bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the brightening effect of miscible wetting additives on fly ash coatings
Authors: Wang Zehao , Yang Jingkun , Gao Hangtian , Liu Jianan , Li Fengyu , Zeng Deli , Mou Hongyan , Fan Huiming
Published: February 2024

The resource utilization of fly ash has always been a popular topic in the field of solid waste recycling. This paper is based on the three-phase reaction system of “fly ash (s)-[Ca(OH)2–H2O/ethanol] (l)-CO2 (g)”, using the bubble carbonization method to carry out heterogeneous phase reaction with fly ash as the core crystallized to form a fly ash-based calcium carbonate composite with higher brightness. The composite material is used in the filling of paper instead of calcium carbonate filler. Based on the previous research of our team, we focused on exploring the addition of miscible wettability additives (ethanol and acetone) to improve the wettability of the reaction system, thereby improving the whitening and modification effect of fly ash. The results showed that the addition of ethanol and acetone can significantly improve the coating effect of fly ash, however, acetone is slightly toxic, more volatile, and expensive than ethanol, so ethanol is more suitable as a wetting agent to be added to the reaction system. Under the optimal coating conditions, when the ratio of ethanol and water is 1:1, the brightness of fly ash can reach 71.62 % ISO, which is 17.29 % ISO higher than that without ethanol.
Physically cross-linked scaffold composed of hydroxyapatite-chitosan-alginate-polyamide has potential to trigger bone regeneration in craniofacial defect
Authors: Rana Md. Masud , Arifuzzaman Md. , Akhtar Naznin , Haque Md. Raziul , Sarkar Swapan Kumar , Nurunnobi Md. , Sarder Md. Aliuzzaman , Asaduzzaman Sikder M.
Published: February 2024

Recently, the fabrication of a scaffold from biomaterials has been increased due to the lack of adequate natural bone for grafting. In this study, hydroxyapatite-chitosan-alginate-polyamide (HCAP) synthetic scaffold was fabricated using the thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) technique. The scaffold was cross-linked with either a chemical cross-linker (calcium chloride, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), or glutaraldehyde (GTA)) or a physical cross-linker (gamma irradiation (IR)) resulting in scaffolds HCAP-CaCl2, HCAP-HEMA, HCAP-GTA, and HCAP-IR, respectively. The cross-linked scaffolds were characterized based on physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity, and biocompatibility. HCAP-GTA showed the highest density and the lowest swelling ratio and biodegradation rate closely matching with those of the HCAP-IR. Porosity and density of the HCAP, HCAP-IR, and HCAP-GTA scaffolds were 92.14, 87.26, and 83.33 %, and 0.241, 0.307, and 0.335 g/cm3, respectively. The swelling ratio for the same scaffolds was 149, 110, and 108 % after 72 h of observation. Brine shrimp cytotoxicity and RBC biocompatibility assay confirmed the non-toxic nature of HCAP-IR and HCAP-GTA scaffolds. The HCAP-IR scaffold was tested for bone regeneration in the rabbit mandible defect model. Histological analysis revealed the regeneration of new bone and restoration of bone defect at the site of injury. These findings indicate that radiation induced physically cross-linked HCAP scaffold could be used as an alternative in bone defect replacement therapy.
Thrust-matching and optimization design of turbine-based combined cycle engine with trajectory optimization
Authors: Zhu JianFeng , Liu YingChen , Luo WenGuo , Guo Feng
Published: February 2024

Based on the trajectory optimization method of the Gauss pseudospectral, an aircraft/engine matching method is established for the turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engine. For a horizontal-takeoff hypersonic aircraft designed at Mach 5, a thrust-matching analysis of the TBCC engine is performed, and a rocket is integrated for further optimization design. The results show that the aircraft for boost missions should adopt the TBCC thrust with a takeoff thrust-to-weight ratio of 99.8 % to reduce the acceleration time and fuel consumption. In contrast, due to the low thrust-to-weight ratio of the TBCC engine, a high-thrust TBCC increases the inert weight in the cruise phase. Therefore, the aircraft designed for cruise missions should adopt the takeoff thrust-to-weight ratio of 92.0 %. Introducing a rocket whose maximum thrust is 10 % of the takeoff weight could assist the aircraft in overcoming the problem of the “thrust pinch” during the transonic and mode transition. With the assistance of rockets, the optimal takeoff thrust-to-weight ratio is 65.3 % for cruise aircraft, and the cruise range is increased by 18 %. While for the boost aircraft, adopting an optimal TBCC of 86.8 % takeoff thrust-to-weight ratio, the introduced rocket could reduce the fuel consumption and the TBCC engine weight by 4 %.
Getting the facts right: focus on adverbial verum marking in German
Authors: Müller Kalle
Published: February 2024

Two types of analyses of verum can be distinguished: either it is decomposed into focus and a focused verum element or it is a single, non-decomposable specialized lexical element which operates on discourse conditions. This paper argues for the former by investigating adverbs like tatsächlich, echt, wirklich in German that overtly realize a truth related predicate by illustrating the parallel between verb-verum and these adverbs for which their lexical contribution and the contribution of focus can be distinguished. It is shown, however, that this predicate does not encode polarity but factuality, which is analyzed in terms of a modal object. The syntactic location is determined to be between polarity and speaker-oriented categories. Other effects regarding commitment and evidentiality come as a by-product of highlighting factuality.
The crystal structures and magnetic properties of YbMg0.75In1.25 and Yb6Mg6.41In5.59
Authors: Reimann Maximilian Kai , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: February 2024

The quasi-binary system YbMg2-YbIn2 was studied around the equiatomic composition. In contrast to the ordered rare earth (RE) phases REMgIn (ZrNiAl type), ytterbium forms phases with different structures and pronounced Mg/In mixing (M sites). The structures of YbMg0.75In1.25 (CaLiSn type, P3m1, a = 501.95(7), c = 1087.3(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0490, 790 F
2 values, 32 variables) and Yb6Mg6.41In5.59 (Yb6Ir5Ga7 type, P63/mcm, a = 1060.77(14), c = 970.27(16) pm, wR2 = 0.0484, 701 F
2 values, 26 variables) were refined from single-crystal X-ray diffractometer data. YbMg0.75In1.25 is an AlB2 superstructure with a tripling of the subcell. The magnesium and indium atoms form three differently puckered layers of M
6 hexagons. The Yb6Mg6.41In5.59 structure is derived from the hexagonal Laves phase YbMg2 (MgZn2 type, P63/mmc). A klassengleiche symmetry reduction leads to four crystallographically independent M sites for the rows of corner- and face-sharing tetrahedra which allow a composition close to the equiatomic one. The M–M distances in both structures cover the broad range from 289 to 331 pm, comparable to the sums of the covalent radii. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility studies of the polycrystalline YbMg0.75In1.25 and Yb12Mg13In11 samples indicate Pauli paramagnetism with room temperature values of 2.8(1) × 10−3 emu mol−1 (YbMg0.75In1.25) and 5.2(1) × 10−3 emu mol−1 (Yb12Mg13In11).
Microwave-accelerated heating technique in fabrication of silver nanoparticles using propolis extract: optimization and characterization
Authors: Ahadi Farhan , Javadi Afshin , Jafarizadeh-Malmiri Hoda , Anarjan Navideh , Mirzaei Hamid
Published: February 2024

Silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) is known as a new generation of antibiotics with high bactericidal activity and resistance toward numerous bacteria strains. In the present study, AgNPs were synthesized using propolis extract and microwave heating technique. Results indicated that, the prepared hydroalcoholic propolis extract had brix, turbidity, total phenol content and antioxidant activity of 5.21° Bx, 1.75 % a.u., 82.52 mg/g (gallic acid) and 93.32 %, respectively. FTIR analysis also indicated that the prepared extract had several main functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, amide I, amin and esters, which those could act as reducing and stabilizing agents in fabrication of stable AgNPs. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis demonstrated that alpha-terpinene, coumaran, p-methoxycinnamic acid, dimethyl caffeic acid and pinostrobin chalcone were the main bioactive compounds of the prepared propolis extract. Results revealed that AgNPs with small particle size (86 nm) and polydespersity index (0.299), and high zeta potential (−23.34) values could be synthesized using 0.1 mL of the extract in combination to 9 mL silver nitrate (1 mM) under microwave heating for 30 s. TEM analysis demonstrated that spherical fabricated AgNPs had uniform particle size distribution with particle size of less than 100 nm. Finally, synthesized AgNps indicated higher bactericidal activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli, with obtained clear zone diameter of 22 and 19 mm, respectively.
Clothing Style Similarity Matching and Classification Recognition Algorithm Based on Double-Layer Model in the Context of the Internet of Things
Authors: Liu Jing , Yin Lei
Published: February 2024

The identification of different clothing style attributes is helpful for designers to grasp the clothing style, and it is also helpful for consumers to find clothes with the same style attributes according to their own preferences. This is becoming more important in the clothing design, Internet, and e-commerce industries. It is of great significance to carry out clothing style similarity matching and classification recognition. For the problem of clothing style similarity matching and classification recognition, the traditional algorithm stays in the stage of qualitative analysis and subjective evaluation, unable to quantitatively and objectively determine clothing style, resulting in the decline of clothing style similarity matching effect and classification recognition accuracy. Therefore, a similarity matching, classification, and recognition algorithm of clothing style based on the double-layer model in the context of the Internet of Things is designed. The double-layer model is constructed through the target detection layer and target segmentation layer. The double-layer model is used to realize the segmentation of clothing image. The overall similarity evaluation index of image style is obtained according to the image gradient to complete the similarity matching of clothing style. On this basis, the clothing image features are extracted and input into the support vector machine classifier to complete the clothing classification and recognition. The experimental results show that the proposed garment style similarity matching and classification recognition algorithm based on the two-layer model has high image segmentation accuracy, good style similarity matching effect, high classification recognition accuracy, and high efficiency, which proves that the algorithm is feasible for garment style similarity matching and classification recognition using the two-layer model and can be further applied in the field of garment design.
Chronic Treatment with Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors Does Not Affect Regrowth of Serotonin Axons Following Amphetamine Injury in the Mouse Forebrain
Authors: Janowitz Haley N. , Linden David J.
Published: February 2024

A current hypothesis to explain the limited recovery following brain and spinal cord trauma stems from the dogma that neurons in the mammalian central nervous system lack the ability to regenerate their axons after injury. Serotonin (5-HT) neurons in the adult brain are a notable exception in that they can slowly regrow their axons following chemical or mechanical lesions. This process of regrowth occurs without intervention over several months and results in anatomical recovery that approximates the preinjured state. During development, serotonin is a trophic factor, playing a role in both cell survival and axon growth. Additionally, some studies have shown that stroke patients treated after injury with serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) appeared to have improved recovery. To test the hypothesis that serotonin can influence the regrowth of 5-HT axons, mice received a high dose ofpara-chloroamphetamine (PCA) to induce widespread retrograde degeneration of 5-HT axons. Then, after a short rest period to avoid any interaction with the acute injury phase, SSRIs were administered daily for 6 or 10 weeks. Using immunohistochemistry in 5-HT transporter-GFP BAC transgenic mice, we determined that while PCA led to a rapid initial decrease in total 5-HT axon length in the somatosensory cortex, visual cortex, or area CA1 of the hippocampus, treatment with either fluoxetine or sertraline (two different SSRIs) did not affect the recovery of axon length. These results suggest that chronic SSRI treatment does not affect the regrowth of 5-HT axons and argue against SSRIs as a potential therapy following brain injury.
Perífrasis modales y variación
Authors: Vellón Lahoz Fco. Javier
Published: February 2024

El artículo presenta una investigación de índole variacionista en torno a las perífrasis modales de valor deóntico en español con tres verbos auxiliares: haber, tener y deber. El estudio se realiza a partir de un corpus de textos teatrales del siglo XVI, formado por obras dramáticas que abarcan toda la centuria y los diversos géneros, desde los más clásicos, las tragedias, a las piezas más populares, como los pasos de Lope de Rueda. El objetivo de la investigación es contrastar los resultados obtenidos acerca de los factores gramaticales, estilísticos y sociales que condicionan el uso de las diferentes perífrasis con los de trabajos previos centrados en un corpus de textos próximos a la inmediatez comunicativa (sobre todo, cartas privadas). La finalidad del trabajo es comprobar si el condicionamiento variable de las perífrasis responde a los mismos factores, y con la misma dirección del efecto en su uso, o si, por el contrario, hay diferencias reveladoras entre unas tradiciones discursivas y otras.
Interactions of a Multi-Variable Dryer Control System
Authors:   Department of Engineering, The Institute of Paper Chemistry, Appleton, Wis. 54911, U.S.A., Holm R. A. , Perry J. F. ,   Department of Engineering, The Institute of Paper Chemistry, Appleton, Wis. 54911, U.S.A.
Published: February 2024

The design of more responsive control systems for papermachine dryer sections requires a knowledge of the coupling between web moisture content and changes in basis weight and machine speed. The interactive effect of changes in basis weight and machine speed on the measured moisture content must be known to allow proper compensation. An estimate of the steady state coupling coefficients was made by forming an approximate mathematical model and calculating the steady state response surfaces for average web moisture content versus machine speed and basis weight. The model was a realistic representation of the partial differential equations relating heat conduction and vapour diffusion within the web. Approximate, constant values of web properties and transport coefficients and the alternating boundary conditions characteristic of conventional cylinder drying were used . Basis weight of 26-90 lb/1 000 ft2 and speeds of 800-1800 ft/min were studied. The calculated coefficients showed that, for typical production conditions of 421b board at 1 400 ft/min, a 1 lb change in basis weight would be expected to produce a 2 percent change in web moisture content; a speed change of 100 ft/min would produce a 5 percent change in moisture content. The dependence of the coupling coefficients on the level of basis weight and speed was also demonstrated. The coupling coefficients for basis weight and for speed both increased approximately linearly with the operating speed, whereas the increases in both coefficients through basis weight changes were less significant. These results are of use in the design of non-interactive control systems for papermachine dryer sections. Although the calculated results were restricted to the steady state gains for this system, an indication is given of the possible use of a more complex model in studying the dynamic behaviour of the drying system.
Economic Models and the UK Paper Industry
Authors:   Scientific Control Systems Ltd., London, Morgan N. B.
Published: February 2024

Models of the behaviour of national economies have been developed and popularised for some time. The economic behaviour of whole industries has also been examined and statistical analysis has uncovered at least the main features of the working of a number of industries. There is no difficulty in principle in carrying this process of analysis on to the examination of individual products . The paper discusses these topics and illustrations are provided of national and industrial economic models and the behaviour of several product groups in the U.K. paper industry are examined. The results show that statistical analysis can reveal important economic influences at work, but that it is necessary to beware of special factors, technical, political and social, which can be of overriding importance for particular products at particular times.
Opening Remarks
Authors: Rance H. F.
Published: February 2024

My lord, ladies and gentlemen, sixteen years ago, we met in Cambridge on the occasion of the first international symposium organised by the Fundamental Research Committee of the Technical Section of the British Paper and Board Maker’s Association. The subject was The Fundamentals of Papermaking Fibres.
Consequences of the Layered Structure of Paper
Authors:   Wiggins Teape Research & Development Ltd., Beaconsfield, Bucks., Radvan B.
Published: February 2024

The layered structure of paper is a necessary consequence of its method of manufacture by deposition of fibres from a low concentration suspension in water or air. It results in an extreme anisotropy of the in-plane and out-of-plane properties. Reported and estimated values of compressibility, strength, permeability of fluids and light transmission, in the two directions, are compared, although such comparisons are often only speculative in the absence of direct measurements of the properties of non-layered papers. The total result of the layered arrangement of fibres is a material that is relatively dense and smooth, stiff, strong in tension, but liable to crease and delaminate. Such a combination of properties determines its performance in the four main areas of application: 1. For printing, it offers a compact, smooth surface, but poor processing strength and opacity. 2. For packaging, good puncture resistance and easy creasability of board, but poor folding endurance. 3. For hygienic and disposable products, good processing strength, but poor softness and absorbency. 4. For barrier and filter media, good strength, but a dense packing. Attempts are discussed that are aimed at overcoming these limitations of the layered structure. Other sheet materials, such as felt and leather, possess a non-layered structure that strongly affects their performance. The possibilities are discussed of extending the areas of application of paper and of paper-like materials through making its structure non-layered.
Triaxial Deformation of Paper Under Tensile Load
Authors:   Institute of Paper Technology, Technical University, Darmstadt, W. Germany, Göttsching L. , Baumgarten H. L. ,   Institute of Paper Technology, Technical University, Darmstadt, W. Germany
Published: February 2024

Byway of introduction, the present state of knowledge is reviewed on the deformations of paper under uniaxial tension in the three principal directions- elongation, lateral contraction and change in thickness. Their measurement is briefly described in order to show the relationship between the experimental situation and the definition of the terms by which the deformations are characterised. Following this, the results of tensile tests with straining cycles are presented. These show, apart from the elongation, the pattern of the cross-sectional changes and their reversible and irreversible components. Using laboratory handsheets, the effects studied were of manufacturing variables such as the grammage, the degree of refining and calendering, also of the furnish and of loading. These investigations were supplemented by measurements on machine-made papers. It was found that the relationship between plastic elongation and total elongation is almost the same for all papers. There is also a strong similarity between the patterns of lateral contraction of the various papers, for which Poisson ratios ᵛₓᵥ = 0.16 – 0.34 and ᵛₓᵥ = 0.04 – 0.10 were found. By contrast, the change in thickness varies considerably from paper to paper and shows negative as well as positive Poisson ratios. The comparison with results obtained on other sheet-like materials such as packaging foils and various printing substrates demonstrates the peculiarities of the deformation behaviour of paper. Concluding the article, an attempt is made t o arrive at a general formulation of the load/deformation behaviour of paper and it is here that the significance of the investigated fundamental properties of paper for its conversion and use become apparent.
Evaluation and Optimisation of the In-Plane Tearing Strength of Paper
Authors:   MacMillan Bloedel Research Ltd., Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Lyne M. B. , Jackson M. ,   MacMillan Bloedel Research Ltd., Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Ranger A. E. ,   MacMillan Bloedel Research Ltd., Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Trigg A. R. V. ,   MacMillan Bloedel Research Ltd., Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Published: February 2024

Web failure in the papermaking and printing operations is considered as an in-plane tearing mechanism and two aspects of this-in-plane edge tear and in-plane started tear-are discussed. A technique is proposed for the measurement of in-plane edge tearing strength and this is used to assess disc slitter performance and the potential of new approaches to slitting. It is shown that water jet slitting offers a possible alternative to conventional disc slitting, yielding edges with higher and more uniform edge tearing strength than those obtained from conventional disc slitting. The technique is used also to evaluate the influence of various edge defects on edge tearing strength. It is found that, whereas shives have no significant effect on the edge tearing strength of newsprint evaluated in this investigation, short edge cuts cause significant reductions in edge tearing strength. The strain concentration about web defects is examined using laser holographic interferometry and the observations are in qualitative agreement with those obtained with the edge tear tester. Whereas the edge tearing strength is a measure of the force required to initiate a tear in the edge of a paper web, the in-plane started tearing strength is an energy measure of the flaw-carrying ability of the web. A pendulum tester, designed to evaluate this parameter, is used to determine how the degree of bleaching, the extent of beating and the drying history of chemical pulp in conjunction with the drainage characteristics of groundwood affect the in-plane started tear characteristics of paper. The relationship between Elmendorf and in-plane started tear is also discussed.
Distribution of Energy Consumption during the Straining of Paper
Authors:   Research & Development, oy Nokia AB, Nokia, Finland, Ebeling K. I.
Published: February 2024

The thermodynamic behaviour (that is, the simultaneous mechanical and thermal behaviour) of paper and other sheet-like materials will be reported. It will be shown that the thermodynamic analysis will reveal much more of the deformation mechanism than the mechanical analysis alone. Results obtained show that the initial straining of paper is controlled by energy elastic forces and in accordance with Kelvin’s thermoelastic equation. The plastic region straining of paper is controlled by irreversible intrafibre deformation. Simultaneously, some interfibre bond breakage does occur, but this breakage is partial and it is not a prerequisite of plastic deformation of paper.
Graft Polymerisation, Polymer Grafting of Cellulose and Cellulose Materials
Authors:   Papiertechnische Stiftung, Munich, W. Germany, Nitzl K. , Koller H. ,   Papiertechnische Stiftung, Munich, W. Germany
Published: February 2024

The mutual interaction between cellulose and plastics has led in recent years to more and more complicated and improved products capable of capturing an extensive share in the paper, board and packaging industry. In most finishing processes, whether they are concerned with the substance of the paper or its surface properties, the maintenance of the morphological structure of cellulose is of decisive importance. This is because the features associated with this structure, especially those of sheet formation and in contrast to synthetic finishing materials, have an enormous influence upon the combined technological properties of the finished product. Indeed, various cellulose derivatives and modified celluloses are known that would achieve the properties obtained when synthetics are added for finishing purposes, but they have the disadvantage in most cases that the fibre structure of cellulose is lost on modification. Therefore, it is not surprising that most composite paper and cellulose products, apart from a few products used mainly in the textile industry, represent an aggregate of the fibre and finishing material.
AVANCES DE LA ADMINISTRACIÓN TRIBUTARIA EN EL PERÚ
Authors: Barragán Arqué Paulino
Published: February 2024

La cultura del servicio al contribuyente es una línea estratégica de trabajo desarrollada por fa Administración Tributaria peruana, que le ha permitido resolver el problema de cómo servir mejor a la sociedad, rompiendo los viejos paradigmas de que es una mera aplicadora racional-legal de las normas tributarias, hacia una concepción flexible, más dinámica y más creativa. Esta línea de estrategia de trabajo va más allá del simple cambio legal, concibe al contribuyente como un cliente un socio y un amigo, y no como un presunto evasor o defraudador de impuestos.
¿MERCADO NACIONAL O MERCADO GLOBAL?
Authors: Arrarte Mera Raúl
Published: February 2024

¿Qué deben hacer nuestros empresarios nacionales para insertarse en la economía mundial? Adaptarse al nuevo modelo de desarrollo consiste en enfocar al país hacia el mercado internacional, es decir, hacia la exportación. '.'Se trata de detectar qué cosas puede ofrecer el país con una calidad y eficiencia de categoría mundial y aplicar allí el esfuerzo máximo, dejando que los demás países produzcan aquellos bienes para los que están mejor dotados"('). Trataremos de desarrollar estas ideas en las líneas siguientes, ahora que el país mira con esperanza las oportunidades de negocios que podría facilitarnos el Acuerdo de Tarifas Arancelarias Andinas (ATPA). Sólo la fusión en grandes organizaciones con mentalidad internacional, que superen el tama­ño mínimo eficiente del sector, tendrá cabida en el futuro, y para ello es preciso prepararse adecua­damente en las herramientas de la Dirección Estratégica.
“How tourism industry and culture may affect physical activity, obesity and health status, with focus on telomers?”
Authors: Moiniafshari Kimia , kalantari Farshad , Behzadi Nezhad Hafez
Published: February 2024

Prevalence of health-related complication, has gained a growing trend within the past decades. Health status, both. In individual and public scale, can be affected by lifestyle. Social behaviors and lifestyle, can be as results of culture and history in a society which can affect health status as a result. History and heritage can affect components of lifestyle as well, including dietary pattern and physical activity. Moreover, each country, has its own natural and historical resources which can affect lifestyle, way of living, social behavior, tourism and cultural exchange. The purpose of this article was to reveal the effect of culture on healthy behavior exchange within the communities with more emphasize on telomer, as an indicator of cell health status. By considering the positive aspects and strength of culture in health area, including traditions for foods and physical activity, it can be suggested that life-related behaviors and natural resources, can affect cell health status which can be predicted by telomer length and tourism attraction. This may provide an opportunity for health-related behavior exchange, by improving national and international culture-related and health-related behaviors which seems to require effective and practical regulations to be organized by responsible authorities.
Obesity and falls injuries risk: Is there a relevant connection in older adults?
Authors: Marks Ray
Published: February 2024

Obesity, which is on the rise, is a risk factor for, as well as a possible negative outcome mediator of multiple health issues, including bone mineral losses, cardiovascular impairments, and falls injuries and fractures among many in the older adult population and others. This brief examines what we know about obesity and falls injuries as applied to the older adult, a topic that is arguably of high import, but not always stressed in the obesity literature. Using the PUBMED and GOOGLE SCHOLAR data bases relevant data on this topic were sought. These data bases show that it is possible some older adults who exhibit excess body mass indicators may be prone to falling and sustaining injuries that may reinforce their tendency towards debility or increase this. Even if not applicable to all older adults, advocating for optimal body weight, and regular physical activity bouts across the lifespan may prove helpful in abating the disability observed due to the presence of an obesity state plus any associated single or multiple injurious falls in later life.
Effect of Fructose on lipoprotein lipase in brown adipose tissue
Authors: L Tulp Orien
Published: February 2024

The per capita intake of fructose mostly in the form of high fructose corn syrup has increased 4- to 5-fold in recent decades. To determine the impact of dietary fructose on parameters of lipid metabolism in brown adipose tissue in T2DM rats, groups of lean and obese-T2DM rats were fed a nutritionally adequate diet consisting of 54% carbohydrate as either cooked cornstarch (CS) or equal parts CS and fructose (CSF diet) from one until 9 months of age. Measures of initial and final body weight s were recorded. At 9 months of age, measures of interscapular brown adipose tissue mass, and size, number, lipoprotein lipase activity, and lipid content determined. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. The body weights of lean and obese littermates were similar at 4 weeks of age, but the net weight gain of the obese phenotype over the 8 months of observation was twice that of their lean littermates, (p = < 0.01). The IBAT mass of obese rats >> than their lean littermates and was not affected by diet in either phenotype. The IBAT number / depot and lipid content / cell and percent lipid / IBAT depot was greater in obese than lean and was not affected by diet. The IBAT LPL activity of obese >> lean and was greater with the CSF than the CS diet in both phenotypes. In conclusion, these results indicate that the obese phenotype results in marked increases in IBAT mass and cellularity independently of diet. LPL activity of lean >> obese and was increased modestly in both phenotypes with the CSF diet. Thus, long term consumption of an isoenergetic diet high in fructose modulates LPL activity and lipid accumulation in brown adipose tissue in a rodent model of insulin resistance and NIDDM. In addition, the expression of obesity in the obese phenotype is more likely a result of the epigenetic metabolic determinants of obesity rather than the specific type of the dietary carbohydrate consumed per se.
Comparative analysis of the impact of artificially and naturally ripened fruit on obesity-induced biochemical and hematological alterations
Authors: Onwuka Osah Martins , Nkpurukwe Constance Ihuoma , Osuji Akudo Chigoziri
Published: February 2024

Aim: Comparative analysis of the impact of artificially and naturally ripened fruit on obesity-induced biochemical and hematological alterations was carried out. Methodology: 4 g/kg of monosodium glutamate (MSG) was injected on neonates on day 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 to induced experimental obesity. 25g/kg of calcium carbide, CaC2 was used to artificially ripen fruits and naturally ripened fruit was also prepared. At age 7 months, Wistar rats induced with obesity were treated with artificially and naturally ripened fruits in their various groups for 28 days. Biochemical and hematological parameters related to oxidative stress, liver, kidney and blood functions were assayed. Results: MSG-induced obesity significantly altered the bio-chemicals (MDA, SOD, CAT, GPx, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, Urea, Creatine, K+, Na+, Cl-) and hematological parameters (RBC, PCV, Hb, WBC, WBC differential count) suggesting obesity could predispose to oxidative stress, liver, kidney and blood dysfunction; furthermore, naturally ripened fruit was able to significantly mitigate the effects exerted by obesity while artificially ripened enhanced the effects. Conclusion: Fruit could be beneficial for obesity-induced biochemical and hematological alterations, but artificially ripened fruits could be deleterious to the stated condition. Hence, measures needs to be taken to ensure naturally ripened fruits are consumed since it can be beneficial to obesity-induced biochemical and hematological alterations as observed in this study.
Primary cardiac lymphoma A comprehensive review
Authors: Zhao Wenhao , Zhou Fan
Published: February 2024

Objective: To summarize and analyze the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of patients with primary cardiac lymphoma. Method: We herein review the literature available in PubMed databases for recent five years. Then we analyze and summarize the literature data. Result: Among the 26 patients with primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL), the right atrium was most common site involved, and most tumors were single mass, the main symptoms were dyspnoea（65.4%），chest oppression (38.5%) and edema (19.2%). The elevations of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were observed, however the bone marrow aspiration or biopsy? Examinations were negative. Atrial fibrillation and atrioventricular block were also noted in some cases. The common expression of immunophenotyping were CD20, Ki-67, multiple myeloma oncogene 1 (MUM1), B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-6 (Bcl-6), CD10, and might be accompanied by expression of Bcl-2, c-myc, CD3 and CD5, while negative expression of CD30, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), Epstein-Barr virus encoded small RNA (EBER). The majority of patients in this cohort receiving R±CHOP chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide + pirarubicin + vincristine + prednisone with/without rituximab) were reported to have a poor prognosis with 1-year survival rate at 24.1% (9/26). Conclusions: PCL is very rare, with the variable clinical manifestations potentially leading to a delayed diagnosis.
Epidemiology and overall survival of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the O’Higgins region, Chile
Authors: Flores-Angulo Carlos , GarcíaLlorente Diana , Del Castillo Cristian , TralcalBarrera Ana , Vergara Carmen
Published: February 2024

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Although overall survival has improved since introducing rituximab to the CHOP regimen, some socio demographic factors may affect the outcome. Because there are no descriptive data on patients treated in the O'Higgins region (Chile), which is characterized by being a mainly rural area, we consider how to describe the characteristics and survival of patients with DLBCL in the region. We conducted a retrospective study that included 106 patients and investigated the clinical and pathological features of the clinical records. We performed a subgroup analysis considering the stage, B symptoms, histological type, and status of BCL2, BCL6, and MYC. The baseline characteristics of the subgroups were compared using chi-square and Student's t-test. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan Meier curves and compared by log-rank test. The results highlight that the probability of overall survival at 36 months was 67.7%, but differences were evidenced according to the stage (early-stage 90.5% and late-stage 71.8%); no differences were found in survival according to categorical age, B symptoms, cell origin and status of BCL2, BCL6, MYC. It is essential to develop association studies to determine factors that may affect the survival of patients residing in the region.
Von willebrand disease and gastrointestinal bleeding: case presentation
Authors: Raúl Aragón Abrantes Ariel , Hernández Aguiar Danelis , Crespo Toledo Nidia , Ulloa Olivera Carmen
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Von Willebrand diseases is a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a quantitative or qualitative deficiency of von Willebrand factor, characterized by light mucocutaneous bleeding, although other bleeding such as gastrointestinal and joint bleeding may occur in severely affected patients. It treatment is fundamentally based on replacement therapy and the use of desmoprecin. Objective: Describe the characteristics and clinical evolution of a patient who presented upper gastrointestinal bleeding as a form of presentation of von Willebrand disease. Conclusions: von Willebrand diseases hould be suspected in patients with abnormal bleeding symptoms without apparent causes.
Health systems responsiveness at a leading private hospital in Sri Lanka
Authors: Abeysekara Dr Chandana Merenchi
Published: February 2024

Responsiveness is identified as a key goal of the health systems by the World Health Organization. There are eight elements in responsiveness namely, Dignity, Confidentiality, Autonomy, Communication, Prompt attention, Basic amenities, Access to social support, and choice of provider. The objective of this report was to assess the responsiveness of healthcare delivery in a leading private hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Observations (participant and non-participant) and informal discussions were used to collect the data. Indicators were developed to assess the responsiveness and a 04-point Likert Scale was used as the scoring system. According to the result, all eight elements of responsiveness were in the range of 79% to 80% and can be considered “excellent”. Recommendations were given for further improvement of selected elements of responsiveness.
Management profile among Keratoconus – A Retrospective study
Authors:   Chitkara School of Health Sciences, Chitkara University, Punjab, India, Gupta Nayan , Mishra Astha ,   Chitkara School of Health Sciences, Chitkara University, Punjab, India, Mehra Shankar ,   Director and Consultant Optometrist, Spects + Optometry Clinic, Gujarat, India
Published: February 2024

Purpose: To report the profile management options of the Keratoconus patients who attended in the tertiary eye care center in the year 2021 and to analyze the practice patterns that are considered to be ideal in the management of Keratoconus. Methods: The data were collected retrospectively and this was a cross-sectional study. The data collected for all patients attending a tertiary eye hospital in the year July 2021 were reviewed and data were collected on the patient demographics, chief complaints, associated clinical conditions, visual acuity, corneal signs of Keratoconus, corneal topography data, and the management with contact lens; type of contact lens prescribed and the contact lens visual acuity was assessed along with others parameters of the contact lens measurement were considered. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the profile of the patients and understand the severity of Keratoconus and the parameters of the contact lenses selected. Results: There was a total of 31 patients who were diagnosed with bilateral Keratoconus based on the clinical signs of Keratoconus and corneal topography. The mean age was 20.1+6.86. The association with eye rubbing/VKC was found in 25.8% of the total population. The majority of the patients were managed with RGP lenses.
Palynological, karyological and eco-physiological features of Microcnemum coralloides of Armenian flora
Authors: Hayrapetyan A. M. , Ghukasyan A. G. , Muradyan A. H. , Martirosyan L. J. , Hovakimyan Z. H.
Published: February 2024

The nature of pollen grains and karyotype morphology are important bases in the task of clarifying relationships and they are considered to be of significant value in observing the effects of environmental and climatic factors on plants. The investigations of the palynological, as well as karyological and physiological data regarding to M. coralloides, as one of the rarest species of the Armenian flora, were conducted for the first time using light and scanning electronic microscopy. In Armenia the only remaining population of this species is currently located in the Ararat valley salt marshes to the south-east of Ararat town. In the Red Book of Plants of the Republic of Armenia the species M. coralloides is presented in the category EN (Endangered species). Description of the pollen grain and karyotype of the Armenian population of M. coralloides subsp. anatolicum collected from the vicinity of Ararat town are provided in the article. The study of the water regime, transpiration intensity and photosynthesis, as well as plastid pigments were also conducted. Comparative analysis between Armenian and Iranian specimens of the subspecies M. coralloides subsp. anatolicum showed some discrepancies in pollen features, as well as karyological data, which indicate some specificity of the population growing on the territory of Armenia. The diversity and intersections in pollen traits can be attributed to either natural variability within a population (plasticity), or they may be influenced by genetic differences among populations and closely related species. The physiological data highlights specialized adaptations of M. coralloides subsp. anatolicum for managing water resources, reducing transpiration, and performing photosynthesis in the high salinity conditions of the Ararat Plain. This showcases the plant's remarkable resilience and adaptability to its specific ecological niche, emphasizing the interplay between environment and biology.
Electrophysiological characteristics of experimental diabetes under the conditions of using niacin-oxy-ethylidene-diphosphonate germinate (MIGU-4)
Authors: Nadawi N. D. Al
Published: February 2024

Diabetic retinopathy occupies the second leading cause of visual impairments and blindness all over the world. Oxidative stress contributes to diabetes-induced retinopathy and visual pathway deterioration as well. Determining compounds with heightened antioxidant potential involves increasing the effectiveness of diabetes complications treatment. Recently, it has been established that germanium-containing organic compounds possess antioxidative and neuroprotective activity. Hence, the estimation of retinopathy manifestations on a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rodent model, which is one of the most commonly employed models in preclinical drug research for diabetic retinopathy under conditions of niacin-oxy-ethylidene-diphosphonate germanate (MIGU-4) treatment, is justified. The dynamics of visual evoked potential (VEP) and the comparison with the effects of α-tocopherol obtained in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in Wistar rats were the objectives of the work. Treatment with MIGU-4 (25.0 mg/kg, i.p.) and α-tocopherol (100.0 mg/kg, i.p.) started one week after STZ administration (65.0 mg/kg, i.p.).and was performed daily with the measurement of VEP characteristics for six and twelve weeks. Intact and STZ-diabetes rats treated with 0.9% NaCl solution were observed as separate groups. The latency of P1, N1, and P2 in STZ-treated rats significantly exceeded corresponding indices in the control animals, and the amplitude of P1-N1 and N1-P2 was reduced in six and twelve weeks from the moment of STZ administration. Treatment with MIGU-4 six weeks after STZ resulted in a significant shortening of the P1 and N1 latency compared with the diabetes rats and heightened amplitude of waves. The latency of VEP waves in α-tocopherol treated rats did not differ from the control. MIGU-4 treatment twelve weeks after STZ significantly shortened the latency of P1 compared with the diabetes rats. The amplitude of VEP waves was not affected by MIGU-4, and α-tocopherol treatment failed to prevent diabetes-induced VEP deterioration in the twelve weeks after STZ. The conclusion was made that MIGU-4 (25.0 mg/kg) causes protection against enlargement of VEP wave latency and reduced amplitude in rats with STZ diabetes. The protective effect was more pronounced at the early stage of STZ-diabetes development (six weeks) and exceeded that caused with α-tocopherol (100.0 mg/kg) treatment. Further investigations of MIGU-4 in the complex treatment of diabetes retinopathy are in prospect.
Concentration of progesterone in the blood serum and size of the corpus luteum as criteria for selection of recipient cows for embryo transfer
Authors: Valchuk O. A. , Kovpak V. V. , Kovpak O. S. , Salizhenko M. I. , Derkach S. S. , Mazur V. M.
Published: February 2024

Pregnancy rate is the main factor influencing the productivity and economic efficiency of animal farming. Transfer of bovine cattle embryos is currently one of the most promising methods of overcoming the problem in the reproduction sphere. That is why the objective of our research was to identify progesterone concentration in blood serum and size of the corpus luteum in the cows on the day of embryo transfer in order to improve the strategy of selecting recipient animals, and, as a result, increase the conception rate. All animals admitted to the experiment were divided into three groups based on concentration of progesterone in the blood serum, being <2.5 ng/cm3 in the first, 2.5 to 5.0 ng/cm3 in the second, and >5 ng/cm3 in the third group. Progesterone concentrations in the blood serum and sizes of corpora lutea were determined on the day of embryo transfer (7th day after estrus). The animal was considered pregnant according to a positive result of ultrasound examination. Based on the study results, we concluded that measuring the progesterone content in the blood serum and the size of the corpus luteum are not interchangeable. We found that sizes of corpora lutea did not correlate with concentrations of progesterone in the blood serum of the experimental recipient cows. However, the size of the corpus luteum was of significant predictive value for pregnancy rate. We saw that decrease in its diameter below 15 mm, even against the background of high progesterone concentration, was a negative criterion for selection of the recipient animals. Optimal progesterone concentration in blood serum of the experimental animals was within 2.5–5.0 ng/cm3, leading to the highest pregnancy rate in the groups – 46.7. The hormone parameter outside the indicated range led to a significant decline in the pregnancy rate in the recipient animals. Therefore, when selecting recipient cows prior to transfer, both progesterone concentration in the blood serum and the diameter of the corpus luteum should be taken into account, which should not be beyond the proposed ranges. The data presented and analyzed in the article can help improve the efficiency of transfer of bovine cattle embryos for scientific and industrial purposes.