Damaging Effects Research Articles

Salicylic acid priming before cadmium exposure increases wheat growth but does not uniformly reverse cadmium effects on membrane glycerolipids

Abstract Cadmium (Cd) is an abiotic stressor negatively affecting plant growth and reducing crop productivity. The effects of Cd (25 μM) and of pre‐soaking seeds with salicylic acid (SA) (500 μM) on morphological, physiological, and glycerolipid changes in two cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ‘Tosunbey’ and ‘Cumhuriyet’) were explored. Parameters measured were length, fresh and dry biomass, Cd concentration, osmotic potential (ψ), lipid peroxidation, and polar lipid species in roots and leaves, as well as leaf chlorophyll a, carotenoids, and fv/fm. Fresh biomass of roots and leaves and leaf length were strongly depressed by Cd treatment compared to the control, but significantly increased with SA + Cd compared to Cd alone. Cd reduced leaf levels of chlorophyll a, carotenoids, and fv/fm, compared to controls. Treatment with SA + Cd increased pigment levels and fv/fm compared to Cd alone. Cd treatment led to a decrease in DW of total membrane lipids in leaves and depressed levels of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid in leaves and roots of both cultivars. The effects of SA priming and SA + Cd treatment on lipid content and composition were cultivar‐specific, suggesting that lipid metabolism may not be a primary target underlying SA remediation of the damaging effects of Cd on wheat growth and development.

Effect of Mexel®432 on DNA Damage in Haliotis Discus Hannai and Mesocentrotus Nudus

Mexel®432 is a surfactant-like substance that is a biosuppressant against marine fouling organisms. Therefore, to study the toxic effect of Mexel®432 on marine organisms, the wrinkled abalone and echinococcus was exposed to concentrations of 0.175 mg·L-1, 0.350 mg·L-1, 0.700 mg·L-1, 0.275 mg·L-1, 0.550 mg∙L−1, 1.100 mg·L-1 Mexel®432 solution, and single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet experiment) was used to detect different exposure times (0, 10, 20 d) DNA damage effect of digestive gland cells and echinococcus pallidae intestinal cells in wrinkled disc abalone, and tail DNA content, tail length, tail distance, and Olive tail distance were used as evaluation indexes. The results showed that different concentrations of Mexel®432 could cause DNA disintegration and tailing in digestive gland cells and intestinal cells in a short period of time (10 d), and with the increase of Mexel®432 concentration and the extension of exposure time, DNA deformation was obvious, the fragmentation increased, and the degree of damage was aggravated. When the concentration of Mexel®432 reaches 0.350 mg·L-1, it produces certain genotoxicity to the digestive gland cells of wrinkled abalone, and when the concentration of Mexel®432 reaches 1.1000 mg·L-1, it also has certain genotoxicity to the intestinal cells of Mesocentrotus nudus. The experimental results showed that Mexel®432 had a significant dose effect relationship on DNA damage in the cells of two biological tissues.

Faulting by the 2023 great earthquakes of Türkiye and associated stress field and its effects on built environment

Abstract Background Faulting induced by earthquakes and its analysis are of great importance for areas with high probability of earthquakes. However, there has been no particularly effective methods to evaluate the damage and applicable solutions for recovery. In this paper, the damage from Türkiye earthquakes is investigated by authors, which has important theoretical significance and practical value. On 6 February, 2023, two successive earthquakes with magnitudes (Mw) of 7.8 (called Pazarcık earthquake) and 7.6 (Ekinözü earthquake) occurred in the south-eastern part of Türkiye. The total length of the surface ruptures was more than 500 km long and resulted in striations reflecting the sinistral faulting and extensive ground deformations. In this study, the authors present the outcomes of the investigations on the surface ruptures, their characteristics, stress field associated with both earthquakes, shear strength property of fault segments and the damaging effects on various structures and made some recommendations with the purpose of how to build structures in active fault zones and decrease the negative effects of faulting on structures. Results Besides summarizing the main characteristics of the world-shaking Kahramanmaraş earthquake doublet in southeast Türkiye in 2023, this study described the main features of the surface ruptures, their relation to the inferred crustal stresses in Türkiye, and the damaging effects on the major engineering structures. The observations and inferences are of great significance for understanding the causes of earthquakes and future seismic risk assessment. Various laboratory experiments were performed on the samples of fault gouge gathered from the sites of surface ruptures and these experimental results provided very valuable quantitative information on the constitutive models of the fault zones. The observations clearly showed that it is almost impossible to prevent damage on structures due to surface ruptures, if certain engineering principles such as increasing higher ductility, lowering gravitational center and/or the implementations of raft foundations are followed. Conclusions The stress state inferences obtained from the striation of the fault surface ruptures as well as from the focal plane solutions are expected to be useful to evaluate the regional stress state of the earthquake region. Assessments indicated that the stress states in Arabian plate and Anadolu platelet are different from each other. However, in-situ direct stress measurement techniques would be quite useful to validate the stress state inferred in this study. The laboratory experiments on samples gathered from the fault outcrops of the earthquakes using direct shear tests, stick-slip tests as well as conventional tensile, compressive and triaxial tests provided the quantitative values for the parameters of constitutive laws for fault zones, which can be utilized in the numerical simulation of earthquakes. If a fault break happens to be just passing underneath the structures, it is almost impossible for mankind to prevent the damage to structures. However, the authors made some recommendations to reduce the negative effects of fault ruptures on structures. These recommendations are such that the structures should be built as ductile and redundant structures with lower center of gravity and raft foundations. Dam construction should be on active faults should be avoided. If they are to be built for whatever reason, they should be of rock-fill type. As tubular structures and tunnels would be generally subjected forced displacement field, it is recommended to utilize flexible joints, segmented and enlargement to deal such displacement fields.

MORPHOFUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TESTES IN YOUNG SEXUALLY MATURE RATS FOLLOWING PRENATAL EXPOSURE TO LOW-LEVEL ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

The aim of this study is to investigate the functional and morphological characteristics of the testes in young sexually mature rats exposed to low-intensity centimeter-range electromagnetic radiation during the intrauterine period (within the “mother-fetus” system). Materials and methods. Intrauterine exposure to electromagnetic radiation was simulated using a high-frequency generator G4-190-3/1, equipped with a P-6-23A radiating antenna. To evaluate the reproductive system, a morphological examination of the testes and measurement of blood testosterone levels were performed. Morphometric methods were employed to quantify histological findings. The area of Leydig cell nuclei was measured, and the optical density of stromal connective tissue was assessed using the PAS reaction. The proliferative activity of spermatogenic epithelium cells was determined through an immunohistochemical reaction to the Ki-67 antigen. Results. In this experiment, the consequences of intrauterine damage to the testicles of male offspring were observed. We can presume that there is not only intrauterine damage, which may undergo regeneration later in life, but also the formation of epigenetic changes of regulatory factors that affect the expression of genes determining the morphofunctional state of the spermatogenic epithelium. Epigenetic changes developed during intrauterine period can manifest throughout the offspring’s lifetime after birth. Conclusions. Functional and morphological changes were found in the testes of sexually mature young males, offspring of mothers exposed to low-intensity centimeter-level electromagnetic fields during pregnancy. Hypoplastic changes in the testicles, a decrease in the proliferative potential of the spermatogenic epithelium were revealed. Hormonal stimulation of spermatogenesis (hypertestosteronemia and an increase in the number of Leydig cells and the size of their nuclei) obviously have a compensatory nature. The obtained results provide the basis for large epidemiological studies with the involvement of a wide range of specialists in both medical and technical specialties.

On the dynamic failure mechanism of Vit-1 bulk metallic glass: Coupling effects of pre-made damage and strain rate

To clarify the two distinct effects and the underlying physical mechanisms of pre-made damage on the failure strength of bulk metallic glass (BMG), i.e. strengthening or weakening, the influence of axial pre-compression on the dynamic failure of Vit-1 BMG are investigated experimentally. Quasi-static and dynamic compression tests were conducted on pre-compressed BMG specimens for a wide range of nominal strain rates between 0.001 s−1 to 6000 s−1. The focus is on the coupled effects of pre-compression and strain rate on the dynamic failure stress. Two contrasting mechanisms were identified that influence how the pre-made shear bands affect the propagation of cracks under different strain rates. It will be shown that the dynamic failure stress exhibits a transition from strengthening to knockdown with increasing strain rate; and, that the extent of these strengthening and knockdown effects depends on the pre-compression strain level. Finally, a failure model that captures the effects of both strain rate and pre-made damage is proposed.

Research on combined damage characteristics of underwater armor-piercing and explosion based on supercavitating projectile

Recent studies of supercavitating projectiles primarily focus on the formation and evolution of the cavity, as well as its underwater ballistic characteristics, while neglecting the terminal damage effects. Little attention has been given to exploring the combined damage effects of armor-piercing-explosion supercavitating projectiles (APESP). Therefore, this study comparatively analyzes the response processes and failure modes of an underwater aluminum alloy cylindrical shell target under the action of three different types of loads: armor piercing, explosion, and combined armor-piercing and explosion. This study investigates the underwater combined damage mechanisms of the APESP, clarifies each damage phase under the combined effect, discusses the advantages of damage resulting from the combined armor-piercing and explosion effect based on the target responses and damage modes, and explores the reasons for dissipation of explosion energy. The results show that: the APESP combines localized point damage characteristics of armor piercing with overall surface damage features of underwater explosion. Depending on load stages and target responses, the target response process under the action of the APESP can be divided into the hydrodynamic ram phase, penetration phase, shock wave phase, stable vibration phase, and bubble pulsation phase. The entire physical system can be abstracted as a low-frequency series spring system (equivalent to bubble pulsation frequency) with high-frequency external energy input, based on the energy relationship of the medium and the structure. The concept of the 'blower effect' is proposed based on target behavior during the stable vibration phase. Following the application of different loads, the plastic deformation of the target in a stable state is ranked as: underwater explosion > combined armor-piercing and explosion > underwater armor piercing. Supercavity, shell casing and penetration hole will cause the dissipation of explosion energy.

SLC2A1 variants cause late-onset epilepsy and the genetic-dependent stage feature

BackgroundThe SLC2A1 gene plays a vital role in brain energy metabolism. SLC2A1 variants have been reported to be associated with early-onset refractory seizures. This study aims to explore the association between the SLC2A1 gene and late-onset epilepsy.MethodsTrios-based whole-exome sequencing was performed on patients with epilepsy without acquired etiologies. The pathogenicity of the variants was assessed according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.ResultsA total of 14 heterozygous SLC2A1 variants were identified in 16 unrelated families. The variants were evaluated as “pathogenic” or “likely pathogenic” according to the ACMG guidelines. Ten cases (62.5%) presented with infantile onset seizures and developmental delay/intellectual disability and were diagnosed with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). The other six cases (37.5%) exhibited late-onset seizures and normal development. They were diagnosed with idiopathic partial epilepsy (n = 2) or idiopathic generalized epilepsy (n = 4). Further analysis showed that DEE-associated variants tended to cluster in the transmembrane region, whereas the mild epilepsy-associated variants tended to locate in regions outside the transmembrane region, suggesting a potential molecular sub-regional effect. A total of 15 cases had delayed diagnosis, with the longest delay being 22 years. The SLC2A1 expression stage, which is expressed at relatively high level throughout the whole life span, from the embryonic to adult stages with two peaks at approximately four and 14 years, is generally consistent with the seizure onset age. In addition, patients with early-onset age had variants that were potentially associated with severe damage, suggesting a potential correlation between the age of disease onset and the damaging effects of the variants.ConclusionsSLC2A1 variants are associated with late-onset epilepsy, which is consistent with the genetic-dependent stage feature of SLC2A1. Early genetic diagnosis is important for treatment of patients with SLC2A1 variants.

Cold Tolerance and Physiological Response of Natural Overwintering Pomacea canaliculata in South China.

Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck 1822), a freshwater gastropod indigenous to lower Del Plata Basin of Argentina, has become the most destructive and invasive rice pests in south China since its introduction in the 1980s. In Guangdong, the main production areas for double rice, most of P. canaliculata overwinter in paddy field ditches after late-rice harvesting in mid-November and diapause to temporarily to avoid the damaging effects of extreme low temperatures. This pest aroused from diapause and migrated to the paddy field after early-rice reviving in next late March. Overwintering and cold tolerance of natural P. canaliculata have a non-negligible impact on population dynamics and distribution in the following year. We tested the supercooling capability, levels of cryoprotectant synthesis, activity of antioxidant defense system (antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione), and degree of oxidative damage (concentration of malondialdehyde as an index of lipid peroxidation) monthly, using natural P. canaliculata samples with a size-gender structure (i.e., juveniles, female, and male adults) from experimental ponds during the period of mid-November to the following April. P. canaliculata survived the winter with a monthly death rate of 7%-16.5% in coldest January. The supercooling point (SCP) of overwintering P. canaliculata decreased initially before increasing subsequently with monthly changes in water temperature. P. canaliculata accumulated a high glycogen content before December, which depleted towards the end of January, while lipid content reached peak in January and depleted since February. Activity of antioxidant defense system of P. canaliculata exhibited significant monthly differences and showed relatively higher size heterogeneity than monthly variations. The results contribute to the knowledge of adaptability in overwintering P. canaliculata and help to understand the mechanism of the invasive success of this species.

Analysis of shear creep damage model of slope rock mass under the influence of coupled damage effects (DBSM)

Abstract This article reveals the evolution law of shear creep damage of carbonaceous shale (weak interlayer of slope) under dynamic load from a mechanical perspective by combining indoor experiments and theoretical research. Firstly, a coupled damage variable D BSM was established for the initial damage D 0 and dynamic disturbance shear creep damage D BS of rock mass based on the theory of damage mechanics. Secondly, according to the fractional calculus operator theory and considering the influence of coupled damage variable D BSM on the viscosity coefficient of rock mass in the viscoelasticity and viscoplasticity creep stages, a shear creep damage model of rock mass was established. At the same time, combined with the shear creep test data under the influence of dynamic loads, the damage evolution law of shear creep in carbonaceous shale (weak interlayer of slope) was revealed, and the accuracy of the established shear creep damage model was verified. Finally, the damage evolution law of carbonaceous shale was quantitatively analyzed. Results show that: The shear creep damage model established in this article has unique advantages. The greater the initial damage, the more likely shear creep failure is to occur under the influence of dynamic disturbance and shear creep loads. Dynamic disturbance accelerates the damage of weak interlayers of slope. The cumulative coupling damage of carbonaceous shale (D ma ≤0.18) under dynamic disturbance and multi-stage shear creep loads exhibits an S-like evolution pattern. The shear creep damage mechanism of carbonaceous shale is characterized by obvious initial damage effect, dynamic disturbance damage effect, and stress response characteristics.

Cardioprotective effects of liposomal resveratrol in diabetic rats: unveiling antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits

ABSTRACT As a consequence of chronic hyperglycemia, diabetes complications and tissue damage are exacerbated. There is evidence that natural phytochemicals, including resveratrol, a bioactive polyphenol, may be able to reduce oxidative stress and improve insulin sensitivity. However, resveratrol's limited bioavailability hampers its therapeutic effectiveness. By using liposomes, resveratrol may be better delivered into the body and be more bioavailable. The objective of this study was to assess the cardioprotective potential of liposome-encapsulated resveratrol (LR) in a streptozotocin-induced (STZ) diabetic rat model. Adult male Wistar rats were categorized into five groups: control, diabetic, resveratrol-treated (40 mg/kg), liposomal resveratrol (LR)-treated (20 mg/kg) and liposomal resveratrol (LR)-treated (40 mg/kg) for a five-week study period. We compared the effects of LR to those of resveratrol (40 mg/kg) on various parameters, including serum levels of cardiac markers, tissue levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nuclear transcription factor, oxidative stress markers, and apoptotic markers. LR treatment in STZ-diabetic rats resulted in notable physiological improvements, including blood glucose regulation, inflammation reduction, oxidative stress mitigation, and apoptosis inhibition. LR effectively lowered oxidative stress and enhanced cardiovascular function. It also demonstrated a remarkable ability to suppress NF-kB-mediated inflammation by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, LR restored the antioxidant enzymes, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, thereby effectively counteracting oxidative stress. Notably, LR modulated apoptotic regulators, including caspase, Bcl2, and Bax, suggesting a role in regulating programmed cell death. These biochemical alterations were consistent with improved structural integrity of cardiac tissue as revealed by histological examination. In comparison, resveratrol exhibited lower efficacy at an equivalent dosage. Liposomal resveratrol shows promise in alleviating hyperglycemia-induced cardiac damage in diabetes. Further research is warranted to explore its potential as a therapeutic agent for diabetic cardiovascular complications and possible cardioprotective effects.

Advance in Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Leishmaniasis

One of the main components of innate defense against invasive parasites is oxidative stress, which is brought on by reactive oxygen species (ROS). On the other hand, oxidative stressors serve two purposes: free radicals aid in the elimination of pathogens, but they can also set off inflammation, which leads to tissue damage. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that controls the expression of numerous genes involved in the body’s defense against oxidative stress brought on by aging, inflammation, tissue damage, and other pathological consequences. From cutaneous to visceral forms, Leishmania parasites invade macrophages and cause a wide range of human pathologies. Leishmania parasites have a wide range of adaptive mechanisms that disrupt several macrophage functions by altering host signaling pathways. An increasing amount of data are corroborating the idea that one of the primary antioxidant routes to counteract this oxidative burst against parasites is NRF2 signaling, which also interferes with immune responses. The nature and potency of the host immune response, as well as interactions between the invading Leishmania spp., will ascertain the course of infection and the parasites’ eventual survival or eradication. The molecular processes via which Nrf2 coordinates such intricate networks comprising various pathways remain to be completely understood. In light of NRF2’s significant contribution to oxidative stress, we examine the NRF2 antioxidant pathway’s activation mechanism in Leishmania infection in this review. Thus, this review will examine the relationship between Nrf2 signaling and leishmaniasis, as well as explore potential therapeutic strategies for modifying this system.

Germline Variants in DNA Interstrand-Cross Link Repair Genes May Contribute to Increased Susceptibility for Serrated Polyposis Syndrome

Serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) is characterized by the development of multiple colorectal serrated polyps and increased predisposition to colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the molecular basis of SPS, especially in cases presenting family history of SPS and/or polyps and/or CRC in first-degree relatives (SPS-FHP/CRC), is still poorly understood. In a previous study, we proposed the existence of two molecular entities amongst SPS-FHP/CRC families, proximal/whole-colon and distal SPS-FHP/CRC, according to the preferential location of lesions and somatic events involved in tumor initiation. In the present study, we aimed to investigate these distinct subgroups of SPS patients in a larger cohort at the germline level and to identify the genetic defects underlying an inherited susceptibility for these two entities. Next-generation sequencing was performed using multigene analysis with a custom-designed panel in a Miseq platform in 60 SPS patients (with and without/unknown FHP/CRC). We found germline pathogenic variants in 6/60 patients (ATM, FANCM, MITF, RAD50, RAD51C, and RNF43). We also found variants of unknown significance (VUS), with prediction of probable damaging effect in 23/60 patients (ATM, BLM, BRCA1, FAN1, ERCC2, ERCC3, FANCA, FANCD2, FANCL, MSH2, MSH6, NTHL1, PALB2, PDGFRA, PMS2, PTCH1, RAD51C, RAD51D, RECQL4, TSC2, WRN, and XRCC5 genes). Most variants were detected in gene coding for proteins of the Fanconi Anemia (FA) pathway involved in the DNA Interstrand-Cross Link repair (ICLR). Notably, variants in ICLR genes were significantly more frequent in the proximal/whole-colon than in the distal subgroup [15/44 (34%) vs 1/16 (6%), p = 0.025], as opposed to the non-ICLR genes that were slightly more frequent in the distal group [8/44 (18%) vs. 5/16 (31%), p > 0.05]. Germline defects in the DNA-ICLR genes may contribute to increased serrated colorectal polyps/carcinoma risk in SPS patients, particularly in proximal/whole-colon SPS. The inclusion of DNA-ICLR genes in the genetic diagnosis of SPS patients, mainly in those with proximal/whole-colon lesions, should be considered and validated by other studies. In addition, patients with germline defects in the DNA-ICLR genes may be more sensitive to treatment with platinum-based therapeutics, which can have implications in the clinical management of these patients.

Investigation into the effect of impact damage on compression behavior of the omega-stiffened composite panels

Abstract With superior performance and weight-saving potential, composite structures have been increasingly applied in the aerospace industry. The damage process and post-buckling deformation of composite panels under compressive load have been proven to limit the application of composite structures. For the purpose of utilizing the full potentiality of thin-walled composite structures, an experimental investigation was employed to explore the influence of impact damage on the buckling behavior and the load-carrying capacity of omega-stiffened composite panels. Pristine panels and impact-damaged panels were under compressive load until failure. The results showed that the pristine panels had higher compressive stability and ultimate strength, and the existence of impact damage led to a decline in the buckling load and the carrying capacity, which were up to 16% and 27%, respectively. Additionally, the complex stress state caused by the introduced impact damage influenced the buckling response and the damage patterns of the omega-stiffened panels. The pristine panels exhibited typical compression failure mode, with matrix crack and fiber breakage in the stringer and the skin. However, the collapse of the pre-damaged panels was dominated by the debonding of the skin-stiffener interface and the out-of-plane deformation of the skin.

Effect of initial temperature damage on the static and fatigue performance of all-lightweight shale ceramsite concrete

The effects of initial temperature damage on the static and compressive fatigue properties of LC30 all-lightweight shale ceramsite concrete (ALWSCC) were studied. The curing conditions ranged from -5 °C to -30 °C without antifreeze, with an elevated temperature range of 100 °C to 400 °C applied after 28 days of standard curing. We tested the static strength, elastic modulus, and stressstrain curves of ALWSCC, as well as its uniaxial compression fatigue life and ƐN curves under different stress levels. The credibility of data from only three test samples per condition was statistically analyzed, and we explored how temperature, aggregate properties, and concrete pore structure affect performance. The results indicate that the impact of temperature on the static and fatigue performance of ALWSCC can be described by a unified damage model. The Hillerborg characteristic length effectively captures the brittleness induced by temperature changes. Using the two-parameter Weibull equation and various fatigue equations that account for failure probability and temperature, the fatigue life predictions were accurate. Although low and high temperatures affect ALWSCC differently, temperature effects combined with static and fatigue loads further accelerate its deterioration.

Effects of bonding enhancers on shear stress and bonding strength of modified asphalt binders under different aging and moisture conditions

Insufficient bonding within pavement material causes widespread propagation of traffic-induced stresses, leading to accelerated damage accumulation and significant reduction in the service life of flexible pavements. This research aimed to examine the effects of using bonding enhancers, specifically Polyalkylene Glycol-based (PLG) and Alkylamines-based (ALM), on modified asphalt binders to improve the bonding characteristics. These additives were utilized at different concentration levels, i.e., 0.5 % and 1.0 %, based on the mass of asphalt binders, with the aim of enhancing the bonding performance between the materials within the asphalt mixture composite. The effectiveness of the modified asphalt binders was compared to the conventional ones through laboratory tests, which included shear-compression and pullout tests. These tests were conducted to assess the bonding performance of the modified asphalt binders by preparing different sets of sandwich samples using concrete cube substrates. A sodium carbonate solution was used as a medium to accelerate the effect of moisture damage on samples during the conditioning process. Additionally, the bonding performance of the asphalt binders was evaluated through a series of pullout and shear-compression tests under designated moisture and aging conditions. The dynamic shear rheological (DSR) test results of Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) and Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV)-aged binders incorporating bonding enhancers showed superior resistance to rutting and fatigue failure. Significant improvements in stress and shear strength were observed under moisture and aging conditions, highlighting improvements in the bonding performance of the modified asphalt binders. The incorporation of additives has positively contributed to the pavement performance, despite only a modest increase in bonding performance, tensile strength, and shear stress resistance.

Economic effects of wild boar damage to crops in protected areas of Nepal

Human wild-boar conflict is one of the prominent issues in Nepal, especially in areas adjacent to protected areas. Wild boars cause substantial damage to the agricultural crops and affect the lives of rural farmers through economic loss. However, the extent of this loss varies across protected areas. Thus, this study aims to compare the economic loss due to crop damage by wild boar between two protected areas with different management regimes; Shuklaphanta National Park (ShNP) and Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR). We used a questionnaire survey and descriptive statistics to characterize and compare the pattern of human wild boar conflicts between ShNP and DHR. Altogether, the two protected areas experienced a crop damage of 87,035.78kg with an estimated economic loss of 26,389 USD in our study. The most damaged crop in the ShNP was paddy whereas that in DHR was potato. We recorded a higher crop damage and economic loss in ShNP than in DHR. However, the severity of conflict is higher in DHR with around 8% of the total production damaged by wild boar. Although the government declared wild boar an agricultural menace in 2023 and permitted killing on private lands, local communities should also apply other mitigation measures to prevent wild boars from entering crop fields. Additionally, the potential introduction of trophy hunting in ShNP (already permitted in DHR), following comprehensive studies, could help reduce economic losses associated with human-wild boar conflicts. Such combined efforts could create a more sustainable approach to managing wild boar populations while safeguarding local agriculture and livelihoods.

Alternative oxidase of plants mitochondria is related with increased resistance of tomato mtDNA to the difenoconazole exposure

It is known that plant mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are more resistant to damage than animal mitochondria. We hypothesized that this phenomenon may be related to alternative respiratory pathways in plants mitochondria, in particular alternative oxidase (AOX). The results of a pot experiment demonstrated that the application of the fungicide difenoconazole at concentrations that were 3-, 5-, and 10-times higher than the recommended dosage resulted in a 106 %, 76 %, and 90 % increase in mitochondrial DNA damage in tomato shoots, respectively, in comparison to the shoots treated with difenoconazole at the dosage recommended by the manufacturer . Inhibition of shoot growth was observed in response to treatment with difenoconazole at a dose 10times higher than recommended. It is noteworthy that when tomatoes were treated with difenoconazole at this concentration, there was a tendency for the expression of inducible aox1a. In a field experiment, difenoconazole at a concentration of 5 times higher than recommended resulted in a 10 % increase in mtDNA damage in the fruits compared to the control. Similar results were obtained in an in vitro experiment. The addition of low doses of difenoconazole to intact tomato mitochondria did not cause mtDNA damage. The observed damages occured only when 200 μM difenoconazole was added. In contrast, incubation of 20 μM difenoconazole with SHAM, which inhibits AOX, resulted in a 115 % increase in mtDNA damage compared to the use of the same concentration without difenoconazole. This finding is consistent with the damaging effect induced by 200 μM difenoconazole. The increase in difenoconazole toxicity induced by SHAM and the elevation in aox1a gene expression resulting from the treatment with a 10 times higher than the recommended dose of difenoconazole may signify a pivotal function of AOX in the increased resistance of plant mtDNA to the pesticide exposure.

Comparative characteristics of the amount of cytokines in patients with hepatitis B and C

The problem of viral hepatitis is also important for the Armed Forces, which are the guarantor of the independence of each state. Timely diagnosis of viral hepatitis among new recruits, as well as among military personnel already in service, is distinguished by its importance. Undiagnosed viral hepatitis can later lead to the spread of viral infection among other military personnel. The diagnosis of the virus has an significant strategic importance among those in the service for the prevention of liver failure and cirrhosis due to the damaging effect of that virus on the liver in the future. The purpose of the study: Study of the amount of cytokines and TNF-alpha in the blood of military personnel with latent hepatitis infection, comparing the results with patients with steatosis and practically healthy individuals. Material and methods: The material of the study was composed of 89 military personnel examined at the Central Military Polyclinic and Military Hospital of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Patients were divided into 3 main groups: hepatitis B group consisted of 45 people (50.6%), hepatitis C group 21 people (23.6%), steatohepatosis group consisted of 23 people (25.8%). Conclusion: Determination of immune response parameters and cytokines in the blood during hepatitis B and C virus infections among military personnel has important perspectives as a new direction in the diagnosis of viral hepatitis. Thus, the results of general and biochemical analysis of blood may not show specific changes during examination of military personnel infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses.

Cooperative control of environmental extremes by artificial intelligent agents.

Humans have been able to tackle biosphere complexities by acting as ecosystem engineers, profoundly changing the flows of matter, energy and information. This includes major innovations that allowed to reduce and control the impact of extreme events. Modelling the evolution of such adaptive dynamics can be challenging, given the potentially large number of individual and environmental variables involved. This article shows how to address this problem by using fire as the source of extreme events. We implement a simulated environment where fire propagates on a spatial landscape, and a group of artificial agents learn how to harvest and exploit trees while avoiding the damaging effects of fire spreading. The agents need to solve a conflict to reach a group-level optimal state: while tree harvesting reduces the propagation of fires, it also reduces the availability of resources provided by trees. It is shown that the system displays two major evolutionary innovations that end up in an ecological engineering strategy that favours high biomass along with the suppression of large fires. The implications for potential artificial intelligence management of complex ecosystems are discussed.

Mito-TEMPO Demonstrates Protective Effect Against Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Skin Damage in Wistar Rats.

Mitochondria could be an important target for ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced skin damage. Therefore, protecting mitochondria using mitochondria-targeted antioxidants may protect skin from UV-induced photodamage. In the present study, UVR-induced skin damage model was developed by irradiating male Wistar rats with UVB at a dose of 120 mJ/cm2, twice a week for a period of 5 weeks. Mito-TEMPO was administered intraperitoneally (0.1 mg/kg b.w.) twice a week for 5 weeks. After 5 weeks of treatment period, animals were sacrificed and the dorsal skin tissues were collected. Physical examinations of the skin for analyzing wrinkle formation and epidermal thickening were carried out. Skin tissues were used for the evaluation of histopathological changes, mitochondrial dysfunction analysis, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Physical and histological examination showed that mito-TEMPO protected from the damaging effect of UVB radiation. A significant increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) generation with a concomitant increase in mitochondrial lipid peroxidation (mtLPO) was observed in UV-irradiated groups. UV-induced generation of mtROS and mtLPO formation was effectively reduced by mito-TEMPO. Mito-TEMPO pre-treatment improved mitochondrial complex II activity, which was significantly reduced in the UV-irradiated group. The results suggested that mito-TEMPO effectively protected skin tissue against UV-induced oxidative stress and damage.