bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies for Improving the Respiratory System in COPD Patients Through Complementary Therapies
Authors: Rohmah Ulfa Nur , Yari Yarwin , Ramba Hardin La , Suarti Ni Made , Prawitasari Shinta
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Complementary therapies have now become part of innovations that play a role in COPD patients so that they become essential as treatment supporters that have benefits, especially in improving the respiratory system, especially in COPD patients who return after exacerbations. Objectives: This study aims to determine strategies in improving the respiratory system in COPD patients through comprehensive therapy. Methods: Selection of articles using PRISMA guidelines using databased in the form of Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane, ProQuest so that a narrative review is formed. The criteria for eligible articles include RCT or non-RCT with pre-test and post-test design, published between 2018-2023, full text, English, not considering control group, not studies related to drugs to treat diseases and complications. Results: The results obtained in this study after adjusting to the study criteria were 9 feasible articles. Complementary therapies in COPD patients can include breathing techniques, suppression techniques, music therapy, energy muscle techniques, and pulmonary rehabilitation. The complementary therapies in the study had almost mostly an impact on improving the respiratory system status of COPD patients Conclusion: Complementary therapy of COPD patients can be a holistic approach that must be a concern that can be implemented into various stages of treatment of COPD patients by involving multidisciplinary teams so that there is defense and improvement of the respiratory system
Retrospective Analysis of Polyethylene Oxide and Polypropylene Oxide Block Copolymers Production and Industrial Applications (Review)
Authors: Bakhrushina E. O. , Pyzhov V. S. , Sakharova P. S. , Demina N. B. , Krasnyuk I. I.
Published: January 2024

Introduction. Nowadays block copolymers of PEO and PPO (poloxamers, pluronics, proxanols) are among the most popular polymers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. They can be applied as effective nonionic surfactants, biological membrane stabilizers, elements of targeted delivery systems, solubilizers, as well as excipients in the technology of traditional dosage forms – gelling agents, lubricants, etc. For the past fifty years, the world's largest manufacturer of poloxamers has been the German chemical concern BASF. However, today in the Russian Federation there is a risk of defects, which defines the relevance of import substitution of this excipient.

Text. The purpose of this review is to highlight the experience of production and implementation of PEO and PPO block copolymers into novel Russian scientists’ developments, comparing them with the experience of foreign research groups, which is necessary to assess the potential for import substitution. PEO and PPO block copolymers have been known in the Soviet Union since the late 60s as far as they are mentioned in textbooks of 1964 and 1973. Domestic block copolymers of PEO and PPO have been used in the oil refining industry, as well as in some branches of light industry and in the decontamination of radioactive waste. The unique domestic synthesis of PEO and PPO block copolymers was established in 1978 on the basis of the "Orgsintez" factory. Soviet poloxamers were produced under the brand name "proxanol" in a wide range of ratios of EO and PO units and molecular weights. It should be noted that today in the Russian Federation, industrial batches of the solubilizer Emuxol 268, which is close in its properties to the well-known poloxamer 188, are still produced, and block copolymers with other ratios of EO and PO units are synthesized to order.

Conclusion. According to the retrospective analysis, the modern Russian industry has enough experience and resources to establish the synthesis of PEO and PPO block copolymers necessary to produce drugs and to develop innovative delivery systems and drugs. Based on the materials of the systematic review, the most complete register of known brands of PEO and PPO block copolymers synthesized over the past 50 years in our country and in the world was compiled for the first time, with a detailed description of their physicochemical properties.
The Role of Doxorubicin in the Formation of Cardiotoxicity – Generally Accepted Statement. Part I. Prevalence and Mechanisms of Formation (Review)
Authors: Andreev D. A. , Balakin E. I. , Samoilov A. S. , Pustovoit V. I.
Published: January 2024

Introduction. Long-term use of anthracyclines during cancer chemotherapy has been associated with the development of potentially life-threatening cardiotoxicity. Despite researches ongoing since the middle of the last century, approaches to the choice of therapy remain limited.

Text. Doxorubicin currently is the most widely used chemotherapy. The leading side effect mechanism of the drug is the formation of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria with the mediated development of oxidative stress, which contributes to myocardial damage. However, despite the huge number of scientific papers devoted to various aspects of doxorubicin cardiotoxicity, its prevention and treatment, this issue requires detailed investigation in order to develop more advanced methods for early diagnosis and timely cardioprotective therapy.

Conclusion. The current review discusses the pathogenetic mechanisms of cardiotoxicity associated with the use of doxorubicin chemotherapy. The pathogenesis of the cardiomyocytes death mechanism will provide an opportunity to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the clinical practice.
Dynamic Pricing in Different Industries
Authors: Haessner Julian , Haessner Philipp , McMurtrey Mark
Published: January 2024

Dynamic pricing describes a pricing strategy to set up highly flexible prices for products and services. Dynamic pricing algorithms adjust prices easily and frequently based on collected consumer data and market information. Dynamic pricing is used in various industries and has the potential to magnify revenues while offering multiple other benefits for companies. This paper analyzes the relevance and importance of dynamic pricing in sports, entertainment, leisure-time activities, hospitalities, and public transportation. For every industry, selected applications, and examples are analyzed. Finally, this paper investigates if dynamic pricing is fair and how customers respond to frequent price changes.
Методичний підхід до оцінювання властивостей бойових та транспортно-бойових вертольотів, що визначають їх спроможності по виконанню типових завдань за призначенням
Authors: Леонтьєв Олексій , Дмитрієв Андрій
Published: January 2024

Мета роботи: удосконалення процесу оцінювання властивостей бойових та транспортно-бойових вертольотів, що визначають їх спроможності по виконанню типових завдань за призначенням.

Метод дослідження: аналіз та синтез.

Результати дослідження: запропоновано удосконалений методичний підхід до кількісного оцінювання властивостей вертольоту, що визначають його спроможності.

Теоретична цінність дослідження: результати проведеного дослідження доповнюють існуючі теоретичні дослідження та дозволили відпрацювати основні напрямки подальшого розвитку в даній сфері.

Практична цінність дослідження: результати дослідження можуть бути використані для визначення раціонального тактико-техніко-економічного обрису майбутнього вертолітного парку для потреб армійської авіації.

Цінність дослідження: в даному дослідженні здійснено аналіз існуючих методичних підходів щодо оцінювання властивостей зразків озброєння та військової техніки та запропоновано подальший розвиток відповідного науково-методичного апарату з урахуванням впливу впровадження новітніх технологій в конструкцію перспективних зразків авіаційної техніки.

Майбутні дослідження: визначені подальші кроки для проведення досліджень за напрямком підвищення ефективності управлінських рішень щодо вибору шляхів розвитку вертолітного парку армійської авіації на середньострокову та довгострокову перспективи.
Liver pathology in COVID-19 after end of pandemic: Modern view of problem
Authors: Levitan B. N. , Serdyukova T. V. , Skvortsov V. V.
Published: January 2024

The COVID‑19 pandemic, first reported in late 2019, despite ending in May 2023, continues to have a devastating impact on global health with significant associated morbidity and mortality rates. Liver injury is a common feature in patients with COVID‑19 and ranges from mild and temporary elevation of liver enzymes to severe liver damage and even acute liver failure. The purpose of this review is to present data on the prevalence, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, course features, complications, and treatment options for liver damage in patients with SARS-CoV‑2. Several pathophysiological mechanisms are responsible for liver damage in COVID‑19, including the direct cytotoxic effect of the virus, cytokine storm, hypoxia and ischemia of the organ, and drug hepatotoxicity. Patients with underlying chronic liver disease (CLD) (liver cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol-related liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, etc.) may have greater risk to develop both severe COVID‑19 and further liver deterioration. Some COVID‑19 patients experience post-covid syndrome, also known as post-acute COVID‑19, long-term COVID‑19 or long COVID‑19. The most common manifestations of post-covid syndrome in patients with liver pathology, both developed directly in connection with SARS-Cov‑2 infection, and in people with pre-existing CLD, include the phenomena of astheno-vegetative syndrome, as well as clinical and biochemical signs of moderate cytolysis and cholestasis syndrome.
Physical development and bone mineral density of children with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Bavykina I. A. , Ledneva V. S. , Bavykin D. V. , Titova L. A.
Published: January 2024

Relevance. Inflammatory bowel diseases can cause a lag in physical development and a decrease in the nutritional status of children. Therapy with glucocorticosteroids can aggravate the process of formation of the body and reduce the mineralization of bone tissue.

Materials and methods. The study included 24 children aged 5 to 17 years with inflammatory bowel diseases, of which 19 patients did not use glucocorticosteroids in therapy – group 1, and group 2–5 children on hormone therapy. The groups did not differ statistically significantly in age and gender composition. In order to assess the level of physical development, an assessment of anthropometric indicators was carried out using the ANTHRO Plus program. Bone mineral density was assessed by densitometry. Statistical processing was carried out using Statistica 6.0 statistical programs and descriptive statistics methods. To compare independent groups of small volume, the method was used Mann-Whitney

Results. The evaluation of length, body weight and body mass index was carried out, as a result, it was found that the majority of patients who participated in the study had an average level of physical development in the population, no statistically significant differences were found by any criterion (p > 0.05). When assessing the BMD in children with IBD who did not use hormone therapy in the treatment of diseases, it was found that the Z-Score level within the reference values was observed in 57.9% (n = 11) children, 1 (5.3%) child has below –2.49 and in 36.8% (n = 7) the Z-Score level was determined in the range from –1.00 SD to –2.49 SD. More than half of the patients in group 2 had no changes in BMD (60%; n = 3), the Z-Score value in 1 (20%) patient corresponded to the level of osteopenia and in 1 (20%) child – osteoporosis. No differences were found between the groups and depending on physical development, gender or age (p > 0.05).

Conclusions. It was found that children, regardless of the use of hormone therapy they have similar indicators in the levels of physical development and bone mineralization. The importance of monitoring the studied indicators for the timely prevention of changes is noted.
Problems of quality of dermatological care for acne in adolescents
Authors: Golikova L. O. , Antonenkov Yu. E.
Published: January 2024

Relevance. The quality of dermatological care in the treatment of acne in adolescents is under-researched. Therefore, it is relevant to analyze the problems that negatively affect the quality of care for adolescents suffering from acne.

Target. To identify problems in the quality of dermatological care in relation to the treatment of acne in adolescents.

Materials and methods. 20 literature sources over the past 6 years have been found. Standard methods of literature analysis (induction, synthesis and comparison of the presented information) were used.

Results. The following have not been sufficiently studied: the psychological aspect of the influence of acne and its treatment on the condition of a teenager; anti-relapse effect of retinoids depending on their dose and course duration; mechanisms of acne formation in adolescents. Information about the possibility of chronic disease and/or relapse of acne in adolescents is fragmentary. Maintenance therapy in adolescents to minimize the side effects of acne treatment has practically not been developed. Problems with compliance of adolescents undergoing treatment for acne are fragmentarily studied.

Conclusions. Problems in the development of individualized acne treatment algorithms for adolescents have been identified. At the same time, adolescents are at risk of developing acne and require a special approach in the treatment of acne due to their unstable psyche and the importance of young citizens as a valuable asset of the state.
Epidemiology of hepatitis C infection among pregnant women and parturients in Nizhny Novgorod
Authors: Kashnikova A. D. , Polyanina A. V. , Antipova O. V. , Zaitseva N. N. , Zubkova V. A. , Nimanikhina A. V.
Published: January 2024

Hepatitis C is an urgent global health problem. The high prevalence of infection among the population leads to the involvement of women of reproductive age in the epidemic process. In order to study the prevalence of specific markers of hepatitis C virus in pregnant women and to assess the risk of intrauterine infection of the fetus, an epidemiologic analysis was conducted using information collections of statistical and analytical materials of Rospotrebnadzor, blood serum samples of pregnant and postpartum women (n = 28394) at admission to obstetric institutions for the period 2018–2022 were examined. According to statistical reporting, the average annual prevalence of anti-HCV prevalence in pregnant women was 1.7% (95% CI: 1.5–1.9%). Women aged 40–49 years were found to be most actively involved in the epidemic process (4.3% [95% CI: 3.3–5.6%]). Among anti-HCV-positive samples, HCV RNA was detected in 47.0% (95% CI: 41.7–52.9%) of cases, the prevalence of current infection confirmed by HCV RNA detection in pregnant women was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.8–1.0%). The pattern of HCV genotypes in pregnant women was as follows: subtype 1b was detected in 34.9% (95% CI: 25.6–45.7%) of cases, subtype 3a in 42.2% (95% DI: 32.1–52.9%), minor subtype 1a was 9.6% (95% CI: 5.0–17.9%) and genotype 2 was 7.0% (95% CI: 3.4–14.9%). Samples containing two genotypes simultaneously (1a/1b, 1b/3a) were 3.6% (95% CI: 1.2–10.1%) and non-genotyped samples were 2.4% (95% CI: 0.7–4.1%). The results of the assessment of the significance of risk factors for perinatal transmission of hepatitis C virus show a high degree of influence on vertical transmission of HCV RNA in the presence of active infection in the mother (RR = 6.4; [95% CI: 0.9–44.6%]: p < 0.05), no statistical significance of HCV genotypic affiliation (p > 0.05) and maternal viral load level (R = 0.00009; p > 0.05). The obtained data argue the necessity of screening examinations for molecular genetic markers of hepatitis C virus in women planning pregnancy in order to conduct antiviral therapy and, as a consequence, to reduce the risk of perinatal infection of children.
Acute coronary syndrome in patients with oncological diseases
Authors: Bliznyuk S. А. , Komarova A. G. , Libov I. A. , Lyakhova N. L. , Alekseev V. G.
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this work is to increase the alertness of doctors treating cancer patients due to the high risk of developing acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of ACS. Antitumor therapy should be personalized and agreed upon by an interdisciplinary team with an assessment of the impact on the risk of developing ACS, especially in patients with high cardiovascular risk. Given the limited number of studies, principles for the management of cancer patients with ACS should be based on an assessment of ischemic and hemorrhagic risks.
Compliance with quality criteria for endoscopic examinations (sociological aspects)
Authors: Baulina О. А. , Gulyaev A. A.
Published: January 2024

The article presents the results of a sociological study conducted at the Penza Institute for Advanced Medical Studies with the aim of studying the level of knowledge of endoscopists about the quality criteria for performing endoscopic examinations and equipping endoscopic rooms with specialized equipment. The questionnaires of 47 endoscopists who were trained at the Department of Surgery and Endoscopy were analyzed. 57 % of respondents are aware of the need to comply with quality criteria in endoscopy; all doctors take informed voluntary consent from the patient before the study; when formulating a conclusion, 15 % use validated international classifications; the detection rate of adenomas during colonoscopy is calculated to be 2 %; 21 % perform photo documentation; 6 % comply with biopsy protocols. This is largely due to the incomplete technical equipment of endoscopy rooms: only 17 % of doctors described the number of biopsy forceps as sufficient (20 or more), 43 % of doctors note the presence of video endoscopic equipment at the workplace, however, the condition of endoscopes in most budgetary medical institutions is satisfactory, closer to bad.
Modern approaches to perioperative management of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy in acute period of ischemic stroke
Authors: Nazarenko М. B. , Malyshev A. A. , Rodionov Е. P. , Komarova A. G. , Vlasenko A. V. , Karabach Yu. V. , Levikov D. I.
Published: January 2024

This article presents the Moscow Botkin Hospital experience of using combination of general and superficial cervical plexus regional anesthesia during carotid endarterectomy performed in patients in the acute period of atherothrombotic genesis ischemic stroke. The result of reliable antinociceptive protection of the body from the activation of the sympatho-adrenal system against the background of surgical manipulations was the prevention of episodes of critical hypertension and ensuring normalization of systemic hemodynamics. By reducing the need for opioids, patients’ awakening is accelerated, and their time in the operating room is minimized. In addition, the time of necessary observation in the intensive care unit and the need for anesthesia at the immediate postoperative period, is also reduced. The above factors, as well as a multidisciplinary approach to the patient, allowed not only to provide reliable prevention of recurrent vascular incidents in the acute period of ischemic stroke, but also to improve the neurological outcomes.
Clinical case of treatment of true drowning in fresh water
Authors: Kaplanov R. P. , Ivkina Е. М. , Suryakhin V. S. , Davydov P. A. , Plavunov N. F. , Salikov A. V.
Published: January 2024

Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide. The largest number of victims of drowning falls on the young able- bodied population.Objective. There are no recent intensive care protocols for drowning, it is relevant to formulate guidelines for the treatment of drowning. Clinical observation. A 25-year-old female patient was taken by an ambulance team to the intensive care unit with a directional diagnosis ‘drowning in fresh water’ of three degree of severity. The patient had got on ventilator with closed aspiration system. Emergency bronchoscopy was performed during which 200 ml of fluid aspirated into the lungs was removed. Respiratory support was determined by stepwise increase of the PEEP level and decrease in FiO2 level taking into account respiratory index. Given the development of a pro-inflammatory mediator response, lactatacidosis, hemolysis, hyperhydration, a high risk of infectious complications, it was decided to start extracorporeal treatment early by continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration and de-escalation of systemic antibacterial therapy with meropenem by prolonged infusion. Against the background of the ongoing treatment, we managed to achieve target respiratory parameters and stabilize central hemodynamic parameters by the end of the first day, prevent the development of renal damage, correct water-electrolyte and metabolic disorders, and avoid severe septic complications. Vasopressor support was discontinued on the 4th day, and on the 5th day the patient was switched to independent breathing. The patient`s stay in the intensive care unit was 6 days.Conclusions. Stepwise respiratory therapy using closed suction systems and urgent bronchoscopy prevent direct damage to the alveoli and ongoing translocation of fluid into the vascular bed. Prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics prior to the growth of clinical and laboratory signs of infectious lung lesions allows to reduce the risk of severe septic complications with pulmonary destruction parenchyma. Early onset extracorporeal treatment by CVVHDF allows to correct homeostasis disorders, eliminate hypervolemia, prevent the development of acute renal damage as a result of hemolysis.
CUMHURİYETİN İLK YILLARI ÇAĞDAŞ BEDEN EĞİTİMİ VE ÖĞRETİMİ
Authors: TAZEGÜL Ünsal
Published: January 2024

Cumhuriyetin ilk yılları, 1923 ve 1943 yılları arasın zaman dilimini kapsamaktadır Bu
dönem içerisinde eğitim, bilim ve laiklik üzerine kurgulanmıştır. Cumhuriyetin ilk yıllarında, gerek
devlet kurumları, gerekse gönüllü kuruluşlar, ruhen ve bedenen geleceğin sağlıklı kuşağını
‘‘Gürbüz Türk Neslini’’ yetiştirmek için çalışmışlardır. Sağlıklı ve Gürbüz Türk Çocuğu yetiştirme
meselesi dönemin önemli konularından birisi olmuştur. Cumhuriyetin kabulüyle okullarda
verilmekte olan beden terbiyesi dersi ilmi bir şekilde uygulanmaya başlamıştır. Bu yıllarda
beden eğitimi ve spor dersi jimnastik olarak verilmeye başlanmıştır. Çalışma geçmişte ya da
halen var olan bir durumu, var olduğu şekliyle tanımlamayı amaçlayan “tarama modeli”
kapsamında, olayların geçmiş zaman içindeki gelişiminin, geçmişte olanların öğrenilmesi,
anlaşılması ve açıklanması amacıyla araştırmacı tarafından ilgili kaynak ve yayınların
incelenerek değerlendirildiği “tarihsel araştırma” metodu ile yapılandırılmıştır. Yapılan bu
çalışmanın amacı; Cumhuriyetin ilk yılları, “Çağdaş Beden Eğitimi ve Öğretimini” geliştirme
çabalarını ortaya çıkarmaktır. Amaç doğrultusunda literatür taraması yapılarak, konuyla ilgili
elde edilen, Türkçe, İngilizce ve Osmanlıca kaynaklar incelenmiştir. Yazılı kaynakların
incelenmesi sonucunda, Erken Cumhuriyet döneminde, çağdaş beden eğitimi ve öğretiminin
gelişimi için kadın ve erkeklerin birlikte spor yapabilmeleri için modern salonların yapıldığı,
çağdaş beden eğitimi ve öğretimi yapılabilmesi için kanunlar çıkartıldığı anlaşılmıştır. 3 Mart
1924’te kabul edilen Öğretim Birliği Yasası ile Erkek İlk Okullarında beden eğitimi dersi 1. 2. ve
3. sınıflarda haftada 2 saat, 4. ve 5. sınıflarda haftada 1 saat olarak verilmeye başlamıştır. 1926
yılında yürürlüğe giren programa göre, İlkokullarda beden eğitimi ve öğretimi çalışmaları
jimnastik adı altında tüm sınıflara haftada 2 saat olacak şekilde düzenlenmiştir. Ayrıca, yurt
dışına genç spor adamları gönderilerek, alanda uzman spor adamları yetişmesi sağlanmıştır.
State Borders and Public Health
Authors: Chambers John M.
Published: January 2024

I contribute to the debates on optimal jurisdiction size and federalism through a quasi-natural experiment in the context of US food safety. State borders create fissures in information networks and authority hierarchies. Accordingly, I use the varying extent to which Census-designated metro area populations straddle state borders as the nature-assigned variable; and I show that these fissures prolong foodborne illness outbreaks only in the case of chemically-induced outbreaks---the swiftest category of outbreak. I conclude that policy areas requiring a quick response will tend to benefit from larger jurisdictions but that the benefits can largely be derived by centralizing information without centralizing control.
REDUCCIÓN DE LA POBREZA EN BRASIL Y MÉXICO. CRECIMIENTO, DESIGUALDAD Y POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS
Authors: Carrera Troyano Miguel , Domínguez Martín Rafael
Published: January 2024

Este trabajo compara los resultados en reducción de la pobreza obtenidos por Brasil y México entre 1990 y la actualidad y pone de manifiesto la gran diferencia existente entre las importantes caídas en Brasil y los muy limitados resultados en México. El trabajo explica las diferencias de estos resultados prestando atención a la interacción entre crecimiento y equidad y a las políticas públicas desarrolladas por los dos países. De este modo, la mayor apertura de México le hizo más sensible a choques externos (el financiero de 1995 y el de la crisis de Estados Unidos en 2008), además, la emergencia de China como gran potencia global tuvo un impacto negativo sobre México y beneficioso sobre Brasil. Por otro lado, también son diferentes las políticas de mercado de trabajo (con diferencias muy claras en la evolución del salario mínimo) y en el Estado de Bienestar, mucho menos desarrollado y generoso en México que en Brasil.
A critical review of established tinnitus patient-reported outcomes as measures of Tinnitus Severity and Tinnitus Distress and exemplar analysis of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory as a formative or reflective measure
Authors: Clarke Nathan A. , Hoare Derek J. , Trigg Andrew
Published: January 2024

Tinnitus Severity and Tinnitus Distress are frequently referenced and conflated constructs in research, measured using established tinnitus patient-reported outcome measures (PROs). Confusion regarding these constructs and their relation to fundamental scientific conceptions of tinnitus represents a threat to the validity of PROs as applied in tinnitus research, the conclusions that are reached when applying them, and subsequent progress of theory and clinical interventions for those experiencing tinnitus. Therefore, we critically review relevant literature, providing the Severity of Symptoms (SoS) and Correlates of Complaint (CoC) framework to link tinnitus theory to these constructs. We provide researchers with an overview of latent variable fundamentals (including distinctions between formative and reflective measures, and psychometric and clinimetric measurement traditions). We then provide a synthesis of the relationship between Tinnitus Severity and Tinnitus Distress, the SoS/CoC framework, and latent variable measurement to elucidate their distinctions. Finally, we take the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) as an exemplar of established tinnitus PROs and use study data (N = 200) to empirically evaluate the appropriateness of the THI as a reflective measure of Tinnitus Distress. Subsequently, conceptual and criterion mediation tests provide evidence that the THI is not a reflective measure of Tinnitus Distress according to the CoC conception and should be considered as a formative measure. Researchers should therefore consider whether established tinnitus PROs, such as the THI, are congruent with the scientific conceptions and subsequent theories that they aim to evaluate.
Modularly engineering Rhodotorula toruloides for α-terpineol production
Authors: Lyu Liting , Chen Qiongqiong , Xue Haizhao , Mustafa Sumayya , Manzoor Shah Aabid , Huang Qitian , Zhang Yue , Wang Shuang , Zhao Zongbao Kent
Published: January 2024

α-Terpineol is a monoterpenoid alcohol that has been widely used in the flavor, fragrance, and pharmaceutical industries because of its sensory and biological properties. However, few studies have focused on the microbial production of α-terpineol. The oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula toruloides is endowed with a natural mevalonate pathway and is a promising host in synthetic biology and biorefinery. The primary objective of this work was to engineer R. toruloides for the direct biosynthesis of α-terpineol. The improvement in monoterpenoid production was achieved through the implementation of modular engineering strategies, which included the enhancement of precursor supply, blocking of downstream pathways, and disruption of competing pathways. The results of these three methods showed varying degrees of favorable outcomes in enhancing α-terpineol production. The engineered strain 5L6HE5, with competitive pathway disruption and increased substrate supply, reached the highest product titer of 1.5 mg/L, indicating that reducing lipid accumulation is an efficient method in R. toruloides engineering for terpenoid synthesis. This study reveals the potential of R. toruloides as a host platform for the synthesis of α-terpineol as well as other monoterpenoid compounds.
Enhanced photodynamic therapy through multienzyme-like MOF for cancer treatment
Authors: Lv Letian , Fu Zhao , You Qing , Xiao Wei , Wang Huayi , Wang Chen , Yang Yanlian
Published: January 2024

Overcoming resistance to apoptosis is a major challenge in cancer therapy. Recent research has shown that manipulating mitochondria, the organelles critical for energy metabolism in tumor cells, can increase the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy and trigger apoptosis in tumor cells. However, there is currently insufficient research and effective methods to exploit mitochondrial damage to induce apoptosis in tumor cells and improve the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy. In this study, we present a novel nanomedicine delivery and therapeutic system called PyroFPSH, which utilizes a nanozymes-modified metal-organic framework as a carrier. PyroFPSH exhibits remarkable multienzyme-like activities, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) mimicry, allowing it to overcome apoptosis resistance, reduce endogenous glutathione levels, and continuously generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, PyroFPSH can serve as a carrier for the targeted delivery of sulfasalazine, a drug that can induce mitochondrial depolarization in tumor cells, thereby reducing oxygen consumption and energy supply in the mitochondria of tumor cells and weakening resistance to other synergistic treatment approaches. Our experimental results highlight the potential of PyroFPSH as a versatile nanoplatform in cancer treatment. This study expands the biomedical applications of nanomaterials as platforms and enables the integration of various novel therapeutic strategies to synergistically improve tumor therapy. It deepens our understanding of multienzyme-mimicking active nanocarriers and mitochondrial damage through photodynamic therapy. Future research can further explore the potential of PyroFPSH in clinical cancer treatment and improve its drug loading capacity, biocompatibility and targeting specificity. In summary, PyroFPSH represents a promising therapeutic approach that can provide new insights and possibilities for cancer treatment.
Carbon intensity of mass timber materials: impacts of sourcing and transportation
Authors: Atnoorkar Swaroop , Ghatpande Omkar A. , Haile Selam L. , Goetsch Heather E. , Harris Chioke B.
Published: January 2024

Mass timber construction is widely considered a promising alternative construction method to reduce buildings’ total life-cycle carbon emissions because wood is a carbon sink. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, manufactured by gluing lumber layers with grains at right angles, are potential low-carbon alternatives to carbon-intensive concrete and steel construction. However, most environmental impact assessment studies do not consider variation in transportation impacts within the CLT supply chain when calculating life-cycle impacts. This study investigates the embodied primary energy and the global warming potential (GWP) of CLT supply chain decisions regarding the type of timber species used, the U.S. region it is sourced from, and the location of the CLT mill. Longer transport distances in the supply chain for timber and CLT panels can contribute as much as 923 MJ/m2 (20%) of the embodied primary energy of a CLT building, and the use of a higher-density timber species increases this contribution to 1246 MJ/m2 (24%), with most of that energy derived from fossil energy sources. For perspective, the GWP of a building whose CLT panels and timber have been transported by truck over 6,000 km (252–270 kgCO2/m2) is greater than the GWP of an equivalent reinforced concrete (RC) building (245 kgCO2/m2). Thus, factors like the location of CLT processing facilities and the type of timber species can significantly impact the overall life-cycle assessment and, if chosen appropriately, can mitigate the environmental impacts of CLT construction.
Current developments and opportunities of pluripotent stem cells-based therapies for salivary gland hypofunction
Authors: Song Wenpeng , Liu Huan , Su Yingying , Zhao Qian , Wang Xiaoyan , Cheng Pengfei , Wang Hao
Published: January 2024

Salivary gland hypofunction (SGH) caused by systemic disease, drugs, aging, and radiotherapy for head and neck cancer can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of disorders such as periodontitis, taste disorders, pain and burning sensations in the mouth, dental caries, and dramatically reduces the quality of life of patients. To date, the treatment of SGH is still aimed at relieving patients’ clinical symptoms and improving their quality of life, and is not able to repair and regenerate the damaged salivary glands. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), including embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and extended pluripotent stem cells (EPSCs), are an emerging source of cellular therapies that are capable of unlimited proliferation and differentiation into cells of all three germ layers. In recent years, the immunomodulatory and tissue regenerative effects of PSCs, their derived cells, and paracrine products of these cells have received increasing attention and have demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in some preclinical studies targeting SGH. This review outlined the etiologies and available treatments for SGH. The existing efficacy and potential role of PSCs, their derived cells and paracrine products of these cells for SGH are summarized, with a focus on PSC-derived salivary gland stem/progenitor cells (SGS/PCs) and PSC-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In this Review, we provide a conceptual outline of our current understanding of PSCs-based therapy and its importance in SGH treatment, which may inform and serve the design of future studies.
Neogene and Pleistocene geodynamics: the paleoseismic evolution of Armorica (Western France)
Authors: Van Vliet-Lanoë Brigitte , Authemayou Christine , Le Roy Pascal , Renouf John C. , Combes Philippe , Ego Frederic
Published: January 2024

The evolution of the passive Armorican margin (Western France) during the Neogene and Quaternary was analyzed using field data. The morphology of the margin attests to a late Hercynian shaping, further deformation during the Mesozoic mid-Atlantic opening, during the Alpine Orogeny, and ultimately, a Late Cenozoic uplift, mostly related to an onshore isostatic accommodation in response to erosion and limited tectonic activity. A very limited strike–slip dynamic, with very low seismicity, accommodated the Neogene–Pleistocene N170 strains around the rigid Armorican terrane. The South Armorican domain and English Channel floor include shear zones that adjusted the Alpine convergence, facilitating its transpressive slip to the west. The Permo-Triassic N150 faults were reactivated during the inversion phases that began after the Bartonian under the distal control of the Alpine convergence and the decrease in the Atlantic spreading rate after 34 Ma. The Armorican marine platforms were stable after the late Eocene and slightly subsident, experiencing pulsed episodes of transient lithospheric doming during the Neogene and Quaternary. Co-seismic activity onshore without surface rupture was recorded around ∼5.3 Ma, ∼3.7 Ma, ∼2.4–1.2 Ma, and ∼400–250 ka, in tandem with an inland exhumation driven by isostatic adjustment due to an intensification of periglacial erosion at the onset of the early interstadials or by agriculture. Low-magnitude and ubiquitous shallow seismic activities seem to be related today to an isostatic uplifted old brittle–ductile transition due to the accumulation of shearing strain.
Mitochondrial transfer - a novel promising approach for the treatment of metabolic diseases
Authors: Chen Ruijing , Chen Jun
Published: January 2024

Metabolic disorders remain a major global health concern in the 21st century, with increasing incidence and prevalence. Mitochondria play a critical role in cellular energy production, calcium homeostasis, signal transduction, and apoptosis. Under physiological conditions, mitochondrial transfer plays a crucial role in tissue homeostasis and development. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. Numerous studies have demonstrated that mitochondria can be transferred from stem cells to pathologically injured cells, leading to mitochondrial functional restoration. Compared to cell therapy, mitochondrial transplantation has lower immunogenicity, making exogenous transplantation of healthy mitochondria a promising therapeutic approach for treating diseases, particularly metabolic disorders. This review summarizes the association between metabolic disorders and mitochondria, the mechanisms of mitochondrial transfer, and the therapeutic potential of mitochondrial transfer for metabolic disorders. We hope this review provides novel insights into targeted mitochondrial therapy for metabolic disorders.
Research on renewable energy power demand forecasting method based on IWOA-SA-BILSTM modeling
Authors: Wang Minghu , Xia Yushuo , Zhang Xinsheng
Published: January 2024

This paper introduces a novel coupling method to enhance the precision of short- and medium-term renewable energy power load demand forecasting. Firstly, the Tent chaotic mapping incorporates the standard WOA and modifies its internal convergence factor to a nonlinear convergence mode, resulting in an improved IWOA. It is used for the weight optimization part of BILSTM. Then, the SA is introduced to optimize the learning rate, the number of nodes in hidden layers 1 and 2, and the number of iterations of BILSTM, constructing an IWOA-SA-BILSTM prediction model. Finally, through case analysis, the prediction model proposed in this paper has the highest improvement of 76.7%, 74.5%, and 45.9% in terms of Mean Absolute Error, Root Mean Square Error, and R2, respectively, compared to other optimal benchmark models, proving the effectiveness of the model.
Analysing the response of CO2 emissions to business cycle in a developing economy: evidence for South Africa post-apartheid era
Authors: Espoir Delphin Kamanda , Sunge Regret , Mduduzi Biyase , Bannor Frank , Matsvai Simion
Published: January 2024

Introduction: This research addresses the response of CO2 emissions to economic fluctuations in South Africa post-Apartheid, covering the period 1990–2018. While previous studies focused on developed countries, limited attention has been given to sub-Saharan developing nations. The study challenges the assumption of constant emissions elasticity in current forecasts.

Methods: The study employs a two-step strategy. Firstly, the rolling window regression with Hodrick-Prescott filtering was used to investigate whether the CO2 emissions elasticity varies over time. Secondly, a Markov-switching approach was used to examine the regime-switching behavior in GDP.

Results and Discussion: Results suggest that CO2 emisssions elasticity varies over time. This was confirmed through alternative filtering techniques (Christiano-Fitzgerald, Baxter King, and the Butterworth filter). Markov-switching analysis revealed a regime-switching behavior in GDP, indicating negative CO2 emissions elasticity during recessions and positive elasticity during expansions. These findings persist even when accounting for monetary policy shocks and productivity shocks in the Environmental Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (E-DSGE) model. Noteworthy is that South Africa is among the top 20 greenhouse gas emitters globally.

Conclusion and recommendations: The study recommends tailored carbon-pricing policies that are conscious to the countercyclical nature of business cycles. Pricing emissions higher during economic upswings aligns with periods of growth. Additionally, the government is advised to invest in research and development for energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable technologies to counterbalance emissions growth. Implementing emission caps and tax incentives can further enforce pollution abatement measures. Policymakers should consider these asymmetrical responses when addressing global warming challenges in South Africa.
Construction and optimization of ecological security patterns in the songnen plain
Authors: Liu Jiping , Chen Baolong , Zhang Meng , Wan Daiji , Liu Xuan
Published: January 2024

To address the ecological security issues in the Songnen Plain, this study constructs the ecological security pattern by using the Multi-Criteria Evaluation Method, Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model, and Circuit Connectivity Model. Results show that: 1) The ecological source areas were 66, 52, and 56 blocks in 2000, 2010, and 2020 respectively, which are composed mainly of forests, water bodies, and wetlands. The distribution of resistance values of the ecological resistance surface shows a gradually increases trend from the source areas to the outward surrounding regions. The high and low value areas are more dispersed, consisting with the overall spatial distribution; 2) The numbers of ecological corridors show a temporal declining trend from 178 in 2000 to 159 in 2020 with a reduction of 645.46 km in total length. Node areas are mainly distributed in the southwestern and central-eastern regions and its number decreased from 232 in 2000 to 229 in 2020. The sizes of obstacle areas are 74029.52 km2, 70203.72 km2, and 75529.72 km2 in the three periods; 3) The size of important ecological source areas has decreased by 5779.16 km2, the area of medium ecological source areas has increased by 11466.44 km2, and the area of general ecological source areas has increased by 9509.16 km2. The areas being classified as ecological conservation, ecological enhancement, ecological restoration, and ecological control are 30346.68 km2, 8480.56 km2, 51473.92 km2, and 122047.48 km2, respectively. The multiple spatial pattern optimization strategies are proposed based on the identified ecological source areas, corridors, node points, and other comprehensive ecological security patterns. It not only provides practical reference for the ecological restoration and ecological protection in the Songnen Plain, but also can be used for the ecological security pattern investigations in other study regions in the world.
Effects of changing riparian topography on the decline of ecological indicators along the drawdown zones of long rivers in China
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Petrosillo Irene , Changxiao Li
Published: January 2024

Riparian topographical features can drive a suite of ecological indicators (EIs) that shape the river ecosystem. The mechanisms that EIs reflect provide several ecosystem services. We know little about the responses of EIs (indicators of plant cover, regeneration, exotics, habitat, erosion, and stressors) to the changing stream-channel width, riparian width, and elevation of the lengthy drawdown zones (upstream, midstream, and downstream) of long rivers. We have discovered that changing topographical characteristics affect riparian buffer areas differently by using a rapid field-based method with 297 transects in inundated regions along the Yangtze River and other 36 linked tributaries in China. Changing stream-channel widths was most effective on downstream EIs and the least effective at midstream. The exotic parameters were the most affected (with a range of −0.36 < r < 0.401) by stream-channel widths, as determined using Pearson correlation (p < 0.05). In contrast, the changing riparian width had the uppermost impact on the upstream EIs and the lowermost impact downstream; riparian width had the most significant impact on habitat parameters (with r ≤ 0.787). The elevation followed the riparian width pattern and was negatively associated with habitat and exotics (r ≤ −0.645 and r ≤ −0.594) and positively correlated with regeneration (r ≤ 0.569). These results reaffirm the imperative need for studies on regionally dependent riparian areas maintained under the same management strategies regardless of their topographical features. Future policies should be formulated to enhance ecosystem service provision, promoting the sustainable use of extensive river ecosystems while considering EIs. Additionally, these future policies should acknowledge drawdown zone factors within the same river network. Furthermore, additional measures are imperative to conserve topographical features and prevent further destruction.
Unveiling the genetic basis of Fusarium wilt resistance in chickpea using GWAS analysis and characterization of candidate genes
Authors: Alsamman Alsamman M. , H. Mousa Khaled , Istanbuli Tawffiq , Abd El-Maksoud Mamdouh M. , Tawkaz Sawsan , Hamwieh Aladdin
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Chickpea is a legume crop that thrives in regions with semi-arid or temperate climates. Its seeds are an excellent source of proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals, especially high-quality proteins. Chickpea cultivation faces several challenges including Fusarium wilt (FW), a major fungal disease that significantly reduces productivity.

Methods: In this study, a Genome-wide Association Analysis (GWAS) was conducted to identify multiple genomic loci associated with FW resistance in chickpea. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of 180 chickpea genotypes for FW resistance across three distinct locations (Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Lebanon) during the 2-year span from 2015 to 2016. Disease infection measurements were recorded, and the wilt incidence of each genotype was calculated. We employed a set of 11,979 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers distributed across the entire chickpea genome for SNP genotyping. Population structure analysis was conducted to determine the genetic structure of the genotypes.

Results and Discussion: The population structure unveiled that the analyzed chickpea germplasm could be categorized into four sub-populations. Notably, these sub-populations displayed diverse geographic origins. The GWAS identified 11 SNPs associated with FW resistance, dispersed across the genome. Certain SNPs were consistent across trials, while others were specific to particular environments. Chromosome CA2 harbored five SNP markers, CA5 featured two, and CA4, CA6, CA7, and CA8 each had one representative marker. Four SNPs demonstrated an association with FW resistance, consistently observed across a minimum of three distinct environments. These SNPs included SNP5826041, SNP5825086, SNP11063413, SNP5825195, which located in CaFeSOD, CaS13like, CaNTAQ1, and CaAARS genes, respectively. Further investigations were conducted to gain insights into the functions of these genes and their role in FW resistance. This progress holds promise for reducing the negative impact of the disease on chickpea production.