bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biophysical modeling and experimental analysis of the dynamics of C. elegans body-wall muscle cells
Authors: Du Xuexing , Crodelle Jennifer , Barranca Victor James , Li Songting , Shi Yunzhu , Gao Shangbang , Zhou Douglas
Published: January 2025

This study combines experimental techniques and mathematical modeling to investigate the dynamics of C. elegans body-wall muscle cells. Specifically, by conducting voltage clamp and mutant experiments, we identify key ion channels, particularly the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (EGL-19) and potassium channels (SHK-1, SLO-2), which are crucial for generating action potentials. We develop Hodgkin-Huxley-based models for these channels and integrate them to capture the cells’ electrical activity. To ensure the model accurately reflects cellular responses under depolarizing currents, we develop a parallel simulation-based inference method for determining the model’s free parameters. This method performs rapid parallel sampling across high-dimensional parameter spaces, fitting the model to the responses of muscle cells to specific stimuli and yielding accurate parameter estimates. We validate our model by comparing its predictions against cellular responses to various current stimuli in experiments and show that our approach effectively determines suitable parameters for accurately modeling the dynamics in mutant cases. Additionally, we discover an optimal response frequency in body-wall muscle cells, which corresponds to a burst firing mode rather than regular firing mode. Our work provides the first experimentally constrained and biophysically detailed muscle cell model of C. elegans, and our analytical framework combined with robust and efficient parametric estimation method can be extended to model construction in other species.
Coordinated neuron-glia regeneration through Notch signaling in planarians
Authors: Scimone M. Lucila , Canales Bryanna Isela-Inez , Aoude Patrick , Atabay Kutay D. , Reddien Peter W.
Published: January 2025

Some animals can regenerate large missing regions of their nervous system, requiring mechanisms to restore the pattern, numbers, and wiring of diverse neuron classes. Because injuries are unpredictable, regeneration must be accomplished from an unlimited number of starting points. Coordinated regeneration of neuron-glia architecture is thus a major challenge and remains poorly understood. In planarians, neurons and glia are regenerated from distinct progenitors. We found that planarians first regenerate neurons expressing a Delta-encoding gene, delta-2, at key positions in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Planarian glia are specified later from dispersed Notch-1-expressing mesoderm-like phagocytic progenitors. Inhibition of delta-2 or notch-1 severely reduced glia in planarians, but did not affect the specification of other phagocytic cell types. Loss of several delta-2-expressing neuron classes prevented differentiation of the glia associated with them, whereas transplantation of delta-2-expressing photoreceptor neurons was sufficient for glia formation at an ectopic location. Our results suggest a model in which patterned delta-2-expressing neurons instruct phagocytic progenitors to locally differentiate into glia, presenting a mechanism for coordinated regeneration of numbers and pattern of cell types.
Triatoma venosa and Panstrongylus geniculatus challenge the certification of interruption of vectorial Trypanosoma cruzi transmission by Rhodnius prolixus in eastern Colombia
Authors: Cantillo-Barraza Omar , Gual-González Lídia , Velásquez-Ortiz Natalia , Medina Camargo Manuel Alfonso , González Paola , Cruz-Saavedra Lissa , Castillo Adriana , Zuluaga Sara , Herrera Giovanny , Cowan Hanson , Velez-Mira Andrés , Patiño Luz Helena , Ramírez Juan David , Triana Omar , Nolan Melissa S.
Published: January 2025

Reactivation of Trypanosoma cruzi transmission by native vectors with different domiciliation capabilities is a major concern for Chagas disease control programs. T. cruzi transmission via intra-domestic Rhodnius prolixus was certified as interrupted by the Pan American Health Organization in Miraflores municipality (Boyacá, Colombia) in 2019. However, Triatoma venosa, a native vector infected with T. cruzi has been increasingly found inside human dwellings across rural areas. In this study, the aim was to describe the eco-epidemiological aspects of T. cruzi transmission in the rural area of Miraflores. For this, we designed a comprehensive, multi-faceted study in 6 rural villages and performed: (i) A cross-sectional serological and molecular study enrolling 155 people and 58 domestic dogs living within 80 households, (ii) a domestic entomological survey, (iii) a determination of the natural infection and blood meal source in collected triatomine bugs, and (iv) an evaluation of synanthropic mammal infection by parasitological and molecular tools. The T. cruzi seroprevalence rates in humans and dogs were 9.03% (14/155) and 22.4% (13/58), respectively. Most infected humans were adults between the ages of 55 and 85 years old. No evidence of T. cruzi DNA was found using qPCR in human blood samples, but we found high parasitemia levels in the infected dogs. In total, 38 triatomine bugs were collected inside dwellings and peridomestic areas: 68.4% (26/38) Triatoma venosa, 29% (11/38) Panstrongylus geniculatus, and 2.6% (1/38) P. rufotuberculatus. Natural infection prevalence was 88% (22/25) for T. venosa, 100% (12/12) for P. geniculatus, and 100% (1/1) P. rufotuberculatus: only TcI was found. No evidence of R. prolixus was found in the area. Two feeding sources were identified in T. venosa (humans and cats), while P. geniculatus fed on cows and bats. Lastly, seven D. marsupialis were captured in peridomestic areas, three were infected with T. cruzi (TcI). The results suggest the existence of T. cruzi transmission cycle between triatomines, dogs, and opossums representing a risk of infection for the human population in rural areas of Miraflores. Despite PAHO declaring Miraflores municipality, Colombia an area of T. cruzi transmission interruption in 2019, this study documents evidence of a secondary vector establishing in domestic settings. T. venosa entomological surveillance is warranted to evaluate prospective human transmission risk in an otherwise ‘no-risk’ perceived Chagas disease region.
Investigation of the canine elbow joint innervation in 100 joints
Authors: Jacewicz Jowita , Sienkiewicz Waldemar , Burzykowski Tomasz , Degórska Beata
Published: January 2025

The canine elbow joint is innervated by four nerves: the musculocutaneous, median, radial, and ulnar nerves. There is little data in the veterinary literature examining the course of the articular branches of those nerves. There is also no agreement as to their anatomical location in the joint capsule nor to their number. The lack of such data prompted us to undertake studies to analyze the course of these nerves and the number and location of their articular branches in both left and right joint capsules in 50 dogs (with a total of 100 joints). No within-individual differences in the number of branches or their location were found between left and right joints. There was between-joint variation in the number of articular branches of the median, musculocutaneous, and radial nerves. There was also variation in the location of the branches of the median and radial nerves. Some of the results are different from those previously reported in the literature. The obtained data allow to further detail anatomical descriptions of the dog elbow innervation. Additionally, they may constitute the basis for developing new surgical procedures, improving existing procedures, or allow a better preparation for possible differences during operations of this joint.
Effect of intra- and inter-specific plant interactions on the rhizosphere microbiome of a single target plant at different densities
Authors: Newberger Derek R. , Deel Heather L. , Manter Daniel K. , Vivanco Jorge M.
Published: January 2025

Root and rhizosphere studies often focus on analyzing single-plant microbiomes, with the literature containing minimum empirical information about the shared rhizosphere microbiome of multiple plants. Here, the rhizosphere of individual plants was analyzed in a microcosm study containing different combinations and densities (1–3 plants, 24 plants, and 48 plants) of cover crops: Medicago sativa, Brassica sp., and Fescue sp. Rhizobacterial beta diversity was reduced by increasing plant density for all plant mixtures. Interestingly, plant density had a significant influence over beta diversity while plant diversity was found to be a less important factor since it did not have a significant change. Regardless of plant neighbor identity or density, a low number of rhizobacteria were strongly associated with each target species. Nonetheless, a few bacterial taxa were shown to have conditional associations such as being enriched within only high plant densities, which may alleviate plant competition between these species. Also, we found evidence of bacterial sharing of nitrogen fixers from alfalfa to fescue. Although rhizosphere bacterial networks had overlapping bacterial modules, the modules showing the largest percentage of the network changed depending on plant neighbor. In summary, this study found that for the most part plants maintained their rhizosphere microbiome despite escalating plant-plant competition.
The Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales-21: Principal component analysis and evaluation of abbreviated versions in young adults with temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Xiong Yinghao , Yap Adrian Ujin , Marpaung Carolina , Wong May Chun Mei
Published: January 2025

Background

The Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) contain three subscales measuring depression, anxiety, and stress. Several abbreviated DASS-21 versions have been developed, demonstrating better clinical utility and measurement properties than the original instrument. This study explored the factor structure of various abbreviated DASS-21 versions and identified/validated the optimal one for assessing young adults with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

Methods

A total of 974 university-attending young adults were recruited in two waves (wave 1: 519; wave 2: 455). Demographic information, the DASS-21, and quintessence five TMD symptoms (5Ts) of the Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs were collected. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to condense the DASS-21 (wave 1 data), while confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to determine maximum likelihood estimates and compare different abbreviated DASS-21 versions (wave 2 data). Known-group, concurrent (criterion) validity and reliability were subsequently evaluated.

Results

The mean age of the study participants was 21 (SD = 0.1) years and 80.4% were women. Twelve DASS-21 items were identified from the PCA. However, the Korean DASS-12 provided the best-fit model (χ2/df = 2.07, CFI = 0.975, TLI = 0.960, RMSEA = 0.049, SRMR = 0.033) among the seven abbreviated versions in the CFA. The Korean DASS-12 showed good known-group and concurrent (rs = 0.959) validity and reliability when contrasted to the DASS-21.

Conclusion

The Korean DASS-12 possessed a good fit, known-group, as well as concurrent (criterion) validity and reliability, and was the best abbreviated DASS-21 version for screening young adults with TMD symptoms for psychological distress.
A comprehensive outline of antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic prescribing, and antimicrobial stewardship in South Africa: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Ahmed Suwayda , Ahmed Rukshana , Adam Razia Zulfikar
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The global prevalence of antimicrobial resistance transcends geographical and economic boundaries, affecting populations worldwide. Excessive and incorrect use of antibiotics encourages antimicrobial resistance which leads to complex treatment strategies for infectious diseases and possible failure of treatment. The incorrect and unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics places a burden on healthcare costs and thus, antimicrobial resistance is evident globally as a major public health concern. The impact is particularly pronounced in low to middle-income countries, where limited access to healthcare exacerbates the crisis. This scoping review aims to comprehensively map the evidence of antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings, encompassing the exploration of antibiotic prescribing practices and the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship initiatives in South Africa.

Methodology

This protocol has been registered in the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PWMFB). This review will consider all types of study designs, conducted within South Africa. Studies that are published in English for the period 2019–2024, and that explore antimicrobial resistance (AMR) evidence in healthcare in South Africa, including antibiotic prescribing trends and antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance initiatives will be included. Non-English publications, studies outside of South Africa, animal and environmental studies will be excluded. The criteria for the scoping review will be set by two reviewers. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) tool will be used. Studies will be identified through an extensive search of peer-reviewed and grey literature databases. The results of the review will be tabulated and include a narrative synthesis of the findings.
Oral health-related conditions in Ecuador: A temporal trend analysis of hospital discharges from 2000–2023
Authors: Baldeón Verónica , Hernández Adriana , Tapia Sthephany , Rodriguez Alejandro
Published: January 2025

Background

Monitoring hospitalization rates associated with oral health conditions is an important part of epidemiological surveillance, especially when these conditions have increased significantly in low—and middle-income countries. This study aimed to evaluate the temporal trends in hospital discharges associated with oral health-related conditions in Ecuador from 2000 to 2023 and identify the leading diagnoses groups.

Methods

An ecological time-series study was conducted based on annual data from the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses of Ecuador. We identified oral conditions using hospital discharge records, which were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases. We estimated crude and age-standardized rates per 100,000 inhabitants for the entire population and crude rates by sex, age, region, and the diagnosis. Joinpoint analysis was used to identify national trends in hospital discharges.

Results

A total of 93652 hospitalizations were identified. Malignant tumors of the head, face, and neck were the most common diagnosis attributed to hospital discharges (16.5%), followed by cleft palate (14.5%) and cleft lip (7.8%) and other diseases of the jaws (5.4%). The crude rate of OHRC increased from 17.94 to 28.81 hospitalizations per 100,000 population between 2000 and 2023. Based on joinpoint analysis, hospital discharges increased by 2.2% annually during the study period. However, three temporal trends were identified: from 2000 to 2017, hospital discharges increased annually by 4.3% (p<0.05); from 2017 to 2020 decreased by 17.2%; and from 2020 to 2023 increased annually by 12.9%. Average hospitalization rates were higher among those aged 0–9 and > 64 years.

Conclusions

Hospitalization rates associated with oral health-related conditions in Ecuador have increased significantly over the past twenty-four years, except during the COVID-19 pandemic, where cases dropped considerably. Many of the oral conditions identified in the study were malignancies, which are caused by a complex relationship between genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Conducting early detection analysis is essential to reduce their occurrence.
Impact of nutritional status and pulmonary function on short- and long-term overall survival in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Aydın Güçlü Özge , Erol Hasim Atakan , Acet Öztürk Nilüfer Aylin , Gorek Dilektasli Asli , Coskun Funda , Yıldız Abdulmecid , Karadag Mehmet
Published: January 2025

Background

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients frequently experience protein-energy wasting (PEW), which increases their morbidity and mortality rates.

Objective

This study explores the effects of nutritional status and pulmonary function on the short- and long-term mortality of ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Materials and methods

67 consecutive ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis were included in the study. The primary outcomes were all-cause one-year and five-year mortality. Data on demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and laboratory findings were collected. Pulmonary function tests were conducted along with body composition measurements using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Malnutrition was assessed using the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI).

Results

The median age of the patients was 60.9 ±  12.4 years, with 58.3% being male. Pulmonary function parameters (FEV1 and FVC) were significantly associated with short-term mortality. The PNI was a significant predictor of both short-term and long-term mortality. A PNI score ≤  39.01 was associated with increased short-term mortality (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.48–0.88, p =  0.006), while a score ≤  40 was linked to increased long-term mortality (HR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67–0.95, p =  0.015). Additionally, older age (HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.12, p =  0.021) and higher glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.02–1.42, p =  0.024) were related to increased long-term mortality risk.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that PNI, age, and pulmonary function are critical factors influencing the survival of hemodialysis patients. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive nutritional and pulmonary assessment to improve clinical outcomes in this population.
Antiretroviral therapies and status of people living with HIV in Japan: An update from hospital survey and national database
Authors: Yokomaku Yoshiyuki , Noda Tatsuya , Imahashi Mayumi , Nishioka Yuichi , Myojin Tomoya , Iwamoto Aikichi , Imamura Tomoaki
Published: January 2025

No updated data on people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Japan have been available since 2015, leaving a critical gap in understanding the current status of care and treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a nationwide evaluation of the second and third goals of the “90-90-90 target” defined by UNAIDS between 2016 and 2020. The study utilized data from approximately 360 core hospitals through structured questionnaires and the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups (NDB). Key findings revealed that over 95% of diagnosed outpatients were retained in care (second 90), and more than 99% achieved successful viral suppression (third 90). A significant transition to single-tablet regimens and newer, highly effective antiretroviral drugs was observed, optimizing treatment adherence and outcomes. These results underscore the efficacy of Japan’s universal health insurance system in ensuring consistent access to HIV care and treatment, supporting both individual patient outcomes and national surveillance efforts.
Enhanced ResNet-50 for garbage classification: Feature fusion and depth-separable convolutions
Authors: Li Lingbo , Wang Runpu , Zou Miaojie , Guo Fusen , Ren Yuheng
Published: January 2025

As people’s material living standards continue to improve, the types and quantities of household garbage they generate rapidly increase. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a reasonable and effective method for garbage classification. This is important for resource recycling and environmental improvement and contributes to the sustainable development of production and the economy. However, existing deep learning-based garbage image classification models generally suffer from low classification accuracy, insufficient robustness, and slow detection speed due to the large number of model parameters. To this end, a new garbage image classification model is proposed, with the ResNet-50 network as the core architecture. Specifically, first, a redundancy-weighted feature fusion module is proposed, enabling the model to fully leverage valuable feature information, thereby improving its performance. At the same time, the module filters out redundant information from multi-scale features, reducing the number of model parameters. Second, the standard 3×3 convolutions in ResNet-50 are replaced with depth-separable convolutions, significantly improving the model’s computational efficiency while preserving the feature extraction capability of the original convolutional structure. Finally, to address the issue of class imbalance, a weighting factor is added to the Focal Loss, aiming to mitigate the negative impact of class imbalance on model performance and enhance the model’s robustness. Experimental results on the TrashNet dataset show that the proposed model effectively reduces the number of parameters, improves detection speed, and achieves an accuracy of 94.13%, surpassing the vast majority of existing deep learning-based waste image classification models, demonstrating its solid practical value.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory function of walnut green husk aqueous extract (WNGH-AE) on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) treated with t-BHP
Authors: Li Zheng-Qiang , Gao Yu-Ting , Zhao Chen-Fa , An Rui , Wu Yan-Lv , Huang Zhi-Pang , Ma Ping , Yang Xu , She Rong , Yang Xiao-Yan
Published: January 2025

Oxidative damage, oxidative inflammation, and a range of downstream diseases represent significant threats to human health. The application of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents can help prevent and mitigate these associated diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of walnut green husk (WNGH) as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in an in vitro setting. HepG2 cells were treated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) to establish a cellular model of oxidative damage and inflammation. We assessed the biocompatibility of walnut green husk aqueous extract (WNGH-AE) on HepG2 cells using MTT and LDH assays (WNGH-AE concentration: 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, 6.4, and 12.8 mg/mL). Additionally, we measured intracellular oxidative stress indicators, such as ROS and 8-OHdG, along with inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β through ELISA to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of WNGH-AE (concentration: 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 mg/mL) in HepG2 cells. We also determined the free radical scavenging capacity of various extracts of WNGH using DPPH and ·OH methods. The total phenols, total polysaccharides, and total flavonoids in WNGH-AE were analyzed using the Folin-Ciocalteu’s reagent, the phenol-sulfuric acid method, and the spectrophotometry, respectively. The bioactive components of WNGH-AE were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Our results demonstrated that WNGH-AE was highly biocompatible with HepG2 cells. The antioxidant effect of WNGH-AE involved the scavenging of intracellular ROS, while its anti-inflammatory effect was linked to the down-regulation of the NF-κB pathway. Compared to other extractants (ethyl acetate, n-butanol, 75% ethanol, and petroleum ether), WNGH-AE exhibited the strongest free radical scavenging ability. Through LC-MS/MS analysis, we identified 403 compounds in WNGH-AE, with gentisic acid being the most abundant and possessing high antioxidant capacity, suggesting it may be a key active component contributing to the antioxidant activity of WNGH-AE. In conclusion, our findings indicate that WNGH-AE is a natural, high-quality antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomaterial deserving further research and development, with significant potential applications in healthcare. (311 words)
Association of P2X7 polymorphisms on Type 2 diabetes mellitus susceptibility and diabetic complications
Authors: Huang Guoni , Cheng Jing , Liu Wenfeng , Yang Tong , Ye Tao , Zhang Qian , Chen Qi , Xu Yuzhong
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This case-control study aims to clarify the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the P2X7 gene on susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to evaluate their association with diabetic complications.

Methods

This study is comprised with 200 T2DM cases and 200 healthy controls. Seven candidate SNP loci were screened, and TaqMan-MGB real-time PCR technology was used to determine the polymorphic variants of P2X7. Different genotype and allele frequencies were compared by Pearson’s χ2 tests and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Three P2X7 SNPs were found to be associated with T2DM risk. Specifically, rs7958311 GA (OR = 1.323, p = 0.002), rs7958311 AA (OR = 1.508, p = 0.038), rs208294 CC (OR = 1.854, p = 0.042) showed a higher susceptibility to T2DM, whilst rs11065464 CA (OR = 0.614, p = 0.022) was associated with a reduced risk. Logistic regression analysis indicated that rs7958311 was linked to an increased risk for nephropathy (OR = 1.833, p = 0.022), but with a decreased risk for peripheral artery disease (OR = 0.550, p = 0.042). Additionally, rs208294 was identified as a risk factor for peripheral neuropathy (OR = 2.101, p = 0.016).

Conclusions

We found that P2X7 polymorphisms are significantly associated with the risk of T2DM and its complications, suggesting that targeting P2X7 may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for the prevention and personal treatment of T2DM.
xCT as a potential marker for neuroendocrine cells in high-risk prostate cancer and the relation to AL122023.1-miR-26a/30d/30e axis
Authors: Wilhelm Elena D. , Dankert Jaroslaw T. , Wiesehöfer Marc , Wach Sven , Wagner Mathias , Spahn Martin , Kruithof-de Julio Marianna , Wennemuth Gunther
Published: January 2025

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in male worldwide. Stromal-epithelial interaction is thought to have a major impact on cancer development and progression. Previous studies have shown that interaction via soluble factors lead to a reduction in the expression of xCT and AL122023.1 in the prostate carcinoma cell line LNCaP after seven days of co-culture with primary stromal p21 cells. In this study, we validated the repression of xCT and AL122023.1 at RNA level using quantitative real-time PCR and at protein level by Western Blotting. Furthermore, xCT is known to be a putative target for miRNAs miR-26a, miR-30d and miR-30e, which in turn potentially interact with AL122023.1. The lncRNA-miRNA-interaction was verified by luciferase reporter assays. However, miR-26a/-30d/-30e did not inhibit xCT expression at protein level. Nevertheless, indirect inhibitory effect of AL122023.1 on the xCT expression could be shown. Moreover, immunostaining revealed precise xCT expression in neuroendocrine cells, ranging from fetal, healthy juvenile, and adult prostate tissue to benign prostatic hyperplasia and finally advanced prostate cancer. This study explores the relevance and function of xCT and AL122023.1 in the prostate and exposes xCT as a potential marker or therapeutic target in high-risk prostate cancer.
PRRSV-2 nsp2 Ignites NLRP3 inflammasome through IKKβ-dependent dispersed trans-Golgi network translocation
Authors: Zhang Lujie , Gao Yanni , Zhou Haoran , Liang Xiao , Jiang Xiaolin , Gong Wenqin , Sun Yangyang , Zhang Desheng , Wang Xianwei , Nauwynck Hans , Bai Juan , Jiang Ping
Published: January 2025

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a fundamental component of the innate immune system, yet its excessive activation is intricately associated with viral pathogenesis. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus type 2 (PRRSV-2), belonging to the family Arteriviridae, triggers dysregulated cytokine release and interstitial pneumonia, which can quickly escalate to acute respiratory distress and death. However, a mechanistic understanding of PRRSV-2 progression remains unclear. Here, we screen that PRRSV-2 nsp2 activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby instigating a state of hyperinflammation. Mechanistically, PRRSV-2 nsp2 interacts with the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization (NACHT) domain of NLRP3, augmenting IKKβ recruitment to driving NLRP3 translocation to the dispersed trans-Golgi network (dTGN) for oligomerization. This process facilitates ASC polymerization, culminating in the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, the IKKβ-dependent NLRP3 translocation to the dTGN is pivotal for pseudorabies virus (PRV) and encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV)-induced inflammatory responses. Collectively, these results elucidate a novel mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation during PRRSV-2 infection, providing valuable insights into PRRSV-2 pathogenesis.
Toolkit to Enhance Access to Climate Finance: A Commonwealth Practical Guide
Authors: Secretariat Commonwealth
Published: January 2025

Developing countries continue to grapple with challenges in effectively accessing climate finance to support resilience efforts in meeting their targets for nationally determined contributions (NDCs), implementing national adaptation plans (NAPs) and addressing loss and damage due to climate change.

Whilst the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) saw progress made towards delivering the USD 100 billion climate finance goal by 2023 at latest, and countries agreed on a way forward for the new post-2025 climate finance goal, this remains inadequate as annual adaptation costs in developing economies are estimated to reach between USD 155 to USD 330 billion by 2030.
Capital Market Policies to Achieve the Paris Agreement
Authors: Secretariat Commonwealth
Published: January 2025

The world is not currently on course to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Carbon dioxide emissions are increasing, emissions targets in countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions are not ambitious enough, and oil and natural gas production are expected to increase given current policies. A lack of investment in the low-carbon economic transition partly explains this limited progress towards the Paris Agreement’s goals.

Market imperfections explain this underinvestment in the low-carbon economic transition. Climate change is a tragedy of the horizons, as many of the costs of climate change are incurred in the future beyond the business cycle, the political cycle and the horizons of most investors, while in contrast the costs of limiting climate are borne in the short and medium term. Thus, sovereigns and markets may overinvest in carbon-intensive industries and underinvest in the low-carbon economic transition.
Socio-economic and Financial Implications Assessment of Climate Change on Jamaica
Authors: Secretariat Commonwealth
Published: January 2025

The Nationally Determined Contributions Partnership (NDCP) assists countries committed to implementing NDCs and the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Through its Climate Action Enhancement Program (CAEP), the NDCP helps countries fast-track climate and development activities.

The Government of Jamaica approached the NDCP CAEP to support its work on understanding the “Socio-economic and financial implications (past and projected) of climate change (including severe weather events/cyclones/drought) in Jamaica through the development of climate expenditure and institutional analyses and modelling”. In response to this request from the Jamaican government, the Commonwealth Secretariat agreed to support this request through its Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH). The CCFAH is a mechanism used by the Commonwealth Secretariat to support member countries in building their capacities to address climate change, meet their sustainable development goals, and assist in accessing climate finance.
Univerzální jurisdikce a postih závažných porušení Ženevských úmluv z r. 1949
Authors: Šturma Pavel
Published: January 2025

Violations of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) are characterized by two sets of legal consequences. Some of them are considered to be so serious that entail not only international responsibility of States for wrongful acts but also criminal responsibility of individua! perpetrators. The criminal repression of grave breaches of IHL, called also war crimes, is not just a matter of domestic law, but it results from international law. Four Geneva Conventions of 1949 have not only defined grave breaches (Articles 50/1, 51/11, 130/111, 147/IV) and provided for their investigation and prosecution, but set up also the obligatory universal jurisdiction of States Parties with respect to the grave breaches (Articles 49/I, 50/11,
129/III, 146/IV).
It is a kind of paradox that in 2009, after 60 years from the adoption of the Geneva Conventions, the universal jurisdiction is perceived, by a number of States, mostly developing States, as being problematic. As evidence, there is a recent proposal of the African Union leading to the adoption the UN General Assembly resolution on “The scope of application of the principle of universal jurisdiction”.
The universal jurisdiction has been established in customary international law in relation to the crime of piracy since the 17th century. In the second half of the 20th century, this principle has been embodied into treaty law, such as the Geneva Conventions or the 1984 Convention against Torture. The universal jurisdiction has its place in international law. In practice, however, it appears mainly in a narrow, subsidiary form, where a perpetrator is found in the territory of the State and cannot be extradited to another State. Lt is linked to the treaty obligation aut dedere aut judicare. On the contrary, the absolute universal jurisdiction
is rather exceptional and has permissive rather than obligatory nature. The obligatory universal jurisdiction, as set up in the Geneva Conventions, is rare and in practice hardly enforced. The primary jurisdiction rests with the States applying territorial or persona! jurisdiction. The principle of universality is a kind of safeguard against impunity of certain crimes based on a horizontal complementarity. Its impact has to be assessed in the light of the current development of international law, including the ad hoc tribunals and the International Criminal Court. The binary obligation aut dedere aut judicare has been completed with a surrender as the third possibility.
Unveiling the genetic potential and diversity of rice landraces for grain Fe content
Authors: Deepika Konne , Shanmugam Aravindan , Manimaran Rangarajan , Pushpa Raman , Bama Kaliappan Sathiya , Umamageswari Chellappan , Ramalingam Suresh
Published: January 2025

Addressing micronutrient deficiency is increasingly recognized as a critical aspect of food and nutrition security in developing nations. Leveraging diverse genetic resources offers a promising avenue for identifying and enhancing micronutrient-rich genotypes through breeding strategies, thus providing sustainable solutions to this pressing challenge. The study aimed to identify rice genotypes with high Fe content and to study the extent of genetic divergence based on morphological and grain quality traits in a set of 50 native rice landraces over 2 different locations. A wide range of variation for grain Fe content was observed among the studied genotypes, which varied from 9.28–14.45 mg kg-1 and 1.88–4.87 mg kg-1 in brown and polished rice respectively. Results showed that the genotypes Jaya, Kalanamak, Kottara Samba, Gandakasala and Gopalbhog recorded high grain Fe content before polishing whereas Kottara Samba, Kalapathi Black, Jyothi, Chinnar and Kalanamak were found to have high Fe content after polishing. Interestingly, landraces possessing red seed coat color and medium slender grain group were identified to possess high grain Fe content. This was further substantiated by the correlation study where kernel breadth recorded a negative association with Fe content after polishing. Clustering resulted in 5 groups where the high Fe content possessing genotypes were grouped into clusters 2 and 4. Thus, these genotypes could be utilized as donors in further bio-fortification breeding programs.
Mechanisms of drought tolerance in Moringa: Strategies for mitigation and adaptation – Review
Authors: Vijayaragavan V , Sumathi T , Irene vethamoni P , Ravichandran V , Raju M
Published: January 2025

Moringa oleifera, often called the "miracle tree," is renowned for its resilience to harsh environmental conditions, particularly drought. This review explores the mechanisms by which Moringa tolerates drought stress, making it a vital crop in arid and semi-arid regions. Morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular adaptations attribute the tree's drought tolerance. Key mechanisms include an extensive root system that enhances water uptake, efficient water use through stomatal regulation, and the accumulation of Osmo protectants such as proline. Additionally, Moringa activates antioxidant enzymes that mitigate oxidative stress under drought conditions, safeguarding cellular integrity. Molecular responses play a significant role as well, with the upregulation of drought-responsive genes and stress-related proteins that enhance the tree’s ability to cope with water scarcity. These adaptive traits not only contribute to Moringa's survival but also improve its productivity under water-limited conditions. Beyond its environmental resilience, Moringa holds significant socioeconomic value. Its rich nutritional content, medicinal properties, and potential for income generation make it a critical crop for addressing food security and poverty, especially in developing regions. This review highlights the importance of promoting Moringa cultivation as a sustainable agricultural practice in drought-prone areas. In conclusion, understanding and leveraging Moringa's drought tolerance mechanisms can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Expanding its cultivation could lead to more resilient agricultural systems, providing both environmental and socioeconomic benefits. Continued research is essential to optimize its use and ensure its widespread adoption in vulnerable regions.
Bio-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles: A new paradigm for environmental sustainability
Authors: Bharathi C , Rajeswari R , Janaki P , Sivamurugan A P , Senthil G K , Radhamani S , Sathya Priya R , Sangeetha M , Thenmozhi S , Chiranjeevirajan N , Sharmila R , Ramya B , Balamurugan R
Published: January 2025

The synthesis of nanoscale metals and non-metals is an intriguing subject, and the green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is increasingly utilized across various sectors, including environmental science, agriculture, engineering, and food processing. Traditionally, the production of nanoscale materials relies heavily on physical and chemical processes, which can lead to significant challenges such as high energy consumption and environmental contamination. Poor management of agricultural and industrial waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbates climate change and disrupts ecosystems. Conversely, green nanotechnology offers a safer alternative by leveraging biological materials, that inherently provide capping and reducing agents. This approach is not only more cost-effective but also results in lower pollution levels, thereby enhancing environmental safety. Green synthesis involves the reduction of metallic and non-metallic atoms using plant extracts, microorganisms, and agricultural waste instead of conventional harmful substances. The bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins, play a critical role in the bioreduction of metals and the production of nanoparticles. There has been the increasing interest in utilizing these biological sources for green nanoparticle production over the past decade from their potential to serve as economical and environmentally friendly alternatives. Overall, green nanotechnology demonstrates its potential to revolutionize industries and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Growing environments and cultivar selection limits wheat growth and yield potential in Punjab
Authors: Singh J , Biswas B , Dhaliwal L K
Published: January 2025

Selecting a suitable sowing time and cultivar can play a pivotal role in sustaining wheat productivity in north India while mitigating the influence of climate extremes. Field experiments were conducted in two distinct climatic regions (Ludhiana and Gurdaspur), of Punjab, India to assess the influence of different sowing environments and cultivars on wheat growth and yield. The crop was sown on three dates (early-5 November, mid-20 November and late-5 December) with two popularly grown wheat cultivars (PBW725 and PBW677). The results indicated that mid and late sowing significantly shortened phenological phases compared to early sowing at both study sites. Wheat sown on 5 November accumulated more thermal time, exhibited a greater leaf area index (LAI), intercepted more photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR), and demonstrated superior radiation use efficiency (RUE). Early-sown wheat also produced higher biological yield (BY), grain yield (GY), irrigation water use efficiency and heat use efficiency compared to delayed sowing at both sites. The wheat cultivar PBW725 outperformed PBW677 in terms of phenological duration, yield, thermal time accumulation, IPAR, LAI and RUE at both sites. IPAR and RUE exhibited a strong positive correlation and regression with the periodic dry matter accumulation of wheat. Linear regression revealed that LAImax (maximum LAI) and ?LAI (accumulated LAI) were the best determinants of BY of wheat. These findings highlight the significance of optimizing growing environments and cultivar selection in mitigating climate extremes and sustaining wheat production in the diverse agro-climatic conditions of Punjab.
Can we have synthetic philosophy
Authors: Krzanowski Roman
Published: January 2025

This paper concerns synthetic philosophy, or philosophy created by a computer system. We discuss when a work created by a computer system can be called a work of philosophy and when it cannot. We question the kind of philosophy that synthetic philosophy could be, as well as what kind of philosophical vistas it could open to us. Furthermore, we also delve into who would be responsible for the ethical impact from computer-generated philosophical works. Finally, we speculate about the possible future of synthetic philosophy with ai technologies that have yet to be created.
Więcej niż „trudny problem świadomości”: o możliwości powstania świadomej sztucznej inteligencji
Authors: Przybysz Piotr
Published: January 2025

The aim of this paper is to review the most important questions and problems concerning the emergence of conscious ai. In the paper, I point out three such key questions and problems: (1) how to recognize that ai has acquired consciousness? (2) how can conscious ai emerge? and (3) what properties can conscious ai have? I argue that these problems cannot currently be solved on the basis of purely experimental, computer science, and engineering approaches, because the path to this leads through areas marked out by previous philosophical and general theoretical reflection on the subject.
Urządzenie algorytmiczne albo utrata inteligencji
Authors: Wróbel Szymon
Published: January 2025

As a result of the transformation of the telecommunications market and thus the creation of the automatic society (Bernard Stiegler), through the integration and subordination of analog communication, journalism and the humanities to digital industries, the process of a new algorithmic organization of the world has begun. Thomas Berns and Antoinette Rouvroy tried to think through this social situation using the concept of the algorithmic device. The novelty in this concept of the algorithmic device is the systematic, unlimited exploitation and analysis of data serving what is today called the “data economy”. A process based on massive calculations of processed data or “big data” was recommended to us by Wired editor-in-chief Chris Anderson as the „end of theory” and a new tele-objectivity (Paul Virilio). In the presented text I ask the question whether this process strengthens technodiversity and is a sign of the coming age of cosmotechnology (Yuk Hui), or whether, on the contrary, it is a sign of the twilight of human intelligence and a symptom of destruction, devastation, and the annulment of all social skills (Bernard Stiegler).
Płaszczyzny interakcji między człowiekiem a maszyną: zarys prob- lematyki z perspektywy nauki o komunikacji społecznej
Authors: Skrzypiec Aleksandra
Published: January 2025

The dynamic technological development in the domain of Artificial Intelligence and other related disciplines, such as robotics, makes the space to phrase new research questions, which demand social communication and media science reflection. ai in the form of embodied robots, invisible social bots, voicebots, chatbots, and digital software has entered the world of social communication and became an inherent component. Contemporary, increasingly technologically advanced tools play the role of interlocutors in the communication process and in result, new dynamic forms of interactions, relations and collaboration are being created between human and machine. This theoretical article aims to present emerging – yet significant from the perspective of the science of social communication and media – research areas on contemporary machines designed to work with humans. The author concentrates on three key issues in the text: 1) cleaving of major, from a discipline point of view, terms, which have orings in engineering and technology sciences; 2) showing new interaction areas between people and machines; 3) doing synthetical overview of approaches in this topic. Therefore, the considerations undertaken represent an attempt to formulate a starting point for further analysis on the role and significance of non-human subjectivities in social communication.
Wydumany kompleks Moguncji...
Authors: Mrozewicz Leszek
Published: January 2025

Recenzja: Bernd Funke, Das römische Mainz. Mit einem Beitrag von Jens Dolata, Oppenheim am Rhein, Nünnerich-Asmus Verlag & Media, 2023, s. 168 + 132 ilustracje
Mariona Caldentey: piłkarka, profesjonalistka, mistrzyni
Authors: Kubiaczyk Filip
Published: January 2025

Recenzja: Mariona Caldentey. Como hemos cambiado la historia, współpraca Laia Coll, prolog Andrés Iniesta, Lectio Ediciones, Barcelona 2024, ss. 187
Sprawozdanie z III Liberariów Gnieźnieńskich „Podmiotowość kobiet w kulturze europejskiej. Historyczne konteksty i nowe perspektywy”
Authors: Ziebarth Agnieszka
Published: January 2025

Sprawozdanie z III Liberariów Gnieźnieńskich „Podmiotowość kobiet w kulturze europejskiej. Historyczne konteksty i nowe perspektywy”
Wyzwania dla mediów społecznościowych w kontekście rosyjskiej dezinoformacji
Authors: Pawlak Piotr
Published: January 2025

In recent years, the European Union has adopted a number of active measures to prevent, combat and mitigate the effects of Russian disinformation. This effort relies primarily on the legislation which regulates how the media in Europe operate, with particular emphasis on large online platforms. This is due to the fact that social media are a major domain where Russian propaganda is disseminated, thus posing a threat to the election processes in democratic states. In order to safeguard such processes, the EU developed a legal framework which is discussed and reflected on in this study.