bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Accuracy of Physical Examination and Pulse Oximetry for Critical Congenital Cardiac Disease Screening in Newborns
Authors: van Vliet Jari T. , Majani Naizihijwa G. , Chillo Pilly , Slieker Martijn G.
Published: December 2023

Background: Newborns with a critical congenital heart disease left undiagnosed and untreated have a substantial risk for serious complications and subsequent failure to thrive. Prenatal ultrasound screening is not widely available, nor is postnatal echocardiography. Physical examination is the standard for postnatal screening. Pulse oximetry has been proposed in numerous studies as an alternative screening method. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the diagnostic accuracies of both screening methods separately and combined. Methods: A systematic literature search of the Embase, PubMed, and Global Health databases up to 30 November 2023 was conducted with the following keywords: critical congenital heart disease, physical examination, clinical scores, pulse oximetry, and echocardiography. The search included all studies conducted in the newborn period using both physical examination and pulse oximetry as screening methods and excluded newborns admitted to the intensive care unit. All studies were assessed for risk of bias and applicability concerns using the QUADAS-2 score. The review adhered to the PRISMA 2020 statement guideline. Results: Out of 2711 articles, 20 articles were selected as eligible for meta-analysis. Cumulatively, the sample included 872,549 screened newborns. The pooled sensitivity of the physical examination screening method was found to be 0.69 (0.66–0.73 (95% CI)) and specificity was found to be 0.98 (0.98–0.98). For the pulse oximetry screening method, the pooled sensitivity and specificity yielded 0.78 (0.75–0.82) and 0.99 (0.99–0.99), respectively. The combined method of screening yielded improved diagnostic characteristics at a sensitivity and specificity of 0.93 (0.91–0.95) and 0.98 (0.98–0.98, respectively. Conclusions: The evidence indicates that combining both physical examination and pulse oximetry to screen for critical congenital heart disease exceeds the accuracy of either separate method. The main limitation is that solely newborns with suspected critical congenital heart disease were subjected to the reference standard. We recommend adapting both methods to screen for critical congenital heart diseases, especially in settings lacking standard fetal ultrasound screening. To increase the sensitivity further, we recommend increasing the screening time window and employing the peripheral perfusion index.
Characterization of the mIF4G Domains in the RNA Surveillance Protein Upf2p
Authors: Colón Edgardo M. , Haddock Luis A. , Lasalde Clarivel , Lin Qishan , Ramírez-Lugo Juan S. , González Carlos I.
Published: December 2023

Thirty percent of all mutations causing human disease generate mRNAs with premature termination codons (PTCs). Recognition and degradation of these PTC-containing mRNAs is carried out by the mechanism known as nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). Upf2 is a scaffold protein known to be a central component of the NMD surveillance pathway. It harbors three middle domains of eukaryotic initiation factor 4G (mIF4G-1, mIF4G-2, mIF4G-3) in its N-terminal region that are potentially important in regulating the surveillance pathway. In this study, we defined regions within the mIF4G-1 and mIF4G-2 that are required for proper function of Upf2p in NMD and translation termination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In addition, we narrowed down the activity of these regions to an aspartic acid (D59) in mIF4G-1 that is important for NMD activity and translation termination accuracy. Taken together, these studies suggest that inherently charged residues within mIF4G-1 of Upf2p play a role in the regulation of the NMD surveillance mechanism in S. cerevisiae.
Recent Advances in Liver Tissue Engineering as an Alternative and Complementary Approach for Liver Transplantation
Authors: Nair Dileep G. , Weiskirchen Ralf
Published: December 2023

Acute and chronic liver diseases cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, affecting millions of people. Liver transplantation is the primary intervention method, replacing a non-functional liver with a functional one. However, the field of liver transplantation faces challenges such as donor shortage, postoperative complications, immune rejection, and ethical problems. Consequently, there is an urgent need for alternative therapies that can complement traditional transplantation or serve as an alternative method. In this review, we explore the potential of liver tissue engineering as a supplementary approach to liver transplantation, offering benefits to patients with severe liver dysfunctions.
Integrating Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology to Decipher the Hepatoprotective Effect Mechanisms of Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate Injection
Authors: Zhang Yihua , Li Hui , Liu Xueli , Wang Qiang , Zhao Dong , Su Ming , Jia Zhixin , Shen Shigang
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to explore the liver protective effects of a fourth-generation glycyrrhizic acid product (magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate injection, MII) in the treatment of mice with drug-induced liver injury—specifically, to determine its effects on plasma metabolites. Moreover, the possible mechanism of its intervention in lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism through the liver protective effect was preliminarily explored, combined with network pharmacology. The liver injury model of mice was established using acetaminophen (APAP). The protective effect of MII on the mice model was evaluated using pathological tissue sections and biochemical indices such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Metabolomics analysis of plasma was performed using the UHPLC-QTOF/MS technique to screen for potential biomarkers and enriched metabolic pathways. The potential targets and pathways of MII were predicted by network pharmacology, and the mechanism was verified by Western blot analysis. MII significantly improved the pathological liver changes in mice with liver injury. The content of ALT and AST was decreased, and the activity of SOD was increased significantly (p < 0.05, 0.01). A total of 29 potential biomarkers were identified in the metabolomics analysis, mainly involving seven pathways, such as lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. A total of 44 intersection targets of MII in the treatment of liver injury were obtained by network pharmacology, involving lipid metabolism and other related pathways. Western blot analysis results showed that MII could significantly reduce the expression of JAK2 and STAT3. MII can effectively ameliorate liver injury in modeled mice through related pathways such as lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. This study could provide not only a scientific basis for the elucidation of the mechanism of action of MII in exerting a hepatoprotective effect, but also a reference for its rational clinical application.
Thematic Daily Sleep Routine Analysis of Adults Not in Employment Living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kelly Rachael M. , McDermott John H. , Coogan Andrew N.
Published: December 2023

Background: Day-to-day variations in sleep timing have been associated with poorer glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus, although the factors that influence this sleep timing variability are poorly understood. Methods: Daily routines of sleep in a sample of seventeen adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were either retired or not currently working were examined qualitatively through the application of semi-structured interviews and a thematic analysis of the resulting transcripts. Results: Four themes were identified: “Consistent Sleeping Patterns”, “Fluctuating Sleep Timing”, “Night-Time Disruptions” and “Lasting Effort Needed with Type Two Diabetes Mellitus”. The subthemes reflected that many participants had consistent sleep schedules across the seven-day week, but that a desire to maintain a sense of normality, household routines, television schedules and socializing were associated with different sleep timing on weekends. Active disease monitoring and timed medication taking were not identified as important factors in shaping sleep timing. Nocturia, stress and rumination were identified as important factors linked to disrupted sleep. Sleep was not reported as an issue discussed during routine clinical care. Conclusion: Sleep timing in participants appears to be driven by interacting psychosocial and physiological factors, although active disease management does not emerge as a major influence on sleep schedules.
Big Five Personality Traits and Compulsive Buying: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem
Authors: Otero-López José Manuel , Santiago María José , Castro María Cristina
Published: December 2023

The inter-relationships between the Big Five personality traits, self-esteem, and compulsive buying are supported by strong empirical evidence. What is yet unknown is to what extent self-esteem can channel the influence of personality traits on compulsive buying. The main objective of this study is to explore the possible mediating role of self-esteem in the link between the Big Five personality traits and compulsive buying. Path analysis results, using a sample of 487 university students, generally confirm the suitability of the proposed model in which self-esteem mediated the effects of the Big Five personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, openness to experience, and conscientiousness) on compulsive buying. Moreover, a direct effect of neuroticism and conscientiousness on compulsive buying was found. Finally, based on the finding that self-esteem acts as a necessary filter in the analysis of the five factors–compulsive buying relationship, several action-oriented guidelines for the prevention or intervention of this behavioral problem are suggested.
Temperature Distribution Curve Analysis on Concrete through LS-DYNA
Authors: Oli Topendra , Ha Dongsoo , Jang Taejin , Park Cheolwoo , Kim Gihyun , Kim Seungwon
Published: December 2023

The development and importance of tunnels are increasing worldwide, and countries like Korea, where about 70% of the total land is covered with mountain regions, need more tunnel constructions to connect different routes of roads for safe and efficient transport. This study applied fire to the 200 mm × 200 mm × 200 mm concrete specimens, similar to the Rijkswaterstaat (RWS) fire, through an electric furnace. Thermocouples were placed inside the specimens to analyze the temperature during the occurrence of fire. Experimental and simulation thermal analysis during the occurrence of fire was analyzed. The experimental temperature at different depths agreed with the simulation results. Different international fire curves were applied to study the temperature inside the concrete through simulation by LS-DYNA. Concrete with different thicknesses of fireproof board was analyzed through simulation, and using fireproof board reduces the inside temperature during fire occurrence. Among the studied international fire curves, modified hydrocarbon fire curves had a high-temperature effect on concrete.
Multivariable Fractional-Order Controller Design for a Nonlinear Dual-Tank Device
Authors: Kochi Ryota , Deng Mingcong
Published: December 2023

Fractional calculus is defined by expanded integer order integration and differentiation. In this paper, multiple mathematical models of a nonlinear dual-tank device are precisely formulated by fractional calculus. Using the accurate model, a multivariable fractional-order controller is designed for nonlinear devices. The merits of the fractional-order design include: (1) control of multivariable nonlinearities, (2) compensation of uncertainties, and (3) elimination of coupling effects. Simulations and experiments are conducted to verify the precision of the fractional order models and the effectiveness of the multivariable fractional-order control system design.
Human Activities Increased Microplastics Contamination in the Himalaya Mountains
Authors: Han Bangshuai , Yacoub Moayad , Li Aihua , Nicholson Kirsten , Gruver Joshua , Neumann Klaus , Sharma Subodh
Published: December 2023

Microplastic pollution is an emerging environmental concern, and has been found in remote regions, including the high Himalaya mountains. However, the abundance and sources of microplastics in the region are not well documented. This research investigated the abundance, types, and potential sources of microplastics in the Sagarmatha National Park (SNP), a rural and sparsely populated region of Nepal on the southern side of the Himalaya mountains. Water samples were collected from streams and tributaries in SNP in May of 2022. The average microplastic concentration among all samples was 2.0 ± 1.7 pieces/L, similar to that of water samples collected in other high mountain areas and is in the lower range of that found in water samples across the globe. Microplastic abundance is higher in water samples collected near settlements than in streams far from human settlements, indicating the impact of human activities. The presence of microplastics in all samples, including headwaters immediately beneath glaciers, illustrates the widespread distribution of microplastics and suggests the potential for airborne sources. While the concentration of microplastics does not change dramatically from upstream tributaries to downstream rivers, the total load of microplastics increases due to higher discharge downstream. This research demonstrates the anthropogenic and air-borne influences on microplastics contamination on the southern side of the Himalayan range and contributes to filling the data gaps towards a better understanding of the global fate and transport of microplastics.
Ameloblastoma of the Mandible in a 16-Year-Old Female—Case Report
Authors: Urechescu Horatiu , Banu Ancuta , Baderca Flavia , Closca Raluca Maria , Ilas-Tat Maria-Bianca , Urtila Florin , Pricop Marius
Published: December 2023

Ameloblastoma is a benign epithelial tumor that has aggressive, destructive and unlimited growth potential, having the capacity for recurrence and malignant transformation. Regarding the symptoms and clinical signs, the presentation of ameloblastoma is poor. In children and young people, ameloblastoma can be difficult to diagnose, because it mimics other benign lesions. Its diagnosis requires a combination of imaging data, histopathological analysis and molecular tests. The methods of treatment consist of radical surgery (segmental resection) and conservative treatments (enucleation with bone curettage). The particularity of the presented case is represented by the late request for medical consultation, a direct consequence of the measures implemented to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19.
Performance of Classification Models of Toxins Based on Raman Spectroscopy Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Zhang Pengjie , Liu Bing , Mu Xihui , Xu Jiwei , Du Bin , Wang Jiang , Liu Zhiwei , Tong Zhaoyang
Published: December 2023

Rapid and accurate detection of protein toxins is crucial for public health. The Raman spectra of several protein toxins, such as abrin, ricin, staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), and bungarotoxin (BGT), have been studied. Multivariate scattering correction (MSC), Savitzky–Golay smoothing (SG), and wavelet transform methods (WT) were applied to preprocess Raman spectra. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract spectral features, and the PCA score plots clustered four toxins with two other proteins. The k-means clustering results show that the spectra processed with MSC and MSC-SG methods have the best classification performance. Then, the two data types were classified using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) with an accuracy of 100%. The prediction results of the PCA and PLS-DA and the partial least squares regression model (PLSR) perform well for the fingerprint region spectra. The PLSR model demonstrates excellent classification and regression ability (accuracy = 100%, Rcv = 0.776). Four toxins were correctly classified with interference from two proteins. Classification models based on spectral feature extraction were established. This strategy shows excellent potential in toxin detection and public health protection. These models provide alternative paths for the development of rapid detection devices.
Computational Screening and Experimental Validation of Inhibitor Targeting the Complex Formation of Grb14 and Insulin Receptor
Authors: Ochi Yosuke , Matsui Takanori , Inoue Keitaro , Monobe Kohei , Sakamoto Hiroshi , Aoki Shunsuke , Taira Junichi
Published: December 2023

The development of drugs targeting gene products associated with insulin resistance holds the potential to enhance our understanding of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The virtual screening, based on a three-dimensional (3D) protein structure, is a potential technique to accelerate the development of molecular target drugs. Among the targets implicated in insulin resistance, the genetic characterization and protein function of Grb14 have been clarified without contradiction. The Grb14 gene displays significant variations in T2DM, and its gene product is known to inhibit the function of the insulin receptor (IR) by directly binding to the tyrosine kinase domain. In the present study, a virtual screening, based on a 3D structure of the IR tyrosine kinase domain (IRβ) in complex with part of Grb14, was conducted to find compounds that can disrupt the complex formation between Grb14 and IRβ. First, ten compounds were selected from 154,118 compounds via hierarchical in silico structure-based drug screening, composed of grid docking-based and genetic algorithm-based programs. The experimental validations suggested that the one compound can affect the blood glucose level. The molecular dynamics simulations and co-immunoprecipitation analysis showed that the compound did not completely suppress the protein–protein interaction between Grb14 and IR, though competitively bound to IR with the tyrosine kinase pseudosubstrate region in Grb14.
Derivatization-Enhanced Analysis of Glucocorticoids for Structural Characterization by Gas Chromatography-Orbitrap High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ge Yuqi , Liu Mengpan , Deng Xiaojun , Liao Lei
Published: December 2023

Glucocorticoids are classified in section S9 of the Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency, due to a potential risk to improving physical performance and causing harm to the health of athletes. Based on the similar physiological actions of glucocorticoids, both differentiating known glucocorticoids and identifying unknown glucocorticoids are important for doping control. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry plays an important role in structural characterization because of abundant structural diagnostic ions produced by electron ionization. It also provides a chance to study the fragmentation patterns. Thus, an enhanced derivatization procedure was optimized to produce trimethylsilylated glucocorticoids and structural diagnostic ions of nineteen trimethylsilylated glucocorticoids were obtained by gas chromatography-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. In our study, glucocorticoids were classified as: 3-keto-4-ene, 1,4-diene-3-keto, 3α-hydroxy with saturated A-ring, 21-hydroxy-20-keto and halo substituent glucocorticoids based on their structural difference. Structural diagnostic ions that contributed to structural characterization were specifically presented and the fragment patterns were demonstrated according to the above categories. This study not only gave new insights into the structural characterization of these glucocorticoids but also provided evidence for tracing unknown glucocorticoids or chemically modified molecules.
Photochemical Transformations of Diverse Biologically Active Resveratrol Analogs in Batch and Flow Reactors
Authors: Mlakić Milena , Perinić Hana , Vušak Vitomir , Horváth Ottó , Sampedro Diego , Losantos Raúl , Odak Ilijana , Škorić Irena
Published: December 2023

Previous biological tests have shown that some resveratrol analogs exhibited significant antioxidative and cholinesterase inhibitory potential, as evidenced by lower IC50 values compared to the established standards, resveratrol and galantamine, respectively. Photochemical transformations were made in parallel on these compounds in the presence of porphyrin photocatalysts in batch and microreactor, showing the significant advantage of flow photochemistry concerning productivity, selectivity, and yields. In this research, the products of photocatalysis and direct irradiation (photolysis) of resveratrol analogs were compared to elucidate how the types and ratios of the products depend on the excitation energy, to reveal the effects of the substituent on the photoinduced reactions and to rationalize experimentally and computationally the nature and ratio of the obtained products. Thus, two main paths were computed in agreement with the experimental results: isomerization with the participation of triplet state intermediates to yield the experimentally detected cis-isomers and subsequent cyclization following a pathway not available for the trans-isomers. The investigation of five model compounds confirmed the advantages of the flow photoreactor in the photochemical reactions of heterocyclic resveratrol analogs.
Effect of pH on the Poly(acrylic acid)/Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Lysozyme Complexes Formation
Authors: Morariu Simona , Avadanei Mihaela , Nita Loredana Elena
Published: December 2023

The interactions between poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and lysozyme (Lys) in an aqueous environment at pHs of 2, 4, and 7.4 were discussed considering the experimental data obtained by turbidimetry, electrokinetic and rheological measurements, and FTIR analysis. It was found that the increase in PAA amount reduces the coacervation zone by shifting the critical pHcr1to higher values while the critical pHcr2 remains unchanged. The coacervation zone extended from 3.1–4.2 to 2.9–4.7 increasing the Lys concentration from 0.2% to 0.5%. The zeta potential measurements showed that the PAA–PVA–Lys mixture in water is the most stable in the pH range of 4.5–8. Zero shear viscosity exhibited deviations from additivity at both investigated pHs, and a maximum value corresponding to a maximum hydrodynamic volume was revealed at PAA weight fractions of 0.4 and 0.5 for pHs of 4 and 7.4, respectively. The binding affinity to Lys of PAA, established by molecular dynamics simulation, was slightly higher than that of PVA. The more stable complex was PAA–Lys formed in a very acidic environment; for that, a binding affinity of −7.1 kcal/mol was determined.
Plant-Derived Proteins and Peptides as Potential Immunomodulators
Authors: Szerszunowicz Iwona , Kozicki Szymon
Published: December 2023

The immune response of humans may be modulated by certain biopeptides. The present study aimed to determine the immunomodulatory potential of plant-derived food proteins and hydrolysates obtained from these proteins via monocatalytic in silico hydrolysis (using ficin, stem bromelainm or pepsin (pH > 2)). The scope of this study included determinations of the profiles of select bioactivities of proteins before and after hydrolysis and computations of the frequency of occurrence of selected bioactive fragments in proteins (parameter A), frequency/relative frequency of the release of biopeptides (parameters AE, W) and the theoretical degree of hydrolysis (DHt), by means of the resources and programs available in the BIOPEP-UWM database. The immunomodulating (ImmD)/immunostimulating (ImmS) peptides deposited in the database were characterized as well (ProtParam tool). Among the analyzed proteins of cereals and legumes, the best precursors of ImmD immunopeptides (YG, YGG, GLF, TPRK) turned out to be rice and garden pea proteins, whereas the best precursors of ImmS peptides appeared to be buckwheat (GVM, GFL, EAE) and broad bean (LLY, EAE) proteins. The highest number of YG sequences was released by stem bromelain upon the simulated hydrolysis of rice proteins (AE = 0.0010–0.0820, W = 0.1994–1.0000, DHt = 45–82%). However, antibacterial peptides (IAK) were released by ficin only from rice, oat, and garden pea proteins (DHt = 41–46%). Biopeptides (YG, IAK) identified in protein hydrolysates are potential immunomodulators, nutraceuticals, and components of functional food that may modulate the activity of the human immune system. Stem bromelain and ficin are also active components that are primed to release peptide immunomodulators from plant-derived food proteins.
Stepwise Discovery of Insulin Effects on Amino Acid and Protein Metabolism
Authors: Tessari Paolo
Published: December 2023

A clear effect of insulin deficiency and replacement on body/muscle mass was a landmark observation at the start of the insulin age. Since then, an enormous body of investigations has been produced on the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus from a hormonal/metabolic point of view. Among them, the study of the effects of insulin on body growth and protein accretion occupies a central place and shows a stepwise, continuous, logical, and creative development. Using a metaphor, insulin may be viewed as a director orchestrating the music (i.e., the metabolic effects) played by the amino acids and proteins. As a hormone, insulin obviously does not provide either energy or substrates by itself. Rather, it tells cells how to produce and utilize them. Although the amino acids can be released and taken up by cells independently of insulin, the latter can powerfully modulate these movements. Insulin regulates (inhibits) protein degradation and, in some instances, stimulates protein synthesis. This review aims to provide a synthetic and historical view of the key steps taken from the discovery of insulin as an “anabolic hormone”, to the in-depth analysis of its effects on amino acid metabolism and protein accretions, as well as of its interaction with nutrients.
Performance of Adaptive Bit-Interleaved Polar Coded Modulation in FSOC System
Authors: Jiang Qingfang , Liu Zhi , Yao Haifeng , Luo Zhonglin , Zhang Xin , Liu Shutong , Cao Chenming , Jing Gang , Li Hao , Lin Peng
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes an adaptive bit-interleaved polar coded modulation (A-BIPCM) method based on minimum logarithmic upper bound weight (MLUW). It is designed to reduce the fading effects and long string of bit error interference caused by atmospheric turbulence in free-space optical communications (FSOC). To assess the effectiveness of this method across turbulent channels of varying intensities, we conducted an evaluation of the bit error rate (BER) performance of polar codes in turbulent channels. The results demonstrate significant performance improvements provided by the A-BIPCM method compared to conventional polar code encoding and decoding. Specifically, under weak, moderate, and strong turbulence conditions, the A-BIPCM method achieves performance gains of 0.96 dB, 1.66 dB, and 1.35 dB, respectively. Additionally, an experimental verification platform for FSOC employing intensity modulation direct detection (IM/DD) with an atmospheric turbulence simulation channel, is established in this work. When the optical power of the detector is −16 dBm, the traditional polar code encoding and decoding performance at BER = 2.36 × 10−5, whereas the A-BIPCM scheme exhibits a significantly higher performance at BER = 2.11 × 10−6. The BER has been improved by representing an order of magnitude.
Nuclear Physics Opportunities at European Small-Scale Facilities
Authors: Vesić Jelena , Vencelj Matjaž
Published: December 2023

Small-scale facilities play a significant role in the landscape of nuclear physics research in Europe. They address a wide range of fundamental questions and are essential for teaching and training personnel in accelerator technology and science, providing them with diverse skill sets, complementary to large projects. The current status and perspectives of nuclear physics research at small-scale facilities in Europe will be given.
Intelligent Waste-Volume Management Method in the Smart City Concept
Authors: Lipianina-Honcharenko Khrystyna , Komar Myroslav , Osolinskyi Oleksandr , Shymanskyi Volodymyr , Havryliuk Myroslav , Semaniuk Vita
Published: December 2023

This research paper proposes an innovative approach to urban waste management using intelligent methods of classification, clustering, and forecasting. The application of this approach allows for more efficient waste management and contributes to the sustainable development of the urban environment. The aim of this research is to develop an intelligent method for urban waste management, which includes clustering of waste sources, accurate forecasting of waste volumes, and evaluation of forecast results. To achieve this goal, a real dataset with city characteristics and waste data was used. On account of the war in Ukraine, the authors faced the problem of obtaining open data on waste in Ukraine, so it was decided to use data from another city (Singapore). The results show the high efficiency of the developed method. Comparison of the obtained results with the results of the nearest similar works shows that the main feature of this study is the high accuracy of waste-volume forecasting using the XGBoost model, which reached a level of up to 98%.
Functional and Qualitative Metabolic Compounds in the Twigs of the Deciduous Mistletoe Loranthus europaeus Jacq.
Authors: Bampali Anthi , Karoutzou Olga , Katsarou Alexandra , Haralampidis Kosmas , Skaltsounis Leandros A. , Rhizopoulou Sophia
Published: December 2023

In this study, a detailed phytochemical investigation of compounds in the twigs of the mistletoe Loranthus europaeus Jacq., which belongs to the Loranthaceae family, is presented. Specimens were collected from the mistletoe L. europaeus growing on oak trees in the mainland of Greece. The alliance of oaks and mistletoes became a symbol of knowledge and strength for many centuries. Although numerous compounds of aerial tissues of other mistletoes, e.g., Viscum album, have been published, few studies have been conducted to investigate the metabolic and physiological traits of the hemiparasitic, deciduous Loranthus europaeus. LC-HRMS-based analysis led to a detailed characterization of ethyl acetate and dichloromethane extracts of the twigs of L. europaeus, which, to the best of our knowledge, exhibit enhanced antioxidant potential. Hence, twenty-four and twenty-six compounds were tentatively identified from the ethyl acetate and dichloromethane twigs’ extracts, respectively; these compounds belong to fatty acids, flavonoids, and flavonoid glycosides. Also, chlorophyll, soluble sugar, starch, and lipid contents in the twigs of L. europaeus, which have not hitherto been published, were investigated.
The Impact of Antifungal Stewardship on Clinical and Performance Measures: A Global Systematic Review
Authors: Albahar Fares , Alhamad Hamza , Abu Assab Mohammad , Abu-Farha Rana , Alawi Lina , Khaleel Sara
Published: December 2023

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) have been proposed as an opportunity to optimize antifungal use. The antifungal resistance is a significant and emerging threat. The literature on antifungal stewardship (AFS) and its influence on performance and clinical outcome measures is scarce. This study aimed to examine global evidence of the impact of AFS on patients and performance measures. Methods: The “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) was used for the flow of identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion. PubMed and MEDLINE were searched using the term ‘‘antifungal stewardship’’ on 15 February 2023. Search terms included antifungal stewardship, antimicrobial stewardship, candida, candidemia, candiduria, and invasive fungal disease. Of the 1366 records, 1304 were removed since they did not describe an antifungal stewardship intervention. Among the 62 full texts assessed, 21 articles were excluded since they were non-interventional studies and did not include the outcome of interest. Thus, 41 articles were eligible for systematic review. Eligible studies were those that described an AFS program and evaluated clinical or performance measures. Results: Of the 41 included studies, the primary performance measure collected was antifungal consumption (22 of 41), and mortality (22 of 41), followed by length of stay (11 of 41) and cost (9 of 41). Most studies were single-center, quasi-experimental, with varying interventions across studies. The principal finding from most of the studies in this systematic review is a reduction in mortality expressed in different units and the use of antifungal agents (13 studies out of 22 reporting mortality). Antifungal consumption was significantly blunted or reduced following stewardship initiation (10 of 22). Comparing studies was impossible due to a lack of standard units, making conducting a meta-analysis unfeasible, which would be a limitation of our study. Conclusion: It has been shown that AFS interventions may improve antifungal consumption and other performance measures. According to available published studies, antifungal consumption and mortality appear to be the possible performance measures to evaluate the impact of AFS.
Investigating Fully Strange Tetraquark System with Positive Parity in a Chiral Quark Model
Authors: Tan Yue , Wu Yuheng , Huang Hongxia , Ping Jialun
Published: December 2023

Motivated by the intriguing discovery of X(6900) by the LHCb collaboration, we undertake a comprehensive study of the ss¯ss¯ tetraquark system with positive parity, employing the Gaussian expansion within the chiral quark model method. We consider two structures, the diquark–antidiquark (ss-s¯s¯) structure and meson–meson (ss¯-ss¯) structure, covering all conceivable color and spin configurations. Despite the absence of bound states in our calculations, we have identified potential resonant states with JP=0+, namely, R(0,2150) and R(0,2915), as well as a resonant state with JP=1+, denoted as R(1,2950), and a resonant state with JP=2+, denoted as R(2,2850), utilizing the real-scaling method. By comparing their energies and widths, we suggest that R(0,2915) and R(1,2950) may share characteristics with X(6900), while R(0,2150) could be a promising candidate for the experimental state f0(2100). We strongly advocate for experimental investigations to shed light on the existence and properties of these resonant states.
Vacuum Effects Induced by a Plate in de Sitter Spacetime in the Presence of a Cosmic String
Authors: dos Santos Wagner Oliveira , Bezerra de Mello Eugenio R.
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we investigate the vacuum expectation values of the field squared and the energy–momentum tensor associated to a charged massive scalar quantum field in a (1+D)-dimensional de Sitter spacetime induced by a plate (flat boundary) and a carrying-magnetic-flux cosmic string. In our analysis, we admit that the flat boundary is perpendicular to the string, and the scalar field obeys the Robin boundary condition on the plate. In order to develop this analysis, we obtain the complete set of normalized positive-energy solutions of the Klein–Gordon equation compatible with the model setup. Having obtained these bosonic modes, we construct the corresponding Wightman function. The latter is given by the sum of two terms: one associated with the boundary-free spacetime, and the other induced by the flat boundary. Although we have imposed the Robin boundary condition on the field, we apply our formalism considering specifically the Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. The corresponding parts have opposite signs. Because the analysis of bosonic vacuum polarization in boundary-free de Sitter space and in the presence of a cosmic string, in some sense, has been developed in the literature, here we are mainly interested in the calculations of the effects induced by the boundary. In this way, closed expressions for the corresponding expectation values are provided, as well as their asymptotic behavior in different limiting regions. We show that the conical topology due to the cosmic string enhances the boundary-induced vacuum polarization effects for both field squared and the energy–momentum tensor, compared to the case of a boundary in pure de Sitter spacetime. Moreover, the presence of a cosmic string and boundary induces non-zero stress along the direction normal to the boundary. The corresponding vacuum force acting on the boundary is also investigated.
A Multi-Functional Fluorescence Sensing Platform Based on a Defective UiO-66 for Tetracycline and Moxifloxacin
Authors: Zhang Yanqiu , Lu Yang , Sun Minrui , Zeng Dechang
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the excessive use and disordered discharge of antibiotics have had sustained adverse effects on ecological balance and human health. The convenient and effective detection of these “emerging pollutants” has become one of the research hotspots in the environmental field. In this study, a defective UiO-66 material, namely UiO-66-D, was constructed for the sensitive and selective sensing of tetracycline (TC) and moxifloxacin (MXF) in water. By utilizing a modulated synthesis approach with concentrated HCl, stable blue fluorescence at 400 nm was achieved for UiO-66-D. The as-prepared UiO-66-D could conduct the inner filter effect (IFE) within a short time (10 s) when sensing TC and MXF, and the fluorescence of the UiO-66-D was quenched. In particular, when sensing MXF, a ratiometric signal response was generated due to the combined effect of the IFE and the fluorescence of MXF itself. The sensitive and selective detection of TC and MXF using UiO-66-D was free from the interference of common anions and cations in water samples. The detection limit (LOD) for TC was determined to be 70.9 nM (0–115 μM), while for MXF, it was found to be 33.1 nM (0–24 μM). Additionally, UiO-66-D was successfully used to recognize TC and MXF in lake water with good recoveries, demonstrating that UiO-66-D exhibits substantial potential in the recognition of pollutants in environmental waters.
Music in the Bektashi Order in RN Macedonia: Aspects of Performance
Authors: ISLAM Aida , LESHKOVA ZELENKOVSKA Stefanija , DEMİR Mehtap
Published: December 2023

The spiritual tradition of the Turkish population in RN Macedonia is rich and still nurtures some segments of Sufism from the Ottoman period such as the Bektashi dervish order. In the period before the arrival of the Ottomans (around the 13th century), numerous Sufis were active in these territories, which in some way represented a transition point for the conquest and settlement of the Turks. Numerous Bektashi tekkes were built during the Ottoman period, several of which are still active today. Depending on the ethnic composition of the followers, the linguistic dominance of these Sufi structures also changes. The only Bektashi tekke whose members are Turks is the tekke ‘Dikmen Baba’ located in the village Kanatlarci near Prilep. This tekke is one of the few in the Bektashi orders that, despite several divisions in the spiritual leadership, has operated without interruption since its founding in the 16th century. Such divisions did not affect the essence of the spiritual beliefs nor the ritual forms of this dervish order which remain almost identical to those practised at the very beginning. The main focus of this paper will be the musical tradition of the ritual, and for the following reasons: 1. music, as the main activity of the Bektashi rituals, is the essential vehicle for spreading and reinforcing beliefs and wisdom for everyday community life, 2. its importance as a fundamental tool in the expression of mystical theosophy, and 3. variations in the repertoire as a result of drawing upon and integrating sacred music from local populations. For this purpose, field research, interviews, and the analysis of audio materials from the sacred rites of the Bektashi tekke Dikmen Baba in the village of Kanatlarci have been carried out.
The opportunities for normalizing oral microbiota in infants with challenging deciduous teeth eruption
Authors: Kiselnikova L. P. , Tsarev V. N. , Balaphendieva F. M. , Podporin M. S. , Borodina P. K.
Published: December 2023

Relevance. The eruption of deciduous teeth is a distinct physiological process marked by local and systemic manifestations, along with alterations in oral microbiota in children.

Research objective. A comparative clinical study evaluating the efficacy of different medications in managing localized symptoms during challenging deciduous teeth eruption, alongside an assessment of a homeopathic medicine's influence on oral microbiota in children (in vitro).

Material and methods. The study encompassed 120 infants ranging from 5 months to 2 years old, randomized into three groups (40 individuals per group), all experiencing challenging deciduous teeth eruption. The research groups were assigned the following interventions: a homeopathic medicine, a dental gel containing an antiseptic and analgesic properties, and a dental gel infused with plant extracts. Clinical assessments of the children were performed using the E.M. Kuzmina index (2000), while concurrent evaluations of the oral microbiota were also conducted.

Results. After the course of the medicinal homeopathic preparation, the condition of the gums, as per the E.M. Kuzmina index, indicated good oral hygiene, in contrast to medicinal preparations containing synthetic and plant-based antiseptics and anesthetics, which resulted in a satisfactory level of oral hygiene. Microbiological research indicated that the utilization of the investigated samples of the homeopathic medicine facilitated the creation of conditions fostering indirect competition of the stabilizing oral micro versus the pathogenic group of microorganisms.

Conclusion. The clinical effectiveness of the homeopathic medicine for challenging deciduous teeth eruption was notably higher. A more substantial positive trend was observed in relation to the oral microbiota in children following the twice-daily application of the homeopathic medicine solution.
ВЛИЯНИЕ ДОЛИ КРОВНОСТИ ПО ГОЛШТИНСКОЙ ПОРОДЕ НА ПРОДУКТИВНЫЕ КАЧЕСТВА КАВКАЗСКОГО БУРОГО СКОТА В УСЛОВИЯХ АРМЕНИИ
Authors: МУРАДЯН А.М. , СОЛОВЬЕВА О.И. , КОНЦЕВАЯ С.Ю. , РУЗАНОВА Н.Г.
Published: December 2023

Изучали молочную продуктивность помесей (F1) кавказской бурой породы с голштинской породой в условиях Армении. Проводили анализ удоя за 305 дней лактации, содержания в молоке жира и белка, выхода молочного жира и белка и суммы двух последних показателей за лактацию. В результате исследований было установлено, что помеси I поколения имели по четырем из шести контролируемых показателей более высокий уровень, чем чистопородные коровы. По удою превышение составило 255 кг, или 9,4% (Р<0,05), по количеству молочного жира — 7,5 кг, или 6% (Р<0,01), молочного белка — 5,4 кг, или 5,8% (P<0,01), по суммарному количеству молочного жира и молочного белка — 11,1 кг, или 5,0% (Р<0,01). Однако чистопородные коровы превосходили помесей по МДЖ на 0,1% (Р<0,01), среднее содержание которого составило 3,97%, и по МДБ — на 0,11% (3,39%). Установлено преимущество помесных животных по молочной продуктивности.
СОВРЕМЕННОЕ СОСТОЯНИЕ И ПЛЕМЕННАЯ ЦЕННОСТЬ КОСТРОМСКОЙ ПОРОДЫ КРУПНОГО РОГАТОГО СКОТА В РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ
Authors: ФУРАЕВА Н.С. , КОРОЛЕВ А.А. , ЗВЕРЕВА Е.А. , СЕЛИВЕРСТОВА Е.С.
Published: December 2023

В статье приведены данные о современном состоянии и племенной ценности костромской породы крупного рогатого скота. На 01.01.2023 г. в РФ насчитывалось 8,47 тыс. голов скота этой породы, в том числе 5,25 тыс. коров. Племенное поголовье составляет 4,97 тыс., в том числе коров — 2998. Продуктивность коров в племенных хозяйствах РФ за 2022 год составила 7402 кг молока с содержанием 4,20% жира и 3,35% белка. В РФ за 2017—2023 годы на племпредприятия по искусственному осеменению было поставлено 36 быков-производителей костромской породы 8 генеалогических групп, накоплено 141684 дозы семени. Лучшие результаты молочной продуктивности в племенных хозяйствах Костромской области выявлены у первотелок генеалогических групп Батлера (+1806 кг молока, +0,07% жира, +0,12% белка), Курса (+786 кг молока, +0,07% жира, +0,22% белка), Леирда (+1203 кг молока, +0,04% жира, +0,14% белка) и Хилла (+2320 кг молока, +0,03% жира, +0,22% белка). Согласно проведенной в 2023 году BLUP-оценке племенной ценности живых и выбывших быков-производителей, лучшие результаты молочной продуктивности дочерей — у быков Лакмус 9469, Умник 3847, Карат 5094, Лед 8552 и Сигнал 5916. В породообразовательном процессе костромского скота использовалось более 5 пород, в том числе и бурая швицкая. По итогам проведенной на 01.01.2023 инвентаризации крупного рогатого скота костромской породы в племенных хозяйствах Костромской области, кровность по бурой швицкой породе не превышает установленного порога. В заключении статьи определены мероприятия для дальнейшего сохранения генофонда и совершенствования костромской породы.
“Among foreign people” (A.R. I.17): We, You & the Others in Apollonius of Rhodes´ Argonautica
Authors: Gallegos Luciana
Published: December 2023

La travesía que emprenden los argonautas desde la Hélade hacia la Cólquide es riesgosa por los obstáculos geográficos que deben atravesar y por las interacciones sociales que tienen que dirimir con pueblos de regiones no griegas. El objetivo del artículo consiste en analizar cómo se resuelve la distinción entre “nosotros” y los “otros” en los encuentros de los minias con dos sociedades extranjeras y remotas del Mar Negro: los bébrices y los mariandinos.
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Lo que hace la vergüenza
Authors: Godoy Daniela
Published: December 2023

En el marco de los debates sobre cómo alojar los testimonios de lesa humanidad del terrorismo de Estado argentino, que tensan modelos habituales de análisis y demandan escucha y respuestas respetuosas, se indaga lo que puede la vergüenza, afecto/emoción de particular presencia en las denuncias de la violencia sexual concentracionaria. Por un lado, esta vergüenza ha impedido o demorado la posibilidad de denunciar este crimen y/o de resignificar su sentido; por otro lado, su exposición en las instancias públicas de narración de violaciones o abusos articula una agencia de las víctimas que desestabiliza normas de género en los límites de lo decible/audible. Preguntarse lo que puede la vergüenza como ruta a transitar procura reconocer modos de agencia de las sobrevivientes testigos que aportan significativamente a la construcción política de las memorias y a los archivos feministas de las violencias de género. Considerando las resistencias a estos testimonios y analizando el rol de la vergüenza en ellos desde claves interpretativas del “giro afectivo” se sigue la imbricación entre dinámicos mecanismos de legitimación de la opresión de género y la lógica contingente de atribución de afectos. Se abren así posibilidades de reconfigurar lo que merece ser recordado y constituirse en un legado.
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Conceptualización monetaria en el De ludo globi de Nicolás de Cusa
Authors: Giglio Julián
Published: December 2023

El presente trabajo analiza las últimas páginas del tratado De ludo globi de Nicolás de Cusa. Más específicamente, se centra en el ejemplo monetario utilizado por el Cusano, en donde el autor plantea una metáfora en donde Dios es presentado como un omnipotente acuñador de moneda, mientras que el hombre como un cambista. A partir de una propuesta inversa, que va de la gnoseología cusana al ejemplo, se propone comprender la concepción monetaria subyacente en el ejemplo. Para el análisis se vincula esta obra con un sermón predicado años antes durante su obispado en Bresanona, así como rastrear importantes factores contextuales, y antecedentes teóricos.