bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Gut Microbiota and Its Metabolites and Their Association with the Risk of Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhang Chenyu , Teng Weiping , Wang Chuyuan , Shan Zhongyan
Published: November 2024

Objectives: Observational research shows associations of the gut microbiota and its metabolites with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), but the causality is undetermined. Methods: Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was employed to analyze the association of the gut microbiota and its metabolites with AITD. A total of 119 gut microbiotas and nine fecal/circulating metabolites were the exposures. AITD, Graves’ disease (GD), and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) were the outcomes. Inverse-variance weighting (IVW) was primarily used to assess causality; Cochran’s Q was used to assess heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses (weighted median, MRPRESSO regression, MRPRESSO intercept, MRPRESSO global, Steiger filtering, leave-one-out) were conducted to assess causal estimate robustness. Multivariable MR (MVMR) was used to estimate the effects of body mass index (BMI) and alcohol consumption frequency on causality. Results: The outcomes were potentially causally associated with 22 gut microbiotas and three metabolites. After multiple-test correction, 3-indoleglyoxylic acid retained significant causality with AITD (IVW: odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–1.14, p = 2.43 × 10−5, FDR = 0.009). The sensitivity analyses were confirmatory (weighted median: OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.01–1.12, p = 0.025; MRPRESSO: OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.15–1.14, p = 0.001). MVMR revealed no confounding effects on this association (BMI: OR = 1.21, 95% CI =1.08–1.35, p = 0.001; drinks/week: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.04–1.43, p = 0.014). Conclusions: MR revealed no significant causal effects of the gut microbiota on the outcomes. However, MR revealed the causal effects of 3-indoleglyoxylic acid on the risk of AITD.
Mycoplasma bovis Invades Non-Phagocytic Cells by Clathrin-Dependent Endocytic Pathways and Escapes from Phagocytic Vesicles
Authors: Li Bin , Lu Yabin , Feng Yaru , Jiao Xiaolong , Zhang Qiuyu , Zhou Mengting , Zhang Yuyu , Xu Jian , Chu Yuefeng , Ran Duoliang
Published: November 2024

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is capable of causing pneumonia, arthritis, mastitis, and various other ailments in cattle of all age groups, posing a significant threat to the healthy progression of the worldwide cattle industry. The invasion of non-phagocytic host cells serves as a pivotal mechanism enabling M. bovis to evade the immune system and penetrate mucosal barriers, thereby promoting its spread. To investigate the differences in M. bovis invasion into four types of non-phagocytic cells (Madin–Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells, embryonic bovine lung (EBL) cells, bovine embryo tracheal (EBTr) cells and bovine turbinate (BT) cells) and further elucidate its invasion mechanism, this study first optimized the experimental methods for M. bovis invasion into cells. Utilizing laser scanning confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and high-content live-cell imaging systems, the invasion process of M. bovis into four types of non-phagocytic cells was observed. The invasion rates of three different strains of M. bovis (PG45, 07801, 08M) were quantified through the plate counting method. In order to clarify the specific pathway of M. bovis invasion into cells, chlorpromazine (CPZ), amiloride (AMI), and methyl-β-cyclodextrin (M-β-CD) were used to inhibit CLR-mediated clathrin-dependent endocytosis (CDE) pathway, macropinocytosis, and lipid raft pathway, respectively. Subsequently, the invasion rates of PG45 into these four types of cells were measured. Using siRNA technology, the expression of clathrin (CLR) in EBL cells was knocked down to further verify the role of CLR in the invasion process of M. bovis. The results showed that the optimal conditions for M. bovis to invade non-phagocytic cells were a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1000 and an optimal invasion time of 4 h. All three strains of M. bovis have the ability to invade the four types of non-phagocytic cells, yet their invasion abilities vary significantly. Observations from transmission electron microscopy further confirmed that at 120 min post-infection, PG45 had successfully invaded EBL cells and was present within endocytic vesicles. It is noteworthy that almost all PG45 successfully escaped from the endocytic vesicles after 240 min of infection had passed. Through chemical inhibition experiments and CLR protein knockdown experiments, it was found that when the CDE and lipid raft pathways were blocked or CLR protein expression was reduced, the invasion rates of PG45, 07801, and 08M in MDBK, EBL, EBTr, and BT cells were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The above results indicate that M. bovis can invade all types of non-phagocytic cells through endocytic pathways involving CDE (clathrin-dependent endocytosis) or lipid raft-mediated endocytosis, and possesses the ability to escape from phagosomes.
Discovery of New 3-(Benzo[b]Thiophen-2-yl)Pyrrolidine-2,5-Dione Derivatives as Potent Antiseizure and Antinociceptive Agents—In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Rapacz Anna , Jakubiec Marcin , Abram Michał , Jasiński Jakub , Chrzan Karolina , Góra Małgorzata , Dziubina Anna , Wójcik-Pszczoła Katarzyna , Koczurkiewicz-Adamczyk Paulina , Ciepiela Katarzyna , Pękala Elżbieta , Obniska Jolanta , Kamiński Krzysztof
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: To address the unmet clinical needs in the treatment of epilepsy and pain, the continued development of more effective and safer anticonvulsants and analgesics is still necessary. Therefore, herein we report synthesis and antiseizure/antinociceptive evaluation of a focused series of 3-(benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione derivatives. Methods: The anticonvulsant properties were investigated in acute models of seizures, namely the maximal electroshock (MES), the 6 Hz (32 mA), and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) seizure models, whereas analgesic activity was tested in the model of a tonic pain/formalin test and oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain (in CD-1-mice, i.p.). In addition, a number of in vitro assays were performed, aiming at the evaluation of the drug-like properties of the compounds disclosed herein. Results: We identified 33 as a lead compound with the most promising antiseizure properties, i.e., ED50 (MES) = 27.4 mg/kg and ED50 (6 Hz, 32 mA) = 30.8 mg/kg. Furthermore, 33 at a dose of 100 mg/kg significantly prolonged the latency time to the first seizure episode in the scPTZ model and at high doses did not impaire coordination of mice in the rotarod test (TD50 > 200 mg/kg). Apart from broad antiseizure protection, 33 demonstrated a significant analgesic effect in the formalin test (45 mg/kg, i.p.), and effectively alleviated allodynia in the oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain model (30 and 45 mg/kg). The binding assays suggest that the most plausible mechanism of action relies on interaction with the neuronal voltage-sensitive sodium channel (site 2). Furthermore, the drug-like potential of 33 supports favorable in vitro results, i.e., no hepatocytotoxicity and neurocytotoxicity at a high concentration of 100 μM, as well as a lack of mutagenicity at a concentration as high as 500 μM. Conclusions: Compound 33 identified in the current studies is proposed to be an interesting candidate for further preclinical development as therapy for epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
Phytochemicals from Passiflora coriacea Juss. Have Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Effects in Mouse Models
Authors: Castolo-Sanchez Samir , Zamilpa Alejandro , Herrera-Ruiz Maribel , Trejo-Espino José Luis , Domínguez-Mendoza Blanca Eda , González-Cortazar Manasés , Trejo-Tapia Gabriela
Published: November 2024

Background: Neuroinflammatory diseases trigger an inflammatory response and a state of oxidative stress. Passiflora coriacea Juss. has been used to treat conditions related to inflammatory processes in the central nervous system; however, to date, there has been no study on the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of this species. Methods: The anti-inflammatory effect of P. coriacea was evaluated in a TPA-induced auricular edema model, and the percentage of edema inhibition (Ei) was recorded. The Morris water maze was used to assess the neuroprotective effect, measuring the latency time (LT), and lipopolysaccharide was administered to induce neuroinflammation. The concentrations of cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) and activities of antioxidant system components (CAT, SOD, GR, NO, and MDA) were measured in the mouse brains. The chemical composition was determined using chromatographic and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. Results: T1.1, T2.1, and T3.1 showed anti-inflammatory (Ei = 92.5, 88.3, and 64.8%, respectively) and neuroprotective (LT = 27.2, 22.9, and 27.7 s, respectively) effects. T1.1 was identified as scopolin with immunomodulatory (IL-6 = 3307 pg/g) and antioxidant (CAT = 1198 mmol, SOD = 23%, GR = 5.34 units/mL, NO = 11.5 µM, MDA = 1526 nmol/mL) effects; T2.1 was a mixture of terpenes (fitone, 7-dehydrodiosgenin, tremulone) with immunomodulatory (TNF-α = 857 pg/g) and antioxidant (CAT = 1245 mmol, NO = 8.75 µM) effects; and T3.1 was a mixture of isoquercetin and astragalin with immunomodulatory (IL-6 = 3135 pg/g, IL-10 = 1300 pg/g, TNF-α = 751 pg/g) and antioxidant (SOD = 1204 nmol/mL, CAT = 1131 nmol/mL, NO = 6.37 µM, MDA = 1204 nmol/mL) effects. Conclusions: The administration of P. coriacea treatments generated anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects. These effects are attributable to its chemical composition, comprising scopolin, terpenes, and a mixture of isoquercetin and astragalin, which have not previously been described in this species.
Evaluation of Platonia insignis Mart. (Bacuri Butter) and Biopolymers from the Puree of Allium cepa L. (Yellow Onion Bulb) for Wound Healing in Horses
Authors: Resende André M. , Miranda Beatriz A. , Silva Luiza B. , Oliveira Andressa B. , Castro Márcio B. , Macêdo Isabel L. , Dallago Bruno S. L. , Barud Hernane S. , Borges Marco A. Costa , Ribeiro Clovis A. , Dias Diogenes S. , Campebell Rita C.
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Skin injuries are common in the equine clinical practice, requiring effective treatment to support natural healing. Bacuri butter is gaining attention for its potential in wound healing and its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Natural polymers such as onion (Allium cepa) bioplastics have been investigated for their potential as occlusive dressings and for tissue regeneration. Methods: This study evaluated the healing process of experimentally induced skin wounds on horses treated with bacuri butter, washed onion film, and unwashed onion film. Clinical and histopathological analyses of the wounds were conducted in six clinically healthy horses over 28 days, with a control group receiving Ringer’s lactate solution. The onion films were produced and characterized for their chemical structure and properties, while the bacuri butter was sourced and prepared for application. Results: All treatments, including the control group, promoted wound healing without relevant differences in wound contraction rates, gross aspect, or histopathological parameters. Conclusions: Therefore, despite minor variations observed in the clinical evaluations between the treatment groups, the bacuri butter or onion biopolymer showed no significant healing effect on skin wounds in horses. Additionally, this study showed the potential of equine models in testing novel therapeutic approaches for wound healing, benefiting both veterinary and human medicine.
Potential Adverse Drug Events Identified with Decision Support Algorithms from Janusmed Risk Profile—A Retrospective Population-Based Study in a Swedish Region
Authors: Hammar Tora , Jonsén Emma , Björneld Olof , Askfors Ylva , Andersson Marine L. , Lincke Alisa
Published: November 2024

Adverse drug events (ADEs) occur frequently and are a common cause of suffering, hospitalizations, or death, and can be caused by harmful combinations of medications. One method used to prevent ADEs is by using clinical decision support systems (CDSSs). Janusmed Risk Profile is a CDSS evaluating the risk for nine common or serious ADEs resulting from combined pharmacodynamic effects. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of potential ADEs identified using CDSS algorithms from Janusmed Risk Profile. This retrospective, cross-sectional study covered the population of a Swedish region (n = 246,010 inhabitants in year 2020) using data on all medications dispensed and administered. More than 20% of patients had an increased risk of bleeding, constipation, orthostatism, or renal toxicity based on their medications. The proportion of patients with an increased risk varied from 3.5% to almost 30% across the nine categories of ADEs. A higher age was associated with an increased risk of potential ADEs and there were gender differences. A cluster analysis identified groups of patients with an increased risk for several categories of ADEs. This study shows that combinations of medications that could increase the risk of ADEs are common. Future studies should examine how this correlates with observed ADEs.
Effect of Higher Ethylene Levels Emitted by Shade-Avoider Plants on Neighboring Seedlings
Authors: Urdin-Bravo Mikel , Sanchez-Garcia Angela , Rodriguez-Concepcion Manuel , Martinez-Garcia Jaume F.
Published: November 2024

Plants of several species, including crops, change their volatilome when exposed to a low ratio of red to far-red light (low R/FR) that informs about the presence of nearby plants (i.e., proximity shade). In particular, the volatile hormone ethylene was shown to be produced at higher levels in response to the low R/FR signal in shade-avoider plants. Here, we show that the shade-tolerant species Cardamine hirsuta produces more ethylene than shade avoiders such as Arabidopsis thaliana (a close relative of C. hirsuta) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) under white light (W). However, exposure to low R/FR (specifically to FR-supplemented W, referred to as W+FR or simulated shade) resulted in only a slight increase in ethylene emission in C. hirsuta compared to shade avoiders. Stimulation of ethylene production by growing plants in media supplemented with 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) resulted in reduced hypocotyl growth under W+FR in both A. thaliana and C. hirsuta. ACC-dependent ethylene production also repressed hypocotyl elongation under low W and in the dark in C. hirsuta. By contrast, in A. thaliana, ACC supplementation inhibited hypocotyl elongation in the dark but stimulated it under W. Most interestingly, elongation of dark-grown A. thaliana seedlings was also repressed by exposure to the volatiles released by ACC-grown A. thaliana or tomato plants. This observation suggests that increased ethylene levels in the headspace can indeed impact the development of nearby plants. Although the amount of ethylene released by ACC-grown plants to their headspace was much higher than that released by exposure to low R/FR, our results support a contribution of this volatile hormone on the communication of proximity shade conditions to neighboring plants.
Analysis of Land Surface Performance Differences and Uncertainty in Multiple Versions of MODIS LST Products
Authors: Zhao Ruoyi , Yu Wenping , Deng Xiangyi , Huang Yajun , Yang Wen , Zhou Wei
Published: November 2024

Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Land Surface Temperature (LST) products are essential data sources for global and regional climate change research. Currently, several versions of the MODIS LST product have been released, yet the performance differences and uncertainties they introduce in land surface studies remain insufficiently addressed. To bridge this gap, this study focuses on four distinct versions of the LST product: MxD11A1 Collection 5 (C5), Collection 6 (C6), Collection 6.1 (C6.1), and MxD21A1 Collection 6.1 (MxD21). The spatial resolution of all product generations is 1 km, and the temporal resolution is 0.5 days. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the errors arising from different generations of these products in various land surface process studies. The error assessment includes cross-comparisons between product versions and evaluations of the absolute errors generated. Absolute errors in evaluation data were collected from 13 surface sites within the Heihe Watershed Allied Telemetry Experimental Research (HiWATER) project during the period 2013–2018. Cross-validation results show that the largest difference between C5 and C6.1 occurs over bare land, with an RMSE of approximately 1.45 K, while there is no significant change between C6 and C6.1. MOD21 shows considerable variation compared to C6.1 at night across different land cover types, with RMSE over cropland exceeding 2 K. The temperature difference between MOD21 and C6.1 is more pronounced at night (2.01 K) than during the day (0.30 K). Validation results based on temperature indicate that C5 has greater uncertainty compared to C6, especially over bare land, where errors are 2.06 K and 1.06 K, respectively. Furthermore, MxD21 demonstrates significant day–night performance discrepancies, with an average bias of 0.10 K at night, while daytime errors over bare land can reach 2 K, potentially influenced by atmospheric conditions. Based on the research in this paper, it is possible to clarify the performance of different versions of MODIS products, reflecting the appropriateness of their past applications; on the other hand, it is recommended to prioritize the use of the MxD11A1 C6 and C6.1 products for monitoring and applications in bare soil areas to ensure higher accuracy. Furthermore, for day and night monitoring, it may be beneficial to alternate between the MxD11A1 and MxD21A1 products to fully leverage their respective advantages and enhance overall monitoring effectiveness.
Human Geographies in Action: Insights into Migration, Development, Culture, and Sustainability
Authors: Cirella Giuseppe T.
Published: November 2024

Human geography today goes beyond traditional mapping, integrating environmental, social, and economic factors to tackle real-world issues [...]
How Digital Innovation Ecosystems Facilitate Low-Carbon Transformation of the Economy Based on a Dynamic Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Zhang Keyong , Wen Yifeng , Wu Yunxia
Published: November 2024

The digital innovation ecosystem is an important driving force for building a modern economic development system. It is of great significance to explore the multiple configuration paths of digital innovation ecosystems affecting the development of the low-carbon transformation of the economy to facilitate the green and sustainable development of the economy. We have found through our research that the types of configuration that lead to the development of a high-level low-carbon economy are ‘subjects-resource-environment linkage’ and ‘subjects-environment driven’. The former is the key configuration path that leads to the development of a high-level low-carbon economy. In both models, a high-level digital environment is the core condition that facilitates the development of a high-level low-carbon economic transformation. Moreover, in the spatial dimension, there is a significant difference in the types of configuration that achieve low-carbon economic transformation in the eastern, central, and western regions of China. The findings of this study reveal how the three major subsystems of the digital innovation ecosystem synergistically affect the low-carbon transformation of the economy. It not only helps to improve the relevant theories, but also brings certain references for improving the ‘synergy’ between low-carbon development and economic growth.
Cultural Heritage Management in the Context of Sustainable Tourism: The Case of Öşkvank Monastery (Uzundere, Erzurum)
Authors: Özgeriş Mustafa , Demircan Neslihan , Karahan Ayşe , Gökçe Oğuz , Karahan Faris , Sezen Işık , Akpınar Külekçi Elif
Published: November 2024

This research was carried out at the Öşkvank Monastery, located within the Uzundere district of Erzurum province in the northeast of Turkey. Öşkvank Monastery is a significant cultural heritage and tourism asset for the region with a history dating back to the 10th century. Despite its importance as a tourism attraction, the monastery currently lacks any protection or management strategy that threatens the transfer of the monastery to future generations. This research focuses on the management of cultural heritage through sustainable tourism development, and it was conducted using a mixed methodology, combining quantitative and qualitative studies. As part of the research, a survey was made, and Öşkvank Monastery was evaluated in terms of sustainable tourism principles. The survey results showed that the participants did not appreciate Öşkvank Monastery regarding sustainable tourism principles. A SWOT analysis was performed through a focus group study to identify the internal (strengths, weaknesses) and external (opportunities, threats) conditions of the region in relation to sustainable tourism. Based on the SWOT analysis, a TOWS matrix was developed and strategies for sustainable tourism development were formulated. TOWS strategies were classified by the content analysis method, and an eight-step Cultural Heritage Management Framework (CHMF) was prepared.
Place-Based Conservation in Coastal and Marine Ecosystems: The Importance of Engagement with Underrepresented Communities
Authors: Jennings Viniece , San Antonio Kelly M. , Brown Mya J. , Choice Lalah , Simpson Queriah , Ford Imani , Cho Hyun Jung , Solis Pedro , Lacey Ashley , Robinson De’Marcus
Published: November 2024

Through the years, research has described the importance of community-based approaches in the management of coastal and marine ecosystems. Coastal and marine issues are multifaceted and require place-specific approaches developed in partnership with vulnerable communities who are impacted by environmental stressors. Place-based conservation, a management approach that focuses on unique, place-specific characteristics, and other similar methods. It considers the need to integrate human dimensions and location-centered approaches, which are often lacking in typical natural resource management. Meaningful engagement with underrepresented communities can holistically account for socioeconomic factors and cultural knowledge that inform best management practices. As the health of marine and coastal ecosystems is linked with environmental quality and local livelihoods, engaging practitioners with knowledge of these systems can support science and trust in environmental management. This article discusses the importance of community-based research, local insight, various examples of successful management, and culturally relevant knowledge to advance sustainable place-based conservation.
Development of Semi-Mountainous and Mountainous Areas: Design of Trail Paths, Optimal Spatial Distribution of Trail Facilities, and Trail Ranking via MCDM-VIKOR Method
Authors: Kolkos Georgios , Kantartzis Apostolos , Stergiadou Anastasia , Arabatzis Garyfallos
Published: November 2024

This study proposes a sustainable ecotourism framework for the development of semi-mountain and mountain regions of Paiko in Greece, focusing on the strategic design and ranking of trail paths using the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) VIKOR method. Aiming to balance environmental conservation with economic benefits, we designed 19 trails paths and allocated signage for resting and recreation facilities. The trail paths were assessed based on criteria such as length, difficulty, scenic appeal, and accessibility. This approach identified key trails that combine scenic beauty with infrastructure suitable for a broad range of visitors, thereby enhancing sustainable tourism appeal. Stakeholder engagement was integral to shaping the trail network, ensuring that the selected paths reflect local values and priorities. This study highlights how the VIKOR method can optimize resource allocation by ranking trails according to their environmental and visitor-centered attributes, supporting regional economic growth through ecotourism. This framework offers a replicable model for other mountainous regions seeking to harness ecotourism’s potential while preserving natural ecosystems. The findings demonstrate the capacity of well-planned trail networks to attract nature-based tourism, stimulate local economies, and respond to the rising post-pandemic interest in outdoor recreation, while promoting long-term conservation efforts. This approach offers a replicable model for the sustainable development of mountainous and semi-mountainous areas in Greece and beyond.
Developing Traceability Systems for Effective Circular Economy of Plastic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gazeau Benjamin , Zaman Atiq , Minunno Roberto , Shaikh Faiz
Published: November 2024

Annually, the global plastic waste generation adds up to over 353 million tonnes, which is associated with substantial environmental and societal issues, such as microplastic pollution and landfill management. Despite many attempts to integrate sustainable circular economy strategies into the plastic industry, several challenges have resulted in material loss and poor-quality recycled products. To address these challenges, this study proposes a material traceability system to overcome the issue of flawed recycling of plastic. The authors employed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to summarise the current state of traceability in the plastic recycling industry. The results revealed that blockchain technology is the most promising framework amongst various traceability systems; however, its implementation is hindered for three reasons. First, future systems must prioritise interoperability to ensure seamless integration; second, standardisation is imperative for effective traceability; and third, implementing digital and physical traceability is essential to maximise the value of materials by enabling improved material identification and enhancing sorting efficiency. Further, it emerged that integrating quality control into traceability solutions is essential for improved recycled content in plastic products. By shedding light on these insights, this study contributes to developing traceability systems in the plastic recycling industry, guiding policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers alike. Ultimately, the implementation of effective traceability mechanisms has the potential to drive plastic circularity by improving material identification, sorting practices, and overall transparency within the industry.
Collapsible Gypseous Soil Stabilization by Calcium Carbide Residue and Sulfonic Acid
Authors: Abaas Rasha F. , Fattah Mohammed Y. , Naif Maha H. , Hafez Mohamed
Published: November 2024

Gypseous soil is a collapsing soil that has not yet been approved as a construction material since its behavior under water, temperature, and pressure is unreliable and unpredictable. Researchers and scientists are always searching for new and creative ways to optimize the benefits of calcium carbide residue (CCR) recycling, which is a byproduct of the acetylene industry and includes a substantial quantity of Ca(OH)2. Therefore, it is a suitable choice for utilization as a chemical stabilizer to improve the engineering features of problematic soils. However, this study explores the potential for enhancing the engineering characteristics of gypseous soil by utilizing (CCR) combined with linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid (LABSA) to form a geopolymer. The soils utilized in this work are gypseous collapsible soils. Standard tests were conducted on these soils to identify the physical and mechanical characteristics. The geopolymer preparation was accomplished by merging a dilution of LABSA with a geopolymer (solid to liquid), blending the proportions. Three different types of disturbed natural granular-gypseous collapsible soils with different properties and various gypsum contents with percentages of 20%, 35%, and 50% were used. Mixtures of soils containing (2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%) of the geopolymer mix content were made. The single oedometer test (SOT) and the double oedometer test (DOT) were carried out to ascertain the lowest collapse potential value correlated with the ideal geopolymer mixing ratio. The adequate geopolymer percentage was found to be 5% since it resulted in the maximum reduction in collapse potential compared to the natural soil. The direct shear test is employed to ascertain the soil samples’ cohesiveness and friction angle. The results show a slight reduction in the angle of internal friction and increased cohesion (c). For stabilizing gypseous soil in engineering projects, a combination of LABSA and CCR can be utilized as a workable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly substitute.
Determinant Factors of Microbial Drinking Water Quality at the Point of Use in Rural Ethiopia: A Case Study of the South Gondar Zone
Authors: Fentie Mesenbet , Assefa Eshetu , Tena Tilik , Aklog Dagnachew , Tadesse Adugnaw , Janka Eshetu
Published: November 2024

Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human need for health and well-being implemented globally by the United Nations under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. Storing drinking water is common in rural areas of Ethiopia due to off-premises water sources and intermittent piped water supply. However, this practice can lead to further contamination during collection, transport, and storage, posing a risk to public health. The objective of this study was to identify the determinant factors of drinking water quality at the point of use in the rural setting of northwestern Ethiopia, South Gondar zone. A questionnaire survey was conducted, and water samples from 720 households were collected during the wet and dry seasons. The determinant factors were identified using the multivariable logistic regression model. About 39.2% of the surveyed households had basic water supply services, 41.9% were using unimproved sources, and 8.3% were using surface water. Only 9.4% were using basic sanitation services, and 57.2% were practicing open defecation. Safe water storage was practiced by 84.3% of households, while only 2% engaged in household water treatment. About 14% of dry and 8% of wet season samples from the storage were free from fecal coliform bacteria. Furthermore, 52.9% of dry and 62.2% of wet season samples fell under the high microbial health risk category. The season of the year, the water source type, storage washing methods, and the socioeconomic status of the household were identified as key predictors of household drinking water fecal contamination using the multivariable logistic regression model. It was observed that the drinking water in households had a high load of fecal contamination, posing health risks to consumers. To tackle these problems, our study recommends that stakeholders should enhance access to improved water sources, implement source-level water treatment, increase access to improved sanitation facilities, advocate for safe household water management practices, and endorse household water treatment methods.
Smart Monitoring Method for Land-Based Sources of Marine Outfalls Based on an Improved YOLOv8 Model
Authors: Zhao Shicheng , Zhou Haolan , Yang Haiyan
Published: November 2024

Land-based sources of marine outfalls are a major source of marine pollution. The monitoring of land-based sources of marine outfalls is an important means for marine environmental protection and governance. Traditional on-site manual monitoring methods are inefficient, expensive, and constrained by geographic conditions. Satellite remote sensing spectral analysis methods can only identify pollutant plumes and are affected by discharge timing and cloud/fog interference. Therefore, we propose a smart monitoring method for land-based sources of marine outfalls based on an improved YOLOv8 model, using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This method can accurately identify and classify marine outfalls, offering high practical application value. Inspired by the sparse sampling method in compressed sensing, we incorporated a multi-scale dilated attention mechanism into the model and integrated dynamic snake convolutions into the C2f module. This approach enhanced the model’s detection capability for occluded and complex-feature targets while constraining the increase in computational load. Additionally, we proposed a new loss calculation method by combining Inner-IoU (Intersection over Union) and MPDIoU (IoU with Minimum Points Distance), which further improved the model’s regression speed and its ability to predict multi-scale targets. The final experimental results show that the improved model achieved an mAP50 (mean Average Precision at 50) of 87.0%, representing a 3.4% increase from the original model, effectively enabling the smart monitoring of land-based marine discharge outlets.
Mechanisms of biological activity of short peptides
Authors:   FSBEI HE Tyumen State Medical University, Tyumen, Russian Federation, Boldyreva Yu. V.
Published: November 2024

The article discusses a problem related to the mechanisms of biological activity of short peptides that are realized in the human body. Rationale. By the early 90s of the last century, more than one thousand peptides with a certain number of amino acid residues and an established sequence of their location had been isolated. It has been established that these compounds are a complex of short pep tides with pronounced basic properties. It has further become known that polypeptides containing up to 20 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of up to 3.5 kDa and having an alkaline character are signaling molecules, as they participate in the regulation of homeostasis at the cellular level of living organization, easily penetrating the cell membrane. Purpose of the work: to summarize and present material demonstrating the mechanisms of biological activity of short peptides in the human body. Methods and materials: a literature search of Russian and foreign authors was performed; the obtained data were analyzed and summarized. Results. General information that characterizes the mechanisms of biological activity of short peptides in the human body is given. The basic molecular interactions of short pep tides and the organism are described. Conclusion. The idea of using regulatory peptides in an aging organism, creating effective bioregulators, will help achieve the species limit of life expectancy, as well as restore and preserve basic physiological functions. Currently, this is a pressing problem in biogerontology.
Participants of labor relations in the Soviet doctrine
Authors:   the Law Institute Altai State University, Barnaul, Kovalenko N.E. , Gubernatorova E.V. ,   Altai State University, Barnaul
Published: November 2024

This article is devoted to the analysis of the Soviet doctrine in terms of determining the subject composition of labor relations. The features and patterns that allow reflecting the historical formation of legal relations in labor law are revealed, and the problem in defining the concept of the subject of law is also identified. As a result of the study, the authors of the article systematized the subjects, identified the problem of defining an enterprise as a participant in labor relations in the context of a legal entity and considered the issue of the subjective right to employment.
Providing an annual paid leave to a pharmacy employee: how to prevent a mistake in registration
Authors:   Pepelyaev Group company, Moscow, Zhizherina Yu.Yu.
Published: November 2024

The procedure for granting vacations is regulated by the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, and so that there are no mistakes, the personnel service of the pharmacy should clearly follow it. Consider how to properly arrange the provision of annual leave to an employee.
Reinserción social del sistema penitenciario de Guayaquil y estrategias de mejoras efectivas
Authors: Soto Vega Narcisa del Cisne , Vargas Santillán Jimmy Rolando , Freire Gaibor Edward Fabricio
Published: November 2024

La reinserción social no es un privilegio, sino una inversión en el bienestar de la sociedad. Al facilitar la reintegración de las personas privadas de libertad, se reduce la reincidencia delictiva y se fortalece el tejido social. El objetivo es identificar fallos y mejoras de la reinserción social del sistema penitenciario de Guayaquil y estrategias de mejoras efectivas. Es un estudio jurídico documental, con enfoque cualitativo, paradigma interpretativo y metodología hermenéutica. Se optó por un muestreo intencional y se seleccionaron 37 individuos. Se llevó a cabo una revisión de documentos oficiales, así como de investigaciones previas y literatura especializada. Se utilizó un análisis de contenido temático con un enfoque hermenéutico. Los resultados destacan deficiencias en programas educativos y de salud mental, así como limitaciones en la infraestructura y recursos penitenciarios. Se concluye que el fortalecimiento de programas de reinserción, reformas legislativas y mejoras en las condiciones carcelarias son esenciales para una reinserción efectiva.
Crystals of binary rare-earth metal germanides grown in molten indium. Synthesis and structural characterization of Nd3Ge5 and Lu3Ge4
Authors:   Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA, Zhang J. ,   School of Materials Science and Engineering, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116028, P.R. China, Bobev S. ,   Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
Published: November 2024

Reported are the synthesis and the crystal structure determination of a new polymorphic form of the rare-earth metal germanide Nd3Ge5. As established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods, Nd3Ge5 crystallizes in a hexagonal crystal system with the space group P2c (No. 190, Z = 2). The unit cell parameters are a = 6.9964(3) Å and c = 8.5820(8) Å. The structure is a derivative of the common structure type AlB2 (space group P6/mmm) where the atoms are stacked in a hexagonal close-packed manner. Digermanide NdGe2 is not known, rather the phase exists as NdGe2–x (x < 0) with a sizeable number of germanium vacancies. When the defect concentration reaches x = 1/3, the vacant Ge sites can undergo long-range ordering, resulting in the formation of Nd3Ge5 (=NdGe1.67). Therefore, the atomic arrangement can be described as a 6-fold superstructure of the AlB2 type structure (a' = a  31/2 and c' = c  2) with flat Ge layers, where every 6th Ge atom is missing; the Ge layers are stacked along the crystallographic c-axis, and are separated by hexagonal layers of rare-earth metal atoms. This is a new polymorph of Nd3Ge5, with the other form being orthorhombic and structurally related to another commonly observed structure, that of ThSi2. Besides the structure of Nd3Ge5, we also report the structure of the known phase Lu3Ge4, which has been previously identified from its powder diffraction pattern but never refined. Lu3Ge4 is isotypic with the rest of the REGe4 germanides (RE = Gd–Tm) and crystallizes in an orthorhombic crystal system with the space group Cmcm (No. 63, Z = 4) with unit-cell parameters a = 3.9591(8) Å; b = 10.429(2) Å; c = 14.019(3) Å.
Desenvolvimento de gateway de rede automotivo e sistema de monitoramento para protótipo do tipo Formula SAE
Authors: Silva Gabriel Bayer da , Cervi Murilo
Published: November 2024

Dentro do ambiente universitário, competições estudantis como a Formula SAE proporcionam aos alunos uma imersão em um ambiente semelhante ao encontrado em empresas, onde todas as etapas de desenvolvimento de um produto são aplicadas no projeto, fabricação e validação de um veículo de corrida do tipoFormula. A equipe Fórmula UFSM identificou a necessidade de um sistema que apresente informações críticas do veículo ao piloto em tempo real, e para tal, foi necessário o desenvolvimento de uma solução própria, com um gateway para gerenciar os diversos protocolos de comunicação encontrados no ambiente automotivo, como CAN, I²C e UART, e o projeto do sistema de monitoramento com telas e luzes de alerta.
Sintomatologia e número de exacerbações de pacientes diagnosticados com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica em uso de estratégia farmacológica
Authors: Freitas Lucas Diniz Nascimento de , Mahle Victória Droubi , Bonfim Gabriel Banholli , Hirata Heitor Bueno , Silva Gláucia Evelin de Jesus , Oliveira Beatriz Dias de , Viegas Luan Benite , Meneghetti Thiago Antônio , Raiz Angelica
Published: November 2024

A Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica (DPOC) é marcada por sintomas relacionados à obstrução progressiva das vias aéreas inferiores. As exacerbações são episódios de piora aguda da condição basal do paciente, sendo associadas a maior morbimortalidade. Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a relação entre a gravidade da DPOC e o número de exacerbações e queixas sintomatológicas de uma amostra de pacientes em tratamento medicamentoso otimizado para a doença. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo- analítico, com dados de prontuário e espirometria de 58 pacientes de uma clínica particular de Rio Claro-SP. Os dados obtidos incluíram estágio da DPOC, número de exacerbações graves no último ano, status de tabagismo atual e valores de Volume Expiratório Forçado no Primeiro Segundo (VEF1) da espirometria, além de um questionário para sintomatologia. Foram utilizadas estatísticas descritivas e teste de Friedman para dados não-paramétricos, considerando um nível de significância de 5%. Este trabalho foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Limeira (CAAE 66396922.4.0000.5608). A média de idade foi 71,4 ± 9,7 anos, com 32 homens e 26 mulheres. As exacerbações foram mais frequentes nas mulheres (15 eventos) que nos homens (12). Mais da metade dos pacientes (55%) não apresentou exacerbação no último ano, e 51% dos exacerbadores foram classificados como DPOC grau III (VEF1 entre 30% e 49%). No grupo de exacerbadores, viu-se diferença significativa (p = 0,0374) na frequência de exacerbações em indivíduos com DPOC grau III em relação aos demais estágios (25% eram grau IV, com VEF1 abaixo de 30%, e 22% grau II, com VEF1 entre 30% e 49%). Foi maior a taxa de exacerbação e piora sintomática do grupo de não fumantes quando comparados aos fumantes (p = 0,0205). Os achados sugerem que a gravidade da DPOC está diretamente associada ao número de exacerbações e à sintomatologia relatada pelos pacientes, ainda que estejam utilizando terapia farmacológica otimizada para DPOC. Além disso, destacou-se uma inesperada maior taxa de exacerbação entre os não fumantes quando comparados aos fumantes, o que sugere a necessidade de investigação mais aprofundada sobre os mecanismos subjacentes a esse fenômeno. Os resultados reforçam a necessidade de vigilância e manejo mais adequado dos pacientes quanto ao controle de sintomas e reavaliação do quadro de obstrução para evitar desbalanços.
Terapêuticas com hormônios em pacientes com Anorexia Nervosa: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Larssen Sofia Rubi , Piovan Silvano
Published: November 2024

Transtornos alimentares (TA) apresentam uma grande problemática em relação à tratamento, visto que além do aspecto mental dessas doenças, muitas vezes vemos efeitos colaterais fisiológicos causados pelos sintomas. A Anorexia Nervosa (AN), que pode chegar a atingir de 0.2 a 1% de garotas adolescentes e 0.5 a 2% de mulheres adultas, a doença é caracterizada pela restrição alimentar, que causa ingestão de menos calorias que o necessário, um estado de “starvation” crônico, que tem como decorrência uma baixa significante de peso. A inabilidade de comunicar e expressar emoções faz com que os pacientes com AN se isolem dos mais, causando dificuldades interpessoais. Além de outras alterações psicológicas correlacionadas, AN leva às alterações no corpo humano, principalmente uma grande desregulação hormonal. Uma das grandes problemáticas relacionada a efeitos da má nutrição é a perda de massa óssea, que é muito comum em adolescentes com AN. Medidas de tratamento para TA são complicadas e complexas, e devem ser feitas de forma multiprofissional a fim de poder reduzir qualquer dano e efeito causados por eles. O objetivo da presente revisão sistemática é avaliar possíveis terapêuticas hormonais na ajuda de diminuição dos efeitos fisiológicos e mentais causados pela AN.
Comparação entre distração osteogênica e cirurgia ortognática em hipoplasia maxilar de pacientes com fissuras labiopalatinas: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Souza Junior Alexandre Ferreira de , Souza Bruna Salgado Piato , Costa Jaqueline Almeida da , Ferreira Filho Josfran da Silva , Carrilio Camila Teodoro , Souza Leticia Bispo de , Silveira Isabela Toledo Teixeira da , Yaedu Renato Yassutaka Faria
Published: November 2024

Introdução: Esta revisão de literatura compara os resultados das técnicas de avanço maxilar, osteotomia Le Fort I e distração osteogênica, em pacientes com fissuras labiopalatinas. Foram incluídos estudos entre 2000           e 2024. A osteotomia Le Fort I, caracterizada por uma fratura horizontal da abertura piriforme ao processo pterigoide da maxila bilateralmente, foi primeiramente descrita por Langebeck, em 1861, e consolidada biologicamente como técnica  cirúrgica segura com base nos estudos de microcirculação óssea, publicados por Bell em 1975. Em comparação a distração osteogênica (DO) é uma forma de engenharia de tecidos in vivo na qual a separação gradual de margens ósseas, cirurgicamente seccionadas, resulta em osteogênese. Objetivo: Este estudo compara as técnicas de osteotomia maxilar (Le Fort I) e distração osteogênica em pacientes com fissura lábio palatina e deformidades dentofaciais esqueléticas. Como critérios de inclusão, foram realizadas buscas em bases de dados PubMed e Scopus, de 2000 a 2024 com ênfase em ensaios clínicos randomizados e revisões sistemáticas, publicados em língua inglesa e portuguesa e, como critérios de exclusão, artigos que incluem pacientes com condições sindrômicas e títulos/resumos que não possuem relação direta com o tema em que foram encontrados 56 artigos, porém apenas 10 foram utilizados. Ambas as técnicas são analisadas quanto à eficácia e impacto no tratamento de pacientes com fissuras e com avaliação de parâmetros como: tipos de deformidade, planejamento cirúrgico, complicações e resultados pós-operatórios. Apesar de ambas as técnicas se mostrarem satisfatórias na melhora das vias aéreas e resolução da discrepância dentofacial, os resultados demonstram consistência relacionada à distração osteogênica, porém com limitações quanto a quantidade de avanço maxilar em comparação com a cirurgia ortognática.