The severity of forest fires derived from remote sensing data for research and management has become increasingly widespread in the last decade, where these data typically quantify the pre- and post-fire spectral change between satellite images on multi-spectral sensors. However, there is an active discussion about which of the main indices (dNBR, RdNBR or RBR) is the most adequate to estimate the severity of the fire, as well about the adjustment model used in the classification of severity levels. This study proposes and evaluates a new technique for mapping severity as an alternative to regression models, based on the use of the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) automatic learning algorithm, from GeoCBI field data and spectral indices dNBR, RdNBR and RBR applied to Landsat TM, ETM+ Images, for two fires in central Spain. We compare the severity discrimination capability on dNBR, RdNBR and RBR, through a spectral separability index (M) and then evaluated the concordance of these metrics with field data based on GeoCBI measurements. Specifically, we evaluated the correspondence (R²) between each metric and the continuous measurement of fire severity (GeoCBI) and the general precision of the regression and MLE models, for the four categorized levels of severity (Unburned, Low, Moderate, and High). The results show that the RBR has more spectral separability (average between two fires M = 2.00) that the dNBR (M = 1.82) and the RdNBR (M=1.80), additionally the GeoCBI has a better adjustment with the RBR of (R² = 0.73), than the RdNBR (R² = 0.72), and dNBR (R² = 0.71). Finally, the overall classification accuracy achieved with the MLE (Kappa = 0.65) has a better result than regression models (Kappa = 0.58) and higher accuracy of individual classes.

The article describes facile one-pot, hi-yielding reactions to synthesize substituted 3,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxamide (3a–m) and carbohydrazide analogues (5a–l) as potential antifungal and antimicrobial agents. The structural integrity and purity of the synthesized compounds were assigned based on appropriate spectroscopic techniques. Synthesized compounds were assessed in vitro for antifungal and antibacterial activity. The compound 5h, 5i and 5j were found to be the most potent against A. fumigatus, with MIC value of 0.031 mg/mL. The compound 5f bearing a 2,6-dichloro group on the phenyl ring was found to be the most active broad spectrum antibacterial agent with MIC value of 0.039 mg/mL. The mode of action of the most promising antifungal compounds (one representative from each series; 3j and 5h) was established by their molecular docking to the active site of sterol 14α-demethylase. Molecular docking studies revealed a highly spontaneous binding ability of the tested compounds in the access channel away from catalytic heme iron of the enzyme, which suggested that the tested compounds inhibit this enzyme and would avoid heme iron related deleterious side effects observed with existing antifungal compounds.

Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACE) has been found to have a profound negative impact on multiple child outcomes, including academic achievement, social cognition patterns, and behavioral adjustment. However, these links have yet to be examined in preschool children that are already experiencing behavior or social-emotional problems. Thus, the present study examined the links between the caregiver's and the child's exposure to ACE and multiple child and caregiver's outcomes in a sample of 30 preschool children enrolled in a Therapeutic Nursery Program (TNP). Children are typically referred to this TNP due to significant delays in their social emotional development that often result in difficulty functioning in typical childcare, home, and community settings. Analyses revealed some contradictory patterns that may be specific to this clinical sample. Children with higher exposure to ACE showed more biased social information processing patterns and their caregivers reported lower child social skills than caregivers of children with less exposure, however their inhibitory control levels were higher (better control) and staff reported that these children exhibited better social skills as well as better approaches to learning than children with less exposure. No such contradictions were found in relation to the caregiver's exposure to ACE, as it was positively associated with a number of negative child and caregiver outcomes.

Stable suspensions of metal/metalloid oxide nanoparticles (Me-NPs) obtained by laser ablation of 99.99% pure elemental aluminum, titanium or silicon under a layer of deionized water were used separately, or in three binary combinations, or in a ternary combination to induce subchronic intoxications in rats. To this end, the Me-NPs were repeatedly injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) 18 times during 6 weeks before measuring a large number of functional, biochemical, morphological and cytological indices for the organism’s status. In many respects, the Al₂O₃-NP was found to be the most toxic species alone and the most dangerous component of the combinations studied. Mathematical modeling with the help of the Response Surface Methodology showed that, as well as in the case of any other binary toxic combinations previously investigated by us, the organism’s response to a simultaneous exposure to any two of the Me-NP species under study was characterized by a complex interaction between all possible types of combined toxicity (additivity, subadditivity or superadditivity of unidirectional action and different variants of opposite effects) depending on which outcome a given type was estimated for and on effect and dose levels. With any third MeO-NP species acting in the background, the type of combined toxicity displayed by the other two remained virtually the same or changed significantly, becoming either more or less unfavorable. Various harmful effects produced by the [Al₂O₃-NP+TiO₂-NP+SiO₂-NP]-combination, including its genotoxicity, were substantially attenuated by giving the rats per os during the entire exposure period a complex of innocuous bioactive substances expected to increase the organism’s antitoxic resistance.

We aimed at analyzing Chlorophyll-a and CDOM dynamics from field measurements and at assessing the potential of multispectral satellite data for retrieving water-quality parameters in three small surface reservoirs in the Brazilian semiarid region. More specifically, this work comprises i) analysis of Chl-a and trophic dynamics; ii) characterization of CDOM; iii) estimation of Chl-a and CDOM from OLI/Landsat-8 and RapidEye imagery. The monitoring lasted 20 months within a multi-year drought, which contributed to water-quality deterioration. Chl-a and trophic state analysis showed a highly eutrophic status for the perennial reservoir during the entire study period, while the non-perennial reservoirs ranged from oligotrophic to eutrophic, with changes associated with the first events of the rainy season. CDOM characterization suggests that the perennial reservoir is mostly influenced by autochthonous sources, while allochthonous sources dominate the non-perennial ones. Spectral-group classification assigned the perennial as CDOM-moderate and highly eutrophic reservoir, whereas the non-perennial ones were assigned as CDOM-rich and oligotrophic-dystrophic reservoirs. The remote sensing initiative was partially successful: the Chl-a was best modelled using RapidEye for the perennial; whereas CDOM performed best with Landsat-8 for non-perennial reservoirs. This investigation showed high potential for retrieving water quality parameters in dry areas with small reservoirs.

There is limited evidence for the association between malnutrition and hospital mortality as well as Intensive Care Unit length-of-stay (ICU-LOS) in critically ill patients. We aimed to examine the aforementioned associations by conducting a prospective cohort study in an ICU of a Singapore tertiary hospital. Between August 2015 and October 2016, all adult patients with ≥24 h of ICU-LOS were included. The 7-point Subjective Global Assessment (7-point SGA) was used to determine patients’ nutritional status within 48 hours of ICU admission. Multivariate analyses were conducted in two ways: 1) presence versus absence of malnutrition, and 2) dose-dependent association for each 1-point decrease in the 7-point SGA. There were 439 patients of which 28.0% were malnourished, and 29.6% died before hospital discharge. Malnutrition was associated with an increased risk of hospital mortality [adjusted-RR 1.39 (95%CI: 1.10–1.76)], and this risk increased with a greater degree of malnutrition [adjusted-RR 1.09 (95%CI: 1.01–1.18) for each 1-point decrease in the 7-point SGA]. No significant association was found between malnutrition and ICU-LOS. Conclusion: There was a clear association between malnutrition and higher hospital mortality in critically ill patients. The association between malnutrition and ICU-LOS could not be replicated and hence requires further evaluation.

This study aims to quantify carotenoids and tocopherols in human milk from healthy Chinese women, and to explore their associations with region, lactation stage, and maternal socio-economic and obstetric factors. Human milk was obtained from 509 healthy mothers and the compounds of carotenoids and tocopherols were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography after mild saponification and solvent extraction. Socio-economic and obstetric characteristics of the mothers and their dietary intakes through a single 24-hour dietary recall were evaluated. The median content of each component [μg/100mL, median (interquartile range)] in colostrum and mature milk was, respectively, β-carotene 8.0 (4.7-15.2) and 1.8 (1.4-2.7), β-cryptoxanthin 6.2 (2.4-12.9) and 1.8 (1.1-3.4), lutein 5.7 (2.9-10.2) and 3.4 (1.5-6.0), lycopene 6.3 (4.0-9.9) and 1.4 (1.1-2.0), zeaxanthin 1.0 (0.6-1.5) and 1.0 (0.6-1.4), α-tocopherol 645 (388-1176) and 211 (131-321), γ-tocopherol 68 (48-121) and 77 (45-120). The levels of all those vitamins presented regional differences, and decreased as lactation stage increased except for zeaxanthin and γ-tocopherol. Associations of carotenoid contents with maternal education, delivery mode, and present body mass index were found in multivariate analyses. These results suggest that some region, lactation stage, obstetric and socio-economic factors are associated with human milk concentrations of carotenoids and tocopherols in healthy Chinese mothers.

Fats and oils are the most common contaminants in wastewater and are usually discarded through physical processes. This paper studies its elimination through an environmentally friendly biological treatment, yielding good results on both laboratory scale and in the field. In this study a comparative evaluation of the biodegradation of fats and oils in two scenarios were developed in an activated sludge plant at laboratory scale, and a wastewater treatment plant. The full-scale values for some key parameters are compared, such as the oil concentration in the influent and effluent, mass loading and removal efficiency and biodegradation systems. Activated sludge plant at laboratory scale working on a mass load range from 0.2 to 0.8 (kg COD / day / kg MLSS) initially reaches levels of 75% biodegradation thereafter influent concentration is increased and thereby the mass load is increased in a range of working system under high load and biodegradation rates ranging from 71 to 64% are achieved. The actual system consists of a treatment plant wastewater with an aerobic digester for sludge treatment. Fats and oils are retained in a previous degreaser to biological treatment and subsequently sent to the aerobic sludge digester, constituting of thus on a single substrate, resembling an activated sludge plant with extended aeration mode, and levels of biodegradation in the range of 69 to 92%. From this work, we can say that the choice of biological treatment for fats and oils is feasible and adequate. Furthermore, the biomass presents great adaptability to the oil substrate, favored in this case for being the only source of carbon, therefore fats and oils should be removed using biological treatment, instead of the flotation procedure or at most using it as an intermediate process

This study presents a French translation and validation of the Durand Adaptive Psychopathic Traits Questionnaire (DAPTQ), an instrument for assessing adaptive traits known to correlate with the psychopathic personality. Bilingual (French and English) individuals from France and Canada (N = 141, 52% in France, M_age = 29.73, SD = 9.09) completed both versions of the DAPTQ (French and English), alongside measurements of perceived stress, trait anxiety, authentic leadership and creativity. Correlation between the DAPTQ total and subscales across versions showed strong associations (r = .84 to .96). The DAPTQ – French version also demonstrated good internal consistency (α = .87), convergent validity, and concurrent validity. These findings support the cross-cultural equivalence of the DAPTQ and therefore its effectiveness as a valid assessment method of adaptive traits.

A novel binary toxin-positive non-027, non-078 Clostridium difficile strain designated LC693 whose sequence type was ST201 was isolated from the fecal sample of a patient with severe diarrhea in China. To understand the pathogenesis basis of C. difficile ST201, this recently recovered isolate LC693 was then chosen for whole genome sequencing. The project finally generated an estimated genome size of approximately 4.07 Mbp. The genome sequence was then analyzed together with the other two ST201 strains VL-0104 and VL-0391 and compared to the epidemic 027/ST1 and 078/ST11 strains. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the ST201 strains belonged to clade 3. Genome size of the three ST201 strains ranged from 4.07 Mb~4.16 Mb, with an average GC content between 28.5%~28.9%. The ST201 genomes contained more than 40 antibiotic resistance genes and 15 of them were predicted to be associated with vancomycin-resistance, suggesting that they may have a strong antibiotic resistance. The ST201 strains contained a typical clade 3 specific PaLoc with a Tn6218 element inserted, and those genes harbored on their PaLoc that participated in the toxin expression and regulation were highly homologues to the epidemic 027 and 078 strains, with the exception of tcdC. A truncated TcdC was found in the ST201 strains, which is suggestive to have a contribution to the toxin production of the ST201 strains. In addition, the ST201 strains contained intact binary toxin coding and regulation genes, which is also proposed to contribute to the virulence. Genome comparison of the ST201 strains with the epidemic 027 and 078 strain identified 641 genes specific for the C. difficile ST201, and a number of them were predicted as fitness and virulence associated genes. The identification of those genes also contributes to the pathogenesis of the ST201 strain. To our knowledge, this is the first study that the genome sequence of C. difficile ST201 was discussed in detail, and the present study would have a contribution to understanding the pathogenesis basis of C. difficile ST201.

The aim of this research was to investigate the mass, substances and energy flow through two-stroke low speed Diesel engines. For this reason, a zero-dimensional model of the combustion in the engine was developed with a calculated amount and composition of exhaust gases. Due to the large amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases, a ratio of real air consumption and stoichiometric amount of air required for combustion of injected fuel was set. The calculated ratio showed that the engine consumes four times more air than needed for combustion in AFR_stoich. In this work it is called the Air Consumption Factor or Ratio and has not been mentioned in scientific literature before. Air Consumption Ratio is defined as a factor of dry or humid air. To be more comprehensive, a modified diagram of composition of the flow in and out of a two-stroke fuel injection engine and the cylinder was drawn.

Under the guidance of our previous achievements, and in order to extend this small molecular library. In current work, other 21 novel structures of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines containing isoxazole-moiety (1a-1u) were firstly synthesized and the cytotoxicity to A549, HCT116 and MCF-7 cell lines was evaluated using the MTT method. The results showed that most target compounds exhibited good to excellent cytotoxicity to A549, HCT116 and MCF-7 cell lines, especially 6-Methyl-4-{[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-isoxazol-5-yl-]-methoxy-}-thieno[2,3-d]-pyrimidine (1e) exhibited a broad-spectrum and the most potent cytotoxicity to A549, HCT116 and MCF-7 cell lines (IC50s: 2.79, 6.69 and 4.21×10^-3 μM, respectively) as compared with the reference drug gefitinib (IC50s: 17.90, 21.55 and 20.68 μM, respectively). 1e can be seen as the best drug candidates for development of anticancer drugs.

The genus Fritillaria belongs to the widely distributed family Liliaceae. The bulbs of Fritillaria ussuriensis and Fritillaria cirrhosa are valuable herbaceous medicinal ingredients. However, they are still used indiscriminately in herbal medicine. Identification and molecular phylogenic analysis of Fritillaria species is therefore required. Here, we report the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequences of F. ussuriensis and F. cirrhosa. The two Fritillaria cp genomes were 151,524 and 151,083 bp in length, respectively, including a pair of inverted repeat regions (52,678 and 52,156 bp) separated by a large single copy region (81,732 and 81,390 bp) and small single copy region (17,114 and 17,537 bp). A total of 111 genes in F. ussuriensis and 112 in F. cirrhosa comprised 77 protein-coding genes in F. ussuriensis and 78 in F. cirrhosa, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The gene order, content, and orientation of the two Fritillaria cp genomes exhibited the general structure of flowering plants, and were similar to those of other Fritillaria species. Comparison of the six Fritillaria species’ cp genomes indicated seven highly divergent regions in intergenic spacers and in the matK, rpoC1, rpoC2, ycf1, ycf2, ndhD, and ndhF coding regions. We established the position of the six species through phylogenic analysis. The complete chloroplast genome sequences of two Fritillaria species will be useful genomics resources for identification of Fritillaria species and for studying the phylogenetic relationship among Fritillaria species within the Liliaceae family.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the levels of oxidative stress markers in breast diseases by measuring the 8-hydoxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and total antioxidant status (TAS) alterations in relation to cell proliferation activity and disease progression. Significant increases in the level of oxidative damage marker 8-OHdG and cell proliferation activity were observed in breast carcinoma patients in comparison to benign and normal controls, which were accompanied by significant decrease in non enzymatic antioxidants and TAS concentrations. 8-OHdG and cell proliferation level were negatively correlated with non enzymatic antioxidants viz., Vitamin A, Vitamin C, vitamin E level and total antioxidant activity. Altered levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress and cell proliferation activity amongst the malignant, benign and controls suggest a correlation of increased oxidative stress and cell proliferation activity in the progression of disease in breast carcinoma patients. Among the oxidative stress markers and cell proliferation index, decreased level of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, TAS and increased level of 8-OHdG, cell proliferation index emerged as best predicted biomarkers for subjects with malignancy and benign breast disease.

In recent years, nocturnal ozone enhancement(NOE) events have become a hot research topic in the field of atmospheric environment. By using statistically-based data analysis, we made a comparative investigation about nocturnal ozone concentrations and NOE events in 2022 and 2023, and further explored the effects of NOE events on O3 and PM2.5 at the night of the same day and the next day. The results showed that from 2022 to 2023 in Dongying, the annual average nocturnal ozone concentrations increased from 51 μg/m3 to 59 μg/m3, and the frequency of NOE events was higher in spring, summer and autumn, and lower in winter. NOE events not only had an obvious promoting effect on nocturnal O3 and Ox, and the daily maximum 8 h average concentration of O3 (MDA8-O3) of the same day (more apparent in summer and autumn), and nocturnal PM2.5 and PM2.5-bounded NO3- and SO42- (more apparent in winter), but also had a distinct influence on O3, Ox and MDA8-O3 of the next day (more apparent in summer). The results could strengthen the understanding of the phenomena of NOE events, and provide a scientific basis for the collaborative control of PM2.5 and ozone in urban areas in the Yellow River Delta, China.

Phosphorus (P) is an important element in a complete and balanced fertility program that can improve crop P use efficiency and ultimately productivity and profitability. Phosphatic fertilizers use without organic fertilizers leads to gradual decline in soil organic matter, native nutrient status and ultimately reduction in agricultural productivity and economic growth. The objectives of this was to evaluate P efficiencies with incorporation of peach sources, beneficial microbes and P application. From sustainability points of view, alternative use of different sources and forms of organic sources alone or in combination with inorganic P and beneficial microbes possess potential for improving productive capacity of the soil. Separate field experiments (one each on maize and soybean as a test crop) were conducted at Agriculture Research Institute Mingora Swat (ARI) for two consecutive years in summer season of 2016 (year one) and 2017 (year two). For the first time such a study were conducted to utilize peach leftovers and biomass (leaves, twigs, fruits, stones and barks partially decomposed, its compost and biochar) along with three phosphorus (P) levels (50, 75, 100 kg P ha-1) and two beneficial microbes (PSB and Trichoderma) on such a way to enhance soil sustainability and P use efficiency of soybean and maize. The results revealed that organic sources had significant effect on soybean and maize P use efficiency (PUE), P agronomic efficiency (PAE), partial factor productivity (PFPp) and soil P concentration. In experiment 1 among the organic sources, peach residues increased soil P (12.0 mg kg-1) as compared to peach compost and biochar (8.6 & 11.7 mg kg-1). Soil P concentration was maximum (12.1 mg kg-1) with PSB than Trichoderma (9.5 mg kg-1). Application of P at 100 kg ha-1increased soil P contents (16.9 mg kg-1) as compared to 50 and 75 kg P ha 1 (5.9 & 9.6 mg kg-1) respectively. P concentration was increased drastically in year 2 (12.4 mg kg-1) than year one (9.1 mg kg-1). PUE in both crops (soybean and maize) was maximum (25.6 & 28.4%) with peach biochar than compost and residues along with Trichoderma (21.7 & 27.8%). Highest PUE in soybean was recorded with 75 kg P ha-1(22.2%) however in maize maximum PUE was noted with 50 kg P ha-1(33.5%). PAE and PFPp in both crops was maximum with biochar and soil application of Trichoderma than other organic sources and PSB. Among the P levels highest PAE in soybean and maize was recorded with 75 kg ha-1whereas PFPp in soybean was maximum with 75 kg P ha-1 and interestingly in maize it was noted with 50 kg ha-1. Conclusively soybean and maize PAE, PFPp and PUE was higher with biochar, soil incorporation of Trichoderma and P at the rate of 75 kg ha-1 and can improve soybean and maize yield and soil productivity on sustainable basis.

Water quality is the measure of chemical, physical and biological suitability of water in relation to natural effects and intended purpose which may affect human health and aquatic life. Assessment of water quality is very essential for the management of water resources and human health. Traditionally, in-situ measurements have been used to obtain the water quality parameters of the water bodies. However, with the availability of satellite images, researchers have shown that satellite images are a reliable tool that can be used to estimate water quality. Satellite image-derived water quality parameters provide extensive spatial extent and large temporal variations when compared to traditional in situ sample collection and laboratory measurements. The present work estimated several parameters for quality of water in the Kamuzu reservoir of Lilongwe River for the 2013-2020 period using Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 satellite images. The band ratio algorithms were used to retrieve Chlorophyll a (Chl-a), Turbidity, Total Suspended Matter (TSM), Secchi depth, Coloured Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM), and Cyanobacteria from the reservoir. Turbidity and TSM were compared with the in-situ data collected over the same period. The comparison indicated R² of 0.9 and 0.69 for TSM and Turbidity respectively from Sentinel-2 images whereas R² of 0.56 and 0.61 was obtained using Landsat 8 images which are quite encouraging. The other set of results included the spatial distribution maps of water quality parameters using Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 satellite data. It was observed that the spatial distribution of water quality parameters, except for CDOM and Cyanobacteria, showed very good distribution and matches with the theoretical results. However, for CDOM and Cyanobacteria, the distribution was almost similar for the entire study area and the band ratio algorithm may not be able to estimate them quite reasonably. This research reiterates the need for the use of remote sensing in estimating the water quality parameters and may be a substitute to the in-situ data, in terms of spread and frequency, which is very common to most of the water bodies, across the globe.

There is evidence that chronic fatigue spectrum disorders (CFAS-D) including Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and chronic fatigue with physiosomatic symptoms including when due to comorbid medical disease are characterized by neuroimmune and neuro-oxidative biomarkers. The present study was performed to delineate the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of CFAS-D and to discover the pathways, molecular patterns and domains enriched in their PPI network. We performed network, enrichment and annotation analysis using differentially expressed proteins and metabolics, which we established in CFAS-D patients. PPI network analysis revealed that the backbone of the highly connective CFAS-D network comprises NFKB1, CTNNB1, ALB, peroxides, NOS2, TNF, and IL6, and that the network comprises interconnected immune-oxidative-nitrosative and Wnt/catenin subnetworks. MultiOmics enrichment analysis shows that the CFAS-D network is highly significantly associated with cellular (antioxidant) detoxification, hydrogen peroxide metabolic process, peroxidase and oxidoreductase activity, IL10 anti-inflammatory signaling, and neurodegenerative, canonical Wnt, the catenin complex, cadherin domains, cell-cell junctions and TLR2/4 pathways; and the transcription factors NF-κB and RELA. The top-10 DOID annotations of the CFAS-D network include four intestinal, three immune system disorders, cancer and infectious disease. Custom GO term annotation analysis revealed that the CFAS-D network is associated with a response to a toxic substance, lipopolysaccharides, bacterium or virus. In conclusion, CFAS-D may be triggered by a variety of stimuli and their effects are mediated by aberrations in the cross-talks between redox, NF-κB, and Wnt/catenin signaling pathways leading to dysfunctions in multicellular organismal homeostatic processes.

Background: Maternal near-miss refers to a situation where a woman who nearly died but survived from severe life-threatening obstetric complications that occurred during pregnancy, childbirth or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy. It has been estimated that up to 9 million women survive obstetric complications every year. According to studies done around the world most mothers suffer from Near Miss due to the factors which includes, low socioeconomic status, patient related, health provider related, and health related and health institution related issues. Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the proportion of maternal near misses and its associated factors in Selected Public Health Institutions of Keffa, Bench-Maji and Sheka Zones of South Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional state, South West Ethiopia, 2017. Methodology: Hospital based cross-sectional study design was employed and simple random sampling techniques (Lottery Method) was used to select the study institution and Systematic sampling technique was used to select 845 study participants every 5^th interval. Information was collected by using pre-tested and structured interviewer administered questioner. Using SPSS version 21 software, descriptive statistics and bivariate logistic regression analysis was done and variables with p-value <0.2 were transferred to multivariate analysis and during Multivariate logistic regression analysis Variables with P-value < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant and AOR with 95% CI were used to control for possible confounders and to interpret the result. The results were summarized by tables, graphs and charts. Result: There were 5530 Live Births, 227 Sever Acute Maternal Morbidity cases of this 210 were Maternal Near-Misses cases and 17 were maternal deaths, 364 Maternal Near-Misses Events. The overall Maternal Near-Misses Proportion is 24.85%. The maternal Near-Misses outcome ratio was 41 cases/1,000 live births (LB); mortality ratio was 12.35cases/1 maternal death and 74.8/1000LB of mortality index. Parity, residence, distance of living place from hospital, ANC Follow up, duration of labor, and administrative related problems were found to have statistically significant associations. Conclusion: The proportion of Maternal Near-Misses is relatively high when compared to other regional studies and efforts should be done to lower the near-misses.

The convergence of digital twin technology with additive manufacturing (AM) represents a transformative advancement in the fields of design, simulation, and production. Digital twins—virtual replicas of physical assets—enable real-time monitoring, simulation, and optimization of manufacturing processes by mirroring their physical counterparts. When integrated with additive manufacturing, which allows for the creation of complex geometries and rapid prototyping, digital twins enhance the ability to design, test, and refine products with unprecedented precision and efficiency. This integration facilitates iterative design improvements, predictive maintenance, and real-time process adjustments, leading to more accurate simulations and optimized production workflows. By leveraging data from digital twins, manufacturers can anticipate issues, reduce material waste, and shorten development cycles. This abstract explores how the fusion of digital twin technology with AM not only refines traditional manufacturing paradigms but also paves the way for more innovative and adaptive manufacturing practices.

The American Civil War has been commemorated with a great variety of monuments, memorials, and markers. These monuments were erected for a variety of reasons, beginning with memorialization of the fallen and later to honor aging veterans, commemoration of significant anniversaries associated with the conflict, memorialization sites of conflict, and celebration of the actions of military leaders. Sources reveal that during both the Jim Crow and Civil Rights eras, many were erected as part of an organized propaganda campaign to terrorize African American communities and distort the past by promoting a ‘Lost Cause’ narrative. Through subsequent decades, to this day, complex and emotional narratives have surrounded interpretive legacies of the Civil War. Instruments of commemoration, through both physical and digital intervention approaches, can be provocative and instructive, as the country deals with a slavery legacy and the commemorated objects and spaces surrounding Confederate inheritances. Today, all of these potential factors and outcomes, with internationally relevance, are surrounded by swirls of social and political contention and controversy, including the remembering/forgetting dichotomies of cultural heritage. The modern dilemma turns on the question: In today’s new era of social justice, are these monuments primarily symbols of oppression, or can we see them, in select cases, alternatively as sites of conscience and reflection encompassing more inclusive conversations about commemoration? What we save or destroy and assign as the ultimate public value of these monuments rests with how we answer this question. In this essay, drawing from the testimony of scholars and artists, I address the conceptual landscape of approaches to the presentation and evolving participatory narratives of Confederate monuments that range from absolute expungement and removal to more restrained ideas such as in situ re-contextualization, removal to museums, and preservation-in-place.

This study investigates the impact of blade shape, stirring speed, and stirring time on the performance of lost foam casting coatings, specifically focusing on their viscosity, coating weight, and surface morphology. Commercially available lost foam coating materials were used, with varying blade shapes employed in high-speed dispersers. The effects of different stirring speeds and durations on coating viscosity and coating weight were systematically analyzed. It was observed that blade shape significantly influences the uniformity and performance of the coating. Among the blade shapes tested, the three-blade configuration demonstrated the highest efficiency in achieving uniform mixing, with optimal viscosity and coating weight. Stirring speed was found to have a minor effect on viscosity but a notable impact on coating weight, with speeds of 800 to 1200 rpm producing consistent results. Stirring time was shown to stabilize viscosity and coating weight after reaching a certain duration, beyond which no significant changes were observed. Drying behavior was analyzed at various temperatures, revealing that higher temperatures led to increased surface roughness and more pronounced cracks.

If an AI entity is conscious, then it deserves moral status and to have its welfare protected. Society has granted certain animals moral status and has legislation to protect animal welfare because these kinds of animals have been deemed to be sentient. This paper shows that for any entity that can be determined to be conscious, that entity deserves the same status and protection as sentient entities. The paper further develops a framework for how an AI entity's welfare can be protected, based on the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare. The extant Five Freedoms are translated into terms more suitable for artificial entities, encompassing discomfort and harms, constraints on inherent functions, fear and distress, malfunction and degradation, and resource depletion. Each of the new Five Freedoms are justified using formalised arguments and supported using evidence from animal welfare literature. The paper concludes by presenting three formalised case studies to highlight the potential stressors conscious AI entities may face and how this ethical framework can work to protect the welfare of AI entities.

Background: Cardiometabolic risk factors (CRFs) are significant health concerns among adults with overweight and obesity. Resistance training (RT) is known to manage CRFs, but the impact of moderate-frequency RT (two to three times weekly) remains unclear. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing moderate-frequency RT with non-exercise control or usual care in overweight and obese adults. Searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library up to February 2024, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Eligible studies included non-athletic adults (BMI ≥ 25) aged 18 years or older, with RT interventions lasting 7 weeks or longer. Results: Fifteen RCTs were included. Moderate-frequency RT significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by -4.66 mmHg (95% CI -9.34 to 0.02, p=0.01) and mean arterial pressure by -6.48 mmHg (95% CI -10.63 to -2.33, p=0.002) compared to controls. Additionally, RT significantly lowered fasting insulin levels by -12.52 mmol/L (95% CI -24.17 to -0.88, p=0.04) and HOMA-IR by -1.49 (95% CI -1.63 to -1.35, p＜0.00001). Improvements were more pronounced in participants with dietary control. Conclusion: Moderate-frequency RT effectively improves CRFs in overweight and obese adults, suggesting its potential as a beneficial intervention for this population. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022343167.

Polyesters based advanced thin films have versatile industrial applications, especially in the filed of textiles, packaging and electronics. Recent advances in polymer science and engineering resulted in development of advanced amorphous and semi-crystalline polyesters with exceptional performance compared to conventional polymeric films. Among these, 1,4-cycloheanedimethanol (CHDM) and cyclic monomer-based polyesters have gained considerable attention attention for their exceptional characteristics and potential applications in smart films. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and applications of CHDM and cyclic monomer based advanced polymers for smart film applications. It discussed the structure-property relationship of these innovative polyesters and highlights their unique characteristics including thermal, mechanical, and barrier characteristics. Furthermore, this article also emphases the solution, melt, and solid state polymerization of the polymers. Special emphasis is placed on the influence of the addition of 2nd diol or 2nd diacid on the performance characteristics of synthesized polyesters/copolyesters to explore their versatile industrial applications. Additionally, the impact of stereochemistry of the monomers is also explored to optimized the characterization of polyester, suitable for the industrial applications. Furthermore, this article explores the potential of these advanced polyesters to be considered as a potential materials for smart film applications, especially in the filed of flexible electronics. Finally, the article examines the challenges and future recommendations for the development CHDM and cyclic monomer-based polyesters for smart film applications. It discusses potential avenues for further research, including in-depth studies for the synthesis and characterization of polyesters, development of sustainable and biodegradable alternatives cyclic monomers, alternative green approaches for the synthesis of polymers etc. This review article provides a valuable insights for the researcher from academia and industry working in the field of polymer science and materials engineering.

The fish fauna of Rio de Janeiro has been extensively studied, resulting in a comprehensive database of species collected over more than three centuries. This study aimed to identify fish species, their locations, and compile scattered information to aid in climate action and freshwater conservation prioritization and an evaluation of the sampling effort to date, as well as to identify patterns of diversity and distribution of freshwater ichthyofauna, delineate biogeographic units, and explore similarity relationships between areas. Analyzing data from nearly 25 ichthyological collections and literature on original species descriptions revealed 346 fish species: 172 freshwaters native, 22 allochthonous, and 152 marine species. The checklist includes updated species names. The sampling effort in Rio de Janeiro is high, especially in coastal lowlands. The findings indicate that inventory work is still needed in certain areas. Five bioregions of freshwater ichthyofauna were identified, along with six major areas of higher species richness. This biogeographic assessment underscores the diverse and distinctive freshwater fish fauna in the basins of Rio de Janeiro, with well-defined biogeographic units.

A series of nanospherical shaped silicates containing heteroatoms (Al, Zr or Ti) were successfully synthesized using TEOS or silica colloids as silicon source. These metallosilicate nanospheres were used as silicon nutrients to obtain silicalite zeolites having micro-mesoporosity with improved textural properties. The results demonstrated that TEOS acted as a suitable silicon source to produce amorphous silicates and a spherical-type hierarchical zeolite architecture with Zr and Ti heteroatoms included in their framework, with preferable particle size and crystallinity. The surface functionality of the mesostructured nanospheres and zeolite silicates provide active centers for the esterification of glycerol with acetic acid (EG) reaction. Besides, the dispersion of Cu or Fe entities on the surface of the nanospherical silicates and zeolites provided good catalytic performances in the esterification of glycerol to valuable acetins.

This article is based on the findings of a mapping project of portions of the runoff agricultural system in the Levant in during the Byzantine period, the purpose of which was to study the resemblance between the components of that system in the desert and those in the sedentary land. These include dammed wadis, specific agricultural installations and settlement sites, among them chapels and livestock pens. The focus on agricultural installations has led to the possibility of dating the peak of the agricultural system’s functioning to the second half of the sixth century CE. Two assumptions will be put to the test: (1) that the establishment of the agricultural system overlapped the climate crisis in Europe that compromised food production in most areas of the Byzantine Empire – but not in the Levant, which for a certain period became a food supplier; (2) that the Church, as the emissary of the empire, stood at the head of the system.

Abstract: A perspective is provided which illustrates the central role of quantum mechanics in the structure and periodically varying properties of atoms and in the formation of molecules. Despite having only about one hundred basic building blocks for all substances, chemistry is a subtle discipline due to it’s fundamentally quantum mechanical origin. The atoms, and their behavior as systematized in the Periodic Table, intimately reflect mechanisms natural to quantum mechanics but foreign to classical mechanics. Given their very small mass, the electrons form atomic structures only predictable by the use of quantum mechanics. Thereby the foundation of chemistry is totally dominated by quantum effects which are generally known only empirically, e.g. as in the Periodic Table. Recently these quantum effects have increasingly become known computationally, but not necessarily understood physically and therefore still challenge students and users of chemistry. In order to provide physical insight we extract here, from known facts and relations of quantum mechanics, but without reliance on detailed mathematics or numerical analysis, a simplest, yet fully consistent, physical explanation of atomic structure and periodically variable reactivity. Atomic reactivity is found to arise due to dynamical constraints on electron motion which lead to degeneracy in the atomic energy spectrum. There is a strong correlation between energy degeneracy and reactivity with the inert gas atoms found to display no degeneracy. Chemical bonding follows as a means of atomic reactivity relaxation and reduction of energy degeneracy, achieved by permanent electron rearrangement (ionic bonding) or by oscillatory electron motion between atoms (covalent bonding). Ionic bonding is directly related to the variable stability of atomic structures which extends from neutral atoms to atomic ions. These stable ions then form molecular structures by electrostatic attraction in neutral ionic clusters. The covalent bonding mechanism is fundamentally dynamical and interatomic since it depends directly on the facility with which electrons can move between atomic centers in a molecule. Both the ionic and the covalent mechanism, interatomic displacement and oscillation of electrons, are active in any bond between atoms of different species.

Background/Objectives: Head and neck free flap reconstructions are often required to treat tumors or extensive post-traumatic jaw defects. The facial artery is the standard receiving vessel for intraoral microvascular anastomoses. However, its use is associated with several disadvantages, such as lesions of buccal nerve branches or the parotid duct and variability in course and diameter. This study aims to investigate whether sublingual artery branches can be considered an alternative intraoral supply vessel to the facial artery to avoid these drawbacks. Methods: 12 formalin-fixed cadaveric heads with 24 sides were dissected. The sublingual artery's origin, course, branching pattern, and distribution were examined. In addition, the diameters of the branches of the sublingual artery were assessed to identify potential supply vessels for anastomoses. Results: In ten of the 24 cases (41.7 %), the sublingual artery originated from the lingual artery and nine cases (37.5 %) from the facial artery. The main trunk of the sublingual artery was present in the floor of the mouth in all cases (100 %) with a diameter of ≥ 0.9 mm in vitro (1 mm in vivo). In 15 of the 24 half heads (62.5 %), branches of the sublingual artery with ≥ 0.9 mm were identified in this space. Conclusions: The large diameter of the sublingual artery on the floor of the mandible suggests that this vessel or its branches could be considered alternative pedicles for intraoral anastomoses in mandibular microvascular free flap grafts.

Introduction: In Part II of this three-part series, we expose techniques that can be used by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manipulate and throttle the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a vaccine safety monitoring system open to the public. The U.S. government’s recommendation of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy was more a product of propaganda than of science and plagued with conflicts of interest. The extreme breach of COVID-19 vaccine pregnancy complication safety signals documented in VAERS cannot be disregarded or concealed. As a result, CDC/FDA are moving to closed, government captured platforms, including V-safe, Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) system, and the Biologics Effectiveness and Safety (BEST) system. Public transparency of adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy should be increased, not thwarted. Methods: In Part I the CDC/FDA Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) database was queried from January 1, 1990, to April 26, 2024 for adverse events (AEs) involving pregnancy complications following vaccination. In Part II we investigate tactics discovered in VAERS that concealed vaccine injuries and deaths. Conflicts of interest, as well as specific communications and publications from the CDC/FDA and the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) are analyzed. Results: Of all VAERS AE reports, 8.47% (138,983) of COVID-19 reports had no vaccination date and thus were missing from the data presented in Part I of this series. We unconcealed data presented in Part I of this series to include VAERS case reports that were excluded when using standard queries because of an “unknown vaccination date”. The unconcealed data in the 37 AE cases reported in this study (Part II) ranged from 0 - 38% with a mean of 8.2% (standard deviation 9.7%) and the significant breaches of VAERS safety signals in Part I of this series were largely underestimated. Another method of concealing vaccine associated AEs is to exclude the specific vaccine type rendering it as an “unknown vaccine type”. “Unknown vaccine type” has logarithmically increased since the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines in 2021, ranging from 1 to 400 cases between 1990 to 2018 to 11,461 cases in 2021. CDC/FDA granted $67 million via a Cooperative Agreement grant to Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) between July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2025. MDPH then made subawards under this grant to 21 influential public and private health and civic organizations, including NEJM’s owner, Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS). As one of the subawardees under the grant, MMS as owner of NEJM received over $426,000 in federal HHS/CDC grant money from 2019 to 2020 for “public health and medical emergency preparedness projects”. Conclusions: CDC/FDA has failed to capture and account for a significant number of AE case reports following COVID-19 in VAERS by a variety of techniques in an apparent attempt to sanitize the data. CDC’s Rochelle Walensky and NEJM’s Editor-in-Chief Eric Rubin pushed novel untested COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women despite clear evidence from multiple sources that safety signals had been breached.

Introduction: In Part I of this three-part series we report a retrospective, population-based cohort study assessing rates of adverse events (AEs) in pregnancy after COVID-19 vaccines compared to the same AEs after influenza vaccines and after all other vaccines. Methods: Data were collected from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The CDC/FDA Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) database was queried from January 1, 1990, to April 26, 2024, for adverse events (AEs) involving pregnancy complications following COVID-19 vaccination. The time-period included 412 months for all vaccines except COVID-19 vaccines, having been used for only 40 of the 412 months (December 1, 2020, to April 26, 2024). Proportional reporting ratios (PRR) by time compared AEs after COVID-19 vaccination to those after influenza vaccination, and after all other vaccine products administered to pregnant women. In cases in which the PRR was not applicable, Chi-square analysis and Fisher’s exact tests were used according to CDC/FDA guidance. CDC/FDA stipulate a safety concern if a PRR is ≥ 2 or if a Chi-square is ≥ 4. Results: The CDC/FDA’s safety signals were breached for all 37 AEs following COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy: miscarriage, fetal chromosomal abnormality, fetal malformation, cervical insufficiency, premature rupture of membranes, premature labor, premature delivery, placental calcification, placental infarction, placental thrombosis, placenta accreta, placental abruption, placental insufficiency, placental disorder, fetal maternal hemorrhage, fetal growth restriction, reduced amniotic fluid volume, preeclampsia, fetal heart rate abnormality, fetal cardiac disorder, fetal vascular mal-perfusion, fetal arrhythmia, fetal distress, fetal biophysical profile abnormal, hemorrhage in pregnancy, fetal cardiac arrest, fetal death (stillbirth), premature infant death, neonatal asphyxia, neonatal dyspnea, neonatal infection, neonatal hemorrhage, insufficient breast milk, neonatal pneumonia, neonatal respiratory distress, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, and neonatal seizure. All p values were ≤ 0.001 with the majority being <0.000001. Summary statistics for the deviation from the CDC/FDA safety signals mean (n, range) are as follows: PRR 69.3 (46, 5.37 - 499); z statistic 9.64 (46, 3.29 - 27.0); and Chi-square was 74.7 (26, 28.9 - 148). Conclusions: We found unacceptably high breaches in safety signals for 37 AEs after COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women. An immediate global moratorium on COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is warranted. The United States government, medical organizations, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies have misled and/or deceived the public regarding the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy. Promotion of these products must be immediately halted.

This study aims to uncover the chronology and production technologies of ancient bricks unearthed from various locations in Upper Assam, Northeast India. To achieve this goal, complementary spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), as well as Thermoluminescence (TL) and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL/IRSL) dating have been applied. FTIR and XRD analyses revealed the presence of quartz, feldspar (microcline, orthoclase, albite), kaolinite, chlorite, cerussite, palygorskite, magnetite, hematite, and organic carbon. The mineralogical composition indicates two distinct groups with firing temperatures below 650°C and above ~800°C. These two groups could be the first indication of the presence of two civilizations or at least two different production technologies, involving different firing temperatures and kiln atmospheric conditions. Further, the SEM-EDS study suggests that both calcareous and non-calcareous clays were used in brick making, which have low and high refractory properties, respectively. The internal morphology of the samples shows the existence of micropores and microfractures, indicating the influence of higher temperature firing. Absolute dating techniques associate the two brick groups with different age ranges: a firing temperature above ~800°C indicates a superior technology corresponding to a production period between the 7th and 10th centuries CE. In contrast, a temperature below 650°C indicates a technologically less advanced group of people, with the age group dated between the 11th and 14th centuries CE.

Unlike fowl pox, pigeon pox virus (PPV) has not been described in Ghana. This is the first report of the disease and virus in Ghana based on gross necropsy, histopathological analysis and molecular techniques. This index case was presented as the occurrence of both cutaneous (dry) and diphtheritic (wet) forms of the pigeon pox disease in a 5-month-old female pigeon. Although the observation of Bollinger bodies during histology is confirmatory of pox viruses, the amplification of the p4b gene using polymerase chain reaction and its visualisation by gel electrophoresis confirmed the presence of an avian pox virus. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the isolates from this case showed 100% relatedness to the reference PPV isolate FeP2. Thus, confirming the presence of PPV. The discovery of this virus in the Ghana raises the need for surveillance of both wild and domestic avian populations in preparation for any future outbreak, protection of the production birds and decision on the need for other pox viruses in the country.

Ulleung County, one of the most medically vulnerable areas in South Korea, requires public attention because of the high incidence of liver cancer. This study was conducted as a part of the Ulleung Liver Cancer Prevention and Management Project. The purpose of this study was to estimate the community prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses and to identify the associated risk factors. The Project’s interagency workgroup established a procedure for conducting blood sampling and health behavior surveys at the Ulleung Public Community Health Center. A total of 1,792 residents aged 40 years and older voluntarily participated in the study between 2019 and 2022. The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) and hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) positive rates in Ulleung were 7.19% and 1.37%, respectively. Low education level and lifetime smoking were associated with HBsAg positivity, whereas cupping therapy at non-medical institutions was associated with anti-HCV positivity. The odds of HBs Ag positivity were lower among those with tattoos than among those without. There was a difference in the risk factors associated with hepatitis B and C viral infection. While a high HBs Ag positivity rate alone may not fully explain the high incidence of liver cancer in Ulleung, it may be a contributing factor.

The type of fertilization used influences plant compounds and pest infestation. We measured, through chemical stimuli, the preference of Melanaphis sacchari for sorghum plants fertilized by means of conventional fertilization (CF) or organic fertilization (OF). Leaves were collected from sorghum plants fertilized with 200 kg N ha-1 using ammonium sulfate and poultry manure. Extracts were obtained using Soxhlet extraction, and the compounds were identified using a gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Sorghum extracts were individually tested through bioassays to determine M. sacchari preference. The abundance and number of compounds in sorghum differed depending on the type of fertilization used. M. sacchari showed a preference for the extract from CF sorghum plants (76.66%) over the extract from OF plants (23.34%). Therefore, the type of fertilization can be used as a tactic to prevent higher infestations of M. sacchari. The biological activity of the compounds identified here with M. sacchari should be determined for future pest management strategies using allelochemicals, given that the sugarcane aphid uses chemical signals to locate its host plant.

This study aims to provide analyses of the levels of airborne particulate matter (PM) using a two-pronged approach that combines data from in situ Internet of Things (IoT) sensor networks with remotely sensed aerosol optical depth (AOD). Our approach involved setting up a network of custom-designed PM sensors that could be powered by the electrical grid or solar panels. These sensors were strategically placed throughout densely populated areas of North Texas to collect data on PM levels, weather conditions, and other gases from September 2021 to June 2023. The collected data was then used to create models that predict PM concentrations in different size categories, demonstrating high accuracy with correlation coefficients greater than 0.9. This highlights the importance of collecting hyperlocal data with precise geographic and temporal alignment for PM analysis. Furthermore, we expanded our analysis to a national scale by developing machine learning models that estimate hourly PM2.5 levels throughout the continental United States. These models used high-resolution data from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES-16) Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) dataset, along with meteorological data from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF), AOD reanalysis, and air pollutant information from the MERRA-2 database, covering the period from January 2020 to June 2023. Our models were refined using ground truth data from our IoT sensor network, the OpenAQ network, and the National Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) network, enhancing the accuracy of our remote sensing PM estimates. The findings demonstrate that the combination of AOD data with meteorological analyses and additional data sets can effectively model PM2.5 concentrations, achieving a significant correlation coefficient of 0.849. The reconstructed PM2.5 surfaces created in this study are invaluable for monitoring pollution events and performing detailed PM2.5 analyzes. These results were further validated through real-world observations from two in situ MINTS sensors located in Joppa (South Dallas) and Austin, confirming the effectiveness of our comprehensive approach to PM analysis. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently updated the national standard for PM2.5 to 9 μg/m3, a move aimed at significantly reducing air pollution and protecting public health by lowering the allowable concentration of harmful fine particles in the air. Using our analysis approach to reconstruct the fine-time resolution PM2.5 distribution across the entire United States for our study period, we found that the entire nation encountered PM2.5 levels that exceeded 9 μg/m3 for more than 20% of the time of our analysis period, with the eastern United States and California experiencing concentrations exceeding 9 μg/m3 for over 50% of the time, highlighting the importance of regulatory efforts to maintain annual PM2.5 concentrations below 9 μg/m3.

Previous research has already examined the relationship between Future Anxiety, a construct recently introduced in Italy, and mental health in young adults, although possible mediating variables in this relationship have so far never been investigated. The present study attempts to fill this gap by exploring the incidence of Future Anxiety on psychological distress in a group of 302 young Italian adults (18 - 30 years; M = 21.9; SD = 2.6), presenting and evaluating the simultaneous mediating effect of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Non-Pathological Worry.Findings highlighted how Future Anxiety had a positive and significant direct effect on Stress and Depression, but not on Anxiety. In the three serial mediation models proposed, Intolerance of Uncertainty and Non-Pathological Worry mediated the relationship between Future Anxiety and mental health outcomes. The results also confirmed the hypothesized serial mediation effect by highlighting how young adults with greater Future Anxiety experienced more Intolerance of Uncertainty, which positively affected Non-Pathological Worry levels and, in turn, exacerbated psychological distress. Finally, results indicated that female participants experienced more Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in relation to Future Anxiety compared to males. Starting from the review of main references on this subject, the results discussed provide new insights for understanding youth psychological distress. Finally, practical implications for the design of supportive interventions for this study’s target group are proposed.

This comprehensive review delineates the extensive roles of Akkermansia muciniphila in various health domains, spanning from metabolic and inflammatory diseases to neurodegenerative disorders. A. muciniphila, known for its ability to reside in the mucous layer of the intestine, plays a pivotal role in maintaining gut integrity and interacting with host metabolic processes. Its influence extends to modulating immune responses and potentially easing symptoms across several non-communicable diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. Recent studies highlight its capacity to interact with the gut-brain axis, suggesting a possible impact on neuropsychiatric conditions. Despite the promising therapeutic potential of A. muciniphila highlighted in animal and preliminary human studies, challenges remain in its practical application due to stability and cultivation issues. However, the development of pasteurized forms and synthetic mediums offers new avenues for its use in clinical settings, as recognized by regulatory bodies like the European Food Safety Authority. This narrative review serves as a crucial resource for understanding the broad implications of A. muciniphila across different health conditions and its potential integration into therapeutic strategies

This paper investigates the influence of microorganisms and clay minerals on the deterioration process of ancient Egyptian murals in the Al-Qurna region, situated on the west bank of Thebes (Luxor), Egypt. To achieve this objective, an extensive examination of building materials (including bedrock, building stone, mortars, and plasters) from various tombs within the study area was conducted. The investigation employed a multidisciplinary approach, combining micro-biological analysis with advanced techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) as well as petrographic examination. These methods were employed to identify the composition of the materials and to assess the masonry structure’s response to deformation caused by endogenous factors, particularly clay minerals. Additionally, mycological analyses were performed using a swabbing cotton sterile technique, revealing the presence of several species, including Ascosphera apis, Aspergillus tamarii, Aspergillus ochraceus, Doratomyces sp, and Eurotium repens. Notably, swelling clays—such as smectite, illite, and chlorite—along with mixed layers of illite-smectite and illite-vermiculite were detected in the studied samples. The presence of such deleterious clay minerals and fungi imperils wall painting preservation, causing discoloration, surface alteration, physical decay, and structural instability. Informed conservation strategies must address these threats for sustained integrity.

The Yb/Al multilayer films exhibit excellent theoretical reflectivity in the 54-90nm wavelength range. This study attempted to incorporate 1.5% wt.% of Si impurities into Al to suppress the crystallization of Al, reduce interfacial roughness, and enhance the actual reflectivity of the prepared Yb/Al multilayer films. The internal microstructure changes of the film layers before and after Si impurity doping were investigated using GIXRR, AFM, and XRD techniques. The reflectivity of two types of multilayer films, Yb/Al(1.5wt.%Si) and Yb/Al(pure), was tested to evaluate the effect of Si impurity on the film performance.

This manuscript reviews two decades of projects funded by the Kirkhouse Trust (KT), a charity registered in the UK. KT was established to improve the productivity of legume crops important in African countries and in India. KT’s requirements for support are: 1) the research must be done by national scientists in their home institution, either a publicly funded agricultural research institute or a university; 2) the projects need to include a molecular biology component, which to date has mostly comprised the use of molecular markers for the selection of one or more target traits in a crop improvement programme; 3) the projects funded are included in consortia, to foster the creation of scientific communities and the sharing of knowledge and breeding resources. This account relates to the key achievements and challenges, reflects on the lessons learned and outlines future research priorities.

Green and low-carbon development has become an important embodiment of China's path to becoming a strong agricultural country. How to enable agricultural enterprises to better adopt green technologies and conduct production and operation with the concept of sustainable development has become a key link. This article utilizes a structural equation model (SEM) to analyze the role paths and mediating effects of organizational learning ability and policy orientation in agricultural enterprises' market orientation and willingness to adopt green technologies[ The definition of green technology in this paper refers to Guo Kesha, Tian Xiaoxiao. Green technology and green transformation of industrial development mode [J]. Tianjin Social Sciences, 2024 (02) :99-107, including green manufacturing (production) technology and green service technology.]. The results show that market orientation, organizational learning ability, and policy effectiveness have significant direct positive impacts on the willingness to adopt; market orientation has a significant positive impact on agricultural enterprises' organizational learning ability, organizational learning ability has a significant positive impact on policy orientation, and market orientation has a significant positive impact on policy effectiveness; the results of mediation analysis also indicate that learning ability has a significant mediating effect between market orientation and willingness to adopt, and policy effectiveness has a significant mediating effect between market orientation and willingness to adopt. Through difference analysis, it is believed that the mediating effects of the three paths are equally important, and organizational learning ability and policy effectiveness play a partial mediating role in agricultural enterprises' willingness to adopt green technologies. Based on this, policy suggestions are proposed to improve enterprises' own organizational learning ability, increase the promotion of policies related to green technologies, improve relevant policies for the application of green technologies, and increase research and development efforts for green technologies.

Ecuador is an important center of biodiversity of the plant family Amaryllidaceae, specially the subfamily Amaryllidoideae, known as a source of important bioactive molecules. The aim of this study was to assess the chemical and biological potential of four different species of Amaryllidoideae collected in Ecuador: Urceolina formosa, Urceolina ruthiana, Clinanthus incarnatus, and Stenomesson aurantiacum. Sixteen alkaloids were identified in the bulb extract of these species by GC-MS, which the extract of S. aurantiacum exhibiting the greatest structural diversity. The potential of these three genera against Alzheimer’s disease was evaluated by measuring their AChE and BuChE inhibitory activity, revealing that C. incarnatus and U. formosa (from Sucumbíos province) showed the best results with IC50 values of 1.73 ± 0.25 and 30.56 ± 1.56 g·ml-1, respectively. Molecular dynamic assays were conducted to elucidate the possible interactions that occurs among 2-hydroxyanhydrolycorine and AChE enzyme, suggesting some similarity with those observed for galanthamine. This study enhances our understanding of the biodiversity of Amaryllidoideae species from Ecuador, highlighting their potential as a source of chemical compounds with pharmaceutical potential.

The rates of obesity and obesity-related diseases continue to increase worldwide, classifying obesity as a global epidemic. Endogenous opioids have been implicated in influencing feeding behavior; however, the role of each opioid peptide is still only partially characterized. Therefore, we assessed the role of the proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptide beta-endorphin (β-END) in long-term high-fat diet (HFD) feeding and glucose homeostasis and assessed if sex-related differences exist in these processes. Male and female mice lacking the ability to produce β-END and their respective controls were subjected to a 12-week HFD consumption to determine the role of the opioid peptide in food intake and glucose homeostasis. Body weight and food intake were measured weekly for twelve weeks. At weeks 6 and 12, plasma glucose levels were measured using an oral glucose tolerance test. Here, we report that male β-END deficient mice gained more weight and consumed more calories than their wildtype controls; however, this difference was not observed in the female mice. Regardless of genotype, female mice consumed more calories per body weight when compared to male mice despite their smaller body weights. Moreover, our findings suggest differences in glucose homeostasis between the wildtype and knockout mice and that these were only observed at week six but not at week 12. Overall, our study suggests that endogenous β-END may play a role in controlling body weight, feeding behavior, and glucose homeostasis and that sex-related differences may exist in this regard.

The goal was to model the irrigated (IBY) and rainfed (RBY) bean yields, as a function of essential climatic variables (ECVs), in the center (Culiacán) and south (Rosario) from Sinaloa. In Sinaloa, and for the period 1982–2013 (October–March), the following were calculated: a) temperatures. b) average degree days for the bean, c) cumulative potential evapotranspiration and d) cumulative effective precipitation. For ECVs, from the European Space Agency, e) daily soil moisture. f) IBY and RBY, from the Agrifood and Fisheries Information Service. Multiple linear regressions were applied, which modeled IBY–RBY (dependent variables), as a function of ECVs (independent variables). Then, to establish each Pearson correlation (PC) as significantly different from zero, a hypothesis test was applied: PC vs Pearson's critical correlation (CPC). The four models obtained were significantly predictive: IBY–Culiacán (PC = 0.590 > CPC = |0.349|), RBY–Culiacán (PC = 0.734 > CPC = |0.349|), IBY–Rosario (PC = 0.621 > CPC = |0.355|) and RBY–Rosario (PC = 0.532 > CPC = |0.349|). This study is the first in Sinaloa to predict IBY and RBY based on ECVs, contributing to the production of sustainable food.

Endothelial cell (EC) injury is a crucial contributor to progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), but the specific EC populations and mechanisms involved remain elusive. Kidney ECs (n=5,464) were collected at 3 timepoints from diabetic BTBRob/ob mice and non-diabetic littermates. Their heterogeneity, transcriptional changes, and alternative splicing during DKD progression were mapped using SmartSeq2 single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and elucidated by pathway, network, and gene ontology enrichment analyses. We identified 13 distinct transcriptional EC phenotypes corresponding to different kidney vessel subtypes, confirmed by in-situ hybridization and immunofluorescence. EC subtypes along nephrons displayed extensive zonation related to their functions. Differential gene expression analyses in peritubular and glomerular EC in DKD underlined regulation of DKD-relevant pathways including EIF2 signaling, oxidative phosphorylation, and IGF1 signaling. Importantly, it revealed differential alteration of these pathways between the two EC subtypes and changes during disease progression. Furthermore, glomerular and peritubular EC also displayed aberrant and dynamic alteration of al-ternative splicing (AS), strongly associated with DNA repair. Strikingly, genes displaying differential transcription or alternative splicing participate in divergent biological processes. Our study reveals spatiotemporal regulation of gene transcription and AS linked to DKD progression, providing insight into pathomechanisms and clues to novel therapeutic targets for DKD treatment.

Abstract: This article aims to better understand the mechanisms that connect climate change perceptions and general willingness to engage in pro-environmental behavior using Spanish cross-sectional data (N = 403). To do this, we first developed and validated the General Willingness for Environmental Behavior Scale (GWEBS), which includes the classical approach of voluntarily doing new actions but also actions implying not doing things (degrowth) and actions forced by social constraints. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit for the one-factor structure, which had adequate validity based on their relationship with other variables. Additionally, the GWEBS distinguished between women and men, left- and right-oriented people, and people who belonged to pro-environmental groups and people who did not. In the second place, we tested the parallel mediator role of eco-anxiety and trust in science in the relationship between climate change perceptions and the GWEBS. The results showed that eco-anxiety, fully, and trust in science partially mediated such a relationship, making them crucial to mobilize the intention to act following the perception. This study contributes to our understanding of the psychological mechanisms that eventually drive pro-environmental behaviors and provides a clear direction for future research.

Hydrogels are three-dimensional crosslinked materials known for their ability to absorb water, exhibit high flexibility, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and mimic properties of different tissues in the body. However, their application is limited by inherent deficiencies in mechanical properties. To address this issue, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and tannins (TA) were incorporated into alginate hydrogels (Alg) to evaluate the impact of the concentration of these nanomaterials on mechanical and adhesive, as well as cytotoxicity and wound healing properties. Tensile mechanical tests demonstrated improvements in tensile strength, elastic modulus, and toughness upon the incorporation of rGO and TA. Additionally, the inclusion of these materials allowed a greater energy dissipation during continuous charge-discharge cycles. However, the samples did not exhibit self-recovery under environmental conditions. Adhesion was evaluated on pig skin, revealing that higher concentrations of rGO led to enhanced adhesion, while the concentration of TA did not significantly affect this property. Moreover, adhesion remained consistent after 10 adhesion cycles, and contact time before the separation between the material and the surface did not affect this property. The materials were not cytotoxic and promoted healing in human fibroblast model cells. Thus, an Alg/rGO/TA hydrogel with enhanced mechanical, adhesive, and wound healing properties was successfully developed.

This study explores how the covid-19 pandemic affected some psychological factors in people who got tattoos during or after the lockdown, the psychological factors assessed were self-esteem, risk taking behaviour, body image and locus of control. The study used a quantitative, between-subjects design to investigate the experiences of participants who acquired tattoos during the pandemic compared to those who did not. The results showed that participants who got a tattoo during the pandemic reported higher levels of self-esteem and body image satisfaction compared to those who did not get a tattoo. Furthermore, the findings suggest that individuals with tattoos may have a more external locus of control. Participants with tattoos exhibited higher levels of risk-taking behaviour compared to those without tattoos, furthermore sex affected risk-taking behaviour in tattooed individuals, and females with tattoos displayed a higher risk taking tendency than their tattooed male counterparts. Further research needs to be done while acknowledging the limitations of this study. Overall, this study is pivotal in establishing how the pandemic may have affected the aforementioned psychological factors in people with tattoos. It also adds to the growing body of literature in body modification and psychology.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused several cardiovascular complications, including acute myocardial infarction(AMI) in infected patients. Our study aims to understand the overall trends of AMI among COVID-19 patients during the first two years of the pandemic and the disparities and outcomes between the first and second years. Methods: Our retrospective analysis via the 2020 and 2021 National Inpatient Sample(NIS) for hospitalizations between April 2020 and December 2021 analyzed adults with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 who experienced events of AMI. We compared month-to-month events of AMI and mortality of AMI patients with COVID-19, patient characteristics, and outcomes between the 2020 and 2021 AMI samples. Results: There were 2,541,992 COVID-19 patients, with 3.55% experiencing AMI. The highest rate of AMI was in December 2021 (4.35%). No statistical differences in trends of AMI mortality were noted over the 21 months. AMI cases in 2021 had higher odds of undergoing PCI (aOR 1.627, p

Biomechanical changes such as increased knee adduction moment (KAM) during walking are known to be involved in the development and severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Although various foot progression angle (FPA) modifications during gait have been applied to reduce peak KAM, few studies have investigated effects of applying toe-in or toe-out walking modifications for knee OA on peak KAM and three-dimensional (3D) moments of the ankle joint. Kinetic moment variables were acquired from 35 individuals with medial knee compartment OA. A 3D motion analysis system and two force platforms were used to acquire KAM and 3D moments of both ankle joints during gait. Visual3D motion analysis program was used to obtain final moment data for statistical processing. Repeated-measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni adjustment was used to compare kinetic and kinematic values for each FPA walking condition. The first peak KAM of an internal rotation foot position of the FPA walking condition showed significant decrease compared to normal foot position walking (p &lt; 0.01). The second peak KAM of an external rotation foot position walking showed significant decrease compared to normal foot position walking (p &lt; 0.01). Compared to a normal foot position, peak ankle inversion moment of the external rotation foot position walking showed a significantly decrease (p &lt; 0.05). There were no interactive effects between FPA condition and limb sides for any KAM values (p &gt; 0.05). These results suggest that clinical application of toe-in or toe-out gait modification walking in individuals with knee OA should be performed based on biomechanical evaluations such as peak KAM.

The pharmaceutical industry usually utilizes either hydrophobic or hydrophilic substances extracted from raw plant materials for preparing a final product, However, the plant material waste still contain substances with an opposite solubility. The aim of this study was to enhance the comprehensive usability of plant materials by developing a new non-wasting extraction method for eucalypt leaves and by investigating the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of eucalypt extracts and their 3D-printed dosage forms. The present extraction method enabled to prepare both hydrophobic soft extracts and hydrophilic (aqueous) dry extracts. We identified total 28 terpenes in the hydrophobic soft extract. In the hydrophilic dry extract, total 57 substances were identified, and 26 of them were successfully isolated. The eucalypt extracts studied showed a significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Corynebacterium diphtheriae gravis, and Corynebacterium diphtheriae mitis. The anti-inflammatory activity of the dry extract was studied with a formalin oedema model in mice. The maximum anti-exudative effect of the dry extract was 61.5% at a dose of 20 mg/kg. The composite gels of polyethylene oxide and eucalypt extract were developed, and the key process parameters for semi-solid extrusion (SSE) 3D printing of such gels were verified. The SSE 3D-printed preparations of novel synergistically acting eucalypt extracts could have uses in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory medicinal applications.

The aim of the study is to explore how sharing status updated and receiving Likes on Facebook, as a form of positive social feedback, correlates with current and perceived changes in Quality of Life (QoL) Sample consisted of 1577 adult Facebook users (76.3% females; 65.9% aged 18-24, 21.9% aged 25-30, 12.3% aged &gt; 30 years old). The study employed a longitudinal approach, collecting Facebook data from adult users over a 12-month period using the Graph API. Data were divided into 12 monthly segments. Two monthly indicators were calculated: the percentage of textual status updates and the average number of Likes per post. Current and perceived changes in Quality of Life (QoL) were administered as self-report measures. The findings indicated a positive correlation between the frequency of textual Facebook posts and the average received Likes. Furthermore, receivign more Likes was positively associated with a higher current QoL, and perceived improvements in QoL correlated with an increase in Likes over time. The study suggests that online positive social feedback, measured through Likes on Facebook, is associated with both current QoL and perceived improvements in QoL among adult Facebook users. This highlights the potential impact of online social interactions on individual well-being.

Cancer is a devastating disease with female breast cancer becoming the leading cause of global cancer morbidity. Herein we report the design and synthesis of a sorafenib analog 1A and its base-promoted arranged compound 1A2. Their in vitro cytotoxicity and potencies in EFGR inhibition study revealed that compound 1A displayed good antiproliferative activity in MDA-MB-231 (breast) cells with an IC50 value of 16.18±1.42 μM. Crystallization 1A2 affored 1A2a as a solvate with dichloromethane which was explicitly confirmed by the single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients infected with COVID-19 may experience abnormal heart rates, posing potential health risks. This study proposes a non-contact method for measuring heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) to effectively reduce the risk of infection and assist healthcare professionals in more accurate diagnosis and treatment. In this study, except for the different image acquisition method, other research processes and methods are similar to the research methods in [15]. The image acquisition method is changed from forehead image to palm image. The new non-contact measurement performance of the proposed method can effectively not only avoid infection concerns but also obtain heart rate and HRV quickly and conveniently, providing higher accuracy for physiological parameters, root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) compared to those in recently published papers.

Background and objectives: As the oblique lateral interbody fusion at L5/S1 (OLIF51) and lateral corridor approach (LCA) have gained popularity, the understanding of precise vascular structure at L5/S1 level is indispensable. The objectives of this study were to investigate the vascular anatomy at L5/S1 level, and to compare the movement of vascular tissue between supine and lateral decubitus position using the intraoperative enhanced CT and MRI. Materials and Methods: A total of 43 patients who underwent either OLIF51 or LCA were investigated with the average age at surgery of 60.4 (37-80) years old. The preoperative MRI was taken to observe axial and sagittal anatomy of vascular position under supine position. The intraoperative vein-enhanced CT was taken just before incision in the right decubitus position, and compared to supine MRI anatomy. The iliolumbar vein appearance and its types were also classified. Results: The average vascular window allowed for OLIF51 was 22.8 mm and 34.1 mm at either L5 caudal endplate or S1 cephalad endplate level, respectively. It allowed for LCA was 14.2 mm and 12.6 mm at either level, respectively. The left common iliac vein moved 3.8 mm and 6.9 mm to right direction at either level from supine to right decubitus position, respectively. The bifurcation moved 6.3 mm to caudal direction from supine to right decubitus. The iliolumbar vein was located at 31 mm lateral from midline, and MRI detection rate was 52%. Conclusions: The precise measurement of vascular anatomy indicated that OLIF51 approach was the standard minimally invasive anterior approach for L5/S1 disc level compared to LCA, however, there were many variations in quantitative anatomy as well as significant vascular movements between supine and right decubitus position. In the clinical setting of OLIF51 and LCA surgeries, the careful preoperative evaluation and intraoperative 3D imaging are recommended for the safe and accurate surgery.

The use of autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has been increasing, and the autonomy of these systems and their capabilities in dealing with uncertainties is crucial. Autonomous landing is pivotal for the success of an autonomous mission of UAVs. This paper presents an autonomous landing system for quadrotor UAVs with the ability to perform smooth landing even in undesirable conditions like obstruction by obstacles in and around the designated landing area and inability to identify or the absence of a visual marker establishing the designated landing area. We have integrated algorithms like version 5 of You Only Look Once (YOLOv5), DeepSORT, Euclidean distance transform, and Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller to strengthen the robustness of the overall system. While the YOLOv5 model is trained to identify the visual marker of the landing area and some common obstacles like people, cars, and trees, the DeepSORT algorithm keeps track of the identified objects. Similarly, using the detection of the identified objects and Euclidean distance transform, an open space without any obstacles to land could be identified if necessary. Finally, the PID controller generates appropriate movement values for the UAV using the visual cues of the target landing area and the obstacles. To warrant the validity of the overall system without risking the safety of the involved people, initial tests are performed, and a software-based simulation is performed before executing the tests in real life. A full-blown hardware system with an autonomous landing system is then built and tested in real life. The designed system is tested in various scenarios to verify the effectiveness of the system.

Background and objectives: Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain significantly impacts physical activity and quality of life in the elderly, potentially influencing mortality. This study explored the relationship between MSK pain, physical activity, muscle mass, and mortality among older adults. Material and Methods: We studied 1000 participants of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging (KLoSHA), a prospective, population-based cohort study of people aged 65 years or older. Survival status was tracked over a 5-year period. Correlations between Low back pain (LBP), knee pain, regular exercise, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), and other variables were analyzed. Logistic regression analyzes were used to identify independent risk factors for mortality. Results: Of the total participants, 829 (82.9%) survived after a 5-year period. Survivors tended to be younger, had a higher BMI, and were more active in regular exercise. In contrast, non-survivors exhibited a higher prevalence of both LBP and knee pain, along with increased instances of multiple MSK pain. Lower ASM correlated moderately with LBP and knee pain, whereas higher ASM was associated with regular exercise Lower ASM was moderately associated with LBP and knee pain, while higher ASM correlated with engagement in regular exercise. There was a moderate correlation between LBP and knee pain, both of which were associated with a lack of regular exercise. Age, sex, ASM, and regular exercise were significant predictors, even though MSK pain itself did not directly predict all-cause mortality. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the independent association between ASM, regular exercise, and mortality. Although MSK pain did not directly correlate with all-cause mortality, the non-survivor group had higher levels of both single and multiple MSK pain. Recognizing the interplay of MSK pain, physical activity, and muscle mass for older adults, the research underscores the need for holistic strategies to enhance health outcomes in older individuals with MSK pain.

Four models of Ce(III) complexes with four ligands based on a 1,2,3-triazole derivatives were studied at four DFT levels. The effect of different ligands on the atomic charge value on the cerium ion was analyzed. Several relationships were clearly established between this atomic charge and that of the surrounding atoms, as well as with several geometric parameters of the ligand and with the molecular properties of the Ce(III) complex. The experimental IR and Raman spectra of the newly obtained Ce(III) complex with the (pyrrolidin-1-yl)-2H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylate ligand were interpreted based on their comparison to the theoretical scaled ones using the scaling equations determined by two procedures and four DFT levels. Therefore, the structure predicted for the synthesized Ce(III) complex was clearly characterized and confirmed. The potential antioxidant action of Ce(III) complex was elucidated and compared with other Ln(III) complexes in order to find out the differences in their biological activity profiles.

Background: This study aimed to examine the obesity¬ stress, weight control behavior, and self-control in overweight and obese female university students, and identify the mediating effect of self-control in the relationship between obesity stress and weight control behavior. Methods: This study employed a descriptive correlational design. A total of 109 female university students who were overweight and obese participated in the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis, and Bootstrapping using Hayes' PROCESS macro for mediation. Results: Significant relationships between obesity stress and weight control behavior (r=0.25, p<0.001), obesity stress and self-control (r=-0.36, p<0.001), and weight control behavior and self-control (r=.26, p<.001) were observed. Self-control showed indirect mediating effect on the relationship between obesity stress and weight control behavior. Conclusion: Therefore, development of programs and strategies for improving self-control is necessary in order to decrease obesity among female university students.

Aim: the main aim of this study is to compare the onset of effectiveness of mental nerve block with lingual infiltration and inferior alveolar nerve block on patients visiting dental hospital for extraction of mandibular anterior teeth. Materials and methods: The study was set in a clinical setting. This was a randomized controlled double-blind cross study, where 25 subjects received two treatments at an interval of at least 1 week in a within a dental hospital.Inferior alveolar nerve block and lingual nerve block injection is given with 2mL lignocaine 2% with 1:2,00,000 epinephrine was administered for the right side. Mental nerve block along with lingual infiltration of the corresponding tooth was given with 2mL lignocaine 2% with 1:2,00,000 epinephrine was administered on the left side.Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used in this study, which consists of a scale with range of 0-10 pain severity on which 0 indicated absence of pain and 10 the worst pain possible. The patients were asked to give scores corresponding to his/her pain, after IANB, mental nerve block and lingual infiltration and these scores were recorde.Results: From the results we can see that patients gave scores between 3-4, stating that they had moderate pain during extraction after administration of IANB (54%) (graph 2) and VAS scores of 0-1 were given by patients, which is suggestive of no pain during extraction after administration of Mental nerve block and lingual nerve infiltration (62%)Conclusion: Within the limits of the study we can conclude that mental nerve block along with lingual infiltration is an effective way to completely and quickly anaesthetise the central incisor to the 1st premolar region.

It is unknown whether postprandial plasma glucose measured from blood taken between 4 and 7.9 h (PPG4-7.9h) is associated with mortality from hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to investigate these associations in 4,896 US adults who attended the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of PPG4-7.9h for mortality. This cohort was followed up for 106,300 person-years (mean follow-up, 21.7 years). A 1-natural-log-unit increase in PPG4-7.9h was associated with a higher risk of mortality from hypertension (HR, 3.50; 95% CI, 2.34-5.24), diabetes (HR, 11.7; 95% CI, 6.85-20.0), and CVD (HR, 2.76; 95% CI, 2.08-3.68) after adjustment for all the tested confounders except hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). After further adjustment for HbA1c, PPG4-7.9h remained positively associated with mortality from hypertension (HR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.13-4.08) and CVD (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.05-2.51), but was no longer associated with diabetes mortality. Subgroup analyses showed that similar results were obtained in the sub-cohort of participants without a prior diagnosis of myocardial infarction or stroke. In conclusion, PPG4-7.9h predicts mortality from hypertension and CVD independent of HbA1c.

Multispectral and 3D LiDAR remote sensing data sources are valuable tools for characterizing the 3D vegetation structure and thus understanding the relationship between forest structure, biodiversity and microclimate. This study focuses on mapping riparian forest species in the canopy strata using a fusion of Airborne LiDAR data and multispectral multi-sources and multi-resolution satellite imagery; Sentinel-2 and Pleiades at tree level. The idea is to assess the contribution of each data source in the tree species classification at the considered level. The data fusion was processed at feature-level and decision level. At feature level, LiDAR 2D attributes were derived and combined with vegetation indices. At decision level, LiDAR data was used for 3D tree crown delimitation providing unique trees or groups of trees that are used as a support for the species classification. Data augmentation techniques were used to improve the training process. Best results were obtained by the fusion of Sentinel-2 time series and LiDAR data with a Kappa of 0.66 thanks to red-edge based indices that better discriminate vegetation species and the temporal resolution of Sentinel-2 images that allows monitoring the phenological stages helping to discriminate the species.

Abstract Several studies have been conducted to strengthen weak road layers, regardless of whether they are un-der construction or are undergoing maintenance. Using substrates filled with different materials has proven effective for increasing the strength of these layers. In this study, I evaluated the coefficient of lateral soil pressure under various conditions when using reinforced and unreinforced piles filled with in-expensive material and the extent of their contribution to strengthening road layers. The results con-firmed that there was a difference in the coefficient of lateral soil pressure when the sand-filled piles were reinforced. The sand-filled piles were divided into several parts by arming. The maximum coeffi-cient of lateral soil pressure was 0.38 in the case of sand (1 mm) with reinforcement, whereas it was 0.29 in the same case without reinforcement as shown in Figure 1. The maximum coefficient of lateral soil pressure was 0.27 in the case of granite grain (2 mm) with reinforcement, whereas it was 0.17 in the same case without reinforcement. Moreover, the maximum lateral pressure coefficient was 0.26 in the case of granite grain (3 mm) with reinforcement, and it was 0.30 in the same case without reinforce-ment.

Keywords: Cell-free DNA, sepsis, oxidative stress, immunoredox modulation, cecal ligation and puncture, toll-like receptor

The digital economy (DE) has become a major force driving the optimization and upgrading of industrial structures (ISOU), and research on the driving mechanism has yet to be verified. To this end, the driving influence of DE on the ISOU is targeted, and the role played by economic resilience (ER) and innovation is explored. Based on the panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020, the driving influence of the DE on the ISOU is analyzed using a two-way fixed-effects model. The empirical study finds that the DE presents a positive driving effect on both industrial structure advancement and rationalization, and the driving effect is still significant after the addition of control variables and the robust-type test with one period of lag; the DE presents regional differences in ISOU, with the driving effect of the DE on industrial structure advancement in the eastern region having a more significant performance than that of the central and western regions, and the driving influence on the rationalization of industrial structure in the eastern and western regions exceeds that in the central region; the impact of DE on the ISOU has a mediating role through innovation, ER has a moderating role in the process, and innovation as a partial mediator also has a threshold effect, and finally countermeasure suggestions are put forward.

Microvascular integrity is a critical factor in myocardial fluid homeostasis. The subtle equilibrium between capillary filtration and lymphatic fluid removal is disturbed during pathological processes leading to inflammation, but also in hypoxia or due to alterations in vascular perfusion and coagulability. The degradation of the glycocalyx as the main component of the endothelial filtration barrier as well as pericyte disintegration result in accumulation of interstitial and intracellular water. Moreover, lymphatic dysfunction evokes an increase in metabolic waste products, cytokines and inflammatory cells in the interstitial space contributing to myocardial oedema formation. This leads to myocardial stiffness and impaired contractility eventually resulting in cardiomyocyte apoptosis, myocardial remodelling and fibrosis. The following article reviews pathophysiological inflammatory processes leading to myocardial oedema including myocarditis, ischaemia-reperfusion injury and viral infections with a special focus on the pathomechanisms evoked by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In addition, clinical implications including potential long-term effects due to viral persistence (long-COVID), as well as treatment options are discussed.

Background: There is a paucity of evidence on people with thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. We aimed to determine the prevalence of genetic variants and associations with phenotypes. Methods: In the current cross-sectional single centre cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent endovascular or open-surgical repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, we applied genetic analysis using four-stage Next Generation Sequencing and confirmed findings with Sanger sequencing. We collected personal and family history on comorbidities, clinical examination, anthropometrics, skeletal deformities, joint function ophthalmological measures. Cardiovascular risk- and phenotype scores were calculated. Results: 95 patients were eligible (mean age 54±9 years, 70% males, 56% aortic dissection). One-fifth had a family history of aortic disease, 95% and 54% had a phenotype score of ≤5 and ≤2, respectively. There weren’t significant differences in the distribution of phenotype characteristics according to age, sex, aortic pathology, or performed invasive procedure. Genetic variants were detected in 40% of patients; classic variants comprised 18% of all variants. We observed no significant association with cardiovascular and phenotype score but with higher joint function scores (p=.015). Conclusion: Genetic variants are highly present in clinically-relevant aortic pathologies. Variants appear to play a larger role than previously described. The different variants don’t correlate with specific phenotypes, nor with age, pathology, sex, or family history.

The cultivation of pea pods spans across various regions and climates with a global production of around 20 million tons. The pea peel wastes, which make up 30–40% of the total weight of the peas, are freely available in large quantities. The biomass used was characterized via ultimate, proximate, and structural analysis obtaining a 20,2 %w of cellulose and 17,4 %w of hemicellulose which via valorization processes can be transformed into platform chemicals. Hydrothermal valorization presents itself as a clean form of treatment of said wastes, ranging from 120 – 180 ºC (LHW) to 180 to 260 ºC (HTC). The use of LHW can lead to the production of sugars (up to 70%w yield) and levulinic acid (4 %w yield) while the use of HTC leads to Formic acid (40 %w) and levulinic acid (4 %w yield). The use of LHW for longer times favors the production of HMF and Furfural. The use of homogeneous catalysts (H2SO4, CH3COOH, KOH and NaHCO3) was implemented and their selectivity described. Solid fractions of LHW and HTC were characterized via FTIR and elemental analysis and the change in their structure described as they shift from biomass to biochar. Optimal conditions for each platform chemical were reported for best utilization of the peapod waste.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the challenges basic school tutors face when integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into their instructing and learning activities and to recommend possible strategies for addressing those challenges. This study employed an interpretive paradigm and a qualitative method approach to analyze the challenges basic school teachers face when integrating ICT into teaching in an emerging country, particularly Ghana. The participants of this study were chosen using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. A total of twenty (20) respondents were chosen for this study. The study found that teachers, despite their challenges, had a strong desire to integrate ICT into their instruction and learning activities. These challenges are the limited number of ICT tools and the absence of fully-subscribed software package that runs on them, the lack of electrical outlets in some classrooms, poor internet connectivity and power fluctuation. These teachers also had to deal with challenges like Trojan horses and spam despite the slow internet connectivity. The study suggested that basic school management should procure modern ICT tools and fully-subscribed software package to expand the school's ICT infrastructure giving teachers the choice to choose the ICT tools they will integrate into their teaching and learning activities for the successful integration of ICT into instruction and learning activities. Again, school management should ensure teachers are given basic training regarding ICT and its incorporation into tuition and learning activities to acquire the necessary competencies, understanding, and attitudes that will enhance teaching and learning activities.

The aim of our present study was to investigate the effects of Gln supplementation on liver inflammatory responses and protein synthesis and degradation in muscle of LPS-challenged broilers. A total of 120 1d-old male broilers (Arbor Acres Plus) were randomly arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design with five replicates per treatment and six broilers per replicate, containing two main factors: immune challenge (injected with LPS in a dose of 0 or 500 µg/kg of body weight) and dietary treatments (supplemented with 1.22% alanine or 1% Gln). After feeding with alanine or Gln diet for 15 days, broilers were respectively administrated with LPS or saline injection at 16 and 21 d. The results showed that Gln supplementation significantly reversed the adverse effects of LPS administration on growth performance, as evidenced as the increased ADFI and ADG, as well as the lowered F/G. Furthermore, Gln supplementation alleviated the increased mRNA expression of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in liver induced by LPS. Moreover, the increased activities of aspartate aminotransferase, combined with the decreased expression of glutaminase in muscle, were observed by Gln addition. In addition, in comparison with saline treatment, LPS challenge altered signaling molecules mRNA expressions associated with protein synthesis and degradation. However, Gln supplementation reversed the negative effects on protein synthesis and degradation in muscle of LPS-challenged broilers. Taken together, Gln supplementation had benefit effects on improving growth performance, alleviating inflammatory responses, promoting protein synthesis and inhibiting protein degradation of LPS-challenged broilers.

In an era of increasing interest in the potential health benefits of medicinal foods, the need to assess their safety and potential toxicity remains a critical concern. While these natural remedies have garnered substantial attention for their therapeutic potential, a comprehensive understanding of their effects on living organisms is essential. We examined 316 herbal extracts to determine their potential nematocidal attributes in Caenorhabditis elegans. Approximately 16% of these extracts exhibited the capacity to induce diminished survival rates and larval arrest, establishing a correlation between larval arrest and overall worm viability. Certain extracts led to an unexpected increase in male nematodes, accompanied by a discernible reduction in DAPI-stained bivalent structures and perturbed meiotic advancement, thereby disrupting the conventional developmental processes. Notably, Onobrychis cornuta and Veratrum lobelianum extracts activated a DNA damage checkpoint response via the ATM/ATR and CHK-1 pathways; hindering germline development. Our LC‒MS analysis revealed jervine in V. lobelianum and nine antitumor compounds in O. cornuta. Interestingly, linoleic acid replicated phenotypes induced by O. cornuta exposure, including an increased level of pCHK-1 foci, apoptosis, and the MAPK pathway. We observed that mutants in the MAPK pathway suppressed the reduction in worm survival, emphasizing its role in survivability, meiotic progression, and DNA damage checkpoint-mediated apoptosis. This study reveals complex interactions between herbal extracts and C. elegans processes, shedding light on potential antitumor effects and mechanisms. The findings provide insights into the complex landscape of herbal medicine's impact on a model organism, offering implications for broader applications.

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a commonly used technique for treating lumbar degenerative diseases. Here, we developed a fully computer-supported pipeline to predict the cage height and the degree of lumbar lordosis subtraction from the pelvic incidence (PI-LL) after TLIF surgery through preoperative X-ray images. The automated pipeline included two primary stages. First, a deep learning model was used to extract essential features from X-ray images. Second, five machine learning algorithms were trained to identify the optimal models to predict the interbody cage height and postoperative PI-LL. Lasso regression and support vector regression exhibited superior performance for predicting the interbody cage height and postoperative PI-LL, respectively. For cage height prediction, the root mean square error (RMSE) was calculated as 1.01, and the model achieved the highest accuracy at a height of 12 mm, with exact prediction achieved in 54.43% (43/79) of cases. In most of the remaining cases, the prediction error of the model was within 1 mm. In addition, the model demonstrated adequate performance for predicting PI-LL, with an RMSE of 5.19 and an accuracy of 0.81 for PI-LL stratification. In conclusion, the interbody cage height and postoperative PI-LL can be reliably predicted using artificial intelligence and ML models.

In recent years, the evaluation of many plant-derived compounds as potential new drugs or functional foods has become an active research topic. The characteristics of quinces of the genera Cydonia, Chaenomeles and Pseuocydonia are largely similar, which is why these fruits are often confused. Although they have been appreciated in Asia for centuries as a valuable component of local ethnomedicine, they are less known in Western countries and scientific knowledge about their health benefits remains fragmentary. This literature review presents the bioactive compounds of these fruits with special emphasis on antioxidants. Most space has been devoted to the presentation of the biological activities and potential medical applications of the fruits due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardioprotective and antidiabetic effects.

Improving performance and promoting sustainability in women's handball are key objectives to maximize the potential of female players and ensure the long-term viability of the sport. In this context, training with Olympic movements and their derivatives improves the development of strength, power, and speed, which are determinants of performance in team sports. The aim of this study was to determine if training with Olympic movements produces significant improvements in jumping, throwing, sprinting, and change of direction performance in women handball players. Twenty-one female handball players participated in the study (10 for the control group and 11 for the intervention group). Age ranged from 15 to 17 years. All participants performed four assessment tests (Abalakov Test, throw test, 20-meter Sprint and V-Cut Test) to determine jump height, throwing speed, running speed, and change of direction ability. Measurements were carried out before and after the intervention. For six weeks, the control group performed the strength work established by the club twice a week while the intervention group additionally performed training with Olympic movements. Significant differences (p &lt;0.05) were found between the pre and post measurement of the control group and the intervention group in jump height, throwing speed and running speed, being higher in the intervention group. For the change of direction, no significant differences were found. Between groups, significant differences were observed at the end of the intervention for jump height and running speed. The conclusion of this study was that, by training with Olympic movements, in addition to regular training, could produce greater improvements in jumping performance, throwing speed and running speed in female handball players.

Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi) is recognized as one of the most valuable pelagic resources across the southeast Pacific Ocean. Despite its nutritious properties it is an underused resource due to its rapid spoilage. The use of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) for the processing of aquatic products could be an efficient alternative to cold storage since HHP might inactivate microbial pathogens and slow down spoilage microorganisms, therefore extending the product’s shelf life. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of HHP at 450 and 550 MPa for 3 min on the physicochemical properties of jack mackerel muscle undergoing pre- and post-rigor mortis stage and further storage for 26 days at 4°C. pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, trimethylamine, color, water-holding capacity, and texture were assessed. The proximate composition, pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, trimethylamine, color, water holding capacity, and texture, showed significant changes between untreated and treated samples, while the water holding capacity was virtually unaffected. Overall results showed an acceptable and long-lasting edible quality of Trachurus murphyi stored at 4°C when preserved through HHP. These findings suggest that the HHP might be able to industrially scale the production of highly physicochemical superior and minimally processed fish products.

Pretilachlor is a chloroacetamide herbicide, mainly used for the control of weeds and broadleaf weeds in rice, and widely used in China. For the detection of residues of pretilachlor in the en-vironment and food, a highly sensitive and specific monoclonal antibody against pretilachlor was prepared, and the half maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the monoclonal antibody was validated to be 31.47±2.35 μg/L. An indirect competitive ELISA (ic-ELISA) based on the antibody with a linear range of 6.25~100 μg/L was developed for the detection of pretilachlor residues in the environment and food crops. The specificity of the antibody was explained by computer simula-tions and experimental validation. No cross-reactivity of this monoclonal antibody to alachlor, acetochlor and metalaxyl, and it cross-reacted less than 3.0% to both butachlor and propisochlor. The limits of detection (LOD) for pretilachlor in lake, rice, and soil samples were 4.83~5.23 μg/L. The recoveries of all samples were 78.3%~91.3%. The ic-ELISA method was validated by high-performance liquid chromatography, thus, it can be used for residue detection of pretilachlor in the environment and grains.

Three new compounds (1, 11 and 12), together with 32 known ones, were isolated from the root bark of Morus alba L. using various chromatographic methods. The structures of the undescribed compounds were elucidated based on 1D, 2D NMR and HRESIMS data analysis, while the known ones were identified by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. All the isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against human gastric cancer HGC27 cells by CCK-8 assay. Among them, compounds 5, 8, 10 and 30 exhibited cytotoxic activities on HGC27 cells with IC50 values of 10.24 ± 0.89 μM, 28.94 ± 0.72 μM, 6.08 ± 0.34 μM and 33.76 ± 2.64 μM, respectively. Furthermore, compound 10 was confirmed to reduce proliferation ability, increase apoptosis rate and inhibit cell migration pathway by annexin V/PI double staining experiment, transwell experiment and western blot analysis.

Climate change will pose a challenge for the winemaking sector worldwide, bringing progressively drier and warmer conditions and increasing the frequency and intensity of weather extremes. The short-term adaptation strategy of applying biostimulants through foliar application serves as a crucial measure in mitigating the detrimental effects of environmental stresses on grapevine yield and berry quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of a seaweed based biostimulant (A. nodosum – ANE) and glycine betaine (GB) on berry quality, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and elucidated their action on the secondary metabolism. A trial was installed in a commercial vineyard (cv. ‘Touriga Franca’) in the Cima Corgo (Upper Corgo) sub-region of the Douro Demarcated Region. A total of four foliar sprayings were performed during the growing season: at flowering, pea size, bunch closer, and veraison. There was a positive effect of GB in the berry quality traits. Both ANE and GB increased the synthesis of anthocyanins and other phenolics in berries and influenced the expression of genes related to the synthesis and transport of anthocyanins (CHS, F3H, UFGT, MATE1 and GST). So, they have the potential to act as elicitors of secondary metabolism, leading to improved grape quality, but also sets the foundation for sustainable agricultural practices in the long run.

Osteopontin (OPN)-CD44 signaling plays an important role in promoting tumor progression and metastasis. In cancer, OPN and CD44 overexpression is a marker of aggressive disease and poor prognosis, and correlates with therapy resistance. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the OPN and CD44 genes with clinical outcomes in 307 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. The potential impact of the variants on plasma OPN levels was also inves-tigated. Multivariate analysis showed that OPN rs11730582 CC carriers had a significantly in-creased risk of death (p = 0.029), while the CD44 rs187116 A allele correlated with reduced risk of locoregional recurrence (p = 0.016) in the curative treatment subset. The rs11730582/rs187116 combination was associated with an elevated risk of metastasis in these patients (p = 0.016). Fur-thermore, the OPN rs1126772 G variant alone (p = 0.018) and in combination with rs11730582 CC (p = 7x10-5) was associated with poor OS in the squamous cell carcinoma subgroup. The rs11730582 CC, rs187116 GG and rs1126772 G, as well as their respective combinations, were in-dependent risk factors for unfavorable treatment outcomes. The impact of rs11730582-rs1126772 haplotypes on OS was also observed. These data suggest that OPN and CD44 germline variants may predict treatment effects in NSCLC.

The purpose of these studies was to investigate effect of selenate (Se6), selenized yeast (SeYe) and carnosic acid (CA) supplementation to the diet containing fish oil (F-O) and rapeseed oil (R-O) on contents of fatty acids (FA), malondialdehyde (MDA), tocopherols (Ts) and total cholesterol (TCh) in lambs’ spleens. 24 male lambs (4 groups per 6 animals) have been fed: the control diet - the basal diet (BD) enriched in F-O and R-O; the CA diet - BD enriched in F-O, R-O and CA; the SeYeCA diet - BD enriched in F-O, R-O, CA and SeYe; the Se6CA diet - BD enriched in F-O, R-O, CA and Se6. Dietary modifications affected profiles of FA in spleens. The SeYeCA and Se6CA diets increased the docosapentaenoic acid preference in Δ4-desaturase, hence the higher content of docosahexaenoic acid was found in spleens of SeYe- or Se6-treated lambs than in spleens of animals receiving the CA and control diets. Experimental diets reduced the level of atherogenic FA in the spleen in comparison with the control diet. The experimental diets supplemented with SeYe or Se6 increased levels of TCh and Ts in spleens in comparison with the CA and control CA diets. The present studies documented that Se6, SeYe and CA influenced the metabolism of FA, Ts and cholesterol in spleens.

Folk residence in the cold region of Northeast China is an important part of China's traditional folk residence, with significant geographical representation. In this paper, we take the residential compounds of villages and towns in the cold region of Northeast China as the research object, summarize four typical layout forms of residential compounds of villages and towns in the cold region of Northeast China, simulate the wind environment of compounds of different layout forms in winter by using the computer numerical simulation software Fluent, and then analyze and evaluate the wind environment of compounds by combining with the evaluation standard of wind speed ratio and considering the area of wind shadows, number of vortices and other factors.

Antibiotic-free approaches are more important than ever to deal with the rapidly growing problem of antibiotic resistance. The blue light 460nm (BL460nm) has been shown to effectively attenuate Staphylococcus aureus to chemical and physical agents through photolysis of the bacterial virulence factor Staphyloxanthin. However, the phototherapy using BL640nm has yet to be investigated in detail for its safety in eradicating Staphylococcus aureus in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we used a LED source producing a continuous wavelength of 460 nm along with hydrogen peroxide to treat S. aureus in culturing conditions and a wound abrasion mouse model. The results proved the safety of the combined therapy when it did not modify the bacterial virulence factors or the susceptibility to the widely used antibiotics. In addition, the experimental results on the mouse skin infection model also showed that the combined therapy is safe to apply to mouse skin and that it did not cause adverse skin irritation. Furthermore, the therapy can help Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds heal with efficacy comparable to the topical antibiotic Fucidin. The above results suggest that the combination therapy of 460nm blue light and hydrogen peroxide can be safely used as an alternative to or adjunct to antibiotics in treating S. aureus-infected wounds.

Based upon a radically new approach, this paper describes a 2-box absolute flow model that calculates the CO₂ transfer between the atmosphere and a terrestrial / ocean mixing reservoir. Given the inputs of anthropogenic fossil fuel emissions (CO2ff), atmospheric CO₂ mixing-ratio and nuclear weapons bomb yields, the model calculates atmospheric d¹³C and Δ¹⁴C time-series, with the level of agreement for d¹³C being to within ± 0.05 ‰, for Δ¹⁴C to within ± 3‰, spanning 200 years. The model contains only seven internal parameters which are varied to optimize the fit. Yet according to conventional wisdom, this model should not work. It is commonly held that the ¹³C and ¹⁴C isotopic forms of carbon bypass seawater carbonate chemistry, resulting in very different absorption properties (Revelle factor) as compared to ¹²C. This study rejects this assumption, and uses the same residence time and reservoir mixing properties for all isotopes. The paper includes an analysis justifying why the isotopic bypass of the Revelle factor is not significant. The study describes the use of the model to track CO2ff takeup using two separate measures, a) the amount of molecular CO2ff remaining in the atmosphere and b) the amount of atmospheric growth attributable to CO2ff, thereby resolving discrepancies in published values.

The concentrations and fluxes of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) were examined in the hydrological cycle (bulk, throughfall deposition and percolation water), litterfall and soils in a maquis broadleaved evergreen forest stand in western Greece. It was found that the enrichment of As in the atmosphere was both due to suspended geogenic material and long range transfer, whereas for Cd the long range transfer was the predominant way for deposition in the ecosystem. Three models were assessed to find the volumes of percolation water and therefore the fluxes of As and Cd in the water that leave the ecosystem permanently. When calculating the total amounts of the heavy metals in soils, the statistical uncertainty derived from every soil layer has to be taken into account.

The Chiltan Formation is a potential hydrocarbon-producing reservoir in the Indus Basin, Pakistan. However, its diagenetic alterations and heterogeneous behavior lead to significant challenges in accurately characterizing the reservoir and production performance. This manuscript aims to utilize Chiltan Limestone core samples to conduct a detailed analysis of the diagenetic impacts on reservoir quality. The formation evaluation was carried out through thin section analysis, SEM-EDS and FTIR investigation, as well as plug porosity and permeability measurements under different stress conditions. In results, Petrography revealed three microfacies with distinct diagenetic features and micro-nano fossil assemblages, including intraclasts, pelloids, bioclasts, and stylolites. Diagenesis has a significant impact on petrophysical properties, leading to increased reservoir heterogeneity. The specified depositional environment exposed the alteration of the Chiltan formation during distinct diagenetic phases in marine, meteoric, and burial settings. Pore morphology and mineralogy reveals complex micro-pore structure with various carbonate mineral phases and cement types in the formation samples. The average porosity and permeability of the core samples were found to be 3.4% and 0.449 mD respectively, indicating poor reservoir quality. Stress sensitivity was determined using Klinkenberg corrected permeability, which indicated a reduction in measured and absolute permeability due to increasing confining stress, further reducing the pore throat structure of the formation. In conclusion, the Chiltan formation possesses intricate reservoir heterogeneity and varied micro-pore structure caused by diagenesis and depositional settings. The formation is classified as a low-quality reservoir due to its non-uniform pore geometry, which exhibits low petrophysical properties resulting from overburden stress. The results of this study provide solid foundation in reservoir characterization and quality assessment which has implications for exploring and exploitation of indigenous resources.

Background: As the impacts of diabetes-induced reproductive damage are now evident in young people, we are now in an urgent need to devise new ways to protect and enhance the reproductive health of diabetic people. The purpose of this study was to assess the protective impact of enalapril (an ACE inhibitor) and paricalcitol (a vitamin D analogue) alone and in combination, on streptozotocin (STZ) diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction in rats. Material and methods: This study was carried on 50 male Sprague-Dawley rats; 10 normal rats were allocated as non-diabetic control group. 40 rats developed diabetes after receiving a single dose of STZ, then the diabetic rats were divided into four groups of equivalent number assigned as diabetic control, enalapril treated, paricalcitol treated, in addition to combined enalapril and paricalcitol treated groups. The effects of mono and combined therapy with paricalcitol and enalapril on testicular functions, sperm activity, glycemic state oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters as well as histopathological examination were assessed when compared to the normal and diabetic control rats. Results: As a result of diabetes induction, epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, serum levels of testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) as well as luteinizing hormone (LH) and the antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly decreased, while abnormal sperm (%), insulin resistance, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were significantly increased, along with sever distortion of testicular structure. Interestingly, treatment with paricalcitol and enalapril either alone or in combination significantly improved the sperm parameters, increased antioxidant enzyme activities in addition to serum levels of testosterone, FSH and LH, reduced insulin resistance, IL-6 and TNF-α levels and finally ameliorated the diabetes-induced testicular oxidative stress and histopathological damage with somewhat superior effect for paricalcitol monotherapy and combined therapy with both drugs than monotherapy with enalapril alone. Conclusion: Monotherapy with paricalcitol and its combination therapy with enalapril has a somewhat superior effect in improving the diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction (most probably as a result of their hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties), than monotherapy with enalapril alone in male rats, recommending a synergistic impact of both drugs.

The resistance of Candida spp to fluconazole is a serious problem; Therefore, it must be investigated to expand the understanding of the phenomenon with a view to its clinical applicability. The aim was to evaluate the expression of ERG3, ERG11, CDR1, and SNQ2 genes involving computational analysis. Relative expression was quantified by RT-qPCR. Metrics were obtained by molecular docking and through Fisher's discriminant functions, a predictive classification against susceptibility to fluconazole was performed. The expression of ERG3, CDR1, and SNQ2 genes was higher in resistant strains than in dose-dependent sensitive strains. The gene with the highest expression in strains exposed to fluconazole was CDR1 and, in both resistant and dose-dependent sensitive strains exposed to fluconazole, the ERG11 gene had lower expression. The molecular docking model generated lower median fluconazole-ERG11 contacts than the median fluconazole-ERG3, -CDR1, and -SNQ2 contacts. The predicted classification through the multivariate model for fluconazole sensitivity obtained an accuracy of 73.5%. Resistant strains had a significant expression of CDR1, SNQ2 and ERG3 genes, compared to a comparatively low expression of ERG11. Molecular analysis identified a low affinity between fluconazole and its drug target, which may explain a lower intrinsic susceptibility of the fungus.

The aim of this work is the study of genome organization and metabolic potential of Streptomyces carpaticus strain SCPM-O-B-9993, promising plant-protecting and plant-stimulating strain isolated from brown semi-desert soils with a very high degree of salinity. The genome of the strain contains of a linear chromosome of 5,968,715 bp and has no plasmids. Gene clusters of production of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties (ohmyungsamycin, pellasoren, naringenin, ansamycin) were identified in the genome. The strain SCPM-O-B-9993 has antiviral activity against cucumber mosaic virus on tomatoes under laboratory conditions.

In the current industrial revolution, advanced technologies and methods can be effectively utilized for the detection and verification of defects in high-speed steel filament production. This paper introduces an innovative methodology for the precise detection and verification of micro surface defects found in steel filaments through the application of the Eddy current principle. Permanent magnets are employed to generates a magnetic field with high frequency surrounding a coil of sensor positioned at the filament's output end. The sensor's capacity to detect defects is validated through a meticulous rewinding process, followed by a thorough analysis involving scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Artificial defects were intentionally introduced into a sample, and their amplitudes were monitored to establish a threshold value. The amplitude signal of these created defect was identified at approximately 10% FSH, which corresponds to a crack depth of about 20 µm. In the experimental production of 182 samples covering 38 km, the defect ratio was notably high, standing at 26.37%. These defects appeared randomly along the length of the samples. The verification results underscore the exceptional precision achieved in the detection of micro surface defects within steel filaments. These defects were primarily characterized by longitudinal scratches and inclusions containing physical tungsten carbide.

Zooplankton and ichthyoplankton community assessments depend on species diagnostics, yet morphological identifications are time consuming, require taxonomic expertise, and are hampered by lack of diagnostic characters –particularly for larval stages. Metabarcoding can identify multiple species in communities from short DNA sequences in comparison to reference databases. To evaluate species resolution across phylogenetic groups and food webs of zooplankton and ichthyoplankton, we compare five metabarcode mitochondrial (mt)DNA markers from gene regions of (a)cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, (b) cytochrome b, (c) 16S ribosomal RNA, and (d) 12S ribosomal RNA for DNA extracted from net tows in the Northeastern Pacific Ocean’s Salish Sea across seven sites and two seasons. Species resolved by metabarcoding are compared to invertebrate morphological identifications and biomass estimates. Results indicate that species resolution for different zooplankton and ichthyoplankton taxa can markedly vary among gene regions and markers, and in comparison to morphological identifications. Thus, researchers seeking “universal” metabarcoding should take caution that several markers and gene regions likely will be needed; all will miss some taxa and yield incomplete overlap. Species resolution requires careful attention to taxon marker selection and coverage in reference sequence repositories. In summary, combined multi-marker metabarcode and morphological approaches improve broadscale zooplankton diagnostics.

The interrelatedness of social-structural aspects and psychological features with the vaccination intention provides the context to explore personal psychological fea-tures related to general decision-making and vaccine-related dispositions, and their contribution to the intention to vaccinate, within post-pandemic circumstances, after the imposed possibility of choosing a vaccine brand. The aim of our study was to map the function (promotive, protective, risk, vulnerability) of a set of psychological aspects in the intention to vaccinate, in people with different social roles regarding the vaccination. We surveyed three samples of people: healthcare providers (HPs), parents, and lay people, within the context of the after-pandemic. Negative vaccine attitudes lower intention to vaccinate in all regression models (all βs ranging from -.128 to -.983, all ps < .01). The main results indicate that, regardless of the sam-ple/social role, there is a shared attitudinal core for positive vaccination intention. This core consists of [high] trust in large corporations, government, and healthcare systems, as well as perceived consensus on vaccine safety/efficacy and experience of freedom (protective factors), and [low] vaccination conspiracy beliefs, trust in social media, and choice overload (risk and vulnerability factors, respectively). There are no common promotive factors of intention to vaccinate; for parents, perceived consensus on vaccines, and trust in corporations and the healthcare system play such roles, for HPs experience of freedom is obtained as a unique promotive factor. In contrast, for laypeople, no unique promotive factors were found. These results and guidelines for the promotion of positive vaccination behavior are further discussed.

The real long-term influences of in utero drug exposure in pregnant women on childhood development have yet to be fully determined and depend on the duration of in utero drug exposure and maternal drug levels. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) during pregnancy may help limit fetal drug exposure while maintaining therapeutic drug levels in maternal blood. Most antibody therapies used in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are IgG molecules which are actively transported across the placenta, especially during the third trimester of the pregnancy. Here we propose an up to date clinical review to summarize the available findings of serum drug levels in maternal blood during pregnancy, in the blood cord, infants at delivery and in breast milk of patients with IBD treated with biologics. Conversely to adalimumab (ADA) levels, which are relatively stable during pregnancy, infliximab (IFX) drug clearance decreased significantly during the second and third trimesters, leading to increasing maternal IFX concentrations. As most guidelines recommend using live vaccines in infants at the age of one or earlier in case of negative serum drug levels in newborns, statistical models could help clinicians in making a decision to adjust the last dose of the biologic during pregnancy and to determine the optimal date to vaccinate. Altogether, data from the literature offers strong reassurance regarding the safety profile of anti-TNFα therapies during pregnancy not only for IBD patients who intend to conceive, but also for pregnant women and for the physicians taking care of these patients. ADA and IFX levels in breast milk are detectable but very low and therefore it is recommended to pursue breast feeding under anti-TNFα therapy. Our knowledge on ustekinumab or vedolizumab levels in pregnant women remains unclear and scarce. It is currently not recommended in patients with IBD in clinical practice. Therefore, TDM and proactive dose adjustment are not necessary during pregnancy since its impact for making a clinical decision have not yet been clearly demonstrated in routine practice. Overall, drug concentrations in the blood cord, the infant at birth and postpartum serum concentrations in infants, due to active placental drug transfer, may have a greater impact than the limited drug transfer in breast milk during lactation on the risk of infection and developmental outcomes. Ustekinumab and vedolizumab exposure during pregnancy and lactation are both considered low risk by the recent ECCO guidelines despite the limited data currently available.

Third-generation biomass production utilizing microalgae exhibits sustainable and environmentally friendly attributes, along with significant potential as a source of physiologically active compounds. However, the process of screening and localizing strains that are capable of producing high-value-added substances necessitates a significant amount of effort. In the present study, we have successfully isolated the indigenous marine diatom Odontella aurita OAOSH22 from the East coast of Korea. Subsequently, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of its morphological, molecular, and biochemical characteristics. Afterwards, comprehensive analysis was conducted on the morphological, molecular, and biochemical characteristics, along with testing for optimal growth conditions. The morphological characteristics of the isolate were observed using optical and electron microscopes, and it exhibited typical features of O. aurita. Additionally, the molecular phylogenetic inference derived from the sequence of the small-subunit 18S rDNA confirmed the classification of the microalgal strain as O. aurita. This isolate has been confirmed to contain 7.1 mg g-1 dry cell weight (DCW) of fucoxanthin, a powerful antioxidant substance, in terms of dry cell weight (DCW). In addition, this isolate contains 11.1 mg g-1 DCW of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is one of the nutritionally essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, this indigenous isolate exhibits a significant potential as a valuable source of bioactive substances for various bio-industrial applications.

To understand the molecular mechanism underlying yellowing in pineapples during ripening, coupled with alterations in fruit quality, comprehensive metabolome and transcriptome investigations were carried out. These investigations were conducted using the pulp samples collected at three distinct stages of maturity: young fruit (YF), mature fruit (MF), and fully mature fruit (FMF). This study revealed a noteworthy increase in the levels of total phenols and flavones, coupled with a concurrent decline in lignin and total acid content, as the fruit transitioned from YF to FMF. Furthermore, the analysis yielded 167 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and 2194 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis based on DAMs and DEGs revealed that the biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites, particularly the flavonol, flavonoid, and phenypropanoid pathways, plays a pivotal role in fruit yellowing. Additionally, a comprehensive regulatory network encompassing genes that contribute to metabolisms of flavones, flavonols, lignin, and organic acids was proposed. This network sheds light on the intricate processes that underlies fruit yellowing and quality alterations. These findings enhance our understanding of the regulatory pathways governing pineapple ripening and offer valuable scientific insight into the molecular breeding of pineapples.

We aimed to develop a non-linear regression model that could predict the fat fraction of the liver (USFF), similar to magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF), based on quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters. We measured and retrospectively collected the ultrasound attenuation coefficient (AC), backscatter-distribution coefficient (BSC-D), and liver stiffness (LS) using shear wave elastography (SWE) in 90 patients with clinically suspected non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and 51 patients with clinically suspected metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The MRI-PDFF was also measured in all patients within a month of the ultrasound scan. In the linear regression analysis, only AC and BSC-D showed a significant association with MRI-PDFF. Therefore, we developed prediction models using non-linear least-squares analysis to estimate MRI-PDFF based on the AC and BSC-D parameters. We fitted the models on the NAFLD dataset and evaluated their performance in 3-fold cross-validation repeated five times. We decided to use the model based on both parameters to estimate the ultrasound fat fraction (USFF). The correlation between USFF and MRI-PDFF was strong in NAFLD and very strong in MAFLD. According to a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, USFF could differentiate between <5% vs. ≥ 5% and < 10% vs. ≥ 10% MRI-PDFF steatosis with excellent, 0.97 and 0.91 area under the curve (AUC) accuracy in the NAFLD and with AUCs of 0.99 and 0.96 in the MAFLD groups. In conclusion, USFF calculated from QUS parameters is an accurate method to quantify liver fat fraction and to diagnose ≥ 5% and ≥ 10% steatosis in both NAFLD and MAFLD. Therefore, USFF can be an ideal non-invasive screening tool for patients with NAFLD and MAFLD risk factors.

The objective of this was to evaluate the effects of organic fertilization on biomass production in Urochloa spp. pastures, and the soil biological and physical properties in the Colombian Amazon region. Three pastures crops (Urochloa decumbens, Urochloa humidicola and Urochloa brizantha) with 5 years old were examined in a hill landscape. A randomized complete blocks design covering an area of 5005 m2, with 1 m separation between units to minimize edge effects. Highly significant differences in Urochloa spp. biomass production were observed before and after organic fertilization (i.e., initial time: 992.19±97.66 kg DM ha-1 vs. final time: 1920.94±155.44 kg DM ha-1 vs.), but not between different fertilization treatments. The interaction between the treatment and time was significant for total density (p=0.0300) and richness (p=0.0300) of soil macrofauna. Furthermore, the interaction between treatment and soil depth was significant for bulk density (p=0.0187). The linear mixed effects analysis showed that soil bulk density and penetration resistance were lower in 0 - 10 cm depth than that observed in 10 - 20 depth and 20 - 30 cm depth. Overall, the application of organic fertilizers had a significant and positive effect on Urochloa spp. forage biomass and on the physical and biological properties of soils that had historically been affected by extensive livestock farming in a deforested hill landscape in the Colombian Amazon region.

Mining activities often generate important amounts of extractive waste, and as a consequence, environmental impacts that affects all factors to a greater or lesser extent. Depending on a variety of variables, the impact can be permanent or temporary, reversible or irreversible, negative or positive. This study conducted research on the status of closure and remediation processes of mining areas in Romania, specifically in the counties of Maramureș, Suceava, Harghita, Alba, Hunedoara, and Caraș-Severin. Furthermore, based on the type and level of pollution, the degree of application of remediation techniques for water and soil pollution in the investigated mining areas was studied. From the analysed information, it is evident that although the closure and remediation process started in Romania over 20 years ago, unfortunately, to this day, the technical projects, technical assistance, and execution of closure and remediation works have not yet completely solved the complex environmental issues in the mining sector. Most of the tailing ponds and waste piles of former mines continue to pose permanent specific risk to the environment and the population. This study concludes that the mining sector in Romania, although it has the necessary techniques and technologies for the ecological rehabilitation of degraded lands related to the Extractive Waste Facilities and the elimination of negative impacts on the environment and public health, has not yet been able to fully concretize its remediation efforts.

Aim: Complementary effects of dabigatran etexilate (DE), exercise training (ET) and combination (DE+ET) on the development and composition of the atherosclerotic lesions in diabetic apoE knockout (apoE-/-) mice. Methods: In 48 male apoE-/- diabetic mice, streptozotocin (STZ) was induced for 5 consecutive days. Mice received figh-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks and were randomized into 4 groups (1.Control/CG, 2.DEG: HFD with DE, 3.ETG: ET on treadmill, 4.DE+ETG: Combination DE and ET treatment). At the end of 8th week, all mice were euthanatized and morphometry of the aortic lesions at the level of aortic valve was obtained. Collagen, elastin, TNF-a, MCP-1, matrix-metalloproteinases (MMP-2,-3,-9), and TIMP-1 concentration within plaques at aortic valve were determined. Results: All active groups had significantly smaller aorta stenosis (DEG:7.9±2.2%, ETG:17.3±5.3%, DE+ETG:7.1±2.7%) compared to CG (23.3±5.5% p&lt;0.05), reduced the relative intra-plaque concentrations of macrophages, MCP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9, and considerably increased collagen, elastin and TIMP-1 (p&lt;0.05). Group 4 showed the most pronounced results (p&lt;0.05). Both DEG and DE+ETG significantly reduced MMP-2 and TNF-a concentrations compared to ETG and CG (p&lt;0.010). Conclusion: DE and ET treatment in diabetic apoE-/- mice showed complementary amelioration of atherosclerotic lesions development and stability, mediated by the anti-inflammatory modulation of both DE and ET.