bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Thiols Useful Biomarkers for Coronary Collateral Circulation in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease?
Authors: Doğan Yasemin , Yilmaz Yücel , Kelesoğlu Saban , Calapkorur Bekir , Neşelioglu Salim , Erel Özcan , Kalay Nihat
Published: October 2023

Our aim was to investigate the relationship between thiol, which is the main component of the antioxidant system, and coronary collateral circulation (CCC). Our patients consisted of people with stable coronary artery disease (sCAD) and total occlusion in at least one vessel (n = 249). We divided the patients into two groups, good and poor, according to their CCC degree. We determined that DM, total thiol, and disulfide are independent predictors of poor CCC in multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR: 1.012, 95% CI: 1.008–1.017, p < 0.001; OR: 1.022, 95% CI: 1.000–1.044, p = 0.044; OR: 2.671, 95% CI: 1.238–5.761, p = 0.012, respectively). The ROC analysis showed a cut-off value of 328.7 for native thiol regarding the prediction of poor CCC, with 67.4% specificity and 78% sensitivity. For disulfide, it revealed a cut-off value of 15.1 regarding the prediction of poor CCC, with 57.9% specificity and 69.5% sensitivity. In this study, we detected that the patients with sCAD who developed poor CCC had lower levels of native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide compared to those with good CCC. The most interesting finding of our study is that CCC formation is an effective predictor of the antioxidant cascade rather than the inflammation cascade in sCAD patients.
Renal Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula after High-Grade Blunt Renal Trauma Caused by Traffic Accidents
Authors: Deininger Susanne , Törzsök Peter , Lusuardi Lukas , Deininger Sebastian Hubertus Markus , Freude Thomas , Wichlas Florian , Deininger Christian
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To report a series of three patients with traumatic renal AV fistulas after blunt renal laceration. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the renal trauma cases treated in the Department of Urology of Salzburg University Clinic during a time period of 10 years concerning traumatic AV fistula formation and other clinical parameters. Results: In total, 3 cases of traumatic AV fistula formation were identified in 106 blunt renal trauma patients (2.8%), with a mean age of 39 (17–56) years. All renal traumas were classified as American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade IV. Two patients were primarily treated with ureteral stent; one was managed conservatively. All AV fistulas were diagnosed after a mean time of 7 (1–13) days. Two patients were symptomatic with gross hematuria, and the mean time between trauma and onset of symptoms was 11 (9–13) days. All cases were managed via coil embolization after a mean of 10 (8–13) days. Two patients received a second intervention after a mean of 18 (11–25) days. The mean AV fistula size was 18.7 (12–24) mm. Mean hemoglobin loss was 3.6 g/dL. One patient received one erythrocyte concentrate. Discharge was after a mean time of 13.3 (7–12) days, with the mean time of intensive care treatment being 2.3 (1–3) days. Conclusions: Traumatic renal AV fistula is a rare but severe complication associated with higher-grade renal trauma. It can become evident through hematuria or blood loss several days after the initial trauma. The availability of coil embolization in a trauma center can help kidney preservation management.
Efficacy and Safety of Setmelanotide, a Melanocortin-4 Receptor Agonist, for Obese Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ferraz Barbosa Bárbara , Aquino de Moraes Francisco Cezar , Bordignon Barbosa Camila , Palavicini Santos Plínio Takashi Karubi , Pereira da Silva Izael , Araujo Alves da Silva Bruno , Cristine Marques Barros Jamile , Rodríguez Burbano Rommel Mario , Pereira Carneiro dos Santos Ney , Rodrigues Fernandes Marianne
Published: October 2023

Background: A malfunction in the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is associated with obesity in rare genetic syndromes; setmelanotide is a new drug that activates this receptor and is being used to treat severe obesity. This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of setmelanotide for weight loss in severe obesity linked to human MC4R deficiency. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials using setmelanotide. We considered a p-value ≤ 0.05 statistically significant. Results: We included 376 patients, of whom 328 (87.2%) received setmelanotide for a mean follow-up of 52 weeks. The mean age was 32.8 (14.67) years. Weight loss was significant (MD −3.52; 95% CI −3.98, −3.05; p = 0.01; I2 = 92%), with an average proportion of −6.91% weight loss during treatment. Changes in BMI showed an MD of −10.55 kg/m2 in patients > 18 years and −0.61 kg/m2 in patients < 18 years (BMI score). However, the drug was associated with a higher risk of skin hyperpigmentation (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.55, 0.80; p = 0.08). Conclusions: Our results support the use of setmelanotide in treating severe obesity.
Development of a Simple Electroless Method for Depositing Metallic Pt-Pd Nanoparticles over Wire Gauge Support for Removal of Hydrogen in a Nuclear Reactor
Authors: Sanap Kiran K. , Mali Sawanta S. , Tyagi Deepak , Shirsat Ajit N. , Phapale Suhas B. , Waghmode Suresh B. , Varma Salil
Published: October 2023

Electroless noble metal deposition on the conducting substrate is widely used to obtain the desired film or coating on the substrate of interest. Wire-gauge-based Pt/Pd/Pt-Pd (individually, sequentially, and simultaneously deposited) catalysts have been developed using formaldehyde and sodium formate as reducing agents. Various surface pretreatment methods like SnCl2 + PdCl2 seeding, oxalic acid etching, and HCl activation (etching) have been employed to obtain the desired noble metal coating. Minimum time duration was observed for simultaneously deposited catalysts using formaldehyde as a reducing agent. Prepared catalysts were characterized for noble metal deposition, coating kinetics, surface morphology, and binding energy. The catalyst was found to be active for H2 and O2 recombination reactions for hydrogen mitigation applications in nuclear reactors.
Influence of Aspect Ratio on the Flexural and Buckling Behavior of an Aluminium Sandwich Composite: A Numerical and Experimental Approach
Authors: Radhakrishnan Ganesh , Breaz Daniel , Al Hattali Al Haitham Mohammed Sulaiman , Al Yahyai Al Muntaser Nasser , Al Riyami Al Muntaser Nasser Omar , Al Hadhrami Al Muatasim Dawood , Karthikeyan Kadhavoor R.
Published: October 2023

In the field of engineering materials, lightweight and ultra-lightweight composites are used in real time to a greater extent, with high-performance targeting for tailor-made systems in aerospace, automotive, and biomedical applications. Sandwich composites are among the most popular lightweight materials used in structural and vehicle-building applications. In the present investigation, one such sandwich composite laminate composed of aluminum face sheets and a high-density polyethylene core was considered to analyze sandwich composites’ flexural and buckling behavior experimentally and numerically. The influence of aspect ratios, such as length to thickness and width to thickness, on the flexural and buckling performance of sandwich composite laminates was explored in the study. Laminates with different widths, namely, 10, 12, and 15 mm, and a uniform thickness and length of 3 mm and 150 mm, respectively, were used for flexural analysis, whereas laminates with widths of 10, 12, and 15 mm and a uniform thickness and length of 3 mm and 350 mm, respectively, were used for buckling analysis. The geometrical influence of the laminates on mechanical performance was studied through performance measures such as critical bending load, flexural stiffness, inter-laminar shear stress, and critical buckling load. A significant influence of aspect ratio on the mechanical behavior of the laminates was observed using both experimental and numerical approaches. Flexural behavior was observed to be better at greater widths, namely, 15 mm, and with a minimum support span of 90 mm due to reduced spring back effects and increased bending resistance. A maximum width of 15 mm allowed for a higher buckling load capacity similar to that of bending resistance. A critical buckling load of 655.8 N seemed to be the maximum and was obtained for the highest aspect ratio, b/t = 5. The soft core and ductile metal face sheets offered combined resistance to both bending and buckling. A lower aspect ratio (span to thickness) rendered these sandwich laminates better in terms of both bending and buckling.
Influence of Catalytic Infrared Radiation on the Protective Properties of Industrial Epoxy Primers
Authors: Stojanović Ivan , Logar Mirta , Turkalj Lovro , Cindrić Ivan , Kurtela Marin , Franjić Hrvoje
Published: October 2023

The application of organic coatings is a common way of protecting metal substrates against corrosion. To dry the coating faster, catalytic infrared radiation (IR) can be applied. This paper aims to assess the differences in the physical, chemical, and corrosion properties of primer coatings dried with catalytic infrared radiation, compared to the same coatings dried under atmospheric conditions. Corrosion properties were characterized using humidity and a salt spray chamber, as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), preceded by open circuit potential (OCP) measurement. Pencil hardness, cross-cut, and pull-off adhesion tests were used to compare the properties of examined primers before and after testing in the corrosion acceleration chambers. The microstructure and distribution of chemical composition were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) together with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Phase transitions in the coating were determined by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Infrared-dried primers achieved a higher curing degree. Therefore, their mechanical and corrosion properties are superior when compared to the same coatings dried under atmospheric conditions.
Tachometer-Less Synchronous Sampling for Large Speed Fluctuations and Its Application in the Monitoring of Wind Turbine Drive Train Condition
Authors: Li Xingyao , Cai Zekai , Zhang Wanyang , Wu Taihuan , Zhang Baoqiang , Luo Huageng
Published: October 2023

Accurate shaft speed extraction is crucial for synchronous sampling in the fault diagnosis of wind turbines. However, traditional narrow-bandpass filtering techniques face limitations when dealing with large fluctuations in rotational speed, hindering the accurate construction of an instantaneous phase for synchronous resampling of a shaft. To overcome this, we propose a tachometer-less synchronous sampling based on Scaling-Basis Chirplet Transform, tailored to a wind turbine’s structure and operating conditions. The algorithm generates a time–frequency representation of the vibration response, revealing time-varying characteristics even under large speed fluctuations. Using maximum tracking on the time–frequency spectrum, we extract instantaneous speed and compare its accuracy with tachometer-acquired results. The instantaneous phase is obtained through numerical integration, and vibration data are resampled synchronously using inverse function interpolation in the digital domain. Numerical simulations and practical cases of wind turbines demonstrate the effectiveness and the engineering applicability of our methodology.
Explanatory Machine Learning Accelerates the Design of Graphene-Reinforced Aluminium Matrix Composites with Superior Performance
Authors: Xue Jingteng , Huang Jingtao , Li Mingwei , Chen Jiaying , Wei Zongfan , Cheng Yuan , Lai Zhonghong , Qu Nan , Liu Yong , Zhu Jingchuan
Published: October 2023

Addressing the exceptional properties of aluminium alloy composites reinforced with graphene, this study presents an interpretable machine learning approach to aid in the rapid and efficient design of such materials. Initially, data on these composites were gathered and optimised in order to create a dataset of composition/process-property. Several machine learning algorithms were used to train various models. The SHAP method was used to interpret and select the best performing model, which happened to be the CatBoost model. The model achieved accurate predictions of hardness and tensile strength, with coefficients of determination of 0.9597 and 0.9882, respectively, and average relative errors of 6.02% and 5.01%, respectively. The results obtained from the SHAP method unveiled the correlation between the composition, process and properties of aluminium alloy composites reinforced with graphene. By comparing the predicted and experimental data in this study, all machine learning models exhibited prediction errors within 10%, confirming their ability to generalise. This study offers valuable insights and support for designing high-performance aluminium matrix composites reinforced with graphene and showcases the implementation of machine learning in materials science.
LC-MS and NMR Based Plant Metabolomics: A Comprehensive Phytochemical Investigation of Symphytum anatolicum
Authors: Kılınc Hilal , D’Urso Gilda , Paolillo Annunziata , Alankus Ozgen , Piacente Sonia , Masullo Milena
Published: October 2023

The application of metabolomics to the study of plants is growing because of the current development of analytical techniques. The most commonly used analytical technology driving plant metabolomics studies is Mass Spectrometry (MS) coupled to liquid chromatography (LC). In recent years, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, not requiring a previous chromatographic separation, has been receiving growing attention for metabolite fingerprinting of natural extracts. Herein, an integrated LC-MS and 1H NMR metabolomic approach provided a comprehensive phytochemical characterization of Symphytum anatolicum whole plant, taking into account both primary and specialized metabolites. Moreover, the NMR analyses provided direct quantitative information. Species belonging to the Symphytum genus, known as comfrey, have shown several biological activities including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective, antifungal, and antibacterial. The LC-MS profile showed the presence of 21 main specialized metabolites, belonging to the classes of flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, salvianols, and oxylipins. The 1H NMR spectrum revealed the occurrence of metabolites including organic acids, phenolics, flavonoids, sugars, and amino acids. A quantitative analysis of these metabolites was performed and their concentration was obtained with respect to the known concentration of TSP, by means of the software package Chenomx which allows quantification of individual components in the NMR spectra. Furthermore, the phenolic content, antioxidant activity, glucosidase, and tyrosinase inhibitory activity of S. anatolicum extract were evaluated. The resulting bioactivity profile suggests how S. anatolicum represents a source of metabolites with health-promoting activity.
Antioxidant Dimethyl Fumarate Temporarily but Not Chronically Improves Intracortical Microelectrode Performance
Authors: Hoeferlin George F. , Bajwa Tejas , Olivares Hannah , Zhang Jichu , Druschel Lindsey N. , Sturgill Brandon S. , Sobota Michael , Boucher Pierce , Duncan Jonathan , Hernandez-Reynoso Ana G. , Cogan Stuart F. , Pancrazio Joseph J. , Capadona Jeffrey R.
Published: October 2023

Intracortical microelectrode arrays (MEAs) can be used in a range of applications, from basic neuroscience research to providing an intimate interface with the brain as part of a brain-computer interface (BCI) system aimed at restoring function for people living with neurological disorders or injuries. Unfortunately, MEAs tend to fail prematurely, leading to a loss in functionality for many applications. An important contributing factor in MEA failure is oxidative stress resulting from chronically inflammatory-activated microglia and macrophages releasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) around the implant site. Antioxidants offer a means for mitigating oxidative stress and improving tissue health and MEA performance. Here, we investigate using the clinically available antioxidant dimethyl fumarate (DMF) to reduce the neuroinflammatory response and improve MEA performance in a rat MEA model. Daily treatment of DMF for 16 weeks resulted in a significant improvement in the recording capabilities of MEA devices during the sub-chronic (Weeks 5–11) phase (42% active electrode yield vs. 35% for control). However, these sub-chronic improvements were lost in the chronic implantation phase, as a more exacerbated neuroinflammatory response occurs in DMF-treated animals by 16 weeks post-implantation. Yet, neuroinflammation was indiscriminate between treatment and control groups during the sub-chronic phase. Although worse for chronic use, a temporary improvement (<12 weeks) in MEA performance is meaningful. Providing short-term improvement to MEA devices using DMF can allow for improved use for limited-duration studies. Further efforts should be taken to explore the mechanism behind a worsened neuroinflammatory response at the 16-week time point for DMF-treated animals and assess its usefulness for specific applications.
Xylella fastidiosa: A Glimpse of the Portuguese Situation
Authors: Loureiro Talita , Mesquita Maria Manuel , Dapkevicius Maria de Lurdes Enes , Serra Luís , Martins Ângela , Cortez Isabel , Poeta Patrícia
Published: October 2023

Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is classified as a quarantine pest due to its consequences on economically significant crops. Its main form of transmission in Europe is through the insect Philaenus spumarius. Due to climate change, the populations of insect vectors have become more extensive, resulting in the dissemination of the bacteria over longer periods, but the destruction of these insects raises issues due to their role in nature. Upon infection, Xf causes the occlusion of xylem vessels via bacterial aggregates and tylosis production by the plant as a response to infection. Although symptomatic manifestations of Xf are often linked to water stress, a variety of plant species have been found to carry the pathogen without symptoms, making it all too easy to evade detection when relying on visual inspections. Beyond water stress, other conditions (individual plant resistance/tolerance, bacterial concentrations, transpiration rates, and interactions between subspecies) may be implicated in symptom development. A thorough understanding of how this disease develops, especially its capacity to spread from the initial focus and establish a systemic infection, is imperative. This review focuses on the Xf infection process, the development of symptoms, its spread within Portugal, and the actions that have been taken to counter it.
Mutation Analysis in Regulator DNA-Binding Regions for Antimicrobial Efflux Pumps in 17,000 Pseudomonas aeruginosa Genomes
Authors: Pérez-Vázquez María , López-Causapé Carla , Corral-Lugo Andrés , McConnell Michael J. , Oteo-Iglesias Jesús , Oliver Antonio , Martín-Galiano Antonio J.
Published: October 2023

Mutations leading to upregulation of efflux pumps can produce multiple drug resistance in the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Changes in their DNA binding regions, i.e., palindromic operators, can compromise pump depression and subsequently enhance resistance against several antibacterials and biocides. Here, we have identified (pseudo)palindromic repeats close to promoters of genes encoding 13 core drug-efflux pumps of P. aeruginosa. This framework was applied to detect mutations in these repeats in 17,292 genomes. Eighty-nine percent of isolates carried at least one mutation. Eight binary genetic properties potentially related to expression were calculated for mutations. These included palindromicity reduction, mutation type, positioning within the repeat and DNA-bending shift. High-risk ST298, ST308 and ST357 clones commonly carried four conserved mutations while ST175 and the cystic fibrosis-linked ST649 clones showed none. Remarkably, a T-to-C transition in the fourth position of the upstream repeat for mexEF-oprN was nearly exclusive of the high-risk ST111 clone. Other mutations were associated with high-risk sublineages using sample geotemporal metadata. Moreover, 1.5% of isolates carried five or more mutations suggesting they undergo an alternative program for regulation of their effluxome. Overall, P. aeruginosa shows a wide range of operator mutations with a potential effect on efflux pump expression and antibiotic resistance.
Unveiling Rare Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistance in Tanzanian Cholera Outbreak Waters
Authors: Baraka Vito , Andersson Tilde , Makenga Geofrey , Francis Filbert , Minja Daniel , Overballe-Petersen Sören , Tang Man-Hung , Fuursted Kurt , Lood Rolf
Published: October 2023

The emergence of antibiotic resistance is a global health concern. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of its spread is crucial for implementing evidence-based strategies to tackle resistance in the context of the One Health approach. In developing countries where sanitation systems and access to clean and safe water are still major challenges, contamination may introduce bacteria and bacteriophages harboring antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) into the environment. This contamination can increase the risk of exposure and community transmission of ARGs and infectious pathogens. However, there is a paucity of information on the mechanisms of bacteriophage-mediated spread of ARGs and patterns through the environment. Here, we deploy Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) and metagenomics approaches to analyze the abundance of ARGs and bacterial pathogens disseminated through clean and wastewater systems. We detected a relatively less-studied and rare human zoonotic pathogen, Vibrio metschnikovii, known to spread through fecal-–oral contamination, similarly to V. cholerae. Several antibiotic resistance genes were identified in both bacterial and bacteriophage fractions from water sources. Using metagenomics, we detected several resistance genes related to tetracyclines and beta-lactams in all the samples. Environmental samples from outlet wastewater had a high diversity of ARGs and contained high levels of blaOXA-48. Other identified resistance profiles included tetA, tetM, and blaCTX-M9. Specifically, we demonstrated that blaCTX-M1 is enriched in the bacteriophage fraction from wastewater. In general, however, the bacterial community has a significantly higher abundance of resistance genes compared to the bacteriophage population. In conclusion, the study highlights the need to implement environmental monitoring of clean and wastewater to inform the risk of infectious disease outbreaks and the spread of antibiotic resistance in the context of One Health.
High-Performance Infrared Detectors Based on Black Phosphorus/Carbon Nanotube Heterojunctions
Authors: Zhang Yanming , Li Qichao , Ye Xiaowo , Wang Long , He Zhiyan , Zhang Teng , Wang Kunchan , Shi Fangyuan , Yang Jingyun , Jiang Shenghao , Wang Xuri , Chen Changxin
Published: October 2023

Infrared detectors have broad application prospects in the fields of detection and communication. Using ideal materials and good device structure is crucial for achieving high-performance infrared detectors. Here, we utilized black phosphorus (BP) and single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films to construct a vertical van der Waals heterostructure, resulting in high-performance photovoltaic infrared detectors. In the device, a strong built-in electric field was formed in the heterojunction with a favored energy-band matching between the BP and the SWCNT, which caused a good photovoltaic effect. The fabricated devices exhibited a diode-like rectification behavior in the dark, which had a high rectification ratio up to a magnitude of 104 and a low ideal factor of 1.4. Under 1550 nm wavelength illumination, the 2D BP/SWCNT film photodetector demonstrated an open-circuit voltage of 0.34 V, a large external power conversion efficiency (η) of 7.5% and a high specific detectivity (D*) of 3.1 × 109 Jones. This external η was the highest among those for the photovoltaic devices fabricated with the SWCNTs or the heterostructures based on 2D materials and the obtained D* was also higher than those for most of the infrared detectors based on 2D materials or carbon materials. This work showcases the application potential of BP and SWCNTs in the detection field.
The Preparation and Evaluation of Cyanocobalamin Mucoadhesive Sublingual Tablets
Authors: Ma’ali Anwar , Naseef Hani , Qurt Moammal , Abukhalil Abdallah Damin , Rabba Abdullah K. , Sabri Israr
Published: October 2023

Cobalamin (vitamin B12), an essential vitamin with low oral bioavailability, plays a vital role in cellular functions. This research aimed to enhance the absorption of vitamin B12 using sublingual mucoadhesive tablets by increasing the residence time of the drug at the administration site. This research involved the preparation of different 50 mg placebo formulas using different methods. Formulas with disintegration times less than one minute and appropriate physical characteristics were incorporated into 1 mg of cyanocobalamin (S1–S20) using the direct compression method. The tablets obtained were evaluated ex vivo for residence time, and only those remaining for >15 min were included. The final formulas (S5, S8, S11, and S20) were evaluated in several ways, including pre- and post-compression, drug content, mucoadhesive strength, dissolution, and Permeapad® permeation test employed in the Franz diffusion cell. After conducting the evaluation, formula S11 (Eudragit L100-55) emerged as the most favorable formulation. It exhibited a mucoadhesive residence time of 118.2 ± 2.89 min, required a detachment force of 26 ± 1 g, maintained a drug content of 99.124 ± 0.001699%, and achieved a 76.85% drug release over 22 h, fitting well with the Peppas–Sahlin kinetic model (R2: 0.9949). This suggests that the drug release process encompasses the Fickian and non-Fickian kinetic mechanisms. Furthermore, Eudragit L100-55 demonstrated the highest permeability, boasting a flux value of 6.387 ± 1.860 µg/h/cm2; over 6 h. These findings indicate that including this polymer in the formulation leads to an improved residence time, which positively impacts bioavailability.
Euphorbia royleana Boiss Derived Silver Nanoparticles and Their Applications as a Nanotherapeutic Agent to Control Microbial and Oxidative Stress-Originated Diseases
Authors: Ullah Rehman , Jan Saiqa Afriq , Khan Muhammad Nauman , Nazish Moona , Kamal Asif , Kaplan Alevcan , Yehia Hany M. , Alarjani Khaloud Mohammed , Alkasir Rashad , Zaman Wajid
Published: October 2023

Nanotechnology is one of the most advance and multidisciplinary fields. Recent advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology radically changed the way we diagnose, treat, and prevent various diseases in all aspects of human life. The use of plants and their extracts is one of the most valuable methods towards rapid and single-step protocol preparation for various nanoparticles, keeping intact “the green principles” over the conventional ones and proving their dominance for medicinal importance. A facile and eco-friendly technique for synthesizing silver nanoparticles has been developed by using the latex of Euphorbia royleana as a bio-reductant for reducing Ag+ ions in an aqueous solution. Various characterization techniques were employed to validate the morphology, structure, and size of nanoparticles via UV–Vis spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and EDS. FTIR spectroscopy validates different functional groups associated with biomolecules stabilizing/capping the silver nanoparticles, while SEM and XRD revealed spherical nanocrystals with FCC geometry. The results revealed that latex extract-mediated silver nanoparticles (LER-AgNPs) exhibited promising antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and -negative bacterial strains (Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus viridians). Both latex of E. royleana and LER-AgNPs were found to be potent in scavenging DPPH free radicals with respective EC50s and EC70s as 0.267% and 0.518% and 0.287% and 0.686%. ROSs produced in the body damage tissue and cause inflammation in oxidative stress-originated diseases. H2O2 and OH* scavenging activity increased with increasing concentrations (20–100 μg/mL) of LER-AgNPs. Significant reestablishment of ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin serum levels was observed in mice intoxicated with acetaminophen (PCM), revealing promising hepatoprotective efficacy of LER-AgNPs in a dose-dependent manner.
Evaluation of the Carbohydrate Composition of Crabapple Fruit Tissues Native to Northern Asia
Authors: Stavitskaya Zlata , Dudareva Lyubov , Rudikovskii Alexander , Garkava-Gustavsson Larisa , Shabanova Elena , Levchuk Alexey , Rudikovskaya Elena
Published: October 2023

A comprehensive comparative analysis of the carbohydrate composition (soluble sugars and pectins) of fruit tissues of Malus baccata, Malus mandshurica, Malus chamardabanica, and Malus sachalinensis, characteristic of the vast territory of Eastern Siberia and the Far East, was carried out. It was shown that a large part of the soluble carbohydrates of the studied species were represented by transport sugars—sorbitol and sucrose. These compounds also provided the main variability in the carbohydrate composition of fruits in the studied material. The polymers pectins and protopectins isolated from the studied fruits were highly methoxylated (up to 60–70%), and their content averaged about 6% of dry weight. The greatest length of pectin polymers was found in the fruit tissues of M. chamardabanica and M. sachalinensis. Data on elemental analysis of fractions of pectins and protopectins of all studied species showed the absence of potentially toxic concentrations of heavy metals. Of note is the rather high content of calcium in both polymer fractions of the four studied species, while its content in protopectin is significantly higher. In addition, in all cases, the presence of low-molecular-weight oligosaccharide molecules with a low-dispersed linear structure was revealed in the tissues of the fruits. It is worth noting that the high content of ascorbic acid was observed in the fruits of all studied species. In addition to being of fundamental interest, information about the carbohydrate composition of the wild Malus species can be useful for apple breeding when choosing sources of genes underlying useful traits.
Anatomical and Transcriptome Analyses of Moso Bamboo Culm Neck Growth: Unveiling Key Insights
Authors: Guo Lin , Chen Tianguo , Chu Xue , Sun Kai , Yu Fen , Que Feng , Ahmad Zishan , Wei Qiang , Ramakrishnan Muthusamy
Published: October 2023

The Moso bamboo culm neck, connected with the rhizome and the shoot bud, is an important hub for connecting and transporting the aboveground and belowground systems of bamboo for the shoot bud development and rapid growth. Our previous study revealed that the culm neck generally undergoes six different developmental stages (CNS1–CNS6), according to the primary thickening growth of the underground shoot bud. However, the molecular mechanism of the culm neck development remains unknown. The present study focused on the developmental process of the CNS3–CNS5 stages, representing the early, middle, and late elongation stages, respectively. These stages are densely packed with vascular tissues and consist of epidermis, hypodermis, cortex, and ground tissue. Unlike the hollow structure of the culms, the culm necks are solid structures. As the culm neck continues to grow, the lignin deposition increases noticeably, contributing to its progressive strengthening. For the transcriptome analysis, a total of 161,160 transcripts with an average length of 2373 were obtained from these stages using both PacBio and Illumina sequencing. A total of 92.2% of the reads mapped to the Moso bamboo reference genome. Further analysis identified a total of 5524 novel genes and revealed a dynamic transcriptome. Secondary-metabolism- and transport-related genes were upregulated particularly with the growth of the culm neck. Further analysis revealed the molecular processes of lignin accumulation in the culm neck, which include differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to cell wall loosening and remodeling and secondary metabolism. Moreover, the upregulations of transcription factors such as MYBH and RSM in the MYB family play crucial roles during critical transitions in the culm neck development, such as changes in the angle between the rhizome and the culm neck. Our new findings provide essential insights into the cellular roadmaps, transcriptional networks, and key genes involved in the culm neck development.
Innovative Solid Slippery Coating: Uniting Mechanical Durability, Optical Transparency, Anti-Icing, and Anti-Graffiti Traits
Authors: Shen Jiayi , Ou Junfei , Lei Sheng , Hu Yating , Wang Fajun , Fang Xinzuo , Li Changquan , Li Wen , Amirfazli Alidad
Published: October 2023

Slippery coatings, such as the slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS), have gained significant attention for their potential applications in anti-icing and anti-fouling. However, they lack durability when subjected to mechanical impact. In this study, we have developed a robust slippery coating by blending polyurethane acrylate (PUA) with methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) and perfluoropolyether (PFPE) in the solvent of butyl acetate. The resulting mixture is homogeneous and allows for uniform coating on various substrates using a drop coating process followed by drying at 160 °C for 3 h. The cured coating exhibits excellent water repellency (contact angle of ~108° and sliding angle of ~8°), high transparency (average visible transmittance of ~90%), exceptional adherence to the substrate (5B rating according to ASTMD 3359), and remarkable hardness (4H on the pencil hardness scale). Moreover, the coating is quite flexible and can be folded without affecting its wettability. The robustness of the coating is evident in its ability to maintain a sliding angle below 25° even when subjected to abrasion, water jetting, high temperature, and UV irradiation. Due to its excellent nonwetting properties, the coating can be employed in anti-icing, anti-graffiti, and anti-sticking applications. It effectively reduces ice adhesion on aluminum substrates from approximately 217 kPa to 12 kPa. Even after 20 cycles of icing and de-icing, there is only a slight increase in ice adhesion, stabilizing at 40 kPa. The coating can resist graffiti for up to 400 cycles of writing with an oily marker pen and erasing with a tissue. Additionally, the coating allows for easy removal of 3M tape thereon without leaving any residue.
Insights, Life Changes and Lifestyle Changes Reported by Individuals Consuming Ayahuasca in Naturalistic Settings: Nature, Frequency and Associations with Mental Health and Wellbeing
Authors: Perkins Daniel , Opaleye Emerita , Bouso Jose Carlos , Tófoli Luis Fernando , Sarris Jerome , Schubert Violeta , Ruffell Simon , Simonova Hana
Published: October 2023

Background: In the context of increasing scientific interest in the potential therapeutic use of psychedelic agents and their underlying psychotherapeutic mechanisms, we undertake the first detailed assessment of insights and life and lifestyle changes associated with ayahuasca consumption. Methods: An international cross-sectional study of ayahuasca drinkers in a variety of settings was performed (n = 8907). Bivariate analysis and multivariate linear and logistic regressions were used to explore associations between a range of covariates and insights, life changes and lifestyle changes. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator variable selection method (LASSO) was used to select the variables most relevant for inclusion in models assessing broader wellbeing and mental health associations. Results: Insights are almost universally reported as part of the ayahuasca experience and are highly valued by drinkers and strongly predictive of subsequent beneficial life and lifestyle changes. A range of personal, vocational, religious/spiritual and health-related life changes (attributed to ayahuasca) are also commonly identified, as are various beneficial lifestyle and health behavior changes. Demographic and ayahuasca drinking variables that are predictive of such phenomena are reported, along with associations between insights, life and lifestyle changes and perceived growth in psychological wellbeing and current mental health status (Kessler 10 and SF-12 MCS). Conclusion: Insights and subsequent life and lifestyle changes appear to have a central role in the transformative effects reported by individuals consuming ayahuasca, with these occurring across contexts of use and demographic groups.
Precipitation Monitoring Using Commercial Microwave Links: Current Status, Challenges and Prospectives
Authors: Zhang Peng , Liu Xichuan , Pu Kang
Published: October 2023

As rainfall exhibits high spatiotemporal variability, accurate and real-time rainfall monitoring is vitally important in fields such as hydrometeorological research, agriculture and disaster prevention and control. Nevertheless, the current dedicated rain sensors cannot fulfill the requirement for comprehensive precipitation observation, owing to their respective limitations. Within the last two decades, the utilization of commercial microwave links (CMLs) for rainfall estimation, as an opportunistic sensing method, has generated considerable attention. Relying on CML networks deployed and maintained by mobile network operators can provide near-surface precipitation information over large areas at a low cost. Although scholars have developed several algorithms for obtaining rainfall estimates from CML data, the rainfall estimation technique based on CMLs remains challenging due to the complex effect in the microwave radiation transmission process. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the technical principles, developments and workflows for this technology, alongside its application in environmental monitoring and hydrological modeling. Furthermore, this paper outlines the current challenges and future research directions, which will hopefully draw the attention of researchers and provide valuable guidance.
Statistical Insights on the Eruptive Activity at Stromboli Volcano (Italy) Recorded from 1879 to 2023
Authors: Calvari Sonia , Nunnari Giuseppe
Published: October 2023

Stromboli is an open-conduit active volcano located in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea and is the easternmost island of the Aeolian Archipelago. It is known as “the lighthouse of the Mediterranean” for its continuous and mild Strombolian-type explosive activity, occurring at the summit craters. Sometimes the volcano undergoes more intense explosions, called “major explosions” if they affect just the summit above 500 m a.s.l. or “paroxysms” if the whole island is threatened. Effusive eruptions are less frequent, normally occurring every 3–5 years, and may be accompanied or preceded by landslides, crater collapses and tsunamis. Given the small size of the island (maximum diameter of 5 km, NE–SW) and the consequent proximity of the inhabited areas to the active craters (maximum distance 2.5 km), it is of paramount importance to use all available information to forecast the volcano’s eruptive activity. The availability of a detailed record of the volcano’s eruptive activity spanning some centuries has prompted evaluations on its possible short-term evolution. The aim of this paper is to present some statistical insights on the eruptive activity at Stromboli using a catalogue dating back to 1879 and reviewed for the events during the last two decades. Our results confirm the recent trend of a significant increase in major explosions, small lava flows and summit crater collapses at the volcano, and might help monitoring research institutions and stakeholders to evaluate volcanic hazards from eruptive activity at this and possibly other open-vent active basaltic volcanoes.
Analysis of Land Use/Cover Changes and Driving Forces in a Typical Subtropical Region of South Africa
Authors: Wang Sikai , He Suling , Wang Jinliang , Li Jie , Zhong Xuzhen , Cole Janine , Kurbanov Eldar , Sha Jinming
Published: October 2023

Land use/cover change (LULCC) is an integral part of global environmental change and is influenced by both natural and socioeconomic factors. This study aims to comprehensively analyze land use and land cover (LULC) in Kwazulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces in eastern South Africa from 1995 to 2020 and to identify the driving force behind LULCC. Utilizing Landsat series satellite imagery as a data source and based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform and eCognition software 9.0, two different classification methods, pixel-based classification and object-oriented classification, were adopted to gather LULC data every five years. The spatiotemporal characteristics of the data were then analyzed. Using an optimal parameter-based geodetector (OPGD), this study explored the driving factors of LULCC in this region. The results show the following: (1) Of the two classification methods examined, the object-oriented classification had higher accuracy, with an overall accuracy of 80–90%. The pixel-based classification had lower accuracy, with an overall accuracy of 62.33–72.14%. (2) From 1995 to 2020, the area of farmland in the study area showed a fluctuating increase, while the areas of forest and grassland declined annually. The area of constructed land increased annually, whereas the areas of water and unused land fluctuated over time. (3) Socioeconomic factors generally had greater explanatory power than natural factors, with population growth and economic development being the main drivers of LULCC in the region. This study provides a reliable scientific basis for the formulation of sustainable land resource development strategies in the area, as well as for the management and implementation of urban and rural planning, ecological protection, and environmental governance by relevant departments.
The Deforestation and Biodiversity Risks of Power Plant Projects in Southeast Asia: A Big Data Spatial Analytical Framework
Authors: Ma Yaxiong , Gopal Sucharita , Ma Xinyue , Gallagher Kevin , Koch Magaly , Kaufman Les
Published: October 2023

Ecosystem destruction and biodiversity loss are now widespread, extremely rapid, and among the top global anthropogenic risks both in terms of likelihood and overall impact. Thorough impact evaluation of these environmental abuses—essential for conservation and future project planning—requires good analysis of local ecological and environmental data in addition to social and economic impacts. We characterized the deforestation and biodiversity impacts of energy investments in Southeast Asia using multiple geospatial data sources related to forest cover and loss data from 2000 to 2018, other landcover data, and the location, type, and characteristics of energy investments. This study paid particular attention to different types of power plants and financing sources. We identified critical buffer zones and forest structures impacted by these projects in accordance with IUCN criteria and spatial ecology. The paper introduces a novel, replicable analytical framework that goes beyond earlier studies in which all forests are treated as equivalent. It characterizes forests based on spatial morphological structures such as core forest, edges, islands, and bridges, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of deforestation and its impacts on biodiversity. Preliminary findings suggest that projects financed by Chinese development banks pose different risks compared to non-Chinese financing. The study also reveals significant differences in biodiversity impacts based on the type of energy source, be it coal or hydro. The study offers critical insights into the trade-offs between energy development and biodiversity conservation. It provides actionable metrics and strategies for policymakers, conservationists, and development banks to prioritize forest and habitat preservation in Southeast Asia and globally.
Impacts and Regulations of Healthcare Solid Waste Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Silva Aianna Rios Magalhães Véras e , Iwata Bruna de Freitas , dos Santos Maria do Socorro Ferreira , Neto José Machado Moita
Published: October 2023

In a pandemic context, it is essential to intensify precautions related to healthcare solid waste, known as HCSW, ensuring the continuous search for safer management and handling protocols of these materials. In this sense, the aim of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature about the management of healthcare waste during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current investigation was underpinned by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) framework, selected to ensure the comprehensive and transparent presentation of the systematic review. In pursuit of this objective, three distinct keyword combinations were employed, namely, “solid waste management”, “medical waste”, and “COVID-19 pandemic”. Consequently, a total of 76 documents were incorporated into the analysis. The results of this analysis indicate that the amount and treatment of hospital solid waste were significantly affected by the pandemic, bringing impacts on social, economic, and environmental aspects. Recent studies have focused on mitigating these impacts by pursuing “green” solutions, such as implementing sustainable strategies, preserving biodiversity, adopting an eco-conscious lifestyle, improving healthcare infrastructure, raising public awareness, and changing HCSW management policies. In addition, alternative technologies have been explored for the adequate treatment of these wastes, as well as the replacement of harmful materials by safer substances. However, more scientific research on this topic is still needed, especially in the Brazilian context, in order to contribute to the development of strategies that minimize the impacts of the pandemic on both society and the environment.
Aiming Higher? Implications for Higher Education of Students’ Views on Education for Climate Justice
Authors: Rolleston Caine , Nyerere Jackline , Brandli Luciana , Lagi Rosiana , McCowan Tristan
Published: October 2023

In 2023, a high number of climate disasters were recorded globally, highlighting the urgent dangers inherent in climate change and the inequities that result from its uneven impacts. Higher education institutions (HEIs) potentially play a crucial role in furthering climate justice through their research, teaching, community engagement and public awareness. Many students enter HEIs with high expectations concerning their education regarding climate change and more broadly of their institution’s contribution to climate action. In this article, we explore these expectations alongside the perceptions of students regarding how HEIs are delivering on them, i.e., the extent to which students are satisfied with their HEIs’ policies and practice on climate change. We employ data from a large-scale survey of more than 4000 students conducted by the Transforming Universities for a Changing Climate (Climate-U) project collected in nine HEIs in three countries (Brazil, Fiji and Kenya) during 2021–22. Results indicate that satisfaction among students in the sampled HEIs is often low, while expectations are typically high. There is some evidence that students in contexts already more directly exposed to the impacts of climate change were somewhat more active and more satisfied. Overall, students frequently expected to learn more about climate change than they were in fact learning and expressed high levels of environmental concern as well as some dissatisfaction with HEIs’ wider activities to limit the impact of climate change and to promote understanding of the issues. We discuss the findings in relation to the gaps between what students expect from their HEIs and what HEIs are currently doing in the three countries. Furthermore, we consider how HEIs in Brazil, Fiji and Kenya may improve their engagement with issues of climate change and respond to students’ views and expectations, including the promotion of preparedness for and resilience to the climate crisis and its effects.