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The Southern green shield bug, Nezara viridula , is an invasive piercing and sucking pest insect that feeds on crops and poses a threat to global food production. Insects live in close relationships with microorganisms providing their host with unique capabilities, such as resistance to toxic plant metabolites. In this study, we investigated the resistance to and detoxification of the plant metabolite 3-nitropropionic acid (NPA) by core and transient members of the N. viridula microbial community. Microbial community members showed a different tolerance to the toxin and we determined that six out of eight strains detoxified NPA. Additionally, we determined that NPA might interfere with the biosynthesis and transport of l -leucine. Moreover, our study explored the influence of diet on the gut microbial composition of N. viridula , demonstrating that switching to a single-plant diet shifts the abundance of core microbes. In line with this, testing pairwise microbial interactions revealed that core microbiota members support each other and repress the growth of transient microorganisms. With this work, we provide novel insights into the factors shaping the insect gut microbial communities and demonstrate that N. viridula harbours many toxin-degrading bacteria that could support its resistance to plant defences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing prevalence of IgE‐mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA) in childhood is a worldwide health concern. There is a growing awareness that the gut microbiome (GM) might play an important role in CMA development. Therefore, treatment with probiotics and prebiotics has gained popularity. This systematic review provides an overview of the alterations of the GM, metabolome, and immune response in CMA children and animal models, including post‐treatment modifications. MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies on GM in CMA‐diagnosed children, published before 1 March 2023. A total of 21 articles (13 on children and 8 on animal models) were included. The studies suggest that the GM, characterized by an enrichment of the Clostridia class and reductions in the Lactobacillales order and Bifidobacterium genus, is associated with CMA in early life. Additionally, reduced levels of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and altered amino acid metabolism were reported in CMA children. Commonly used probiotic strains belong to the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus genera. However, only Bifidobacterium levels were consistently upregulated after the intervention, while alterations of other bacteria taxa remain inconclusive. These interventions appear to contribute to the restoration of SCFAs and amino acid metabolism balance. Mouse models indicate that these interventions tend to restore the Th2/Th1 balance, increase the Treg response, and/or silence the overall pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine response. Overall, this systematic review highlights the need for multi‐omics‐related research in CMA children to gain a mechanistic understanding of this disease and to develop effective treatments and preventive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging presents an increasingly significant challenge globally, driven by the growing proportion of individuals aged 60 and older. Currently, there is substantial research interest in pro-longevity interventions that target pivotal signaling pathways, aiming not only to extend lifespan but also to enhance healthspan. One particularly promising approach involves inducing a hormetic response through the utilization of natural compounds defined as hormetins. Various studies have introduced the flavonoid icariin as beneficial for age-related diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions. To validate its potential pro-longevity properties, we employed Caenorhabditis elegans as an experimental platform. The accumulated results suggest that icariin extends the lifespan of C. elegans through modulation of the DAF-2, corresponding to the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway in humans. Additionally, we identified increased resistance to heat and oxidative stress, modulation of lipid metabolism, improved late-life healthspan, and an extended lifespan upon icariin treatment. Consequently, a model mechanism of action was provided for icariin that involves the modulation of various players within the stress-response network. Collectively, the obtained data reveal that icariin is a potential hormetic agent with geroprotective properties that merits future developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on certain demographic processes in Bulgaria during the Covid-19 pandemic in the period 2019-2021. Emphasis is placed on the mechanical migration on various routes. The unexpected intensive flow since the beginning of 2022, as a result of the military actions in Ukraine, which has also impacted a large part of European countries, including Bulgaria, is also taken into account. The PURPOSE of the analysis is to examine the positive and negative effects of Covid-19 pandemic on the demographic situation in the country. Statistical METHODS, synthesis, and analysis of literary sources are used. Statistical data from NSI for previous years for the period of the pandemic are used as a basis for comparative analysis. Articles, scientific publications, and studies by other authors, who examine and describe the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on various aspects of human life, are reviewed. The RESULTS show the impact of the pandemic on people's desire for internal migration and its direction. This determines how and to what extent the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the depopulation of rural areas at the expense of overcrowding in large cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the diversity of minisatellite VNTR loci in Mycobacterium bovis/M. caprae isolates in Bulgaria and view their position within global M. bovis diversity. Forty-three M. bovis/M. caprae isolates from cattle in different farms in Bulgaria were collected in 2015–2021 and typed in 13 VNTR loci. The M. bovis and M. caprae branches were clearly separated on the VNTR phylogenetic tree. The larger and more geographically dispersed M. caprae group was more diverse than M. bovis group was (HGI 0.67 vs. 0.60). Overall, six clusters were identified (from 2 to 19 isolates) and nine orphans (all loci-based HGI 0.79). Locus QUB3232 was the most discriminatory one (HGI 0.64). MIRU4 and MIRU40 were monomorphic, and MIRU26 was almost monomorphic. Four loci (ETRA, ETRB, Mtub21, and MIRU16) discriminated only between M. bovis and M. caprae. The comparison with published VNTR datasets from 11 countries showed both overall heterogeneity between the settings and predominantly local evolution of the clonal complexes. To conclude, six loci may be recommended for primary genotyping of M. bovis/M. caprae isolates in Bulgaria: ETRC, QUB11b, QUB11a, QUB26, QUB3232, and MIRU10 (HGI 0.77). VNTR typing based on a limited number of loci appears to be useful for primary bTB surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine tuberculosis is still a serious problem with major economic impact in many countries. The aim of study was to evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of the classical and some modern, rapid methods for isolation and identification of Mycobacterium bovis. In the period 2015-2018 from 29 outbreaks in 10 different regions of Bulgaria, 1193 lymph nodes from slaughtered cattle were examined by pathoanatomical, bacteriological, PCR and immunochromatographic methods. Of the 283 bacterial isolates, 263 were identified as M. bovis - member of the M. tuberculosis complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Hungary joined the European Union in 2004, it seems that it has not yet been able to catch up with its Western European neighbors socioeconomically. The reasons for this are numerous, including the fact that this former historical region (Kingdom of Hungary), today the sovereign state of Hungary, has a specific sociocultural image and attitude formed by various historical events. And the nature of these events can explain why Hungary’s economic development and overarching political narrative differ so markedly from Western Europe. The aim of this article is to present the unique location of Hungary in the context of Central and Eastern Europe, and to address such factors as urbanization and industrialization, migration, population, politics, economic development, and social values crisis. We argue that these factors, including the European status quo that emerged after 1945, have influenced the existing sociopolitical, socioeconomic, and sociocultural differences between Hungary and Western European EU states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the magnitude of genotype by environment interaction for grain yield and determine the adaptation of breeding lines of winter oat, grown in Southeast Bulgaria, using AMMI and GGE biplot methods. The study included 20 oat genotypes (18 breeding lines and 2 check varieties), analyzed in eight years through field trials arranged in a complete block design, with four replications. Grain yield of the tested genotypes varied from 1312 kg/ha to 8394 kg/ha throughout the eight growing seasons. In the AMMI analysis of variance, 67.23% of the total yield variation was explained by environment, 9.63% by differences between genotypes, and 23.13% by genotype by environment interaction. The first six interaction principal component axes were significant and cumulatively contributed to 98.53% of the total genotype by environmental interaction. AMMI and GGE biplots were powerful enough for visualizing the response patterns of genotypes. The line G3 ranked first in in grain yield and showed relative stability and can be selected for further evaluation for variety release. The line G13 and G16 are suggested for further inclusion in the breeding program of winter oat due to its high grain yield and intermediate stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteocalcin, known as a bone gla protein, is considered a regulator of energy metabolism and behavior in its undercarboxylated form (ucOC). Antiresorptive drugs, such as alendronate, reduce serum level of ucOC. The purpose of the current study was to verify if alendronate might impact on energy metabolism and animal behavior by reducing ucOC level and to find out if the presence of metabolic alterations would further worsen these potential adverse effects. Four groups of male Wistar rats (12 per group) were used: a control group, a group receiving high-fat high-fructose diet (HFHF), a group treated with alendronate, and a group receiving alendronate and HFHF. Alendronate was administered subcutaneously in a dose of 50 mcg/kg thrice weekly. Study duration was 15 weeks. Animals were tested for locomotion, anxiety and spatial memory. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests evaluated the glucose metabolism. Visceral obesity was assessed by the weight of right retroperitoneal fat pads. Concentration of ucOC was measured in the serum. Alendronate reduced serum ucOC concentration, increased fasting blood glucose level, and worsened insulin sensitivity. It did not increase visceral adiposity. Fat index was negatively correlated with ucOC in all animals and in the alendronate-treated rats. Alendronate worsened spatial memory of the animals and ucOC levels correlated positively with their cognitive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine] liposomes (pMPC liposomes) gained attention during the last few years because of their potential use in treating osteoarthritis. pMPC liposomes that serve as boundary lubricants are intended to restore the natural lubrication properties of articular cartilage. For this purpose, it is important that the liposomes remain intact and do not fuse and spread as a lipid film on the cartilage surface. Here, we investigate the stability of the liposomes and their interaction with two types of solid surfaces, gold and carbon, by using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). With the aid of a hydrophilic species used as an electroactive probe in the solution, the charge transfer characteristics of the electrode surfaces are obtained. Additionally, from EIS, the capacitance characteristics of the surfaces are derived. No decrease of the peak currents and no displacement of the peak potentials to greater overpotentials are observed in the CV experiments. No decrease in the apparent capacitance and increase in the charge transfer resistance is observed in the EIS experiments. On the contrary, all parameters in both CV and EIS do change in the opposite direction. The obtained results confirm that there is only physical adsorption without fusion and spreading of the pMPC liposomes and without the formation of lipid films on the surfaces of both gold and carbon electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most academic libraries are facing increasing funding challenges that necessitate improved budget communication and advocacy, in addition to the more traditional planning and monitoring of funds. Moreover, electronic resources (e-resources) continue to evolve rapidly, spawning new material types and modes of acquisition. This paper defines four key facets of a materials budget that has been optimized for the e-resources environment and describes a process that can be used to redesign any academic library budget structure for the digital age. Specific examples of important practical advantages that have accrued over the six years since the fully faceted materials budget structure was implemented are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The removal of misfolded, ubiquitinated proteins is an essential part of the protein quality control. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy are two interconnected pathways that mediate the degradation of such proteins. During autophagy, ubiquitinated proteins are clustered in a p62-dependent manner and are subsequently engulfed by autophagosomes. However, the nature of the protein substrates targeted for autophagy is unclear. Here, we developed a reconstituted system using purified components and show that p62 and ubiquitinated proteins spontaneously coalesce into larger clusters. Efficient cluster formation requires substrates modified with at least two ubiquitin chains longer than three moieties and is based on p62 filaments crosslinked by the substrates. The reaction is inhibited by free ubiquitin, K48-, and K63-linked ubiquitin chains, as well as by the autophagosomal marker LC3B, suggesting a tight cross talk with general proteostasis and autophagosome formation. Our study provides mechanistic insights on how substrates are channeled into autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of syndromic neonatal diabetes in a family with aGATA6mutation. A girl, currently aged 12 years 3 months, was born with intrauterine growth retardation: weight 1600 g (–4.3 SDS) at term. After birth, foramen ovale and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) were diagnosed by echocardiography. Diabetes was diagnosed on the 9th day after birth. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency was clinically diagnosed at about 2 years of age and pancreatic agenesis was revealed later by magnetic resonance imaging. Her father had undergone surgery during infancy for PDA and had developed insulin dependent diabetes at 12 years of age. Ultrasound revealed a thin pancreas with normal length and anatomical structure. He has subclinical exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, low insulin needs and no late complications of diabetes up to the age of 40 years. Sequencing ofGATA6identified a heterozygous splicing mutation, 1136-2A>G, in the girl and her father. Testing of the paternal grandparents showed that the mutation was likely to have arisende novoin the father. Identification of aGATA6mutation explains the cardiac anomalies and diabetes in this family. This case highlights the marked intra-familial variability of both exocrine and endocrine pancreatic phenotypes in patients withGATA6mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We characterize the genetic diversity of Xenopus laevis strains using RNA-seq data and allele-specific analysis. This data provides a catalogue of coding variation, which can be used for improving the genomic sequence, as well as for better sequence alignment, probe design, and proteomic analysis. In addition, we paint a broad picture of the genetic landscape of the species by functionally annotating different classes of mutations with a well-established prediction tool (PolyPhen-2). Further, we specifically compare the variation in the progeny of four crosses: inbred genomic (J)-strain, outbred albino (B)-strain, and two hybrid crosses of J and B strains. We identify a subset of mutations specific to the B strain, which allows us to investigate the selection pressures affecting duplicated genes in this allotetraploid. From these crosses we find the ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous mutations is lower in duplicated genes, which suggests that they are under greater purifying selection. Surprisingly, we also find that function-altering ("damaging") mutations constitute a greater fraction of the non-synonymous variants in this group, which suggests a role for subfunctionalization in coding variation affecting duplicated genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a disorder with an increasing prevalence, which impairs the life quality of patients and intensifies societal health care costs. The development of safe and innovative prevention strategies and therapeutic approaches is thus of great importance. The complex pathophysiology of obesity involves multiple signaling pathways that influence energy metabolism in different tissues. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway is critical for the metabolic homeostasis and its function in insulin-sensitive tissues is described in the context of health, obesity and obesity-related complications. The PI3K family participates in the regulation of diverse physiological processes including but not limited to cell growth, survival, differentiation, autophagy, chemotaxis, and metabolism depending on the cellular context. AKT is downstream of PI3K in the insulin signaling pathway, and promotes multiple cellular processes by targeting a plethora of regulatory proteins that control glucose and lipid metabolism. Natural products are essential for prevention and treatment of many human diseases, including obesity. Anti-obesity natural compounds effect multiple pathophysiological mechanisms involved in obesity development. Numerous recent preclinical studies reveal the advances in using plant secondary metabolites to target the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway for obesity management. In this paper the druggability of PI3K as a target for compounds with anti-obesity potential is evaluated. Perspectives on the strategies and limitations for clinical implementation of obesity management using natural compounds modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway are suggested. [Display omitted] • The PI3K/AKT pathway is critical for energy metabolism in insulin-sensitive tissues. • The PI3K/AKT druggability against obesity needs more detailed mechanistic research. • Up- or downregulation of PI3K/AKT is beneficial in obesity depending on the context. • Natural compounds are promising PI3K/AKT modulators in obesity models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity prevalence is becoming a serious global health and economic issue and is a major risk factor for concomitant diseases that worsen the quality and duration of life. Therefore, the urgency of the development of novel therapies is of a particular importance. A previous study of ours revealed that the natural pterocarpan, maackiain (MACK), significantly inhibits adipogenic differentiation in human adipocytes through a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)-dependent mechanism. Considering the observed anti-adipogenic potential of MACK, we aimed to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms that drive its biological activity in a Caenorhabditis elegans obesity model. Therefore, in the current study, the anti-obesogenic effect of MACK (25, 50, and 100 μM) was compared to orlistat (ORST, 12 μM) as a reference drug. Additionally, the hybrid combination between the ORST (12 μM) and MACK (100 μM) was assessed for suspected synergistic interaction. Mechanistically, the observed anti-obesogenic effect of MACK was mediated through the upregulation of the key metabolic regulators, namely, the nuclear hormone receptor 49 (nhr-49) that is a functional homologue of the mammalian PPARs and the AMP-activated protein kinase (aak-2/AMPK) in C. elegans. Collectively, our investigation indicates that MACK has the potential to limit lipid accumulation and control obesity that deserves future developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is an ingrained health problem with а multifactorial origin and а long history, thereby innovations in the treatment strategies are of great importance. In the search of a remedy for excessive weight gain, we have directed our investigations to phytochemicals as valuable bioactive compounds. Betulinic acid (BA), among the other triterpenoids, is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic properties. In addition, a previous study of ours has demonstrated а potent anti-adipogenic effect of BA in human adipocytes. Therefore, we aimed here to further verify the anti-obesogenic effect of BA in vivo in Caenorhabditis elegans. Induction of lipid accumulation in the nematodes was modelled with glucose-supplemented media, followed by treatment with BA (10–50 μM) or orlistat (12 μM) as a control anti-obesity medication. Oil red O and Nile red staining were applied to provide quantification of accumulated lipids. Analysis of the relative expression of genes, related to lipid metabolism suggested molecular mechanism of lipid-reducing action of BA in C. elegans. Treatment of nematodes with BA significantly decreased the lipid accumulation, downregulated desaturases involved in lipogenesis (fat-5 , fat-6 and fat-7), modulated key transcription factors (nhr-49 and hlh-11) and microRNAs (miR-60 , lin-4 , let-7 and miR-786) associated with the lipid metabolism. Collectively, the current research provides additional insight on the molecular mechanism of the BA's anti-obesogenic effect in vivo. Furthermore, it validates the potential of BA as a candidate compound in obesity management by reducing lipid accumulation. [Display omitted] • Betulinic acid reduces glucose-induced lipid accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans. • At 10 μM concentration applied betulinic acid stimulates lipolysis and β-oxidation. • Increasing the dose (25 and 50 μM) predominantly hampered nematode lipid synthesis. • Mechanistically modulation of nuclear hormonal receptor-49 was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity has outreached the dimensions of a health problem and has established as a global epidemic (named Globesity) over the past decades (Jaaks et al., 2019; NCDRisC, 2019). Excessive body weight appears among the top five risk factors in terms of attributable deaths and metabolic complications development (NCD-RisC, 2019; Stefan, 2020). Consequently, management of obesity (i.e., prevention and treatment) is subject of undergoing intense research (Flaherty et al., 2019). Natural compounds attracted profound interest as candidates for obesity management. We have examined the potential of plant extracts and their bioactive principles to affect adipogenic differentiation in human adipocytes (Savova et al., 2021; Mladenova et al., 2022). Their mechanism of action was studied in-depth by using transcriptional analysis through real-time quantitative PCR and protein abundance evaluation by Western blotting. The key adipogenic transcription factors - peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPa) - appeared strongly decreased at a protein level by treatments with plant extracts and pure compounds. Moreover, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway was found to be involved in the anti-adipogenic effect of the plant extracts and pure molecules. Collectively, our findings indicate that selected plant extracts (and their active principles) hampered adipocyte differentiation through PI3K/AKT inhibition. Among selected compounds, betulinic acid and maackiain exhibit the most promising anti-adipogenic activity (Savova et al., 2021; Mladenova et al., 2022). Furthermore, the research has been translated from human adipocytes to the organism model of Caenorhabditis elegans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saponins are a large group of organic amphiphilic substances (surfactants) mainly extracted from herbs with biological activity, considered as one of the main ingredients in numerous remedies used in traditional medicine since ancient times. Anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, antitumor, antioxidant and many other properties have been confirmed for some. There is increasing interest in the elucidation of the mechanisms behind the effects of saponins on different cell types at the molecular level. In this regard, erythrocytes are a very welcome model, having very simple structures with no organelles. They react to changing external conditions and substances by changing shape or volume, with damage to their membrane ultimately leading to hemolysis. Hemolysis can be followed spectrophotometrically and provides valuable information about the type and extent of membrane damage. We investigated hemolysis of erythrocytes induced by various saponin concentrations in hypotonic, isotonic and hypertonic media using measurements of real time and end-point hemolysis. The osmotic pressure was adjusted by different concentrations of NaCl, manitol or a NaCl/manitol mixture. Unexpectedly, at a fixed saponin concentration, hemolysis was accelerated at hypertonic conditions, but was much faster in NaCl compared to mannitol solutions at the same osmotic pressure. These findings confirm the colloid-osmotic mechanism behind saponin hemolysis with pore formation with increasing size in the membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a highly conserved molecular chaperone, involved in the folding, assembly, stabilization and activation of numerous proteins with unrelated amino acid sequences and functions. Geldanamycin (GA), a natural benzoquinone, can inhibit the chaperone activity of Hsp90. It has been shown that GA can produce superoxide anions and increase the intracellular oxidative stress, which, in addition to the direct inhibition of Hsp90, might also contribute to the modifying effects of the inhibitor on the early response in human mononuclear cells exposed to ionizing radiation. The present study shows that GA antagonizes the radiation-induced suppression on MnSOD and catalase, key enzymes of the radical scavenging systems. By significantly up-regulating catalase levels over the entire range of doses from 0.5 to 4 Gy, the inhibitor of Hsp90 exerted adaptive protection and modified the early radiation response of the human blood cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The motion of the material particles due to viscoelastic properties of the half-space is considered when the propagating surface wave has an assigned frequency. The detailed examination shows that for Rayleigh waves in classical elasticity as well as for the viscoelastic Rayleigh-type surface waves the sense of the particle path along the ellipse is retrograde on the surface of the half-space and changes into direct only once at depth about one seventh to one quarter of the wavelength. When there is a viscoelastic surface wave that does not satisfy the adopted four criteria for behaviour at infinity (the case of viscoelastic Rayleigh-type surface wave) but only two of them, this additional wave is direct on the surface of the half-space and does not change or may change many times the sense of the particle path along the ellipse with the distance from the stress-free surface of the half-space. In contrast to the elastic case, the ellipse axes in the viscoelastic case are not parallel and orthogonal to the surface of the half-space, respectively. Their orientation depends on the magnitude of the viscous part of the Lamé moduli and tends to a constant at great depth. The numerical computations in the paper refer to some typical values of the complex Lamé moduli and to some real materials. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Obesity is a global health burden for which we do not yet have effective treatments for prevention or therapy. Plants are an invaluable source of bioactive leads possessing anti-adipogenic potential. Ethnopharmacological use of Ononis spinosa L. roots (OSR) for treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders requires а scientific rationale. The current study examined the anti-adipogenic capacity of OSR and its secondary metabolites ononin (ONON) and maackiain (MACK) in human adipocytes as an in vitro model of obesity. Both ONON and MACK diminished lipid accumulation during adipocyte differentiation. Molecular docking analysis exposed the potential interactions between MACK or ONON and target regulatory adipogenic proteins. Furthermore, results from an RT-qPCR analysis disclosed significant upregulation of AMPK by MACK and ONON treatment. In addition, ONON increased SIRT1, PI3K and ACC mRNA expression, while MACK notably downregulated CEBPA , AKT , SREBP1 , ACC and ADIPOQ. The protein level of PI3K, C/EBPα, PPARγ and adiponectin was reduced upon MACK treatment in a concentration-dependent manner. Similarly, ONON suppressed PI3K, PPARγ and adiponectin protein abundance. Finally, our study provides evidence that ONON exerts anti-adipogenic effect by upregulation of SIRT1 and inhibition of PI3K, PPARγ and adiponectin, while MACK induced strong inhibitory effect on adipogenesis via hampering PI3K, PPARγ/C/EBPα signaling and anti-lipogenic effect through downregulation of SREBP1 and ACC. Even though OSR does not hamper adipogenic differentiation, it could be exploited as a source of natural leads with anti-adipogenic potential. The multidirectional mechanism of action of MACK warrant further validation in the context of in vivo obesity models. [Display omitted] • Ononis spinosa root extract did not obstruct adipogenesis. • Secondary metabolites from Ononis spinosa hampered adipocyte differentiation. • Ononin inhibited adipogenesis through SIRT1/PPARγ and PI3K signaling. • Maackiain inhibited adipo- and lipogenesis via PI3K/PPARγ and SREBP1 inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To describe the clinical characteristics of IPEX syndrome in a child with FOXP3 mutation. Clinical Case. A boy aged 2.3 years was born from first normal pregnancy with a weight of 3420 gr. Family History. Two brothers of the mother died before the age of 3 years with severe infections, diarrhea, erythroderma, and elevated immunoglobulins class E (IgEs). Since first month of life, our patient suffered from septicemia, pneumonias, pyelonephritis, and meningitis, accompanied with eczematous dermatitis and IgEs up to 4000 IU/L (normal <10). At the age of 1.6 years, he developed type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). He was underweighted (-3.42 SDS) and had some phenotypic features like coarse face, muscle hypotonia, joint hyperextensibility, eczematous dermatitis, and subcutaneous cold abscesses. Autoimmune thyroiditis and celiac disease were excluded. After diabetes, intermittent watery diarrhea appeared with progression to severe intractable form. Finally, aggravating symptoms of nephritis, cachexia, and respiratory insufficiency were the cause for his death at the age of 2 years and 3 months. The DNA analysis at the University of Exeter Medical School established mutation at exon 10 of FOXP3 gene c.1010G >A, p. (Arg337Gln), which confirmed IPEX syndrome. The same mutation in heterozygotic state was found in the mother. A prenatal diagnosis of her second pregnancy ensured a daughter carrier of the mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mammals, relative expression of the two parental alleles of many genes is controlled by one of three major epigenetic phenomena: X chromosome inactivation, imprinting, and mitotically stable autosomal monoallelic expression (MAE). MAE affects a large fraction of human autosomal genes and introduces enormous epigenetic heterogeneity in otherwise similar cell populations. Despite its prevalence, many functional and mechanistic aspects of MAE biology remain unknown. Several lines of evidence imply that MAE establishment and maintenance are controlled by a variety of genetic elements. Based on known genomic features regulating X-inactivation and imprinting, we outline likely features of MAE-controlling elements. We also assess implications of MAE for genotype–phenotype relationship, with a focus on haploinsufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonols and flavones are antioxidants of plant origin with a beneficial role in the prevention of different diseases. Therefore it is important for their content in various foods to be measured in order to be able to judge on their potential for disease prevention. The aim of the study is to present precise and representative data for flavonols and flavones content of Bulgarian foods from Malvaceae and Umbiliferae plant families, based on a validated analytical HPLC procedure. The content of flavonols and flavones was determined in one representative belonging to Malvaceae plant family used as food - okra, and four representatives of Umbiliferae plant family - dill, parsley, celery, and carrots. An HPLC method for simultaneous determination of flavonols myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol and flavones luteolin and apigenin was applied and validated. The results showed that dill was particularly rich in the flavonol quercetin (403.0 mg/kg) followed by okra (200.3 mg/kg). The other analysed samples contained only flavones with the highest amount noted for luteolin in celery leaves (228.9 mg/kg) and for apigenin in parsley (747.9 mg/kg). Those data outlined the ranking of green leaf herbs among the greatest sources of flavonols and flavones among Bulgarian foods. They could be used to characterise various biological species and, what is more, they could be successfully applied in practice to formulate preventive antioxidant diets to be administered in case of various contemporary diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results from the Bulgarian adaptation of Lie Scale from M. Bond's questionnaire measuring defense styles and defense mechanisms. 994 subjects between 15 and 56 years participated in the study. All items had an optimal difficulty, and good discriminative power. The factor structure of the scale was confirmed. Its reliability as internal consistency and test-retest reliability is acceptable. The norms were defined for the whole sample, not differentiated by social categories, because there were not any significant differences on the scale score between the social categories of people. There were some significant differences on some items in gender, age sub-groups, family status, and occupation. These differences were consistent with some other authors' findings when using some other scales measuring social desirability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many scientific studies are focused on antioxidant activities in prevention, on their beneficial role for health status and age retardation. The main source of antioxidants for humans is the diet. The aim of the study was to present data for antioxidant compounds in traditional Bulgarian foods, typical of Bulgarian diet. The traditional foods selected for this study were: onion, pepper, tomatoes, green beans, apples, and wild fruit varieties - blueberries, blackberries, raspberries. Antioxidant vitamins E and C were determined by RP-HPLC/fluorescence and UV detection. Total phenolics were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Total flavonoids were measured by the aluminum chloride assay. Total carotenoids were determined by RP-HPLC/UV-Vis. The results showed that the highest amount of vitamin E was found in red peppers (2.94 mg/100g), and in raspberries (1.47 mg/100g), comparable with the level in sesame (2.4 mg/100g). Red peppers were evidenced to be the richest source of vitamin C (102 mg/100g). Total phenolics and total flavonoids as a marker of food antioxidant potential had the highest level in blueberries (670 mgGAE/100g, 190.3 mgCE/100g) and blackberries (355mgGAE/100g, 55.5 mgCE/100g). Total carotenoids are mostly detected in tomatoes (7.70 mg/100g), followed by spring onion (3.50 mg/100g). The modern analytical techniques enable the assessment of antioxidant constituents in some foods typical of the Bulgarian diet, and furthermore, on the basis of the results the assumption could be made that the Bulgarian longevity is associated not only with yogurt consumption, but with the abundance of antioxidants in the traditional diet as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with different aspects of self-realisation - related to the health status, to the self-actualization, to some skills and abilities (especially mechanical and technical ones), to the self-determinism, and to the students' adaptation and professional self-realisation. Three studies were conducted in 2011 and 2012 in Bulgaria. 73 students were studied about their need for self-actualization by means of a modified scale from Gercheva-Nestorova's questionnaire for needs based on Maslow's theory. More than a half of them strived for self-actualization in a medium and high degree. 55 students were studied by means of MTA - a computerized method for measuring mechanical and technical abilities that is a part of Vienna Test System. The low and medium results prevailed. 42 students were studied about their adaptation to the educational process. 1/3 of the students' responses indicated their maladaptation in the educational process concerning their professional self-realisation (undesired subject, problems with the exams and with the lecturers, lack of desire for study). The satisfied students who studied a desired subject were better adapted. More than a half of the students in this sample strived for professional self-realisation through the specialty they studied in, independent on their initial professional orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research which was conducted using an evidence-based approach to investigate the role and efficacy of implementing an electronic reader loan service at McGill University Library in Canada. In the article the authors offer their thoughts on the lending model and electronic reader device features which best meet the needs of library clients. The role that electronic readers play in library technology that facilitates the ideals of mobile learning is examined.

Abstract: Although sentences are thought to be generally easier to process when given information precedes new information, closer examination reveals that these preferences only manifest within some syntactic structures. Here, we examine the consequences of the relative ordering of given and new information (information structure) for the on-line comprehension of prepositional-object (PO) and double-object (DO) dative sentences. Experiment 1 demonstrated using self-paced reading that the on-line comprehension of DO structures, but not PO structures, is more difficult with new-before-given information structure. Experiment 2 assessed the comprehension of dative sentences with animate themes to evaluate two potential sources of this interaction: information-structural constraints encoded within syntactic representations (argument structure hypothesis) vs. word-to-word contingency statistics (linear position hypothesis). Despite experiment-wise differences in word-to-word contingency statistics, the interaction between syntactic structure and information structure persisted in Experiment 2. Taken together, these results suggest that syntactic representations can include information-structural constraints on their arguments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ni–Nb–O catalysts with various Nb contents (0–19%) have been studied as catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane. An optimum ethane conversion of 33% with 78% of selectivity to ethylene was obtained for a Ni–Nb–O catalyst containing 15% of Nb at 350°C with a weight to flow W/F ratio of 0.54gsmL−1. The catalysts have been characterized using various techniques allowing to show that the efficiency of the catalysts was related to a surface interaction between the NiO active phase and an amorphous Nb2O5 phase. Because ammonium oxalato niobate was used as niobium precursor, oxalate ions were present; concomitantly to the surface interaction described, the thermal decomposition of these oxalate ions induced a reduction in NiO oxygen over-stoichiometry which also influences the catalytic properties. It was demonstrated that only a small percent of Nb was necessary to have these effects and the optimal activity observed for 15% of Nb had to be related to another process which corresponds to the decrease in the active phase particle size induced by the amorphous Nb2O5 phase; this phase prevents the sintering of the active phase particles during the thermal transformation of the catalysts precursors. It was also shown that the thermal decomposition of oxalates limits NiO crystal growth. Above 15% of Nb the amorphous phase reacted with the nickel oxide to form an inactive mixed niobium and nickel oxide phase NiNb2O6. The study of the catalytic properties over long periods of time showed that the Ni–Nb–O catalysts underwent a slow but systematic deactivation. This deactivation has been attributed both to the continuous reduction of the NiO oxygen over-stoichiometry in the reaction conditions and to the formation of the NiNb2O6 phase thermodynamically stable at the catalytic reaction temperature. Attempt to regenerate the catalysts has failed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper deals with the propagation of surface waves of an assigned wavelength on a thermoviscoelastic half-space. It is shown that a unique surface wave of an assigned wavelength, which satisfies the adopted criteria for behaviour at infinity, always exists. This wave is interpreted as a superposition of three dispersive inhomogeneous plane waves. The superposed waves have different directions of propagation and different phase velocities. Their directions of propagation are not parallel to the stress-free surface. The plane of constant amplitude that corresponds to each of these superposed waves is parallel to the stress-free surface and moves to it with a constant velocity, which is different for each of the superposed waves. The numerical computations refer to some typical values of the material and thermal constants at different values of the wavelength when the half-space is thermally insulated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two series of alkaline earth oxides (AEO) of Mg, Ca, and Sr doped with 5mol% Nd2O3 have been synthesised by two procedures: (i) evaporation of nitrate solutions with subsequent nitrate decomposition (designated Ev) and (ii) sol–gel method (designated SG). The catalysts samples characterisation was performed by ICP chemical analysis, BET specific surface area measurement, FTIR spectroscopy, CO2 TPD, powder XRD, and XPS. The XRD data have shown presence of solid solutions of both Nd in AEO and of alkaline earth elements in Nd2O3. The structural defects that appeared under Nd incorporation into AEO lattice were studied by detailed XRD peak profiles analysis. They were agglomerated or dispersed, their relative amounts depending on the preparation procedure and on the alkaline-earth ion size match with Nd3+. The dispersed local defects were favored by the sol–gel method and by close cation radii dimensions, whereas Nd3+ agglomerates formed mainly on Mg-containing samples and were favored by evaporation. The catalyst basicity has been observed to follow the expected order Mg

Abstract: Two series of alkaline-earth oxides of Mg, Ca, and Sr, doped with 5mol% Nd2O3 and synthesised by two different procedures: (i) evaporation of nitrate aqueous solutions followed by nitrate decomposition and (ii) sol–gel technique, have been studied for propane oxidative dehydrogenation reaction. Solid solutions of both Nd in alkaline-earth oxides and of alkaline-earth elements in Nd2O3 were shown to be formed as a result of both preparation procedures. It was observed that Nd increased strongly propane conversion, while propene and ethene selectivity generally followed the catalyst basicity measured by CO2-TPD. The sol–gel preparation led to materials exhibiting enhanced alkene selectivity, higher basicity and higher content of structural defects. The selectivity was observed to increase with propane conversion at increased contact time at difference with what was usually reported for redox-type catalysts. The relationship between catalyst preparation method, solid solution formation, lattice structural defects, surface basicity, and catalytic performance has been discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Density or pressure are important for accurate retention modelling in SFC. • Multivariate retention modelling was performed to describe retention in SFC. • Retention time predictions improved by the addition of a pressure or density term. • The use of density improves retention modelling compared to the use of pressure. The prediction of chromatographic retention under supercritical-fluid chromatography (SFC) conditions was studied, using established and novel theoretical models over ranges of modifier content, pressure and temperature. Whereas retention models used for liquid chromatography often only consider the modifier fraction, retention in SFC depends much more strongly on pressure and temperature. The viability of combining several retention models into surfaces that describe the effects of both modifier fraction and pressure was investigated. The ability of commonly used retention models to describe retention as a function of modifier fraction, expressed either as mass or volume fraction, pressure and density was assessed. Using the multivariate surfaces, retention-time prediction for isocratic separations at constant temperature improved significantly compared to univariate modelling when both pressure and modifier fractions were changed. The "mixed-mode" model with an additional exponential pressure or density parameter was able to predict retention times within 5%, with the majority of the predictions within 2%. The use of mass fraction and density further improves retention modelling compared to volume fraction and pressure. These variables however, do require extra computations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate propagation of quasi-viscoelastic and quasi-thermal surface waves of an assigned frequency on a thermoviscoelastic half-space. Their structure and mechanical characteristics are examined and compared to the properties of the classical Rayleigh waves. It is shown that a unique quasi-viscoelastic wave (surface wave of Rayleigh type) always exists at different values of the assigned frequency. A unique quasi-thermal surface wave of an assigned frequency exists only in the case of small and moderate values of the frequency. The Poynting vectors that are connected to the waves mentioned above are obtained. It is emphasized that they are not parallel to the surface of the half-space, as it is known in classical elasticity. At any given point, their directions vary with the distance from this point to the surface as well as with the assigned frequency. Some numerical results are presented when the half-space is thermally insulated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The goal of this study is to investigate the preparation of low-cost activated carbon from bean pods waste and to explore their potential application for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. Conventional physical (water vapor) activation was used for synthesizing the adsorbent. The obtained carbon was employed for the removal of As (III) and Mn (II) from aqueous solutions at different initial concentrations and pH values. Adsorption for both ions follows Langmuir-type isotherm, the maximum loading capacities for arsenic (III) and Mn (II) ions being 1.01 and 23.4mgg−1, respectively. According to the experimental data, it can be inferred that the basic character of the surface, i.e. the high content of basic groups, favors adsorption of ions. Arsenic adsorption capacity on the carbon obtained from agricultural waste was found to be similar to this of more expensive commercial carbons showing high adsorption capability. Regarding manganese adsorption, herein obtained carbon presented higher uptake adsorption than that of activated carbons reported in the literature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

B Introduction: b Drug-drug interactions are common but avoidable causes for adverse drug reactions (ADRs). 11, 2012, 289-296 2 T. Jain, A. Bhandari, V. Ram, M. Parakh, P. Wal, A.N. Nagappa, Drug interactions and adverse drug reactions in hospitalized psychiatric patients: A critical element in providing safe medication use. 36, 2002, 1331-1336 4 L. Magro, U. Moretti, R. Leone, Epidemiology and characteristics of adverse drug reactions caused by drug-drug interactions. [Extracted from the article]