and may therefore provide insights into the effects of Ca. M. girerdii on the reproductive health of women. Full article