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Nematodes are the most widespread multicellular organisms found in soil ecosystems. They engage in complex and diverse relationships with plants and other living organisms. Additionally, the composition of nematode communities varies across different climatic conditions. This study was conducted in the Zarafshan Valley of Uzbekistan, where the species and ecological diversity of nematodes have not been thoroughly explored. Our research identified 87 nematode species belonging to seven orders across various biotopes associated with tomato plants in three regions of the Zarafshan Valley. Notably, the majority of these species were found in the rhizosphere soil. For the first time in this region, we classified nematodes into ecological groups based on their trophic characteristics, revealing that the bacterivores group is the most dominant. We calculated ecological indicators for nematodes in different biotopes using the Simpson index (Dˊ), Shannon index (Hˊ), Menhinck index, Margalef index, and Berger-Parker index. The diversity of nematode fauna across these biotopes was analyzed in relation to soil organic matter content, humidity, and pH levels. Our findings further demonstrate that variations in the species and ecological composition of nematodes among biotopes are influenced by multiple factors, particularly their trophic characteristics.

Abstract Objectives It has been estimated that vaccines can accrue a relatively large part of their value from patient and carer productivity. Yet, productivity value is not commonly or consistently considered in health economic evaluations of vaccines in several high-income countries. To contribute to a better understanding of the potential impact of including productivity value on the expected cost-effectiveness of vaccination, we illustrate the extent to which the incremental costs would change with and without productivity value incorporated. Methods For two vaccines currently under development, one against Cloistridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection and one against respiratory syncytial disease (RSV), we estimated their incremental costs with and without productivity value included and compared the results. Results In this analysis, reflecting a UK context, a C. difficile vaccination programme would prevent £12.3 in productivity costs for every person vaccinated. An RSV vaccination programme would prevent £49 in productivity costs for every vaccinated person. Conclusions Considering productivity costs in future cost-effectiveness analyses of vaccines for C. difficile and RSV will contribute to better-informed reimbursement decisions from a societal perspective.

Abstract The global invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) landscape changed considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidenced by decreased incidence rates due to COVID-19 mitigation measures, such as limited social contact, physical distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing. Vaccination rates were also lower during the pandemic relative to pre-pandemic levels. Although policymakers may have shifted their focus away from IMD vaccination programs to COVID-19 vaccination programs, strong arguments support implementation and prioritization of IMD vaccination programs; IMD cases have increased in some countries and IMD rates may even have exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Additional concerns include increased susceptibility due to vaccination coverage gaps, increased incidence of other respiratory pathogens, immunity debt from lockdown restrictions, and increased IMD epidemiologic variability. The full range of benefits of widely available and effective meningococcal vaccines needs to be considered, especially in health technology assessments, where the broad benefits of these vaccines are neither accurately quantified nor captured in implementation policy decisions. Importantly, implementation of meningococcal vaccination programs in the current IMD climate also appeals to broader healthcare principles, including preparedness rather than reactive approaches, generally accepted benefit–risk approaches to vaccination, historical precedent, and the World Health Organization's goal of defeating meningitis by 2030. Countries should therefore act swiftly to bolster existing meningococcal vaccination strategies to provide broad coverage across age groups and serogroups given the recent increases in IMD incidence.

Natural Fe-Ni alloys are common in meteorites and, presumably, the Earth’s core, where they host significant platinum-group elements (PGE). However, little is known on PGE concentrations in hydrothermal or metamorphic Fe-Ni alloys (i.e., awaruite Ni3Fe) from terrestrial rocks. In this work, we examine the geochemistry of awaruite and related minerals from several placer deposits sourced from the suprasubduction ophiolitic (Kamchatsky Mys, Karaginsky Island, and Mamet) and Ural-Alaskan (Galmoenan) complexes of Kamchatka and the Koryak Highlands (Far East Russia) in order to assess the abundance of PGE in awaruite and constrain their mobility under metamorphic and hydrothermal conditions. Studied awaruite from ophiolitic and Ural-Alaskan type complexes formed via desulfurization of pentlandite during serpentinization. Three groups of platinum-group minerals (PGMs) are associated with awaruite from Kamchatsky Mys: (1) Pt-Fe alloys such as ferronickelplatinum (Pt2FeNi) or unnamed Ni2FePt alloys; (2) Os-Ir-Ru alloys of various composition; (3) Pd-Sb minerals which form together with serpentine during hydrothermal alteration. Despite the abundance of PGM inclusions, no significant PGE concentrations were measured in awaruite from the Kamchatsky Mys, Karaginsky Island, or Mamet ophiolites. In contrast, pentlandite relicts in awaruite from placers related to the Galmoenan Ural-Alaskan type complex contain exceptionally high, previously unreported, Os (up to 540 ppm). Awaruite that forms on behalf of this pentlandite does not show any significant Os enrichment. Rare Galmoenan awaruite analyses yield up to 3 ppm Pd. The new data are not in complete accordance with previous studies that reported relatively high (up to first 10 ppm) PGE content in awaruite. We attribute this to low PGE concentration in precursor sulfides and preferential partitioning of PGE into discrete secondary PGM within awaruite. Nevertheless, abundant inclusions of secondary PGM in awaruite provide evidence of PGE mobility during metamorphic and hydrothermal alteration of ultramafic rocks.

Background: The aim of this research was to study the features of changes in the parameters of heart remodeling in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and chronic heart failure (CHF), depending on the degree of renal dysfunction (RD). Methods and Results: The study included 150 CHD patients with NYHA functional class (FC) I-IIII of CHF. All examined patients were subdivided according to the level of eGFR: Group A included 81 patients with CHF FCI-III and eGFRCKD-EPI>60 mL/min per 1.73m2; Group B included 69 patients with CHF FCI-III and eGFRCKD-EPI≤60 mL/min per 1.73m2. It was found an increase in left ventricular (LV) mass in Group B by 11.4%, compared to Group A (P=0.000). Analysis of LV systolic function showed that in Group B, values of LF ejection fraction and fractional shortening were significantly lower than in Group A (47.64±0.61% vs. 52.7±0.28%, and 25.40±0.46% vs. 28.23±0.25%, respectively, P=0.000). Thus, in Group B, we found CHFrEF, compared to Group A with CHFpEF. Analysis of diastolic function revealed that in Group B, the E/A ratio was statistically higher than in Group A (1.12±0.05 vs. 0.81±0.04, respectively, P=0.000). At the same time, in Group B, values of IVRT and DT were significantly lower than in Group A (85.01±0.8 ms vs. 91.25±0.99 ms, and 177.8±2.1 ms vs. 197.5±2.07 ms, respectively, P=0.000). Thus, the signs of the impaired relaxation (Grade 1 DD) and the pseudonormal filling pattern (Grade 2 DD) were found in Group A and Group B, respectively. Conclusion: RD in patients with CHF is an important factor in the significant deterioration of LV systolic and diastolic functions.

Improved plant nutrition when applying organic and mineral fertilizers occurs due to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium from fertilizers and soil. A significant part of them is fixed by soil. Depending on the amount of fertilizer applied and the mobility of soil nutrients, different conditions for the formation of the crop and its quality are created. Reproduction of soil fertility and increase in crop yields can only be achieved on the basis of the scientifically based use of fertilizers and other chemicals in crop rotations. Currently, the rational use of fertilizers, both organic and mineral, to increase productivity, quality of crops and improve soil fertility is of particular importance. Studying the effectiveness of various fertilizer systems in crop rotations and biologization of agriculture are currently becoming particularly important. Hence, this study highlights the comprehensive information on the influence of various fertilizer on the yield and quality of barley and potatoes.

The processes of synthesis of silicon carbide from natural mineral raw materials - diatomite mixed with coke (or coal, or graphite) have been studied. High-temperature heating was carried out using a flow of concentrated solar radiation (CSI) of high density (200 W/cm 2 ). The mixture was placed in a graphite crucible mounted on the focal zone of the Large Solar Furnace. The crucible with the material sample after irradiation with the XI flow was cooled in an arbitrary manner for 30 minutes. The analysis showed that such a diffraction pattern is due to the presence of three phases - silicon carbide β- SiC with a cubic system with lattice parameters a = 4.36 A and α- SiC with a hexagonal lattice with parameters a = 3.07 A c = 15.11 A, as well as graphite C of the hexagonal system.

The construction industry's success hinges on effective materials management, a complex process vital for timely and cost-effective material availability. Despite its significance, a notable gap exists in academic research on this critical aspect. This study addresses the gap by introducing a delay prediction model aimed at preempting project delays due to material-related challenges, offering a proactive project management strategy. Materials account for 60-70% of direct costs, and delays resulting from inefficiencies incur significant financial implications. The proposed algorithm, rooted in rigorous academic exploration, utilizes correlation matrices to predict time and cost overruns. The research concludes with a comprehensive analysis, validating the algorithm's utility by revealing average delays and cost overruns for diverse construction components. This study underscores the paramount importance of materials management in construction project success and offers a practical algorithm with potential real-time applications, suggesting avenues for future research expansion.

Abstract The discrepancy between Na-rich compositions of modern carbonatitic lavas (Oldoinyo Lengai volcano) and alkali-poor ancient carbonatites remains a topical problem in petrology. Although both are supposedly considered to originate via fractional crystallization of a “common parent” alkali-bearing Ca-carbonatitic magma, there is a significant compositional gap between the Oldoinyo Lengai carbonatites and all other natural compositions reported (including melt inclusions in carbonatitic minerals). In an attempt to resolve this, we investigate the petrogenesis of Ca-carbonatites from two occurrences (Guli, Northern Siberia and Tagna, Southern Siberia), focusing on mineral textures and alkali-rich multiphase primary inclusions hosted within apatite and magnetite. Apatite-hosted inclusions are interpreted as trapped melts at an early magmatic stage, whereas inclusions in magnetite represent proxies for the intercumulus environment. Melts obtained by heating and quenching the inclusions, show a progressive increase in alkali concentrations transitioning from moderately alkaline Ca-carbonatites through to the “calcite CaCO3 + melt = nyerereite (Na,K)2Ca2(CO3)3” peritectic, and finally towards Oldoinyo Lengai lava compositions. These results give novel empirical evidence supporting the view that Na-carbonatitic melts, similar to those of the Oldoinyo Lengai, may form via fractionation of a moderately alkaline Ca-carbonatitic melt, and therefore provide the “missing piece” in the puzzle of the Na-carbonatite’s origin. In addition, we conclude that the compositions of the Guli and Tagna carbonatites had alkali-rich primary magmatic compositions, but were subsequently altered by replacement of alkaline assemblages by calcite and dolomite.

Platinum-group elements (PGE) are most effectively concentrated via sulfide-silicate melt immiscibility; however, under sulfide-undersaturated conditions, PGE may exhibit highly siderophile behavior and occur as native metals and alloys. In this case, they can form micrometer-size inclusions within Cr-spinel, but also large nuggets (up to several kilograms), found in chromitites and related placer deposits. The exact formation mechanism of such large nuggets and accumulations of PGE unrelated to sulfide melts remains controversial due to mass balance issues. In this study of multiphase inclusions in Os-Ir-Ru nuggets from the Adamsfield placer district (Tasmania, Australia), we constrain their crystallization environment. Multiphase inclusions comprise variable proportions of hornblende, enstatite, quartz, anthophyllite, anorthite, chlorite and native iridium and coexist with single-phase olivine and Cr-spinel inclusions. The heterogeneity in phase and chemical composition of the inclusions indicates a complex origin from an inhomogeneous source media. This is corroborated by grain scale disequilibrium mineral assemblages, where forsterite and quartz are both included within a single osmium grain. Our proposed multi-stage origin of Adamsfield Os-Ir-Ru nuggets involved magmatic olivine-Cr-spinel-Os-Ir-Ru cumulates in peridotite bodies that were subsequently overprinted by various hydrothermal and metamorphic processes, including serpentinization or growth of Os-Ir-Ru from supercritical fluids. The final metamorphic stage resulted in the obliteration of Os-Ir-Ru zonation, culminating in the current assemblage of inclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer, the second major cause of death after cardiovascular disease has been reported to have resulted in over 10 million deaths worldwide per year, on average. Resistance to therapeutic interventions is a definitive characteristic of cancer, where acquired resistance has become a challenge that has significantly reduced the anti-tumor efficiency of cancer therapy. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is heavily responsible for these cancer cell-targeted drug delivery system challenges due to its abundant physiological and pathological barriers that impair the tumoral penetration and distribution of nanotherapeutics. However, these unique TME characteristics also make the TME an attractive therapeutic target and a focus of intense research in the development of antitumor nanomedicine strategies that can directly target or modulate it. In this review, we summarize the strategies developed to target the TME to overcome the obstacles against nano-drug delivery and consequently improve anti-tumor efficiency.

Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that metastasizes to other organs. While immune checkpoint blockade with anti-PD-1 has transformed the treatment of advanced melanoma, many melanoma patients fail to respond to anti-PD-1 therapy or develop acquired resistance. Thus, effective treatment of melanoma still represents an unmet clinical need. Our prior studies support the anti-cancer activity of the 17β-hydroxywithanolide class of natural products, including physachenolide C (PCC). As single agents, PCC and its semi-synthetic analog demonstrated direct cytotoxicity in a panel of murine melanoma cell lines, which share common driver mutations with human melanoma; the IC50 values ranged from 0.19–1.8 µM. PCC treatment induced apoptosis of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. In vivo treatment with PCC alone caused the complete regression of established melanoma tumors in all mice, with a durable response in 33% of mice after discontinuation of treatment. T cell-mediated immunity did not contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of PCC or prevent tumor recurrence in YUMM2.1 melanoma model. In addition to apoptosis, PCC treatment induced G0-G1 cell cycle arrest of melanoma cells, which upon removal of PCC, re-entered the cell cycle. PCC-induced cycle cell arrest likely contributed to the in vivo tumor recurrence in a portion of mice after discontinuation of treatment. Thus, 17β-hydroxywithanolides have the potential to improve the therapeutic outcome for patients with advanced melanoma.

Platinum-group elements (PGE) and gold are a promising tool to assess the processes of mantle melting beneath the subduction zones. However, fractionation processes in magmas inevitably overwrite the initial metal budgets of magmas, making constraints on the melting processes inconclusive. Moreover, little is still known about the geochemical behavior of a particular metal in a single arc magmatic system, from mantle melting towards magma solidification. Here we compare noble metals in lavas from several eruptions of the Tolbachik volcano (Kamchatka arc) to better understand the effects of magma differentiation, estimate primary melt compositions and make constraints on the mantle melting. We show that Ir, Ru, Rh and, to a lesser extent, Pt are compatible during magmatic differentiation. The pronounced incompatible behavior of Cu and Pd, observed in Tolbachik magmas, rules out the significant influence of sulfide melts on the early magmatic evolution in this particular case. Gold is also incompatible during magmatic differentiation; however, its systematics can be affected by the inferred gold recycling in the plumbing system of Tolbachik. Although the Tolbachik lavas show only slightly higher PGE fractionation than in MORB, a notable negative Ru anomaly (higher Pt/Ru and Ir/Ru) is observed. We attribute this to be a result of greater oxidation in the subarc mantle (by 1–4 log units), which promotes crystallization of Ru-bearing phases such as Fe3+-rich Cr-spinel and laurite. The estimated Pd contents for the parental melt of the Tolbachik lavas approaches 6.5 ppb. This is several times higher than reported MORB values (1.5 ± 0.5 ppb), suggesting the enrichment of Pd in the mantle wedge. Our results highlight the influence of the subduction-related processes and mantle wedge refertilization on the noble metal budgets of arc magmas.

The issues of determining the optimal values of the regulatory parameters of irrigation systems engaged in the cultivation of agricultural crops are considered. Following the requirements of a market economy, the main emphasis is placed on taking into account two types of criteria: maximizing the yield of agricultural crops and minimizing monetary costs. The proposed method for solving the multi-criteria optimization problem is based on the combination of the minimax criterion and the medium-step convolution, which makes it possible to scalarize the vector optimality criterion with access to smooth optimization methods. Concerning the case of priority uncertainty according to particular optimality criteria, an intelligent algorithm is proposed based on the approximation of the preference function of the decision-maker by the fuzzy Mamdani model. The multi-criteria optimization of the irrigation system used for growing cotton results differ favorably from the average values. The one hectare yield in the republic- increased by 2%, monetary costs - reduced by 4.5%. It could be concluded that the developed methodology makes it possible to bypass the computational difficulties that arise when solving problems of multi-criteria optimization of irrigation systems engaged in the cultivation of agricultural crops and to obtain real results in conditions of certainty and uncertainty goals.

Sorption capabilities of cell walls of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae with respect to phenol have been investigated. Elemental analysis established the composition of yeast cell walls: 47.8–48.6% C; 5.7-6.1% N and 6.86% H. The surface of the sorbent determined by BET, was 118.6 m2/g, ash content – 18-22%. Using FTIR-spectroscopy, it is shown that the prevailing mechanism of phenol adsorption is physical sorption, and not complexation. The adsorption abilities of yeast cell walls with respect to phenol were studied relative to pH, initial phenol concentration, sorbent dose and activation time. It is shown that the sorption efficiency increases in protonated solutions with pH

Abstract Introduction To evaluate the expected impact of the Algeria national immunization program (NIP) and potential impact for a Tunisia NIP, this study assessed the public health and economic value of vaccination, through a cost-effectiveness analysis, for a PCV13 or PCV10 NIP, compared with no vaccination. Methods A decision-analytic model was programmed in Microsoft Excel™ and adapted to evaluate the clinical and economic outcomes of PCV vaccination. Assuming a steady state, the model estimated invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD; bacteremia and meningitis), all-cause pneumonia (inpatient and outpatient), and all-cause otitis media cases as well as the associated costs from a payer perspective. The base case scenario assumed direct effects for both PCVs and indirect effects (against IPD) for PCV13 only. Results In Algeria, compared with no vaccination program, PCV13 would save 2177 lives and avoid nearly 349,000 cases of IPD, pneumonia, and AOM at a highly cost-effective value of $308 per QALY. In Tunisia, PCV13 would save 308 lives and avoid 1305 cases of IPD, 4833 cases of pneumonia, and 54,957 cases of AOM at a highly cost-effective value of $848 per QALY. PCV10 prevented 1224 deaths and 270,483 cases of disease in Algeria and prevented 172 deaths and 56,610 cases in Tunisia. PCV10 was cost-effective in both Algeria at $731/QALY and in Tunisia at $1366/QALY. Conclusion The ongoing NIP in Algeria is projected to reduce the impact and economic toll of pneumococcal disease in Algeria. If an NIP were also introduced in Tunisia, a commensurate impact would be expected. PCV NIPs are highly cost-effective, highly impactful public health interventions. Funding Pfizer.

The human genome encodes the blueprint of life, but the function of the vast majority of its nearly three billion bases is unknown. The Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) project has systematically mapped regions of transcription, transcription factor association, chromatin structure and histone modification. These data enabled us to assign biochemical functions for 80% of the genome, in particular outside of the well-studied protein-coding regions. Many discovered candidate regulatory elements are physically associated with one another and with expressed genes, providing new insights into the mechanisms of gene regulation. The newly identified elements also show a statistical correspondence to sequence variants linked to human disease, and can thereby guide interpretation of this variation. Overall, the project provides new insights into the organization and regulation of our genes and genome, and is an expansive resource of functional annotations for biomedical research., Author(s): The ENCODE Project Consortium; Overall coordination (data analysis coordination); Ian Dunham [2]; Anshul Kundaje [3, 82]; Data production leads (data production); Shelley F. Aldred [4]; Patrick J. Collins [4]; [...]