bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Корекція фармакопейної пробопідготовки визначення вмісту цинку в активованому вугіллі методом атомно-емісійної спектрометрії з індуктивно зв’язаною плазмою
Authors: Брицун В. М. , Останіна Н. В.
Published: December 2023

Мета дослідження – корекція пробопідготовки фармакопейної методики визначення вмісту цинку (Zn) методом атомної спектрометрії з індуктивно зв’язаною плазмою (ІЗП-АЕС) в активованому вугіллі (фармацевтичній сировині) з урахуванням забруднення Zn скляного посуду, фільтрів і т. п., розробка та апробація альтернативної методики переводу Zn у розчин.

Пробопідготовку для вимірювання вмісту Zn проводили двома способами: фармакопейна методика (екстракція Zn з активованого вугілля 0,1 моль/л хлористоводневою кислотою) та альтернативна (спалювання наважки активованого вугілля в порцеляновому тиглі та розчинення залишку в 0,1 моль/л хлористоводневій кислоті). Після чого методом ІЗП-АЕС на оптико-емісійному спектрометрі з індуктивно зв’язаною плазмою Agilent 5800 ICP-OES на довжині хвилі Zn 213,857 нм знаходили концентрацію Zn у випробовувальних розчинах і обчислювали його вміст в активованому вугіллі.

Для дослідження було використано зразок вугілля активованого (здрібненість – 97 % часток з розміром не більше ніж 0,2 мм). Для приготування розчинів використовували хлористоводневу кислоту 33,6 % (Honeywell, TraceSelect Ultra for ultratrace analysis). Стандартні розчини були приготовле- ні зі стандартів ICP-OES Wavelenghth Calibration Solution фірми «Agilent Technologies» розведенням до потрібних концентрацій у полімерному посуді. Вода деіонізована була отримана з системи Millipore Direct-Q 3 UV. Фільтрувальний папір виробництва Whatman і Yancheng Jingwei Intl Co. Ltd.

Згідно з отриманими результатами, концентрація Zn, який унаслідок пробопідготовки як домішка потрапив до аналіту, складає 61,3–1012,5 мкг/кг (0,25–4,05 % від вимог ДФУ). Визначення вмісту Zn в активованому вугіллі за фармакопейною пробопідготовкою дало результат 2065,8 мкг/кг (невизначеність ± 72,7 мкг/кг, тобто концентрація Zn у межах 1993,1–2138,5 мкг/кг). Для запропонованої нами методики – концентрація Zn 2113,8 мкг/кг, тобто в межах невизначеності результатів фармакопейної методики.

Таким чином, при визначенні вмісту Zn в активованому вугіллі (фармацевтичній сировині) за фар- макопейною методикою слід обов’язково робити холостий дослід, щоб враховувати наявність Zn в скляному посуді, на фільтрах, на руках експериментатора. Уміст «стороннього» Zn, згідно з отрима- ними експериментальними даними, складає 0,25–4,05 % від вимог Державної Фармакопеї України. Пробопідготовка визначення Zn може бути проведена альтернативним шляхом: спалюванням наважки активованого вугілля в порцеляновому тиглі з наступною екстракцією сполук Zn 0,1 моль/л хлористоводневою кислотою. Дані, що отримані за альтернативною методикою, добре узгоджуються з результатами визначення за фармакопейною методикою.
Discapacidad y paternidad. Paternar desde lugares no convencionales
Authors: Ojeda Gutiérrez Jonathan
Published: December 2023

Este artículo tiene como propósito reflexionar sobre experiencias de padres con hijas e hijos con discapacidad en relación con su participación en los procesos de cuidado y crianza. Se trata de un ejercicio reflexivo donde está inserta la experiencia del autor, debido a que es padre de un hijo con discapacidad intelectual y motriz. Esta experiencia motiva a indagar en la resignificación de la paternidad de hombres desde la discapacidad de un hijo o hija como un escenario no convencional. Al entender que, en la paternidad los hombres experimentan cambios sociales y emocionales frente a la discapacidad de hijos e hijas. La pertinencia de esta investigación es abonar a los estudios de las masculinidades y de la paternidad desde una mirada interseccional y situada, que ayude a comprender las experiencias de los hombres con hijos e hijas con discapacidad. A manera de conclusión, el texto expone que no se busca romantizar las experiencias de los hombres, al contrario, se advierte sobre la necesidad de explorar estas experiencias en otros contextos como los rurales, donde se tejen otras narrativas y experiencias de paternidad.
Modalidades de control interno y su efectividad contra la corrupción en municipalidades ejercicio 2022
Authors: Vélez Arana José Sócrates
Published: December 2023

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo general, analizar la influencia de las modalidades de control interno en la efectividad contra la Corrupción en municipalidades ejercicio 2022.

El estudio que corresponde a esta investigación por el propósito y finalidad fue básica, por la naturaleza de los datos tiene un enfoque cualitativo, y correspondió a un estudio de caso. La categoría analizada fue Modalidades de control interno, y como sub categorías se evaluó el control simultaneo y el control posterior. El escenario corresponde al ámbito de Lima Metropolitana donde laboran los participantes que fueron auditores con más de 10 años de experiencia en auditoria gubernamental. Para la recolección de información se usó una entrevista. Como resultado de procesar las respuestas del grupo de auditores en el software Atlas ti, se obtuvo la siguiente idea en base al enraizamiento de los códigos: “La escasa rendición de cuentas, y la pobre experiencia laboral, conducen a una baja eficiencia municipal, alentado por una nula opinión gubernamental, lo cual eleva el grado de corrupción”. Se concluyó que el control simultaneo como modalidad de Control interno en municipalidades tiene un mayor impacto en la lucha contra la corrupción, y que el control posterior cuando es consecuencia de la aplicación del control simultaneo es más efectivo.
A Study on the Expansion of Graphite Layers Via In-Situ Polymerization of Melamine
Authors: YUMAK Tuğrul
Published: December 2023

Graphene, renowned for its honeycomb lattice structure formed by densely packed sp2 hybridized carbon atoms, possesses exceptional electronic, thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties. The van der Waals-coupled graphene layers give rise to the well-known AB stacking, forming graphite. Despite the existence of several methods for graphite production, the production of graphene on a large scale remains challenging due to the lack of efficient techniques and the introduction of structural defects during the production process. Exfoliated graphite (EG), a potential solution, is typically derived from the thermal treatment of graphite intercalation compounds (GICs). Melamine, notably displaying significant expansion properties at low temperatures, has been used as an intercalation compound in limited studies. This study investigates the potential of melamine to induce the expansion of graphene layers when incorporated into graphite and subjected to thermal treatment. Raman and X-ray diffraction analyses were employed to assess structural changes.
Effect of Liraglutide on Weight Loss and BMI Among Patients Who Are Overweight and Obese with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zorampari C , Gupta Rachna , Gupta Lalit K
Published: December 2023

Objectives: This study assessed the effect of liraglutide as a monotherapy and add-on to metformin on weight loss and BMI, among patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) who are overweight or obese.

Methods: The following databases were assessed to identify relevant papers published until July 2023: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (PubMed), clinicaltrial.gov, and Web of Science. All clinical trials evaluating the effect of liraglutide on weight loss and BMI in patients with T2D who are obese or overweight, treated for at least 2 months, were included in the review. All analysis and risk of bias assessment was done using Cochrane Review Manager software, version 5.4.1 (Cochrane, London, UK). A random-effects model with inverse variance was used to synthesise the results.

Results: In total, 10 randomised controlled trials involving 945 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Treatment with liraglutide with or without metformin for more than 2 months led to a significant weight loss (mean difference: -4.75 kg; 95% confidence interval: -7.02–-2.48; p<0.01). Liraglutide supplementation also led to a significant decrease in BMI (mean difference: -2.07; 95% confidence interval: -2.75–-1.39; p<0.01). However, the decrease in weight and BMI was not statistically significant as compared to treatment with other oral hypoglycaemic drugs or placebo.

Conclusion: Liraglutide used alone or as adjunctive therapy to metformin produces reduction in weight and BMI when administered in adult patients with T2D who are obese or overweight.
Exploring Methotrexate Route of Administration Decisions for Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Moir Hannah
Published: December 2023

Methotrexate is a common first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, yet its widespread and habitual usage often leads physicians to overlook the choice of administration route when planning management strategies. A recent survey involving 30 consultant rheumatologists from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK, identified variation in the utilisation and perceptions regarding oral versus subcutaneous delivery for methotrexate.
In November 2023, EMJ interviewed Roberto Caporali, Professor of Rheumatology at the University of Milan, and Head of the Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences at Gaetano Pini Hospital, Milan, Italy. Caporali’s expertise is in clinical practice, teaching, and research in rheumatology, mainly rheumatoid arthritis and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, with a focus on prognostic factors, biomarkers, and treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis.

During this interview, Caporali discussed the decision-making process for treating rheumatoid arthritis, with a particular focus on the use of methotrexate. The purpose was to gain insights from a rheumatology expert regarding the prevalence and management goals of the disease, and available treatment options.

The interview considered key decision-making drivers and barriers to healthcare professionals when selecting the route of administration. Caporali suggested that the efficacy and safety profile of methotrexate when delivered subcutaneously may be the optimal choice for patients, often resulting in higher adherence compared to oral dosing. Caporali recommended education and re-evaluation of local guidelines to improve patient outcomes by better understanding the optimal use and efficacy of methotrexate.
Discovering Your True Potential
Authors: Jasubhai Shilpa
Published: December 2023

Discovering your true potential is a journey of self-exploration and individual advancement. The term "true potential" alludes to the utmost level of performance, accomplishment, and personal growth attainable for an individual. It encompasses the entire spectrum of a person's inherent strengths, values, talents, passions and abilities. Revealing and fulfilling one's true potential requires the exploration and maximization of these inherent qualities, ultimately striving for the highest echelons of accomplishment and contentment in various aspects of life.
THE HISTORY OF THE ECOLOGICAL POSTER MUSEUM CREATION AT THE KHARKIV STATE ACADEMY OF DESIGN AND ARTS
Authors:   Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts, MUDALIGE Olena
Published: December 2023

The article attempts to analyze in a chronological dimension (1991–2021) the history of creation and functioning of the International Triennial of Ecological Poster “4th Block”, the largest artistic and environmental action in Ukraine, aimed at drawing attention to environmental problems in the world and the spiritual and moral foundations of life. The features of each triennial are consistently reflected, the changes in time of the pictorial component of the modern poster as they move away from Chernobyl tragedy are traced, its artistic and communicative features and innovations used by designers to promote important universal human aspirations are identified. The basis of the study was the materials of albums-catalogs of eleven triennials held, the collection of graphics and posters itself, the book of memoirs of the founder of the triennial. Attention is focused on the natural process of transforming the collection of posters and graphics into a museum that can become the center of modern design culture. A special role of the Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts in the organization and support of the “4th Block – Museum, Archive, Laboratory” was noted. An institution of higher education with a powerful creative and scientific potential, its own traditions and original teaching methods, KSADА constantly organizes the educational process in such a way as to acquaint students with history and new trends in contemporary art, including graphic design. This approach attracts new generations of the artistic elite of Ukraine to participate in a dialogue between representatives of different cultural regions and broadcast their own artistic experience to the world space in order to spread the best ideas of mankind. The article presents the conclusions from this study and the prospects for further research in this direction.
HOLY INTERCESSION CATHEDRAL, OKHTYRKA: BETWEEN THE PAST AND THE FUTURE
Authors:   Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts, SOKOLYUK Lyudmyla , SOKOLYUK Oksana ,   Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts
Published: December 2023

The article attempts to investigate the history of the construction of the Intercession Cathedral in the city of Okhtyrka, Sumy region, which was built in 1753–1768 during the Ukrainian Baroque era. Studying new documents from various archival funds helped reveal changes in the plans of this sacred building aimed at observing the Ukrainian tradition of a three-story church. It is shown that the artistic decoration of the cathedral continued in the 19th century, and the masters of carving, sculpting, wall painting, etc., performed their work without the participation of the architect, which did not interfere with the integrity of the artistic decision. It is confirmed by archival photo documents of the general appearance and interior design of the temple, which are introduced to the scientific circulation for the first time. Some names of the masters who worked on the artistic design of the cathedral in different periods of its history before the Soviet era have been identified and introduced into scientific circulation. Emphasis is placed on the unique regional stylistic features of this Sloboda Ukraine landmark of the Ukrainian Baroque era. An analysis of its condition during Soviet times, when it was used as a wine-vodka warehouse, is accompanied by corresponding photos, which are presented for the first time. In the description of the current state of the Cathedral, already used for divine services, for the first time a number of photos are given, fixing the results of the reconstruction. The need to create a unified state management system for the protection of cultural monuments is emphasized, which is especially relevant under modern conditions, when the aggressor country of the Russian Federation, having attacked Ukraine, mercilessly destroys the objects of our cultural heritage. It is emphasized that due to the lack of state support, local communities, which are trying to restore a sacred building abandoned during the Soviet era, are unable to create a comprehensive program of reconstruction or restoration, and therefore resort to stylization according to a certain historical era, losing their relevance to the individual uniqueness of the artistic image of the lost monument, as can be seen on the example of the reconstruction of the Holy Intercession Cathedral, Okhtyrka. The results of the study have the prospect of continuation and can be used in the future to match the lost identical image of this important sacred monument for Ukrainian culture.
THE ARTIST AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY: THE FEATURES OF PETRO LEVCHENKO’S ARTISTIC STYLE
Authors:   Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts, IGNATYEVA Natalia
Published: December 2023

The article is dedicated to the little-studied creative work of the Ukrainian artist Petro Levchenko, and namely, to the identification of historical and cultural grounds for the quality changes in the stylistic features of his artistic manner, beginning from earlier stages of his formation, to the period of his mature mastery. The present study explored and analyzed the main artistic courses and styles of the period (end of 19th – beginning of 20th centuries), when the artist’s views on the aims and tasks of painting art underwent certain transformation, and it directly influenced the evolution of the master’s artistic search, his artistic “handwriting”. In this work certain parallels were made between the personality traits and human fate of the artist (based on the many memoires of Petro Levchenko’s life path) and his acceptance of the latest trends in the artistic life of the age contemporary to him, valid conclusions are made regarding the connection of his personal qualities and creative preferences with susceptibility to new trends in art and the new philosophy of impressionism. The article explores all the genre richness of Petro Levchenko’s heritage – the landscapes, the plein air etudes, the interior paintings. The analysis of technical, compositional, coloristic characteristics of Petro Levchenko’s creations, which were the most distinctive for understanding the evolution of the artist’s style, allowed to demonstrably confirm the conclusions made in the article. As a result of the research, which was conducted in this article, the unique style characteristics of Petro Levchenko’s art were discovered, as well as his innovative accomplishments in painting, which, in the aggregate, have the traits of an artistic phenomenon in the culture of Ukraine. The author of the article emphasizes the importance of the perspective of studying Petro Levchenko’s works, as it is a phenomenon which belongs to the Ukrainian artistic heritage as well as to the world one, and demonstrates the connection and interpenetration of Ukrainian and worldwide tendencies in the artistic culture.
VADIM MELLER’S ART: ON THE WAY TOWARDS CONSTRUCTIVIST ABSTRACTION
Authors:   Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts, CHECHIK Valentina
Published: December 2023

This article discusses the features of the refraction of the techniques and principles of abstract art in V. Meller’s early works. The research field comprised both widely known and completely unknown artist’s easel works and theatrical projects from the late 1910s to the early 1920s. The stylistic vocabulary of Meller’s works of this period in art history literature is rightly associated with CuboFuturism. At the same time, it is easy to see how the artist reaches the borders of Cubo-Futurist thinking – to abstract compositions. In the painting Futuristic Composition (1919–1920), and in the theatre sheets for B. Nijinska’s ballets (1918–1921), and for the plays (Maitre Patlin (1919) and Mazepa (1922)), the revealing of the rhythmic architecture of structural elements (color geometry such as circles, arcs, pointed triangles, and trapezoids), and means of their dynamic development are directly linked to the plastic laws of abstract art. Each of these works is a compositional experience. The artist builds the composition on the dominance of color and form, their plastic, rhythmic and semantic potential. At the same time, by “deobjectifying” a pictorial motif to an ornamental formula, the artist does not completely cancel the real form but leaves open the possibility of its returning to the material world. The same principles of form constructing are retained in the pictorial Sketch to the Portrait exhibited together with Portrait of T. Shevchenko at the 2nd Report Exhibition of the Ukrainian Academy of Arts (1921). The plastic codes of abstract art saturated V. Meller’s stage design for the early Berezil productions of 1923. Despite the use of K. Malevich’s Suprematist vocabulary in the stage backdrops for the production of R.U.R., A. Exter’s art and the language of her lyrically expressive and dynamic abstractions have always remained a source of creative inspiration. This was precisely the kind of composition V. Meller, transferred into the three-dimensional space of the stage in the production of Gas (1923). Its scenography marked the inner logic and independence of the artist’s movement towards subsequent structural-linear spatial modules (The New Ones Are Coming (1923)), which designated a brilliant period of “orthodox” theatrical constructivism on the Ukrainian stage.
Riemann Hypothesis on Superabundant Numbers
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: December 2023

The Riemann hypothesis is a conjecture that the Riemann zeta function has its zeros only at the negative even integers and complex numbers with real part $\frac{1}{2}$. It is considered by many to be the most important unsolved problem in pure mathematics. Let $\Psi(n) = n \cdot \prod_{q \mid n} \left(1 + \frac{1}{q} \right)$ denote the Dedekind $\Psi$ function where $q \mid n$ means the prime $q$ divides $n$. Define, for $n \geq 3$; the ratio $R(n) = \frac{\Psi(n)}{n \cdot \log \log n}$ where $\log$ is the natural logarithm. Let $\sigma(n)$ denote the sum-of-divisors function $\sigma(n)=\sum_{d \mid n} d$. We require the properties of superabundant numbers, that is to say left to right maxima of $n \mapsto \frac{\sigma(n)}{n}$. There are several statements equivalent to the Riemann hypothesis. If for each large enough superabundant number $n$, there exists another superabundant $n' > n$ such that $R(n') \leq R(n)$, then the Riemann hypothesis is true. In this note, using this criterion on superabundant numbers, we prove that the Riemann hypothesis is true.
Effects of National Easing Monetary Policy on Chinese Enterprises’ Investment
Authors: WANG Xing , SUN Ximing
Published: December 2023

Enterprise investment is closely related to cost of capital, and cost of capital is affected by lending rate driven by national monetary policy. For instance, the retail interest rate (including deposit, loan interest rates) of a bank would rise during the practice of tight national monetary policy. Excessively high loan interest rate would reduce enterprises’ investment due to increasing cost of capital. In this case, corporate investment behavior could be understood from national monetary policy. Taking listed companies publicly offered by Shanghai Stock Exchange and Taipei Exchange as the research samples, the open annual information from the database are acquired. Industry peculiarities, financial, securities, and insurance industries applicable to special accounting standards, as well as construction industry are excluded, and samples with incomplete or omitted data are deleted. The research results show that 1.the practice of easing policy in national monetary policy allows Chinese enterprises holding higher free cash flow, 2.Chinese enterprises with positive free cash flow appear higher investment behavior, and 3.the practice of easing policy in national monetary policy results in higher investment behavior of Chinese enterprises. According to the results, it is proposed to discuss the evaluation basis for impacts on industrial development during monetary policy. The results could assist policy makers in better understanding impacts of national monetary policy adjustment on enterprise investment effect as well as provide business managers for evaluating the effectiveness of national monetary policy.
Trying to Build Shared Education in a Divided Society – Jewish Arab Bilingual Schools in Israel
Authors: FREIBERG Orit , COJOCARU Daniela
Published: December 2023

This article describes an educational attempt to overcome an ongoing divide in Israel society. The Jewish - Arab or Israeli Palestinian divide in Israel is harsh and influences Israeli society in various realm such as social, political and economic. Israel's educational system reinforces this divide by separating Jewish and Arab schools. The Jewish Arab bilingual schools (JABS) in Israel attempt to change this segregation reality and create a shared and educational space for both Jews and Arabs. This article presents JABS principals, goals and model and a review of relevant recent research. It will suggest a new stream of study for the future.
Effects of Servant Leadership on Employees’ Collective Strategic Vision and Organizational Innovation Performance in Healthcare Industry
Authors: REN Luxi , SHEN Huayu
Published: December 2023

Under the progress of network environment, the interaction between employees and an organization might result in great effects on the organization and directly affect the relationship between the organization and customers. Employees receiving good trust, selfless devotion, and kind care from the leader would show feedback and voluntary act to the organization to indirectly or directly affect organizational employees’ work attitude and performance. Taking supervisors and employees in healthcare industry in Fujian Province as the questionnaire objects, total 500 copies of questionnaire are distributed. After removing invalid and incomplete copies, 416 copies are valid, with the retrieval rate 83%. The research results reveal 1.significantly positive effects of servant leadership on employees’ collective strategic vision, 2.remarkably positive effects of employees’ collective strategic vision on organizational innovation performance, and 3.notably positive effects of servant leadership on organizational innovation performance. According to the results to propose suggestions, it is expected to have organizational employees and stakeholders in healthcare industry, under the leading of servant leaders and resource distribution, perceive fair treatment so that employees present identity on organizational vision and further form positive, shared, and innovative climate to effectively promote organizational innovation performance.
O PAPEL DOS ASPECTOS COGNITIVOS NO CANTAR AFINADO
Authors: De Melo Ferreira Michelle , Silva Oliveira Ana Mirtes , Santos Luz Daniela , Soares do Carmo Giceli , Nascimento Bento de Oliveira Luciana , Vinicius Mariano Jayme Marcus , Souza Lopes Scarlet , Almeida Silva Thalita , Escanoela Zanato Luciana
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: investigar as contribuições da cognição musical quanto aos mecanismos processuais que estão envolvidos no processo da afinação vocal no canto. Métodos: a busca dos artigos foi realizado pelas seguintes bases de dados: Literatura Latino-americana do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Scientific Eletrônico Library Online (SCIELO) e MEDLINE/PUBMED, selecionando publicações dos últimos anos no período de 2017 a 2021 por meio de descritores relacionados às habilidades cognitivas e a desafinação. Revisao da Literatura: o baixo desempenho vocal no canto pode ser resultante de uma ou mais habilidades processuais da cognição musical que pode ser desde o déficit na percepção específica para a música (amusia) ou em outras habilidades de integração sensório-motora, memória e produção vocal. Conclusão: a literatura acerca deste tema ainda é bastante escassa, especialmente a nível nacional. Ressalta-se a importância de haver mais estudos brasileiros de modo a compreender esses processos para assim identificar as demandas e as possíveis estratégias de intervenção.
UMA ENTREVISTA COMO NARRATIVA DE SI COM A PROFESSORA DRA. ROSEMYRIAM CUNHA
Authors: De Barros Ana Maria
Published: December 2023

Entrevista concedida pela professora doutora Rosemyriam Ribeiro dos Santos Cunha, para a professora doutora Ana Maria de Barros, ambas do colegiado de Musicoterapia da Unespar, Campus II, Curitiba.
The myth of aortic valve annulus changes in aortic valve disease
Authors: Peng Yanren , Hu Huijun , Shu Xiaorong , Lin Yongqing , Huang Weibin , Xu Shuwan , Nie Ruqiong
Published: December 2023

Background

The characteristics of aortic annulus changes in aortic regurgitation (AR) patients are poorly understood, and predictive factors among aortic valve disease are yet to be established.

Objective

This study seeks to elucidate the pattern of annular size fluctuations across different cardiac phases in AR patients and to identify predictors for annular enlargement during either systole or diastole in aortic valve diseases.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 55 patients with severe aortic valve diseases, including 26 patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and 29 with AR, to discern the two groups' contrasting and analogous patterns of annular changes. The patient sample was expanded to 107 to investigate the factors influencing the size of the annulus during different cardiac phases. Based on our findings, patients were then divided into two groups: those with an annulus that is larger during systole (83 patients) and those where the annulus is larger during diastole (24 patients).

Results

Typically, AR patients exhibit a dynamic annulus, with both perimeter and area being largest during mid-systole. These dimensions diminish progressively and then increase again in early diastole, a pattern consistent with observations in AS patients. Among 107 patients, 21% had diastolic enlargement. Systolic measurements would lead to prosthesis undersizing in 17% of these. Male gender and lower systolic annulus minimum relative to body surface area (AnMin index) were predictors of diastolic enlargement, with ROC curve areas of 0.70 and 0.87 for AR and AS, respectively.

Conclusions

Systolic measurements are recommended for AR patients. Gender and the AnMin index are significant predictors, particularly potent in AS patients.
More is more: toddlers do not show choice overload
Authors: Castelo Romulus J. , Kim Seokyung , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: December 2023

Psychological theory and research demonstrate the positive effects of personal choice on human motivation. However, there is evidence in adults that an overabundance of options can lead to choice overload, when choices become demotivating. Little is known about the early development of behaviors involving choice. Across two studies, we investigated whether toddlers (M age = 2.5 years) preferred choice over non-choice and tested for the presence of choice overload using a novel sticker-book task. Moreover, we explored associations between children's executive function (EF) skills and choice preference behavior. In Study 1 (N = 106), children preferred choice on 70% of trials, and this preference increased as a function of the number of options from 2-26. There was no evidence of choice overload. Study 2 (N = 52) replicated findings from Study 1 with up to 53 options, but there was no linear effect. Age (inversely) and sex (female) predicted choice preference in Study 2. Some aspects of parent-reported EF were inversely related to children's preference for choice, whereas a direct assessment of EF was positively correlated, independent of age. Future research should test for choice overload using alternative measures with a wider age range and clarify associations between EF and choice preference.
Association between cumulative uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and the incidence and progression of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Liu Peipei , Li Junjuan , Yang Ling , Zhang Zihao , Zhao Hua , Zhao Naihui , Ou Wenli , Zhang Yinggen , Chen Shuohua , Wang Guodong , Zhang Xiaofu , Wu Shouling , Yang Xiuhong
Published: December 2023

Objective

The ratio of uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (UHR) was related to the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), we aimed to investigate the association of cumulative UHR (cumUHR) with incidence and progression of CKD.

Methods

Our study included a total of 49,913 participants (mean age 52.57 years, 77% males) from the Kailuan Study conducted between 2006 and 2018. Participants who completed three consecutive physical examinations were included. Cumulative UHR (cumUHR) was computed as the summed average UHR between two consecutive physical examinations, multiplied by the time between the two examinations. Participants were then categorized into four groups based on cumUHR quartiles. Subsequently, participants were further divided into a CKD group and a non-CKD group. The associations between cumUHR and CKD and it’s progression were assessed by Cox proportional hazards regression models. The cumulative incidence of endpoint events was compared between the cumUHR groups using the log-rank test. The C-index, net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were calculated to assess the predictive performance of cumUHR.

Results

After a mean follow-up of 8.0 ± 1.7 years, there were 4843 cases of new-onset CKD, 2504 of low eGFR, and 2617 of proteinuria in the non-CKD group. Within the CKD group, there were 1952 cases of decline in eGFR category, 1465 of >30% decline in eGFR, and 2100 of increased proteinuria. In the non-CKD group, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) in the fourth quartile were 1.484 (1.362–1.617), 1.643 (1.457–1.852), and 1.324 (1.179–1.486) for new-onset CKD, low eGFR, and proteinuria, respectively. In the CKD group, the adjusted HRs in the fourth quartile were 1.337 (1.164–1.534), 1.428 (1.216–1.677), and 1.446 (1.267–1.651) for decline in eGFR category, >30% decline in eGFR, and increase in proteinuria, respectively. In addition, we separately added a single UHR measurement and cumUHR to the CKD base prediction model and the CKD progression base prediction model, and found that the models added cumUHR had the highest predictive value.

Conclusion

High cumUHR exposure was an independent risk factor for the incidence and progression of CKD, and it was a better predictor than a single UHR measurement.
Adrenal Cushing’s syndrome in children
Authors: Guarnotta Valentina , Emanuele Fabrizio , Salzillo Riccardo , Giordano Carla
Published: December 2023

Adrenal Cushing’s syndrome is a rare cause of endogenous hypercortisolism in neonatal and early childhood stages. The most common causes of adrenal CS are hyperfunctioning adrenal tumours, adenoma or carcinoma. Rarer causes are primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBAMH), primary pigmented adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) and McCune Albright syndrome. The diagnosis represents a challenge for clinicians. In cases of clinical suspicion, confirmatory tests of hypercortisolism should be performed, similarly to those performed in adults. Radiological imaging should be always combined with biochemical confirmatory tests, for the differential diagnosis of adrenal CS causes. Treatment strategies for adrenal CS include surgery and in specific cases medical drugs. An adequate treatment is associated to an improvement of growth, bone health, reproduction and body composition from childhood into and during adult life. After cure, lifelong glucocorticoid replacement therapy and endocrine follow-up are required, notably in patients with Carney’s complex disease.
Calculation method of external fault short-circuit current for variable-speed pumped storage units based on time-domain dynamic circuit
Authors: He Rufei , Lu Qinghui , Ma Yiming , Qiao Jian , Li Yongqi , Peng Yumin , Yin Xianggen , Li Yao
Published: December 2023

The calculation method of the external fault short-circuit current of large units with clear mechanisms and practicality is of great value in engineering practice. Due to the special AC excitation structure and control mode, the external fault short-circuit characteristics of variable-speed pumped storage units (VSPSUs) are very different from those of conventional units. Therefore, this paper proposes a calculation method for external fault short-circuit current based on a time-domain dynamic circuit. According to the excitation and control characteristics of VSPSUs under external fault, the VSPSU under external fault is divided into two cases: continuous excitation and jumper action. Based on space vector analysis, the time-domain dynamic circuit models are established, respectively. On this basis, the analytical formula of the external fault short-circuit current of VSPSUs is derived by combining the transition boundary conditions of the two cases and the dynamic characteristics of the stator flux linkage. Finally, the comparison with PSCAD/EMTDC simulation results shows that the proposed VSPSUs’ external fault short-circuit current calculation method has high accuracy and practical value, which can meet the needs of primary equipment selection and relay protection of variable-speed pumped storage power plants.
Type I Interferons induce endothelial destabilization in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Tie2-dependent manner
Authors: Rafael-Vidal Carlos , Martínez-Ramos Sara , Malvar-Fernández Beatriz , Altabás-González Irene , Mouriño Coral , Veale Douglas J. , Floudas Achilleas , Fearon Ursula , Reigosa José María Pego , García Samuel
Published: December 2023

Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction is a hallmark of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Tie2 is a receptor essential for vascular stability. Inflammatory processes promote inhibition of Tie2 homeostatic activation, driving vascular dysfunction. In this work we determined whether type I Interferons (IFN) induce Tie2 signalling-mediated endothelial dysfunction in patients with SLE. Serum levels of Angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2 and soluble (s)Tie1 in patients with SLE and healthy controls were measured by ELISA. Monocytes from patients with SLE and Human Umbilical Vein EC (HUVEC) were stimulated with IFN-α, IFN-β (1000 I.U.) or SLE serum (20%). mRNA and protein expression, phosphorylation and translocation were determined by quantitative PCR, ELISA, Western Blot, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Viability and angiogenic capacity were determined by calcein and tube formation assays. We found that sTie1 and Ang-2 serum levels were increased and Ang-1 decreased in patients with SLE and were associated with clinical characteristics. Type I IFN significantly decreased Ang-1 and increased Ang-2 in monocytes from patients with SLE. Type I IFN increased sTie1 and Ang-2 secretion and reduced Tie2 activation in HUVEC. Functionally, type I IFN significantly reduced EC viability and impaired angiogenesis in a Tie2 signalling-dependent manner. Finally, SLE serum increased Ang-2 and sTie1 secretion and significantly decreased tube formation. Importantly, Tie1 and IFNAR1 knockdown reversed these effects in tube formation. Overall, type I IFN play an important role in the stability of EC by inhibiting Tie2 signalling, suggesting that these processes may be implicated in the cardiovascular events observed in patients with SLE.
Oil/water separation by super-hydrophobic wastepaper cellulose-candelilla wax cryogel: a circular material-based alternative
Authors: Romero-Montero A. , Rosas-Melendez S. A. , Valencia-Bermúdez J. L. , Nuñez-Tapia I. , Piña-Barba M. C. , Melgoza-Ramírez L. J. , Leyva-Gómez G. , Del Prado-Audelo M. L.
Published: December 2023

Introduction: One of the most attractive fields for cellulose aerogels is water remediation, basically in the pollutant’s adsorption and oil/water separation. There are different sources to extract cellulose, but the extraction from paper waste is an excellent option for impulse circular materials applications.

Methods: We obtained cellulose from office waste paper through a simple alkali method and used it to fabricate an aerogel by freeze-drying based on the materials’ circularity. To increase lipophilicity, the aerogel was modified using two different coatings: polycaprolactone (WOPP) and candelilla wax (WOPW), extracted from a Mexican plant. The aerogels were analyzed by several physicochemical techniques such as Scanning Electronic Microscopy, Infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analysis.

Results and Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first time that candelilla wax has been reported as aerogel modification. The highly porous aerogels showed a density of around 0.1 g/cm3 and a fibrous structure. Furthermore, the contact angle of the aerogels was measured to compare the hydrophobicity of the surfaces, showing values around 120° in the modified aerogels compared with the hydrophilic behavior of pristine cellulose aerogel. The achieved recycled mineral oil absorption capacity for WOPW was 6.1 g/g, while for WOPP was 4.88 g/g. Thus, we obtained a natural coating aerogel with a high water/oil separation potential.
Fluid homeostatic action of dapagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: the DAPA-BODY Trial
Authors: Oka Kentaro , Masuda Takahiro , Ohara Ken , Miura Marina , Morinari Masato , Misawa Kyohei , Miyazawa Yasuharu , Akimoto Tetsu , Shimada Kazuyuki , Nagata Daisuke
Published: December 2023

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have both glucose-lowering and diuretic effects. We recently reported that the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin exerts short-term fluid homeostatic action in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the long-term effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on body fluid status in patients with CKD remain unclear. This was a prospective, non-randomized, open-label study that included a dapagliflozin treatment group (n = 73) and a control group (n = 24) who were followed for 6 months. Body fluid volume was measured using a bioimpedance analysis device. The extracellular water-to-total body water ratio (ECW/TBW), a predictor of renal outcomes, was used as a parameter for body fluid status (fluid retention, 0.400 ≤ ECW/TBW). Six-month treatment with dapagliflozin significantly decreased ECW/TBW compared with the control group (−0.65% ± 2.03% vs. 0.97% ± 2.49%, p = 0.0018). Furthermore, dapagliflozin decreased the ECW/TBW in patients with baseline fluid retention, but not in patients without baseline fluid retention (−1.47% ± 1.93% vs. −0.01% ± 1.88%, p = 0.0017). Vasopressin surrogate marker copeptin levels were similar between the control and dapagliflozin groups at 6 months (32.3 ± 33.4 vs. 30.6 ± 30.1 pmol/L, p = 0.8227). However, dapagliflozin significantly increased the change in copeptin levels at 1 week (39.0% ± 41.6%, p = 0.0010), suggesting a compensatory increase in vasopressin secretion to prevent hypovolemia. Renin and aldosterone levels were similar between the control and dapagliflozin groups at 6 months, while epinephrine and norepinephrine (markers of sympathetic nervous system activity) were significantly lower in the dapagliflozin group than in the control group. In conclusion, the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin ameliorated fluid retention and maintained euvolemic fluid status in patients with CKD, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors exert sustained fluid homeostatic actions in patients with various fluid backgrounds.

Clinical trial registration: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/, identifier [UMIN000048568].
Gait analysis using digital biomarkers including smart shoes in lumbar spinal canal stenosis: a scoping review
Authors: Morimoto Tadatsugu , Hirata Hirohito , Kobayashi Takaomi , Tsukamoto Masatsugu , Yoshihara Tomohito , Toda Yu , Mawatari Masaaki
Published: December 2023

Lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS) is characterized by gait abnormalities, and objective quantitative gait analysis is useful for diagnosis and treatment. This review aimed to provide a review of objective quantitative gait analysis in LSS and note the current status and potential of smart shoes in diagnosing and treating LSS. The characteristics of gait deterioration in LSS include decreased gait velocity and asymmetry due to neuropathy (muscle weakness and pain) in the lower extremities. Previous laboratory objective and quantitative gait analyses mainly comprised marker-based three-dimensional motion analysis and ground reaction force. However, workforce, time, and costs pose some challenges. Recent developments in wearable sensor technology and markerless motion analysis systems have made gait analysis faster, easier, and less expensive outside the laboratory. Smart shoes can provide more accurate gait information than other wearable sensors. As only a few reports exist on gait disorders in patients with LSS, future studies should focus on the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of gait analysis using smart shoes.
Omics analysis of the effect of cold normal saline stress through gastric gavage on LPS induced mice
Authors: Li Jing , Cui Zhihao , Wei Ming , Almutairi Mikhlid H. , Yan Peishi
Published: December 2023

Cold stress is a significant environmental stimulus that negatively affects the health, production, and welfare of animals and birds. However, the specific effects of cold stimulation combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the mouse intestine remain poorly understood. Therefore, we designed this research to explore the effect of cold stimulation + LPS on mice intestine via microbiome and microbiota sequencing. Forty-eight mice were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 12): Control (CC), LPS-induced (CL), cold normal saline-induced (MC) and LPS + cold normal saline-induced (ML). Our results showed body weight was similar among different groups of mice. However, the body weight of mice in groups CC and CL were slightly higher compared to those in groups MC and ML. The results of gene expressions reflected that CL and ML exposure caused gut injury and barrier dysfunction, as evident by decreased ZO-1, OCCLUDIN (P < 0.01), and CASPASE-1 (P < 0.01) expression in the intestine of mice. Moreover, we found that cold stress induced oxidative stress in LPS-challenged mice by increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and decreasing the antioxidant capacity [glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total and antioxidant capacity (T-AOC)]. The cold stress promoted inflammatory response by increased IL-1β in mice treated with cold normal saline + LPS. Whereas, microbiome sequencing revealed differential abundance in four phyla and 24 genera among the mouse groups. Metabolism analysis demonstrated the presence of 4,320 metabolites in mice, with 43 up-regulated and 19 down-regulated in CC vs. MC animals, as well as 1,046 up-regulated and 428 down-regulated in ML vs. CL animals. It is Concluded that cold stress enhances intestinal damage by disrupting the balance of gut microbiota and metabolites, while our findings contribute in improving management practices of livestock in during cold seasons.
Dual antibacterial mechanism of [K4K15]CZS-1 against Salmonella Typhimurium: a membrane active and intracellular-targeting antimicrobial peptide
Authors: Bermúdez-Puga Sebastián , Dias Meriellen , Freire de Oliveira Taciana , Mendonça Carlos Miguel Nóbrega , Yokomizo de Almeida Sonia Regina , Rozas Enrique Eduardo , do Nascimento Claudio Augusto Oller , Mendes Maria Anita , Oliveira De Souza de Azevedo Pamela , Almeida José R. , Proaño-Bolaños Carolina , Oliveira Ricardo Pinheiro de Souza
Published: December 2023

Salmonella genus is a leading cause of food-borne infections with strong public health impact and economic ramifications. The development of antimicrobial resistance added complexity to this scenario and turned the antibiotic drug discovery into a highly important challenge. The screening of peptides has served as a successful discovery platform to design new antibiotic candidates. Motivated by this, the antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of three cruzioseptins against Salmonella Typhimurium and RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells, respectively, were investigated. [K4K15]CZS-1 was the most potent antimicrobial peptide identified in the screening step with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16 μg/mL (7.26 μM) and moderate cytotoxicity. From a structural point of view, in vitro and in silico techniques evidenced that [K4K15]CZS-1 is a α-helical cationic antimicrobial peptide. In order to capture mechanistic details and fully decipher their antibacterial action, we adopted a multidimensional approach, including spectroscopy, electron microscopy and omics analysis. In general lines, [K4K15]CZS-1 caused membrane damage, intracellular alterations in Salmonella and modulated metabolic pathways, such as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, fatty acid biosynthesis, and lipid metabolism. Overall, these findings provide deeper insights into the antibacterial properties and multidimensional mode of action of [K4K15]CZS-1 against Salmonella Typhimurium. In summary, this study represents a first step toward the screening of membrane-acting and intracellular-targeting peptides as potential bio-preservatives to prevent foodborne outbreaks caused by Salmonella.