bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Antenna Heterogeneity and Activity of the Oxygen-Evolving Complex of Photosystem II Using Mathematical Methods
Authors: Degtereva N. S , Plyusnina T. Yu , Khrushchev S. S , Chervitsov R. N , Voronova E. N , Yakovleva O. V , Antal T. K , Riznichenko G. Yu , Rubin A. B
Published: September 2024

Photosystem II is one of the main pigment-protein complexes of photosynthesis, which is highly sensitive to unfavorable environmental factors. Heterogeneity of properties in photosystem II is a key factor for the resistance of autotrophic organisms to stress factors. Assessment of the photosystem II heterogeneity can be used in environmental monitoring for rapid detection of environmental pollution. The paper presents an integrated approach for assessing the heterogeneity of photosystem II, based on a mathematical analysis of the shape of the chlorophyll a fluorescence induction curve of samples treated with 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea using a mathematical model and the parameters from the JIP-test. Fluorescence induction curves obtained for treated samples from Chlorella, Scenedesmus, Ankistrodesmus, Pleurochloris, and Stichococcus cell cultures grown under 8 and 16 W·m–2 of light intensities were analyzed. For all cases, the relationship between reaction centers and different antenna sizes (alpha and beta centers) was assessed, and the part of active and inactive oxygen-releasing complexes was determined.
Photochemical Energy Conversion of Far-Red Light in Photosystem I Reaction Centers from Cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina
Authors: Petrova A. A , Casazza A. P. , Santabarbara S. , Cherepanov D. A
Published: September 2024

Conversion of near-infrared light energy by photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes has been the focus of intensive research in recent years because of the discovery of cyanobacteria with photosynthetic apparatus, which contains chlorophyll f and d that can absorb long-wave light. Among these cyanobacteria, Acaryochloris marina occupies a special place. Its photosystem I contains predominantly chlorophyll d, it is the component of the special P740 pair with the absorption spectrum shifted to the red region by 40 nm. This causes a decrease in the energy of the excited state of the special P740 pair by ~0.1 eV as opposed to photosystem I that contains chlorophyll a molecules. The complexes of photosystem I from A. Marina have some other particularities; they are: four molecules of chlorophyll a of the reaction center are replaced by chlorophyll d molecules, and the third pair of chlorophyll a molecules involved in electron transfer is replaced by pheophytin a molecules. The presence of spectrally diverse cofactors (chlorophyll d and pheophytin a molecules) has made it possible to reliably identify the intermediate compounds of the primary reactions of primary charge separation in photosystem I. This review presents the findings of a research study on photochemical energy conversion in the reaction centers of photosystem I from A. marina and potential mechanisms that compensate energy losses during the utilization of low-energy far-red light for photo-synthesis.
The Effect of Cationic Antiseptics on Spectral Characteristics and Electron Transport in Isolated Photosynthetic Complexes of Photosystems I and II
Authors: Pashchenko V. Z , Lukashev E. P , Mamedov M. D , Gvozdev D. A , Korvatovsky B. N , Knox P. P , Strahovskaya M. G
Published: September 2024

The effects of cationic antiseptics (used in micromolar concentrations) on active PS II core complexes isolated from spinach plants with an intact water oxidation complex and on PS I core complexes from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 were studied. Out of the antiseptics studied (miramistin, chlorhexidine, octenidine and picloxidine) octenidine had the greatest effect. It was concluded that it exerts its action on PS II primarily through the influence on the structure of the light-harvesting antenna (CP43 and CP47) that deliver excitation energy to the reaction center. As a result, the chlorophyll molecules in this structure are destabilized and their optical and functional characteristics change. Similar effects were also observed in cyanobacterial PS I complexes. In addition, the antiseptic influenced the rate of the establishment of the equilibrium distribution of excited states across spectral forms in the antenna complex of PS I. A significant effect of octenidine on the electron transfer rate in the PS I complex was also found: in its presence, the recombination of photo-separated charges between the photoactive pigment P700 and the terminal acceptor FA/FB occurs twice as fast.
Study of the Influence of Physicochemical Factors on Frequency of Plasmid Transduction by Bacteriophage RB49
Authors: Nikulina A. N , Nikulin N. A , Zimin A. A
Published: September 2024

The T4-related bacteropihage RB49 is capable of generalized transduction of plasmids at a relatively high frequency. Due to this mechanism, bacteria can obtain the ability to adapt to varying environmental conditions and survive in new ecological niches. The effect of pH, temperature and long-wave ultraviolet irradiation (λ = 366 nm) on the characteristics of the RB49 phage preparation containing transducing particles with pTurboGFP-B plasmid DNA and virulent particles which have their own DNA. The data were obtained for the changes in the titer of virulent particles and the frequency of transduction of the pTurboGFP-B plasmid by the RB49 phage. Two hours after exposure of the pTurboGFP-B plasmid to UV radiation, the frequency of plasmid transduction by the RB49 phage increased by a factor of ~3. Also, after 40 min storage of the phage in ice, the number of transducing particles produced was many folds greater. Based on the data gathered in the experiment, it is suggested that transducing particles of the RB49 phage can be more resistant to longwave UV radiation and temperatures close to 0°C than virulent particles and are able to provide the transduction process more effectively than under normal conditions. Similar processes may occur in well-lit water bodies including cold-water reservoirs where the phages related to RB49 can be found. This might be an indication of the potential of more intense horizontal gene transfer in aquatic ecotopes than previously thought.
Effects of Caffeic Acid, Hispidin and the Discovered Stimulating Component on Luminescence of Mycelium and a Luminescent System of Basidiomycete Neonothopanus nambi
Authors: Ronzhin N. O , Posokhina E. D , Le V. M , Mogilnaya O. A , Zakharova Yu. V , Sukhikh A. S , Bondar V. S
Published: September 2024

In vivo studies have revealed that the addition of caffeic acid and a low-molecular-weight compound, a bioluminescence stimulator, discovered in our research, to the mycelium of the luminous fungus Neonothopanus nambi leads to a rapid and significant (by an order of magnitude or more) increase in the intensity of its light emission. It has been suggested that the observed effect of activation of fungal bioluminescence may be mediated by the oxidation of added substances by enzymes of the ligninolytic complex of basidiomycetes (in particular, peroxidases) with the emission of visible light quanta. Parallel in vivo experiments showed that additions of hispidin (a luciferin precursor in the luminous higher fungi) have no effect on the light emission intensity of the mycelium. At the same time, in vitro studies have reported that caffeic acid and the detected lowmolecular luminescence stimulator do not affect the level of light emission of the enzyme luminescent system isolated from the N. nambi mycelium in the presence of NADPH and significantly suppress the emission reaction of the system activated by NADPH and hispidin. A set of data collected demonstrate that different biochemical pathways present in the luminous higher fungi and different enzymes (or enzyme systems) and different substrates are involved in generation of visible light quanta.
Unique Features of the Luminescent Mushroom Mycena gombakensis
Authors: Puzyr A. P , Posokhina E. D , Timofeev A. A , Burov A. E , Medvedeva S. E , Pavlov I. N
Published: September 2024

The paper presents the results of study on the luminescent system of the culture of the fungus Mycena gombakensis derived out of wood samples. The changes on samples stored for duration of 10 years in non-sterile conditions and the dynamics of luminescent signals are described. A phylogenetic approach was used to recognize fungal species. A number of unique features of M. gombakensis are presented expanding the understanding of the properties of luminescent fungi. Research data indicate that M. gombakensis can potentially be used both in biotechnology and in the study of biophysics of the complex system of basidiomycetes.
Measurements of Photochemical Reflectance Index as a Tool for Remote Monitoring of Photosynthetic Parameters of Plants
Authors: Zolin Yu. A , Sukhova E. M , Sukhov V. S
Published: September 2024

The development of remote and proximal sensing techniques for early detection of photosynthetic responses under action of stressors is an important agricultural and environmental task. The photochemical reflectance index (PRI), typically calculated on the basis of the reflected light at 531 and 570 nm, is potentially sensitive to rapid changes in photosynthesis under unfavorable conditions. Mechanisms of PRI changes are thought to include chloroplast shrinkage and aggregation of light-harvesting complexes, transitions in the xanthophyll cycle, and changes in chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations, making PRI difficult to be applied for monitoring plant health. Light measurement, the study of light-induced changes in PRI, and the analysis of modified PRIs are the ways for improving the efficiency of the application of PRI. Other ways may also favor improvement of the efficiency (for example, the development of methods of PRI estimation based on RGB imaging). The development of PRI measurement and analysis techniques holds significant promise for monitoring photosynthetic responses of plants to stressed environments.
Underwater Measurements of Transmitted Light Spectra in Stratified Water Bodies on the White Sea Coast as a Key to the Understanding of Pigment Composition of Phototrophs in the Chemocline Zone
Authors: Labunskaya E. A , Voronov D. A , Lobyshev V. I , Krasnova E. D
Published: September 2024

Measurements of the spectral composition of light at the boundary of the photic zone in seven coastal bodies of water, to varying degrees separated from the sea, exposed to the sea and freshwater lake showed that in marine and brackish water bodies green light is predominantly transmitted, and in lakes the top layer of which is freshwater, orange, red and far red light is absorbed. In meromictic reservoirs, the photic zone was limited by a colored layer of water with the massive development of phototrophic microorganisms. Their pigment composition and the spectral composition of transmitted light are well matched. The sea bays and lagoons were dominated by taxa with red pigments: phycoerythrin-545 from cryptophyte algae, or purple sulfur bacteria with the carotenoid okenone, or brown-colored green sulfur bacteria with isorenieratin and bacteriochlorophyll e. In the lakes the top layer of which is freshwater, unicellular algae or green sulfur bacteria with chlorobactene and bacteriochlorophyll d developed. The spectral range can serve as a selective factor that determines the composition of the community of phototrophs with structurally different antennas, but similar light absorption spectra.
Long-Term Luminescence Kinetics of Erythrosine in Breast Tissue in vitro
Authors: Letuta S. N , Ishemgulov A. T , Senchukova M. A
Published: September 2024

The kinetics of delayed fluorescence and phosphorescence of the photosensitizer erythrosine in fragments of normal tissues and malignant breast tumors of patients at an oncology clinic was studied in vitro. It has been shown that the kinetics of delayed fluorescence of the dye is formed as a superposition of signals of thermally activated luminescence and luminescence resulting from singlet-triplet annihilation of photosensitizer molecules and singlet oxygen. The quenching of the annihilation component of delayed fluorescence was discovered when molecules were excited by a series of n pulses with a frequency of 5–10 Hz. The shape of the delayed fluorescence curve, the intensity and duration of the afterglow of dye molecules are determined by the ratio of the rates of consumption/regeneration of oxygen content in tissues. A correlation between delayed fluorescence indicators and the clinical and morphological characteristics of tumors has been established, and the application of the results in rapid optical diagnostics of tissues is discussed.
The Influence of Salivary Constituents on the Activity of Bioluminescent Double Enzyme-Based System Depending on the Type of Physical Exertion
Authors: Malysheva V. V , Stepanova L. V , Vyshedko A. M , Bel’skaya L. V , Sarf E. A , Khaljanova Z. , Kolenchukova O. A , Kratasyuk V. A
Published: September 2024

The saliva of athletes participating in anaerobic (track and field athletes) or aerobic (swimmers) physical activity was studied. Saliva sample was collected before (control) and after the workout. It was found that physical activity significantly increased the salivary total protein concentration and pH values in the athletes. The activity of catalase in saliva was significantly increased only after aerobic, but not anaerobic exercise performance. The bioluminescent indicator of athletes’ saliva is significantly higher during aerobic workout than anaerobic exercise. Salivary biomarkers such as lactate concentration, catalase activity, total protein concentration, calcium, potassium, magnesium ions, and the amide IV group may have a significant effect on the enhancement of light emission in a bioluminescent assay based on a system of coupled enzymatic reaction. The amide IV group and the presence of the salivary oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, phosphatase, and phospholipids in athletes during anaerobic physical activity can eliminate bioluminescence more efficiently than the concentration of triene conjugates and the amide II group in the saliva of athletes involved in aerobic exercises. Thus, significant biomarkers for the measurement of the physiological status of athletes who engaged in aerobic or anaerobic physical activity have been identified in saliva, these biomarkers can influence the integrated response of the bioluminescent enzymatic biotest. The change in the integrated bioluminescent indicator of athletes' saliva depending on the type of physical exertion can be used in sports medicine to prevent physical overload.
Effect of TRO19622 (Olesoxime) on the Functional Activity of Isolated Mitochondria and Cell Viability
Authors: Ilzorkina A. I , Belosludtseva N. V , Semenova A. A , Dubinin M. V , Belosludtsev K. N
Published: September 2024

TRO19622 (olesoxime), a cholesterol-like cytoprotector, is an experimental drug developed as a potential treatment for a range of incurable degenerative diseases. Recent studies have shown that the main molecular targets of this compound in the cell are porins of the outer mitochondrial membrane, which play a crucial role in regulating the exchange of metabolites between mitochondria and the rest of the cell. Disruption of this channel activity may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction in healthy cells. In this study, key indicators of mitochondrial function and the viability of cells in cultures after incubation with TRO19622 were assessed. It was found that TRO19622 at 15–30 μM concentrations inhibits the coupled and uncoupled respiration rates in isolated mitochondria (state 3 rate and 3UDNP) with succinate as substrate, but does not affect the enzymatic activity of respiratory chain complexes I–IV. It was shown that TRO19622 at the studied doses has no effect on the rate of H2O2 formation in mitochondria and the calcium retention capacity index, which reflects the resistance of the organelles to the calcium-dependent nonspecific pore opening. Incubation of human skin fibroblasts and mammary adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) with 30 μM TRO19622 for 48 h has no impact on ROS production and cell viability. How TRO19622 works in the oxidative phosphorylation system and therapeutic prospects for using this mitochondrial-targeted agent are discussed.
Theta Oscillations and Comparator Function of the Hippocampus
Authors: Kitchigina V. F
Published: September 2024

Responses triggered by change/novelty of the stimuli are fundamental to adaptive behavior. By comparing the current observation with the previous one, living organisms can make predictions and change their actions. Brain mechanisms and its structures involved in the comparator function have not yet been fully elucidated. The evidence accumulated emphasizes the particular importance of the hippocampus in the comparator system; it is shown that novelty detection is carried out by hippocampal neurons through the implementation of the match-mismatch mechanism or divergence. This paper includes information on existing hypotheses that propose how these mechanisms are implemented, what other brain structures are involved in mismatch detection, how they are connected to the hippocampus, and what processes contribute to this function. It is assumed, in particular, that it is not novelty per se, but rather that one that contrasts with previously acquired experience and initiates the process of divergence. The arguments are analyzed that the theta rhythm plays a key role in the functioning of the hippocampus as a comparator. Theta oscillations caused by the appearance of a new signal/change in the environment, mediate, in particular, the mechanism of temporal coordination of structures involved in the comparator function. In the comparator system, the theta rhythm acts as a filter: it participates in the selection and transmission of a new signal to registration of information in the hippocampus. Increases in theta oscillations and their coherence in brain structures that process new information serve as a signal of mismatch, facilitating a change in behavioral strategy. Gamma-oscillations, like the theta rhythm, also play a significant role in the comparator system: during generation of the theta rhythm in the prefrontal cortex, temporal coincidence of gamma-oscillations in other brain regions with certain phase of the thetha cycle may serve as the comparator function in the process of memorization. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the comparator function or mechanisms of its damage will give us a better idea about the treatment of disorders, such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, temporal lobe epilepsy and many others.
Study of the Cardioprotective Properties of Uridine-5'-Monophosphate and Uridine in a Rat Model of Myocardial Damage Induced by Isoprenaline
Authors: Belosludtseva N. V , Uryupina T. A , Khurtin D. A , Khunderyakova N. V , Mironova G. D
Published: September 2024

The effects of uridine and its monophosphoryl derivative both on the level of the main biochemical markers of myocardial damage in the blood and the electrical activity of the heart were investigated in a rat model of cardiomyopathy induced by isoprenaline. It was shown that the administration of isoprenaline (150 mg/kg, subcutaneously) caused an increase in the activity of serum enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), leading to the elevated AST/ALT ratio or De Ritis ratio, and enhanced activity of lactate dehydrogenase in blood lymphocytes, which confirms the development of myocardial damage in experimental animals. ECG analysis has revealed prolonged RR, P-R, QT, QTc intervals and QRS complex, which indicates that the duration of depolarization and repolarization phases increases relative to the duration of the cardiac cycle in rats with isoprenaline-induced myocardial damage. Preliminary administration of uridine and uridine-5'-monophosphate to experimental animals at a dose of 30 mg/kg equally effectively prevented an increase in the enzymatic activity of AST and the De Ritis ratio, led to a decrease in the duration of P-R, QRS, QT and QTc intervals as well as to partial normalization of metabolic activity of rat blood lymphocytes. These findings suggest that uridine and uridine-5'-monophosphate have a similar protective effect on the contractile function of cardiomyocytes and can be used as agents for metabolic therapy in the treatment of ischemic heart disease.
The Effect of Synchronizing the Human Heart Rhythm with Geomagnetic Field Variations: Are There Distinguished Frequencies?
Authors: Zenchenko T. A , Khorseva N. I , Stankevich A. A
Published: September 2024

Ongoing research continues to explore the phenomenology of the effect of synchronization between oscillations of a human resting heart rate and variations of the geomagnetic field in the period range 3–40 minutes. A total of 508 experiments have been conducted for the period 2012–2023 (each experiment lasted 100–120 minutes) to monitor the minute indicators of heart rate for three healthy women (55, 45, and 30 years old). 328, 113, and 67 measurements were made, respectively. The results indicate that, for each of these three volunteers, approximately 60% of the experiments yielded a wavelet spectrum of heart rate values that closely resembled the spectrum of synchronous variations of at least one of the horizontal components of the geomagnetic field (X or Y). Additionally, within the investigated frequency range of 3–40 minutes, three subbands were identified and in these sub-bands, the degree of synchrony of oscillations was maximal: 3.5 minutes, 10–12 minutes and 33–36 minutes. It can be concluded that the effect of biogeosynchronization is not uniformly implemented over the entire range from 3 to 40 minutes, but it is mainly evident in these sub-bands.
Scrapers of marine and passing fish of Southeastern Sakhalin, based on research results in 2019–2021
Authors: Frolov E. V. , Novokreschennykh S. V. , Zavarzina N. K. , Korneev E. S.
Published: September 2024

The results of parasitological studies on marine and freshwater fish captured in the waters of the southeastern coast of Sakhalin Island in 2019 to 2021 are presented. As a result of original research, 10 species of spiny-headed worms from 29 species of fish are recorded.
Effect of bioceramic inclusions on gel-cast aliphatic polymer membranes for bone tissue engineering applications: An in vitro study
Authors: Nayak Vasudev Vivekanand , Bergamo Edmara T.P. , Sanjairaj Vijayavenkataraman , Behera Rakesh Kumar , Gupta Nikhil , Coelho Paulo G. , Witek Lukasz
Published: September 2024

Background

Polylactic acid (PLA) has been extensively used in tissue engineering. However, poor mechanical properties and low cell affinity have limited its pertinence in load bearing bone tissue regeneration (BTR) devices.

Objective

Augmenting PLA with β-Tricalcium Phosphate (β-TCP), a calcium phosphate-based ceramic, could potentially improve its mechanical properties and enhance its osteogenic potential.

Methods

Gels of PLA and β-TCP were prepared of different % w/w ratios through polymer dissolution in acetone, after which polymer-ceramic membranes were synthesized using the gel casting workflow and subjected to characterization.

Results

Gel-cast polymer-ceramic constructs were associated with significantly higher osteogenic capacity and calcium deposition in differentiated osteoblasts compared to pure polymer counterparts. Immunocytochemistry revealed cell spreading over the gel-cast membrane surfaces, characterized by trapezoidal morphology, distinct rounded nuclei, and well-aligned actin filaments. However, groups with higher ceramic loading expressed significantly higher levels of osteogenic markers relative to pure PLA membranes. Rule of mixtures and finite element models indicated an increase in theoretical mechanical strength with an increase in β-TCP concentration.

Conclusion

This study potentiates the use of PLA/β-TCP composites in load bearing BTR applications and the ability to be used as customized patient-specific shape memory membranes in guided bone regeneration.
Promotion of maturation in CDM3-induced embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes by palmitic acid
Authors: Mu Junsheng , Gao Zhen , Bo Ping , You Bin
Published: September 2024

Background

Myocardial infarction leads to myocardial necrosis, and cardiomyocytes are non-renewable. Fatty acid-containing cardiomyocyte maturation medium promotes maturation of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

Objective

To study the effect palmitic acid on maturation of cardiomyocytes derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to optimize differentiation for potential treatment of myocardial infarction by hESCs.

Methods

hESCs were differentiated into cardiomyocytes using standard chemically defined medium 3 (CDM3). Up to day 20 of differentiation, 200 Mm palmitic acid were added, and then the culture was continued for another 8 days to mimic the environment in which human cardiomyocytes mainly use fatty acids as the main energy source. Light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and cellular ATP assays, were carried out to analyze the expression of relevant cardiomyocyte-related genes, cell morphology, metabolism levels, and other indicators cardiomyocyte maturity.

Results

Cardiomyocytes derived from hESCs under exogenous palmitic acid had an elongated pike shape and a more regular arrangement. Sarcomere stripes were clear, and the cells color was clearly visible. The cell perimeter and elongation rate were also increased. Myogenic fibers were abundant, myofibrillar z-lines were regularly, the numbers of mitochondria and mitochondrial cristae were higher, more myofilaments were observed, and the structure of round-like discs was occasionally seen. Expression of mature cardiomyocyte-associated genes TNNT2, MYL2 and MYH6, and cardiomyocyte-associated genes KCNJ4, RYR2,and PPARα, was upregulated ( p < 0.05). Expression of MYH7, MYL7, KCND2, KCND3, GJA1 and TNNI1 genes was unaffected ( p > 0.05). Expression of mature cardiomyocyte-associated sarcomere protein MYL2 was significantly increased ( p < 0.05), MYH7 protein expression was unaffected ( p > 0.05). hESC-derived cardiomyocytes exposed to exogenous palmitic acid produced more ATP per unit time ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Exogenous palmitic acid induced more mature hESC-CMs in terms of the cellular architecture, expression of cardiomyocyte maturation genes adnprotein, and metabolism.
Handheld ultrasound for portal vein evaluation in pediatric patients
Authors: Kaiser Ulrich , Kück Fabian , Stroszczynski Christian , Jung Ernst Michael , Greiner Barbara
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVE: To assess diagnostic capabilities of a modern handheld ultrasound device (HUD) for portal vein (PV) evaluation in pediatric patients and to verify if age, body mass index (BMI) and object depth correlate to imagequality. METHODS: 45 patients (3.9 months– 17.9 years; 10.3 years±5.4) were examined using a HUD and cart-based high-end ultrasound system (HEUS). The intra-and extrahepatic PV was scanned using B-Mode and Color-coded Doppler sonography (CCDS). A five-point Likert scale was applied to evaluate image quality. Results were interpreted by two readers in consensus. Scores were compared between the scanners and correlated to age, BMI and skin-to-portal-vein-distance (SPVD). The influence on image quality and the difference between the two devices were analyzed using ordinal and Bayesian logistic regression models. RESULTS: ≥4 points (mild or no limitations) were achieved by the HUD in 60% for B-Mode and 56% for CCDS. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the image quality achieved by the HUD and the SPVD for B-Mode and CCDS. The effect of BMI and SPVD on having≥4 points differed significantly between the HUD and HEUS for B-Mode and for CCDS. CONCLUSIONS: Sufficient to excellent image quality for portal vein assessment in pediatric patients was achieved by the HUD except for the most deep-lying structures. Compared to HEUS, diagnostic performance of the HUD is lower, based on a negative correlation with object depth.
Reintroducing Derrick Bell into contemporary discourse: A review of ‘Racism and Resistance: Essays on Derrick Bell’s Racial Realism’
Authors: Masah Yujay Davina , Dunbar Anthony
Published: September 2024

Edited by Timothy J. Golden, “Racism and Resistance: Essays on Derrick Bell’s Racial Realism” presents a diverse set of perspectives from scholars in philosophy, law, theology, and rhetoric that critically engage with and expand upon Derrick Bell’s theories and scholarly works. This review approaches this work from outside the disciplines of its contributors and evaluates the volume for its accessibility, interdisciplinarity, and application of Bell’s theory of racial realism in contemporary discourses on racism and anti-racism. “Racism and Resistance” is divided into four parts, each containing two chapters. This review focuses on Part 1 – Racial Realism, Religion, and the Negro Problem and Part 4 – Racial Realism and Theology, as they are excellent examples of both the disciplinary range of this book and the authors’ command of Bell’s body of work.
Information and intersectionality in the digital millennium
Authors: Vaden Mondo
Published: September 2024

This paper details the importance of virtual and non-traditional information sharing mediums to create better information access outcomes for people experiencing multiple forms of oppression simultaneously. Non-mainstream media platforms and formats like Tumblr and zines, are a valuable potential contribution to the discourse on coloniality, decoloniality, and how resistant knowledges manifest according to the needs of the people who create them. The information sciences are limited as a result of the majority white, abled nature of the field, and Tumblr and zines create a forum for out of the box thinking and re-search that creatively and thoughtfully sidesteps censorship. The paper is via a personal lens of lived experience and aims to uplift the recognition and validation of non-standard methods of information sharing used by BIPOC, Queer, and disabled communities. It underscores how these methods serve as vital avenues for community building, education, and the preservation and dissemination of marginalized voices and experiences. The paper emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging and integrating these unconventional sources into the broader landscape of information sciences, arguing for their value and legitimacy alongside traditional information repositories.
Rescuing the Planet: Role of the United Nations+
Authors: Kameri-Mbote Patricia , Kaguru Macharia
Published: September 2024

Since its inception, the United Nations (UN) system has been instrumental in fulfilling the objectives of the UN Charter. Despite these successes, environmental degradation has escalated to critical levels especially in the last six decades. The prevailing development model, reliant on infinite natural resource extraction, is unjust and unsustainable. Growing scientific evidence on planetary boundary warns that this unbalanced developmental model is driving the humanity toward irreversible damage to essential ecological processes. Radical transformations and extraordinary cooperation among nations are required to reverse these. This paper argues that the UN system is critical in facilitating this extraordinary cooperation and charting pathways to a sustainable planetary future by harnessing its convening power, scientific & technical expertise and global presence. To achieve this, the UN must strive for stable and sustainable pathways as a common good by all the 193 member states. This commitment will require structural reforms, robust governance architecture, strengthened multilateralism, and, above all, moving away from artificial geographical boundaries while recognizing the critical role of the UN member states. As a corollary, the UN needs to build capacity and assist sovereign states in translating the ambitious action plans for our planetary future.
RT-PPS: Real-time privacy-preserving scheme for cloud-hosted IoT data
Authors: Elhoseny Mohamed , Riad Khaled
Published: September 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly growing network of devices that can communicate with each other and with cloud-based services. These devices generate vast amounts of data that can be used to provide valuable insights into user behavior, environmental conditions, and other important factors. However, as this data is collected and processed by cloud-hosted services, there is a growing concern about privacy and security. Without adequate protection, sensitive information could be exposed to hackers or other malicious actors, putting both individuals and organizations at risk. To address this challenge, real-time privacy-preserving techniques can be used to protect IoT data without compromising its value. This paper introduces an efficient Real-time privacy-preserving scheme (RT-PPS) for cloud-hosted IoT data. RT-PPS employs multi-authority attribute-based encryption on a hybrid cloud environment to keep data secure and private, while still allowing it to be processed and analyzed by cloud-hosted services. RT-PPS has efficient response time and resource consumption, which gives it the ability to handle a huge number of concurrent users at the same time without notable delay. The proposed RT-PPS has been validated through extensive experimental evaluation on a variety of configurations. Moreover, the proposed scheme has been computationally compared with the state-of-the-artwork. RT-PPS has shown excellent performance, effectiveness, and efficiency. The RT-PPS encryption time for a 1 GB dataset while considering 1024 slices is approximately 1000 ms. Also, the RT-PPS decryption time for a 1 GB ciphertext while considering 1024 slices are approximately 235 ms. Finally, RT-PPS is proven secure against any polynomial-time attacks and their variations that have at most a negligible advantage in the introduced security model. Moreover compared to most of the state-of-the-artwork, RT-PPS reduced the ciphertext size and lowered the computations in the encryption, key generation, decryption, and ciphertext update while assuring their security. By implementing RT-PPS, organizations can take advantage of the benefits of IoT data while protecting the privacy of their users and maintaining the security of their systems.
Investigation of the tolerability and potential health benefits of a novel butyrate generating supplement in a pilot human study
Authors: Smith Morganne , Lelah Michael , Goggans Mallory , Tunio Sameer , Naqib Ankur , Burton-Freeman Britt , Edirisinghe Indika
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Butyrate is a health promoting short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolite of fiber fermentation in the gut. Supplementing directly with a butyrate generator may be a dietary alternative with health benefits.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effect of tributyrin, a butyrate generator, on tolerability, gut microbiome composition, gut permeability, inflammation and metabolic markers in healthy adults at two dose levels.

METHODS:

Healthy adults ( n = 29) were randomized to this single-blinded, two-arm, 28-day parallel design pilot study. Participants ingested one or two placebo capsules for 7 days followed by one or two (200 or 400 mg, respectively) ButyraGen® capsules, a novel tributyrin complex, daily for 21 days. Tolerability was assessed weekly by questionnaire. Blood and stool were collected at baseline and weekly for metabolic and inflammation markers, gut microbiome composition and SCFA concentrations, respectively. Urine was collected at baseline and end of the study for permeability assays.

RESULTS:

Twenty-four participants ( n = 24, 25±8 years; 24.0±2.8 kg/m2; 66% male) completed the study. ButyraGen® was well-tolerated, with less than 10% ( n = 2) reporting gastrointestinal-related discomfort. Fecal acetic ( p = 0.03) and propionic ( p = 0.03) acids decreased after supplementation ( p = 0.03 and p = 0.03, respectively, n = 24) compared to baseline, and triglycerides increased ( p = 0.02, 400 mg only, n = 11). Trends in decreased hs-CRP after 200 mg ( p = 0.08) and 400 mg ( p = 0.07) supplementation and decreased glucose ( p = 0.10) after 200 mg supplementation was observed. No other changes in endpoints were observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Tributyrin supplementation using ButyraGen® was safe and tolerable at the doses provided. Biological effects were observed suggesting butyrate generation and absorption in the small intestine followed by activity in the liver, though further investigation on mechanism of action is needed for confirmation.
MDMA for treatment of PTSD and neurorehabilitation in military populations
Authors: Dunn Walter , Bershad Anya , Krantz David E , Vermetten Eric
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND: Neurorehabilitation in military populations is complicated by higher rates of PTSD and unique characteristics of military institutions. These factors can adversely impact the patient-therapist therapeutic alliance and engagement with the rehabilitation process leading to poorer outcomes. MDMA is a non-classical psychedelic with pro-social and fear regulating properties. MDMA-assisted therapy is being explored as a novel treatment for PTSD that potentially offers rapid symptom improvement and enhances therapeutic alliance. OBJECTIVE: A review of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD is provided in the context of neurorehabilitation in military populations. The molecular mechanism of MDMA is outlined and a novel application of MDMA for neurorehabilitation is proposed. METHODS: This is an expert review and synthesis of the literature. RESULTS: Results from late-stage clinical trials suggest MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD would be of particular benefit for military populations with PTSD. The unique pro-social properties of MDMA could be leveraged to enhance the therapeutic alliance and patient engagement during neurorehabilitation. CONCLUSION: The unique qualities and benefits of MDMA and MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD suggest relevant application in military personnel undergoing neurorehabilitation. There are many similarities in patient-therapist dynamics in PTSD treatment and neurorehabilitation. The properties of MDMA which enhance therapeutic alliance, downregulate fear, and increase cognitive flexibility would potentially benefit both military personnel with and without PTSD undergoing neurorehabilitation.
Validation of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related gene signature to predict prognosis and immune landscape of patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Cui Yingying , Zhou Xiaoli , Zheng Dan , Zhu Yumei
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with the incidence increasing each year. It is crucial to improve the prognosis of patients who have lung cancer. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the majority of lung cancer. Though its prognostic significance in NSCLC has not been often documented, Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress has been identified to be implicated in tumour malignant behaviours and resistance to treatment.

OBJECTIVE:

This work aimed to develop a gene profile linked to ER stress that could be applied to predictive and risk assessment for non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODS:

Data from 1014 NSCLC patients were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, integrating clinical and Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) information. Diverse analytical techniques were utilized to identify ERS-associated genes associated with patients’ prognoses. These techniques included Kaplan-Meier analysis, univariate Cox regression, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression analysis (LASSO) regression, and Pearson correlation analysis. Using a risk score model obtained from multivariate Cox analysis, a nomogram was created and validated to classify patients into high- and low-risk groups. The study employed the CIBERSORT algorithm and Single-Sample Gene Set Eenrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) to investigate the tumour immune microenvironment. We used the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database and R tools to identify medicines that could be responsive.

RESULTS:

Four genes – FABP5, C5AR1, CTSL, and LTA4H – were chosen to create the risk model. Overall Survival (OS) was considerably lower ([Formula: see text] 0.05) in the high-risk group. When it came to predictive accuracy, the risk model outperformed clinical considerations. Several medication types that are sensitive to high-risk groups were chosen.

CONCLUSION:

Our study has produced a gene signature associated with ER stress that may be employed to forecast the prognosis and therapeutic response of non-small cell lung cancer patients.
Blind Spots in the Czech Debate about European Security
Authors: Khol Radek
Published: September 2024

The Contemporary Czech discussion on the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) is dealing with issues, which are either overly focused on the Czech Republic (CR), or else no longer considered topical by the rest of Europe. Neither the problems in participation for countries like the CR, nor hesitancy about the need to construct an ESDP, are very interesting for Europe.
The current European debate on the ESDP is focused on a different set of problems. And if the CR wants to maintain any influence on the development of this EU policy, it should get involved in it. Some circles in the current EU discussion are more concerned about the longer-term direction and support the basic principles of the ESDP, limiting the political ambitions of the EU's security and military activities, which could reappear in the formulation of specific doctrines for EU operations and individual priorities for their use in various parts of the world. The second type of problems being discussed is directed more towards the medium-term consequences of a rapid development of institutions and instruments for this new EU policy, including the expectation of quick results. Among these would be the functioning of the EU, especially in terms of consequences for the current EU Common Foreign and Defense Policy. These concerns about the possible consequences of present EU decisions also touch upon the issue of possessing sufficient means and resources to ensure the security and defense of the EU. The third set of questions deals with the practical problems hampering the development of the EU in the security field. These are primarily concerned with the blocking of agreements defining the cooperation between the EU and NATO, which are being held hostage by Turkey (at times by Greece and France as well).
Unless an acceptable compromise can be reached, the Turkish objection will block or limit EU activity well into the future. Some consideration on the part of the Czechs about their own priorities and preferences in this long-term discussion should begin very soon, for this would help clarify Czech policy and contribute to the inclusion of the Czech Republic in the pan-European security debate.
Selected Sociological Aspects of Security Risks
Authors: Škvrnda František
Published: September 2024

This article aims to contribute to the discussion of understanding the sociological aspects of security risks as social phenomena. This derives from the General Theory of Risks, which emphasizes the following features of risks: that the possibility exists for an unfavorable occurrence, that this could accompany some human activity associated with the decision-making process, that it will originate in the uncertainty of the human actor's environment, that it will be increased by the influence of subjective factors, and that it will manifest itself in losses, damage, and other harm.
The sociological perspective on risk , aside from analyzing it as a social process, is particularly connected with the concept of a risk society and social deviation theory (social pathology).A sociological point of view on security is still lacking or otherwise linked with other problems. This gap can be bridged by viewing security as an anthropocentric issue. Another possible starting point for the research of security risks is to regard the security system as a complex social system. From the sociological point of view, both military and non-military risks represent fundamental types of security risks.
When examining security risks it is possible to differentiate between the views of the military (political-military), the police (criminology), and the intelligence services, in terms of their practical goals. This practical analysis of security risks gives rise to further questions. These could include the development of a dynamic perspective, the accuracy of their evaluation, and the level of their security as a group.
Experiences from the History of the 20th Century
Authors: Řezanková Ivona
Published: September 2024

Karl Dietrich Bracher: Geschichte als Erfahrung. Betrachtungen zum 20. Jahrhundert. 1. Ausf. Stuttgart: Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt, 2001, 320 stran, ISBN 3-421-05444-4
The Council of Europe and the International Relations
Authors: Řezanková Ivona
Published: September 2024

Uwe Holtz (Hrsg.): 50 Jahre Europarat. 1. Aufl. Schriften des Zentrum für Europäische Integrationsforschung. Bd. 17. Baden-Baden: Nomos, 2000, 377 stran, ISBN 3-7890-6423-8 (signatura knihovny ÚMV 47 931).
Svatava Raková: Anglické kolonie v Severní Americe v 17. století
Authors: Königová Lucie
Published: September 2024

Svatava Raková: Anglické kolonie v Severní Americe v 17. století. 1. vydání. Praha: Historický ústav, 1997, 398 stran, ISBN 80-85268-60-4.
PENERAPAN ARSITEKTUR BIOMIMIKRI PADA BENTUK BANGUNAN BUDIDAYA PERIKANAN AIR TAWAR DI KABUPATEN BOJONEGORO
Authors: Aromacho Ahmad Ridhoi , Masruchin Febby Rahmatullah
Published: September 2024

Di kabupaten Provinsi Jawa Timur tepatnya di kabupaten Bojonegoro terkenal dengan adanya kegiatan dalam perikanan namun sesuai dengan keadaan wilayang ada di Bojonegoro aktivitas perikanan ini sendiri kurang sesuai untuk dapat dilaksanakan salah satu penyebab utama belum belum berkembanya kegiatan perikanan di kabupaten Bojonegoro adalah belum optimalnya stok sumber daya air dan letak wilayah yang tidak memiliki laut. Kontribusi sektor perikanan Bojonegoro hanya 0,25% dari total produksi ikannya di Jawa Timur yang mencapai 1,4 juta ton per tahun (BPS Jawa Timur, 2018). Permasalahan yang dihadapi Pemerintah Kabupaten Bojonegoro adalah rendahnya daya saing ekonomi daerah yang bertumpu pada potensi sumberdaya daerah. Program Perikanan Seperti yang dialami langsung oleh masyarakat pembudidaya tambak, permasalahan utamanya adalah tidak adanya strategi yang lebih rinci dalam program pengembangan budidaya perikanan. Memfasilitasi kolaborasi antar beberapa kelompok untuk memenuhi tujuan masyarakat difasilitasi oleh fitur perencanaan kolaboratif. Mengklarifikasi permasalahan yang dihadapi petani dan nelayan adalah landasan perencanaan yang responsif dalam situasi ini. Meningkatkan ketersediaan ikan dan produk budidaya perikanan, memberdayakan petani dan nelayan melalui inisiatif pembangunan, dan meningkatkan kesejahteraan masyarakat sekitar dengan meningkatkan konsumsi pangan merupakan tujuan utama pembangunan kelautan dan perikanan. dimaksudkan untuk meningkatkan Rencana kerjasama dalam penyusunan program pengembangan budidaya air tawar didasarkan pada kerjasama permodalan dan dukungan pemasaran antara organisasi daerah, kelompok daerah dan asosiasi teknis yang terkait dengan pembudidaya/nelayan. Sebagai inisiator pembangunan, Dinas Kelautan Perikanan Bojonegoro harus selalu berperan sebaik mungkin dalam mewujudkan masyarakat sejahtera. Sebagai pemegang kekuasaan atau penegak, pemerintah diharapkan mampu menjalin kerjasama yang efektif, termasuk fungsi pelibatan, koordinasi dan partisipasi.