bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of microbial preparation Baktofungin-LS on peach aphid in controlled conditions
Authors: Dregval O. , Vlasenko O. , Cherevach N. , Vinnikov A.
Published: December 2024

Within the study of the interaction of agrobiocenosis representatives we investigated the influence of microbial components of the preparation Baktofunhin-LS on peach aphids in greenhouses under controlled conditions. Survival of spores of entomopathogenic microorganisms on the leaf surface of plants was negligible after a month of treatment. The concentration of the Bacillus thuringiensis on the leaves of plants decreased by almost two orders of magnitude and the Beauveria bassiana — by almost three orders of magnitude. It was found that after three treatments of the plants with a frequency of 1–2 weeks the number of entomopathogenic microorganisms on the treated surface is maintained at a level sufficient for effective pest management. The technical efficacy Baktofunhin-LS was to 83% against peach aphid. The entomopathogenic number of microorganisms on the leaves of plants increased on three weeks after the third treatment, probably due to their reproduction in the body of infected insects that can provide biological extension of the protective action. Hothouse whiteflies (larvae and nymphs) were killed by the action of the biological insecticide, too. The applicability of the developed plant protection product as an environmentally safe alternative to chemical insecticides is substantiated.
Efficiency of environmental taxation with an emphasis on CO2 emissions: analysis of the experience of EU countries and prospects for Ukraine
Authors: Dyshlyk V.
Published: December 2024

The article analyzes the effectiveness of CO2 taxation in the context of the European Union and its potential application in Ukraine. The author highlights the critical need to revise economic and production approaches in response to climate change. The author analyzes the level of budget revenues of the European Union countries due to environmental taxes. The article examines specific examples of EU countries such as Denmark, Latvia, Germany, Finland, Sweden, and Norway that have implemented effective greenhouse gas emission taxation systems, highlighting different approaches and tax rates. The author also analyzes the dynamics of changes in CO2 tax rates from 2019 to 2023, which indicates a global trend towards increasing the tax burden on polluters. It is substantiated that environmental taxes are a significant tool in counteracting negative environmental changes, despite the availability of various sources of environmental financing. Based on the analysis of international experience in environmental taxation, the author offers proposals for optimization to improve environmental taxation in Ukraine with a view to increasing environmental efficiency.
Settlement of existing problems on the lands of nature reserve and other nature protection purpose — the start of the invariant development of Ukraine
Authors: Kovaliv O.
Published: December 2024

The author’s arguments are revealed as the cause-and-effect relationships of the violation of the Ukrainian people’s constitutional right to ownership of the land and its natural resources as natural objects that lie in the plane of anti-constitutional hybrid lawmaking. Attention is focused on the ineffectiveness of the norms of the adopted legislation regarding the principles of the state environmental policy of Ukraine for certain periods. The purpose of the article is to generalize new knowledge regarding the constitutionally-motivated settlement of existing problems on the lands of nature-reserve and other nature-protection purposes, from the standpoint of national interests, which is the initial (starting) requirement for the formation of sustainable invariant development of Ukraine. It was found that the source of the formation of the current problematic situation in Ukraine is slavish pro-Soviet thinking and mixed-race politics, and most importantly, ignorance on the same basis, which remains in the minds of many “authoritative” scientists, scientists, teachers, and therefore also their students, who work in the bodies of state power (legislative, executive and judicial) and local self-government. Scientifically based studies are summarized as new knowledge of the functioning of the cognitive land economy, acquired by the author during the final liberation of the Ukrainian nation from “racism” in a deadly war with a foreign enemy, which relate to the needs of a constitutionally motivated settlement of the existing problems of land relations and nature use in Ukraine — on “domestic front”. A constitutionally motivated algorithm for painless correction of the existing state of nature use, including in relation to lands of nature-reserve and nature conservation significance, based on the laws of nature and society as an invariant way of solving existing problems in the process of “New Paradigm for the accomplishment of Land Reform in Ukraine” is substantiated.
Application of the story index for land productivity rating: us experience
Authors: Drebot O. , Furdychko O. , Dobriak D. , Sakharnatska L.
Published: December 2024

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the methodology of using the Storie Index to assess land productivity. The key principles of the Storie Index functioning, its historical formation and development are considered. The necessity of its adaptation to regional peculiarities, such as precipitation, erosion and wind impact, is determined. The methodology of land valuation using the Story Index, which takes into account key factors such as soil texture and depth, drainage, surface slope, chemical properties and rainfall, is considered. The article provides a scientific justification for the expediency of integrating modern technologies, such as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), to improve the accuracy of land productivity assessment. It is proposed to use the Story index for adaptation of the agricultural sector to climate change, forecasting longterm land productivity and developing agrotechnical measures. The article considers the possibilities of using the Story Index to assess the potential of land in real-life purchase and sale transactions and in programmes of ecological land restoration. In addition, the authors substantiate the need to introduce the Story Index in Ukraine in order to improve the land boning system, increase the efficiency of its use and promote balanced land use.
Crisis environmental management in the context of armed conflict (a case study of Eastern Europe)
Authors: Raichuk L.
Published: December 2024

Military conflicts lead to significant environmental disruption, which can have long-term global consequences, including climate change, decreased agricultural productivity, and threats to human health. Furthermore, geopolitical conflicts can give rise to new environmental threats, such as the risk of nuclear accidents or large-scale chemical spills, which can have catastrophic implications and necessitate specialized response strategies. Contemporary approaches to environmental management often fail to address these unique challenges, are insufficiently flexible to respond to rapidly changing conditions, or lack comprehensiveness in considering all interrelated aspects of environmental crises. Currently, much research focuses on the effects of geopolitical conflicts on the ecological situation. However, most studies examine specific aspects, such as water pollution or biodiversity loss. Additionally, while there is research addressing environmental management in crisis conditions, these studies often do not take into account the specifics of geopolitical conflicts. A significant gap in existing research is the lack of a comprehensive approach to studying the impact of geopolitical conflicts on environmental conditions. Moreover, there is a need for more studies that address crisis environmental management in the context of geopolitical conflicts. Therefore, there is a demand for the development of new crisis environmental management strategies that consider these unique challenges. Such strategies should be capable of effectively responding to new environmental threats, ensuring resilience to ecological crises, and promoting sustainable development. The development of these strategies requires a deep understanding of the interplay between geopolitical conflicts and the state of the environment. This study aims to fill the knowledge gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the impact of geopolitical conflicts on environmental conditions and outlining the foundations of innovative crisis environmental management strategies to respond to new complex challenges.
Peculiarities of scientific and ecological research in the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi and its surroundings during the Second World War
Authors: Andrusiak D. , Mudrak O. , Demyanuk O.
Published: December 2024

The topic of scientific and ecological research of the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi and its surroundings during the period of the German occupation of the territory of Ukraine remains to this day not fully disclosed due to the long-term ban on access to information sources and their partial loss, therefore it is currently relevant. The purpose of the proposed article is to study the policy of the occupation authorities regarding scientific and ecological research on the territory of Ukraine in comparison with their actions on the territory of European countries using the example of France and Poland. The tasks include researching the reasons that prompted the Nazis to use the work of European and domestic scientists, determining priority areas of research and territorial features. The assessment of the results of geological and hydroecological studies of ecosystems on the territory of the modern National Nature Park “Podilski Tovtry” within the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi and its surroundings is considered separately. To achieve the goal, we used the data of a comparative analysis of historical events based on the comparison of various sources, data and facts to identify similarities and differences. Turning to archival documents, studying the original source — a report on complex scientific research conducted on the territory of the modern National Nature Park “Podilski Tovtry” (Kamiyanets-Podilskyi) made it possible to reveal the true course of some historical events in scientific life, to obtain unbiased information and to build an objective idea about the topic and the level of research conducted. It was concluded that the Hitlerites were most interested in applied research, especially in the field of agroecology. The natural resource potential of specific territories, which were included in the plans for the settlement of representatives of the Aryan race in Ukraine, was studied. Geological and hydrogeological studies conducted on the territory of the modern National Nature Park “Podilski Tovtry” confirm their scientific and practical value.
Equality in Reconciliation
Authors: Jokinen Heidi , Vikström Björn
Published: December 2024

Reconciliation is a central concept in theology and in political and legal reconciliation processes where these different discourses intertwine. However, while in theology reconciliation is often a unilateral process with God as the primary actor, the situation is quite different in the worldly contexts. This article asks if and how reconciliation as a relational process is practically possible in the context of solving violent conflicts, the particular focus being on equality, respectively inequality, between the participating parties. The question is analyzed in relation to postcolonial reconciliation processes in involving the Sámi population in the Nordic countries and to the use of restorative justice in cases of domestic violence against women. With the help of Paul Ricoeur’s notion of complex equality and Ricoeur’s and Tore Johnsens models of reconciliation the paper argues that while reconciliation is a conceptual opportunity it also holds potential for practical opportunities, in particular if the evident challenges are taken into account.
Testimony in Truth Commissions
Authors: Lebedeva Alexandra
Published: December 2024

In this article, I critically examine the role of testimony in the work of truth commissions and its implications for understanding human rights violations and testimony drawing on Jacques Derrida’s deconstruction of testimony. Two key implications emerge from this analysis. First, by applying a tort model, human rights violations are depoliticized through their individualization. This approach turns testimonies into evidence, limiting their critical potential. Depoliticization involves overlooking the political context of violence, which results in a failure to consider power dynamics, potentially reinforcing the same power structures that contributed to the atrocities in the first place. Second, the rationale behind truth commissions, often framed as "giving a voice to the voiceless", tends to prioritize the act of speaking over the moral obligation to listen to testimonies and reflect on one's moral and political responsibilities. Finally, I argue that addressing past human rights violations and their root causes should be guided by an idea of responsibility, particularly the responsibility for justice. The way truth commissions utilize testimony may hinder the fulfillment of this responsibility.
Neonatal body composition, salivary feeding gene expression, and feeding outcomes in infants of diabetic mothers
Authors: Azuma Dara , Penner Yvette , Kaneko-Tarui Tomoko , Mahmoud Taysir , Breeze Janis L. , Rodday Angie , O’Tierney-Ginn Perrie , Maron Jill L.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) may exhibit decreased oral intake, requiring nasogastric feedings and prolonged hospitalization. The objective of this study was to explore whether saliva serves as an informative biofluid for detecting expression of hunger signaling and energy homeostasis modulator genes and to perform exploratory analyses examining expression profiles, body composition, and feeding outcomes in late preterm and term IDMs and infants born to mothers with normoglycemia during pregnancy.

Methods

In this prospective cohort pilot study, infants born at ≥ 35 weeks’ gestation to mothers with gestational or type II diabetes (IDM cohort) and normoglycemic mothers (control cohort) were recruited. The presence of known hunger signaling genes: 5’AMP-activated protein kinase (PRKAA2) and neuropeptide Y2 receptor (NPY2R); adipokines: leptin (LEP) and adiponectin (ADIPOQ); and energy homeostasis regulators: ghrelin (GHRL) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) in neonatal saliva was determined with RT-qPCR and compared between cohorts. Body composition was assessed via skinfold measurements and compared between cohorts. Feeding outcomes were recorded. Exploratory analyses were performed examining associations between infant body composition, energy homeostasis and hunger signaling gene expression.

Results

Twenty-three infants in the IDM cohort and 22 infants in the control cohort were recruited. LEP and ADIPOQ were not reliably detected in neonatal saliva in either cohort. PRKAA2, GHRL and NPY2R were less likely to be detected in the IDM cohort, whereas POMC was more likely to be detected in the IDM cohort. Infants in the IDM cohort had greater adiposity compared to infants in the normoglycemia cohort. Only 3 IDMs had documented poor feeding; no infant in the control group struggled to feed. In exploring associations between hunger signaling gene expression with energy homeostasis gene expression and body composition, the odds of detecting salivary NPY2R expression decreased as fat mass increased, and the odds of detecting PRKAA2 expression increased in the presence of GHRL expression.

Discussion

Non-invasive assessment of hunger signaling and energy homeostasis gene expression is possible through neonatal salivary analysis. This pilot study lays the foundation for a larger scale study to further investigate the link between in utero exposure to diabetes with body composition and regulation of appetite.
Towards an intelligent energy conservation approach for context-aware systems in smart environments
Authors: Mahmud Umar , Hussain Shariq , Karamat Tehmina
Published: December 2024

A smart personal space is a context-aware system that recognizes situations using contextual data. A user interacts within the personal space using smart devices that are mobile, and run-on batteries that have limited power. This paper proposes a Power-Constrained Context-Aware System (PCCA) that uses Markov Chain-based pre-classification to predict context change and defer context processing to conserve energy in an intelligent way. A new Markov Chain Module is added that creates a Markov Chain using history information. This enables PCCA to predict context change for the next observation. The results show that PCCA consumes 37% less power than a context-aware system.
Prognostic potential of inflammatory markers in chronic kidney disease patients combined with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Dang Peizhu , Li Bohan , Li Yongxin
Published: December 2024

Background

Inflammation significantly impacts chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study investigates the prognostic value of inflammatory markers in predicting outcomes for CKD patients with AMI.

Methods

We enrolled patients diagnosed with CKD concomitant with AMI, choosing five inflammatory markers related to both diseases. Patients were categorized into elevated inflammatory markers group and control group based on inflammatory markers cut-off values for predicting in-hospital major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, we identified inflammation-related risk factors for MACCE. We adjusted covariates stepwise to explore the relationship between independent risk factors and adverse outcomes. We also evaluated the predictive value of these markers for MACCE by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, higher levels of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) significantly increased risk of MACCE (all P < 0.05). After adjusting above two indicators, NLR was independently associated with in-hospital MACCE in CKD patients with AMI (OR = 10.764, 95% CI: 1.887–61.406, P = 0.007). Furthermore, compared to other inflammatory markers, NLR had the highest predictive value for MACCE in patients with AMI and CKD [Area Under the Curve (AUC): 0.748, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.634–0.861, P < 0.001].

Conclusion

In CKD patients combined with AMI, elevated levels of inflammation markers could increase the risk of MACCE. NLR may provide superior predictive value compared to other markers.
Body mass index mediates the association between plasma lipid concentrations and the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea among US adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hu Xiao , Xu Jing , Gu Yang
Published: December 2024

Background

The association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and plasma lipid concentrations is not consistent. This study aimed to investigate the association of plasma lipid concentrations with the prevalence of OSA among US adults, with an additional examination of the mediating effect of body mass index (BMI).

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 8,086 individuals who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), conducted from 2005 to 2008 and 2015–2018. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to compute the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between plasma lipid concentrations and the prevalence of OSA. Additionally, subgroup analysis was used to explore the potential interactions. Generalized additive models (GAM) were constructed to evaluate the nonlinear relationships between lipid concentrations and OSA. Furthermore, mediation analysis was performed to assess the potential mediating role of BMI.

Results

In the fully adjusted model, when comparing the lowest quartile, the ORs for the prevalence of OSA among participants in the highest quartile were 1.367 (95% CI, 1.107–1.688) for triglyceride and 1.212 (95% CI, 1.004–1.462) for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were not associated with OSA. Notably, the relationship between triglyceride and OSA differed in the subgroups of gender, race, and body mass index (BMI) (P for interaction <0.05). Furthermore, we discovered an inverted U-shaped association between triglyceride and OSA (inflection point: 0.813 mmol/L). Causal mediation analysis revealed that BMI significantly mediated the relationship between triglyceride and the prevalence of OSA.

Conclusions

This study revealed that an elevated level of triglyceride increased the prevalence of OSA, and this effect was potentially mediated through BMI. Lowering triglyceride concentration may help to reduce the prevalence of OSA.
Effect of physical exercise on metabolism in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wang Yutong , Weng Sixian , Xia Chenxi , Xu Tao , Song Xinyang , Wang Fang
Published: December 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, is closely linked to metabolic dysfunctions, including obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. These lead to pathological changes in myocardial metabolism and mitochondrial energy metabolism, thereby aggravating AF's incidence and severity. This review introduces the role of metabolic dysfunctions in exacerbating AF, assesses the therapeutic potential of physical exercise and investigates it as a non-pharmacological intervention to alleviate these metabolic disturbances. Evidence suggests that regular physical activity not only enhances metabolic profiles but also reduces the frequency of AF episodes and improves overall cardiovascular health. At the same time, the review emphasizes the need for individualized exercise regimens, individualized to the metabolic and cardiac conditions of each patient to optimize benefits and minimize risks. Additionally, it calls for more basic studies and large-scale clinical trials to establish and refine evidence-based exercise guidelines specific to AF management.
Sex differences and clinical outcomes, including ventricular tachyarrhythmias, of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction treated with sacubitril/valsartan
Authors: Abumayyaleh Mohammad , Krack Carina , Demmer Jonathan , Pilsinger Christina , Schupp Tobias , Behnes Michael , Sattler Katherine , El-Battrawy Ibrahim , Hamdani Nazha , Akin Ibrahim
Published: December 2024

Background

Women with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) often experience worse clinical outcomes compared to men, including higher rates of mortality, hospitalization, and congestion. However, the effects of sacubitril/valsartan on these outcomes, as well as on ventricular tachyarrhythmias, have not been well studied in women with HFrEF.

Methods

This study included consecutive series of patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan at University Hospital Mannheim from 2016 to 2020. Baseline and follow-up data were compared between women and men. The endpoints included all-cause mortality, ventricular tachyarrhythmias, all-cause hospitalization, and congestion.

Results

A total of 246 patients were analyzed, comprising 50 (20.3%) women and 196 (79.7%) men. The study population consisted of 34.3% ambulatory patients and 65.7% hospitalized patients admitted for acute decompensated or symptomatic HF. The sex distribution was as follows: among women, 48.6% were ambulatory and 51.4% were hospitalized, while among men, 30.6% were ambulatory and 69.4% were hospitalized. Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) was less common as a cause of heart failure (HF) in women than in men (32% vs. 57.7%, p = 0.001). During the 12-month follow-up, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improved more significantly in women than in men, increasing from 29.0% (10.0–45.0) to 40.0% (15.0–59.0) in women (p = 0.009) compared to an increase from 28.0% (3.0–65.0) to 33.0% (13.0–60.0) in men. There were no significant differences in all-cause mortality at 12-month between women and men (4% vs. 6.7%; p = 0.742). The results indicated no significant differences between the sexes in the incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias [ventricular fibrillation [VF] and sustained ventricular tachycardia [VT]] (4.5% vs. 0.6%; p = 0.121) (2.3% vs. 3.9%; p = 1.00), hospitalizations (70.2% vs. 67.8%; p = 0.769), congestion at 12-month follow-up (11.4% vs. 10.1%; p = 0.762). Female sex was not identified as a predictor for the occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias or mortality rate at 12 months [hazard ratio (HR), 0.586; 95%-confidence interval (CI) 0.17–2.016; p = 0.397] (HR, 1.898; 95%-CI 0.381–9.464; p = 0.434).

Conclusion

Women with HFrEF treated with sacubitril/valsartan showed a greater improvement in LVEF compared to men, though clinical outcomes were similar across sexes. Female sex was not a predictor of ventricular tachyarrhythmias or mortality at 12 months.
How critical is SME financial literacy and digital financial access for financial and economic development in the expanded BRICS block?
Authors: M. Manoj Kumar , Almuraqab Nasser , Moonesar Immanuel Azaad , Braendle Udo Christian , Rao Ananth
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The expanded BRICS block presents significant opportunities for SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises), but challenges related to financial literacy and digital access hinder their potential. While global efforts emphasize financial literacy and digitization as key drivers of economic growth, especially in developing regions, their specific impact on SMEs in the BRICS block remains underexplored. This paper contributes to the literature by contextualizing how financial literacy and digital financial access influence SME sustainability and economic progress, particularly in light of ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide.

Methods

Using Principal Component Analysis to reduce dimensionality, the study uses advanced Random Forest Tree modeling, to evaluate current practices in SME finance, credit access, and digitization.

Results

Results indicate that both financial literacy and digitalization play pivotal roles in driving sustainable economic development, with significant implications for policy interventions aimed at supporting SME growth in emerging economies.

Discussion

This study addresses the crucial intersection of SME financial literacy and digital financial access, focusing on their role in fostering economic development within the expanded BRICS block-a group now comprising major emerging economies that collectively face substantial disparities in financial inclusion. The study results are relevant not only for understanding the BRICS context but also for shaping global strategies toward inclusive financial systems and SME resilience in the digital era.
Language development in Slovenian toddlers: the role of electronic media, parental knowledge of language development, and parental input
Authors: Fekonja Urška , Marjanovič-Umek Ljubica , Pogorelc-Jesih Nika , Ferjan Ramírez Naja
Published: December 2024

Introduction

This study examines the relationships between toddlers' language production, parental language input, media exposure, and parental knowledge of early language development.

Methods

We used a unique collection of daylong recordings of Slovenian toddlers (age: 16–30 months, N = 40, 18 girls) to measure the language environment, toddlers' language production and media exposure. In addition, parental reports of toddlers' media exposure and language ability (using the Slovenian adaptation of the CDI) were collected.

Results

The results indicate that toddlers' average exposure to electronic media was rather low, with exposure varying widely across the sample. Parental language input was related to various measures of toddlers' language. Parents with a greater knowledge of early language development used more parentese, while their toddlers had less exposure to electronic media. In addition, toddlers' media exposure was related to their age, with older toddlers having more exposure to electronic media, and was marginally related to the number of words spoken by adults and parents' education. No significant relationship was found between toddlers' language ability and media exposure when controlling for toddlers' age.

Discussion

The findings underline the importance of parental knowledge about language development and the characteristics of the language environment for toddlers' language ability.
Freedom to think aloud
Authors: Leighton Jacqueline P.
Published: December 2024

The collection of think aloud data on critical thinking tasks requires participants, many of whom are postsecondary students, to engage with real-life and potentially controversial topics. Accuracy of verbal reports can be enhanced with clear instructions and by minimizing distracting events. For example, interviewers can minimize external distractions such as ambient noise by holding think aloud sessions in a quiet room. However, internal distractions such as participants’ fears about freely expressing their thoughts about controversial topics may be more difficult for interviewers to address. Although the fear of freely expressing thoughts during think aloud interviews has not been empirically investigated, this needs to change. Large-scale surveys indicate that a sizable portion of postsecondary students report discomfort with expressing their thoughts on some topics. This paper offers a theoretical case for why participants’ fears about voicing thoughts freely and without reprisal during think aloud sessions may not only potentially undermine the truthfulness of verbal reports and validity of inferences, but also the very study of critical thinking. Thus, an empirical case for the freedom to think aloud must be considered.
The potential of NZEB for existing and prospective school buildings by applying energy conservation measures and efficient technologies suitable for hot arid climate
Authors: Almutairi Hamad H. , Almutairi Jaber H. , Alhashem Abdulwahab E. , Almutairi Abdulrahman S.
Published: December 2024

It is commonly known that buildings in hot climate contribute to a huge amount of electricity consumption mainly due to air conditioning needs. Many countries around the world are aiming to convert buildings to net zero energy buildings (NZEB). However, buildings in hot climates require varieties of active and passive measures to adapt the concepts behind NZEB. This work attempts to resolve the challenges associated with shifting school buildings to NZEB in hot arid climates. It presents an energy performance analysis that is focused on two scenarios for new and retrofitted schools. Building thermal simulation is used to assess the implications of several energy conservation measures, and different scenarios are suggested to utilize up to 80% of roof’s area for the installation of Photovoltaics (PV), and on-site wind turbines. The implemented energy conservation measures show a reduction in annual energy consumption by 35% and 21% for new and retrofitted schools respectively. Discounted payback period is used to estimate the economic feasibility of the suggested scenarios. It is found that NZEB is technically feasible at highest roof area PV installations with respective discounted paybacks of 3.55 and 5.54 years for the new and retrofitted schools. However, adding wind-turbines can delay the breakeven year of investments needed to achieve NZEB. The estimated savings in net present value (NPV) are 3273 and 4284 thousand US dollars for the retrofitted and new schools respectively, and each school’s roof can generate 40.63 GWh in 25 years and avoid 29.23 kilotons of CO2.
Isolation and screening of wood-decaying fungi for lignocellulolytic enzyme production and bioremediation processes
Authors: Civzele Anna , Mezule Linda
Published: December 2024

The growing demand for novel enzyme producers to meet industrial and environmental needs has driven interest in lignocellulose-degrading fungi. In this study, lignocellulolytic enzyme production capabilities of environmental fungal isolates collected from boreal coniferous and nemoral summer green deciduous forests were investigated, using Congo Red, ABTS, and Azure B as indicators of cellulolytic and ligninolytic enzyme productions. Through qualitative and quantitative assays, the study aimed to identify promising species for lignocellulose-degrading enzyme secretion and assess their potential for biotechnological applications. Primary screening tests showed intensive enzyme secretion by certain isolates, particularly white rot fungi identified as Trametes pubescens and Cerrena unicolor. These fungi exhibited high efficiency in degrading Congo Red and Azure B. The isolates achieved up to a 93.30% decrease in Congo Red induced color intensity and over 78% decolorization of Azure B within 168 hours. Within 336 hours, these fungi reached nearly 99% removal of Congo Red and up to 99.79% decolorization of Azure B. Enzyme activity analysis confirmed the lignin-degrading capabilities of T. pubescens, which exhibited laccase activity exceeding 208 U/mL. Furthermore, Fomitopsis pinicola showed the highest cellulose-degrading potential among the studied fungi, achieving cellulase activity over 107 U/L during Congo Red decolorization. Previously undescribed enzyme-producing species, such as Peniophora cinerea, Phacidium subcorticalis, and Cladosporium pseudocladosporioides, also demonstrated promising lignocellulolytic enzyme production potential, achieving up to 98.65% and 99.80% decolorization of Congo Red and Azure B, respectively. The study demonstrates novel candidates for efficient lignocellulolytic enzyme production with broad biotechnological applications such as biomass conversion, wastewater treatment, textile dye and other complex chemical removal, and environmental remediation.
Comparative immunogenicity assessment of biosimilar natalizumab to its reference medicine: a matching immunogenicity profile
Authors: Chamberlain Paul , Hemmer Bernhard , Höfler Josef , Wessels Hendrik , von Richter Oliver , Hornuss Cyrill , Poetzl Johann , Roth Karsten
Published: December 2024

Background

Biosimilar natalizumab (biosim-NTZ) is the first biosimilar monoclonal antibody of reference natalizumab (ref-NTZ) for treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Within the totality of evidence for demonstration of biosimilarity, immunogenicity assessments were performed in healthy subjects and patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) to confirm a matching immunogenicity profile between biosim-NTZ and ref-NTZ.

Methods

Immunogenicity of biosim-NTZ versus ref-NTZ was evaluated in two pivotal clinical studies. In a comparative efficacy and safety study, patients with RRMS (n=264) received monthly infusions of biosim-NTZ/EU-ref-NTZ over 48 weeks. The primary endpoint period was Week 0 to Week 24. In a separate, comparative pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) study, healthy subjects (n=450) received a single dose of biosim-NTZ, US-ref-NTZ or EU-ref-NTZ prior to an 85-day follow-up. In both studies, state-of-the-art, highly sensitive and drug tolerant bioanalytical assays were used to identify the proportion of participants with anti-drug antibodies (ADA) and neutralizing antibodies (NAb) against natalizumab over time.

Results

In the comparative efficacy and safety study, biosim-NTZ and EU-ref-NTZ demonstrated similar incidences of overall ADA (79.4% vs 73.7%, respectively) and NAb (68.7% vs 66.2%, respectively) at Week 24. ADA titers over time were also concordant throughout the study period. Switching treatment from EU-ref-NTZ to biosim-NTZ had no impact on treatment-related ADA/NAb or clinical responses. Likewise, the single-dose PK/PD study reported matching overall incidence of ADA between treatment groups and matching ADA titer profiles over time.

Conclusion

The immunogenicity profile of biosim-NTZ was confirmed to match that of ref-NTZ in healthy subjects and patients with RRMS by applying highly sensitive methods.
Systematic low-grade chronic inflammation and intrinsic mechanisms in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Deng Hongxia , Chen Yan , Xing Jilong , Zhang Nannan , Xu Liangzhi
Published: December 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting 6-20% of women of childbearing age worldwide. Immune cell imbalance and dysregulation of inflammatory factors can lead to systematic low-grade chronic inflammation (SLCI), which plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. A significant higher infiltration of immune cells such as macrophages and lymphocytes and pro-inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α has been detected in PCOS organ systems, impacting not only the female reproductive system but also other organs such as the cardiovascular, intestine, liver, thyroid, brain and other organs. Obesity, insulin resistance (IR), steroid hormones imbalance and intestinal microecological imbalance, deficiencies in vitamin D and selenium, as well as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) can induce systematic imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cells and molecules. The pro-inflammatory cells and cytokines also interact with obesity, steroid hormones imbalance and IR, leading to increased metabolic imbalance and reproductive-endocrine dysfunction in PCOS patients. This review aims to summarize the dysregulation of immune response in PCOS organ system and the intrinsic mechanisms affecting SLCI in PCOS to provide new insights for the systemic inflammatory treatment of PCOS in the future.
Unmasking inborn errors of immunity: identifying the red flags of immune dysregulation
Authors: Cortesi Manuela , Dotta Laura , Cattalini Marco , Lougaris Vassilios , Soresina Annarosa , Badolato Raffaele
Published: December 2024

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are rare diseases that affect the immune system. According to the latest International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) classification, 485 different IEI have been identified. Even if increased susceptibility to infections is the best-known symptom, IEI are no longer defined by the higher likelihood of infections alone. Immune dysregulation with autoimmune disease and hyperinflammation, lymphoproliferation, and malignancy are common manifestations and could be the only symptoms of IEI that must be recognized. An exclusive focus on infection-centered warning signs would miss around 25% of patients with IEI who initially present with other manifestations. Timely and appropriate diagnosis and treatment are essential to enhance the quality of life (QoL) and, in some cases, survival, as patients are susceptible to life-threatening infections or autoimmunity. In addition, the advantage of early diagnosis in IEI with immune dysregulation (i.e. CTLA4 deficiency, LRBA deficiency, NF-kB1/NF-kB2 deficiency, activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta syndrome -APDS-) is the initiation of targeted therapies with precise re-balancing of the dysregulated immune pathways (i.e., biologicals, selective inhibitors) or definitive therapy (i.e., HSCT).
Spatial transcriptomics in breast cancer: providing insight into tumor heterogeneity and promoting individualized therapy
Authors: An Junsha , Lu Yajie , Chen Yuxi , Chen Yuling , Zhou Zhaokai , Chen Jianping , Peng Cheng , Huang Ruizhen , Peng Fu
Published: December 2024

A comprehensive understanding of tumor heterogeneity, tumor microenvironment and the mechanisms of drug resistance is fundamental to advancing breast cancer research. While single-cell RNA sequencing has resolved the issue of “temporal dynamic expression” of genes at the single-cell level, the lack of spatial information still prevents us from gaining a comprehensive understanding of breast cancer. The introduction and application of spatial transcriptomics addresses this limitation. As the annual technical method of 2020, spatial transcriptomics preserves the spatial location of tissues and resolves RNA-seq data to help localize and differentiate the active expression of functional genes within a specific tissue region, enabling the study of spatial location attributes of gene locations and cellular tissue environments. In the context of breast cancer, spatial transcriptomics can assist in the identification of novel breast cancer subtypes and spatially discriminative features that show promise for individualized precise treatment. This article summarized the key technical approaches, recent advances in spatial transcriptomics and its applications in breast cancer, and discusses the limitations of current spatial transcriptomics methods and the prospects for future development, with a view to advancing the application of this technology in clinical practice.
The development of murine bone marrow-derived mast cells expressing functional human MRGPRX2 for ex vivo and in vivo studies
Authors: Bawazir Maram , Roy Saptarshi , Ali Hydar
Published: December 2024

Introduction

A subtype of human mast cells (MCs) found in the skin and to a lesser extent in the lung and gut express a novel G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) known as Mas-related GPCR-X2 (MRGPRX2, mouse counterpart MrgprB2). In addition to drug-induced pseudoallergy and cutaneous disorders, MrgprB2 contributes to ulcerative colitis, IgE-mediated lung inflammation and systemic anaphylaxis. Interestingly, most agonists activate MRGPRX2 with higher potency than MrgprB2. In this study, we sought to replace mouse MrgprB2 with human MRGPRX2 and to study receptor function ex vivo and in vivo.

Methods

MrgprB2−/− bone marrow (BM) cells were transduced with retrovirus encoding MRGPRX2 and differentiated into BMMCs (MRGRPX2-BMMCs) ex vivo. Cell surface MRGPRX2 expression was determined by flow cytometry. Effects of substance P (SP) and LL-37 on Ca2+ mobilization, degranulation and TNF-α generation were determined. MRGPRX2-BMMCs were engrafted intraperitoneally into MC-deficient Wsh/Wsh mice. After 6–8 weeks, immunofluorescence staining was performed on peritoneal lavage cells (PLCs), and sections of small intestine and colon with anti c-Kit and anti-MRGPRX2 antibodies. SP-induced degranulation in PLCs obtained from engrafted mice was determined.

Results

MRGPRX2-BMMCs expressed cell surface MRGPRX2 and responded to both SP and LL-37 for Ca2+ mobilization, degranulation and TNF-α generation. Furthermore, Wsh/Wsh mice engrafted with MRGPRX2-BMMCs expressed the receptor in peritoneal, intestinal and colonic MCs. In addition, PLCs from engrafted mice responded to SP for degranulation.

Conclusion

Replacing mouse MrgprB2 with functional human MRGPRX2 in primary BMMCs and their engraftment in MC-deficient mice demonstrated the expression of this receptor in different tissues, which provides unique opportunities to study receptor signaling ex vivo and disease phenotype in vivo.
High-frequency laser therapy: a new alternative to physiotherapy in the treatment of cervical disk hernia
Authors: Kuculmez Ozlem , Dündar Ahi Emine , Cosar Sacide Nur , Guzel Sukran
Published: December 2024

Introduction

High-frequency laser therapy has been increasingly used in several musculoskeletal disorders, but there is still a lack of evidence for the usage of the device in neck pain. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of physiotherapy, high-frequency laser, and exercise therapy methods in the treatment of pain in cervical disk herniation.

Methods

It was a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Patients aged between 18 and 65 with neck pain and a diagnosis of cervical disk hernia were included in the study. Patients with a history of cervical surgery, rheumatism, cancer, or pacemaker were excluded from the study. The patients were randomized into 15 sessions of physiotherapy, high-frequency laser, or exercise therapy groups and evaluated with a range of motion, visual analog score, Neck Disability Index, and Short Form Health Survey-36 before treatment, after treatment, and in 1st and 3rd months. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In total, 150 patients were analyzed. There was a significant improvement in range of motion, visual analog score, Neck Disability Index, and Short Form Health Survey-36 scores in three groups after 3-month follow-up (p < 0.05). The improvement was statistically greater in the physiotherapy and high-frequency laser therapy groups (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between these two groups (p > 0.05).

Discussion

The results in the physiotherapy and high-frequency laser therapy groups were better than the exercise group. They may be alternatives to each other in cervical disk hernia treatment.
Evaluating the effect of chronic and continuous use of methadone on the glomerular filtration rate of patients receiving oral methadone (syrup)
Authors: Chegini Valiollah Goudarzvand , Kazemifar Amir Mohammad , Tavakolian Amir Ershad , Karimi Arian Ghannadi , Sofi Arsalan Jamali Pour , Ipchian Darya , Kamali Sahand , Varkiani Mehran Ebrahimi , Yazdi Zohreh
Published: December 2024

Introduction

This study systematically examines the effects of chronic oral methadone use on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients participating in methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) in Qazvin City, Iran. Methadone, a synthetic μ-opioid receptor agonist, is predominantly utilized for the management of opioid dependence and pain relief; however, there is growing concern regarding its potential nephrotoxic effects.

Methods

An observational cross-sectional study was executed involving 150 participants who had been on methadone syrup for a minimum duration of 2 years. Comprehensive data pertaining to demographic variables, methadone dosage, and serum creatinine levels were meticulously gathered at baseline, as well as at 3 and 6 months. GFR was calculated utilizing the Cockcroft-Gault formula.

Results

The results demonstrate that, while the mean GFR values remained within the normal range, a significant correlation was observed between methadone dosage and a reduction in GFR; specifically, higher dosages were associated with lower GFR values. In contrast, the duration of methadone use did not significantly affect GFR.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that, although methadone dosage may influence renal function, long-term methadone therapy does not inherently exacerbate the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in this population. This underscores the critical need for diligent monitoring of methadone dosages to mitigate the risk of potential renal impairment and highlights the importance of further research into the long-term implications of methadone on renal health.