bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical Misadventures as Errors and Mistakes and Motor Vehicular Accidents in the Disproportionate Burden of Childhood Mortality among Blacks/African Americans in the United States: CDC Dataset, 1968–2015
Authors: Holmes Laurens , Enwere Michael , Mason Robert , Holmes Mackenzie S. , Ngalim Pascal , Nsongka Kume , Deepika Kerti , Ogungbade Gbadebo , Poleon Maura , Mage David T.
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Racial disparities in infant mortality in the United States persist after adjustment for known confounders of race and mortality association, as well as heterogeneity assessment. Epidemiologic and clinical data continue to show the survival disadvantages of Black/AA children: when Black/AAs are compared to whites, they are three times as likely to die from all-cause mortality. The persistent inability to remove the variance in race–mortality association is partly due to unobserved, unmeasured, and residual confounding, as well as implicit biases in public health and clinical medicine in health equity transformation. This current epidemiologic-perspective explanatory model study aimed to examine the possible explanation of racial differences in U.S. infant mortality using medical misadventures as errors and mistakes, and infants’ involvement in motor vehicular traffic accidents. Materials and Method: Using CDC WONDER ecologic data from 1968 to 2015, we assessed the infant mortality-rate ratio and percent change associated with medical misadventures as well as motor vehicular accidents or trauma. The rate ratio and percent change were estimated using stratification analysis and trend homogeneity, respectively. Results: There was a Black–white racial difference in medical misadventures during the study period. Relative to the years 1968–1978 (rate ratio [RR], 1.43), there was a steady increase in the mortality-rate ratio in 1979–1998 (52%, RR = 1.52), and mortality was more than two times as likely in 1999–2015 (RR = 2.37). However, with respect to motor vehicular accident/trauma mortality, the mortality ratio, although lower among Blacks in 1968–1978 (RR, 0.92), increased in 1979–1998 by 27% (RR = 1.27) but decreased in 1999–2015 (RR, 1.17), though there was still an excess of 17% mortality among Black/AAs. The percent change for medical misadventures indicated an increasing trend from 9.3% in 1998 to 52% in 2015. However, motor vehicular-related mortality indicated a positive trend in 1998 (38.5%) but a negative trend in 2015 (−8.4%). Conclusions: There were substantial race differentials or variances in infant mortality associated with medical misadventures compared to traffic accidents, and Black/AA children relative to whites experienced a survival disadvantage. These comparative findings are suggestive of medical misadventures and motor vehicular trauma as potential explanations for some of the persistent Black–white disparities in overall infant mortality in the U.S. From these findings, we recommend a national effort to address these issues, thus narrowing the observed disparities in the U.S. infant mortality burden among Black/AAs.
Evaluating the Implementation of Energy Retrofits in Historic Buildings: A Demonstration of the Energy Conservation Potential and Lessons Learned for Upscaling
Authors: Herrera-Avellanosa Daniel , Rose Jørgen , Thomsen Kirsten Engelund , Haas Franziska , Leijonhufvud Gustaf , Brostrom Tor , Troi Alexandra
Published: February 2024

This study presents an in-depth analysis of 69 case studies focusing on the energy retrofit of historic buildings, uncovering challenges, best practices, and lessons learned to balance energy efficiency improvements with heritage preservation. The findings highlight several challenges encountered during renovations, such as complex heritage evaluations, restrictions on alterations, coordination issues with authorities, technical limitations, higher investment costs, and knowledge gaps. On the other hand, identifying factors promoting renovation, including demonstrating energy savings while respecting heritage, early collaboration between planners and authorities, and quantifying investments, could incentivize owners and authorities. The limitations of a still-limited sample size, occasional incomplete data, and potential sample bias call for cautious interpretation of the presented analysis. Despite these, the study provides valuable insights into successful projects, emphasizing the need for scalability, knowledge transfer from innovative policies, and targeted policy-making for successful replication. The study concludes with a call for further development of the HiBERatlas (Historic Building Energy Retrofit atlas), an extensive resource for historic building renovation, expanding its database, collaborating with agencies, and tailoring guidance for stakeholders to foster energy retrofits in heritage buildings.
Joint Analysis of Small RNA and mRNA Sequencing Unveils miRNA-Mediated Regulatory Network in Response to Methyl Jasmonate in Apocynum venetum L.
Authors: Tan Jinhua , Han Xiaowei , Liu Qi , Dorjee Tashi , Zhou Yijun , Sun Huigai , Gao Fei
Published: February 2024

Apocynum venetum L. is a natural fiber and medicinal plant species with significant economic value. Jasmonic acid is an endogenous growth regulatory substance present in higher plants that participate in plant growth, development, and defense. As important endogenous single-stranded RNA molecules, microRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in the post-transcriptional regulation of plant genes. A combination of miRNA and mRNA sequencing techniques was used to systematically identify the methyl jasmonate miRNAs and mRNAs in A. venetum. Up to 135 conserved and 26 species-specific miRNAs have been identified in A. venetum. These miRNAs mainly target genes that encode transcription factors and enzymes. The expression levels of 23 miRNAs, including miR398 and miR482, significantly changed after MeJA treatment. A total of 1778 genes were differentially expressed under MeJA treatment, of which 825 were upregulated and 953 were downregulated. The main biological processes enriched in these differentially expressed genes were redox balance, secondary metabolism, photosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction. Joint analysis of the miRNAs and mRNA revealed that MeJA-responsive miRNAs function by forming regulatory modules, including miR398-CSD, miR482-NBS-LRR, miR156-SPL10, and miR164-NAC056, which further regulate multiple biological processes, including redox balance, disease resistance, and morphogenesis in A. venetum. This study provides important information to understand the biological roles of miRNAs in A. venetum.
Identification and Characterization of Relict Olive Varieties (Olea europaea L.) in the Northwest of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Gago Pilar , Boso Susana , Santiago José-Luis , Martínez María-Carmen
Published: February 2024

Olives (Olea europaea L.) are an important crop in the Mediterranean Basin, but it is not well-known that they have also been grown in other areas, such as Galicia in northwestern Spain. Although commercial production ended long ago in this peripheral growing region, it remains home to olive resources that are well-adapted to the prevailing environmental conditions, providing a valuable but largely undocumented source of genetic variation. Following a survey of Galicia to locate examples of centuries-old olive trees, those detected were subjected to molecular characterization using a set of microsatellite markers, as well as full botanical characterization using the features established by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, along with others proposed by the present authors. These procedures allowed 11 undescribed varieties to be identified, which are new genetic resources that might be of use in olive improvement programs or studies of how the species adapts to different climates. The trees also underwent preliminary health checks, allowing disease-free specimens of each variety to be propagated. The addition of this material to the Community Plant Variety Office’s register of commercial varieties is underway.
A Spatiotemporal Hierarchical Analysis Method for Urban Traffic Congestion Optimization Based on Calculation of Road Carrying Capacity in Spatial Grids
Authors: Jiang Dong , Zhao Wenji , Wang Yanhui , Wan Biyu
Published: February 2024

Traffic congestion is a globally widespread problem that causes significant economic losses, delays, and environmental impacts. Monitoring traffic conditions and analyzing congestion factors are the first, challenging steps in optimizing traffic congestion, one of the main causes of which is regional spatiotemporal imbalance. In this article, we propose an improved spatiotemporal hierarchical analysis method whose steps include calculating road carrying capacity based on geospatial data, extracting vehicle information from remote sensing images to reflect instantaneous traffic demand, and analyzing the spatiotemporal matching degree between roads and vehicles in theory and in practice. First, we defined and calculated the ratio of carrying capacity in a regional road network using a nine-cell-grid model composed of nested grids of different sizes. By the conservation law of flow, we determined unbalanced areas in the road network configuration using the ratio of the carrying capacity of the central cell to that of the nine grid cells. Then, we designed a spatiotemporal analysis method for traffic congestion using real-time traffic data as the dependent variables and five selected spatial indicators relative to the spatial grids as the independent variables. The proposed spatiotemporal analysis method was applied to Chengdu, a typical provincial capital city in China. The relationships among regional traffic, impact factors, and spatial heterogeneity were analyzed. The proposed method effectively integrates GIS, remote sensing, and deep learning technologies. It was further demonstrated that our method is reliable and effective and enhances the coordination of congested areas by virtue of a fast calculation speed and an efficient local balance adjustment.
Risk Factor Analysis of Complications and Mortality Following Coil Procedures in Patients with Intracranial Unruptured Aneurysms Using a Nationwide Health Insurance Database
Authors: Park So Yeon , Kim So An , An Yu Hyeon , Kim Sang Won , Kim Saeyoon , Lee Jae Min , Jung Youngjin
Published: February 2024

(1) Background: Unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) occurs in 1–2% of the population and is being increasingly detected. Patients with UIA are treated with close observation, endovascular coiling or surgical clipping. The proportion of endovascular coiling has been rising. However, complications such as cerebral infarction (CI), intracranial hemorrhage (ICRH), and death remain crucial issues after coil treatment. (2) Methods: We analyzed the incidence and risk factors of complications after the use of coil in patients with UIA based on the patients’ characteristics. We utilized the Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) database. Patients treated with coils for UIA between 1 January 2015 and 1 December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. (3) Results: Of the total 35,140 patients, 1062 developed ICRH, of whom 87 died, with a mortality rate of 8.2%. Meanwhile, 749 patients developed CI, of whom 29 died, with a mortality rate of 3.9%. The overall mortality rate was 1.8%. In a univariate analysis of the risk factors, older age, males, a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score, and diabetes increase the risk of CI. Meanwhile, males with higher CCI scores and hemiplegia or paraplegia show increased ICRH risk. Older age, males and metastatic solid tumors relate to increased mortality risk. (4) Conclusions: This study is significant in that the complications based on the patient’s underlying medical condition were analyzed.
Pulmonary Involvement in Sjögren’s Syndrome: Correlations with Biomarkers of Activity and High-Resolution Computer Tomography Findings
Authors: Roman Deiana , Iurciuc Stela , Caraba Alexandru
Published: February 2024

(1) Background: Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) represents a systemic autoimmune disease whose pathophysiology has yet to be elucidated, though it is known that the inflammatory process encountered in SS is of a systemic nature, with cytokines representing the main mediators for tissue damage. (2) Aim of the study: The aim of the present study is to further the understanding of the link between interleukin serum levels, cytokine serum levels, HRCT findings and the Warrick score (as tools for the evaluation of pulmonary involvement) in patients with pSS. (3) Methods: The present study is a retrospective, observational one aimed at ascertaining the link between SS activity and its clinical implications, as well as how interleukin and TNF-α levels correlate with systemic changes. The study enrolled 112 patients with pSS and 56 healthy subjects, matched for age and gender, as a control group. pSS activity was assessed using the ESSDAI. Cytokine levels and leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were measured in both groups. The focus score was calculated for each patient, HRCT was performed to assess lung function, and the Warrick score was calculated. (4) Conclusions: HRCT revealed NSIP in 13 patients (59.09%) and UIP in 9 patients. The strongest positive correlation was identified upon analyzing the relation between IL-8 and the Warrick score (r = 0.9156, p < 0.00001), followed by a positive correlation between the score and IL-6 levels (r = 0.5738, p < 0.0052). Unsurprisingly, the degree and severity of pulmonary involvement was also positively correlated with the degree of disease activity (r = 0.4345, p = 0.0433).
Diabetes Mellitus Should Be Considered While Analysing Sarcopenia-Related Biomarkers
Authors: Rentflejsz Justyna , Wojszel Zyta Beata
Published: February 2024

Sarcopenia is a chronic, progressive skeletal muscle disease characterised by low muscle strength and quantity or quality, leading to low physical performance. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are more at risk of sarcopenia than euglycemic individuals. Because of several shared pathways between the two diseases, sarcopenia is also a risk factor for developing T2DM in older patients. Various biomarkers are under investigation as potentially valuable for sarcopenia diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Biomarkers related to sarcopenia can be divided into markers evaluating musculoskeletal status (biomarkers specific to muscle mass, markers of the neuromuscular junction, or myokines) and markers assuming causal factors (adipokines, hormones, and inflammatory markers). This paper reviews the current knowledge about how diabetes and T2DM complications affect potential sarcopenia biomarker concentrations. This review includes markers recently proposed by the expert group of the European Society for the Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) as those that may currently be useful in phase II and III clinical trials of sarcopenia: myostatin (MSTN); follistatin (FST); irisin; brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); procollagen type III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP; P3NP); sarcopenia index (serum creatinine to serum cystatin C ratio); adiponectin; leptin; insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1); dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS); C-reactive protein (CRP); interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). A better understanding of factors influencing these biomarkers’ levels, including diabetes and diabetic complications, may lead to designing future studies and implementing results in clinical practice.
Vascular Diseases in Women: Do Women Suffer from Them Differently?
Authors: Farkas Katalin , Stanek Agata , Zbinden Stephanie , Borea Barbara , Ciurica Simina , Moore Vanessa , Maguire Peggy , Abola Maria Teresa B. , Alajar Elaine B. , Marcoccia Antonella , Erer Dilek , Casanegra Ana I. , Sharebiani Hiva , Sprynger Muriel , Kavousi Maryam , Catalano Mariella
Published: February 2024

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women worldwide, yet its magnitude is often underestimated. Biological and gender differences affect health, diagnosis, and healthcare in numerous ways. The lack of sex and gender awareness in health research and healthcare is an ongoing issue that affects not only research but also treatment and outcomes. The importance of recognizing the impacts of both sex and gender on health and of knowing the differences between the two in healthcare is beginning to gain ground. There is more appreciation of the roles that biological differences (sex) and sociocultural power structures (gender) have, and both sex and gender affect health behavior, the development of diseases, their diagnosis, management, and the long-term effects of an illness. An important issue is the knowledge and awareness of women about vascular diseases. The risk of cardiovascular events is drastically underestimated by women themselves, as well as by those around them. The purpose of this review is to draw attention to improving the medical care and treatment of women with vascular diseases.
Processes Controlling the Contractile Ring during Cytokinesis in Fission Yeast, Including the Role of ESCRT Proteins
Authors: Rezig Imane M. , Yaduma Wandiahyel G. , McInerny Christopher J.
Published: February 2024

Cytokinesis, as the last stage of the cell division cycle, is a tightly controlled process amongst all eukaryotes, with defective division leading to severe cellular consequences and implicated in serious human diseases and conditions such as cancer. Both mammalian cells and the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe use binary fission to divide into two equally sized daughter cells. Similar to mammalian cells, in S. pombe, cytokinetic division is driven by the assembly of an actomyosin contractile ring (ACR) at the cell equator between the two cell tips. The ACR is composed of a complex network of membrane scaffold proteins, actin filaments, myosin motors and other cytokinesis regulators. The contraction of the ACR leads to the formation of a cleavage furrow which is severed by the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) proteins, leading to the final cell separation during the last stage of cytokinesis, the abscission. This review describes recent findings defining the two phases of cytokinesis in S. pombe: ACR assembly and constriction, and their coordination with septation. In summary, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the mechanisms regulating ACR-mediated cytokinesis in S. pombe and emphasize a potential role of ESCRT proteins in this process.
Apriorics: Information and Graphs in the Description of the Fundamental Particles—A Mathematical Proof
Authors: Shoshani Yakir , Yahalom Asher
Published: February 2024

In our earlier work, we suggested an axiomatic framework for deducing the fundamental entities which constitute the building block of the elementary particles in physics. The basic concept of this theory, named apriorics, is the ontological structure (OS)—an undirected simple graph satisfying specified conditions. The vertices of this graph represent the fundamental entities (FEs), its edges are binary compounds of the FEs (which are the fundamental bosons and fermions), and the structures constituting more than two connected vertices are composite particles. The objective of this paper is to focus the attention on several mathematical theorems and ideas associated with such graphs of order n, including their enumeration, showing what is the information content of apriorics.
A Semiclassical Approach to the Nonlocal Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation with a Non-Hermitian Term
Authors: Kulagin Anton E. , Shapovalov Alexander V.
Published: February 2024

The nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) with a non-Hermitian term is the model for various phenomena in nonlinear open quantum systems. We deal with the Cauchy problem for the nonlocal generalization of multidimensional NLSE with a non-Hermitian term. Using the ideas of the Maslov method, we propose the method of constructing asymptotic solutions to this equation within the framework of semiclassically concentrated states. The semiclassical nonlinear evolution operator and symmetry operators for the leading term of asymptotics are derived. Our approach is based on the solutions of the auxiliary dynamical system that effectively linearizes the problem under certain algebraic conditions. The formalism proposed is illustrated with the specific example of the NLSE with a non-Hermitian term that is the model of an atom laser. The analytical asymptotic solution to the Cauchy problem is obtained explicitly for this example.
Selective Recovery of Scandium (Sc) from Sulfate Solution of Bauxite Residue Leaching Using Puromet MTS9580 Ion-Exchange Sorption
Authors: Napol’skikh Julia , Shoppert Andrei , Loginova Irina , Kirillov Sergey , Valeev Dmitry
Published: February 2024

Rare earth elements (REEs) and Sc are concentrated in aluminum production byproducts. The novel REEs recovery approach, which involves leaching with acid at a pH > 3 in the presence of MgSO4, results in the formation of a pregnant leach solution (PLS) with a low concentration of iron (Fe) and titanium (Ti) and a large number of valuable elements. This work studies the application of chelating resin Puromet MTS9580 in the sorption recovery of Sc from sulfate solutions. To analyze the static Sc sorption data, Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models were used. The Langmuir isotherm model was the best fitted to the experimental data, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.983. The dynamic adsorption experiment was conducted using a PLS and a simulated solution without contaminants. Adsorption of Sc from the simulated solution was better fitted to the Thomas model with a Sc capacity greater than 6.4 mg mL−1. Because Ti had a gradual decrease in C/C0, which the Thomas model was unable to simulate, the modified dose-response (MDR) model fitted better with PLS with a Sc capacity greater than 3.8 mg mL−1. The NaHCO3 solution (200 g L−1) effectively desorbed Sc (>98%) from simulated and PLS solutions after 1.5 h of stirring in a batch mode. After 1.5 h of desorption, the concentration of Sc in the desorption solution was 461.5 mg L−1, while the concentration of Mg and Ti was lower than 200 mg L−1 and 50 mg L−1, respectively.
Structure of Benthic Microbial Communities in the Northeastern Part of the Barents Sea
Authors: Stroeva Aleksandra R. , Klyukina Alexandra A. , Vidishcheva Olesya N. , Poludetkina Elena N. , Solovyeva Marina A. , Pyrkin Vladislav O. , Gavirova Liliya A. , Birkeland Nils-Kåre , Akhmanov Grigorii G. , Bonch-Osmolovskaya Elizaveta A. , Merkel Alexander Y.
Published: February 2024

The Barents Sea shelf is one of the most economically promising regions in the Arctic in terms of its resources and geographic location. However, benthic microbial communities of the northeastern Barents Sea are still barely studied. Here, we present a detailed systematic description of the structures of microbial communities located in the sediments and bottom water of the northeastern Barents Sea based on 16S rRNA profiling and a qPCR assessment of the total prokaryotic abundance in 177 samples. Beta- and alpha-diversity analyses revealed a clear difference between the microbial communities of diverse sediment layers and bottom-water fractions. We identified 101 microbial taxa whose representatives had statistically reliable distribution patterns between these ecotopes. Analysis of the correlation between microbial community structure and geological data yielded a number of important results—correlations were found between the abundance of individual microbial taxa and bottom relief, thickness of marine sediments, presence of hydrotrolite interlayers, and the values of pH and Eh. We also demonstrated that a relatively high abundance of prokaryotes in sediments can be caused by the proliferation of Deltaproteobacteria representatives, in particular, sulfate and iron reducers.
Design, Synthesis, Antifungal Evaluation, Structure–Activity Relationship (SAR) Study, and Molecular Docking of Novel Spirotryprostatin A Derivatives
Authors: Ma Yang-Min , Miao Xia , Jia Bin , Sun Zhao-Yang , Ma Si-Yue , Yan Cong
Published: February 2024

Phytopathogenic fungi cause plant diseases and economic losses in agriculture. To efficiently control plant pathogen infections, a total of 19 spirotryprostatin A derivatives and 26 spirooxindole derivatives were designed, synthesized, and tested for their antifungal activity against ten plant pathogens. Additionally, the intermediates of spirooxindole derivatives were investigated, including proposing a mechanism for diastereoselectivity and performing amplification experiments. The bioassay results demonstrated that spirotryprostatin A derivatives possess good and broad-spectrum antifungal activities. Compound 4d exhibited excellent antifungal activity in vitro, equal to or higher than the positive control ketoconazole, against Helminthosporium maydis, Trichothecium roseum, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium graminearum, Alternaria brassicae, Alternaria alternate, and Fusarium solan (MICs: 8–32 µg/mL). Compound 4k also displayed remarkable antifungal activity against eight other phytopathogenic fungi, including Fusarium oxysporium f. sp. niveum and Mycosphaerella melonis (MICs: 8–32 µg/mL). The preliminary structure–activity relationships (SARs) were further discussed. Moreover, molecular docking studies revealed that spirotryprostatin A derivatives anchored in the binding site of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH). Therefore, these compounds showed potential as natural compound-based chiral fungicides and hold promise as candidates for further enhancements in terms of structure and properties.
Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects of Adaptogens: A Mini-Review
Authors: Wróbel-Biedrawa Dagmara , Podolak Irma
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Adaptogens are a group of plants that exhibit complex, nonspecific effects on the human body, increasing its ability to adapt, develop resilience, and survive in stress conditions. They are found in many traditional medicinal systems and play a key role in restoring the body’s strength and stamina. Research in recent years has attempted to elucidate the mechanisms behind their pharmacological effects, but it appears that these effects are difficult to define precisely and involve multiple molecular pathways. Neuroinflammation: In recent years, chronic inflammation has been recognized as one of the common features of many central nervous system disorders (dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases, depression, anxiety, ischemic stroke, and infections). Because of the specific nature of the brain, this process is called neuroinflammation, and its suppression can result in an improvement of patients’ condition and may promote their recovery. Adaptogens as anti-inflammatory agents: As has been discovered, adaptogens display anti-inflammatory effects, which suggests that their application may be broader than previously thought. They regulate gene expression of anti- and proinflammatory cytokines (prostaglandins, leukotriens) and can modulate signaling pathways (e.g., NF-κB). Aim: This mini-review aims to present the anti-neuroinflammatory potential of the most important plants classified as adaptogens: Schisandra chinensis, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhodiola rosea and Withania somnifera.
Matrix Selection Strategies for MALDI-TOF MS/MS Characterization of Cyclic Tetrapyrroles in Blood and Food Samples
Authors: Bianco Mariachiara , Ventura Giovanni , Calvano Cosima Damiana , Losito Ilario , Cataldi Tommaso R. I. , Monopoli Antonio
Published: February 2024

Cyclic tetrapyrrole derivatives such as porphyrins, chlorins, corrins (compounds with a corrin core), and phthalocyanines are a family of molecules containing four pyrrole rings usually coordinating a metal ion (Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn, etc.). Here, we report the characterization of some representative cyclic tetrapyrrole derivatives by MALDI-ToF/ToF MS analyses, including heme b and c, phthalocyanines, and protoporphyrins after proper matrix selection. Both neutral and acidic matrices were evaluated to assess potential demetallation, adduct formation, and fragmentation. While chlorophylls exhibited magnesium demetallation in acidic matrices, cyclic tetrapyrroles with Fe, Zn, Co, Cu, or Ni remained steadfast against demetallation across all conditions. Phthalocyanines and protoporphyrins were also detectable without a matrix using laser desorption ionization (LDI); however, the incorporation of matrices achieved the highest ionization yield, enhanced sensitivity, and negligible fragmentation. Three standard proteins, i.e., myoglobin, hemoglobin, and cytochrome c, were analyzed either intact or enzymatically digested, yielding heme b and heme c ions along with accompanying peptides. Furthermore, we successfully detected and characterized heme b in real samples, including blood, bovine and cod liver, and mussel. As a result, MALDI MS/MS emerged as a powerful tool for straightforward cyclic tetrapyrrole identification, even in highly complex samples. Our work paves the way for a more comprehensive understanding of cyclic tetrapyrroles in biological and industrial settings, including the geochemical field, as these compounds are a source of significant geological and geochemical information in sediments and crude oils.
Assessment of the Integrity and Function of Human Term Placental Explants in Short-Term Culture
Authors: López-Guzmán Carolina , García Ana María , Marín Paula , Vásquez Ana María
Published: February 2024

Human placental explants (HPEs) culture has generated significant interest as a valuable in vitro model for studying tissue functions in response to adverse conditions, such as fluctuations in oxygen levels, nutrient availability, exposure to pathogenic microorganisms, and toxic compounds. HPEs offers the advantage of replicating the intricate microenvironment and cell-to-cell communication involved in this critical and transient organ. Although HPEs culture conditions have been extensively discussed, a protocol for assessing the viability and function of HPEs during short-term culture has not been previously outlined. In this study, we have developed a short-term HPEs culture protocol, specifically up to 72 h, and have employed quantitative, semi-quantitative, and qualitative analyses to evaluate tissue viability and function over time. Under our standardized conditions, placental villi explants began to regain their structural properties (the integrity of the trophoblast and villous stroma) and the functionality of the HPEs (production of angiogenic, endocrine, and immunological factors) starting from 48 h of culture. This restoration ensures a suitable environment for several applications. The data presented here can be highly valuable for laboratories aiming to implement an HPEs model, whether in the process of standardization or seeking to enhance and optimize working conditions and timing with placental tissue.
Genetic Variability of Bovine Leukemia Virus: Evidence of Dual Infection, Recombination and Quasi-Species
Authors: Pluta Aneta , Rola-Łuszczak Marzena , Hoffmann Federico G. , Donnik Irina , Petropavlovskiy Maxim , Kuźmak Jacek
Published: February 2024

We have characterized the intrahost genetic variation in the bovine leukemia virus (BLV) by examining 16 BLV isolates originating from the Western Siberia–Tyumen and South Ural–Chelyabinsk regions of Russia. Our research focused on determining the genetic composition of an 804 bp fragment of the BLV env gene, encoding for the entire gp51 protein. The results provide the first indication of the quasi-species genetic nature of BLV infection and its relevance for genome-level variation. Furthermore, this is the first phylogenetic evidence for the existence of a dual infection with BLV strains belonging to different genotypes within the same host: G4 and G7. We identified eight cases of recombination between these two BLV genotypes. The detection of quasi-species with cases of dual infection and recombination indicated a higher potential of BLV for genetic variability at the intra-host level than was previously considered.
Harnessing Multistability: A Novel Approach to Optical Logic Gate Construction Using Erbium-Doped Fiber Lasers
Authors: Bibi Safara , Huerta-Cuellar Guillermo , Echenausía-Monroy José Luís , Jaimes-Reátegui Rider , García-López Juan Hugo , Pisarchik Alexander N.
Published: February 2024

We present an innovative method harnessing multistability within a diode-pumped erbium-doped fiber laser to construct logic gates. Our approach involves manipulating the intensity of external noise to regulate the probability of transitioning among four concurrent attractors. In this manner, we facilitate the realization of OR, AND, NOR, and NAND logic operations, aligning with the coexisting period-1, period-3, period-4, and period-5 orbits. Employing detrended fluctuation analysis, we establish equilibrium in the probability distributions of these states. The obtained results denote a substantial advancement in the field of optical logic gate development, representing a pivotal stride toward the seamless integration of an all-optical logic gate within laser oscillator-based systems.
Vasodilation and Blood Pressure-Lowering Effect of 3-Demethyl-2-Geranyl-4-Prenylbellidifoline, a Xanthone Obtained from Garcinia achachairu, in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Mariano Luísa Nathália Bolda , da Silva Rita de Cássia Vilhena , Niero Rivaldo , Cechinel Filho Valdir , da Silva-Santos José Eduardo , de Souza Priscila
Published: February 2024

3-demethyl-2-geranyl-4-prenylbellidifoline (DGP), a natural xanthone isolated from Garcinia achachairu, has previously demonstrated remarkable diuretic and renal protective actions. The present study expands its actions on the cardiovascular system by evaluating its vasorelaxant and blood pressure-lowering effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Aortic endothelium-intact (E+) preparations of SHRs pre-contracted by phenylephrine and exposed to cumulative concentrations of G. achachairu extract, fractions, and DGP exhibited a significant relaxation compared to vehicle-only exposed rings. The non-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist (atropine), the non-selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (L-NAME), as well as the inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase (ODQ) altogether avoided DGP-induced relaxation. Tetraethylammonium (small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel blocker), 4-aminopyridine (a voltage-dependent K+ channel blocker), and barium chloride (an influx-rectifying K+ channel blocker) significantly reduced DGP capacity to induce relaxation without the interference of glibenclamide (an ATP-sensitive inward rectifier 6.1 and 6.2 K+ channel blocker). Additionally, administration of DGP, 1 mg/kg i.v., decreased the mean, systolic, and diastolic arterial pressures, and the heart rate of SHRs. The natural xanthone DGP showed promising potential as an endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant, operating through the nitric oxide pathway and potassium channels, ultimately significantly reducing blood pressure in hypertensive rats.
Exploring the Efficacy of Four Apiaceae Essential Oils against Nine Stored-Product Pests in Wheat Protection
Authors: Kavallieratos Nickolas G. , Eleftheriadou Nikoleta , Boukouvala Maria C. , Skourti Anna , Filintas Constantin S. , Gidari Demeter Lorentha S. , Maggi Filippo , Rossi Paolo , Drenaggi Ettore , Morshedloo Mohammad Reza , Ferrati Marta , Spinozzi Eleonora
Published: February 2024

The Apiaceae family, known for aromatic plants producing bioactive essential oils (EOs), holds significance across sectors, including agrochemicals. This study evaluated the insecticidal potential of four Apiaceae EOs from Crithmum maritimum L., Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague ex Turrill, Smyrnium olusatrum L., and Elwendia persica (Boiss.) Pimenov and Kljuykov against various significant storage pests (Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Trogoderma granarium Everts, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), T. confusum Jacquelin du Val, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer), Acarus siro L., and Tenebrio molitor L.) on wheat. Insect mortality rates were monitored at intervals of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days. Smyrnium olusatrum EO exhibited the highest efficacy, followed by T. ammi, C. maritimum, and E. persica EOs, although efficacy varied by species, developmental stage, and concentration. Notably, complete mortality occurred for several pests at 1000 ppm of S. olusatrum and T. ammi EOs. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis revealed key compounds in these EOs, including myrcene, germacrone, and curzerene in S. olusatrum EO, and thymol, γ-terpinene, and p-cymene in T. ammi EO. These findings emphasize their potential as botanical insecticides. Smyrnium olusatrum and T. ammi EOs emerge as promising eco-friendly pest management options due to their efficacy, highlighted compound composition, and availability of biomass from both wild and cultivated sources.
Adaptation Strategies of Seedling Root Response to Nitrogen and Phosphorus Addition
Authors: Jin Xing , Zhu Jing , Wei Xin , Xiao Qianru , Xiao Jingyu , Jiang Lan , Xu Daowei , Shen Caixia , Liu Jinfu , He Zhongsheng
Published: February 2024

The escalation of global nitrogen deposition levels has heightened the inhibitory impact of phosphorus limitation on plant growth in subtropical forests. Plant roots area particularly sensitive tissue to nitrogen and phosphorus elements. Changes in the morphological characteristics of plant roots signify alterations in adaptive strategies. However, our understanding of resource-use strategies of roots in this environment remains limited. In this study, we conducted a 10-month experiment at the Castanopsis kawakamii Nature Reserve to evaluate the response of traits of seedling roots (such as specific root length, average diameter, nitrogen content, and phosphorus content) to nitrogen and phosphorus addition. The aim was to reveal the adaptation strategies of roots in different nitrogen and phosphorus addition concentrations. The results showed that: (1) The single phosphorus and nitrogen–phosphorus interaction addition increased the specific root length, surface area, and root phosphorus content. In addition, single nitrogen addition promotes an increase in the average root diameter. (2) Non-nitrogen phosphorus addition and single nitrogen addition tended to adopt a conservative resource-use strategy to maintain growth under low phosphorus conditions. (3) Under the single phosphorus addition and interactive addition of phosphorus and nitrogen, the roots adopted an acquisitive resource-use strategy to obtain more available phosphorus resources. Accordingly, the adaptation strategy of seedling roots can be regulated by adding appropriate concentrations of nitrogen or phosphorus, thereby promoting the natural regeneration of subtropical forests.
Innovative Power Generation Technologies for Improved Household Energy Delivery and Sustainable Future: Classical Solutions from ENEA Research Centre, Trisaia Italy
Authors: Sharma Vinod Kumar , Braccio Giacobbe , Anyanwu Cosmas N.
Published: February 2024

The present communication is focused predominantly on important R&D solutions relevant to renewable energy technologies covering the following: (i) Innovative heat transfer fluid and thermal storage technology based on a molten salt mixture developed by ENEA for large-scale heat storage. The system uses a parabolic trough collector, compared with diathermic oil, which allows higher operating temperature, resulting in significant benefits to the plant’s operation, safety and the environment. (ii) The world’s first solar disk powered by air micro turbine developed by ENEA. (iii) An innovative steam-explosion prototype plant installed at ENEA for the pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass and the fractionation of bio components to generate ethanol from lignocellulosic material using hemicellulose and lignin. (iv) The production of hydrogen-enriched biogas using steam as the gasification agent, which helps in obtaining nearly nitrogen-free product gas and with a high calorific value of around 12 MJ/Nm3 dry gas and a high percentage of hydrogen (up to 55%) while using steam as the gasifying agent in the presence of a catalyst. (v) A rotary kiln plant, with the main purpose being to develop and optimize a thermo-chemical process to convert used rubber tyres so as to recover material and energy, as well as other solid products, with high value-added “Activated carbon” and synthesis gas.
Effects of PM10 Airborne Particles from Different Regions of a Megacity on In Vitro Secretion of Cytokines by a Monocyte Line during Different Seasons
Authors: Meraz-Cruz Noemi , Manzano-León Natalia , Sandoval-Colin Daniel Eduardo , García de León Méndez María del Carmen , Quintana-Belmares Raúl , Tapia Laura Sevilla , Osornio-Vargas Alvaro R. , Buxton Miatta A. , O’Neill Marie S. , Vadillo-Ortega Felipe
Published: February 2024

Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated that particulate matter (PM) in air pollution can be involved in the genesis or aggravation of different cardiovascular, respiratory, perinatal, and cancer diseases. This study assessed the in vitro effects of PM10 on the secretion of cytokines by a human monocytic cell line (THP-1). We compared the chemotactic, pro-inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory cytokines induced by PM10 collected for two years during three different seasons in five different Mexico City locations. MIP-1α, IP-10, MCP-1, TNF-α, and VEGF were the main secretion products after stimulation with 80 μg/mL of PM10 for 24 h. The THP-1 cells showed a differential response to PM10 obtained in the different sites of Mexico City. The PM10 from the north and the central city areas induced a higher pro-inflammatory cytokine response than those from the south. Seasonal pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion always exceeded anti-inflammatory secretion. The rainy-season-derived particles caused the lowest pro-inflammatory effects. We concluded that toxicological assessment of airborne particles provides evidence supporting their potential role in the chronic exacerbation of local or systemic inflammatory responses that may worsen the evolution of some chronic diseases.
Penentuan kadar total fenolik, total flavonoid, dan uji aktivitas antibakteri ekstrak etanol daun kerai payung (Filicium decipiens) terhadap bakteri Propionibacterium acnes dan Staphylococcus epidermis
Authors: Hoswari Cindy Natasya , Br Karo Reh Malem , Yudha M
Published: February 2024

Tanaman kerai payung (Filicium decipiens) merupakan salah satu jenis tanaman yang dapat digunakan sebagai bahan alternatif dalam pembuatan obat. Tanaman ini mengandung berbagai senyawa metabolit sekunder seperti senyawa fenolik, flavonoid, tanin, alkaloid, saponin dan terpenoid. Adapun tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menentukan kadar total fenolik, total flavonoid ekstrak etanol daun Filicium decipiens serta aktivitasnya terhadap bakteri Propionibacterium acnes dan Staphylococcus epidermis. Ekstrak etanol daun Filicium secipiens diperoleh melalui metode ekstraksi secara maserasi dengan pelarut etanol. Kadar total fenolik dan flavonoid ekstrak etanol daun Filicium decipiens ditentukan dengan menggunakan metode spektrofotometri UV-Visible. Penentuan kadar total fenolik dan flavonoid masing-masing menggunakan pereaksi Folin-Ciocalteau dan . Ekstrak dibuat dalam variasi konsentrasi (25%,50%%,100%) dan dilakukan pengujian aktivitas antibakteri dengan menggunakan metode difusi cakram. Berdasarkan pada hasil penelitian diperoleh bahwa kadar total fenolik dan flavonoid ekstrak etanol daun Kerai Payung masing-masing adalah 234,79 mg/GAE/g dan 4,5905 mg/QE/g. Hasil uji aktivitas antibakteri pada berbagai variasi konsentrasi ekstrak terhadap bakteri Propionibacterium acnes dan Staphylococcus epidermis diperoleh masing-masing zona hambat terbesar pada konsentrasi ekstrak 100% yaitu 17,72 mm untuk Propionibacterium acnes dan 18,18 mm untuk Staphylococcus epidermis. Zona hambat yang dihasilkan tersebut tergolong kuat.
REASONS OF DAMAGE TO RESIDENTIAL BALCONY SLABS
Authors: Seryh I. , Chernyshova E. , Degtyar A. , Masyagina N. , Serykh V.
Published: February 2024

The main cause of defects and damage to balcony plates can be considered the so-called temporary factor, which has a far from positive effect on the general state of the structure - the impact of atmospheric-sphere precipitation, strong temperature differences. In addition to the temporary factor, the destruction of the balcony slab can be influenced by mistakes made during installation, no drains and overstrain of the balcony slab due to excessive load on it, which causes the formation of cracks. The basis for the survey was the check of the technical condition of the balcony slabs of a three-story multi-storey brick residential building in order to determine the degree of wear, possible defects and assess the possibility of further operation of the slab. A structural solution analysis was carried out to assess the technical condition of the building structures. Loads acting on the structures, impacts and operating conditions, the quality of structures, materials and connections were established. This also took into account factors such as the geometric dimensions of structures and their sections; presence of cracks, splits and destruction; condition of protective coatings; broken adhesion of reinforcement to concrete; presence of reinforcement rupture; condition of anchoring of longitudinal and transverse reinforcement; degree of corrosion of concrete and reinforcement. As a result of visual and measuring control, defects and damages having the requirements of operation and leading to a malfunction of the structure were revealed. The results set forth in the article may be of interest to specialists of expert organizations who are engaged in the examination of residential apartment buildings in order to assess the actual state of bearing structures, in particular balcony slabs
MATHEMATICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE DYNAMICS OF CENTRIFUGAL TWO-PHASE FLOW IN THE GRINDING CHAMBER OF A DISINTEGRATOR
Authors: Kachaev A. , Sevost'yanov V. , Chemerichko G. , Orehova T.
Published: February 2024

Rational control of equipment operating modes in the production of building materials is possible only in the case of a mathematical description of various technological processes. The sequence of calculation methods for determining the design and technological parameters of grinding equipment makes it possible to numerically present the results of calculations of rational operating modes of the equipment. The study presents a mathematical description of the dynamics of a two-phase flow inside the grinding chamber of a disintegrator, with the help of which it is possible to determine the speed characteristics of its operating modes for materials with different physical and mechanical properties. The nature of the change in the tangential components of the velocities of the two-phase flow has been established: the range of the current radius of the grinding chamber Ri has been determined, at which the radial components of the velocities of the carrier flow and particles of the ground material continue to increase. As a result of mathematical modeling, it was confirmed that with an increase in the concentration of dust particles in the increasing volume of the grinding chamber, the value of the tangential component of the velocity of a dynamic two-phase flow decreases in relation to the maximum parameters at Ri = 0.15 m by an average of 15.5%. It has been determined that the maximum velocity values for the tangential component are in the limit of Ri = 0.1-0.15 m and are 131 m/s for air, and 127.5 m/s for an average suspended particle with dsr = 40 μm. In the process of developing a mathematical description, it was established that in the range Ri = 0.15 - 0.3 m the increase in the radial components of the velocities of the air carrier medium and the weighted average particle flow is about 14.5%, which, in turn, indicates an increase in the kinetic energy of the crushed particles during the movement of a dynamic two-phase flow from the center to the periphery of the grinding chamber of the disintegrator.