bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Analysis of a Coastal Concrete Heritage Structure
Authors: Cunha Ferreira Teresa , Romão Xavier , Freitas Pedro Murilo , Mendonça Hugo
Published: August 2023

This research focuses on the risk management of reinforced concrete heritage constructions in coastal environments, with an emphasis on preserving their cultural significance. It addresses a critical gap in existing risk-related research, since this type of heritage site is often overlooked in heritage conservation research. The proposed methodology offers a flexible framework that links natural and human-induced hazards with their impacts on key heritage values, enabling the development of appropriate mitigation and adaptation strategies and policies. Climate change-induced threats are also incorporated, allowing for more effective adaptation plans to safeguard concrete coastal heritage for future generations. The Ocean Swimming Pool in Matosinhos, Portugal, designed by the Pritzker Prize winner Álvaro Siza, serves as a pilot study to illustrate the practicality of the risk-based approach, considering its coastal location and exposure to various hazards. By using this case study, the research provides a roadmap for preserving and adapting heritage constructions in similar coastal settings. The integration of cultural values into risk management and conservation policies is a significant contribution of this research. It advocates for a proactive approach that considers the dynamic challenges posed by climate change while preserving the significance of cultural heritage. The adaptable nature of the proposed methodology allows for broader applications, potentially benefiting multiple heritage sites in coastal regions. Ultimately, this research calls for positive changes in risk management practices to ensure the preservation and longevity of culturally significant reinforced concrete heritage sites.
Copper and Zinc Accumulation in Young Leaves of Eruca sativa (L.) Grown in Soilless Culture
Authors: Chrysargyris Antonios , Maggini Rita , Incrocci Luca , Pardossi Alberto , Tzortzakis Nikolaos
Published: August 2023

Heavy metals are environmental pollutants that cause toxicity in plants and represent a risk for human health, linked to bioaccumulation through the food chain. However, excess accumulation may not occur in young plants in the early stages of exposure to the toxic element. In the present work, rocket (Eruca sativa L.) plants grown in hydroponics were exposed for three weeks to excess concentrations (25, 50, or 100 µM) of Cu or Zn in the nutrient solution and were more sensitive to Cu than Zn toxicity. However, a significant decrease in the leaf biomass production as compared with the control was observed only after two or three weeks, and only minor signals of metal-induced adverse effects were evidenced concerning photosynthesis, oxidative stress indicators, antioxidant metabolites, and macronutrients. After two or three weeks, the leaf level of Cu occasionally approached the upper value associated with the recommended limits of dietary intake for human adults. However, as rocket leaves are commercialized when they achieve a 10–15 cm length, after one week of cultivation in perlite, the plants had an adequate size without metal contamination and could be considered suitable for the food market, even after exposure to Cu or Zn concentrations up to 100 µM.
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) Root Distribution: Cultivar Differences in Mature Plantings
Authors: Drost Daniel
Published: August 2023

Annual plant growth patterns and seasonal conditions have both been shown to influence asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) root development over time. Root biomass and distribution changes in mature asparagus cultivars are herein illustrated and described. Asparagus root length density and biomass were estimated from soil cores using a systematic field sampling approach each spring. Soil cores (0.9 m deep) were divided into 0.15 m lengths and fleshy roots collected from the soil. Root length density and dry weights were determined and root distribution maps generated from collected data. As asparagus plantings matured, the sampling year had a significant influence on root development. Fleshy roots grew deeper into the soil each year but the majority of roots of Atlas, Guelph Millennium, and Jersey Giant were found in the upper 60 cm of the soil profile. For the three cultivars evaluated, minor differences in root length and root weight occurred. By Year 6, Atlas showed a decrease in root length and weight when compared to Guelph Millennium and Jersey Giant. While spear yield differences between the varieties were not significant, Atlas tended to produce more very large and large spears compared to Guelph Millennium and Jersey Giant. These results increase our understanding of asparagus root development.
Androgens Modulate Bcl-2 Agonist of Cell Death (BAD) Expression and Function in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Morelli Catia , Chiodo Chiara , Nocito Marta Claudia , Cormace Alessandro , Catalano Stefania , Sisci Diego , Sirianni Rosa , Casaburi Ivan , Andò Sebastiano , Lanzino Marilena
Published: August 2023

Androgen receptor (AR) expression in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer (BC) correlates with lower tumor grade and a better clinical outcome. Additionally, in normal mammary epithelium or ER+ BC preclinical models, androgens counteract basal/ER-dependent proliferation. Here, we report an additional mechanism, underlining the protective role exerted by AR. Specifically, the activation of intracellular AR upregulates the Bcl-2-family protein BAD, and TCGA database analyses show that in ER+ BC, BAD expression is associated with better disease-free survival. Ligand-activated AR influences its own and BAD cellular compartmentalization by enhancing levels in the nucleus, as well as in mitochondrial fractions. In both compartments, BAD exerts unconventional functions. In the nucleus, BAD and AR physically interact and, upon androgen stimulation, are recruited at the AP-1 and ARE sites within the cyclin D1 promoter region, contributing to explaining the anti-proliferative effect of androgens in BC cells. Androgens cause an enrichment in BAD and AR content in the mitochondria, correlated with a decrease in mitochondrial function. Thus, we have defined a novel mechanism by which androgens modulate BAD expression, its mitochondria localization, and nuclear content to force its ability to act as a cell cycle inhibitor, strengthening the protective role of androgen signaling in estrogen-responsive BCs.
The “Periodic Table” of 1-methylbenzotriazole: Zinc(II) Complexes
Authors: Stamou Christina , Barouni Eleftheria , Plakatouras John C. , Sigalas Michael M. , Raptopoulou Catherine P. , Psycharis Vassilis , Bakalbassis Evangelos G. , Perlepes Spyros P.
Published: August 2023

In an attempt to fill in the empty Zn position in the “Periodic Table” of 1-methylbenzotriazole (Mebta), reactions between Zn(II) sources and this ligand were carried out. The detailed synthetic studies provided access to complexes [ZnX2(Mebta)2] (X = Cl, 1; X = Br, 3; X = I, 4), (MebtaH)2[ZnCl4] (2), tet-[Zn(NO3)2(Mebta)2] (5), oct-[Zn(NO3)2(Mebta)2] (6), and [Zn(Mebta)4](Y)2 [Y = ClO4, 7; Y = PF6, 8]. Solid-state thermal decomposition of 2 leads to 1 in quantitative yield. The structures of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 were determined by single-crystal crystallography. The structures of the remaining complexes were proposed based on spectroscopic evidence. In all compounds, Mebta behaves as monodentate ligand using the nitrogen of the position 3 as donor. Complexes 1–4, 7, and 8 are tetrahedral. Complexes 5 and 6 are isostoichiometric and their preparation in pure forms depends on the reaction conditions; in the former the ZnII atom has a tetrahedral geometry, whereas in the latter the metal ion is octahedral. This case of rare isomerism arises from the monodentate (in 5) vs. bidentate (in 6) coordination of the nitrato groups. Extensive π–π stacking interactions and non-classical H bonds build interesting 3D architectures in the structurally characterized complexes. The compounds were characterized by IR, far-IR, and Raman spectroscopies in the solid state, and the data were interpreted in terms of the structures (known or proposed) of the complexes and the coordination modes of the organic and inorganic ligands involved. The solid-state structures of the complexes are not retained in solution, as proven by NMR (1H, 13C[1H]) spectroscopy and molar conductivity data. The thermal decomposition study of 1 and 3 leads to stable intermediates with 1:1 stoichiometry, i.e., ZnX2(Mebta). Based on far-IR spectra, polymeric tetrahedral structures are possible with simultaneous presence of terminal and bridging X− groups. Liquid-phase ab initio (MP2) and gas-phase DFT calculations, performed on Mebta and the nitrato complexes, respectively, shed light on the tendency of Mebta for N3-coordination, and the existence and relative stabilities of 5 and 6.
Quantification of Statins in Pharmaceutical Products Using Screen-Printed Sensors Based of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Roșca Ramona Oana , Bounegru Alexandra Virginia , Apetrei Constantin
Published: August 2023

This study describes the use of electrochemical sensors to detect and quantify several statins (rosuvastatin and simvastatin) in pharmaceutical products. Two types of commercially screen-printed sensors were used and compared: one based on carbon (SPCE) and the other modified with gold nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (SPE/GNP-MWCNT). Cyclic voltammetry was employed for determination. The AuNP-MWCNTs/SPCE sensor outperformed the SPCE sensor, displaying excellent electrochemical properties. It demonstrated high sensitivity with low limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) values: 0.15 µM and 5.03 µM, respectively, for rosuvastatin and 0.30 µM and 1.01 µM, respectively, for simvastatin. The sensor had a wide linear range of 20–275 µM for rosuvastatin and 50–350 µM for simvastatin. Using the AuNP-MWCNTs/SPCE sensor, rosuvastatin and simvastatin were successfully quantified in pharmaceutical products. The results were validated towards producer-reported values (standardized drugs) and a conventional analysis method (FTIR). The sensor exhibited excellent stability, reproducibility, and analytical recovery ranging from 99.3% to 106.6% with a low relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 1%. In conclusion, the AuNP-MWCNTs/SPCE sensor proved to be a reliable and sensitive tool for detecting and quantifying statins in pharmaceutical products. Its superior electrochemical properties, low LOD and LOQ values, wide linear range, and high analytical recovery make it a promising choice for pharmaceutical quality control.
Testicular Metastasis from Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pliszka Anna , Rajda Sebastian , Wawrzyniak Agata , Walocha Jerzy , Polguj Michał , Wysiadecki Grzegorz , Clarke Edward , Golberg Michał , Zarzecki Michał , Balawender Krzysztof
Published: August 2023

Approximately one-third of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is recognized in its metastatic stage. This systematic review aimed to summarize knowledge on the occurrence and treatment of testicular RCC metastasis. The literature search was performed by two authors independently, with the use of main electronic medical databases (Science Direct, Web of Science, and PubMed) until March 2023 to identify relevant articles that could potentially contribute to this review. Neither language nor publication dates were set as limits. Although we found a total of 51 case reports, only 31 of them contained all the required information. Testicular metastasis in patients with RCC suggests a late stage of the disease. Moreover, it usually does not present typical systemic or specific symptoms except for swelling and enlargement of the affected testis. Knowledge of the possibility of such variants of RCC metastases will allow a clinician to make an appropriate diagnosis and implement adequate treatment without delay, which is crucial in the management of neoplastic disease.
The Diagnostic and Prognostic Roles Played by Homocysteine and Other Aminothiols in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kruglova Maria Petrovna , Ivanov Alexander Vladimirovich , Fedoseev Anatolij Nikolaevich , Virus Edward Danielevich , Stupin Victor Aleksandrovich , Parfenov Vladimir Anatolyevich , Titova Svetlana Andreevna , Lazareva Polina Igorevna , Kubatiev Aslan Amirkhanovich , Silina Ekaterina Vladimirovna
Published: August 2023

We examined standard clinical and laboratory biochemical parameters, as well as the levels of aminothiols in the blood and urine (homocysteine (Hcy), cysteine (Cys), S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH)) via capillary electrophoresis in patients with CKD at stages II–V. Patient outcomes were assessed after five years. To complete forecasting, correlation and ROC analysis were performed. It was found that the levels of Cys and Hcy in blood plasma were earlier markers of CKD starting from stage II, while the levels of SAM and SAM/SAH in urine made it possible to differentiate between CKD at stages II and III. Blood plasma Hcy and urinary SAM and SAM/SAH correlated with mortality, but plasma Hcy concentrations were more significant. Thus, plasma Hcy, urine SAM, and SAM/SAH can be considered to be potential diagnostic and prognostic markers in patients with CKD.
Photocatalytic Biohydrogen Production Using ZnO from Aqueous Glycerol Solution with Aid of Simultaneous Cu Deposition
Authors: Suhag Mahmudul Hassan , Tateishi Ikki , Furukawa Mai , Katsumata Hideyuki , Khatun Aklima , Kaneco Satoshi
Published: August 2023

Biodiesel has gained a great deal of attention as a new sustainable energy alternative to petroleum-based fuels. The subsequent increased biodiesel production requires new utilization of glycerol, which is a byproduct of biodiesel synthesis. Photocatalytic biohydrogen generation using ZnO with the aid of simultaneous deposition of copper from an aqueous biomass-derivative glycerol solution was investigated. The effects of the concentration of glycerol solution, Cu ion concentration, and reaction temperature on biohydrogen generation were investigated. The photocatalytic biohydrogen production rate increased as the concentration of aqueous glycerol solution increased, and the observed data could be fitted to the Langmuire–Hinshelwood kinetic models. The photocatalytic H2 production efficiency with ZnO could be significantly improved by simultaneous Cu deposition. The photocatalytic biohydrogen production rate was dependent on temperature, and increased as the temperature increased. Under the optimal conditions, the photocatalytic H2 production rate was 72 µmol h−1 g−1 from the aqueous biomass-derivative glycerol solution. Possible mechanisms for the oxidation of glycerol solution and photocatalytic hydrogen generation were proposed.
Adsorption of Acid Yellow 23 Dye on Organobentonite/Alginate Hydrogel Beads in a Fixed-Bed Column
Authors: Rivera-Arenas Daniela , Macías-Quiroga Iván F. , Dávila-Arias María T. , Vélez-Upegui Jorge J. , Sanabria-González Nancy R.
Published: August 2023

This research evaluates the use of organoclay/alginate hydrogels in removing Acid Yellow 23 in a fixed-bed column and contributes to the application of these composites in the context of the adsorption of anionic dyes that are present in wastewater. An organobentonite (OBent) was synthesized and encapsulated in an alginate matrix, using Ca2+ ions as a crosslinking agent. Experiments in fixed-bed columns showed that breakthrough and exhaustion times were longer with increasing bed height, which decreased with increases in flow rate and initial dye concentration. The Thomas, Yoon–Nelson, and Adams–Bohart models were well fitted to the experimental data for the breakthrough curves with high Adj. R2 correlation coefficients and low values of χ2. The theoretical adsorption capacity of the organobentonite/alginate hydrogel calculated from the Thomas model was 0.50 ± 0.01 mg/g (equivalent to 30.97 mg/g OBent), and this was obtained by using a 15 cm (10.10 g) bed height, 1 mL/min flow rate, and a 45 mg/L input dye concentration. The bed was regenerated with a 0.5 M NaOH solution, and the reuse of the saturated column bed was studied for two adsorption–desorption cycles. The results obtained in this study suggest the potential use of an organoclay/alginate hydrogel for the adsorption of pollutants in continuous systems.
Financial Fraud and Credit Risk: Illicit Practices and Their Impact on Banking Stability
Authors: Afjal Mohd , Salamzadeh Aidin , Dana Léo-Paul
Published: August 2023

The intricate relationship between financial fraud and credit risk, and their combined impact on banking stability, is a vital and under-researched aspect of financial system integrity. To fill this knowledge gap, this study embarked on a thorough bibliometric analysis of the field, utilizing 2790 documents from various sources, including 1853 articles, 504 books, and 177 reviews, spanning the years 1990 to 2023. Utilizing advanced tools, like Biblioshiny and VOSviewer, this study illuminated key geographical, thematic, and intellectual trends, shedding light on an annual growth rate of 13.43% in the related literature and an average citation per document of 28.29. This detailed analysis offered valuable insights into the current research landscape, emphasizing areas such as author collaboration, with 20.32% international co-authorships, and the prevalence of single-authored documents, at 1100. Despite the existing body of research, the interconnected dynamics between financial fraud and credit risk and their implications for banking stability remain underexplored. Therefore, this study sought to unravel this complex relationship and examine its effects at both the micro (individual banks) and macro (banking sector and wider economy) levels. The findings carry significant practical implications, informing policy development, shaping risk management strategies, and contributing to regulatory measures. Despite its limitations, including the potential transformation of identified trends due to evolving financial systems and financial crimes, this study represents a significant contribution to scholarly discourse in the field. It lays the groundwork for future research and facilitates a more secure and resilient banking sector, reflecting the data-driven insights obtained from the research.
The Power of Radical Place-Making Practices: Lessons Learned from ufaFabrik in Berlin
Authors: Le Xuan Sara
Published: August 2023

This article investigates ufaFabrik’s practice within Berlin’s urban context, which emerged from an occupation of an abandoned site and evolved into a long-term experiment in radical place-making. Through this case study analysis, it explores the role of radical place-making in shaping urban policy, focusing on the dimensions of decision, place and policy. Drawing on an expanded conceptualisation of place-making that embraces a radical perspective, the study is based on a Ph.D. programme and on extensive field research. ufaFabrik has given place-making a political meaning, challenging conventional urban planning in relation to ‘undecided’ spaces. This paradigm of place-making represents grassroots activism and insurgent action and it can catalyse both local and urban transformations. Through a critical analysis of the limits and possibilities of radical place-making practice, the article argues that the ufaFabrik offers valuable insights into the potential of participatory and community-led approaches to reshape urban spaces and promote more inclusive and sustainable forms of urban governance. The study highlights how the re-politicisation of urban issues emerges from conflict and challenges established power dynamics. It highlights the interconnection between ‘place’ and ‘making’, weaving experiential and generative elements into the urban discourse, highlighting its transformative potential and reconfiguration of decision-making dynamics.
Influence of Urban Tree Traits on Their Ecosystem Services: A Literature Review
Authors: Liang Danchen , Huang Ganlin
Published: August 2023

Trees in cities are vital to the health of the urban ecosystem and residents’ wellbeing. Besides providing habitats, trees provide food via fruits and young leaves, reduce temperature, and enrich landscape aesthetics with spring flowers and autumn foliage. The generation and supply of these ecosystem services are closely related to their traits, such as the size of the canopy and the sparseness of the leaves, which directly affect their ability to shade and cool. Studies focusing on ecosystem services often consider green space as a whole, and some distinguish the difference between trees and grass. Relatively fewer studies examined the influence of tree traits on the supply of ecosystem services. Understanding the association among species, traits, and ecosystem services would be helpful in generating actionable knowledge for urban tree planting. However, these studies are often scattered under different research topics. To this end, we reviewed and summarized studies on the relationship between urban tree species/traits and ecosystem services according to provision, regulation, and cultural service types. Based on 45 publications, we found that leaf area, crown size, diameter at breast height, tree height, and leaf shape may influence various ecosystem services. We presented a preliminary framework of “trait- service” and argued that with the help of such a framework, future research should generate actionable knowledge for practitioners to identify potential tree species for selection according to desired services.
Disentangling Words, Clitics, and Suffixes in Uyghur
Authors: Major Travis , Mayer Connor , Eziz Gülnar
Published: August 2023

Turkic languages have been shown to form words using a wide range of word-formation strategies, such as suffixation, cliticization, and auxiliaries. The present paper offers a detailed description of word formation in Uyghur, compares the patterns in Uyghur with the prior literature on Turkic, offers explicit diagnostics for suffixes and clitics, and proposes a morpho-syntactic analysis for each strategy.
The Tales of Bluebeard’s Wives: Carmen Maria Machado’s Intertextual Storytelling in In the Dream House and “The Husband Stitch”
Authors: Jesussek Carolin
Published: August 2023

This paper examines the gothic fairy tale in Carmen Maria Machado’s memoir In the Dream House and short story “The Husband Stitch” with a focus on Bluebeard’s insistent presence and the interweaving of reality, gothic horror, and fairy tale. In the memoir, Machado restages her experience of queer intimate partner violence in the form of a gothic fairy tale as “The Queen and the Squid”, reminiscent of the tale of Bluebeard’s latest wife. By including gothic fairy-tale elements in the autobiographical text, Machado blurs the boundaries between the fictional and non-fictional realm, between her story and that of Bluebeard’s latest wife, thereby rewriting the tale for a queer context. The annotation of the memoir using Stith Thompson’s Motif-Index of Folk-Literature further superimposes the fairy tale onto Dream House. Machado’s short story “The Husband Stitch” is a gender-aware inversion of “Bluebeard”. The reappearance of the tale throughout Machado’s work reveals the persistence of abusive behavioral patterns in relationships to the present day. Machado’s intertextual storytelling blurs the lines between autobiographical events and the tale of Bluebeard’s latest wife, creating a shared narrative universe of experiences of women who have dealt with their own iteration of Bluebeard.
The Influence of Magnetic Fields on Electrophoretic Processes in Magnetic Colloids with Different Stabilization Mechanisms
Authors: Dikansky Yurii I. , Drozdov Andrey S. , Eskova Inna V. , Beketova Elena S.
Published: August 2023

Electrophoretic nanostructuring is a promising approach for the creation of functional surfaces and active layers. The potency of this approach may be further enhanced by additional factors of various natures, such as magnetic fields. In this work, we have studied the process of electrophoresis in thin layers of water- and kerosene-based magnetic liquids and the effect of additional magnetic fields on the occurring processes. It was found that the electrophoresis process can be significantly affected by inhomogeneous magnetic fields. The possibility of compensating electrophoresis processes in such systems by means of inhomogeneous magnetic field influence was shown. Structural changes in magnetic colloids on hydrocarbon bases under the influence of an electric field have been studied. The role of electrohydrodynamic flows arising in this process is considered, and the influence of the magnetic field on the configuration of the formed labyrinth structure is studied. The dependence of the threshold value of the electric field strength corresponding to the emergence of the structure on the temperature and additionally applied magnetic field has been established. The obtained results could contribute to the development of an original method for determining the charge and magnetic moment of a single nanoparticle.
Presentation, Molecular Characteristics, Treatment, and Outcomes of Colorectal Cancer in Patients Older than 80 Years Old
Authors: Voutsadakis Ioannis A.
Published: August 2023

Background: An increasing proportion of the population of patients with cancer presents at an advanced age, increasing the challenges of successful and well-tolerated treatments. In the older spectrum of the geriatric cancer patients, those older than 80 years old, challenges are even higher because of increasing comorbidities and decreasing organ function reserves. Methods: Studies regarding colorectal cancer presentation, treatment, and prognosis in patients older than 80 years old available in the literature were evaluated and were compiled within a narrative review. Molecular attributes of colorectal cancer in the subset of patients older than 80 years old in published genomic cohorts were also reviewed and were compared with similar attributes in younger patients. Results: Characteristics of colorectal cancer in octogenarians are in many aspects similar to younger patients, but patients older than 80 years old present more often with right colon cancers. Surgical treatment of colorectal cancer in selected patients over 80 years old is feasible and should be pursued. Adjuvant chemotherapy is under-utilized in this population. Although combination chemotherapy is in most cases not advisable, monotherapy with fluoropyrimidine derivatives is feasible and efficacious. Conclusions: Outcomes of colorectal cancer patients over the age of 80 years old may be optimized with a combination of standard treatments adjusted to the individual patient’s functional status and organ reserves. Increased support for the older age group during their colorectal cancer treatment modalities would improve oncologic outcomes with decreasing adverse outcomes of therapies.
Genotype Distribution and Characteristics of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine: The RESPOND-C Study
Authors: Jančorienė Ligita , Rozentāle Baiba , Tolmane Ieva , Jēruma Agita , Salupere Riina , Buivydienė Arida , Valantinas Jonas , Kupčinskas Limas , Šumskienė Jolanta , Čiupkevičienė Eglė , Ambrozaitis Arvydas , Golubovska Olga , Moroz Larysa , Flisiak Robert , Bondar Borys
Published: August 2023

Background and objectives: Since 2013, highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has become available, with cure rates exceeding 95%. For the choice of optimal CHC treatment, an assessment of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) and liver fibrosis stage is necessary. Information about the distribution of these parameters among CHC patients in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania (the Baltic states) and especially in Ukraine is scarce. This study was performed to obtain epidemiologic data regarding CHC GT and fibrosis stage distribution for better planning of resources and prioritization of patients for DAA drug treatment according to disease severity in high-income (the Baltic states) and lower-middle-income (Ukraine) countries. Materials and methods: The retrospective RESPOND-C study included 1451 CHC patients. Demographic and disease information was collected from medical charts for each patient. Results: The most common suspected mode of viral transmission was blood transfusions (17.8%), followed by intravenous substance use (15.7%); however, in 50.9% of patients, the exact mode of transmission was not clarified. In Ukraine (18.4%) and Estonia (26%), transmission by intravenous substance use was higher than in Lithuania (5%) and Latvia (5.3%). Distribution of HCV GT among patients with CHC was as follows: GT1—66.4%; GT3—28.1; and GT2—4.1%. The prevalence of GT1 was the highest in Latvia (84%) and the lowest in Ukraine (63%, p < 0.001). Liver fibrosis stages were distributed as follows: F0—12.2%, F1—26.3%, F2—23.5%, F3—17.1%, and F4—20.9%. Cirrhosis (F4) was more prevalent in Lithuanian patients (30.1%) than in Estonians (8.1%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study contributes to the knowledge of epidemiologic characteristics of HCV infection in the Baltic states and Ukraine. The data regarding the patterns of HCV GT and fibrosis stage distribution will be helpful for the development of national strategies to control HCV infection in the era of DAA therapy.
Abnormal Phenylalanine Metabolism of Procapra przewalskii in Chronic Selenosis in Selenium-Enriched Habitats
Authors: Ren Hong , Zhou Ping , Shen Xiaoyun
Published: August 2023

Selenium (Se)-enriched habitats have led to chronic selenosis, seriously affecting the health and survival of Procapra przewalskii (P. przewalskii). Our targets were to explore the molecular mechanisms of chronic selenosis and to look for a new way to protect endangered species. The mineral contents of soils, grass, blood, and muscle were analyzed. The biochemical indices, antioxidant capability, and immune function were also investigated. The analyses of proteomics and metabolomics were also carried out. The results showed that the Se contents in the muscle and blood of P. przewalskii, and the soil and grass in the Se-enriched habitats were significantly higher than those in healthy pastures. The P. przewalskii in the Se-enriched habitats showed symptoms of anemia, decreased antioxidant capability, and low immune function. A total of 44 differential proteins and 36 differential metabolites were screened by analyzing their proteomics and metabolomics. These differential proteins and metabolites were involved in glycolysis pathway, amino acid biosynthesis, carbon metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and energy metabolism. In particular, phenylalanine metabolism was the common pathway of proteomics and metabolomics, which was an important finding in studying the mechanism of chronic selenosis in animals. This study will help us to further understand the mechanism of chronic selenosis in P. przewalskii, and it provides a scientific basis for the protection of endangered species in Se-enriched habitats.
Biofilm-Forming Capacity and Drug Resistance of Different Gardnerella Subgroups Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Qin Hanyu , Liu Yun , Zhai Zhengyuan , Xiao Bingbing
Published: August 2023

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common infection of the lower reproductive tract among women of reproductive age. Recurrent infections and antibiotic resistance associated with biofilms remain significant challenges for BV treatment. Gardnerella species are commonly found in women with and without BV, indicating that genetic differences among Gardnerella isolates may distinguish pathogenic from commensal subgroups. This study isolated 11 Gardnerella strains from vaginal samples obtained from women with BV before or after treatment. The biofilm formation ability of each strain was examined by crystal violet staining. Eight strains were selected using phylogenetic analysis of the cpn60 sequences and classified as subgroups A (6/8), B (1/8), and D (1/8). The biofilm formation ability and antibiotic resistance profile of these strains was compared among the subgroups. Subgroup D had the strongest biofilm formation ability. Six of the planktonic strains exhibited resistance to the first-line BV drug, metronidazole, and one to clindamycin. Moreover, biofilm formation in vitro increased strain resistance to clindamycin. Two strains with strong biofilm ability, S20 and S23, and two with weak biofilm ability, S24 and S25, were selected for comparative genomic analysis. S20 and S23 were found to contain four key genes associated with biofilm formation and more genes involved in carbohydrate synthesis and metabolism than S24 and S25. Identifying differences in the expression of virulence factors between Gardnerella subgroups could inform the development of novel treatments for BV.
The Good, the Bad, and the Useable Microbes within the Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa) Microbiome—Potential Bio-Agents to Combat Alder Dieback
Authors: Fuller Emma , Germaine Kieran J. , Rathore Dheeraj Singh
Published: August 2023

Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) is a tree species native to Ireland and Europe with high economic and ecological importance. The presence of Alder has many benefits including the ability to adapt to multiple climate types, as well as aiding in ecosystem restoration due to its colonization capabilities within disturbed soils. However, Alder is susceptible to infection of the root rot pathogen Phytophthora alni, amongst other pathogens associated with this tree species. P. alni has become an issue within the forestry sector as it continues to spread across Europe, infecting Alder plantations, thus affecting their growth and survival and altering ecosystem dynamics. Beneficial microbiota and biocontrol agents play a crucial role in maintaining the health and resilience of plants. Studies have shown that beneficial microbes promote plant growth as well as aid in the protection against pathogens and abiotic stress. Understanding the interactions between A. glutinosa and its microbiota, both beneficial and pathogenic, is essential for developing integrated management strategies to mitigate the impact of P. alni and maintain the health of Alder trees. This review is focused on collating the relevant literature associated with Alder, current threats to the species, what is known about its microbial composition, and Common Alder–microbe interactions that have been observed worldwide to date. It also summarizes the beneficial fungi, bacteria, and biocontrol agents, underpinning genetic mechanisms and secondary metabolites identified within the forestry sector in relation to the Alder tree species. In addition, biocontrol mechanisms and microbiome-assisted breeding as well as gaps within research that require further attention are discussed.
Global-, Regional-, and National-Level Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Tuberculosis Diagnoses, 2020–2021
Authors: Ledesma Jorge R. , Basting Ann , Chu Huong T. , Ma Jianing , Zhang Meixin , Vongpradith Avina , Novotney Amanda , Dalos Jeremy , Zheng Peng , Murray Christopher J. L. , Kyu Hmwe H.
Published: August 2023

Evaluating cross-country variability on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis (TB) may provide urgent inputs to control programs as countries recover from the pandemic. We compared expected TB notifications, modeled using trends in annual TB notifications from 2013–2019, with observed TB notifications to compute the observed to expected (OE) ratios for 170 countries. We applied the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method to identify the covariates, out of 27 pandemic- and tuberculosis-relevant variables, that had the strongest explanatory power for log OE ratios. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a 1.55 million (95% CI: 1.26–1.85, 21.0% [17.5–24.6%]) decrease in TB diagnoses in 2020 and a 1.28 million (0.90–1.76, 16.6% [12.1–21.2%]) decrease in 2021 at a global level. India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and China contributed the most to the global declines for both years, while sub-Saharan Africa achieved pre-pandemic levels by 2021 (OE ratio = 1.02 [0.99–1.05]). Age-stratified analyses revealed that the ≥ 65-year-old age group experienced greater relative declines in TB diagnoses compared with the under 65-year-old age group in 2020 (RR = 0.88 [0.81–0.96]) and 2021 (RR = 0.88 [0.79–0.98]) globally. Covariates found to be associated with all-age OE ratios in 2020 were age-standardized smoking prevalence in 2019 (β = 0.973 [0.957–990]), school closures (β = 0.988 [0.977–0.998]), stay-at-home orders (β = 0.993 [0.985–1.00]), SARS-CoV-2 infection rate (β = 0.991 [0.987–0.996]), and proportion of population ≥65 years (β = 0.971 [0.944–0.999]). Further research is needed to clarify the extent to which the observed declines in TB diagnoses were attributable to disruptions in health services, decreases in TB transmission, and COVID-19 mortality among TB patients.
Comprehensive Review on the Use of Biocides in Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion
Authors: Shi Xin , Zhang Ruiyong , Sand Wolfgang , Mathivanan Krishnamurthy , Zhang Yimeng , Wang Nan , Duan Jizhou , Hou Baorong
Published: August 2023

A microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) causes huge economic losses and serious environmental damage every year. The prevention and control measures for MIC mainly include physical, chemical, and biological methods. Among them, biocide application is the most cost-effective method. Although various biocides have their own advantages in preventing and treating MIC, most biocides have the problem of polluting the environment and increasing microorganism resistance. Therefore, it has stimulated the exploration of continuously developing new environmentally friendly and efficient biocides. In this review, the application advantages and research progress of various biocides used to prevent and control MIC are discussed. Also, this review provides a resource for the research and rational use of biocides regarding MIC mitigation and prevention.
Evaluation of the Quality of Selected White and Red Wines Produced from Moravia Region of Czech Republic Using Physicochemical Analysis, FTIR Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometric Techniques
Authors: Budziak-Wieczorek Iwona , Mašán Vladimír , Rząd Klaudia , Gładyszewska Bożena , Karcz Dariusz , Burg Patrik , Čížková Alice , Gagoś Mariusz , Matwijczuk Arkadiusz
Published: August 2023

The FTIR-ATR method coupled with the multivariate analysis of specific spectral areas of samples was developed to characterize two white grape varieties (Sauvignon Blanc and Hibernal) and two blue grape varieties (André and Cabernet Moravia) of wine planted and harvested in the Moravia region, Czech Republic. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were performed using fingerprint regions of FTIR spectra for all wines. The results obtained by principal component analysis in combination with linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) scores yielded clear separation between the four classes of samples and showed very good discrimination between the wine samples, with a 91.7% overall classification rate for the samples. The conducted FTIR spectroscopy studies coupled with chemometrics allowed for the swift analysis of multiple wine components with minimal sample preparation. These methods can be used in research to improve specific properties of these wines, which will undoubtedly enhance the quality of the final wine samples obtained.
A Tutorial Review on the Fluorescent Probes as a Molecular Logic Circuit—Digital Comparator
Authors: Georgiev Nikolai I. , Bakov Ventsislav V. , Bojinov Vladimir B.
Published: August 2023

The rapid progress in the field of fluorescent probes and fluorescent sensing material extended this research area toward more complex molecular logic gates capable of carrying out a variety of sensing functions simultaneously. These molecules are able to calculate a composite result in which the analysis is not performed by a man but by the molecular device itself. Since the first report by de Silva of AND molecular logic gate, all possible logic gates have been achieved at the molecular level, and currently, utilization of more complicated molecular logic circuits is a major task in this field. Comparison between two digits is the simplest logic operation, which could be realized with the simplest logic circuit. That is why the right understanding of the applied principles during the implementation of molecular digital comparators could play a critical role in obtaining logic circuits that are more complicated. Herein, all possible ways for the construction of comparators on the molecular level were discussed, and recent achievements connected with these devices were presented.
Exploring the Potential of Lapatinib, Fulvestrant, and Paclitaxel Conjugated with Glycidylated PAMAM G4 Dendrimers for Cancer and Parasite Treatment
Authors: Uram Łukasz , Wróbel Konrad , Walczak Małgorzata , Szymaszek Żaneta , Twardowska Magdalena , Wołowiec Stanisław
Published: August 2023

Fulvestrant (F), lapatinib (L), and paclitaxel (P) are hydrophobic, anticancer drugs used in the treatment of estrogen receptor (ER) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive breast cancer. In this study, glycidylated PAMAM G4 dendrimers, substituted with F, L, and/or P and targeting tumor cells, were synthesized and characterized, and their antitumor activity against glioma U-118 MG and non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells was tested comparatively with human non-tumorogenic keratinocytes (HaCaT). All cell lines were ER+ and EGFR+. In addition, the described drugs were tested in the context of antinematode therapy on C. elegans. The results show that the water-soluble conjugates of G4P, G4F, G4L, and G4PFL actively entered the tested cells via endocytosis due to the positive zeta potential (between 13.57–40.29 mV) and the nanoparticle diameter of 99–138 nm. The conjugates of G4P and G4PFL at nanomolar concentrations were the most active, and the least active conjugate was G4F. The tested conjugates inhibited the proliferation of HaCaT and A549 cells; in glioma cells, cytotoxicity was associated mainly with cell damage (mitochondria and membrane transport). The toxicity of the conjugates was proportional to the number of drug residues attached, with the exception of G4L; its action was two- and eight-fold stronger against glioma and keratinocytes, respectively, than the equivalent of lapatinib alone. Unfortunately, non-cancer HaCaT cells were the most sensitive to the tested constructs, which forced a change in the approach to the use of ER and EGFR receptors as a goal in cancer therapy. In vivo studies on C. elegans have shown that all compounds, most notably G4PFL, may be potentially useful in anthelmintic therapy.
Exploration of Baicalein-Core Derivatives as Potent Antifungal Agents: SAR and Mechanism Insights
Authors: Zhou Heyang , Yang Niao , Li Wei , Peng Xuemi , Dong Jiaxiao , Jiang Yuanying , Yan Lan , Zhang Dazhi , Jin Yongsheng
Published: August 2023

Baicalein (BE), the major component of Scutellaria Baicalensis, exhibited potently antifungal activity against drug-resistant Candida albicans, and strong inhibition on biofilm formation. Therefore, a series of baicalein-core derivatives were designed and synthesized to find more potent compounds and investigate structure–activity relationship (SAR) and mode of action (MoA). Results demonstrate that A4 and B5 exert a more potent antifungal effect (MIC80 = 0.125 μg/mL) than BE (MIC80 = 4 μg/mL) when used in combination with fluconazole (FLC), while the MIC80 of FLC dropped from 128 μg/mL to 1 μg/mL. SAR analysis indicates that the presence of 5-OH is crucial for synergistic antifungal activities, while o-dihydroxyls and vic-trihydroxyls are an essential pharmacophore, whether they are located on the A ring or the B ring of flavonoids. The MoA demonstrated that these compounds exhibited potent antifungal effects by inhibiting hypha formation of C. albicans. However, sterol composition assay and enzymatic assay conducted in vitro indicated minimal impact of these compounds on sterol biosynthesis and Eno1. These findings were further confirmed by the results of the in-silico assay, which assessed the stability of the complexes. Moreover, the inhibition of hypha of this kind of compound could be attributed to their effect on the catalytic subunit of 1,3-β-d-glucan synthase, 1,3-β-d-glucan-UDP glucosyltransferase and glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol protein, rather than inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis and Eno1 activity by Induced-Fit Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. This study presents potential antifungal agents with synergistic effects that can effectively inhibit hypha formation. It also provides new insights into the MoA.
Discovery of a Novel Ubenimex Derivative as a First-in-Class Dual CD13/Proteasome Inhibitor for the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Zhang Jian , Sun Simin , Liu Jinyu , Zhang Liang , Guo Di , Zhang Naixin , Zhao Jun , Kong Dexin , Xu Tongqiang , Wang Xuejian , Xu Wenfang , Li Xiaoyang , Jiang Yuqi
Published: August 2023

The CD13 inhibitor ubenimex is used as an adjuvant drug with chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer due to its function as an immunoenhancer, but it has limitations in its cytotoxic efficacy. The proteasome inhibitor ixazomib is a landmark drug in the treatment of multiple myeloma with a high anti-cancer activity. Herein, we conjugated the pharmacophore of ubenimex and the boric acid of ixazomib to obtain a dual CD13 and proteasome inhibitor 7 (BC-05). BC-05 exhibited potent inhibitory activity on both human CD13 (IC50 = 0.13 μM) and the 20S proteasome (IC50 = 1.39 μM). Although BC-05 displayed lower anti-proliferative activity than that of ixazomib in vitro, an advantage was established in the in vivo anti-cancer efficacy and prolongation of survival time, which may be due to its anti-metastatic and immune-stimulating activity. A pharmacokinetic study revealed that BC-05 is a potentially orally active agent with an F% value of 24.9%. Moreover, BC-05 showed more favorable safety profiles than those of ixazomib in preliminary toxicity studies. Overall, the results indicate that BC-05 is a promising drug candidate for the treatment of multiple myeloma.
Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Reduces Cd-Induced Developmental Toxicity of Bodysize in Caenorhabditis elegans via the PEK-1/eIF-2α/ATF-4 Pathway
Authors: Wang Shuanghui , Chen Chuhong , Lu Yan
Published: August 2023

Cadmium (Cd), a harmful heavy metal that has no biological purpose, can harm healthy fetal and child development. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant polyphenol in tea, has been shown to increase cell viability under Cd exposure and ameliorate Cd-induced kidney injury in adult male rats. Using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model, we demonstrated that EGCG mitigated Cd-induced body size developmental toxicity through a mechanism that did not involve chelation with EGCG and was not associated with Cd accumulation and efflux. Our research indicated that the beneficial effects of EGCG on Cd-induced body size developmental toxicity were associated with the mitigation of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Furthermore, our observations indicate that EGCG reduced Cd-induced developmental toxicity in C. elegans via the PEK-1/eIF-2α/ATF-4 pathway. Our results provide important evidence for the potential benefits of consuming tea as a detoxification agent.