bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Blood Levels of C-Reactive Protein Marker in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review, Meta‐Analysis and Meta-Regression
Authors: Imani Mohammad Moslem , Sadeghi Masoud , Farokhzadeh Farid , Khazaie Habibolah , Brand Serge , Dürsteler Kenneth M. , Brühl Annette , Sadeghi-Bahmani Dena
Published: April 2021

(1) Introduction: High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and CRP are inflammatory biomarkers associated with several inflammatory diseases. In both pediatric and adult individuals with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) higher hs-CRP and CRP were observed, compared to controls. With the present systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression we expand upon previous meta-analyses in four ways: (1) We included 109 studies (96 in adults and 13 in children); (2) we reported subgroup and meta-regression analyses in adults with OSA compared to controls on the serum and plasma levels of hs-CRP; (3) we reported subgroup and meta-regression analyses in adults with OSA compared to controls on the serum and plasma levels of CRP; (4) we reported serum and plasma levels of both hs-CRP and CRP in children with OSA, always compared to controls. (2) Materials and Methods: The PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched to retrieve articles published until 31 May 2020, with no restrictions. The data included basic information involving the first author, publication year, country of study, ethnicity of participants in each study, age, BMI, and AHI of both groups, and mean and standard deviation (SD) of plasma and serum levels of CRP and hs-CRP. (3) Results: A total of 1046 records were retrieved from the databases, and 109 studies were selected for the analysis (96 studies reporting the blood levels of hs-CRP/CRP in adults and 13 studies in children). For adults, 11 studies reported plasma hs-CRP, 44 serum hs-CRP, 9 plasma CRP, and 32 serum CRP levels. For children, 6 studies reported plasma hs-CRP, 4 serum hs-CRP, 1 plasma CRP, and 2 serum CRP levels. Compared to controls, the pooled MD of plasma hs-CRP levels in adults with OSA was 0.11 mg/dL (p < 0.00001). Compared to controls, the pooled MD of serum hs-CRP levels in adults with OSA was 0.09 mg/dL (p < 0.00001). Compared to controls, the pooled MD of plasma CRP levels in adults with OSA was 0.06 mg/dL (p = 0.72). Compared to controls, the pooled MD of serum CRP levels in adults with OSA was 0.36 mg/dL (p < 0.00001). Compared to controls, the pooled MD of plasma hs-CRP, serum hs-CRP, plasma hs-CRP, and serum hs-CRP in children with OSA was 1.17 mg/dL (p = 0.005), 0.18 mg/dL (p = 0.05), 0.08 mg/dL (p = 0.10), and 0.04 mg/dL (p = 0.33), respectively. The meta-regression showed that with a greater apnea-hypapnea index (AHI), serum hs-CRP levels were significantly higher. (4) Conclusions: The results of the present systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression showed that compared to healthy controls plasma and serum levels of hs-CRP and serum CRP level were higher in adults with OSA; for children, and compared to controls, just plasma hs-CRP levels in children with OSA were higher.
A Multicriteria Analysis Approach for Evaluating the Performance of Agriculture Decision Support Systems for Sustainable Agribusiness
Authors: Duan Sophia Xiaoxia , Wibowo Santoso , Chong Josephine
Published: April 2021

Agriculture decision support systems (DSSs) play an important role in facilitating evidence-based agricultural decision-making for improving agribusiness productivity. Evaluating and selecting the most appropriate agriculture DSS for sustainable agribusiness is, however, challenging due to the existence of production and marketing alternatives, a variety of objective functions from economic to lifestyle to long-term sustainability, and the subjectiveness and imprecision involved in the evaluation process. To help decision makers effectively deal with these issues, this paper presents a multicriteria analysis approach for evaluating and selecting the most appropriate agriculture DSS for sustainable agribusiness. The subjective assessments of decision makers in the evaluation process are formulated using linguistic variables approximated by fuzzy numbers. The concept based on the positive and the negative ideal solutions is applied for producing a performance index value for every agriculture DSS alternative across all evaluation criteria based on which the most appropriate agriculture DSS is. An empirical study is presented for demonstrating the step-wise process for evaluating and selecting the most appropriate agriculture DSS for sustainable agribusiness. The outcome from the performance evaluation process allows agribusinesses to effectively adopt appropriate agriculture DSSs for achieving competitive advantages.
Business Performance and Sustainability in Cultural and Rural Tourism Destinations
Authors: Parte Laura , Alberca Pilar
Published: April 2021

This study analyzes business performance through efficiency score estimation in two sustainable tourism models: cultural tourism and rural tourism. The study uses microeconomic data (microdata) of Spanish firms with different characteristics in terms of size, region, location and financial variables. Using multistage modeling (Data envelopment analysis, DEA, non-parametric frontier and non-parametric tests), the main results show that the average efficiency is higher for rural tourism destinations than for cultural tourism destinations. Similar to other tourism industries, efficiency results by geographical and regional destination confirm that location is a driver of the efficiency levels in rural and cultural tourism destinations. Furthermore, the results do not support the scale economies hypothesis: the average efficiency is higher for very small firms compared to other firm sizes, although the average efficiency for large firms is higher than that for medium-size firms. Regarding dynamic efficiency, the results reveal slight variations among the years examined, but the differences are not statistically significant. Finally, the study sheds light on the link between the efficiency of rural tourism and sustainable practices as the investment in environmental protection developed by regions during the period.
On a Dual Pair of Multiobjective Interval-Valued Variational Control Problems
Authors: Treanţă Savin
Published: April 2021

In this paper, by using the new concept of (ϱ,ψ,ω)-quasiinvexity associated with interval-valued path-independent curvilinear integral functionals, we establish some duality results for a new class of multiobjective variational control problems with interval-valued components. More concretely, we formulate and prove weak, strong, and converse duality theorems under (ϱ,ψ,ω)-quasiinvexity hypotheses for the considered class of optimization problems.
Duality Theorems for (ρ,ψ,d)-Quasiinvex Multiobjective Optimization Problems with Interval-Valued Components
Authors: Treanţă Savin
Published: April 2021

The present paper deals with a duality study associated with a new class of multiobjective optimization problems that include the interval-valued components of the ratio vector. More precisely, by using the new notion of (ρ,ψ,d)-quasiinvexity associated with an interval-valued multiple-integral functional, we formulate and prove weak, strong, and converse duality results for the considered class of variational control problems.
The Impact of Candidates’ Profile and Campaign Decisions in Electoral Results: A Data Analytics Approach
Authors: Campos-Valdés Camilo , Álvarez-Miranda Eduardo , Morales Quiroga Mauricio , Pereira Jordi , Liberona Durán Félix
Published: April 2021

In recent years, a wide range of techniques has been developed to predict electoral results and to measure the influence of different factors in these results. In this paper, we analyze the influence of the political profile of candidates (characterized by personal and political features) and their campaign effort (characterized by electoral expenditure and by territorial deployment strategies retrieved from social networks activity) on the electoral results. This analysis is carried out by using three of the most frequent data analyitcs algorithms in the literature. For our analysis, we consider the 2017 Parliamentary elections in Chile, which are the first elections after a major reform of the electoral system, that encompassed a transition from a binomial to a proportional system, a modification of the districts’ structure, an increase in the number of seats, and the requirement of gender parity in the lists of the different coalitions. The obtained results reveal that, regardless of the political coalition, the electoral experience of candidates, in particular in the same seat they are running for (even when the corresponding district is modified), is by large the most influential factor to explain the electoral results. However, the attained results show that the influence of other features, such as campaign expenditures, depends on the political coalition. Additionally, by means of a simulation procedure, we show how different levels of territorial deployment efforts might impact on the results of candidates. This procedure could be used by parties and coalitions when planning their campaign strategies.
Trends in Molecular Diagnosis and Diversity Studies for Phytosanitary Regulated Xanthomonas
Authors: Catara Vittoria , Cubero Jaime , Pothier Joël F. , Bosis Eran , Bragard Claude , Đermić Edyta , Holeva Maria C. , Jacques Marie-Agnès , Petter Francoise , Pruvost Olivier , Robène Isabelle , Studholme David J. , Tavares Fernando , Vicente Joana G. , Koebnik Ralf , Costa Joana
Published: April 2021

Bacteria in the genus Xanthomonas infect a wide range of crops and wild plants, with most species responsible for plant diseases that have a global economic and environmental impact on the seed, plant, and food trade. Infections by Xanthomonas spp. cause a wide variety of non-specific symptoms, making their identification difficult. The coexistence of phylogenetically close strains, but drastically different in their phenotype, poses an added challenge to diagnosis. Data on future climate change scenarios predict an increase in the severity of epidemics and a geographical expansion of pathogens, increasing pressure on plant health services. In this context, the effectiveness of integrated disease management strategies strongly depends on the availability of rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic methods. The accumulation of genomic information in recent years has facilitated the identification of new DNA markers, a cornerstone for the development of more sensitive and specific methods. Nevertheless, the challenges that the taxonomic complexity of this genus represents in terms of diagnosis together with the fact that within the same bacterial species, groups of strains may interact with distinct host species demonstrate that there is still a long way to go. In this review, we describe and discuss the current molecular-based methods for the diagnosis and detection of regulated Xanthomonas, taxonomic and diversity studies in Xanthomonas and genomic approaches for molecular diagnosis.
Comparison of In Vitro Killing Activity of Rezafungin, Anidulafungin, Caspofungin, and Micafungin against Four Candida auris Clades in RPMI-1640 in the Absence and Presence of Human Serum
Authors: Kovács Renátó , Tóth Zoltán , Locke Jeffrey B. , Forgács Lajos , Kardos Gábor , Nagy Fruzsina , Borman Andrew M. , Majoros László
Published: April 2021

Candida auris is an emerging and frequently multidrug-resistant pathogen against which the echinocandins are the preferred therapeutic option. We compared killing activities of anidulafungin, caspofungin, micafungin, and rezafungin against 13 isolates representing four C. auris clades (South Asian n = 3; East Asian n = 3; South African n = 3; South American n = 4, of which two were of environmental origin). Minimum inhibitory concentration MICs and killing kinetics in RPMI-1640 and RPMI-1640 plus 50% serum (50% serum) were determined. The four echinocandins were never fungicidal and induced large aggregates in RPMI-1640 and, less markedly, in 50% serum. Colony forming unit CFU decreases were found more consistently in 50% serum than in RPMI-1640. Isolates from the East Asian clade were killed at ≥1–≥ 4 mg/L with all echinocandins regardless of media. Anidulafungin and micafungin produced killing at peak drug serum concentration (8 mg/L) against environmental but not clinical isolates from the South American and the South African clades. Micafungin at ≥8 mg/L but not anidulafungin produced CFU decreases against the South Asian clade as well. In 50% serum, rezafungin at ≥1–≥ 8 mg/L produced killing against all four clades. The next generation echinocandin, rezafungin, showed the same or better activity at clinically attainable trough concentration regardless of media, compared with anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin against all four tested C. auris clades.
Characterisation of Phage Susceptibility Variation in Salmonellaenterica Serovar Typhimurium DT104 and DT104b
Authors: Mohammed Manal , Orzechowska Beata
Published: April 2021

The surge in mortality and morbidity rates caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria prompted a renewal of interest in bacteriophages (phages) as clinical therapeutics and natural biocontrol agents. Nevertheless, bacteria and phages are continually under the pressure of the evolutionary phage–host arms race for survival, which is mediated by co-evolving resistance mechanisms. In Anderson phage typing scheme of Salmonella Typhimurium, the epidemiologically related definitive phage types, DT104 and DT104b, display significantly different phage susceptibility profiles. This study aimed to characterise phage resistance mechanisms and genomic differences that may be responsible for the divergent phage reaction patterns in S. Typhimurium DT104 and DT104b using whole genome sequencing (WGS). The analysis of intact prophages, restriction–modification systems (RMS), plasmids and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs), as well as CRISPR-associated proteins, revealed no unique genetic determinants that might explain the variation in phage susceptibility among the two phage types. Moreover, analysis of genes coding for potential phage receptors revealed no differences among DT104 and DT104b strains. However, the findings propose the need for experimental assessment of phage-specific receptors on the bacterial cell surface and analysis of bacterial transcriptome using RNA sequencing which will explain the differences in bacterial susceptibility to phages. Using Anderson phage typing scheme of Salmonella Typhimurium for the study of bacteria-phage interaction will help improving our understanding of host–phage interactions which will ultimately lead to the development of phage-based technologies, enabling effective infection control.
Multi-Drug Resistant Plasmids with ESBL/AmpC and mcr-5.1 in Paraguayan Poultry Farms: The Linkage of Antibiotic Resistance and Hatcheries
Authors: Nesporova Kristina , Valcek Adam , Papagiannitsis Costas , Kutilova Iva , Jamborova Ivana , Davidova-Gerzova Lenka , Bitar Ibrahim , Hrabak Jaroslav , Literak Ivan , Dolejska Monika
Published: April 2021

Poultry represents a common source of bacteria with resistance to antibiotics including the critically important ones. Selective cultivation using colistin, cefotaxime and meropenem was performed for 66 chicken samples coming from 12 farms in Paraguay while two breeding companies supplied the farms. A total of 62 Escherichia coli and 22 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were obtained and representative isolates were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Relatively high prevalence of phylogenetic group D and F was observed in E. coli isolates and several zoonotic sequence types (STs) including ST457 (14 isolates), ST38 (5), ST10 (2), ST117 (2) or ST93 (4) were detected. Isolates from three farms, which purchased chicken from a Paraguayan hatchery showed higher prevalence of mcr-5.1 and blaCTX-M-8 compared to the other nine farms, which purchased chickens from a Brazilian hatchery. Moreover, none of the K. pneumoniae isolates were linked to the Paraguayan hatchery. ESBL/AmpC and mcr-5-carrying multi-drug resistant (MDR) plasmids were characterized, and complete sequences were obtained for eight plasmids. The study shed light on Paraguayan poultry farms as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance commonly conferred via MDR plasmids and showed linkage between resistance and origin of the chickens at the hatcheries level.
Exposure Media and Nanoparticle Size Influence on the Fate, Bioaccumulation, and Toxicity of Silver Nanoparticles to Higher Plant Salvinia minima
Authors: Thwala Melusi , Klaine Stephen , Musee Ndeke
Published: April 2021

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are favoured antibacterial agents in nano-enabled products and can be released into water resources where they potentially elicit adverse effects. Herein, interactions of 10 and 40 nm AgNPs (10-AgNPs and 40-AgNPs) with aquatic higher plant Salvinia minima at 600 µg/L in moderately hard water (MHW), MHW of raised calcium (Ca2+), and MHW containing natural organic matter (NOM) were examined. The exposure media variants altered the AgNPs’ surface properties, causing size-dependent agglomeration. The bio-accessibility in the ascending order was: NOM < MHW < Ca2+, was higher in plants exposed to 10-AgNPs, and across all exposures, accumulation was higher in roots compared to fronds. The AgNPs reduced plant growth and the production of chlorophyll pigments a and b; the toxic effects were influenced by exposure media chemistry, and the smaller 10-AgNPs were commonly the most toxic relative to 40-AgNPs. The toxicity pattern was linked to the averagely higher dissolution of 10-AgNPs compared to the larger counterparts. The scanning electron microscopy and X-ray fluorescence analytical techniques were found limited in examining the interaction of the plants with AgNPs at the low exposure concentration used in this study, thus challenging their applicability considering the even lower predicted environmental concentrations AgNPs.
Review of the Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Rhoicissus Species (Vitaceae)
Authors: Dube Nondumiso P. , Siwe-Noundou Xavier , Krause Rui W. M. , Kemboi Douglas , Tembu Vuyelwa Jacqueline , Manicum Amanda-Lee
Published: April 2021

Species within the genus Rhoicissus (Vitaceae) are commonly used in South African traditional medicine. The current review discusses the occurrence, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of Rhoicissus species covering the period 1981–2020. The data reported were systematically collected, read, and analysed from scientific electronic databases including Scopus, Scifinder, Pubmed, and Google Scholar. Reported evidence indicates that species in this genus are used for the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and infertility, as well as to tone the uterus during pregnancy and to facilitate delivery. Pharmacological studies have further shown that members of the Rhoicissus genus display antidiabetic, uterotonic, ascaricidal, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are linked to the presence of bioactive compounds isolated from the genus. Hence, Rhoicissus species can potentially be an alternative therapeutic strategy to treat diseases and develop safer and more potent drugs to combat diseases. Plant species of this genus have valuable medicinal benefits due to their significant pharmacological potential. However, scientific investigation and information of the therapeutic potential of Rhoicissus remain limited as most of the species in the genus have not been fully exploited. Therefore, there is a need for further investigations to exploit the therapeutic potential of the genus Rhoicissus. Future studies should evaluate the phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological activities, as well as the mode of action, of Rhoicissus crude extracts and secondary compounds isolated from the species.
Crystal Engineering of Schiff Base Zn(II) and Cd(II) Homo- and Zn(II)M(II) (M = Mn or Cd) Heterometallic Coordination Polymers and Their Ability to Accommodate Solvent Guest Molecules
Authors: Danilescu Olga , Bourosh Paulina N. , Petuhov Oleg , Kulikova Olga V. , Bulhac Ion , Chumakov Yurii M. , Croitor Lilia
Published: April 2021

Based on solvothermal synthesis, self-assembly of the heptadentate 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(nicotinoylhydrazone) Schiff base ligand (H2L) and Zn(II) and/or Cd(II) salts has led to the formation of three homometallic [CdL]n (1), {[CdL]∙0.5dmf∙H2O}n (2) and {[ZnL]∙0.5dmf∙1.5H2O}n (3), as well as two heterometallic {[Zn0.75Cd1.25L2]∙dmf∙0.5H2O}n (4) and {[MnZnL2]∙dmf∙3H2O}n coordination polymers. Compound 1 represents a 1D chain, whereas 2–5 are isostructural and isomorphous two-dimensional structures. The entire series was characterized by IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and emission measurements. 2D coordination polymers accommodate water and dmf molecules in their cage-shaped interlayer spaces, which are released when the samples are heated. Thus, three solvated crystals were degassed at two temperatures and their photoluminescent and adsorption–desorption properties were recorded in order to validate this assumption. Solvent-free samples reveal an increase in volume pore, adsorption specific surface area and photoluminescence with regard to synthesized crystals.
Development and Verification of a Precolumn Derivatization LC-MS/MS Method for the Pharmacokinetic Study of Houttuynine of Houttuynia Essential Oil
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Yang Yanfang , Wang Bangyuan , Wang Renyun , Pang Jianmei , Jiang Yu , Liu Yuling
Published: April 2021

Houttuynia essential oil (HEO) has excellent antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and other pharmacological effects, but the lack of effective analytical methods to quantify HEO in plasma has hindered its better clinical monitoring. Houttuynine (Hou) is one of the main active ingredients and quality control substances of HEO, so the pharmacokinetic study of HEO could be conducted by determining Hou blood concentration. Hou is active and not stable in plasma, which makes its blood concentration difficult to measure. In this work, a novel liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for Hou determination in rat blood was established that involves Hou being derivatized with 2, 4-dinitrophenylhydrazine to form a stable compound to prevent degradation. Herein, p-Tolualdehyde-2,4-dinitrophenylphenylhydrazone was selected as an internal standard substance and the LC-MS/MS method was evaluated for selectivity, precision, accuracy, calibration limit, matrix effect, recovery, and stability. Good linearity (r2 = 0.998) was reached in the range of 2–2000 ng/mL, and the lower limit of quantification of Hou was determined to be 2 ng/mL. The mean intra-assay accuracy ranged from 77.7% to 115.6%, whereas the intra-assay precision (relative standard deviation, RSD) was below 11.42%. The matrix effect value for Hou in rat plasma was greater than 75%, and for the internal standard (IS) it was 104.56% ± 3.62%. The extraction recovery of Hou were no less than 90%, and for the IS it was 96.50% ± 4.68%. Our method is sensitive and reliable and has been successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic analysis of Hou in rats given HEO via gavage and injection.
Suggestions on the Contribution of Methyl Eugenol and Eugenol to Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) Essential Oil Preservative Activity through Radical Scavenging
Authors: Nenadis Nikolaos , Papapostolou Maria , Tsimidou Maria Z.
Published: April 2021

The present study examined the radical scavenging potential of the two benzene derivatives found in the bay laurel essential oil (EO), namely methyl eugenol (MEug) and eugenol (Eug), theoretically and experimentally to make suggestions on their contribution to the EO preservative activity through such a mechanism. Calculation of appropriate molecular indices widely used to characterize chain-breaking antioxidants was carried out in the gas and liquid phases (n-hexane, n-octanol, methanol, water). Experimental evidence was based on the DPPH• scavenging assay applied to pure compounds and a set of bay laurel EOs chemically characterized with GC-MS/FID. Theoretical calculations suggested that the preservative properties of both compounds could be exerted through a radical scavenging mechanism via hydrogen atom donation. Eug was predicted to be of superior efficiency in line with experimental findings. Pearson correlation and partial least square regression analyses of the EO antioxidant activity values vs. % composition of individual volatiles indicated the positive contribution of both compounds to the radical scavenging activity of bay laurel EOs. Eug, despite its low content in bay laurel EOs, was found to influence the most the radical scavenging activity of the latter.
Zn(ferulate)-LSH Systems as Multifunctional Filters
Authors: Saito Gustavo Pereira , Matsumoto Ana Carolina Lanfredi , Assis Renata Pires , Brunetti Iguatemy Lourenço , Cebim Marco Aurélio , Davolos Marian Rosaly
Published: April 2021

Excessive UV solar radiation exposure causes human health risks; therefore, the study of multifunctional filters is important to skin UV protective ability and also to other beneficial activities to the human organism, such as reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for cellular damages. Potential multifunctional filters were obtained by intercalating of ferulate anions into layered simple metal hydroxides (LSH) through anion exchange and precipitation at constant pH methods. Ultrasound treatment was used in order to investigate the structural changes in LSH-ferulate materials. Structural and spectroscopic analyses show the formation of layered materials composed by a mixture of LSH intercalated with ferulate anions, where carboxylate groups of ferulate species interact with LSH layers. UV-VIS absorption spectra and in vitro SPF measurements indicate that LSH-ferulate systems have UV shielding capacity, mainly UVB protection. The results of reactive species assays show the ability of layered compounds in capture DPPH•, ABTS•+, ROO•, and HOCl/OCl− reactive species. LSH-ferulate materials exhibit antioxidant activity and singular optical properties that enable their use as multifunctional filters.
New Bioconjugated Technetium and Rhenium Folates Synthesized by Transmetallation Reaction with Zinc Derivatives
Authors: Borràs Jordi , Foster Julie , Kashani Roxana , Meléndez-Alafort Laura , Sosabowski Jane , Suades Joan , Barnadas-Rodríguez Ramon
Published: April 2021

The zinc dithiocarbamates functionalized with folic acid 2Zn and 3Zn were synthesized with a simple straightforward method, using an appropriated folic acid derivative and a functionalized zinc dithiocarbamate (1Zn). Zinc complexes 2Zn and 3Zn show very low solubilities in water, making them useful for preparing Tc-99m radiopharmaceuticals with a potentially high molar activity. Thus, the transmetallation reaction in water medium between the zinc complexes 2Zn or 3Zn and the cation fac-[99mTc(H2O)3(CO)3]+, in the presence of the monodentate ligand TPPTS, leads to the formation of the 2 + 1 complexes fac-[99mTc(CO)3(SS)(P)] bioconjugated to folic acid (2Tc and 3Tc). In spite of the low solubility of 2Zn and 3Zn in water, the reaction yield is higher than 95%, and the excess zinc reagent is easily removed by centrifugation. The Tc-99m complexes were characterized by comparing their HPLC with those of the homologous rhenium complexes (2Re and 3Re) previously synthesized and characterized by standard methods. Preliminary in vivo studies with 2Tc and 3Tc indicate low specific binding to folate receptors. In summary, Tc-99m folates 2Tc and 3Tc were prepared in high yields, using a one-pot transmetallation reaction with low soluble zinc dithiocarbamates (>1 ppm), at moderate temperature, without needing a subsequent purification step.
Synthesis of 3,4-Bis(Butylselanyl)Selenophenes and 4-Alkoxyselenophenes Promoted by Oxone®
Authors: Hellwig Paola S. , Guedes Jonatan S. , Barcellos Angelita M. , Perin Gelson , Lenardão Eder J.
Published: April 2021

We describe herein an alternative transition-metal-free procedure to access 3,4-bis(butylselanyl)selenophenes and the so far unprecedented 3-(butylselanyl)-4-alkoxyselenophenes. The protocol involves the 5-endo-dig electrophilic cyclization of 1,3-diynes promoted by electrophilic organoselenium species, generated in situ through the oxidative cleavage of the Se-Se bond of dibutyl diselenide using Oxone® as a green oxidant. The selective formation of the title products was achieved by controlling the solvent identity and the amount of dibutyl diselenide. By using 4.0 equiv of dibutyl diselenide and acetonitrile as solvent at 80 °C, four examples of 3,4-bis(butylselanyl)selenophenes were obtained in moderate to good yields (40–78%). When 3.0 equiv of dibutyl diselenide were used, in the presence of aliphatic alcohols as solvent/nucleophiles under reflux, 10 3-(butylselanyl)-4-alkoxyselenophenes were selectively obtained in low to good yields (15–80%).
Influence of the Storage of Cistus ladanifer L. Bales from Mechanised Harvesting on the Essential Oil Yield and Qualitative Composition
Authors: Mediavilla Irene , Blázquez María Amparo , Ruiz Alex , Esteban Luis Saúl
Published: April 2021

Cistus ladanifer is a Mediterranean native plant from which valuable products, such as essential oil, are obtained. Manual harvesting of the plants in wild shrublands is usual during short periods of time. Their mechanised harvesting could increase the volume of harvested plants and prevent fires, further storage of the plants collected being necessary. The objective of this work is to study the influence of the storage period of mechanically harvested bales on the essential oil yield and qualitative composition. The harvesting trials were carried out with an adapted commercial harvester baler and the storage of the bales was performed indoors during 1–7 days, 15–30 days and 100–120 days. Afterwards, the bales were crushed (30 mm) and distilled in a 30 litre stainless steel still with saturated steam (0.5 bar). The essential oil components were identified by GC-MS and quantified by GC-FID. The storage of mechanically harvested Cistus ladanifer does not decrease the oil yield of steam distillation on a pilot scale. However, it leads to differences in the quantitative composition of the essential oils, decreasing the total monoterpene compounds content and increasing that of oxygenated sesquiterpenes, especially when the biomass is stored for 100–120 days, without affecting its qualitative composition.
The School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study-I: Overview of Findings Related to Improving Diet Quality, Weight, and Disparities in US Children and Policy Implications
Authors: Story Mary , Miller Lindsey , Lott Megan
Published: April 2021

The national school breakfast and lunch programs administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are a cornerstone of the nation’s nutrition safety net for children from low-income families [...]
Maximising Productivity and Eliminating Campylobacter in Broilers by Manipulating Stocking Density and Population Structure Using ‘Biosecurity Cubes’
Authors: Greene Genevieve , Koolman Leonard , Whyte Paul , Lynch Helen , Coffey Aidan , Lucey Brigid , Egan John , O’Connor Lisa , Bolton Declan
Published: April 2021

This study investigates the effect of stocking density and population dynamics on broiler growth rates and productivity, while further validating the ability of the biosecurity cubes (BC) to protect birds from Campylobacter. In our methodology, six BC were constructed in a commercial broiler house containing approximately 28,500 birds. During three trials, the BC were stocked at densities of 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 birds/m2, with the main flock (20 birds/m2) considered the control. Periodically, 10 birds per density were weighed and examined. The Campylobacter status of the birds was monitored via faecal samples using the ISO 10272: 2017. The stocking density for maximum calculated yield was 20 (trials 1 and 2) or 22 birds/m2 (trial 3), followed by 18, 16, 14 and 12. At the stocking rate of 20 birds/m2, the birds in the pen grew faster than those at the same density in the main flock achieving 2 Kg 3–6 days faster. Birds in the BC were observed to be generally healthier, and in some cases, remained Campylobacter negative, even after the main flock was infected. Our results conclude that dividing the flock into sub-flocks of approximately 20 birds/m2 using BC could increase productivity up to 20%, while preventing Campylobacter.
Ameliorative Effects of Exogenous Proline on Photosynthetic Attributes, Nutrients Uptake, and Oxidative Stresses under Cadmium in Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L.)
Authors: Hayat Khizar , Khan Jafar , Khan Asif , Ullah Shakir , Ali Shahid , Salahuddin  , Fu Yujie
Published: April 2021

Proline plays a significant role in the plant response to stress conditions. However, its role in alleviating metal-induced stresses remains elusive. We conducted an experiment to evaluate the ameliorative role of exogenous proline on cadmium-induced inhibitory effects in pigeon pea subjected to different Cd treatments (4 and 8 mg/mL). Cadmium treatments reduced photosynthetic attributes, decreased chlorophyll contents, disturbed nutrient uptake, and affected growth traits. The elevated activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), in association with relatively high contents of hydrogen peroxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, electrolyte leakage, and endogenous proline, was measured. Exogenous proline application (3 and 6 mM) alleviated cadmium-induced oxidative damage. Exogenous proline increased antioxidant enzyme activities and improved photosynthetic attributes, nutrient uptake (Mg2+, Ca2+, K+), and growth parameters in cadmium-stressed pigeon pea plants. Our results reveal that proline supplementation can comprehensively alleviate the harmful effects of cadmium on pigeon pea plants.
Sustainable Removal of Contaminants by Biopolymers: A Novel Approach for Wastewater Treatment. Current State and Future Perspectives
Authors: Russo Teresa , Fucile Pierpaolo , Giacometti Rosa , Sannino Filomena
Published: April 2021

Naturally occurring substances or polymeric biomolecules synthesized by living organisms during their entire life cycle are commonly defined as biopolymers. Different classifications of biopolymers have been proposed, focusing on their monomeric units, thus allowing them to be distinguished into three different classes with a huge diversity of secondary structures. Due to their ability to be easily manipulated and modified, their versatility, and their sustainability, biopolymers have been proposed in different fields of interest, starting from food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries, (i.e., as excipients, gelling agents, stabilizers, or thickeners). Furthermore, due to their sustainable and renewable features, their biodegradability, and their non-toxicity, biopolymers have also been proposed in wastewater treatment, in combination with different reinforcing materials (natural fibers, inorganic micro- or nano-sized fillers, antioxidants, and pigments) toward the development of novel composites with improved properties. On the other hand, the improper or illegal emission of untreated industrial, agricultural, and household wastewater containing a variety of organic and inorganic pollutants represents a great risk to aquatic systems, with a negative impact due to their high toxicity. Among the remediation techniques, adsorption is widely used and documented for its efficiency, intrinsic simplicity, and low cost. Biopolymers represent promising and challenging adsorbents for aquatic environments’ decontamination from organic and inorganic pollutants, allowing for protection of the environment and living organisms. This review summarizes the results obtained in recent years from the sustainable removal of contaminants by biopolymers, trying to identify open questions and future perspectives to overcome the present gaps and limitations.
Removal of Phenol from Aqueous Solution Using Internal Microelectrolysis with Fe-Cu: Optimization and Application on Real Coking Wastewater
Authors: Huong Do Tra , Van Tu Nguyen , Anh Duong Thi Tu , Tien Nguyen Anh , Ngan Tran Thi Kim , Van Tan Lam
Published: April 2021

Fe-Cu materials were synthesized using the chemical plating method from Fe powder and CuSO4 5% solution and then characterized for surface morphology, composition and structure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The as-synthesized Fe-Cu material was used for removal of phenol from aqueous solution by internal microelectrolysis. The internal electrolysis-induced phenol decomposition was then studied with respect to various parameters such as pH, time, Fe-Cu material weight, phenol concentration and shaking speed. The optimal phenol decomposition (92.7%) was achieved under the conditions of (1) a pH value of phenol solution of 3, (2) 12 h of shaking at the speed of 200 rpm, (3) Fe-Cu material weight of 10 g/L, (4) initial phenol concentration of 100.98 mg/L and (5) at room temperature (25 ± 0.5 °C). The degradation of phenol using Fe-Cu materials obeyed the second-order apparent kinetics equation with a reaction rate constant of k of 0.009 h−1L mg−1. The optimal process was then tested against real coking wastewater samples, resulting in treated wastewater with favorable water indicators. Current findings justify the use of Fe-Cu materials in practical internal electrolysis processes.
Christianity in the Caucasian Albania
Authors: Seidova G.
Published: April 2021

The paper discusses the history of the penetration and further spread of Christianity on the territory of present-day Russia, in the medieval state of Caucasian Albania, on the historical territory of most of present-day Azerbaijan, part of the south of Dagestan and Georgia. There existed an independent, having an apostolic beginning, Albanian Church. The fact that the sermon began in Derbent determines our desire to turn to the history of Christianity in our city, which was not just a part of the Christian world of Caucasian Albania, but also a long time residence of its patriarchal throne. Today, out of the 26 tribes that once made up the Albanian Union, one nation has survived, remaining faithful to Christianity — these are the Udins. The Udins were one of the first (313) in the Caucasus to adopt Christianity as the state religion, retained their faith and ethnic identity. Today they strive for their selfdetermination in religious and canonical relations.
The main directions in the historiography of Christianity in Chersonesos and Tauris
Authors: Panyshev A.
Published: April 2021

This paper is devoted to the historiography of Chersonesus and Taurida. The paper notes that Crimea has a very important spiritual and geopolitical significance. There is a huge layer of scientific research that relates to the history of the Crimea both in the state-political and religious direction. The fair inclusion of Crimea into Russia in 2014 raised fears in NATO countries that Russia would be able to regain its geopolitical weight lost in 1991, when the USSR was criminally liquidated. Many countries dependent on the United States, such as Turkey, still do not recognize Crimea as part of Russia. Now it is necessary to determine in the space of historiography of Christianity in the Crimea geopolitical trends in history and modernity. This article highlights the directions of historiography of this topic, and also draws attention to the need to study how this issue is studied in other countries, including Turkey, where revanchist positions are strong and the tendency to restore the positions held by the Ottoman Empire. The classification of the historiographical trends of Christianity in Crimea at the same time emphasizes the possibilities of potential studies of the history of Crimea and Christianity in it.
Visualization of Christian space of Tauris and Chersonesus in the framework of educational programs
Authors: Murzaev I.
Published: April 2021

This paper is aimed on the viewing of the most effective sides of interactive education and it’s usage in the terms of religious formation.
Myth about Tibet in Chinese exposition
Authors: Dokuchaev I.
Published: April 2021

The paper is sanctified to the analysis of cultural text of Tibet. Under cultural text is understood correlation of traditional presentations, or myths about what a culture of one or another country is for her external recipients, and real matter-position. A myth about Tibet contains the row of ideas about the wonderful place of force, giving possibility of brightening and finding of authentic life. He is caused to life by the unique geographical location of Tibet, his unusual history and his culture related to the special version of buddhism, interest in that today grows in the whole world. The real matter-position is in Tibet, however, appears very distant from that draws a myth. It is certain as complete destruction of the traditional Tibetan culture and substitution her modern version of the Chinese culture.
Rate of sexual maturation and fecundity of the roach Rutilus rutilus (L.) of the Volga reach of the Rybinsk reservoir
Authors: German Alexander Vladimirovich , Suvorova Tatiana Aleksandrovna
Published: April 2021

Climate warming and the introduction of a new mass species of clam Dreissena bugensis can potentially lead to changes in the reproductive capacity of benthic fish species living in the upper Volga reservoirs. The age of puberty, the structure of the spawning stock, and fecundity are the main indicators of reproduction that determine, together with indicators such as the survival of young fish and the degree of fishing load, the relative number of species in the ichthyofauna. The purpose of this work was to study the size and age of the onset of puberty and the dynamics of fecundity of roach Rutilus rutilus in the Volga ples of the Rybinsk reservoir. Determination of individual absolute fecundity was performed by counting eggs in fresh gonads, without the use of fixation. The age of fish was determined by scales, and vertebrae and operculum were used as additional recording structures. As a result, it is shown that the beginning of sexual maturation of female roach occurs when reaching the age of 3+ and a length of more than 9 cm. Late maturing females were 4+ years old and over 18 cm long. The beginning of sexual maturation of males could not be determined. The smallest males in the catches, 7–8 cm long, were all sexually Mature. The maximum age of fish reached 12+ years with a length of no more than 32 cm. Individual absolute fertility ranged from 1,75 to 178,46 thousand eggs. The value of relative fertility ranged from 79 to 308, with an average of 171 eggs/g. The result concluded that high absolute and relative fecundity of roach and dynamic changes of fertility in terms of increase in average water temperature and absolute improvement of fodder after the invasion of Dreissena bugensis, may indicate the attainment of specific limit reproductive capacity of this species.
Development of the zooplankton community in the growing ponds of the Novosibirsk region when growing carp fingerlings using the probiotic “Sibmos-PRO”
Authors: Pishchenko Elena Vital’evna , Moruzi Irina Vladimirovna , Osipova Valentina Sergeevna , Vorobyova Oksana Andreyevna
Published: April 2021

Quantitative characteristics of the zooplankton community in cyprinid growth ponds were studied. As a method of stimulating the growth and development of hydrobionts, the introduction of probiotic into water and feed was used. It was taken into account that zooplankton is the main and significant part of the natural food base for young carp grown in ponds. At the early stages of ontogenesis, the activity of digestive enzymes in carp is extremely low, the larva practically does not assimilate high-molecular compounds [7]. At the same time, zooplankton is a secondary link in the food chain of aquatic ecosystems, and plays an important role in their functioning and structure. Changes in plankton fauna can lead to modification of the aquatic ecosystem [18]. The development and existence of zooplankton pond communities during the growing season is influenced by a combination of abiotic and biotic factors, in particular: the composition and abundance of ichthyofauna, fluctuations in the water level in the reservoir, temperature, «flowering» of water, etc. Due to a set of indicators, and the strengthening or weakening of certain factors, it is possible to observe changes in the seasonal dynamics of zooplankton communities, which are more uneven than progressive. In the conducted research on the use of the probiotic Sibmos-Pro-antimicrobial feed concentrate based on mananoligosaccharides (obtained from yeast cell walls) in combination with the bacteria Bacillus Subtilis and Bacillus Licheniformis. Its introduction was carried out both in feed and in feed and water. Studies have shown that, judging by the productivity of carp and zooplankton biomass, the probiotic is absorbed by hydrobionts and affects the increase in the number and productivity of crustaceans. The level of development of the natural food supply increases, which ensures an increase in fish production. The structure of the zooplankton community changes under the influence of probiotics.
Evaluation of economic indicators of domesticated beluga females farming in cages and ponds until maturation
Authors: Vasylieva Lidia Mihajlovna , Tyapugin Vasily Vladimirovich , Sudakova Natalia Viktorovna , Anokhina Adelia Zakirovna
Published: April 2021

Formation of beluga brood stocks in artificial conditions whilst a catastrophic state of their natural populations is very timely and relevant. The method of domestication of wild beluga females after intravital obtaining roe was widely used in the Caspian basin, when it was still possible to catch sturgeons in the river. In the Astrakhan region, at the beginning of the current century, that method was considerably used in the formation of beluga brood stocks in cages and ponds after adaptation of fish to artificial conditions of rearing and feeding. At present, the roe obtained from domesticated beluga females is used both for seed production and for caviar production. In addition to studying the fish-breeding indicators of beluga females after obtaining roe, it was of interest to assess the economic efficiency in different farming conditions. The article presents comparative economic indicators of keeping beluga females until maturation in cages and ponds, assessed the total costs, sales income, profit, profitability. The fish-breeding indicators were taken as a basis: total eggs yield, body weight gain, fecundity, the number of oocytes per gram, eggs fertilization ratio, hatching ratio and feed conversion ratio. The article discusses the research data of 15 beluga females in cage conditions and 10 beluga females in ponds. A simplified scheme was adopted in economic calculations, in which it is assumed that feed is a half of the total cost. The results obtained indicate that the profitability of the products obtained from beluga females in cages is an order of magnitude higher than from females in ponds. It was found that the sale of seed production is more profitable than the caviar sales.
Analysis of ways to adapt automotive diesel engines to work on gas fuel
Authors: Ovchinnikov E. V. , Coziness S. Yu. , Dmitriev K. S. , Ovcharenko A. S.
Published: April 2021

Many targeted state measures, including the State program for agricultural development and regulation of markets for agricultural products, raw materials and food for the period 2013–2020. (extended by the Ministry of agriculture of the Russian Federation until 2025) and The strategy for the development of agricultural machinery for the period up to 2030, provide for comprehensive equipping of agricultural production as a whole and its individual segments, including livestock and poultry, with modern high-performance machinery and equipment.