bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of chemical modification using glyoxylic acid on the stability of α-amylase from Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Yandri Yandri , Noviani Dwi , Ropingi Hendri , Suhartati Tati , Irawan Bambang , Hadi Sutopo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this present work, α-amylase isolated from Aspergillus fumigatus was successfully modified using glyoxylic acid. The enzyme was isolated through centrifugation and purified using (NH4)2SO4 salt deposition and dialysis. The purified α-amylase exhibited a purity level 17.79 times higher than that of the crude extract. The study also found that the optimum pH for α-amylase was 5.0, while for the α-amylase/glyoxylic acid an optimum pH of 5.5 was observed. Both the native and modified α-amylase showed an optimum temperature of 55 °C. The native α-amylase has the K
M values of 11.55 mg mL−1 substrate and V
max of 10.76 mol mL−1 min−1. In contrast, the α-amylase/glyoxylic acid complex has the K
M values ranging from 14.67 to 16.73 mg mL−1 substrate and V
max ranging from 7.07 to 9.32 mol mL−1 min−1. The residual activity of the native enzyme after incubation for 100 min at 60 °C was 9.34 %, while the modified enzyme exhibited residual activities ranging from 28 to 59 %. The ΔG
i for the native α-amylase was 104.333 kJ mol−1, while for the modified enzyme, the values in the range of 105.825–106.314 kJ mol−1 were found. Another important finding is significantly higher stability of the modified enzyme compared to the native enzyme, α-amylase, as evidenced by an increase in half-life (t
½) ranging from 1.71 to 2.05 times.
Democracia e governança na Guiné-Bissau
Authors: Djanté Mamudo 
Published: February 2025

Desde a sua independência, a Guiné-Bissau tem sido marcada por ciclos de instabilidade política e desafios de governança ao longo de sua trajetória democrática. Este país africano conheceu inúmeros golpes de Estado e uma série de tentativas de subversão de ordem constitucional, causadas por crises políticas internas no seio dos diferentes partidos políticos e conflitos entre titulares de órgãos de poder, que dificultaram a instalação de instituições democráticas sólidas e da consolidação de governos democraticamente estabelecidos. Portanto, este artigo objetiva fazer uma análise sobre a democracia e à governança na Guiné-Bissau, trazendo algumas considerações no período antes da abertura democrática de 1991, visto que o país passou por diferentes estágios políticos com períodos de governo civil e militar. Os constantes sobressaltos ao poder na Guiné-Bissau parecem ser empecilhos para a consolidação democrática, e um dos principais fatores que impedem o país de criar mecanismos para uma boa governação e o lançamento do seu desenvolvimento econômico e social. Também, constata-se que o fraco funcionamento das instituições do Estado afeta sobremaneira a implementação de projetos de governos afirmados ao longo dos tempos. Por outro lado, o atual chefe de Estado está a transformar substancialmente o sistema político do país em um regime autoritário.

Palavras-Chave: Democracia; Governança; Política; Eleições; Guiné-Bissau.
Neuroendocrine control of synaptic transmission by PHAC-1 inC. elegans.
Authors: Stratigi Aikaterini , Soler-García Miguel , Krout Mia , Shukla Shikha , De Bono Mario , Richmond Janet E. , Laurent Patrick 
Published: February 2025

A dynamic interplay between fast synaptic signals and slower neuromodulatory signals controls the excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) balance within neuronal circuits. The mechanisms by which neuropeptide signaling is regulated to maintain E/I balance remain uncertain. We designed a genetic screen to isolate genes involved in the peptidergic maintenance of the E/I balance in theC. elegansmotor circuit. This screen identified theC. elegansorthologs of the presynaptic phosphoprotein Synapsin (snn-1) and the Protein Phosphatase 1 (PP1) regulatory subunit PHACTR1 (phac-1). We demonstrate that bothphac-1andsnn-1alter the motor behavior ofC. elegans, and genetic interactions suggest that SNN-1 contributes to PP1-PHAC-1 holoenzyme signaling.De novovariants of human PHACTR1, associated with early-onset epilepsies (DEE70), when expressedin C. elegansresulted in constitutive PP1-PHAC-1 holoenzyme activity. Unregulated PP1-PHAC-1 signaling alters the Synapsin and Actin cytoskeleton and increases neuropeptide release by cholinergic motor neurons, which secondarily affects the presynaptic vesicle cycle. Together, these results clarify the dominant mechanisms of action of the DEE70 alleles and suggest that altered neuropeptide release may alter E/I balance in DEE70.Significance StatementAlterations of the excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) balance within neuronal circuits contribute to seizures. Early-onset epilepsies are associated with 4 variants of human PHACTR1 (called DEE70). In a genetic screen designed to isolate genes involved in the maintenance of the E/I balance by peptidergic neuromodulators, we identified theC. elegansorthologs of PHACTR1 and of Synapsin. When introduced inC. elegans,the DEE70-associated variants reduced the E/I balance in motor circuits. Our results suggest that DEE70 variants induce the constitutive activity of an holophosphatase formed by PHACTR1. The constitutive holophosphatase signaling alters the Synapsin and Actin cytoskeleton and increases neuropeptide release which secondarily decreases E/I balance in circuits.
Malarial pigment-induced lipoperoxidation, inhibited motility and decreased CCR2 and TNFR1/2 expression on human monocytes
Authors: Skorokhod Oleksii , Barrera Valentina , Valente Elena , Ulliers Daniela , Uchida Koji , Schwarzer Evelin 
Published: February 2025

Objective
Malaria remains an important life-threatening disease that provokes a complex immune response, marked by an initial immune boost followed by long-term suppression, warranting further study. One of the manifestations of compromised immune response is co-infections, which are frequently reported in malaria patients and post-malaria convalescent individuals. Monocyte motility is a crucial step in immune cell recruitment, but this process is not fully efficient in malaria. Malarial pigment hemozoin, avidly phagocytosed by monocytes, inhibits important monocyte functions through lipoperoxidation.

Methods
4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) adducts were detected on primary human monocytes by fluorescent microscopy, and CCR2 and TNFR1/2 receptors by flow cytometry. A two-dimensional migration microfluidic assay was applied for studying monocyte motility.

Results
We show here that, following hemozoin ingestion, monocyte motility is inhibited. This is accompanied by a 2.4 ± 0.3-fold increase of the adducts of the lipoperoxidation product 4-HNE with monocyte proteins. Reduction of cell directional motility by 3.2 ± 0.6 times in response to MCP-1 and by 3.8 ± 1.1 times in response to TNF-α is observed alongside a decrease in CCR2 expression by 55 ± 8%, TNFR1 (CD120a) expression by 79 ± 4% and TNFR2 (CD120b) expression by 58 ± 7%.

Conclusions
The low availability and potential malfunction of these important chemotactic receptors could be proposed as an additional mechanism for the poor immune response in malaria. Therapeutic relevance could be found in interventions aimed at regulating damaged or downregulated receptors and the application of antioxidants or other reagents to contrast protein addition of free 4-HNE.

Significance statement
The study deepened our knowledge about lipid peroxidation processes, which are related to infectious diseases and immunity. Observed impaired immune motility and collapse of receptors could explain immunosuppression manifestations and co-infections in malaria and other diseases accompanied by oxidative stress.
Pediatrician Work Hours: 2013–2022
Authors: Cull William L. , Frintner Mary Pat , Kist Tylar W. , Freed Gary L. , Byrne Bobbi J. 
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVE
To examine individual variation in total and direct patient care work hours annually across a decade and identify associations of work hours with pediatrician characteristics and measures of work-life balance.

METHODS
Using data from the American Academy of Pediatrics Pediatrician Life and Career Experience Study (PLACES), a national longitudinal study, we examined total work and direct patient care hours reported by the same pediatricians each year, 2013–2022. Yearly participation ranged from 75% to 94%. We examined work-hour patterns using mixed-effects linear regression for longitudinal data. We also developed pediatrician profiles based on work hours and direct patient care time and explored associations with multiple measures of work-life balance.

RESULTS
Analyses included 12 864 observations from 1696 pediatricians. Mean hours per week across years were 42.8 for total and 33.3 for direct patient care work. A mixed-effects model examined total work hours. The largest associations showed men working more than women (B = 7.22; 95% CI, 6.04–8.39) and subspecialists from large subspecialties working more than general pediatricians (B = 7.20; 95% CI, 6.11–8.29). There was a slight decrease in total hours found across years (B = −0.12; 95% CI, −0.21 to −0.03). Pediatricians who worked more hours reported lower work-life balance. Pediatricians working a greater portion of their time in direct patient care did not report worse work-life balance.

CONCLUSIONS
Direct patient care made up three-fourths of total work hours, and pediatricians reported a slight annual decrease in hours worked. Men, subspecialists, and hospitalists were likely to work more hours, and higher work hours were negatively associated with work-life balance.
'Chicha' (Corn Beer) Consumption and Production in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina in Pre-Inka Times (1250–1450 AD)
Authors: Leibowicz Iván 
Published: February 2025

This research explores the production of chicha (corn beer) in the Andes of northwestern Argentina through various interdisciplinary approaches, including materiality analysis, ethnographic work, and comparison with other Andean contexts. The site of Juella, comprising 420 enclosures spread over 6 ha2 in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, is the focal point of this study. Occupations at Juella are limited to the Late Intermediate Period (1250–1450 AD).
During this period, new societies emerged from the aggregation of smaller, dispersed communities into new spaces. Chicha held significant cultural and social importance in these emerging societies, contributing to ethnic identities, annual celebrations, and various rites and rituals among Andean cultures. Beyond its role in cultural practices, chicha played a crucial role in fostering social and cultural cohesion within and among communities. In this case, rather than accentuating social differences, chicha facilitated shared life experiences and the formation of communal identity.
Zmierzch (pewniej) filozofii. W odpowiedzi na książkę „Zmierzch filozofii” Jana Hartmana
Authors: Petryszak Karol 
Published: February 2025

Celem artykułu jest dyskusja z wybranymi tezami z książki Jana Hartmana „Zmierzch filozofii” oraz wskazanie wybranych, istotnych błędów, jakie ta publikacja zawiera. Są to: niejasne definiowanie kluczowych terminów, brak danych mogących potwierdzać nieraz fantastyczne tezy Hartmana, niewystarczająca znajomość tradycji filozoficznej, którą Hartman krytykuje. Dyskutuję również z prezentowanym przez Hartmana miejscem filozofa i filozofii w społeczeństwie. Następnie przedstawiam alternatywne rozwiązania zauważonych przez Hartmana problemów, z jakimi boryka się dzisiejsza filozofia. Ogólną konkluzją tekstu jest, że faktycznie następuje zmierzch filozofii, ale nie całej, a jedynie tej, którą prezentuje Hartman.
Kinetics of Precipitation Hardening Phases in Recycled 2017A Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Mrówka-Nowotnik Grażyna , Boczkal Grzegorz , Nabel Damian 
Published: February 2025

Kinetic parameters that describe phase transformation and precipitation rates include the activation energy. In Al based alloys, volume fractions of precipitates, the melting temperature of specific phases and the activation energy of reactions can, in most cases, be determined by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique. In this investigation, DSC measurments were performed on a SETARAM SETSYS Evolution-1200 thermal analyzer on recycled aluminium alloy 2017A in the range of temperature from room ~25 to 700°C and different scan rates of heating at 5,10,15, 20 and 25°C min-1. The peak temperatures of the clusters, GP zones and hardening phases ’&quot;and  Q from each heating rate were collected to calculate the activation energy associated with precipitation reactions in aluminium alloy 2017A using various mathematical models: the Kissinger, Ozawa and Boswell. The results (XRD, LM, TEM, DSC) show that both the θ and Q phases are strengthening phases, but the strengthening effect of the &quot;,  phases is dominant. The strengthening phases, mainly &quot;, &#039; increase the hardness during natural aging. The maximum hardness value 128HB was obtained after ~25h of natural ageing. The activation energy of precipitation of strengthening phase θ” in 2017A aluminum alloy determined by Kissinger, Ozawa and Boswell models are: 89.94 kJ· mol−1, 98.7 kJ· mol−1 and 94.33 kJ· mol−1 respectively and for θ’: 72.5 kJ· mol−1, 81.9 kJ· mol−1 and 77.2 kJ· mol−1 .
RDW/Albumin ratio (RAR) in premature retinopathy: Evaluation of disease risk and progression
Authors: caliskan busra , yıldırım mustafa , kara mustafa 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the role of the RDW-Albumin ratio (RAR), an integrative biomarker of the multidimensional associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and nutritional status in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), in the assessment of the risk of disease development and progression.
Methods: A total of 110 preterm infants born before the 34th gestational week were included. The medical records were retrospectively analyzed. All demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were recorded. Patients were classified into three groups: those without ROP (No-ROP), those with ROP that regressed without treatment (ROP-reg), and those with ROP requiring treatment (ROP-tx). Blood parameters, including RDW, albumin, and RAR, were analyzed in both the early and late neonatal periods.
Results: Gestational age and birth weight were significantly lower, NICU length of stay, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), mechanical ventilation, sepsis, surfactant therapy, and transfusions were more frequent in ROP cases (p<0.001 for all). Early and late RAR values were highest in the most risky group and there was a significant difference between all groups (p=0.00). Logistic regression analysis identified surfactant therapy (OR: 3.820, p=0.012), blood transfusion (OR: 8.012, p<0.001), and early-period RAR (OR: 2.010, p=0.004) as major risk factors for ROP development. ROC analysis showed that early RAR had a moderate predictive value for ROP (AUC=0.70, 95% CI: 0.601-0.805).
Conclusion: Early RAR appears to be a valuable biomarker for assessing the risk of ROP in preterm infants. Its significant association with the development of ROP may provide a potential clinical benefit in early risk stratification. However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm its clinical utility.
Antibody responses to equine parapoxvirus reveal a re-emerging pattern
Authors: Virtanen Jenni , Levanov Lev , Tervo Sanna , Hautala Katja , Aaltonen Kirsi , Utriainen Mira , Kareinen Lauri , Gadd Tuija , Sironen Tarja , Vapalahti Olli , Kinnunen Paula 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Parapoxviruses (PPV) cause skin and mucous membrane signs to several animal species and humans worldwide. Equine parapoxvirus (EqPPV) was first detected in a sick horse in Finland in 2013. It is potentially zoonotic, and a similar virus has been detected in humans in the USA. In winter 2021–2022, EqPPV caused a large-scale pastern dermatitis epidemic in racehorses all over Finland. Field reports suggest that similar epidemics of unverified cause have also occurred in 2015 and 2019. The aim of this study was to develop a serological test and study the immune response, seroprevalence, and history of the virus utilizing serum samples from clinical cases and archived horse samples (2012–2022). A recombinant protein-based immunofluorescent assay was established using envelope proteins B2L and F1L. EqPPV induced a fast immune response within a few days from the onset of the clinical signs. Two horses that were additionally tested a year after the disease still had similar IgG titers as a year prior. Seroprevalences in archived horse samples varied between 1.8–14.6% and peaks were observed in 2015 and 2022. The results suggest that EqPPV is a re-emerging pathogen that has a potential to cause large epidemics, bringing a need for more studies and preparedness.
Cascading effects of soil salinization on agricultural soil biodiversity-multifunctionality relationship
Authors: Hu Shuwen , Zhou Tairan , Zhang Yun , yang Xu , Hu Jiaxin , Kong Lingyu , Lv Qilin , Wang Jie , Ren Xueqin , Ning Chen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Soil salinization poses a threat to global food security by deteriorating soil biodiversity and especially various soil functions. However, how soil salinization affects the soil biodiversity-multifunctionality relationship remains largely unknown in agro-ecosystems. Here, we conducted a standardized survey of agro-ecosystems across a typical soil salinization gradient at 115 representative agricultural sites, aiming to investigate the relationships between soil biodiversity (encompassing the diversity of bacteria, fungi, archaea, protists, and metazoans) and nine soil functions as well as multifunctionality. We found that soil multitrophic biodiversity and multifunctionality declined with increasing soil salinization, and the relationships between multiple functions and the degree of salinization exhibited extensive nonlinear changes and threshold effects. We further demonstrated that soil salinization reduced the general strength of the biodiversity-multifunctionality relationship, by significantly altering soil physicochemical properties and the interplay between microbial communities and soil properties. The inconsistent changes in biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships were attributed to the multi-threshold relationships between different soil functions and multitrophic biodiversity, as well as the differential responses of various biological communities to the multifunctionality of the soil. This study highlights the cascading hazards of soil salinization in agro-ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of integrating salinization prevention and control into sustainable agricultural management strategies to maintain soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Impacts of Urbanization on the Protection of Built Heritage in Traditional Villages: A Case Study of 96 Traditional Villages in Guangzhou, China.
Authors: Zheng Yingliang , Wang Zhibo , Ren Peng , Xu Jihang , Tao Jin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The rapid urban development has intensified the conflicts between vernacular and modern civilizations. Large-scale urban expansion and development have placed traditional villages at risk of gradual disappearance or decline. As tangible carriers of cultural value, the built heritage of these villages has faced varying degrees of impact from urbanization. This study, which examines 96 traditional villages in Guangzhou City, employs a structural equation model incorporating four dimensions of urbanization and two aspects of built heritage protection to investigate how urbanization affects built heritage conservation. The findings reveal that: (1) the mechanisms through which urbanization negatively affects the spatial patterns and features of suburban and exurban villages differ; (2) favorable economic and locational factors support the protection and development of heritage buildings; and (3) the construction and enhancement of facilities have both positive and negative impacts on built heritage. This research provides an important reference for the conservation and development of built heritage in traditional villages, which is of practical significance in realizing the sustainable development of built heritage.
Determining the predictors of short duration of marriage to divorce
Authors: Motsima Tshaudi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Generically, couples marry with the intention of staying together for as long as they both live, but some couples divorce before the end of the time span of this commitment. Divorce has negative consequences that can cause strains that may persist over a long time for the divorced couples and minor children from the marriage. This study investigated the predictors of short duration of marriage to divorce in South Africa. This study used the marriage and divorce data for divorce cases whose divorce decrees were granted in 2022. These data were representative of the entire country and were consolidated by Statistics South Africa. The Weibull Accelerated Failure Time model was used to determine the predictors of short duration of marriage to divorce. It was found that the number of children in the marriage, Black/African couples, customary marriage, and civil-union couples, husbands, and wives who were widowed or divorced at the beginning of their recent respective marriages had statistically significantly shorter durations of marriage to divorce than their respective counterparts. Black/African couples should seek advice from the elders of both the husband’s and wife’s families when they have marital disputes before considering professional help from therapists and psychologists. Therapists and marriage counsellors should use the findings of this study to help them to design intervention programmes and counselling strategies tailored to the specific risk factors contributing to divorce. Regarding customary marriage, the elders should not enforce arranged marriages to their children.
The effects of dietary fat on gut microbial composition and function in ovarian cancer
Authors: AlHilli Mariam M. , Sangwan Naseer , Myers Alex , Tewari Surabhi , Lindner Daniel J. , Cresci Gail A.M. , Reizes Ofer 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives: The gut microbiome (GM) is pivotal in regulating inflammation, immune responses, and cancer progression. This study investigates the effects of a ketogenic diet (KD) and a high-fat/low-carbohydrate (HF/LC) diet on GM alterations and tumor growth in a syngeneic mouse model of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (EOC).
Methods: Thirty female C57BL/6J mice injected with KPCA cells were randomized into KD, HF/LC, and low-fat/high-carbohydrate (LF/HC) diet groups. Tumor growth was monitored with live, in vivo imaging. Stool samples were collected at the time of euthanasia and analyzed by 16SrRNA sequencing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed to identify differential microbial taxonomic composition and metabolic function.
Results: Our findings revealed that KD and HF/LC diets significantly accelerated EOC tumor growth compared to the LF/HC diet in a xenograft model. GM diversity was markedly reduced in KD and HF/LC-fed mice, correlating with increased tumor growth, whereas LF/HC-fed mice showed higher GM diversity. Metagenomic analyses identified distinct alterations in microbial taxa including Bacteroides, Lachnospiracae bacterium, Bacterium_D16_50, and Enterococcus faecalis predominantly abundant in HF/LC-fed mice, Dubsiella_newyorkensis predominantly abundant in LF/HC-fed, and KD fed mice showing a higher abundance of Akkermansiaand Bacteroides. Functional pathways across diet groups indicated polyamine biosynthesis and fatty acid oxidation pathways were enriched in HF/LC-fed mice.
Conclusions These results highlight the intricate relationship between diet, the gut microbiome, and tumor metabolism. The potential role of dietary interventions in cancer prevention and treatment warrants further investigation.