bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of bempedoic acid among patients with statin intolerance and those without: A meta-analysis and a systematic randomized controlled trial review
Authors: Li Yi , Gao Hongyu , Zhao Jinghui , Ma Liqing , Hu Dan
Published: January 2024

Objective

Bempedoic acid, an innovative oral medication, has garnered significant interest in recent times due to its potential as a therapeutic intervention for hypercholesterolemia. Nonetheless, the outcomes of the initial investigations might have been more definitive and coherent. Our objective was to perform a quantitative meta-analysis in order to evaluate bempedoic acid’s safety and effectiveness.

Methods

A search was conducted on ClinicalTrials.gov, and PubMed from the time of inception until September 28, 2023. Randomized controlled trials comparing the safety and efficacy of bempedoic acid among patients with statin intolerance and those without were included in our analysis. The trial outcomes were summarized using a random effects model and were provided as mean differences or odds ratios (ORs) with a confidence interval of 95%. Additionally, trial heterogeneity and the possibility of bias were evaluated and investigated.

Results

Bempedoic acid treatment reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels more than placebo (mean difference -2.97%, 95% CI -5.89% to -0.05%), according to a pooled analysis of 16 eligible trials. The risk of death (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.98) and muscle-associated occurrences (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.31) was not impacted by bempedoic acid. In contrast, discontinuation of treatment was more frequently caused by adverse events in the bempedoic acid group (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.27).

Conclusions

In patients with statin intolerance as well as those without, bempedoic acid is a safe and efficacious lipid-lowering agent, according to findings from randomized controlled trials.
Beyond the MEP Pathway: A novel kinase required for prenol utilization by malaria parasites
Authors: Crispim Marcell , Verdaguer Ignasi Bofill , Hernández Agustín , Kronenberger Thales , Fenollar Àngel , Yamaguchi Lydia Fumiko , Alberione María Pía , Ramirez Miriam , de Oliveira Sandra Souza , Katzin Alejandro Miguel , Izquierdo Luis
Published: January 2024

A proposed treatment for malaria is a combination of fosmidomycin and clindamycin. Both compounds inhibit the methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway, the parasitic source of farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (FPP and GGPP, respectively). Both FPP and GGPP are crucial for the biosynthesis of several essential metabolites such as ubiquinone and dolichol, as well as for protein prenylation. Dietary prenols, such as farnesol (FOH) and geranylgeraniol (GGOH), can rescue parasites from MEP inhibitors, suggesting the existence of a missing pathway for prenol salvage via phosphorylation. In this study, we identified a gene in the genome of P. falciparum, encoding a transmembrane prenol kinase (PolK) involved in the salvage of FOH and GGOH. The enzyme was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and its FOH/GGOH kinase activities were experimentally validated. Furthermore, conditional knockout parasites (Δ-PolK) were created to investigate the biological importance of the FOH/GGOH salvage pathway. Δ-PolK parasites were viable but displayed increased susceptibility to fosmidomycin. Their sensitivity to MEP inhibitors could not be rescued by adding prenols. Additionally, Δ-PolK parasites lost their capability to utilize prenols for protein prenylation. Experiments using culture medium supplemented with whole/delipidated human plasma in transgenic parasites revealed that human plasma has components that can diminish the effectiveness of fosmidomycin. Mass spectrometry tests indicated that both bovine supplements used in culture and human plasma contain GGOH. These findings suggest that the FOH/GGOH salvage pathway might offer an alternate source of isoprenoids for malaria parasites when de novo biosynthesis is inhibited. This study also identifies a novel kind of enzyme related to isoprenoid metabolism.
Biological Agents in the Treatment of Crohn's Disease: A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis From the Prospective Persistence Australian National IBD Cohort (PANIC3) Study
Authors: Chetwood John David , Ko Yanna , Pudipeddi Aviv , Kariyawasam Viraj , Paramsothy Sudarshan , Leong Rupert W.
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Comparative effectiveness research provides data on the relative benefits and risks between treatments. In Crohn's disease (CD), however, there are few head-to-head studies comparing advanced therapies and none with long-term follow-up. Real-world effectiveness, defined by treatment persistence, obtained from prospective population-based patient cohorts, may help determine the best sequencing and positioning of biological agents.

METHODS:

We analyzed the prospectively collected population-based Australian national Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme dispensing data registry (2005–2019) for CD. There is no mandated biological agent prescribing order, and all citizens and permanent residents are eligible for treatment irrespective of insurance status. Propensity score matching was performed to reduce selection bias.

RESULTS:

There were 2,029 lines of therapy in 1,446 patients (median age 43 years, interquartile range 34–58, 44% male patients) over the 15-year period with 5,618 patient-years of follow-up. Per line of therapy, 915/2,029 (45.1%) patients used adalimumab, 722/2,029 (35.6%) used infliximab, 155/2,029 (7.6%) used vedolizumab, and 237/2,029 (11.7%) used ustekinumab. When used in biological agent–naive patients, there was no difference in persistence between any agent (P > 0.05). Used after first line in biological agent–experienced CD, ustekinumab had significantly better persistence than non-ustekinumab biological agents (P = 0.0018), vs anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha therapy (P = 0.006) or vedolizumab (P < 0.001). Ustekinumab persistence was unaffected by prior biological agent exposure (P = 0.51). After anti-TNF use, ustekinumab had superior persistence to an alternative anti-TNF agent (P = 0.033) and to vedolizumab (P = 0.026). Using a propensity score–matched analysis adjusted for age, immunomodulator use, and bio-exposed status, ustekinumab had superior persistence to anti-TNF (P = 0.01). Multivariate predictors of worse persistence were the use of a non-ustekinumab biological agent (adjusted hazard ratio 2.10, P < 0.001), and bio-experienced status (adjusted hazard ratio 1.23, P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION:

This large national prospective database with nonhierarchical prescribing of biological agents did not identify superior persistence of any agent in bio-naive CD. However, for patients with bio-experienced CD, persistence was greater with ustekinumab.
Metabolic effects of aldosterone
Authors: Ivashchenko K. V. , Mazurina N. V. , Platonova N. M. , Troshina E. A.
Published: January 2024

Currently, increasing evidence shows the mutual influence of aldosterone and adipose tissue. Aldosterone excess has been reported in patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Aldosterone has a direct effect on adipose tissue increasing anabolic activity and expression of mineralocorticoid receptors. In turn, excessive activation of MCR leads to stimulation of adipogenesis and an increase in the volume of adipose tissue. Aldosterone excess can be considered an independent cardiovascular risk factor that affects such processes as cardiac fibrosis, nephrosclerosis, and arteriosclerosis. There is convincing evidence of higher prevalence and severity of impaired glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism disorders among patients with primary hyperaldosteronism. Similar pathological changes are also observed in patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome. This review presents scientific data on the metabolic effects of aldosterone, in particular its effect on adipose tissue function, glucose and lipid metabolism. Treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists may provide substantial benefit in the management of metabolic syndrome, contribute to the stabilisation of glucose and lipid metabolism, improve clinical status of patients with cardiovascular diseases and reduce the risk of complications. However, available evidence from the conducted studies is not sufficient to justify introduction of such therapy into clinical practice.
Russian registry of hypothalamic and pituitary tumors: clinical and statistical analysis for 01.01.2023
Authors: Lutsenko A. S. , Przhiyalkovskaya E. G. , Vikulova O. K. , Isakov M. A. , Belaya Zh. E. , Rozhinskaya L. Ya. , Pigarova E. A. , Dzeranova L. K. , Marova E. I. , Melnichenko G. A. , Platonova N. M. , Troshina E. A. , Mokrysheva N. G.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: Pituitary adenomas are the third most common intracranial neoplasm. Clinical significance is determined by the nature of growth and hormonal activity, leading to disruption of various parts of metabolism. Medical registries are a valuable tool for assessing clinical and epidemiological parameters and obtaining data on real-life clinical practice.

AIM: To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of four pituitary disorders in Russian Hypothalamic and Pituitary Tumor Registry (OGGO): acromegaly, Cushing’s disease, prolactin-secreting and non-functioning pituitary adenomas

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The object of the study is the database of the OGGO registry, which includes 84 regions of the Russian Federation, as of 01/01/2023.

RESULTS: The maximum prevalence of acromegaly in the Russian Federation was noted in Karelia (9.48/100 thousand) and Chuvash Republic (10.8/100 thousand) and in Tyumen region (8.9/100 thousand). The incidence of acromegaly in 2021 was 0.6/1 million population. The maximum prevalence of Cushing’s disease is observed in Karelia Republic (2.33/100 thousand), Chukotka (2.01/100 thousand), Kirov (1.79/100 thousand) and Tver region ( 1.79/100 thousand). The incidence of Cushing’s disease in 2021 was 0.1/1 million population. The maximum prevalence of prolactinomas is observed Karelia (13.33/100 thousand) and Chuvash Republic (12.35/100 thousand) and in Voronezh region (8.66/100 thousand). The incidence of prolactin-secreting adenomas in 2021 was 0.6/1 million population. The maximum prevalence of non-functioning pituitary adenomas is observed in the Karelia (15.08/100 thousand), Voronezh region (8.82/100 thousand), Tyumen region (8.11/100 thousand) and Sakha/Yakutia Republic (7.56 /100 thousand). The incidence of non-functioning pituitary adenomas in 2021 was 0.3/1 million population. The median age for acromegaly was 63.6 [53.2;71.5], for Cushing’s disease 49.2 [38.8;60.8], for prolactin-secreting adenomas 47.5 [38.3;59.7], for patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas — 58.4 [43.8;67.9] . At the time of the last visit, remission was observed in 42.7% of patients with acromegaly, 62.5% with Cushing’s disease, 39.7% with prolactinomas and 76.6% of patients with non-active adenomas.

CONCLUSION: The OGGO registry is a valuable tool for assessing epidemiological, clinical data and treatments used. At the same time, the quality of the analysis directly depends on the quality and completeness of the entered data. Further research in the field of epidemiology of endocrinopathies should be aimed at improving the quality and ease of data entry, which will allow obtaining the most complete patient characterization.
Niektóre przykłady nadużycia prawa w rzymskim prawie prywatnym: władza ojcowska
Authors: Longchamps de Bérier Franciszek
Published: January 2024

Nadużycie prawa musi budzić sprzeciw. Samo sformułowanie negatywnie ocenia korzystanie z uprawnień nie korespondujące z funkcjami lub celami, dla jakich je przyznano. Natomiast problemem prawnym wciąż pozostaje określenie, kiedy doszło do nadużycia prawa oraz ustalenie dróg reakcji na nie. Borykają się z nim bowiem nieustannie zarówno porządki prawne krajów, w których ustawodawca, wydawać by się mogło, ostatecznie zawarował właściwe normy, jak i te, które próbują radzić sobie we wskazanej kwestii dopiero na etapie stosowania prawa. Najwyraźniej nie sposób wypracować uniwersalne rozwiązanie. Nie ma też jakiegoś historycznie określonego punktu dojścia, w którym rozwój mechanizmów prawnych przeciwdziałających nadużyciu prawa osiąga swój ostateczny, to znaczy pożądany i zadowalający kształt. Tak tedy stale aktualne i w pełni wskazane wydaje się sięgnięcie do rzymskiego prawa prywatnego, aby zbadać nie tylko metody radzenia sobie z konkretnymi przypadkami nadużyć , ale i podjęto próbę uchwycenia całego zjawiska.
Ze studiów nad reformą prawa wojskowego za czasów Stanisława August
Authors: Organiściak Wojciech
Published: January 2024

Próby reform prawa karnego Rzeczypospolitej szlacheckiej z drugiej połowy XVIII wieku doczekały się licznych opracowań . Szczególnie bogata literatura dotyczy wpływów idei humanitarnych oraz filozofii Oświecenia na kodyfikację prawa karnego doby stanisławowskiej. Dotychczas w literaturze przedmiotu brak jednak pracy na temat reform prawa wojskowego przeprowadzonych za panowania Stanisława Augusta. Potrzebę opracowania tego zagadnienia sygnalizował, już przed wielu laty, Bogusław Leśnodorski w syntezie historii państwa i prawa Polski. Wśród reform w prawie wojskowym u schyłku Rzeczypospolitej szlacheckiej na plan pierwszy wysuwa się kodyfikacja z roku 1775 ,na którą składały się Artykuły wojskowe oraz Proceder prawny wojskowy.
Hydrodynamic, electronic and optic analogies with heat transport in extended thermodynamics
Authors: Cimmelli Vito Antonio , Jou David , Sellitto Antonio
Published: January 2024

Over the last twenty-five years, the search for generalized equations that allow us to better understand the phenomenon of heat conduction has become an active frontier both in transport theory, and in non-equilibrium thermodynamics, due to the growing interest in nanotechnologies, thermal metamaterials and fast devices. Here we review how some mathematical analogies between generalized heat-transport equations and well-known equations in hydrodynamics, electronics and optics have been helpful to infer new forms of heat transfer arising in extended thermodynamics and to inspire the consideration of new phenomena. We also examine in each case the thermodynamic basis of the respective formulation.
New dietary records for the rare Thomas’s Flying Squirrel (Aeromys thomasi, Sciuridae: Pteromyini) from Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Dehling J. Maximilian
Published: January 2024

Thomas’s Flying Squirrel (Aeromys thomasi) is a rarely observed, large, nocturnal species of Flying Squirrel, confined to the island of Borneo. Very little is known about the ecology, behaviour, and natural history of the species. Fruit is the only diet item recorded so far. I report for the first time feeding on bark and on young leaf shoots by the species. These observations match the results of an examination of the species’ dentition, which had suggested a mixed diet including leaves.
Aflatoxin B1 induces infertility, fetal deformities, and potential therapies
Authors: Francis Sullibie , Kortei Nii Korley , Sackey Marian , Richard Seidu A.
Published: January 2024

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a subsidiary poisonous metabolite, archetypally spawned by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, which are often isolated in warm or tropical countries across the world. AFB1 is capable of disrupting the functioning of several reproductive endocrine glands by interrupting the enzymes and their substrates that are liable for the synthesis of various hormones in both males and females. In men, AFB1 is capable of hindering testicular development, testicular degeneration, and reduces reproductive capabilities. In women, a direct antagonistic interaction of AFB1 with steroid hormone receptors influencing gonadal hormone production of estrogen and progesterone was responsible for AFB1-associated infertility. AFB1 is potentially teratogenic and is responsible for the development of malformation in humans and animals. Soft-tissue anomalies such as internal hydrocephalus, microphthalmia, cardiac defects, augmented liver lobes, reproductive changes, immune modifications, behavioral changes and predisposition of animals and humans to neoplasm development are AFB1-associated anomalies. Substances such as esculin, selenium, gynandra extract, vitamins C and E, oltipraz, and CDDO-Im are potential therapies for AFB1. Thus, this review elucidates the pivotal pathogenic roles of AFB1 in infertility, fetal deformities, and potential therapies because AFB1 toxicity is a key problem globally.
Impact performance of unconventional trigger holes
Authors: Turan Mehmet Kivanc , Ensarioglu Cihat , Bakirci Altug , Karpat Fatih
Published: January 2024

Crash boxes in vehicles are one of the passive safety measures that aim to reduce injury to passengers and damage to the vehicle during a collision. Their function is to absorb the mechanical energy resulting from a collision by deforming plastically. Considering human safety, not only the energy must be damped, but also the forces acting on the passengers must be controlled. This force control can be adjusted to some extent using trigger mechanisms. There is a wide variety of research on hole type triggers, but they concentrated on traditional shapes; unique or hybrid shapes have not been sufficiently tested. This study examined the effects of various hole profiles with equal areas on dynamic mechanical performances of Al 6063-T6 rectangular crash boxes. Four types of trigger shapes were formed: upward keyhole, downward keyhole, U-shaped, and S-shaped. The dynamic performance evaluation was carried out experimentally by testing five types of geometries, the fifth one being the geometry without any trigger. In addition, dynamic Finite element analyses were conducted and validated using the experimental data, with the aim of employing the Finite element models in future geometry improvement studies. The experimental results were interpreted with some common evaluation parameters: peak force, crash force efficiency, mean crash force, and total energy absorption. The downward keyhole profile generally gave the best results, while the lowest peak force was observed in the U-shaped profile.
All optical tunable RF filter using elemental antimony
Authors: Aggarwal Samarth , Farmakidis Nikolaos , Dong Bowei , Lee June Sang , Wang Mengyun , Xu Zhiyun , Bhaskaran Harish
Published: January 2024

In the past decade, the proliferation of modern telecommunication technologies, including 5G, and the widespread adoption of the Internet-of-things (IoT) have led to an unprecedented surge in data generation and transmission. This surge has created an escalating demand for advanced signal processing capabilities. Microwave photonic (MWP) processors offer a promising solution to satisfy this unprecedented demand for data processing by capitalising on the high bandwidth and low latency achievable by optical systems. In this work, we introduce an integrated MWP processing unit for all-optical RF filtering using elemental antimony. We exploit the crystallisation dynamics of antimony to demonstrate a photonic leaky integrator, which is configured to operate as a first-order low-pass filter with a bandwidth of 300 kHz and ultra-compact footprint of 16 × 16 μm2. We experimentally demonstrate the implementation of such a filter as an envelope detector to demodulate an amplitude-modulated signal. Finally, a discussion on achieving bandwidth tunability is presented.
The Feature Positive Effect Biases Vaccination Information Processing
Authors: Vandeberg Lisa , Maas Gijsje , Eerland Anita
Published: January 2024

Evidence-based vaccination communication aims to support people in making informed decisions regarding vaccination. It is therefore important to learn how vaccination information is processed and how it might be biased. One potentially relevant bias that is overlooked in the vaccination literature is the feature positive effect (FPE), the phenomenon that people experience greater difficulty processing nonoccurring events than occurring events, which impacts judgment and decision making. The present study adopts an experimental design with sequential testing rules to examine a potential FPE for vaccination information processing. The results convincingly demonstrate that vaccination-related events described as nonoccurring (e.g., no side effects after vaccination) versus occurring (e.g., side effects after vaccination) indeed result in lower recall and are perceived as less important in evaluating the vaccine. The results regarding processing time remain inconclusive. These findings might help explain the appeal of vaccination-critical information and suggest that emphasizing what does happen as a result of vaccination, rather than what does not, can help debias the processing of evidence-based vaccination information.
Envisioning prairie agroecology: Farmer visual constructions of place-based ecological agriculture in Canada
Authors: Bowness Evan , MacInnis Jessie , Desmarais Annette Aurélie , Oke Stuart
Published: January 2024

Climate change is driving new challenges for farmers around the world, provoking a sense of urgency in the search for on-farm solutions and pathways to sustainable agricultural systems. While agroecology has gained recognition as a promising option for climate resilience, it remains nascent in the Canadian Prairies—a significant agricultural region dominated by large-scale conventional agriculture. Amid the sprawling fields of grains and oilseeds primarily destined for export markets, growing farm consolidation, and increased land concentration, farmers committed to ecological principles are building a prefigurative foundation for prairie agroecology. Far from cohering into a unified definition, this article captures what agroecology on the Prairies looks like. Through a community-engaged research design and in consultation with the National Farmers Union of Canada, we explore farmers’ reflections on agroecology and provide a participatory platform for farmer-led constructions of agroecology. Through dialogue with 19 farmers of different farm sizes and production types that began in the 2021 farming season—one marked by drought and extreme heat—we use photovoice, visual elicitation interviews, and participatory video to document and mobilize visual constructions of an emerging prairie agroecology. Despite a shared vision among the farmer participants about the need for a sustainability transition through diversified farming practices, three key questions emerged about the future of prairie agroecology: (1) Can prairie agroecology scale up and out, and if so, under what conditions? (2) To what extent is prairie agroecology possible without dense, place-based social networks? and (3) What are the possibilities for prairie agroecology when the future of farming in the region is uncertain, especially given the changing farmer demographics and Canada’s settler colonial context? We explore these questions and provide reflections on key issues confronting the future of prairie agroecology.
Autoría femenina y literatura costarricense (1845-1888)
Authors: Molina Jiménez Iván
Published: January 2024

Was print authorship culture out of reach for women before 1887 in Costa Rica? The main purpose of this article is to offer a first answer to this question based on a preliminary review of newspapers and magazines that allow considering the problem from a broader perspective.
Briefly, the central argument that is going to be developed is that the construction of this authorship went through three stages: in the first, during the 1840s and 1850s, this process was based on the writing of commercial advertisements; in the second, focused on the 1860s and 1870s, the discourses of female students and teachers related to teaching activities predominated; and in the third, located from 1885, there were two parallel trends. On the one hand, some teachers began to publicize their literary productions; and on the other, the State, on the eve of the educational reform of 1886, implemented a policy for educators to prepare reports on their school activities and send them to a specialized magazine to be published.
Identidad, memoria y la búsqueda del padre desaparecido desde la óptica de dos cineastas guatemaltecos
Authors: Contreras Ana Yolanda
Published: January 2024

This article explores two Guatemalan films, Polvo [Dust] (2012) and Nuestras madres [Our Mothers] (2019), directed by Julio Hernández Cordón and César Díaz respectively. Both feature films denounce the gross human rights violations perpetrated by the dictatorship during the past Guatemalan armed conflict, as well as portray the search for disappeared parents or relatives and the consequences experienced by the victims. Therefore, the analysis centers on the children’s struggle to find their missing fathers to avoid living in an identity vacuum and to find closure to their long-standing suffering. On the other hand, this paper also analyzes the trauma and silence observed by the surviving mothers as a remnant of the fear/terror experienced by these women during the armed conflict. Moreover, this silence functions as a protection mechanism for their children. The analysis is theoretically supported by the extensive work carried out by the Uruguayan sociologist Gabriel Gatti on forced disappearance.
Influence of the extraction method on phytochemicals content and antioxidant activity of Sambucus nigra flowers
Authors: Mihaylova D. , Vrancheva R. , Desseva I. , Teneva D. , Denev P. , Krastanov A.
Published: January 2024

Abstract. Sambucus nigra L. (elder) is one of the most common plant species in Europe, widely used for its health and healing properties and with a long botanical history. In the present study, elderberry flowers were subjected to different extraction methods (infusion, decoction, microwave- and ultrasound- assisted extraction) and their phytochemical content and antioxidant potential were evaluated. As a result, the total phenolic content in the extracts varied between 34.21 ± 0.42 and 47.46 ± 1.87 mg GAE/g dw and the total flavonoid content was found to be in the range of 11.69 ± 0.16 and 16.18 ± 0.23 mg QE/g dw. The highest values were reported for decoction. Organic acid, phenolic acid and sugar profiles of content were evaluated and compared. Extraction method had a profound effect on the content of sugars, phenolic and organic acids extractability from the plant matter, decoction being the most efficient extraction method. In addition, the correlation between the analyses was studied, outlining the contribution of the contained phytochemicals. In conclusion, aqueous extracts of elderflowers can be considered a promising source of natural antioxidants and should be further investigated for the specific profile of phytochemicals present and promoted for consumption.
Study on content of flavonoids and antioxidant activity of the raw materials of Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch.
Authors: Konovalova Olena , Yashchuk Bohdana , Hurtovenko Iryna , Shcherbakova Olha , Kalista Mariia , Sydora Natalia
Published: January 2024

The aim of this work was to determine the component composition and quantitative content of flavonoids, including catechins, in the leaves, shoots and fruits of Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch.) for further standardization of raw materials and establishing antioxidant activity of their water-ethanol extracts.
Materials and methods. The leaves, shoots of Parthenocissus quinquefolia were collected during the phase of mass flowering in July 2020 and fruits were collected during full ripeness (September – October 2020) in Lisnyky village of Obukhiv district of Kyiv Oblast (Ukraine). Determination of the component composition and quantitative content of flavonoids, including catechins, was carried out by the method of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on an Agilent Technologies 1200 liquid chromatograph. Identification and quantitative analysis were carried out using standard solutions of flavonoids (rutin, quercetin-3-b-glycoside, naringin, neohesperidin, quercetin, naringenin, kaempferol, luteolin, apigenin) and catechins (pyrocatechin, catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate and halocatechin). Antioxidant activity was determined by the spectrophotometric method at 347 nm by the ability to inhibit the autooxidation of adrenaline in vitro.Results. As a result of the study, 9 phenolic compounds were identified: rutin, quercetin, quercetin-3-b-glycoside, naringin, epicatechin, catechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin gallate. It was determined that rutin, quercetin, epicatechin, and catechin predominate in the leaves, shoots, and fruits of Virginia creeper.It was established that the extracts of leaves with shoots and fruits of Virginia creeper show a pronounced antioxidant activity due to their ability to inhibit autooxidation of adrenaline in vitro.Conclusions. The high content of rutin, quercetin, epicatechin and catechin in the leaves, shoots and fruits of Virginia creeper has scientific interest, due to discovered compounds have a valuable pharmacological effect. The obtained results can be used for the standardization of raw materials of Virginia creeper, and differences in the quantitative content of halocatechin in different types of raw materials, as well as the presence of naringin in leaves and shoots and luteolin in the fruits of Virginia creeper as diagnostic features of this species raw material.The results of the study of antioxidant activity confirm the prospects of using this raw material for the creation of new drugs with antioxidant activity
Nanoindentation and surface characterization of clinically retrieved multi-force NiTi orthodontic archwires
Authors:   Institute of Mechanics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Cherneva Sabina , Stoyanova-Ivanova Angelina ,   G. Nadjakov Institute of Solid-State Physics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Gueorguieva Mirella ,   Medical University Sofia, Andreeva Laura ,   Medical University Sofia, Petrov Valery ,   University of Bristol, Petrov Valery ,   Medical University Sofia, Petrova Violeta ,   G. Nadjakov Institute of Solid-State Physics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Mikli Valdek ,   Institute of Materials and Environmental Technology, Tallinn University of Technology
Published: January 2024

Nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys, due to their properties of superelasticity and shape memory effect, have been extensively used in orthodontic treatment. Their superelasticity allows the orthodontist to apply an almost continuously low force with larger activation that reduces tissue trauma and patient discomfort, and thus facilitates tooth movement. The producers usually do not give information about the mechanical properties of the archwires they produce on their packagings or Web pages, which makes it difficult for the dentists to choose the most suitable material and with better cost-benefit for use. In the present work we investigated and compared the mechanical and physicochemical properties of as received and used for 6 and for 9 weeks multi-force NiTi archwires, produced by American Orthodontics under the trademark TriTaniumTM, to evaluate if there are changes in their properties with clinical usage. The mechanical properties were investigated using nanoindentation measurements. The surface morphology and the elemental composition of the archwires were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive analysis (EDS), respectively. The comparison of mechanical properties of as received and used for 6 and 9 weeks TriTaniumTM archwires showed that their indentation hardness and modulus decrease with increasing of the time for use. No significant change in the elemental composition of the archwires was observed after their clinical application.
Exploration of opportunities to address the impacts of roads and traffic on wildlife around Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge
Authors:   Western Transportation Institute, Huijser Marcel P. , Begley James S.
Published: January 2024

Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge (“the Refuge”) in Colorado near Denver, Colorado, has a history (1952-1 989) of producing components for nuclear weapons. The current goal for the area is “to restore and preserve the native prairie ecosystems, provide habitat for migratory and resident wildlife, conserve and protect habitat for Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, and provide research and education opportunities”. The grasslands of the Refuge are surrounded by busy roads to the west (Hwy 93, 18,000 AADT), north (Hwy 128, 4,200 AADT) and east (Indiana St. 7,000 AADT), and there are houses and associated roads on its southern boundary. Other open space with non-motorized trails and protected areas with predominantly grassland are to the west, north and east. Large ungulates, including mule deer, elk, and moose cross the roads. This results in large ungulate -vehicle collisions and the roads also represent a barrier to the movements of animals. Creek crossings under the roads are a concern as they are likely a barrier for species dependent on riparian habitat, including the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse. The objectives of the current project were to 1. Formulate measures that reduce collisions with large wild mammals, and 2. Formulate measures that improve connectivity across roads for large wild mammal species and one small mammal species in specific, the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse. We suggest large open span bridges at creek crossings (for deer, moose, black bear, mountain lion, and Preble’s meadow jumping mouse) and designated wildlife overpasses for elk and also f or mule deer. The crossing structures may be combined with human co-use to connect the trails on the refuge with the trail system in the surrounding areas.
Assimetria na transmissão de preço de grãos em novas regiões de fronteira agrícola
Authors: Costa Junior Geraldo , Ogino Cristiane Mitie
Published: January 2024

Resumo A formação do preço de commodities como milho e soja se dá no exterior e é transmitida em maior ou menor grau para o Brasil. O processo de transmissão do preço dessas commodities do exterior para o Brasil, sobretudo para as regiões produtoras do Centro-Sul do país, está bem documentado na literatura. Menos estudada, porém, é a transmissão do preço para as novas regiões de fronteira agrícola no Norte e Nordeste do país. Este artigo buscou analisar a transmissão do preço de soja e milho entre a região Centro-Sul, representada pelo Indicador Esalq/BM&F, e os estados do Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí e Bahia, e também entre os próprios estados. Além disso, buscou-se identificar assimetrias positivas e negativas e de curto e longo prazos nas transmissões de preço. Para este fim, utilizou-se o modelo de correção de erros (VECM) e o modelo autorregressivo não linear de defasagens distribuídas (NARDL). Os resultados indicam que as assimetrias na transmissão de preço de milho estão concentradas no longo prazo, havendo um predomínio de assimetria negativa na transmissão de preços do Indicador para os estados. No caso da soja, também houve predomínio de assimetria negativa, porém as assimetrias estão concentradas no curto prazo.
Tecnologia e educação: reflexões a partir de uma etnografia sobre experiências com o ensino remoto na pandemia
Authors: Máximo Maria Elisa
Published: January 2024

Resumo Este artigo apresenta as análises decorrentes de uma pesquisa realizada com estudantes de ensino superior acerca das suas experiências com o ensino remoto e as modalidades híbridas na pandemia da Covid-19. O trabalho de campo constituiu-se de entrevistas individuais e coletivas, apoiando-se na perspectiva relacional e participativa da etnografia. Participaram da pesquisa 44 estudantes, em encontros presenciais e online realizados em 2022. O estudo também contempla uma dimensão autoetnográfica, pois teve como ponto de partida situações vivenciadas pela própria pesquisadora como docente no período da pandemia. Considerando os dados relativos à expansão do EaD, bem como os relatos que indicam a aceleração e precarização da vida para além do isolamento social, a pesquisa teve como objetivo promover a reflexão sobre uma inserção das tecnologias digitais nos fazeres educacionais que não atenda a demandas produtivistas e mercadológicas, e que efetivamente situe as práticas pedagógicas nas linguagens e modos de existir contemporâneos.
Entre o antropológico e o porno-erótico: notas etnográficas de uma antropóloga-camgirl sobre trabalho sexual plataformizado
Authors: Dal’orto Caroline Coutinho
Published: January 2024

Resumo O artigo busca refletir sobre como as construções da autoridade e mobilidade etnográficas são moldadas pelas complexidades intrínsecas às condições de existência particulares ao campo em que nos situamos. Ao posicionar-me em campo enquanto um híbrido antropóloga-camgirl, desafio a própria construção celibatária (Kulick; Willson, 1995) de uma certa antropologia que preserva a assimetria entre sexo, dinheiro, pesquisa e subjetividade (Lino e Silva, 2014). Essa posicionalidade, ainda, se propõe a criticar o caráter objetivo e impessoal das estruturas de verificação e gerenciamento de confiança presentes nas empresas-plataforma (Slee, 2019), bem como algumas leituras feministas (Drenten; Gurrieri; Tyler, 2020; Dworkin, 1981; Pateman, 2016; Swain, 2004) que situam as trabalhadoras sexuais como aliadas ou vítimas inconscientes do desejo (hétero) sexual masculino. É a partir desses três princípios críticos que o presente artigo situa as particularidades e possibilidades metodológicas e seus efeitos teóricos baseados na dupla posicionalidade do(a) antropólogo(a).
Curva de temperatura do leite humano cru submetido à aquecimento por diferentes métodos: estudo experimental
Authors: Abrão Ana Cristina Freitas de Vilhena , Schmidt Gisele de Jesus , Mattar Maria José Guardia , Cruz Carla Santos , Barbosa Juliana de Barros , Daré Dariza Zimiani , Coca Kelly Pereira
Published: January 2024

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a curva de temperatura do leite humano cru ou pasteurizado exposto a diferentes métodos de aquecimento. Método: Experimentos com volumes de 5 ml a 100 ml de leite humano foram realizados entre 2016 e 2021 e analisados segundo o tempo de exposição por diferentes métodos de aquecimento. A estatística descritiva incluiu o cálculo das médias, medianas, valores mínimos e máximos, medidas de dispersão e desvio padrão. Resultados: A curva térmica permitiu identificar o aquecimento do leite humano próximo da temperatura corporal quando submetidos a banho-maria e micro-ondas. O leite exposto à temperatura ambiente (21°C) não foi capaz de atingir tal temperatura. No aquecimento em banho-maria a 40°C, volumes menores alcançaram a temperatura corporal entre 3 e 5 minutos, enquanto em micro-ondas na potência de 50%, praticamente todos os volumes alcançaram essa temperatura. Conclusão: As curvas de temperatura do leite humano cru ou pasteurizado foram construídas, sendo possível verificar o seu comportamento mediante diferentes métodos de aquecimento para administração do alimento em unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal, considerando o volume, tipo e tempo de aquecimento e temperatura.
Relationship of hemoglobin levels with outcomes in deceased donor kidney transplant: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Silva Beatriz Moreira , Macedo Flavia Hosana , Hayano Enzo Eiji Miyasato , Germano Suzeli , Ribeiro Isabella Ferreira , Franco Carolina Azze , Requião Lucio , Medina-Pestana José , Goes Miguel Angelo
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT Introduction: Anemia is frequent in patients undergoing replacement therapy for kidney failure. Anemia in the pre- and post-transplantation period might be related to kidney transplant outcomes. The current study therefore sought to assess the relationship between anemia, delayed allograft function (DGF), chronic kidney allograft dysfunction (CAD), and death from any cause following kidney transplantation from a deceased donor. Methods: This was a retrospective study with 206 kidney transplant patients of deceased donors. We analyzed deceased donors’ and kidney transplant patients’ demographic data. Moreover, we compared biochemical parameters, anemia status, and medicines between DGF and non-DGF groups. Afterward, we performed a multivariate analysis. We also evaluated outcomes, such as CAD within one year and death in ten years. Results: We observed a lower frequency of pre-transplant hemoglobin concentration (Hb) but higher frequency of donor-serum creatinine and red blood transfusion within one week after transplantation in the group with DGF. In addition, there was an independent association between Hb concentration before transplantation and DGF [OR 0.252, 95%CI: 0.159–0.401; p < 0.001]. There was also an association between Hb concentration after six months of kidney transplantation and both CAD [OR 0.798, 95% CI: 0.687–0.926; p = 0.003] and death from any cause. Conclusion: An association was found between pre-transplantation anemia and DGF and between anemia six months after transplantation and both CAD and death by any cause. Thus, anemia before or after transplantation affects the outcomes for patients who have undergone kidney transplantation from a deceased donor.
Artificial aging for predicting the storability of soybean seeds via GGE biplot
Authors: Silva Martha Freire da , Soares Júlia Martins , Martins Maycon Silva , Silva Francisco Charles dos Santos , Silva Felipe Lopes da , Silva Laércio Junio da
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Creation, adjustments and adoption of tests and tools that help in the prediction of seed storability have been highly demanded. Therefore, this work aimed to analyze the efficiency of different artificial aging times in predicting the performance of soybean seeds after storage, using the GGE biplot method. Seeds of six genotypes were subjected to storage, under refrigerated and non-refrigerated conditions, and artificial aging, being artificially aged for periods of 0, 48, 96 and 144 hours. Seeds freshly harvested and after natural and artificial aging were subjected to germination and vigor tests. The experiments were analyzed separately, using means test, regression analysis and model identity test, and together, using the GGE biplot method. Artificial aging at a temperature of 41 °C for 96 hours has the potential to be used to predict the performance of soybean seeds after eight months of storage. The GGE biplot is a method that can be used as a tool to analyze the relationships between aging environments and visualize the ranking of genotypes regarding the performance of seeds subjected to natural and artificial aging.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NANO-CELLULOSE POWDER FROM OIL PALM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCHES AS GREEN NANOFLUIDS
Authors: Ramadhan Anwar Ilmar , Hendrawati Tri Yuni , Umar Efrizon , Sari Alvika Meta , Rahardja Istianto Budhi , Firmansyah
Published: January 2024

Indonesia is the largest palm oil producing country in the world. In the palm oil production process, solid waste is produced, such as empty palm fruit bunches, which represent 25%-26% w/w of the total raw material for palm oil. In this study, we prepared nano-cellulose through ultrasonication to obtain the optimum ultrasonication temperature for nano-cellulose. Temperature variations were carried out at 40°C-70°C for 30 minutes. The results of the synthesis process could be seen visually for each temperature variation. Characterization analysis was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), SEM/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis of nano-cellulose powder (NCP). The results showed that ultrasonication at 70°C gave the smallest size, namely, 174.85-460.84 nm by SEM. The composition obtained was the highest for the carbon values (62.66%) at 50°C. The greatest intensity (5000) was obtained for NCP at 40°C, and the smallest intensity (2300) was obtained for NCP at 70°C; in both cases, diffraction angle (2θ) = 22.5°.
Nuevas localidades de la langostilla roja introducida (Procambarus clarkii, Girard, 1852) (Decapoda: Cambaridae) en su dispersión y conquista de los humedales dulceacuícolas de Colombia
Authors: Álvarez-León Ricardo
Published: January 2024

Objetivos: Registrar tres nuevas localidades para la langostilla roja de río P. clarkii (Decapoda: Cambaridae), la primera en Paipa (Boyacá), la segunda en Subachoque (Cundinamarca) y Chía (Cundinamarca). Alcance: Inventario de los registros conocidos en el país. Metodología: Se realizó una detallada y exhaustiva revisión del material biológico presente en colecciones personales, en museos y en centros de investigación, así como de los registros publicados entre 2010 y 2022. Se visitaron las nuevas localidades y se colectaron ejemplares con artes locales. Principales resultados: Fruto de la búsqueda e investigación realizada, se registran las particularidades de las nuevas localidades, la primera asociada a la cuenca del río Chicamocha, la segunda y la tercera a la cuenca del río Bogotá. Conclusiones: Las investigaciones nacionales realizadas sobre la langostilla roja de río, exponen de manera detallada aspectos ecológicos de esta especie, mencionada en 27 localidades y cuatro departamentos de las aguas dulces de Colombia, a partir de 1985 cuando se produjo su introducción en el Valle del Cauca.
Efficiency of Investment Incentives in Reducing Regional Development Disparities in Türkiye
Authors: DÜNDAR Sinan , DEMİR Gülay , NOYAN YALMAN İlkay , KOŞAROĞLU Şerife Merve , YILDIZ Selçuk Yasin
Published: January 2024

This study aims to determine to what extent the investment incentive system implemented in Türkiye effectively reduces regional development disparities. For this purpose, more than 100,000 investment incentive certificates issued between 2001-2022 are examined. The Logarithm Methodology of Additive Weights (LMAW) determines the criteria's importance and ranks the provinces' investment performances. The results obtained indicate that investment incentive applications cannot provide sufficient effectiveness in reducing regional development disparities. In this respect, there is a severe need for revision in the incentive policies currently implemented.
Intermediate Role of Rational Spending in The Effect of Responsibility Consciousness on Utility Consumption Style
Authors: ERGİN Gamze , ÇATI Kahraman , OSKALOĞLU Ebru
Published: January 2024

Within the scope of this research, it was revealed whether rational spending (with and without credit cards) has a mediating role in the effect of responsibility consciousness on utilitarian consumption style. In addition, it was determined whether the level of responsibility consciousness affects utilitarian consumption style and rational spending and whether rational spending affects utilitarian consumption. Research data were collected using the questionnaire technique. Data were collected from 479 students, 129 academics and 71 administrative staff. The collected data were analysed using SPSS 26 and PROCESS v4.2 plugin. In the research, first of all, the dimensions of responsibility consciousness, utilitarian consumption style and rational spending scales were determined with the help of explanatory factor analysis. As a consequence of the factor analysis, responsibility awareness and utilitarian consumption are one dimension; the rational spending scale was determined to have two dimensions: rational spending habit without credit cards and rational use of credit cards. As a consequence of the intermediation analysis, it was concluded that the consciousness of responsibility affects rational spending without credit cards, rational use of credit cards and utilitarian consumption. In addition, it was supposed that rational spending without credit cards and rational use of credit cards affect utilitarian consumption, and rational spending without credit cards affects rational use of credit cards. The serial mediation analysis using Model 6 determined that the consciousness of responsibility affects utilitarian consumption serially (one after the other) through rational spending (rational use of credit cards and rational spending habits without credit cards).