bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass spectrometry-based multimodal approaches for the identification and quantification analysis of microplastics in food matrix
Authors: Wu Pengfei , Wu Xiaoyi , Huang Qing , Yu Qinwei , Jin Hangbiao , Zhu Minghai
Published: April 2023

Background

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have become emerging contaminants worldwide in food matrices. However, analytical approaches for their determination have yet to be standardized. Therefore, a systematic study is urgently needed to highlight the merits of mass spectrometry (MS) based methods for these applications.

Purpose

The aim of the study is to review the current status of MS-based multimodal analysis for the determination of MPs in food matrices.

Methods

Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched and screened until Jan. 2023. Inclusion criteria: “publication years” was set to the last decades, “English” was selected as the “language,” and “research area” was set to environmental chemistry, food analysis and polymer science. The keywords were “microplastics,” “nanoplastics,” “determination,” “identification/quantification,” and “mass spectrometry.”

Results

Traditional spectrometry techniques offer good abilities to conduct the multimodal analysis of MPs in terms of color, shape and other morphologies. However, such technologies have some limitations, in particular the relatively high limits of detection. In contrast, MS-based methods supply excellent supplements. In MS-based methods, gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and LC-MS/MS were selected as representative methods for determining MPs in the food matrices, while specialized MS methods (i.e., MALDI-ToF MS and ToF-SIMS) were considered to offer great potential in multimodal analysis of MPs especially when interfaced with the imaging systems.

Significance

This study will contribute to gaining a deeper insight into the assessment of the exposure levels of MPs in human body, and may help build a bridge between the monitoring studies and the toxicology field.
GRN is a prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infiltration in glioma: A study based on TCGA data
Authors: Xu Su-Mei , Xiao Hai-Yan , Hu Zhong-Xu , Zhong Xue-Feng , Zeng You-Jie , Wu You-Xuan , Li Dai , Song Tao
Published: April 2023

Background

Among primary brain tumors, gliomas are associated with a poor prognosis and a median survival that varies depending on the tumor grade and subtype. As the most malignant form of glioma, glioblastoma (GBM) constitutes a significant health concern. Alteration in granulin(GRN) has been proved to be accountable for several diseases. However, the relationship between GRN and GBM remains unclear. We evaluated the role of GRN in GBM through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database

Methods

First, we assessed the relationship between GRN and GBM through the GEPIA database. Next, the relationship between GRN and GBM prognosis was analyzed by logistic regression and multivariate cox methods. Using CIBERSORT and the GEPIA correlation module, we also investigated the link between GRN and immune infiltrates in cancer. Using the TCGA data, a gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed. We also employed Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) to examine the data set of GRN expression and immune infiltration level in GBM and investigate the cumulative survival in GBM. We also validated tissues from GBM patients by Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Increased GRN expression was shown to have a significant relationship to tumor grade in a univariate study utilizing logistic regression. Furthermore, multivariate analysis disclosed that GRN expression down-regulation is an independent predictive factor for a favorable outcome. GRN expression level positively correlates with the number of CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs) that infiltrate a GBM. The GSEA also found that the high GRN expression phenotype pathway was enriched for genes involved in immune response molecular mediator production, lymphocyte-mediated immunity, cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, leukocyte proliferation, cell chemotaxis, and CD4+ alpha beta T cell activation. Differentially enriched pathways in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) include lysosome, apoptosis, primary immunodeficiency, chemokine signaling pathway, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and B cell receptor signaling pathway. Validated result showed that GRN was upregulated in GBM tissues. These results suggested that GRN was a potential indicator for the status of GBM.

Conclusion

GRN is a prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infiltrates in GBM.
Recent advances and application value of circRNA in neuroblastoma
Authors: Wu Ke , Tan Juan , Yang Chao
Published: April 2023

Neuroblastoma (NB) is children’s most prevalent solid malignant tumor, accounting for 15% of childhood cancer mortality. Non-coding RNA is important in NB pathogenesis. As a newly identified non-coding RNA, abnormal regulation (abnormal up-regulation or down-regulation) of the circRNAs expression is implicated in the tumorigenesis of various tumors, including NB. CircRNAs primarily regulate the expression of microRNA (miRNA) target genes by microRNA (miRNA) sponge adsorption. Clinical evidence suggests that the expression of certain circRNAs is associated with the prognosis and clinical features of NB and hence may be exploited as a biomarker or therapeutic target. This review examines circRNAs that have been demonstrated to play a function in NB.
Case report: A proposed role for cardiopulmonary exercise testing in detecting cardiac dysfunction in asymptomatic at-risk adolescents
Authors: Edwards Timothy , Tas Emir , Leclerc Kenneth , Børsheim Elisabet
Published: April 2023

Noninvasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provides the valuable capacity to analyze pulmonary gas exchange and cardiovascular responses that can be used to differentiate normal cardiopulmonary responses from abnormal. This case report highlights a proposed role for CPET in identifying potential cardiac pathologies in at-risk adolescents. An abnormal CPET response in an asymptomatic adolescent revealed a family history of early-age CAD. The significance of the abnormal CPET response was further supported by the presence of an elevated concentration of circulating high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). These findings emphasize the importance of a thorough clinical evaluation in at-risk adolescents, as CPET can aid in the early detection and management of cardiac pathologies, especially when combined with other relevant biomarkers such as plasma hs-CRP concentration, which can further suggest underlying pathology. Management considerations using serial CPET evaluations are recommended. Thus, CPET abnormalities combined with elevated hs-CRP should be taken seriously and provide justification for further evaluation and monitoring in adolescents at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Evaluation of the drug-drug interaction potential of the novel hepatitis B and D virus entry inhibitor bulevirtide at OATP1B in healthy volunteers
Authors: Zhu Vanessa , Burhenne Jürgen , Weiss Johanna , Haag Mathias , Hofmann Ute , Schwab Matthias , Urban Stephan , Mikus Gerd , Czock David , Haefeli Walter E. , Blank Antje
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Bulevirtide is a first-in-class antiviral drug to treat chronic hepatitis B/D. We investigated the drug-drug interaction potential and pharmacokinetics of high-dose subcutaneous bulevirtide (5 mg twice daily) with organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4.

Methods: This was a single-center, open-label, fixed-sequence drug-drug interaction trial in 19 healthy volunteers. Before and at bulevirtide steady state, participants ingested a single 40 mg dose of pravastatin. A midazolam microdose was applied to quantify CYP3A4 activity.

Results: At bulevirtide steady state, pravastatin area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0–∞) increased 1.32-fold (90% CI 1.08-1.61). The 5 mg bulevirtide twice-daily treatment resulted in a mean AUC0-12 of 1210 h*ng/ml (95% CI 1040-1408) and remained essentially unchanged under the influence of pravastatin. CYP3A4 activity did not change to a clinically relevant extent. As expected, total bile acids increased substantially (35-fold) compared to baseline during bulevirtide treatment. All study medication was well tolerated.

Discussion: The study demonstrated that high-dose bulevirtide inhibited OATP1B-mediated hepatic uptake of the marker substrate pravastatin but the extent is considered clinically not relevant. Changes in CYP3A4 activity were also not clinically relevant. In conclusion, this study suggests that OATP1B substrate drugs as well as CYP3A4 substrates may safely be used without dose adjustment in patients treated with bulevirtide. However, in patients using high statin doses and where concomitant factors potentially further increase statin exposure, caution may be required when using bulevirtide.
Impact of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist liraglutide and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor sitagliptin on bowel cleaning and gastrointestinal symptoms in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tong Yan , Huang Jian Qing , Chen Yang , Tu Mei , Wang Wei
Published: April 2023

Objective: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) profoundly affect the gastrointestinal motor system, which may increase the incidence of inadequate bowel cleaning and gastrointestinal symptoms. Hence, this observational study mainly aimed to assess the influence of GLP-1 RAs liraglutide and DPP-4i sitagliptin on bowel preparation in type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Method: This observational study consecutively enrolled T2DM scheduled for a colonoscopy. Participants were prospectively separated into the liraglutide group (n = 120), sitagliptin group (n = 120), and control group (n = 120) based on the current hypoglycemic regimen. 3L split-dose polyethylene glycol regimens were used for bowel preparation. Experienced gastrointestinal endoscopists conducted colonoscopies. Lawrance Bowel-Preparation Tolerability Questionnaire and Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) were conducted to assess bowel cleaning quality, tolerability, and safety.

Results: The incidence of inadequate bowel cleaning was 17.5% in the liraglutide group, 20.5% in the sitagliptin group, and 21.7% in the control group. The difference among the three groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.927). Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in the mean BBPS, cecal intubation time, and polyp-detecting rates among the three groups (all p > 0.0.05). Nausea, vomiting, and bloating scores were increased in the liraglutide group compared with the other two groups (p < 0.05), whereas most were mild or very mild. Subgroup analyses showed that the incidence of inadequate bowel cleaning in T2DM with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) was increased in the liraglutide group compared with the sitagliptin group (61.3% vs. 32.1%, p = 0.022) and control group (61.3% vs. 32.8%, p = 0.025).

Conclusion: GLP-1RA liraglutide or DPP-4i sitagliptin did not significantly increase the incidence of inadequate bowel cleaning and gastrointestinal symptoms during bowel preparation. Liraglutide may increase the incidence of inadequate bowel preparation in patients with DPN. This study reveal that more attention and aggressive bowel preparation regimens should be given to the T2DM with DPN.

Clinical Trial Registration: (https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx), identifier (ChiCTR2200056148).
Dynamic modal characteristics of transverse mode instabilities in ytterbium-doped fiber laser oscillator
Authors: Chai Junyu , Liu Wenguang , Wen Yujun , Wang Xiaolin , Xie Kun , Zhou Qiong , Zhang Hanwei , Zhang Jiangbin , Liu Pengfei , Zhang Dan , Lu Yao , Jiang Zongfu , Zhao Guomin
Published: April 2023

In recent years, transverse mode instability (TMI) has been widely observed in fiber laser amplifier systems. The transverse mode instability phenomenon in fiber laser oscillators is less studied. Here, we focus on the dynamical output properties, i.e., its temporal signal and modal characteristics in a 30-μm-core-diameter ytterbium (Yb)-doped fiber laser oscillator. The TMI occurs at a pumping power around 310 W. Different from amplifiers, the basic oscillation frequency is quite low, at around 100 Hz, changing with time and pump power. When the fiber laser oscillator operates beyond TMI threshold at 357 W or 377 W for a while, the temporal fluctuation slowly disappears together with a decreased oscillation frequency, and appears again later. Based on the mode decomposition technique, we find that during the period of fluctuation disappearance at 357 W, the power output stays low and the output beam is still a mixture of fundamental mode and higher-order modes. The fundamental mode content is calculated to be averagely higher when temporal fluctuation disappears, increasing from ∼57% to ∼63%. Our results indicate complex interaction between the fiber laser oscillation and the TMI effect, and calls for more attention into understanding TMI in fiber laser oscillators.
Estimation of tomato water status with photochemical reflectance index and machine learning: Assessment from proximal sensors and UAV imagery
Authors: Tang Zhehan , Jin Yufang , Brown Patrick H. , Park Meerae
Published: April 2023

Tracking plant water status is a critical step towards the adaptive precision irrigation management of processing tomatoes, one of the most important specialty crops in California. The photochemical reflectance index (PRI) from proximal sensors and the high-resolution unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery provide an opportunity to monitor the crop water status efficiently. Based on data from an experimental tomato field with intensive aerial and plant-based measurements, we developed random forest machine learning regression models to estimate tomato stem water potential (ψstem), (using observations from proximal sensors and 12-band UAV imagery, respectively, along with weather data. The proximal sensor-based model estimation agreed well with the plant ψstem with R2 of 0.74 and mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.63 bars. The model included PRI, normalized difference vegetation index, vapor pressure deficit, and air temperature and tracked well with the seasonal dynamics of ψstem across different plots. A separate model, built with multiple vegetation indices (VIs) from UAV imagery and weather variables, had an R2 of 0.81 and MAE of 0.67 bars. The plant-level ψstem maps generated from UAV imagery closely represented the water status differences of plots under different irrigation treatments and also tracked well the temporal change among flights. PRI was found to be the most important VI in both the proximal sensor- and the UAV-based models, providing critical information on tomato plant water status. This study demonstrated that machine learning models can accurately estimate the water status by integrating PRI, other VIs, and weather data, and thus facilitate data-driven irrigation management for processing tomatoes.
Anthocyanins in metabolites of purple corn
Authors: Cai Taoyang , Ge-Zhang Shangjie , Song Mingbo
Published: April 2023

Purple corn (Zea mays L.) is a special variety of corn, rich in a large amount of anthocyanins and other functional phytochemicals, and has always ranked high in the economic benefits of the corn industry. However, most studies on the stability of agronomic traits and the interaction between genotype and environment in cereal crops focus on yield. In order to further study the accumulation and stability of special anthocyanins in the growth process of purple corn, this review starts with the elucidation of anthocyanins in purple corn, the biosynthesis process and the gene regulation mechanism behind them, points out the influence of anthocyanin metabolism on anthocyanin metabolism, and introduces the influence of environmental factors on anthocyanin accumulation in detail, so as to promote the multi-field production of purple corn, encourage the development of color corn industry and provide new opportunities for corn breeders and growers.
Two years COVID-19 pandemic: Development of university students' mental health 2020–2022
Authors: Kohls Elisabeth , Guenthner Lukas , Baldofski Sabrina , Brock Tanja , Schuhr Jan , Rummel-Kluge Christine
Published: April 2023

Background

The literature indicates a negative impact on the mental health of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. It remains unclear if this negative impact persists even after lockdown measures are lifted. The current study therefore investigates the mental health status of students by drawing on two previous studies the present study seeks to investigate differences in the mental health status across three time points.

Methods

A cross-sectional, anonymous online survey among students of six universities was conducted between April and May 2022 (N = 5,510). Symptoms of depression, anxiety, hazardous alcohol use and eating disorders as well as social and emotional variables were assessed utilizing standardized instruments. Risk- and protective factors for severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms were investigated using multiple regression models. Differences in e.g., symptoms of depression across three time points were assessed with one-way analysis of variance.

Results

More than one third of students exhibited clinically relevant symptoms of depression (35.5%), hazardous alcohol use (33.0–35.5% depending on gender) or anxiety disorder (31.1%). Taken together, almost two out of three (61.4%) students reported clinically relevant symptoms in at least one of the aforementioned symptom patterns, while almost one fifth of students reported suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm (19.6%). Higher perceived stress and loneliness significantly predicted higher levels of depressive symptoms, while resilience and social support were identified as protective factors. Compared to 2020 and 2021, levels of depressive symptoms were significantly reduced in 2022, levels of hazardous alcohol consumption showed a small but significant increase from 2021 to 2022. Worryingly, prevalence of suicidal ideation was the highest yet, being significantly higher than in 2020 (14.5%) and 2021 (16.5%).

Conclusion

These results confirm previous results that the pandemic had and still has a negative impact on the mental health of university students. The present study broadens this view by the fact that some areas seem to recover quicker, while others seem to increase worryingly. Especially the persistent rise in suicidal ideation from 2020 to 2021 and to 2022, a constant reduction in reported social support and associated perceived loneliness is concerning. The claim for low-threshold and accessible mental health support for university students remains the same as in the beginning of the pandemic.
Current situation and influencing factors for suicidal intent in patients with intentional acute pesticide poisoning
Authors: Ma Shuang , Wen Zixin , Sun Long , Zheng Yingying , Zhang Yanxia , Shi Longke , Li Yaqian , Yu Guangcai , Zhang Jie , Kan Baotian , Jian Xiangdong
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Since pesticides have been widely used in agricultural production, acute pesticide poisoning (APP) has gradually become a worldwide public health problem. Recently, the number of APP cases has been high in China, and the intentional self-administration of pesticides is the main cause of APP. However, there is a lack of relevant studies on the factors influencing suicidal intent in patients with intentional APP. This study aimed to explore the current situation and influencing factors for suicidal intent among patients with intentional APP.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled a total of 225 patients with intentional APP admitted to the emergency department of our Grade A comprehensive hospital in Shandong Province between June 2019 and January 2021. Patients were investigated using a health status interview questionnaire, Beck Suicidal Intent Scale, Duke Social Support Index, psychological stress scale, Dickman Impulsivity Inventory, Trait Anxiety Inventory, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and Beck Hopelessness Scale. Descriptive statistics, single-factor analysis, and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis.

Results

Suicidal intent scores were collected and averaged (14.23 ± 6.22). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that marital status, residential area, impulsivity, hopelessness, depression, psychological strain, and social support impact suicidal intent.

Conclusion

Patients with intentional APP have high suicidal intent. Therefore, different interventions should be tailored to different patients.
Key factors for advancing innovations to scale: Evidence from multiple country case studies of agricultural innovations
Authors: Kohl Richard D.
Published: April 2023

Innovation pathways can be defined as a sequence of innovation, going to scale, and implementation at sustainable scale, where innovation is a new product, service or systems change not previously introduced in a specific context. They can take the form of new products or services, institutions, or systems change. Such pathways can play a lead role in transforming agri-food systems in low- and middle-income countries. To get us to our global goals, these pathways have to lead to impact at a scale that matches the size of the challenge. Unfortunately, while there are many proposals in the published and gray literature for integrated, transformative approaches to innovation pathways, few have yet either gone to scale or been implemented sustainably at large scale. Here we assess whether there is evidence to support these proposals about how agricultural innovation pathways should be pursued. In this paper we identify from the literature and case studies 10 potentially key factors for advancing scaling along the innovation pathway: participation, inclusion, leadership, iteration, adaptation, the specific attributes of innovation design, funding models, implementation models, systems change, and partnerships. We test these factors against a collection of innovation and scaling case studies from Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Kenya, Senegal, Uganda, and Zambia. While the cases are somewhat limited in their quantitative measures of successful implementation at scale, the qualitative evidence presented in the cases confirms both the general importance of these factors in action and that their importance varies depending on the innovation and context. While confirmation of the importance of these factors is not surprising in itself, we also demonstrate their specific design and implementation (or absence) in different contexts, how each element contributes to success at large scale, and actionable examples to be applied in practice. The paper concludes that integrating these factors will likely require changes to traditional approaches to development, innovation and scaling in agri-food systems. Specifically advancing along an innovation pathway to large scale will require a commitment of greater resources over longer time horizons. In the absence of greater overall resources, this implies focusing on fewer innovations at each phase and a greater appetite for risk and failure in individual cases, suggesting adoption of a portfolio rather than a project approach in evaluating success. This may lead to more unsuccessful individual efforts, but those will be offset by a few transformative successes which will change the lives of hundreds of millions, if not billions.
Cardiovascular Immunotoxicity Associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: L’Orphelin Jean-Matthieu , Dollalille Charles , Akroun Julia , Alexandre Joachim , Dompmartin Anne
Published: April 2023

Background: Checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-1 inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) and anti-CTLA-4 (CD152) (ipilimumab), are widely used in metastatic melanoma, and most immune-related adverse events are known. Several cardiovascular AEs (CVAEs) associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor exposure have been reported in post-marketing surveillance studies and represent major issues for patients with melanoma during and after cancer treatment. Data on CVAES induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma, especially incidence and risk factors, are lacking. Methods: A systematic review of the literature up to 31 August 2020 was performed in Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and the ClinicalTrials.gov register according to prespecified selection criteria from inception to 7 April 2020. Statistics were performed on 3289 patients from five randomized clinical trials on melanoma. Results: Patients with melanoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors had a significant risk of presenting dyslipidemia (Peto OR: 4.74, 95% CI: 2.16–10.41, p < 0.01, I2 = 0%, p = 0.94). The Peto OR was numerically significant for pericarditis, myocarditis, heart failure, myocardial infarction, cerebral ischemia, high pulmonary pressure, blood high pressure, arrhythmias, endocarditis, and conduction disturbances, but the confidence interval was not significant. The risk of CVAEs was not statistically different between melanoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and other tumors treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (range of p-value from 0.13 to 0.95). No interaction between follow-up length and CVAE reporting was found. Conclusions: Our study underlines that checkpoint inhibitors used for melanoma increase CVAEs, especially dyslipidemia, which could pave the way to chronic inflammatory processes, atherosclerosis, and, finally, ischemic cardiopathy. These cardiovascular adverse events could be acute or delayed, justifying the monitoring of lipidic biology and a baseline cardiology consultation.
Epidemiology of Oral Cancer in Taiwan: A Population-Based Cancer Registry Study
Authors: Chou Chao-Wei , Lin Chun-Ru , Chung Yi-Ting , Tang Chin-Sheng
Published: April 2023

Oral cancer (OC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and its incidence has regional differences. In this study, the cancer registry database obtained from 1980 to 2019 was used to analyze the characteristic of incidence of OC by average annual percentage change (AAPC) and an age–period–cohort model. Spearman’s correlation was used to analyze the relationship between the age-standard incidence rates (ASR) of OC and related risk factors. Our results showed that the ASR of OC increased from 4.19 to 27.19 per 100,000 population with an AAPC of 5.1% (95% CI = 3.9–6.3, p value < 0.001) in men and from 1.16 to 2.8 per 100,000 population with an AAPC of 3.1% (95% CI = 2.6–3.6, p value < 0.001) in women between 1980–1984 and 2015–2019. The age–period–cohort model reported a trend of rising then declining for the rate ratio in men, with peaks occurring in the 1975 cohort, with a rate ratio of 6.80. The trend of incidence of oral cancer was related to changes in the consumption of cigarettes and alcohol and production of betel quid, with r values of 0.952, 0.979 and 0.963, respectively (all p values < 0.001). We strongly suggest avoiding these risk factors in order to prevent OC.
Nanocarrier Drug Conjugates Exhibit Potent Anti-Naegleria fowleri and Anti-Balamuthia mandrillaris Properties
Authors: Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah , Boghossian Anania , Kawish Muhammad , Jabri Tooba , Shah Muhammad Raza , Anuar Tengku Shahrul , Al-Shareef Zainab , Khan Naveed Ahmed
Published: April 2023

Given the opportunity and access, pathogenic protists (Balamuthia mandrillaris and Naegleria fowleri) can produce fatal infections involving the central nervous system. In the absence of effective treatments, there is a need to either develop new antimicrobials or enhance the efficacy of existing compounds. Nanocarriers as drug delivery systems are gaining increasing attention in the treatment of parasitic infections. In this study, novel nanocarriers conjugated with amphotericin B and curcumin were evaluated for anti-amoebic efficacy against B. mandrillaris and N. fowleri. The results showed that nanocarrier conjugated amphotericin B exhibited enhanced cidal properties against both amoebae tested compared with the drug alone. Similarly, nanocarrier conjugated curcumin exhibited up to 75% cidal effects versus approx. 50% cidal effects for curcumin alone. Cytopathogenicity assays revealed that the pre-treatment of both parasites with nanoformulated-drugs reduced parasite-mediated host cellular death compared with the drugs alone. Importantly, the cytotoxic effects of amphotericin B on human cells alone were reduced when conjugated with nanocarriers. These are promising findings and further suggest the need to explore nanocarriers as a means to deliver medicine against parasitic infections.
Influence of Dissolved Oxygen, Water Level and Temperature on Dissolved Organic Carbon in Coastal Groundwater
Authors: Rajendiran Thilagavathi , Sabarathinam Chidambaram , Panda Banajarani , Elumalai Vetrimurugan
Published: April 2023

The quality of groundwater has been severely impacted by urbanization around coasts. The change in climate and land use patterns has deteriorated the quality and availability of groundwater. One of the main issues in contemporary groundwater quality research is dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the water. The influence of DO, water level and water temperature on DOC in groundwater was identified in the current study by sampling 68 groundwater samples. The analytical results revealed that ~18% of total samples have DOC > 5 mg/L. The groundwater samples represented in the urban regions show high DOC. The samples with higher DOC correlated positively with dissolved inorganic ions, such as Ca, K, NO3, Fe and DO. Domestic wastewater, agricultural runoff and local geology all have an impact on the DOC of groundwater. Groundwater chemistry is shown to be controlled by both aerobic and anaerobic conditions based on the DOC’s interactions with other ions. The study interrelates various sources, such as land use, geology, water level and temperature, to the DOC in groundwater and infers that the levels are higher in shallow groundwater, predominantly around the built-up region followed by the agricultural region. The temperature changes enhance the DOC in groundwater due to the variation in microbial activity. The shallow water level with a lower temperature shows the maximum DOC. Apart from the sediment organic matter and microbes, the study also attributes land use pattern to the source of DOC in groundwater.
Simulation of Surface and Subsurface Water Quality in Hyper-Arid Environments
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed , Asmoay Ahmed , Alarifi Saad S. , Mohammed Musaab A. A.
Published: April 2023

Forty-eight water samples (30 groundwater and 18 surface water samples) were collected from the study region. Physical and chemical examinations were performed on the water samples to determine the values of various variables. Several graphs, sheets, and statistical measures, including the sodium solubility percentage (SSP), the sodium absorption ratio (SAR), and Piper’s diagram, were used to plot the concentration of the principal ions and the chloride mass balance (CMB). The contents of the variables were compared with the contents in other local areas and the standard allowable safe limits as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Water pH values were neutral for all water samples. Electric conductivity (EC) readings revealed that water samples vacillated from slightly mineralized to excessively mineralized. Water salinities were fresh and very fresh according to the total dissolved solids (TDS) amounts. The hardness of water ranged from medium to hard in the surface water and from medium to very hard in the groundwater samples. Bicarbonate, sodium, and calcium made up the highest amounts in the surface water samples. The highest concentrations of bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, and sodium were found in the groundwater. Diagrams show the major ion relationships as well as the type and origin of the water. According to Piper’s plots, most of the water samples under investigation were Ca-HCO3 type, Mg water types, followed by SO4.Ca-Cl water types. This highlighted the elemental preponderance of bicarbonate and alkaline earth (Ca2+ + Mg2+). This dominance is caused by evaporite and carbonate minerals dissolving in water because of anthropogenic activities and interaction processes. The groundwater recharge was estimated to be 0.89–1.6 mm/yr based on Chloride Mass Balance. The examined water samples can also be used for cattle, poultry, and irrigation. Additionally, the groundwater is of poorer quality than the surface water, although both types of water are adequate for various industries, with a range of 14 to 94 percent. With the exception of a few groundwater samples, the tested water samples are suitable for a number of applications.
Enhanced Plasmonic Photocatalysis of Au-Decorated ZnO Nanocomposites
Authors: Stefan Maria , Popa Adriana , Toloman Dana , Leostean Cristian , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Falamas Alexandra
Published: April 2023

The rapid development of technological processes in various industrial fields has led to surface water pollution with different organic pollutants, such as dyes, pesticides, and antibiotics. In this context, it is necessary to find modern, environmentally friendly solutions to avoid the hazardous effects on the aquatic environment. The aim of this paper is to improve the photocatalytic performance of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles by using the plasmonic resonance induced by covering them with gold (Au) nanoparticles. Therefore, we evaluate the charge carriers’ behavior in terms of optical properties and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The ZnO-Au nanocomposites were synthesized through a simple chemical protocol in multiple steps. ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) approximately 20 nm in diameter were prepared by chemical precipitation. ZnO-Au nanocomposites were obtained by decorating the ZnO NPs with Au at different molar ratios through a reduction process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the simultaneous presence of hexagonal ZnO and cubic Au phases. The optical investigations evidenced the existence of a band-gap absorption peak of ZnO at 372 nm, as well as a surface plasmonic band of Au nanoparticles at 573 nm. The photocatalytic tests indicated increased photocatalytic degradation of the Rhodamine B (RhB) and oxytetracycline (OTC) pollutants under visible light irradiation in the presence of ZnO-Au nanocomposites (60–85%) compared to ZnO NPs (43%). This behavior can be assigned to the plasmonic resonance and the synergetic effects of the individual constituents in the composite nanostructures. The spin-trapping experiments showed the production of ROS while the nanostructures were in contact with the pollutants. This study introduces new strategies to adjust the efficiency of photocatalytic devices by the combination of two types of nanostructures with synergistic functionalities into one single entity. ZnO-Au nanocomposites can be used as stable photocatalysts with excellent reusability and possible industrial applications.
Clonal Expansion in Multiple Phyllosticta Species Causing Citrus Black Spot or Similar Symptoms in China
Authors: Wang Wen , Xiong Tao , Zeng Yating , Li Wenwen , Jiao Chen , Xu Jianping , Li Hongye
Published: April 2023

Phyllosticta spp. are important pathogens of citrus plants. Several Phyllosticta species associated with Citrus species grown in China have been reported; however, the relative prevalences of individual species and the distributions of their genotypes among host Citrus species remain largely unknown. In this study, we conducted an extensive survey of Phyllosticta species across 11 citrus-producing provinces in southern China. From fruits and leaves with black spots or black-spot-like symptoms, a total of 461 Phyllosticta strains were isolated. Based on molecular (ITS, actA, tef1, gapdh, LSU, and rpb2 sequences) and morphological data, the strains were systematically identified as belonging to five species: P. capitalensis, P. citrichinaensis, P. citriasiana, P. citricarpa, and P. paracitricarpa. To further understand intraspecific genetic diversity and relationships, strains of five species from different geographic and host sources were analyzed based on the multilocus sequence data. Our population genetic analyses revealed that all five Phyllosticta species on citrus showed evidence for clonal dispersals within and among geographic regions. In addition, pathogenicity tests using representative strains showed that all five species can cause disease on the tested Citrus spp. We discuss the implications of our results for the control and management of Citrus Black Spot and related diseases.
On the Nature of the Partial Covalent Bond between Noble Gas Elements and Noble Metal Atoms
Authors: Pal Ranita , Chattaraj Pratim Kumar
Published: April 2023

This article provides a discussion on the nature of bonding between noble gases (Ng) and noble metals (M) from a quantum chemical perspective by investigating compounds such as NgMY (Y=CN, O, NO3, SO4, CO3), [NgM−(bipy)]+, NgMCCH, and MCCNgH complexes, where M=Cu, Ag, Au and Ng=Kr−Rn, with some complexes containing the lighter noble gas atoms as well. Despite having very low chemical reactivity, noble gases have been observed to form weak bonds with noble metals such as copper, gold, and silver. In this study, we explore the factors that contribute to this unusual bonding behavior, including the electronic structure of the atoms involved and the geometric configuration of the concerned fragments. We also investigate the metastable nature of the resulting complexes by studying the energetics of their possible dissociation and internal isomerization channels. The noble gas-binding ability of the bare metal cyanides are higher than most of their bromide counterparts, with CuCN and AgCN showing higher affinity than their chloride analogues as well. In contrast, the oxides seem to have lower binding power than their corresponding halides. In the oxide and the bipyridyl complexes, the Ng-binding ability follows the order Au > Cu > Ag. The dissociation energies calculated, considering the zero-point energy correction for possible dissociation channels, increase as we move down the noble gas group. The bond between the noble gases and the noble metals in the complexes are found to have comparable weightage of orbital and electrostatic interactions, suggestive of a partial covalent nature. The same is validated from the topological analysis of electron density.
Preparation of Mesoporous Si Nanoparticles by Magnesiothermic Reduction for the Enhanced Reactivity
Authors: Ma Xinwen , Fei Weiduo , Zhang Xiandie , Ji Jie , Zhou Xiang
Published: April 2023

In this study, mesoporous silicon nanoparticles (M-Si) were successfully prepared by a magnesiothermic reduction of mesoporous silica nanoparticles, which were synthesized by a templated sol-gel method and used as the precursors. M-Si exhibited a uniform size distribution with an average diameter of about 160 nm. The measured BET surface area was 93.0 m2 g−1, and the average pore size calculated by the BJH method was 16 nm. The large internal surface area provides rich reaction sites, resulting in unique interfacial properties and reduced mass diffusion limitations. The mechanism of the magnesiothermic reduction process was discussed. The reactivity of prepared M-Si was compared with that of commercially available non-porous Si nanopowder (with the average diameter of about 30 nm) by performing simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry in the air. The results showed that the reaction onset temperature indicated by weight gain was advanced from 772 °C to 468 °C, indicating the promising potential of M-Si as fuel for metastable intermolecular composites.
Current Status and Conservation Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources in Bhutan
Authors: Tenzin Jigme , Chankitisakul Vibuntita , Boonkum Wuttigrai
Published: April 2023

Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR) ensures food security and maintains genetic diversity. The efforts to conserve FAnGR are minimal in Bhutan. In the pursuit of increasing livestock productivity, farmers are rearing livestock that narrows the range of genetic diversity. This review attempts to summarize the status of FAnGR and the efforts to conserve them. Some unique livestock breeds in Bhutan are Nublang (cattle breed), Yak, Saphak (pig breed), Yuta (horse breed), Merak-Saktenpa (horse breed), and Belochem (chicken breed). There was a drop in the yak, buffalo, equine, pig, sheep, and goat populations. Both in situ and ex situ conservation measures are in place for some of the breeds and strains (e.g., Nublang and traditional chicken). Conservation efforts are limited to the government, but other individuals, stakeholders and non-government organizations must play an increasing role in preserving genetic diversity. It is pertinent that Bhutan comes up with a policy framework to conserve its indigenous cattle.
Delinquent behavior of adolescents in Kyrgyzstan as a socio-pedagogical problem
Authors:   Osh State University, Osh, Karimova Kunduzkhan Usenovna , Azizova Dilbara Shakirovna ,   Osh State University, Osh Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Published: April 2023

Social changes in Kyrgyzstan have exacerbated such social problems as poverty, crime, ethnic conflicts, unemployment, and other negative social phenomena. Delinquent phenomena are unique and are the subject of special discussion during the period of transformation. Delinquent behavior of teenagers has a negative impact on the development of society. Changes in society create not only positive, but also negative phenomena in human and family relations. Various social pathologies (drug addiction, prostitution, alcoholism, etc.), criminalization of the social sphere, and other negative trends in its development represent a serious problem for sociological science. In 2020, the authors conducted an online sociological study (through Google Forms) with the participation of schoolchildren aged 14 to 17 years old. The geographic coverage of the survey included the city of Osh; 400 schoolchildren from two secondary schools took part in the survey. According to the results of the study, one of the main problems that parents face when raising teenagers is insufficient attention to children from parents. The main reasons for the delinquent behavior of adolescents, according to the respondents, are stressful life situations, an unfavorable situation in the family, and increased excitability, inability to control oneself.
Features of forming the connection of thin-walled structures made of titanium alloys by diffusion welding
Authors:   Southwest State University, Kursk, Gadalov V. N. , Gubanov O. M. ,   new types of products of the Group of Companies (NLMK), PJSC Novolipetsk Metallurgical Combine, Lipetsk, Petrenko V. R. ,   Voronezh State Technical University, Voronezh, Filonovich A. V. ,   Southwest State University Kursk
Published: April 2023

The features of the formation of the connection of thin-walled structures made of titanium alloys obtained by diffusion welding are described. The achieved level of diffusion welding technology makes it possible to obtain thin-walled structures from titanium alloys with the required set of mechanical properties, and further progress in the development and application of diffusion welding will be associated with the development of a set of equipment for quality control. The results obtained can be obtained and used in the creation of new and improvement of existing materials and resource-saving technologies, in particular, for obtaining high-quality thin-sheet joints from dissimilar metals and alloys using diffusion welding in a vacuum.
Computer vision in the study of chaotic processes in science and technology
Authors:   BMSTU, Moscow, Yurenkova L. R. , A. B. A. B. ,   BMSTU, Moscow, Oleinikov A. A. ,   BMSTU, Moscow, Rozhkov D. A. ,   BMSTU, Moscow
Published: April 2023

The article presents the results of the application of computer vision in the study of processes associated with Brownian motion, that is, the chaotic movement of elements of microsystems. If the particles are visible by electron-optical devices and are distinguishable against the general background, then thanks to video surveillance and subsequent frame-by-frame video processing by computer vision methods, it is possible to determine the kinematic parameters of the observed particles at different points in time.
Evaluation of the reclaim state of waterlogged land in the design of reclaim and land management aсtivities
Authors:   Bryansk State Agrarian University, S. Kokino, Baydakova E. V. , Krovopuskova V. N. ,   Bryansk State Agrarian University, S. Kokino, Kaposhko N. A. ,   Bryansk State Agrarian University, S. Kokino
Published: April 2023

The material of this work is of a scientific and methodological nature; it is included in the subject of a new scientific direction - the justification of land management projects on a landscape and ecological basis. The subject of these studies covers a number of problematic aspects of land management of waterlogged lands, and the issues related to the quality evaluation of these lands and subsequent possibility of their agricultural use. The ultimate goal of the research is to develop an appropriate calculation methodology for assessing the quality of waterlogged lands in the conditions of the humid part of the Non-Chernozem zone of the Russian Federation. In the introductory part, the authors show the analysis of the current state of the issue. The main part characterizes the essence of the proposed calculation methodology, provides the calculation formulas and the features of establishing their structural indicators. The final part provides an analysis of the research results, the main conclusions and recommendations on use of this calculation method in practice.
Creation and improvement of the register of agricultural land
Authors:   State University of Land Management, Moscow, Komarov S.I. , Petrova L.E. ,   State University of Land Management, Moscow, Chibirkina E.A. ,   State University of Land Management, Moscow
Published: April 2023

The article deals with information systems based on modern digital technologies in the process of rational land use. More than a year has passed since the adoption of the state register of agricultural lands, but there is no clarity on its contents. At the time of writing, the basis for the information system should be the data obtained in the process of state monitoring of lands, as well as in the process of implementing the state program for establishing the boundaries of agricultural lands.