bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcus aureus urinary tract bacteriuria: single-institutional antibiotic susceptibility trends over a decade
Authors: Toner Liam , Papa Nathan , Perera Marlon , H. Aliyu Sani , Dev Harveer , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Al-Hayek Samih
Published: September 2022

Objectives: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a troublesome pathogen which is difficult for clinicians to treat. The purpose of this surveillance program is to assess the prevalence of MRSA urinary tract infections and determine risk factors for methicillin resistance in adults amongst urinary isolates of SA and to describe the antibiotic susceptibilities to guide empirical therapy.
Methods: From 2005 through to 2014, we retrospectively reviewed urine cultures recorded in a laboratory database at a university hospital in Cambridge, UK. Susceptibility testing was performed by BSAC (British Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy) disc diffusion testing and reported for fluoroquinolones, gentamicin, nitrofurantoin, linezolid, trimethoprim and vancomycin. Samples were denoted “MRSA” if they were resistant to oxacillin or cefoxitin.
Results: In total, 690 cultures were positive for SA, of which 293 (42.5%) were methicillin resistant. The number of SA bacteriuria decreased from around 100 per year to 40 per year. The proportion demonstrating methicillin resistance decreased from around 60% to around 20%. Both methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and MRSA isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and nitrofurantoin. MRSA isolates demonstrated some increased resistance to trimethoprim and gentamicin and greatly increased resistance to fluoroquinolones. Urinary catheterization and increasing age were risk factors for methicillin resistance.
Conclusion: The incidence of SA and MRSA bacteriuria decreased during the study period. A high degree of resistance to fluoroquinolones was observed in MRSA compared to MSSA. Analysis of antibiotic susceptibility profiles suggests nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim may be useful in treating uncomplicated MSSA and MRSA urinary tract infections without concurrent bacteremia.
Malakoplakia, a malignant mimic
Authors: Parkin Cameron James , Acland George , Sulaiman Ban , Johnsun Mark Louie , Latif Edward
Published: September 2022

Malakoplakia is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects multiple systems, most commonly the urogenital tract. Its clinical presentation is often non-specific, but is typically characterized by recurrent urinary tract infections and haematuria. We report a rare case of intravesical malakoplakia mimicking an aggressive transitional cell carcinoma both in its clinical presentation and in its macroscopic appearance on cystoscopy in an 82-year patient, the oldest reported case in the literature. Malakoplakia has been described in the literature as a benign disease process presenting typically in younger patients. This case demonstrates its ability to cause obstructive uropathy and affect elderly patients. Thus, this case serves as a reminder to consider malakoplakia as a differential in the evaluation of suspected bladder malignancy in patients of all ages.
Safety and Effectiveness of Nustim System Implantation in Dogs
Authors: Li Xing , Deng Han , Wang Zhaoxia , Li Hao , Liao Limin
Published: September 2022

Objectives: To verify the safety and effectiveness of a novel micro-implantable wireless nerve stimulation device in healthy adult beagles and evaluate the feasibility of using the device in clinical practice.
Methods: The stimulator was experimentally implanted into the quadriceps femoris of three adult beagles. The animals were subjected to training on daily basis for 14 days, and the threshold test was administered once a week. At the end, we analyzed the images of light microscopy and electron microscopy.
Results: The implantation was easy to perform and the whole stimulation system worked stably and reliably. The stim-ulation threshold was stable. During the process, the stimulator did not move or cause damage to adjacent tissues. The whole system showed a good biocompatibility with recipient animals. The stimulator could induce muscular contraction and enhance the motor function of muscles.
Conclusions: The preliminary results showed that the stimulator could be safely implanted into animal body, with good tissue compatibility, stability and reliability. In addition, it also worked well in eliciting muscle contraction. It promises to be used for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in future.
Treatment of stress urinary incontinence with a percutaneously implantable wireless microstimulator device (NuStim®) plus pelvic floor muscle exercises: a pilot study
Authors: Zhang Fan , Liao Limin
Published: September 2022

Objectives: To evaluate the utility and safety of pelvic floor muscle exercises in combination with a wireless percutane-ously implantable microstimulator device (NuStim®) for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.
Methods: In this prospective self-controlled pilot trial, three patients aged 35‒75 years with incontinence symptoms were treated by pelvic floor muscle exercises plus implantation of NuStim® from June 2017 to March 2019. The patients received 25 weeks of pelvic floor training, during which the patients’ incontinence was quantitatively assessed by a 1-h pad test. Self-reported scores were used to rate the effect of treatment in terms of the quality of daily life, with pelvic floor muscle strength evaluated on the modified Oxford scale at each follow-up visit.
Results: All three patients (2 males and 1 female) completed the trial without dropouts. The results showed that their incontinence symptoms were alleviated, as measured by a decrease in the normalized weight of the 1-h pad test, which presented a significant linear trend (P = 0.0021). An intragroup analysis revealed that all participants achieved statistically significant improvement in terms of the 1-h pad test score at 25 weeks as compared with pre-training findings. None-theless, no significant difference was found between the results of the other follow-up points and the baseline before treatment (P = 0.058). Comparison of the secondary outcome variable scores in each participant showed no significant difference at the conclusion of the study.
Conclusions: Use of the NuStim® during pelvic floor muscle exercises resulted in significant improvement in inconti-nence symptoms. The device was shown to be useful and safe as an adjunct to the pelvic floor training for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. 
Chinese botulinum toxin A for the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction: It works just as well
Authors: Zhang Fan , Liu Qinggang , Liao Limin , Li Xiaojuan , Zhang Xueping
Published: September 2022

The botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) is a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. It causes botulism and represents the most powerful natural poison. In urological practice, the indications for BoNT/A therapy include neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO), idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB) or idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO), detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia (DSD), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), urinary tract infections (UTI), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and, more recently, chronic prostatic pain (CPP). BoNT/A is not only conducive to the treatment of muscle spasticity but also effectively works on hyperalgesia associated with various disorders of the lower urinary tract, thanks to its anti-nociceptive properties. While Botox® (Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA) is currently being used across the globe, we have been using Chinese BoNT/A for many years for the treatment of DSD, NDO, idiopathic OAB, IC/BPS, BPH and UTI. Our experience showed that Chinese BoNT/A was as good as other BoNT/A products in terms of efficacy, safety, and tolerability. In this study, we explored the current and potential applications of Chinese BoNT/A in urology, and reviewed the background information regarding the toxin.
Factors Affecting Drug Exposure after Inhalation
Authors: Nováková Anežka , Šíma Martin , Slanař Ondřej
Published: September 2022

Administration of drugs by inhalation is mainly used to treat lung diseases and is being investigated as a possible route for systemic drug delivery. It offers several benefits, but it is also fraught with many difficulties. The lung is a complex organ with complicated physiology and specific pharmacokinetic processes. Therefore, the exposure and subsequently efficacy of a drug after inhalation is affected by a number of factors. In this review, we summarize the main variables that may affect drug fate after inhalation delivery, such as physicochemical properties of the drug, pulmonary clearance and metabolism, pathophysiological factors and inhalation device. Factors that have impact on pharmacokinetic processes need to be considered during development as their correct setting can lead to new effective inhaled drugs.
Clinical Outcomes of Routine Awake Prone Positioning in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Chong Woon Hean , Saha Biplab K. , Tan Chee Keat
Published: September 2022

Before coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged, proning had been demonstrated to improve oxygenation in those with acute hypoxic respiratory failure and be performed in non-intensive care settings. This benefit was further exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to awake prone positioning (APP). We assessed the efficacy of routine APP versus standard care in preventing death and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in non-intubated hypoxic COVID-19 patients. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and medRxiv databases were used from January 1st, 2020, to January 15th, 2022, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Routine APP group were encouraged to be self-prone, whereas the standard care group received care according to local clinical practice and allowed APP crossover as rescue therapy. We included eight COVID-19 RCTs assessing 809 APP vs. 822 standard care patients. APP group had less IMV requirement (26.5% vs. 30.9%; OR – odds ratio 0.77; P=0.03) than the standard care group, with subgroup analysis showing greater benefit (32.5% vs. 39.1%; OR 0.75; P=0.02) for those mainly requiring oxygen support of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). The time to IMV initiation was similar (mean 8.3 vs. 10.0 days; P=0.66) for patients requiring NIMV and HFNC. Patients mainly receiving supplemental oxygen and non-rebreather masks had improved oxygenation parameters, although not statistically significant. Other outcomes involving all-cause hospital mortality, hospital and ICU (intensive care unit) length of stay, and adverse events were comparable. APP appeared to be an important modality for reducing IMV requirements, especially in those requiring NIMV and HFNC.
Plant Based Proteins: Sustainable Alternatives
Authors: Mistry Krishna , Sardar Sami Dilip , Alim Hina , Patel Nimisha , Thakur Mansee , Jabbarova Dilfuza , Ali Ahmad
Published: September 2022

Proteins can be procured from both plants and animals. Plant proteins are more preferable as the animal proteins may cause adverse health effects to human life. Proteins derived from plant sources are less expensive and hence are more cost effective. Quality of proteins relies on several factors and biological value is one such factor. Proteins with major essential amino acid are with high biological value. Every plant source is deficient in one or more essential amino acids so it is recommended to include multiple plant-based diets. Also proteins obtained from plant sources are less palatable so it is important to add flavor in order to make it more palatable. The quality and quantity of the proteins also depend on the techniques used for isolation and purification of proteins. Elucidation of the structure of proteins involves the use of techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray crystallography and spectroscopy. Apart from the structural analysis the functioning of the protein could be determined by amino acid sequencing which could be performed using mass spectroscopy. Ultrasound assisted extraction, enzyme assisted protein extraction and electro activation method are few of the isolation and purification method which can be used in isolation and purification of these proteins. Owing to the vast availability of plant-based proteins it has various industrial applications like, plant based protein can be used as a dairy substitute, plant based meat analogue and its use as bioactive peptides which have been briefly discussed in the review.
Heart rate variability during head‐up tilt shows inter‐individual differences among healthy individuals of extreme Prakriti types
Authors: Rani Ritu , Rengarajan Prathiban , Sethi Tavpritesh , Khuntia Bharat Krushna , Kumar Arvind , Punera Deep Shikha , Singh Deepika , Girase Bhushan , Shrivastava Ankita , Juvekar Sanjay K. , Pesala Bala , Mukerji Mitali , Deepak Kishore Kumar , Prasher Bhavana
Published: September 2022

Autonomic modulation is critical during various physiological activities, including orthostatic stimuli and primarily evaluated by heart rate variability (HRV). Orthostatic stress affects people differently suggesting the possibility of identification of predisposed groups to autonomic dysfunction‐related disorders in a healthy state. One way to understand this kind of variability is by using Ayurvedic approach that classifies healthy individuals into Prakriti types based on clinical phenotypes. To this end, we explored the differential response to orthostatic stress in different Prakriti types using HRV. HRV was measured in 379 subjects(Vata = 97, Pitta = 68, Kapha = 68, and Mixed Prakriti = 146) from two geographical regions(Vadu and Delhi NCR) for 5 min supine (baseline), 3 min head‐up‐tilt (HUT) at 60°, and 5 min resupine. We observed that Kapha group had lower baseline HRV than other two groups, although not statistically significant. The relative change (%Δ1&2) in various HRV parameters in response to HUT was although minimal in Kapha group. Kapha also had significantly lower change in HR, LF (nu), HF (nu), and LF/HF than Pitta in response to HUT. The relative change (%Δ1) in HR and parasympathetic parameters (RMSSD, HF, SD1) was significantly greater in the Vata than in the Kapha. Thus, the low baseline and lower response to HUT in Kapha and the maximum drop in parasympathetic activity of Vata may indicate a predisposition to early autonomic dysfunction and associated conditions. It emphasizes the critical role of Prakriti‐based phenotyping in stratifying the differential responses of cardiac autonomic modulation in various postures among healthy individuals across different populations.
Biochemical indicators of euthyroid sick syndrome in critically ill children
Authors: Besci Tolga , Besci Özge , Arslan Gazi , Ilgaz Hande , Prencuva Pınar , Özdemir Göktuğ , Abacı Ayhan , Demir Korcan
Published: September 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) in pediatric intensive care, and to establish a link between thyroid function tests and mortality.

Methods

Between January 2015 and March 2020, children admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and tested for free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyrotropin (TSH) levels were included. Patients with decreased fT3, with normal or decreased fT4, and normal or decreased TSH levels were assigned to the ESS group. The association between biochemical indicators and ESS, as well as the relationship between fT3 and mortality, were examined.

Results

A total of 141 (36%) of 386 children included to study were classified in the ESS group. The ESS group had a higher rate of 28-day mortality (12 [8.5%] vs. 9 [3.7%]). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin, platelet, lactate, and pediatric index of mortality 3 [PIM3 (%)] were significantly associated with ESS (odds ratios in order: 1.024, 0.422, 0.729, 1.208, 1.013). Multivariate regression analysis showed that BUN, albumin, platelet, and lactate were independently associated with ESS progression. The area under curve (AUC [95%CI]) for fT3 was 0.644 (0.555–0.789) to detect mortality. Children with a fT3 level lower than 2.31 pg/mL had significantly higher 28-day mortality (log rank test, p=0.001).

Conclusions

Our study identified BUN, albumin, lactate, and platelet count as independent risk factors for ESS progression in children. Furthermore, our findings indicated a correlation between fT3 and mortality, which makes fT3 an ideal candidate to be included in mortality indices.
Pharmacological Manipulations of Physiological Arousal and Sleep-Like Slow Waves Modulate Sustained Attention
Authors: Pinggal Elaine , Dockree Paul M. , O'Connell Redmond G. , Bellgrove Mark A. , Andrillon Thomas
Published: September 2022

Sustained attention describes our ability to keep a constant focus on a given task. This ability is modulated by our physiological state of arousal. Although lapses of sustained attention have been linked with dysregulations of arousal, the underlying physiological mechanisms remain unclear. An emerging body of work proposes that the intrusion during wakefulness of sleep-like slow waves, a marker of the transition toward sleep, could mechanistically account for attentional lapses. This study aimed to expose, via pharmacological manipulations of the monoamine system, the relationship between the occurrence of sleep-like slow waves and the behavioral consequences of sustained attention failures. In a double-blind, randomized-control trial, 32 healthy human male participants received methylphenidate, atomoxetine, citalopram or placebo during four separate experimental sessions. During each session, electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure neural activity while participants completed a visual task requiring sustained attention. Methylphenidate, which increases wake-promoting dopamine and noradrenaline across cortical and subcortical areas, improved behavioral performance whereas atomoxetine, which increases dopamine and noradrenaline predominantly over frontal cortices, led to more impulsive responses. Additionally, citalopram, which increases sleep-promoting serotonin, led to more missed trials. Based on EEG recording, citalopram was also associated with an increase in sleep-like slow waves. Importantly, compared with a classical marker of arousal such as α power, only slow waves differentially predicted both misses and faster responses in a region-specific fashion. These results suggest that a decrease in arousal can lead to local sleep intrusions during wakefulness which could be mechanistically linked to impulsivity and sluggishness.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe investigated whether the modulation of attention and arousal could not only share the same neuromodulatory pathways but also rely on similar neuronal mechanisms; for example, the intrusion of sleep-like activity within wakefulness. To do so, we pharmacologically manipulated noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin in a four-arm, randomized, placebo-controlled trial and examined the consequences on behavioral and electroencephalography (EEG) indices of attention and arousal. We showed that sleep-like slow waves can predict opposite behavioral signatures: impulsivity and sluggishness. Slow waves may be a candidate mechanism for the occurrence of attentional lapses since the relationship between slow-wave occurrence and performance is region-specific and the consequences of these local sleep intrusions are in line with the cognitive functions carried by the underlying brain regions.
Ventrolateral Periaqueductal Gray Astrocytes Regulate Nociceptive Sensation and Emotional Motivation in Diabetic Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Yang Lan , Lu Jingshan , Guo Jianpeng , Chen Jian , Xiong Fangfang , Wang Xinyao , Chen Li , Yu Changxi
Published: September 2022

Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is a diabetes complication experienced by many patients. Ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) neurons are essential mediators of the descending pain modulation system, yet the role of vlPAG astrocytes in DNP remains unclear. The present study applied a multidimensional approach to elucidate the role of these astrocytes in DNP. We verified the activation of astrocytes in different regions of the PAG in male DNP-model rats. We found that only astrocytes in the vlPAG exhibited increased growth. Furthermore, we described differences in vlPAG astrocyte activity at different time points during DNP progression. After the 14th day of modeling, vlPAG astrocytes exhibited obvious activation and morphologic changes. Furthermore, activation of Gq-designer receptors exclusively activated by a designer drug (Gq-DREADDs) in vlPAG astrocytes in naive male rats induced neuropathic pain-like symptoms and pain-related aversion, whereas activation of Gi-DREADDs in vlPAG astrocytes in male DNP-model rats alleviated sensations of pain and promoted pain-related preference behavior. Thus, bidirectional manipulation of vlPAG astrocytes revealed their potential to regulate pain. Surprisingly, activation of Gi-DREADDs in vlPAG astrocytes also mitigated anxiety-like behavior induced by DNP. Thus, our results provide direct support for the hypothesis that vlPAG astrocytes regulate diabetes-associated neuropathic pain and concomitant anxiety-like behavior.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMany studies examined the association between the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) and neuropathic pain. However, few studies have focused on the role of vlPAG astrocytes in diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) and DNP-related emotional changes. This work confirmed the role of vlPAG astrocytes in DNP by applying a more direct and robust approach. We used chemogenetics to bidirectionally manipulate the activity of vlPAG astrocytes and revealed that vlPAG astrocytes regulate DNP and pain-related behavior. In addition, we discovered that activation of Gi-designer receptors exclusively activated by a designer drug in vlPAG astrocytes alleviated anxiety-like behavior induced by DNP. Together, these findings provide new insights into DNP and concomitant anxiety-like behavior and supply new therapeutic targets for treating DNP.
Polyurethane from liquefied wheat straw as coating material for controlled release fertilizers
Authors: Lu Panfang , Zhang Yanfei , Jia Cong , Li Xiao , Zhang Min
Published: September 2022

A new controlled release fertilizer was developed by coating urea particles with bio-based polyurethane. Coating materials were synthesized from liquefied wheat straw, isocyanate, and castor oil. The effects of liquefied solvents, mass ratio of liquid to solid, size of wheat straw, and reaction time during liquefaction process on the nitrogen release rate of polyurethane-coated urea (PCU) were investigated and optimized. The nitrogen release characteristics of PCU were studied in both water and soil. The structural and chemical characteristics of PCU were examined. The PCU coating materials showed high density and good degradability, as well as superior controlled release properties. This product, with excellent controlled release properties, nontoxicity in soil, environmental friendliness, and low cost, could be especially useful in agricultural and horticultural applications.
Analytical expressions for surface concentration distribution in a model electrochemical process with a preceding chemical reaction
Authors:   Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Gichan O. I.
Published: September 2022

The goal of this study is unraveling the specific features of non-stationary surface concentration distribution of electroactive and inactive species in a model electrochemical process with a preceding homogeneous first-order chemical reaction (CE mechanism). For this purpose, the exact analytical expressions for the non-stationary concentration distributions of electroactive and inactive species in the thin layer attached to a planar electrode are analyzed. The both cases of equal and unequal diffusion coefficients of species taking part in the preceding chemical reaction are considered. In the former case, the exact analytical expressions for the concentration distributions of electroactive and inactive species on a planar electrode are obtained. The peculiarities of the limiting cases of zero and infinite frequency of an applied alternating current for the both cases of equal and unequal diffusion coefficients of species are discussed. It is shown that there is a phase shift between AC and the surface concentration of species that changes under the action of this current. At low frequencies, the phase angle tends to p/2, whereas at high frequencies it decreases to p/4. The phase angle is the function of the two important measures, namely, the ratio of the Nernst diffusion layer thickness to the oscillation diffusion layer thickness, and the ratio of the Nernst diffusion layer thickness to the reaction layer one. It is shown that the phase angle depends on the diffusion coefficient of species in different manner for low and high values of the rate constants of the chemical reaction. At low values of these parameters, the phase angle shifts slightly to the range of high frequencies with an increase of diffusion coefficient. At the high rate constants, the phase angle decreases with frequency more slowly, and its dependence on diffusion coefficient is observed only at middle frequencies. The surface concentration of electroactive and inactive species decreases with an increase of frequency, but for the inactive species this process is faster than that for the electroactive species. The influence of the inactive species on the surface concentration of electroactive species decreases at high frequencies and at low rate constants of the preceding chemical reaction. The results obtained shed the light on complex dynamics at an electrode/electrolyte interface under non-stationary conditions.
Features of BET method application to various adsorbents
Authors:   Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Gun'ko V. M.
Published: September 2022

For various adsorbents, especially nanoporous, there is an applicability problem of the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method using nitrogen as a probe adsorbate. Therefore, the nitrogen adsorption (a(p/p0)) isotherms in several pressure ranges of the BET method at p/p0 = 0.05–0.3, 0.06–0.22, and narrower are analyzed for a large set (about 200 samples) of essentially different adsorbents such as fumed oxides (individual, binary and ternary, initial and modified), porous silicas, activated carbons and porous polymers. Graphitized carbon black ENVI–Carb composed of nonporous nanoparticles aggregated into microparticles is used as a standard adsorbent characterized by the standard area occupied by nitrogen molecule σm(N2) = 0.162 nm2. For initial nanooxides composed of nonporous nanoparticles, the standard value of σm = 0.162 nm2 results in the overestimation of the SBET values by ca. 10 % because of non-parallel-to-surface orientation of slightly polarized N2 molecules interacting with polar surface functionalities (e.g., various hydroxyls). For nanooxides modified by low- and high-molecular (linear, 2D and 3D polymers and proteins) compounds, the overestimation of SBET at σm = 0.162 nm2 could reach 30 %, as well as for some activated carbons. For adsorbents possessing nanopores (at half-width x or radius R < 1 nm) and narrow mesopores (1 nm < R < 3 nm), an overlap of monolayer and multilayer sorption (giving apparent underestimation of SBET at σm = 0.162 nm2) and non-parallel-to-surface orientation of the N2 molecules (causing σm lower than 0.162 nm2) could lead to various location of the normalized nitrogen adsorption isotherms (in the BET range) with respect to that for ENVI–Carb. It could be characterized by positive or negative values of the BET constant cBET. Two main criteria showing the inapplicability or applicability of the BET method (with nitrogen as a probe) related to the cBET values and a course of reduced adsorption a´(1- p/p0) vs. p/p0 in the BET range could not be in agreement for adsorbents, which are not pure nanoporous, but they are in agreement for pure nanoporous or meso/macroporous adsorbents
Physical and chemical factors influencing the porosity of apatite-biopolymer composites
Authors:   Sumy State University Ukraine, Sukhodub L. F. , Sukhodub L. B. ,   Sumy State University Ukraine, Kumeda M. O. ,   Sumy State University Ukraine
Published: September 2022

The undamaged structure and functionality of the skeleton are a prerequisite for ensuring the quality of human life. The introduction of the latest treatment methods and prosthetics in traumatic surgery, oncology, cranial surgery, and dentistry form a demand for biomaterials with functionalized properties. The growth of new bone tissue is a cell-regulated process based on creating a specific bone morphology, which combines the organic matrix and its inorganic content. The inorganic component of human bones and teeth is calcium deficiency hydroxyapatite (cdHA), with a molar ratio of Ca/P ranging from 1.5 to 1.67. The combination of cdHA and natural polymers in the material allows the incorporation of proteins and growth factors into the polymer matrix. It promotes biocompatibility and the growth of new bone tissue. This review considers the critical role of the porosity parameter of biomaterials (BM) in their use for bone regeneration. Porosity is an essential characteristic of BM and guarantees the interaction of the material with cells in bone formation, promoting vascularization and the process of biosorption of synthetic graft when it is replaced by newly formed native bone. At the same time, the degree of porosity should correlate with mechanical stability to maintain the structural integrity of BM in the process of hard tissue regeneration. Processes involving cells and proteins during BM implantation with both high (70–80 %) and low (≤ 45 %) degrees of porosity are considered. Data on existing methods of obtaining BM in porous scaffolds are given. The specified degree of porosity is provided by chemical (cross-linking) and physical (sublimation) methods. The effects of pores of different sizes and shapes on bone formation and vascularization are considered. It is shown that porosity is an influential factor influencing the mechanical properties of scaffolds, in particular, the stiffness of BM - a parameter that affects the proliferation of osteoblasts by regulating cell adhesion in the scaffold structure. The influence of the biopolymer component (Sodium Alginate - AN) on the porosity and swelling of hybrid apatite-biopolymer (HA/AN) composites, in which nanometric needle crystallites represent HA, is analyzed in detail.
Effect of supromolecular interactions with cationic surfactant decamethoxine on adsorption of curcumine on highly dispersed silica
Authors:   Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Lipkovska N. O. , Barvinchenko V. M. ,   Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: September 2022

Curcumin, a sparingly soluble polyphenol of plant origin, has antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antidiabetic and antimicrobial properties. Currently, an important task is the development of medicinal composites based on curcumin, which provide an increase in its solubility and, accordingly, bioavailability. The aim of the work is to determine the optimal conditions for the adsorption of curcumin on the surface of a silica enterosorbent as soluble supramolecular complexes with a cationic dimeric surfactant decamethoxine. The UV/Vis spectroscopy data indicate that supramolecular interactions with decamethoxine lead to changes in the spectral characteristics of curcumin in solutions and on silica surface. The bathochromic shift of the absorption spectrum of curcumin in decamethoxine solutions characterizes the polarization of its carbonyl group in supramolecular complexes. The hypsochromic shift in the absorption spectra of curcumin adsorbed from decamethoxine solutions on silica is explained by the violation of its conjugated π-bond system, resulted probably from the change in the spatial orientation of the curcumin molecule at the adsorption of its complexes on the sorbent surface. Curcumin is adsorbed on highly dispersed silica much more effectively from decamethoxine solutions than from aqueous solutions. The adsorption of curcumin is maximal (92 %) at a concentration of decamethoxine 0.002 M, and decreases sharply to 9 % in the micellar region of concentrations (≥ 0.008 M). The dependence of curcumin adsorption on decamethoxine concentration is described by a domed curve, which indicates a significant contribution of hydrophobic interactions to the formation of supramolecular complexes of curcumin with cationic surfactant and their adsorption on silica surface. The results obtained are of practical importance and can be used in the development of new, more effective medicines containing bioactive curcumin, antiseptic decamethoxine and silica enterosorbent.
Chemical activation of walnut shells with calcium acetate. Mesoporous structure and adsorption efficiency of ovalbumin
Authors:   Institute for Sorption and Endoecology Problems of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Sych N. V. , Vikarchuk V. M. ,   Institute for Sorption and Endoecology Problems of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kotyns’ka L. I. ,   Institute for Sorption and Endoecology Problems of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Tsyba N. N. ,   Institute for Sorption and Endoecology Problems of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kupchyk L. A. ,   Institute for Sorption and Endoecology Problems of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Lysenko A. O. ,   Institute for Sorption and Endoecology Problems of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: September 2022

The paper considers an approach to the processing of waste of agro-industrial raw materials due to chemical activation. To obtain a sorption material, waste was used, which is the shell of Juglansregia walnuts. The aim of the work was to develop adsorbents from walnut shells with a large proportion of mesopores, to determine the parameters of the porous structure and to study their adsorption capability to absorb egg albumin as a marker of medium molecular toxins of a protein nature. Activated carbon samples with a high mesopore content (550 m2/g) were obtained by combined activation of the feedstock. The sorption of one of the obtained samples and, for comparison, the medical product SORBEX was studied by the spectrophotometric method, and its effectiveness was proved in the absorption of egg albumin from aqueous solutions. The significant capability of the obtained sample to sorb protein (35–38 mg/g) was shown, it has been assumed that in the process of sorption, macromolecules are concentrated near the inlets into the pores of the adsorbent. It can be stated that the adsorption of albumin increases in proportion to the increase in the specific surface area of the mesopore. Using the obtained sorption isotherms, the parameters of adsorption processes were calculated. Adsorption isotherms were calculated using the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. It is shown that the maximum adsorption values calculated using the Langmuir equation are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Comparative Effectiveness of Dexamethasone Versus Prednisone in Children Hospitalized With Acute Croup
Authors: Jiang Wen , Hall Matt , Berry Jay G.
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness of dexamethasone versus prednisone or prednisolone on hospital resource utilization for children hospitalized with acute croup.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of the Pediatric Health Information System database on children aged 6 months to <6 years who were hospitalized with acute croup between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. Children with a chronic complex condition, transferred from outside hospital, and/or received direction admission to ICU were excluded. Propensity score matching was used to compare length of stay (in hours), escalation of care to ICU, and the need for bronchoscopy with exposure to dexamethasone versus prednisone or prednisolone. We also compared rates of 7 day return to the emergency department and readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 11 740 hospitalizations met inclusion criteria; dexamethasone was used in 95.9%; prednisone or prednisolone was used in 4.1%. In the matched cohort (n = 960), the length of stay was not significantly different between the dexamethasone and prednisone or prednisolone groups (21.3 vs 18.5 hours, P = .35). Although the rates bronchoscopy did not differ between the 2 groups, the dexamethasone cohort was more likely to require ICU transfer (P = .007). The rates of 7-day emergency department returns (2.3% vs 1.3%, P = .24) and readmissions (3.1% vs. 2.1%, P = .37) were low and not statistically different.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospital resource utilization did not differ significantly for children receiving dexamethasone or prednisone or prednisolone for acute croup. Both corticosteroids may be considered reasonable choices for the treatment of children hospitalized with acute croup.
La producción turística del Impenetrable chaqueño: avanzadas capitalistas, naturaleza y territorio
Authors: Quevedo Cecilia , Giordano Mariana
Published: September 2022

Desde fines del siglo xix el Impenetrable chaqueño (Argentina) ha sido un espacio fronterizo y el escenario de diversas estrategias públicas y privadas de explotación extractiva, de conflictos por la tierra e intervención social. Actualmente, y como consecuencia del corrimiento de la frontera agropecuaria, la porción que le corresponde a la Provincia del Chaco es un territorio disputado por dos avanzadas capitalistas: el turismo y el agronegocio. En este contexto, el artículo aborda los discursos y prácticas estatales involucradas en la construcción de una marca y destino turístico. Atendiendo a la densidad histórica en la construcción del paisaje y su planificación, indagamos en la permeabilidad de imágenes nucleares en dos figuras institucionales de las políticas turísticas contemporáneas: el Parque Nacional El Impenetrable (gestión nacional) y el Master Plan El Impenetrable (gestión provincial). Se postula que ambos proyectos se desarrollan en el despliegue de una tercera avanzada histórica sobre una geografía subordinada. De este modo, en la investigación se identifican tres ejes de análisis relacionales: a) los imaginarios históricos proyectados sobre el Impenetrable como naturaleza exuberante y actualizados desde actores heterogéneos e intereses público-privados asociados al desarrollo turístico; b) la producción simbólica del paisaje a partir de la explotación turística del monte y los discursos conservacionistas sobre el patrimonio natural; finalmente, c) la producción espacial del Estado imponiendo nuevos sentidos territoriales, dispositivos de mostración de experiencias y marcadores espaciales. Como resultado, el artículo explora la configuración de una experiencia turística en torno al Impenetrable basada, por un lado, en el vínculo entre el paisaje natural y una geografía históricamente subordinada dentro de la política turística nacional y provincial; y por otro, en la invisibilización de conflictos sociales, desigualdades y discrepancias locales frente a la novedosa estrategia participativa de avance del capital y a la promesa renovada de desarrollo regional.
Representaciones sociales sobre el “Proyecto de vida” de jóvenes indígenas. Machacamarca y La Paz (ciudad)
Authors: Rivero Herrera Estrella Virna
Published: September 2022

Este artículo es el resultado de un año de investigación en terreno (trabajo de campo) y gabinete (análisis documental). El objetivo general fue identificar las representaciones sociales sobre el proyecto de vida de los jóvenes indígenas en dos poblaciones, una ubicada en la provincia de Machacamarca y otra en la ciudad de La Paz. Se utilizó el marco teórico-metodológico representaciones sociales, desde el enfoque cualitativo, tipo exploratorio y un diseño transversal no experimental. Las técnicas utilizadas fueron la asociación libre de palabras, y la técnica de composición.
Se realizó un estudio comparativo entre proyectos de vida de jóvenes indígenas en diferentes contextos educativos. Los resultados nos muestran que a pesar de que el origen de estos dos grupos es el mismo (autóctonos), así como el rango de edad (culminación de la adolescencia) hay diferencias significativas en los proyectos de vida. Algunas variables que se toman en cuenta para entender las diferencias representacionales son autoestima y desempeño educativo. El grupo de estudiantes que está cursando el primer año de Universidad es de los más destacados en sus provincias. El grupo de Machacamarca tiene un desempeño promedio de mayor autodidactismo, con una perspectiva de descubrimiento científico. El grupo de Machacamarca se encuentra en el último año de colegiatura en su comunidad (a tres meses de ser bachiller), el otro grupo se encuentra cursando el primer año de universidad en la ciudad. El grupo Machacamarca pertenece a una sola comunidad, mientras que el grupo de la universidad es procedente de varias comunidades rurales, sin embargo, tienen en común que ambos grupos son aymaras rurales. El grupo más joven tiene proyectos de vida a corto plazo (2 a 3 años), mientras que los más grandes tienen proyectos a mediano plazo (hasta 7 años). Los jóvenes que tienen oportunidades muestran mayor compromiso con su comunidad. En el primer grupo la representación social es “estudiar” y en el segundo grupo es “esfuerzo”, en este último caso se trata de que una vez insertos, y viendo la realidad de la migración, el esfuerzo imbrica todos los niveles de decisión para poder desarrollarse.
Negros etíopes, negros americanos, negros salvajes. Ideas de libertad y representación de “los negros”
Authors: Montaña Mestizo Enver Vladimir
Published: September 2022

El texto busca demostrar que las ideas cambiantes y diversas de libertad permiten ver y contrastar el cambio histórico de la representación social de la gente denominada “negra”. Como primera medida se analiza la diferenciación que existió en los siglos xv y xvi de las voces negro y etíope, que no sinónimos, y cuya diferenciación y cambio histórico nos invita a mirar con más atención las imágenes sociales del siglo de oro español y a establecer contrastes con el barroco americano. Después se analizan las representaciones, ilustradas y románticas, construidas durante el siglo xviii que inyectaron el factor de las “pasiones” y de la ausencia/presencia de “espíritu” en las ideas de humanización/deshumanización de “los negros”; la existencia de gentes de pasiones desbordantes y de pobreza espiritual conllevaría a la emergencia de nuevos factores de legitimación para ejercer gobierno, control y esclavización. A continuación, el texto sugiere que el desarrollo de la historia natural, la zoología, la anatomía y las fisiologías humana y animal, convergieron con el tránsito postcolonial, llevando a la construcción de una imagen del “negro” cada vez más relacionada con la manumisión; pero también con la representación de un negro neo-salvaje, y el papel que ese exabrupto habría de tener en las guerras coloniales en América y en la propia liberación de las nuevas naciones. La liberación política es inseparable de la liberación corporal, espiritual y pasional, y de esta manera el gobierno autónomo del cuerpo y del espíritu iría afectando la construcción de un proyecto nacional que tendía a ver un cuerpo (negro) exuberante, animalesco y neosalvaje. A través de este panorama histórico de larga duración quiere demostrarse que la imagen de “el negro” ha sido un escenario de luchas de representación en las cuales constantemente se liberaban y cautivaban nuevos significados, usos y funciones de “el negro”, que a su vez iban (¿van?) generando nuevas ideas del cómo liberar y cautivizar a ese otro negro cuya libertad ha sido —desde varios, diversos, hegemónicos y contradictorios puntos de vista— históricamente puesta en duda.
A instrução pública em Condorcet e suas vicissitudes
Authors: Boto Carlota , Souza Leonardo Marques de
Published: September 2022

RESUMO O projeto objetiva abordar a obra educacional de Condorcet a partir de dois problemas. O primeiro é a relação entre os princípios educacionais do autor, como: liberdade, laicidade, gratuidade e universalidade de ensino. O segundo é a comparação entre as suas duas obras: Cinco Memórias Sobre a Instrução Pública e Instrução Pública e Organização do Ensino, tendo em vista analisar semelhanças e diferenças entre ambas. Buscamos a comparação entre as obras devido à dissonância na literatura sobre o tema, pois, enquanto Cahen afirma que não há qualquer diferença substancial entre as duas obras, Albertone destaca que, em uma compração entre as duas obras, o Projeto parece ter maior sensibilidade social do que as Memórias, demonstrando, assim, uma descontinuidade entre as obras.
Public education in Condorcet’s work and its vicissitude
Authors: Boto Carlota , Souza Leonardo Marques de
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACT The project aims to address the educational work of Condorcet from two problems. The first is the relationship between the educational principles of the author, such as freedom, secularism, gratuity and universality of teaching. The second is the comparison between his two works: Cinco Memórias Sobre a Instrução Pública and Instrução Pública e Organização do Ensino, in order to analyze similarities and differences between the two. We seek to compare those works because of the dissonance in the literature on the subject, for while Cahen states that there is no substantial difference between the two works, Albertone highlights that, in a comparison between the two works, the Project seems to have greater social sensitivity than the Memoirs, thus demonstrating a discontinuity between the works.
Heat capacity and thermodynamic functions of alloys of the Pb–Zn system
Authors:   Institute of Chemistry named after V.I. NikitinNational Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan,, Navruzov Khurshed P. , Ganiev Izatullo N. ,   Institute of Chemistry named after V.I. NikitinNational Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan,, Khayrullo Amonullo ,   Institute of Chemistry named after V.I. NikitinNational Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan,, Eshov Bakhtiyor B. ,   State Scientific Institution "Center for Research of Innovative Technologies under the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan", Mulloeva Nukra M. ,   State Scientific Institution "Center for Research of Innovative Technologies under the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan"
Published: September 2022

In the “cooling” mode, by comparing the cooling curves of the standard (Pb grade C00) and the samples under study, the effect of lead alloying with zinc additions on the heat capacity and thermodynamic functions of alloys was studied. The calculations were carried out using computer technology and the Sigma Plot program. The performed studies have shown that with increasing temperature and the amount of zinc, the heat capacity, heat transfer coefficient, enthalpy and entropy of alloys increase, while the Gibbs energy value decreases
Spectrophotometric determination of lanthanum (III) with arsenal III in the presence of alkylbenzenesulfonic acid
Authors:   Institute of Technical Chemistry Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Zabolotnykh Svetlana A. , Denisova Svetlana A. ,   Perm State University
Published: September 2022

The possibility of spectrophotometric determination of lanthanum (III) with the organic dye Arsenazo III in the presence of anionic surfactant alkylbenzenesulfonic was considered. The effect of sulfuric acid and alkylbenzenesulfonic acid on the type and position of the electronic absorption spectra of the lanthanum with arsenazo III complex was established. The optimal conditions for photometric analysis (light absorption maxima, optimal pH value, linearity range of the calibration graph, molar absorption coefficient) were found. According to the proposed method, the content of lanthanum in the solution after its precipitation with alkylbenzenesulfonic acid was determined.