The Influence of Mineral Additives on Aggregate Reactivity.

In this article, the authors present the results of their research on assessing the effect of selected mineral additives on the alkaline reactivity of aggregates. The main objective of this research was to check whether the reactivity of aggregates that do not meet the standard requirements can be reduced. Due to the decreasing availability of crushed aggregates and the decreasing resources of sand used for cement concrete road surfaces, solutions should be sought that allow the use of lower-grade aggregates.

Design of Self-Compacting Concrete with Reduced Cement Content by Aggregate Packing Method.

This article presents the procedure for designing self-compacting cement concrete characterized by minimal free space and a maximally compacted mineral skeleton. Such a designed mix allows for lower cement consumption and an increased amount of mineral additives. The paper presents a broad analysis of the influence of different aggregate proportions (36 recipes) and verification of the properties of the concrete mix using CEM I 42.

Diagnostic Difficulties of Erosive Lichen Planus in a Pediatric Patient.

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can present with significant morbidity, particularly in children. Erosive lichen planus (ELP), its rare destructive subtype, can be particularly difficult to diagnose and manage. We present a rare pediatric case of ELP with multisite involvement and discuss the differential diagnosis.

Functional Analysis of Durum Wheat GASA1 Protein as a Biotechnological Alternative Against Plant Fungal Pathogens and a Positive Regulator of Biotic Stress Defense.

Plants are frequently challenged by a variety of microorganisms. To protect themselves against harmful invaders, they have evolved highly effective defense mechanisms, including the synthesis of numerous types of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Snakins are such compounds, encoded by the (Gibberellic Acid-Stimulated Arabidopsis) gene family, and are involved in the response to biotic and abiotic stress.

The Effect of Alkyl Substituents on the Formation and Structure of Homochiral (*,*)-[RGa(-OCH(Me)COR')] Species-Towards the Factors Controlling the Stereoselectivity of Dialkylgallium Alkoxides in the Ring-Opening Polymerization of -Lactide.

Building on our previous studies, which have demonstrated that homochiral propagating species-(*,*)-[MeGa(-OCH(Me)COR)]-were crucial for the heteroselectivity of [MeGa(-OCH(Me)COMe)] in the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of racemic lactide (-LA), we have investigated the effect of alkyl groups on the structure and catalytic properties of dialkylgallium alkoxides in the ROP of -LA. Therefore, we have isolated and characterized the -[RGa(-OCH(Me)COMe] (R = Et (), Pr () and -[RGa(-OCH(Me)CHN] (R = Et (), Pr ()) complexes, to demonstrate the effect of alkyl groups on the chiral recognition induced the formation of the respective homochiaral species-(*,*)-[RGa(-OCH(Me)COMe)] and (*,*)-[RGa(-OCH(Me)CHN]. Moreover, we have investigated the structure of (,)-[RGa(-OCH(Me)COMe] (R = Et ((,)-, R = Pr ((,)-,) and their catalytic activity in the ROP of -LA.

Are We Ready to Measure Skin Permeation of Modern Antiaging GHK-Cu Tripeptide Encapsulated in Liposomes?

Cosmetically active compounds (CACs), both of lipophilic and hydrophilic origin, have difficulty reaching the deeper layers of the skin, and this shortcoming significantly reduces their efficacy. One such CAC that occurs naturally in the human body and displays many beneficial properties (via reducing fine lines and wrinkles, tightening skin, improving its elasticity, etc.) is the glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine tripeptide complex of copper (GHK-Cu).

Thiosemicarbazone-Based Compounds: A Promising Scaffold for Developing Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Therapeutics.

This paper presents the synthesis and characterization of new thiosemicarbazone derivatives with potential applications as antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer agents. Six thiosemicarbazone derivatives (L-L5) were synthesized by reacting an appropriate thiosemicarbazide derivative with 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde. The structures of the obtained compounds were confirmed using mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, and NMR spectroscopy.

Investigation of Spectroscopic Parameters and Trap Parameters of Eu-Activated YSiO Phosphors for Display and Dosimetry Applications.

Using the solid-state reaction technique, varied YSiO phosphors activated by europium (Eu) ions at varied concentrations were made at calcination temperatures of 1000 °C and 1250 °C during sintering in an air environment. The XRD technique identified the monoclinic structure, and the FTIR technique was used to analyze the generated phosphors. Photoluminescence emission and excitation patterns were measured using varying concentrations of Eu ions.

Molecular Mechanisms Linking Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Gut-Brain Axis.

The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a complex communication network connecting the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the central nervous system (CNS) through neuronal, endocrine, metabolic, and immune pathways. Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are crucial food components that may modulate the function of this axis through molecular mechanisms. Derived mainly from marine sources, these long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are integral to cell membrane structure, enhancing fluidity and influencing neurotransmitter function and signal transduction.

Influence of intravenous lidocaine infusion on haemodynamic response to tracheal intubation and metabolic-hormonal responses during laparoscopic procedures in children: a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Lidocaine, a widely used local anaesthetic, also serves as an adjuvant in pain management. However, its use in children is off-label. This study aimed to determine if intravenous lidocaine alleviates the haemodynamic, metabolic, and hormonal responses to intubation and laparoscopic surgery in children.

A hybrid explainable model based on advanced machine learning and deep learning models for classifying brain tumors using MRI images.

Brain tumors present a significant global health challenge, and their early detection and accurate classification are crucial for effective treatment strategies. This study presents a novel approach combining a lightweight parallel depthwise separable convolutional neural network (PDSCNN) and a hybrid ridge regression extreme learning machine (RRELM) for accurately classifying four types of brain tumors (glioma, meningioma, no tumor, and pituitary) based on MRI images. The proposed approach enhances the visibility and clarity of tumor features in MRI images by employing contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE).

Comprehensive analysis of poly(A) tails in mouse testes and ovaries using Nanopore Direct RNA Sequencing.

Gametogenesis is a process in which dysfunctions lead to infertility, a growing health and social problem worldwide. In both spermatogenesis and oogenesis, post-transcriptional gene expression regulation is crucial. Essentially, all mRNAs possess non-templated poly(A) tails, whose composition and dynamics (elongation, shortening, and modifications) determine the fate of mRNA.

The response of Petunia × atkinsiana 'Pegasus Special Burgundy Bicolor' to mechanical stress encompassing morphological changes as well as physiological and molecular factors.

In 1973, Jaffe identified and characterized the phenomenon of thigmomorphogenesis, also referred to as mechanical stress (MS) or mechanical stimulation in plants. Previous studies on petunia plants demonstrated that MS significantly affects growth dynamics. As a response to MS, petunias exhibit increased levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) oxidase and peroxidase, although the active transport of endogenous IAA remains unaffected.

Tamuzimod in patients with moderately-to-severely active ulcerative colitis: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 induction trial.

Background: Tamuzimod (VTX002) is a selective sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 modulator in development for ulcerative colitis. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of tamuzimod in patients with moderately-to-severely active ulcerative colitis.

Methods: This double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 induction trial was conducted at 122 centres across 15 countries in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Anatomical variations in Eurasian wolf (Canis lupus lupus) (Carnivora: Canidae) of the salivary glands: A histological and histochemical investigation.

The study involved a gross anatomical description of the parotid gland, mandibular gland, monostomatic sublingual gland, polystomatic sublingual gland, and zygomatic gland in 12 adult Eurasian wolves (Canis lupus lupus) (wild free-ranging individuals and their zoo counterparts), including their morphometry and microscopic evaluation using hematoxylin & eosin, mucicarmine, azan trichrome, PAS, AB pH 1.0, AB pH 2.5; AB pH 2.

Intraoperative Application of Ultrasonic Energy to Bioabsorbable Craniosynostosis Fixation Devices and Adverse Tissue Reaction. Is There a Correlation?

Bioabsorbable internal fixation is a well-accepted modality that is especially suitable for application in craniosynostosis. When first introduced, high rates of adverse tissue reactions were observed that have since been ameliorated with more biocompatible polymer formulations. However, the phenomenon has not entirely disappeared, and such reactions remain vexing.

Oligogenic risk score for Gilles de la Tourette syndrome reveals a genetic continuum of tic disorders.

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) and other tic disorders (TDs) have a substantial genetic component with their heritability estimated at between 60 and 80%. Here we propose an oligogenic risk score of TDs using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from a group of Polish GTS patients, their families, and control samples (n = 278). In this study, we first reviewed the literature to obtain a preliminary list of 84 GTS/TD candidate genes.

The Impact of Carbon on Electronic Structure of N-Doped ZnO Films: Scanning Photoelectron Microscopy Study and DFT Calculations.

A Scanning Photoelectron Microscopy (SPEM) experiment has been applied to ZnO:N films deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) under O-rich conditions and post-growth annealed in oxygen at 800 °C. spatial resolution (130 nm) allows for probing the electronic structure of single column of growth. The samples were cleaved under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions to open atomically clean cross-sectional areas for SPEM experiment.

Towards a long-term stable MAPbBr single crystal-based photoconductor with a high on/off ratio and detectivity.

Photodetectors based on lead halide perovskites often show excellent performance but poor stability. Herein, we demonstrate a photodetector based on MAPbBr single crystals passivated with an ultrathin layer of PbSO, which shows superior detectivity and on/off ratios compared to the control device due to the combined effect of lower surface traps, reduced recombination and low dark current. In addition, the device retained ∼56% of its initial * with an impressive on/off ratio of ∼801 after one year compared to ∼22% of * and an on/off ratio of ∼6 of the control device.

Advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) for structure-based drug discovery.

Introduction: Macromolecular X-ray crystallography (XRC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) are the primary techniques for determining atomic-level, three-dimensional structures of macromolecules essential for drug discovery. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and cryoEM, the Protein Data Bank (PDB) is solidifying its role as a key resource for 3D macromolecular structures. These developments underscore the growing need for enhanced quality metrics and robust validation standards for experimental structures.

Persistently high concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate affect hepatic SOD2 expression and blood SOD activity in high-yielding dairy cows.

Background: Elevated BHB levels are hypothesized to influence hepatic antioxidant enzyme expression and activity, contributing to oxidative response. However, the impact of BHB between 0.8 and 1.

Factors influencing endometrial receptivity in women with recurrent implantation failure.

Background: Embryo implantation involves two key elements: a good quality embryo and receptive endometrium. Endometrial receptivity abnormalities are known as one of the possible causes of recurrent implantation failure (RIF), especially when the embryo is euploid. This study was aimed to evaluate the impact of age and other clinical factors on endometrial receptivity in women with RIF.

The relationship between frailty syndrome and quality of life in patients with hypertension: a multidimensional analysis.

Background: Hypertension is a common condition among the elderly and is frequently accompanied by frailty syndrome (FS). The coexistence of hypertension and FS poses significant challenges in patient management and negatively impacts the quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to analyze the relationship between FS and QoL in elderly patients with suspected hypertension.