bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Sacubitril/ Valsartan on Quality Of Life and Ejection fraction of Heart Failure patients with and without Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Syeda Huma Zartash , Saleem Sidra , Mansur Abeera , Rasool Zain , Sheikh Shahryar Ahmad
Published: May 2024

Objective: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are at high risk of heart failure (HF) and both share similar risk factors, including diabetes and elevated blood Pressure (B.P). Aim of this study was to determine the impact of sacubitril/valsartan on the quality of life (QOL) and ejection fraction (EF) of patients with HF with and without CKD.
Methods: Single center (Doctors Hospital Lahore), observational study with longitudinal follow up, on 104 HF patients from July 2019 to July 2020. HF was diagnosed on both clinical and echo parameters. New York Heart Association Class II-IV, EF less than or equal to 40% HF with reduced EF and stage three CKD patients were included. Sacubitril/Valsartan was prescribed at a starting daily dose of 50mg and then up titrated to 400mg. Patients were followed up with clinical evaluation, QOL assessment, echocardiography and biochemical profile at one, four, eight and 12 months.
Results: Gender, age, and diabetes mellitus between CKD and non-CKD patients were noted to be statistically different, defined as p<0.05. CKD patients’ QOL increased from 45.15 to 57.57 from baseline to 12 months (p-value<0.01). Non-CKD patients’ QOL increased from 48.07 to 56.25. In CKD patients, EF increased from 27.87% to 29.29% from baseline to 12 months (p-value 0.03) whereas in non-CKD patients EF improved from 29.42% to 31.43%.
Conclusion: Sacubitril/ valsartan improves QOL in patients of HF with reduced EF both with and without CKD. Clinical improvement was independent of Left Ventricular EF as measured by QOL. Thus, QOL is a useful tool to assess the drug’s beneficial effect.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.6.7892
How to cite this: Zartash SH, Saleem S, Mansur A, Rasool Z, Sheikh SA. Impact of Sacubitril/ Valsartan on quality of life and ejection fraction of heart failure patients with and without chronic kidney disease. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(6):1049-1053. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.6.7892
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Paraneoplastic syndromes in childhood neuroblastoma
Authors: Małek Natalia , Emerla Sara , Brożyna Aleksandra , Kwiatkowska Anita , Bydliński Arkadiusz , Karłowicz Konrad , Hermanowska Maria , Lubomirska Julia , Figurowska Patrycja , Ciulkiewicz Łukasz , Pluta Patryk
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION: Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor primarily affecting infants. Originating from embryonic cells of the sympathetic nervous system, NB commonly arises in the adrenal glands, followed by the abdomen, mediastinum, head, and neck. Clinical presentation varies depending on the tumor's location. General symptoms, if present, include fatigue, weight loss, and fever. The paraneoplastic syndrome refers to symptoms and disorders associated with malignant tumors but not directly caused by the tumor itself or its metastases. Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome and diarrhea are the most common paraneoplastic syndromes linked to neuroblastoma.
REVIEW METHODS: The article was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar data concerning paraneoplastic syndromes associated with neuroblastoma.
THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome is a neurological paraneoplastic syndrome that presents itself with characteristic eye movement disorder, short, involuntary, irregular twitches or spasms occurring in a muscle, sleep disturbance, and changes in behavior. Diarrhea resulting in hypokalemia may be also present as a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with neuroblastoma. Cushing’s syndrome is a rare condition in childhood, but it also may be linked to neuroblastoma.
CONCLUSIONS: Neuroblastoma is one of the most common childhood cancers, Paraneoplastic syndromes associated with neuroblastoma are rare conditions. Diagnosing chronic diarrhea, OMS, and Cushing's syndrome should always lead to the exclusion of neuroblastoma. Heightened awareness among pediatricians regarding PNS could result in faster diagnosis, timely treatment commencement, and ultimately enhance patient prognosis.
Premature sexual initiation - a problem or an everyday occurrence for today's adolescents
Authors: Pawłowski Piotr , Szymańska Kamila , Nowak Katarzyna , Kościołek Aneta
Published: May 2024

Human sexuality is a component of a holistic being, a biopsychosocial state, defined by the World Health Organization as health. It is manifested in aspects of relationship, desire, sexual behavior, orientation, among others.  Every year, more and more reports say that the age of sexual initiation is shifting towards younger years. It is worth noting that, according to analyses, the sexuality of the young does not differ from that of the 20th century. In boys, the motivation to engage in sexual activity is usually lust, in girls it is love and emotion. This condition is influenced by many factors: biological, genetic, environmental, family, as well as psychological factors like personality and temperament. The health care system should promote appropriate sexual behavior, along with sex education and awareness of the consequences of risky behavior, including those related to venereal aspects.
Circulating in the blood desquamated endotheliocytes at the cardiovascular diseases. Preliminary communication
Authors: Gozhenko Anatoliy , Pavlega Hanna , Badiuk Nataliia , Zukow Walery
Published: May 2024

Introduction and aim. We previously found that diabetic angiopathy is accompanied by an increase in the level of desquamated endothelial cells (CECs) circulating in the blood, commensurate with its severity. In this study, we set ourselves the aim of analyzing the level of CECs in patients with cardiovascular pathology and their relationship with the level of blood pressure and routine clinical indicators.
Material and methods. The object of clinical observation were patients with stage II hypertension, who were receiving outpatient treatment. Among them, 23 men (62.3±13.2 ys) and 39 women (65.1±10.6 ys). Concomitant ischemic heart disease was diagnosed in 16 men (70±10%) and 28 women (72±7%). The main subject of the study was blood pressure and the level of CECs. In addition, routine general blood analysis and determined metabolic parameters were performed.
Results. Using the method of cluster analysis, the sample was divided into 4 homogeneous groups, different from each other. It was found that in 18 patients of the first cluster, the youngest in the sample, the minimum level of hypertension for the sample occurs against the background of unchanged CECs levels and other registered parameters, instead, it is accompanied by moderate increased creatininemia and a significantly increased rate of erythrocyte sedimentation and a reduced level of hemoglobin and color index. In 18 patients of the second cluster, moderately elevated levels of terminally and markedly changed CECs were found in combination with minimally expressed signs of hyperchromic anemia. In the third cluster (n=16), the levels of terminally and markedly changed CECs are significantly increased in combination with a reduced level of urea and LP index against the background of moderate hyperchromic anemia. Finally, in 10 patients of the fourth cluster, the oldest in the sample, with maximally expressed hypertension, it is accompanied by maximally elevated levels of all three types of СEСs against the background of moderate hyperchromic anemia.
Conclusion. Desquamated plasma endothelial cells can be one of the criteria for the severity of hypertonic disease.
CattleReview
Authors: Barrett David C
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

In this Cattle Review we consider enteric methane emissions, heat stress and the genetic cause, or causes, of schistosoma reflexum.
The Cost of Counting Carbon
Authors: Dalrymple Will
Published: May 2024

Carbon accounting schemes are emerging across industry, and is hitting some parts of the fasteners and adhesives supply chain hard,
Grounded Theory on Creating and Maintaining Adult Education Programs in Selected Higher Education Institutions in the Philippines
Authors: Mercado Felixberto M. , Villenas Benilda N.
Published: May 2024

This study is an attempt to develop a grounded theory on how adult education in higher education (AEHE hereafter) programs in the Philippines are created and maintained. The grounded theory illustrates the interrelation of factors that stimulate or serve as the drivers of AEHE in higher education institutions in the Philippines as well as the management and maintenance of AEHE at the operational and strategic levels, hence illustrating the bigger picture of adult education in higher education in the Philippines. Funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) of the Philippines, this study was part of a larger research project that investigated adult education in Philippine higher education institutions, that is, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs). The data were derived from focus group discussions (FGD) with 43 participants from eight SUCs and nine private HEIs that have adult education programs that are regularly offered every academic year. The grounded theory drawn from the study pointed to the contextual – personal and institutional – factors, strategic and operational levels of management as well as the critical role of academic policy for the implementation and maintenance of AEHE programs, collaboration, and a compelling vision to ensure that adult education in higher education in the Philippines is prioritized in the country with involvement of relevant government agencies that will draw definite agendas and priorities to attain the goals of AEHE through a structure and management to carry out its functions and realize its compelling objective of creating a cadre of AEHE educators and specialists and adults suited for the demands of a knowledge-driven economy.
Enabling social approaches for contextualised learning at primary schools
Authors: Letty Brigid , McCosh Jon , Dlungwana Lunga , Mndali Mzokhona
Published: May 2024

Through a project undertaken under a programme funded by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) called Transforming Education for Sustainable Futures (TESF), alternative learning approaches associated with the introduction of a form of vertical farming called ‘tower gardens’ at primary schools were explored. Methods that were new to the local education context were used to support the learning process, for example role-playing sketches that allowed learners to share their own knowledge about gardening activities with their peers, teachers and staff from the non-governmental organisation that facilitated the process. This collective sharing and recall were key elements of the social learning process, building into individual and group knowledge. Corroborated memory recall contributed to group learning and also built into the collective storage of knowledge. Learning was firmly embedded in social interaction, in collective symbolism and arts – music specifically. These forms of learning and storing of knowledge resonated with the learners as it was a continuation of life as they know it in their community. It became clear from the project that educators saw the value of introducing concepts from classroom subjects when constructing and managing the tower gardens and were pleasantly surprised by the responses of the learners to this new way of learning, suggesting that creating scope within the curriculum and schoolwork plan is necessary in tandem with building the required capacity to replicate this without external support.
Embracing a Pedagogy of Care at UW–Green Bay: Covid and Beyond
Authors: Mattis Ann , Pilmaier Valerie Murrenus
Published: May 2024

Abstract: This paper explores how two English and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies professors from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay embraced the concept of radical care during and since Covid for themselves and their students. Ann Mattis and Valerie Murrenus Pilmaier discuss how they adapted to this situation by combining the idea of "care as a critical survival strategy," as outlined in Kawehipuaakahaopulani Hobart and Kneese's "Radical Care," with a community of care approach. They look at how that affected their UW–Green Bay students and themselves. Mattis focuses specifically on theorizing how the affective labor of the professor/student dynamic has increased and necessitated pedagogical strategies that account for the newfound stresses. Murrenus Pilmaier theorizes her course revisions in relation to a trauma-informed pedagogical model.
Are You My Progeny?: Academic Labor as Reproduction
Authors: Heggestad Jon
Published: May 2024

Abstract: There is a long discursive history that addresses academic labor within a metaphorical framework of reproductive labor. This trend has seen a viral rebirth on social media platforms as countless posts have extended this connection, fleshing out the ways in which these forms of labor might equate to or inform one another. Looking to a series of recent online posts, this brief essay examines what results from the continuation of this metaphorical framing.
What Don't You Like about Your Job?
Authors: Michaels Walter Benn
Published: May 2024

Abstract: "What Don't You Like about Your Job?" argues for a certain tension between the commitment to unionizing faculty and the commitment to what gets called "social justice." It suggests that even though faculty unions aren't very radical, they embody a potential for radical political change unavailable anywhere else in the university.
The Well-Endowed University: Philanthropy and Financialization in Higher Education
Authors: Liu Catherine
Published: May 2024

Abstract: This paper offers a brief history of the ways in which finance capital and university endowments worked together to produce a fully financialized higher education system, one in which academic priorities are shaped by the imperative to raise funds in an arms war between research universities to promote their own rankings. This paper also provides an analysis of how post–Reagan era tax reforms shaped and strengthened universities as philanthropic, not-for-profit organizations that courted wealthy people for donations in order to bolster their endowments while allowing these donors to benefit from generous tax write-offs. The academic research priorities of prestigious contemporary American universities are driven by the need to increase donations both for targeted public-private partnerships and for financial speculations facilitated by the growth of endowments. An increasingly stratified system of higher education and an increasingly donor friendly institution, the contemporary university has also been indispensable in building the power of private equity in the post-industrial phase of contemporary capitalism.
Incoherent Airy and Bessel-Vortex Beams
Authors: Iyiisler Harun Mert , mekteplioglu fetih , SAHIN Ramazan
Published: May 2024

Optical beam shaping, the ability to manipulate the spatial profile of a light beam both in transverse and longitudinal direction, plays a pivotal role in a wide array of applications across multiple disciplines. However, the majority of optical beam shaping experiments are confined to coherent light sources. In this study, we differently utilize incoherent LED light sources to produce Airy and Bessel-Vortex beams. In addition, we characterized these special beams by their unique intensity patterns in which they are very agree well with their mathematical expressions. The results indicate that both Airy and and Bessel vortex beams preserve their electrical field profiles over much longer distances ($\sim$10 mm) than Gaussian beams of the same spot sizes. Besides, this coherence length can be extended further by employing larger diameter of input beams. The precise control over the intensity and phase distributions afforded by our scheme can enable tailored manipulation of particles and molecules such as in optical trapping experiments. Additionally, the non-diffracting properties of incoherent Airy and Bessel-vortex beams can facilitate extended depth of focus and improved resolution, enhancing imaging capabilities for biological samples in microscopy applications.
"Fit-India-Movement" Promoting Physical Activity: A Perspective for Clinicians and Epidemiologists
Authors: Mohanty Satyajit , Sarangi Swapna , Epari Venkatarao
Published: May 2024

Objective: Whereas the Fit-India-Movement (FIM) is not a health program, per se, it attempts to meet the sustainable development goals of the World Health Organization for the control of non-communicable diseases by promoting health-related physical activity (PA) behavior in the Indian population under the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. We aimed to find out how the government of India is operationalizing the PA guideline without a national PA plan. Methods: We reviewed the FIM website. Results: It contains the PA guidelines and recommendations for the Indian population. Conclusion: This article compiles our findings, revealing the paradigm for promoting PA in India. It describes what the FIM offers from a clinician’s perspective, utilizing resources at the individual level and an epidemiologist’s outlook for PA promotion.
Mapping Social Support Sources for Rural Patients with Chronic Illness
Authors: Prochnow Tyler , Johannes Bobbie , Ortiz Selena , Smith Matthew
Published: May 2024

Objective: In this study, we evaluated social support sources for rural residents with chronic conditions and examined associations between support sources and self-reported health status. Methods: Adults in rural zip codes across the United States (N = 183; 48.6% female) participated in an online survey. Chronic disease status was determined through participant self-report of prior medical diagnoses. Support sources were elicited using scenarios that require illness assistance or emotional support. Self-rated physical and mental health were measured using 5-point Likert scales. Chi-square tests examined gender differences in preferred sources of social support. Ordinal logistic regressions assessed predictors of self-rated health status, including support source preferences. Results: Family and friends were found to be primary sources of social support for rural residents managing illness. Women tended to rely more heavily on close family members whereas men were open to more diverse sources. Gender differences were statistically significant (χ2(4) = 20.66, p < .001). Those relying on close friends rather than family when sick also reported better physical health (B = 1.79, Wald = 4.91, p = .02). Conclusion: Findings indicate informal social ties are central for the health of rural populations. Gender differences in help-seeking patterns may necessitate tailored chronic disease interventions. Fostering community linkages and leveraging natural supports will be vital for addressing rural health disparities.
Heat acclimation improves exercise performance in hot conditions and increases heat shock protein 70 and 90 of skeletal muscles in Thoroughbred horses
Authors: Ebisuda Yusaku , Mukai Kazutaka , Takahashi Yuji , Yoshida Toshinobu , Matsuhashi Tsubasa , Kawano Aoto , Miyata Hirofumi , Kuwahara Masayoshi , Ohmura Hajime
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to determine whether heat acclimation could induce adaptations in exercise performance, thermoregulation, and the expression of proteins associated with heat stress in the skeletal muscles of Thoroughbreds. Thirteen trained Thoroughbreds performed 3 weeks of training protocols, consisting of cantering at 90% maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) for 2 min 2 days/week and cantering at 7 m/s for 3 min 1 day/week, followed by a 20‐min walk in either a control group (CON; Wet Bulb Globe Temperature [WBGT] 12–13°C; n = 6) or a heat acclimation group (HA; WBGT 29–30°C; n = 7). Before and after heat acclimation, standardized exercise tests (SET) were conducted, cantering at 7 m/s for 90 s and at 115% VO2max until fatigue in hot conditions. Increases in run time (p = 0.0301), peak cardiac output (p = 0.0248), and peak stroke volume (p = 0.0113) were greater in HA than in CON. Pulmonary artery temperature at 7 m/s was lower in HA than in CON (p = 0.0332). The expression of heat shock protein 70 (p = 0.0201) and 90 (p = 0.0167) increased in HA, but not in CON. These results suggest that heat acclimation elicits improvements in exercise performance and thermoregulation under hot conditions, with a protective adaptation to heat stress in equine skeletal muscles.
Transfer five ways: applications of multiple distinctive collexeme analysis to the dative alternation in Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Liao Shengyu , Gries Stefan Th. , Wulff Stefanie
Published: May 2024

The dative alternation has been extensively studied in the world’s languages, and the meanings of the verbs participating in the alternation have been shown to play a key role in determining its argument realization options. The present paper presents a multiple distinctive collexeme analysis approach to the dative alternation in Mandarin Chinese, which involves a choice of one of five functionally similar alternants, and it does so by also discussing several ways to improve how this has been done statistically in most previous analyses. Linguistically, we identify the core semantic differences of the five constructions based on which verbs statistically prefer to occur in which pattern, focusing on semantic potential and direction of transfer. Methodologically, this study contributes to the slowly growing body of studies that use collexeme strengths that are not only less related to frequency than the traditional methods (i.e., association is measured in a less diluted way) and that are directional (i.e., we can focus on one direction of association from the verb to the construction).
What is diagnostic safety? A review of safety science paradigms and rethinking paths to improving diagnosis
Authors: Choi Justin J.
Published: May 2024

Diagnostic errors in health care are a global threat to patient safety. Researchers have traditionally focused diagnostic safety efforts on identifying errors and their causes with the goal of reducing diagnostic error rates. More recently, complementary approaches to diagnostic errors have focused on improving diagnostic performance drawn from the safety sciences. These approaches have been called Safety-II and Safety-III, which apply resilience engineering and system safety principles, respectively. This review explores the safety science paradigms and their implications for analyzing diagnostic errors, highlighting their distinct yet complementary perspectives. The integration of Safety-I, Safety-II, and Safety-III paradigms presents a promising pathway for improving diagnosis. Diagnostic researchers not yet familiar with the various approaches and potential paradigm shift in diagnostic safety research may use this review as a starting point for considering Safety-I, Safety-II, and Safety-III in their efforts to both reduce diagnostic errors and improve diagnostic performance.
Trivalent Gd incorporated Zn2SiO4 phosphor material for EPR and luminescence investigations
Authors: Singh Vijay , Bhatia Kanika , Rao Allam Srinivasa , Joo Ji Bong
Published: May 2024

Zn2SiO4:Gd3+ powder was obtained by the sol–gel preparation technique and then characterized by using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. The sample exhibited photoluminescence in the ultraviolet spectral zone with a maximum emission wavelength of 314 nm. Ultraviolet emission in the range of 305–320 nm is also called ultraviolet-B emission. This UV range emission is used in lamps for skin treatment and phototherapy. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum recorded for the Zn2SiO4:0.015Gd3+ phosphor revealed g values of 3.46, 2.64, and 2.20, confirming the presence of Gd3+ ions in the small ligand field. Furthermore, Gd3+ ions attain tetrahedral symmetry in the prepared host compound.
Inclusive Education for a More Egalitarian Society
Authors: Qu Liaojian
Published: May 2024

Special education for persons with disabilities is an integral part of a nation’s education system. However, it is not until after World War II, particularly after the 1970s, that the right to education of children with disabilities garnered widespread attention in the global community. The UN’ agencies released a succession of official papers related to or specialized in this issue, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Declaration on the Rights of Mentally Retarded Persons, Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons, Declaration of the Rights of the Child, Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, Framework for Action on Special Needs Education, and Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Despite the variations in the context and content between these papers, they share the common conception that every society and its government have the responsibility and obligation to provide high-quality education services for children with disabilities to ensure their right to education and protect them from educational discrimination and exclusion (Li, 2023).
Argumentation Training Boosts the Outcome of Negotiation in Collaborative Learning
Authors: Yang Yaodong
Published: May 2024

Negotiation is an essential technique in collaborative learning. In the negotiation process, students learn to listen to others’ opinions, express their own ideas, discuss divisions, and reach agreement. It also plays an important role in the construction of knowledge on the part of students. According to the constructivist theory, learning is a process of active construction, in which learners construct their knowledge and understanding through interaction with the environment (Yu-Jun, 2013). Negotiation is a crucial component of the interaction, contributing to enhancing learning engagement and developing in-depth understanding of information. Moreover, it is particularly effective in fostering students’ critical thinking ability in that it concerns discrimination and judgement of differential information and perspectives (Olson, 1997).
The Opinions of Prospective Teachers about Biology and Nature-Related Activities for Mentally Disabled Students
Authors: Gul Seyda , Ozay Kose Esra
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study is to examine the opinions of prospective teachers about biology and nature-related activities for mentally disabled students. The survey method was used in this quantitative study. Attitude scale towards biology and nature-related activities for mentally disabled students was used as a data collection tool. The scale was applied to a total of 258 (183 females, 75 males) prospective teachers studying at the education faculty of a state university and taking special education courses. According to the findings, prospective teachers expressed their positive opinions about all the activities specified in the scale. However, a few prospective teachers stated that some of the activities, especially interaction with animals, were not applicable for their mentally disabled students. However, when the findings are evaluated in general, it is concluded that biology and nature-related activities are very valuable for mentally disabled students.
Grade-7 Students’ Negotiation during the Engineering Design Processes Regarding the Status of Their Argumentation Training
Authors: Tuğ Sayıner , Namdar Bahadır
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to investigate grade-7 students’ negotiation during the engineering design process regarding the students’ status of argumentation training. The participants were 33 students studying at a public urban middle school in Turkey. They worked in small groups on four engineering design tasks about electricity and light. Data were collected through small group audio recordings, student worksheets, and the observation. The data were analyzed by using content analysis. The results indicated that negotiation patterns were similar across all groups. However, differences were found between the group that received argumentation training and the one that did not receive in terms of proposing ideas for material design, using justifications when in agreement with others, counter proposing and acquiring information for better planning and altering the design, and critiquing for design advantages and disadvantages.
Formaldehyde-free bio-composites based on Pleurotus ostreatus substrate and corn straw waste
Authors: Yan Yalan , Wang Bo , Zhang Xin , Zeng Xu , Zhu Jian , Wang Xiaoe , Li Yan , Ding Shuang , Zhang Hong , Ren Bo , Yang Xiaodong
Published: May 2024

Corn straw-based board has great potential for the protection of forest resources, waste recycling, and sustainable economic development. However, corn stalk-based board has poor mechanical properties due to its short fiber length and poor water resistance because of the presence of numerous hydrophilic hydroxyl functional groups in its structure. Natural mycelium originating from waste Pleurotus ostreatus substrate is a hydrophobic bio-adhesive. In the present study, formaldehyde-free corn stalk/P. ostreatus substrate bio-composites were prepared using the hot-pressing technique without the addition of any chemical adhesive. The mechanical properties and water resistance of the prepared bio-composites were excellent. The highest internal bonding strength (IBS) of 2.16 MPa and the minimum thickness swelling (TS) of 18.3% were observed, which are beyond the national standards for particleboard in China. These bio-composites were prepared using a simple, green, and convenient manufacturing method to promote their popularization and application. The method may, therefore, be used as a novel technical measure to resolve the problem of overuse of forestry resources and waste disposal.
Hybrid composites based on phthalocyanine and carbonaceous materials for sensing applications: a review
Authors: Nemakal Manjunatha , Sannegowda Lokesh Koodlur
Published: May 2024

The hybrid composite materials have a profound interest due to the synergetic combination of the properties to yield significant enhancement in the desired properties. Hybrid composites of phthalocyanine with carbonaceous materials are known to have surprisingly superior catalytic and sensing response. This review provides a brief discussion on the design and construction of phthalocyanine based hybrid composite for sensing environmentally important pollutants and biomolecules. These composite material-based electrochemical sensors are applied for the nanomolar to millimolar level detection of various environmental pollutants, toxic molecules, heavy metals and bio-active molecules. The hybrid systems are sensitive, selective and yield reliable responses. Furthermore, possible catalytic sensing mechanism at the hybrid sensor system has been discussed.
Poly (butyl acrylate- methyl methacrylateacrylamide)/ bentone 34 nano composites for electrical insulation
Authors: MF Afify , MA Mekewia , MA Abd El Ghaffarb , EAM Youssef , SH Elmossalamya
Published: May 2024

Poly (butyl acrylate- methyl methacrylate-acrylamide)/nano bentone 34 composites were prepared through bulk polymerization in presence of BPO (benzoyl peroxide) as initiator. The (BA/MMA/AAm) terpolymer/nano bentone 34 composite sheets were molded at 180°C prior subjecting to the specific mechanical and electrical characterization. Structural, physical and thermal validations were conducted through GPC, FT-IR, HRTEM and TGA classified techniques. The results of the electrical resistivity and mechanical properties aptitudes signpost step towards a new generation of insulators for electrical cables according to IEC and BS standards.
Study of the spectral reflection of visible light on the surface of cattle of different breeds
Authors: Chervinsky LS , Posudin YI
Published: May 2024

This work aims to measure the total and spectral reflectance of visible radiation by various coat colors of cattle. It came to the interest of the author to determine also the reflec­tance by muzzle, a hairless pigmented portion of the integument. Measurement of the total and spectral reflectance of visible radiation, 400-700 nm, by cattle coat and muzzle was conducted using the integrating sphere and spectroradiometer. The total reflectance of visible radiation by black, brown and white coats were 77%, 11.68% and 65.76% respectively. Total reflectance values for muzzle were 11.5%, 34.61% and 22.l % for black, brown and brown-black muzzle respectively.
Bibliometric analysis on nanoparticle modified screen-printed carbon electrode for E.coli detection using scopus database
Authors: Yusoff Nik Muhammad Ramzi Nik , Mohd Yusairie , Jalil Muhammad Noor , Chin Lim Ying , Zain Zainiharyati Mohd
Published: May 2024

Foodborne and waterborne infections are major causes of worry around the world. Escherichia coli (E. coli) pathogenic strains like O157:H7 are a leading cause of food and water-borne illness epidemics all over the world. E. coli is a pathogen present in the lower intestinal of warm-blooded species, it is used to detect fecal contaminants in specimens collected. Human infections can be caused by even low levels of E. coli O157:H7 (10–100 viable organisms). The standard techniques for food assessment are mainly conducted in centralized laboratories and involve long analysis times and complex instrumentation. Sensors based on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) had grown in popularity in this context due to their favorable properties, such as ease of use and portability, which allow for quick analysis in point-of-need circumstances. The application of SPE-based sensors in the management of food contamination as beneficial analytical techniques to traditional techniques offers for quick inspection at any step in the food manufacturing process, reducing food waste and preventing foodborne infections. However, a screen-printed electrode (SPE) may not be as durable as a traditional electrode, such as a glassy carbon or gold disc, and the surface of its working electrode is not as perfect as that of a mirror-like polished solid electrode, the advantages of SPEs in terms of cost and size have led to an increase in their use as (bio) sensing transducers in recent years. The field of research for detection of E.coli using sensors is very extensive and actively studied by researchers in this area of interest. Here, publication for E.coli and nanoparticle sensor growth research were analyzed from Scopus databases. The keywords were biosensor, E.coli, screen printed electrode and nanoparticle reported from 2012 to 2021. This bibliometric analysis concluded that E.coli biosensors development involved multidisciplinary collaborations of biology, analytical chemistry, optoelectronics, material science, engineering and data science and each subject area plays an important role in establishing biosensors for E. coli detection.
Takayasu arteritis - a case report of neurological clinical manifestation in an elderly patient
Authors: Gouveia Fabiana , Ferreira Sofia Dinis , Lemos Cláudia , Loja João Tiago , Caldeira Mónica , André Diogo Raposo , Nascimento Rafael , Freitas João Miguel , Gaspar João , Freitas Duarte Dória , Costa Miguel Homem , Faria Teresa
Published: May 2024

Takayasu Arteritis is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory arteriopathy that affects the aorta and its main branches, leading to arterial stenosis and sometimes thrombosis, with the left subclavian artery being the most frequently involved. Clinical manifestations are insidious, nonspecific, and variable, depending on the arterial territory affected, without any pathognomonic finding. It is a rare disease, with an annual incidence of 2.6 cases per million people, being more common in Southeast Asia and affecting predominantly women, especially at reproductive age. However, it is believed that this disease is underdiagnosed, especially in the most advanced age groups.
Progressive myelopathy revealing primary Sjogren syndrome: a case report
Authors: El-Adraoui Yassine , Hamid Mohamed , Alloussi Houda , Benmoh Youssouf , Satte Amal , Bourazza Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in primary Sjogren Syndrome (pSS) is infrequent and often poses a diagnostic dilemma due to its diverse clinical presentation. Case presentation: A 66-year-old woman presented to our department with a three-month history of progressive weakness in the lower limbs, sensory loss, and sphincter dysfunction. Spine MRI revealed an intramedullary hyperintense signal on T2 weighted images extending longitudinally and transversally from D6 to D12. Auto-immune tests, viral serologies, and metabolic workups yielded negative results. A minor salivary gland biopsy confirmed chronic grade III sialadenitis. Primary Sjogren Syndrome was diagnosed based on the 2016 ACR-EULAR classification criteria. The patient underwent treatment with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide, showing mild improvement after six months. Conclusion: This case highlights the significance of considering Sjogren syndrome in the differential diagnosis of progressive myelopathy. Given the severity of spinal involvement in pSS, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment from the disease’s onset are crucial.
Active aging: the university as a health-enhancer space
Authors: Virginia Coutinho Areosa Silvia , Davina Redin Freitas Cristiane , Mahlmann Kipper Liane
Published: May 2024

This article seeks to discuss the general health status of the elderly participating in an extension course lasting two years at the University of Santa Cruz do Sul, as well as to compare the results of this study with international studies in order to define actions for aging. To investigate the health status of the elderly, a descriptive quantitative and qualitative study was conducted, at 2014 and 2015, with 47 elderly people as sample. Instruments were used to have the cognitive functions and overall health situation of the elders assessed. The study presents the perspective of successful aging focusing on the following aspects: low probability of disease, good functional capacity (physical and cognitive), and active participation in the community. The studied sample has characteristics that, in some way, corroborate the general health status and the quality of life conditions, such as: the many years of study, the continuous search for activities related to knowledge, the involvement in different physical activities and leisure, socializing with family and friends. A random selection of international studies was also carried out for the purpose of data comparison. The research carried out added to the results of the comparative studies, demonstrated that, the insertion in university programs contributes in the prevention of the cognitive decline and the general state of health, contributing to a self-esteem and maintenance of the mental health, which reflects in an aging with quality of life.
Cognitive screening in elderly people
Authors: Moraes Cruz Roberto
Published: May 2024

Elderly people are exposed to functional losses, which can either be natural transformations (senescence), or pathological (senility). Cognitive screening tests identify cognitive impairment and risk of developing dementia. This article aims to assess the effectiveness of three cognitive screening instruments in detecting cognitive impairment in elderly individuals with limited education. The study involved 920 individuals over the age of 60, who were recruited from driver’s license centers in various Brazilian states. Participants were assessed using the cognitive screening tools: Battery Routes of Attention (BRA), to attentional capacity; Nonverbal General Intelligence Matrices (MIG), to non-verbal intelligence; and Visual Recognition Memory Test (Memore), to short-term memory. The study examined the correlation between the total scores on tests and the participants' profile (mean=69.10 and SD=6.54), according to sex, age, age group, education level, and state of Brazil. The analysis found a positive correlation between the total scores of the cognitive tests and the level of education of the participants, with higher levels of education serving as a protective factor for cognition. There was moderate correlation between visual recognition memory and sex, indicating better mnemonic performances for female participants. Age was found to have a negative correlation with all cognitive screening tests. The use of cognitive screening batteries can provide relevant indicators to plan appropriate interventions with elderly people. Furthermore, these test results emphasize the significance of further research to enhance the credibility of cognitive screening tests and broaden their applicability to elderly populations with diverse cultural backgrounds.
Level of stress in a cluster of mothers and parents of family with children that present needs educational specials
Authors: J González Lisbeth , Jimenez Montiel Marianela , Towers Zitny
Published: May 2024

This project HE bases in analyse the level of stress that experience a cluster of mothers and parents of family with children that have Needs Educational Specials –NEE- The initiative arises by the limited documentation that exists about of the issue in Panama, since most of the approaches are directed only towards the child who has an SEN or disability, while that he state of health emotional of the father of family No is considered inside of the intervention. This study recurs to the Model Mixed, of guy exploratory. With a sampling no probabilistic that was compound by 25 parents and mothers. The participants they completed two questionnaires called "Questionnaire about stress of Solano-Beauregard” and “Questionnaire for mothers and fathers.” The results reveal that in the sample studied, it is observed that all parents scored a level of General Stress inside of the range Mild (4%), Moderate (twenty%) either Severe (76%) of equal manner HE identifies he level of involvement according to three areas: Muscular: (Mild 52%, Moderate 16% and Severe 32%), Thought-behavior: (Mild 28%, Moderate 28% and Severe 44%) and Organs internal: (Mild 36%, Moderate twenty% and Severe 44%). He finding further relevant of this study has been the high level of Stress Severe who suffer from parents of children with SEN
What is the impact of sexual orientation in the vision and legitimation in intimate partners’ violence?
Authors: J González Lisbeth , Jimenez Montiel Marianela , Towers Zitny
Published: May 2024

World Health Organization defines violence between intimate partners (VPI) as any conduct between two people within a relationship of intimacy that generates psychological, physical or sexual damage.
Effects of clothing congruity on male consumers’ perceptions of salesperson’s performance and consumers’ age as a moderation
Authors: Chen-Yu Jessie , Cho Siwon
Published: May 2024

The purposes of this study are to determine a) the effects of clothing congruity on male consumers’ expectation, evaluation, and functional congruity of and satisfaction with salesperson’s performance and b) whether consumers’ age moderates these effects. Clothing congruity in the study is defined as the congruence between the clothing style that a salesperson wears and the clothing style that a consumer prefers to wear. Functional congruity is defined as the difference between a consumer’s expectation and evaluation of a salesperson’s performance. A positive functional congruity indicates that a consumer’s evaluation exceeds expectation of a salesperson’s performance. Five hypotheses were generated based on the self-congruity theory and previous studies. A 2 x 2 between-subjects factorial design was developed with a male salesperson wearing two styles of clothing (formal vs. casual) and participants in two age groups (adolescent vs. elderly). Data were collected from a survey of 120 male adolescents aged 16-18 and 120 elderly men aged 65-85. The results show that clothing congruity has a positive influence on expectation and evaluation of and satisfaction with salesperson’s performance. Male consumers tend to have higher expectations and evaluations of salesperson’s performance and be more satisfied with salesperson’s performance if the salesperson wears a style of clothing similar to what they prefer to wear. Consumers’ age moderates the effects of clothing congruity on expectation and functional congruity of and satisfaction with salesperson’s performance. The effects of clothing congruity are stronger among male elderly consumers than among male adolescent consumers. Academic contributions and contributions to the field are discussed.
Structural scheme of piezoactuator for astrophysics
Authors: SM Afonin
Published: May 2024

In the work is calculated of the piezoactuator for astrophysics. The structural scheme of the piezoactuator is determined for astrophysics. The matrix equation is constructed for the piezoactuator. The mechanical characteristic is determined. The parameters of the piezoactuator are obtained in nano control systems for astrophysics.
fotográfico e as mediações sociais no cinema mundial
Authors: Costa Júnior Edson Pereira da
Published: May 2024

O artigo defende que a interface entre fotografia e cinema é mobilizada como parte do projeto estético e político de realizadores do cinema mundial. Com enfoque mais detido em obras do português Pedro Costa, analisa-se a mobilização do fotográfico em três camadas: como instrumento de mediação social entre o cineasta e o outro de classe/étnico-cultural; na incorporação de stills em filmes; e, finalmente, por meio de uma estética que evoca as imagens fixas pelos signos de imobilidade e pelo gênero retratístico. Para tal, privilegia-se a análise das dinâmicas relacionais envolvendo a produção das obras, das escolhas estilísticas e da plasticidade das imagens.
poder do imaginário
Authors: Soares da Silva Leonardo
Published: May 2024

O presente estudo deriva da etnografia da Comic Con Experience realizada pelo autor em sua tese. Nela, ele observou que este consumo ocorria graças à anterioridade afetiva, pois quanto maior era, mais os participantes suspendiam voluntariamente a descrença, maior sua imersão no evento e mais intensa a fruição consumida. A anterioridade afetiva era formada pelo conhecimento de elementos oriundos das narrativas da cultura pop e pelo afeto nutrido por eles antes do evento. Como estes elementos consistiam em imagens dotadas de sentidos compartilhados, entende-se que o imaginário coletivo tem papel fundamental no consumo de experiência da comic con. Diante desta observação, o artigo traz reflexões sobre a importância do imaginário coletivo, revelando que, como um vetor de comunhão, ele concatenava sentidos e afetos, organizando todo o ordenamento simbólico do evento, a cultura pop, e estabelecendo uma relação entre ela e a cultura visual.
Liquiritin: A natural flavonoid with potential cardiovascular protection
Authors: Zhou Lan , Peng Jia-zhi , Zhou Peng
Published: May 2024

Liquiritin is a flavonoid glycoside extracted from traditional Chinese medicine, Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae. The provided evidence has demonstrated that liquiritin is found beneficial in treating cardiovascular diseases. Inflammation and oxidation play key roles in cardiovascular diseases. In this review, the natural sources, biosynthesis, pharmacology and molecular docking of liquiritin were reviewed for the first time. Additionally, we have highlighted the target prediction of liquiritin. Docking results displayed that the three targets with the largest difference in VINA scores were toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1), and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which suggested that liquiritin was likely to act on TLR4, Keap-1, and AMPK. The present study provides theoretical basis for future development and research of liquiriritin in treating cardiovascular diseases.