Search Results (5,006)

This work introduces a new family of multivariate hybrid special polynomials, motivated by their growing relevance in mathematical modeling, physics, and engineering. We explore their core properties, including recurrence relations and shift operators, within a unified structural framework. By employing the factorization method, we derive various governing equations such as differential, partial differential, and integrodifferential equations. Additionally, we establish a related fractional Volterra integral equation, which broadens the theoretical foundation and potential applications of these polynomials. To support the theoretical development, we carry out computational simulations to approximate their roots and visualize the distribution of their zeros, offering practical insights into their analytical behavior. Full article

Background: Cochlear implantation (CI) in pediatric patients with cochlear nerve deficiencies (CND) remains controversial due to a highly variable clinical population, lack of evidence-based guidelines, and mixed research findings. This study assessed current clinical perspectives and practices regarding CI candidacy in children with CND among hearing healthcare professionals in the USA. Methods: An anonymous 19-question online survey was distributed to CI clinicians nationwide. The survey assessed professional background, experience with aplasia and hypoplasia, and perspectives on CI versus auditory brainstem implant (ABI) candidacy, including imaging practices and outcome expectations. Both multiple-choice and open-ended responses were analyzed to identify trends and reasoning. Results: Seventy-two responses were analyzed. Most clinicians supported CI for hypoplasia (60.2%) and, to a lesser extent, for aplasia (41.7%), with audiologists more likely than neurotologists to favor CI. Respondents cited lower risk, accessibility, and the potential for benefit as reasons to attempt CI before ABI. However, many emphasized a case-by-case approach, incorporating imaging, electrophysiological testing, and family counseling. Only 22.2% considered structural factors the best predictors of CI success. Conclusions: Overall, hearing health professionals in the USA tend to favor CI as a first-line option, while acknowledging the limitations of current diagnostic tools and the importance of individualized, multidisciplinary decision-making in CI candidacy for children with CND. Findings reveal a high variability in clinical perspectives on CI implantation for pediatric aplasia and hypoplasia and a lack of clinical consensus, highlighting the need for more standardized assessment and imaging protocols to provide greater consistency across centers and enable the development of evidence-based guidelines. Full article

Background/Objectives: Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins regulate stress responses and contribute significantly to plant stress tolerance. As a model species for stress resistance studies, foxtail millet (Setaria italica) lacks comprehensive characterization of its LEA gene family. This study aimed to comprehensively identify SiLEA genes in foxtail millet and elucidate their functional roles and tissue-specific expression patterns. Methods: Genome-wide identification of SiLEA genes was conducted, followed by phylogenetic reconstruction, cis-acting element analysis of promoters, synteny analysis, and expression profiling. Results: Ninety-four SiLEA genes were identified and classified into nine structurally distinct subfamilies, which are unevenly distributed across all nine chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed closer clustering of SiLEA genes with sorghum and rice orthologs than with Arabidopsis thaliana AtLEA genes. Synteny analysis indicated the LEA gene family expansion through tandem and segmental duplication. Promoter cis-element analysis linked SiLEA genes to plant growth regulation, stress responses, and hormone signaling. Transcriptome analysis revealed tissue-specific expression patterns among SiLEA members, while RT-qPCR verified ABA-induced transcriptional regulation of SiLEA genes. Conclusions: This study identified 94 SiLEA genes grouped into nine subfamilies with distinct spatial expression profiles. ABA treatment notably upregulated SiASR-2, SiASR-5, and SiASR-6 in both shoots and roots. Full article

The a priori procedure (APP) is concerned with determining appropriate sample sizes to ensure that sample statistics to be obtained are likely to be good estimators of corresponding population parameters. Previous researchers have shown how to compute a priori confidence interval means or locations for normal and skew-normal distributions. However, two critical limitations persist in the literature: (1) While numerous skewed models have been proposed, the APP equations for location parameters have only been formally established for the basic skew-normal distributions. (2) Even within this fundamental framework, the APPs for sample size determinations in estimating locations are constructed on samples of specifically dependent observations having multivariate skew-normal distributions jointly. Our work addresses these limitations by extending a priori reasoning to the more comprehensive unified skew-normal (SUN) distribution. The SUN family not only encompasses multiple existing skew-normal models as special cases but also enables broader practical applications through its capacity to model mixed skewness patterns and diverse tail behaviors. In this paper, we establish APP equations for determining the required sample sizes and set up confidence intervals for the location parameter in the one-sample case, as well as for the difference in locations in matched pairs and two independent samples, assuming independent observations from the SUN family. This extension addresses a critical gap in the literature and offers a valuable contribution to the field. Simulation studies support the equations presented, and two applications involve real data sets for illustrations of our main results. Full article

Background/Objectives: Wilson’s disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism that results in hepatic, neurological, and psychiatric manifestations. Despite being described globally, data from the Middle East remains limited. This study presents the first comprehensive national cohort analysis of WD in Oman, examining clinical features, diagnostic challenges, treatment patterns, and long-term outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 36 Omani patients diagnosed with WD between 2013 and 2020 at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital using AASLD diagnostic criteria. Clinical presentation, biochemical parameters, treatment regimens, and progression-free survival were analyzed. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 14.5 years, with a slight female predominance (55.6%). Clinical presentation varied: 25% had hepatic symptoms, 22.2% had mixed hepatic-neurological features, and 16.7% presented with neurological symptoms alone. Asymptomatic cases identified via family screening accounted for 33.3%. Diagnostic delays were most pronounced among patients presenting with neurological symptoms. A positive family history was reported in 88.9% of cases, suggesting strong familial clustering despite a low rate of consanguinity (5.6%). Regional distribution was concentrated in Ash Sharqiyah North and Muscat. Chelation therapy with trientine or penicillamine, often combined with zinc, was the mainstay of treatment. Treatment adherence was significantly associated with improved progression-free survival (p = 0.012). Conclusions: WD in Oman is marked by heterogeneous presentations, frequent diagnostic delays, and strong familial clustering. Early detection through cascade screening and sustained treatment adherence are critical for favorable outcomes. These findings support the need for national screening policies and structured long-term care models for WD in the region. Full article

Soil salinization constitutes a major constraint on global agricultural production, with marked divergence in salt adaptation strategies between salt-tolerant barley (Hordeum vulgare) and salt-sensitive rice (Oryza sativa). This study systematically investigated the evolution and functional specialization of the C3HC4-type RING zinc finger gene family, known to mediate abiotic stress responses through E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, in these contrasting cereal species. Through comparative genomics, we identified 123 HvC3HC4 genes and 90 OsC3HC4 genes, phylogenetically classified into four conserved subgroups. Differences in C3HC4 genes in phylogenetic relationships, chromosomal distribution, gene structure, motif composition, gene duplication events, and cis-elements in the promoter region were observed between barley and rice. Moreover, HvC3HC4s in barley tissues preferentially adopted an energy-conserving strategy, which may be a key mechanism for barley’s higher salt tolerance. Additionally, we found that C3HC4 genes were evolutionarily conserved in salt-tolerant species. The current results reveal striking differences in salt tolerance between barley and rice mediated by the C3HC4 gene family and offer valuable insight for potential genetic engineering applications in improving crop resilience to salinity stress. Full article

Urochloa brizantha (Brizantha) is cultivated under varying altitudinal and management conditions. Twelve full-sun (monoculture) plots and twelve shaded (silvopastoral) plots were established, proportionally distributed at 170, 503, 661, and 1110 masl. Evaluations were conducted 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after establishment. The conservation and integration of trees in silvopastoral systems reflected a clear anthropogenic influence, evidenced by the preference for species of the Fabaceae family, likely due to their multipurpose nature. Although the altitudinal gradient did not show direct effects on soil properties, intermediate altitudes revealed a significant role of CaCO₃ in enhancing soil fertility. These edaphic conditions at mid-altitudes favored the leaf area development of Brizantha, particularly during the early growth stages, as indicated by significantly larger values (p < 0.05). However, at the harvest stage, no significant differences were observed in physiological or productive traits, nor in foliar chemical components, underscoring the species’ high hardiness and broad adaptation to both soil and altitude conditions. In Brizantha, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in stomatal size and density was observed under shade in silvopastoral areas, where solar radiation and air temperature decreased, while relative humidity increased. Nonetheless, these microclimatic variations did not lead to significant changes in foliar chemistry, growth variables, or biomass production, suggesting a high degree of adaptive plasticity to microclimatic fluctuations. Foliar ash content exhibited an increasing trend with altitude, indicating greater efficiency of Brizantha in absorbing calcium, phosphorus, and potassium at higher altitudes, possibly linked to more favorable edaphoclimatic conditions for nutrient uptake. Finally, forage quality declined with plant age, as evidenced by reductions in protein, ash, and In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility (IVDMD), alongside increases in fiber, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF). These findings support the recommendation of cutting intervals between 30 and 45 days, during which Brizantha displays a more favorable nutritional profile, higher digestibility, and consequently, greater value for animal feeding. Full article

Many applications in health research involve the analysis of multivariate distributions of random variables. In this paper, we review the basic theory of copulas to illustrate their advantages in deriving a joint distribution from given marginal distributions, with a specific focus on bivariate cases. Particular attention is given to the Archimedean family of copulas, which includes widely used functions such as Clayton and Gumbel–Hougaard, characterized by a single association parameter and a relatively simple structure. This work differs from previous reviews by providing a focused overview of applied studies in biomedical research that have employed Archimedean copulas, due to their flexibility in modeling a wide range of dependence structures. Their ease of use and ability to accommodate rotated forms make them suitable for various biomedical applications, including those involving survival data. We briefly present the most commonly used methods for estimation and model selection of copula’s functions, with the purpose of introducing these tools within the broader framework. Several recent examples in the health literature, and an original example of a pediatric study, demonstrate the applicability of Archimedean copulas and suggest that this approach, although still not widely adopted, can be useful in many biomedical research settings. Full article

Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) is crucial in mediating plant responses to abiotic stresses. In this study, bioinformatics methods were used to identify the GPX gene family in quinoa. A total of 15 CqGPX genes were identified at the quinoa genome level and conducted preliminary analysis on their protein characteristics, chromosome distribution, gene structure, conserved domain structure, cis-acting elements, and expression patterns. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the GPX genes of quinoa, Arabidopsis, soybean, rice, and maize were divided into three groups. Most of the CqGPXs had the three characteristic conserved motifs and other conserved sequences and amino acid residues. Six types of cis-acting elements were identified in the CqGPX gene promoter, with stress and hormone response-related cis-acting elements constituting the two main categories. Additionally, the expression patterns of CqGPX genes across various tissues and their responses to treatments with NaCl, PEG, CdCl₂, and H₂O₂ were also investigated. The qRT-PCR results showed significant differences in the expression levels of the CqGPX genes under stress treatment at different time points. Consistently, the activity of glutathione peroxidase enzymes increased under stresses. Heterologous expression of CqGPX4 and CqGPX15 conferred stress tolerance to E. coli. This study will provide a reference for exploring the function of CqGPX genes. Full article

The study aimed to evaluate the role of government policies in reducing poverty in Palestine, testing their effectiveness and adequacy, and assessing the challenges associated with their implementation. The study also evaluated the satisfaction of poor families with government programs directed at them. To achieve the objectives of the study, the study followed the descriptive analytical approach, through the use of the quantitative approach, where a questionnaire was distributed to 447 poor families in the West Bank. The qualitative method was developed to study the content of all Palestinian government policies followed to reduce poverty. The results showed a decrease in the confidence of poor families in the adequacy and effectiveness of government policies used to combat poverty, in light of the rise in poverty rates (74.3% in 2024). Accordingly, the study recommends the need to enhance integration between social protection policies and economic development by adopting a comprehensive, innovative, and visionary approach that integrates the provision of resources and sustainable economic empowerment programs to achieve sustainable development goals better. Full article

Background/Objectives: Inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) represent a wide spectrum of diseases characterized by a predisposition to recurrent infections, as well as increased susceptibility to autoimmune, atopic, and autoinflammatory diseases and malignancies. The aim of this study was to report the registry-based frequency and describe the clinical characteristics of IEIs among patients in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Methods: We analyzed data from 269 patients belonging to 204 families who were either self-referred or referred by healthcare providers to the University Medical Center of Nazarbayev University with suspected IEIs. All patients resided in various regions across Kazakhstan. Results: A total of 269 diagnosed cases were identified in the national registry. The estimated prevalence was 1.3 per 100,000 population. The gender ratio was nearly equal, with 139 males and 130 females. The median age at diagnosis was 5 years (range: 1 month to 70 years), while the mean age was 11.3 years. The most common diagnosis was humoral immunodeficiency, observed in 120 individuals (44.6%), followed by complement deficiencies in 83 individuals (30.8%). Combined immunodeficiencies with syndromic features were found in 35 patients (13%), and phagocytic cell defects were identified in 12 patients (4.5%). The predominant clinical manifestations included severe recurrent infections and autoimmune cytopenias, while atopic and autoinflammatory symptoms were reported less frequently. Conclusions: These findings contribute to a better understanding of the registry-based distribution and clinical spectrum of IEIs in Kazakhstan and underscore the importance of early diagnosis and targeted care for affected individuals. Full article

Fungal communities in high plateau ecosystems remain understudied despite their crucial roles in soil ecosystems, and yeasts inhabiting extreme regions have potential for industrial and biotechnological applications. We studied the fungal diversity in soils across 14 Chilean Altiplano sites using amplicon-based metagenomics and isolation of yeasts to assess their growth under various conditions and hydrolytic enzyme secretion. Using the metagenomic approach, the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota phyla were found to be the most abundant (85% and 8%, respectively). Unclassified families and genera prevailed at six and ten sites, respectively. At the other sites, the most abundant families included Cladosporiaceae, Teratosphaeriaceae, and Sporormiaceae, and the genera Oleoguttula, Coniochaeta, and Peziza. Biodiversity indices did not correlate with the soil’s geographic origin, organic matter content, humidity, or pH. Most isolated yeasts belong to the Naganishia, Holtermanniella, and Vishniacozyma genera, growing at temperatures ranging from 4 °C to 26 °C. Most isolates could use glucose, sucrose, and maltose as carbon sources and exhibited amylase, esterase, pectinase, and protease activities at 30 °C and below. Our results indicate that the evaluated soil physicochemical parameters do not explain the fungal distribution in the Altiplano and highlight the region as a reservoir of unknown fungi, including yeasts with industrially relevant enzymes. Full article

The Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a single-stranded, segmented RNA virus belonging to the Nairoviridae family, and it is rapidly expanding across Africa, Asia, and southern Europe, probably favored by climate change and livestock trade. Its fatality rate in humans reaches up to 40%, and there is currently no specific treatment or vaccine available. Therefore, the development of therapies against CCHFV is essential, and their design requires understanding of the molecular evolution and genetic distribution of the virus. Motivated by these concerns, we present a comprehensive review of the molecular evolution, genetic characterization, and phylogeography of CCHFV, and we discuss their potential implications for therapeutic design. Specifically, we describe the virus’s capacity to increase its genetic diversity through numerous mutations, recombination events, and genomic reassortments, which affect fundamental viral functions such as RNA binding, host–virus interactions, viral entry, and polymerase activity. We also assess the presence of temporal heterogeneous rates of evolution and molecular adaptation among CCHFV coding regions, where purifying selection is generally predominant but diversifying selection is observed in molecular regions associated with host adaptation and transmission. We emphasize the importance of understanding the complex molecular evolution of CCHFV for the rational design of therapies and highlight the need for efforts in surveillance, evolutionary prediction, and therapeutic development. Full article

Gaultherin [methyl salicylate 2-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside] is a natural salicylate found in some plant species belonging primarily to the Ericaceae and Rosaceae families. Biological studies conducted since the beginning of the 21st century have suggested the potential use of gaultherin in treating various diseases related to inflammation and oxidative stress, including rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, neuralgia, and muscular pain. The accumulated results indicated a targeted range of biological effects, particularly anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and anti-rheumatic properties associated with reduced adverse outcomes. The molecular mechanisms involve the influence on several signalling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, and potentially AMPK, as well as the inhibition of critical pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as COX-2. This inhibition is achieved without affecting the COX-1 isoform, thereby preventing side effects such as bleeding ulcers or intracranial haemorrhage. This overview summarises the current knowledge about pharmacokinetics, molecular mechanisms, pharmacology, and biocompatibility of gaultherin. Additionally, four methods for isolating gaultherin from plant material and its distribution within the plant kingdom were the focal points of review and discussion. The paper also describes significant differences between synthetic aspirin and natural gaultherin in their biological potential and side effects, resulting from their different mechanisms of action. As a prodrug of salicylic acid, gaultherin releases salicylic acid gradually through enzymatic hydrolysis in the gastrointestinal tract. This controlled release minimises direct gastric irritation and accounts for its superior gastrointestinal safety profile compared to aspirin. Unlike aspirin, which irreversibly inhibits COX-1 and can lead to serious side effects with chronic use, gaultherin selectively inhibits COX-2 while sparing COX-1. These properties position gaultherin as a compelling natural alternative for patients requiring long-term anti-inflammatory therapy with reduced risk of gastrointestinal or bleeding complications. Full article

Background: Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is highly susceptible to various abiotic stresses during their growth and development, leading to severe reductions in both yield and quality. β-Glucosidase (BGLU) is widely involved in plant growth and development, as well as in the response to abiotic stress. Methods: We performed a genome-wide identification of pepper BGLU (CaBGLU) genes. Phylogenetic analysis included BGLU proteins from Arabidopsis, tomato, and pepper. Gene structures, conserved motifs, and promoter cis-elements were analyzed bioinformatically. Synteny within the pepper genome was assessed. Protein-protein interaction potential was predicted. Gene expression patterns were analyzed across tissues and under abiotic stresses using transcriptomic data and qRT-PCR. Subcellular localization of a key candidate protein CaBGLU21 was confirmed experimentally. Results: We identified 32 CaBGLU genes unevenly distributed across eight chromosomes. Phylogenetic classification of 99 BGLU proteins into 12 subfamilies revealed an uneven distribution of CaBGLUs across six subfamilies. Proteins within subfamilies shared conserved motifs and gene structures. CaBGLU promoters harbored abundant light-, hormone- (MeJA, ABA, SA, GA), and stress-responsive elements (including low temperature). A duplicated gene pair (CaBGLU19/CaBGLU24) was identified. 27 CaBGLU proteins showed potential for interactions. Expression analysis indicated CaBGLU5 and CaBGLU30 were mesophyll-specific, while CaBGLU21 was constitutively high in non-leaf tissues. CaBGLU21 was consistently upregulated by cold, heat, and ABA. Subcellular localization confirmed CaBGLU21 resides in the tonoplast. Conclusions: This comprehensive analysis characterizes the pepper BGLU gene family. CaBGLU21, exhibiting constitutive expression in non-leaf tissues, strong upregulation under multiple stresses, and tonoplast localization, emerges as a prime candidate gene for further investigation into abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms in pepper. The findings provide a foundation for future functional studies and stress-resistant pepper breeding. Full article