Antifungal activity and hair growth stimulation of purple sweet potato leaf fraction (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lamk) and its molecular mechanism through androgen receptor inhibition

Alopecia presented a global challenge, spurring the search for new treatments. This study evaluated Ipomoea batatas leaf extracts for their ability to stimulate hair growth and inhibit Malassezia furfur. Secondary metabolites were identified and assessed for their potential to inhibit androgen receptors (AR) via LC-MS/MS and in silico analysis. The hair tonic formulation was optimized using a D-optimal mixture design to improve physicochemical properties. The plant’s extracts and fractions exhibited strong antifungal activity against M. furfur and significant hair growth stimulation compared to minoxidil. In silico analysis identified pyropheophorbide A, methyl-Pyropheophorbide A, hyperoside, and quercetin with superior affinity and stability in interacting with AR. The optimized formulation included 96% ethanol, propylene glycol, and Tween 80 to enhance hair tonic properties. I. batatas leaves showed promising potential in treating alopecia through hair growth stimulation, antifungal activity, and potential inhibition of AR. These findings opened avenues for further research and development in alopecia therapeutics

About definition and practical application of probabilistic safety indicators related to large accidental release

The probability of a large early release is one of the safety indicators that reflects the risk of fatalities during an accident at a nuclear power plant. Despite the fact that this indicator is very important, it is not defined in the federal rules and regulations of the Russian Federation. The article analyzes the worldwide experience related to determining criteria for large early release taking into account the statistical data of the specific country under consideration. Based on the analysis, the definition of a large early accidental release and the criteria for its achievement are formulated taking into account measures to protect the population living within the protective action planning zone (PAPZ), and an approach for their definition is proposed. A conclusion has been made about the sustainable nature of the goals identified using the NRC approach. A critical analysis of the safety indicators established worldwide allowed for the conclusion that it is necessary to improve the methodology for assessing the safety goals taking into account the specifics of NPP design, regional characteristics, phases of accident progression and other factors. The paper outlines the proposed approaches to determining high-level safety goals based on probabilistic targets – quantitative values for probabilistic health objectives (PHO) designated as PHO1 and PHO2 for the Russian Federation. A definition of a “large early release” is formulated and criteria for its achievement are proposed taking into account measures to protect the population living within the PAPZ. Thus, when assessing the degree, to which these goals are achieved in practice, it is proposed to take into account not only the likelihood of a large release during an accident at a nuclear power plant, but also measures aimed at protecting the population, in particular, evacuation. In this case, early deaths occur only when the population is not evacuated before the critical health dose loads from the release are reached

Taxonomic resolution of the hillstream suck-loach Beaufortia pingi species group (Cypriniformes, Gastromyzontidae) and two new species from Southwest China– Beaufortia granulopinna and Beaufortia viridis

Two new species, Beaufortia granulopinna and Beaufortia viridis, are described from the upper Pearl River system in southwest China. Both species share the characteristics of the Beaufortia pingi species group, including prominent vertical stripes on the lateral body and pinnate-type lower lips, distinguishing them from other Beaufortia species. Beaufortia granulopinna is differentiated from other species in the group by possessing a unique set of characteristics: the presence of well-developed prominent tubercles on the first 6–9 pectoral fin rays in adults; and a significant proportion (54.76%) of individuals experiencing blurriness or absence of vertical stripes in the mid-section of the lateral body upon reaching adulthood. The minimum interspecific genetic distance within the genus based on mitochondrial cytb gene sequences is 10.80%. Beaufortia viridis is distinguished from other species in the group by consistently exhibiting vertical stripes of uniform length, width, and spacing across all stages of growth; the absence of tubercles on the branched rays of pectoral fins; and a body coloration of dark cyan to green. The minimum interspecific genetic distance within the genus based on mitochondrial cytb gene sequences is 4.60%. Molecular phylogenetic results confirm that the Beaufortia pingi species group forms a monophyletic clade, which is congruent with morphological classification findings. This study also addresses and resolves the taxonomic ambiguity surrounding Beaufortia pingi and Beaufortia zebroida, providing a redescription of these taxa

First record of subgenus Synaldis Foerster (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Alysiinae, Dinotrema Foerster) from Chile, with description of ten new species

Synaldis is a taxon within the Aspilota group with a contentious taxonomic history, currently classified as a subgenus of the genus Dinotrema. Species of Synaldis were only documented in the Neotropical region in 2017, and until then, the Neotropical fauna of this subgenus was represented by five species from Brazil. In this study, Synaldis is reported for the first time in Chile, with the description and illustration of ten new species, namely: Dinotrema (Synaldis) acarinareolatum sp. nov., D. (S.) brunneum sp. nov., D. (S.) chilense sp. nov., D. (S.) daltoni sp. nov., D. (S.) flavum sp. nov., D. (S.) latusdentertium sp. nov., D. (S.) perisfelipoi sp. nov., D. (S.) pilosicaudatum sp. nov., D. (S.) puyehue sp. nov., and D. (S.) verae sp. nov. The studied specimens were collected during expeditions to southern Chile, in the Valdivian temperate rainforest at Parque Nacional de Puyehue. This study also includes a dichotomous identification key for Neotropical species of Synaldis, as well as a discussion of the primary morphological characters used to distinguish species within the Neotropical and Nearctic regions

Spatiotemporal variation of seagrass meadow and associated bivalves in Mediterranean lagoon (El Mellah -Algeria)

This paper presents spatio-temporal variations of angiosperms, bivalves associated with them, to the environmental and conditions of the El Mellah lagoon in 2019 under continental and marine influences. Our results showed significant changes in their distribution, which appear to be linked to fluctuations in the environmental conditions and climatic change, between Zostera noltei and Ruppia maritima, while the seagrass beds are remarkably abundant, with a biomass that can reach 1313.32 ± 132.73 g DW.m -2 during the summer period. we have identified macrofauna made up of five species of bivalves: Cerastoderma glaucum, Abra ovata, Ruditapes decussatus, Loripes orbiculatus, and Arcuatula senhousia. Our results also highlight for the first time, an invasive species A. senhousia, the species dominates the bivalve community. and two threatened edible species in this area, R. decussatus and C. glaucum, probably due to the climat change, the reduced distribution of the Ruppa maritima meadow and silting of the channel

Digitalization of health care and aspects of implementing electronic prescriptions in Bulgaria

The digitization of health systems is a topic of immense significance for the modern world. It holds the potential to transform the delivery of healthcare services, enhancing their quality, efficiency, and accessibility. Electronic prescriptions are a key element of this process, but it is crucial to ensure their implementation protects patients’ personal data and privacy. This article examines the digitization of health systems in Bulgaria, with a focus on electronic prescriptions. It highlights aspects of data protection, the potential risks associated with data misuse, and the advantages of electronic prescriptions

A new species of winter noctuid moth (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Xyleninae) from Zhejiang, China, with a key to species of the genus

The tribe Xylenini is one of the main large taxonomic groups known as Winter Noctuidae.A new species of the genus Antivaleria Sugi, 1980, Antivaleria ronkayorum Zhang & Wang, sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Zhejiang Prov., China. The species resembles Antivaleria peregovitsi Ronkay et al., 2010, but differs in wing pattern, foot-like cucullus and special shape of harpe. A key to the Antivaleria species is presented. The holotype is deposited in the Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou

Financialization and innovation activity of Russian companies: Empirical research

In this paper, we conducted an empirical study to assess the nature of the relationship between financialization and the level of innovation activity in Russian publicly listed companies. We relied on previous research in this area and on the models proposed by the researchers. In the empirical part, we prepared four models, based on the sample including 245 Russian publicly listed companies and having the observation period from 2000 to 2021. We applied Ordinary Least Square (OLS), Pooled Least Square (PLS) models, as well as panel data models with fixed and random effects. According to our hypotheses, financialization has a negative impact on the level of innovation in firms and its impact is varying for firms with different levels of financial constraints. The results of the study have shown that these hypotheses were partially confirmed. We have been convinced of the negative impact of financialization on innovation activity, however, if financial constraints were taken into account, not all coefficients had an unambiguous interpretation. Our assumptions and the results obtained, which generally confirmed the hypotheses put forward, are based on a theoretical understanding of the role of shareholder value orientation in this process. Confirmation of these assumptions is set as the goal of further research

Running to the sun: niche evolution of a global invasive shrub

Climatic similarities between native and invaded areas are fundamental conditions for the establishment and dissemination of invasive alien species. Preventive measures to indicate potential areas for biological invasions are crucial for managing invasion risks. This measure assumes that species maintain their environmental conditions conserved between native and invaded areas. However, some species can quickly change their fundamental niche when exposed to previously unexperienced environmental conditions. Here, we distinguish between these types of changes in the climatic niche of the Nicotiana glauca, a global invasive species, employing multivariate analyses to compare niche overlap between the native (Argentina and Bolivia) and invaded areas (North America, Mediterranean, Northeast South America, Southern Africa and Australia). We found evidence that the climatic niche occupied by N. glauca in its native area does not overlap with the invaded area in the Caatinga (Northeast Brazil) and the Mediterranean region. The niche in these invaded areas exhibits both warmer climates with lower daily and annual temperature amplitude (Caatinga) and colder, drier climates (Mediterranean). A small portion of the climatic niche in the invaded area of N. glauca in the Mediterranean region expanded compared to the climatic space of the native area, suggesting that the species occupied part of the fundamental niche restricted by dispersal barriers. However, almost the entire climatic space occupied by N. glauca in the Caatinga expanded compared to the native area, suggesting the species enlarged its climatic niche in this invaded area. Therefore, N. glauca has the capability to inhabit niches across a diverse climatic range that cannot be solely predicted based on the native distribution, owing to the evolution of niche and the occupation of a previously unknown part of the fundamental niche. Thus, we suggest that when using predictive methods to identify potential areas for invasive non-native species, both invaded and native climatic spaces should be considered