bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of patients with adrenal insufficiency and frequent adrenal crises
Authors: Quinkler Marcus , Murray Robert D , Zhang Pinggao , Marelli Claudio , Petermann Robert , Isidori Andrea M , Ekman Bertil , _ _
Published: March 2021

Objective

This study aimed to characterize the clinical and biochemical features of patients with primary (PAI) and secondary (SAI) adrenal insufficiency who developed adrenal crises (ACs) and estimate the incidence of ACs in these patients.

Design

Retrospective case-control analysis of the European Adrenal Insufficiency Registry (EU-AIR; NCT01661387).

Methods

Two thousand six hundred and ninety-four patients with AI (1054 PAI; 1640 SAI) enrolled in EU-AIR. Patients who developed ≥ 1 AC were matchd 1:3 with patients without ACs for age, sex and AI type. Data were collected at baseline and follow-up (mean ± s.d.: PAI 3.2 ± 1.7 years; SAI 2.9 ± 1.7 years).

Results

One hundred and forty-eight out of 2694 patients (5.5%; n  = 84 PAI; n  = 64 SAI) had an AC during the study: 6.53 (PAI) and 3.17 (SAI) ACs/100 patient-years. Of patients who experienced an AC, 16% (PAI) and 9.4% (SAI) experienced ≥ 1 AC/year. The incidence of adverse events, infectious intercurrent illnesses and infectious serious adverse events were higher in patients with ACs than without ACs. No differences were observed in BMI, HbA1c, blood pressure and frequencies of diabetes mellitus or hypertension between subgroups (PAI and SAI, with and without ACs). At baseline, PAI patients with AC had higher serum potassium (4.3 ± 0.5 vs 4.2 ± 0.4 mmol/L; P = 0.03) and lower sodium (138.5 ± 3.4 vs 139.7 ± 2.9 mmol/L; P = 0.004) than patients without AC. At last observation, SAI patients with AC had higher hydrocortisone doses than patients without AC (11.9 ± 5.1 vs 10.1 ± 2.9 mg/m2; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that concomitant diseases and cardiovascular risk factors do not feature in the risk profile of AC; however, patients with AC had a higher incidence of infectious events.
The Human Genome Project: the Beginning of the Beginning
Authors: S. Waterman Michael
Published: March 2021

In May 1985 there was at University of California Santa Cruz an influential meeting that was the first serious discussion of sequencing the entire human genome. The author was one of the participants and described the meeting and related issues.
Anomalous Right Coronary Artery Arising from the Pulmonary Artery with Associated Enlargement of the Left Coronary Artery: A Case Report
Authors: Su Yueqiu , Cao Zhongze , Ling Yunfei , Qian Yong jun
Published: March 2021

An anomalous right coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery (ARCAPA) is among the least common form of congenital coronary anomalies, accounted for the incidence of only 0.002% in the general population. Most ARCAPA patients have no symptoms but may develop myocardial ischemia. Surgical correction of the anomaly is recommended to prevent subsequent fatal outcomes.
Here, we reported a case of a 2-year-old female child initially hospitalized for diarrhea, but later diagnosed with an ARCAPA through echocardiogram and computed tomography. Surgical reimplantation of the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery to the ascending aorta was performed. The patient recovered well from the surgery with no postoperative complications. In the follow-up assessments, normal coronary function and myocardial effusion were demonstrated.
Correlation Between Vasoactive-Inotropic Score and Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiovascular Surgery
Authors: Hou Kelong , Chen Qi , Zhu Xiaojie , Shen Xiao , Zou Lei , Mu Xinwei , Sun Xiangdong
Published: March 2021

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of cardiovascular surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between Vasoactive-Inotropic Score (VIS) and postoperative acute kidney injury in adult patients with cardiovascular surgery.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 1935 adult patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery between September 2017 and May 2019. The data of patients included demographic data, laboratory findings, intraoperative details, and postoperative clinical outcomes. We calculated VIS-max by using the highest doses of vasoactive and inotropic medications during the first 24h after cardiovascular surgery. Logistic regression model was used to evaluate whether the VIS-max was independently associated with postoperative AKI. Additionally, improvements in risk reclassification and discrimination were evaluated by calculating the net reclassification improvement (NRI), C-index and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) with the addition of the VIS-max to a baseline model of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score for analyzing the association of VIS-max with postoperative AKI.
Results: In 1935 patients, 291 patients (15.0%) developed postoperative AKI from the second to seventh day after cardiovascular surgery, and 30 patients (1.6%) needed renal replacement therapy (RRT). In 291 patients with AKI, 3 patients (0.2%) with AKI class 1, 12 patients (0.6%) with AKI class 2, and 15 patients (0.8%) with AKI class 3 needed RRT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that VIS-max was associated with postoperative AKI (odds ratio [OR]: 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-1.34, P < 0.001) and the need for RRT in AKI patients (OR: 1.29, 95%CI: 1.01-1.83, P = 0.007). The area under the ROC curves (AUROC) of VIS-max combining STS score for predicting postoperative AKI (AUROC: 0.84, 95%CI: 0.81-0.87, P < 0.001) and need of RRT (AUROC: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.86-0.96, P < 0.001) significantly were higher than the AUC of VIS-max, STS score and EuroSCORE. Inclusion of VIS-max into basic risk model of STS score provided an increase in all indexes of prognostic accuracy for postoperative AKI and need of RRT: C-statistic: 0.721, NRI: 21.8%, IDI: 4.9%; and C-statistic: 0.745, NRI: 24.7%, IDI: 5.6%, respectively.
Conclusion: VIS-max is an independent predictor of postoperative AKI in adult patients after cardiovascular surgery and increases prognostic accuracy of STS score, allowing a risk reclassification.
Genotypes of the Cacoecia Podana Sc. Larvae in the Aes-1 Esterase Locus Differ in Their Food Micro-Niches
Authors: Simchuk Andriy
Published: March 2021

Intergenotypic differentiation of trophic niche was studied in the system “apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) - Cacoecia podana Sc.”. C. podana larvae, carried alternative Aes-1 genotypes, were found to prefer host plant leaves, differing by length and stiffness, in their diets. Trophic micro-niches for each genotype coincided with the whole population niche in width, but differed by their optimums. There data are discussed in respect to the herbivore food specialization and population dynamics.
Max Weber at the turn of the millennium: a new generation, new (epistemo) logics
Authors: Golikov Alexander
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the Max Weber’s position in sociology and philosophy and the position of sociology and philosophy in relation to Max Weber at the turn of the millennium. The author addresses a number of aspects of Weber’s theory (epistemology, axiology, ontology at the microlevel and at the macrolevel), well known and studied in sociology, in order to produce a holistic picture of Max Weber’s conceptual and methodological proposals in terms of their epistemological perspective. In addition, the article examines the currently missed opportunities of Weber’s concept and theorizing, in particular, the paradox of sociological and philosophical discourses, the study of economic action, etc. The author using a wide range of analysts and concepts of Western (E. Troeltsch, J. Habermas, J. Kaube, W. Schluchter, S. Kalberg, T. Schwinn, H. Joas, J. Vahland, K. Palonen) and post-Soviet (Yu Davydov, L. Titarenko, S. Zolyan, T. Dmitriev) sociologists and philosophers, as well as analyzing a number of works of the German philosopher and sociologist himself, demonstrates the heuristic potential of Weber’s developments in various dimensions. The topics of the origins and roots of the Weberian concept, its methodology of science, the social status of science from Weber’s point of view, the place of enchantment in social and epistemological processes, the relationship between motive and meaning, the problem of administrative power and utility, human rights in Weber’s optics and macrohistorical logic in his research are touched upon. The author also draws attention to the connection between Weber’s socio-political and worldview position with his epistemological developments, his scientific and academic activities. Analogies are drawn between the situations of the early XX and early XXI centuries with the demonstration of the possibilities of Weber’s experience in the modern socio-cultural and historical situation.
Man's vocation as a topic of Weber's thought
Authors: Mulyarchuk Eugene
Published: March 2021

The article explicates the significance of M. Weber’s works for understanding of calling as an important world view idea of the European culture. The author observes Weber’s analysis of forming of the notion of calling in the times of ancient Egypt state and Judaic captivity as well as in the Old Testament and its interpretations by M. Luther. Particularly significant for the understanding of social processes during the Reformation in Europe and then in America became Weber’s analysis of the transformation of the religious meaning of calling as “task” and “mission” of a man in the world into the motivation for a practical professional activity. The study shows the ways of implementation of Weber’s theory of social action and political leadership within the concept of calling. The internal collision of the experience of calling is explicated by the examples of charismatic leadership, responsibility of a politician and ethos of a scientist. Combination of affective motivation, value and target oriented rationality in the calling forms the problem for a decision, although this complexity is a driving force of the realization of calling by a person. The philosophical and theological substratum of the Weber’s concept of calling is his looking for the integration of temporal and eternal dimensions in human existence. Calling as an idea of postreformational European culture serves for finding and realization of the meaning of personal life as well as for legitimation of social action. Especially this idea grounds the possibility and necessity of conciliation of the ethics of conviction and the ethics of responsibility in individual as well as in social existence and morality.
Information technology for monitoring of efficiency of energy consumption in technological systems
Authors:   Pukhov Institute for Modelling in Energy Engineering, NAS of Ukraine, O.V. Bohdanov , B.M. Pleskach ,   Pukhov Institute for Modelling in Energy Engineering, NAS of Ukraine
Published: March 2021

The article proposes an approach to monitoring the efficiency of consumption of energy resources in technological systems, which is based on observing the precedents of stationary energy consumption. This approach allows us to adapt to the local conditions of the technological system and to detect in a timely manner any disturbances of the technological process that lead to unexpected energy losses. The peculiarity of energy monitoring based on observing and fixing the precedents of stationary conditions of energy consumption consists of the formation of precedent images in the form of stochastic estimates of factors of influence on energy consumption and subsequent processing by methods of artificial intelligence.
Results of testing, research and analysis of the basic clustering algorithms of numerical data sets
Authors:   Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University, R.M. Trokhymchuk
Published: March 2021

This work is devoted to the testing, research and comparative analysis of the most well-known and widely used methods and algorithms for clustering numerical data sets. Multidimensional scaling was applied to evaluate the results of solving the clustering problem by visualizing datasets at all stages of the implementation of the studied algorithms. All algorithms were tested for artificial and real data sets. As a result, for each of the investigated algorithms, the main characteristics were formulated in the form of their relative strengths and weaknesses. Based on the test results, conclusions and recommendations for using these algorithms are formulated.
Equivalence Curves for Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Authors: Ng Emily , Wake Melissa , Olds Timothy , Lycett Kate , Edwards Ben , Le Ha , Dumuid Dorothea
Published: March 2021

In this population-based cohort of 1179 children 11 to 12 years of age, equivalent benefits to adiposity and HRQoL were associated with different changes (trade-offs) in activities.

BACKGROUND

Understanding equivalence of time-use trade-offs may inform tailored lifestyle choices. We explored which time reallocations were associated with equivalent changes in children’s health outcomes.

METHODS

Participants were from the cross-sectional Child Health CheckPoint Study (N = 1181; 11–12 years; 50% boys) nested within the population-based Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Outcomes were adiposity (bioelectrical impedance analysis, BMI and waist girth), self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL; Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory), and academic achievement (standardized national tests). Participants’ 24-hour time use (sleep, sedentary behavior, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]) from 8-day 24-hour accelerometry was regressed against outcomes by using compositional log-ratio linear regression models.

RESULTS

Children with lower adiposity and higher HRQoL had more MVPA (both P < .001) and sleep (P = .002; P = .008), and less sedentary time (P = .02; P = .001) and light physical activity (P < .001; P = .04), each relative to remaining activities. Children with better academic achievement had more sedentary time (P = .03) and less light physical activity (P = .006), each relative to remaining activities. A 0.1 standardized decrease in adiposity was associated with either 55 minutes more sleep, 89 minutes less sedentary time, 34 minutes less light physical activity, or 19 minutes more MVPA. A 0.1 standardized increase in HRQoL was associated with either 64 minutes more sleep, 65 minutes less sedentary time, 72 minutes less light physical activity, or 29 minutes more MVPA.

CONCLUSIONS

Equivalent differences in outcomes were associated with several time reallocations. On a minute-for-minute basis, MVPA was 2 to 6 times as potent as sleep or sedentary time.
Política fiscal subnacional y ciclos económicos regionales: análisis para el caso de los departamentos en Colombia, 2000-2016
Authors: Urrea Bermudez Andres Felipe , Chamorro Narvaez Raul Alberto , Santos Ospina Andres Camilo
Published: March 2021

En este documento se analiza la sensibilidad de un conjunto de variables fiscales con respecto a la brecha del PIB departamental, medida como la diferencia entre el crecimiento observado y su crecimiento de largo plazo. Por medio de un modelo de datos panel con efectos fijos y temporales se encontró que tanto los ingresos totales como las transferencias de las gobernaciones tendieron a ser procíclicas frente a la brecha del PIB durante el periodo 2000-2016, en contravía de la expectativa empírica. Por su parte, el recaudo propio y los gastos totales evidenciaron aciclicidad. Estos resultados sugieren limitaciones de la política fiscal departamental en Colombia para atenuar los efectos derivados de los ciclos económicos; aspecto deseable para lograr una estabilidad en la provisión de bienes y servicios públicos a su cargo.
Impacto de IED en la productividad y salarios en México
Authors: Lengyel-Almos Krisztina E. , Alamilla-Gachuz Idalid , Cervantes-Siurob María del Carmen
Published: March 2021

Este artículo analiza el impacto de algunas variables de interés sobre la Inversión Extranjera Directa —IED— en el sector manufacturero mexicano para el periodo 2007-2018. Se busca mostrar el impacto de IED recibida en este sector sobre la productividad medida en las horas trabajadas en la industria manufacturera y por la capacidad de planta, las remuneraciones pagadas al personal ocupado en establecimientos manufactureros, los salarios al personal obrero y técnico, los salarios pagados al personal administrativo y el número de personal ocupado. Se desarrollaron cuatro modelos aplicando el método de Mínimos Cuadrados Ordinarios, los primeros dos estimando seis variables, uno de ellos aplicando logaritmos; los otros dos modelos contemplando solamente las variables significativas de cada uno de ellos con el fin de simplificar el modelo. El modelo inicial aplicando logaritmos resultó más robusto. Los hallazgos confirman una relación positiva de la productividad del sector manufacturero, el número de personal ocupado y los salarios de obreros y técnicos sobre la IED.
El excedente económico en economías periféricas: una perspectiva teórica desde los aportes de Baran, Prebisch y Furtado
Authors: Rubio García Manuel Alejandro , Castaño Salas Santiago
Published: March 2021

En la teórica económica, la perspectiva del excedente económico —EE— tiene una doble importancia en las economías periféricas. En primer lugar, su esquema teórico incorpora la cuestión del patrón de desarrollo, esto es, el análisis del grado de cambio en las estructuras productivas y ocupacionales, y en correspondencia, de las transformaciones tanto en la distribución del ingreso como en el perfil de la inserción externa de una formación social dada (Vera, 2013). En segundo lugar, esta perspectiva teórica permite el análisis histórico de diferentes patrones de desarrollo, cuya explicación está centrada en el perfil del conflicto distributivo. En el presente artículo se realiza una exposición de la perspectiva del excedente económico desde las perspectivas de Baran, Prebisch y Furtado para las economías periféricas, así como también, una aproximación al análisis del grado de desarrollo a partir de la noción de fases de transformación productiva. Se concluye que la perspectiva del EE es útil para comprender el grado de diversificación productiva a partir de la interacción entre puja distributiva —apropiación y uso del EE— y las formas de acumulación de capital.
La compasión como eje de una ética de la razón cordial en la comunicación mediada por tecnologías
Authors: Quintero Velásquez Juan Carlos
Published: March 2021

El artículo aborda la pregunta por la fundamentación de una acción ética de y desde las tecnologías de la comunicación a partir del sentimiento moral de la compasión. Así, se examina su naturaleza como sentimiento y a la vez como juicio, con lo cual quedaría en capacidad de constituirse en presupuesto de una ética discursiva que, complementada por el sentimiento compasivo, se convierta en una ética de la razón cordial, capaz de dinamizar y consolidar vínculos solidarios desde las interacciones mediadas por las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación.
Food-induced anaphylaxis in children – state of art
Authors:   Allergology and Pulmonology Department, Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Regional Branch in Rabka-Zdrój, Rabka-Zdrój, Poland, Błażowski Łukasz ,   Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszów, Poland,   Paediatric and Allergology Department, Specialist Hospital, Jasło, Poland, Kurzawa Ryszard ,   Allergology and Pulmonology Department, Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Regional Branch in Rabka-Zdrój, Rabka-Zdrój, Poland, Majak Paweł ,   Department of Paediatric Pneumonology, Department of Paediatrics No. 3, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
Published: March 2021

Food-induced anaphylaxis is the most frequent type of anaphylaxis and the most common cause of fatal acute hypersensitivity reactions in children. It typically occurs after accidental food exposure, after inhalation of food allergen, cutaneous contact and controlled oral food challenge. There is no consensus on a universal clinical definition of anaphylaxis or a uniform symptoms severity score. Recent advances in molecular allergology allow, in many cases, the detailed identification of the allergenic molecule responsible for anaphylaxis. Along with the development of precision medicine, new phenotypes and endotypes of anaphylaxis are being defined. The anaphylaxis course is entirely unpredictable, and even initially mild symptoms may herald a potentially fatal reaction. At the same time, a significant proportion of immediate food hypersensitivity episodes are mild and known as systemic allergic reactions. The occurrence and severity of clinical course of food-induced anaphylaxis are influenced by factors related directly to the child, coexisting diseases, the type and the nature of the allergen, or the presence of cofactors. The unpredictable course of anaphylaxis justifies immediate treatment based on rapid intramuscular administration of adrenaline, regardless of severity. Delayed adrenaline administration is associated with higher incidence of severe course and death. Appropriate and prompt treatment of anaphylaxis is even more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic due to difficult access to medical facilities, hence current treatment plans for food-induced anaphylaxis emphasise the need to administer adrenaline immediately after the onset of the first, even mild, but rapidly progressive symptoms and recommend that the patient have at least two adrenaline autoinjectors.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids in reducing cardiovascular risk
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland, Kołodziejczyk Maciej , Bułdak Łukasz ,   Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland, Okopień Bogusław ,   Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
Published: March 2021

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these diseases are one of the major challenges in modern medicine. Despite a large number of pharmacological agents significantly reducing the cardiovascular risk, it is still high in many patients. Due to the multifactorial aetiology and complex pathomechanism of cardiovascular diseases, the development of a more effective therapy remains an open issue. It was found in the 1980s that a diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in particular, was associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases. For this reason, polyunsaturated fatty acids have become the subject of many clinical trials aimed at understanding their mechanism of action and determining their exact impact on cardiovascular risk. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are known to affect many aspects that are key factors in the development of cardiovascular disease. They are characterised mainly by a positive effect on the structure and functioning of cell membranes, the ability to reduce inflammation and blood pressure, anticoagulant and antiplatelet effects, antiarrhythmic activity, the ability to improve myocardial contractility and a beneficial effect on the lipid profile. The latest analyses of the available clinical trials show that these compounds reduce cardiovascular risk in both primary and secondary prevention. Therefore, they represent a promising therapeutic option. It is worth noting that the effect seems to depend on the type of polyunsaturated fatty acids, their dose and individual factors. Nevertheless, this issue is extremely complex and requires further research to fully understand the mechanism of action and establish ideal therapeutic doses to improve patient prognosis.
Invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infection – a retrospective clinical analysis of 6 cases
Authors:   Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland, Grunert Maria , Malik Michalina ,   Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland, Lewandowska Kaja ,   Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland, Machura Edyta ,   Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
Published: March 2021

In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of invasive infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. The reasons for the observed increased prevalence of the disease are not entirely clear. The present study describes the cases of 6 children hospitalised over a course of one year with a diagnosis of invasive infection due to this pathogen. Three patients were diagnosed with acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and pneumonia (complicated by pleural empyema in 1 patient). Two patients had erysipelas (including one case of recurrent erysipelas), and 1 patient was found to have an abscess in the border area between the femur and soft tissues. The study analyses the clinical course of infection, and highlights the importance of diagnostic tests, particularly the antistreptolysin O titre test, in confirming the infection triggered by Streptococcus pyogenes.
Topical application of mitomycin C as an adjunct in treating subglottic stenosis
Authors:   Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia, Vengathajalam Selvamalar , Sinnathamby Periyathamby ,   Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Penang General Hospital, Georgetown 10990, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Mohamad Irfan ,   Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Published: March 2021

Topical application of mitomycin C is best used as an adjunct in airway surgeries together with combination of other modalities of endoscopic techniques such as excision, balloon dilatation and laser treatment in treating subglottic stenosis. We present a case of a 12-year-old boy who acquired Cotton–Myer grade 3 subglottic stenosis 6 months post endotracheal intubation. The stenotic segment was treated with cautery-assisted excision followed by balloon dilatation and topical application of mitomycin C at the raw area. The patient recovered well with improvement of airway diameter, no more symptoms, no more events of restenosis and without the need for multiple procedures.
Exploring the relationship between microdosing, personality and emotional insight: A prospective study
Authors: Dressler Hannah M. , Bright Stephen J. , Polito Vince
Published: March 2021

Backround and aims

Having entered the recent public and research zeitgeist, microdosing involves consuming sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic drugs, allegedly to enhance performance, creativity, and wellbeing. The results of research to date have been mixed. Whereas most studies have reported positive impacts of microdosing, some microdosers have also reported adverse effects. In addition, research to date has revealed inconsistent patterns of change in personality traits. This prospective study explored the relationship between microdosing, personality change, and emotional awareness.

Methods

Measures of personality and alexithymia were collected at two time points. 76 microdosers participated at baseline. Invitations to a follow-up survey were sent out after 31 days, and 24 participants were retained.

Results

Conscientiousness increased, while neuroticism decreased across these time points (n = 24). At baseline (N = 76), neuroticism was associated with alexithymia. In addition, neuroticism correlated negatively with duration of prior microdosing experience, and extraversion correlated positively with both duration of prior microdosing experience and lifetime number of microdoses.

Conclusion

These results suggest that microdosing might have an impact on otherwise stable personality traits.
Physical activity during pregnancy alters gene expression in neonatal tissue
Authors: Reynolds L.J. , Vsevolozhskaya O.A. , Rice B.B. , Chavan N.R. , Dugan A.J. , Maddox H.F. , Preston J.D. , DeHoff L.B. , O'Brien J.M. , Pearson K.J.
Published: March 2021

Reducing the risk of developing chronic disease, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, is an important component of successful aging. Offspring born to mothers who exercise during pregnancy have improved body composition and metabolic profiles. However, mechanisms to explain this phenomenon are lacking.

Purpose

This study examined whether maternal step counts were correlated with neonatal gene expression markers related to glucose metabolism and adipogenesis.

Methods

Physical activity levels were assessed in women with male neonates via Fitbit Flex® during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. The dartos and epidermal/dermal layers of the foreskin were collected following circumcision in full-term, singleton, neonates (n = 12 dartos and n = 14 dermal). Tissue was homogenized, RNA isolated, and a NanoString code set was run to quantify a panel of genes related to glucose metabolism and adipogenesis.

Results

Twelve genes were correlated to steps per day with a P-value of <0.05. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, six genes remained significantly correlated to steps per day (False Discovery Rate-corrected P-value < 0.10). Notably, glucose transporter 1, adiponectin receptor 1, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha and beta were positively correlated with steps per day, while peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1- alpha were negatively correlated with steps per day.

Conclusion

Maternal physical activity is associated with offspring gene expression markers of adipogenesis, insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Future studies should aim to mechanistically examine whether these markers are driving increased adiposity in offspring born to sedentary mothers.
Combined electro-thermal model for PV panels
Authors: Abdulrazzaq Ali Kareem , Bognár György , Plesz Balázs
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a combined electro-thermal model to serve the aim of accurate output power prediction of photovoltaic systems, based on the concept of the thermal energy balance. The electrical sub-model is built based on fitting a surface to the current-voltage curves collected under wide range temperatures and irradiances. For this purpose, the current-voltage characteristic curves are reproduced using two different methods. The thermal sub-model considers all the effective heat transfer mechanisms to estimate the photovoltaic module junction temperature. The Newton-Raphson iterative method is used as a solving algorithm to calculate the photovoltaic junction temperature. The collected results prove the applicability of the model under a wide range of environmental conditions.
Environmental labels and declarations in public policies of Poland
Authors:   Zakład Zarządzania Przedsiębiorstwem, Wydział Zarządzania, Politechnika Rzeszowska, Polska, Ziółkowski Bożydar
Published: March 2021

Wiele krajów implementuje do swojej polityki mechanizmy wspierające ekoznakowanie. W Unii Europejskiej zagadnienie ekoznakowania stało się przedmiotem szerszego zainteresowania po przyjęciu przez Komisję Europejską w roku 2015 planu działania na rzecz gospodarki o obiegu zamkniętym (Circular Economy Action Plan). Trwający obecnie proces transformacji UE w kierunku gospodarki o obiegu zamkniętym znajduje się na etapie diagnozy potrzeb społecznych oraz projektowania możliwych rozwiązań w polityce publicznej. Istotnym problemem prowadzonej debaty jest stosunkowo ogólne podejście do konsultowanych zagadnień, przy jednoczesnym braku analizy z perspektywy krajowej – dotyczy to także kontekstu ekoznakowania. Aby zmniejszyć lukę poznawczą ujawniającą się w procesie przedmiotowej deliberacji, celem niniejszego artykułu jest zbadanie oraz identyfikacja w obrębie krajowych polityk publicznych istniejących inicjatyw wsparcia programów ekoznakowania. Analiza kontekstowa dostępnych dokumentów dostarcza diagnozy niskiego zaawansowania interwencji publicznej w zakresie rozwoju etykiet i deklaracji środowiskowych na terenie Polski.
Mity dotyczące energii odnawialnej w opinii młodzieży województwa podkarpackiego
Authors:   Zakład Ekonomii, Wydział Zarządzania, Politechnika Rzeszowska, Polska, Woźniak Marian
Published: March 2021

Electricity is one of the factors shaping the quality of life of society. The Polish energy sector is to a large extent identified with fossil fuel used in conventional energy, based mainly on hard coal, which is not fully in line with the current energy policy of the European Union. Therefore, today it is necessary to use renewable energy more efficiently, which, in addition to the clearly indicated economic effect, also accentuates environmental effects. The purpose of the work is to show the opinions of young people aged 15–24 in terms of their awareness of the interpretation of myths about renewable energy, which is a key problem in the development of the modern energy sector, and to indicate the directions of development of the energy policy in Poland.
Aloe vera gel microcapsules and essential oils of thyme and oregano incorporated in spreadable goat cheese: impact on its microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory characteristics during storage
Authors: JIMBOREAN Mirela A. , BORŞA Andrei , MICHIU Delia , ROTAR Ancuta M. , SEMENIUC Cristina A. , POP Carmen R. , SALANŢĂ Liana C. , ŢIBULCĂ Dorin , BÂLTEANU Valentin A.
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to develop a new assortment of high-quality cream cheese, with a high amount of biologically active compounds, namely a spreadable cheese from goat milk with addition of Aloe vera microcapsules and essential oils of thyme and oregano. The research was focused on the testing and optimization of an appropriate manufacturing recipe for this new product. Two assortments were made: one with Aloe vera microcapsules and thyme essential oil and the other one with Aloe vera microcapsules and oregano essential oil. For each assortment two different concentrations of Aloe vera and essential oils were tested. The obtained products were analysed for organoleptic, physico-chemical (fat, protein, total dry matter, sodium chloride and acidity) and microbiological parameters. In terms of consumer preferences, the cream cheese with 3% microcapsules of Aloe vera gel and 0.018% thyme essential oil was the most appreciated in terms of commercial aspect, consistency, and taste. We concluded that the addition of Aloe vera microcapsules improves the sensory characteristics and leads to an increase nutritional value of the finished product. Also, the addition of essential oils (thyme and oregano) ensured a stable quality during storage.
Water-use efficiency and nitrogen uptake in rice seedlings grown under different light quality
Authors: CHEN Chang-Chang , HUANG Wen-Dar , YANG Zhi-Wei , YANG Chi-Ming , ROGERS Karyne
Published: March 2021

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars ‘Taichung shen 10’ (‘TCS10’) and ‘IR1552’ were hydroponically grown under different light conditions to investigate the effect of light quality on their biomass, transpiration, water-use efficiency (WUE), carbon isotope discrimination (Δ), seed nitrogen (N) contribution and nitrogen uptake ability from the hydroponic nutrient solutions. Light emitting diode (LED) lighting systems were used to control light quality. Different light treatments were applied to the rice seedlings including red (R), green (G), and blue light (B), with red + blue light (RB) as control. The photon flux density was set at 105 μmol m-2 s-1. WUE and Δ were combined to evaluate whole-plant WUE. Improved whole-plant WUE was observed for both cultivars under R and RB light due to lower transpiration rates than under B light. Green light also improved Δ in both rice seedling cultivars. Seed N contribution of both cultivars was stable across all light treatments, while improved N uptake ability was observed under B and RB light. In addition, N uptake in ‘IR1552’ rice seedling cultivars did not respond as favourably to green light as ‘TCS10’ cultivars.
Propagation and ex-situ conservation of Lomelosia minoana subsp. minoana and Scutellaria hirta - two ornamental and medicinal Cretan endemics (Greece)
Authors: GRIGORIADOU Katerina , KRIGAS Nikos , SARROPOULOU Virginia , MALOUPA Eleni , TSOKTOURIDIS Georgios
Published: March 2021

Human needs and concomitant commercial trade to date trigger the demand of new ornamental plants and new natural medicinal products. The current study includes preliminary seed germination trials and presents the development of effective vegetative propagation protocols for Lomelosia minoana subsp. minoana (Dipsacaceae) and Scutellaria hirta (Lamiaceae), both globally rare, local endemics of Crete (Greece) with potential ornamental and medicinal value. Based on material collected directly from the wild, seed germination was succeeded (38%, T50: 10.74) only for L. minoana subsp. minoana. The optimal indole-3-butyric acid concentrations for effective rooting of cuttings were 2000 mg L-1 for L. minoana subsp. minoana (85%) and 4000 mg L-1 for S. hirta (50%). Seasonal differences were observed in respective rooting rates of the studied taxa. The detected rooting rates for L. minoana subsp. minoana cuttings are above standards to allow possible commercial application in the ornamental industry. Although the detected rooting rate (50%) for S. hirta was adequate for its ex situ conservation, it seems almost marginal for future commercial application and further investigation is needed. The sustainable utilization of these Cretan endemics studied herein provides new input for the ornamental-horticultural and cosmetic-pharmaceutical industries. This study shows how rare and endemic wild plant species can be progressively domesticated and introduced into sustainable cultivation systems in order to avoid the depletion of unique phytogenetic resources.
Seasonal variation of fatty and essential oil in terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus L.) fruit
Authors: INAN Memet
Published: March 2021

A member of Anacardiaceae family, terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus L.) is a perennial tree that is evergreen. Terebinth is spread on a very wide area in Turkey, from the Mediterranean costs to South-Eastern Anatolia. In the present study, to determine seasonal variation of fatty oil and essential oil in terebinth fruits, harvests were made when the fruit colour was Green (GF), Red (RF), Red-Black (RBF) and Black (BF). Upon ripening, fatty oil rate in the fruit raised from 13.40% to 37.08%, while essential oil rate reduced from 0.116% to 0.082%. In all growth periods, oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids made-up the main composition of the oil, and through growth there was increase in the amounts of oleic and palmitic oil acids while a decrease was reported in linoleic acid rate. In terms of essential oil compounds, α- pinene, limonene, p-cymen-8-ol and p-anisaldehyde composed the main compounds, the highest α- pinene rate was observed during BF period as 37.23%, the highest limonene rate was observed during RBF period as 22.01%, while the highest p-cymen-8-ol and panisaldehyde rates have been observed during the GF harvest period by 11.29% and 7.25%, respectively. In conclusion is that the fruit should be harvested during the black fruit colour, when the fruit is fully ripened, in order to get a good quality fruit and aroma and people picking the fruit from nature should be trained about this.
Glycine-betaine induced salinity tolerance in maize by regulating the physiological attributes, antioxidant defense system and ionic homeostasis
Authors: DUSTGEER Zain , SELEIMAN Mahmoud F. , KHAN Imran , CHATTHA Muhammad U. , ALI Esmat F. , ALHAMMAD Bushra A. , JALAL Rewaa S. , REFAY Yahya , HASSAN Muhammad U.
Published: March 2021

The plants are exposed to different abiotic stresses, including the salinity stress (SS) that negatively affect the growth, metabolism, physiological and biochemical processes. Thus, this study investigated the effect of diverse levels of foliar-applied GB (0 control, 50 mM and 100 mM) on maize growth, membrane stability, physiological and biochemical attributes, antioxidant enzymes and nutrients accumulation under different levels of SS (i.e., control, 6 dS m-1, 12 dS m-1). Salt stress diminished the root and shoot length, root and shoot biomass, chlorophyll contents, photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), relative water contents (RWC), soluble proteins (SP) and free amino acids; (FAA); and increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, electrical conductivity (EC) and accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Na+ and Cl− ions. GB application significantly increased root and shoot growth, leaves per plant, shoots length, chlorophyll contents, gs, Pn and membrane stability by reducing MDA and H2O2 accumulation. Moreover, GB also increased the SP, FAA accumulation, activities of antioxidant enzymes and Na+ and Cl- exclusion by favouring Ca2+ and K+ accumulation. In conclusion, the foliar-applied GB increased Pn, gs, ant-oxidants activities, and accumulation of SP and FAA; and reduced the accretion of Na+ and Cl− by favouring the Ca2+ and K+ accretion which in turns improved growth under SS.
Indications for breast magnetic resonance imaging at a referral center for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Samuel Silva , Campos Adriene Moraes , Fernandes Patrícia Lima , Pereira Izabela Machado , Rodrigues Flavia Maria , Victor Antônio Fernando Braga Ferreira , Paula Ivie Braga de
Published: March 2021

Abstract Objective: To describe the indications for breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at a referral center for breast cancer in Brazil. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study in which we reviewed the clinical records, including physician requests and patient questionnaires, of women who underwent breast MRI between 2014 and 2018 at a referral center for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Results: The most common indication for breast MRI was as a complement to mammography/ultrasonography (in 43.6% of cases), followed by breast cancer staging (in 25.1%), the screening of patients at high risk (in 17.4%), the evaluation of breast implants (in 10.1%), and the evaluation of the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (in 3.8%). Conclusion: Although there is strong evidence supporting the use of breast MRI, mainly for the screening of high-risk patients, the imaging method is underutilized in Brazil.
New frontiers in endovascular therapies for locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Inchingolo Riccardo , Spiliopoulos Stavros , Posa Alessandro , Tibana Tiago Kojun , Nunes Thiago Franchi , Memeo Riccardo
Published: March 2021

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary malignant liver tumour and is a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite the advent of screening programmes, most cases of hepatocellular carcinoma are diagnosed late (in an advanced stage) which precludes curative treatments such as surgery and ablation. Therefore, intra-arterial locoregional treatments now play a central role in the management of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, such treatments ranging from trans-arterial chemo-embolisation to the more recently developed trans-arterial radio-embolisation technique. In this essay, we discuss the state of the art of intra-arterial treatment for locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and the future directions for such treatment.
The resistance of the four European worlds of welfare from the birth of the euro
Authors: LOSADA ANTÓN , ARES CRISTINA
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT This article compares parliamentary preferences on welfare expenditure in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom between 1996 and 2013. The analysis is focused on the relationship between the type of welfare regime and the programmatic offer on the volume of social spending. Two indexes were calculated: social spending and social retrenchment. Upon emergence from the recession, an increasingly homogeneous conception is detected of social policies as being subordinated to economic policies; convergence has occurred within each of the worlds of welfare, maintaining the variation among them found prior to the Crisis.
Growth and institutional changes: a historical evolution
Authors: MORSELLI ALESSANDRO
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT This paper highlights the fact that neoclassical theory cannot explain the process of economic change. In an uncertain and ever-changing world, a theory based on static equilibrium models is of little help. Whereas we have placed the institutions at the centre of the understanding of economic systems, since they constitute their incentive structure. Thus, economic change is largely an intentional process created by individuals’ perceptions of the consequences of their actions. These perceptions, coming from the beliefs of individuals, combine with their preferences. In the end, a dynamic theory of economic change will not be built, but an attempt will be made to understand the link between institutions and economic growth, the process of change, and to develop assumptions, within its limits, capable of improving the human environment and economic results.
Atuação dos projetos de mecanismo de desenvolvimento limpo para o desenvolvimento sustentável no Brasil
Authors: FERNANDES ELAINE APARECIDA , LEITE GUSTAVO BARROS
Published: March 2021

RESUMO Este estudo buscou analisar, para o caso brasileiro, o Mecanismo de Desenvolvimento Limpo (MDL). Usou-se o conceito de externalidade negativa e falha de mercado para entender a necessidade de políticas ambientais capazes de favorecer o desenvolvimento sustentável dos países. Os resultados mostraram a importância da escala para o registro de projetos. O setor de energia, por exemplo, tem mais projetos de pequena escala que foram criados para simplificar os procedimentos e diminuir os custos. Concluiu-se, de forma geral, que o MDL se tornou um marco histórico internacional, pois é uma ferramenta de caráter inovador na contribuição à mitigação das mudanças climáticas. Contudo, apesar de sua importância ser reconhecida globalmente, observou-se que o mecanismo foi se enfraquecendo com o passar do tempo e há incertezas a respeito da vigência do Protocolo de Quioto.
Conventions, Money Creation and Public Debt to Face the Covid-19 Crisis and its Aftermath: A Post-Keynesian View
Authors: RESENDE MARCO FLÁVIO DA CUNHA , TERRA FÁBIO HENRIQUE BITTES , FERRARI FILHO FERNANDO
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT The aim of this article is, on the one hand, to analyze, based on Keynes’s ideas, the relevance of money creation and public debt to mitigate the Covid-19 economic crisis, and, on the other hand, it analyses the role of conventions in this context.
Determinants of Rulindo tea farmers’ perception towards organic farming: a MASS::stepAIC() approach
Authors: Muhamadi Shakiru , Boz Ismet
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT: The current study determined the factors influencing the perception of tea farmers towards organic tea production in Rulindo District, Rwanda. This study used both qualitative and quantitative data from face to face interviews and questionnaires completed with 156 tea farmers and other key informants in the tea sector who were randomly selected in 2019. Using function step AIC in R’s MASS package, the final multiple logistic regression model showed that generating income from tea production, participation in Umuganda, conveying messages at Ihangari, participation to agricultural shows, and receiving training from Farmers Field Schools (FFS) influenced farmers’ perceptions towards organic tea production. Thus, the results of this study could be useful to stakeholders in Rwanda’s tea sector, such as policymakers and decision-makers. They can act as a source of information when developing a more sustainable research-based tea extension program. Moreover, the results of this study can be used during the capacity building of farmers about organic tea production.