Sambucus Nigra Research Articles

Antibacterial efficacy of berry juices against Bacillus cereus relative to their phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties.

Ensuring the safety and stability of minimally processed foods using natural preservatives is of great scientific and commercial interest in modern biotechnology. Berry juice supplementation is increasingly recognized within this field. This study investigated the effectiveness of juices from four berry species Aronia melanocarpa, Ribes nigrum, Vaccinium macrocarpon, and Sambucus nigra, against the food pathogen Bacillus cereus. Overall, the antibacterial potency of juice supplements (up to 10% v/v in tryptic soy broth) followed the order of chokeberry > blackcurrant > cranberry > elderberry, with the latter showing no inhibitory effects. Notably, chokeberry and elderberry juices presented lower acidity and significantly greater phenolic contents (p < 0.05) than blackcurrant and cranberry juices did, suggesting that B. cereus susceptibility is not strictly dependent upon low extracellular pH or elevated anthocyanin levels. Instead, it is inferred to correlate with pro-oxidative effects induced directly at the intracellular level. Accordingly, this paper discusses the antioxidative, acidic, and lipophilic attributes of juices and their constituent fractions, including anthocyanins, to elucidate their biopreservative potential. The results of this study increase our understanding of the antibacterial susceptibility of B. cereus.

Correlation of Eight (8) Polymorphisms and Their Genotypes with the Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease in a Black Elderly Population

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study correlated eight SNPs with the risk factors of CVD in a black elderly population. Genotyping was used to detect eight polymorphisms; rs675 (ApoA-IV), rs699 (Angiotensinogen (AGT)), rs247616 and rs1968905 (Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP)), rs1801278 (Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1)), rs1805087 (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)) and rs28362286 and rs67608943 (Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)), as well as their genotypes in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from peripheral blood. The cardiovascular risk (CVR) measurements were conducted on a Konelab 20i Thermo Scientific autoanalyzer and an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) assay. International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)® Statistical Package for the Social Sciences ® (SPSS) version 28 was used for statistical analysis. The heterozygous and homozygous genotypes of the eight polymorphisms were detected with the corresponding CVD risk factors. Subgroup analysis indicated that certain genotype carriers exhibited variations in their concentrations of CVR factors compared to others; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. For example, carriers of the G genotype of the rs699 polymorphism showed marginally different blood pressure readings compared to the AG genotype carriers. The multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the only significant association was between PCSK9 and the rs28362286 (p = 0.029) polymorphism. The findings of our study show that single nucleotide polymorphisms are disseminated across the human genome. The heterozygous and homozygous genotypes of the SNPs require further investigation as they may have independent and possible collective roles in increasing the risk of CVDs.

When “new” crops are not really new: California Indigenous communities and research and commercialization of elderberry

The article “Native blue elderberry in hedgerows bridges revenue and conservation goals” focuses on the commercial potential of western blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea) plantings, primarily on private farmland in California. While blue elderberry is little known as a commercial agricultural crop, it is anything but new to the Indigenous people of this place. Many of the nearly 200 tribes that live in California have been in relationship with elderberry, and the land it grows on, since time immemorial, seeing all living beings as their own kin, rather than merely utilitarian resources. For non-Indigenous farmers and researchers working with elderberry, it is important to be aware of our state’s history of land dispossession and non-Native land management practices, which have often diminished California Native peoples’ access to and sovereignty over traditional foods, medicines and cultural materials.

From Supernatural to Ornamental: Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L., Family Adoxaceae) in Sweden.

Black elder, Sambucus nigra, is a non-native but now partly naturalized shrub in Sweden; it has been cultivated here at least since the Middle Ages. Previously, this plant was associated with a supernatural being to whom sacrifices were made, and its fruits were used in folk medicine and wood for fuel and crafts. Traditional economic uses vanished with industrialization and urbanization and black elder was mostly planted as an ornamental shrub in urban parks. At the end of the 1970s, however, it made a sudden comeback: city dwellers started to gather flowers to make a refreshing non-alcoholic cordial. This diachronic study of Sambucus nigra spanning over a millennium reflects various attitudes and uses within the context of a changing human society. In addition to the simple but popular cordial, side dishes and desserts made of its fragrant flowers are becoming increasingly popular in modern Swedish cuisine. Globally it has also been (re)discovered and the utilization of this plant is growing: its flowers are used to add flavor to soft drinks, salads, desserts and various dishes; berries are used for medicine and in cooking, especially with meats, and its future uses seem to be limited only by human imagination.

Glycosyl Mobile Radical Structures of Folic Acid Receptors Impact the Internalization of Functionalized Folate Amphiphilic Alternating Copolymer in Cancer Cells

Folate receptor alpha (FRα) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) membrane-anchored protein containing three N-glycosylated residues at the N47, N139, and N179 termini. These glycosylation sites have been reported to be crucial for the receptor’s structural integrity and its ability to bind and internalize FA. Here, we investigated the role of FRα glycosylation in the binding and internalization efficacy of FA–DABA–SMA in pancreatic PANC-1 cancer cells. There is a strong association of the FA copolymer with FRα with a Pearson coefficient R-value of 0.7179. PANC-1 cancer cells were pretreated with maackia amurensis lectin II (MAL-2), sambucus Nigra lectin (SNA-1), peanut agglutinin (PNA), and wheat germ agglutinin lectin (WGA) at different doses followed by 20 kDa and 350 kDa FA–DABA–SMA loaded with coumarin 153 (C153). Increasing the dosage of MAL2, SNA-1, PNA, and WGA concomitantly and significantly increased the internalization of C153-loaded FA–DABA–SMA in the cells. The half maximal effective lectin concentrations (EC50) to induce cellular internalization into the cytoplasm of the lectins for MAL-2 were 35.88 µg/mL, 3.051 µg/mL for SNA-1, 7.883 µg/mL for PNA, and 0.898 µg/mL for WGA. Live cell imaging of the internalization of 20 kDa and 350 kDa FA copolymers indicated an aggregation of 350 kDa copolymer with FRα in the cytoplasm. In contrast, the 20 kDa FA copolymer remained in the membrane. The data indicate for the first time that the mobile positions of the glycosyl radical groups and the receptor tilt in generating steric hindrance impacted the individual FRα receptors in the binding and internalization of 350 kDa FA–DABA–SMA in cancer cells.

Food and Environment During the Late Roman Age at the Site of Alba Fucens (Abruzzi, Italy)

Archaeobotanical analyses in Italy are uneven in terms of geographical and chronological distribution. Amongst the different regions, Abruzzi is poorly represented, with only one study covering the Roman Age. In this framework, the analyses carried out on carpological remains collected from the Late Roman (late 5th–early 6th century AD) filling of a well in the Sanctuary of Hercules in Alba Fucens represents an important addition to the state of the art. The plant assemblage consists of over 1500 remains attributed to 68 different taxa. These are partly represented by gathered fruit plants, such as Corylus avellana, Juglans regia and Sambucus nigra, while cereals and pulses are missing. An interesting aspect is represented by evergreen plants (Pinus pinea and Cupressus sempervirens) that are likely to have been used for ritual purposes rather than for human consumption. Finally, the impressive amount of ruderal and spontaneous plants represents a unicum for this type of study, allowing us to describe the past environment surrounding Alba Fucens, characterized by substantial water availability, Apennine grasslands and influenced by human presence.

Hybrid Albumin-Decorated Lipid-Nanocarrier-Mediated Delivery of Polyphenol-Rich Sambucus nigra L. in a Potential Multiple Antitumoural Therapy.

The current research attempted to address the suitability of bioactive Sambucus nigra extract entrapped in albumin-decorated nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as a promising "adjuvant" in improving tumour penetration for multiple antitumour therapy. The new hybrid albumin-decorated NLCs were characterised based on, e.g., the particle size, zeta electrokinetic potential, SambucusN entrapment efficiency, and fluorescence spectroscopy and tested for different formulation parameters. The antioxidant activity of NLC-SambucusN was significantly enhanced by a bovine serum albumin (BSA) polymer coating. According to the real-time cell analysis (RTCA) results, NLC-I-SambucusN-BSA behaved similarly to the chemotherapeutic drug, cisplatin, with cell viability for LoVo tumour cells of 21.81 ± 1.18%. The new albumin-NLC-SambucusN arrested cancer cells in G1 and G2 cycles and intensified the apoptosis process in both early and late phases. An advanced induction, over 50% apoptosis in LoVo colon cells, was registered for 50 μg/mL of NLC-II-SambucusN-BSA, a fourfold increase compared to that of untreated cells. RTCA and flow cytometry results showed that concentrations of the hybrid NLC-SambucusN up to 50 μg/mL do not affect the proliferation of normal HUVEC cells. This approach provides insightful information regarding the involvement of phytochemicals in future therapeutic strategies. Albumin-decorated NLCs can be considered a noteworthy strategy to be connected to antitumour therapeutic protocols.

The genome sequence of black elder, Sambucus nigra Linnaeus, 1753 (Adoxaceae).

We present a genome assembly from an individual Sambucus nigra (the European elder; Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Dipsacales; Adoxaceae). The genome sequence has a total length of 11,813.70 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 18 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 724.11 kilobases and 158.06 kilobases, respectively.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Thymus vulgaris and Sambucus nigra extracts in poly (vinyl alcohol) nanofiber matrix: In vitro evaluation

In the current study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) green synthesized from Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) and Sambucus nigra (black elderberry) (BE) extracts and added into poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) solution to achieve antibacterial, biocompatible, and bioactive nanofibers through electrospinning technique. The absorbance peaks of AgNPs were found at 450 nm in the ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectrum, and AgNPs were found in (111) d-spacing in high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The average particle sizes were measured as 66.30 ± 7.70 nm and 20.03 ± 4.80 nm for ThymeAgNPs and BEAgNPs, respectively. 1 and 2 wt% content of the AgNPs were added into the PVA solution and electrospun at 9 kV voltage and 5 ml/hr flow rate. The fiber morphologies were investigated with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and HRTEM, and a decrease in the fiber diameter and the porosity of the fibers was obviously observed. Chemical bond analysis was done using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and the thermal behavior of the fiber was examined with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and HRTEM provide the presence of AgNPs in PVA nanofibers. According to antibacterial activity investigations the inhibition growth effect against Escherichia coli (E. coli) of PVA/ThymeAgNPs was 11.6 % higher than that of PVA/BEAgNPs. The cell cytotoxicity tests at different concentrations with L929 cells revealed better performance in PVA/Thyme nanofibers.

Enhancement of kefir functionality by adding black elderberry and evaluation of its quality during storage

Enhancement of kefir functionality by adding black elderberry and evaluation of its quality during storage

Exploring the potential of fast pyrolysis of invasive biomass species for the production of chemicals

The pyrolysis of five invasive plants crowded in Colombia (Liquidambar styraciflua, Sambucus nigra, Cecropia telenitida, Ruta greveolens, and Clusia orthoneura) has been studied for the first time in order to assess their potential for the production of liquid and solid fuels and chemical products. The volatiles produced from the fast pyrolysis of these biomass species at three different temperatures (500, 600 and 700 ºC) were analyzed by Py-GC/MS. In spite of the different nature of the feedstock, the bio-oil produced from the pyrolysis of all the biomasses at the three temperatures studied is mainly composed of phenols (with a relative content in the 19–26.5 % range), acids (14.6–19.5 %), ketones (13.4–19.2 %) and levoglucosan (6.7–15.4 %). Temperature has a moderate effect, leading to a decrease in the relative content of all component families, except aldehydes and hydrocarbons, when it is increased. Biochars produced at 500 ºC show high calorific values, as well as low H/C and O/C ratios, which prove their high stability in the soil. These results are clear evidence that the valorization of these invasive plants by pyrolysis may be an effective strategy for the mitigation of their associated impacts.

A crude, cold-pressed oil from elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) seeds: Comprehensive approach to properties and characterization using HPLC, DSC, and multispectroscopic methods

The physicochemical characterization of fresh, undiluted, cold-pressed oil from elderberry seeds (EO) is presented. The results showed EO's uniqueness for the 93 % presence of essential fatty acids, including linoleic n-6 (41 %), α-linolenic n-3 (38 %), and oleic n-9 (13 %) acids with favorable ratios for human nutrition, n-3/n-6 = 0.93. A γ-tocopherol is the dominant tocopherol (96 %), with a concentration of 20.62 mg/100 g, indicating low oil oxidative stability. DSC heating and cooling traces determined the thermal properties. These results also revealed the presence of metastable triacylglycerol (TAG) structures composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The presence of characteristic groups for fatty acids and TAGs in EO was confirmed by FTIR-ATR spectra. For the first time, Langmuir monolayer studies on EO revealed its low compressibility, indicating its low emulsifiability, and the presence of minor components of EO, including tocopherols, phenolic acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, was determined using UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) along with the chemometric method.

Grape and tropical fruits wines from Cuba: characterisation and identification of novel enologic products through impact aroma compounds

ABSTRACT Cuban grape and tropical fruit wines are well recognised by consumers at international events, but research on them is still scarce and necessary to improve wine quality. The work aimed to identify the aroma profile of six Cuban wines produced from grapes (Aramon and Parra grapes), papaya (Carica papaya L.), cherry (Prunus cerasus L.), elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), cactus fruits (Pereskia aculeate L.) and star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.). The free and glycosidically bound volatile compositions were studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was discovered, for the first time in Cuban wines produced from tropical grape varieties and fruits, the presence of alcohols, esters, acids, aldehydes, lactones, ketones, terpenes, and a variety of volatile phenols. The results obtained contribute to a better understanding of the quality of Cuban wines of locally high commercial demand.

Effect of immune-boosting beverage, energy beverage, hydrogen peroxide superior, polishing methods and fine-grained dental prophylaxis paste on color of CAD-CAM restorative materials

BackgroundThe effect of an immune-boosting beverage (SAM) containing Sambucus Nigra, an energy beverage (ENE), an in-office bleaching (BLE) agent with 25% hydrogen peroxide superior, glazing (GLA) or polishing (POL) methods, and professional dental prophylaxis (PDP) on the color of CAD-CAM restorative materials is unknown.MethodsIn total 210 specimens were prepared, consisting of CAD-CAM feldspathic (FC), zirconia-reinforced lithium disilicate ceramic (ZLS) and hybrid ceramic (HC). The ceramic specimens were divided according to the polishing methods of glazing (GLA) and mechanical polishing (POL). All materials were divided into two groups: with and without BLE. A 25% hydrogen peroxide superior (HPS) gel was used for BLE. After the baseline (BAS) measurement, the specimens were immersed in 3 different beverages (distilled water (DIS), SAM, ENE). After 28 days, a fine-grained (RDA 7) prophylaxis paste was applied. Statistical analysis of ∆E00 color difference values was performed by 3-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test (α = 0.05).ResultsThe effect of all other actions except material-BLE-beverage on color for BAS-Day 28 was statistically different (p < 0.05). The effect of material, material-BLE, beverage on color for Day 28-PDP was statistically different (p < 0.05). After 28 days, the lowest color change was found in FC-GLA and HC immersed in DIS (p = 0.0001) and the highest in FC-POL immersed in ENE (p = 0.0002). PDP was efficient in color recovery in HC immersed to DIS, ENE and SAM (p = 0.0010). For FC, HC and ZLS, BLE caused a higher color change (p < 0.0001). Regardless of the material, the highest color change for BLE-beverage was found in BLE-treated specimens immersed in ENE (p = 0.0496) and the lowest color change was found in non-BLE-treated specimens immersed in SAM (p = 0.0074).ConclusionsIn materials pre-exposed to 25% HPS, the effect of PDP on color recovery was lower than in unexposed materials. After 28 days, mechanical polishing produced higher color change in FC than glazing, however, in ZLS effects of glazing and mechanical polishing on color were similar. For material/polishing method, HC was the most effective. ENE caused higher color change than DIS and SAM. PDP was more effective than ENE in restoring color to DIS- and SAM-immersed specimens.

Are the Effects of Bioactive Components on Human Health a Myth?: Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) from Exotic Fruits.

Black elderberry has come to the fore in recent years due to its health benefits. Black elderberry fruit (Sambucus nigra L.), collected from natural sources, has a rich content of protein, vitamins, antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, and minerals as it contains conjugated and free forms of amino acids. Black elderberry can prevent oxidative stress and reduce blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases thanks to the polyphenols it contains. It can prevent diseases, stimulate the immune system, show an antitumor effect, and be effective in the course of disease processes by rising the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione. Since black elderberry is a promising food in terms of bioactive components, it is considered as promising to treat and prevent many diseases. However, it is not correct to prove its beneficial effects on the prevention of chronic diseases and to make generalisations. Therefore, there is a need of more comprehensive evidence-based clinical studies and data. This review examined current evidence and discussions about the health-related effects of black elderberry, which contains many biologically active components such as polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonols, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, as well as terpenes and lectins, and offered some suggestions on its use in the future.

Exploring American Elderberry Compounds for Antioxidant, Antiviral, and Antibacterial Properties Through High-Throughput Screening Assays Combined with Untargeted Metabolomics.

American elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) is a rapidly emerging new perennial crop for Missouri, recognized for its high level of bioactive compounds with significant health benefits, including antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. A high-throughput screening assay combined with untargeted metabolomics analysis was utilized on American elderberry juice from 21 genotypes to explore and characterize these bioactive compounds. Our metabolomics study has identified 32 putative bioactive compounds in the American Elderberry juices. An array of high-throughput screening bioassays was conducted to evaluate 1) total antioxidant capacity, 2) activation of antioxidant response elements (ARE), 3) antiviral activity, and 4) antibacterial activity of the putatively identified compounds. Our results revealed that 14 of the 32 American elderberry compounds exhibited strong antioxidant activity. Four compounds (isorhamnetin 3-O-glucoside, kaempferol, quercetin, and naringenin) activated ARE activity and were found to be non-cytotoxic to cells. Notably, six of the 32 compounds demonstrated significant antiviral activity in an in vitro TZM-bl assay against two strains of HIV-1 virus, CXCR4-dependent NL4-3 virus and CCR5-dependent BaL virus. Luteolin showed the most potent anti-HIV activity against the NL4-3 virus (IC50 = 1.49 μM), followed by isorhamnetin (IC50 = 1.67 μM). The most potent anti-HIV compound against the BaL virus was myricetin (IC50 = 1.14 μM), followed by luteolin (IC50 = 4.38 μM). Additionally, six compounds were found to have antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria S. aureus, with cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside having the most potent antibacterial activity in vitro (IC50 = 2.9 μM), followed by cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (IC50 = 3.7 μM). These findings support and validate the potential health benefits of compounds found in American elderberry juices and highlight their potential for use in dietary supplements as well as innovative applications in health and medicine.

Olanzapine-Induced Hypothermia: A Case Report in an Elderly Black Male Patient Diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Type Disorder

There are few reports that describe incidence of hypothermia in patients treated with olanzapine. We report a case of an elderly 83-year-old black male, readmitted to the state psychiatric hospital December 2023 due to psychiatric exacerbation after 6 months of successful discharge to community, who experienced a fall and profound hypothermia with bradycardia that resulted in a 10-day acute hospitalization in January 2024. Medical workup was unrevealing except for multivessel disease found on CT stroke study of the brain. When patient returned to inpatient psychiatric hospital, his psychiatric medications, including both quetiapine and olanzapine, were restarted at half the dose. The next morning, the patient was again hypotensive, bradycardic and hypothermic. For this patient, only the olanzapine was new upon the most recent admission, and thus this case report supports the other few reports already published, implicating olanzapine in the pharmacologic adverse effect of drug induced hypothermia.

Comparative electron microscopic visualization of the lung alveolar epithelial glycocalyx with different staining and labeling methods.

The alveolar surface of the lung is lined by an epithelium consisting of type I (AECI) and type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII). This epithelium is covered by a liquid alveolar lining layer (ALL). Besides intra-alveolar surfactant, ALL also contains the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx on the apical side of AECI and AECII. To better understand the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx, its ultrastructural visualization by transmission electron microscopy is required. The aim of this study was to systematically re-evaluate routine cytochemical methods for visualization of the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx and specifically its glycan components. For this purpose, we used chemical fixation by vascular perfusion with aldehydes as a common routine approach in mice. After fixation, staining is needed for glycocalyx visualization. Cytochemical staining agents such as alcian blue, ruthenium red, and lanthanum nitrate were compared. In addition, SNL (Sambucus nigra lectin) and UEA1 (Ulex europaeus agglutinin I) were used for sialic acid and fucose-specific labeling. Alcian blue showed the strongest staining, with cloud-like structures, whereas ruthenium red appeared as thread-like structures. On the other hand, lanthanum nitrate did not stain the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx. For specific sialic acid and fucose labeling, both lectins presented a specific signal. In conclusion, these methods can be used routinely for assessing ultrastructural changes of the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx in experimental invivo models under different physiological and pathological conditions. In addition, cytochemical staining by tissue massage and post-embedding lectin labeling after vascular perfusion support 3R (reduction, refinement, replacement) principles of animal welfare.

ДИНАМІКА РОСЛИННОГО ПОКРИВУ НА БОТАНІЧНИХ ПРОБНИХ ПЛОЩАХ ПРИРОДНОГО ЗАПОВІДНИКА «МЕДОБОРИ»

The work highlights the issue of using the mapping method in studies on botanical test plots of the geobotanical profile in the “Medobory” nature reserve. It examines the dynamics of changes that have occurred in the last 10 years in the grass cover, undergrowth, and forest within the botanical test areas in the Krasnianske nature protection research department. Experimental sites were established in 1996–1997 by A. V. Onishchenko, and since then, geobotanical descriptions have been conducted annually by scientific employees of the reserve. Since 2011, the mapping method has been used for a more detailed study of the flora in the test areas, which helps clarify the floristic composition in each trial area. Taxation indicators of the forest are also measured. The dynamics of the main taxation indicators were analyzed in four botanical test areas (BA) in fresh hornbeam groves. The forests are indigenous, of seed origin, characterized by high productivity, growing according to the first credit rating, high quality, with significant reserves (316–443 m3/ha). Carpinus betulus (L.) Moench dominates in the forest, except for trial area BA-4 where Carpinus betulus (L.) Moench is equally joined by Fraxinus excelsior L. and Acer platanoides L. In all test areas, a drop in weakened and dead trees has occurred, which is explained by natural processes. On BA-4 and BA-11, the loss is so significant that there has been a thinning of the crown and natural renewal is beginning to form the lower tier. According to the results of the work and processed materials, it was established that in the spring synusias in the botanical test areas two species prevail: Anemone nemorosa L. and Isopyrum thalictroides L. In summer, Carex pilosa Scop. dominates in three test areas, while Asarum europaeum L. is dominant in relation to Stellaria holostea L., Mercurialis perennis L., Glechoma hirsuta Waldst et Kit., and Galium odoratum (L.) Scop. In the undergrowth, Euonymus verrucosa Scop., Euonymus europaea L., Swida sanguinea Opiz., and Sambucus nigra L. are present in small numbers, with coverage from 0.1 to 0.9. Acer platanoides L. dominates the undergrowth in all test plots. Ulmus glabra Huds., Tilia cordata Mill., and Carpinus betulus (L.) Moench are also recovering, along with Acer campestre L., Fraxinus excelsior L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., and Cerasus avium (L.) Moench. With a certain periodicity in the annual geobotanical descriptions on trials in the areas of BA-9 and BA-11, rare species of plants listed in the Red Book of Ukraine were found in single specimens. In the first area, Platanthera chlorantha (Cust.) Reichenb. was found in 2011–2014, and Listera ovata L. R. Br. in 2013–2015, 2018, and 2022; Neottia nidus-avis (L.) Rich. was found in 2015. In the second area, Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz was found in 2012 and Epipactis purpurata Smith in 2020–2022. This frequency of sightings of these species is probably connected with the cyclical development of orchids and their state of rest, as well as possibly weather conditions.

Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Adults Aged 40 to 79 Years with Diagnosed Hypertension, High Cholesterol, and/or Diabetes but Not on Medications: Findings from Nationwide Cross-Sectional Studies.

Many people with diagnosed hypertension, high cholesterol, and/or diabetes are not receiving drug treatment, partly because they perceive their cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk as low. This study aimed to quantify the risk for future CVD events, either first or recurrent, in people with diagnosed hypertension, high cholesterol, and/or diabetes but not on medications for any of these conditions. Participants aged 40-79 years who had been diagnosed with hypertension, high cholesterol, and/or diabetes but were not on medications were identified from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys cycles 1999 to 2018. Among them, those with known CVD and those without known CVD but with complete data for estimating their 10-year CVD risk were included in this study. The participants were classified as (1) "high-risk" if they had known CVD or a 10-year predicted CVD risk ≥ 7.5% or (2) "low-risk" if they had a 10-year predicted CVD risk < 7.5%. Of the 5187 participants included, 2201 had known major CVD (n = 490, 9.45%) or a 10-year predicted CVD risk ≥ 7.5% (n = 1711, 32.99%), corresponding to a weighted proportion of 34.83% (95% CI: 33.15 to 36.51%) in the US general population. The proportions of high-risk participants were much higher in the elderly (65.50% for 60-69 years and 97.86% for 70-79 years), males (45.13%), and non-Hispanic Blacks (42.15%) than in others (all p < 0.001). These patterns were consistent across survey cycles during 1999-2018. Additional analyses that classified the participants into groups above or below the treatment threshold (rather than high- or low-risk groups) according to current guidelines yielded similar results. A comparison of the 2201 untreated high-risk participants with other participants who had been diagnosed with hypertension, high cholesterol, and/or diabetes and were on medications for these conditions showed that "lower BMI", "smaller waist circumference", and a "non-diabetic" status, among others, were associated with a higher likelihood of "not taking medications". In conclusion, approximately one-third of the US adults aged 40 to 79 years with diagnosed hypertension, high cholesterol, and/or diabetes but not on medications had known CVD or a 10-year predicted CVD risk ≥ 7.5%, and this proportion was little changed over the past two decades. Interventions targeted at the subgroups with particular characteristics identified in this study may help improve the management of CVD and its risk factors.