Breast cancer (BC) ranks among the most prevalent cancers diagnosed in women. Its treatment necessitates precision tailored to the cancer's genetic makeup for enhanced efficacy. Research has been directed towards natural compounds for their anti-BC properties, aiming to augment existing treatment modalities. Chromolaena tacotana (Klatt) R.M. King and H. Rob, commonly referred to as Ch. tacotana, is a notable source of bioactive hydroxy-methylated flavonoids. However, the specific anti-BC mechanisms of these flavonoids, particularly those present in the plant's inflorescences, remain partly undefined. This study focuses on assessing a chalcone derivative extracted from Ch. tacotana inflorescences for its potential to concurrently activate regulated autophagy and intrinsic apoptosis in Luminal A and triple-negative BC cells. We determined the chemical composition of the chalcone using ultraviolet (UV) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Its selective cytotoxicity against BC cell lines was assessed using the MTT assay. Flow cytometry and western blot analysis were employed to examine the modulation of proteins governing autophagy and the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Additionally, in silico simulations were conducted to predict interactions between the chalcone and various anti-apoptotic proteins, including the mTOR protein. The chalcone was identified as 2',4-dihydroxy-4',6'-dimethoxy-chalcone (DDC), also known as Flavokavain C (FKC). This compound demonstrated selective inhibition of BC cell proliferation and triggered autophagy and intrinsic apoptosis. It induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and altered mitochondrial outer membrane potential (∆ψm). The study observed the activation of autophagic LC3-II and mitochondrial pro-apoptotic proteins in both BC cell lines. The regulation of Bcl-XL and Bcl-2 proteins varied according to BC subtype, yet they showed promising molecular interactions with DDC. Among the examined pro-survival proteins, mTOR and Mcl-1 exhibited the most favorable binding energies and were downregulated in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Further research is needed to fully understand the molecular dynamics involved in the activation and interaction of autophagy and apoptosis pathways in cancer cells in response to potential anticancer agents like the hydroxy-methylated flavonoids from Ch. tacotana.

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused one of the worst global pandemics in recent decades. It has disrupted education systems worldwide, leading to a forced shift from traditional face-to-face to blended or fully distanced learning, requiring a higher level of student readiness for self-directed learning (SDL) and a more internal locus of control (LOC). Objective: This study explored the relationship between locus of control and level of readiness for SDL among Saudi nursing students and whether the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted this relation-ship. Methods: a cross-sectional correlational descriptive study was conducted to survey 277 Saudi nursing students enrolled in the bachelor program at one of the reputable universities in Saudi Arabia. An E-questionnaire containing two scales, the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale for Nursing Education, and the Locus of Control Scale, was used to collect data in addition to the selected participants’ characteristics. Results: Nursing students had a moderate-to-low level of readiness for SDL (mean = 144.0), and the majority had an external LOC. There was a significant association between the locus of control and level of readiness for self-directed learning (r = 0.19*, p = 0.001), and the internal locus of control was more significantly associated with self-directed learning (r = 0.22*, p = 0.0001) than with external locus of control. Conclusion: The study findings indicate a propensity of respondents towards an external locus of control, whereas most of the respondents’ reported levels of readiness ranged between low and moderate across all dimensions of self-directed learning. This study was not registered.

In this article, the research team has systematically developed a method to model the kinematics and dynamics of a 3-wheeled robot subjected to external disturbances and sideways wheel sliding. These models will be used to design control laws that compensate for wheel slippage, model uncertainties, and external disturbances. These are control algorithms developed based on Dynamic Surface Control (DSC). Adaptive trajectory tracking DSC algorithm using fuzzy logic system (AFDSC) and radial neural network (RBFNN) with fuzzy logic system to overcome the disadvantages of DSC and expand the application domain for wheeled Mobile Robots (WMR). However, this Adaptive Fuzzy Neural Network Dynamic Surface Control (AFNNDSC) adaptive controller ensures the closed system is stable and follows the preset trajectory in the presence of wheel slippage model uncertainty and is affected by significant amplitude disturbances. The stability and convergence of the closed-loop system are guaranteed based on the Lyapunov analysis. The AFNNDSC adaptive controller is evaluated by simulation on MATLAB/Simulink software and in a steady state. The maximum position error on the right wheel and left wheel is 0.000572 (m) and 0.000523 (m), and the angular velocity tracking error in the right and left wheels of the control method is 0.000394 (rad/s). The experimental results show the correctness of the theoretical analysis, the effectiveness of the proposed controller, and the possibility of practical application.

This study aimed to identify and categorize the influencing factors on the purchase of dairy products among customers of dairy companies in Mashhad city. This study is a mixed research (qualitative and quantitative), conducted with the aim of identifying and categorizing the influencing factors on consumers’ purchase. Therefore, the theoretical foundations were examined in the initial step, after which the customers and their needs and demands were addressed in terms of the company and its products. In the qualitative part, interviews were conducted in the focus group (23 people in 5 groups) to identify and extract these factors using the theme analysis technique. The reliability of the interviews was confirmed by retesting and the reliability between two encoders. Sixty themes (factors) that affected the purchase of dairy products were collected. In quantitative part, 517 questionnaires were collected from 13 regions of Mashhad city to perform statistic tests. A questionnaire was designed using the extracted themes in the previous (qualitative) stage to assess customers’ feedback. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by content and structure validity (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis), and its reliability was checked by Cronbach’s alpha. Fourteen components were obtained by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, after which the variables were labeled as intrinsic, psychological, and personality factors, the identity of the company, production power of the company, competitive power of the company, competitive prices, social awareness, and store capabilities. The construct validity was confirmed using confirmatory factors.

Objective: To investigate whether impaired plantar cutaneous vibration perception contributes to axial motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and whether anti-parkinsonian medication and subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS), show different effects. Methods: Three groups were tested: PD patients on medication (PD-MED), PD patients on medication and additional STN-DBS (PD-MED–DBS), and healthy subjects (HS) as reference. Motor performance was analyzed using a pressure distribution platform. Plantar cutaneous vibration perception thresholds (VPT) were investigated using a customized vibration exciter at 30 Hz. Results: Motor performance of PD-MED and PD-MED–DBS was characterized by greater postural sway, smaller limits of stability ranges, and slower gait, due to shorter strides, fewer steps per minute, and broader stride widths compared to HS. Comparing patient groups, PD-MED–DBS showed better overall motor performance than PD-MED, particularly for the functional limits of stability and gait. VPTs were significantly higher for PD-MED compared to HS, which suggests impaired plantar cutaneous vibration perception in PD. However, PD-MED–DBS showed less impaired cutaneous vibration perception than PD-MED. Conclusion: PD patients suffer from poor motor performance compared to healthy subjects. Anti-parkinsonian medication in conjunction with STN-DBS seems to be superior for normalizing axial motor symptoms compared to medication alone. Plantar cutaneous vibration perception is impaired in PD patients, whereas anti-parkinsonian medication together with STN-DBS is superior for normalizing tactile cutaneous perception compared to medication alone. Consequently, based on our results and the findings of the literature impaired plantar cutaneous vibration perception might contribute to axial motor symptoms in PD.

Cocoa beans of the CCN-51 clone harvested in the Tumaco region (Nariño, Colombia) were fermented following four different treatments: (1) spontaneously (at room temperature for 120 h) in traditional conditions (Control); (2) traditional processing with a pre-drying (sun-dried for 24 h) treatment (PD); (3) with fermentation (for 120 h) after inoculation of a yeast starter culture (YS); and (4) including both treatments, pre-drying and yeast inoculation (PD+YS). Chemical composition, fatty acids, total polyphenol, methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine) and lactic acid content of cocoa beans were determined. Chemical and fatty acid composition and theobromine content were not affected by the different fermentation treatment applied. When analysing total polyphenol content, YS and PD+YS treatments significantly increased the content of these compounds at the end of the fermentation process, while PD treatment decreased the caffeine content of cocoa beans. Finally, lactic acid content decreased as a consequence of both inoculation of yeast starter and mainly the pre-drying treatment. In conclusion, solar pre-drying in the open air and the inoculation of a yeast starter treatments could improve the final quality of coca beans.

Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP), defined as pain persisting for at least 12 weeks, is a significant public health issue, with prevalence intensifying due to an ageing global population, amassing approximately 619 million cases in 2020 and projected to escalate to 843 million by 2050. Given the multitude of therapeutic modalities available for CLBP, this research sought to ascertain their respective efficacies in ameliorating pain and disability. We specifically scrutinized Multidisciplinary Biopsychosocial Rehabilitation (MBR) among adults enduring non-specific low back pain for over 12 weeks, excluding acute pain conditions and pre-study surgical interventions. MBR is an approach encompassing various modalities, including exercise, behavioral therapies, educational programs, and work conditioning aspects, necessitating a comprehensive Network Meta-Analysis (NMA) to fully grasp the extensive scope of its impact. The constructed network comprised diverse MBR modalities (behavioral, educational, and work conditioning) alongside exercise therapy (ET), minimal intervention, and usual care, serving as controls with pain and disability as outcomes. Through the analysis of 4,619 initially identified studies, 93 were included, encompassing a total of 8,059 participants. The NMA conducted substantiated that both ET and MBR modalities were notably effective in alleviating CLBP, with education-oriented MBR emerging as the most efficacious for pain mitigation and behavior-focused MBR for disability reduction. Nevertheless, the discerned differences amongst the treatments were minimal and uncertain, highlighting that no modality was definitively superior to the others. The analysis revealed low global and local inconsistency within the network, underscoring the reliability of the observed outcomes. Given the intricate nature of CLBP, embodying various facets, our findings advocate for a combined therapeutic approach to optimize treatment efficacy. Nonetheless, the presence of high study heterogeneity and potential biases necessitates cautious interpretation of the results, prompting future research.

Eurytoma erythrinae Gates & Delvare (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), is an important biological control agent of the erythrina gall wasp (EGW), Quadrastichus erythrinae Kim (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an invasive species native likely originating in eastern Africa, that is a threat to Erythrina trees in Hawaii and worldwide. Thousands of Erythrina trees in Hawaii succumbed to EGW since 2005 and died within few years of infestation. The endemic wiliwili tree, Erythrina sandwicensis, an important component of Hawaii’s dry forests, and one of few deciduous native trees were severely impacted by this wasp. Early during the invasion by EGW it became evident that the endemic species may be driven to extinction, and exploration programs for natural enemies of the EGW started in December 2005. East Africa was selected as the start point for natural enemy exploration owing to high native Erythina species richness. Several gall formers were found in Tanzania and a putative color variant type of Q. erythrinae was detected in association with three ectoparasitoids. During January 2006, the dominant parasitoid of this gall former was introduced to Hawaii and described as the new species, E. erythrinae. It was found in Ghana, and South Africa attacking other gall wasp species on Erythrina. Eurytoma erythrinae was a voracious ectoparasitoid feeding as a predator on 1 – 5 adjacent EGW immatures to complete its development. Host specificity studies that included seven non-target gall-forming species showed no evidence of attraction or parasitism by this parasitoid. Mean ± SEM longevity of host deprived females (40.4 ± 2.2 days) was significantly higher than males (20.5 ± 1.1 days). Host feeding enhanced longevity of ovipositing female (51.3 ± 1.5 days). Female’s peak fecundity (105 – 239 offspring /female), host feeding biology, short life cycle (18.4 ± 0.1 days), and synchronization with the host, were additional desirable attributes of E. erythrinae. The parasitoid was approved for field release in Hawaii in November 2008. A total of 3998 wasps were distributed on six Hawaiian Islands, with establishment in less than a year. Impacts on high density infestations of EGW were sufficient to prevent tree deaths. Limited rates of parasitism on low density galled leaves, flowers, and seedpods necessitated the consideration for releasing a second parasitoid, Aprostocetus nitens (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). We report on the reproductive characteristics, and host specificity of E. erythinae that could be of importance for classical biocontrol programs in areas with EGW problem.

Introduction: The coronary flow reserve (CFR) is a sign of early-stage coronary artery disease (CAD). Plasma atherogenic index (PAI) is related to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular mortality. Therefore, our aim was to determine CFR and PAI in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and investigate whether PAI can be used in the detection of early-stage CAD. Material and Methods: The sample was comprised of 44 patients with PTHT and 33 healthy volunteers. We defined CFR as the ratio of the hyperemic diastolic peak velocity to the baseline diastolic peak velocity. PAI values were calculated with the formula of log 10 triglyceride (TRG) / high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Result: The comparison of the groups for PAI and CFR demonstrated that PAI levels were significantly higher while CFR levels were significantly lower in the PTHT patients (p<0.01, p=0.01, respectively). The correlation analysis revealed that CFR was negatively correlated with PAI and TRG (PAI- p<0.0001 r=-0.537).The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only a high PAI level (OR: 151.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.1-5480, p=0.006) was an independent predictor of reduction in CFR in PHPT patients. Conclusion: Overall, we found an independent correlation between PAI and CFR values. Hence, PAI may be useful in identifying PHPT patients facing a high risk of adverse cardiovascular events and may also allow early diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Current food production methods and consumption behaviours are unsustainable and contribute to environmental harm. One example is food waste  around 38% of food produced is wasted each year. Here, we show that two common food waste products, wheat bran and brewer’s spent grain, can successfully be upcycled via miso fermentation. During the fermentation process, kokumi g-glutamyl peptides, known to increase mouthfulness, are produced; these include g-ECG (oxidized), g-EVG, g-EV, g-EE, g-EF, and g-EL. The profiles of kokumi peptides and volatile aroma compounds are correlated with koji substrate, pH, and enzymatic activity, offering straightforward parameters that can be manipulated for increasing the abundance of kokumi peptides during the fermentation process. Correlation analysis demonstrates that some volatile aroma compounds, such as fatty acid ethyl esters, are correlated with kokumi peptide abundance and may be responsible for the fatty, greasy, and buttery aroma. Consumer sensory analysis conveys that the bitter taste of vegetables, such as that in endives, can be dampened when miso extract containing kokumi peptides is added. This suggests that kokumi peptides, along with aroma volatile compounds, can enhance the overall flavor in plant-based products. This study opens new opportunities for cereal processing by-product upcycling via fermentation, ultimately having the potential to promote a plant-based diet.

This study examines the DCMA concerning the future risk of the water security status. We considered three risk factors: population growth, economic growth, and natural water supply demand differences. In the risk analysis part, we consulted with experts from several sectors including academia, Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs), and industry, to predict that the probability of future water stresses in high, medium, and low scenarios are 0.73, 0.24, and 0.03, respectively. In the decision analysis part, we adopted two Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approaches that include Multiple Attribute Value Theory (MAVT) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods to evaluate the best alternative decision to alleviate future water stresses in the DCMA. The sensitivity analysis demonstrates the best option closely connects to the weighting scheme of the criteria considered in the framework. This study provides a valuable risk and decision analysis framework to analyze the water security status associated with the future water supply and demand gap decrease caused by three risk factors: population growth, climate change, and natural water supply.

In our previous published papers, considering 3 large atomic gravitational constants assumed to be associated with weak, strong and electromagnetic interactions, we have proposed the existence of a nuclear charge of magnitude, e_n=2.95e and developed a nuclear mass formula associated with strong and weak interactions having 4 simple terms and only one energy coefficient. Two important assumptions are, there exists a weak fermion of rest energy 585 GeV and strong coupling constant is the squared ratio of electromagnetic charge and nuclear charge. The aim of this paper is associated with understanding the mystery of quantum of magnetic flux, Planck’s quantum radiation constant and Reduced Planck’s constant. Proceeding further, quark charges, strong coupling constant, nuclear stability, nuclear binding energy, medium and heavy atomic X-ray levels and celestial magnetic moments can be understood in a unified approach. It may also be noted that, by considering integral nature of elementary particle masses, it seems possible to understand the discreteness of angular momentum. Considering our proposed e_n=2.95e=3e as a characteristic nuclear charge, it seems possible to understand the integral nature of quarks electromagnetic charge. With this idea, neutron, proton and pions decay can be understood very easily. In all the cases, up quark of charge (±2e) seems to play a crucial role with the internal transformation of down quark of charge (±e) and external observable elementary basic elementary particles. It needs further study at fundamental level.

Floods are some of the most devastating crop disasters in Southeast Asia. The Pampanga River Basin in the Philippines is a representative flood-prone area, where cultivation patterns are varied according to the flood risk. However, quantitative analyses on the effects of flooding on cultivation patterns remain quite limited. Accordingly, this study analyzes MODIS LAI data (MCD15A2H) from 2007 to 2022 to evaluate annual and geographical differences in cultivation patterns in the Candaba municipality of the basin. The analysis consists of two stages of hierarchical clustering: a first stage for area classification and a second stage for the classification of annual LAI dynamics. As a result, Candaba is divided into four areas, which are found to be partly consistent with the observed flood risk. Subsequently, the annual LAI dynamics in each area are divided into two or three clusters. The obvious differences among the clusters are caused by flooding in the late rainy season, delaying the start of planting in the dry season. The clusters also indicate that the cultivation patterns slightly changed over the 16 years of the study period. The results of this study suggest that the two-stage clustering approach provides an effective tool for the analysis of MODIS LAI data when considering cultivation patterns characterized by annual and geographical differences.

The Internet of Things (IoT) aims to connect all objects and facilitate data interchange, with data accuracy being paramount. While IoT has seen extensive adoption in conventional sectors, its application in the petroleum industry, especially with downhole equipment, poses challenges due to the extreme high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, making accurate measurements elusive. This Paper we aim to enhance the accuracy of downhole pressure measurements in slim-hole drilling parameter monitoring, mitigate the temperature influences on strain gauges, and surmount the intrinsic limitations of the traditional BP neural network, such as sluggish convergence speeds, high sensitivity to initial weights and biases, unstable learning rates, and a tendency to fall into local minima. This study introduces a temperature compensation model using a chaotic-initiated adaptive whale optimization algorithm (C-I-WOA) to optimize a BP neural network, which is henceforth referred to as the C-I-WOA-BP model. Initially, we harnessed chaotic mapping techniques to refine the initialization process of the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) population, thereby bolstering the heterogeneity of the algorithm. Subsequently, we integrated an adaptive weight recalibration mechanism, refined the encompassing methodology of the WOA, and bolstered its capabilities for expansive global scouting and meticulous local refinement in the solution arena. Subsequently, the WOA was used to optimize the weight coefficients of the BP neural network. Finally, we conducted a detailed comparative analysis by juxtaposing the performance metrics of the BP, C-WOA-BP, I-WOA-BP, and C-I-WOA-BP networks. The experimental results indicate that the C-I-WOA-BP model demonstrates faster convergence speed, superior global search capabilities, and enhanced local exploitation potential compared to the other models. Additionally, it provides a more stable and accurate reduction in temperature-induced errors in drilling pressure parameter measurements.

Solid waste management is challenging in many countries, especially developing economies. The impacts of the pandemic continue to be felt and have indicated secondary impacts on waste management. This work draws on data on household solid waste (HSW), healthcare waste (HCW), and recyclables collected in the Rio de Janeiro municipality, analyzed from January 2018 to December 2022. As expected, the collection of HCW in Rio de Janeiro municipality experienced a noticeable increase in 2020 and 2021, with an average of 46.9 tons and 54.3 tons collected, respectively. Notably, 2021 saw a significant 30% increase compared to 2019 (p-value<0.001). No significant difference was observed in recyclables collected from 2018 to 2021. The average recyclable amount was 3,638 and 3,747 tons per month in 2020 and 2021. In contrast, the monthly amount was equal to 4,819.5 tons in 2022, representing an increase higher than 32% compared to previous years (p-value<0.05). Our findings can be used to adapt and improve waste systems to cope with similar emergency scenarios in the future, serving as a template for municipalities with similar challenges.

Gibberella ear rot (GER) caused by Fusarium graminearum (teleomorph Gibberella zeae) is one of the most destructive diseases in maize that severely reduces grain yield and contaminates several potential mycotoxins. However, few efforts had been devoted to dissect the genetic basis of maize GER resistance. In the present study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted in a maize association panel consisting of 303 diverse inbred lines. The phenotypes of GER severity were evaluated using kernel bioassay across multiple time points in the laboratory. Then, three models including fixed and random model circulating probability unification model (FarmCPU), general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM), were conducted simultaneously in GWAS to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with GER resistance. A total of four individual significant association SNPs with the phenotypic variation explained (PVE) ranging from 3.51 to 6.42% were obtained. Interestingly, the peak SNP (PUT-163a-71443302-3341) with the greatest PVE value, was co-localized in all models. Subsequently, 12 putative genes were captured from the peak SNP that several of these genes were directly or indirectly involved in disease resistance. Overall, these findings contribute to understand the complex plant-pathogen interactions in maize GER resistance. The regions and genes identified herein provide a list of candidate targets for further investigation, in addition to the kernel bioassay that can be used for evaluating and selecting elite germplasm resources with GER resistance in maize.

A twin-screw extruder was used to fabricate poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/high density polyethylene (HDPE) blends (7:3 weight ratio) and blend-based nanocomposites. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and organoclays (15A and 30B) served as the nanofiller, while maleated HDPE (PEgMA) acted as an efficient compatibilizer for the blend. In the composites, individual nanofillers were mostly localized in HDPE domains, but some fillers were also observed at PBS-HDPE interfaces. The sea-island morphology of compatibilized blend evolved into a pseudo-co-continuous morphology in the composites. Differential scanning calorimetry results confirmed that PEgMA with HDPE evidently accelerated the crystallization of PBS in the blend. The possible nucleation effect of added fillers on PBS crystallization was obscured by the formation of quasi-connected HDPE domains, causing less PBS nucleation sites. The presence of nanofillers improved the thermal stability and burning anti-dripping behavior of the parent blend. The anti-dripping efficiency of added fillers followed the sequence: CNT>15A>30B>GNP. Rigidity of the blend was increased after formation of nanocomposites. In particular, adding GNP resulted in 31% increase in flexural modulus. Development of a pseudo-network structure in the composites was confirmed by measurement of rheological properties. Electrical resistivity of the blend was reduced by more than 6 orders of magnitude at 3 phr CNT loading, demonstrating the achievement of double percolation morphology.

The information technology has brought in a revolution in the area of digital agriculture and hydrological modeling . With the advent of IOT and AI such as machine learning is now capable of Predicating flood forecast , drought forecast and farms based water predications. In this article various machine learning algorithms , multiple sensors for environmental and agricultural has been proposed and used . The purpose is to acquire data of soil moisture , temperature , crop stages, irrigation and precipitation on a region constitute of two farms and then performed machine learning predications for total discharge predications at farms outlets so that in case of excessive rainfall or an irrigation event the water is adjusted in the second nearby farm or reroute to a reservoir for future use to avoid flooding. The focus is mostly to work on the concept and building of an andriod -ardiuno based mobile application for the endusers (agricultural system analyst, farmers) to provide an ease. The whole system of smart agricultural based on two farms and reservoir will provide an efficient ,fully automatic, proactive and decision support system to save water waste and reuse. In future the work is also in progress for developing a desktop based application .

Hermetia illucens is a very promising insect due to its ability to convert low-value substrates in highly nutrient feed. Its feeding and nutrition are important issues. This work aimed to study the effect of different substrates composed of coffee silverskin, by-product of the roasting process, enriched with different inclusion of microalgae (5%, 10%, 20%, 25%), Schizochytrium limacinum and Isochrysis galbana, coupled with the assessment of environmental sustainability by LCA. In general, the inclusion of microalgae caused an increase in the growth performance of the larvae, although S. limacinum showed the best results. Higher prepupal weight were observed in larvae fed on 20% and 25% of S. limacinum, shorter development times in larvae fed on 25% of both S. limacinum and I. galbana and higher growth rate were observed in larvae fed on 25% of S. limacinum. Anyway, the inclusion of 10% of S. limacinum showed a small difference with the higher inclusions. Moreover, the 10% of S. limacinum achieved the best waste reduction index. Therefore, considering the greater inclusion of microalgae, the higher the environmental impact of larvae production, the addition of 10% of S. limacinum seems to be the best compromise for the larval rearing.

Keywords: Mandra flash flood, soil erosion, slope failure, RES, mitigation measures, landslide susceptibility

Seventeen bacterial strains able to suppress plant pathogens have been isolated from healthy Vietnamese crop plants, and taxonomically assigned as members of the Bacillus cereus group. In order to prove their potential as biocontrol agents, we performed a comprehensive analysis which included whole genome sequencing of selected strains, and mining for genes and gene clusters involved in the synthesis of endo- and exotoxins, and secondary metabolites, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Kurstakin, thumolycin, and other AMPs were detected and characterized by different mass spectrometric methods, such as MALDI-TOF-MS, and LIFT-MALDI-TOF/TOF fragment analysis. Based on their whole genome sequences, the plant-associated isolates were assigned to the following species and subspecies: B. cereus subsp. cereus (6), B. cereus subsp. bombysepticus (5), Bacillus tropicus (2), and Bacillus pacificus. Three isolates represented novel genomospecies. Genes encoding entomopathogenic crystal and vegetative proteins were detected in B. cereus subsp. bombysepticus TK1. In vitro assays revealed that many plant-associated isolates enhanced plant growth and suppressed plant pathogens. Our findings indicated that plant-associated representatives of the B. cereus group are a rich source of putative antimicrobial compounds with potential in sustainable agriculture. However, the presence of virulence genes might restrict their application as biologicals in agriculture.

Life on Earth evolved to accommodate the biochemical and biophysical boundary conditions of the planet millions of years ago. The former includes nutrients, water, and ability to synthesize other needed chemicals. The latter include the 1 g gravity of the planet, radiation, and the geomagnetic field (GMF)of the planet. How complex life forms have accommodated the GMF is not known in detail considering that Homo sapiens evolved a neuro system and a cardiovascular system that develops electromagnetic fields as part of their functioning. In addition, many proteins and physiologic processes utilize Fe ions, an ion that exhibits magnetic properties. Thus, complex organisms such as current humans generate magnetic fields, contain significant quantities of the Fe ion, and also respond to exogenous-supplied static and electromagnetic fields. Whether humans can store information in self-generated magnetic fields remains to be determined. Given the current body of literature, it remains somewhat unclear how Homo sapiens use exogenous magnetic fields to regulate function, and what can happen if the boundary condition of the GMF of Earth is no longer exerting an effect. Proposed deep space flights to destinations such as Mars will provide some insights as space flight could not have been anticipated by evolution. The results of such space flight “experiments” will provide new insights in the role of magnetic fields on human functioning. The outcomes may also have implications for those on Earth as magnetic field influences may play a role in developmental conditions such as autism and senescence-associated conditions such as dementia when integration of the biological and biophysical aspects of humans of humans are required for effective functioning. This review will discuss the involvement of magnetic fields on various normal and disturbed processes in humans while on Earth and then further discuss potential outcomes when the GMF is no longer available to impact host systems. Thus, the GMF of the Earth has been present throughout evolution but details of its role in human functions still remain to be elucidated.

This study aims to investigate the effects of self-paced high-intensity interval training (Sp-HIIT) vs self-paced moderate-intensity continuous training (Sp-MICT) on the aerobic fitness level, psy-chophysiological responses and antioxidant status, to assess the relationship between aerobic fit-ness level and antioxidant markers. Well-trained males were randomised into Sp-HIIT and Sp-MICT. The intervention consisted of 3 weekly sessions during an 8-wk period. Sp-HIIT per-formed two sets of 12–24 x 30-s high-intensity runs ≥85 %HRmax followed by 30-s rest periods, while Sp-MICT performed 24-48 min of continuous running at 60-75 %HRmax. Pre and post-intervention testing included maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) assessment during a 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15 IFT), as well as resting blood samples analysed for oxidative stress markers (Malondialdehyde (MDA)) and intracellular antioxidant enzymes activity (Catalase (CAT), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Reduced (GSH) and Oxidized Glutathione (GSSG)). The Sp-HIIT showed meaningfully greater improvement in velocity of 30-15 IFT, VO2max and MDA responses. Furthermore, the Sp-HIIT demonstrated higher psychophysiological responses than the Sp-MICT, except for anger responses. In conclusion, these results suggest that Sp-HIIT has higher level of exercise-induced beneficial effects in physiological responses with greater perceived exer-tion in young well-trained adults.

Mucosal vaccination appears to be suitable to protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we tested an intranasal mucosal vaccine candidate to COVID-19 constituted of a cationic liposome containing a trimeric SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and CpG-ODNs, a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist, as adjuvant. In vitro and in vivo experiments indicated the absence of toxicity following the intranasal administration of this vaccine formulation. First, we found that subcutaneous or intranasal vaccination protected hACE-2 transgenic mice from infection with the wild-type (Wuhan) SARS-CoV-2 strain, as shown by weight lost and mortality indicators. However, when compared to the subcutaneous administration, the intranasal route was more effective in the pulmonary clearance of the virus and induced higher neutralizing antibodies and anti-S IgA titers. In addition, the intranasal vaccination afforded protection against gamma, delta and omicron virus variants of concern. Furthermore, the intranasal vaccine formulation was superior to intramuscular vaccination with a recombinant, replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus vector encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (Oxford/AstraZeneca) in terms of virus lung clearance and production of neutralizing antibodies in serum and bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL). Finally, the intranasal liposomal formulation boosted heterologous immunity induced by previous intramuscular vaccination with the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine that was more robust than homologous immunity.

Objectives: In the context of COVID-19, patients with severe or critical illness may be more susceptible to developing secondary bacterial infections. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the use of prophylactic antibiotic therapy and the occurrence of bacterial or fungal isolates following the administration of tocilizumab in hospitalized COVID-19 patients who had previously received steroids during the first and second waves of the pandemic in Spain. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 70 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who received tocilizumab and steroids between January and December 2020. Data on demographics, comorbidities, laboratory tests, microbiologic results, treatment, and outcomes were collected from electronic health records. Patients were divided into two groups based on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis, and the incidence of bacterial and fungal colonizations/infections was analyzed. Results: Among the included patients, 45 patients received antibiotic prophylaxis. No significant clinical differences were observed between patients based on prophylaxis use regarding the number of clinically diagnosed infections, ICU admissions, or mortality rates. However, patients who received antibiotic prophylaxis showed a higher incidence of colonization by multidrug-resistant germs compared to the subgroup that did not receive prophylaxis. The most commonly isolated microorganisms were Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Conclusions: In this cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients treated with tocilizumab and steroids, the use of antibiotic prophylaxis did not reduce the incidence of secondary bacterial infections. However, it was associated with an increased incidence of colonization by multidrug-resistant organisms.

Abstract: Astrocytes (ACs) are the most abundant human cell in the brain and importantly, are the master connecting and communicating cells that provide structural and functional support of brain cells at all levels of organization. Further, they are recognized to be the guardians and housekeepers of the brain. Protoplasmic perivascular astrocyte endfeet and their basal lamina form the delimiting outermost barrier (glia limitans) of the perivascular spaces in postcapillary venules and are important for the clearance of metabolic waste and comprise the glymphatic system, which is critically dependent on the proper waste removal by the pvACef polarized aquaporin 4 water channels. Also, the protoplasmic perisynaptic astrocyte endfeet (psACef) are important in cradling the neuronal synapses that serve to maintain homeostasis and serve a functional and supportive role for synaptic transmission. Enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) are emerging as important aberrant findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and associate with white matter hyperintensities, lacunes, aging, accepted to be biomarkers for cerebral small vessel disease, increased in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Knowledge is exponentially expanding regarding EPVS along with the glymphatic system, since EPVS are closely associated with impaired glymphatic function and waste removal from the brain to the cerebrospinal fluid and systemic circulation. This review intends to focus on how the pvACef play a crucial role in the development of EPVS.

Avian necrotic enteritis is an enteric disease of broiler chickens caused by certain pathogenic strains of Clostridium perfringens in combination with predisposing factors. A vaccine offering complete protection against the disease has not yet been commercialized. In a previous study, we produced five recombinant proteins predicted to be surface-exposed and unique to necrotic enteritis-causing C. perfringens and the immunogenicity of these potential vaccine candidates was assessed in broiler chickens. In the current work, the relative contribution of the antibodies raised by these putative antigens to protect broiler chickens was evaluated using an experimental necrotic enteritis induction model. Additionally, the link between the immune response elicited and the gut microbiota profiles in immunized birds subjected to infection with virulent C. perfringens was studied. ELISA results showed that the IgY antibody titers in vaccinated birds on days 21 and 33 were significantly higher than those on days 7 and 14 and those in birds receiving the adjuvant alone, while the relative contribution of the specific immunity attributed to these antibodies could not be precisely determined using this experimental NE induction model. Besides, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing showed that immunization of birds with recombinant proteins had a low impact on the chicken caecal microbiota.

The paper reports an analytical study of two problems of Rayleigh-Bénard convection(RBC): one in a Newtonian liquid occupying an axi-symmetric cylindrical enclosure(CE) and second in a two-dimensional rectangular enclosure(RE). Linear stability analysis is employed to obtain information on the onset of convection in terms of a critical Rayleigh number, Ra, as a function of the aspect ratio, Ro. The nature and the flow structures of the convective cells, at the onset of convection, are predicted theoretically by plotting the streamlines for different values of Ro. Not so shallow(Ro&lt;1 or Ro≪1), and very shallow enclosures(Ro≫1) are considered. Concepts of cell-width and the wave number are respectively used in these two types of enclosures. An explicit analytical expression for the number of cells as a function of Ro is obtained theoretically. Exact prediction of the critical value of Ra, viz., Rac, as a function of Ro is also made. These are new findings in the case of both CE and RE. The fundamental differences between the problems of CE and RE are also highlighted.

Outbreaks of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria affect some of the poorest parts of Africa, causing devastating catastrophes. Key to understanding and dealing with this problematic adaptation to environmental changes is comparing locusts that are gregarious (associated with outbreak states) and solitarious (associated with non-outbreak states) either in nature or after experimental treatments in laboratories. Categorising locusts and detecting changes in their phase status is key to such comparisons. Such comparisons are hitherto based on applying mathematical models that use behavioural parameters and that each laboratory has to build a new for each experiment. All such models used thus far for research on locusts are different from each other. That implies differences in the tools used for the different experiments and by the different laboratories and, thus, potential noise in the scientific results and interpretations too. Standardizing the way how we categorise locusts between laboratories and experiments is needed if we want to reduce noise and errors. It is even a must if we are to make the results and interpretations transferable and comparable between experiments and laboratories that work in such an important research area. Here, we use samples from independent S. gregaria population in order to further test the two models that were suggested earlier as standardizing tools for S. gregaria categorization. The outcomes of both models were largely replicated and reproducible. We report on how successful the two models were at categorizing solitarious, intermediate (transient) and gregarious nymph and adult samples. We highlight shortcomings and make more specific recommendations on the use of these models based on the differences they show as to their precision when categorizing the solitarious and gregarious S. gregaria nymph and adult samples.

In recent years, frequent occurrences of low temperature disasters due to global climate change have significantly impacted the normal growth of crops. Research has indicated that inorganic selenium (which is more toxic) can not only enhance the effects of low temperature stress but also increase selenium content on plants; however, there is a scarcity of studies investigating the impacts of organic selenium and nano-selenium on crops. In order to investigate whether organic selenium and nano-selenium can enhance low-temperature tolerance and increase selenium content in pak choi (Brassica chinensis var. pekinensis. cv. ‘Suzhouqing’), different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20 mg L-1) of exogenous selenium were applied in this experiment to assess their effects on plant growth, nutritional quality and antioxidant properties. RNA-Seq technology was used to sequence the transcriptome of the leaves. Based on the transcriptome data, a Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was employed to construct a network that associates with physiological traits related to stress resistance. Two highly correlated gene co-expression modules were identified, and within them, nine hub genes associated with endocytosis, antioxidant stress, absorption, transport, and metabolism of selenium were discovered. The results indicated that the beneficial effects on yield and total selenium content under low temperature were attributed to (1) protection of photosynthetic pigments for enhancing photosynthetic capacity by the up-regulation of LHca2, LHcb1, LHca1, LHcb4 in KEGG pathway: photosynthesis-antenna proteins; (2) activation of antioxidant system for efficient ROS homeostasis such as SOD, POD and CAT by the genes such as Superoxide dismutase, Monodehydroascorbate and (3) selenium absorption by endocytosis, seleninum transportation by ABC transporter gene family and selenium metabolism related genes such as Cysteine synthase, Glutaredoxin. These findings provide a foundation for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of organic selenium and nano-selenium on cyanochloride production at low temperatures.

A new malachite beetle, Baltamauroania mirabilicornis gen. et sp. nov., belonging to the tribe Am-auroniodini (Coleoptera: Dasytidae) embedded in Eocene Baltic amber is described and illustrated. The new genus differs from the congeners of the tribe Amauroniodini in possessing a black, elongate and subparallel body and a pronotum with scalloped lateral sides; long and 11-segmented antennae, with three apical antennomeres enlarged and forming a ‘club’, with cylindrical an-tennomere 1; tarsi shortened and compressed, 5-segmented, with tarsomeres 1 and 2 equal in length, and tarsomere 5 the longest in all legs; pubescence of the dorsal surface consisting of short strong brown semi-erect and fine adpressed hairs; punctation of dorsal surface irregular, elytra lacking grooves; pronotum almost equilateral, slightly elongate, with acute anterior and obtuse posterior angles, with wide margination of basal side and with scalloped and finely margined lateral sides; lateral edges of pronotum weakly rounded, with obtuse protuberance before middle. This is the second extinct genus and third record of the subfamily Danaceinae found in Eocene amber. The fossil records of the family Dasytidae are discussed. Three recent records of different Amauroniodini taxa from Eocene East European amber (Baltic and Rovno) shows there to have been a high Danaceinae biodiversity in both the southern coast of the Subparatethys (documented by Rovno amber) and in its northern coast (documented by Baltic amber). The phenomenon of Danaceinae diversity in the Eocene Epoch is discussed.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (IDO2) is a paralogue of IDO1, a tryptophan-degrading enzyme producing immunomodulatory molecules. However, the two proteins are unlikely to carry out the same functions. IDO2 shows little or no tryptophan catabolic activity and exerts contrasting immunomodulatory roles in a context-dependent manner, in both cancer and autoimmune diseases. The recently described potential non-enzymatic activity of IDO2 has suggested its possible involvement in alternative pathways resulting in either pro- or anti-inflammatory effects in different models. In a previous study on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues, we found that IDO2 expression, revealed at the plasma membrane level of tumor cells, was significantly associated with poor prognosis. In this study, the A549 human cell line, basally expressing IDO2, was used as an in vitro model of human lung adenocarcinoma to gain more insights on a possible alternative function of IDO2, different from the catalytic one. In these cells, immunocytochemistry and isopycnic sucrose gradient analyses confirmed the IDO2 protein localization in the cell membrane compartment, and immunoprecipitation of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins revealed that IDO2 can be targeted by kinase activities. The different localization than the cytosolic one and the phosphorylation state are the first indications for the signaling function of IDO2, suggesting that the IDO2 non-enzymatic role in cancer cells is worthy of deeper understanding.

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) plays a pivotal role in cell division regulation and emerges as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Consequently, the development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting PLK1 has become a focal point in contemporary research. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding site and the polo-box domain in PLK1 present crucial interaction sites for these inhibitors, aiming to disrupt the protein's function. However, designing potent and selective small-molecule inhibitors can be challenging, requiring a deep understanding of protein-ligand interaction mechanisms at these binding sites. In this context, our study leverages the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method to explore these site-specific interactions in-depth. Through the FMO approach, we used the FMO method to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of small-molecule drug binding to these sites to design PLK1 inhibitors that are both potent and selective. Our investigation further entailed a comparative analysis of various PLK1 inhibitors, each characterized by distinct structural attributes. This comparison enhanced our understanding of the structure-activity relationships of these inhibitors, underscoring the efficacy of the FMO method in identifying critical binding features and predicting binding modes for small-molecule ligands. Furthermore, Our research spotlighted "hot spot" residues instrumental for selective and robust PLK1 binding. Our findings offer profound insights, priming the rational design of innovative potential PLK1 inhibitors with significant implications for developing anticancer therapeutics.

Combining wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) generation can provide complementary renewable power production, but depends on correlated resources. This study analyzed 10 years of wind data from Naama, Algeria to evaluate the potential for evening wind generation to offset the loss of solar at sunset. Average wind speeds showed a distinct increase during evening hours, coinciding with the decrease in solar irradiance. Wind turbine simulations using a 1.5 MW turbine and the wind data showed sufficient resources for profitable power production after sunset. Statistical analyses confirmed significantly higher wind speeds and simulated power output in evening vs daylight periods (p&lt;0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficient between evening wind speeds and decreasing solar irradiance was 0.63, supporting a strong positive relationship. These findings indicate Naama has adequate wind resources to deploy economically viable wind power capacity that can complement existing solar infrastructure and provide renewable electricity after dark , .

The C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2) is expressed on platelets and mediates binding to podoplanin (PDPN) on various cell types. The binding to circulating tumor cells (CTCs) leads to platelet activation and promote metastatic spread. The increased level of soluble CLEC-2 (sCLEC-2), presumably, released from activated platelets was shown in patients with thromboinflammatory and malignant disease. However, the functional role of sCLEC-2 and the mechanism of sCLEC-2 release is not known. In this study, we focused on the effect of platelet activation on CLEC-2 expression and the sCLEC-2 plasma level in cancer patients. First, citrated blood from healthy volunteer donors (n=20) was used to measure the effect of platelet stimulation by classical agonists and PDPN on aggregation, CLEC-2 expression on platelets by flow cytometry, sCLEC-2 release to the plasma by ELISA and total CLEC-2 expression by Western blot analysis. Second, sCLEC-2 was determined in plasma samples from healthy donors (285) and patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC; 194), melanoma (160), breast cancer (BC; 99) or glioblastoma (49). PDPN caused a significant increase of the aggregation response induced by classical agonists. ADP or PDPN stimulation of platelets caused a significant decrease of CLEC-2 on platelets and sCLEC-2 in the plasma, whereas, total CLEC-2 in platelet lysates remained the same. Thus, the increased plasma level of sCLEC-2 is not a suitable biomarker of platelet activation. In patients with CRC (median 0.9 ng/mL), melanoma (0.9 ng/mL) or BC (0.7 ng/mL) we found significantly lower sCLEC-2 levels (p&lt;0.0001), whereas, glioblastoma patients displayed higher levels (2.6 ng/mL; p=0.0233) compared to healthy controls (2.1 ng/mL). The low sCLEC-2 plasma level observed in most of the tumor entities of our study, presumably, results from the internalization of sCLEC-2 by activated platelets or binding of sCLEC-2 to CTC.

Background:This study evaluated the effect of low-level laser therapy on postoperative pain and wound healing in children undergoing primary molar extractions.Methods:40children,6-10years of age, systemically healthy, and had atraumatic extraction indications of bilateral primary molar teeth were included in the study. First session randomly selected tooth was extracted under local anesthesia. In the control group, only the clot formation on the socket was observed and photographed. Other group extraction's performed 2weeks later. The LLLT group treated with980nm wavelength Doctor Smile Wiser diode laser and photographed. Non-epithelialized surface measurements performed with the ImageJ program. Pain assessment was performed with Wong-Baker Pain Scale. Statistical analyzes were performed with SPSS software.Results: There was no statistically significant difference in Wong-Baker values(p&gt;0.05). The laser group had more '0' values on days 1 and7; same values as the control group were recorded on other days. In soft tissue healing 3rd day evaluations, non-epithelialized surface of laser socket was found to be smaller than control group, and measurement results were found to be statistically significant(p&lt;0.05). The other days' measurement results were not statistically significant(p&gt;0.05).Conclusions:Although LLLT not found to be very effective in reducing postoperative discomfort after extraction of primary molars, it provides better wound healing in extraction sockets.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are an important treatment option for COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, especially in immunosuppressed patients. However, this treatment option can become ineffective due to mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome, mainly in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein. In the present study 7950 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples from the Uppsala and Örebro regions of central Sweden collected between March 2022 and May 2023 were whole-genome sequenced using next-generation sequencing, mainly with the Nanopore sequencing method. Pango lineages were determined and all single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutations that occurred in these samples were identified. The dominant sublineages changed over time and mutations conferring resistance to currently available mAbs became common. Notable ones are R346T and K444T mutations in the RBD that confer significant resistance against tixagevimab and cilgavimab mAbs. Further, mutations conferring a high-fold resistance to bebtelovimab, such as the K444T and V445P mutations, were also observed in the samples. This study highlights that resistance mutations have over time rendered currently available mAbs ineffective against SARS-CoV-2 in most patients. Therefore, there is a need for continued surveillance of resistance mutations and the development of new mAbs that target more conserved regions of the RBD.

Parental phubbing behavior is a significant factor in predicting adolescent smartphone dependence, but prior research has predominantly focused on a unidirectional perspective from the child's viewpoint, overlooking potential perceptual differences between parents and their children regarding parental phubbing. Therefore, are there differences in the perceptions of parental phubbing between parents and their children? Based on the "Discrepancy-Maladaptive" hypothesis, the presence of perceptual discrepancies in family factors can lead to adverse developmental outcomes in children. Does the parent-child perceptual discrepancy in parental phubbing influence adolescent smartphone dependence? And what role does parent-child relationship play in this context? This study selected 728 families from a middle school in Wuhan, and surveys were administered to both children and parents. The findings reveal: (1) There exist significant parent-child perceptual discrepancies in parental phubbing. (2) Parent-child perceptual discrepancies in parental phubbing significantly positively predict adolescent smartphone dependence and negatively predict parent-child relationships, while parent-child relationships significantly negatively predict adolescent smartphone dependence. (3) The parent-child relationship plays a mediating role between parent-child perceptual differences in parental phubbing behavior and adolescent smartphone dependence.

Historically, admission of hematological patients in the ICU shortly after the start of a critical illness is associated with better survival rates. Early intensive interventions administered by MET could have a role in the management of hematological critically ill patients, eventually reducing ICU admission rate. In this retrospective and monocentric study, we evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intensive treatments administered by the MET in a medical ward frame. The administered interventions were mainly helmet CPAP and pharmacological cardiovascular support. Frequent reassessment by the MET at least every 8 to 12 hours was guaranteed. We analyze data from 133 hematological patients that required MET intervention. In hospital mortality was 38%; mortality doesn’t increase in patients not immediately transferred to the ICU. Only 3 patients died without a former admission in ICU; in these cases, mortality was not related to the acute illness. Moreover, 37% of patients overcame the critical episode in the hematological ward. Higher SOFA and MEWS scores were associated with a worst survival rate, while neutropenia and pharmacological immunosuppression were not. The MET approach seems to be safe and effective. SOFA and MEWS confirmed to be effective tools for prognostication.

The involvement of NK and other cytotoxic cells is considered the first defense' line against cancer. However, a significant lack of information prevails on the possible roles played by factors considered characteristic of primitive cells, such as c-kit and Sca-1, in activating these cells, particularly in melanoma models subjected to treatments with substances under investigation, such as the case of norcantharidin. In this study, B16F1 murine melanoma cells were used to induce tumors in DBA/2 mice, estimating the proportions of NK and iNKT cells, the presence of activation (CD107a+) and primitive/activation (c-kit+/Lya6A+) markers, some tumor parameters, such as the presence of mitotic bodies, nuclear factor area, NK and iNKT cell infiltration in the tumor, infiltrated tumor area, and infiltrating lymphocyte count at 10x and 40x in specimens treated with pentoxifylline, norcantharidin and the combination of both drugs. Possible correlations were estimated with Pearson's correlation analysis. Despite having demonstrated multiple correlations, it should be noted that immaturity/activation markers were related to these cells' activation. At the tumor site, iNKT cells are the ones that exert the cytotoxic potential on tumor cells, but they are confined to specific sites in the tumor. Due to the higher number of interactions of natural killer cells with tumor cells, it is concluded that the most effective treatment was PTX at 60 mg/kg + NCTD at 0.75 mg/kg.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with Olea europaea L. extract on the animal welfare and milk quality of lactating Italian Holstein-Friesian dairy cows at different calving orders. Cows in mid lactation phase received, for 60 days, the natural olive extract Phenofeed Dry® (500 mg/cow/day) with high antioxidant power. Hormonal and metabolic parameters were determined through ELISA assays, the milk fatty acid profile through gas chromatography, chemical-nutritional and hygienic-sanitary parameters through ultrasonic analyses. The milk lysozyme content was measured through a specific ELISA assay. The administration of the enriched feed did not alter the hormonal balance. Primiparous cows were more sensitive to the treatment and showed a better general health status compared to other calving orders. The enriched feed resulted in a reduction of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and an increase of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), ensuring an adequate nutritional content and, above all, a significantly higher content of the antibacterial protein, lysozyme. Overall, our study demonstrate that the inclusion of natural bioactive molecules such as Olea europaea L. polyphenols contributes to improving the welfare status of dairy cows and ensuring high nutritional and functional quality of animal productions.

Successful implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs (ASP) requires a well-structured approach involving all stakeholders. Despite embracing key responsibilities, nurses’ role remains poorly defined, preventing consistent engagement. We conducted a scoping survey to assess knowledge, attitude and perception of nurses towards nurse-led initial sepsis risk evaluation using the sepsis risk calculator (SRC) of newborns admitted to the mother-baby unit. Single-center, cross-sectional study. Study link was sent to all full-time nurses in mother-baby unit. Survey centered around knowledge of unit’s ASP and attitude and perception towards nurse-led initial sepsis risk evaluation. 89% response rate. 100% agreed that SRC reduced antibiotic use and 66% felt nurse-led sepsis risk evaluation will enhance nurse involvement, but this was offset by extra burden of work (66%) and low confidence in differentiating stable from clinically unstable infants (46%). Other facilitating factors included greater nurse/patient ratio (100%), targeted education (89%) and incorporation of the SRC into EMR (78%). Only 11% were willing to serve as champions for it. There was no significant correlation to age or experience however, greater number of fresh grads were interested in championing this effort. Our study identifies a need for strong foundation of knowledge and greater nurse/patient ratio as two main factors for improving nurse-led use of the SRC. Multi-site studies scoping barriers to nursing involvement for successful implementation of ASPs are necessary.

Preterm infants often experience frequent intermittent hypoxia (IH) episodes which is associated with neuroinflammation. We tested the hypotheses that early caffeine and/or non-steroidal in-flammatory drugs (NSAIDs) confer superior therapeutic benefits for protection against IH-induced neuroinflammation than late treatment. Newborn rats were exposed to IH or hy-peroxia (50% O2) from birth (P0) to P14. For early treatment, the pups were administered: 1) dai-ly caffeine citrate (Cafcit, 20 mg/kg IP loading on P0, followed by 5 mg/kg from P1-P14); 2) ke-torolac topical ocular solution in both eyes from P0 to P14; 3) ibuprofen (Neoprofen, 10 mg/kg loading dose on P0 followed by 5 mg/kg/day on P1 and P2); 4) caffeine+ketorolac co-treatment; 5) caffeine+ibuprofen co-treatment; or 6) equivalent volume saline. On P14, animals were placed in room air (RA) with no further treatment. For late treatment, pups received similar treatments from P15-P21 (caffeine and/or ketorolac), or P15-P17 (ibuprofen). RA control were similarly treated. At P21, whole brains were assessed for histopathology, apoptosis, mye-lination, and biomarkers of inflammation. IH caused significant inflammation, reduced mye-lination, and apoptosis in preterm rat brains, an effect that was improved predominantly with combined caffeine/NSAID early treatment. Early caffeine/NSAID co-treatment confers syner-gistic neuroprotection against IH-induced damage.

We address weighted composition operators ψCφ from α-Bloch spaces to Bers-type spaces of bounded holomorphic functions on Y, where Y is a generalized Hua domain of the first kind, and obtain some necessary and sufficient conditions for the boundedness and compactness of those operators.

The β-thalassemias are hereditary monogenic diseases characterized by low or absent production of adult hemoglobin and excess in the content of α-globin. This excess is cytotoxic for the erythroid cells and responsible of the β-thalassemia associated ineffective erythropoiesis. Therefore, the decrease of α-globin excess is a relevant clinical effect for these patients and can be obtained by induction of fetal hemoglobin, by autophagy, or both. The in vivo effects of sirolimus (rapamycin) and analogues on induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is of key importance for therapeutic protocols in a variety of hemoglobinopathies, including β-thalassemia. In this research communication, we report data showing that decrease of autophagy-associated p62 protein, increased expression of ULK-1 and reduction of the excess of α-globin is operating in erythroid precursors (ErPCs) stimulated in vitro with low dosages of sirolimus. In addition, increased ULK-1 mRNA content and decrease of α-globin content were found in ErPCs isolated from β-thalassemia patients recruited for the NCT03877809 clinical trial and treated with 0.5-2 mg/day sirolimus. Our data support the concept that autophagy, ULK1 expression and α-globin chain reduction should be considered important endpoints in sirolimus-based clinical trials for β-thalassemia.

The presence of high concentrations of flammable gases and volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere has been widely reported to be detrimental to human survival. A lot of research effort has been put towards finding an efficient means of quick detection of these gases below their ‘immediately dangerous to life or health’ concentrations. Detecting these gases in an oxygen-deficient environment is a crucial task to consider and has been overlooked. In this research, double substitution spinel with chemical formula Co1-2xNixMnxFe2-yCeyO4, where 0 ≤ x = y ≤ 0.3, were prepared via the glycol-thermal technique. The final products following the appropriate substitution are CoFe2O4 (dried naturally), CoFe2O4 (dried with Infrared lamp), Co0.8Ni0.1Mn0.1Fe1.9Ce0.1O4, Co0.6Ni0.2Mn0.2Fe1.8Ce0.2O4, and Co0.4Ni0.3Mn0.3Fe1.7Ce0.3O4 spinel ferrites. The X-ray diffractometry (XRD), High resolution transmission electron micrographs (HRTEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of the samples confirm the formation of the spinel. The gas sensing performance of this samples were tested at operating temperature of 225 ºC towards liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ammonia, ethanol, and propanol. The Co0.8Ni0.1Mn0.1Fe1.9Ce0.1O4-based sensor was selective to LPG, with a high response of 116.43 toward 6 000 ppm of LPG when helium was used as carrier gas, 3.35 when dry-air was the carrier gas, 4.4 when nitrogen was the carrier gas, but was not sensitive when argon was used as a carrier gas.

This study investigated gender differences in exposure to hazardous factors, health problems, and work environment satisfaction and identified the effects of such differences on farmworkers in Korea. Through the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute (OSHRI), the raw data on 2,347 farm-workers were analyzed to present descriptive statistics for demographic characteristics, exposure to hazardous factors, health problems, and work environment satisfaction. We compared be-tween genders using chi-squared tests and investigated the effects of gender-specific working conditions on work-related health problems and work environment satisfaction using multi-variate logistic analysis. The results were presented as an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval. Job position predicted work-related health problems in male farmworkers and work environment satisfaction in female farmworkers. Furthermore, female farmworkers perceived themselves to have more health problems than male farmworkers. Nevertheless, female farm-workers received less health and safety information and had lower work environment satisfac-tion compared to male farmworkers. The findings may improve the occupational welfare of farmworkers through continuous enhancement of the agricultural labor environment. Keywords: work-related; working condition; farmworker; agriculture; musculoskeletal; KWCS

With the realization of the Grand Canal's full water supply and the strong pursuit of green and low-carbon transportation in contemporary society, the value of the Grand Canal's water transport has been further affirmed, and its coordinated development with other transportation modes has become inevitable and important. This paper analyzes and combs through the characteristics, development status and existing problems of Grand Canal water transport and other transport modes in depth, and takes Jiangsu as an example. A collaboration model of Grand Canal water transport and other transport modes was built and their collaboration degree has been calculated. It is believed that the coordinated development of Grand Canal water transport and other transport modes can be greatly promoted via four aspects: optimizing the construction and governance of Grand Canal water transport, building an integrated management platform of transport modes, improving the integrated transport network structure, and promoting the deep integration of integrated shipping and tourism.

Background and Objectives: Proper use of oral anticoagulants is crucial in the management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) may be considered for stroke prevention in patients with AF and contraindications for long-term anticoagulant treatment. We aimed to assess the anticoagulation status and LAAC indications in patients with AF from HECMOS (Hellenic Cardiorenal Morbidity Snapshot) survey. Materials and Methods: HECMOS was a nationwide snapshot survey of cardiorenal morbidity in hospitalized cardiology patients. HECMOS used an electronic platform to collect demographic and clinically relevant information from all patients hospitalized on March 3, 2022, in 55 different cardiology departments. In this substudy, we included patients with known AF without mechanical prosthetic valves and moderate to severe mitral valve stenosis. Patients with prior stroke, previous major bleeding, poor adherence to anticoagulants, and end-stage renal disease were considered candidates for LAAC. Results: Two hundred fifty-six patients (mean age 76.6±11.7, 148 males) were included in our analysis. Most of them (n=159; 62%) suffered from persistent AF. Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.28±1.7, while mean HAS-BLED score was 1.47±0.9. Three out of 3 patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc 0 or 1 (female) received improperly anticoagulants. Sixteen out of 18 patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc 1 or 2 (female) received anticoagulants. Thirty-three out of 235 patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc &gt; 1 or 2 (for female) did not receive improperly anticoagulants. Among 221 under anticoagulant therapy, 191 (86.4%) received non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and 30 (13.6%) received vitamin K antagonists. Relative indications for LAAC were present in 64 patients with NVAF (60 had only one risk factor and 2 had two concurrent risk factors). In detail, 36 had a prior stroke, 17 patients had a history of major bleeding, 15 patients reported poor or no adherence to the anticoagulant therapy and 5 had eGFR&lt; 15 ml/min/1.73m2. Moreover, 33 had a HAS-BLED score ≥3. No LAAC treatment was recorded. Conclusions: Anticoagulation status was nearly optimal in a high thromboembolic risk population of cardiology patients, mainly treated with NOACs. One out of four AF patients should be screened for LAAC.

The application of melatonin (MT) has been shown to improve the quality during the storage of fruits and vegetables. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the effects of MT on the quality of fresh-cut Gastrodia elata during low temperature (4°C) storage. The results indicate that MT treatment could suppress the respiratory rate and malondialdehyde content of fresh-cut G. elata, while also slowing down the decline in total acidity and total soluble solids. The treatment with MT reduced the superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide production, inhibited the activity and expression of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. Additionally, it led to increased activity and expression of antioxidant-related enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, and dehydroascorbate reductase, while also resulted in elevated levels of ascorbic acid and glutathione. Furthermore, the treatment with MT induced an increase in total phenolic and flavonoid content of fresh-cut G. elata and enhanced the activity and expression of key enzymes involved in phenylpropanoid pathway (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamate-4-hydroxylase, 4-coumarate: CoA ligase). In summary, MT enhances the antioxidant capacity by activating both ROS metabolism and phenylpropanoid pathway, thus maintaining the quality of fresh cut G. elata.

Institutional quarantine was one of the key public health measures used to control the spread of the COVID-19. Institutional quarantine has been associated with several psychosocial and economic risks to affected individuals. However, little is known about the psychosocial and economic risks it poses to affected persons in low-resource countries, since it is a relatively new strategy for controlling disease spread in these settings. This article provides insights into the economic and psychosocial risks encountered by affected persons in a low-resource context. We conducted narrative interviews with 20 adults placed under institutional quarantine to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda. Institutional quarantine exposed affected persons to an intricate range of economic and psychosocial risks including loss of livelihoods and/or income, financial distress, fear, worry, anger, loneliness and stigma. The experience of specific risks was shaped by an intersection of individual and contextual factors. However, disregard for economic and social issues and shortcomings in the implementation of institutional quarantine contributed profoundly to the occurrence of risks. Integration of measures for identification and continuous management of the broad range of potential risks to individuals and bridging gaps in the implementation of institutional quarantine, may help to minimise associated economic and psychosocial risks.

This study investigated the effects of whole-body circuit training using a weighted vest on plasma resistin, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and cardiorespiratory fitness for normal-weight obese women. In this study, thirty- six normal-weight obese women were divided into three groups: Weighted Vest Circuit Training (WVCT) (n = 12), Body Weight Circuit Training (BWCT) (n = 12), and Control (CON) (n = 12). Whole-body circuit training was conducted three times a week for eight weeks to compare and analyze plasma resistin, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and cardiorespiratory fitness before and after training. Although there was no significant baseline difference between the groups regarding skeletal muscle mass, it significantly increased for the WVCT group after eight weeks. percent body fat significantly decreased for the WVCT and BWCT groups, and there was a significant difference when the percent body fat of these two groups were compared to that of the control group. Moreover, the WVCT and BWCT groups displayed a significant decrease in plasma resistin, showing a significant difference from the CON group. The WVCT and BWCT group showed a significant decrease in plasma IL-6, whereas the CON group showed a significant increase. VO2max significantly increased post-training compared to before in the BWCT group and the WVCT group, and the WVCT group showed differences between groups compared to the BWCT group and the CON group. None of the three groups displayed significant changes in plasma hs-CRP, yet there was a significant difference between the hs-CRPs of the WVCT and BWCT group and that of the CON group. In conclusion, whole-body circuit training using a weighted vest efficiently improves body composition, plasma resistin, and cardiopulmonary fitness, reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors in normal-weight obese women.

We found out main regularities of surface waters pollution by diesters of о-phthalic acid (PAEs) at the background level of concentrations. Lake Baikal was selected as a model for our studies. The composition of PAEs in Baicalins waters is represented by dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Their concentrations are assessed in statistically valuable average values and ranges: 0.02 (0.01 – 0.02), 0.07 (0.06 – 0.09), 0.55 (0.47 – 0.66), 0.30 (0.26 – 0.34), µg/L, respectively. Main factors determining PAEs concentration are found out: year and season of sampling. The distribution of PAEs in the water body meets their hydrophobicity and is characterized by: i) even distribution of minor hydrophilic congeners DMP and DEP in the whole water area; ii) maximal concentrations of hydrophobic congeners DnBP and DEHP in the upper and near-bottom layers of the water column; iii) decrease of concentration of hydrophobic congeners in the near-shore zone. The contribution of near-shore sources of PAEs into the pelagic site is minimal, the main pollutants source is atmospheric transfer. A valuable contribution of DEHP from biogenic sources into the background level of PAEs is shown. Within RQ coefficients, we assessed the environmental risk for Baicalins biota.

Cultivated Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oil and cash crop in worldwide. Hundred pod and seed weight are important components for peanut yield. In order to dissect the genetic control of hundred pod weight (HPW) and hundred seed weight (HSW), a RIL population containing 188 individuals was developed from a cross between Jihua 5 (JH5, large pod and seed size) and M130 (small pod and seed size). An integrated genetic linkage map was constructed by using SSR, AhTE, SRAP, TRAP and SNP markers. The map contained 3,130 genetic markers which were assigned to 20 chromosomes and covered 1,998.95 cM with an average distance 0.64 cM. Based on the genetic map, a total of 31 QTLs for HPW and HSW were identified on 7 chromosomes, explaining 3.7-10.8% of the phenotypic variation by each QTL. Among these, seven QTLs were detected under more than two environments, two major QTLs were found on B04 and B08, respectively. A QTL hotspot containing seven QTLs was detected on chromosome A08 spanning a 2.74 cM genetic interval with 0.36 Mb physical map which included 18 candidate genes. Among these, Arahy.D52S1Z, Arahy.IBM9RL, Arahy.W18Y25, Arahy.CPLC2W and Arahy.14EF4H may be involved in regulating peanut pod and seed weight. These results may help further analysis of genetic mechanisms for pod and seed size in cultivated peanut.

Infectious illnesses have always posed a threat to human health, with tuberculosis being a major concern. The use of various medications and antibiotics in the fight against such TB has led to the emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis, which has become increasingly difficult to manage. While there have been a few studies and proposed conceptual models on how to manage and prevent various drug-resistant TB mutations and lineages, a model aimed at limiting and con-trolling such mutations in rural areas burdened with tuberculosis is lacking. This study seeks to map a model that is to be used to bridge the gap by facilitating the exchange of knowledge among healthcare professionals in healthcare facilities, diagnostic laboratories, and research institutes, particularly for underprivileged communities in the Eastern Cape. The model will also serve as a guide to monitor and evaluate epidemiological TB management plans.

Diminished ovarian reserve can be regarded as a sentinel indicator to foreshadow severe follicular loss and, ultimately, systemic aging. The negative slope of human ovulatory fidelity begins with a robust follicular endowment which gradually declines over time. In contrast, the youthful ovarian phenotype requires the coordinated work of endothelial, granulosa, immune, perivascular, stromal and possibly germline stem cells. Such a diverse tissue matrix can, in general, be influenced by platelet (PLT)-derived factors but this has not yet been specifically confirmed in the ovary after platelet-rich plasma (PRP). How could a comparable response be validated? Here a prospective, experimental study is proposed whereby eligible patients already undergoing scheduled laparoscopy provide ovarian tissue via biopsy submitted for co-culture with autologous Ca⁺² activated PRP. Recognizing the interlocking, central roles of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), incubated samples would be assessed for these in vitro before vs. after PRP exposure, in addition to stereomicroscopy. A mathematical model is available to track NF-κB oscillations and estimate gene expression, cell development, growth, apoptosis, and key immune and inflammatory actions. Since NF-κB and TNF-α are discharged in activated PLT releasate (or react to its cargo proteins) this audit permits extraction of response markers observed post-stimulus, thus linking discrete signals to transcriptional output, cellular fitness, and ovarian cytoarchitecture. From this, a hypothesis could emerge where intraovarian PRP is found to make no direct impact on follicles, although modified ovarian field function and curtailed local entropy incidentally favor optimized oocyte competence as a secondary effect.

Abstract The hallmark of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is the presence of the characteristic fusion transcript of the promyelocytic leukemia gene with the retinoic acid receptor α gene (PML::RARA), which is a molecular target for all-transretinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO). Therapies with ATRA plus ATO have excellent outcomes in terms of complete remission rate, overall survival, and achievement of a deep and durable molecular response with a very low incidence of relapse. However, although the combination of ATRA and ATO has lower hematologic toxicity than standard chemotherapy, its use is associated with a spectrum of unique toxicities, such as hepatic toxicity, QTc (QT interval corrected) prolongation, neurotoxicity, and differentiation syndrome. Hematologists treating patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia should be aware of possible early-complications of the ATRA plus ATO regimen and aim to balance treatment-related adverse events and efficacy. Careful follow-up of the patient’s clinical course is essential to identify and treat each complication. This study focused on treatment-related complications during induction and consolidations in patients with APL who received ATRA plus ATO. We retrospectively analyzed 26 adult patients diagnosed with APL between 2019 and 2022 at our center to identify the incidence rate, severity and time of onset of short-term non-hematologic adverse events relative to the initiation of the ATRA and ATO regimen. Additionally, we review the existing literature regarding the toxic side effects of ATO in APL and discuss how its most frequent toxicities should be managed. The median follow-up of our patients was 21.5 months (range, 1-48 months) and the most common adverse events were hepatic toxicity (69.2%), infections (46.1%), differentiation syndrome(23%) and QT prolongation (11.5%). All patients experienced at least one adverse event and grade 3 and 4 toxicities occurred in 57.6 % patients; these generally consisted of liver enzyme elevations, QTc prolongation, but also some rare manifestations such as musculoskeletal pain syndrome (1 patient) and ATO-related pancreatitis (1 patient). Most patients developed side-effects during induction. This is the first study about Romanian patients diagnosed with APL. Our results suggest that all treatment-related adverse events, except for differentiation syndrome are manageable, self-limiting and reversible. All patients, except for two (one died during induction and one died during consolidation), were able to complete the treatment consolidation with ATO and ATRA.

Objective: To examine the effect of bilateral total lobectomy and unilateral total lobectomy on improving thyroid function in patients with thyroid micropapillary carcinoma treated with euthyrox. Methods: The study was conducted on 68 patients with thyroid micro papillary carcinoma treated with euthyroxwho had been surgically treated with euthyrox in our hospital between January 2018 and December 2019. On the basis of random number grouping, they were divided into control groups (n = 34, bilateral total lobectomy) and observation groups (n = 34, unilateral total lobectomy plus isthmectomy). Thyroid function, free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid hormone (TSH), and voice function (VHI score) of the two groups were compared.Results: In comparison to the control group, the observation group had shorter incision lengths, shorter operation times, and shorter hospital stays, as well as less intraoperative bleeding and drainage volume, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05); As compared with the control group, the observation group had higher FT4 and FT3 levels as well as lower TSH levels, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05).VHI scores of emotions, function, physiology, and other voice functions were significantly lower among the observation group than those of the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: A unilateral total lobectomy with adjacent isthmus resection in patients with thyroid micro papillary carcinoma can yield ideal results, accelerate the time taken for surgical rehabilitation, improve thyroid function, thereby improving voice quality, as well as improve the overall prognosis of the patient.

Bile acids (BAs) and their signalling pathways have been identified as therapeutic targets for liver and metabolic diseases. We generated Cyp2c70-/- (KO) mice that are not able to convert chenodeoxycholic acid into rodent-specific muricholic acids (MCAs) and, hence, possess a more hydrophobic, human-like BA pool. Recently, we have shown that KO mice display cholangiopathic features with development of liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether BA sequestration modulates liver pathology in Western type-diet (WTD)-fed KO mice. The BA sequestrant colesevelam was mixed into the WTD (2% w/w) of male Cyp2c70+/+ (WT) and KO mice and the effects were evaluated after 3 weeks of treatment. Colesevelam increased fecal BA excretion in WT and KO mice and reduced the hydrophobicity of biliary BAs in KO mice. Colesevelam ameliorated diet-induced hepatic steatosis in WT mice, whereas KO mice were resistant to diet-induced steatosis and BA sequestration had no additional effects on liver fat content. Total cholesterol concentrations in livers of colesevelam-treated WT and KO mice were significantly lower than those of untreated controls. Of particular note, colesevelam treatment normalized plasma levels of liver damage markers in KO mice and markedly decreased hepatic mRNA levels of fibrogenesis-related genes in KO mice. Lastly, colesevelam did not affect glucose excursions and insulin sensitivity in WT or KO mice. Our data show that BA sequestration ameliorates liver pathology in Cyp2c70-/- mice with a human-like bile acid composition without affecting insulin sensitivity.

Background: The aim of this study was to design and analyze the content validity of an instrument to assess the risk of behaviors associated with the Chemsex phenomenon since there is currently no instrument with this objective. Method: Firstly, a bank of items identified from the literature was elaborated. Secondly, 50 experts with knowledge of the Chemsex phenomenon at the national level were contacted. A Delphi group was formed with them to carry out two rounds of item evaluation (comprehension and appropriateness) using a Likert scale of 1 to 5. To assess linguistic validity, the mean score of the item comprehension scores was used. The content validity index (CVI) and Aiken's V (VdA) were calculated for each item. A minimum value of CVI and VdA of 0.6 was established to include the items in the questionnaire. Results: In the first round of evaluation, 36 experts evaluated 114 items, of which 61 were selected. In a second round, 30 experts evaluated the 61 items selected, leaving the scale finally made up of 52 items. Conclusion: A questionnaire has been designed to assess the risk of behaviors associated with the Chemsex phenomenon. The items that make up the questionnaire have shown adequate content and linguistic validity, so this instrument can be considered valid. The Delphi method proved to be a useful technique for the proposed objective.

Coptisine (Cop) exerts a neuroprotective effect in central nervous system disease, particularly ischemic stroke. However, its protective mechanism is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Cop on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR) rats with a middle cerebral artery occlusion model by integrating a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) based metabolomics approach with biochemical assessment. Our results showed that Cop could improve neurobehavioral function and decrease the ischemia size in IR rats. In addition, Cop was found to decrease inflammatory mediators (e.g., prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and attenuate oxidative stress response (e.g., increase the superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression and decrease 8-iso-PGF2α level). Furthermore, GC-MS based cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolomics analysis indicated that Cop influenced the level of glycine, 2,3,4-trihydroxybutyric acid, oleic acid, glycerol, and ribose during IR injury. Cop exhibited a good neuroprotective effect against cerebral IR injury and metabolic alterations which might be mediated through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of fluorinated, organic, man-made chemicals; they do not occur naturally in the environment. This study aimed to determine the profile and content of PFASs in volunteers’ blood plasma and urine after fermented red beetroot juice consumption and correlated it with the blood parameters. During 42 days, 24 healthy volunteers intake 200 mL/60 kg of body weight fermented red beetroot juice. PFASs were analyzed using micro-HPLC-MS/MS method. Five perfluoroalkyl substances were found in human body fluids. After juice consumption, PFASs, due to the consumption of food contaminated with them, was discovered that for perfluorocarboxylic acids, a downward trend was observed, while for perfluoroalkane sulfonates, their plasma content showed a statistically significant upward trend. Analysis of the hematology parameters indicated that the intake the fermented red beetroot juice showed a significant decrease in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelets concentration, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) at the significance level p < 0.01, and he-matocrit (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the dietary intervention also indicated a significant (p < 0.01) increase corpuscular/ cellular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). In the case of blood biochemi-stry, no significant change in blood samples after intake the fermented beetroot juice was observed. However, a decreasing tendency of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein concentration (LDL-C) were observed. Based on the presented results, there is a need to analyze and monitor health-promoting food regarding undesirable substances and their impact on consumer health.

Pastes containing reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and LiCl-Mn(NO3)2·4H2O are screen-printed on a carbon cloth substrate and then calcined using a nitrogen atmospheric-pressure-plasma jet (APPJ) for conversion into rGO-LiMnOx nanocomposites. The APPJ processing time is within 300 s. RGO-LiMnOx on carbon cloth is used to sandwich H2SO4, LiCl, or Li2SO4 gel electrolytes to form hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs). The areal capacitance, energy density, and cycling stability of the HSCs are evaluated using electrochemical measurement. The Li2SO4 gel electrolyte HSC exhibits the highest areal capacitance and energy density but lower cycling stability. By contrast, the H2SO4 gel electrolyte HSC exhibits better cycling stability but lower areal capacitance and energy density.

Relative contribution of different repair pathways to the radiation-induced DNA damage responses remains a challenging issue of studying the radiation injury endpoints. Comparative manifestation of homologous recombination (HR) after application of different radiation doses greatly determines an overall effectiveness of recovery in dividing cell after irradiation, since HR is an error-free mechanism intended for repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSB) during S/G2 phases of cell cycle. In this article, we present an experimentally observed evidence of dose-dependent shift in relative contribution of HR in human fibroblasts after X-ray exposure at doses 20-1000 mGy, which is also supported by quantitative modeling of DNA DSB repair. Our findings indicate that the radiation dose increase leads to dose-dependent decrease in relative contribution of HR into the entire repair process.

A large population has been infected by COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease-19) and it has been necessary a rapid and simple diagnostic method to detect the SARS-CoV-2and control its spread. We developed a colorimetric reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) kit that allow the detection of SARS-CoV-2 from nasopharyngeal swab samples without the need of RNA extraction. The kit utilizes three sets of LAMP primers targeting two regions of ORF1ab and one region in the E gene. The results are reported using colorimetric change of hydroxynaphthol blue, enabling visual interpretation without the need for expensive instrument. The kit demonstrated sensitivity to detect between 50 and 100 copies of the viral genome per reaction. The kit was authorized by the National Administration of Drugs, Food and Technology (ANMAT) of Argentina after validation using samples previously analyzed by gold standard RT-qPCR. The results showed sensitivity of 90,6 % and specificity of 100%, consistent with conventional RT-qPCR. In silico analysis confirmed the recognition of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern (VOCs) B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, B.1.617.2, B.1.427, B.1.429and lineages of variant Omicron (B.1.1.529) with 100% homology. This rapid, simple, and sensitive RT-LAMP method paves a way for a large screening strategy to be carried out at locations lacking sophisticated-instrumental and trained-staff, as particularly happen at regional hospitals and medical centers from rural areas.

Aphelids are a holomycotan group, represented exclusively by parasitoids infecting algae. They form a sister lineage to Fungi in the phylogenetic tree and represent a key group for reconstruction of the evolution of Holomycota and for analysis of the origin of Fungi. The newly assembled genome of Aphelidium insullamus (Holomycota, Aphelida) with a total length of 18.9Mb, 7820 protein-coding genes and a GC percentage of 52.05% was obtained by a hybrid assembly based on Oxford Nanopore long reads and Illumina paired reads. In order to trace the origin and the evolution of fungal osmotrophy and its presence or absence in Aphelida, we analyzed the set of main fungal transmembrane transporters, which are proteins of the Major Facilitator superfamily (MFS), in the predicted aphelid proteomes. This search has shown an absence of a specific fungal protein family Drug:H+ antiporters-2 (DAH-2) and specific fungal orthologs of the sugar porters (SP) family, and the presence of common opisthokont's orthologs of the SP family in four aphelid genomes. The repertoire of SP orthologs in aphelids turned out to be less diverse than in free-living opisthokonts, and one of the most limited among opisthokonts. We argue that aphelids do not show signs of similarity with fungi in terms of their osmotrophic abilities, despite the sister relationships of these groups. Moreover, the osmotrophic abilities of aphelids appear to be reduced in comparison with free-living unicellular opisthokonts. Therefore, we assume that the evolution of fungi-specific traits began after the separation of fungal and aphelid lineages, and there are no essential reasons to consider aphelids as a prototype of the fungal ancestor.

Upper limb paresis is very common after stroke. An important tool to assess motor recovery is to use marker-based motion capture systems to measure the kinematic characteristics of patients’ movements in ecological scenarios. These systems are, however, very expensive and, as such, not readily available for many rehabilitation units. Here, we explored whether the markerless hand motion capabilities of the cost-effective Oculus Quest head-mounted display could be used to provide clinically meaningful measures. 14 stroke patients executed ecologically relevant upper limb tasks in an immersive virtual environment. During task execution, we recorded their hand movements simultaneously by means of the Oculus Quest’s and a marker-based motion capture system. Our results showed that the markerless estimates of the hand position and peak velocity provided by the Oculus Quest were in very close agreement with those provided by a marker-based commercial system with their regression line having a slope close to 1. Furthermore, the Oculus Quest had virtually the same sensitivity as that of a commercial system in distinguishing healthy from pathological kinematic measures. The Oculus Quest was as accurate as a commercial marker-based system in measuring clinically meaningful upper limb kinematic parameters in stroke patients.

Globally, open-pit coal mining is associated with severe land use impact and contamination of soil and water resources with heavy metals. Thus, in growing economies like India, where coal is a significant energy source, the heavy metals contamination of soil and water become ubiquitous. Remediation of such a large stretch of mined-out land is a major challenge and a costly process for the mining industry. In recent years, the application of biochar for the remediation of such heavy metals-contaminated soil has been widely practiced. However, applying biochar and cultivating plants in field conditions becomes challenging. This study uses a unique remediation approach by developing biochar-bentonite-based seed balls encapsulating Shorgham grass seeds at their core for application in the contaminated soil. The seed ball was developed by using the bentonite biochar composite in varying weight fractions of 0.5 – 5 % with respect to the kaolinite, whose fractions in the seed ball also varied at one, three, and five parts. The seed balls were applied to the pots containing 3 kg of heavy metals contaminated soil for a pot-culture study in a polyhouse for a period of four months. Initial soil analysis results indicated that the mine soil samples showed poor nutrient and organic matter content and were contaminated with heavy metals such as Ni, Zn, Cr, and Cd. Post-pot-culture soil analysis results indicated that the application of seed balls containing five fractions of biochar composite with its combination with three and five-weight fractions of kaolinite showed substantial improvement in the pH, available nutrients, organic matter content, soil enzymes, and overall soil fertility index compared to the controlled study and other cases. The same combination of seed balls also significantly reduced the plant-available fractions of Ni, Zn, Cr, and Cd in the soil and the translocation of these heavy metals from the rhizosphere zone to the grass’s aerial parts, indicating stabilization of heavy metals within the soil matrix. Moreover, the application of seed balls also substantially improved the plant physiology and reduced the release of stress hormones such as proline and glutathione within the plant cells indicating improvement in the plant’s biotic and abiotic stress factors. Thus, the application of seed balls in heavy metals contaminated soils, particularly over a large stretch of land, could be a low-cost and viable remediation technique.

Mount Hamiding Protected Forest is located in North Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province, the Wallace zone has an important role in providing protection functions, life support systems and regulating water management, preventing floods, preventing seawater intrusion, and controlling soil fertility. The protected forest area in the Wallace Zone is globally renowned for its endemic characteristics of flora and fauna. The condition of the protected forest of Mount Hamiding HMPF is currently experiencing anthropogenic damage as a result of forest encroachment, illegal logging, shifting cultivation, grazing and poaching to meet social needs. Anthropogenic damage has been in the spotlight for decades and has become a global issue. This study aims to determine damage to protected forests, changes in land cover, and mitigation of protected forest areas. This research uses quantitative and descriptive qualitative methods. Determination of research locations by purposive sampling. Parameters measured in this study were damage to protected forests, changes in land cover and area mitigation strategies. To identify forest damage, snowball sampling was carried out, and land cover changes through land cover data processing were obtained from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia. Then using Imagery 7 ETM+ and 8 OLI to calculate changes in forested land to non-forested from 2006 -2021, analysis of land cover change using supervised classification, developing a strategy based on identity verification of forest damage and analysis of land cover change. The results showed that damage to protected forests was caused by anthropogenic disturbances in the form of forest encroachment, shifting cultivation, illegal logging, grazing and hunting of wild animals. Changes in land cover experienced the greatest damage in 2006-2021 amounting to 1,796.54 ha (16.17%). Strategic efforts are carried out using forest engineering, namely the agroforestry system and social engineering through community empowerment, namely training and outreach.

A newly synthesized upper rim azocalix[4]arene, namely, 5,11,17,23-tetra[(4-ethylacetoxyphenyl) (azo)]calix[4]arene, CA-AZ was fully characterized and its chromogenic and selective properties for anions are reported. The receptor is selective for the fluoride anion and its mode of interaction in solution is discussed. The kinetics of the complexation process was found to be very fast as reflected in the immediate color change observed with a naked eye resulting from the receptor-anion interaction. Emphasis is made about the relevance in selecting a solvent in which the formulation of the process is representative of the events taking place in the solution. The composition of the fluoride complex investigated by UV/VIS spectrophotometry, conductance measurements and titration calorimetry was 1:1 and the thermodynamics of complexation was determined. The fluoride complex salt was isolated, and a detailed investigation was carried out to assess its ability to remove CO₂ from the air. Recycling of the complex was easily achieved. Final conclusions are given.

The revaluation of agri-food waste to provide consumers with bioactive compounds for a healthy and environmentally sustainable diet is growing exponentially in society. In the present work, the chemical and physical properties of essential oils (EO) extracted from the peels of four citrus fruits grown and commercialized in Amazonas, Peru: lime (Citrus limetta Risso), sweet lemon (Citrus limetta sp.), mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and orange (Citrus sinensis) were determined. The essential oils were extracted using green solvent and then their antioxidant capacity was determined by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging technique; the total phenolic content using Folin Ciocalteu's reagent. Total flavonoids, refractive index, density, specific heat capacity, Ramam mapping and main phenolic compounds were also determined by liquid chromatography (UHPLC-DAD). It was found that lime and mandarin essential oils had higher antioxidant capacity (1592.38 and 1216.13 μmol TE/g) and higher total phenolic content (680.78 and 420.28 mg AGE/g); while sweet lemon peel essential oil had higher total flavonoid content (23.18 mg QE/g). Given their characteristics, these essential oils have a high potential for use in the food and/or pharmaceutical industry.

Background and Aim: Tacrolimus is highly effective in intractable ulcerative colitis, but maintenance may be problematic. This study examined 52-week maintenance and adverse events. Methods: This retrospective study of patients who used tacrolimus from April 2009 to December 2021 (N = 136) examined remission induction rates and background factors in the remission (n = 108) and non-remission groups (n = 28); 52-week maintenance; drug-specific maintenance (azathioprine [n = 58] vs tacrolimus [n = 12] and vs biological product [Bio, n = 8]); and adverse events. Results: The mean observation period was 1230175 days. Remission occurred in 72.7%. Significant differences were observed in sex and endoscopic score (before treatment and 2 weeks after tacrolimus trough levels). Maintenance rate at 52 weeks was 61.6%; significant differences were observed in sex, hospitalization duration, and prednisolone during hospitalization (P < 0.05). Drug-specific 52-week maintenance was 67% with azathioprine, 54% with tacrolimus, and 37% with Bio. No tacrolimus-related serious adverse events occurred that led to discontinuation. Discussion: Remission was more common in women with improved endoscopic scores after tacrolimus trough levels and patients with improved endoscopic scores after tacrolimus therapy. Remission maintenance was more common in women with a long hospitalization at remission and high total steroid dose. Results suggest that treatment with adequate prednisolone use during the period with more inflammation may improve subsequent maintenance. Conclusions: In intractable ulcerative colitis, tacrolimus can induce remission even in patients who cannot use azathioprine for maintenance. Remission can be maintained with azathioprine, tacrolimus, or a Bio.

Tilapia tilapinevirus, or tilapia lake virus (TiLV), is a virus that has caused disease outbreaks in many countries worldwide since 2009. We recently developed two simple but effective TiLV vaccines based on heat-killed virus (HKV) and formalin-killed virus (FKV). In the present study, we evaluated the immunological response and efficacy of MontanideTM ISA 763A VG oil-based vaccines (O-HKV and O-FKV) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and compared these responses in fish vaccinated with water-based formulations (W-HKV and W-FKV). Juvenile Nile tilapia were given primary and booster vaccinations with the vaccine formulations. The relative fold change in expression of five immunoglobulin genes (IgM, IgT, IgD, CD4 and CD8) was assessed before and after booster vaccination, and a challenge with TiLV was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the vaccines. The results showed that the water-based vaccines induced higher levels of Ig transcripts and conferred significantly higher levels of protection compared to the oil-based formulations, with relative percent survival (RPS) values ranging from 54.6% to 59.7% for W-HKV and W-FKV vaccinated fish, and 32% and 0% for the O-HKV and O-FKV vaccinated fish, respectively. These findings suggest that water-based vaccines are more effective at protecting tilapia against TiLV infection, and MontanideTM ISA 763A VG may not be a suitable adjuvant for formulating whole-inactivated TiLV vaccines.

Lewis acid zeolites play an important role in industrially important green reactions closely related to fine chemicals and biomass conversion. Titanium-doped TS-1 zeolite is a milestone Lewis acid zeolite, which widely uses in industrially significant green oxidation processes with hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant under mild conditions. TS-1 Zeolites are normally synthesized in basic condition under hydrothermal treatment. Up to now, it is still not successful to synthesize active TS-1 Lewis acid zeolite by using inorganic alkali, e.g. NaOH or KOH as base, which are cheaper and more stable compared with quaternary ammonium hydroxide or organic amines used in the traditional synthesis. Here, inorganic base of NaOH was firstly employed in synthesizing active TS-1 zeolites. The crucial factor was the control of adverse effects of sodium cations on the incorporation of active titanium cations. A higher catalytic activity could be achieved by further reducing the size of the TS-1 crystal by seed-added strategy, which could approach the catalytic activity of commercial catalyst while the production cost was much lower than the commercial TS-1 catalysts, indicating great commercial potential and the possibility of preparing other cheap Lewis acid catalysts by using inorganic alkali.

Background: This systematic review aims to investigate whether percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGDB), as definitive treatment, is superior to emergency cholecystectomy (EC) in high-risk patients with acute cholecystitis (AC). Material and methods: A systematic literature search was performed until December 2022 using Scopus, Medline/PubMed and Web of Science databases in order to compare PTGDB as definitive treatment vs EC in AC. Results: Seventeen studies (1 Randomized Control Trials and 16 observational studies) have been included with a total of 783,672 patients (32,634 treated with PTGDB vs 4,663 who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 343 who underwent open cholecystectomy and 746,032 who underwent cholecystectomy, but without laparoscopic or open approach being specified). The quality assessment (ROBINS-I) of the not randomized studies showed a serious risk, differently the evaluation of the randomized study (RoB 2) showed a low risk of bias. Analysis of the results shows that PTGDB, despite being minimally invasive, do not have different incidence of complications than EC (RR 0.77 95% CI [0.44 to 1.34]; I2 = 99%; P=0.36). A lower postoperative mortality was reported in patients who underwent EC (2.37%) than in PTGDB group (13.78 %) (RR 4.21; 95% CI [2.69 to 6.58]; P < 0.00001), furthermore the risk of hospital readmission for biliary complications (RR 2.19 95% CI [1.72 to 2.79]; I2 = 48 %; P<0.00001) and hospital stay (MD 4.29 95% CI [2.40 to 6.19]; P<0.00001) were lower in EC group. Conclusions: No advantage in using PTGDB as a definitive treatment over EC in the management of critically ill patients with AC has been demonstrated; the results of our systematic review and meta-analysis suggest using EC as the treatment of first choice, even for very high-surgical-risk patient in which PTGDB should be reserved. The major limitation of this systematic review and meta-analysis is associated to a low quality of evidence for the serious bias in the not randomized studies. For this reason, new high powered and well-designed clinical trials are needed to recommend PTGDB as definitive treatment in patients unfit for surgery or those who refuse to undergo surgery.

Thermal processing of Zr-loaded ion-exchangers is a facile route to synthetize (ZrO2, ZrC)@C composites. The chemical character of the functional groups in the cation exchanger is an essential factor in the composition and properties of the (ZrO2, ZrC)@C composites. In the present paper furnace and RF-thermal plasma processing of ZrOCl2 loaded thiourea-functionalized styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer was investigated that led to various composites containing ZrO2 and ZrC. Depending on the synthesis conditions, different ZrO2@C composites were formed between 1000 and 1400 °C in 2 h, whereas the composite containing ZrC was created at 1400 °C in 8 h. The ratio of ZrO2/ZrC, the prevailing ZrO2 modifications, and the crystallite sizes strongly depend on the synthesis conditions. The ZrC-containing composites formed only at 1400 °C in 8 hours and by the plasma treatment of the ZrO2@C sample prepared in the furnace, resulting in 8 and 16% ZrC content, with 44 and 41 nm ZrC crystallite sizes, respectively. The ZrO2-containing composites (tetragonal, monoclinic, and cubic modifications with 65–88 nm ZrO2 crystallite sizes and 15–43 m2/g BET surface areas, depending on the carbonization temperature) formed in a tube furnace between 1000 and 1400 °C in 2 h. The tube furnace–prepared sample formed at 1400 °C in 8 h contained ZrC, ZrO2 modifications, and amorphous carbon, whereas the plasma-treated sample contained ZrC, ZrO2 modifications, and graphite. All ZrO2@C composites had both amorphous carbon and graphite, and their ratio is temperature-dependent. The carbonaceous compounds of the prepared composites were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, with analysis of the G and D band intensities. XPS studies showed the surface oxidation of ZrC.

A new green-validated and highly sensitive electrochemical method for the determination of molnupiavir (MOV) has been developed using cyclic voltammetry. The proposed analytical platform involves the use of disposable screen-printed reduced graphene oxide 2.5% electrode (SPrGOE 2.5%) for the first time to measure MOV with high specificity. The surface morphology of the sensor was investigated by using a scanning electron microscope armed with an energy-dispersive X-ray probe. The fabricated sensor attains improved sensitivity when sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant was added to the supporting electrolyte solution. Thus, various factors were investigated in order to select the best supporting electrolyte for voltammetric determination of MOV, and the optimum conditions were achieved by employing 0.04 M Britton-Robinson at pH 2, 10-4 M SDS, and SPrGOE 2.5%. Well-defined MOV oxidation peaks were obtained with no reduction peaks in cyclic voltammetry using diffusion-controlled pathways. The method was validated using differential pulse voltammetry according to ICH guidelines, providing it to be precise, accurate, specific, and robust with linearity over a concentration range of 50-6017 ng/mL. The incorporation of the reduced graphene nanoparticles supported the in situ interaction between electrode surface and MOV, improved the selectivity, and reduced the detection limit to the concentration level of 15.98 ng/mL. The stability investigation demonstrated that SPrGOE 2.5% can provide high-stability behavior throughout a three-month period under refrigeration. The fabricated SPrGOE 2.5% was successfully employed for the measurement of MOV in pharmaceutical capsules and human bio-fluids without the interference of endogenous matrix components as well as the commonly used excipient.

Japan has the world’s largest old population ratio, and aging is an urgent societal issue. As global trends seem to be following Japan’s social changes, there is an emphasis on municipalities becoming more age-friendly. Hence, we examine the age-friendliness of 135 Japanese municipalities, selecting 240 resident architectural designers and constructors to assess their municipalities, using the Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Questionnaire (AFCCQ). The findings indicate that Japan lacks “outdoor spaces and buildings.” Additionally, the evaluation of “housing,” “community support and health services,” and “transportation” in populated municipalities in the past five years is significantly higher than those in depopulated ones. Age-friendliness is significantly affected in the AFCCQ total score (hereafter, Score) based on “housing,” “social participation,” “community support and health services,” “transportation” and “financial situation” evaluations. High specificity (0.939) was found when the Score was treated as a marker of depopulation and, therefore, an age-friendly approach is a necessary condition to prevent depopulation. Furthermore, a lack of “communication and information” is observed in municipalities with a higher rate of single-person households aged 65 years and above. Therefore, resident architectural designers’ and constructors’ assessments, combined with the AFCCQ can be a powerful tool in evaluating the age-friendliness of municipalities.

Background: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a key role in the adaptive immune response to pathogens due to its extraordinary polymorphism. However, the spatial patterns of MHC variation in the striped hamster remain unclear, particularly regarding the relative contribution of balancing selection in shaping MHC population and diversity compared to neutral forces. Methods: In this study, we investigated the immunogenic variation of the striped hamster in four wild populations in Inner Mongolia, which experience heterogeneous parasitic stress. Our goal was to identify local adaptation by comparing the genetic structure at MHC with that at seven microsatellite loci, taking into account neutral processes. Results: We observed significant variation in parasite pressure among sites, with parasite burden showing a correlation with temperature and precipitation. Molecular analysis revealed a similar co-structure between MHC and microsatellite loci. We observed lower genetic differentiation at MHC loci compared to microsatellite loci, and no correlation was found between the two. Conclusions: Overall, these results suggest a complex interplay between neutral evolutionary forces and balancing selection in shaping the spatial patterns of MHC variation. Local adaptation was not detected at a small scale but may be applicable at a larger scale.

The Sry-related HMG-box (Sox) family is a group of transcriptional regulators that play a critical role in many important developmental processes in both vertebrates and invertebrates. In aquatic animals, the function of Sox genes on sexual development has been gained particular attentions. The present study reported the molecular characterization of a Sox member (PtSoxE) in the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus, and tissue distribution analysis showed it was male-specific. Since the most highly expression of PtSoxE was found in the androgenic gland (AG), its relation to the insulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG) was further investigated. The PtSoxE siRNA caused a significant decrease in IAG expression in both AG and testis, whereas PtSoxE expression could be induced by treating with AG homogenate and rIAG. The result suggested a transcriptional interaction between PtSoxE and IAG. In addition, PtSoxE expression showed a closely positive correlation with several reported spermatogenesis-related genes, suggesting its involvement in testicular development of P. trituberculatus.

Fungal plant diseases are a major threat to food security worldwide. Current efforts to identify and list loci involved in different biological processes are more complicated than originally thought, even when complete genome assemblies are available. Despite numerous experimental and computational efforts to characterize gene functions in plants, about ~ 40% of protein-coding genes in the model plant A. thaliana are still not categorized in the Gene Ontology Biological Process (BP) annotation. In non-model organisms, such as sunflower (Helianthus annuus), the number of BP term annotation is far fewer, ~22%. In the current study we performed gene co-expression network analysis using eight terabytes of public transcriptome datasets and performed expression-based functional prediction to categorize and identify loci involved in the response to fungal pathogens. We were able to construct a reference gene network of healthy green tissue (GreenGCN) and a gene network of healthy and stressed root tissues (RootGCN). Both networks achieved robust high quality scores on the metrics of guilt-by-association and selective constraints versus gene connectivity. We were able to identify eight modules enriched in defense functions, of which, two out of the three modules in the RootGCN were also conserved in the GreenGCN, suggesting similar defense-related expression patterns. We identified 16 WRKY genes involved in defense related functions and 65 previously uncharacterized loci now linked to defense response. In addition, we identified and classified 122 loci previously identified within QTL or near candidate loci reported in GWAS studies of disease resistance in sunflower linked to defense response. In all, we have implemented a valuable strategy to better describe genes within specific biological processes.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a major impact on the mental and physical health of hospitalized patients. In our study we focused on the onset of symptoms correlated with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and physical disabilities in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) because of a severe respiratory distress related to COVID-19 (COVID Group) compared with patients admitted to the same ICU for trauma and other medical conditions than COVID-19 (No-COVID Group). The physical symptoms and the level of disability were evaluated with the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E), the Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) and the 3 levels version of EQ-5D (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire; psychiatric symptoms were investigated using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised 22-item (IES-R), the Patient Health Questionnaire, 9-Item Version (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment, 7-items version (GAD-7). These questionnaires were administered 6 months after discharge. Patients in the No-COVID Group showed statistically significant more severe scores in all the physical assessments while similar relevant PTSD and depressive symptoms were reported in both groups. The results of the present study underline the psychopathological impact of being hospitalized in ICU because of COVID-19 even after 6 months from discharge ,suggesting the importance of assessing the psychiatric effects of COVID-19 in the long term in order to create supportive measures.

Aim. To study the processes of lipid peroxidation and the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes depending on the chemiluminescent activity of neutrophilic granulocytes in patients with gastric cancer associated with H. pylori infection, depending on the stage. Materials and methods. 39 patients with stage I-II gastric cancer and 30 patients with stage III-IV gastric cancer were examined. The study of the chemiluminescent activity of neutrophilic granulocytes was carried out, the parameters of the lipid peroxidation system and antioxidant protection in plasma were determined using the spectrophotometric method. Statistical data processing was performed using the Statistica 7.0 software package (StatSoft, USA). Results. In patients with gastric cancer associated with H. pylori infection, regardless of stage, the proportion of neutrophilic granulocytes with normal activity does not exceed 1/3 of the total number of patients, the remaining 2/3 of patients have an altered chemiluminescent activity of neutrophilic granulocytes: in patients with gastric cancer by I -II stage of the disease, the majority revealed a reduced function of neutrophilic granulocytes, and in patients with gastric cancer stage III-IV of the disease, the majority showed increased chemiluminescent activity of neutrophilic granulocytes. In all patients with gastric cancer associated with H. pylori infection, regardless of the stage of the disease, an increase in lipid peroxidation processes with activation of antioxidant defense enzymes was detected. Conclusion. In all patients with gastric cancer associated with H. pylori infection, regardless of the stage of the disease, an increase in lipid peroxidation processes with activation of antioxidant defense enzymes was detected. At the same time, there are no statistically significant differences between the indicators of the system lipid peroxidation - antioxidant protection depending on the stage of gastric cancer and the chemiluminescent activity of neutrophilic granulocytes, which probably indicates that all reactive oxygen species produced by neutrophilic granulocytes in the respiratory burst are consumed locally, minimally affecting the development of oxidative stress in the blood plasma.

Transitional waters are fragile ecosystems with high ecological values, representing the breeding and resting sites for rare and threatened species. They deserve particular concern for protection, undergoing numerous threats from anthropogenic nature. The present review aims to analyze the recent literature on Aphanius fasciatus, nowadays considered one of the most strictly estuarine-dependent fish species, and as such affected by the degradation of lagoon habitats, and to discuss its suitability as sentinel species of the quality of transitional water environments. The analysis and discussion highlight the potential applicability of the molecular, cellular, and physiological responses of this species as diagnostic tools for detecting the subtle effects induced by environmental pollution on the biota in transitional water environments. Moreover, the suitability of the responses of this species is suggested in the wider framework of the One Health Perspective which considers human and animal health and the environmental state highly interconnected, sharing common aspects. To date, omics technologies show very great potential in reacquiring novel knowledge on the responses of the organisms to environmental changes and to the alterations of the environmental health status. Therefore, considering the relevant potential of this species as sentinel species, many efforts are needed in the next future to improve the quantity and quality of the -omics tools that refer to A. fasciatus.

The main treatment for pyridoxine nonresponsive cystathionine-β-synthase deficiency is a strict diet. Most centers prescribe low-protein diets based on gram-protein exchanges, and all protein sources are weighed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a more liberal methionine (Met)-based diet with relaxed consumption of fruits and vegetables on metabolic outcomes and dietary adherence. Ten patients previously on a low-protein diet based on a gram-protein exchange list were enrolled. The natural protein exchange lists were switched to a "Met portion exchange list". Foods containing less than 0.005 g methionine per 100 g of the food were accepted as exchange-free foods. A questionnaire was conducted to assess the effects of the new dietary approach on dietary compliance. The switch to Met portioning had no adverse effects on the control of plasma homocysteine levels in terms of metabolic outcomes. It resulted in a significant reduction in patients' daily betaine dose. The questionnaire results indicated significantly increased dietary compliance, and all patients preferred to continue with this modality. In conclusion, methionine portion-based medical nutrition therapy with relaxed consumption of fruits and vegetables seems to be a good and safe option to achieve good metabolic outcomes and high treatment adherence.

This paper presents an analysis of the sensitivity of controlling an autonomous surface object among a group of encountered objects to the inaccuracy of state control process data. For this purpose, a safe and optimal model of the control process was defined. An algorithm for determining the optimal and safe trajectory of an object, based on the multi-object game model, was developed; for comparative analysis, an algorithm for calculating only the optimal trajectory, not taking into account the maneuverability of other objects, was additionally developed. First, simulation-based studies of the algorithms enabled a comparative analysis of a number of different acceptable strategies for optimally shifting the trajectory of maneuvering objects from a single initial direction. Thereafter, the main goal of this paper was implemented: an analysis of the sensitivity characteristics of safe control, assessed with the risk of collision, both on the inaccuracy of navigation data and on the number of possible control strategies. Finally, final conclusions and a plan for further research on the subject of the paper were formulated.

Because of hyper complexity, difficulty to define, multiple stakeholders with conflicting perspectives, and lack of clear-cut solutions, wicked problems necessitate innovative and adaptive strategies. Operations Research has been a valuable tool for managers to make informed decisions for years. However, as we face increasingly complex and messy problems, it has become apparent that relying solely on either hard or soft OR approaches is no longer sufficient. We need to explore more innovative methodologies to address these wicked problems effectively. This study has bridged the research gap by proposing a structured process encompassing a subdivision-based problem structuring method for defining the wicked problem, a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) for prioritizing sub-problems, and a hard OR technique, data envelopment analysis (DEA) for tackling one of the most critical sub-divisions. The proposed methodology, implemented in a case study, focuses on a higher education institution experiencing a decline in student admissions and involves five steps. First, a diverse group of stakeholders is formed to ensure comprehensive consideration of perspectives. Second, the wicked problem is defined, considering long-term consequences, multiple stakeholders, and qualitative stakeholder opinions. Third, a hierarchical structure is created to break down the wicked problem into manageable sub-problems. Fourth, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method prioritizes sub-problems. Finally, the sub-problems are addressed one by one using a combination of soft and hard OR tools. The findings highlight the benefits of integrating hard and soft OR approaches. The article concludes with reflections on the implications of using a combined OR approach to tackle wicked problems in higher education and beyond.

Diets that restrict the amount of carbohydrates positively affect markers related to metabolic syndrome (MS). However, completely carbohydrate-free diets have been studied in lesser extent, being their effect on biochemical and morphometric parameters in a rat model of MS the main objective of this study. MS was induced by a high-glucose diet for 20 weeks in male Wistar rats with a subsequent exposition to an essentially carbohydrate-free diet (CFD) for 20 weeks. Daily measurements of food consumption and monthly measurements of body weight were made. At week 40, glucose, insulin, lipid profile, ketone bodies, C-reactive protein (CRP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, creatinine, liver and muscle glycogen, and serum, hepatic, renal and pancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed. Exposition to CFD showed decrease in caloric intake and body weight. Likewise, the group showed normalization in liver and serum MDA parameters, insulin, lipid profile, ALT, liver glycogen, and creatinine. The CFD decreased glucose concentration and the inflammatory state, also, increased the concentration of ketone bodies and urea. The change towards CFD reverses the metabolic alterations generated with MS except for glycemia and uremia, probably due to the high rate of gluconeogenesis generated by the high protein content in the diet.

Health related quality of life’s (HRQoL) different domains of functioning can serve as a good prognosticator of later life’s outcomes for children and adolescents. Understanding associated factors is crucial for promoting better health and life satisfaction. This study aimed to investigate the impact of socio-economic status (SES), physical activity (PA) and cardio-fitness on the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in 224 Italian early adolescents attending secondary school in the Emilia-Romagna region located in northern Italy. The present cross-sectional study included measures of SES, demographic factors, cardio-fitness measures and self-reported PA levels. In a multivariate model, younger students and females reported higher HRQoL (β=-0.139, P<.05, 95% CI: -0.254 – -0.023 and β=0.142, P<.05, 95% CI: 0.011 – 0.273 respectively). Having both parents employed and having higher familiar educational status resulted in higher HRQoL. Greater engagement in routine PA was positively associated with HRQoL (β=0.429, P<.001, 95% CI: 0.304 – 0.554). Endurance (speed) was positively associated with HRQoL (β=0.221, P<.01, 95% CI: 0.087 – 0.355) and students with longer times on the shuttle run reported less HRQoL (β=-0.207, P<.01, 95% CI: -0.337 – -0.077). Findings reinforced the importance of promoting regular PA among students and addressing SES disparities to improve HRQoL. The study suggests a focus on expanding research measures and evaluating targeted PA interventions for a more comprehensive understanding of children’s well-being. These findings highlight the crucial roles of demographic, PA and cardio-fitness measures in child’s HRQoL, thus providing relevant information for stakeholders who work in the education, public health, and health policy sectors.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the second most common cancer worldwide, resulting in 1.8 million deaths/year. Most of the patients are diagnosed with a metastatic disease. Central Nervous System is one of the major metastatic sites. Brain metastases are associated with severe neurological symptoms, shorter survival and worst clinical outcomes. Brain radiotherapy and systemic oncological therapies are currently used for controlling both cancer progression and neurological symptoms. Brain radiotherapy includes stereotactic brain ablative radiotherapy (SBRT) or whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). SBRT is applied for single or multiple (≤ 4) small lesions (&lt; 3 cm), while WBRT represents the best treatment choice in case of multiple and large brain metastases. In both cases radiotherapy application can represent an overtreatment causing severe toxicities without achieving a significant clinical benefit. So far, some scores have been proposed to define the potential clinical benefits derived from brain radiotherapy. However, most of them are not well validated into clinical practice. In this article, by presenting a clinical case of a patient with advanced NSCLC carrying a BRAFV600E mutation and brain metastases, we review the variables as well as the potential applicable scores to be considered in order to predict clinical outcomes and benefits from brain radiotherapy in patients with NSCLC and brain metastases.

Most studies modelling population mobility and the spread of infectious diseases, particularly using meta-population-multi-patched models, tend to focus on theoretical properties and numerical simulations of such models. There is relatively scanty literature published on fit, inference and uncertainty quantification on epidemic models with population mobility. In this research, we have used three estimation techniques to solve an inverse problem and quantify its uncertainty on a human mobility-based multi-patched epidemic model, using mobile phone sensing data and COVID-19 confirmed positive cases in Hermosillo, Mexico. First, we have utilized a Brownian bridge model using mobile phone GPS data to estimate residence and mobility parameters of the epidemic model. In the second step, we have estimated the optimal model epidemiological parameters by deterministically inverting the model using a Darwinian inspired evolutionary algorithm (EA) known as the genetic algorithm (GA). The third part of the analysis involves performing inference and uncertainty quantification on the epidemic model using two Bayesian Monte Carlo sampling methods: t-walk and Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC). The results show that the estimated model parameters and incidence adequately fit the observed daily COVID-19 incidence in Hermosillo. Moreover, the estimated parameters from HMC result into large credible intervals, improving their coverage for the observed and predicted daily incidences. We also observe improved predictions when using multi-patch model with mobility against the single-patch model.

Tuberculosis (TB) associated with diabetes (DM) is a growing problem, particularly in low and medium-resource countries. We conducted an open-label, parallel-group, randomized, and controlled trial in a tertiary care center in Mexico City to assess TB preventive treatment with isoniazid (INH) or rifampicin (RIF) in people with DM. Participants were assigned six months of INH 300mg/day plus pyridoxine 75mg or three months of RIF 600mg/day. The primary outcomes were adverse events resulting in permanent treatment cessation and considered possibly or probably related to study drugs. We included 130 subjects, 68 randomized to INH and 62 to RIF. We prematurely halted the study based on recommendations of the Adverse Event Safety Panel. There was no difference between arms in the overall frequency of adverse events. However, the INH group had significantly more permanent treatment interruptions due to grade 2 recurrent or grade 3 or 4 hepatoxicity. In comparison, the RIF arm had more treatment interruptions due to grade 3 or 4 gastrointestinal intolerance. TB preventive treatment is not safe enough to be considered a universal indication to patients with DM and LTBI. These results underline the need to search for alternative TB prevention in DM patients with better safety profiles.

Abstract: Floods can be defined as one of the most frequent and destructive disasters, that cause significant damage to people, while droughts present significant challenges in first place to most vulnerable communities. In consequence, state public policies are essential to manage the risk in the face of both phenomena and contribute to the construction of resilient communities. As a request of the National Water Commission of Mexico (CONAGUA) for the Regional Water Plan (PHR), we designed and applied a methodology based on virtual consultation fora in conjunction with digital survey tools to understand the population's perception of these phenomena. The workshops were organized in the five municipalities of Baja California Sur. Then, we performed an interdisciplinary analysis that combines hydrological considerations with the most critical social, economic, environmental, and law components, applying the PESTEL analysis. The results indicate that there is a clear and widespread awareness that floods and droughts increase the risk to the livelihoods of the population; however, there are deficiencies in different areas, which complicates risk management. Timely information and the inclusion of communities in mitigation and adaptation proposals would allow for achieving more successful cases with the efforts to minimize vulnerabilities and increase the resilience of the population in the face of a changing climate. This must be a collaborative work of the entire society, governmental, social, and private stakeholders.

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients respond better to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) than mucosal and uveal melanoma patients (MM/UM). Aiming to explore these differences and understand the distinct response to ICI, we evaluated the serum metabolome of advanced CM, MM, and UM patients. Levels of 115 metabolites were analyzed in samples collected before ICI, using a targeted metabolomics platform. In our analysis, molecules involved in the tryptophan-kynurenine axis distinguished UM/MM from CM. UM/MM patients had higher levels of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HKyn), whilst patients with CM were found to have higher levels of kynurenic acid (KA). The KA/3-HKyn ratio was significantly higher in CM versus the other subtypes. UM, the most ICI-resistant subtype, was also associated with higher levels of sphingomyelin-d18:1/22:1 and the polyamine spermine (SPM). Overall survival was prolonged in patients with lower SPM levels. Our study revealed distinct metabolomic profile between the most resistant melanoma subtypes, UM and MM, compared to CM. Alterations within the kynurenine pathway, polyamine metabolism and sphingolipid metabolic pathway may contribute to the poor response to ICI. Understanding the different metabolomic profiles introduces opportunities for novel therapies with potential synergic activity to ICI, to improve responses of UM/MM.

The purpose of this research was to analyze the moderating effect of clean energy innovation on the relationship between corporate carbon footprint and corporate profits in those industrial sectors associated with high demand for fossil fuels in which it is "hard to abate" CO₂e emissions. It used a longitudinal research design, in particular a panel study under a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach, based on partial least squares. For the longitudinal moderation analysis, this research employed the Bayesian method by defining a multiple-indicator latent growth curve model (B-LGC model). A global sample was used consisting of 7,827 firm-year observations between 2015 and 2021 corresponding to 167 international firms. The results revealed a very significant impact of the corporate carbon footprint on corporate profits. Likewise, the results showed that innovations in clean energy, when measured as the consumption of renewable energy, positively moderates the relationship between the greenhouse gas emissions from the value chain associated with Scope 3 of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, and the gross profit margin obtained. Besides the academic contribution represented by the moderating effect of clean energy innovation, these findings imply that a more detailed understanding of the emissions of the entire value chain (Scope 3 CO₂e) by executives and managers of high emitting CO₂e companies represents an effective mechanism to obtain higher profits, create competitive advantages and, at the same time, achieve a net zero emissions strategy. More importantly, public policy makers will be able to use these results to revise CO₂e-related policies paying more attention to the Scope 3 CO₂e emissions produced by these companies, to formulate regulatory and control mechanisms that stimulate clean energy innovation.

This proposal was prepared in the very first weeks of 2020 because of the outbreak of COVID-19. There are good reasons to suppose that rotavirus vaccine can be used as protection tool to effectively and safely fight and mitigate SARS-CoV-2 infection and the impact caused by COVID- 19 in adult humans, due to the development of cross and trained immunity following rotavirus vaccination. Up-to-date, some rotavirus vaccines are available and approved, two of them have a large experience in results and safety. Little experience has been achieved in the use of rotavirus vaccine in adults. However, it can be expected that it would be safe and effective in adults and in the elderly as well. This proposal explains the background of this hypothesis based on lungs and intestine relationships.

Promoting diet and physical activity is important for women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their partners to reduce the risk of future type 2 diabetes (T2D). The study aimed to understand how motivation for changing diet and physical activity behaviors among women with recent GDM and their partners was experienced after participation in the Danish Face-it intervention. Fourteen couple interviews were conducted. Data analysis followed reflexive thematic analysis. Guided by self-determination theory and interdependence theory, we identified four themes affecting couples’ motivation for health behavior change: 1) The need for relatedness after delivery, 2) Promoting competence and autonomy for health behavior change, 3) Individual and mutual preferences for health behaviors, and 4) The health threat of future T2D as a cue to action. We found that the couples in general perceived the Face-it intervention as useful and motivating. Using couple interviews increased our understanding of how the women and partners influenced each other’s perspectives after a GDM-affected pregnancy and thus how targeting couples as opposed to women alone may motivate health behavior change.

Cross flow heat exchangers are commonly used in the thermal industry to transfer heat from hot tubes to cooling fluid. To protect the heat exchanger tubes from corrosion and dust accumulation, microscale coatings are often applied. In this study, we present machine-learning models for predicting heat transfer from hot tubes with different micro-sized coatings to cooling fluid in a turbulent flow using computational fluid dynamics simulations. A dataset of approximately 1000 cases was generated by varying the coating coverage thickness of each tube, the inlet Reynolds number, fluid flow inlet temperature, and wall temperature of tubes. The machine-learning models were generated to predict the overall heat flow rate in the heat exchanger, and it was found that combining the features based on their importance preserved the accuracy of the models while maintaining all the relevant information. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method increases the coefficient of determination (R2) for the models. The R2 values for unseen data for Random Forest, K-Nearest Neighbors, and Support Vector Regression were 0.9810, 0.9037, and 0.9754, respectively, indicating the usefulness of the proposed model for predicting heat transfer in various types of heat exchangers.

Despite being extremely potent against malignancies, cisplatin (CIS) has limited practical applicability due to its adverse effects such as testicular damage. Consequently, it becomes necessary to reduce its toxicity. In this study, cilostazol, a selective phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor that is frequently used in the treatment of intermittent claudication, was examined for its ability to abrogate CIS-induces testicular toxicity and its ameliorative effect was compared with two phosphodiesterase inhibitors, tadalafil and pentoxifylline. The study also focused on the possible mechanisms involved in the proposed protective effect. Ten groups of rats were included; Group (1): control, Groups (2-4): 5 mg/kg tadalafil or 75 mg/kg pentoxifylline or 20 mg/kg cilostazol respectively), Group (5):7 mg/kg CIS, Group (6&7): CIS + 5 mg/kg tadalafil or 75 mg/kg pentoxifylline, Group (8-10) CIS+ 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg cilostazol respectively. CIS treated rats showed a significant decrease in testicular function, serum testosterone and reduced glutathione levels, and significant elevation in malondialdehyde, total nitrite levels, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nuclear factor-kappa β alongside caspase-3. These outcomes were confirmed by marked testicular architecture deterioration. Contrary, Cilostazol in a dose-dependent manner showed potential protection against testicular toxicity, reversion of the disrupted testicular function and improvement of the histological alterations through rebalancing of oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers. In addition, cilostazol exerted more pronounced protective effect in comparison to tadalafil and pentoxifylline. In conclusion, administrations of cilostazol might ameliorate cisplatin-induced testicular impairment through alteration of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic pathway, offering a promising treatment for cisplatin -intoxication in the testes.

Abstract: This paper summarises an early and successful piece of citizen science, performed within The University of Queensland Seismograph Stations (UQSS) observatory, in cooperation with colleagues at CSIRO. It was designed to en-courage young STEM students from Brisbane high schools to engage in “real” re-search, back in 1995. Having completed the project report, their (analog) results sat in a cupboard until the report was dusted off and the project was re-analysed in 2022 by an honors student, considering timely climate change applications for the study. This is a time when science is changing considerably from analog to digital medium and operational methods. The original project was called Earthquake generated T phases on BRS Seismograph (Brisbane, Q’ld)- a predictor for Tasman Sea Tsunamis? [1] Fortunately, seismology is a very collaborative field. The research question has since changed. There is a lot of data analysis involved in the science of recording earthquake signals, with auxiliary definitive catalogues, observers logbooks, housing of the recordings themselves (analog and digital) and the software mediums that change over time. In other words, a lot of headaches can be encountered in longitudinal data collection study such as this. The citizen science students used a pre-prepared decadal collection (1980-90) derived from the BRS observatory data catalogue. BRS is part of the global World-Wide Seismograph Station Network (WWSSN). Currently in Australia, university earth science observatories have diminished, and in their place, public seismic networks (PSN) have evolved, either in back-yard sheds or school science labs. The level of expertise required fits the role of advancing citizen science for a real science advantage. This is a topical citizen disaster preparedness action area for today’s climate emergency, which is threatening the globe and all lifeforms. Citizen engagement or mobilisation is an essential preparedness strategy. Keywords: citizen science 1; seismology 2; earth observation 3; climate change 4; education for sustainable development 5; disaster preparedness 6; disaster alerts 7