bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ventral intermediate nucleus deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant focal aware motor seizures: illustrative case
Authors: Vilela-Filho Osvaldo , _ _ , Ragazzo Paulo C. , Goulart Lissa C. , Arruda Francisco , Arruda Mariana L. , Milhomem Caroline B. S. S. , Silva-Filho Hélio F.
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Resection of the seizure onset zone (SOZ) is considered the gold standard for treating refractory focal aware seizures (FASs). When resective surgery is unadvisable, deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT; ANT-DBS) has been the procedure of choice. However, less than half of patients with FASs respond to ANT-DBS. The need for alternative targets to effectively treat FAS is thus evident.

OBSERVATIONS

The authors report the case of a 39-year-old woman presenting with pharmaco-resistant focal aware motor seizures, with the SOZ located in the primary motor cortical area. She had previously undergone unsuccessful resection of the left temporoparietal operculum elsewhere. Considering the risk of new resective surgery, she was offered combined ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim)/ANT-DBS. Vim-DBS proved to be superior to ANT-DBS for seizure control (88% vs 32%), although the association of both provided the best results (97%).

LESSONS

This is the first report on the use of the Vim as a target of DBS for the treatment of FAS. The excellent results were presumably obtained by modulation of the SOZ through Vim projections to the motor cortex. This opens a completely new avenue for treating FAS: chronic stimulation of specific thalamic nuclei.
ЛІКВІДНІСТЬ, ДІЛОВА АКТИВНІСТЬ І РЕНТАБЕЛЬНІСТЬ: ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ТА ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ ОКРЕМИХ ПОКАЗНИКІВ
Authors: Pavelko O. V. , Popchuk D. O.
Published: April 2023

У статті досліджено економічну сутність фінансового стану підприємства. Розглянуто тлумачення даного поняття різними науковцями. Сформовано власну ідентифікацію сутності окресленої економічної категорії. Висвітлено економічний зміст показників ліквідності, ділової активності та рентабельності. Встановлено необхідність проведення оцінки фінансового стану в системі фінансового управління підприємством. Проаналізовано динаміку означених показників для господарюючого суб’єкта – ПП «ДеЛісс» за 2020–2021 рр. Запропоновано шляхи удосконалення фінансового стану досліджуваного суб’єкта.
Premenstrual Syndrome among Medical Students of a Medical college: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bhandari Sunita , Dwa Yam , Maharjan Meenu , Maskey Smrity , Thakur Minaxi , Sharma Santosh
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome is the premenstrual disorder with wide range of prevalence world-wide leading to higher rates of work absences, higher medical expenses, and lower health-related quality of life. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome among medical students of a medical college.
Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in a medical college among medical students using self-reported questionnaires based on American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists criteria for premenstrual syndrome, and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey for quality of life, from 1 January 2022 to 31 March 2022 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 207807955). Convenience sampling was used among students who met the inclusion criteria. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated.
Results: Among 113 patients, premenstrual syndrome according was seen in 83 (73.45%) (82.93-83.06, 95% Confidence Interval) out of which, 56 (67.46%) showed mild premenstrual syndrome, and 27 (32.53%) had moderate premenstrual syndrome. The most commonly reported affective symptoms of premenstrual syndrome was irritability 82 (98.79%), while the somatic symptoms was abdominal bloating 63 (75.90%).
Conclusions: The prevalence of premenstrual syndrome among medical students was similar to in the other studies done in similar settings.
On the Statistical Arrow of Time
Authors: Henriksson Andreas
Published: April 2023

What is the physical origin of the arrow of time? It is a commonly held belief in the physics community that it relates to the increase of disorder, or entropy, as it appears in the statistical interpretation of the second law of thermodynamics. In this article, it is argued that the philosophical point of view that the arrow of time is a fundamental property of Nature is incompatible with the subjective information-theoretical interpretation of probability and entropy in statistical mechanics, where they arise due to the ignorance of the observer. This conclusion, however, relies on the premise that time's arrow has a statistical mechanical origin. If this assumption is abandoned, then there is no conflict between the belief in the fundamental character of time's arrow and the belief in the subjective information-theoretical interpretation.
The normalization of biradical roots: the origin of triradicals and the proto-semitic language
Authors: Campbell Nicholas
Published: April 2023

Many scholars have argued that Semitic triradical roots are expansions of archaic biradical roots. If this is true, then at some point in the past the entire lexicon consisted of biradical roots that then gradually changed into a primarily triradical lexicon. In this paper, I survey scholarly opinions on the biradical roots underlying triradical roots. I also describe linguistic decay formulas in Semitic studies and other methods of identifying the origin of triradical roots. Finally, I apply two linguistic normalization techniques, one binning technique and one exponential decay formula, to two data sets: Aramaic (Targum Jonathan and Onkelos) and Hebrew (Hebrew Bible). Based on the results, I argue that triradical roots emerged around 3500 BCE.
Synthesis of octochlorine-substituted complexes of cobalt(II) and copper(II) with phthalocyanine
Authors:   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nurpeisova D. , Тashenov A. ,   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Jakupova Zh. ,   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Dosmagambetova S. ,   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Omarova L. ,   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
Published: April 2023

A modified method for the synthesis of metallooctachlorophthalocyaninesand methods for their purification based on their sequential treatment with hydrochloric acid (10%) sodium hydroxide (2M), then again with hydrochloric acid (10%), pyridine (O.S.C.) in 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene as a solvent is presented. As a result, the degree of purification of copper ion complexes was achieved, 99% versus the best result using methods known in the literature 93%, for cobalt the degree of purity was 98% versus 88%. The yield of the products is also higher than in the known methods and amounted to 78, cobalt -43 for copper compounds. Physico-chemical methods have established that after the final stage of purification-pyridine treatment, impurities are removed, including cyanuric acid, the decomposition product of urea, the results of elemental analysis for carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen conducted on the ThermovomTypFlashEA 1112 analyzer complexes of cobalt (II), copper (II) with phthalocyanine, the assignment of bands of IR spectra recorded in KBr tablets on the Nicolet IR-200 FT -IR spectrophotometer, UV-the spectra of sulfuric acid solutions of metallooctachlorophthalocyanines taken on a Varian, UV -Vis/NIR spectrometer.
АНАЛІЗ ВИДОВОГО РІЗНОМАНІТТЯ ЗООБЕНТОСУ КРЕМЕНЧУЦЬКОГО ТА КАХОВСЬКОГО ВОДОСХОВИЩ
Authors: Рудик-Леуська Наталія Ярославівна , Леуський Михайло Вікторович , Хижняк Меланія Іванівна , Макаренко Аліна Анатоліївна
Published: April 2023

У літній період 2020–2021 рр. досліджено таксономічний склад, чисельність і біомасу зообентосу в Кременчуцькому та Каховському водосховищах. Зообентос водосховищ був представлений такими класами: Oligochaeta, Insecta, Malacostraca, Polychaeta. В літній період 2020 року на досліджених ділянках Кременчуцького водосховища середня чисельність "м'якого" зообентосу становила 1680 екз/м2 при біомасі 3,72 г/м2, влітку 2021 року – 1034 екз/м2 при біомасі 3,057 г/м2. Чисельність та біомасу "м'якого" зообентосу влітку 2020 році формували олігохети (67 % та 44 %) та личинки хірономід (27 % та 38 %), а в 2021 році – личинки хірономід (88 % та 86 %) та меншою мірою олігохети (8 % та 12 %). У Кременчуцькому водосховищі на досліджених ділянках у 2020 році були зафіксовані личинки волохокрильців (3 % та 6 %), кумові раки (3 % та 1 %), а у 2021 році також зафіксовані личинки волохокрильців (3 % та 29 %) та кумові раки (4 % та 1 %, відповідно від загальної чисельності та біомаси «м’якого» макрозообентосу водойми). Влітку 2020 році молюски були представлені: Valvata piscinalis і Dreissena polymorpha, які складали 50 % від загальної чисельності молюсків та 80 % від біомаси, а у 2021 році – Valvata piscinalis та Dreissena polymorpha (67 % від загальної чисельності молюсків та 88 % від біомаси). В літній період 2020 року середня чисельність "м'якого" зообентосу на досліджених ділянках Каховського водосховища становила 600 екз/м2 при біомасі 0,719 г/м2. Чисельність та біомасу "м'якого" зообентосу формували олігохети (57 % та 65 %) та личинки хірономід (30 % та 19 %, відповідно). Також у водосховищі на досліджених ділянках зустрічались поліхети (7 % та 9 %), кумові раки (6 % та 5 %) та бокоплави (5 % та 1 %, відповідно від загальної чисельності та біомаси «м’якого» макрозообентосу водойми). Молюски на досліджених ділянках водойми зафіксовані не були.
INCREASING OF THE CORROSION RESISTANCE OF FIBERGLASS PLASTIC REINFORCEMENT THROUGH MODIFICATION OF THE POLYMER BINDER
Authors: Bilym P. , Firsov P. , Nadtochiy S.
Published: April 2023

The issue of increasing the corrosion resistance of composite reinforcement, based on glass fiber and epoxy anhydride binder, is considered. The proposed samples of composite reinforcement were manufactured by needle extrusion technology. Glass fibers were evenly distributed in the channels and impregnated with a polymer binder based on epoxy resin. The amount of phenolic modifier in the polymer binder, according to the technological mode of obtaining composite reinforcement, was brought up to 5%. With a further increase in the content of the modifier, the degree of conversion of epoxy groups was no more than 70%, which sharply reduced the operational characteristics of the material. The overall ratio of polymer binder and glass reinforcement in the composite was ~ 60÷40. It was established that at low concentrations of the polymer modifier (up to 5 wt. parts), the processes of ordering and chemical grafting lead to compaction of the molecular grouping in the system, which in our case is characteristic of phenolic resins of the novolach and resol types. At the same time, under the conditions of the production technology, internal stresses in materials of this type increase sharply, which leads to the formation of surface defects (microcracks). At the tip of a crack or defect, sodium ions or other cations under the action of water undergo hydrolysis to form metal hydroxide, which, in turn, causes hydrolysis of siloxane bonds, thus weakening the mesh structure of silicon dioxide. The experimental activation energy was identified with the activation energy of sodium ion diffusion in the glass mass. But the plastic deformation of the glass in the region before the crack is very small, and instead of a uniform distribution of stress, the material cracks along the weakened centers The obtained data indicate that the action of the alkaline environment causes an increased loss of mass of the composite, both for the unmodified and for those modified with traditional phenolic resins. In turn, this ensures a high degree of penetration of alkalis into the volume of the material, access to reinforced fibers with their subsequent damage. To increase the corrosion resistance of composite reinforcement based on an epoxy anhydride binder, it is advisable to use a reactive sulfur-containing phenolic modifier. Its action is based on the ability to maintain the permissible monolithicity of fiberglass in the alkaline environment of concrete, the modulus of elasticity and necessary strength.
Keywords: composite polymer reinforcement, fiberglass, alkaline environment, phenolic modifier.
ANALYTICAL MODEL OF THE T- STUB COMPONENT IN THE END-PLATE BOLTED CONNECTION OF THE BEAM TO THE COLUMN IN TENSION
Authors: Solodovnyk Y.
Published: April 2023

End plated connections of metal structures are quite relevant and are usually used in office, commercial, and commercial-office buildings. It is very important to be able to diagnose the real general behavior of beam-to-column connections based on their geometric and mechanical properties. Therefore, the analysis of steel structures at the modern level requires a specialist to have a thorough understanding of their work, as well as the calculation provisions laid down in current design codes. In contrast to Eurocode 3 design codes, the current Ukrainian state building regulations do not contain clear instructions on the beam to column joint calculation and do not even give a clear definition of the concept of steel joint and steel connection. It should be noted that the beam to column connection is the most responsible area that requires special attention, as it significantly affects the design scheme of the structure, as well as its economic efficiency.
By using the semi-rigid connection concept, weight savings of up to 20% can be achieved. In the presented article, a simplified mathematical model of the t-stub component of the tensile zone of the semi-rigid bolted connection of the beam to the column was developed using the component method. In the given solution of the connection in the tension zone, the following components were distinguished: the flange in bending, the end of the column in bending, and the bolts in tension. All these elements were modeled from two t- stub components connected through an end plate with the help of bolts. A design scheme for determining the stress-strain state was proposed. The analysis of the exhaustion of the bearing capacity of the t- stub component was performed according to three scenarios depending on the size of its individual elements (end plate thickness, bolt diameter). The obtained results will make it possible to determine the bearing capacity with possible variations of the transition to the limit state, as well as to estimate the deformations of the considered component of the connection.
Keywords: end-plate connection, mathematical model, T-stub component, bolt connection.
USE OF GEO-INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES WHEN CONDUCTING COMBAT OPERATIONS IN MODERN CONDITIONS
Authors: Pomortseva O. , Kobzan S. , Shterndok E.
Published: April 2023

The article considers the actual problem of the specifics of attracting additional resources when conducting military operations in modern conditions using the latest technologies and geo-information systems. The purpose of the article is to systematize modern technical means, namely geo-information systems for military purposes, which significantly affect the outcome of hostilities. An important task is the use of the latest technical and organizational developments. The authors consider in detail the advantages of using geographic information systems with up-to-date databases of attributive information and their use by both command and rank-and-file members of the Armed Forces. This will be facilitated by the spread of specialized applications that can be installed on an ordinary smartphone. In turn, the speed of making an informed decision will be influenced not by the availability of relevant information but also by the speed of decision-making. The solution to this problem will be facilitated by the developed interface of the latest software tools. The authors of this study solve the following tasks: they analyses the features of modern military operations and the conduct of hostilities with the help of modern technology and software tools. The authors systematize the features of attracting additional resources when conducting hostilities in modern conditions. The article proposes a general scheme for the use of human resources in modern warfare, as well as the collection, and processing of information, the formation of a database, and further use of data with the help of military GIS. The authors suggested using the interaction of satellite communications, modern methods of obtaining intelligence, and the interaction of headquarters and units directly performing combat tasks. As a promising direction for the development of the Armed Forces, it proposed to attach tasks to a digital information map and to accumulate and transfer information using modern geodatabases and data processing by modern battle management systems such as «ARTA» and «DELTA».
Keywords: geoinformation technologies, geoinformation systems, armed forces, civil society, intelligence, database, UAV
ENERGY SAVING THROUGH IMPROVED TOPOLOGY OF THE CITY WATER NETWORK
Authors: Novokhatniy V. , Matyash O. , Usenko I.
Published: April 2023

This article compares the operation of the existing water supply system in the city Kremenchuk, Poltava region, namely the giving-distributive complex (GDC), which includes the main water network and the pumping station of the 2-nd lift, with the GDC, in which the topological structure has been improved by introducing a new section of the network. During the operation of the GDC, the tasks of repairing or replacing pipes of individual sections the water network constantly arise. At the same time, attention should also be paid to the topological structure of the water network during its reconstruction. The need to improve the topological structure is clearly seen after performing hydraulic calculations and building piezometric maps. For comparison, piezometric maps need to build before and after the reconstruction of the water network. At the nodal points of the network, a geodetic mark, free pressure and piezometric mark are shown. Considering that water moves from a larger piezometric mark to a smaller one, the directions of water movement and water network nodes with minimal free pressures are determined. At the same time, flaws in the topological structure are found on the piezomap, which should be eliminated in order to increase its dependebility. It is known that dependebility includes 3 components: reliability, maintainability and durability. Durability is ensured by the choice of pipe material during design. If we take into account simultaneously reliability and maintainability, then a complex indicator should be used, namely, the availability factor Ka. It estimates the probability that at any given time the section of water network is in working condition. According to the topological structure, the water network of the city should be looped and have more connections between nodes. But in practice, this principle can not always be maintained, given the planning structure of the streets the city. Graphical representation of hydraulic calculations using piezomaps allows you to identify overloaded sections of the water network and increase its dependebility. When improving the topological structure, it is necessary to use the prof. Novokhatniy principle, namely, new sections must be introduced so that they unite the existing nodes of the existing water network. Hydraulic calculations have shown that by improving the topological structure of the water network the city Kremenchuk, the annual energy saving is about 452 thousand kWh, which corresponds to a saving of about UAH 2.7 million per year (at the cost of electricity 6 UAH per 1 kWh).
Keywords: water supply system, giving-distributive complex, water network, topology, energy saving.
AKTIVITAS ANTIINFLAMASI EKSTRAK ETANOL DAUN SUNGKAI (Peronema canescens Jack) DALAM FORMULASI SIRUP TERHADAP KADAR C-REAKTIF PROTEIN PADA TIKUS PUTIH JANTAN (Rattus norvegicus) YANG DIINDUKSI KARAGENAN
Authors: Aztur Fiorenza Tabina , Simamora Sarmalina , Nurzana Nyimas Intan Kemuning , Supriyanti Yosi
Published: April 2023

Information that has gone viral in the community is that there is an Indonesian plant that is used as a Covid-19 drug, namely sungkai leaves (Peronema Canescens Jack). This leaf is not well known by some Indonesian people, but its ancestors are often used as herbal therapy. Now Sungkai leaves are very popular. Even though scientific information about the effects of Sungkai leaves has not been found much. The mechanism of action in treating infections due to the corona virus is not yet known, but it is suspected that it can reduce the inflammatory effect. This study aims to examine the anti-inflammatory effect of extracts in Sungkai leaf (Peronema canescens) syrup formulations with different concentrations to obtain the right syrup formula if it does have anti-inflammatory potential. Potential as an anti-inflammatory was measured by its ability to reduce C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels in the blood serum of male white rats after being induced by intraplantar carrageenan 1% on the right leg. This study used an experimental method with 18 male white rats and was divided into 5 groups, namely group 1 as normal control (only given 1% Na.CMC), group 2 as positive control I (given diclofenac Na), group 3 as positive comparator II (given dexamethasone), group 4 as the treatment group at dose I (given sungkai leaf extract at a dose of 400 mg/200 g BW every day), group 5 as the treatment group at dose II (given sungkai leaf extract at a dose of 600 mg/200 g BW every day). The results of measuring CRP levels in all groups of experimental animals qualitatively using the slide test method showed negative results (no increase in CRP levels).
Our experience in developing and operating the Airway Intervention Registry for Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (AIR-RRP): national data collection
Authors: Sims Andrew , Keltie Kim , Belilios Emma , Burn Julie , Brown Liz , Jackson Aaron , Powell Steven , Jones Sue , Donne Adam
Published: April 2023

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is characterised by benign wart-like growths in the respiratory tract caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts vary in size and grow quickly, causing voice changes and airway obstruction. Whilst the condition is rare, RRP is more common and aggressive in children. There is currently no curative treatment for HPV, therefore RRP is managed by maintaining a safe airway and a serviceable voice by repeated surgery to remove the growths. A lack of specific diagnostic codes prevents reliable case ascertainment of RRP from routine administrative databases such as Hospital Episode Statistics. In 2017 a cross-sectional survey identified 918 RRP patients in the UK, half of whom had received surgical intervention for RRP in the previous 12 months with 16 different interventions. Randomised controlled trials for RRP interventions are difficult due to the rarity of the disease, variation in severity and progression and non-standard care across the NHS. Consequently, there is a lack of definitive efficacy and safety evidence. The only national guidance for RRP interventions is “Radiofrequency cold ablation for respiratory papillomatosis” (NICE IPG434, 2017) which recommended further data collection due to lack of evidence. However, due to the wide variation in RRP management across the NHS, clinical opinion favoured that any data collection should include a comparison of safety and efficacy of all RRP interventions in order to advise which improved patient outcomes and quality of life. To address lack of evidence, and inform the future care of RRP patients, we developed a registry and used it to collect real-world data from patients receiving treatment for RRP in NHS hospitals across the UK. The purpose of this paper is to share lessons learned from this national data collection exercise to inform future clinical registry development.
Using the AR-V7 biomarker to determine treatment in metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer, a feasibility randomised control trial, conclusions from the VARIANT trial
Authors: Gravestock Paul , Clark Emma , Morton Miranda , Sharma Shirya , Fisher Holly , Walker Jenn , Wood Ruth , Hancock Helen , Waugh Nichola , Cooper Aislinn , Maier Rebecca , Marshall John , Chandler Robert , Bahl Amit , Crabb Simon , Jain Suneil , Pedley Ian , Jones Rob , Staffurth John , Heer Rakesh
Published: April 2023

Background: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in the UK. Castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) can be difficult to manage with response to next generation hormonal treatment variable. AR-V7 is a protein biomarker that can be used to predict response to treatment and potentially better inform management in these patients. Our aim was to establish the feasibility of conducting a definitive randomised controlled trial comparing the clinical utility of AR-V7 biomarker assay in personalising treatments for patients with metastatic CRPC within the United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service (NHS).  Due to a number of issues the trial was not completed successfully, we aim to discuss and share lessons learned herein.

Methods: We conducted a randomised, open, feasibility trial, which aimed to recruit 70 adult men with metastatic CRPC within three secondary care NHS trusts in the UK to be run over an 18-month period. Participants were randomised to personalised treatment based on AR-V7 status (intervention) or standard care (control). The primary outcome was feasibility, which included: recruitment rate, retention and compliance. Additionally, a baseline prevalence of AR-V7 expression was to be estimated.

Results: Fourteen participants were screened and 12 randomised with six into each arm over a nine-month period. Reliability issues with the AR-V7 assay meant prevalence was not estimated. Due to limited recruitment the study did not complete to target.

Conclusions: Whilst the trial did not complete to target, we have ascertained that men with advanced cancer are willing to take part in trials utilising biomarker guided treatment. A number of issues were identified that serve as important learning points in future clinical trials.
Proximate Composition and Phytochemical Analysis of Six Minor Fruits of Bangladesh
Authors: Sarwar AKM Golam , Akter Dulana , Karim Md Masudul , Mia Md Ashik , Khatun Most Morsada , Kabir AKM Ahsan , Haque Md Sabibul
Published: April 2023

Nutritional composition of six minor fruits of Bangladesh namely, Annona reticulata L., Manilkara zapota (L.) P.Royen, Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa, Diospyros malabarica (Desr.) Kostel., Averrhoa carambola L. and Garcinia pedunculata Roxb. ex Buch-Ham. were studied. Dry matter, ash, crude fat, crude protein, crude fibre and crude carbohydrate contents largely varied among the studied fruits. All fruits exhibited the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, phenols, and saponins. At premature stage, total phenolics and tannin contents varied from 14.59 to 1.32 and from 9.76 to 0.29 (mg GAE g–1 DW), respectively while at mature stage, these ranged from 9.82 to 0.87 and from 5.98 to 0.23. At premature and ripening stages, the maximum chlorophyll content was detected in A. reticulata and M. zapota, respectively. Based on the calorific value, Garcinia pedunculata performed better followed by M. zapota, and A. carambola the least among the studied fruits; although, A. reticulata possesses the largest amount of crude protein and crude fibre.
Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(1): 111-118, 2023 (March)
Efeitos do uso de semaglutida como opção farmacológica para o emagrecimento em adultos com IMC >25 Kg/m²: uma revisão de escopo
Authors: Freitas Guilherme Couto Pimentel Lopes de , Vasconcelos Maria Clara de Holanda Vieira , Bisneta Antônia Iva Sampaio , Parra Rosaria Luy Oliveira , Pereira Maria Eduarda Barroso , Negreiros Maria Eduarda Lopes , Toledo Matheus Bifano , Alves Gabriel Carneiro , Sobrinho Francisco Expedito Ramos Aguiar
Published: April 2023

Introdução: A obesidade consiste em uma doença crônica resultante do comprometimento metabólico funcional do organismo, cuja consequência principal são as doenças cardiovasculares secundárias, apresentando, então, como fator de risco o sobrepeso em adultos. Diante disso, tornou-se imprescindível a busca de uma abordagem farmacológica em auxílio às mudanças de hábitos alimentares e de rotina de atividades físicas, a fim de minimizar as chances de desenvolvimento e recidiva da enfermidade. Objetivo: avaliar o potencial medicamentoso da semaglutida como terapia adjuvante para o emagrecimento em adultos que demonstram valores de índice de massa corporal acima de 25. Metodologia: trata-se de uma Revisão de Escopo, elaborada de setembro a outubro de 2022, mediante pesquisa na base de dados MEDLINE mediante os Mesh Terms utilizados na busca pela plataforma PubMed. Para a revisão, selecionou-se 20 artigos, os quais obedeceram aos critérios de elegibilidade. Resultados: os achados principais evidenciaram os benefícios do medicamento para perda de peso sustentada em pacientes obesos, redução de risco cardiometabólico e melhora do controle glicêmico. Além de efeitos natriuréticos e diuréticos, que promovem diminuição da pressão arterial e melhora em processos inflamatórios. Conclusão: embora não haja consenso definitivo na comunidade científica sobre os possíveis efeitos associados ao uso da semaglutida, as literaturas confluem na mesma direção no que concerne à consolidação da semaglutida como uma droga promissora no processo de emagrecimento de adultos com sobrepeso e obesidade.
Prevalência do uso de cigarros eletrônicos e suas complicações respiratórias entre estudantes de medicina em uma universidade privada de Teresina-PI
Authors: Lima Pedro Victor de Melo , Maia Pedro Barreto , Duarte Jyselda de Jesus Lemos
Published: April 2023

Cigarros eletrônicos (e-cigarros) são dispositivos operados por bateria que permitem aos usuários vaporizar (o ato de insuflar de um cigarro eletrônico) aerossóis contendo nicotina e sabores. O objetivo do estudo é analisar da prevalência do uso de CE entre acadêmicos de medicina, bem como listar e relacionar a presença de sintomas respiratórios com o uso do CE. O estudo foi realizado com uma amostra com 316 participantes acadêmicos de medicina na faixa etária de 18 a 35 anos, que usam ou não cigarros eletrônicos. Os critérios de exclusão serão os alunos que forneceram informações imprecisas e responderam de forma incompleta o questionário. Atualmente, a maioria dos jovens apresentam o conhecimento da existência dos cigarros eletrônicos isso ocorre em consequência da maior disseminação por parte das companhias produtoras de CEs de propagandas agressivas para estimular seu uso. O consumo de CE tem sido associado ao aumento da resistência das vias aéreas periféricas e da fração de óxido nítrico exalado, com características semelhantes aos efeitos da fumaça do tabaco, e à lesão pulmonar associada ao uso de produtos de CE. É fundamental a existência de intervenções que objetivem estimular hábitos saudáveis entre os estudantes e inibam a adoção do uso desse tipo de dispositivo, evitando, em última análise, o aumento do consumo de outros produtos que também liberem nicotina inalada, incluindo derivados de tabaco. Mais pesquisas são necessárias com foco em nas suas consequências, constituintes do e-líquido, características do usuário e padrões de uso.
Institucionalização da assistência farmacêutica no município de Benevides, Pará
Authors: Torres Andréa Sarmento Figueiredo , Soler Orenzio
Published: April 2023

Introdução: A assistência farmacêutica trata de um conjunto de ações voltadas à promoção, proteção e recuperação da saúde, tanto individual como coletivo, tendo o medicamento como insumo essencial e visando o acesso e ao seu uso racional. Objetivo: Investigar como a Assistência Farmacêutica está institucionalizada em Benevides, 1ª Região de Saúde do Estado do Pará. Método: É um estudo exploratório, retrospectivo-prospectivo, descritivo-analítico, realizado entre 2021 e 2022, fundamentado na pesquisa-ação e triangulação de métodos. Os dados foram coletados por meio de pesquisa em base de dados e da aplicação de formulários estruturados. Resultados: Observou-se que a assistência farmacêutica está incluída dentro dos principais instrumentos de planejamento e gestão do Sistema Único de Saúde; há ausência de sistema de gerenciamento do controle de estoque via sistema Hórus. Não cumpre integralmente as práticas de gestão, gerenciamento e governança ao nível de coordenação de assistência farmacêutica; em especial no campo da gestão da técnica da assistência farmacêutica e gestão clínica do medicamento. Conclusão: A Assistência Farmacêutica está institucionalizada no município de Benevides, mas necessita consolidar e fortalecer o processo de governança e gestão, onde ainda há lacunas nos quesitos técnicos-gerenciais e técnicos-assistenciais.
A REVIEW ON IMPERATIVE FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE FEASIBILITY OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES IN INDIA
Authors: Prabhu Dr. B. Dinesh , UR Pradhyumna , Jagadeesh Dr. N. ,   P.E.S College of Engineering, Mandya, Karnataka, India
Published: April 2023

In the recent times, the proliferation of the Autonomous Vehicles (AV’s) is rapid. Autonomous Vehicles which were present on screens will soon become a reality. Autonomous Vehicles are being piloted in several countries and are being tested and running on public roads, even though only in a handful of locations. Autonomous Vehicles will fundamentally change the transportation scenario in a highly vehicle-populated country, such as India. The major milestone that the community of Autonomous Vehicle Technology in India facing was the inadequate literatures in this realm. Owing to this inadequacy, through this review paper, the exploration of few imperative factors – Political, Topographical, Economic, and Consumer Behaviorism, essential for the growth and development of AV’s in India is put together. Indicative results in the form of Likert chart and graphs have been developed through exploratory analysis to understand the feasibility of the AV technology in India in respect of the imperative factors mentioned. This study also touches upon the existing standards for the various factors and the introduction of Autonomous Vehicles in Indian market in comparison to other markets.
Sol-gel synthesis of lithium doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles and tricalcium silicate for restorative dentistry: Comparative investigation of physico-chemical structure, antibacterial susceptibility and biocompatibility
Authors: Simila Hazel O. , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The sol-gel method for production of mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) has been adapted to synthesize tricalcium silicate (TCS) particles which, when formulated with other additives, form the gold standard for dentine-pulp complex regeneration. Comparison of TCS and MBGNs obtained by sol-gel method is critical considering the results of the first ever clinical trials of sol-gel BAG as pulpotomy materials in children. Moreover, although lithium (Li) based glass ceramics have been long used as dental prostheses materials, doping of Li ion into MBGNs for targeted dental applications is yet to be investigated. The fact that lithium chloride benefits pulp regeneration in vitro also makes this a worthwhile undertaking. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize TCS and MBGNs doped with Li by sol-gel method, and perform comparative characterizations of the obtained particles.

Methods: TCS particles and MBGNs containing 0%, 5%, 10% and 20% Li were synthesized and particle morphology and chemical structure determined. Powder concentrations of 15mg/10 mL were incubated in artificial saliva (AS), Hank’s balanced saline solution (HBSS) and simulated body fluid (SBF), at 37°C for 28 days and pH evolution and apatite formation, monitored. Bactericidal effects against S. aureus and E. coli, as well as possible cytotoxicity against MG63 cells were also evaluated through turbidity measurements.

Results: MBGNs were confirmed to be mesoporous spheres ranging in size from 123 nm to 194 nm, while TCS formed irregular nano-structured agglomerates whose size was generally larger and variable. From ICP-OES data, extremely low Li ion incorporation into MBGNs was detected. All particles had an alkalinizing effect on all immersion media, but TCS elevated pH the most. SBF resulted in apatite formation for all particle types as early as 3 days, but TCS appears to be the only particle to form apatite in AS at a similar period. Although all particles had an effect on both bacteria, this was pronounced for undoped MBGNs. Whereas all particles are biocompatible, MBGNs showed better antimicrobial properties while TCS particles were associated with greater bioactivity.

Conclusion: Synergizing these effects in dental biomaterials may be a worthwhile undertaking and realistic data on bioactive compounds targeting dental application may be obtained by varying the immersion media.
3D bioprinting of mineralizing cyanobacteria as novel approach for the fabrication of living building materials
Authors: Reinhardt Olena , Ihmann Stephanie , Ahlhelm Matthias , Gelinsky Michael
Published: April 2023

Living building materials (LBM) are gaining interest in the field of sustainable alternative construction materials to reduce the significant impact of the construction industry on global CO2 emissions. This study investigated the process of three-dimensional bioprinting to create LBM incorporating the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7002, which is capable of producing calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as a biocement. Rheology and printability of biomaterial inks based on alginate-methylcellulose hydrogels containing up to 50 wt% sea sand were examined. PCC 7002 was incorporated into the bioinks and cell viability and growth was characterized by fluorescence microscopy and chlorophyll extraction after the printing process. Biomineralization was induced in liquid culture and in the bioprinted LBM and observed by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and through mechanical characterization. Cell viability in the bioprinted scaffolds was confirmed over 14 days of cultivation, demonstrating that the cells were able to withstand shear stress and pressure during the extrusion process and remain viable in the immobilized state. CaCO3 mineralization of PCC 7002 was observed in both liquid culture and bioprinted LBM. In comparison to cell-free scaffolds, LBM containing live cyanobacteria had a higher compressive strength. Therefore, bioprinted LBM containing photosynthetically active, mineralizing microorganisms could be proved to be beneficial for designing environmentally friendly construction materials.
Androgen serum levels in male patients with adrenocortical carcinoma given mitotane therapy: A single center retrospective longitudinal study
Authors: Delbarba Andrea , Cosentini Deborah , Facondo Paolo , Laganà Marta , Pezzaioli Letizia Chiara , Cremaschi Valentina , Alberti Andrea , Grisanti Salvatore , Cappelli Carlo , Ferlin Alberto , Berruti Alfredo
Published: April 2023

Objective

Hypogonadism is common in male patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) who are under treatment with mitotane, but the phenomenon is underestimated, and its prevalence has been poorly studied. This single-center retrospective longitudinal study was undertaken to assess the frequency of testosterone deficiency before and after mitotane therapy, the possible mechanism involved, and the relationship between hypogonadism with serum mitotane levels and prognosis.

Research design and methods

Consecutive male ACC patients followed at the Medical Oncology of Spedali Civili Hospital in Brescia underwent hormonal assessment to detect testosterone deficiency at baseline and during mitotane therapy.

Results

A total of 24 patients entered the study. Of these patients, 10 (41.7%) already had testosterone deficiency at baseline. During follow-up, total testosterone (TT) showed a biphasic evolution over time with an increase in the first 6 months followed by a subsequent progressive decrease until 36 months. Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) progressively increased, and calculated free testosterone (cFT) progressively decreased. Based on cFT evaluation, the proportion of hypogonadic patients progressively increased with a cumulative prevalence of 87.5% over the study course. A negative correlation was observed between serum mitotane levels >14 mg/L and TT and cFT.

Conclusion

Testosterone deficiency is common in men with ACC prior to mitotane treatment. In addition, this therapy exposes these patients to further elevated risk of hypogonadism that should be promptly detected and counteracted, since it might have a negative impact on quality of life.
Topology searching algorithm for multi-port hybrid circuit breakers based on graph theory
Authors: He Songming , Zhu Jin , Zeng Qingpeng , Guo Xinming , Yin Jingyuan , Wei Tongzhen
Published: April 2023

Due to the significant advantages of low cost, integrated multi-port hybrid DC circuit breakers (M-HCBs) with a reduced number of devices have attracted extensive attention for fault blocking in multi-terminal VSC-HVDC system. However, the current topology exploration by researchers is random, uncertain, and time-consuming. In order to provide more new cost-effective topologies, this paper innovatively proposes a topology searching algorithm for the IGBT-type M-HCB and uses the concept of ‘roadblock’ to simplify the adjacency matrix. It can be used to significantly save time spent on proposing a new M-HCB topology because viable topologies can be quickly and rigorously carried out from a large number of directed graphs using computers. Performance characteristics of all derived topologies are simultaneously obtained, and a comparison can be easily conducted to meet the needs of actual application scenarios. A three-port M-HCB example-specific application is given, along with some detailed output topologies that prove the validity and feasibility of the proposed method.
“Black box operation” in carbon reduction: Based on empirical evidence of carbon transfer by subsidiaries of Chinese enterprises
Authors: Li Jianti , Luo Xin , Feng Dawei
Published: April 2023

Avoiding the transfer of “carbon” and encouraging the digestion of “carbon” are essential to promote the green and low-carbon transformation of China’s economy. In accordance with the standpoint of off-site subsidiaries, this paper examines the transfer of “carbon” from high-carbon enterprises using the data of A-share listed companies from 2009 to 2018 using a DID approach and the 2013 China carbon emissions trading pilot as a quasi-natural experiment. As demonstrated by the reach findings: (1) Part of the effect of corporate “carbon reduction” is achieved by shifting high-carbon sectors. (2) As demonstrated in mechanism analysis, when high-carbon companies face the dual cost pressure of R&D expenditure and purchasing carbon trading rights, they will establish subsidiaries to avoid the parent company’s pressure to lessen emissions. As revealed in heterogeneity analysis. (3) companies with stronger R&D capabilities and higher success rates are more willing to respond to the impact of carbon trading policies with technological upgrades. Companies with weaker R&D capabilities and higher failure rates are more likely to choose to transfer “carbon” to avoid the “dual cost” of R&D failures. (4) Owing to the constraint of the migration threshold, the trajectory of “carbon” transfer is primarily domestic interregional transfer supplemented by cross-country transfer. (5) Larger enterprises emitting more “carbon”, are not only more likely to pay more “carbon” reduction costs in the face of carbon policy shocks, are but also more likely to shift “carbon”. This study not only provides a new perspective to explain the “carbon” transfer phenomenon in China, but also provides crucial policy implications for further strengthening environmental governance as well as regional joint prevention and control in China.
Investigating the N-shaped EKC in China: An imperious role of energy use and health expenditures
Authors: Narcisse Mulinga , Zhang Shiyun , Shahid Muhammad Sadiq , Shehzad Khurram
Published: April 2023

Since the industrial revolution, the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs)has been increasing steadily. It is to be noted that China emitted 27% of the world’s GHGs in 2019, making it the world’s most significant contributor to climate degradation. The key objectives of this investigation are to ascertain the N-shaped association between CO2 emissions and economic growth in the presence of energy use and domestic government health expenditures. In addition, the research inspected the role of Belt and Road Initiative through economic globalization in China. This study utilized the autoregressive distributed lag model and found that an N-shaped environmental Kuznets curve exists in China. Furthermore, the study discovered that economic globalization improves ecological excellence in the short run. Nonetheless, energy consumption and health expenditures considerably amplify the intensity of CO2 emanation in China in the long run. The research suggested that installing green industries through economic globalization can imperatively lessen environmental degradation. Moreover, installing technological firms will be more beneficial in the long run to overcome environmental degradation rather than importing from other countries. The study elaborated momentous causation effects among the study variables through the Granger causality test.
Enhancing clinical potential of liquid biopsy through a multi-omic approach: A systematic review
Authors: Di Sario Gianna , Rossella Valeria , Famulari Elvira Smeralda , Maurizio Aurora , Lazarevic Dejan , Giannese Francesca , Felici Claudia
Published: April 2023

In the last years, liquid biopsy gained increasing clinical relevance for detecting and monitoring several cancer types, being minimally invasive, highly informative and replicable over time. This revolutionary approach can be complementary and may, in the future, replace tissue biopsy, which is still considered the gold standard for cancer diagnosis. “Classical” tissue biopsy is invasive, often cannot provide sufficient bioptic material for advanced screening, and can provide isolated information about disease evolution and heterogeneity. Recent literature highlighted how liquid biopsy is informative of proteomic, genomic, epigenetic, and metabolic alterations. These biomarkers can be detected and investigated using single-omic and, recently, in combination through multi-omic approaches. This review will provide an overview of the most suitable techniques to thoroughly characterize tumor biomarkers and their potential clinical applications, highlighting the importance of an integrated multi-omic, multi-analyte approach. Personalized medical investigations will soon allow patients to receive predictable prognostic evaluations, early disease diagnosis, and subsequent ad hoc treatments.