bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFICACY OF INSECTICIDAL CYFLUNIT AGAINST MELOPHAGOSIS OF SHEEP IN THE ALTAI MOUNTAINS
Authors: Marchenko V. A. , Biryukov I. V. , Kurinov D. A.
Published: May 2024

The sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus) is widespread on livestock farms of the Altai
Mountains. Since the disease causes significant damage to sheep farming, there is
a need for regular insecticidal treatment of animals. The purpose of this research
was to characterize the insecticidal activity of Cyflunit against the sheep ked on
treated and untreated animals in contact with the parasite. The study was carried out
on the "control test" principle; 2 experimental groups of 20 Altai Mountains sheep
weighing 40–50 kg were formed. The control group of sheep was not treated with the
drug. The drug was applied to the back skin of the sheep in a dose of 5 mL. Twenty
animals out of 70 flock ewes were treated with the drug, and the rest of the animals
remained exposed. The drug efficacy was evaluated by counting the sheep ked in
the experimental and control groups at 15 and 30 days after insecticide application.
Subsequently, the drug protective action coefficient (PAC) was calculated. A single
treatment of the sheep with Cyflunit provided 100% protection against melophagosis
for 30 days. In the exposed group of untreated sheep in the flock, the strength of
protective effect of the drug was 98.7% at 30 days.
ALARIOSIS IN MUSTELIDAE IN THE KIROV REGION
Authors: Maslennikova O. V. , Strelnikov D. P.
Published: May 2024

Alariasis is a zoonosis wide-spread both in our country and near and far-abroad
countries caused by the trematode Alaria alata. An analysis was carried out for the
infection of the Mustelidae by the Alaria alata mesocercaria in the Kirov Region
from 1997 to 2023. Using the method of complete helminthological dissections and
compressor trichinelloscopy, more than 400 Mustelid representatives of 9 species
were studied, namely, the pine marten, the European polecat, the common weasel,
the least weasel, the American mink, the Asian and European badgers, the wolverine,
and the Eurasian otter. Localization sites of A. alata mesocercariae were identified
in skeletal muscles, connective tissue of internal organs (kidneys, lungs, heart,
uterus, esophagus, and trachea), diaphragm muscles, intermuscular adipose tissue,
and on the walls of blood vessels. Representatives of the family Mustelidae actively
participate in the Alaria alata life cycle being paratenic or reservoir hosts. High
prevalence and infection intensity rates were recorded for the European polecat,
57.1% (5-33 specimens); the pine marten, 48.3-52.0% (1-104 specimens); and the
American mink, 50.9-52.8% (1-44 specimens). Lower rates were in the common
weasel, 28.6% (12-16 specimens); the least weasel, 25% (16 specimens); the badger,
18.2% (3-8 specimens); and the Eurasian otter, 3.6% (1 specimen). A. alata poses
epizootological and epidemiological danger.
PARASITOLOGICAL MONITORING OF COMMERCIAL FISHES FROM THE BITIK RESERVOIR OF THE WEST KAZAKHSTAN REGION
Authors: Nurzhanova F. H. , Karmaliev R. S. , Sattybaev B. G.
Published: May 2024

The Bitik reservoir is located in the West Kazakhstan Region. The basis of the
commercial ichthyofauna of the reservoir consists of local native fish species: rudd
(Scardinius erythrophthalmus), sazan (Cyprinus carpio), bream (Abramis brama),
tench (Tinca tinca), roach (Rutilus rutilus), goldfish (Carassius auratus), perch (Perca
fluviatillis), sander (Sander lucioperca), catfish (Silurus glanus), and pike (Esox
lucius). The research purpose was parasitological monitoring of commercial fish to
assess the epizootological situation in the Bitik reservoir. The method of complete
parasitological dissection and clinical examination were used to study 120 fish. As a
result, metacercariae of trematodes Opisthorchis felineus were found in the muscles
of the roach, bream and rudd, and Prosthogonimus ovatus, in the muscles of the
tench and pike. Diplostomum spathaceum was found in the eye lens of the pike and
roach. In the roach, bream, and goldfish, leeches Piscicola geometra were found on
the surface of the body and in the oral cavity. Posthodiplostomum cuticola was found
on the fins and skin of the roach, rudd, goldfish and bream. Parasite associations
were found in the roach (O. felineus, P. suticola, D. spathaceum, P. geometra), bream
(O. felineus, P. suticola, P. geometra), rudd (O. felineus, P. cuticola), pike (P. ovatus,
D. spathaceum), and goldfish (P. geometra, P. suticola). One parasite species P. ovatus
was identified in the tench. No parasites were found in the sander or perch.
PROTOZOOSIS AND MOST IMPORTANT HELMINTHOZOONOSIS OF DOMESTIC CATS IN MOSCOW
Authors: Pasechnik V. E.
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this research was to obtain current data on protozoosis and most
important helminthozoonosis in domestic cats in Moscow. Coproovoscopic
examinations were performed in 2022–2023 to study two age groups of domestic
cats: 316 kittens aged under one year in 6 administrative districts, and 570 cats aged
over one year in 9 administrative districts of Moscow. Domestic cats over 1 year
were infected with helminthiasis: nematode species Toxocara cati with maximum
prevalence of 15%, species Toxascaris leonina with the prevalence of up to 10%,
species Uncinaria stenocephala with the prevalence of 4%, cestode species Dipylidium
caninum with the prevalence of 4% and the cestode helminth Taenia spp. with the
prevalence of 5.5%, protozoan parasites Isospora felis with the prevalence of up to
5%, and Giardia spp. with the prevalence of up to 5%. The Toxocara cati infection in
domestic kittens under one year reached its maximum value with the prevalence of
26.08%. Toxascaris leonina was not found in the kittens under one year. Dipylidium
caninum infection in the kittens reached maximum prevalence of 7.2%. Taenia spp.
was not found in the domestic kittens under one year of age. Current obtained data
on most important feline helminth infections will make it possible to develop and
propose guidelines for health improvement and prevention of invasive diseases in
animals and avoidance of parasitic contamination of social facilities in external
environment in Moscow.
GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODE FAUNA IN SMALL CATTLE IN THE EUROPEAN RUSSIA
Authors: Pimenov I. A.
Published: May 2024

Gastrointestinal nematodes of small cattle are common in all Russian regions and
cause diseases that can have a pronounced negative effect on the animal body. In
this regard, obtaining data on the species composition of nematodes dwelling in the
digestive tract of small cattle in different regions of the European part of the Russian
Federation is of great scientific and practical interest since it will allow for the right
strategy to control them. The study material was collected in slaughterhouses in
the Moscow Region where animals were delivered from the Oryol, Astrakhan and
Moscow Regions, the Republic of Dagestan and the Stavropol Territory from January
to October 2023. For helminthological dissections, we used kits of gastrointestinal
tracts of the sheep and goats collected immediately after slaughter. Nematodes of the
species Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Teladorsagia circumcincta were found in
all of the above Regions; nematodes of the species Haemonchus contortus were found
in the Moscow and Astrakhan Regions as well as the Republic of Dagestan; and
nematodes of the species Marshallagia marshalli were only found in the Astrakhan
Region and the Republic of Dagestan. In addition to data on the species composition
of gastrointestinal parasitic nematode fauna in small cattle, prevalence and infection
intensity rates were determined in the above Regions of the European Russia.
PARASITOLOGICAL POLLUTION ASSESSMENT OF WASTEWATERS AND SEWAGE SLUDGE IN THE TERRITORIES OF SOUTHERN RUSSIA
Authors: Khutoryanina I. V. , Tverdochlebova T. I. , Dimidova L. L. , Chernikova M. P. , Savchuk I. A.
Published: May 2024

Parasitological monitoring of environmental objects plays an important role in the
sanitary and epidemiological surveillance system. To control and ensure biological
safety, wastewaters are subject to mandatory research because that is where the
maximum concentration of parasitic pathogens that can enter the human body is recorded. Since 2011, the Rostov Research Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology
of the Rospotebnadzor has conducted 14,055 sanitary and parasitological studies
of (pre- and posttreatment) wastewaters and (liquid and dried) sewage sludge
sampled at sewage treatment facilities in various territories of the south of Russia.
The specific weight of positive wastewater samples before treatment averaged 60.5%,
and after treatment, 46.8%. In the spectrum of parasitic pathogens detected in the
wastewaters, eggs of Toxocara, ascarids and whipworms were predominantly found.
The number of positive sewage sludge samples was 35.2% in the Republic of Adygea,
30.9% in the Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia, 20.5% in the Rostov Region, 34.0%
in the Astrakhan Region, and 34.2% in the Krasnodar Territory. Thus, sewage
treatment facilities in the south of Russia are epidemiologically significant objects
that cause a risk of parasitic pathogen distribution in external environment.
TRICHINELLOSIS IN THE KRASNODAR TERRITORY
Authors: Shipkova L. N. , Shipkova A. K.
Published: May 2024

The Krasnodar Territory is a natural focal area for a zooanthroponosis, trichinellosis,
the causative agent of which is nematodes Trichinella spiralis (Owen, 1825) and
Trichinella pseudospiralis (Garkavi, 1972). According to statistical data, the main
source of human infection in the Krasnodar Territory is natural foci of Trichinella,
which dwell in wild animals and domestic pigs and birds. In the evolution,
Trichinella has acquired a wide range of hosts that have similar food chains and
provide for sustained function of the natural focus. A high trichinellosis prevalence
is recorded in the mountain and mountain-coastal zones of the Krasnodar Territory.
These zones include Tuapsinsky, Lazarevsky, Apsheronsky, Labinsky, Ust-Labinsky,
Otradnensky, Belorechensky, Goryacheklyuchevsky and Mostovsky Districts. The
research was carried out in the Krasnodar Territory in 2019–2023. Thirty-two
patients were hospitalized in the Krasnodar Specialized Clinical Infectious Hospital
in 2019; 35 patients in 2020; COVID-19 pandemic was in 2021; 38 patients in 2022;
and 34 patients in 2023. Trichinellosis is dangerous to human health and life and
causes significant economic damage to pig farming, and therefore it is necessary
to strengthen the work of veterinary and public health services to sanitize natural
synanthropic foci of trichinellosis.
EFFICACY OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS BACTERIA AGAINST THE NEMATODE MELOIDOGYNE INCOGNITA
Authors: Egamberganova A. S. , Saidova S. O. , Khalilov I. M. , Khairullina K. N.
Published: May 2024

The experiment was carried out on Orzu cucumbers in a research greenhouse by
artificially infecting the roots with gall nematodes. Nematicidal activity of the local
strain Bacillus thuringiensis 26 was studied in the ratio 1:1, 1:100, 1:300, and the
biological product BioSleep diluted in the ratio 1:1, 1:100, 1:300 was chosen as a
reference. The time and application frequency of bioagents were determined. The
high efficacy of bacterial strains appeared after double treatment, namely, before
planting and 2 weeks after planting (into soil near the root). The bacterial agents
contributed to a significant reduction in nematodes. When using bioagents, high
efficacy was observed in the Bt 26 strain diluted in the ratio of 1:100. As compared
to control 2, plant development was much more active, and a plant growth rate was
39.47% higher, and leaf blades and aboveground organs doubled in number. As a
result of our experiment, it was found that the crop yield increased by 48.9% with Bt
26 (1:300), 35.4% with Bt 26 (1:100), and 24.5% with Bt 26 (1:1) versus the reference.
TRICHINELLOSIS OF THE JACKAL IN THE KRASNODAR TERRITORY
Authors: Bukina L. A. , Maistruk A. A. , Mashkina D. M. , Sukhanova N. S.
Published: May 2024

The article presents data on the current epizootic situation on Trichinella larvae
infection in the jackal Canis aureus in view of its opportunistic feeding habits and
wide geographical spread. To study the Trichinella infection of the jackal, three
muscle groups were examined using the compression method. A total of 187 samples
from 52 animals obtained in different ecological and geographical zones of the
Krasnodar Territory (mountain zone in the Tuapsinsky District, foothill zone in the
Seversky District, and flooded land in the Slavyansky District) were studied. It was found that the prevalence in the jackal was above 50% on average in all zones over
two years of research. The highest infection rate in the jackal (81.5%) was recorded
in the mountain zone; and significantly lower (about 40.0%) in the foothill zone
and the flooded land. The invasion intensity rates were also the highest, on average
25.7±6.7 larvae/g in the mountain zone, 19.5±7.0 larvae/g in the foothill zone, and
the lowest invasion intensity was observed in the flooded land, 6.5±3.7 larvae/g of
muscle tissue. The mechanism of possible Trichinella transmission routes is due
to trophic and chorological relationships between host species. The jackal with
its opportunistic feeding habits, high abundance and movement activity provides
these relationships with ecological manifestations as predation, necrophagy and
cannibalism. Necrophagy and cannibalism are the most ecologically significant in
the Krasnodar Territory.
METHODOLOGY OF EXPERIMENTAL DISINFECTANT SELECTION FOR INDUSTRIAL SOIL DISINFECTION
Authors: Gerasimov V. N. , Aslanyan E. M. , Leontyeva N. A.
Published: May 2024

Experimental selection of disinfectants for industrial disinfection of soil, ground,
bottom sediments, and sewage sludge contaminated with helminth eggs is carried
out in several stages. Laboratory tests have shown that only 2 products have an
optimal disinfection effect out of 20 disinfectants of different chemical nature tested
on soil samples contaminated with swine roundworm eggs. The soil disinfection
modes established in laboratory conditions for selected disinfectants are not effective
in disinfecting large volumes of soil. It is proposed that scaled tests of selected
disinfectants be performed on soil samples contaminated with helminth eggs before
industrial soil disinfection to develop disinfection technology for large volumes of
soil. Using a device for scaled disinfectant testing that simulates the structure, density,
physical, biological and chemical properties and characteristics of multi-layer soil
in various ecosystems, technological modes are established for the disinfection of
industrial volumes of soil. The established concentrating and timing parameters of
industrial soil disinfection provide high-quality disinfection in various ecosystems
and completely eliminate environmental pollution with ineffective disinfectants or
ineffective concentrations of standard disinfectant solutions against helminth eggs.
Roles and Mechanisms of Choline Metabolism in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Cancers
Authors: Chen Xin , Qiu Wenying , Ma Xuqian , Ren Linli , Feng Mingqian , Hu Sheng , Xue Chang , Chen Runzhi
Published: May 2024

Choline participates in three major metabolic pathways: oxidation, phosphorylation, and acetylation. Through oxidation, choline is converted to betaine and contributes to methyl metabolism and epigenetic regulation. Through phosphorylation, choline participates in phospholipid metabolism, and serves as the precursor of phosphocholine, phosphatidylcholine, glycerophosphocholine, and other essential compounds, thereby modulating lipid metabolism and transport. Through acetylation, choline is transformed into acetylcholine in cholinergic neurons, playing a vital role in neurotransmission. Moreover, gut microbiota can metabolize choline into trimethylamine-N-oxide, and be involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cancer, cardiovascular disease, etc. Since choline metabolism is implicated in the development of NAFLD and diverse cancers, including liver cancer, it may serve as a therapeutic target for these diseases in the future. Currently, there are numerous therapeutic agents targeting choline metabolism to treat NAFLD and cancers, but most of them are ineffective and some even have adverse effects that lead to a series of complications. Therefore, further research and clinical validation are required to obtain safe and efficacious drugs. This review comprehensively summarizes the choline metabolic pathway and its regulatory mechanisms, elucidates the roles and mechanisms of choline metabolism in the aforementioned diseases, and provides a discussion of the current advances and immense potential of this field.
From Tumor to Bone: Growth Factor Receptors as Key Players in Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Mohammad Khalid Said , Akhund Shahid Akhtar
Published: May 2024

This review article explores the intricate correlation between growth factors and bone metastases, which play a crucial role in the development of several types of malignancies, namely breast, prostate, lung, and renal cancers. The focal point of our discussion is on crucial receptors for growth factors, including Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor (VEGFR), and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR). These receptors, which are essential for cellular activities including growth, differentiation, and survival, have important involvement in the spread of cancer and the interactions between tumors and the bone environment. We discuss the underlying mechanisms of bone metastases, with a specific emphasis on the interaction between growth factor receptors and the bone microenvironment. EGFR signaling specifically enhances the process of osteoclast development and the formation of osteolytic lesions, especially in breast and lung malignancies. TGFβ receptors have a role in both osteolytic and osteoblastic metastases by releasing TGFβ, which attracts cancer cells and promotes bone remodeling. This is a crucial element in the spread of prostate cancer to the bones. The functions of FGFR and VEGFR in the processes of bone formation and tumor angiogenesis, respectively, highlight the complex and diverse nature of these interactions. The review emphasizes the possibility of targeted therapeutics targeting these receptors to interrupt the cycle of tumor development and bone degradation. Therapeutic approaches include focusing on the VEGF/VEGFR, EGF/EGFR, FGF/FGFR, and TGFβ/TGFβR pathways. These include a variety of compounds, such as small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, which have shown potential to interfere with tumor-induced alterations in bone. The text discusses clinical trials and preclinical models, offering insights into the effectiveness and constraints of various treatments. Ultimately, this study provides a succinct but thorough summary of the present knowledge and treatment strategies focused on growth factor receptors in bone metastases. This highlights the significance of comprehending the signaling of growth factor receptors in the microenvironment where tumors spread to the bones, as well as the possibility of using targeted therapies to enhance the results for cancer patients with bone metastases. The advancement of treating bone metastases hinges on the development of treatments that specifically target the intricate relationships between malignancies and bone.
RNA Polymerase Subunits and Ribosomal Proteins: An Overview and Their Genetic Impact on Complex Human Traits
Authors: Ryu Jihye , Lee Chaeyoung
Published: May 2024

Accurate gene expression is fundamental for sustaining life, enabling adaptive responses to routine tasks and management of urgent cellular environments. RNA polymerases (RNAP I, RNAP II, and RNAP III) and ribosomal proteins (RPs) play pivotal roles in the precise synthesis of proteins from DNA sequences. In this review, we briefly examined the structure and function of their constituent proteins and explored to characterize these proteins and the genes encoding them, particularly in terms of their expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) associated with complex human traits. We gathered a comprehensive set of 4007 genome-wide association study (GWAS) signal–eQTL pairs, aligning GWAS Catalog signals with eQTLs across various tissues for the genes involved. These pairs spanned 16 experimental factor ontology (EFO) parent terms defined in European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI). A substantial majority (83.4%) of the pairs were attributed to the genes encoding RPs, especially RPS26 (32.9%). This large proportion was consistent across all tissues (15.5~81.9%), underscoring its extensive impact on complex human traits. Notably, these proportions of EFO terms differed significantly (p < 0.0031) from those for RNAPs. Brain-specific pairs for POLR3H, a component of RNAP III, were implicated in neurological disorders. The largest number of pairs in RNAP I was found for POLR1H, encoding RPA12, a built-in transcription factor essential for high transcriptional efficiency of RNAP I. RNAP II-related pairs were less abundant, with unique structural organization featuring minimal subunits for flexible transcription of a diverse range of genes with customized dissociable subunits. For instance, RPB4 encoded by POLR2D, the RNAP II gene with the most pairs, forms its dissociable stalk module with RPB7. This study provides insightful genetic characteristics of RPs and RNAPs, with a priority emphasis on RPS26, POLR1H, POLR2D, and POLR3H, for future studies on the impact of individual genetic variation on complex human traits.
Unveiling Methods to Stimulate Plant Resistance against Pathogens
Authors: Saberi Riseh Roohallah , Gholizadeh Vazvani Mozhgan
Published: May 2024

Plant diseases caused by pathogens pose significant threats to agricultural productivity and food security worldwide. The traditional approach of relying on chemical pesticides for disease management has proven to be unsustainable, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. One promising strategy is to enhance plant resistance against pathogens through various methods. This review aims to unveil and explore effective methods for stimulating plant resistance, transforming vulnerable plants into vigilant defenders against pathogens. We discuss both conventional and innovative approaches, including genetic engineering, induced systemic resistance (ISR), priming, and the use of natural compounds. Furthermore, we analyze the underlying mechanisms involved in these methods, highlighting their potential advantages and limitations. Through an understanding of these methods, scientists and agronomists can develop novel strategies to combat plant diseases effectively while minimizing the environmental impact. Ultimately, this research offers valuable insights into harnessing the plant’s innate defense mechanisms and paves the way for sustainable disease management practices in agriculture.
Development of a Risk Model and Genotyping Patterns Based on Disulfidptosis-Related lncRNAs to Predict Prognosis and Immune Landscape in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang Ke , Lu Shenyi , Jiang Mingyang , Zou Xiaochong , Chen Chuanliang , Lan Yuanyuan , Zhao Huaan , Ma Ruilan , Yan Haiwei
Published: May 2024

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent orthopedic malignancy with a dismal prognosis. Disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs (DRLncs) may be related to the progression of OS, but their potential molecular regulatory role is still unclear. Methods: Based on the data collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we conducted correlation analysis and the univariate Cox analysis to screen prognosis-related DRLncs, followed by developing genotyping patterns and corresponding classifier. Subsequently, the survival analysis, enrichment analysis, drug sensitivity analysis and immune infiltration analysis were performed. Afterward, multivariate Cox regression was used to construct a risk model, which was further validated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The aberrant expression of hub DRLncs in OS was validated using the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. Results: We identified 262 DRLncs and eleven prognosis-related DRLncs through filtering. We then constructed two distinct expression patterns of prognosis-related DRLncs and developed a classifier. We obtained 393 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between different subtypes, which were significantly enriched in biological processes related to the extracellular matrix, integrin binding, focal adhesion, and Wnt signaling pathways. Through immune infiltration analysis, the activated CD4 memory T cells, resting natural killer (NK) cells, M1 macrophages, and resting dendritic cells (DC) were observed to exhibit different abundance in distinct subtypes. In the drug sensitivity analysis, tamoxifen showed a promising effect for drug-resistant OS. Furthermore, we identified five hub DRLncs and constructed a risk model. The RT-qPCR confirmed the aberrant expression of five hub DRLncs in OS. Conclusions: The present study identified DRLncs in OS, and conducted a comprehensive investigation of DRLncs-related expression patterns, survival status, immune landscape and drug sensitivity to reveal the difference in prognostic, pharmacological and immunological phenotype characteristics between distinct subtypes. Additionally, we developed a risk model to predict the prognosis, and constructed a genotyping classifier to predict the above phenotype characteristics in OS.
Impact of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Takotsubo Syndrome: Cause, Consequence or Both?
Authors: Caglioni Serena , Mele Daniela , Milzi Andrea , Bergamaschi Luca , Pavon Anna Giulia , Landi Antonio
Published: May 2024

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute cause of heart failure characterized by a reversible left ventricular (LV) impairment usually induced by a physical or emotional trigger. TTS is not always a benign disease since it is associated with a relatively higher risk of life-threatening complications, such as cardiogenic shock, ventricular arrhythmias, respiratory failure, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and death. Despite notable advancements in the management of patients with TTS, physiopathological mechanisms underlying transient LV dysfunction remain largely unknown. Since TTS carries similar prognostic implications than acute myocardial infarction, the identification of mechanisms and predictors of worse prognosis remain key to establish appropriate treatments. The greater prevalence of TTS among post-menopausal women and the activation of the neuro-cardiac axis triggered by physical or emotional stressors paved the way forward to several studies focused on coronary microcirculation and impaired blood flow as the main physiopathological mechanisms of TTS. However, whether microvascular dysfunction is the cause or a consequence of transient LV impairment remains still unsettled. This review provides an up-to-date summary of available evidence supporting the role of microvascular dysfunction in TTS pathogenesis, summarizing contemporary invasive and non-invasive diagnostic techniques for its assessment. We will also discuss novel techniques focused on microvascular dysfunction in TTS which may support clinicians for the implementation of tailored treatments.
A Review on the Natural Products in Treatment of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Authors: Yao Pengyu , Yang Xiaoni , Qiao Yun
Published: May 2024

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is an insidious and fatal disease, imposing major financial and social burdens on affected individuals. Among the various methods proposed for the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), treatments with natural products have achieved promising results due to their high efficiency and minimal side-effects. Literature was searched, analyzed, and collected using databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Excerpt Medica, Science Direct, and Springer. In this study, we reviewed the DCM-related studies on 72 representative natural products. These natural products have been confirmed to be applicable in the therapeutic intervention of DCM, acting through various mechanisms such as the amelioration of metabolic abnormalities, protecting the mitochondrial structure and function, anti-oxidant stress, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis, regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis and regulation of programmed cell death. The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) have been extensively studied as high frequency signaling pathways for natural product intervention in DCM. The effectiveness of natural products in treating DCM has been revealed and studied, which provides a reference for DCM-specific drug discovery.
Left Atrial Electrophysiological Properties after Pulmonary Vein Isolation Predict the Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation: A Cohort Study
Authors: Gu Yunfei , Wang Hao , Xue Guohua , Guo Yubing , Wu Pengyu , He Jingchao , Ding Aolin , Li Songsen , Tse Gary , Liu Tong
Published: May 2024

Background: The aim of this work was to investigate left atrial electrophysiological properties for their ability to predict the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Methods: The study comprised 53 patients with AF [62 (interquartile range (IQR): 52–68) years old; 47.2% females]. High-density, three-dimensional electro-anatomic mapping using PentaRay was conducted during sinus rhythm in the left atrium (LA) immediately after PVI. LA conduction time, conduction velocity in predefined anterior and posterior routes, low voltage area percentage and distribution were assessed. Results: The AF recurrence group had longer LA conduction time compared to the non-recurrence group [11 (IQR: 10–12) ms vs. 9 (IQR: 8–10) ms, p = 0.001). The percent low voltage area was greater in the recurrence group than the non-recurrence group [31.2 (IRQ: 7.1–49.3)% vs. 7.7 (IQR: 4.3–15.2)%, p = 0.008]. Multivariate Cox regression revealed that LA conduction time independently predicted AF recurrence following ablation over a median follow-up of 235 days [IQR: 154–382 days; hazard ratio (HR): 2.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–5.23, p = 0.031]. The optimal cut-off for LA conduction time was 98 ms [area under curve (AUC): 0.926, sensitivity: 0.833, specificity: 0.894, p < 0.01]. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that patients with a conduction time >98 ms had a higher rate of AF recurrence following ablation (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with longer LA conduction time after PVI had more frequent AF recurrence.
Coronary Artery Plaque Phenotype and 5-Year Clinical Outcomes in Older Patients with Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Rubino Francesca , Brugaletta Salvatore , Mills Gregory , Pompei Graziella , Scarsini Roberto , Ribichini Flavio , Räber Lorenz , Kunadian Vijay
Published: May 2024

Background: Lesions with thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA), small luminal area and large plaque burden (PB) have been considered at high risk of cardiovascular events. Older patients were not represented in studies which demonstrated correlation between clinical outcome and plaque characteristics. This study aims to investigate the prognostic role of high-risk plaque characteristics and long-term outcome in older patients presenting with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS). Methods: This study recruited older patients aged ≥75 years with NSTEACS undergoing virtual-histology intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) imaging from the Improve Clinical Outcomes in high-risk patieNts with acute coronary syndrome (ICON-1). Primary endpoint was the composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) consisting of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and any revascularisation. Every component of MACE and target vessel failure (TVF) including MI and any revascularisation were considered as secondary endpoints. Results: Eighty-six patients with 225 vessels undergoing VH-IVUS at baseline completed 5-year clinical follow-up. Patients with minimal lumen area (MLA) ≤4 mm2 demonstrated increased risk of MACE (hazard ratio [HR] 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–5.59, p = 0.048) with a worse event-free survival (Log Rank 4.17, p = 0.041) than patients with MLA >4 mm2. Patients with combination of TCFA, MLA ≤4 mm2 and PB ≥70% showed high risk of MI (HR 5.23, 95% CI 1.05–25.9, p = 0.043). Lesions with MLA ≤4 mm2 had 6-fold risk of TVF (HR 6.16, 95% CI 1.24–30.5, p = 0.026). Conclusions: Small luminal area appears as the major prognostic factor in older patients with NSTEACS at long-term follow-up. Combination of TCFA, MLA ≤4 mm2 and PB ≥70% was associated with high risk of MI. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT01933581.
The Hypoxic Burden, Clinical Implication of a New Biomarker in the Cardiovascular Management of Sleep Apnea Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Coso Carlota , Solano-Pérez Esther , Romero-Peralta Sofía , Castillo-García María , Silgado-Martínez Laura , López-Monzoni Sonia , Resano-Barrio Pilar , Cano-Pumarega Irene , Sánchez-de-la-Torre Manuel , Mediano Olga
Published: May 2024

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent sleep-disordered breathing. It is associated with adverse co-morbidities, being the most scientific evidence of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Currently, OSA is measured through the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), the total number of respiratory events per hour of sleep. However, different studies have questioned its utility in OSA management, highlighting the need to search for new parameters that better reflect the heterogeneity of the disease. Hypoxic burden (HB) has emerged as a novel biomarker that informs about the frequency, duration and depth of the desaturation related to the respiratory events. We conducted a systematic review in order to find publications about the heterogeneity of OSA measured by HB and its associations with future disease. Methods: Systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science. The terms “sleep apne” and “hypoxic burden” were used to look for publications from the date of inception to August 15, 2023. Inclusion criteria: articles in English published in peer-reviewed journals. Exclusion criteria: (1) not available publications; (2) duplicated articles; (3) letters, editorials, and congress communications; (4) articles not including information about HB as a specific biomarker of OSA. Results: 33 studies were included. The results were classified in 2 main sections: (1) HB implication in the CV sphere: HB showed to be a better predictor of CV risk in OSA patients than traditional measures such as AHI with possible clinical management implication in OSA. (2) HB response to OSA treatment: pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments have demonstrated to be effective in improving hypoxia measured through the HB. Conclusions: HB could be a better and more effective parameter than traditional measurements in terms of diagnosis, risk prediction and therapeutic decisions in patients with OSA. This measure could be incorporated in sleep units and could play a role in OSA management, driving the clinic to a more personalized medicine.
Wikimedia and open research: a primer from UKRN
Authors: Poulter Martin Lewis , Sheppard Nick , Mietchen Daniel
Published: May 2024

The Wikimedia projects, like Wikipedia and Wikidata, are some of the most visited informational websites on the internet, with around 25 billion page views each month. They help make research widely visible by citing and linking to the original sources. As more research is freely licensed, using Wikimedia platforms can greatly expand its reach. Major information sources, such as search engines and AI chatbots, also use data from Wikipedia and Wikidata.These platforms allow for contextualizing and remixing content. When researchers share figures, code, and data sets, online communities can translate them, combine them with other research, or use them in Wikipedia articles and educational materials. This openness makes the research process more transparent and verifiable. Additionally, Wikimedia projects ensure the long-term preservation and versioning of these shared materials. In this way Wikimedia extends the principles and practices of openness described in other UKRN Primers on Data sharing, Open Access, and Open code and software.
Concrete-to-concrete connections for modularly reused RC components – an experimental study on separation methods
Authors: Sanio David , Simon Sven , Balzani Daniel , Mark Peter
Published: May 2024

For the reuse of RC structures, structural components like columns or beams are extracted from monolithic buildings to serve as reused modules for newly assembled structures in a sense of construction kits. The scope of this study is an experimental investigation of the newly formed concrete-to-concrete connections between the modules that might transfer compression and shear. The load-bearing capacity of the connections are predominated by the characteristics of the module's edge. For RC, inaccuracies of the surface, damages from separation as well as the stress inhomogeneities due to the cut off reinforcement that ends up bluntly have to be taken into account. The paper presents an experimental campaign on the three named aspects. 16 RC beams with a rectangular cross section are cut by sawing, waterjet cutting or hammering and then tested under centric or eccentric compression. Concrete-to-concrete and concrete-to-steel connections are tested. Process parameters like the cutting speed, cutting depth and post-treatment by grinding are considered and varied. CT and laser scans quantify the micro damage as well as the surfaces’ flatness that arise from the separation. The results show that precise sawing ensures a load-bearing capacity similar to a fully plastic activation of all rebars and concrete areas. On the contrary, rough cuttings significantly diminish ultimate loads. The results are discussed with respect to surface qualities and inevitable micro damages and referenced to newly built RC sections.
Innovative 3D Printing of Mechanoluminescent Composites: Digital Light Processing Meets Machine Learning
Authors: Jo Junheui , Park Kundo , Song Hyunggwi , Ryu Seunghwa
Published: May 2024

Mechanoluminescent (ML) materials, which refers to a class of material that emits light when subjected to external mechanical stimuli, have been drawing attention due to its unique multifunctionality, and potential applicability as a next-generation structural health monitoring technique. Nevertheless, the applicability of ML materials in real-world scenarios have been significantly confined due to its limitations, such as there is no universally accepted rules or framework for producing ML composites with high intensity, and the difficulty in producing the material in complex 3D shapes. As a breakthrough, here we present a novel approach where SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ particle-based mechanoluminescent composite is produced via digital light processing (DLP)-based 3D printing, whose process parameters are optimized through a machine learning-based optimization algorithm. In this study, we adopt multi-objective Bayesian optimization (MBO) to optimize the three salient process parameters of DLP-based additive manufacturing; ML particle content, layer thickness, and cure ratio, to achieve both strong ML properties and short printing time. Gaussian process regression is used for the modeling of complex input-output relationship, and the training data is collected by performing actual experiments. As a result, the pareto-optimal process parameter solutions determined by MBO not only allowed us to produce the high-performance ML specimens in short time, but they also allowed us to empirically understand how the process parameters affect the end product’s ML property and the overall printing time. Furthermore, we validated the real-life applicability of our framework by applying the optimized DLP-based 3D printing framework to produce and test the ML-based stress sensors and ML-based mechanical components.
Already Perfect: Language users access the pragmatic meanings of conditionals first
Authors: Evcen Ebru , Barner David
Published: May 2024

Conditional statements often have two interpretations. For instance, the statement, "If you mow the lawn, you will receive 5 dollars", might be understood to mean that mowing the lawn is just one possible way to earn 5 dollars or, more strongly, that mowing the lawn is the only way one can receive 5 dollars - an interpretation sometimes called Conditional Perfection. We investigated how people arrive at "perfected" interpretations of conditional statements: whether they initially consider a statement's literal meaning and then perfect it or begin with a perfected interpretation and revert to the weaker meaning only when necessary. Reaction time data from Experiments 1-3 support the latter sequence, as evidenced by the longer time required to arrive at literal interpretations than perfected ones. Additionally, in Experiment 4, we found that participants under cognitive load were more likely to perfect conditional statements relative to participants not under load, again suggesting that people begin with a perfected meaning that is optionally canceled with effort.
Prospective associations between heterogeneous sleep profiles and depressive symptoms in adolescents: The mediating role of coping styles
Authors: Xie Zhaoyang , Bi Kaiwen , Feng Ningning , Xiaoqing  , Liu Yifan , Lam Hodar , Yu Hanlu , Cui Lijuan
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Extant literature has linked sleep disturbance to depressive symptoms.However, the coexistence of naturally occurring sleep profiles among adolescents andthe prospective associations between sleep profiles and depressive symptoms remainpoorly understood. This study aims to uncover sleep patterns in Chinese adolescentsbased on a comprehensive set of sleep features (e.g., latency, daytime dysfunction,etc.) derived from the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and investigate therelationship between these profiles and subsequent depressive symptoms mediated bypositive and negative coping styles.Methods: Five thousand five hundred five adolescents from Shandong province,China, enrolled (Mage = 16.83 years; 49.9% girls) in a two‐wave longitudinal study (T1in August 2023; T2 in February 2024). Latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted toidentify adolescent sleep patterns. Mediation and sensitivity analyses were used toexamine prospective associations between sleep patterns, coping styles, and depressivesymptoms.Results: Four qualitatively distinct sleep profiles emerged: Healthy Sleepers (18.9%),Latency but Functioning Sleepers (13.6%), Efficient but Dysfunctional Sleepers(57.5%), and Medicated Maladaptive Sleepers (10.0%). Using the Healthy Sleepers as areference group, Latency but Functional Sleepers, Efficient but Dysfunctional Sleepers,and Medicated Maladaptive Sleepers all predicted subsequent depressive symptomsthrough positive coping styles rather than negative coping styles. The relative indirecteffects were 0.19, 0.19, and 0.32, respectively.Conclusions: The study underscored that adolescents exhibit distinct sleep patterns,and specific sleep profiles may be prospectively associated with depressive symptomsmediated by positive coping styles.
Ethnographic Methods in Libraries Revisited
Authors: Hider Philip , Wakeling Simon , Garner Jane
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Ethnography has increasingly been utilised by social science researchers outside of social and cultural anthropology. We report here an analysis of the extent and nature of its use in library studies research over the past decade.Method: Our study adapts and extends a content analysis of library studies literature conducted by Khoo, et al. (2012), using a systematic search process to identify potentially relevant studies published since 2011.Analysis: We coded the resulting corpus to establish whether articles were ethnographic using two interpretations of the term (one broad, one narrower). We also coded other aspects, including specific ethnographic methods used, library sector, country of research, and time in the field. Results: While there remains interest in ethnography, its growth appears to have slowed. We note also that the term ethnographic has been used in this corpus to describe research involving participant observation (the narrower definition) only in 55% of cases. Conclusion: Ethnography remains underutilised in library studies research, particularly in the context of public libraries.
ज्येष्ठ नागरिकको आर्थिक, सामाजिक तथा स्वास्थ्य अवस्था {Economic, Social and Health Status of Senior Citizens}
Authors: अधिकारी Adhikari पवित्रा Pabitra
Published: May 2024

नेपालमा साधारणतया ६० वर्ष वा सोभन्दा माथिको जनसंख्यालाई वृद्ध वा ज्येष्ठ जनसंख्याको रूपमा लिने गरिन्छ । सन् २०२१ को जनगणना अनुसार नेपालको कुल जनसंख्याको १०.२१ प्रतिशत ज्येष्ठ नागरिकहरूको संख्या रहेको छ । यस अध्ययनको प्रमुख उद्देश्य नेपालको झापा जिल्लास्थित कनकाई नगरपालिकाका ज्येष्ठ नागरिकहरूको उमेर, शिक्षा, पेसा, आयस्तर, सामाजिक सुरक्षा र  स्वास्थ सेवाको अवस्था पत्ता लगाउनु रहेको छ । आर्थिक तथा सामाजिक क्षेत्रमा ज्येष्ठ नागरिकहरूमाथि गरिएको यस अध्ययनमा उनीहरूको उमेर, शिक्षा, पेसा, आयस्तर, सामाजिक सुरक्षा र स्वास्थ्यको अवस्था पत्ता लगाउने विषय समेटिएको छ । ज्येष्ठ नागरिकसम्बन्धी आर्थिक तथा सामाजिक क्षेत्रका उद्देश्यहरू राखेर परिमाणात्मक अनुसन्धान ढाँचामा यो अध्ययन सम्पन्न गरिएको छ । उद्देश्यमूलक नमूना छनौट विधि प्रयोग गरी तथ्याङ्कलाई विश्लेषणात्मक ढाँचामा यो अध्ययन सम्पन्न गरिएको छ । प्राप्त नतिजा अनुसार उमेर अनुसार गरिएको अध्ययनमा सबैभन्दा बढी ७५-७९ वर्षका १४ जना र सबैभन्दा कम ९०-९४ बर्षका ३ जना ज्येष्ठ नागरिक रहेका छन् । शिक्षा अनुसार गरिएको अध्ययनमा सबैभन्दा बढी निरक्षर २२ जना, साक्षर र प्राथमिक १६/१६ जना, आई.ए. १ जना र एम.ए. १ जना रहेको कुरा अध्ययनबाट प्राप्त भएको छ । कृषि पेसामा २६ जना र अन्य पेसामा ३४ जनाको संलग्नता रहेको छ । न्यून आयस्तर भएका २२ जना, मध्यम आयस्तर भएका ३६ जना र उच्च आय भएका २ जना रहेका छन् भने ज्येष्ठ नागरिकहरूको स्वास्थ्यको अवस्थाको अध्ययन गर्दा साधारण रोग लागेका १८ जना र दीर्घ रोग लागेका ४२ जना रहेको छ । ज्येष्ठ नागरिक भत्ता प्राप्त गर्ने ४० जना र भत्ता प्राप्त नगर्ने २० जना रहेका छन् भने प्राप्त भएको भत्ता रकमबाट घरायसी कामको लागि खर्च गर्ने १७ जना र औषधि उपचारमा खर्च गर्ने २३ जना रहेको कुरा अध्ययनबाट प्राप्त भएको छ । ज्येष्ठ नागरिकहरूको  आर्थिक, सामाजिक र स्वास्थ्य क्षेत्रमा उनीहरूको अवस्था कमजोर रहेको कुरा अध्ययनको निष्कर्ष रहेको छ ।
Modyfikacje dwusiarczkiem wolframu powłok tlenkowych Al2O3 wytwarzanych na stopach aluminium
Authors: Korzekwa Joanna
Published: May 2024

This monograph focuses on the formation of the structure and properties of Al2O3 oxide coatings doped with tungsten disulfide (WS2) on aluminum alloys, aiming to improve the sliding properties in kinematic, oil-free friction nodes. The work presents an analysis and characterization of the prepared research material and the properties of the friction pair, based on a series of structural, technological, experimental, and operational studies defining the engineering of Al2O3 oxide coatings doped with WS2. The adopted research methodology allowed for the determination of detailed cognitive conclusions and the optimization of the performance of the investigated friction nodes, while also indicating the practical aspects of the modified Al2O3/WS2 coating in a real pneumatic actuator system.