ARPHA Preprints
Not a member yet
49208 research outputs found
Sort by
Annotation and functional prediction of RNA helicases in Ustilago maydis
No full textRNA helicases are conserved enzymes found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They function in all aspects of RNA metabolism and are known to influence various cellular and metabolic processes. In addition, they have been implicated in certain cancers and diseases. Studies on RNA helicases in fungi indicate their conserved roles in RNA metabolism and suggest that their dysregulation can affect fungal growth. However, the roles of RNA helicases in fungal plant pathogenesis remain underexplored, despite increasing knowledge of how RNA helicases modulate gene expression and disease progression. We used the basidiomycete plant pathogen Ustilago maydis as a model to identify 46 RNA helicases. We review the roles of RNA helicases in RNA metabolism, cellular growth and homeostasis, and metabolism. We then utilized available U. maydis transcriptome data and current research to hypothesize potential functions of RNA helicases in fungal plant pathology. These roles include influencing cell growth, modulating stress response, contributing to virulence and disease progression, and regulating fungal spore dormancy and germination. Understanding the roles of RNA helicases in gene regulation may aid in developing strategies to mitigate disease spread in fungal plant pathogens
Nanostructured electrode material for energy storage
No full textThis work is devoted to the development of an electrode material for energy storage devices and its nanostructuring technology, which significantly improve energy characteristics. The electrode material consists of a conductive carbon flexible matrix with a high specific surface area filled with silver nanoparticles measuring 10–40 nm. The design and manufacturing technology of a supercapacitor based on an aqueous electrolyte with an operating voltage of 2.6 V and a specific energy consumption of 5.5 Wh/kg are presented
The Agricultural Complex of Yaroslavl Oblast and its Rural Areas: Development Trends and Intra-Regional Differences
No full textThe paper presents the results of the research into the current state of agriculture and rural areas of Yaroslavl Oblast, considering specific natural, production, economic and socio-demographic factors. It shows the characteristics and intra-regional differentiation of agricultural production depending on the distance from the region’s large cities. The paper shows specific features of rural development in the context of economic contraction, ageing and shrinking of the population, concentration of production and the increasingly significant role of agricultural holdings, as well as the influence of non-productive factors on intra-regional differentiation. The paper presents statistical calculations by municipal districts and individual enterprises along with the results of socio-geographical expeditions to the rural areas of Yaroslavl Oblast, which included expert interviews with heads of enterprises and local administrations, specialists of various levels, and the population. The mechanisms of development of the agro-industrial complex of the region, the specifics of its current organisation, its challenges, and its impact not only on the food supply for the population, but also on the socio-geographical space and the living conditions of the local population are considered. Relative proximity to towns or cities, the patterns of use of local resources, participation in government support programmes, the degree of modernisation of production, availability of exclusive products, the staffing and the personnel policies, and personal qualities of the managers were identified as key success factors for agricultural enterprises regardless of their size. Both general and specific current challenges to the development of different types of enterprises in the Non-Black Soil Zone were identified, including the shrinking of crop acreage and the dependence of livestock farming on fodder grain purchased from southern Russia. Equally important is the acute shortage of labour, the difficulties in recruiting migrant workers, and wage growth without increases in skills and productivity in the face of labour shortages. The consequences of the sanctions include difficulties in purchasing genetic material and vaccines from abroad, and in the renewal and maintenance of imported equipment
Regional Savings in the Context of Aggregate Transfer Accounts and Territorial Patterns of the Age Structure
No full textThe article examines the applied use of aggregate estimates of national transfer accounts (NTA) as an additional aspect of regional macroeconomic analysis. The NTA essence is the construction of age-specific, or intergenerational, distribution of resources in annual terms. However, constructing aggregate estimates (across all ages for an economy or region) is valuable for macroeconomic analytics on its own. The NTA construction is a relatively new tool, but it is already demanded worldwide for interdisciplinary data analysis at the intersection of economics, demography, and statistics. This study analyzes and explains retrospective changes in how regions make savings looking at these changes from an additional prospective. Its starting point was an assumption about a connection between structural shifts in regional profiles of life cycle balance sheet results (NTA key parameters) and changes in the proportions of regions’ disposable income distribution. The article describes the calculation methodology and the first results obtained in a 10-year retrospective study covering 2011-2020. Experimental calculations for Russia are based on the international UN National Transfer Accounts Manual adapted to the Russian statistical data. Three qualitatively different groups of regions have been identified. The first group is marked by a steady surplus in the analyzed indicators, the second one – by a steady deficit, while the third one – by a mixed picture. Experimental calculations confirm that regarding the third group of regions, trends in aggregate estimates of regional savings and in life cycle balance results have changed from a deficit to a surplus. These changes indirectly indicate positive shifts in the quality of life of the population, meaning that they are indirectly indicative of positive shifts in social sustainability of the Russian regions
Diversity of the cladocerans (Crustacea, Branchiopoda) in the Republic of Tyva, Russian Federation
No full textThe cladoceran fauna is well studied across the Palaearctic, but remains poorly known in the Republic of Tyva, Russia. Our database represents the results of the faunistic survey of the cladocerans in this region performed during almost 30 years (1993–2022). A total of 902 sites were investigated, most of them being located in mountain areas (49°45' – 53°46' North latitude and 88°49' – 98°56' East longitude). The dataset includes the cladocerans sampled from permanent and temporary waterbodies with varying depths, altitudes and salinity levels. Sampling was conducted using plankton nets and then samples were transported to the Tuvinian Institute for Exploration of Natural Resources of the Siberian Branch of RAS for identification and further examined at the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Ecology RAS. Species were identified, based on recent monographs and juvenile specimens (sometimes indeterminable, based on morphological methods) were excluded from the dataset. The dataset was published as a Darwin Core Archive in GBIF. For each sampling event, the coordinates of the location, date and collector are recorded.The dataset contains information on zooplankton and microzoobenthos from numerous permanent and temporary waterbodies in the Republic of Tyva, Russian Federation. Previously, the region’s cladoceran fauna was poorly studied.Our core data table includes 3,599 records representing 76 species from 902 locations. The most species-rich families are Chydoridae (30 species from 17 genera) and Daphniidae (26 species from 5 genera). No invasive species were detected.The results of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the plankton and microzoobenthos communities in the Central Asian mountain regions
Analysis of the causes and consequences of the major concern on biodiversity change in Heraklion BBT
No full textThis study performs a bow-tie analysis concerning biodiversity change in the Broad Belt Transect of Heraklion Bay (BBT12) in the framework of MARBEFES project. Heraklion Bay is currently undergoing changes mostly due to climate change, tourism and urbanisation. This affects the marine environment via marine heat waves, mass mortality events and tropicalisation. Introduction of invasive species is on the rise in the area and together with the transformation of typical Mediterranean rocky reefs to barren reefs is leading to an ecosystem shift and significant changes in biodiversity. In addition, tropicalisation can also be linked to the reduction of marine biological resources affecting the local fisheries. Furthermore, recent studies of macrobenthic communities of soft-bottom habitats in the area contribute to understanding the spatial and temporal trends and changes in biodiversity due to multiple environmental and human-induced disturbances. These changes reduce the ecosystemic resilience and can affect ecosystem services we take for granted. Within the framework of the project, stakeholders of Heraklion BBT have been surveyed and interviewed and their views concerning balance between nature, society and economy have also been incorporated into the bow-tie analysis. Their main concern for Heraklion BBT is the extensive development of large-scale tourism in the area. All these pressures have negative effects on the marine environment of the area and socio-economic impacts on the population of the area. Having this in mind, prevention and mitigation measures are presented
Absolute and Functional Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure – Novel Definitions And Therapeutic Approach – Review of Literature
No full textАбсолютният (АЖ) и функционалният железен дефицит (ЖД) са независими патогенетични фактори за нарушена митохондриална структура, миокардно ремоделиране, тежка систолна и диастолна дисфункция, повишен риск от хипертрофия и дилатация на лявата камера, белодробен застой, сърдечна фиброза и ограничен физически капацитет. ЖД е успоредна и самостоятелна терапевтична цел при пациенти със СН, която изисква ранно и точно диагностициране. Съществуващите традиционни показатели за доказване на ЖД се базират на спорни и подвеждащи серумни нива на феритина (най-често в референтния интервал), механично взети от критериите за допустимост в клинични проучвания (КП). В литературния обзор се анализират редица КП, научни разработки и метаанализи, които обосновават необходимостта от редефиниция на ЖД. Посочени са предложенията за нови критерии за ЖД, основани предимно на TSAT < 20%. Подобен диагностичен подход притежава висока специфичност и чувствителност, идентифицира по-точно подходящите за лечение пациенти и притежава значимо прогностично и предиктивно значение, т.е. корелира с преживяемостта и сърдечните събития, както и с честотата и качеството на терапевтичния отговор. Разгледани са и някои нови диагностични показатели за ЖД – разтворим феритинов рецептор в серума (sTfR), съотношенията sTfR mg/L и log на феритин в μg/L (феритинов индекс) и sTfR:хепцидин, отразяващи митохондриалния железен статус и разграничаващи АЖД от ФЖД. Absolute and functional iron defi ciency (ID) is a critical factor contributing to various cardiac issues, including mitochondrial dysfunction, myocardial remodeling, and signifi cant systolic and diastolic impairments. These conditions increase the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary congestion, cardiac fi brosis, and decreased exercise tolerance in patients with heart failure (HF). Therefore, timely and accurate diagnosis of ID is essential, as it can be a primary or secondary treatment goal. Current diagnostic criteria often rely on serum ferritin levels, which can be misleading and are derived from previous clinical trial eligibility criteria. This review examines multiple randomized clinical trials, studies, and meta-analyses that advocate for a redefi nition of ID. It proposes new diagnostic criteria based primarily on transferrin saturation (TSAT) levels below 20%, which demonstrate high specifi city and sensitivity for identifying candidates for treatment. These criteria correlate signifi cantly with survival rates and cardiovascular outcomes. Additionally, emerging indicators of ID, such as serum soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and the sTfR-ferritin index, are discussed. These indicators provide insights into mitochondrial iron status and help differentiate between absolute iron defi ciency (AID) and functional iron defi ciency (FID)
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) as a Biomarker in Coronary Artery Ectasia: A Case-Control Study
No full textВъведение и цел: Болестите на коронарните артерии са сред най-честите сърдечно-съдови заболявания. Една от тях е ектазия на коронарната артерия (CAE). Тя представлява дифузна или фокална дилатация на коронарните артерии. Съотношението на неутрофили към лимфоцити (NLR) – маркер за възпаление, е изследвано по отношение на неговата прогностична стойност при много сърдечно-съдови заболявания. Настоящото проучване има за цел да оцени връзката между NLR и ектазията на коронарната артерия. Материал и методи: Това проучване е от типа случай-контрола и обхваща 115 пациенти, приети в болница „Шахид Садуги“ в Язд за периода 2012-2020 г. От тях 28 пациенти са били с ектазия на коронарната артерия, а 87 са контролна група пациенти. Събрани са демографски данни, медицинска история и резултати от пълна кръвна картина (ПКК) за изчисляване на NLR. Данните са сравнени с помощта на софтуер SPSS и приложими статистически тестове. Резултати: Средният NLR в групата с ектазия (0,79 ± 2,01) и контролната група (1,46 ± 2,07) не се различава статистически (p-стойност = 0,830). Освен това няма значими разлики в NLR по пол, възраст или степен на ектазия. Средната стойност на NLR обаче е по-ниска при пациенти със засягане на три съда (0,49 ± 1,66), отколкото при засягане на един съд (1,04 ± 2,32) (p-стойност = 0,036). Заключение: В това изследване NLR не се установява като диагностичен маркер за ектазия на коронарната артерия. Броят на участващите съдове обаче може да повлияе върху стойностите на NLR. Препоръчва се провеждането на допълнителни проучвания за изследване на патофизиологичните механизми на това заболяване и ролята на други възпалителни маркери. Background and Objective: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE), a diffuse or focal dilatation of coronary arteries, remains poorly understood. While the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a well-established infl ammatory marker in cardiovascular diseases, its diagnostic role in CAE is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of NLR in CAE and explore its association with disease severity. Material and Methods: In this case-control study, 115 patients (28 CAE, 87 controls) admitted to Shahid Sadoughi Hospital (2012–2020) were analyzed. Demographic data, medical history, and complete blood count (CBC)-derived NLR were compared using SPSS and appropriate statistical tests. Results: The mean NLR did not differ signifi cantly between CAE (0.79 ± 2.01) and control groups (1.46 ± 2.07) (P = 0.830), nor by age, sex, or ectasia extent. However, NLR was lower in three-vessel involvement (0.49 ± 1.66) versus single-vessel involvement (1.04 ± 2.32) (P = 0.036). Conclusion: NLR lacks diagnostic value for CAE but may correlate with disease burden, as evidenced by reduced NLR in multi-vessel involvement. Further research should investigate NLR’s pathophysiological role and alternative infl ammatory markers in CAE
Differential elemental accumulation of the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) along an invasion gradient
No full textThe non-native signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) can influence elemental cycling in aquatic ecosystems through bioaccumulation and transfer of chemical elements, with potential spatial variation along invasion gradients. In this study, we investigate the differences in elemental exposure in signal crayfish in the Rabaçal River, Portugal. We focus on potential intra-population differences along a well-defined invasion gradient, comparing individuals from the invasion core (upstream) and the downstream expanding front (n = 30 each). We examined 57 elements in the muscle of the signal crayfish, including essential elements (EEs): Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mg, Ca, Fe, Se, V, S; non-essential and potentially toxic elements (PTEs): Cd, Hg, Pb, U, As, Sr, Ba, Cr, Zr, Cs, Tl; and technology-critical elements (TCEs): Ti, Rb, La, Ce, Pr, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Ga, Ge, Hf, Ta, In, Re, Te, Pt. We explored the relationship between element concentrations and signal crayfish trophic ecology, inferred through stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N), behaviour, and epibiotic associate load – factors known to shape invasion success through their effects on resource acquisition, competition, and physiological stress. Significant differences in element concentrations were found between individuals from the core and front. Individuals from the front showed higher levels (mean µg/kg, dry weight) of Co: (476 vs. 297), V: (390 vs. 262), Mn: (2.6 × 104 vs. 1.0 × 104), Hg: (2526 vs.1658), and Ta: (21 vs. 11). These patterns suggest that front individuals, with higher δ15N values and more exploratory behaviour, feed at higher trophic levels (e.g., macroinvertebrates), which may explain the elevated concentrations of biomagnifying elements such as Hg and Ta. On the other hand, individuals from the core had higher levels of Pb: (361 vs. 234), and Sr: (39772 vs. 20018), likely due to a diet based on basal resources, as supported by the strong negative correlation between Pb and δ13C, indicating reliance on benthic sources more prone to lead accumulation. This study increases our understanding of contaminant accumulation along an invasion gradient, offering insights for management practices – such as targeted removal of highly contaminated individuals, improved monitoring of metal levels in invaded areas, and public awareness campaigns – to minimise ecological impacts on higher trophic levels
Aligning EU policies to address biological invasions: assessing invasion impacts across sectors
No full textInvasive alien species (IAS) affect various policy sectors, including environment, trade, and agriculture. In Europe, each of these sectors is usually regulated under different European Union legislation, but IAS is not prioritised in most sectors, and this may hinder effective tackling of biological invasions. Greater policy coherence is needed to align relevant sectors for better management of biological invasions. Engaging policymakers by sharing information on IAS impacts can help them understand the multisectoral nature of the problem and develop effective strategies. We reviewed 602 IAS in Europe, impacting nine policy sectors and 25 domains (i.e. specific policies within a broader policy sector, each addressing particular issues and activities related to that sector portfolio). Findings were presented at the NeoBiota workshop in Lisbon on the 3rd of September 2024, attended by 54 participants, including policymakers and researchers. The workshop featured presentations and interactive sessions where participants tested the review methodology on 49 species, identifying areas for improvement, such as assessing impact scale and refining sector domains. Confusion matrices showed moderate to substantial agreement between organisers and participants in evaluating affected domains, types of impact, and confidence levels. This study shows the crucial need for interaction and synergy between research and policy, which are essential for tackling effectively IAS in Europe