bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression rate changes in response to water deficit condition in different triticale genotypes
Authors: Basiri Hassan , Alizadeh Omid , Bazrafshan Forud , Zare Mehdi , Yazdani Mohammad , Saed-Moucheshi Armin
Published: October 2024

Water deficit in plants induces a complex responses array of physiological and biochemical changes aiming at mitigating the adverse effects of reduced water availability. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide accumulate under drought stress, leading to oxidative damage to cellular components. To counteract this, plants enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Drought stress Accordingly, the aim of this was to identify triticale genotypes tolerant to water deficit condition and evaluating the changes in SOD gene expression under water deficit condition using two tolerant and susceptible genotypes of triticale. At first 9 genotypes of triticale were tested under four levels of water deficit treatments and different yield related and biochemical traits were measured to identify the most tolerant and most susceptible ones. The results showed that genotype 3 and 9 can be regarded as tolerant and susceptible genotypes. Following, these two selected genotypes were used in greenhouse experiment under water deficit condition where the activity and relative expression of SOD genes were evaluated at 12h, 36, and 72 h after inducing the stress. Results indicated that SOD activity of tolerant genotype was significantly higher than the susceptible one. Similar results obtained for the activity of SOD enzyme. Both genotypes respond positively to longer exposure to drought, but the response of tolerant genotype was significantly quicker and the values of relative expression were significantly higher than susceptible genotype. The final results indicated that SOD activity along with its expression content can be used as proper marker to spot the tolerant or susceptible genotypes of plant under drought stress. Additionally, genotype 3 showed to be a suitable nominee to be released as a new tolerant cultivar of triticale under water deficit condition.
Harnessing Haloarchaea from Halophyte Atriplex nummularia Rhizosphere to Enhance Salt Tolerance in Maize Seedlings
Authors: Ventura João Paulo , Lacerda Gileno Vieira , Rados Theopi , Bisson Alex , Fernandes Paulo Ivan , Melo Itamar Soares
Published: October 2024

Soil salinization is a critical global issue threatening agricultural productivity and significantly reducing the availability of arable land. Effective mitigation and recovery strategies are vital for sustaining food production, especially in the context of climate change. Halophytic plants, such as Atriplex nummularia, have shown potential for remediating saline soils, but their application remains limited. An alternative approach involves leveraging microorganisms adapted to saline environments to enhance plant stress tolerance. In this study, we investigated the microbiome of A. nummularia under saline and non-saline irrigation conditions to identify extremophilic microorganisms that promote salt stress tolerance. Through 16S rRNA analysis, we identified members of the genus Haladaptatus exclusively in the rhizosphere of salt-irrigated plants. These microorganisms were isolated and inoculated into maize crop systems to evaluate their ability to confer salt tolerance. Our results demonstrate that Haladaptatus strains significantly enhance salinity tolerance in maize, with a marked increase in the relative abundance of archaeal 16S rRNA in soils as NaCl irrigation levels rise. This study provides the first evidence that Haladaptatus, an archaeon isolated from the rhizosphere of a halophyte, can significantly enhance salt tolerance in an agriculturally important crop. These findings suggest a promising biotechnological application for improving crop resilience in saline environments, offering a sustainable strategy for addressing soil salinization and securing food production in the context of global climate challenges.
Production and Characterization of Bacterial Cellulose from Food waste: A sustainable approach
Authors: Marriam Sewera , Ghazal Shahina , Shahzadi Sawera , Fatima Syeda Noor
Published: October 2024

Cellulose is a natural polymer found in plant cell walls and has been used in many industries for ages. The increasing demand for cellulose is estimated to be 100–125 Giga tons per year globally, contributing to deforestation and exacerbated global warming. However, bacterial cellulose has emerged as a promising alternative to plant based cellulose due to its unique properties including biodegradability, high crystallinity, high mechanical strength, porosity and great water absorption and retention capabilities. This study aims to optimize the production of bacterial cellulose economically using readily available resources like food waste addressing environmental concerns and production costs. Utilized tea as nitrogen source and Bagasse and glucose as carbon sources were used for the production of Bacterial cellulose. SCOBY culture is used as an inoculum for production. Characterization was done by tests like FTIR, XRD, and FE-SEM. The results of bacterial cellulose formed from these substrates were then compared with the result of the standard HS media. The finding demonstrates that characterization of Bacterial cellulose layer produced from the HS media was much similar with the results of utilized tea substrate, and it has higher crystallinity. It was observed that the FTIR spectrum of BC layers formed by utilized tea media and bagasse were similar to the Standard HS media produced BC, indicating that they contain the same chemical functional bonds. In FE-SEM analysis of sugarcane bagasse bacterial cellulose are densely packed, discontinuously arranged, irregular shaped nanofibers of different diameters were observed.
Nutritional status and vitamin D among adults
Authors: Rahman Dewan Imtiaz , Salmeen Aliva , Akhter Monira
Published: October 2024

Despite having plenty of sunshine all year round, there is an alarming rise in vitamin D deficiency among the Bangladeshi population. This cross-sectional study explored the association between nutritional status and serum vitamin D level among adults. Two hundred and twelve respondents were purposively selected. Pretested semi-structured questionnaire, and checklist were used to collect data. Among all, 74.5% were female, and 66% were urbanites. The mean age of the respondents was 39.54 (± 13.36) years. The respondents' mean serum Vitamin D level was 20.63 (± 10.16) ng/ml. More than half of the respondents (54.7%) had vitamin D deficiency and 32.5% had vitamin D insufficiency. About three fourth (73.6%) of the respondents were obese or overweight. Vitamin D level was significantly less in urbanites. Gender was associated with serum vitamin D levels. The respondents' Vitamin D levels positively correlated with the sun exposure index. We found that vitamin D level was associated with skin color type and large and small fish intake frequency. Serum level of vitamin D gradually decreased among the overweight and obese. But this difference was not statistically significant. In multiple regression, after controlling the effect of sex, residence, large and small fish consumption, obese had significantly lower (6.82%) mean level of vitamin D than those who belonged to normal Body Mass Index (BMI) category. This study suggests the inclusion of fish in diet, more sun exposure, and maintaining a healthy body weight may assist in improving vitamin D levels of individuals.
WITHDRAWN: From myometrium to fibrosis: the underlying mechanism of endometrial injury in intrauterine adhesions
Authors: Xu Xiaotong , Guo Kaixuan , Zhao Peng , Zhang Xuemei , Zhao Pan , Sun Xianghang , Zhang Mingle , Tian Yanpeng , Zheng Jiahua , Huang Xianghua
Published: October 2024

Our previous research revealed myometrium is closely related to the occurrence and regeneration of endometrial injury. This study aims to explore potential pathways of endometrial injury in intrauterine adhesions (IUA). Histological, transcriptomics, and proteomics methods were conducted on moderate and severe IUA leisional tissue, inner and outer normal myometrium. The results showed both IUA leisional tissues expressed smooth muscle markers α-SMA and H-caldesmon, and there was no statistically different between severe IUA leisional tissue with normal myometrium (P > 0.05). The genes involved in cell mitosis, such as KIF14, KIF4A, and CIT were downregulated in both IUA leisional tissues compared to inner myometrium. Additionally, the complement-coagulation cascade system was activated, with complement component C4A, C6, and Complement factor I downregulated in both IUA leisional tissues, while anticoagulant and fibrinolytic substances like Vitamin K-dependent protein S and Heparin cofactor II downregulated only in severe IUA leisional tissue. This study confirmed the correlation of endometrial injury with inner myometrium, revealed the inhibition of mitotic pathways may obstruct endometrial regeneration in IUA and stimulating consumption of fibrinolytic substances may further exacerbate the fibrosis of IUA.
Marine Heatwaves Modulate Food Webs and Carbon Transport Processes
Authors: Bif Mariana , Kellogg Colleen , Huang Yibin , Anstett Julia , Traving Sachia , Pena Angelica , Hallam Steven , Johnson Kenneth
Published: October 2024

The impact of marine heatwaves (MHWs) on ecosystem functions and services remains poorly constrained due in part to the limited availability of time-resolved datasets integrating physical, chemical and biological parameters at relevant operating scales. Here we paired over a decade of autonomous Biogeochemical (BGC)-Argo profiling float data with water column plankton community composition profiles to investigate the impacts of MHWs on carbon cycling dynamics in the Northeastern subarctic Pacific Ocean (NESAP), resolving temperature-induced changes in production and transport of particulate organic carbon (POC) within the water column. POC concentrations were extremely high during MHWs in Spring 2015 and 2019, associated with detritus enhancement and changes in plankton community structure. Instead of sinking, particles < 100 µm accumulated in mesopelagic waters where remineralization happened slowly over the year, thus decreasing the rapid deep particle export and carbon sequestration potential of thermally-impacted waters.
Palliative patients who may benefit from intranasal delivery of symptomatic drugs: a two-center observational study evaluated the administration of morphine and dexamethasone in Polish hospices
Authors: Ingielewicz Anna , Brunka Zuzanna , Szczupak Mateusz , Szymczak Robert
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Patients who are receiving hospice care often have various ailments and may need to take medications to relieve symptoms for the rest of their lives. The most common and recommended way to take morphine and streoids is orally, less frequently, subcutaneous or intravenous routes are used in palliative care. The intranasal route is a relatively uncommon but interesting alternative for administering drugs.
Aim: The study aims to identify palliative patients who may benefit from changing the standard opioid and steroid administration route to intranasal delivery.
Material and methods: The electronic medical records of all home and inpatient hospice patients were analyzed between February and April 2024. The study focused on the magnitude and type of problems associated with taking medications via standard routes and assessed the potential for changing to an intranasal route of administration.
Results: Out of 282 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 95 (43%) were eligible for analysis. According to a survey, 87% of patients experienced issues with taking medications through the standard route. Among the problems related to oral medicines, consciousness disorders were the most significant at 66%. For subcutaneous administration, the main issues were reluctance to inject at 19% and lack of cooperation from caregivers at 20%. Conclusion: The profile of a palliative patient who may benefit from intranasal administration of symptomatic drugs includes patients with impaired consciousness, aversion to subcutaneous injections, and inadequate support from caregivers.
Socio-demographic characteristics associated with high risk Human Papilloma Virus infection among reproductive women in Imo state Nigeria – a cross sectional study
Authors: Nzeribe Emily Akuabia , Ibe Sally , Nwoko Eunice , Dozie Ikechukwu , Ekeleme Godswill , Dozie Ugonma , Iwuoha Greg , Eteike Precious , Chukwuocha Uche
Published: October 2024

Background:
It has been established that hrHPV (High Risk Human Papilloma Virus) infection is necessary for cervical cancer. There are geographical and temporal determinants that affect the risk factors and ultimately the incidence and distribution of cervical cancer. Knowledge of socio demographic characteristics of those infected with High Risk Human Papilloma Virus is indispensable in planning and making policy decisions in the prevention of cervical cancer as well as in research on the subject matter.
Materials and methods:
This was a secondary analysis of a cross sectional population based study of women who had HPV DNA typing following community outreaches for women in Imo state-Nigeria between February and June 2023. A structured questionnaire was administered to the women by an interviewer and their responses noted. Speculum examinations was done for the purposes of collecting dry swab specimen for hr HPV DNA typing. Data analyses was done with SPSS version 26 IBM and socio-demographic variables were analyzed for any association with the HPV results using the χ2 test for categorical variables.
Results
Prevalence of high risk HPV infection was 43.6%. The significant characteristics such as occupation (P = 0.015, χ2 = 19.060, d.f = 8), ethnicity (P = 0.035) and the place of residence (P = 0.038, χ2 = 4.321, d.f = 1) showed significant association with the HPV infection. Associated reproductive factors of hrHPV infection in this study included coitarche (P = 0.040, χ2 = 8.336), number of pregnancies in the past (P = 0.008, χ2 = 13.80), number of living children (P = 0.003, χ2 = 16.02) and number of sexual partners (P = 0.012, χ2 = 12.88). Others include: frequency of genital tract infections (P = 0.019, χ2 = 11.80) and type of genital tract infection had (P = 0.001, χ2 = 21.88). Behavioral characteristics associated with HPV infection included use of habit forming drugs (P = 0.001, χ2 = 13.79) and use of tobacco (P = 0.017, χ2 = 8.117).
Conclusion
Prevalence of hrHPV is high in this study and knowledge of socio-demographic determinants will be very useful in primary prevention of cervical cancer using lifestyle changes.
Trial registration
Ethical approval was obtained from the Federal Medical Centre institutional review board ref FMC/OW/HREC/VOL.II/053.
Kirigami Oscillators: Nonlinear Free and Forced Responses
Authors: Danzi Francesco , Taoh Hongcheng , Silva Christian , Gibert James
Published: October 2024

Inspired by the ancient Japanese art of kirigami, slitted plastic sheets, termed kirigami springs, were designed, fabricated, and characterized, utilizing the quasi-mechanism behavior of various slit patterns. Quasi-static tension tests determined the spring stiffness, and experimental transient responses were analyzed to infer system damping. A system of two parallel-connected kirigami springs, attached to a mass oscillating on a smooth track, was modeled as a 1 DOF Helmholtz-Duffing oscillator with nonlinear damping. The system's free and forced responses were compared to experimental and numerical results using asymptotically valid solutions derived via the Method of Multiple Time Scales. This approach provides an unprecedented degree of programmability in the constitutive relations for nonlinear oscillators and is straightforward to implement.
Morphological characteristics and distribution of antennal sensilla of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) using scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Li Yong-Ping , Zhou Hai-Yan , Ye Hui , Haack Robert A. , Yang Yuan , Hu Qiu-Lian , Jiang Ming-Min , Cao Jun
Published: October 2024

Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major agricultural pest, primarily in Asia and Oceania. Chemical odor-based trapping is a major method used to control S. litura, and thus understanding the antennal sensilla of S. litura is critical for improving the efficacy of the attractants used in the pest control. In the present study, the S. litura antennal sensillum types were examined by low-voltage field emission scanning electron microscopy, and morphological descriptions were provided. A total of eight types and two subtypes of the antennal sensilla were identified, namely Böhm's bristles, sensilla trichoidea, sensilla basiconica, sensilla chaetica, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla styloconica, sensilla squamiformia (I and II), and sensilla auricillica (I and II). Among them, sensilla squamiformia II, and sensilla auricillica II are reported for the first time in S. litura. This study provides morphological information to aid in future electrophysiological tests on the antennal sensilla of S. litura.
Efficacy and toxicity analysis of ganciclovir in patients with cytomegalovirus lung infection: what is new for target range of therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Guo Dongjie , Wang Xiaoxing , Li Pengmei , Shang Yongguang , Zhang Lei , Chen Yue , Kong Xudong , Chen Wenqian
Published: October 2024

Objectives
To investigate the relationship between ganciclovir trough concentration and its clinical efficacy and safety in patients with pulmonary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. To evaluate the target value of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for predicting clinical efficacy or toxicity.
Methods
An observational study was conducted on patients with CMV lung infection between Jan 2021 and Dec 2023. Target trough ganciclovir concentrations were collected during TDM and clinical outcomes and adverse events (AEs) were assessed. Multiple regression analyses or binary logistic regression were used to analyze the factors affecting ganciclovir trough concentrations and clinical efficacy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified ganciclovir trough concentration cutoffs as predictors of toxicity.
Results
Of 149 included patients, only 19.22% of trough concentrations reached the target range of 2–4µg/ml. Diabetes, organ transplantation, and elevated hemoglobin levels decrease trough concentrations, whereas elevated blood creatinine and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) increase trough concentrations. No relationship was found between the trough concentrations and clinical outcomes. Organ transplantation, duration of ganciclovir administration, and albumin levels affect the clinical efficacy. ROC analysis identified ganciclovir trough concentrations of 0.985 µg/ml (AUC = 0.600) and 0.995 µg/ml (AUC = 0.701), associated with decreased hemoglobin and elevated blood creatinine levels, respectively.
Conclusions
No association was observed between ganciclovir trough concentration and clinical efficacy. However, thresholds for ganciclovir trough concentrations causing decreased hemoglobin and increased blood creatinine levels were identified. Renal replacement therapy is more likely to lead to elevated trough concentrations of ganciclovir. These findings suggest the importance of TDM for ganciclovir, and new target range should be considered.
Adversarial Sample Generation Method for Scene Text Images Based on Up-sampling
Authors: Zeng Zihao , Wang Chenxiao , Yang Xiao , Chen Yong
Published: October 2024

Scene Text Recognition (STR) has significantly enhanced the efficiency of information acquisition and interaction in natural environments. However, it also introduces potential security risks, such as the unauthorized recognition and extraction of sensitive textual information from the environment, including personal identification numbers, license plates, and other confidential data. To address privacy protection in scene text, recent research has proposed using minimal pixel perturbations to safeguard textual information, making the content observable but difficult to extract accurately. However, such perturbation attacks are easily noticeable to the human eye, allowing adversaries to counteract them with defensive measures such as filtering small perturbations. Existing methods fail to simultaneously ensure high visual quality and make the perturbation attacks imperceptible. In this study, we propose a novel scene text adversarial sample generation method incorporating up-sampling. This method achieves a high attack success rate while increasing the payload applied to the image, preserving the perturbed image quality, and improving the stealthiness of the adversarial samples. To further enhance the quality of the perturbed images, we introduce the Adaptive Local Search Attack (ALSA), which utilizes adaptive perturbation based on visual quality and perceptual loss to ensure that the perturbed image remains as similar as possible to the original image in human vision, which can further enhance the stealthiness of adversarial samples and make perturbation attacks difficult to detect. Our experimental results show that the proposed method maintains high visual quality while achieving a better protection success rate across various text recognition models compared to existing methods.
Racial and Educational Isolation are Associated with Worse Outcomes in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Sooy-Mossey Meredith , Sethi Neeta J. , Mulder Hillary , Chiswell Karen E. , Hoffman Timothy M. , Hartman Robert J. , Walsh Michael J. , Welke Karl , Paolillo Joseph A. , Sarno Lauren A. , Sang Charlie J. , D’Ottavio Alfred , Osgood Claire , Bravo Mercedes A. , Miranda Marie Lynn , Li Jennifer S.
Published: October 2024

Background
Sociodemographic factors influence outcomes in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). We predict an association between measures of social isolation and outcomes in infants with complex CHD. These measures, racial (RI) and educational (EI) isolation range from 0 to 1, with 0 being no isolation and 1 being fully isolated within a specific population.
Methods
We identified patients less than 1-year-old undergoing CHD surgery in North Carolina from 2008–2013. We used negative binomial and logistic regression models to assess the case-mix adjusted associations between RI and EI and length of stay, complications, mortality, and resource utilization. We quantified the association of race with these indices and outcomes.
Results
We included 1,217 infants undergoing CHD surgery. Black infants had increased LOS (p < 0.001), other complications (p = 0.03), and death (p = 0.02). RI up to 0.3 was associated with decreased outpatient encounters (p < 0.001). RI was associated with increased inpatient encounters RI up to 0.3 (p < 0.001) but decreased for RI beyond 0.3 (p = 0.01). There was an association with increased risk of one or more emergency department visits (p = 0.001) at higher levels EI. Race and RI showed a cumulative effect with children with Black race and greater than median RI having increased LOS (p < 0.001) and fewer outpatient encounters (p = 0.02).
Conclusions
RI, EI, and Black race are associated with poorer outcomes. Children with Black race and greater than median levels of RI are at the highest risk of poor outcomes. These differences may be caused by differential access to resources or community support.
Unveiling the Prognostic Significance of RNA Editing-Related Genes in Colon Cancer: Evidence from Bioinformatics and Experiment
Authors: Deng Zhengcong , Jin Xueqin , Liu Bingxue , Zhen Hongyan , Huang Lixia , Wang Xiang
Published: October 2024

Background
RNA editing is recognized as a crucial factor in cancer biology. Its potential application in predicting the prognosis of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) remains unexplored.
Methods
RNA editing data of COAD patients were downloaded from Synapse database. LASSO regression was used to construct risk model and verified by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to delineate the biological significance of the differentially expressed genes. Finally, differential analysis and immunohistochemistry were used to verify the expression of adenosine deaminase 1 (ADAR1).
Results
We evaluated a total of 4079 RNA editing sites in 514 COAD patients from Synapse database. A prognostic signature was constructed based on five genes were significantly associated with the prognosis of COAD patients including GNL3L, NUP43, MAGT1, EMP2 and ARSD. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that RNA editing-related genes (RERGs)-related signature was an independent risk factor for COAD. Moreover, Experimental evidence shows that ADAR1 is highly expressed in colon adenocarcinoma and silencing ADAR1 can inhibit cancer cell proliferation.
Conclusions
We established a prognostic model based on five RERGs with strong predictive value. This model not only serves as a foundation for a novel prognostic tool but also facilitates the identification of potential drug candidates for treating COAD.
Early childhood development in México before and after the Covid-19 pandemic: national results from 2018 and 2021.
Authors: Prado-Galbarro Francisco-Javier , Gamiño-Arroyo Ana-Estela , Baldwin Jasmine-Rena , Sanchez-Piedra Carlos
Published: October 2024

Background
children were exposed to the social, psychological and academic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this analysis was to assess the prevalence of inadequate early childhood development (ECD) among children aged 36 to 59 months in Mexico, both before (2018) and after the COVID-19 pandemic (2021).
Methods
Observational study. ECD was assessed through the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) following the methodology of the Cluster Indicator Surveys (MICS), using data from the ENSANUT 2018-19 and 2021. Prevalences were estimated with population weights and Poisson regression models were applied to analyze association between ECD delay and covariates.
Results
A total of 19.34% of children aged 36 to 59 months had ECD delay in 2018 and 18.52% in 2021. The factors associated with ECD delay in 2018 were socioeconomic status, access to at least three children's books, domestic violence, and severe functioning difficulties, and the associated factors in 2021 were sex, region, learning support, access to at least three children's books, early education attendance, being an adolescent mother, severe functioning difficulties, and the child’s age.
Conclusion
factors associated with ECD delay in Mexico changed after the pandemic: there was an increase in learning support within the family, and the impact of socioeconomic differences on ECD was reduced.
Microsatellite Markers Establishment for African Elemi (Canarium schweinfurthii Engl., Burseraceae), a Africa Prominent Wild Fruit-Bearing Forest Tree
Authors: ADJI Beda Innocent , Sène Marie Honorine , Chakocha Armel Franklin , Zerbo Guibien Cléophas , Tientcheu Marie Louise Avana , Mariac Cédric , Duminil Jérôme Duminil
Published: October 2024

Premise of the study :
Commonly known as Aiélé (in French) or African Elemi (in English), Canarium schweinfurthii (Burseraceae) is an important and remarkable large native food tree of Africa. This species is highly valued by woodworkers for its superior timber quality and by rural communities for its fruits and medicinal properties. Despite its socio-economic and cultural importance, the distribution of its genetic diversity, a key factor for its conservation, has never been studied or documented. The aim of this work is to develop and make available molecular markers for assessing the genetic diversity and population structure of the African Elemi, which are necessary information tools for its conservation and sustainable management.
Methods and results
In this context, 18,079 nuclear microsatellite markers extracted from Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) of a genomic library were validated and characterized. Thirteen markers were polymorphic and were further tested on 98 individuals from four populations across three African countries (Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso). The number of alleles per locus varied from 6 to 29, with an average of 16.54 ± 7.81. Within populations, the expected mean heterozygosity (HE) ranged from 0.500 to 0.805 depending on the loci, with an average of 0.705 ± 0.140. Meanwhile, observed mean heterozygosity (HO) varied from 0.560 to 0.684, averaging 0.643 ± 0.060 across loci. The mean FIS coefficient per population for each locus ranged from 0.093 to 0.270, with an average of 0.165 ± 0.070.
Conclusions
Given their high polymorphism, the 13 nuclear microsatellite markers developed here can be utilized to study gene flow, the spatial distribution of genetic diversity, and population structure in C. schweinfurthii across Africa, as well as to contribute to its conservation.
Persistence of persulfate in karst groundwater and its influencing factors
Authors: Yan Xue , Chen Yudao , Li Weixuan , Tang Dongbo , Du Liu , Yang Wei
Published: October 2024

Persulfate (S2O82-, PS) is a new type of oxidant used for in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) during the remediation of contaminated groundwater. However, PS may be consumed by nontarget matters in aquifers, decreasing its persistence and remediation effect. To better understand the persistence of PS in widely distributed karst aquifers, microcosm, column, and conduit experiments were carried out in this study to simulate karst caves, fracture zones, and conduit environments under static or flow water conditions. Karst aquifer matters, including limestone and lime soil, and a novel carbonate rock conduit model were employed. PS decomposition at different concentrations, influencing factors, and hydro-chemical responses were discussed. The results of the study indicate that (1) In static water, the half-lives of 1, 8, and 20 g/L of PS in limestone media were 102, 185, and 202 d, respectively, and 19, 34, and 51 d in lime soil media, respectively. As the injection concentration increased, the persistence of PS also increased. The half-life range of PS in limestone column and conduit was 0.05 ~ 0.13 d and 0.36 ~ 1.70 d, respectively, indicating that PS exhibited poor persistence under flowing karst water conditions. (2) The pH remained at neutral to slightly alkaline levels in limestone media, which buffered the acidizing effect of high PS concentration. When PS concentrations were 8 and 20 g/L, the organic matter content in lime soils decreased from an initial 45.57 g/Kg to 35.07 and 24.63 g/Kg, respectively. The rich organic matters in lime soils greatly consumed PS with a rapid degradation rate constants of 20.31 and 13.47d-1, respectively. (3) The decomposition of PS led to obvious hydro-chemical responses under static groundwater conditions. The pH values dropped to a minimum of 1.4 and the dissolved oxygen concentration increased from 8.5 to 17.3 mg/L in the absence of solid media. When the limestone media were present, PS injection at the concentration of 20 g/L stimulated the dissolution of carbonate, producing Ca2+ concentration 8–10 times higher than the background value. However, the hydro-chemical changes remained relatively stable under flowing karst water conditions.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Cognitive Radio Networks: Addressing the Challenges of Rapid Spectrum Utilization
Authors: Raghavendra Y M , M Asha , Manjula G , M Latha , Sindgi Anupama , Bhagyashree S R
Published: October 2024

The rapid increase in wireless communication demand has posed significant challenges to energy efficiency within cognitive radio networks. These networks, designed to enhance spectrum utilization by dynamically accessing underutilized frequency bands, face the critical concern of balancing effective spectrum use with energy consumption. This paper explores innovative strategies for enhancing energy efficiency in cognitive radio networks amid the complexities introduced by rapid spectrum utilization. We examine the impact of advanced resource allocation methods, including cooperative spectrum sensing and task distribution among multiple users, which facilitate optimal spectrum sharing while minimizing energy usage. The integration of energy harvesting techniques is discussed as a means to supplement the power requirements of cognitive radio devices, promoting sustainability in network operations. The performance parameters are analysed for 1 to 5000 number of users and bandwidth of total bandwidth of 100 MHz. Simulation results reveal that with an increasing number of users, throughput rises significantly from 1.2 Mbps for one user to 4,500 Mbps for 5,000 users, while energy efficiency peaks at 2.3 bps/J for 1,000 users before declining to 1.5 bps/J at maximum capacity. Spectrum utilization increases steadily from 0.00012–0.45%, and latency escalates from 0.05 ms to 3.00 ms with the user count. Packet delivery ratio (PDR) decreases from 97–80%, and quality of service (QoS) initially improves to 0.92 before slightly declining to 0.85 under peak conditions. These results demonstrate that the proposed frameworks not only reduce energy consumption but also enhance data throughput and overall system performance in cognitive radio networks.
Biosynthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles from piper nigrum leaf Extract and their enhanced antioxidant, antibacterial, and enzyme Inhibition Activities
Authors: Akram Hajra , Tariq Ammar , Khalid Ayesha , Saddique Iqra , Haq Sirajul , khan Ashfaq Ahmad
Published: October 2024

In recent years, the use of eco-friendly and sustainable methods for synthesizing nanoparticles has gained significant attention due to environmental concerns associated with conventional chemical approaches. This study explores the preparation of nickel oxide (NiO) NPs using Piper nigrum leaf extract sourced from Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir, Pakistan a novel and environmentally benign approach. These NPs were studied using various techniques to determine their morphology, size, and structural properties. Furthermore, the biological activity of the freshly prepared NPs was evaluated, focusing on their inhibitory effect on alpha-amylase, a key enzyme related to diabetes management. The NPs exhibited excellent antioxidant properties, with a peak scavenging activity of 78% at 80 µg/mL, and an IC50 value of 28 µg/mL. In alpha-amylase inhibition assays, NiO NPs demonstrated significant enzyme inhibition with an IC50 of 1.18 µg/mL. Antibacterial tests revealed strong activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with peak inhibition zones of 18 mm for Streptococcus pyogenes and 13 mm for Staphylococcus aureus. These results highlight the NPs potential for biological applications.
Effect of inhibition of pain axis conduction on maternal gastric emptying during labor: a prospective controlled study
Authors: Bu Wenhao , Wu Wei , Cheng Jing
Published: October 2024

Background:
The pain during labor is severe, and epidural analgesia is often used to inhibit pain axis conduction at present. Diet management during labor is very important during the whole process of labor. Therefore, we compared gastric emptying of semi-solid food between parturient women undergoing versus not undergoing epidural analgesia.
Methods
Seventy full-term, low-risk parturients were selected and divided into two groups according to epidural analgesia status: epidural analgesia group (LA, n= 35) and non-epidural analgesia group (NA, n= 35). The cross-sectional area of the gastric antrum (CSA0) was measured while fasting using B-ultrasound, and the time recorded as T0. The parturients in both groups then ate about 300 g millet congee (about 600 KJ). The CSAs of the gastric antra were measured by ultrasonography 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the experimental meal, these areas being recorded as CSA1, CSA2 and CSA3 and the corresponding time points as T1, T2, and T3. Pain scores of parturients at these four time points were recorded. Gastric emptying time was also recorded.
Results
CSA1, CSA2, and CSA3 were larger in the NA than in the LA group, and the gastric emptying time was longer in the NA than in the LA group (P<0.05). Pain scores were higher in the NA than LA group at the three time points of T1, T2, T3 (P<0.05).
Conclusions
Inhibition of the pain axis conduction by epidural analgesia can promote gastric emptying during labor. Therefore, semisolid food intake during vaginal delivery does not increase the risk of vomiting and aspiration in women undergoing labor analgesia compared with women without labor analgesia.
A Survey of Marigold Farmers in Jashore District, Bangladesh: Insights into Farming Practices and Challenges
Authors: Shome Anannya , Ahmmed Abu Noman Faruq , Zaman Rabita , Islam Md. Rafiqul , Amin Mehedi , Rifa Tanjina Akhter
Published: October 2024

A total of 130 marigold farmers from Jashore District in Bangladesh were studied in order to understand the socio-economic scenario in relation to cultivation techniques and management of pests and diseases. Most respondents fell within the 30–40 age range and ran a medium-size farm area ranging from 2 to 5 acres, which accounted for 65% of the respondents. Most of them had a low educational background; only 12% of the respondents had more than ten years of experience in marigold farming. The annual production cost averaged Tk. 35,000 per acre, yielding a net profit of Tk. 1,50,000 per acre. Marigold farming is economically viable in the 9,000-hectare area and sustains about 200,000 people. Major constraints arose because of the expensive rate of pest management, in which 60% had to spend as high as 25% on this activity, while further 70% blamed poor quality planting material for the incidence of fungal diseases and affected over 55%. Surprisingly, 75% of farmers showed interest in adopting sustainable practices through disease-resistant varieties and integrated pest management. For 65% of the farmers, government extension services were an important source of advice. However, the farmers expressed a felt need for better access to improved planting materials and more effective methods of pest control. These findings provide useful inputs for policy and programme design in efforts towards increasing the sustainability and economic output of marigold cultivation in the region.
Measuring change in institutional diversity in higher education in Brazil
Authors: Vieira Andre , Rodrigues Leonardo , Barbosa Maria-Ligia
Published: October 2024

Drawing on previous literature emphasising the relationship between types of higher education institutions and institutional logics, this study investigates the impact of the higher education system expansion on the functioning of institutions in Brazil. Using latent profile analysis and administrative data from all Brazilian higher education institutions in 2010 and 2019, we estimate nine groups of institutions. We find that the shifts between groups are concentrated in private HEIs, mainly large for-profit institutions and small private colleges focused on teaching, while integrated research institutions constitute a separate and substantially elitist group, with a relatively higher degree of stability and losing ground to for-profit conglomerates. By following a multi-functional approach to understanding the degree of institutional diversity in an expanding higher education system, our study contributes to a more nuanced capture of its current dynamics and changing patterns over time.
Pensamento araujista e a política externa brasileira
Authors: Cardoso Luis Fernando , Natalino Enrique carlos , Fernandes Ivan Filipe
Published: October 2024

O artigo examina a influência das ideias no conteúdo discursivo da política externa brasileira durante a gestão de Ernesto Araújo, primeiro chanceler de Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2021). Apresentamos duas hipóteses a serem testadas: (i) a política externa sob a chancelaria de Ernesto Araújo não se baseia na tradição conservadora brasileira; (ii) os modelos conceituais adotados têm como fundamento uma linha do conservadorismo estadunidense, conhecido como paleoconservadorismo. Mapeamos os conceitos mais relevantes do seu pensamento internacional em textos publicados antes de sua nomeação e mensuramos a ocorrência dos principais conceitos nos seus discursos como Chanceler.
Emergência Climática versus Direito ao Desenvolvimento
Authors: Milani Carlos R. S.
Published: October 2024

Meu principal argumento neste artigo é de que uma compreensão crítica das relaçõesBrasil-China desafia o governo brasileiro a redefinir novos caminhos para sua própriatransição em direção a políticas de desenvolvimento mais sustentáveis, por um lado, epara que tanto o Brasil quanto a China integrem critérios relacionados ao clima em suaparceria estratégica, por outro lado. Com base na revisão de dados secundários, relatóriosoficiais e bibliografia disponível, o artigo é estruturado em torno de três seções principais:(i) O contexto: emergência climática e suas implicações para o desenvolvimento no Brasil;(ii) O foco: a transformação das relações Brasil-China no século XXI; e (iii) A discussão:renovando a parceria estratégica Brasil-China.
avanço da exploração do lítio no Vale do Jequitinhonha (MG) e a reprodução das desigualdades e dependências internacionais
Authors: Paula Oliveira Marina
Published: October 2024

Diante do agravamento das mudanças climáticas e da intensificação da demanda por minerais críticos para a transição energética, a mineração vem expandindo suas operações em países periféricos. A partir da justificativa de desenvolvimento sustentável, uma série de impactos socioambientais recaem sobre territórios de sacrifício. Este artigo analisa, sob a abordagem da teoria da dependência marxista, os efeitos da exploração do lítio em Minas Gerais, a maior reserva de lítio brasileira.
internacionalização das empreiteiras e a política externa brasileira durante a ditadura
Authors: Pedreira Campos Pedro Henrique , Morais Pinto da Silva Nathan
Published: October 2024

O artigo busca analisar a internacionalização das construtoras brasileiras durante a ditadura empresarial-militar e a sua relação com a política externa brasileira e com os interesses empresariais durante a ditadura. Utilizando fontes primárias empresariais e estatais, nos baseamos em marcos teóricos e metodológicos da concepção ampliada de Estado, oriundo das reflexões de Gramsci. No trabalho fazemos um estudo sobre o caso da Mendes Junior na Mauritânia. Concluímos notando o intenso imbricamento entre Estado e empresas privadas no período e o forte favorecimento proporcionado pelas políticas estatais e pela diplomacia em relação à atuação das companhias brasileiras no exterior.
NATIONAL SECURITY OF UKRAINE: CHALLENGES AND PRIORITIES
Authors: Hordiichuk Olha , Mosienko Oleksandr
Published: October 2024

The article examines the essential characteristics of Ukraine’s national security, its components, features, and priorities in the context of global security.
Challenges to Ukraine’s national security since the declaration of independence (1991), the main one – the war with the russia in various forms, and domestic and foreign policy mistakes that deprived Ukraine of the military power it inherited after the collapse of the USSR are analyzed.
EMIGRATION OF UKRAINIANS TO THE EU IN THE CONTEST OF GLOBAL GEOPOLITICAL INTERESTS
Authors: Sokol Maiia
Published: October 2024

The article examines the phenomenon of Ukrainian emigration to EU countries, starting from February 2022, caused by military aggression against Ukraine. Forced emigration is considered in the context of the geopolitical interests of the EU, USA, Great Britain and China. The influence of the mass emigration of Ukrainian citizens on the state of European integration of Ukraine is studied, the factors of a positive and negative nature that affect the European integration course of Ukraine are considered.
Causes and effects of contamination of water sources due to excessive use of agrochemicals and pesticides: bibliometric analysis
Authors: Huepa Briñez Jose Armando , Florez Yepes Gloria Yaneth , Hernandez Diego
Published: October 2024

This article conducts a bibliometric analysis of water pollution caused by agricultural pesticides, focusing on theoretical and methodological trends. The analysis uses Scopus databases and Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software tools to analyze 2,330 documents from 2013 to 2022. The research highlights the importance of environmental, agricultural, and biological sciences in addressing water pollution. The study suggests improving pesticide use, reducing fertilizer applications, and addressing the harmful impacts of contaminated fish on human health. The restriction of glyphosate use in the European Union caused economic losses for companies, and a follow-up on glyphosate use in crop applications was proposed. The study also evaluates chemical concentrations and recommends addressing aquatic ecotoxicological risks. Future research trends include increasing water use efficiency and quality, hydrogeological studies, watersheds and land use, and climate modeling and impacts. The research is unique in addressing both research trends and knowledge gaps in water pollution research in various aspects.
N-Chlorosuccinimide: A Versatile Reagent in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Nimbhal Aman , Singh Ram
Published: October 2024

N-Chlorosuccinimide (NCS) is a five-membered N-containing heterocyclic molecule. This is a versatile
reagent and is successfully employed for different types of reactions. Initially, this was employed for
chlorination only but soon became an excellent reagent for many reactions, including halocyclizations, functional
group transformations, formation of carbon-carbon bonds, etc. This review article covers representative
applications of NCS for aliphatic and aromatic chlorination, chlorination of atoms other than carbon, oxidation,
and other reactions.
Probing the Depths of Molecular Complexity: STAT3 as a Key Architect in Colorectal Cancer Pathogenesis
Authors: Suleman Muhammad , Khan Safir Ullah , Ali Shahid , Alghamdi Abdullah , Alissa Mohammed , Mushtaq Rayan Y. , Crovella Sergio
Published: October 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become a significant threat in recent decades, and its incidence
is predicted to continue rising. Despite notable advancements in therapeutic strategies, managing
CRC poses complex challenges, primarily due to the lack of clinically feasible therapeutic
targets. Among the myriad molecules implicated in CRC, the signal transducer and activator of
transcription 3 (STAT3) stands out as a promising target tightly regulated by various genes. This
intracellular transcription factor, spanning 750-795 amino acids and weighing approximately 92
kDa, is crucial in key cellular activities such as growth, migration, invasion, inflammation, and angiogenesis.
Aberrant activation of STAT3 signaling has been linked to various cancers, including
CRC. Therefore, targeting this signaling pathway holds significance for potential CRC treatment
strategies.STAT3, as a central intracellular transcription factor, is implicated in colorectal cancer
development by activating aberrant signaling pathways. Numerous studies have demonstrated that
the abnormal hyperactivation of STAT3 in CRC tissues enhances cell proliferation, suppresses
apoptosis, promotes angiogenesis, and facilitates tumor invasion and metastasis. As a focal point
in colorectal cancer research, STAT3 emerges as a promising candidate for detecting and treating
CRC. This review aims to present recent data on STAT3, emphasizing the activation and functions
of STAT3 inhibitors in CRC. Indeed, STAT3 inhibitors have been identified to have therapeutic
potential in CRC, especially inhibitors targeting the DNA-binding domain (DBD). Indeed,
STAT3 inhibitors have been identified to have a therapeutic potential in CRC, especially the inhibitors
targeting the DNA binding domain (DBD). For example, imatinib acts by targeting cell
surface receptors, and these inhibitors have shown potential for the control and treatment of tumor
growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Imatinib, for example acts by targeting cell surface receptors,
and these inhibitors have shown the future direction toward the control and treatment of tumor
growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis.