bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Structural and Molecular Properties of PEO and PEO-PPG Functionalized Chitosan Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery
Authors: Jha Rejeena , Harlow Hyrum , Benamara Mourad , Mayanovic Robert A.
Published: February 2024

Chitosan (CS) nanoparticles are under investigation for a wide range of applications in nanomedicine. The structural, molecular and physicochemical properties of chitosan nanoparticles have a direct bearing on their efficacy in drug conjugation and delivery, gene delivery, and tissue engineering. Herein we report on the structural, morphological and molecular properties of chitosan nanoparticles synthesized using the ionic gelation method with the intended purpose of being used for drug delivery. The chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) were prepared in the 0.25 to 1.0% w/v concentration range, whereas separate samples of the 1.0% w/v CS-NPs were also functionalized with polyethylene oxide (PEO) alone and with a diblock copolymer of PEO and polypropylene glycol (PPG). The average size of the CS-NPs was determined from TEM imaging to be in the range of 11.3 to 14.8 nm. The XRD and TEM analyses show that the CS-NPs have semi-crystalline structure with the degree of crystallinity depending upon the nature of synthesis. Our results show that functionalizing the 1.0% w/v CS-NPs with PEO increases the degree of crystallinity whereas functionalizing with the diblock copolymer PEO - PPG results in a significant increase in their degree crystallinity. The CS/TPP concentration (CS:TPP fixed at 1:1 ratio) had no apparent effect on the degree of crystallinity of the CS-NPs. The results from the FTIR analysis confirm incorporation of TPP with CS in the CS-NPs. Additionally, FTIR analysis shows an enhancement of hydrogen bonding that is consistent with the increase in the degree of crystallinity of the CS-NPs.
High Precision Positioning and Rotation Angle Estimation of Flatbed Truck Based on Beidou and Vision
Authors: Yu Xinli , Ren Yufei , Yin Xiaoxv , Meng Deqiang , Zhang Haikuan
Published: February 2024

Centimeter-level localization and rotation angle estimation of flatbed trucks are major problems in unmanned forklift automated loading scenes. To solve it, this study proposes a method for high-precision positioning and rotation angle estimation of flatbed trucks based on BeiDou and vision. First, an unmanned forklift equipped with a ToF camera and double antenna mobile receiver for BeiDou positioning collects depth images and localization data near the front and rear endpoints of the flatbed. Then DDRNet-23-slim was used to segment the flatbed from the depth image and extract the straight lines at the edges of the flatbed using the Hough transform and compute the set of intersection points of the lines. A neighborhood feature vector was designed to locate the endpoint of a flatbed from a set of intersection points by feature screening. Finally, the relative coordinates of the endpoints were converted to a customized forklift navigation coordinate system by BeiDou positioning, and rotation angle estimation was performed by the front and rear endpoints. Experiments showed that the endpoint positioning error was less than 3 cm and the rotation angle estimation error was less than 0.1°. The precision of the method meets the demand for automated flatbed truck loading by unmanned forklifts.
Optimization and Application of QuEChERS-UHPLC-QTOF-MS Method for the Determination of Broflanilide Residues in Agricultural Soils
Authors: Nie Xiaoli , Xie Guai , Huo Zhitao , Zhang Baoyu , Gao Wei , Li Xin , Dai Liangliang , Huang Siyuan , Lu Haifei , Yu Ailin
Published: February 2024

In this study, the separation conditions of UHPLC-QTOF-MS and the extraction conditions of QuEChERS were optimized. The analytical process for determining Broflanilide residues in different soil types was successfully established and applied to its adsorption, desorption and leaching in soil. Broflanilide was extracted from soil with acetonitrile as extraction solvent, and purified with 50 mg PSA + 150 mg MgSO4. The modified UHPLC-QTOF-MS method was used for determination. In different types of soil, the average recovery of Broflanilide was 87.7% -94.38%, and the RSD was lower than 7.6%. In the analysis and determination of the adsorption, desorption and leaching properties in four soils, the RSD was less than 9.2%, showing good stability and can be applied to the analysis and determination of the residue of Broflanilide in different soils.
LIVEnet: Linguistic-Interact-with-Visual Engager Domain Generalization for Cross-Scene Hyperspectral Imagery Classification
Authors: Dang Yuanyuan , Zhang Xianhe , Liu Bing
Published: February 2024

Domain generalization has led to remarkable achievements in Hyperspectral Image (HSI) classification. Inspired by contrastive language-image pre-training (CLIP), the language-aware domain generalization method has been explored to learn cross-domain-invariant representation. However, existing methods face some challenges: 1) The weak capacity to extract long-range contextual information and inter-class correlation. 2) Due to the inadequacies of the large-scale pre-training for HSI data, the spatial-spectral features of HSI and linguistic features can not be straightforwardly alignment. To address the above problems, a novel network has been proposed with a CLIP framework, which consists of an image encoder, based on an encoder-only transformer to obtain the global contextual information and inter-class correlation, a frozen text encoder, and a cross-attention mechanism, named Linguistic-Interact-with-Visual Engager (LIVE), enhances the interaction between two modalities. Extensive experiments demonstrating superior performance over state-of-the-art methods in HSI Domain Generalization with a CLIP framework.
Assessing Jump Performance: Intra and Interday Reliability and Sensitivity of Countermovement Jump and Drop Jump Measurements Using Force Platforms
Authors: Gonzalez Jaime , Conejero Manuel , Gutiérrez-Hellín Jorge
Published: February 2024

Abstract: Understanding the reliability and sensitivity of jump testing is essential to determine the neuromuscular progress of athletes and make informed decisions. This study aimed to assess the reliability and sensitivity of countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) tests metrics in female volleyball players. Sixteen semi-professional female volleyball players participated in the study. Intrasession and intersession reliability of CMJ and DJ metrics were evaluated using a randomized cross-over design. Dual force platform was used to collect data, and several dependent variables were calculated using forward dynamics. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficients of variation (CV) and minimum difference (MD) were calculated. The third attempt presented the highest values for both test, and changes in jump strategy in DJ. CMJ is consistent across sessions, while DJ also shows intersession differences (p<0.05) in 11 out of 15 variables. Most CMJ variables exhibit excellent reliability while DJ variables have lower reliability and higher variability. Concentric and eccentric impulses for DJ showed excellent reliability. Most CMJ variables showed excellent reliability and variability, DJ had lower reliability, higher variability, and lower sensitivity. These findings provide valuable information when assessing athletes' performance and highlight the reliability, sensitivity, and variability in jump performance for CMJ and DJ tests.
Dietary Zn Deficiency Inhibits the Cell Proliferation Possibly via GPR39-Mediated Suppression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in the Jejunum of Broilers
Authors: Hu Yangyang , Yang Ke , Zhang Weiyun , Xue Mengxiao , Li Tingting , Wang Shengchen , Cui Xiaoyan , Zhang Liyang , Hu Yun , Luo Xugang
Published: February 2024

A prior investigation revealed that a lack of Zinc (Zn) could hinder the intestinal cell proliferation in broiler chickens; however, the mechanisms responsible for this effect remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms of dietary Zn deficiency in inhibiting the jejunal cell proliferation of broilers. For this study, a total of 112 chickens (21 d old) were randomly divided into two treatments (n = 7, 8 chickens per replicate cage): control (CON) and Zn deficiency groups. The duration of feeding was 21 d. Chickens in the CON group were provided with a basal diet containing an extra addition of 40 mg Zn/kg in the form of Zn sulfate, whereas chickens in the Zn deficiency group were given the basal diet with no Zn supplementation. The results indicated that, in comparison to the CON, Zn deficiency increased (P < 0.05) duodenal and jejunal crypt depth (CD) of broilers on d 28 and jejunal and ileal CD on d 35, and decreased (P < 0.05) duodenal, jejunal and ileal villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD) on d 28 and jejunal VH, jejunal and ileal villus surface area and VH/CD on d 35. Furthermore, Zn deficiency decreased (P < 0.0001) the amount of proliferating cell nuclear antigen positive cells, and down-regulated (P < 0.01) mRNA or protein expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated PI3K, phosphorylated serine threonine kinase (AKT), phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), G protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39), and extracellular regulated protein kinase, but up-regulated (P < 0.05) mRNA or protein expression levels of P38 mitogen activated protein kinase, c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1 and JNK2 and phosphorylated Protein Kinase C in the jejunum of broilers on d 42. It was concluded that dietary Zn deficiency inhibited the cell proliferation possibly via GPR39-mediated suppression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the jejunum of broilers.
Impact Assessment of the Extent of Drug Addiction on the Family Environment and Intervensions for Drug-Addicted Youth: A Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Khan Majid , Alam Intikhab , Khan Kifayatullah , Ullah Latif , Ahmad Mansoor , Khan Ahmad , Ullah Muhammad Shakir
Published: February 2024

The current study was formulated with the aim of assessing the impact of the Extent of Drug addiction on the Family environment and interventions for drug-addicted youth in rural areas of Dir Lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study comprised a dependent variable (Extent of Drug addiction) and an independent variable (Family Environment). A sample size of 266 was randomly selected for primary data collection through structured interviews. The collected information was evaluated through descriptive analysis (frequency and percentage distribution) and inferential analysis, specifically utilizing the Chi-square Statistical Test. The study concluded that drug addiction among youth has an adverse impact on the family environment, leading to instability and violent behavior. Further, families of drug-addicted youth experience a high level of dissatisfaction in relationships, often culminating in divorce. Similarly, the families of drug-addicted are characterized by low cohesion, role conflict, and tolerance. Thus, the government should formulate polices and strategies for the prevention of drug addiction, with speedy implementation across all institutional dynamics, including family. Moreover, It is also crucial to rehabilitate the lifeblood of a nation (youth) in terms of socio-economic, emotional and psychological growth. These recommendations were put forward in the light of the current study.
Racial and Ethnic Disaggregation of Tuberculosis Incidence and Risk Factors Among American Indian and Alaska Native Persons—United States, 2001–2020
Authors: Springer Yuri P. , Filardo Thomas D. , Woodruff Rachel S. , Self Julie L.
Published: February 2024

Objectives. To examine impacts of racial and ethnic disaggregation on the characterization of tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons in the United States.

Methods. Using data reported to the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System during 2001 to 2020, we compared annual age-adjusted TB incidence and the frequency of TB risk factors among 3 AI/AN analytic groups: non-Hispanic AI/AN alone persons, multiracial/Hispanic AI/AN persons, and all AI/AN persons (aggregate of the first 2 groups).

Results. During 2009 to 2020, annual TB incidence (cases per 100 000 persons) among non-Hispanic AI/AN alone persons (range = 3.87–8.56) was on average 1.9 times higher than among all AI/AN persons (range = 1.89–4.70). Compared with non-Hispanic AI/AN alone patients with TB, multiracial/Hispanic AI/AN patients were significantly more likely to be HIV positive (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.05) and to have been diagnosed while a resident of a correctional facility (PR = 1.71), and significantly less likely to have experienced homelessness (PR = 0.53) or died during TB treatment (PR = 0.47).

Conclusions. Racial and ethnic disaggregation revealed significant differences in TB epidemiology among AI/AN analytic groups. Exclusion of multiracial/Hispanic AI/AN persons from AI/AN analytic groups can substantively affect estimates of racial and ethnic health disparities. ( Am J Public Health. 2024;114(2):226–236. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307498 )
Анализ динамики эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в мире за неделю с 03.02.2024 г. по 09.02.2024 г.
Authors: Зимирова Анастасия , Поспелов Михаил , Иванова Александра , Дмитриева Людмила , Чумачкова Елена , Карнаухов Игорь , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: February 2024

В обзоре представлен анализ эпидемиологической ситуации в странах мира по COVID-19 за неделю с 03.02.2024 г. по 09.02.2024 г.
Analysis of MSME Capital Using Sharia Fintech Peer to Peer Lending
Authors: Latifah Fitri Nur , Adriani Ninda , Ariyanti Novia , Batubara Sultan Saladin
Published: February 2024

As one of the pillars of the economy in Indonesia, it is proven that MSMEs are able to survive the Covid-19 pandemic with various innovations they have implemented, but there are still several obstacles in the development of MSMEs themselves. MSMEs, especially for the micro business scale in Indonesia, are still classified into segments that have limited access to formal financial institutions (unbankable population). The results of the PWC survey in 2019 The biggest problem of MSMEs is the problem of capital, and in an effort to obtain additional capital, around 74% of the micro segment cannot access financing from the formal financial sector. Increasing access to finance itself is one of the strategies to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Based on previous research, Islamic fintech has a role in driving SDGs targets, especially the targets to (1) eradicate poverty and (2) hunger, and (3) reduce inequality in wealth distribution. In this study we conducted indepth interviews with several MSME players and Islamic fintech companies. The lack of literacy related to fintech with the sharia peer to peer lending scheme makes MSMEs afraid to do business financing with this scheme, even though this scheme is very suitable for the unbankable population because the financing requirements are easy and fast in the disbursement process.
Uso del Anacardium occidentale en Periodoncia: una revisión sistemática
Authors:   , Neira Berrospi Patricia Angelica
Published: February 2024

Introducción: La periodontitis es una enfermedad inflamatoria, donde la respuesta inmune ante un microbiota disbiótica juega un rol principal en su desarrollo. Esta se caracteriza por la pérdida de inserción de los tejidos periodontales, y pérdida ósea radiográfica, y es considerada como un factor de riesgo de diferentes enfermedades sistémicas. A pesar de que existen distintos tratamientos coadyuvantes enfocados en la remoción química de la biopelícula microbiana periodontal, éstos conllevan a veces a efectos no deseados por los pacientes. Por lo tanto, el uso de alternativas, con menos efectos secundarios y múltiples beneficios, como los derivados del Anacardium occidentale puede ser una opción más atractiva para el tratamiento. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto del uso del Anacardium occidentale para el tratamiento de la periodontitis, considerando su acción antiinflamatoria, antibacteriana y su efecto inhibidor de la resorción ósea. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda digital en Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, y SCIELO. Se incluyó literatura gris de Google Scholar, y se realizó una búsqueda manual en revistas de periodoncia de alto impacto y en revistas de fitoterapia; se consideró también las referencias bibliográficas de los artículos incluidos, hasta enero del 2023. Se incluyeron estudios de pacientes afectados por periodontitis, modelos in vivo de periodontitis, modelos in vitro que simulen biopelículas/microbiotas y/o bacterias periodonto patógenas. El riesgo de sesgo se analizó con las herramientas Nature Publication Quality Improvement Project; SYRCLE y Cochrane, dependiendo del tipo de estudio. Resultados: 10 artículos cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y el 90% demostraron que el Anacardium occidentale con sus complejos bioactivos son considerados una fuente de antioxidantes, con propiedades antiinflamatorias, antibacterianas y de control de la resorción ósea periodontal. Conclusión: El uso de derivados del Anacardium occidentale podría considerarse como coadyuvante en el tratamiento de la periodontitis.
Calidad de servicio y gestión de tiempos de atención del Centro de Salud Ocupacional MEDCAM, San Borja (Lima-Perú), 2022
Authors:   , Yunis Mendiola Fayrus , Rodriguez Castro Carlos Enrique
Published: February 2024

Para las empresas promover un estado laboral favorable implica la garantía de seguridad, salud y motivación de sus colaboradores; previniendo riesgos ocupacionales y la coordinación con establecimientos de atención medica laboral que proporcionarán servicios de alta calidad y que considerarán el tiempo de atención para los trabajadores. El propósito de este estudio es precisar la vinculación entre la calidad de servicio y la gestión de los tiempos de atención del centro MEDCAM. Desde una perspectiva metodológica, se emplea un enfoque cuantitativo, siguiendo un nivel correlacional y un diseño no experimental transversal. Se aplicó una encuesta a 331 pacientes, que sirvieron como muestra; se utilizó un cuestionario, compuesto por 28 ítems, acreditado por tres expertos y se midió en la escala de Likert. La primera variable se evaluo utilizando el modelo Servqual, que comprendía 22 ítems; para la segunda variable, se contemplo 6 ítems. La confiabilidad de ambas variables resulto ser aceptable, según los valores del coeficiente alfa de Cronbach (0,756) para la primera variable y (0,788) para la segunda. Tras el análisis de la información, se concluye en una correlación positiva débil y significativa entre las variables de estudio, se fundamento en los valores obtenidos, un Rho=0,362 y un p<.005.
Comparación in vitro de la microdureza superficial de tres resinas compuestas sometidas a una bebida carbonatada
Authors:   , Santivañez Melgar Fabricio Alonso
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: Comparar la microdureza superficial de tres resinas compuestas sometidas a una bebida carbonatada en tres tiempos de evaluación. Materiales y Métodos: Sesenta discos resina distribuidos en tres marcas (Palfique LX5, Filtek Z350 Y Vittra APS Unique) fueron confeccionados (diámetro 8 mm, altura 2 mm). La muestra fue subdividida al experimento de inmersión en una bebida carbonatada y grupo control. Tres indentaciones se realizaron en la superficie para evaluar la microdureza de Vickers (Hv) a 50 g/20 en tres tiempos: pre-inmersión, 3 días, y 7 días. El análisis incluyó la prueba ANOVA de medidas repetidas con post-hoc de Tukey. Resultados: Todos los grupos de resinas compuestas partieron de una Hv pre-inmersión similar (P≥0,05). La Hv disminuyó significativamente a la inmersión en la bebida carbonatada a los 3 días con la resina Palfique LX5 (∆3,81 Hv; P=0,020) y a los 7 días con Filtek Z350 (∆4,4 Hv; P=0,000) y Vittra APS Unique (∆6,88 Hv; P=0,001). La Hv fue estadísticamente inferior en resinas sometidas a bebidas carbonatadas que frente a la saliva artificial a los 3 días en Filtek Z250 (70,26 vs. 73,96 Hv) y Vittra APS Unique (49,06 vs 53,83 Hv) (P<0,05), y a los 7 días en todos los tipos de resinas Filtek Z250 (68,18 vs. 74,13 Hv), Palfique LX5 (44,36 vs. 46,35 Hv) y Vittra APS Unique (45,68 vs 53,94 Hv) (P<0,05) Conclusión: Todas las resinas compuestas usadas en el estudio fueron afectadas en dureza a la semana de ser sumergidos en la bebida carbonatada.
Análisis del mercado internacional y la exportación de arándanos peruanos a los países nórdicos en el contexto del Covid -19, Perú 2020
Authors:   , Enciso Ortega Cecilia Juana , Luzuriaga Villalon Fiorella Marlene
Published: February 2024

Este artículo presenta los resultados sobre los factores del mercado internacional que influyen significativamente en las exportaciones de arándanos peruanos a los países nórdicos, teniendo como objetivo establecer la relación de los factores del mercado internacional y las exportaciones de arándanos peruanos a los países nórdicos. Dicho interés surgió debido a que desde el 2019, el Perú se ha convertido en el primer exportador a nivel mundial de dicho producto agrícola superando a Chile, siendo el reto mantener y ampliar dicha condición comercial por lo que será necesario aportar información relevante a los exportadores peruanos sobre los aspectos claves a tomar en cuenta para elegir el destino de sus exportaciones. La presente investigación fue de enfoque mixto, en cuya primera fase cualitativa se aplicó la técnica de revisión documentaria para identificar los factores del mercado internacional relevantes, usando como instrumento la matriz de “Oportunidad y riesgo” de los autores Daniels, Radebaugh y Sullivan; en la segunda fase cuantitativa se empleó la técnica de la encuesta utilizando como instrumento un cuestionario en formato Likert a 21 profesionales especialistas en comercio internacional y exportaciones; finalmente, en la tercera fase cualitativa se empleó la técnica de la entrevista en profundidad a 3 expertos del sector de las agro exportaciones peruanas, utilizando la guía de la entrevista como instrumento. Uno de los hallazgos más relevantes fue encontrar que el PBI dentro de la panorámica del país y la demanda, son los factores claves a considerar para exportar arándanos a los países nórdicos. Esta investigación contribuye al desarrollo competitivo de los exportadores peruanos del sector, que finalmente se traduzca en rentabilidad a largo plazo y sostenible en el tiempo.
Asociación entre ansiedad y el tipo de escenario simulado en pacientes estandarizados de la Clínica de Simulación de la Universidad Científica del Sur
Authors:   , Johnson Yañez Alejandra Ximena , Chavez Rivera Miguel Fernando
Published: February 2024

Introducción: El uso de programas educativos con pacientes estandarizados se considera un estándar para evaluar el manejo clínico en los estudiantes de ciencias de la salud. Por lo que es importante garantizar su salud mental durante la simulación clínica a fin de proporcionar una adecuada experiencia simulada. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer si existe asociación entre el tipo de escenario desarrollado por el paciente estandarizado y la ansiedad que esta experiencia podría generar. Métodos: Estudio observacional, analítico de corte transversal en 46 pacientes estandarizados de la clínica de simulación de la Universidad Científica del Sur durante el 2023. Se utilizó como instrumento el “Inventario de Ansiedad Estado - Rasgo” para medir la ansiedad según escenario de simulación. Resultados: Todos los PE presentaron ansiedad en algún grado; 10,87% en ansiedad leve, 86,96% ansiedad moderada y 2,17% en nivel severo. La asociación entre el nivel de ansiedad y el tipo de escenario no fue estadísticamente significativa. Conclusión: No existe asociación entre la ansiedad y el tipo de escenario simulado, sin embargo, se evidencio que la ansiedad es un rasgo de todos los PE en ambos tipos de escenario simulado.
Cuentas por cobrar y la liquidez de la empresa E & S de Almacenamiento Parck S.A.C del distrito de Lurigancho año 2021
Authors:   , Pinto Miranda Evelyn Beatriz , Cardenas Carbajal Betty Ela
Published: February 2024

El artículo se enfocó en establecer la conexión entre las cuentas por cobrar de la empresa E&S de Almacenamiento Parck S.A.C y su liquidez financiera. La importancia de este análisis radica en su capacidad para esclarecer el impacto de estas variables en las operaciones financieras de la empresa. Se consideraron también las opiniones de los empleados acerca de las cuentas por cobrar para desarrollar estrategias de gestión más efectivas. Este enfoque busca optimizar el manejo de las cuentas por cobrar, lo cual se espera que contribuya a la mejora de la liquidez de la empresa. Los resultados de esta investigación podrían fomentar estudios adicionales en esta área en el futuro. En la investigación se empleó un método transversal-no experimental y se trabajó con una población de 96 empleados de E&S de Almacenamiento Parck SAC. Se hizo una selección no aleatoria de una muestra de 24 trabajadores administrativos y contables. La herramienta que se empleo fue un cuestionario que arrojo una confiabilidad de 0.956, según el índice señalado por el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. Para el análisis de datos, se utilizó la herramienta SPP-V 29, la cual facilitó la obtención de los resultados del test de Spearman. Estos resultados revelaron un coeficiente de correlación de 0,676 y un nivel de significancia de 0,000, por debajo del umbral de 0,05. Esto sugiere una relación estadísticamente significativa entre las cuentas por cobrar y la liquidez. Por lo tanto, se concluye que estas dos variables están relacionadas entre sí.
Validación de un cuestionario sobre conocimientos y actitudes de cáncer bucal en estudiantes de Estomatología de una Universidad privada de Lima-Perú
Authors:   , Martinez Aparcana Joselin Harley
Published: February 2024

Introducción: Los dentistas y especialistas en formación deben mejorar sus destrezas sus saberes y percepciones sobre cáncer oral de manera temprana. Es por ello, que el propósito del presente estudio fue validar un instrumento que permita medir los conocimientos y las actitudes sobre cáncer bucal en estudiantes de estomatología. Métodos: El escenario de estudio se aplicó a 134 estudiantes, 111 pregrado y 23 de posgrado de especialidad y maestría de una universidad privada de Lima. Un cuestionario de 20 preguntas (13 para conocimientos y 7 para actitudes) fue adaptado de búsqueda exhaustiva de literatura y sometido a evaluación de cinco expertos, validación de contenido, validación de constructo con análisis factorial y confiabilidad interna y externa. Resultados: La validez de conocimientos y actitudes sobre cáncer bucal obtuvo un V de Aiken muy aceptable (0,98 y 0,97, respectivamente), KMO aceptable-buena (0,721 y 0,828, respectivamente), test de Bartlett significativo (p: 0,001 y 0,0001, respectivamente), explicación de tres dimensiones en conocimientos (34,5%) y una dimensión en actitudes (57,5%). La confiabilidad resultó excelente en consistencia interna (α Cronbach: 0,934 y 0,895, respectivamente) y muy aceptable en consistencia externa (rho: 0,852 y 0,809, respectivamente). Conclusión: El cuestionario resultó válido y confiable para evaluar el nivel de conocimiento y actitudes sobre cáncer bucal en estudiantes peruanos de una universidad privada.
Diversidad del ensamble de macroinvertebrados asociados a rizoides de Macrocystis Pyrifera (Laminariales: phaeophyceae) en la costa central de Perú
Authors:   , Fernandez Davila Juan Eduar
Published: February 2024

Los bosques de macroalgas pardas son ecosistemas marinos altamente productivos y estructuralmente complejos, claves para el funcionamiento de las conexiones tróficas costeras y proporción de hábitat para especies asociadas. El rizoide del ‘huiro flotador’ Macrocystis pyrifera está formado por hapterios que permiten la sujeción al fondo duro y a su vez proporcionan un hábitat que alberga importantes ensambles de macroinvertebrados. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivos i) evaluar la diversidad de dichos ensambles y ii) determinar su relación con los parámetros morfométricos (diámetro medio y volumen) de rizoides de M. pyrifera en la ensenada El Chuncho (Pucusana, Perú). A partir de los once rizoides evaluados se registró 63 taxa de macroinvertebrados, donde 40 fueron identificados al nivel de especie. El ofiuro Ophiactis kroeyeri, el anfípodo Ericthonius sp. y el poliqueto tubícola Phragmatopoma virgini fueron los taxa más frecuentes; por otro lado, se registró por primera vez la clase Pycnogonida y el filo Nematoda en el área evaluada. No se registraron relaciones significativas entre el diámetro medio del rizoide y los parámetros comunitarios; sin embargo, el volumen estuvo significativamente correlacionado con la riqueza de especies (r=0,89; p-valor>0,0002) y abundancia de organismos (r=0,90; p-valor>0,0010). Se recomienda incluir el volumen del rizoide de Macrocystis pyrifera como variable predictiva para riqueza y abundancia en estudios de la biodiversidad asociada a estas estructuras. Asimismo, recomendamos estandarizar futuras evaluaciones que permitan el entendimiento de la composición de especies de macroinvertebrados en bosques submareales a lo largo del litoral peruano según gradientes latitudinales y batimétricas.
Eficacia de tres vacunas inactivadas en juveniles de Gamitana (Colossoma macropomum) experimentalmente infectadas con Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors:   , Coaguila Davila Jhoanna Irma
Published: February 2024

Aeromonas hydrophila es uno de los patógenos más importantes que afectan a los peces amazónicos y ha sido aislada en varias especies. En los últimos años, los acuicultores han informado sobre brotes en algunos peces de importancia en acuicultura. En el presente estudio, caracterizamos una A. hydrophila aislada de un brote en una piscigranja comercial de Colossoma macropomum (gamitana) cerca de la ciudad de Iquitos, Perú, la cual fue usada para la elaboración de tres vacunas experimentales. Para la caracterización de la bacteria se utilizaron técnicas microbiológicas, bioquímicas y moleculares, incluyendo la detección de genes de virulencia. La preparación de estas vacunas se realizó usando los siguientes inactivadores: T2 formaldehído (BFO), T3 peróxido de hidrógeno (BPH) y T4 cloroformo (BCF). Posteriormente, se inmunizó con 0,1 mL de 1 x 109 UFC/pez por vía intraperitoneal (IP) a 45 peces por grupo. T1 (grupo control) se inyectó con 0,1 mL de PBS por vía IP. Luego de ocho semanas, los peces fueron desafiados con una cepa homologa y virulenta (8 x 107 UFC/pez). T2 y T3 presentaron mejor tasa de supervivencia en comparación con el grupo control (alrededor del 40% frente al 10% del grupo control) y no se encontraron diferencias entre los dos grupos vacunados (p ≥ 0,05). Los peces del grupo T4 presentaron mortalidad temprana después de la vacunación probablemente debido a la irritación causada por los residuos de cloroformo, por lo tanto, no se incluyeron en las gráficas ni en la estadística. Se concluye que tanto la vacuna inactivada con formaldehido como la inactivada con peróxido de hidrógeno ofrecieron protección frente a un desafío experimental con A. hydrophila en condiciones de laboratorio.
National images, the international system, and territorial attractiveness
Authors: Villanueva Rivas César
Published: February 2024

All nations possess various assets that create an image of national and cultural identity to the public abroad.This image can produce either attraction or repulsion, depending on a range of domestic and internationalfactors. This paper aims to explore the endogenous and exogenous forces involved in the process of nationalimage-making, which, in combination with the context of the international system, creates a specific senseof attractiveness for foreign audiences. The author uses data from the period between 2008-2018 related toMexico to investigate and authenticate the force that has greater explanatory power in understanding theidea of territorial attractiveness embedded in soft power dynamics and public diplomacy.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO MINERALÓGICA DOS MINERAIS PESADOS DA UNIDADE SEDIMENTAR NEÓGENA AFLORANTE NA ZONA DE CONFLUÊNCIA DOS RIOS NEGRO E SOLIMÕES, AMAZÔNIA CENTRAL
Authors: Franco Carmem Nátaly Amorim , Soares Emílio Alberto Amaral , Dino Rodolfo , Antonioli Luzia , Rabelo Cleber Eduardo Neri
Published: February 2024

O presente estudo tem como objetivo a caracterização mineralógica de minerais pesados na caracterização mineralógica da unidade sedimentar neógena, informalmente denominada de Formação Novo Remanso, aflorante nas margens dos rios Negro, Solimões e Uatumã (Amazônia Central). Na última década, essa formação foi individualizada por meio de estudos de fácies sedimentares e palinologia, sendo posicionada discordantemente sobre a unidade cretácea (Formação Alter do Chão) do Grupo Purus, Bacia do Amazonas. A metodologia dos minerais pesados tem se mostrado uma ferramenta eficaz na diferenciação dessas formações que sustentam grande parte do relevo desta porção da Amazônia, principalmente em locais onde a relação de contato não é evidente e\ou encontra-se encoberto. Além disso, outro fator primordial que dificulta a individualização das formações nos afloramentos é a semelhança de fácies sedimentares, as quais são indicativas de paleoambiente deposicional fluvial, que por vezes, mostram-se ainda modificadas por processos pedogenéticos superimpostos. Os dados mineralógicos obtidos nesse estudo mostram que a unidade sedimentar neógena apresenta uma assembleia ultraestável a instável de minerais pesados, com uma diversidade de grãos de ZTR (zircão, turmalina e rutilo), além de silimanita, estaurolita, cianita, epídoto, apatita, topázio, anfibólio (hornblenda) e, menos frequentemente, granada. Essa assinatura mineralógica pode servir de padrão para estudos paleogeográficos e de proveniência sedimentar, que associam a deposição da Formação Novo Remanso à implantação do paleosistema de drenagem da Bacia do Amazonas, que migrava de oeste para leste, no Neógeno.
Rotational shallow water equations with viscous damping and boundary control: structure-preserving spatial discretization
Authors: Cardoso-Ribeiro Flávio Luiz , Haine Ghislain , Lefèvre Laurent , Matignon Denis
Published: February 2024

This paper is dedicated to structure-preserving spatial discretization of shallow water dynamics. First, a port-Hamiltonian formulation is provided for the two-dimensional rotational shallow water equations with viscous damping. Both tangential and normal boundary port variables are introduced. Then the corresponding weak form is derived and a partitioned finite element method is applied to obtain a finite-dimensional continuous-time port-Hamiltonian approximation. Four simulation scenarios are investigated to illustrate the approach and show its effectiveness.
WITHDRAWN: Rohingya Women’s Knowledge about Pregnancy Termination in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh: A Community-Based Study in Four Camps
Authors: Moore Ann M. , Afsana Kaosar , Mondal Pragna Paramita , Tignor Mira , Mulhern Octavia , Hussain Rubina , Hossain Altaf
Published: February 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors as it was submitted and made public without the full consent of all the authors. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
A metabolic synthetic lethality of PI3K-driven cancer
Authors: Asnafi Vahid , Andrieu Guillaume , Simonin Mathieu , Cabannes-Hamy Aurélie , Lengliné Etienne , Marçais Ambroise , Théron Alexandre , Huré Grégoire , Doss Jérome , Dourthe Marie Emilie , BOISSEL Nicolas , Dombret Hervé , Rousselot Philippe , Hermine Olivier
Published: February 2024

The deregulated activation of the PI3 kinase (PI3K) pathway is a hallmark of aggressive tumors with metabolic plasticity, eliciting their adaptation to the microenvironment and resistance to chemotherapy. A significant gap lies between the biological features of PI3K-driven tumors and the specific targeting of their vulnerabilities. Here, we explored the metabolic liabilities of PI3K-altered T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), an aggressive hematological cancer with dismal outcomes. We revealed a metabolic crosstalk linking glutaminolysis and glycolysis driven by PI3K signaling alterations. Pharmaceutical inhibition of mTOR revealed the singular plasticity of PI3K-altered cells toward the mobilization of glutamine as a salvage pathway to ensure their survival. Subsequently, the combination of glutamine degradation and mTOR inhibition demonstrates robust cytotoxicity in PI3K-driven solid and hematological tumors in pre-clinical and clinical settings. We propose a novel therapeutic strategy to circumvent metabolic adaptation and efficiently target PI3K-driven cancer.
Molecularly stratified hypothalamic astrocytes are cellular foci for obesity
Authors: Harkany Tibor , Tretiakov Evgenii , Varela Luis , Jarc Jasna , Rebernik Patrick , Newbold Sylvia , Keimpema Erik , Verkhratsky Alexei , Horvath Tamas , Romanov Roman
Published: February 2024

Astrocytes safeguard the homeostasis of the central nervous system1,2. Despite their prominent morphological plasticity under conditions that challenge the brain’s adaptive capacity3–5, the classification of astrocytes, and relating their molecular make-up to spatially devolved neuronal operations that specify behavior or metabolism, remained mostly futile6,7. Although it seems unexpected in the era of single-cell biology, the lack of a major advance in stratifying astrocytes under physiological conditions rests on the incompatibility of ‘neurocentric’ algorithms that rely on stable developmental endpoints, lifelong transcriptional, neurotransmitter, and neuropeptide signatures for classification6–8 with the dynamic functional states, anatomic allocation, and allostatic plasticity of astrocytes1. Simplistically, therefore, astrocytes are still grouped as ‘resting’ vs. ‘reactive’, the latter referring to pathological states marked by various inducible genes3,9,10. Here, we introduced a machine learning-based feature recognition algorithm that benefits from the cumulative power of published single-cell RNA-seq data on astrocytes as a reference map to stepwise eliminate pleiotropic and inducible cellular features. For the healthy hypothalamus, this walk-back approach revealed gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that specified subsets of astrocytes, and could be used as landmarking tools for their anatomical assignment. The core molecular censuses retained by astrocyte subsets were sufficient to stratify them by allostatic competence, chiefly their signaling and metabolic interplay with neurons. Particularly, we found differentially expressed mitochondrial genes in insulin-sensing astrocytes and demonstrated their reciprocal signaling with neurons that work antagonistically within the food intake circuitry. As a proof-of-concept, we showed that disrupting Mfn2 expression in astrocytes reduced their ability to support dynamic circuit reorganization, a time-locked feature of satiety in the hypothalamus, thus leading to obesity in mice. Overall, our results suggest that astrocytes in the healthy brain are fundamentally more heterogeneous than previously thought and topologically mirror the specificity of local neurocircuits.
Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Optimal Value in Diagnosing Overlapping Fibromyalgia: A Multivariate Study on Knee Osteoarthritis Short running head: WOMAC Value in Diagnosing Overlapping Fibromyalgia
Authors: Hajighadery Abdolkarim , Jazi Kimia , Roodposhti Mohaddeseh Ebrahimpour , Safari Roxana , Parsaei Amirhossein , Amini Behnam , Masoumi Maryam , Shajari Rasoul , Aghaali Mohammad , Rezaei Somaye Sadat
Published: February 2024

Background:
In the current study we aim to assess the prevalence of overlapping FM in a population of knee OA patients and to evaluate the diagnostic performance of WOMAC for FM in OA patients.
Methods:
We recruited a consecutive sample of 100 knee OA patients. They were assessed for pain, stiffness and function using WOMAC and overlapping FM using ACR 2010 criteria. To find independent predictors for fibromyalgia diagnosis, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were utilized. ROC curves and Youden's J index were used to identify the best cutoff values for predictor parameters.
Results:
41 in 100 OA patients also had fibromyalgia based on ACR criteria. Age, BMI and WOMAC score were significantly higher in patients with overlapping FM than patients without FM. Univariate analysis identified that the age, BMI and WOMAC score (Ps = 0.029, 0.041, and < 0.001, respectively) are significantly associated with overlapping FM diagnosis. In multivariate analysis, WOMAC score (OR: 0.93 (95% CI 0.90–0.97), P < 0.001) was identified as independent predictors of overlapping FM. Using ROC, the AUC of WOMAC score was 0.715 (95%CI: 0.614–0.817) and the optimum cutoff point for WOMAC for FM was 43.5.
Conclusions:
It is concluded from this study that WOMAC scores > 43.5 are useful for suggesting FM as a secondary diagnosis in knee OA patients. Future studies are necessary to establish the results of the current study in a more general context, given the limited available evidence.
Effect of dolostone fillers on the durable properties of mortars
Authors: Barsi Antonela Di Salvo , Cordoba Gisela , Trezza Mónica , Irassar Fabián
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the durable performance of well-curing mortars with varying replacement levels of dolostone filler (0–30% by mass) in comparison with the same replacement of limestone filler and the stability of mortars with dolostone filler for 2 years at 40 oC. Compressive strength, total porosity, capillary water absorption, and chloride migration coefficients were determined. Results show that compressive strength decreases, and the total porosity increases with increasing filler content due to a dilution effect, regardless of the filler composition. The capillary water absorption and the chloride migration coefficients rise significantly for mortars with 20–30% filler. But, the dolostone filler cements have lower chloride coefficients than those with limestone blended cements. Mortars with dolostone show no length changes without later reduction of compressive strength, and XRD and FT-IR analyses suggest the formation of hydrotalcite-like phases.
Tumour-associated and non-tumour-associated bacteria co-abundance groups in colorectal cancer
Authors: liang yuxuan , Yu Jing , Zhang Qingrong , Hu Wenyan , Xu Sihua , Xiao Yiyuan , Ding Hui , Zhou Jiaming , Chen Haitao
Published: February 2024

Background & Aims:
Gut microbiota is closely related to the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the differences of bacterial co-abundance groups (CAGs) between tumor tissue (TT) and adjacent normal tissue (NT), as well as their associations with clinical features, were need to be clarified.
Methods
Bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing was performed by using TT samples and NT samples of 251 patients with colorectal cancer. Microbial diversity, taxonomic characteristics, microbial composition, and functional pathways were compared between TT and NT. Hierarchical clustering was used to construct CAGs.
Results
Four CAGs were grouped in the hierarchical cluster analysis. CAG 2, which was mainly comprised of pathogenic bacteria, was significantly enriched in TT samples (2.27% in TT vs. 0.78% in NT, p < 0.0001). While CAG 4, which was mainly comprised of non-pathogenic bacteria, was significantly enriched in NT samples (0.62% in TT vs. 0.79% in NT, p = 0.0004). In addition, CAG 2 was also significantly associated with tumor microsatellite status (13.2% in unstable vs. 2.0% in stable, p = 0.016) and CAG 4 was positively correlated with the level of CA199 (r = 0.17, p = 0.009).
Conclusions
our research will deepen our understanding of the interactions among multiple bacteria and offer insights into the potential mechanism of NT to TT transition.
Changes in knowledge and management skills of ANMs to screen, manage and refer pregnant women with five high-risk conditions: Results from a pre-post-training and a six-month follow-up assessment in Telangana, India.
Authors: Modugu Hanimi Reddy , Purad Chetan , S Padmaja , Addala Aparna , Dittakavi Sandhya , Alla Sirichandana Reddy , Yadhatia Karthik , Padmabhan Ramesh , Hegde Aparna
Published: February 2024

BackgroundAuxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) are key providers of maternal, newborn and child health services, and are the first point of contact for high-risk pregnancies (HRPs). In partnership with Government of Telangana, under Integrated High-Risk Pregnancy Tracking and Management (IHRPTM) program, all the ANMs of the state were trained to screen and manage five HRPs: anaemia; gestational diabetes-GD; pregnancy induced hypertension-PIH; ante-partum haemorrhage-APH; and quality-Antenatal care (ANC). Assessed pre- and post-class-room and six months after class-room training capabilities of ANMs.MethodsImmediate-gains through class-room-training and six-months after class-room training knowledge/skills from 7,553 and 529 ANMs respectively, were assessed using a checklist of 15 questions per HRP-condition. Also obtained, qualitative insights about class-room training.ResultsDue to class-room training, there was 8–17% improvement in immediate-gain in knowledge/skills to diagnose, manage/refer women with HRPs. Improvement in mean correct responses (out of 15 questions per-HRP) between pre-and-post-training assessments was maximum for GD: mean 7.6 at pre-training, improved to 10.2 by post-training; APH: 9.7 to 11.7; quality-ANC: 10.2 to 11.7; PIH: 9.3 to 10.7; and anaemia:11.0 to 12.3. Gain in knowledge/skills as Cohen’s-d effect-size was large (0.7–0.8) for GD, APH, quality-ANC, PIH, and medium (0.6) for anaemia, as pre-training knowledge/skills was already better for anaemia. Mean gain per HRP was more than three questions in four districts and < 0.5 questions in two districts. Mean gain did not differ much according to age, work experience and training-time. As compared to pre-training level, retention of knowledge/skills, six-to-nine months after class-room training dropped substantially (Cohen’s-d effect-size ≤ 0.2) for all HRPs, except for anaemia (d = 0.4). Training gave them confidence to stabilize emergency cases at sub-centre level before referring to higher facility!ConclusionThrough IHRPTM’s protocol-based training: screening, management/referral of HRPs by ANMs is feasible. Standardized-training supplemented with handholding leads to provision of obstetric care.
Chemical Analyses and Geographical Origins of Residential Attic Dust in Central South Africa
Authors: Westhuizen Deidré van der , Welman-Purchase Megan , Wichmann Janine , von Eschwege Karel G.
Published: February 2024

Particulate matter (PM) serves as widely used air pollution proxy indicator. Substantial supporting evidence links exposure to PM with adverse health effects. This study compared chemical and morphological properties of long-term accumulated particulate matter, and possible sources, from various locations in Bloemfontein, Kimberley and Vanderbijlpark residential areas. Samples were collected from the attics of houses built over forty years ago. Cluster sources were identified by analysing four decades of backward Long-Range Transport (LRT) clustering techniques. Particle morphology and elemental composition of samples were determined using scanning electron microscopy with electron dispersive spectroscopy, and mineral content by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and electron probe microscopy techniques. Considering a period spanning over 4 decades, several PM origins were determined by a combination of LRT cluster and mineral analyses, pointing to various moving sources all over Southern Africa.