bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence of Highly Mercury Tolerant Plant Growth promoting Bacteria in Tea Plantation Soil of Darjeeling Hills
Authors: Acharyya Sukanya , Saha Sumedha , Bhattacharya Malay
Published: March 2024

This study characterizes three strains of Gram-negative bacteria MTD10B, MTD10C and MTD10D isolated from soil collected from tea plantations of Darjeeling hills, exhibiting extreme tolerance towards mercury. The minimum inhibitory concentration of mercury against these strains sits at a high level of 0.2 mg/mL of HgCl2. The isolates also display an expansive pattern of resistance to known clinically relevant synthetic antibiotics and a host of other potent heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, silver, nickel etc. Biochemical and molecular characterization via 16S rRNA sequencing identified MTD10B and MTD10C as strains of Brevundimonas diminuta and MTD10D as Alcaligenes faecalis respectively. This study also explores the plant growth promoting abilities of these strains and their respective growth trends under normal conditions in comparison to when they are under mercury stress. This work attempts to cultivate an understanding of their potential for use as candidates for the bioremediation of mercury contamination in diverse environments.
Indole acetic acid (IAA) production by endophytic bacterial isolate Agrobacterium tumefaciens BE-1 from roots of Musa acuminata
Authors: Ambawade Mukund S. , Patil Dipak D. , Pathade Girish R. , Mali Gajanan V.
Published: March 2024

We have screened 23 endophytic isolates to estimate the production of indole acetic acid (IAA) from the root of the banana (Musa spp) by using Salkowski’s reagent spectrophotometric method with and without L- tryptophan supplement. Amongst 23 isolates only eight isolates, showed the ability to produce IAA. It is observed that one isolates out of eight produced maximum amount of IAA supplemented with and without L-tryptophan in medium. Based on morphological, cultural, biochemical and 16s rRNA gene sequencing method, this promising endophytic bacterial isolate (BE 1) was identified as Agrobacterium tumefaciens. IAA production of BE-1 was further confirmed by Thin-layer chromatography as well as by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with and without L-tryptophan in medium. Statistical analysis was carried out using paired t-test to test whether the production of IAA significantly increased by using L-tryptophan in medium.
The Film Music of D. Shostakovich: the Analysis of “Chronometric” Data
Authors: Gurevich Vladimir A.
Published: March 2024

The article is devoted to an issue that seems to have a structural and technological rather than artistic nature. However, upon closer examination, it turns out that the minutes and seconds that make up the course of fi lm music can very seriously affect the overall drama of a fi lm as an action unfolding in time in terms of the ratio of fragments with musical arrangement and episodes without music. Especially when it comes to the work of such masters as D. Shostakovich.
Soviet Portrait Painting in China in the 1950s–1960s
Authors: Meng Li
Published: March 2024

Realistic portraiture occupies a special place in the history of Russian art. It had a huge impact on the fi ne arts of China, especially in the Soviet period, since realism and objectivity of the real world were closely intertwined in it, aesthetic perception was presented through artistic images and focused on reality and people. These artistic ideas and techniques suited the interests of the Chinese audience, allowing them to pay even more attention to the charm of modern life. This paper gives an interpretation of the study of Soviet realistic portraiture in China’s art history of the 1950–1960s, both from the side of history and from the side of research methods, and examines the serious infl uence and role of the realistic portrait of the Soviet period on Chinese painting.
Usefulness of functional tests in the diagnosis of allergic asthma
Authors: Haidar Laura , Palea-Bănărescu Felicia , Panaitescu Carmen
Published: March 2024

Respiratory function tests are of crucial importance in the diagnosis, assessment and management of asthma. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and airway obstruction, affects millions of people globally. Respiratory function tests, such as spirometry and bronchial challenge tests, are vital tools in determining the severity and type of asthma, providing objective data on lung function. This article highlights how these tests help in personalizing treatment, allowing doctors to adjust medication regimens and monitor their effectiveness. It also discusses the role of the tests in identifying patients’ responses to various triggers and in the management of asthma exacerbations. Through the regular and strategic use of respiratory function tests, better asthma control can be achieved, significantly improving the patients’ quality of life.
Anion-Responsive Colorimetric and Fluorometric Red-Shift in Triarylborane Derivatives: Dual Role of Phenazaborine as Lewis Acid and Electron Donor
Authors: Aota Nae , Nakagawa Riku , de Sousa Leonardo Evaristo , Tohnai Norimitsu , Minakata Satoshi , de Silva Piotr , Takeda Youhei
Published: March 2024

Photophysical modulation of triarylboranes (TABs) through Lewis acid-base interactions is a fundamental approach in sensing anions. Yet, design principles for anion-responsive TABs displaying significant red-shift in absorption and photoluminescence (PL) have remained elusive. Herein, a new strategy for modulating photophysics of TABs in red-shift mode has been presented, endowing a nitrogen-bridged triarylborane (phenazaborine: PAzB) with contradictory dual role as a Lewis acid and an electron donor. Following the strategy, a PAzB derivative connected with an electron-deficient azaaromatic has been developed, and it displays distinct red-shift in absorption and PL in response to an anion. Spectroscopic analyses and quantum chemical calculations have revealed the formation of tetracoordinated borate upon addition of fluoride, narrowing the HOMO-LUMO gap and enhancing charge transfer character in the excited state. This approach has also been demonstrated in solid-state films.
Using non-adiabatic excitation transfer for signal transmission between molecular logic gates
Authors: Martynov Arthur I. , Belov Aleksandr S. , Nevolin Vladimir K.
Published: March 2024

Molecular logic gates (MLG) are molecules which perform logic operations. Their integration into a computing system is a very difficult task which remains to be addressed. The problem lies in the field of signal exchange between the gates within the system. We propose using non-adiabatic excitation transfer between the gates to address this problem while absorption and fluorescence are left to communicate with external devices. Excitation transfer was studied using the modified Bixon-Jortner- Plotnikov theory on the example of the 3H-thioxanthene-TTF-dibenzo-BODIPY covalently linked triade. Several designs of the molecule were studied in vacuum and cyclohexane. It was found that the molecular logic system has to be planar and rigid to isolate radiative interfaces from other gates. Functioning of these gates is based on dark πσ∗-states in contrast to bright ππ∗-states of radiative interfaces. There are no fundamental difference between ππ∗ → πσ∗ and ππ∗ → ππ∗ transitions for cases when an exciton hopes from one gate to another. The rates of such transitions depend only on an energy gap between states and a distance between gates. A circuit is highly sensitive to the choice of solvent which could rearrange its state structure thereby altering its behavior. According to the obtained results, non-adiabatic transfer can be considered as one of the possible ways for transmitting a signal between MLGs.
Efficient Exploration of Highly Conductive Pyrrolidinium-based Ionic Plastic Crystals Using Materials Informatics
Authors: Ootahara Takuto , Hatakeyama-Sato Kan , Thomas Morgan L. , Takeoka Yuko , Rikukawa Masahiro , Yoshizawa-Fujita Masahiro
Published: March 2024

Ionic plastic crystals (IPCs), which are soft crystals with plasticity and ionic conductivity, are expected to be applied as solid electrolytes in battery applications. Further improvement of ionic conductivity is necessary for practical use as an electrolyte for energy storage devices. Materials Informatics (MI) is a method of incorporating information science in materials development. In this research, MI is being used to develop IPCs with high ionic conductivity. By using informatics science in addition to chemical knowledge, this research can be carried out efficiently and innovatively. The synthesis of eight new compounds resulted in six of them being solid at room temperature, while two of them were in a liquid state, namely ionic liquids. We evaluated the phase transition temperatures and ionic conductivity for each compound. Notably, N-ethyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium trifluoromethyltrifluoroborate ([C2mpyr][CF3BF3]) exhibited a high ionic conductivity of 1.75×10-4 S cm-1 at 25 oC, which is one of the highest values reported among IPCs to date. The combination of an experimental and MI based approach revealed an improved understanding of the relationship between ion size and ionic conductivity for a series of pyrrolidinium-based IPCs, and it is expected that further improvements to this approach will yield greater understanding of structure-property relationships.
Molecular Switching by Proton-Coupled Electron Transport Drives Giant Negative Differential Resistance
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wang Yulong , Nickle Cameron , Zhang Ziyu , Leoncini Andrea , Qi Dong-Chen , Sotthewes Kai , Borrini Alessandro , J. W. Zandvliet Harold , del Barco Enrique , Thompson Damien , A. Nijhuis Christian
Published: March 2024

To develop new types of dynamic molecular devices with atomic-scale control over electronic function, new types of molecular switches are needed with time-dependent switching probabilities. We report such a molecular switch based on proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reaction with giant hysteric negative differential resistance (NDR) with peak-to-valley ratios of 120 ± 6.6 and memory on/off ratios of (2.4 ± 0.6) * 103. The switching dynamics probabilities are modulated by bias voltage sweep rate and can also be controlled by pH and relative humidity, confirmed by kinetic isotope effect measurements. The demonstrated dynamical and environment-specific modulation of giant NDR and memory effects provide new opportunities for bioelectronics and artificial neural networks.
A High-Throughput Framework for Lattice Dynamics
Authors: Zhu Zhuoying , Park Junsoo , Sahasrabuddhe Hrushikesh , Ganose Alex , Chang Rees , Lawson John , Jain Anubhav
Published: March 2024

We develop an automated high-throughput workflow for calculating lattice dynamical properties from first principles including those dictated by anharmonicity. The pipeline automatically calculates interatomic force constants (IFC) up to 4th order from perturbed training supercells, and uses the IFC to calculate lattice thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion, and vibrational free energy and entropy. It performs phonon renormalization for dynamically unstable compounds to obtain real effective phonon spectra at finite temperatures and calculates the associated free energy corrections. The choice of methods and parameter selection process are done in a manner that strikes a balance of computational efficiency and accuracy of results (as assessed through convergence testing and comparison to experimental measurements). Deployment of this workflow at a large scale would facilitate materials discovery efforts toward functionalities including thermoelectics, contact materials, ferroelectrics, aerospace components, as well as general phase diagram construction.
Efficient Integration of Molecular Representation and Message-Passing Neural Networks for Predicting Small Molecule Drug-like Properties
Authors: Brahmavar Shreyas Bhat , Shelar Mrunmay Mohan , Harinarthini Revanth , Sai Krishna Bandaru Hemanth , Kumta Nahush Harihar , Wadhwani Ojas , Aduri Raviprasad
Published: March 2024

The physicochemical properties of a drug molecule determine its metabolism properties. There have been hybrid quantum mechanics approaches with computer-aided drug design and recent supervised machine-learning approaches to predict these properties of small-molecule drugs. However, these methods are low in accuracy and computationally expensive. To get around this problem and improve the performance of a model that predicts the properties of drug molecules, we came up with a novel architecture that uses a "bond order matrix" and structural information to improve molecular graph representations and information in the molecule. Message-passing neural networks (MPNNs) are a framework used to learn local and global features from irregularly formed data invariant to permutations. We take advantage of MPNN architecture and introduce a “semi-master node,” a unique way of representing the functional groups in a small molecule and aggregating features obtained from the functional groups, in anticipation of reverse engineering small molecules given the desired physicochemical properties. This novel architecture and molecule representation were evaluated on the QM9 dataset, which has 133,000 stable small organic molecules with nine heavy atoms (CONF) out of the GDB-17 chemical universe. The metric for evaluating the model's performance is DFT error, an estimated average error of the properties of each molecule. Our models have shown a performance gain of ~10%.
A Martini-based coarse-grained soil organic matter model derived from atomistic simulations
Authors: Dettmann Lorenz , Kuehn Oliver , Ahmed Ashour
Published: March 2024

The significance of soil organic matter (SOM) in environmental contexts, particularly its role in pollutant adsorption, has prompted increased utilization of molecular simulations to understand microscopic interactions. This study introduces a coarse-grained SOM model, parametrized within the framework of the versatile Martini 3 force field. Utilizing systems generated by the Vienna Soil Organic Matter Modeler 2, which constructs humic substance systems from a fragment database, we employed Swarm-CG to parametrize the fragments and subsequently assembled them into macromolecules. Direct Boltzmann Inversion (DBI) facilitated the determination of bonded parameters between fragments. The parametrization yielded favorable agreement in the radius of gyration and solvent-accessible surface area. Transfer free energies exhibited a strong correlation with hexadecane-water and chloroformwater values, albeit deviations were noted for octanol-water values. Comparing densities of modeled Leonardite Humic Acid (LHA) systems at coarse-grained and atomistic levels revealed promising agreement, particularly at higher water concentrations. The DBI approach effectively reproduced average values of bonded interactions between fragments. Radial distribution functions between carboxylate groups and calcium ions partially concurred, yet limitations arose in reproducing certain peaks due to fixed bead sizes. Detailed analysis of atomistic systems elucidated different configurations between groups, further explaining discrepancies. The present contribution provides a comprehensive insight into the properties, strengths, and weaknesses of the coarse-grained SOM model, serving as a foundation for future investigations encompassing pollutant interactions and varied SOM compositions.
C-Terminal Peptide Modification: Merging the Passerini Reaction with Chemo-Enzymatic Synthesis
Authors: Hanssens Jay , van Dun Sam , Lokate Tessa H.G. , Reinartz Vincent R.A.M. , van den Bos Leendert J. , Orrù Romano V.A. , Saya Jordy M.
Published: March 2024

Over the past few decades, peptide/protein synthesis and bio-conjugation has gained increasing interest in the research community owing to the high demand for strategies that provide modified protein adducts in a site-selective fashion. Herein, we report a novel approach that combines the Passerini multicomponent reaction and chemo-enzymatic peptide synthesis (CEPS) for the selective bio-conjugation of peptide C-termini. The Passerini utilizes aqueous acidic buffer conditions to establish chemoselectivity for the carboxylic acids, while the subsequent enzymatic ligation selectively targets the formed C-terminal substrates. We functionalized a diverse set of pentapeptides utilizing numerous isocyanide and car-bonyl compounds and successfully performed subsequent ligations. This combined multicomponent chemoenzymatic method therefore represents a valuable novel technology for future research into site-selective C-terminal modification of peptides/proteins.
Pd(COD)(DQ): A Stable, Versatile, and Monometallic Palladium(0) Source for Organometallic Synthesis and Catalysis
Authors: He Wen-Ji , Qin Wen-Zhuo , Yang Shenghua , Ma Senjie , Kim Nana , Schultz Johnathan , Palkowitz Maximilian , He Chi , Ma Anqi , Schmidt Michael , Gembicky Milan , Wisniewski Steven , Engle Keary
Published: March 2024

Pd(COD)(DQ) (COD=1,5-cyclooctadiene, DQ=duroquinone) is a robust, air-stable, and well-defined 18-electron Pd(0)–olefin complex first synthesized by Sakai et al. in 1983. Herein, we describe an operationally convenient synthetic procedure to prepare this complex on decagram scale; we show that it undergoes facile ligand exchange with phosphines, N-heterocyclic carbenes, and other catalytically important ancillary ligands to give stable organometallic products; and we demonstrate its catalytic competence in numerous useful reactions in organic synthesis. We anticipate that the pronounced stability of Pd(COD)(DQ) and its favorable handling properties will allow it to find use as a convenient Pd(0) source in academic and industrial research labs.
Poza model DRE, czyli czego socjologia może się nauczyć od podejścia projektanckiego
Authors: Afeltowicz Łukasz , Rudnicki Seweryn
Published: March 2024

W tekście rekonstruujemy cechy dominującego w socjologii sposobu pojmowania tego, jak dyscyplina ta może wspomagać rozwiązywanie problemów społecznych. W zdecydowanej większości przypadków rozpatruje się trzy możliwe działania praktyczne socjologii: diagnozowanie, rekomendowanie, emancypowanie (model DRE). Przekonujemy, że model ten nie jest jedynym możliwym. Jako alternatywy dla tego podejścia do zmiany społecznej wskazujemy wybrane historyczne tradycje w obrębie nauk społecznych oraz zewnętrzne wobec socjologii podejście: myślenie projektanckie (ang. design thinking). Pokazujemy, że myślenie projektanckie i model DRE różnią się od siebie w czterech zasadniczych punktach: (1) pojmowaniu roli interwencji w procesie poznania i zmiany, (2) stopniu granulacji problemów, (3) iteracyjności procesu, (4) nastawieniu na tworzenie actionable knowledge.
Obraz dziecięcych ofiar holokaustu. Rola fotografii w ekspozycjach muzealnych
Authors: Zaborski Marcin
Published: March 2024

Autor analizuje rolę materiałów wizualnych w przestrzeni muzealnej poświęconej II wojnie światowej i traumatycznym doświadczeniom z udziałem dzieci. Pyta o fotografie i ich znaczenie w linii narracyjnej miejsc dokumentujących historię Holokaustu i upamiętniających jego ofiary. Poszukuje odpowiedzi na pytanie: W jaki sposób fotografie ukazujące dzieci są wykorzystywane w muzeach poświęconych Zagładzie? Do jakich wydarzeń się odwołują? I jakie konsekwencje rodzi ich użycie w procesie upamiętniania Holokaustu? Autor analizuje zbiory fotograficzne prezentowane na wystawach w następujących placówkach: Instytut Yad Vashem w Jerozolimie, Wileńskie Muzeum Historii Żydowskiej, Ryskie Muzeum Getta i Holokaustu na Łotwie oraz Estońskie Muzeum Żydowskie w Tallinie. Autor dochodzi do wniosku, że główne role odgrywane w takich miejscach przez fotografię można opisać w następujący sposób: 1. Dokumentacja. To niewątpliwie jedno z głównych zadań, które zauważamy w tym obszarze w odniesieniu do fotografii. Staje się ona źródłem dostarczającym informacji, a jednocześnie stanowi dowód zaistnienia pewnych zdarzeń. 2. Wspieranie procesów poznawczych. Fotografia pozwala wykonać określoną pracę w obszarze rekonstruowania przeszłości. Albo ilustruje prezentowaną opowieść, albo stanowi punkt wyjścia do opowieści wychodzącej poza zakres treściowy obrazu fotograficznego. Inspiruje przy tym wykorzystanie zdobytej wcześniej wiedzy, jej poszerzanie lub konfrontowanie. 3. Zaangażowanie emocjonalne. Obrazy zapisane na fotografii motywują do podjęcia pewnych działań w obszarze emocji, wspierają empatyczne podejście do reprezentowanych na nich osób lub grup, motywują do refleksji i zainicjowania procesów związanych z rekonstruowaniem przeszłości.
Krytyczny autostereotyp Polaków w memach o nosaczu sundajskim
Authors: Kochan Marek
Published: March 2024

Tematem artykułu jest autostereotyp Polaków zawarty w serii memów z nosaczem sundajskim (Janusz Nosacz Typowy Polak). Autor przedstawia krótko katalogi cech składających się na opisy „charakteru narodowego” i autostereotypów Polaków, powstałe w przeszłości, od XVI wieku do pierwszych dekad XXI wieku, po wstąpieniu Polski do Unii Europejskiej. Następnie autor przedstawia funkcje memów, w tym krytykę społeczną. Główna część artykułu jest poświęcona szczegółowej analizie próbki 354 memów z Januszem Nosaczem Typowym Polakiem: jego wartościom, zwyczajom, aktywnościom, przyjmowanym rolom społecznym, pracy, stylowi życia (w tym zachowaniom konsumenckim). Analizowany autostereotyp Polaków zawarty w memach z nosaczem sundajskim opisany został w kategoriach teorii postkolonialnej jako przypadek postkolonialnej tożsamości wywiedzionej z historycznych opisów „charakteru narodowego”, ale skoncentrowanej na cechach negatywnych, z praktycznie nieobecnymi cechami pozytywnymi, uważanymi wcześniej za prototypowe. To ogranicza krytyczny potencjał tego autostereotypu i jego wpływ na samoświadomość Polaków, konkluduje autor
One more alien freshwater fish species in New Caledonia: the three-spot gourami Trichogaster trichopterus (Teleostei: Osphronemidae)
Authors: Firmat Cyril , Alibert Paul
Published: March 2024

Short notes don’t have an abstract.
The harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena in the Belgian part of the North Sea: trends in abundance and distribution
Authors: Haelters Jan , Kerckhof Francis , Jacques Thierry G. , Degraer Steven
Published: March 2024

The harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena is currently common in the Belgian part of the North Sea (BPNS), after decades of virtual absence. This article describes the results of aerial surveys to assess its distribution and density in Belgian waters, in concert with the first results of tests with passive acoustic monitoring devices (Porpoise Detectors - PoDs), and a basic analysis of strandings. The strandings data over four decades clearly demonstrate an increase of harbour porpoises in the BPNS, with only few stranded animals between 1970 and 1997 (0 to 6 per year), increasing numbers between 1998 and 2004 (8 to 40 per year), and even higher numbers between 2005 and 2009 (62 to 94 per year). The combined results of aerial surveys, strandings monitoring and tests with passive acoustic monitoring reveal a seasonal pattern, with harbour porpoises being abundant from February to April, and more scarce from May to January. Average densities in 2008 and 2009, as estimated by aerial monitoring covering most of the BPNS (with the exclusion of the nearshore 5 km strip), ranged from 0.05 animals per km², or in total less than 200 animals in an area equivalent to the BPNS in August 2009, to 1.01 animals per km², or in total almost 3,700 animals in an area equivalent to the BPNS during April 2008. In the first quarter of the year porpoises occur throughout the BPNS, including territorial waters (12 mile zone), whereas they are restricted to more offshore and northerly waters later in the year. Erratic invasions in the BPNS however blur general seasonal spatio-temporal patterns, which complicates our understanding of spatial distribution and migration.
A study on awareness and adoption of unified interface payments in city union bank
Authors: J. Pritha Ebenezer , J. Leelavathy Packiathai
Published: March 2024

UPI stands for Unified Interface Payments, which is used as a payment gateway to send and receive funds from anywhere, anytime, to other verified UPI accounts or to bank accounts using the unique VPA allocated to the UPI account of City Union Bank. City Union Bank's UPI is known as BHIM CUB e-wallet UPI. VPA is the Virtual Payments Address allotted by providing a registered mobile number or the account number of a valid savings or current account, along with the IFSC code. UPI was initiated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the central bank of India. Customers can instantly send and receive funds in real time, similar to IMPS funds transfer technology. In addition to its real-time fund transfer capabilities, UPI has revolutionized the digital payment landscape by providing a seamless and secure transaction experience. The integration of UPI into City Union Bank's financial ecosystem not only facilitates swift and secure peer-to-peer transactions but also reinforces the commitment to advancing India's digital financial infrastructure. The widespread adoption of UPI underscores its pivotal role in promoting financial inclusion and catalyzing the transition towards a cashless economy.
Impact of ripening stages on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of
Monkey orange (Strychnos spinosa) fruit
Authors: Mashau M.E. , Tshishonge P.
Published: March 2024

The Monkey orange (Strychnos spinosa) fruit is a tropical and subtropical African
indigenous tree and its name is derived from the fact that monkeys eat the fruits. This
study investigated the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Monkey orange fruit
(MOF) at different ripening stages (unripe – green colour, semi-ripe - light yellow colour
and fully ripe – yellow colour). Physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds and
antioxidant activity of MOF were determined. The results showed that the physical
characteristics of MOF such as fruit weight and size, seed weight and pulp weight
significantly decreased (p<0.05) with the ripening stages. However, the ripening stages
did not affect the seed diameter of the MOF. A significant difference was observed in the
L*, a*, b* and Chroma colour properties of MOF at different ripening stages. The Hue
angle of semi and fully ripe MOF was not significantly different (p>0.05). Chemical
characteristics of MOF such as moisture content, pH, total soluble solids and sugar to acid
ratio significantly increased with the ripening stages. However, extractable solids and total
titratable acid decreased. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents significantly decreased
with the ripening stages varying from 0.844 to 0.356 mg GAE/g and 0.714 to 0.031 mg/g,
respectively. Moreover, ascorbic acid content decreased ranging from 128.67 to 73.01
mg/100 g. The antioxidant activity of MOF significantly decreased (p<0.05) during the
ripening stages.
Epigenetics and diet: how does food regulate our genes?
Authors: Acevedo-Espinola R. , Allcca-Luna Victoria R.M. , Olivares-Etchebaster M. , Tume F.
Published: March 2024

In recent decades, research into how our cells function using cellular and molecular
approaches has further opened our understanding of how homeostasis is disrupted by
environmental insults. Unhealthy diet over time generates a wide range of problems that
lead to morbidity and mortality. Previously, the causes of diseases were attributed solely
to the genetic makeup of individuals, however, epigenetics emerged to help understand
how lifestyles can influence the expression of an individual's genes. Therefore, in this
review article, we discuss recent evidence indicating that dietary components can
modulate gene function through epigenetic control (e.g., DNA methylation, histone
modifications, and microRNAs) to maintain homeostasis. In addition, it is discussed what
happens when harmful nutritional habits predominant (e.g., high fat and sugar diet and
low consumption of vitamins-rich foods); a situation that deteriorates and interrupts the
way our genes work. The importance of this field lies in the fact that nutritionists, in the
future, could direct personalized nutritional therapies and, above all, they could practice
health promotion with an integrated knowledge on how diet regulates our genes.
Preventing Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy using Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Authors: Kathirgamanathan Abiramee , Nair Akshita
Published: March 2024

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic cardiovascular disease, is the leading cause of cardiac death in young people, often due to atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is generally treated using antiarrhythmics and anticoagulants, which have adverse side effects after long-term use, and are therefore unsuitable for young HCM patients. AF is characterized by a rapid and irregular atrial heartbeat, marked by a short action potential duration and atrial effective refractory period in atrial cardiomyocytes. Prior studies have indicated that the renin-angiotensin system is involved in lowering both, so it has been hypothesized that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which inhibit the renin-angiotensin system, could prevent AF. Therefore, in this study, we propose a research protocol to examine the viability of ACE inhibitors and ARBs as prophylactic measures against the development of AF in HCM patients. To test this, we suggest extracting atrial cardiomyocytes from HCM patients by performing enzyme dissociation on myocardial tissue. The isolated cardiomyocytes will then be treated in vitro with an ACE inhibitor, an ARB, a combination of both, or a control saline solution, and the patch-clamp technique will be used to determine the frequency and duration of their action potentials. We expect action potential duration and atrial effective refractory period to be longer in treated cells, while neither medication will provide a greater advantage, and, as prior research suggests, the combination will not yield significant benefits. The study will continue by testing the effects of ACE inhibitors and ARBs on the function of atrial myocardial organoids created from differentiated stem cells with an HCM mutation. The results of this study could present a new preventative measure against AF for HCM patients which would be safe for long-term use.
Editorial: History never repeats...?
Authors: Dickson Benjamin
Published: March 2024

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Biosynthesis of Copper Nanoparticles using an Extract of the root of Asparagus racemosus: Basic Synthesis, Antimicrobial, and Anti-oxidant Potentials
Authors: Veeramani Subha , Shanmugam Kirubanandan
Published: March 2024

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have emerged as a promising alternative due to their unique antimicrobial properties. The synthesis of CuNPs using Asparagus racemosus, commonly known as Shatavari, offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to producing nanomaterials. Moreover, the resulting CuNPs have been found to possess excellent antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, which further expands their potential applications in medicine and environmental remediation. In this article, we discussed the in vitro characterization of the CuNPs. In vitro studies revealed that CuNPs have the potential for biomedical applications and as a base nanomaterial for the construction of drug delivery and targeting vehicles.
Analysis of the Effect of Extended Rehabilitation Care at Home on the Psychological Condition and Adherence to Medical Compliance Behavior of Patients with Coronary Heart Disease Combined with Heart Failure
Authors: Sun Ailian
Published: March 2024

Objective: To analyze the effects of providing extended rehabilitation nursing services at home to patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) combined with heart failure (CHF) on psychological improvement and adherence to medical compliance behavior. Methods: 79 patients with CHD with CHF admitted to Sijia Town Central Health Hospital, Haimen District, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, between June 2021 and June 2023 were selected and grouped according to the randomized numerical table method. The control group (39 cases) was provided with conventional nursing care and extended rehabilitation nursing care at home was provided to the observation group (40 cases). The psychological status, adherence to medical behaviors, cardiac function, and complications between both groups were compared. Results: The scores of anxieties and depression self-assessment scales (SAS, SDS) of patients in the observation group were lower than those of the control group (t = 2.954, 3.212; P < 0.05); the compliance of patients in the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The levels of left ventricular ejection fraction, end-systolic and end-diastolic internal diameters (LVEF, LVESD, LVEDD) of patients in the observation group at 58.02 ± 5.34 %, 44.49 ± 5.16 mm, and 49.16 ± 5.76 mm respectively were better than those of the control group after nursing care (t = 3.205, 3.288, 2.633; P < 0.05); the complication rate of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Extended rehabilitation nursing at home exhibited a psychological regulation effect on CHD with CHF patients, improved their medical compliance, improved cardiac function, reduced the incidence of complications, and had significant application value.
Diálogos entre os Saberes Populares, Científicos e Escolares e as suas Contribuições para o Ensino de Química a partir de uma Temática Sociocultural
Authors: Gomes Jacqueline Pereira , Filho Francisco Ferreira Dantas
Published: March 2024

Este artigo é decorrente de um recorte da dissertação da primeira autora, defendida no ano de 2021, a qual objetivou promover diálogos entre os saberes populares, científicos e escolares através de uma intervenção pedagógica a partir de uma temática sociocultural, utilizando a cultura da palma forrageira (Opuntia ficus indica) e os conhecimentos da comunidade a respeito do uso desta cultura. Tratou-se, desse modo, de uma pesquisa participante com abordagem qualitativa. O estudo foi realizado no município de Soledade-PB em 2019, e contou com a participação de 4 agricultores, 63 estudantes de duas turmas da 3ª série do Ensino Médio (EM) e 1 professora de Geografia. O instrumento de coleta de dados partiu da aplicação de dois questionários, contendo questões abertas e fechadas apresentadas aos participantes da pesquisa. Diante dos resultados obtidos, foi notória a importância dos diálogos entre os saberes e fazeres com a cultura da palma forrageira.
Literature review on the knowledge of the use of medicinal plants in the health care of brazilian quilombola women
Authors: Santos-Fonseca Dyana Joy , Coelho-Ferreira Márlia
Published: March 2024

Esta revisão examina o conhecimento popular sobre plantas medicinais relacionadas à saúde da mulher entre os “quilombolas” brasileiros (comunidades afrodescendentes). Foram coletados dados secundários de 24 artigos publicados entre 2000 e 2021 que abordavam diretamente o conhecimento tradicional em comunidades quilombolas, e analisamos as frequências relativas de citação (FRCi), bem como a riqueza e semelhanças de espécies medicinais entre os diferentes biomas em que os quilombolas comunidades foram estabelecidas. O software “EthnobotanyR” foi utilizado para analisar as distribuições das frequências de uso de espécies medicinais utilizadas na assistência à saúde da mulher entre essas comunidades. Foi construído um banco de dados com informações referentes a 117 espécies medicinais utilizadas para a saúde da mulher nas 40 comunidades quilombolas estabelecidas na Caatinga (49 spp.), Mata Atlântica (44 spp.), Cerrado (29 spp.) e Amazônia (26 spp.) biomas. As espécies com maiores valores de FRCi foram Ruta graveolens (0,4) e Dysphania ambrosioides (0,16), ambas plantas exóticas amplamente cultivadas e utilizadas no Brasil. O presente estudo mostrou grandes indicações dos usos tradicionais de plantas medicinais para o tratamento de problemas de saúde em mulheres, principalmente para infecções e/ou inflamações vaginais e uterinas, mas também para o tratamento de condições adicionais de gravidez ou pós-parto. No entanto, serão necessários estudos adicionais para examinar mais de perto as propriedades benéficas dessas plantas, bem como quaisquer riscos potenciais que possam oferecer à saúde das mulheres.
A critical discourse analysis of the beauty advertisement by Make Over
Authors: Khasanah Luluk
Published: March 2024

Advertisement as media to promote or sell particular products can be done online, electronic and printed media. It is easy for the public to access or get information. In advertising, the advertiser use the power of language to influence the reader to use the products. Beauty product always attract women. The method to conduct the study is qualitative research. The objectives of the study are to analyse the language features, the discourse strategies, and the social features used in the advertisement of the beauty products MAKE-OVER. The way to collect the data is taken from a caption in Instagram account of beauty products MAKE OVER. The study uses Fairclough’s theory three dimension of discourse study. Then the data is analyzed in its language features. The result is the caption uses verb 1, present tense, modals, and adverb of manner. The caption declares imperative, declarative, and positives sentence. It showed that the caption is set to make the reader sure the products. The second discourse strategy is the strategy that is used positive self-representation and compliment. The advertiser influences the reader by state the positive phrases by mentioning the impact after use the products. Thirdly, in the social-cultural practice section, the analysis is based on the assumption that the social context outside the media is influenced by how discourse appears in the media.
Foreign Language Anxiety in Learning English: Students’ Perspectives and Experiences of Learning from Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Astuti Nur Margining , Rahmah Rayinda Eva
Published: March 2024

The corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic forced all schools in Indonesia to carry out the online learning since March 2020 which could certainly make the students feel anxious. So, within this paper, the writers report a study which explored the sources and effects of Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA) through perceptions and experiences of junior high school students in grade eight of MTs Nurul Huda Mereng, Warungpring, Pemalang regency during learning from home due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The design of this study is descriptive qualitative research. The data were collected through the perspectives using interviews and getting the responses to open ended questions of ten students. The findings indicate that in general, students exhibited suffering from anxiety more than benefiting learning English school subject from home. In conclusion, following the foreign language anxiety especially when students learn English from home during the COVID-19 Pandemic can be said as an essential necessary for the English teacher in contributing to the teaching evaluation and reflection.
Sharecropping in southern Tuscany: a micro-analysis of the ‘Fattoria’ production system (1858-1889)
Authors: ZANIBELLI GIACOMO
Published: March 2024

This article studies the effects of the 1880s cereal crisis at the micro level as well as structural changes to Tuscan agriculture. It looks at the sharecropping system of southern Tuscany from 1858 to 1889, by observing production and market trends for the large Canonica property in Certaldo (Tuscany), a municipality between Siena and Florence. The results show that Canonica did not suffer the effects of the cereal crisis; instead, the production of wheat, corn, oil and especially wine increased. Fertilizer use also increased, resulting in improved grain yields. Comparison of aggregate production for the provinces of Siena and Florence and the region of Tuscany showed that Canonica presented a production trend similar to that of the Siena province. An effective response to the exogenous shock was made possible by a proper accounting structure and the development of specific management strategies by the owner and agricultural agents (fattori).
A Poor but Efficient Crop: Supply-Side Responses in the Greek Tobacco Sector, 1953-64
Authors: LEMONTZOGLOU TRYFONAS LEMONTZOGLOU , Carmona-Zabala Juan Carmona-Zabala
Published: March 2024

We analyzed the price elasticities of the Greek tobacco supply at three different levels of analysis (cross-varietal, cross-regional, and two-dimensional) using secondary-level data published by the Greek National Tobacco Board for the years 1953 to 1964. Our panel suggest that the development of postwar Greece’s tobacco sector was largely determined by market forces rather than by state-led purchasing programs. However, market pressures impacted production and sales volume to varying degrees, depending on the tobacco varieties grown in different parts of the country. Given that tobacco was postwar Greece’s most important export crop, and that it was the object of considerable state support, the often-made claim that state interventionism has disincentivized the adaptation of the Greek agricultural sector to evolving markets needs to be revised. Our findings support Shultz’s poor-but-efficient hypothesis regarding farmers.
Surveillance of infections of surgical sites and lower respiratory tracts should be combined: experiences from the German surveillance module for operated patients (OP-KISS), 2018 to 2022
Authors: Aghdassi Seven Johannes Sam , Saydan Selin , Behnke Michael , Clausmeyer Jörg , Gastmeier Petra , Geffers Christine
Published: March 2024

Background

Surveillance of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) of operated patients conventionally focuses on intubated patients in intensive care units (ICU). Post-operative immobilisation increases the risk of LRTI not associated with ventilators. Operated patients, however, have thus far not been a primary target for LRTI surveillance.

Aim

We aimed to describe the applied LRTI surveillance method in the German surveillance module for operated patients (OP-KISS) and to report data between 2018 and 2022.

Methods

Surveillance of LRTI can be performed voluntarily in addition to surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance in OP-KISS. We calculated LRTI rates per 100 operations for all procedures combined, as well as for individual surgical groups and procedures. Additionally, a combined post-operative infection rate (SSI and LRTI) was calculated.

Results

Surveillance of LRTI was performed in 4% of all participating OP-KISS departments and for 2% (23,239 of 1,332,438) of all procedures in the OP-KISS database. The pooled LRTI rate was 0.9 per 100 operations, with marked differences between different types of surgery (3.6 for lobectomies, 0.1 for traumatology and orthopaedics). The share of LRTI among all post-operative infections was highly variable. For lobectomies, the LRTI rate was higher than the SSI rate (3.6 vs 1.5 per 100 operations).

Conclusion

Surveillance of post-operative LRTI is not yet widely adopted by German hospitals. Based on the data in this study, lobectomies represent a prime target for post-operative LRTI surveillance.
Ongoing mpox outbreak in Kamituga, South Kivu province, associated with monkeypox virus of a novel Clade I sub-lineage, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2024
Authors: Masirika Leandre Murhula , Udahemuka Jean Claude , Schuele Leonard , Ndishimye Pacifique , Otani Saria , Mbiribindi Justin Bengehya , Marekani Jean M. , Mambo Léandre Mutimbwa , Bubala Nadine Malyamungu , Boter Marjan , Nieuwenhuijse David F. , Lang Trudie , Kalalizi Ernest Balyahamwabo , Musabyimana Jean Pierre , Aarestrup Frank M. , Koopmans Marion , Oude Munnink Bas B. , Siangoli Freddy Belesi
Published: March 2024

Since the beginning of 2023, the number of people with suspected monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection have sharply increased in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We report near-to-complete MPXV genome sequences derived from six cases from the South Kivu province. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that the MPXV affecting the cases belongs to a novel Clade I sub-lineage. The outbreak strain genome lacks the target sequence of the probe and primers of a commonly used Clade I-specific real-time PCR.
Gerakan Fatayat NU Kabupaten Blitar dalam Membangun Kemaslahatan Keluarga
Authors: Nisa Zulia Khoirun , Oktafia Safitri Diana Dwi , Fitria Ufik Rohmatul
Published: March 2024

Keluarga sebagai sub sistem dari masyarakat akan menghadapi tantangan yang beragam. Berbagai persoalan yang terjadi dalam keluarga lebih disebabkan oleh konstruksi sosial dan kultural yang dipahami dan  dianut   oleh  masyarakat   yang   tidak   didasarkan   pada asas kesetaraan gender. Konstruksi keluarga konvensional yang memposisikan suami sebagai pelindung dan pemberi nafkah (public) dan istri sebagai ibu rumah tangga yang mengurus urusan rumah (domestic) akan tergeser dengan adanya modernisasi. Hal ini akan menjadi persoalan, jika bangunan rumah tangga tidak berlandaskan pada nilai-nilai keislaman, ke-NU-an, serta memegang konsep keluarga maslahah. Pimpinan Cabang Fatayat NU Kabupaten Blitar sebagai Badan Otonom Nahdlatul Ulama senantiasa menggaungkan nilai-nilai serta prinsip-prinsip keluarga maslahah dalam berbagai program kerjanya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untu: Pertama, mengetahui program kerja Fatayat NU Kabupaten Blitar yang berbasis kemaslahatan keluarga. Kedua, mengetahui bagaimana peran Fatayat NU dalam membangun keadilan dan kesetaraan dalam rumah tangga. Jenis penelitian lapangan dengan menjadikan Pimpinan Cabang Fatayat NU Kabupaten Blitar sebagai subjek penelitian. Sedangkan jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif yaitu yang memahami suatu subjek penelitian dalam bentuk deskripsi kata-kata atau bahasa, dengan menggunakan pendekatan historis. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Pimpinan Cabang Fatayat NU Kabupaten Blitar memiliki komitmen semangat perjuangan berbasis kemaslahatan keluarga. Membangun keluarga maslahah memalui pendidikan, seminar mubadalah serta peluncuran buku Do’a-Do’a Ibu. Fatayat NU Kabupaten Blitar juga berperan dalam advokasi keluarga serta menjadi teladan bagi masyarakat, bahwa perempuan mampu menjalankan tanggung jawabnya dalam keluarga, bekerja serta berorganisasi.
Penerapan Metode Pembelajaran Studi Kasus pada Sekolah Marginal
Authors: Rohman Abdur
Published: March 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menganalisis kembali penggunaan metode studi kasus dalam proses pembelajaran di sekolah pinggiran. Penelitian ini memberikan manfaat secara praktis pada guru untuk mendesain pembelajaran secara kontekstual dan memberikan data untuk membuat kebijakan pembelajaran. Metode yang digunakan adalah penelitian tindakan dengan subjek guru matematika di sekolah Pinggiran dengan jumlah siswa sebanyak 27. Data yang dikumpulkan berupa data kualitatif dan kuantitaif dengan instrumen wawancara, observasi dan tes. Data berupa angka dianalisis dengan statistik sederhana kemudian hasilnya di analisis lebih lanjut disandingkan dengan data kualitatif yang ada direduksi dan dimunculkan pernyataan hasilnya lalu dibuat kesimpulan.

Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penerapan metode studi kasus mampu memberikan perubahan pada proses pembelajaran di Sekolah yang secara input siswa berada di level menengah ke bawah. Hal tersebut dibuktikan dengan peningkatan aktivitas pembelajaran siswa mencapai 81,2% dan aktivitas mengajar guru mencapai 83,3%. untuk hasil tes pembelajaran membuktikan adanya peningkatan dari 41,38% pada saat pratindakan, menjadi 68,96% siklus pertama dan 93,10% pada saat siklus II.