bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relación entre celos patológicos y cogniciones de fobia social en mujeres colombianas
Authors: Canti-Forero Diana Katherin , Correales-Moreno Laura , Forero-González Bibiana Andrea , García-Moreno Anyury Julieth , Hidalgo-Moreno Mercedes , Piza-Nieves Bleydi Liliana , Toro Ronald
Published: February 2025

Los celos patológicos son un problema de alta prevalencia en las mujeres que se asocia con ansiedad; no obstante, en Colombia, no están suficientemente documentadas las cogniciones ansiosas cuando este problema se presenta. Por tal motivo, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la relación entre los celos patológicos y las cogniciones de fobia social en mujeres colombianas. Se llevó a cabo una investigación de tipo correlacional con un enfoque empírico cuantitativo en una muestra de 130 participantes mujeres, cuyo sitio de residencia son áreas urbanas y rurales de Colombia, a quienes se les aplicaron las pruebas CECLA (Interpersonal Jealousy Escale [IJS]) y el Cuestionario de Autoesquemas Desadaptativos en la Fobia Social (CAD-FS). El análisis estadístico de los datos obtenidos se realizó por medio del Jeffrey’s Amazing Statistics Program (JASP) versión 0.16.1, se utilizó una estadística no paramétrica haciendo uso del coeficiente de correlación de Spearman y p-value para determinar si existía o no una correlación significativa y dar respuesta a la hipótesis planteada en este estudio. En los resultados, se encontraron correlaciones significativas en todas las puntuaciones en la escala de celos pasionales y CADFS (r = .418), entre la subescala de celos delirantes y cogniciones de fobia social (r = .290), en la subescala de celos obsesivos y CFS (r = .380), y entre celos y CADFS (r = .400). Lo anterior confirma la hipótesis de que existe relación significativa entre los celos patológicos y las cogniciones de fobia social en mujeres colombianas.
Broadened substrate specificity of bacterial dipeptidyl-peptidase 7 enables release of half of all dipeptide combinations from peptide N-termini
Authors: Shirakura Kana , Nemoto Takayuki K. , Nemoto Yuko Ohara , Nishimata Haruka , Sawase Momo , Shimoyama Yu , Nakasato-Suzuki Manami , Ito Kiyoshi , Tanoue Naomi
Published: February 2025

Dipeptide production mediated by dipeptidyl-peptidase (DPP)4, DPP5, DPP7, and DPP11 plays a crucial role in growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a periodontopathic asaccharolytic bacterium. Given the particular P1-position specificity of DPPs, it has been speculated that DPP5 or DPP7 might be responsible for degrading refractory P1 amino acids, i.e., neutral (Thr, His, Gly, Ser, Gln) and hydrophilic (Asn) residues. The present results identified DPP7 as an entity that processes these residues, thus ensuring complete production of nutritional dipeptides in the bacterium. Activity enhancement by the P1′ residue was observed in DPP7, as well as DPP4 and DPP5. Toward the refractory P1 residues, DPP7 uniquely hydrolyzed HX|LD-MCA (X = His, Gln, or Asn) and their hydrolysis was most significantly suppressed in dpp7 gene-disrupted cells. Additionally, hydrophobic P2 residue significantly enhanced DPP7 activity toward these substrates. The findings propose a comprehensive 20 P1 × 20 P2 amino acid matrix showing the coordination of four DPPs to achieve complete dipeptide production along with subsidiary peptidases. The present finding of a broad substrate specificity that DPP7 accounts for releasing 48 % (192/400) of N-terminal dipeptides could implicate its potential role in linking periodontopathic disease to related systemic disorders.
Evolution and Future of the Competitive Advantages of Wine-Producing Countries
Authors: Bao Alex , Cardebat Jean-Marie , Chauvin Marie
Published: February 2025

This paper discusses international trade prospects of the main wine-producing countries over different time horizons. Our framework is composed of two approaches and aims at renewing and extending the findings of the existing literature on the dynamics of major wine exporters. Firstly, we apply a Porter’s diamond analysis in order to disentangle competitive advantages in 16 countries from various features of the global wine market. Then, we assess short- and medium-term prospects from the evolution of past trends. Secondly, we use data from a survey of (57) wine experts as a robustness analysis to complete the prospective dimension over the long term. Compared with previous literature (prior to the Covid and Ukraine shocks), our results show that the international competitiveness of countries has significantly changed over the last five years. France and Italy should maintain their leadership, but Spain and Chile are slipping back, while China could collapse. New Zealand could eventually become a major leader. These results indicate that competitive advantages are very dynamic in the wine industry, despite static natural endowments (excluding climate). Investment incentives and innovation should therefore play a key role in the long term in this sector, which is often presented as being driven by tradition and natural factors.
Determining the effects of social media engagement on surgery residents within the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons
Authors: Alexander Vincent S. , Eke Bebe , Xu Andrew , Wong Ryan , Greek Andrew , Ernst Michael , Roberts Hayden , Ariwodo Ogechukwu , Vogel Andrew D. , Burns Bracken , Conrad-Schnetz Kristen
Published: February 2025

Context

The widespread adoption of social media has transformed how individuals connect in medicine. This study explores how social media can be utilized as a conduit to connect osteopathic medical students and residents. By examining how these digital connections can support professional development, this study investigates social media’s role as a potential foundation for a mentorship program, fostering guidance, support, and career insights for osteopathic medical students within the surgical field.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of “X” (formerly Twitter) in networking between osteopathic medical students and surgical residents, specifically assessing engagement rates and the potential of social media as a tool for mentorship in the osteopathic surgical community.

Methods

The Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-approved surgical programs that the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS) represents were identified online. Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) residents were identified retrospectively through an online search of publicly available data. Residents and programs were searched through X, and account handles were collected. Residents were contacted through X by direct messaging and subsequently directly commented in the initial ACOS Medical Student Section (ACOS-MSS) message. Descriptive statistics along with the chi-square and Fisher’s exact statistical tests were utilized for demographic and categorical variable analysis, respectively.

Results

There are 1179 DO surgical residents in ACGME programs, with 84.8 % of those being General Surgery residents. Among residents, 75 % of Cardiothoracic (CT) Surgery, 46.4 % of Urology, 28.6 % of Neurosurgery, 17.3 % of General Surgery, and 11.11 % of Plastic Surgery residents have X accounts. Specific surgical subspecialties are more likely to have an X account in comparison to General Surgery, including CT Surgery (odds ratio [OR], 11.13; p=0.02), Urology (OR, 4.13; p<0.0001), and Neurosurgery (OR, 0.842; p=0.047). After multiple attempts, 0 % of Plastic Surgery, 2.9 % of General Surgery, 7.8 % of Urology, 18.8 % of Neurosurgery, and 33.3 % of CT Surgery residents signed up for the mentorship program, totaling 13 residents.

Conclusions

The study reveals low social media engagement via X among osteopathic surgical residents, with notable variation across surgical specialties. This limited engagement suggests exploring and refining social media strategies that foster mentorship connections within the osteopathic surgical community. Future studies should examine other social media platforms and alternative engagement approaches to enhance the reach and impact of mentorship initiatives, ultimately supporting osteopathic medical students as they navigate career paths in surgery.
Spectro-FLIM for heritage: scanning and analysis of the time resolved luminescence spectra of a fossil shrimp
Authors: Patarin Louis , Ritoux Jérémie , Audibert Jean-Frédéric , Bertrand Loïc , Brayard Arnaud , Fara Emmanuel , Pansu Robert B.
Published: February 2025

We describe the use of a single-photon counting imaging device to scan the surface of a flat fossil specimen. We studied an Early Triassic shrimp identified as Anisaeger longirostrus, from the Paris Biota (Idaho, USA; ca 249.1 Ma). Chemically, the specimen consists of a polycrystalline material composed of relatively monodisperse transparent crystals about 10 µm in size. We collected time-resolved fluorescence spectra at each pixel along 300 µm wide ribbons at a rate of 10 µm per second with a spatial resolution of 1 µm × 10 µm. Fluorescence is excited along a line. We demonstrate the presence of two types of crystals whose luminescence significantly differs. The first type emits at 450 nm with a decay time of 840 ps. The second type contains two independent emission centres emitting at 437 nm and 490 nm. They exhibit multiexponential decays with lifetimes of 1 ns and more than 5 ns, respectively. Although a variable proportion of long emitters was observed, the fluorescence of the fossil appeared to be relatively uniform. Thus, over time, fossilization processes have therefore resulted in a homogeneous distribution of fairly pure crystals.
Cutting-edge developments in agro-waste derived carbon nanomaterials and their multifaceted applications in agriculture: enhancing crop imaging, nutrient efficiency, and plant health
Authors: Bhattacharya Tanima , Das Tanmoy , Preetam Subham , Chopra Hitesh
Published: February 2025

The rising global population is a contributing factor to the exponential rise of agricultural output. Agro-wastes are now recognized as a substitute substance to produce sustainable, affordable, and renewable bio-based products. Abundant farm products due to a lack of processing capacity or storage room are frequently lost. A substantial amount biopolymer is present in agricultural residues. It’s interesting that nanotechnology has the potential to more easily convert agricultural wastes into valuable and affordable products, eliminating the need to use toxic chemicals, which can lead to a variety of health and environmental problems. Recently, there has been a rise in interest in environmentally beneficial carbon nanomaterial (CNM) manufacturing methods that make use of agricultural waste extracts. Therefore, the goal of this review is to look into the various agro-waste sources, synthesis techniques of CNMs, characterization methods, surface functionalization chemistry, mechanistic approach and potential applications in imaging crops, nutrient utilization, and upgradation of crop health.
In vivo evaluation of the antinociceptive effects of novel methylsulfonyl group-containing compounds
Authors: Eken Hazal , Akgöl Jale , Kurban Berkant , Osmaniye Derya
Published: February 2025

Pain management is among the problems that remain important today, and analgesic agents such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, tricyclic antidepressants, and anticonvulsants used in pain treatment cause various side effects. Therefore, new, safe, and highly effective drugs are needed. Synthesis of chemical molecules has begun to be preferred as a faster and easier method in new drug development processes. In this study, new compounds (3a–3k) containing the “methylsulfonyl group,” which have been shown to have potential inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes responsible for the synthesis of inflammatory mediators, were synthesized. Central antinociceptive effect of the compounds was evaluated by hot-plate and tail-immersion tests, and the peripheral antinociceptive effect was evaluated by acetic acid-induced writhing test. 3a, 3b, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j, and 3k (20 mg/kg) significantly increased the percentage of the maximum possible effect (MPE %) in the hot-plate test compared to the control group. 3a–3k (20 mg/kg) significantly increased MPE % in the tail-immersion test compared to the control group and significantly decreased the number of writhings in the acetic acid-induced writhing test. The results of this study indicate that the synthesized compounds containing methylsulfonyl groups have central and peripheral antinociceptive effects.
The Quest for Origins
Authors: Lamassé Stéphane , Kouamé Thierry
Published: February 2025

The Studium Parisiense database contains the prosopographical records of more than 20,000 members of the schools and the University of Paris between the twelfth and sixteenth centuries. It thus enables us to carry out a wide-ranging analysis of relations between masters and students within the Parisian studium. The network of relationships thus reconstituted provides a considerable amount of information: 1,969 individuals, 2,743 links, and 2,750 nodes. The hierarchical approach, using simple indicators of centrality (degree, betweenness, PageRank), enabled us to qualify the social prestige of individuals by highlighting lesser known but socially central figures. By combining quantitative and qualitative analyses, this study offers a more nuanced view of academic filiations at the University of Paris, while providing statistical validation for the empirical hypotheses that had been formulated by historiography.
Master P. and Dares the Phrygian: Is Prince Álmos The Hungarian Equivalent of Aeneas?
Authors: Litkey Csongor
Published: February 2025

This study examines Master P.’s use of two Latin Troy-romances: the “De Excidio Troiae Historia” attributed to the fictious Dares the Phrygian, and the so-called “Excidium Troiae”. Our purpose is to understand better the Notary’s attitude towards the Troy-romances. We make our observations via an analysis of certain quotations from these romances. We begin our paper with an introduction, which describes the context of these two romances, in the contemporary historical literature, and discusses their place and role, among the known written sources of the Anonymous Notary. Then, in the first chapter, we examine two citations in the Notary’s Prologus, which are adopted from the Prologus of the work of “Dares”. Their role is primarily to emphasize the Notary’s definition of the place of his work in the context of historiography of his age, but they also increase the credibility of his Gesta, as they call upon the authority of the prestigious Dares. In our second chapter, we analyse two textual borrowings from the Excidium Troiae. The first one takes place in the description of the election of Prince (“dux”) Álmos. The Notary quotes verbatim the text of the proclamation of Aeneas as a leader (“dux”), to describe the proclamation of Álmos. The use of this citation clearly alludes to the similarity of the two elections. Moreover, it supposes a parallel between the foundation of the Hungarian and Roman polities. It alludes also to the ancient Hungarians’ equality to the Trojans, and to the contemporary Hungarians’ equality to the Latin Christian peoples (for example the Franks), who had prestigious Trojan ancestry. The second borrowing from the Excidium Troiae is an allusion, in which little textual analogy can be observed. It draws parallel between the siege of the castle of Bihar [Bihor, RO], which concludes the Hungarians’ conquest of Pannonia, and the siege of Laurentina, which concludes Aeneas’ conquest of Latium. Its role is clearly to draw parallel between the conquests of the Hungarians and that of the Trojans. It supposes the same allusions as the quotation in the story of Álmos’ election. We make remarks on the fact, that Master P. uses allusions to, and quotations from the Excidium Troiae only up to a certain limit. We suppose that its cause is his deliberation to preserve the autonomy of his story, and emphasize the Hungarians’ own, independent values. Our main conclusion, is, that the Notary’s aim may have been to create a Hungarian prehistory, appropriate to the standards of “national” prehistories of his time. The use of the allusions to the Trojans and to Troy-romances was part of his efforts to reach this purpose. However, he wanted to create a history of the ancient Hungarians, who had had their own values in his eyes. So, he did not allow his story to become a Troy-romance of Hungarian subject.
Using Position, Velocity, and Acceleration Relationships to Assess Exercise Specificity: A Simple Tool for the Strength Coach Toolbox
Authors: Harry John R. , Hite Mia , Simms Anton , Park Sunny , Stewart Michael , Barker Leland A.
Published: February 2025

Training specificity using the dynamic correspondence approach is effective for athletic development because it emphasizes specific movement outcomes and influential strategies. Unfortunately, limited technological resources and formal training can restrict strength and conditioning or sport science professionals from applying research-driven data acquisition and interpretation approaches, creating a reliance on qualitative approaches to assess specificity. However, the dynamic correspondence form of specificity is rooted in mechanics, meaning coaches can often reframe their focus to the motions and accelerations occurring at the joint or whole body (i.e., center of mass) level. These motions can be observed for target exercises, which are the ones we hope to improve during testing or performance, and for the potential training exercises. From those observations, practitioners can create a profile using simple sketches and an understanding of the conceptual relationships among position, velocity, and acceleration (PVA). The article explains the conceptual PVA relationships and demonstrates the PVA profiling process for 2 exemplar scenarios. The simplicity of the PVA profile can provide an additional approach for identifying sport-specific exercises or even within-exercise qualities, such as time periods with high or low acceleration. Strength and conditioning professionals may benefit from supplementing current approaches to specificity determinations with PVA profiles.
Advances in Gene Therapy for Neurologic Disorders: An Overview
Authors: Chand Pallavi , Sastri K. Trideva , Chauhan Ashish Singh , Chakraborty Souvik , Jakhmola Vikash
Published: February 2025

Neurologic disorders currently affect approximately 100 million people worldwide. Neurologic disorders most often occur due to inherent genetic mutations, which lead to numerous types of functional disruptions in nervous system development. Neurologic disease-related events, such as genetic and epigenetic changes, cause inflammatory processes in the area which may enhance the disease cycle. Gene therapy has progressed to a compelling therapeutic approach for various neurodegenerative disorders. Several efforts to enhance gene therapy rely on discovering novel vectors, recent curative targets, and the dependability of transgenic delivery paths. These viral and non-viral vectors techniques are carefully screened through preclinical and clinical levels and eventually render patients with effective therapies. This review addresses gene therapy developments and obstacles for neurodegenerative diseases and discusses emerging strategies, goals, and prospects.
Alternative RNA Splicing in Cardiac Diseases
Authors: Gao Junli , Zhang Yanan , Hu Meiyu , He Tao , Yin Xiaohang , Hao Tian , Li Guoping , Xiao Junjie
Published: February 2025

Alternative splicing (AS), a critical process for gene expression regulation, allows a single precursor RNA to produce multiple transcript variants. Alterations in exon exclusion, intron retention, or the selection of alternative splice sites modify transcript isoforms, which can consequently affect RNA molecules, including mRNA and non-coding RNAs, in terms of their localization, regulation, and overall function. In the cardiovascular system, AS of transcripts of sarcomere, ion channel, and cell signaling protein genes, as well as long non-coding RNAs, can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, multiple hereditary heart-related diseases are caused by mutations associated with AS. In this review, we discuss how AS regulates individual genes and global biological processes, thereby diversifying the expression patterns of target genes and playing critical roles in cardiovascular diseases. We also review the application of AS in the design of innovative therapeutic approaches.
Comprehensive Bioinformatics Method to Explore Immune-Related Genes in the Pathogenesis of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Xin , Yao Yiren , Ding Ying , Yan Wenting , Gu Yang , Zhang Xiwen , Xu Xiaojin
Published: February 2025

Objective: This study was aimed at exploring immune-related genes and their expression changes in myocardial infarction (MI) through comprehensive bioinformatics methods and validating these genes as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Methods: Gene expression data were analyzed from three datasets: GSE29111 and GSE66360, which were combined as a training set, and GSE48060, which served as the validation set. We performed differential gene expression analysis, GO/KEGG enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), gene set enrichment analysis, and immune infiltration studies to identify core immune-related genes associated with MI. The diagnostic capabilities of these genes were assessed with receiver operating characteristic curves, and RT-PCR was used to verify their expression levels between patients with MI and controls. The relationships of BCL6 with the inflammatory response and oxidative stress were explored through detection of the inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6; NADPH oxidase subunits p67 and gp91; SOD activity; and MDA content.

Results: Ninety-one differentially expressed genes were identified. Enrichment analyses highlighted their involvement in the response to lipopolysaccharide and the IL-17 signaling pathway. From the PPI network of these genes, four core genes were initially recognized, and WGCNA further identified 13 genes. Intersection analysis finalized the identification of S100A12 and BCL6 as key biomarkers. Both genes showed significant differential expression between the MI and control groups (P < 0.01), with diagnostic AUCs of 0.809 and 0.837, respectively. These findings were corroborated in the validation set by similarly favorable AUCs. Furthermore, immune infiltration analysis revealed a positive correlation between these genes and immune cell markers. After BCL6 knockdown, an exacerbated inflammatory response and oxidative stress were observed, as indicated by higher expression of inflammatory factors and NADPH oxidase subunits, and lower SOD activity, in the MI group than the control group (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: S100A12 and BCL6 might serve as candidate biomarkers for early detection of MI and have promise as new therapeutic targets.
Relational Teaching and Just Energy Transitions: A Case Study from a Native-Serving Institution
Authors: Hilimire Kathleen , Larkins Michelle L. , Clausen Rebecca , Williams Jasmine
Published: February 2025

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources is shifting the landscape of energy projects and associated mining for critical minerals. New solar farms, wind farms, lithium mines, and the like have been proposed, permitted, or constructed around the world. How these projects intersect with environmental justice creates new spaces for contestation and collaboration. This case study focuses on a National Science Foundation-supported project for which we created a series of courses to immerse students in critical reflection on energy transitions and environmental justice. Our project seeks ways to disrupt the historical pattern of environmental injustices inflicted on marginalized communities during earth resource development, by identifying approaches to responsibly secure the domestic supply of critical elements. These courses, which included both semester-long and field-based summer experiences, focused on critical topics such as Indigenous sovereignty and responsible minerals acquisition. Field courses offered hands-on learning, such as visiting coal mines and solar farms on the Navajo Nation, fostering a deeper understanding of energy sovereignty. We promoted equity and transformative learning experiences by emphasizing storytelling, reflexive teaching, and incorporating Indigenous knowledge through invited guest speakers and collaborative content. We assessed courses through student surveys and projects, revealing an increased understanding of energy transitions, mining, and environmental justice. Relational teaching, involving trust-building with peers, teachers, and guest speakers, proved essential to learning. This case study demonstrates how relational practices can foster empathetic learning around contentious topics.
Pre-gestational diabetes in a young woman with a pathogenic INSR missense mutation, p.(Met1180Lys)
Authors: Prehn Emma L , Crowley Mairéad , Fennell David , Kinsley Brendan T , Colclough Kevin , Byrne Maria M
Published: February 2025

Heterozygous insulin receptor (INSR) mutations cause type A insulin resistance (IR), associated with a phenotype of IR; hyperandrogenism, oligomenorrhoea and acanthosis nigricans in the absence of obesity or lipoatrophy. The phenotype is variable, ranging from neonatal hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia to fasting or post-prandial hypoglycaemia in adults to diabetes. We report a 29-year-old woman presenting at 13 weeks gestation in her second pregnancy. Diabetes was diagnosed at 13-years-old following presentation with lethargy and polyuria and she was treated with metformin 500 mg po bd. She also had polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypothyroidism and epilepsy. Metformin was changed to insulin with good glycaemic control throughout pregnancy. She delivered a 3.95 kg male infant at 39 weeks gestation without neonatal hypoglycaemia. At 18 months post-partum, her body mass index was 26.3 kg/m2, with no evidence of acanthosis nigricans or features of lipodystrophy. As her sister was also diagnosed with diabetes at 13-years-old, next-generation sequencing was performed for known maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) genes and a p.(Met1180Lys) mutation in the INSR gene was detected. She reported nocturnal hypoglycaemia and a 5-h oral glucose tolerance test revealed post-prandial hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia at 210 min. Her subsequent pregnancy was spontaneously treated with metformin 500 mg po od from 8 to 25 weeks gestation and discontinued due to intrauterine growth restriction. She delivered a 1.8 kg female infant at 34 plus 3 weeks gestation (25th centile) via elective caesarean section. The infant had transient neonatal hypoglycaemia for two days. Post-partum, she remains diet controlled, with a haemoglobin A1c of 32 mmol/mol. This case highlights the importance of genetic testing to establish optimal diabetes treatment.

Learning points

This case highlights the less severe phenotype of IR in a subject with an INSR p.Met1180Lys mutation.

It demonstrates the existence of symptomatic post-prandial hypoglycaemia in an adult subject associated with hyperinsulinaemia.

This case highlights the importance of genetic testing to establish diagnosis and allows for precision medicine.

The role of metformin use in Type A-IR and pregnancy needs to be established.
Spatial and temporal variation of the rainfall erosivity factor in Polissya and Forest-Steppe of Ukraine
Authors: Nykytiuk Y. , Kravchenko O. , Komorna O. , Bambura V. , Seredniak D.
Published: February 2025

The Poliss y a and the Forest-Steppe constitute a substantial portion of Ukraine's territory, exhibiting considerable potential for the advancement of agricultural and forestry activities. It is of the utmost importance that the economic utilisation of the territory is conducted in a manner that ensures the sustainability of ecological systems and the fulfilment of ecosystem functions. The question of how the dynamics of the erosion potential of precipitation affect crop yields at the regional level remains unanswered. This study identifies patterns of spatial and temporal variability in the erosion potential of precipitation and determines the impact of anthropogenic landscape modification due to agricultural production on soil erosion risks. The coefficient of atmospheric erosion exhibited a range of 179.9 ± 114.7 (in 2015) to 616.0 ± 468.9 (in 1974) MJ mm / ha h per year. The temporal dynamics of this indicator within each administrative district exhibited a positive or negative trend of change over time. The overall level of erosion from precipitation exhibited an upward trend in the western and northwestern regions of the study area. In the central and eastern regions of the study area, there is evidence of a decline in erosion over time. The spatially weighted principal components analysis postulates that the covariance structure varies in a spatial manner, thereby enabling the identification of areas with smaller spatial coverage where the structure is constant. The identified principal components indicate the presence of oscillating time trends, characterised by different frequency characteristics. The spatial characteristics of the principal components of higher-order numbers can be attributed to the influence of the geographical continentality factor. Polissya is distinguished by soils with a relatively high sand content, which frequently renders them unsuitable for agricultural use. Consequently, these regions exhibit a relatively high level of forest cover. The southern and eastern regions are distinguished by soil types with granulometric compositions that are conducive to agricultural productivity. This frequently coincides with the process of deforestation. The variations in precipitation that generate the patterns identified by principal components 3–5 can be attr i buted to the influence of different land cover types. This provides an explanation for the formation of patterns of variability in the rainfall erosion coefficient, which is consistent with the level of forest cover. The influence of coniferous vegetation gives rise to the emergence of factor 4, whereas factor 5 is induced by the influence of herbaceous vegetation. It is also crucial to consider the substantial impact of agricultural land on the formation of spatial patterns of erosion coefficient variability. This influence may be the result of a formal correlation between the variability of agricultural land in different biogeographic zones.
Nematode fauna in Canis lupus familiaris and Felis catus in Karakalpakstan and molecular genetic analysis of Toxascaris leonina
Authors: Akramova F. , Shakarbaev U. , Saidova S. , Mirzayeva A. , Saparov K. , Hamrokulova Z. , Toremuratov M. , A. Kaniyazov  , Azimov D.
Published: February 2025

The article analyses the current species diversity of nematodes of dogs and cats in Karakalpakstan. Our research team identified 11 species of nematodes in dogs: Trichocephalus vulpis (Froelich, 1789), Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782), Ancylostoma caninum (Ercolani, 1859), Uncinaria stenocephala (Railliet, 1854), Toxascaris leonina (Linstow, 1902), Toxocara canis (Werner, 1782), Spirocerca lupi (Rudolphi, 1809), Physaloptera praeputialis (Linstow, 1888), Rictularia affinis (Jagerskiold, 1904), Dirofiliaria immitis (Leidy, 1856), and Dirofiliaria repens (Railliet et Henry, 1911). The prevalence of infection in the dog population ranged from 8.3% to 45.8%, with the intensity of infection ranging between 1 and 28 individuals. The nematode fauna of cats consisted of 9 species: D. renale , A. caninum , U. stenocephala , T. leonina , T. canis , Ph. praeputialis , R. affinus , D. immits , and D. repens . In this group of animals, the prevalence ranged from 8.3% to 37.6% and the intensity of infection from 1 to 23 individuals. Toxascaris leonina was the predominant helminth species in both cats and dogs. Toxocara canis showed a prevalence of 37.6% and an infection intensity of 4 to 9 individuals in domestic Canidae, and 33.7% and 3-8 individuals in Felis catus . The research team conducted a molecular genetic analysis of T. leonina . The study showed that Toxascaris leonina from dogs differed from the same species of nematodes from cats and w as characterised by two subclades. One clade identified in dogs (PP865013) is close to an isolate from China (MN329693) and Australia (NC023504), and the other one in cats (PP864705) to an isolate from the tiger (China, MW560284). In addition, the isolates are grouped together irrespective of hosts and location and are related to other species from the family Ascarididae .
Macroinvertebrate diversity as an indicator of ecological health and water quality in Northern Algeria
Authors: Hamza-Smatti I. , Keddari D. , Sebbih A. , Ait-Mouheb H. , Fethallah F. Z. , Riane Z.
Published: February 2025

This s tudy aims to investigate the spatial and temporal variation of macroinvertebrate communities and their relationship with environmental factors in the rivers of Chrea National Park, northern Algeria. Analysis of the spatio-temporal variation of physico-chemical parameters revealed no significant differences in temperature between stations. However, highly significant differences were observed for pH, conductivity and dissolved oxygen. Over a four-month period, a total of 19,737 individuals were sampled at four stations. Macroinvertebrate diversity was highest in the Djir and Merdja Rivers, with Diptera dominating the community composition at most stations. However, species richness and evenness were significantly lower in the Tamesguida River, suggesting greater environmental degradation in this region. The logarithmic curve of the rank frequency diagrams shows that the Merdja and Djir Rivers have higher initial abundances than the Mouzaia. Index results diversity indices show a high biodiversity in the Djir, Merdja and Mouzaia Rivers, while the Tamesguida River has much lower values, indicating a lower diversity and a more marked dominance of certain species. The Shannon-Wiener index reaches its maximum in the Djir (2.75) and its minimum in the Tamesguida (0.87). The Standardized global biological index,the Pielou evenness index and the Simpson index follow a similar trend, showing a more balanced species distribution in the Djir and Merdja and a less balanced distribution in the Tamesguida. The Margalef index confirms a much lower species richness in Tamesguida compared to the other stations.The results indicate that the Tamesguida River has a significantly lower diversity and species richness than the other stations, with a more pronounced dominance of certain species.
Seahorses as flagship species in the largest hypersaline lagoon in South America
Authors: Lopes Costa Leonardo , Mendonça Caio , Freitas Rangel Danilo
Published: February 2025

The flagship species concept is based on the perceived "charisma" of species. While certain attributes have been proposed to predict charisma, support for conservation of flagship species is often driven by local and context-specific factors. The largest hypersaline lagoon in South America has been considered for restoration programs after suffering from decades of urban development and pollution. Recently, the seahorse Hippocampus reidi was reported in the lagoon, generating significant public attention. Inspired by marketing theory, we conducted a study to evaluate people's preferences for various species inhabiting the lagoon. In a choice experiment, participants were shown high-resolution photographs of ten species, including the seahorse, and asked to rank their top three preferred species (most preferred = 3, second most preferred = 2, and third most preferred = 1), as well as their three least preferred species (least preferred = -3, second least preferred = -2, and third least preferred = -1). We calculated a flagship score for each species based on these rankings and compared them using ANOVA. The seahorse had a significantly higher flagship score than all other species, with its intrinsic aesthetic beauty being the main reason for its preference according to participants. This interest in  seahorses presents a unique opportunity to apply the flagship species concept as a conservation fundraising strategy, promoting a biocentric perspective of the largest hypersaline lagoon in South America.
El artículo de revisión narrativa: nivel de evidencia y validez científica. Revisión semi-sistemática
Authors: Arias-Odón Fidias
Published: February 2025

En este trabajo se analiza el artículo de revisión narrativa o tradicional como una importante y valiosa fuente de información para la investigación científica, tanto en ciencias naturales como en ciencias sociales. En este sentido, se plantearon preguntas en torno a sus características esenciales, su diferencia con otra modalidad de revisión, específicamente, la revisión sistemática, y con otro género muy distinto como el ensayo. Además, se interroga acerca del nivel de evidencia y validez científica de la revisión narrativa. El método empleado para responder las preguntas planteadas fue la revisión semi-sistemática de enfoque cualitativo. El resultado más significativo revela la validez e importancia de la revisión narrativa como complemento de otros tipos de revisiones, dada su utilidad en la compilación de información dispersa, su presentación integrada y resumida, así como su aporte en la detección de brechas de conocimiento para la investigación. Se concluye que el grado de evidencia y validez científica del artículo de revisión narrativa está determinada por la rama de la ciencia en la que se desarrolla, así como por el paradigma y enfoque de investigación asumido.
Project Spotlight: Sika products used in Oakland Bay Bridge
Authors:   PCI Journal Staff
Published: February 2025

Sika is playing a part in the construction of the Skyway section of the new east span of the Oakland Bay Bridge. The Skyway section, which contains 452 precast concrete roadway sections, is the largest contract ever awarded by Caltrans, at $1.04 billion. Each segment was cast in Stockton, Calif., (approximately 100 miles [160 km] from the project) and then was shipped on barges to the site.
Biofunctional activity and phytochemical composition by LC-QToF-MS of Mitragyna speciosa Korth leaves extracted in Northern Thailand
Authors: Yana Pichamon , Jeeno Peerapong , Yadoung Sumed , Jaitham Udomsap , Phanjaroen Titi , Hongsibsong Surat
Published: February 2025

Mitragyna speciosa Korth, a traditional Thai herb, is known for its medicinal properties, including enhancing physical strength and promoting relaxation. However, its misuse can lead to addiction. This study evaluated the antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory activity, and chemical composition of M. speciosa using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS). Leaves were extracted with ethanol, methanol, and water. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed that ethanol extraction had the best IC50 value (0.23 ± 0.01 mg/mL). Methanol extraction excelled in the 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay (2.24 ± 0.33 mg/mL), while water extraction displayed the highest antioxidant capacity in the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) assay (231.87 ± 11.51 mg ascorbic acid equivalent [AAE]/100 g). The water extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (153.41 ± 0.06 mg gallic acid equivalent [GAE]/g) and total flavonoid content (6.24 ± 0.83 mg QE/g). It also provided the maximum anti-inflammatory protection, with a protection rate of 96.35% and a hemolysis of 3.65%. LC-QToF-MS analysis identified key bioactive compounds, such as stigmatellin Y (99.17%) and mitragynine (98.58%), along with other compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These findings highlight M. speciosa’s potential of being a therapeutic agent. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of its bioactive compounds, optimizing extraction techniques, and conducting in vivo and clinical studies to validate its safety and therapeutic efficacy.
Use of lyophilized larval extracts associated with Bti in Double BR-OVT trap: Strategy to attract and kill mosquitoes of the genera Aedes and Culex
Authors: FAIRESTEIN GABRIEL B. , SENA ANDREA KARLA L.S. , LEAL WALTER S. , BARBOSA ROSÂNGELA MARIA R.
Published: February 2025

Abstract The present study evaluated the efficiency of the larval extract of Aedes aegypti associated with Bacillus thrurigiensis var. israelensis as oviposition bait to enhance the attractiveness of the Double BR-OVT trap. In the laboratory, paired tests were carried out, using two oviposition sites. Thirty pregnant females of A. aegypti were used per test. In the field, paired traps were installed at eight points. The test traps (2 g larval extract + 1 g Bti/ 2 L), controls (1 g Bti/ 2 L). For tests with lyophilized extract, each test trap contained 0.26 g/lyophilized larvae + 1 g Bti/ 2 L. Laboratory results showed that all cups treated (68.8 %/ 842 ± 177; 72.5 %/ 822 ± 167; 70.4 %/ 904 ± 169, respectively), with or without Bti, collected more eggs. In the field, traps treated with larval extract or lyophilized plus Bti collected more Aedes spp eggs (64 %/ 582 ± 467; 62.5 %/ 511 ± 531) and C. quinquefasciatus (65 %/ 11 ± 10; 70 %/ 5 ± 4.3) rafts. The association of Double BR-OVTs traps with larval extract plus Bti proves to be efficient alternatives for the integrated control, with the strategy of attracting and eliminating mosquitoes.
As negociações financeiras internacionais do Brasil pós-FMI
Authors: SILVA JOSÉ CLÁUDIO FERREIRA DA , HORTA MARIA HELENA T. T.
Published: February 2025

RESUMO Este artigo analisa as negociações da dívida externa brasileira que se seguiram à ruptura do sistema financeiro internacional que precipitou a moratória mexicana. A ênfase está nos acordos Brasil-FMI. Dividimos as negociações em duas rodadas, de acordo com as necessidades financeiras externas para 1983 e 1984, respectivamente. A nossa principal conclusão indica que não haverá perspectivas de crescimento económico nos próximos anos se o actual modelo de negociação for mantido. Novas condições, como prazos mais longos e taxas de juros mais baixas, são requisitos básicos para resolver o problema do Balanço de Pagamentos brasileiro.
Políticas de estabilização econômica no Brasil: uma nota com um enfoque ortodoxo
Authors: TYLER WILLIAM
Published: February 2025

RESUMO Um modelo ortodoxo IS-LM é utilizado para indicar as perspectivas do programa de estabilização em vigor no Brasil.
A armadilha teórica da política de estabilização
Authors: BRESSER-PEREIRA LUIZ CARLOS , NAKANO YOSHIAKI
Published: February 2025

RESUMO Este artigo oferece uma crítica ao referencial teórico utilizado pelo Fundo Monetário Internacional como referência para seus programas de estabilização. Também esclarece o papel dos juros sobre a dívida antiga e as diferenças entre a abordagem monetarista e keynesiana da balança de pagamentos.
Deleuze, Lucrecio y los Simulacros: una imagen naturalista del pensamiento
Authors: Estay Tomás Flores
Published: February 2025

Resumen: El artículo indaga en la idea de que la teoría de los simulacros de Lucrecio contribuye a la elaboración, por parte de Deleuze, de una nueva imagen del pensamiento basada en la inmanencia. Esto se relaciona con la importancia que da Deleuze a la velocidad en su lectura de Lucrecio y la manera en que ello incide en el operar del pensamiento con respecto a la sensibilidad. El abordaje estará enmarcado en una lectura materialista de Deleuze, coherente con el énfasis que se le da al naturalismo en su obra Lógica del Sentido.
Regional differences in the daily consumption of smoked and smokeless tobacco among adults (25-64 years) in Mozambique: 2005 versus 2014/2015
Authors: Enjo-Barreiro José Ramón , Fontes Filipa , Tualufo Sheila , Silva-Matos Carla , Damasceno Albertino , Lunet Nuno
Published: February 2025

Within-country differences in the prevalence of tobacco consumption may be expected in Mozambique, as determinants of tobacco use vary considerably countrywide. We compared the daily use of smoked and smokeless tobacco in 2005 and 2014/2015 across Mozambican regions. Two surveys were conducted in Mozambique, in 2005 and 2014/2015, with representative samples of the adult population, following the World Health Organization’s STEPwise Approach to NCD Risk Factor Surveillance. Prevalence estimates were computed for daily use of different types of tobacco, stratified by regions. Data from the 2014/2015 survey were compared to those from the 2005 survey, after direct age-standardization. During the 10-year period, a significant reduction was observed in the prevalence of daily tobacco smoking among women in the Northern and men in the Southern provinces, due to the decrease in the consumption of hand-rolled cigarettes among Northern women (from 9.6% to 2.3%), and manufactured cigarettes among Southern men (from 23.7% to 11.8%). In Center and Northern regions, nonsignificant increases were observed in the consumption of manufactured cigarettes among men. The consumption of smokeless tobacco among Southern women decreased (from 3.1% to 1%). There was a decrease in the daily consumption of hand-rolled cigarettes among women in the North and of manufactured cigarettes among men in the South, as well as a potential trend towards residual smokeless tobacco consumption. However, the results suggest increases in the daily consumption of manufactured cigarettes among men in the Center and Northern regions.
O acesso de crianças com síndrome congênita pelo Zika vírus às políticas públicas
Authors: Kaufman Ana Cristina Pannain L. , Périssé Andre Reynaldo Santos , Hofer Cristina Barroso
Published: February 2025

A síndrome congênita da Zika (SCZ) é responsável por várias malformações, inclusive microcefalia. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: descrever o acesso das crianças às políticas públicas sociais de pensão vitalícia (E60), criada frente à emergência de saúde pública do Zika vírus (Espin-ZIKV), e ao Benefício de Prestação Continuada/Espécie 87 (BPC/E87), e comparar esse acesso antes e depois da Espin-ZIKV. Estudo transversal, com extração e descrição de dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC), Registro de Eventos em Saúde Pública-Microcefalia (Resp-Microcefalia) e Sistema Único de Informação de Benefícios (SUIBE), entre 2013 e 2021. Descrevemos as E60 que ainda estavam ativas quando da extração de dados do SUIBE em maio de 2023. Comparamos a concessão do BPC/E87 por microcefalia em 2013 e 2021 (antes e depois da Espin-ZIKV). Dos 20.000.859 nascidos vivos entre 2015-2021, foram notificados 20.464 casos suspeitos de SCZ no Resp-Microcefalia; 20% dos pacientes acometidos receberam algum benefício social: 705 a E60 e 3.822 o BPC/E87. A média nacional de concessão de BPC/E87 em 2013 por microcefalia foi de 8 para cada 100 mil nascidos vivos (antes da Espin-ZIKV) e 5 BPC/E87 para cada 100 mil nascidos vivos em 2021 (após Espin-ZIKV) (p < 0,01). Observamos 689 crianças com E60 ativas (entre 3 e 8 anos de idade) em maio de 2023. O estudo evidenciou baixa proteção social das crianças com suspeita de SCZ, mas, dentre as que se beneficiaram da E60, 98% estavam com benefício ativo em 2023, demonstrando sobrevida importante das crianças beneficiadas. Foi observada redução na média de concessões de BPC/E87 para microcefalia sem causa especificada após Espin-ZIKV.