bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The expression of extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton in fused cells.
Authors: Laurila P , Stenman S
Published: February 2025

In the present paper results from our studies on the expression and regulation of the differentiated normal and transformed epithelial and fibroblastic phenotypes are reviewed. The expression of the extracellular matrix- and basement membrane-associated proteins, fibronectin and laminin, and different intermediate filament proteins were studied in different fused cells. Heterokaryons and cytoplasmic hybrids (cybrids) were formed by fusing normal or malignant epithelial cells with normal fibroblasts or malignant glial cells. No differences were observed in the expression of these phenotypic markers between unfused parental cells and the corresponding homokaryons. Thus, the fusion process itself does not cause changes in the expression of these phenotypic markers. In heterokaryons formed after fusion of normal or malignant epithelial cells with normal fibroblasts or malignant glial cells, two or even three different types of intermediate filaments could be co-expressed. Thus, no suppression of the expression of the various intermediate filaments is caused by the non-homologous parental cell. Expression of the extracellular matrix proteins, fibronectin and laminin, on the other hand, could be extinguished by cells and cytoplasts not expressing fibronectin matrix, such as transformed fibroblasts and HeLa cells. These results support the role of transacting regulatory factors controlling the expression of the different extracellular matrix proteins. Alternatively, the results can be explained by changes in the distribution and concentration of the extracellular matrix receptor proteins in the fused cells.
Models of biological pattern formation: common mechanism in plant and animal development.
Authors: Meinhardt H
Published: February 2025

Earlier proposed models for primary pattern formation, for gene activation and for segmentation are summarized and compared with recent molecular-genetic observations. A model for head, foot, tentacle and bud formation in Hydra illustrates that complex patterns can be reliably generated. Stable cell determination requires autocatalytic (autoregulatory) genes. Segmentation in insects has been proposed to result from a reiteration of (at least three) cell states. Their patterning is achieved by a mutual activation of cell states that locally exclude each other. A model for accretion of new segments by proliferation at the posterior pole is proposed that accounts for the generation of a periodic and a sequential pattern in register with each other. The assumption of a process analogous to segmentation in plants can account for the initiation of leaves with an intrinsic polarity that eventually leads to the upper and lower leaf surfaces. The model accounts also for the formation of axillary buds in correct relation to a leaf and for the much smaller spacing of leaves within a whorl when compared with the spacing between two successive whorls along the shoot. It is concluded that the generation of complex structures in distantly related organisms may be based on similar mechanisms.
Drosophila differentiation genes instrumental in tumor suppression.
Authors: Gateff E , Kurzik-Dumke U , Wismar J , Loffler T , Habtemichael N , Konrad L , Dreschers S , Kaiser S , Protin U
Published: February 2025

Tumor suppressor genes of Drosophila are developmental genes which, in the homozygously mutated state, induce in one step malignant or benign neoplastic transformation of specific cell types. They act early in development and by this set the stage for cell specific differentiation of imaginal discs, adult optic neuroblasts, blood and gonial cells. The structure, expression and possible function of the following four tumor suppressor genes are discussed: tumorous imaginal disc, lethal (3) malignant brain tumor, lethal (3) malignant blood neoplasm-1 and benign (2) gonial cell neoplasm.
Structural and functional properties of linker histones and high mobility group proteins in polytene chromosomes.
Authors: Wi?niewski J R , Grossbach U
Published: February 2025

Variants of histone H1 and high mobility group (HMG) proteins and their genes in Dipteran insects are being studied in our laboratory and have revealed different properties of DNA binding and intrachromosomal distribution. One of the H1 variants of Chironomus is found only in a minority of polytene chromosome bands and differs from the other H1 proteins of the same organism by genomic organization and by an inserted structural motif, the KAPKAP repeat, that is present also in single H1 variants of other, evolutionarily remote organisms. NH2-terminal peptides containing the KAPKAP repeat were found in vitro to interact with DNA, whereas no DNA interaction was observed with the homologous peptide of another H1 variant that does not contain the inserted KAPKAP repeat. We assume that H1 variants containing the KAP motif may interact with a stretch of linker DNA and package chromatin more tightly than other H1 variants. A large series of antibodies directed against different sites in all regions of the H1 molecule is being applied in studying the sites of interaction of the H1 molecule with other molecules in interphase chromatin in terms of antibody epitope accessibility. A search for insect proteins that share properties of the mammalian HMG proteins resulted in isolation and sequencing of two different HMG1 proteins and an HMGI protein. The HMG1 protein of the midge, Chironomus tentans, show a differential distribution in chromosomes. The more abundant cHMG1a protein appears uniformly distributed, whereas the less abundant cHMG1b protein could be localized only in chromosomal puffs. This strongly indicates that these highly similar proteins have different functions in chromatin. The Chironomus HMGI protein and the intron/exon organization of its gene were found to be very similar to human HMGI/Y proteins that are highly abundant in rapidly proliferating cells. Common properties of HMG1 and HMGI proteins include high affinity interaction with AT-rich DNA, irregular DNA structures, and the capacity to bend DNA. These properties suggest that the HMG proteins may have an architectural role in assembling different types of chromatin.
A fork head related multigene family is transcribed in Xenopus laevis embryos.
Authors: Lef J , Dege P , Scheucher M , Forsbach-Birk V , Clement J H , Knochel W
Published: February 2025

We have isolated and sequenced ten different members of the fork head/HNF-3 multigene family from Xenopus laevis which have been termed Xenopus fork head domain related (XFD) genes 1 to 10. Another four isolated genes (XFD' genes) represent pseudo-allelic variants which arose by an ancient tetraploidization within this species. Whereas all genes of this multigene family exhibit a high degree of sequence homology within the evolutionary conserved fork head domain, sequences outside this module are substantially different. Based upon sequence homologies over the entire coding sequences, XFD-7/7' represent the Xenopus homologs to the rodent hepatocyte nuclear factor HNF-3 alpha, while XFD-3/3' encode the homologs to HNF-3 beta. Here we present an analysis of the temporal transcription pattern of XFD genes 1 to 10 during embryogenesis and in some adult tissues. Eight of these XFD genes are activated during embryonic development, but show different and distinct transcription profiles. The localization of transcripts was determined by whole-mount in situ hybridization. Although transcription of individual XFD genes partially overlaps, each gene is characterized by means of a specific spatial pattern of transcriptional activity.
Neuronal control of development in hydra.
Authors: Schaller H C , Hermans-Borgmeyer I , Hoffmeister S A
Published: February 2025

Hydra is an excellent model system for developmental biology, because pattern formation processes can be easily studied in regeneration, transplantation, and reaggregation experiments. At the cellular level hydra has the advantage that it contains only a few basic cell types and that differentiation pathways are short. Two types of signals, produced and released by nerve cells, control the spatial and temporal patterns of differentiation. Positive signals induce specific local differentiation events, and negative signals inhibit the spread of such inductions to larger areas. Head-specific growth and differentiation are controlled by head activator and head inhibitor, food-specific processes are regulated by foot activator and foot inhibitor. The activators are peptides, the inhibitors are low-molecular-weight substances. The sequence of the head activator is known, and it is conserved throughout the animal kingdom. At the cellular level head activator exerts three types of effects in hydra. It stimulates cells to divide, and it is responsible for the determination and the final differentiation of nerve cells and head-specific epithelial cells. For nerve-cell differentiation the cAMP pathway is used as second messenger system. Components of this pathway were identified in hydra. In mammals head activator is produced by nerve and neuro-endocrine cells, and it acts as mitogen on cells of neural origin. It is present early in neural development and in abnormal neural development, such as brain and neuroendocrine tumours.
Expression pattern of different gap junction connexins is related to embryo implantation.
Authors: Grummer R , Reuss B , Winterhager E
Published: February 2025

Successful implantation in mammals requires a close interaction between the embryo and the uterus. Direct cell-cell communication via gap junctions seems to play an important role in the preparation of the uterus for embryo implantation and in the regulation of trophoblast invasion. During preimplantation in the rat the gap junctional proteins connexin (cx) 26 and cx43 are suppressed. This loss of cell-cell communication seems to be important for transformation of the endometrium into the receptive phase. The suppressive effect is mediated by progesterone as demonstrated by the application of antigestagens. At implantation, however, a spatial and temporal pattern of connexin expression is induced in response to embryo recognition. cx26 is locally expressed in the uterine epithelium of the implantation chamber, cx43 in the surrounding decidua prior to invasion. With progressing invasion, the decidual cells surrounding the invading trophoblast in addition to cx43 reveal cx26. In this phase, the invasive partner, the blastocyst, is characterized by coexpression of cx43 and cx31. During trophoblast invasion however, cx31 becomes restricted to the cells of the invasive ectoplacental cone, cx43 to the embryo proper. It seems that compartmentalization of the trophoblast and the inner cell mass is established by two different connexins. During placental differentiation connexin expression switches from cx31 to cx26 and cx43, indicating the end of the invasive phase. The highly regulated pattern of connexin expression in the endometrium as well as in the trophoblast suggests a key role of this different intercellular pathways in regulating the invasion process of the trophoblast into its host tissue, the endometrium.
Pax and vertebrate development.
Authors: Wehr R , Gruss P
Published: February 2025

Pax genes encode transcription factors sharing a highly conserved sequence, the paired box. Their temporally and spatially restricted expression patterns during development indicate that Pax genes are involved in important steps of nervous system formation. Mutations in Pax genes have been correlated with three mouse mutants (undulated, splotch, small eye) and two human diseases (Waardenburg syndrome, aniridia). Recent data demonstrated that deregulation of Pax genes contributes to tumor formation.
Stage-specific gene expression during rat spermatogenesis: application of the mRNA differential display method.
Authors: Geisinger A , Wettstein R , Benavente R
Published: February 2025

Spermatogenesis is a complex differentiation process which requires the coordinate synthesis of diverse stage-specific proteins. In attempting a large-scale identification and characterization of those proteins, we have made use of the recently described mRNA differential display method (Liang and Pardee, Science 257: 967-971, 1992). This method is based on the reverse transcription of mRNAs obtained from two different cell populations (pachytene spermatocytes and spermatids in the present study) followed by a PCR reaction and comparison of the individual cDNA populations in a polyacrylamide gel system. Up to the present we have been able to identify 268 cDNA bands. Most of them (77%) are common to both cell stages. From the differentially expressed bands (23%) an ample majority was spermatid-specific (74%). According to our present results we conclude that the mRNA differential display is a promising approach for investigations on stage-specific gene expression during a differentiation process like spermatogenesis.
Effect of feeding Tithonia diversifolia zinc oxide nanoparticle emulsion on glutathione peroxidase and anti-insulin production in diabetic nephropathy Wistar rats
Authors: Hamid Iwan Sahrial , Muniroh Lailatul , Maslamama Salipudin Tasil , Solfaine Rondius
Published: February 2025

Background and Aim: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation. Conventional treatments often fail to prevent its progression. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Tithonia diversifolia zinc oxide nanoparticle emulsion (TDNP) in mitigating DN by enhancing antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of TDNP on oxidative stress markers, inflammation, and insulin activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN rats.

Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were divided into four groups: control (saline), positive control (0.1% zinc oxide suspension), treatment (TDNP at 100 mg/kg body weight), and comparison (quercetin at 5 mg/kg body weight). DN was induced using STZ and nicotinamide. Blood glucose, creatinine, urea, gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were assessed. Oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx]), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α), and immunohistochemical indicators (anti-insulin, interferon-gamma [IFN-γ]) were measured. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Results: TDNP treatment significantly reduced blood glucose, creatinine, urea, γ-GT, and TNF-α levels (p ≤ 0.05), while increasing SOD, GPx, and anti-insulin levels compared with the positive control. Histopathological analysis showed decreased necrosis and inflammation in pancreatic and renal tissues. Immunohistochemistry revealed enhanced anti-insulin and reduced IFN-γ expression in TDNP-treated rats, indicating improved immune regulation and oxidative stress mitigation.

Conclusion: TDNP demonstrates potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, effectively improving glucose metabolism and kidney function in DN. These findings highlight TDNP as a promising therapeutic agent for managing DN.

Keywords: anti-insulin, diabetic nephropathy, healthy lifestyle, inflammation, oxidative stress, Tithonia diversifolia, zinc oxide nanoparticles.
Interactions between forest pest outbreaks and environmental characteristics in boreal forests – implications for forest management
Authors:   University of Helsinki, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Forest Sciences, Blomqvist Minna
Published: February 2025

Boreal forests have faced increasingly severe disturbances caused by insect pests. These disturbances are primarily due to human-induced loss in structural and functional diversity, forest heterogeneity, and changes in temperature and precipitation caused by climate change. In Finland, the intensity of forest insect outbreaks has increased, and many pest insect species have spread further north. More information is needed to understand the specific factors that make forest stands more vulnerable to pest outbreaks. This thesis aims to explore the challenges of forest pest dynamics by examining the interactions between biotic and abiotic factors and their ecological and economic impacts. It focuses on two key pest species: the common pine sawfly (Diprion pini L.) and the European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus L.), investigating the triggers of pest outbreaks and their effects on forest ecosystems. The first study examined the long-term effect of natural enemies on the mortality of D. pini during the cocoon stage, finding that forest characteristics, especially nutrient-poor sites, can reduce the effectiveness of natural enemies. The second study identifies soil and topographic factors that increase the severity of defoliation by D. pini, with more severe damage occurring on flatter, more fertile sites. In the third study, the cumulative effects of prolonged D. pini outbreak on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) radial growth and associated economic losses are quantified, showing significant effects based on defoliation severity. Furthermore, the trees that suffered severe defoliation did not recover to the pre-outbreak increment level during the 10-year study period. The fourth study focuses on environmental factors predisposing Norway spruce (Picea babies (L.) Karst.) forests to I. typographus. The highest probabilities of severe infestation were linked to eastern aspects, moderately steep slopes, and rich soil fertility. This study showed the specific environmental drivers intensifying the susceptibility of forest stands to I. typographus outbreaks. Overall, these studies show that natural enemy regulation depends on specific stand factors, benefiting the performance of enemy species. Further, certain types of factor combinations could predispose stands to insect-induced disturbances. The key findings of my thesis will help to increase knowledge of factors that can regulate or predispose forest stands to insect-induced forest disturbance. These main outcomes should be considered for future forest management planning.
Tipe Sedimen dan Kondisi Perairan Pulau Payung Provinsi Sumatera Selatan berdasarkan Keberadaan Nitrat, Fosfat dan TSS
Authors: Sitorus Rijal , Putri Wike Ayu Eka , Agustriani Fitri , Diansyah Gusti , Isnaini Isnaini , Purwiyanto Anna Ida Sunaryo , Suteja Yulianto , Meiyerani Jeni
Published: February 2025

Nutrien merupakan material kimia yang penting bagi kelangsungan hidup organisme perairan. Keberadaannya di kolom perairan dapat dijadikan sebagai penentu apakah perairan berada dalam kondisi subur atau tidak. Sumber nutrien di perairan dapat berasal dari aktivitas manusia seperti pemukiman dan pertanian yang terdapat di darat dan masuk ke kawasan muara melalui aliran sungai. Meskipun demikian, masuknya nutrien dalam jumlah besar dapat menurunkan kualitas perairan karena dapat memicu terjadinya eutrofikasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kondisi nutrien di air dan sedimen serta TSS dan karakteristik sedimen di sekitar Perairan Pulau Payung. Pengambilan sampel dilaksanakan bulan September 2022 pada 5 stasiun penelitian, analisis nitrat dan fosfat pada sampel air mengacu pada metode brusin sulfat SNI 06-2480-1991 dan SNI 6989.31-2015. Analisis nitrat pada sedimen menggunakan metode bruan  dan  analisis fosfat  merujuk pada metode SNI 19-2483-1991. Analisis tekstur sedimen menggunakan metode ayak kering dan analisa TSS dengan metode penyaringan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan konsentrasi nitrat di kolom perairan Pulau Payung berkisar 1,7-2,8 mg/l (telah melebihi baku mutu, 0,008 mg/L berdasarkan Kepmen LH (2004) dan 0,07 mg/L berdasarkan US-EPA (1973), sementara fosfat berkisar 0,25-0,48 mg/l (tidak melebihi baku mutu 0,2 – 1,0 mg/L berdasarkan Kepmen LH PP RI No.22 Tahun 2021). Konsentrasi nitrat sedimen Pulau Payung berkisar 24,69-40,41 mg/kg (tergolong perairan dengan kandungan nitrat tinggi) dan fosfat berkisar 1,15-1,54 mg/kg (tergolong perairan dengan kandungan fosfat sangat rendah). Sedimen Pulau Payung sebagian besar didominasi substrat lempung dan sebagian kecil lempung berpasir. Adapun nilai TSS yang ditemukan berkisar antara 115,22 – 212,97 mg/l.
Characteristic of Two Mouse bcr-abl-Transformed Cell Lines: I. General Properties of the Cells
Authors: Sobotková E. , Ludvíková V. , Petráčková M. , Dušková M. , Smetana K. , Jelínek F. , Marinov I. , Vonka Vladimír
Published: February 2025

In an effort to develop an experimental system suitable for immunological studies in which BcrAbl-positive cells are to be used as antigens, we examined the properties of two mouse (Balb/c) established cell lines that express the Bcr-Abl protein and are oncogenic for syngeneic animals. Under standard conditions the two cell lines, viz. Ba-p210 (B210) and 12B1, expressed comparable amounts of the Bcr-Abl protein. However, they differed in a number of characteristics. From the morphological point of view, B210 cells were the more homogeneous, being mainly represented by leukaemic blastic cells with a large number of AgNORs as markers indicating a high proliferative activity. 12B1 cells were more polymorphic and giant cells were detected within their populations. Many 12B1 cells exhibited nuclear segmentation and “band-like“ structures. Markers of proliferation were less frequent in 12B1 and the tendency for aging was more pronounced in these cells. The 12B1 cells were slightly more sensitive to imatinib mesylate than B210 cells. In B210 cells, the expression of MHC class I was downregulated, which was not the case with 12B1 cells. Both cell lines induced leukaemia-like disease in mice after intravenous application but, as compared with B210, 12B1 cells were about 100 times more oncogenic and the disease they induced was more aggressive. Moreover, 12B1, but not B210, induced tumours after subcutaneous or intraperitoneal inoculation.
Screening rice genotypes for nitrogen efficiency under graded nitrogen application
Authors: Bathula S , Jaldhani V , Suman K , Sanjeeva R D , Subrahmanyam D , Raghuveer R P , Surekha K , Sundaram R M , Neeraja C N
Published: February 2025

The global application of nitrogen (N) fertilizers continues to rise in efforts to bolster agricultural productivity. However, this surge in usage has led to significant N losses, resulting in low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) among genotypes and consequent water and air pollution. Although many studies advocate reducing N fertilizer usage, research on screening rice genotypes under graded N application is limited. This study aimed to screen rice genotypes to identify N use efficient cultivars under varying nitrogen levels: N0, N50, N100 and N150. The study also sought to identify key physiological traits linked to grain yield under reduced N conditions. Grain yield decreased by 45.2 % at N0 and 21.4 % at N50 while increasing by 22.3 % at N150 compared to N100. Under reduced N application (N0 and N50), MTU-1010, Vasumati, DRR Dhan-58, Varadhan, Brown Gora SB 92, Tulasi, BV-1692 and DRRH2 exhibited least reduction in grain yield, over N100. Notably, parameters such as ?PSII (actual quantum yield of PSII), ETR (electron transport rate) and qP (coefficient of photochemical quenching) displayed a robust positive association with grain yield under reduced N application compared to the recommended (N100) and high (N150) N application. This underscores the significance of PSII photochemistry in enhancing grain production under limited N. Consequently, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence traits emerge as promising indicators for screening rice genotypes with enhanced NUE under limited N scenarios. In summary, the study conclusively identifies Varadhan as a genotype demonstrating high efficiency in nitrogen utilization, both in terms of grain yield and GYEI, particularly under reduced N regimes.
Enhanced siderophore production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its antagonism against fungal threats in sesame fields
Authors: Karthika T P , Dileep C
Published: February 2025

We succeeded in identifying and isolating three strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, namely, P2LA3, N3D3 and KMND3, from the soil of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cultivation fields in Onattukara, Alappuzha district, Kerala, India. Further in-depth microbiological studies reveal that the maximum siderophore yield is observed in strain KMND3 (70.9 µM), followed by P2LA3 (54 µM) and N3D3 (27 µM). All these strains showed considerable antagonism against significant sesame fungal pathogens such as Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium moniliforme, F. oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani. Among these strains, KMND3 proved to be the most effective. Therefore, we focused on this strain for further study to demonstrate the influence of various physico-chemical parameters on siderophore production. This study identified several parameters that enhance production, such as starch as a carbon source, yeast as a nitrogen source and supplementary media containing Cd2+, Mn2+ and Hg2+. In contrast, a high concentration of iron was found to inhibit production. The results of our study confidently highlight the potential of P. aeruginosa strain KMND3 as a successful bio-control agent capable of suppressing fungal pathogens in sesame through siderophore-based mechanisms.
Justification and implementation of the multimodal general anesthesia model for elective cesarean section into clinical practice
Authors: Padalko A. A. , Dziuba H. A.
Published: February 2025

General anesthesia for cesarean section serves as a reserve method and is used in cases when neuraxial anesthesia is contraindicated. Its total usage frequency accounts for approximately 20 % of all anesthetic techniques. Today, in medical practice, there is no unified general anesthesia protocol for obstetric patients. There are two main unresolved issues of general anesthesia for cesarean section: accidental awareness in patients during surgery (1:670 cases) and a manifest neuro-endocrine stress response of the body to surgical trauma.
Aim. To comparatively assess the efficacy of the conventional total intravenous anesthesia technique with mechanical ventilation and multimodal general anesthesia.
Materials and methods. In total, 60 cases of elective cesarean sections were analyzed. Patients were randomized into two groups of 30 individuals each. Group 1 (control group) received standard total intravenous anesthesia with mechanical ventilation. Group 2 (study group) received multimodal general anesthesia with additional adjuvants, including intravenous forms of paracetamol (1000 mg) and clonidine (100 µg), administered 30 minutes prior to surgery. Perioperative monitoring was carried out according to the recommendations of the American Association of Anesthesiologists with additional control of the bispectral index and levels of stress-induced substances (glucose, cortisol). The analysis included the newborn assessment on the Apgar scale, the measurement of umbilical cord blood gases, the evaluation of postoperative recovery and maternal satisfaction with anesthesia. For statistical analysis, unpaired two-tailed Student’s t-test was used to compare differences between normally distributed data and the Mann–Whitney U-test – when data were not normally distributed.
Results. Mean baseline characteristics have shown no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). At all planned stages of the scientific work, statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were found in the examined indicators between the two groups: mean arterial pressure; heart rate; bispectral index; Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes; umbilical cord blood gas composition; blood glucose and cortisol levels. It has been noted that the postoperative period was better in Group 2 patients (p < 0.001): patient recovery time, length of intensive care unit stay, patient satisfaction with anesthesia).
Conclusions. Based on the results obtained, multimodal general anesthesia with adjuvants such as clonidine and acetaminophen administered prior to elective cesarean sections provides statistically significant advantages over the standard method of general anesthesia. The multimodal general anesthesia approach allows to improve the stability of hemodynamics, reduce the stress-induced response, ensure a better condition of newborns and quicker postoperative recovery.
Predictive value of the Elixhauser comorbidity index in assessing the risk of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) mortality in patients with pneumonia
Authors: Kuliesh I. O. , Riabokon O. V. , Kalashnyk K. V.
Published: February 2025

Aim. To determine the spectrum of comorbid pathology and to find out the prognostic value of the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) in assessing the risk of death from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in patients with pneumonia.
Material and methods. The study included 123 patients with COVID-19 with pneumonia who were examined and treated according to the Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine of 28.03.2020 No. 722. Depending on the disease outcome, the patients were divided into groups: 77 patients who recovered and 46 patients who died. The ECI was calculated for all the patients. Statistical processing of the data was performed using Statistica for Windows 13 (StatSoft Inc., No. JPZ804I382130ARCN10-J).
Results. In patients with COVID-19 and pneumonia, comorbid conditions were most often represented by chronic cardiovascular disease (63.4 %), obesity (28.5 %), endocrine pathology (26.0 %) and discirculatory encephalopathy (23.6 %). Among patients with a fatal outcome, coronary heart disease with cardiac arrhythmias, obesity, endocrine diseases, primarily diabetes mellitus, and discirculatory encephalopathy were more common (p < 0.05) as compared to patients who recovered. Among the comorbidities integrated into the ECI, the most commonly diagnosed comorbidities in COVID-19 patients with pneumonia were hypertension (58.5 %), congestive heart failure (33.3 %), obesity (28.5 %), neurodegenerative disorders (23.6 %), and diabetes, both without (13.8 %) and with chronic complications (7.7 %). The following ECI components were more common in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who died as a result of COVID-19 than in patients who recovered: congestive heart failure (p = 0.008), cardiac arrhythmias (p = 0.001), neurodegenerative disorders (p = 0.0003), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.004) including diabetes without chronic complications (p = 0.01), and obesity (p = 0.04). The ECI score in patients with a fatal outcome was 2.2 times higher (p < 0.05) than that in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who recovered. The ECI >7 was predictive of the likelihood of COVID-19 death in patients with pneumonia (AUC = 0.656, p = 0.002).
Conclusions. The frequency of chronic comorbidities in patients with COVID-19 and pneumonia has been determined taking into account the ECI components. The prognostic significance of the ECI score >7 in assessing the risk of fatal outcome has been established.
Peripheral blood mononuclear cell number and paracrine function in responses to a 50‐km trail race: An exploratory study
Authors: Landers‐Ramos Rian Q. , Kim Katherine , Heilman James , Evans William S. , Addison Odessa , Ranadive Sushant M. , Prior Steven J.
Published: February 2025

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) represent a heterogeneous mix of cells with paracrine functions that may be altered following prolonged exercise. We determined the effect of ultramarathon running on PBMC paracrine function and PBMC subtype number. Recreational athletes participated in a 50 km ultramarathon. Blood was sampled from N = 7 at baseline, 10 km, 50 km, and 24 h post‐race. PBMCs were isolated and cultured, and conditioned media was used for a HUVEC‐based proliferation assay. CD31+, CD3+, and CD31+/CD3+ PBMCs were quantified at each time point. Proliferation increased from baseline to 50 km (p = 0.004) and was reduced from 50 km to 24 h post (p = 0.008). There was an increase in CD31+ PBMCs after 50 km (p = 0.014), returning to baseline at 24 h post‐race (p = 0.246). CD3+ PBMC and CD31+/CD3+ PBMC numbers were reduced after 50 km (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively), returning to baseline levels 24 h post‐race (p = 0.190 and p = 0.315, respectively). PBMC paracrine activity following a 50 km enhances endothelial cell proliferation. Alterations in PBMC subtypes after 50 km suggest a protective role of PBMCs in response to prolonged stresses of ultramarathon running.
Combinatorial pth Calabi flows for total geodesic curvatures in spherical background geometry
Authors: Liu Bin , Li Lishan , Qi Yi
Published: February 2025

The concept of combinatorial pth Calabi flow is proposed for finding circle packing metrics with prescribed curvatures. It has been studied under the Euclidean and hyperbolic background geometries. This study investigates the combinatorial pth Calabi flow for total geodesic curvatures under the spherical background geometry. It is established that the combinatorial pth Calabi flow, subject to given total geodesic curvatures under the spherical background geometry, exists for all time

t
∈

[

0
,
+
∞

)

t\in \left[0,+\infty )

and converges to an ideal circle pattern metric. This finding introduces a new algorithm for constructing ideal circle pattern metrics with prescribed total geodesic curvatures.
On the rigidity of ℂℙ2n
× ℂℙ1
Authors: Hall Stuart James
Published: February 2025

We revisit Koiso’s original examples of rigid infinitesimally deformable Einstein metrics. We show how to compute Koiso’s obstruction to the integrability of the infinitesimal deformations on

CP

2
n

×

CP

1

{{\mathbb{CP}}}^{2n}\times {{\mathbb{CP}}}^{1}

using completely elementary complex differential geometry.
A cross-sectional study on risk factors of premenstrual syndrome among college-going students in Pune
Authors: Lamkhade Shriya Vitthal , Gokhale Devaki , Thakur Harshada Ketan
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a combination of emotional and physical symptoms occurring the week before menstruation and lasts 2–3 days during menstruation. This study aims to examine the dietary intake and lifestyle triggers among students with and without PMS from Pune, India.

Methods

We conducted an interview-based, cross-sectional study among 360 college-going students aged 18 to 24 in Pune. The questionnaire recorded socio-demographic details, anthropometry, physical activity, substance abuse, and dietary habits. A Food Frequency Questionnaire assessed dietary patterns, while the MDQ (Menstrual Distress Questionnaire) diagnosed PMS. PMS severity was measured using the Premenstrual Screening Tool (PSST). Risk determinants for PMS were analyzed, with significance set at p<0.05.

Results

The prevalence of PMS among 18-24-year-old college students was 51.4 %. There is no association observed between participants’ demographic and anthropometric characteristics with PMS. It was observed that participants who frequently consumed cakes, pastries, and pizza and those who consumed contraceptive pills, slept 5–6 h on weekdays were at higher risk of experiencing PMS symptoms.

Conclusions

This study suggests that frequent consumption of cakes, pastries, and pizza is a potential risk factor for increasing the incidence of PMS among college students. The severity of symptoms was notably higher among those who used contraceptive pills and had shorter sleep durations.
Preface of the special issue dedicated to the International Energy Conference (IEC 2023): Energy and Climate Change
Authors: Castillo-Araiza Carlos O. , González-Brambila Margarita M.
Published: February 2025

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering (IJCRE) presents selected manuscripts from the International Energy Conference 2023 (IEC 2023), which took place in Zacatecas, Mexico, from September 18 to 22, 2023. As a biennial event, the IEC fosters research and discussions on global energy challenges. The 2023 edition of the conference focused on the role of sustainable processes in addressing energy and climate change. Key topics included energy efficiency, life-cycle assessments, sustainability strategies, public policies, and energy awareness. Beyond these themes, the IEC 2023 provided a platform for knowledge exchange, critical discussions, and reflections on the influence of both fossil fuels and renewable energy sources on the global energy landscape.
A comprehensive review of deep learning and machine learning techniques for early-stage skin cancer detection: Challenges and research gaps
Authors: Alzamili Ali. H. , Ruhaiyem Nur Intan Raihana
Published: February 2025

Skin cancer especially when detected early can be easily treated, but its diagnosis is complicated by the minimal difference in the appearance of early lesions and the requirement of a precise diagnostic technique. The goal of this intensive literature review is to evaluate the progressive enhancements of deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) methods for transferring early-stage skin cancer identification in terms of accuracy and in terms of usability for real-world clinical applications. By using support vector machines, convolutional neural networks, and ensemble methods, we assess the performance of such algorithms in the classification and segmentation of skin lesions within various datasets. The challenges outlined in the review include the following: first, sparsity of data, second, variation in the looks in lesions, and third, imbalance of data within classes. Furthermore, issues that are still open to investigation are also presented, including the restricted number of algorithms for which the developed DL/ML models can be interpretable and the variability of the results assessment criteria used in different investigations. We then propose possible approaches to these issues such as data augments, multimodal learning, and the inclusion of explainable artificial intelligence approaches. The strengths of the present study consist of a comprehensive review of the limitations of contemporary methodologies and recommendations for future research on DL/ML-based systems for the early diagnosis of skin cancer. This research aims to highlight the best techniques and identify areas for future improvement. The study highlighted the key challenges of evaluating skin lesion segmentation and classification techniques, for instance, small sample size dataset, or selective and random image acquisition or even racial prejudice.
Efficient degradation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene using heterogeneous catalytic ozonation over metal loaded gamma alumina catalysts
Authors: Mkhize Nomthandazo , Rajasekhar Pullabhotla Viswanadha Srirama
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the catalytic potential of metal-loaded gamma alumina catalysts in the ozonation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene (DCB) under ambient reaction conditions. Different metal (Fe, Ni, and V) loaded gamma alumina catalysts were synthesized via wet impregnation technique and characterized using ICP-OES, FT-IR, BET, XRD, TEM, and SEM techniques. To identify the reaction products, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. The ozonation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene was studied within a glass reactor, where each substrate was exposed to ozone for varying time durations between 3 and 24 h. The catalytic performance of a range of metal-loaded γ-Al2O3 catalysts was assessed by examining their conversion and selectivity capabilities. During the oxidative degradation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 3,4-dichloro-2,5-furandione (DHF) and mucochloric acid (MCA) were identified as the ozonation products. Among the studied catalysts, 2.5 % Ni/γ-Al2O3 exhibited outstanding catalytic activity towards the conversion of 1,2-dichlorobenzene yielding a significant 65 % conversion of 1,2-dichlorobenzene after 24 h of ozonation.
Flotation equipment automation and intelligent froth feature extraction in flotation process: a review
Authors: Dong Haipei , Wang Fuli , He Dakuo , Liu Yan
Published: February 2025

Flotation is the most widely used technology for mineral separation and purification. The flotation production process has complex mechanism characteristics and is influenced by multiple variables that are coupled with each other, which has always been a difficulty in controlling the beneficiation process. The flotation system of mineral processing plants mostly relies on manual control, which is influenced by subjective factors such as worker experience, technical level, and sense of responsibility, making it difficult to optimize control parameters and maximize production efficiency. This paper systematically summarized the automation systems of flotation equipment such as automatic dosing device, automatic liquid level detection device, automatic feed concentration adjustment device, and automatic feed flow adjustment device. The accurate extraction methods of physical and dynamic characteristics such as color, texture, size, and moving speed of flotation froth were reviewed. The traditional data-driven model and image feature-based prediction methods for prediction of the grade, recovery rate, ash content in the concentrate, and tailings were combed. On this basis, a technical route for achieving intelligent flotation process was proposed with the aim of providing theoretical and practical references through the collaborative operation of flotation devices, detection sensors, and machine learning algorithms.
An engraved tooth pendant from Donkalnis, western Lithuania: a rare discovery in a Mesolithic burial
Authors: Butrimas Adomas , Iršėnas Marius , Macāne Aija , Mannermaa Kristiina , Nordqvist Kerkko , Rimkus Tomas
Published: February 2025

A re-examination of animal tooth pendants from Mesolithic (c. 9000–5000 BC in Lithuania) graves at Donkalnis (western Lithuania) revealed one engraved specimen. Among the hundreds of pendants reported for this period in the eastern Baltic, engravings are rare. The discovery offers new insights into the human-animal relationships reflected in northern forager burial traditions.
Acheulean habitation in the Upper Son Valley, India: insights into early occupation and environment
Authors: Vaishnav Hemant Kumar , Janardhana B. , Jha Deepak Kumar
Published: February 2025

Eight Acheulean sites are located in an under-researched ecological setting within the hilly terrain of the Upper Son Valley, India. A total of 1348 Acheulean artefacts have been identified across these sites, primarily preserved in high-energy depositional contexts, providing insights into the Pleistocene environment of hominin occupation and available lithic technology.
Sentiment Analysis in Marketing - From Fundamentals to State-of-the-art
Authors: Karasenko Andreas
Published: February 2025

Sentiment Analysis (SA) has found widespread success in marketing. Marketing scholars and practitioners have used SA to identify pain points, user requirements and issues using freely available online customer reviews from shopping websites, or user generated content from online blogs. These can then be used to improve products or services, adjust marketing strategies, and react ad hoc to new issues using automated decision-making pipelines, or use interpretability frameworks to understand the reasons behind sentiment. Despite this potential, research into SA is fragmented, oftentimes lacking a formal pipeline for their empirical evaluations and model selection. Similarly, model comparisons that aim to guide researchers in their model selection often focus on specific aspects and don’t account for current developments in natural language processing. From this background this paper first provides a SA pipeline, showing all common steps involved in SA. We then validate this pipeline in a case study by conducting a systematic model comparison of 12 machine learning, deep learning transfer learning, and few-shot learning models across 12 diverse user generated review datasets. We then use two popular interpretability frameworks to show, how the classifications of black-box models can be interpreted. Based on these results, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the evaluated models, we derive actionable and practical guidelines for model selection while accounting for multiple key ex-ante considerations. To facilitate the model selection process of researchers we provide readily available Python codes for the complete case study.
Intellectual Component of Human Language Model in the Russian and Baltic Languages (based on Material of Phraseological Units of the Russian, Latvian and Lithuanian Languages)
Authors: Stoikova Tatyana
Published: February 2025

The article considers the intellectual component of the Russian and Baltic human language model (HLM) based on the material of phraseologisms. The intellectual component is characterized by somatic phraseological units (PhU) with key components correlated in Russian and Baltic languages: Rus. голова, мозг (мозги), ум, разум, рассудок / Latv. galva, smadzenes, prāts, saprāts / Lithuan. galva, smegenys, protas, omuo. In the semantics of the analyzed PhU, the following aspects of human intellectual activity are updated: normal / abnormal intellectual state; judiciousness, common sense / imprudence; good / poor mental capacity; a “container” of thoughts and quantitative indicators of mind and knowledge; memory abilities, normal thought activity / mental disorders. A comparative analysis of the semantics of Russian and Baltic PhU revealed common typological features of the compared HLM. Interlanguage Russian and Baltic correspondences in most cases are full equivalents, that is, identical in structure, composition of components and figurative bases, less often they are partial, that is, such in which there is a variation in components and grammatical structure. The identity of figurative foundations is a demonstration of the commonality of cultural connotations which, in turn, testifies to the commonality of many cultural attitudes of Russians and Balts. Apparently, interlanguage Russian, Latvian and Lithuanian equivalents go back to identical prototypes that developed into corresponding PhU under the combined action of universal (for all three ethnic groups) linguistic and extralinguistic factors, and this confirms the hypothesis of interlanguage phraseological parallelism, especially in the case of somatic phraseologisms.
For the First Time in Europe. Old Belief in Lithuania (1918–1923): Reemigration, Formation of Pomоrian Church Structures and Official Recognition of the Church
Authors: Potashenko Grigoriy
Published: February 2025

The article examines important aspects of the development of the Old Believers Church in Lithuania in 1918–1923 (mass reemigration, the formation of a complete Church structure, the basis of which was the Pomorian communities, and official recognition of the Church) and three closely interrelated problems. How the formation of new central structures of the Old Believers Church in Lithuania was associated with the reemigration of Old Believers, which contributed to the reconstruction of the former network of their communities, and with the subsequent legal recognition of the Old Believers Church in Lithuania in May 1923. Another problem is how the formation of a virtually unified Pomorian society took place. These aspects or themes of this study have not yet received consistent treatment in historiography.
To analyse the religious and legal situation of the Old Believers Church in Lithuania, the works of historians, selected contextual historiography and studies of legal historians were involved. To compare the features of the legal status of the Old Believers Church in Lithuania in the regional context, foreign historiography is also involved, studying the legal status of Old Believers’ community in Poland, Latvia, Estonia and other countries. The official recognition of the Church became a landmark event in the history of the Old Belief, since Lithuania was the first state in Europe which formally recognized the autonomy and equality of the Old Believers Church in Lithuania. The article also uses the results of the author’s research in recent years, based on a complex of new archival materials, various documents, and ideas of historiography.