bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low Dose of Carbendazim and Tebuconazole: Accumulation in Tissues and Effects on Hepatic Oxidative Stress in Mice
Authors: Ma Xiaoran , Chen Xin , Hou Haonan , Liu Donghui , Liu Xueke , Wang Peng , Zhou Zhiqiang
Published: March 2023

As two commonly used fungicides, carbendazim and tebuconazole are widely found in the environment and in foods. Studies have reported that these fungicides can induce hepatic oxidative stress and other health risks. Nevertheless, the influences of exposure to carbendazim and tebuconazole at their acceptable daily intake (ADI) doses on hepatic oxidative stress, and the residual distributions in mice remain unclear. To fill these gaps, ICR (CD-1) mice were exposed to carbendazim and tebuconazole at their ADI doses by oral administration for 4 weeks in this study. The results showed that tebuconazole accumulated primarily in the epididymal fat of mice (16.84 μg/kg), whereas no significant residues of carbendazim in the tissues were observed. In addition, exposure to ADI doses of tebuconazole significantly reduced liver coefficients and induced hepatic oxidative stress in mice, including elevating the levels of glutathione and malonaldehyde. However, no significant impacts were observed on the hepatic redox homeostasis in mice after exposure to carbendazim at its ADI dose. The results could be helpful for understanding the exposure risks of carbendazim and tebuconazole in terms of low doses and long term.
Difenoconazole Exposure Induces Retinoic Acid Signaling Dysregulation and Testicular Injury in Mice Testes
Authors: Zheng Xiangqin , Wei Yuexin , Chen Jiadong , Wang Xia , Li Dinggang , Yu Chengjun , Hong Yifan , Shen Lianju , Long Chunlan , Wei Guanghui , Wu Shengde
Published: March 2023

Difenoconazole (DFZ) is a broad-spectrum triazole fungicide that is widely utilized in agriculture. Although DFZ has been demonstrated to induce reproductive toxicity in aquatic species, its toxic effects on the mammalian reproductive system have yet to be fully elucidated. In vivo, male mice were administered 0, 20 or 40 mg/kg/d of DFZ via oral gavage for 35 days. Consequently, DFZ significantly decreased testicular organ coefficient, sperm count and testosterone levels, augmented sperm malformation rates, and elicited histopathological alterations in testes. TUNEL assay showed increased apoptosis in testis. Western blotting results suggested abnormally high expression of the sperm meiosis-associated proteins STRA8 and SCP3. The concentrations of retinoic acid (RA), retinaldehyde (RE), and retinol (ROL) were increased in the testicular tissues of DFZ-treated groups. The mRNA expression level of genes implicated in RA synthesis significantly increased while genes involved in RA catabolism significantly decreased. In vitro, DFZ reduced cell viability and increased RA, RE, and ROL levels in GC-2 cells. Transcriptome analysis revealed a significant enrichment of numerous terms associated with the RA pathway and apoptosis. The qPCR experiment verified the transcriptome results. In conclusion, our results indicate that DFZ exposure can disrupt RA signaling pathway homeostasis, and induce testicular injury in mice testes.
Mycotoxins’ Prevalence in Food Industry By-Products: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lopes Paloma , Sobral M. Madalena C. , Lopes Guido R. , Martins Zita E. , Passos Claúdia P. , Petronilho Sílvia , Ferreira Isabel M. P. L. V. O.
Published: March 2023

The recovery of biomolecules from food industry by-products is of major relevance for a circular economy strategy. However, by-products’ contamination with mycotoxins represents a drawback for their reliable valorization for food and feed, hampering their application range, especially as food ingredients. Mycotoxin contamination occurs even in dried matrices. There is a need for the implantation of monitoring programs, even for by-products used as animal feed, since very high levels can be reached. This systematic review aims to identify the food by-products that have been studied from 2000 until 2022 (22 years) concerning mycotoxins’ contamination, distribution, and prevalence in those by-products. PRISMA (“Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses”) protocol was performed via two databases (PubMed and SCOPUS) to summarize the research findings. After the screening and selection process, the full texts of eligible articles (32 studies) were evaluated, and data from 16 studies were considered. A total of 6 by-products were assessed concerning mycotoxin content; these include distiller dried grain with solubles, brewer’s spent grain, brewer’s spent yeast, cocoa shell, grape pomace, and sugar beet pulp. Frequent mycotoxins in these by-products are AFB1, OTA, FBs, DON, and ZEA. The high prevalence of contaminated samples, which surpasses the limits established for human consumption, thus limiting their valorization as ingredients in the food industry. Co-contamination is frequent, which can cause synergistic interactions and amplify their toxicity.
Point-of-Care Diagnosis of Malaria Using a Simple, Purification-Free DNA Extraction Method Coupled with Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification-Lateral Flow
Authors: Lai Meng Yee , Zen Lee Phone Youth , Abdul Hamid Mohd Hafizi , Jelip Jenarun , Mudin Rose Nani , Ivan Vun Jan Shui , Francis Lee Ngie Ping , Saihidi Izreena , Lau Yee Ling
Published: March 2023

We propose a protocol suitable for point-of-care diagnosis of malaria utilizing a simple and purification-free DNA extraction method with the combination of loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay and lateral flow (LAMP-LF). The multiplex LAMP-LF platform developed here can simultaneously detect Plasmodium knowlesi, P. vivax, P. falciparum, and Plasmodium genus (for P. malariae and P. ovale). Through the capillary effect, the results can be observed by the red band signal on the test and control lines within 5 min. The developed multiplex LAMP-LF was tested with 86 clinical blood samples on-site at Hospital Kapit, Sarawak, Malaysia. By using microscopy as the reference method, the multiplex LAMP-LF showed 100% sensitivity (95% confidence interval (CI): 91.4 to 100.00%) and 97.8% specificity (95% CI: 88.2% to 99.9%). The high sensitivity and specificity of multiplex LAMP-LF make it ideal for use as a point-of-care diagnostic tool. The simple and purification-free DNA extraction protocol can be employed as an alternative DNA extraction method for malaria diagnosis in resource-limited settings. By combining the simple DNA extraction protocol and multiplex LAMP-LF approach, we aim to develop a simple-to-handle and easy-to-read molecular diagnostic tool for malaria in both laboratory and on-site settings.
The Promise and Challenge of Genetic Biocontrol Approaches for Malaria Elimination
Authors: James Stephanie , Santos Michael
Published: March 2023

Malaria remains an ongoing public health challenge, with over 600,000 deaths in 2021, of which approximately 96% occurred in Africa. Despite concerted efforts, the goal of global malaria elimination has stalled in recent years. This has resulted in widespread calls for new control methods. Genetic biocontrol approaches, including those focused on gene-drive-modified mosquitoes (GDMMs), aim to prevent malaria transmission by either reducing the population size of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes or making the mosquitoes less competent to transmit the malaria parasite. The development of both strategies has advanced considerably in recent years, with successful field trials of several biocontrol methods employing live mosquito products and demonstration of the efficacy of GDMMs in insectary-based studies. Live mosquito biocontrol products aim to achieve area-wide control with characteristics that differ substantially from current insecticide-based vector control methods, resulting in some different considerations for approval and implementation. The successful field application of current biocontrol technologies against other pests provides evidence for the promise of these approaches and insights into the development pathway for new malaria control agents. The status of technical development as well as current thinking on the implementation requirements for genetic biocontrol approaches are reviewed, and remaining challenges for public health application in malaria prevention are discussed.
Low Seroprevalence of WNV in Namibian Dogs Suggests a Limited Effectiveness as Sentinels for Infection Monitoring
Authors: Molini Umberto , Franzo Giovanni , Bonfini Barbara , de Villiers Lourens , de Villiers Mari , Khaiseb Siegfried , Monaco Federica , Savini Giovanni , D’Alterio Nicola
Published: March 2023

West Nile virus (WNV) is an important zoonotic Flavivirus responsible for mild fever to severe neurological disease in humans and horses. Despite the occurrence of major previous outbreaks in Namibia and the likelihood of the current endemicity of the virus, only limited investigations and monitoring activities of WNV have been performed in the country. The use of animal sentinels is a valuable approach toward investigating the infection presence in an area and to predict the potential occurrence of human outbreaks. Serological investigations in dogs hold several advantages, considering their infection susceptibility, the ease of sample handling, and the evaluation of risk factors of pet owners that share the same habit with their pets. To evaluate the usefulness of such a sero-epidemiological investigation in Namibia, a broad serosurvey was performed in 2022 that included 426 archived domestic dog samples from eight Namibian regions. Although the ELISA prevalence, indicative of Flavivirus infection, was relatively high (16.43%; 95 CI: 13.10–20.39%), the virus neutralization test confirmed only a minority of cases, highlighting a prevalence of 2.82% (95 CI: 1.47–4.90%), significantly lower than in Namibian donkeys and reports from other countries. Variables that could explain the recorded differences remain to be explored, including animal exposure, variable vector presence, distribution, and feeding preferences. The study results suggest the limited usefulness of dogs as sentinels for WNV monitoring in Namibia.
Epidemiological, Microbiological, and Clinical Characteristics of Multi-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates in King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hafiz Taghreed A. , Bin Essa Eman A. , Alharbi Sarah R. , Alyami Ahmed S. , Alkudmani Zeina S. , Mubaraki Murad A. , Alturki Norah A. , Alotaibi Fawzia
Published: March 2023

Increasing rates of serious multi-drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections have been reported globally, including in Saudi Arabia. This retrospective study investigates the epidemiological, microbiological, and clinical characteristics of multi-resistant P. aeruginosa (n3579 clinical isolates) in King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2019–2021). Information on antimicrobial susceptibility and medical history was collected from the hospital database. P. aeruginosa infections occurred in 55.6% of males and 44.4% of females, and P. aeruginosa was more prevalent in children than in adults. Our analysis showed that P. aeruginosa had the highest sensitivity to amikacin (92.6%) and greatest resistance to aztreonam (29.8%), imipenem (29.5%), ceftazidime (26.1%), meropenem (25.6%), and cefepime (24.3%). MDR and extensively drug resistant (XDR) strains were more prevalent in male than female patients. Female patients showed higher rates of infection with pan-drug resistant (PDR) strains. Respiratory samples contained the majority of resistant isolates. Septic shock and liver disease were strongly correlated with mortality in the ICU patient group after analysing the relative risk associated with mortality. Our study emphasises the threat of multi-resistant P. aeruginosa in Saudi Arabia (and potentially the Middle East) and highlights important sources and contexts of infection that inhibit its effective control and clinical management.
Tungiasis Stigma and Control Practices in a Hyperendemic Region in Northeastern Uganda
Authors: McNeilly Hannah , Thielecke Marlene , Mutebi Francis , Banalyaki Mike , Reichert Felix , Wiese Susanne , Feldmeier Hermann
Published: March 2023

Neglected tropical diseases are known to be highly stigmatized conditions. This study investigates tungiasis-related stigma and control practices in the impoverished Napak District in rural northeastern Uganda, where tungiasis is hyperendemic and effective treatment is unavailable. We conducted a questionnaire survey with the main household caretakers (n = 1329) in 17 villages and examined them for tungiasis. The prevalence of tungiasis among our respondents was 61.0%. Questionnaire responses showed that tungiasis was perceived as a potentially serious and debilitating condition and that tungiasis-related stigma and embarrassment were common. Among the respondents, 42.0% expressed judging attitudes, associating tungiasis with laziness, carelessness, and dirtiness, and 36.3% showed compassionate attitudes towards people with tungiasis. Questionnaire responses further indicated that people made an effort to keep their feet and house floors clean (important tungiasis prevention measures), but lack of water was a common problem in the area. The most frequent local treatment practices were hazardous manual extraction of sand fleas with sharp instruments and application of various and sometimes toxic substances. Reliable access to safe and effective treatment and water are therefore key to reducing the need for dangerous treatment attempts and breaking the vicious cycle of tungiasis stigma in this setting marked by poverty.
Behavior of Adult Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Kinshasa, DRC, and the Implications for Control
Authors: Manzambi Emile Zola , Mbuka Guillaume Binene , Ilombe Gillon , Takasongo Richard Mundeke , Tezzo Francis Wat’senga , del Carmen Marquetti Maria , Metelo Emery , Vanlerberghe Veerle , Bortel Wim Van
Published: March 2023

Yellow fever and chikungunya outbreaks—and a few dengue cases—have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in recent years. However, little is known about the ecology and behavior of the adult disease vector species, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, in DRC. Preliminary studies showed important differences in Aedes behavior in DRC and Latin-American sites. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the host-seeking and resting behaviors of female Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, and their densities in four communes of Kinshasa (Kalamu, Lingwala, Mont Ngafula and Ndjili). Two cross-sectional surveys were carried out, one in the dry season (July 2019) and one in the rainy season (February 2020). We used three different adult vector collection methods: BG-Sentinel 2, BG-GAT, and prokopack. Both Aedes species were clearly exophagic, exophilic, and sought breeding sites outdoors. The adult house index for Ae. aegypti exceeded 55% in all communes except Lingwala, where it was only 27%. The Adult Breteau Index (ABI) for Ae. aegypti was 190.77 mosquitoes per 100 houses inspected in the rainy season and 6.03 in the dry season. For Ae. albopictus, the ABI was 11.79 and 3.52 in the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Aedes aegypti showed unimodal host-seeking activity between 6 h and 21 h. The exophagic and exophilic behaviors of both species point to the need to target adult mosquitoes outdoors when implementing vector control.
Looking inside the Swampland from Warm Inflation: Dissipative Effects in De Sitter Expansion
Authors: Berera Arjun , Calderón-Figueroa Jaime
Published: March 2023

This paper reviews the theoretical and phenomenological implications of the swampland conjectures from the perspective of inflationary cosmology, focusing on warm inflation. We demonstrate how the swampland conjectures appear to favor the strong dissipative regime, giving warm inflation a competitive edge over standard inflation. Additionally, we ponder the possible deeper implications of dissipation for constructing successful inflation models from string theory.
Spatial Economic Analysis of Manufacturing Firms Located in the Vicinity of Cape Town International Airport
Authors: Mokhele Masilonyane , Garatsa Fradreck
Published: March 2023

Manufacturing activities are at the heart of contemporary capitalist economies, with observable geographical patterns of production. Debates about the interconnections between transportation technology advancements and land use acknowledge that airports can influence the spatial distribution of firms, including those involved in manufacturing. However, the manufacturing-related literature describes the land-use mix of airports and their surroundings without an in-depth spatial economic analysis of the firms positioned near airports. This study aimed to conduct a spatial economic analysis of manufacturing firms positioned in the environs of Cape Town International Airport, South Africa. Primary data were collected through survey interviews conducted with the representatives of 23 manufacturing firms situated in the environs of the airport. The study discovered the potential existence of a spatial cluster of manufacturing firms. This cluster is characterized by dense inter- and intraindustry linkages within the study area. It is recommended that planning authorities and other stakeholders augment the clustering of manufacturing firms in the vicinity of Cape Town International Airport, which comprises firms with direct and indirect linkages with the airport.
Expanding the Hepatitis E Virus Toolbox: Selectable Replicons and Recombinant Reporter Genomes
Authors: Oechslin Noémie , Ankavay Maliki , Moradpour Darius , Gouttenoire Jérôme
Published: March 2023

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has received relatively little attention for decades although it is now considered as one of the most frequent causes of acute hepatitis worldwide. Our knowledge of this enterically-transmitted, positive-strand RNA virus and its life cycle remains scarce but research on HEV has gained momentum more recently. Indeed, advances in the molecular virology of hepatitis E, including the establishment of subgenomic replicons and infectious molecular clones, now allow study of the entire viral life cycle and to explore host factors required for productive infection. Here, we provide an overview on currently available systems, with an emphasis on selectable replicons and recombinant reporter genomes. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges in developing new systems which should enable to further investigate this widely distributed and important pathogen.
Plant-Produced Anti-Zika Virus Monoclonal Antibody Glycovariant Exhibits Abrogated Antibody-Dependent Enhancement of Infection
Authors: Yang Ming , Sun Haiyan , Lai Huafang , Neupane Biswas , Bai Fengwei , Steinkellner Herta , Chen Qiang
Published: March 2023

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against the envelope (E) protein of Zika virus (ZIKV) have shown great potential as therapeutics against the Zika epidemics. However, their use as a therapy may predispose treated individuals to severe infection by the related dengue virus (DENV) via antibody-dependent enhancement of infection (ADE). Here, we generated a broadly neutralizing flavivirus mAb, ZV1, with an identical protein backbone but different Fc glycosylation profiles. The three glycovariants, produced in wild-type (WT) and glycoengineered ΔXF Nicotiana benthamiana plants and in Chinese hamster ovary cells (ZV1WT, ZV1ΔXF, and ZV1CHO), respectively, showed equivalent neutralization potency against both ZIKV and DENV. By contrast, the three mAb glycoforms demonstrated drastically different ADE activity for DENV and ZIKV infection. While ZV1CHO and ZV1ΔXF showed ADE activity upon DENV and ZIKV infection, ZV1WT totally forwent its ADE. Importantly, all three glycovariants exhibited antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against virus-infected cells, with increased potency by the fucose-free ZV1ΔXF glycoform. Moreover, the in vivo efficacy of the ADE-free ZV1WT was demonstrated in a murine model. Collectively, we demonstrated the feasibility of modulating ADE by Fc glycosylation, thereby establishing a novel approach for improving the safety of flavivirus therapeutics. Our study also underscores the versatile use of plants for the rapid expression of complex human proteins to reveal novel insight into antibody function and viral pathogenesis.
Developments in Rabies Vaccines: The Path Traversed from Pasteur to the Modern Era of Immunization
Authors: Natesan Krithiga , Isloor Shrikrishna , Vinayagamurthy Balamurugan , Ramakrishnaiah Sharada , Doddamane Rathnamma , Fooks Anthony R.
Published: March 2023

Rabies is a disease of antiquity and has a history spanning millennia ever since the first interactions between humans and dogs. The alarming fatalities caused by this disease have triggered rabies prevention strategies since the first century BC. There have been numerous attempts over the past 100 years to develop rabies vaccineswith the goal of preventing rabies in both humans and animals. Thepre-Pasteurian vaccinologists, paved the way for the actual history of rabies vaccines with the development of first generation vaccines. Further improvements for less reactive and more immunogenic vaccines have led to the expansion of embryo vaccines, tissue culture vaccines, cell culture vaccines, modified live vaccines, inactivated vaccines, and adjuvanted vaccines. The adventof recombinant technology and reverse genetics have given insight into the rabies viral genome and facilitated genome manipulations, which in turn led to the emergence of next-generation rabies vaccines, such as recombinant vaccines, viral vector vaccines, genetically modified vaccines, and nucleic acid vaccines. These vaccines were very helpful in overcoming the drawbacks of conventional rabies vaccines with increased immunogenicity and clinical efficacies. The path traversed in the development of rabies vaccines from Pasteur to the modern era vaccines, though, faced numerous challenges;these pioneering works have formed the cornerstone for the generation of thecurrent successful vaccines to prevent rabies. In the future, advancements in the scientific technologies and research focus will definitely lay the path for much more sophisticated vaccine candidates for rabies elimination.
Improving the Quality of Healthcare Provision Regarding HPV Immunization for Women with CIN2+ Lesions: The Experience of the Veneto Region in Italy
Authors: De Polo Anna , Tonon Michele , Da Re Filippo , Rosafio Sara , Narne Elena , Gentili Davide , Cocchio Silvia , Baldo Vincenzo , Russo Francesca , Buja Alessandra
Published: March 2023

HPV is the most common cause of sexually-transmitted infections the world over. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a healthcare quality improvement strategy designed to increase the rate of vaccination against HPV in women diagnosed with cervical lesions graded as CIN2 or higher (CIN2+) during routine screening. The Veneto Regional Health Service developed a 22-item questionnaire to measure the gap between ideal procedure and real practice regarding the offer of vaccination against HPV for women undergoing routine cervical screening. The questionnaire was administered to nine expert doctors, one at each of the region’s Local Health Units (LHUs). An additional specific assessment concerned the quality of the related web pages available on the LHU websites. Strategies to close the gap between ideal procedure and real practice were decided collegially, and a checklist to support good practices was developed and shared with operators at the LHUs. Changes in practice were measured using data relating to women diagnosed with CIN2+ lesions extracted from the regional oncological screening database before and after the publication of a Regional Procedure on the topic. The LHUs differed considerably in how they managed each step, in terms of training for healthcare personnel, organization and assessment of the pathway from cervical screening to HPV vaccination, and in dedicated website communication. After implementing the quality improvement strategy, the proportion of women given a first dose of HPV vaccine within 3 months of being diagnosed with CIN2+ lesions at 1st-level screening rose to 50% (compared with 30.85% beforehand), and the median time elapsing between a diagnosis of CIN2+ lesion and a first dose of HPV vaccine dropped from 158 to 90 days. These findings underscore the importance of providing training to promote vaccination for general practitioners and other clinicians. The study also confirms the need for more efforts in communication to ensure that any citizen has the opportunity to access preventive healthcare.
Dynamics of a Fractional-Order Delayed Model of COVID-19 with Vaccination Efficacy
Authors: Rihan Fathalla A. , Kandasamy Udhayakumar , Alsakaji Hebatallah J. , Sottocornola Nicola
Published: March 2023

In this study, we provide a fractional-order mathematical model that considers the effect of vaccination on COVID-19 spread dynamics. The model accounts for the latent period of intervention strategies by incorporating a time delay τ. A basic reproduction number, R0, is determined for the model, and prerequisites for endemic equilibrium are discussed. The model’s endemic equilibrium point also exhibits local asymptotic stability (under certain conditions), and a Hopf bifurcation condition is established. Different scenarios of vaccination efficacy are simulated. As a result of the vaccination efforts, the number of deaths and those affected have decreased. COVID-19 may not be effectively controlled by vaccination alone. To control infections, several non-pharmacological interventions are necessary. Based on numerical simulations and fitting to real observations, the theoretical results are proven to be effective.
Summary of the Current Status of African Swine Fever Vaccine Development in China
Authors: Han Naijun , Qu Hailong , Xu Tiangang , Hu Yongxin , Zhang Yongqiang , Ge Shengqiang
Published: March 2023

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly lethal and contagious disease of domestic pigs and wild boars. There is still no credible commercially available vaccine. The only existing one, issued in Vietnam, is actually used in limited quantities in limited areas, for large-scale clinical evaluation. ASF virus is a large complex virus, not inducing full neutralizing antibodies, with multiple genotypes and a lack of comprehensive research on virus infection and immunity. Since it was first reported in China in August 2018, ASF has spread rapidly across the country. To prevent, control, further purify and eradicate ASF, joint scientific and technological research on ASF vaccines has been carried out in China. In the past 4 years (2018–2022), several groups in China have been funded for the research and development of various types of ASF vaccines, achieving marked progress and reaching certain milestones. Here, we have provided a comprehensive and systematic summary of all of the relevant data regarding the current status of the development of ASF vaccines in China to provide a reference for further progress worldwide. At present, the further clinical application of the ASF vaccine still needs a lot of tests and research accumulation.
Analysis of Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Armenta-Déu Carlos , Cortés Hernán
Published: March 2023

The recovery of kinetic energy (KER) in electric vehicles was analyzed and characterized. Two main systems were studied: the use of regenerative brakes, and the conversion of potential energy. The paper shows that potential energy is a potential source of kinetic energy recovery with higher efficiency than the traditional system of regenerative brakes. The study compared the rate of KER in both cases for a BMWi3 electric vehicle operating under specific driving conditions; the results of the analysis showed that potential energy conversion can recover up to 88.2%, while the maximum efficiency attained with the regenerative brake system was 60.1%. The study concluded that in driving situations with sudden and frequent changes of vehicle speed due to traffic conditions, such as in urban routes, the use of regenerative brakes was shown to be the best option for KER; however, in intercity routes, driving conditions favored the use of potential energy as a priority system for KER.
Antimicrobial Activity of Sempervivum tectorum L. Extract on Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Otitis Externa of Dogs
Authors: Dégi Diana Maria , Imre Kálmán , Herman Viorel , Dégi János , Cristina Romeo Teodor , Marcu Adela , Morariu Florica , Muselin Florin
Published: March 2023

The present study investigated the antimicrobial activity, total phenolic content, and proanthocyanidin concentration of ethanolic extracts from fresh leaves of Sempervivum tectorum L. The extracts were phytochemically analyzed and evaluated for antimicrobial activity. The broth microdilution method was used to assess antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria isolated from ear swabs taken from dogs with otitis externa. Many compounds were present in the ethanolic aqueous extracts, which exhibited a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. They showed strong antibacterial activity against standard clinical Gram-positive strains such as S. aureus and Gram-negative strains such as P. aeruginosa. In our study, the obtained quantity of total phenolic compounds in the ethanol:water extract of leaves was 126.17 mg GAE/g. The proanthocyanidin concentration in the tested Sempervivum tectorum L. extracts was 15.39 mg PAC/g material. The high contents of total phenolics and proanthocyanidin indicated that these compounds contribute to antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial activity of the tested S. tectorum L. extracts ranged from 1.47 to 63.75 µg/mL, starting with 1.47 µg/mL and 1.75 µg/mL against S. aureus ATCC 25923 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 strains, respectively. Likewise, S. tectorum L. ethanol extract demonstrated a bacteriostatic effect against S. aureus clinical isolate with a median MIC of 23.25 µg/mL and MBC of 37.23 µg/mL; and bactericidal against S. aureus ATCC 25923 with the median MIC of 20.33 µg/mL and MBC of 37.29 µg/mL. In the Gram-negative P. aeruginosa clinical and standard strains, the expressed MIC and MBC values were 24.234 and 20.53 µg/mL for MIC, and 37.30 and 37.02 µg/mL for MBC, respectively.
Risk Assessment of Dissolved Trace Elements and Heavy Metals in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, China
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Xiong Fei , Zhai Dongdong , Liu Hongyan , Duan Xinbin , Chen Daqing , Jiang Wei , Li Bo
Published: March 2023

The Yangtze River Basin, one of China’s five major watersheds and a primary source of drinking water for the country, is experiencing serious environmental pollution as heavy metals are discharged into its rivers. To evaluate the water quality of the river, determined water quality parameters were compared with the maximum permissible limit values recommended by the World Health Organization and Chinese drinking water standards. Physical and chemical analyses were conducted on water samples taken from 19 locations along the river’s path. The study quantified the contents of sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), scandium (Sc) and mercury (Hg). The results show that the average values of Mg, Sr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Sc are higher than the historical background values. Moreover, through a correlation analysis it was concluded that these nutrients and trace metals have high values due to anthropogenic pollution in the study area. The computed WQI values range between 9.59 and 20.26, indicating excellent water quality in the river basin. Finally, hazard quotient (HQ) values show that exposure to the detected pollutants will have no adverse effects on human health and does not pose a potential non-carcinogenic risk.
Freshwater Salinization Impacts the Interspecific Competition between Microcystis and Scenedesmus
Authors: Gao Tianheng , Li Yinkang , Xue Wenlei , Pan Yueqiang , Zhu Xuexia
Published: March 2023

Freshwater salinization is a growing environmental issue caused by various anthropic or natural factors that lead to changes in water chemistry and physical conditions, affecting the survival and diversity of phytoplankton. In this study, we tested the physiological, morphological and interspecific competition of the freshwater cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and the green algae Scenedesmus obliquus to salinity stress. Results demonstrated that increasing salinity had a significant negative effect on the growth of M. aeruginosa and S. obliquus. M. aeruginosa showed a decline in growth rate with increasing salinity, while S. obliquus showed a lower growth rate under salinity stress but with no significant difference between the two salinity groups. In cocultures, S. obliquus outcompeted M. aeruginosa, and the displacement was accelerated with increasing salinity. The photosynthetic performance of both algae was affected by salinity, the presence of competitors, and the cultivation time. S. obliquus showed morphological variations under salinity stress and the presence of a competitor. The study suggests that salinity stress and competition can have a significant impact on the growth and performance of algae species. The findings of our study suggest that the salinization of freshwater can impact the interspecific interactions among phytoplankton, which play a crucial role in the functioning of freshwater ecosystems.
Multi-Analytical Approach to Evaluate Elements and Chemical Alterations in Pteris vittata Plants Exposed to Arsenic
Authors: Capobianco Giuseppe , Antenozio Maria Luisa , Bonifazi Giuseppe , Brunetti Patrizia , Cardarelli Maura , Cestelli Guidi Mariangela , Pronti Lucilla , Serranti Silvia
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was the development of a new multi-analytical approach to evaluate chemical alterations and differences in the element content in relation to arsenic (As) in the As hyperaccumulator fern P. vittata. P. vittata plants were grown on two natural As-rich soils with either high or moderate As (750 and 58 mg/kg). Dried samples from plant tissues were then analysed by means of micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ-XRF), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and hyperspectral imaging (HSI) with a multivariate approach. The As and micro- and macronutrients content was evaluated by μ-XRF and a significant correlation between As, potassium (K), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca) and manganese (Mn) contents were found at both moderate and high As levels. The same samples were then analysed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and HSI (SWIR range, 1000–2500 nm). Interestingly, by FTIR analysis it was found that the main differences between the control and the As-contaminated samples are due to the intensity of the absorption band related to polysaccharides (i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin), lignin, lipid and amide groups. The same chemical alterations were detected by an HSI analysis and all the FTIR and HSI data were validated by a PCA analysis. These results suggest a possible complexation of As ions with the amide group. Moreover, the proposed μ-XRF, HSI and ATR-FTIR combining approach could be a promising strategy to monitor in-field phytoremediation approaches by directly controlling the As content in plants.
Nitrogen Removal for Low Concentration Ammonium Wastewater by Adsorption, Shortcut Simultaneous Nitrification and Denitrification Process in MBBR
Authors: Wang Liangkai , Mao Xinyu , Hamoud Yousef Alhaj , Zhu Ningyuan , Shao Xiaohou , Wang Qilin , Shaghaleh Hiba
Published: March 2023

Excessive discharge of ammonia nitrogen wastewater from intensive aquaculture has worsened in recent years. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an effective and energy-saving denitrification technology. This study intends to adopt a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) to remove ammonia nitrogen through the combination of adsorption and shortcut simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND). The research focuses on the operational parameters and regeneration mechanism of the MBBR adsorption-shortcut SND process. The optimal operating parameters in the adsorption stage were a hydraulic retention time of 8 h and an agitation rate of 120 r/min. For the shortcut SND stage, the ideal optimal parameters were two times alkalinity and dissolved oxygen (DO) 1.0 mg/L. Under optimal operating parameters conditions, the SND rate, TN removal rate, NH4+-N removal rate and nitrite accumulation rate were 89.1%, 84.0%, 94.3%, and 86.4%, respectively. The synergetic actions of ion exchange and microorganisms were the main driving force for regenerating ceramsite zeolite components. The synergistic inhibitory effect of high-concentration free ammonia and low-level DO on nitrite-oxidizing bacteria was the key to achieving stable and efficient NO2−-N accumulation. NO2−-N produced in shortcut nitrification entered the ceramsite through complex mass transfer, and denitrifying bacteria can reduce these NO2−-N to N2.
Hydrological–Thermal Coupling Simulation of Silty Clay during Unidirectional Freezing Based on the Discrete Element Method
Authors: Shan Wei , Qu Shiyao , Guo Ying
Published: March 2023

A hydrological–thermal coupling discrete element model depicting the unidirectional freezing process of unsaturated silty clay was developed in order to investigate the migration law of unfrozen water in unsaturated silty clay under unidirectional freezing circumstances. The model uses the contact heat transfer equation to calculate the heat transfer process while taking into account the latent heat of phase transition. To obtain the silty clay’s freezing characteristic curve, the model combines the unfrozen water content curve with the Clausius–Clapeyron equation. The water migration from the unfrozen zone to the frozen zone was calculated using Harlan’s model and the frozen fringe hypothesis. The discrete element application MatDEM 3.0 was used to incorporate the mathematical model for computation, and the output was compared to the result of indoor unidirectional freezing tests. The soil closest to the stable freezing front had the largest water content, according to the findings of numerical modeling and laboratory testing, and unfrozen water in the soil would move from the unfrozen zone to the frozen zone under the action of water potential difference. The results of laboratory tests and numerical simulations can accurately describe the temperature variation and water migration of soil during freezing, demonstrating the accuracy of the established discrete element model and proving the viability of the discrete element method in the study of frozen soil.
Process and Material Analysis of Laser- and Convection-Dried Silicon–Graphite Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Wolf Sebastian , Garbade Laura , Göken Vinzenz , Tien Rebekka , Börner Markus , Neb Daniel , Heimes Heiner Hans
Published: March 2023

Drying electrodes is very cost-intensive as it is characterized by high energy and space consumption. Laser drying is considered a promising alternative process due to direct energy input and lower operating costs. However, it is unclear whether the same product and process quality can be achieved with laser drying. Silicon–graphite anodes with different silicon contents were processed using either a high-power diode laser or a convection oven. The laser-drying process was investigated using thermography, and the effect of laser drying on the electrode quality was examined using adhesion and residual moisture measurements. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis, SEM images and electrical conductivity were used to analyse the laser- and convection-dried anodes. It was shown that silicon–graphite anodes can also be manufactured using laser drying, with a significant reduction in drying time of over 80%.
Framework and Classification of Battery System Architectures
Authors: Kampker Achim , Heimes Heiner Hans , Offermanns Christian , Vienenkötter Janis , Robben Tobias
Published: March 2023

In this paper, battery system architectures are methodologically derived in order to find the key type differences. In a first step, the system levels are identified and distinguished. In order to be able to completely cover the solution space of battery system architectures, a distinction is also made between mono- and multifunctional materials. Based on the system levels, a framework for possible architectures is derived. Four system architecture generations with a total of eight different types are identified and analyzed in the dimensions “Nomenclature”, “Approach”, “Omitted Components” and “Industry Examples”. In this way, upcoming system architectures, such as cell-to-pack and cell-to-chassis, can be clearly differentiated. Finally, fundamental product characteristics for the four system generations are derived and compared.
Current problems of currency operations in foreign economic activities
Authors:   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow. National University of Science and Technology MISIS, Moscow, Khudzhatov M. B. , Vakhrushev V. Y. ,   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow. National University of Science and Technology MISIS, Moscow
Published: March 2023

International trade in goods is one of the most important tools for the development of the world economy. International trade meets the needs of the countries of the world in various goods, the production of which is absent in this country or does not fully satisfy domestic demand. Almost all countries in the world are interested in the development of international trade in goods. On the one hand, countries provide domestic needs through international trade. On the other hand, commodity supplies to international markets contribute to the infl ow of foreign exchange earnings into the country, the establishment of international economic relations and, in general, can ensure the economic growth of the country. The main tool for the development of international trade is the foreign economic activity of organizations from around the world. Organizations engaged in foreign economic activity provide world markets with the necessary goods and services. At the same time, the exchange of goods and services at the international level is impossible without foreign exchange transactions. In international trade, most foreign exchange transactions are carried out through bank transfers through the international SWIFT system. In 2022, the main banks of Russia were disconnected from the SWIFT system as a result of the imposition of sanctions, which became a serious obstacle for Russian organizations engaged in foreign economic activity. The article analyzes the problems of currency transactions in the implementation of foreign economic activity, based on which specific proposals have been developed that will contribute to the development of foreign economic activity of Russian organizations. The problems of foreign exchange transactions caused by the imposition of sanctions against the Russian banking sector can be resolved by switching to the currencies of “friendly” countries when concluding international sales transactions, taking into account the trade balance indicators with the country of the foreign counterparty. If a Russian organization is both an exporter and an importer of goods or services, then it is recommended that foreign exchange transactions be carried out under sanctions by off setting counterclaims.
Prospects of development of the digital financial assets market in Russia for investors
Authors:   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics (PRUE named after G.V. Plekhanov), Moscow, Kornienko D. O.
Published: March 2023

In recent years, the market of digital fi nancial assets has attracted increasing interest from various groups of investors, including institutional ones, as well as issuers, who want to participate in such an innovative tool. However, due to the lack of the necessary infrastructure and regulatory environment, such participation remains extremely diffi cult. It is necessary to identify the key missing elements in infrastructure and government regulation that hinder the full development of the digital fi nancial assets market and make it difficult for a wide range of investors to participate in this market. It is important to work out the issue regarding the implementation of placements of digital fi nancial assets to a wide range of market investors — this will allow reaching a new level of relations with issuers and investors in the information environment. To do this, it is necessary to create a favorable regulatory environment and infrastructure, which will allow digital fi nancial assets to become a full-fl edge and technologically advanced instrument of the Russian fi nancial market. The use of digital fi nancial assets will allow Russian corporate issuers to reduce the cost of fi nancial borrowing in the Russian debt market and will help increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the Russian fi nancial system as a whole. This article describes the Russian market of digital fi nancial assets and its regulatory framework and infrastructure foundation, and also refl ects the problem of participation of institutional investors in issues of digital financial assets, presents solutions and main directions for the development of this market to attract a wide range of participants to it, including both investors and issuers.
The study of mouthwashes’ effect on oral microbiota
Authors: Tokmakova S. I. , Bondarenko O. V. , Lunitsyna Yu. V. , Zhukova E. S. , Mokrenko E. V. , Gaidarova T. A. , Yarovaia A. O.
Published: March 2023

Relevance.Mouthwashes occupy a special place among the oral hygiene products range for their wide prevalence and high effectiveness. At the same time, their unreasonable use can lead to an oral microbial imbalance for the pronounced antimicrobial activity of the mouthwashes.

Aim.To evaluate the effect of mouthwashes with various preservative systems on the normal oral microbiota quantity and to assess the possible risk of dysbiotic changes if used regularly for prevention purposes.

Material and methods.The study examined the antimicrobial properties of nine experimental samples of mouth-washes developed for home oral care. The study included 110 healthy volunteers and collected 2 ml of unstimulated saliva from the subjects before toothbrushing and 5, 30, 60 and 180 minutes after rinsing with a test product for 1.5-2 minutes. The microbiological laboratory plated saliva samples and counted the number of colony-forming units. The results were statistically processed.

Results.The analysis of the average microbiota levels for all the products at various time points revealed that the number of viable bacteria in the oral cavity decreased by no more than 1.5 orders of magnitude, except for 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash. This decrease is short-term, and for most mouthwashes, there were no statistically significant differences in the number of colony-forming units in 60-180 minutes compared to the baseline.

Conclusion.All the tested samples of mouthwashes do not significantly affect the microbiota and, consequently, can be recommended for daily home oral care practice.
La caducidad y la prescripción en el tráfico jurídico
Authors: Mendoza Medina Jonny Gustavo , Loor Morales María José , Loor Párraga Jeniffer Julliet
Published: March 2023

El presente trabajo entraña el propósito de hacer un análisis de contraste entre la prescripción y la caducidad como instituciones jurídicas, que en esencia, cumplen un rol extintivo, ya sea, desde el marco de la extinción de las acciones civiles desde la perspectiva de la consumación de las obligaciones sustantivas que se generan en la órbita contractual, extracontractual u otra causa admisible en el derecho, o en efecto, la extinción del derecho de acción, o restricción del poder potestativo público de comparecer al órgano jurisdiccional en demanda de la materialización de sus derechos. Asimismo, sus orígenes, características y su incuestionable incidencia tanto en tráfico de las relaciones jurídicas, ya sea, en el ámbito del interés público o privado.