bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abortion information-seeking experiences among women who obtained abortions in Kinshasa, DRC: Results from a qualitative study
Authors: Ngondo Denise , Karp Celia , Kayembe Dynah , Basile Kisulu Samyonga , Moreau Caroline , Akilimali Pierre , Bell Suzanne O.
Published: February 2024

Little is known about the process of seeking information related to abortion care options among women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Understanding how women obtain information can help identify opportunities for intervention to increase awareness and use of safe pregnancy termination options. Using qualitative data collected from women in Kinshasa, DRC who reported having an abortion in the last 10 years, this study aims to determine how women navigate obtaining information about their options for abortion and the role of their social network in their information-seeking processes. Data for this analysis come from a mixed-method study of abortion in Kinshasa conducted from December 2021 to April 2022. Fifty-two qualitative interviews followed a structured interview guide, including open-ended questions and probes, developed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers in Kinshasa and the United States. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti, and a thematic analysis matrix was used to describe the major themes and subthemes. Thematic analysis revealed two main themes with nested subthemes. The first and most salient theme highlighted the highly selective and narrow information search process women engaged in, involving no others or very few individuals (e.g., partners, women in one’s community, or providers) that the pregnant woman chose strategically. The second theme revealed the heterogeneous and often stigmatizing nature of these interactions, including attempts at deterrence from many sources and information of varying completeness and accuracy. While the recent liberalization of the abortion law in the DRC is essential to improve access to safe abortion, public health gains will not materialize unless they are accompanied by community-level actions to raise awareness about the legality and availability of safe abortions services, including medication abortion pills for safe self-managed abortion.
Differentiated care for youth in Zimbabwe: Outcomes across the HIV care cascade
Authors: Dziva Chikwari Chido , Kranzer Katharina , Simms Victoria , Patel Amani , Tembo Mandikudza , Mugurungi Owen , Sibanda Edwin , Mufare Onismo , Ndlovu Lilian , Muzangwa Joice , Vundla Rumbidzayi , Chibaya Abigail , Hayes Richard , Mackworth-Young Constance , Bernays Sarah , Mavodza Constancia , Hove Fadzanayi , Bandason Tsitsi , Dauya Ethel , Ferrand Rashida Abbas
Published: February 2024

Youth living with HIV are at higher risk than adults of disengaging from HIV care. Differentiated models of care such as community delivery of antiretroviral therapy (ART) may improve treatment outcomes. We investigated outcomes across the HIV cascade among youth accessing HIV services in a community-based setting. This study was nested in a cluster-randomised controlled trial (CHIEDZA: Clinicaltrials.gov, Registration Number: NCT03719521) conducted in three provinces in Zimbabwe and aimed to investigate the impact of a youth-friendly community-based package of HIV services, integrated with sexual and reproductive health services for youth (16–24 years), on population-level HIV viral load (VL). HIV services included HIV testing, ART initiation and continuous care, VL testing, and adherence support. Overall 377 clients were newly diagnosed with HIV at CHIEDZA, and linkage to HIV care was confirmed for 265 (70.7%, 234 accessed care at CHIEDZA and 31 with other providers); of these 250 (94.3%) started ART. Among those starting ART at CHIEDZA who did not transfer out and had enough follow up time (>6 months), 38% (68/177) were lost-to-follow-up within six months. Viral suppression (HIV Viral Load <1000 copies/ml) among those who had a test at 6 months was 90% (96/107). In addition 1162 clients previously diagnosed with HIV accessed CHIEDZA; 714 (61.4%) had a VL test, of whom 565 (79.1%) were virally suppressed. This study shows that provision of differentiated services for youth in the community is feasible. Linkage to care and retention during the initial months of ART was the main challenge and needs concerted attention to achieve the ambitious 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets.
Negative affect variability differs between anxiety and depression on social media
Authors: Rutter Lauren A. , ten Thij Marijn , Lorenzo-Luaces Lorenzo , Valdez Danny , Bollen Johan
Published: February 2024

Objective

Negative affect variability is associated with increased symptoms of internalizing psychopathology (i.e., depression, anxiety). The Contrast Avoidance Model (CAM) suggests that individuals with anxiety avoid negative emotional shifts by maintaining pathological worry. Recent evidence also suggests that the CAM can be applied to major depression and social phobia, both characterized by negative affect changes. Here, we compare negative affect variability between individuals with a variety of anxiety and depression diagnoses by measuring the levels and degree of change in the sentiment of their online communications.

Method

Participants were 1,853 individuals on Twitter who reported that they had been clinically diagnosed with an anxiety disorder (A cohort, n = 896) or a depressive disorder (D cohort, n = 957). Mean negative affect (NA) and negative affect variability were calculated using the Valence Aware Dictionary for Sentiment Reasoning (VADER), an accurate sentiment analysis tool that scores text in terms of its negative affect content.

Results

Findings showed differences in negative affect variability between the D and A cohort, with higher levels of NA variability in the D cohort than the A cohort, U = 367210, p < .001, r = 0.14, d = 0.25. Furthermore, we found that A and D cohorts had different average NA, with the D cohort showing higher NA overall, U = 377368, p < .001, r = 0.12, d = 0.21.

Limitations

Our sample is limited to individuals who disclosed their diagnoses online, which may involve bias due to self-selection and stigma. Our sentiment analysis of online text may not completely capture all nuances of individual affect.

Conclusions

Individuals with depression diagnoses showed a higher degree of negative affect variability compared to individuals with anxiety disorders. Our findings support the idea that negative affect variability can be measured using computational approaches on large-scale social media data and that social media data can be used to study naturally occurring mental health effects at scale.
Spatial pattern of China’s rural digital economy based on subjective–Objective evaluation: Evidence from 2085 counties
Authors: Liu Xuran , Ma Fangfang , Guo Tongze , Ding Zhiwei
Published: February 2024

The rural digital economy plays an essential role in China’s industrial upgrading, transformation, and urban–rural integration. To determine the state of China’s rural digital economy, we constructed a county-level evaluation system using the subjective–objective evaluation method and calculated the digital economic levels of 2085 counties. Then, we analyzed the spatial distribution characteristics, spatial autocorrelation pattern, spatial disequilibrium degree, and spatial driving force of the rural digital economy at the county level using spatial analysis technology and a self-organizing feature mapping model. The results are as follows: 1) Compared with the real economy, the agglomeration effect of the digital economy was more obvious, and the economic gradient was more significant. Specifically, the dense high-value regions formed a continuous belt on the eastern coast from the Beijing–Tianjin area to the Pearl River Delta, opposite the dense low-value regions in the west. 2) There were significant differences in the rural digital economy within cities or provinces. Intraregional differences were not necessarily linked to the overall digital economy level because central and northeastern China presented a more balanced rural digital economy. 3) Digital network performance, e-commerce level, and economic vitality were identified as the core factors influencing the rural digital economy.
A comprehensive, improved protocol for generating common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) transgenic hairy roots and their use in reverse-genetics studies
Authors: Pacheco Ronal , Estrada-Navarrete Georgina , Solis-Miranda Jorge , Nava Noreide , Juárez-Verdayes MA , Ortega-Ortega Yolanda , Quinto Carmen
Published: February 2024

Generating transgenic hairy roots has been the preferred strategy for molecular studies in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), since generating stable knockout lines in this species is challenging. However, the number of plants producing hairy roots following the original protocol published in 2007 is usually low, which has impeded progress. Since its initial publication, the original protocol has been extensively modified, but these modifications have not been adequately or systematically reported, making it difficult to assess the reproducibility of the method. The protocol presented here is an update and expansion of the original method. Importantly, it includes new, critical steps for generating transgenic hairy roots and using them in molecular analyses based on reverse-genetics approaches. Using this protocol, the expression of two different genes, used as an example, was significantly increased or decreased in approximately 30% of the transformed plants. In addition, the promoter activity of a given gene was observed, and the infection process of rhizobia in transgenic hairy roots was monitored successfully. Thus, this improved protocol can be used to upregulate, downregulate, and perform promoter activity analysis of various genes in common bean transgenic hairy roots as well as to track rhizobia infection.
The effect of mHealth on childhood vaccination in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gilano Girma , Sako Sewunet , Molla Berihun , Dekker Andre , Fijten Rianne
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Vaccine-preventable diseases are the public health problems in Africa, although vaccination is an available, safe, simple, and effective method prevention. Technologies such as mHealth may provide maternal access to health information and support decisions on childhood vaccination. Many studies on the role of mHealth in vaccination decisions have been conducted in Africa, but the evidence needs to provide conclusive information to support mHealth introduction. This study provides essential information to assist planning and policy decisions regarding the use of mHealth for childhood vaccination.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis for studies applying mHealth in Africa for vaccination decisions following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analysis [PRISMA] guideline. Databases such as CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Global Health, HINARI, and Cochrane Library were included. We screened studies in Endnote X20 and performed the analysis using Revman 5.4.1.

Results

The database search yielded 1,365 articles [14 RCTs and 4 quasi-experiments] with 21,070 participants satisfied all eligibility criteria. The meta-analysis showed that mHealth has an OR of 2.15 [95% CI: 1.70–2.72; P<0.001; I2 = 90%] on vaccination rates. The subgroup analysis showed that regional differences cause heterogeneity. Funnel plots and Harbord tests showed the absence of publication bias, while the GRADE scale showed a moderate-quality body of evidence.

Conclusion

Although heterogeneous, this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the application of mHealth could potentially improve childhood vaccination in Africa. It increased childhood vaccination by more than double [2.15 times] among children whose mothers are motivated by mHealth services. MHealth is more effective in less developed regions and when an additional incentive party with the messaging system. However, it can be provided at a comparably low cost based on the development level of regions and can be established as a routine service in Africa.

Registration

PROSPERO: CRD42023415956.
Biodiversity footprints of 151 popular dishes from around the world
Authors: Cheng Elissa M. Y. , Cheng Carina M. L. , Choo Jacqueline , Yan Yanyun , Carrasco Luis Roman
Published: February 2024

Habitat loss for food production is a key threat to global biodiversity. Despite the importance of dietary choices on our capacity to mitigate the on-going biodiversity crisis, unlike with specific ingredients or products, consumers have limited information on the biodiversity implications of choosing to eat a certain popular dish. Here we estimated the biodiversity footprints of 151 popular local dishes from around the world when globally and locally produced and after calorical content standardization. We find that specific ingredients (beef, legumes, rice) encroaching on biodiversity hotspots with already very high agricultural pressure (e.g. India) lead to high biodiversity footprint in the dishes. Examples of high-biodiversity-footprint popular dishes were beef dishes such as fraldinha (beef cut dish) originating from Brazil and legume dishes such as chana masala (chickpea curry) from India. Regardless of assuming locally or globally produced, feedlot or pasture livestock production, vegan and vegetarian dishes presented lower biodiversity footprints than dishes containing meat. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of analysing biodiversity footprint at the dish level across multiple countries, making sustainable eating decisions more accessible to consumers.
Dietary calcium, phosphorus, and potassium intake associated with erectile dysfunction in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001 to 2004
Authors: Deng Chen-Yuan , Ke Xin-Peng , Guo Xu-Guang
Published: February 2024

Background

Erectile dysfunction is now a common disorder of sexual function, and its relationship to dietary calcium, phosphorus, and potassium has not been well studied. We set out to determine if dietary intakes of calcium, phosphorus, and potassium are related to erectile dysfunction in U.S. men.

Methods

For this cross-sectional investigation, we used data from NHANES 2001–2004. To investigate the connection of dietary calcium, phosphorus, and potassium intake with erectile dysfunction, we employed multivariate logistic regression, smoothed curve fitting, and subgroup analysis.

Results

This cross-sectional study comprised 3,556 eligible male subjects in total, with a weighted mean age of 49.93±18.13 years. After controlling for race and age, the greatest tertile of calcium consumption was found to have a 34% lower risk of erectile dysfunction than the lowest tertile (OR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.52–0.84; p = 0.0006). The risk of erectile dysfunction was found to be reduced by 33% (OR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.52–0.87; p = 0.0024) for the highest tertile of phosphorus intake compared to the lowest tertile of phosphorus intake and by 35% (OR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.50–0.83; p = 0.0006) for the highest tertile of potassium intake compared to the lowest tertile of potassium intake in the fully adjusted model.

Conclusion

Erectile dysfunction and dietary consumption of calcium, phosphorus, and potassium are inversely associated with the U.S. population. To confirm the accuracy of our findings, additional prospective studies are necessary. Furthermore, it is imperative to do further fundamental research at the molecular level to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
Intralesional interferon alpha-2b as a novel treatment for periocular squamous cell carcinoma in horses
Authors: Martabano Brittany B. , Dow Steven , Chow Lyndah , Williams Margaret M. V. , Mack Maura K. , Bellone Rebecca , Wotman Kathryn L.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To determine the safety and efficacy of perilesional human recombinant interferon alpha-2b (IFNα2b) for treatment of periocular squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) in horses.

Animals studied

Eleven horses (12 eyes) with PSCC were enrolled in this prospective clinical study with owner consent.

Procedures

Systemically healthy horses were included in the study following confirmation of PSCC via biopsy. Every two weeks for a maximum of six treatments, horses were sedated and perilesional injection of IFNα2b (10 million IU) was performed. Tumors were measured prior to each injection and at one, three, and 12 months after treatment completion. A greater than 50% reduction in tumor size was considered positive response to treatment (i.e., partial or complete response). Development of anti-IFNα2b antibodies was assessed using serum samples obtained after treatment initiation and compared with treatment responses. Antibody concentrations were analyzed using a mixed model. Statistical significance was considered p < 0.05.

Results

Each horse received four to six perilesional injections of IFNα2b. Five of 12 eyes (4/11 horses) responded to treatment. Two of five eyes showed complete resolution of gross PSCC. No systemic adverse effects were seen. Local swelling occurred during treatment protocol in 6/11 horses but resolved without intervention. All horses developed serum anti-IFNα2b antibodies. There was no evidence of statistical difference in antibody concentration between responders and non-responders.

Conclusions

Perilesional administration of IFNα2b was found to be well-tolerated in horses with PSCC, and induced tumor regression in 42% of treated eyes. Treatment failure appears unrelated to the development of IFNα2b antibodies.
COVID-19 vaccine safety: Background incidence rates of anaphylaxis, myocarditis, pericarditis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and mortality in South Korea using a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Jeong Hye Su , Chun Byung Chul
Published: February 2024

Background

To properly assess an association between vaccines and specific adverse events requires a comparison between the observed and background rates; however, studies in South Korea are currently limited. Therefore, in this study, we estimated the background incidence of anaphylaxis, myocarditis, pericarditis, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and mortality in South Korea.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Sample Cohort (NSC) data. Using NSC, the background incidence rate was estimated by dividing the number of episodes during 2009–2019 by the total population by year and then multiplying by 100,000. Using Statistics Korea data, the background mortality rate was estimated by dividing the number of deaths, during 2009–2019 by the standard population for that year and then multiplying by 100,000. Using background mortality rates, we predicted mortality rates for 2021 using autoregressive integrated moving average models. Further, the expected mortality rates were compared with observed mortality rates.

Results

The age-adjusted incidence rate (AIR) of anaphylaxis increased from 4.28 to 22.90 cases per 100,000 population (p = 0.003); myocarditis showed no significant increase, changing from 0.56 to 1.26 cases per 100,000 population (p = 0.276); pericarditis increased from 0.94 to 1.88 cases per 100,000 population (p = 0.005); and GBS increased from 0.78 to 1.21 cases per 100,000 population (p = 0.013). The age-adjusted mortality rate decreased from 645.24 to 475.70 deaths per 100,000 population (p <0.001). The 2021 observed/expected mortality rates for overall (ratio: 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.08), men (ratio: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.07–1.08), and women (ratio: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.07–1.09), were all significantly higher. When stratified by age group, those aged ≥80 (ratio: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.15–1.17), 60–69 (ratio: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.10–1.13), and 20–29 years old (ratio: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02–1.13) were also significantly higher.

Conclusion

Through the estimation of background rates related to anaphylaxis, myocarditis, pericarditis, GBS, and mortality, we established a reference point for evaluating the potential excess occurrence of adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination. This reference point serves as substantive evidence supporting the safety profile of COVID-19 vaccines.
Biomonitoring of parabens in wild boars through hair samples analysis
Authors: Gonkowski Sławomir , Tzatzarakis Manolis , Vakonaki Elena , Meschini Elena , Könyves László , Rytel Liliana
Published: February 2024

Parabens are compounds widely utilized in the industry as preservative additives to personal care products, cosmetics and food. They pollute the environment and penetrate to the living organisms through the digestive tract, respiratory system and skin. Till now the knowledge about exposure of terrestrial wild mammals to parabens is extremely scarce. Therefore, this study for the first time assessed the concentration levels of five parabens commonly used in industry (methylparaben—MeP, ethylparaben—EtP propylparaben–PrP, benzylparaben -BeP and butylparaben–BuP). Substances have been analyzed in hair samples collected from wild boars using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method. The hair is a matrix, which allows to study long-term exposure of organisms to parabens. During this study MeP was noted in 96.3% of samples with mean 88.3±72.9 pg/mg, PrP in 87.0% of samples with mean 8.5±3.3 pg/mg, BeP in 44.4% of samples with mean 17.2±12.3 pg/mg and EtP in 11.1% of samples with mean 17.2±4.8 pg/mg. In turn BuP was noted only in 3.7% of samples with concentration levels below limit of quantification (2.6 pg/mg). Statistically significant intragender differences in parabens levels have not been noted. Only BeP concentration levels depended on industrialization and density of human population of area, where the animals lived. This study indicates that wild boars are exposed to parabens, especially to MeP and PrP, and analysis of the hair seems to be a useful tool of biomonitoring of parabens in wild mammals.
Fényképek mint a társadalom kor-képe, 1900‒1944
Authors: Tóth István
Published: February 2024

For my paper I selected photographs of social movements and political elections taken by photographers from Szeged. These pictures have been mainly chosen from the 20th century’s photographers, especially relating to József Sipos’s research interests. Therefore, I use the photos of Emil Keglovich, the Auer family (Hungarian glasshouse; Auer brothers; Lajos Auer; Auer) and Béla Liebmann. The focus was on elections, boulevards, social events (laying of the foundation stone of the university, inauguration of the Dóm Square, Levente days, funerals). I intend to analyse these pictures by using the contemporary press publications with different orientations. The topics concern the election of Dezső Bánffy as ambassador, the takeover of Miklós Horthy’s house regiment, the visits of Klebelsberg and Horthy in Szeged, the funeral of Gyula Verhovay (Christian-nationalist representative), the recordings of the Levente days at the great border of Szeged, the queues of the First World War, the military hospitals in Szeged, and the significant social and political events of the 1920s’, 1930s’ and 1940s’.
Glattfelder Gyula püspök és az 1921-es román földreform
Authors: Zombori István
Published: February 2024

With the Peace Treaty of Trianon, 103,000 square kilometres were given to Romania. After the occupation of the territory, the Romanian authorities liquidated the Hungarian public administration and the schools. They only did not know what to do with the Hungarian churches. In 1921, the Romanian land reform law was passed, and it was a huge blow to the churches because not only the land holdings were confiscated, but the buildings standing on them as well. Gyula Glattfelder, the Roman Catholic bishop of Temesvár, protested the land reform most intensively. Because of this, he was subjected to open attacks both in Timişoara (Temesvár) and Bucharest. This eventually led to the fact that the Romanian authorities forced him to leave Timişoara in March 1923 and to move his episcopal seat to Szeged.
Jegyzetek egy transzkulturális (egyetemi) életről
Authors: Vasvári Louise O.
Published: February 2024

Az 1990-es években Amerikában az életírás egy új műfaja jelent meg, a kutató memoárja (academic memoir), amelyet gyakran bevándorlók írtak, vagy olyanok, akik az osztályhovatartozásuk vagy a szexuális orientációjuk miatt csak igen nehezen tudtak beilleszkedni. Mohó érdeklődéssel olvastam ezeket a műveket, de valahogy mindig arra a következtetésre jutottam, hogy a saját viszontagságos gyerekkorom menekültként, és a beilleszkedésig megtett utam ezeknél jóval komplexebb volt. Az utóbbi két évtizedben tudományos cikkeket írtam, feminista szemszögből, női holokauszttúlélők életéről is. 2016-ben ebben a szaklapban, a TNTeF-ben jelentettem meg az „Életírás, társadalmi nemek és trauma” című tanulmányomat. Itt tárgyalom az „életírás” elnevezésű interdiszciplináris műfajt, amely, mivel kitágítja a műfaji határokat, túl tud lépni a hagyományos élettörténet kanonikus megkötésein. Mégis, a legutóbbi időkig elkerültem, hogy én is írjak a saját életemről. Idén aztán, miután megünnepeltem azt a kerek születésnapot, ami általában az utolsó kerek születésnapja azon szerencséseknek, akik egyáltalán megélik ezt a kort, elkezdtem írni egy szöveget, ami már egy autoetnográfia felé halad. A családtörténetem Magyarország tragikus történelmének szinte minden fordulatát jól példázza, de a jelen részletben életemnek főleg az Amerikai Egyesült Államokban egyetemi kutatóként megélt aspektusait tárgyalom. A beszámolóm egyszerre személyes és történeti, de elsősorban arra törekszik, hogy felidézze, milyen volt Amerikában a Berkeleyn a „radikális” hatvanas években doktorálni, majd a hetvenes évektől a feminista tudósok első generációjához tartozni, hogy milyen intellektuális és kulturális erők alakították ezt a generációt.
Diet for gout and hyperuricaemia: some important questions
Authors: Zhelyabina O. V. , Eliseev M. S. , Kuzmina Y. I.
Published: February 2024

Diet has traditionally been viewed as playing a leading role in both the pathogenesis and treatment of gout. And although this thesis is controversial today, adherence to certain dietary rules for patients with gout and hyperuricemia (HU) is an integral part of therapy. The review examines the modern theoretical basis of dietary therapy for gout and HU, in particular the mechanisms of increasing serum uric acid levels and the risk of developing arthritis when certain foods are consumed and, conversely, reducing uric acid levels and the risk of gout when a diet containing a range of vitamins and foods in the supplements is followed.
Association of a high rate of glycolysis and the activity of the uncoupling of oxidation and phosphorylation in the blood cells of patients with late-stage knee osteoarthritis and the development of postoperative pain
Authors: Chetina E. B. , Markova G. A. , Glemba K. E. , Makarov M. A.
Published: February 2024

Objective: to investigate the relationship between the expression of genes mediating cellular energy production and the development of chronic postoperative pain (CPP) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA).

Material and methods. Prior to TKA, the blood of 50 patients with stage III–IV knee OA and complaints of constant pain and joint dysfunction was analyzed. The control group consisted of 26 healthy individuals. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), a short BPI questionnaire and the WOMAC index, and the presence of neuropathic pain was assessed using the DN4 and PainDETECT questionnaires. The development of CPP was determined 3 and 6 months after TKA. Total RNA isolated from blood was used to determine the expression of PKM2, LDH, SDH, AMPKα, PDH, IDH, MDH and ATP synthase genes by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

Results and discussion. CPP ≥30 mm according to VAS was detected in 17 patients. Before TKA, the expression of all analyzed genes was significantly increased compared to that of the control group. However, there were no differences in clinical, pain-related and functional indicators in the analyzed group of patients with OA. Before surgery, patients who subsequently developed CPP had significantly higher expression of genes related to glycolysis (PKM2, LDH), Krebs cycle – KC (SDH) and master regulator of energy metabolism (AMPKα) than patients who were satisfied with the results of TKA. At the same time, no differences were found in the expression of PDH and other KC enzyme genes (IDH, MDH) and ATP synthase in patients with and without CPP.

Conclusion. The development of CPP is associated with a higher rate of glycolysis and energy deficiency, presumably due to the higher uncoupling activity of oxidation and phosphorylation that can be observed before TKA.
Clinical case of systemic sclerosis in a male patient: gender differences and possibilities of capillaroscopy
Authors: Trofimova A. S. , Shokhin A. A. , Trofimov E. A. , Shostak M. S.
Published: February 2024

A patient with a subacute course of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and a three-phase Raynaud's phenomenon at the onset of the disease is described. The diagnosis was made in accordance with the ACR/EULAR 2013 criteria. Within 8 months of disease onset, the patient developed the classic picture of SSc with multiple organ involvement, and nailfold capillaroscopy showed signs of the active stage of scleroderma angiopathy. The factors for an unfavorable course of SSc were analyzed.
A importância dos aglomerados produtivos para o crescimento econômico regional
Authors: Bernardino Lorena Parente , Cesar Marcelo Barbosa
Published: February 2024

Para identificar as contribuições econômicas e sociais do DAIAG – Distrito Agroindustrial de Aparecida de Goiânia – no crescimento econômico da cidade de Aparecida de Goiânia, foi realizada uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, de natureza exploratória, por meio de um estudo de caso, entrevistas auxiliadas por roteiros semiestruturados, observação indireta e análise documental. Os resultados encontrados no estudo demonstram que o crescimento econômico e social da cidade de Aparecida de Goiânia foi apoiado pela instalação do DAIAG em 1989, uma vez que as empresas do distrito promoveram o aumento do volume de emprego e de renda para a população local, o crescimento da arrecadação de tributos, e a ressocialização dos ex-detentos do sistema prisional da cidade por meio de um programa de empregabilidade desta mão de obra nas empresas do DAIAG. No ambiente dos negócios, verificou-se a existência de ações de cooperação empresarial com a finalidade da criação de um cluster no segmento da construção civil na localidade, e a existência de programas para a qualificação dos trabalhadores. A partir da criação do DAIAG registrou-se melhorias nos indicadores socioeconômicos, como o crescimento da renda per capita média na localidade, e aumento no Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDH-M) de Aparecida de Goiânia.
Green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles to improve antibacterial activity using C. fenestratum leaf extracts
Authors: Banerjee Subhamay , Gunasekaran Madhan , S Hitha , Prakash Ruchi , S Arunima , Kashyap Suman
Published: February 2024

In this study, the silver nanoparticles have been green synthesized using C.fenestratum. Synthesized silver nanoparticles have been preliminary validated by the color change to rusty brown from greenish yellow and UV spectroscopy. Morphological analysis through FE-SEM showed cubic and spherical shape of synthesized nanoparticles and the diameter of the synthesized nanoparticles range from 30.18 to 184.89nm.The (EDS) energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy spectrum has confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs .The peaks around 400 cm ?1to 600 cm ?1in the IR spectrum indicated the vibration of metals- oxygen (Ag-O), whereas band at 1365.60 cm ?1 and 1357.89 cm ?1 shows the hydroxyl group bending which confirms the synthesis of nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity against E.coli with 20±0.3 mm (Zone of inhibition).
Assessment of carbon sequestration rate and tree diversity in a model urban green cover study using a college campus in Mangalore city
Authors: Shaiesh Morajkar , Sangeeta S , Smitha Hegde
Published: February 2024

The extant green cover in a 140-year-old St Aloysius College campus in Mangalore, Karnataka, India, was used as a model to study tree diversity and carbon-sequestering rate (CSR), using a non-destructive biostatistics-based method. The results of the study indicated that the campus constituted a highly diverse tree flora with a Shannon Diversity index of 4.07. A total of 169 different tree species were found on the campus with an average population size of 9.98 per species. The green cover of 4.67 ha of the total area of the campus had a tree density of 361.03 trees/ha. Five tree species, namely Polyanthia longifolia, Cocos nucifera, Tectona grandis, Terminalia catappa, and Areca catechu, dominated the area. Using allometric equations, the total green cover in the campus area with biomass of 4594.6 Kg, which sequestered 8431.1 Kg of carbon at a carbon sequestration rate of 84.31 Kg per year was deduced. Olea europaea and Phoenix dactylifera, with the highest CSR of 0.09 and 0.08, respectively, were the most effective in sequestering 12.54 Kg and 11.19 Kg of carbon. The highest amount of Carbon sequestered (CS) per tree was in Olea europaea (12.54 Kg) and Phoenix dactylifera (11.19 Kg), followed by Acacia auriculiformis (10.44 Kg), and Adenanthera pavonina (10.08 Kg). It was observed that the amount of carbon sequestered decreased with the decrease in tree girth.
Thermoacidophilic β-fructofuranosidase induced with soybean meal produced by a new Aspergillus flavus isolated from the Atlantic Forest
Authors: De Andrades Diandra , Inagaki Tatiane Sayuri , Lopez Karg Lucas Alejandro , Yassuda Minomo Fabíola Ayumi , Sartori Brandão Natália , Henn Caroline , Maller Alexandre , Da Conceição Silva José Luis , Garcia Simão Rita de Cássia , Kimiko Kadowaki Marina
Published: February 2024

High production of β-fructofuranosidase was obtained with the new fungus Aspergillus flavus isolated from the Atlantic Forest under solid state fermentation supplemented with soybean meal (53.36 U/ml). This beta-fructofuranosidase obtained after six days of cultivation with soybean meal was partially purified by DEAE-Sephadex ion exchange chromatographic columns, with a final yield of 19%, with an apparent molecular mass of 37 KDa by SDS-PAGE. The optimum pH and temperature for enzyme activity were 5.0 and 60 °C, respectively. The enzyme showed stability with 70% residual activity after 12 hours in the acid pH range (5.0 and 5.5), while at temperatures from 45 ºC to 55 ºC the enzyme showed stability greater than 50%. Therefore, the characteristics of this thermoacidophilic β-fructofuranosidase from A. flavus presents potential for use in several biotechnological processes.
Photocatalytic treatment under visible light applied to aqueous glyphosate solution
Authors: Hochscheidt Bruna Eveling , Brondani Savana Noro , Paulino Alexandre Tadeu , Cordeiro Patricia Hissae Yassue , Visioli Luiz Jardel , Enzweiler Heveline
Published: February 2024

Numerous chemical residues produced by industries and agricultural activities harm the environment. Pesticides and herbicides pollute soil and water and have toxic effects on living beings. Glyphosate – N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine – is an herbicide extensively used for the non-selective control of weeds. This systemic and post-emergent organophosphorus compound accounts for 60% of the world market of non-selective herbicides. Photocatalysis is one of the safest and least expensive methods for removing pesticides from wastewater. Evidence in the literature shows that photocatalysis has the potential for the removal of herbicides from surface waters and soil. The present study aimed to investigate the photocatalytic degradation and reduction of phytotoxicity of glyphosate in the presence of cerium dioxide (CeO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) as catalysts (2 g L-1) under a visible radiation source. Among the catalysts, CeO2 had the best efficiency, achieving 17% degradation, followed by ZnO (6.8%) and TiO2 (6.4%). The concentration of CeO2 was diminished to 1 g L-1 to assess its influence, leading to a reduction in degradation from 17% to 15%. Phytotoxicity of the product of the reactions was also evaluated and revealed a nonphytotoxic compound was formed in the photocatalytic reaction solution using CeO2 as the catalyst.
The micronucleus test in Ameiva ameiva (Squamata: Teiidae) in riparian forests in the Central Cerrado, Brazil
Authors: Almeida Souza Luana , Benvindo-Souza Marcelino , Elias Borges Rinneu , Barros Bittar Bruno , Souza Andrade Murilo , Pereira Victor-Júnior Edmar , De Souza Correia Camilla , Rezende Oliveira Seixas , Vaz-Silva Wilian , De Souza Santos Lia Raquel
Published: February 2024

Free-living species can be used as indicators to estimate the impact of environmental stressors. In this study, the heliophilous lizard Ameiva ameiva was used for the first time for the micronucleus test and other nuclear abnormalities. This biomarker is rapid and reliable in evaluating populations environmentally exposed to genotoxic agents. Thus, two animal populations were collected in the Cerrado Central riparian forests with pasture influence. The results indicated the presence of micronuclei and different nuclear erythrocyte abnormalities: cells with nuclear bud, segmented nucleus, notched nucleus, lobed nucleus, and reniform nucleus. There was no statistical difference in the frequency of DNA damage between the populations in the pasture areas. The inclusion of these species in biomonitoring programs seems relevant to shed light on the susceptibility to expression of genotoxic damage. This species has a wide geographic distribution in the Neotropical region, which makes it promising for research on environmental mutagenesis.
Validation and verification framework and data integration of biosensors and in vitro diagnostic devices: a position statement of the IFCC Committee on Mobile Health and Bioengineering in Laboratory Medicine (C-MBHLM) and the IFCC Scientific Division
Authors: Gruson Damien , Cobbaert Christa , Dabla Pradeep Kumar , Stankovic Sanja , Homsak Evgenija , Kotani Kazuhiko , Samir Assaad Ramy , Nichols James H. , Gouget Bernard
Published: February 2024

Advances in technology have transformed healthcare and laboratory medicine. Biosensors have emerged as a promising technology in healthcare, providing a way to monitor human physiological parameters in a continuous, real-time, and non-intrusive manner and offering value and benefits in a wide range of applications. This position statement aims to present the current situation around biosensors, their perspectives and importantly the need to set the framework for their validation and safe use. The development of a qualification framework for biosensors should be conceptually adopted and extended to cover digitally measured biomarkers from biosensors for advancing healthcare and achieving more individualized patient management and better patient outcome.
Limits of Metacognitive Prompts for Confidence Judgments in an Interactive Learning Environment
Authors: Klar Maria , Buchner Josef , Kerres Michael
Published: February 2024

Metacognitive activities are reported to improve learning but prompts to support metacognition have only been investigated with mixed results. In the present study, metacognitive prompts for confidence judgments were implemented in a learning platform to provide more insights into their effectiveness and their limits. Comparing the prompted group (n = 51) with the control (n = 150), no benefits of the prompts are seen: Performance is not better with prompts, and there is no improvement in metacognitive accuracy over time within the prompted group. Notably, half of the prompted group did not use the metacognitive prompts as intended. Alternative ways to integrate such prompts are discussed.
Effect of particle volume fraction on wear behavior in Al–SiC MMC coated on DIN AlZnMgCu1.5 alloy
Authors: Ballikaya Hasan
Published: February 2024

In this study, DIN AlZnMgCu1.5 alloy surface (Al + SiC) was coated with metal matrix composite (MMC) by using hot press sintering method (HPSM). Al was used as matrix material and SiC powders were used as reinforcing material in the coating process on DIN AlZnMgCu1.5 alloy surface. Al/SiC MMC coating was produced at 600 °C under 120 MPa pressure and with varying SiC content (5, 10 and 15 vol.%). Optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to examine the microstructure, elemental analysis and phase structure of both the coating zone and the transition zone between the substrate and the coating. The hardness was measured and a dry sliding linear reciprocating wear test was run to determine the mechanical properties of the coating layer. Consequently, the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear volume were determined. OM and SEM images showed a homogeneous distribution of SiC particles and a less porous structure. The hardness of the MMC coating increased with increasing SiC content. Also, the numerical analysis of the wear test simulation was done based on Archard’s law. The results of both wear tests showed that the volume loss values were consistent with each other and the amount of wear significantly reduced by increasing the rate of SiC reinforcement.
Troeltsch liest Semler (und Lessing). Exemplarische Beobachtungen zur problemgeschichtlichen Fundierung der europäischen Kultursynthese in den Rezensionen und Kritiken
Authors: Stallmann Marco
Published: February 2024

The study examines for the first time Ernst Troeltsch’s discussion of Johann Salomo Semler and Gotthold Ephraim Lessing in the reviews and criticisms and thus makes a contribution to the historicization of his Enlightenment interpretation and his reflective historicism. The analyzed reviews show Troeltsch as an intimate connoisseur of the 18th century history of theology, who did not let his differentiated concept of modernity become one-sided in contemporary diagnostic interest, but developed it in a critical examination of cultural-historical Enlightenment research. The analysis shows in an exemplary way how Troeltsch critically and in his own language makes historical sources and literary studies his own, in order to locate himself in the analyzed cultural-historical overall picture with this appropriation. An in-depth section highlights the reflection of his review work in the different text versions of his Kant and Protestantism studies, including insightful handwritten notes.
The philosophical-theological notion of Gegenwart: its adoption by Hans Jonas and its historical development
Authors: Settimo Luca
Published: February 2024

Gegenwart is a German word which can be translated into English with the words Presence and/or Present in the “here and now,” but it can also imply the notion of “timelessness.” Different philosophers and theologians have used this word but I will argue that the richness of this word has often been “lost in translation” and thus the connotations of this German term need tobe explored in more detail to fully grasp what the authors intended to express when they used this word. As a case study, I will focus on how the famous thinker Hans Jonas uses this word in his writings showing the strong correlation with his understanding of good human actions performed before God, in agreement with his ethical approach built on the principle of human responsibility. This article also aims to illustrate the historical development of the concept of Gegenwart. This task will be achieved by analysing how several scholars (contemporaries of or preceding Jonas) have used the concept of Gegenwart over different periods of time and how this ultimately influenced Jonas.
St Justin Popović and the “Patristic Turn”
Authors: Jeftić Andrej
Published: February 2024

Saint Justin Popovićis well known as a key protagonist of the patristic revival in Serbian theology of the twentieth century. This paper explores the way that this revival took place in his theology by analysing his patristic works, basic features of his patristic hermeneutics and discussing possible influences which enabled him to participate in what was, at the time, the emerging theological trend. His two key patristic works on St Macarius of Egypt and St Isaak the Syrian are analysed as they provide valuable information on Fr Justin’s approach to the patristic texts. Focus is also laid on his dogmatic works which reveal his understanding of the role of the patristic legacy in Orthodox theology, as well as on his exegetical works in which patristic authors are often and substantially engaged with. Three basic features of Fr Justin’s patristic hermeneutics are discussed: (1) his synthetic approach, founded on his understanding of catholicity (sobornost); (2) his emphasis on spiritual experience; and (3) his focus on the obtaining of sainthood as the ultimate goal of the patristic investigations. Three key streams of Russian religious thought, it is claimed, had a crucial impact on Fr Justin’s theological reasoning in general, and on his understanding of the patristic revival, in particular. Besides the theological influences, as evidenced in Russian philokalic tradition and theological figures among which Metropolitan Khrapovitsky plays a major role, the substantial contribution of Russian religious philosophy is also emphasized. In conclusion, it is argued that although Fr Justin’s turn to the patristic tradition exhibits some of the qualities of the neo-patristic synthesis, it lacks the programmatic character as evidenced in the case of Georges Florovsky’s theology. I show that Fr Justin participates in the “patristic turn”, a phenomenon which may be perceived as analogous to the “linguistic turn” that happened in the 20th century philosophy, and not necessarily in neo-patristic theology as such.
Effects of Testing Rate and Age on ASTM C 1018 Toughness Parameters and their Precision for Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Johnston CD
Published: February 2024

The first-crack strength and toughness parameters of steel fiber-reinforced beams were determined according to ASTM Test Method for Flexural Toughness and First-Crack Strength of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (Using Beam with Third-Point Loading) (C 1018–92). The objective was to establish the effects of the testing rate, defined in terms of machine stroke, and concrete age at test on Method C 1018 test results. Machine stroke rate varies from the standard specified in Method C 1018 to 20 times the standard rate. Concrete age at test varies from 3 to 92 days. Sets of four beams were tested at each of five stroke rates and five test ages. Linear regression analyses show statistically significant increases in first-crack strength with increase in machine stroke rate or test age. Similar analyses show that in most cases toughness indices and residual strength factors are not affected by machine stroke rate or test age to a statistically significant degree.
Analysis of a Canadian Database of Mortar-Cube Strengths: The Move Toward a Canadian Performance Standard for Portland Cement
Authors: Day RL
Published: February 2024

This paper reports on a statistical analysis of a large database of mortar-cube strengths from Canadian cement plants. The objective of the analysis was to provide summary data for decisions to be made concerning performance specifications for Canadian Standard CAN/CSA-A5 on portland cement. In particular, the suitability of the present limits on minimum strengths and the possibility of defining both lower and upper bounds for strength for various types of cements at various ages was examined.

Based on the statistical analysis, it is suggested that, at selected ages, establishment of lower and upper limits approximately three standard deviations from the mean strength are feasible and would probably be acceptable to all cement manufacturers in Canada. It appears that only two classifications for strength need to be established: one for Types 10, 20, and 50 cements (ASTM Types I, II, and V) and the other for Type 30 (ASTM Type III) cement.

Although a positive correlation is shown between surface area and some strength values, the scatter is so large that practical use of the correlation for the development of standards is unlikely.