bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Micronutrients in Neurological Disorders
Authors: Lahoda Brodska Helena , Klempir Jiri , Zavora Jan , Kohout Pavel
Published: September 2023

Trace elements and vitamins, collectively known as micronutrients, are essential for basic metabolic reactions in the human body. Their deficiency or, on the contrary, an increased amount can lead to serious disorders. Research in recent years has shown that long-term abnormal levels of micronutrients may be involved in the etiopathogenesis of some neurological diseases. Acute and chronic alterations in micronutrient levels may cause other serious complications in neurological diseases. Our aim was to summarize the knowledge about micronutrients in relation to selected neurological diseases and comment on their importance and the possibilities of therapeutic intervention in clinical practice.
RNAi-Mediated Knockdown of Cottontail Rabbit Papillomavirus Oncogenes Using Low-Toxicity Lipopolyplexes as a Paradigm to Treat Papillomavirus-Associated Cancers
Authors: Ali Uzma , Bette Michael , Ambreen Ghazala , Pinnapireddy Shashank R. , Tariq Imran , Marquardt André , Stuck Boris A. , Bakowsky Udo , Mandic Robert
Published: September 2023

The cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV)-associated VX2 carcinoma of the New Zealand White rabbit serves as a model system for human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the tumor-inhibiting effect of RNAi-mediated knockdown of the CRPV oncogenes, E6 and E7, using siRNA-loaded lipopolyplexes (LPPs). VX2-carcinoma-derived cells were cultured for up to 150 passages. In addition, CRPV E6 and E7 oncogenes were transiently expressed in COS-7 cells. Efficiency and safety of LPPs were evaluated in both VX2 cells and the COS-7 cell line. Both of these in vitro CRPV systems were validated and characterized by fluorescence microscopy, Western blot, and RT-qPCR. Efficient knockdown of CRPV E6 and E7 was achieved in VX2 cells and COS-7 cells pretransfected with CRPV E6 and E7 expression vectors. Knockdown of CRPV oncogenes in VX2 cells resulted in reduced viability, migration, and proliferation and led to a G0/G1 block in the cell cycle. CRPV E6 and E7 siRNA-loaded LPPs could represent promising therapeutic agents serving as a paradigm for the treatment of papillomavirus-positive cancers and could be of value for the treatment of CRPV-associated diseases in the rabbit such as papillomas and cancers of the skin.
Revealing Interactions between Temperature and Salinity and Their Effects on the Growth of Freshwater Diatoms by Empirical Modelling
Authors: Le T. T. Yen , Becker Alina , Kleinschmidt Jana , Mayombo Ntambwe Albert Serge , Farias Luan , Beszteri Sára , Beszteri Bánk
Published: September 2023

Salinization and warming are of increasing concern for freshwater ecosystems. Interactive effects of stressors are often studied in bifactorial, two-level experimental setups. The shape of environmental reaction norms and the position of the “control” conditions along them, however, can influence the sign and magnitude of individual responses as well as interactive effects. We empirically model binary-stressor effects in the form of three-dimensional reaction norm surfaces. We monitored the growth of clonal cultures of six freshwater diatoms, Cymbella cf. incurvata, Nitzschia linearis, Cyclotella meneghiniana, Melosira varians, Ulnaria acus, and Navicula gregaria at various temperature (up to 28 °C) and salinity (until the growth ceased) shock treatments. Fitting a broad range of models and comparing them using the Akaike information criterion revealed a large heterogeneity of effects. A bell-shaped curve was often observed in the response of the diatoms to temperature changes, while their growth tended to decrease with increasing electrical conductivity. C. meneghiniana was more tolerant to temperature, whilst C. incurvata and C. meneghiniana were the most sensitive to salinity changes. Empirical modelling revealed interactive effects of temperature and salinity on the slope and the breadth of response curves. Contrasting types of interactions indicates uncertainties in the estimation by empirical modelling.
MeGLYI-13, a Glyoxalase I Gene in Cassava, Enhances the Tolerance of Yeast and Arabidopsis to Zinc and Copper Stresses
Authors: Li Ruimei , Tang Fenlian , Che Yannian , Fernie Alisdair R. , Zhou Qin , Ding Zhongping , Yao Yuan , Liu Jiao , Wang Yajie , Hu Xinwen , Guo Jianchun
Published: September 2023

Although zinc and copper are the two essential nutrients necessary for plant growth, their excessive accumulation in soil not only causes environmental pollution but also seriously threatens human health and inhibits plant growth. The breeding of plants with novel zinc or copper toxicity tolerance capacities represents one strategy to address this problem. Glyoxalase I (GLYI) family genes have previously been suggested to be involved in the resistance to a wide range of abiotic stresses, including those invoked by heavy metals. Here, a MeGLYI-13 gene cloned from a cassava SC8 cultivar was characterized with regard to its potential ability in resistance to zinc or copper stresses. Sequence alignment indicated that MeGLYI-13 exhibits sequence differences between genotypes. Transient expression analysis revealed the nuclear localization of MeGLYI-13. A nuclear localization signal (NLS) was found in its C-terminal region. There are 12 Zn2+ binding sites and 14 Cu2+ binding sites predicted by the MIB tool, of which six binding sites were shared by Zn2+ and Cu2+. The overexpression of MeGLYI-13 enhanced both the zinc and copper toxicity tolerances of transformed yeast cells and Arabidopsis seedlings. Taken together, our study shows the ability of the MeGLYI-13 gene to resist zinc and copper toxicity, which provides genetic resources for the future breeding of plants resistant to zinc and copper and potentially other heavy metals.
Chitosan-Based Nanogels Designed for Betanin-Rich Beetroot Extract Transport: Physicochemical and Biological Aspects
Authors: Silva Nieto Ramón , Samaniego López Cecilia , Moretton Marcela A. , Lizarraga Leonardo , Chiappetta Diego A. , Alaimo Agustina , Pérez Oscar E.
Published: September 2023

Nanotechnology has emerged as a possible solution to improve phytochemicals’ limitations. The objective of the present study was to encapsulate beetroot extract (BR Ext) within a chitosan (CS)-based nanogel (NG) designed via ionic crosslinking with tripolyphosphate (TPP) for betanin (Bet) delivery, mainly in the ophthalmic environment. BR Ext is rich in betanin (Bet) according to thin layer chromatography (TLC), UV-visible spectroscopy, and HPLC analysis. NG presented a monodisperse profile with a size of 166 ± 6 nm and low polydispersity (0.30 ± 0.03). ζ potential (ζ-Pot) of +28 ± 1 is indicative of a colloidally stable system. BR Ext encapsulation efficiency (EE) was 45 ± 3%. TEM, with the respective 3D-surface plots and AFM, showed spherical–elliptical-shaped NG. The BR Ext release profile was biphasic with a burst release followed by slow and sustained phase over 12 h. Mucoadhesion assay demonstrated interactions between NG with mucin. Moreover, NG provided photoprotection and pH stability to BR Ext. FRAP and ABTS assays confirmed that BR Ext maintained antioxidant activity into NG. Furthermore, in vitro assays using human retinal cells displayed absence of cytotoxicity as well as an efficient protection against injury agents (LPS and H2O2). NGs are a promising platform for BR Ext encapsulation, exerting controlled release for ophthalmological use.
Sacred and Profane in Music Therapy
Authors: Godwin Joscelyn
Published: September 2023

The widespread belief that music has some therapeutic potential rests partly on demonstrable, practical results. But explaining how such therapy works depends on the belief system of the explainer or practitioner. This survey of the literature shows how strongly a discipline is affected by its underlying metaphysical presuppositions. Traditional explanations, from antiquity through the nineteenth century, include participation by God or the gods; music as a bearer of sacred and harmonic numbers; the doctrine of correspondences and occult sympathies; the presence of animal spirits, subtle fluids, and other non-material elements in the human compound. The official belief system of the modern medical establishment cannot allow for any of these, hence its attempt to find materialistic explanations of how music therapy works. In the late 20th century some therapists, rejecting this constraint, returned to a more spiritual approach.
Vegetation Dynamics and Its Trends Associated with Extreme Climate Events in the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Cao Yanping , Xie Zunyi , Huang Xinhe , Cui Mengyang , Wang Wenbao , Li Qingqing
Published: September 2023

As a vital ecological barrier in China, Yellow River Basin (YRB) is strategically significant for China’s national development and modernization. However, YRB has fragile ecosystems, and is sensitive to climatic change. Extreme climate events (e.g., heavy precipitation, heatwaves, and extreme hot and cold) occur frequently in this basin, but the implications (positive and negative effects) of these events on vegetation dynamics remains insufficiently understood. Combing with net primary productivity (NPP), the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and extreme climate indexes, we explored the spatio–temporal characteristics of plants’ growth and extreme climate, together with the reaction of plants’ growth to extreme climate in the Yellow River Basin. This study demonstrated that annual NPP and NDVI of cropland, forest, and grassland in the study region all revealed a climbing tendency. The multi-year monthly averaged NPP and NDVI were characterized by a typical unimodal distribution, with the maximum values of NPP (66.18 gC·m−2) and NDVI (0.54) occurring in July and August, respectively. Spatially, multi–year averaged of vegetation indicators decreased from southeast to northwest. During the study period, carbon flux (NPP) and vegetation index (NDVI) both exhibited improvement in most of the YRB. The extreme precipitation indexes and extreme high temperature indexes indicated an increasing tendency; however, the extreme low temperature indexes reduced over time. NPP and NDVI were negatively associated with extreme low temperature indexes and positively correlated with extreme high temperature indexes, and extreme precipitation indicators other than consecutive dry days. Time lag cross–correlation analysis displayed that the influences of extreme temperature indexes on vegetation indexes (NPP and NDVI) were delayed by approximately six months, while the effects of extreme precipitation indexes were immediate. The study outcomes contribute to our comprehension of plants’ growth, and also their reaction to extreme climates, and offer essential support for evidence–based ecological management practices in the Yellow River Basin.
Spatio-Temporal Evolution of Urban Expansion along Suburban Railway Lines in Megacities Based on Multi-Source Data: A Case Study of Beijing, China
Authors: Tang Hongya , Yan Xin , Liu Tianshu , Zheng Jie
Published: September 2023

Suburban railways in megacities exert a pivotal role in propelling urbanization and shaping urban agglomeration. However, previous study endeavors have overlooked the transformations occurring in urban expansion along suburban railways, with a particular dearth of attention on the spatio-temporal evolution of landscape ecology and urban function. Therefore, this study employs the megacity of Beijing as an example. It utilizes remote sensing and point-of-interest (POI) data spanning from 2008 to 2022 to construct an indicator system from two essential dimensions: urban form and function. We explored the spatio-temporal characteristics of alterations in urban expansion within the gradient buffer zone adjacent to the suburban railway network in Beijing. The results showed that: (1) The rates of urban expansion were highest in 2008–2013 and lowest in 2013–2018; moreover, suburban railways had the greatest impact on the built-up area within 2–4 km along the route, and the impact gradually decreased beyond 4 km. (2) The direction of urban expansion shifted northward in the direction of latitude and eastward in the direction of longitude from 2008 to 2022, with the shift in latitude being more distinct. (3) The number of urban functions gradually increased from 2008 to 2018, but the number of medical services suddenly increased and the number of other urban functions decreased from 2018 to 2022; in addition, urban functions other than scenic spots were mainly distributed in the main urban areas, with very few clusters distributed near stations. (4) The landscape shape index became more irregular and fragmented from the center along the route to the edge of the buffer zone from 2008 to 2013, and the degree of fragmentation was highest in the 2–4 km buffer zone. In summary, this paper analyzes the spatio-temporal characteristics of urban expansion along suburban railways through four indexes, namely expansion rate, expansion direction, urban function, and landscape shape, and the results of this study are of great significance to the development and planning of suburban railways in megacities.
MLAM: Multi-Layer Attention Module for Radar Extrapolation Based on Spatiotemporal Sequence Neural Network
Authors: Wang Shengchun , Wang Tianyang , Wang Sihong , Fang Zixiong , Huang Jingui , Zhou Zuxi
Published: September 2023

Precipitation nowcasting is mainly achieved by the radar echo extrapolation method. Due to the timing characteristics of radar echo extrapolation, convolutional recurrent neural networks (ConvRNNs) have been used to solve the task. Most ConvRNNs have been proven to perform far better than traditional optical flow methods, but they still have fatal problems. These models lack differentiation in the prediction of echoes of different intensities, which leads to the omission of responses from regions with high intensities. Moreover, because it is difficult for these models to capture long-term feature dependencies among multiple echo maps, the extrapolation effect declines sharply over time. This paper proposes an embedded multi-layer attention module (MLAM) to address the shortcomings of ConvRNNs. Specifically, an MLAM mainly enhances attention to critical regions in echo images and the processing of long-term spatiotemporal features through the interaction between input and memory features in the current moment. Comprehensive experiments were conducted on the radar dataset HKO-7 provided by the Hong Kong Observatory and the radar dataset HMB provided by the Hunan Meteorological Bureau. Experiments show that ConvRNNs embedded with MLAMs achieve more advanced results than standard ConvRNNs.
Localizing the First Interstellar Meteor with Seismometer Data
Authors: Siraj Amir , Loeb Abraham
Published: September 2023

The first meter-scale interstellar meteor (IM1) was detected by US government sensors in 2014, identified as an interstellar object candidate in 2019, and confirmed by the Department of Defense (DoD) in 2022. We use data from a nearby seismometer to localize the fireball to a ∼16km2 region within the ∼120km2 zone allowed by the precision of the DoD-provided coordinates. The improved localization is of great importance for a forthcoming expedition to retrieve the meteor fragments.
High Temperatures and Tourism: Findings from China
Authors: Yu Dandan , Li Shan , Chen Ning (Chris) , Hall Michael , Guo Zhongyang
Published: September 2023

Climate change and its fluctuations exert significant impacts on the tourism industry, particularly through the influence of high temperatures as typical meteorological and climatic factors on tourists’ travel intentions, spatial behavior preferences, and destination choices. This study employs China as a case study to investigate the effects of high-temperature weather on tourism and tourist travel. By analyzing news reports, conducting observations, and examining statistics, an exploratory analysis of tourism in China under high-temperature scenarios reveals several noteworthy findings. Firstly, tourists seeking relief from the summer heat exhibit a preference for short-distance trips and destinations rich in natural resources. Secondly, heat-escape tourism products have gradually transformed over time, evolving from mountain heat escapes in the 1980s to waterfront vacations in the 1990s, artificial water leisure in the 2000s, and ultimately culminating in the development of heat-escape cities in the 2010s. Additionally, this study examines interregional disparities in summer tourism climate amenity across China using the Holiday Climate Index (HCI), the Tourism Climate Index (TCI), and daily data from 775 weather stations. It also provides a summary of the spatiotemporal evolution from 1961 to 2020 within the context of climate change, revealing intriguing findings. Moreover, a case study of Shanghai Disneyland demonstrates the greater significance of the holiday system compared to temperature constraints. This study aims to examine the interaction between high temperatures and China’s tourism in the context of climate change, providing a scientific foundation for government agencies and tourism enterprises to develop effective policies and plans.
Climate Change Impacts on UNESCO World Heritage-Listed Cultural Properties in the Asia–Pacific Region: A Systematic Review of State of Conservation Reports, 1979–2021
Authors: Nguyen Ky Nam , Baker Sarah
Published: September 2023

Utilising the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 Statement, this article examines 51 UNESCO state of conservation reports from 1979–2021 to explore the impacts of climate change hazards on UNESCO World Heritage-listed cultural properties in the Asia–Pacific region. This article provides a list of the cultural properties impacted by climate change hazards, the types of hazards experienced and their resulting impacts, the kind of conservation responses, challenges to the implementation of the suggested actions, and recommendations for future safeguarding against climate change threats. The article highlights that a negligible number of cultural properties affected by climate change hazards have been monitored and managed by UNESCO, with a much larger proportion of cultural properties facing conservation challenges related to climate change currently going unnoticed by the State of Conservation Information System. Specifically, the review of the state of conservation reports illustrates a very real challenge for understanding climate threats impacting the cultural properties of the Pacific States Parties. While this article confirms the value of the State of Conservation Information System, it also demonstrates that weaknesses remain in its capacity to deliver systematic climate impact analysis.
Natural Rubber Latex-Modified Concrete with PET and Crumb Rubber Aggregate Replacements for Sustainable Rigid Pavements
Authors: Samingthong Wisanukhorn , Hoy Menglim , Ro Bundam , Horpibulsuk Suksun , Yosthasaen Thanongsak , Suddeepong Apichat , Buritatum Apinun , Yaowarat Teerasak , Arulrajah Arul
Published: September 2023

There are ongoing research challenges for the addition of the blend of PET and crumb rubber in polymer-modified concretes, which aims to leverage the benefits of both materials. In this study, various percentage combinations of waste aggregates, such as PET and crumb rubber, were used to replace coarse and fine aggregates in natural rubber latex (NRL)-modified concrete. Engineering properties such as compressive and flexural strengths, modulus of elasticity, and toughness obtained from compressive- and flexural stress-strain curves were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed to examine the microstructural properties and study the strength development of the studied concretes. The results revealed that the compressive and flexural strengths of NRL-modified concretes with PET and crumb rubber aggregate replacements decreased with increasing replacement ratios. SEM analysis indicated that PET and crumb rubber (hydrophobic and non-polar materials) can affect the microstructure of the studied concrete by creating a weak interface between the aggregate and cement pastes, leading to reduced strength development. With the addition of the NRL additive, the film formation was found to act as a bridge and improve the bond strength of aggregates and hydration products in NRL-modified concrete. Furthermore, the integration of PET and crumb rubber aggregate can enhance the ability of the concrete to absorb energy and improve ductility. It was found that 10% of PET and crumb rubber aggregate replacement can be used for NRL-modified concrete as a rigid pavement, as its mechanical strengths satisfy the requirements set by the Department of Highways (DOH) in Thailand. This research helps repurpose waste materials and reduce the environmental footprint of concrete production.
Basin-Scale Streamflow Projections for Greater Pamba River Basin, India Integrating GCM Ensemble Modelling and Flow Accumulation-Weighted LULC Overlay in Deep Learning Environment
Authors: Geetha Raveendran Nair Arathy Nair , Shamsudeen Shamla Dilama , Mohan Meera Geetha , Sankaran Adarsh
Published: September 2023

Accurate prediction of future streamflow in flood-prone regions is crucial for effective flood management and disaster mitigation. This study presents an innovative approach for streamflow projections in deep learning (DL) environment by integrating the quantitative Land-Use Land-Cover (LULC) overlaid with flow accumulation values and the various Global Climate Model (GCM) simulated data. Firstly, the Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) model was developed for the streamflow prediction of Greater Pamba River Basin (GPRB) in Kerala, India for 1985 to 2015 period, considering the climatic inputs. Then, the flow accumulation-weighted LULC integration was considered in modelling, which substantially improves the accuracy of streamflow predictions including the extremes of all the three stations, as the model accounts for the geographical variety of land cover types towards the streamflow at the sub-basin outlets. Subsequently, Reliability Ensemble Averaging (REA) technique was used to create an ensemble of three candidate GCM products to illustrate the spectrum of uncertainty associated with climate projections. Future LULC changes are accounted in regional scale based on the sub-basin approach by means of Cellular-Automata Markov Model and used for integrating with the climatic indices. The basin-scale streamflow projection is done under three climate scenarios of SSP126, SSP245 and SSP585 respectively for lowest, moderate and highest emission conditions. This work is a novel approach of integrating quantified LULC with flow accumulation and other climatic inputs in a DL environment against the conventional techniques of hydrological modelling. The DL model can adapt and account for shifting hydrological responses induced by changes in climatic and LULC inputs. The integration of flow accumulation with changes in LULC was successful in capturing the flow dynamics in long-term. It also identifies regions that are more likely to experience increased flooding in the near future under changing climate scenarios and supports decision-making for sustainable water management of the Greater Pamba Basin which was the worst affected region in Kerala during the mega floods of 2018.
Transforming E-Waste into Opportunities: Driving Organizational Actions to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Anuardo Rafaela Garbelini , Espuny Maximilian , Costa Ana Carolina Ferreira , Espuny Ana Lígia Gil , Kazançoğlu Yiğit , Kandsamy Jayakrishna , de Oliveira Otávio José
Published: September 2023

With technological advancements, there has been a significant increase in the generation of electronic waste (e-waste), leading to severe environmental consequences. Inadequate e-waste management poses obstacles to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and results in detrimental effects such as pollution, health risks, and resource depletion. Recycling and reusing are vital due to the presence of toxic and valuable elements in e-waste. However, several barriers impede effective management, including limited collection points, insufficient awareness, and inadequate policies. For this reason, this paper aims to propose drivers for developing and improving organizational actions that enhance e-waste management, enabling companies to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. Content analysis was employed as the research method to identify booster elements and systematize e-waste management drivers. Thirty-six booster elements related to SDGs 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 17 were identified based on 30 relevant scientific articles from Scopus and 16 sustainability reports from well-ranked companies on the New York Stock Exchange. The systematized drivers encompass recycling and treatment techniques, sustainable manufacturing and consumption, e-waste management technologies, and cooperation networks. The scientific contribution of this work lies in incorporating empirical elements into the literature and enriching the theory of sustainable practices in the electronic equipment industry. In an applied manner, this article contributes to managers who can use the proposed drivers to improve the management of e-waste, thus reducing costs and enhancing the socio-environmental performance of their companies.
Ensuring Power Balance in the Electrical Grid of an Oil-and-Gas-Producing Enterprise with Distributed Generation Using Associated Petroleum Gas
Authors: Petrochenkov Anton , Pavlov Nikolai , Bachev Nikolai , Romodin Alexander , Butorin Iurii , Kolesnikov Nikolai
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this research is to develop a multi-agent model of an electrical engineering complex for an oil-and-gas-producing enterprise to ensure power balance in its electrical grid by taking into account the increase in the incoming part of the balance by introducing small- and medium-capacity-distributed generation facilities using associated petroleum gas. Previously, the structure of a multi-agent system and the principles of agent interaction were developed to allow the dependence between the processes of generation and consumption of electric energy and the technological process during oil and gas production. In this research, the multi-agent approach is based on the application of the developed methodology to ensure power balance in the electrical grid of an oil-and-gas-producing enterprise. The fuel balance during electricity generation under various scenarios of electrical modes in electrical engineering complexes is considered. To test the operability and make an error estimation of the methodology, digital and physical models of an electrical engineering complex with low- and medium-power-distributed generation facilities were developed for an oil-and-gas-producing enterprise. One of the most important factors that determines the efficiency of a ensuring power balance in the electrical grid of an oil-and-gas-producing enterprise is the consideration in the power balance equation the value of power generated through the use of associated petroleum gas produced by oil production facilities.
Lead, Cadmium, and Arsenic in Raw Cow’s Milk in a Central Andean Area and Risks for the Peruvian Populations
Authors: Castro-Bedriñana Jorge , Chirinos-Peinado Doris , Ríos-Ríos Elva , Castro-Chirinos Gianfranco , Chagua-Rodríguez Perfecto , De La Cruz-Calderón Gina
Published: September 2023

Milk and its derivatives are basic foods in Peru, especially for children. The Junín region, in the central Andes, is one of the leading dairy basins. However, the safety of milk is affected by mining–metallurgical activities, wastewater dumping, organic residues, and inappropriate use of organophosphate fertilizers in agriculture whose contaminants reach the food chain, putting human health at risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bioaccumulation of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in milk produced on a representative farm in central Peru, which uses phosphorous agrochemicals and is adjacent to a small mineral concentrator and a municipal solid waste dump, and to evaluate the potential risk for the Peruvian population of 2–85 years considering three levels of daily intake by age, which constitutes the innovative contribution of the study. These three elements were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry following standardized procedures. The mean contents of Pb (0.062 mg/kg), Cd (0.014 mg/kg), and As (0.030 mg/kg) in milk exceeded the maximum limits allowed by international standards. At all ages, the target quotient hazard followed a descending order of As > Pb > Cd, being > 1 in the case of As. The hazard index was >1 for children under 7, 9, and 11 years of age in the scenarios of low, medium, and high milk intake. The information is valid for formulating policies to prevent adverse health effects and develop standards and awareness programs, monitoring, and control of heavy metals in milk in Peru.
Construction of Candida albicans Adhesin-Exposed Synthetic Cells for Preventing Systemic Fungal Infection
Authors: Zhao Zirun , Sun Ying , Li Mingchun , Yu Qilin
Published: September 2023

The development of efficient fungal vaccines is urgent for preventing life-threatening systemic fungal infections. In this study, we prepared a synthetic, cell-based fungal vaccine for preventing systemic fungal infections using synthetic biology techniques. The synthetic cell EmEAP1 was constructed by transforming the Escherichia coli chassis using a de novo synthetic fragment encoding the protein mChEap1 that was composed of the E. coli OmpA peptide, the fluorescence protein mCherry, the Candida albicans adhesin Eap1, and the C-terminally transmembrane region. The EmEAP1 cells highly exposed the mChEap1 on the cell surface under IPTG induction. The fungal vaccine was then prepared by mixing the EmEAP1 cells with aluminum hydroxide gel and CpG. Fluorescence quantification revealed that the fungal vaccine was stable even after 112 days of storage. After immunization in mice, the vaccine resided in the lymph nodes, inducing the recruitment of CD11c+ dendritic cells. Moreover, the vaccine strongly activated the CD4+ T splenocytes and elicited high levels of anti-Eap1 IgG. By the prime-boost immunization, the vaccine prolonged the survival time of the mice infected by the C. albicans cells and attenuated fungal colonization together with inflammation in the kidneys. This study sheds light on the development of synthetic biology-based fungal vaccines for the prevention of life-threatening fungal infections.
Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA Vaccine Protection among Children and Adolescents Aged 12–17 Years against COVID-19 Infection in Qatar
Authors: Osman Khadieja , Mundodan Jesha , Chowdhury Juel , Ravi Rejoice , Baaboura Rekayahouda , Albuquerque Jeevan , Riaz Bilal , Emran Reem Yusuf , Batoul Khatija , Esameldin Abdul Mahmood , Al Tabatabaee Zinah , Khogali Hayat , Albayat Soha
Published: September 2023

Qatar was also hit hard by the global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, with the original virus, Alpha variant, Beta variant, Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 variants, Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants, and Delta variant, sequentially. The two-dose primary series of BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) COVID-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 infection has been approved for use in 30 µg formulations among children and adolescents aged 12–17 years as of 16 May 2021. This study aimed at estimating the effectiveness of the 30 µg BNT162b2 Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine against the pre-Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents aged 12–17 years residing in Qatar. A test-negative matched case-control study was conducted. The subjects included any child or adolescent aged 12–17 years who had been tested for SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR tests performed on nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs, as part of contact tracing, between June and November 2021, and was eligible to receive the BNT162b2 vaccine as per the national guidelines. Data regarding 14,161 children/adolescents meeting inclusion–exclusion criteria were retrieved from the national Surveillance and Vaccine Electronic System (SAVES). Of the total, 3.1% (444) were positive for SARS-CoV-2. More than half (55.96%) were vaccinated with two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Amongst those immunized with two doses, 1.2% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, while 5.6% amongst the unvaccinated tested positive. The vaccine effectiveness was calculated to be 79%. Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine provides protection from COVID-19 infection for children/adolescents; hence, it is crucial to ensure they receive the recommended vaccines.
Seroprevalence of Equine Leptospirosis in the State of Goiás, Brazil
Authors: Romanowski Tatiana Nunes de Azevedo , Dias Ricardo Augusto , Heinemann Marcos Bryan , Carvalho Stephani Félix , Silva Tamires Ataides , Martins Andressa da Silva , Caetano Geovanna Domingues da Cunha , Ferreira Júnior Álvaro , Santos Jandra Pacheco dos , Borsanelli Ana Carolina
Published: September 2023

Leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira, is a zoonotic disease that, in horses, is linked to abortions, uveitis, and sporadic occurrences of liver and kidney disease, often resulting in significant economic losses for farmers. Research on the prevalence of leptospirosis in horses in the central-west region of Brazil has been relatively scarce. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of leptospirosis in equine herds in the state of Goiás (Central Brazil). Blood samples were collected from 894 equids at 294 randomly selected farms divided into three different strata according to their herd characteristics. The microscopic agglutination test for the detection of anti-Leptospira agglutinins was carried out and the results showed that among the 294 sampled farms, 213 (72.9%; CI 95% 71.7–78.9) had one or more animals positive for leptospirosis, and of the 894 horses sampled, 513 (61.6%; CI 95% 54.3–69.0) were seropositive for leptospirosis. Djasiman, Icterohaemorrhagiae, and Australis were the most prevalent serogroups. The results showed a high prevalence of seropositive animals and a widespread distribution of positive farms in the state of Goiás. Thus, environmental sanitation measures and health education to prevent and control equine leptospirosis in the state are required.
Spatial Planning Strategies for Wetlands Based on a Multimethod Approach: The Example of Tianjin in China
Authors: Li Yangli , Wang Gaoyuan , Chen Tian , Zeng Erli
Published: September 2023

Wetlands form a crucial component of ecosystems, and wetland restoration serves as an effective strategy for promoting sustainable urban development. Spatial support is essential for wetland restoration, meaning that research on wetland spatial planning is of considerable importance. Existing studies on wetland spatial planning primarily focus on the analysis of wetland spatial distribution characteristics, with limited exploration of wetland spatial relationships. This paper aims to explore the potential of utilizing both spatial distribution characteristics and spatial relationships to identify wetland spatial issues, thereby facilitating the formulation of wetland spatial planning strategies. Using Tianjin City as a case study, this research applies nearest neighbor analysis, the geographic concentration index, the Gini index, and kernel density analysis to identify the spatial distribution characteristics of wetlands in Tianjin. Additionally, spatial autocorrelation analysis and connectivity analysis are employed to identify the interrelationships among wetlands in Tianjin. Based on the results derived from the analysis of spatial distribution characteristics and spatial relationships, wetland spatial planning strategies are proposed. The effectiveness of these strategies is validated using methods that consider both spatial distribution characteristics and spatial relationships. The findings reveal that, although wetlands in Tianjin are widely distributed, large wetland patches are primarily concentrated in areas with abundant water resources, while the six districts within the city have few or no large patches of wetlands. The spatial distribution of wetlands is highly uneven, exhibiting patterns of high–high aggregation and low–low aggregation. The number of connecting paths between wetland patches is relatively low, indicating a generally low overall connectivity. While medium-sized and larger wetland patches maintain the connectivity of existing wetlands in Tianjin, small wetlands that serve as stepping stones are lacking. Following the implementation of planning strategies, there would be an increase in the wetland area in Tianjin, accompanied by significant improvements in the spatial distribution pattern and spatial relationships of the wetlands.
Preparation of Molecularly Imprinted Magnetic Stir Bar for Bisphenol A and Its Analysis on Trace Bisphenol A in Actual Water Samples
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Zhehao , Chen Zhonglin , Yan Pengwei , Shen Jimin , Kang Jing
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a new method for the preparation of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIPs)-coated magnetic stir bar for bisphenol A (BPA) is proposed. The MIPs were prepared using BPA as the template molecule, and the sol-gel technique was employed to coat the MIPs onto the surface of a glass tube, which contained an internal magnetic core. The morphology and structure of the MIPs and the coating on the glass stir bar were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, such as extraction time, stirring speed, desorption solvent, and desorption time, were optimized. To evaluate the selective adsorption performance of the BPA-MIPs coating, molecularly imprinted stir bar sorptive extraction (MIPs-SBSE) was used in combination with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the detection of BPA in deionized water, tap water, bottled water, and reservoir water. The results showed that under the optimized conditions, the MIPs coating exhibited better adsorption capacity and selectivity for BPA compared to the non-imprinted coating. The BPA-MIPs-SBSE could be reused for at least five cycles without a significant decrease in its selective adsorption ability. The recoveries of BPA in the four actual water samples ranged from 70.53% to 93.10%, with relative standard deviations of 4.49% to 8.69%. The practical application demonstrated that this method is simple, convenient, selective, and sensitive, making it suitable for the analysis and detection of trace amounts of BPA in complex samples.
Análisis preliminar de los artefactos óseos de la colección Gaspary del sitio Cerro Grande de la Isla Los Marinos (nordeste de Argentina)
Authors: Ottalagano Flavia V. , Tamburini Diana S. , Loponte Daniel
Published: September 2023

Se presentan los resultados preliminares de los análisis realizados sobre la colección de artefactos óseos procedentes del sitio Cerro Grande de la Isla Los Marinos (provincia de Entre Ríos), depositados en el Museo Histórico Provincial de Rosario “Dr. Julio Marc”. La colección fue recuperada por Fernando Gaspary a mediados del siglo XX y está asociada a una cronología que oscila entre 660 ± 70 y 460 ± 50 años 14C AP. Los estudios realizados indican una tecnología ósea bien desarrollada, la cual incluye instrumentos asignados a diversos grupos morfológicos, tales como puntas ahuecadas, puntas planas pedunculadas, bipuntas, punzones, leznas, alisadores y posiblemente también espátulas y cucharas. Fueron confeccionados principalmente sobre huesos largos y metapodios de diferentes mamíferos (e.g. Cervidae, Lama guanicoe; Myocastor coypus), incluyendo Homo sapiens, aunque también se han identificado huesos de aves y de peces como huesos-soporte. La colección analizada refleja un acabado conocimiento de la tecnología ósea, similar al observado en otros contextos arqueológicos de la cuenca media e inferior del río Paraná. Este estudio resalta, además, el potencial informativo de los materiales provenientes de colecciones de museo para la arqueología regional.
La manufactura, el uso y el descarte de hojas por parte de las poblaciones cazadoras recolectoras en la margen norte del lago Viedma (suroeste de Santa Cruz, Argentina): diferencias en el uso del espacio durante el Holoceno tardío
Authors: Belardi Juan Bautista , Espinosa Silvana Laura , Carballo Marina Flavia , De Angelis Hernán
Published: September 2023

Desde un acercamiento morfológico, tecnológico y de análisis funcional se analizan conjuntos de hojas y subproductos de su manufactura (lascas de módulo laminar, chunks, núcleos y artefactos formatizados) recuperados en la margen norte del lago Viedma. Las muestras artefactuales provienen de distintos contextos arqueológicos de sectores altitudinales de la estepa (Costa-campos de invernada, ≤ 400 m s.n.m., Pampas Intermedias y Meseta del Tobiano ≥ 900 m s.n.m.) asociados con cronologías del Holoceno tardío. Las mayores frecuencias de evidencias de la talla y descarte, además de la integridad, la composición artefactual de las muestras y la alta disponibilidad de nódulos de basalto de dimensiones y calidades aptas para la talla, muestran la manufactura y el uso inmediato de hojas en el marco de estrategias expeditivas en espacios residenciales en la Costa. El uso de las hojas, eficaces para realizar tareas de corte, se vincularía con el procesamiento integral del guanaco. Así, los conjuntos de hojas de la Costa sustentan una marcada diferencia en el uso cazador-recolector de la margen norte del lago Viedma. Se propone que la producción de hojas tiene una manifestación suprarregional compartida por espacios de las costas de los lagos Tar y Argentino, ubicados al norte y al sur del lago Viedma, respectivamente. Las características de los contextos arqueológicos donde aparecen las mayores frecuencias de hojas explicarían la utilización de esta tecnología contra un telón de fondo provisto por la tecnología de lascas.
Asimetría bilateral de miembros superiores en restos humanos: una aproximación a los patrones de actividad física en cazadores-recolectores del Holoceno en Patagonia Austral
Authors: Zúñiga Thayer Rodrigo , Suby Jorge Alejandro
Published: September 2023

Los análisis de asimetría bilateral en restos humanos son empleados en la arqueología como medio para evaluar cambios en las actividades de subsistencia en poblaciones prehistóricas y modernas. Si bien en Patagonia Austral se han planteado posibles diferencias en los patrones de actividad física a partir de estudios de variables morfológicas y articulares, aún se desconoce cómo afectan a la asimetría bilateral de las longitudes de huesos largos durante el crecimiento y desarrollo. En consecuencia, el objetivo de este estudio es aportar a la discusión de patrones diferenciales de actividad física en poblaciones cazadoras-recolectoras terrestres, marítimas y mixtas de Patagonia Austral durante el Holoceno, a partir del análisis de la asimetría bilateral de las longitudes de húmero, radio y cúbito. Se analizaron 30 individuos de ambos sexos que presentaron los elementos de ambos lados de al menos uno de los tres huesos largos. Fueron calculados porcentajes de asimetría bilateral, y evaluados posibles patrones diferenciales respecto al sexo, dieta, región y cronología de los individuos. Los resultados muestran una asimetría direccional en los húmeros, con predominancia hacia la derecha, que disminuye luego del contacto. No fueron identificadas diferencias significativas entre cazadores-recolectores terrestres y marítimos. Además, se observa una menor asimetría en el antebrazo, con diferencias significativas en cubito de los individuos femeninos y una tendencia de disminución a través del tiempo. En conclusión, los cazadores-recolectores terrestres habrían experimentado cargas mecánicas dominantes en el lado derecho similares a las de los individuos con economías marítimas. El contacto con poblaciones europeas habría generado la disminución de la asimetría bilateral, mostrando modificaciones en la actividad física. Además, los individuos femeninos posiblemente estuvieron asociados a cargas más simétricas en los antebrazos.
Arqueología distribucional y tecnología lítica en el noroeste de Patagonia. Una aproximación al uso humano de la localidad Barrancas-Buta Ranquil (norte de la provincia del Neuquén)
Authors: Rughini Agustina Ayelen
Published: September 2023

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A new concept of pelvic floor support function: Striated–smooth muscle complex
Authors: Chemidronov S. N. , Kolsanov A. V. , Suvorova G. N.
Published: September 2023

Pelvic floor and perineum muscles play an important role in the formation of an apparatus supporting pelvic organs. The functional insufficiency of myofascial structures frequently leads to the development of urinary and fecal incontinence, erectile dysfunction, prolapse of internal organs, and perineal hernias formation. Back in the 20th century, morphologists focused on the skeletal muscles in pelvic floor and perineum, highlighting their leading role in supporting organs and creating intraabdominal pressure. However, in the past two decades, particular attention has been paid to the smooth muscle structures and their relationship with the musculoskeletal system in the pelvic outlet area. The new concept of the striated–smooth muscle complex provides the basis for revising various aspects of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary and fecal incontinence pathophysiology. We believe that this may lead to improved early diagnosis and prevention of diseases of the pelvic floor and perineum.
Possibilities of computed tomography densitovolumetry in assessing the dynamics of structural and functional changes in the lungs of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Ignat’eva E. A.
Published: September 2023

Aim. To evaluate the dynamics of structural and functional changes in the lungs of pulmonary sarcoidosis patients using computed tomography (CT) densitovolumetry with the purpose of predicting the course of the disease.

Materials and methods. Patients with respiratory sarcoidosis were examined at the starting point (n = 101) and at the end of one-year follow-up (n = 79). The function of external respiration was assessed according to the spirometry of forced expiration, body plethysmography, and the study of diffusion capacity and lung volumes. All the examined patients underwent a two-stage CT of the lungs in the inspiratory and expiratory phases using the CT densitovolumetry method. The dynamics of quantitative indicators of structural and functional changes in the lungs was assessed.

Results. At the end of the follow-up period, the patients showed a negative, stable, and positive radiological dynamics. Changes were observed not only in the qualitative signs of radiological patterns specific to sarcoidosis, but also in the quantitative data obtained by CT densitovolumetry. The CT densitovolumetry indicator (the inspiratory index of both lungs) and spirometry indicators (the peak expiratory flow rate and the FEV1/FVC ratio) with respect to the normal values can be used as independent predictors for pulmonary sarcoidosis progression during a year with high accuracy.

 Conclusion. CT densitovolumetry indicators can be used to quantify the structural and functional changes in the lungs and to predict the progressive course of pulmonary sarcoidosis with the purpose of modifying the therapy.