bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formulation and enhancement of the rheological properties of raw bentonite using sodium carbonate and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
Authors:   University of Nairobi, Kenya, Weramwanja Peter M. , Rading George O. ,   University of Nairobi, Kenya, Mbuya Thomas O. ,   University of Nairobi, Kenya, Kihiu John M. ,   Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya, Borode Joseph O. ,   Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria
Published: December 2024

Drilling fluids play a critical role in the exploration and production of oil and gas. Among the various types of drilling fluids, water-based mud has attracted significant attention due to its sustainability and low cost compared to synthetic mud. In Kenya, there is an increasing demand for sustainable drilling fluid compounds, such as bentonite, which is readily available in some parts of the country, for example, Isinya and Amboseli. The main drawback for the beneficiation of Kenyan bentonite include low concentration of smectite, high levels of iron contaminant, and inconsistent composition. Hence, there is a need to enhance local bentonite to improve its performance for effective drilling applications. In this work, we incorporated sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as additives to improve the properties of the raw bentonite. The rheological characteristics of both pristine and activated bentonite were investigated using the Rheolab QC rheometer. The findings revealed that the yield point of the Isinya and Amboseli samples increased as a function of the levels of activation reagents (Na2CO3 and CMC). It was noted that more than 1.25w% of Na2CO3 was required to bring the yield stress closer to the required 15 Pa for drilling application. Additionally, the Isinya bentonite (IS3) provided adequate rheological characteristics for drilling muds after compounding with 2.5w% CMC additive. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using the local bentonite in Kenya for drilling applications. In the future, we will explore the potential of using other additives to further enhance the properties of local bentonite for geothermal power production, with the goal of lowering electricity generation cost and supporting ongoing efforts to provide reliable and affordable energy, as proposed in Kenya Vision 2030 project.
Construindo diálogo entre Análise do Comportamento Aplicada baseada em Compaixão e a Luta Antimanicomial
Authors: Paixão Junior Francisco Denilson
Published: December 2024

Foi veiculado nas redes sociais um dossiê com o título “Denúncia ao Ministério dos Direitos Humanos e da Cidadania” contendo críticas ao que chamaram de Análise do Comportamento Aplicada – ABA. Contudo, o documento apresenta uma série de informações inverídicas sobre a ciência do comportamento e sua aplicação voltada a pessoas dentro do espectro do autismo. Buscando minimizar os agravos produzidos pela desinformação veiculadas nas redes sociais, reapresentaremos as dimensões que definem o que é uma intervenção baseada em ABA, evidenciaremos a existência de uma oitava dimensão e o que compreendemos enquanto intervenção comportamental. Em seguida, demonstraremos como as críticas lançadas não são, de fato, endereçadas a ciência da Análise do Comportamento e como, na verdade, as práticas comportamentalistas estão intimamente alinhadas com o que se espera pela Reforma Psiquiátrica e pela Luta Antimanicomial. Esperamos que este estudo auxilie pessoas com Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo – TEA, seus familiares e aos jovens profissionais interessados na área a conhecer e a compreender de maneira mais precisa e coerente o que é e o que faz Análise do Comportamento Aplicada.
Avaliação de um jogo infantil para o ensino de respostas relacionais dêiticas em crianças pré-escolares com desenvolvimento típico
Authors: Martelozo Ana Priscila , Kovac Roberta
Published: December 2024

O estudo pretendeu avaliar se um jogo infantil foi capaz de ensinar respostas relacionais dêiticas para crianças com desenvolvimento típico em idade pré-escolar e comparar o desempenho das crianças no jogo com medidas de tomada de perspectiva já estabelecidas na literatura. Participaram do estudo oito crianças com idade média de três anos e nove meses, que foram submetidas a tarefas de Teoria da Mente (ToM) e ao protocolo adaptado de tomada de perspectiva (RFT-TP) antes e após a intervenção. A análise dos resultados mostrou que o jogo foi capaz de aumentar a frequência de respostas relacionais dêiticas corretas. No entanto, isso não significou uma melhora de desempenho dos participantes em tarefas que tradicionalmente avaliam tomada de perspectiva. Estudos futuros poderiam investigar o impacto de outros materiais, assim como variações da aplicação do jogo com participantes de diferentes idades e características de desenvolvimento. Ampliar a comparação do jogo com medidas tradicionais de tomada de perspectiva indicaria se o jogo também poderá ser usado como uma medida.
BIOÉTICA E LITERATURA EM “O IMORTAL”: uma reflexão sobre imortalidade com um ponto sem retorno
Authors: Nobre Valdemberg Alves , Cioatto Roberta Marina
Published: December 2024

A bioética não consegue sozinha pensar sobre os problemas que surgem com a capacidade cada vez mais ilimitada do ser humano em modificar o mundo e a si mesmo. Nessa área desconhecida estão as tecnologias sobre imortalidade. Embora existam apenas na teoria, já contam com pesquisas e financiamentos. Essa mudança desafia o entendimento sobre as implicações éticas de tornar praticamente sem fim o que naturalmente é mortal. Por não possuir essas limitações, a literatura torna-se um aliado poderoso nessa discussão; ao criar um universo fictício semelhante ao real, os conflitos tornam-se palpáveis e consegue-se imaginar as várias implicações dessa biotecnologia. Este artigo busca contribuir à discussão do tema, através de uma metodologia que faz uso do texto fictício como guia central das discussões. Foi escolhido o conto “O Imortal” do escritor Borges, que traz uma nova perspectiva sobre o assunto da imortalidade como ponto sem retorno.
Class Clash: Unpacking Conflicts of Class Affiliation in the Bodily Practices of Polish Men Under 35 Years with Working-Class Origins
Authors: Wójtewicz Anna , Jaskulska Alicja , Lutomski-Juryłowicz Łukasz
Published: December 2024

The article examines conflicts of class affiliation in the bodily practices of young Polish men of working-class origin. The empirical basis of the analysis is individual in-depth interviews with biographical elements carried out in 2022 as part of a study on the bodily practices of four generations of Polish men. The article contains the state of research on practices in the context of class affiliation. The theoretical framework is based on the concept of classist phantasm and middle-class hegemony. The study shows the critical importance of working-class backgrounds in shaping and controlling the body throughout the lifespan. The piggy bank ethos is one of the key categories emerging from the analysis, and research participants remain trapped in negotiating class identity reflected in bodily practices. In negotiating their class affiliation, men experience conflict with the values of the family of origin from their early teenage years. As they study and strive for advancement, they pay a hidden emotional cost, as they must authenticate themselves as deserving of their place in the middle class. Even if they are upgrading to the middle class (as working adults), they remain in the power of the piggy bank ethos. The study’s main conclusion is that social advancement is only partly achievable. Climbing up the social ladder, the study participants still balance middle-class practices and working-class values, which become apparent in what they do about the body.
Trophic activity of pedofauna in two gardens of Saint-Petersburg (experience of using the express bait-lamina test methid)
Authors: Kuzmina A. A. , Pyatina E. V. , Zhukova E. A. , Gorbunova E. A. , Sukhacheva E. Yu.
Published: December 2024

The plant and soil cover of cities functions as their ecological framework. Soil invertebrates play an important role in urban ecosystems. Trophic activity of pedofauna is an integral indicator of its condition. The trophic activity of macroand mesopedofauna in the soils of the gardens of the Russian Museum (St. Petersburg) was determined by the express method baitlamina test. The average values of the degree of consumption of bait by pedobionts amounted to 10.9 ± 1.6% for the Summer Garden and 8.5 ± 3.5% for the Mikhailovsky Garden. The variability of trophic activity indices between different sample areas was established – in the Summer Garden it varies from 2 ± 6.2% to 21.8 ± 8.4%, and in the Mikhailovsky Garden – from 2.8 ± 4.5% to 19.3 ± 8.8%. Differences in trophic activity within the vegetation season were noted. The lowest degree of bait consumption (less than 2%) was observed in the driest and hottest months in the middle of the vegetation period, and the highest (within 19–22%) – at the beginning and end of the vegetation period under the most favorable hydrothermal conditions.
Influence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on potato yield and development of soil microflora
Authors: Lyubimova N. A. , Rabinovich G. Yu.
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this work was to study both the separate and combined effects of the liquid-phase biological (LPB) product and Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the yield of potatoes of the Skarb variety, as well as on soil microflora. The biosynthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was carried out using green tea extract and FeSO4∙7H2O solution, concentration 0.1 mol/l. The effectiveness of the obtained LPB-Fe product was studied under field conditions against the background of NPK fertilizers application. The results of a three-year experiment (2020–2022) showed that when spraying plants at vegetative stage with a 1% LPB-Fe product, potato yield increased by 16.9%, and when treating tubers before planting – by 14.8% compared to the control. At the same time, when using LPB without the addition of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, potato yield increased by 9.8% after foliar treatment and by 6.8% after tubers treatment, compared to the control. Based on the results of microbiological analysis, the coefficient of soil mineralization was calculated and the correlation of potato yield and its value was established. Varying concentrations of LPB-Fe preparation resulted in strong but multidirectional dependence of potato yield on the soil mineralization coefficient: both when treating tubers (regression equation y = 0.2639x – 39.9329 with a correlation coefficient r = 0.72) and when spraying potato plants (regression equation y = -0.2536x + 55.882 with correlation coefficient r = -0.77). In addition, during foliar treatment of potato plants with a 1% solution of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, there was recorded a very strong inverse relationship between the yield and the number of nitrogen-transforming microorganisms (correlation coefficient r = -0.90, with the regression equation y = -0.0841x + 37.9421).
Os efeitos da intensificação de sentido sobre a duração silábica
Authors: Varela Fernando Luiz Pompeu
Published: December 2024

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma caracterização acústica da duração silábica e do núcleo silábico de palavras em contextos de atribuição de intensificação de sentido. Trata-se de um recorte do estudo anterior (Varela, 2024), no qual a intensificação de sentido foi caracterizada acusticamente, em termos de duração, frequência fundamental (f0) e ênfase espectral (intensidade) das sílabas e seus fones entre as posições pretônica, tônica e postônica de palavras intensificadoras realizadas por professores do ensino básico. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de um experimento de leitura de um texto adaptado realizado em três contextos de intensificação (neutro, intensificado e extraintensificado), cujo enunciado-veículo “no meio do caminho tinha (uma) [palavra-alvo] pedra” foi realizado com as seguintes palavras-alvo intensivas: muita, baita, mega, profusa e vultosa. Foram extraídas as medidas acústicas de duração (segmental, sílaba fonológica e unidades VV), f0 (mediana e desvio-padrão) e intensidade relativa (ênfase espectral), por meio do script GenAcousticsSegments, no programa de análise acústica PRAAT. Os dados são de seis participantes (masculinos e femininos) professores do ensino básico de Campinas/SP e região de São Paulo. Resultados demonstraram que a duração silábica aumenta conforme são atribuídos os contextos de intensificação, caracterizando uma relação icônica entre alongamento silábico e efeitos de intensificação de sentido.
ANALYSIS OF MACROECONOMIC VARIABLE CHANGES TO THE RESILIENCE OF ISLAMIC BANKING IN INDONESIA
Authors: Moh Yusron Solikin
Published: December 2024

This research aims to analyze the changes in macroeconomic variables such as economic growth, inflation, exchange rates, and interest rates on the resilience of Islamic banking in Indonesia. Additionally, it seeks to prove that Islamic banks are resistant to economic crisis. This quantitative study used monthly data period series of January 2006 to January 2020 with the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Markov Switching (MS) methods. ARDL test results indicates that economic growth and exchange rates significantly affect Islamic banking resilience. Economic growth has positively influence, while exchange rates have a negative impact. Conversely, inflation and interest rates do not play any role in affecting Islamic Bank resilience. Through the test, Markov Switching proved that Islamic banking is resistant in the face of an economic crisis that lasts more than a period of crisis than a quiet period.
Diversifikasi Produk Kesehatan Berbahan Dasar Minyak Atsiri Serai (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf)
Authors: Firdaus Favian Rafif , Naima Fathnin Ulya , Akbar Achmad Naufal Maulana , Haq Nimas Rizqi Firdausy , Lestari Dewi , Setiawan Catur Dian , Widyowati Retno
Published: December 2024

Minyak atsiri serai (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf) memiliki banyak manfaat, seperti antibakteri, antijamur, anti-inflamasi dan agen repellent pengusir nyamuk Aedes aegypti. Minyak ini dapat diolah menjadi berbagai produk rumah tangga, seperti sabun mandi batang, karbol, dan lilin aromaterapi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan pembuatan skala laboratorium sabun mandi batang, karbol, dan lilin aromaterapi berbahan dasar minyak atsiri serai dengan cara yang sederhana dan biaya terjangkau agar bisa ditiru oleh ibu rumah tangga. Pembuatan sabun mandi batang menggunakan minyak VCO, minyak kelapa sawit dan minyak zaitun yang kemudian dicampur dengan larutan NaOH. Kemudian lilin aromaterapi menggunakan paraffin padat yang dilelehkan dan dicampur dengan minyak atsiri serai, untuk karbol pembersih lantai menggunakan penggabungan dua fase, untuk fase minyak menggunakan bahan texapon, dan fase air menggunakan hexilenglikol. Hasil yang didapatkan menunjukkan bentuk fisik yang ideal dan bernilai ekonomi, selain berguna bagi kesehatan produk tersebut bisa juga dipasarkan untuk menambah pemasukan pada keluarga.
Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting Profile in Tertiary Referral Hospital: A Retrospective Pharmacovigilance Study in Indonesia
Authors: Meyta Sari Cinantya , Suprapti Budi
Published: December 2024

Background: Pharmacovigilance is administered to several pharmacological classes of drugs worldwide. However, there are still insufficient data regarding the prevalence and general characteristics of drug reactions, especially in developing countries. Objective:  This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of ADRs, including the pharmacological class involved, and report and classify the clinical manifestations associated with ADRs. Methods: This retrospective study was based on patient ADR reports during observation. Prevalence, patient demographics, and other data were evaluated using descriptive statistics. Results: Of 773 reports that met the inclusion criteria, most were doctors (80.6%), followed by pharmacists (18.7%). Of the total cases, 430 (55.6%) occurred in the women. Most suspected ADRs occurred in the 19-60 years age group (583; 75.4%). The highest incidence of ADR was observed in patients using antineoplastic agents (19.5%), systemic antibacterials (16.4%), or antihypertensives (12.5%). The majority of clinical manifestations were gastrointestinal disorders (41.7%), and approximately 309 (40%) ADR cases continued with antagonists/antidotes. Approximately 62% of the patients who experienced ADRs recovered. Conclusion: Antineoplastic, systemic antibacterial, and antihypertensive drugs appeared to be the most common drugs used for suspected ADR cases in this hospital. ADR reporting has been running well, but not all healthcare workers have participated actively. Hopefully, the results of this research will contribute to the upcoming strategies for pharmacovigilance activities in this hospital and other healthcare facilities to improve the quality and quantity of ADR reporting and increase the safety of medication usage.
Network Pharmacology Approach to Acalypha indica L. and Plumbago zeylanica L. As Anti-Rheumatoid Arthritis Candidates
Authors: Dini Afriliza  , Rina Herowati  , Ana Indrayati
Published: December 2024

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can reduce quality of life. Currently, the goal of therapy is to achieve remission and prevent joint damage and disability. Acalypha indica L. and Plumbago zeylanica L. are known to be involved in rheumatoid pathogenesis. Objective: This study aimed to determine the compounds in Acalypha indica L. and Plumbago zeylanica L. that correlate with target proteins and anti-rheumatoid arthritis mechanisms. Methods: Plant compound data were collected from the KNApSAcK and IMPPAT databases, target protein data were collected using the KEGG pathway, validated using UniProt, and protein-protein interactions were analyzed using STRING. Target protein prediction using SwissTarget Prediction and SEA. Visualization of network pharmacology profiles using Cytoscape software based on the correlation between plant compounds and target proteins. Results: Acalypha indica L., which correlates with target proteins, contained quinine, gallotannin, 1,4 benzoquinone, chrysin, and kaempferol. For Plumbago zeylanica L., the compounds were vanillic acid, cinnamic acid, plumbagin, isoaffinetin, isoorientin, isovitexin, methylnaphthazarin, l-tryptophan, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, ficusin, suberosin, and quercetin 3-ol-rhamnoside. Conclusion: Network pharmacology visualization results showed that both Acalypha indica L. and Plumbago zeylanica L. correlated with disease target proteins in their respective rheumatoid arthritis signaling pathways.
Evaluation of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) in Breast Cancer Patients Who Received Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide (AC) and Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide, Paclitaxel (AC-T) Chemotherapy at West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Hospital
Authors: Baiq Lenysia Puspita Anjani  , Baiq Nurbaety  , Baiq Leny Nopitasari  , Rahma Nanda Muriani
Published: December 2024

Background: Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat breast cancer (BC). Chemotherapy may cause ADRs in patients, affecting their physical and psychological wellbeing. Objective: To understand the adverse drug reaction (ADR) profile in patients with breast cancer who received AC-T and AC chemotherapy at the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Hospital. Methods: This observational study used cross-sectional data collected from medical records and direct interviews with the patients between May and June. Probability categories were measured using the Naranjo algorithm questionnaire, causality categories were measured using a causality flowchart, and the severity level of ADRs was determined using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) 5.0. Results: The probability results for the AC-T regimen were as follows: possible (10 %), probable (54.44 %), and definite (35.56 %). whereas The AC regimen showed categories of possible (6.67%), probable (63.33%), and definite (30%). The causality results for the AC-T regimen were categorized as unlikely (1.11%), possible (12.22%), probable (25.56%), or certain (61.11%), whereas those for the AC regimen were categorized as possible (6.67%), probable (43.33%), or certain (50%). The most common ADRs were alopecia and nausea, with the highest probability in the probable category for AC-T (54.44%) and AC (63.33%), respectively. Conclusion: Respondents who received the AC-T regimen experienced more severe ADRs in terms of hematologic disorders (anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia) and symptoms of nausea, pain, and fever than those who received the AC regimen.
The Internet Resource Navigator on Agricultural Topics of the Central Scientific Agricultural Library: Creation, Development and Use
Authors: Pirumova L. N. , Kolenchenko I. A. , Ilyina L. V.
Published: December 2024

The purpose of the article is to present the results of the Central Scientific Agricultural Library (CSAL) work for the creation of an online resource navigator on agriculture, food industry, fisheries and forestry, veterinary medicine.

The “Navigator for remote network resources on agricultural topics” formed in 2009 by a purpose-built procedure is regularly updated and replenished. It provides general information about sites, that place data on farming, food and processing industry and an inline link to the resource website. In the updating process, sites that stopped working are deleted, information about sites is supplemented and/or updated; annual monitoring of the industry-specific web space is carried out in order to identify new sites on agricultural topics. Russian and foreign sites selected to be included into the Navigator are described. The layout in the navigator is systematic, in accordance with the Specialized Rubricator on Agriculture and Food. This allows the user to find easily the necessary information and the Internet resources for individual agribusiness industries and topics.

The resource is presented on the site of CSAL in a free and open accessed data basis, promoting fast and various search.
ANALISIS PENGGUNAAN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) UNTUK INSPEKSI DAN PEMODELAN 3D GEDUNG
Authors: BANI MARTINCE NOVIANTI , Susilo Helik , Fajarwati Anisah Nur
Published: December 2024

Implementasi UAV untuk mendapatkan data citra bagi keperluan pemantauan dan inspeksi gedung telah mengalami perkembangan dalam beberapa tahun terakhir ini. Penggunaan UAV dalam penilaian dan pemodelan terutama kerusakan menjadi bagian yang terus dikembangkan dalam berbagai penelitian. Fleksibilitas operasional, efektif biaya dan efisiensi waktu menjadi faktor pendukung dalam penggunaan UAV. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini memberikan ulasan secara komprehensif terkait pemanfaatan UAV untuk inspeksi gedung serta pemodelan 3D gedung. Lebih dari itu, penelitian ini dimaksudkan untuk memberikan informasi kerusakan bangunan untuk keperluan pemantauan lebih lanjut. Penelitian ini diusung berdasarkan pada teknik fotogrametri menggunakan sudut oblique. Analisis kerusakan didasarkan pada deteksi retakan pada dinding luar gedung sehingga dapat dikategorikan pada kerusakan rendah dan sedang. Hasil identifikasi menunjukan terdapat 262 retakan dengan estimasi retakan terpanjang yaitu 1694,20 mm. Pada data foto UAV juga dilakukan pemodelan 3D sehingga dapat dideteksi bagian atap gedung dengan prinsip dasar RANSAC. Model atap juga diidentifikasi dengan titik-titik sampel, sehingga pada iterasi ke 100 dengan threshold 0,1 maka diperoleh hasil terbaik 1,0000 dan 0,0557. Model atap yang dihasilkan ini juga dapat menjadi bagian yang dapat diaplikasikan untuk pemantauan dan perawatan gedung. Kedepannya metode ini diharapkan dapat memberikan kontribusi dalam proses inspeksi gedung.
Considering Caliphate and Democracy in Islam: A Comparison of The Ottoman Dynasty and The Indonesian State
Authors: Alfikri Ahmad Faiz Shobir , SJ Fadil
Published: December 2024

The Ottoman Dynasty was one of the largest forms of Islamic government in history. This study aims to investigate and understand the comparison between the concept of the caliphate in the Ottoman Dynasty, one of the largest Islamic empires in history, and the form of a modern state with democracy, namely the State of Indonesia. This study uses comparative historical analysis, taken from primary sources, historical records, and scientific literature to trace the evolution of governance in the Ottoman Dynasty and the State of Indonesia. The results of this study indicate that there is no standard form of state practice in Islam. The monarchy system in the form of a caliphate state used by the Ottomans is in line with that conveyed by Ibn Abi Rabi who supports a monarchical form of government. The democratic system in the form of a republican state implemented in Indonesia is identical to the concept of Imamah conveyed by al-Mawardi. Any idea or formulation about state practice is permitted in Islam as long as it does not deviate from the references to the Qur'an and Hadith.
The Impact of Modern Politics on Civil Society in Indonesia: A Review of Muhammadiyah's and Nahdlatul Ulama's Political Khittah
Authors: Alfarizi Ahmad Faroch
Published: December 2024

Modern politics, which is of interest to some, has detrimental effects, including on civil society. The main purpose of this research is to determine the impact of modern politics on the subject of research, namely civil society in Indonesia. Through a study of the political khittah of Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, it is corroborated with the theory of civil society from Muhammad Abdul Fattah Santoso and K.H. Asep Saifuddin Chalim. This research uses a literature study method that collects data in the form of books and scientific journals related to the research theme. This research suggests that the impact of modern politics on civil society is quite diverse, ranging from dynastic politics that is authoritarian and disrupts the stability of democracy, the level of trust in leaders in this case the government decreases, to the emergence of an apathetic and pragmatic paradigm towards politics itself. In addition, social media, which is used as a forum for modern politics, contains a lot of hate speech and discredits other groups, which can change the existence of civil society. Muhammadiyah seeks to reconstruct on the basis of the Denpasar Khittah in 2002 coupled with offering a social contract to the government and reflecting on its attitudes and policies towards politics so far. Meanwhile, Nahdlatul Ulama is based on the 1984 NU Khittah which contains the principles of decision-making in political matters, along with reflecting on its attitudes and policies towards politics from time to time.
Effective Compression and a Minimally Invasive Rail Plate to Optimize Bone Transport in Distraction Osteogenesis
Authors: López-Carreño E. , Avendaño E.P. López , Rojas L. Padilla , Martínez-Castellanos A.Y. , Rodríguez I. Arámbula , López C. García , Huerta H. Campos , Huerta L. Flores
Published: December 2024

Background:

Bone transport in distraction osteogenesis is an effective, well-known procedure. However, bone compression is an aspect of this technique for which there is no objective information. The lack of direct bone compression measurements may result in a lack of uniformity in the bone transport process, which can result in its ineffective application and may be contributing to its underutilization. This study describes the results of applying objectively measured compressions to achieve a distraction regeneration zone and docking site consolidation during bone transport in distraction osteogenesis.

Methods:

This prospective study describes the results of a single cohort of 32 patients who underwent distraction osteogenesis with bone transport utilizing a combination of a minimally invasive rail plate and monolateral external fixation. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: (1) those with hypertrophic, atrophic, or infectious pseudarthrosis-nonunion (the pseudarthrosis-nonunion group), and (2) those with bone loss due to trauma or osteomyelitis (the bone loss group). The initial bone compression was measured during the latency phase, and the final compression was measured during the distraction phase. The healing index, external fixation index, healing time, consolidation time, and docking time were calculated for each patient. The Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons between and within groups.

Results:

In this study, 28 (88%) of the patients were male. The mean patient age was 44.93 ± 16.21 years. The median values were 3.2 Nm for the initial compression and 3.4 Nm for the final compression, with no significant difference between or within groups of patients. The osseous results were excellent in 29 patients (91%), and the functional results were good or excellent in 31 patients (97%).

Conclusions:

This study is the first to objectively measure compression in the bone transport process. Our findings showed that all patients who had an initial compression of ≥3.2 Nm achieved 100% consolidation of the distraction regeneration zone, and those who had a final compression of ≥2.9 Nm achieved complete docking site consolidation without complications. These 2 values thus represent effective compression and highlight the role of bone compression in bone transport.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A 15-Year Bibliometric Analysis of Sports Medicine Studies in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery
Authors: Watters Amanda B , Blitz Jack , Mortell Tatjana , Ierulli Victoria K. , Lefante John , Mulcahey Mary K.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Orthopaedic sports medicine is among the most popular subspecialties. Understanding the trends in sports medicine research over time can offer insight into progress and innovation within the field. The purpose of this study was to assess both the quality of the current literature and trends in gender diversity and inclusion by evaluating publishing characteristics of sports medicine studies in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-American Volume (JBJS-A) from 2007 to 2021.

Methods:

Sports medicine studies in JBJS-A from 2007 to 2021 were identified using JBJS subspeciality tags for “sports medicine” articles and organized by study type, number of authors, sex of the authors, academic degree(s) of the first and last authors, level of evidence, country of publication, citations, and use of patient-reported outcomes (PROM).

Results:

A total of 784 studies were reviewed, and 513 met inclusion criteria. Clinical therapeutic studies were the most common publication (48%). There was an increase in the publication of clinical prognostic studies (17%-25%, p = 0.037) and a significant increase in the use of PROM measures over time (13%-47%, p < 0.001). The total number of authors increased over the study period (4.8-6.3), but there was no significant increase in female authorship. Only 15% of the 784 studies included a female author, with an average of 0.8 female authors per article (range 0-8) compared with 4.6 males (range 1-14).

Conclusion:

The significant increase in the use of PROMs in sports medicine studies indicates that the quality of research has improved over the 15-year period. The gender disparity in authorship has remained stagnant. Only 11% of all first authors and 9% of senior authors were female. The number of included international studies improved over time; however, the United States remains the most prolific publisher. Despite these areas of growth, this study suggests that there is room for improvement of authorship gender diversity in orthopaedic sports medicine research.

Level of Evidence:

Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
RAS-p110α signalling in macrophages is required for effective inflammatory response and resolution of inflammation
Authors: Castellano Esther , Rosell Alejandro , Krygowska Agata , Alcón Marta Alcón Pérez , Cuesta Cristina , Voisin Mathieu-Benoit , de Paz Juan , Sanz-Fraile Héctor , Rajeeve Vinothini , Berral-González Alberto , Carreras-González Ana , Swinyard Ottilie , Gabandé-Rodriguez Enrique , Downward Julian , Alcaraz Jordi , Anguita Juan , García-Macías Carmen , Rivas Javier De Las , Cutillas Pedro
Published: December 2024

Macrophages are crucial in the body's inflammatory response, with tightly regulated functions for optimal immune system performance. Our study reveals that the RAS-p110α signalling pathway, known for its involvement in various biological processes and tumorigenesis, regulates two vital aspects of the inflammatory response in macrophages: the initial monocyte movement and later-stage lysosomal function. Disrupting this pathway, either in a mouse model or through drug intervention, hampers the inflammatory response, leading to delayed resolution and the development of more severe acute inflammatory reactions in live models. This discovery uncovers a previously unknown role of the p110α isoform in immune regulation within macrophages, offering insight into the complex mechanisms governing their function during inflammation and opening new avenues for modulating inflammatory responses.
Polyacetylene formation under simulated circumstellar conditions
Authors: Shi Zaifa , Wu Di , Li Yunkai , Ying Haotian , Cui Cunhao , Lin Shuichao , Zheng Lan-Sun
Published: December 2024

Carbon-chain molecules serve as precursors for complex molecules in the interstellar medium and act as indicators of both current physical conditions and past evolutionary trends. They hold significant importance in interstellar chemistry. Although typical carbon-chain molecules like polyacetylene (C4H2, C6H2) have been observed in the IRC + 10216 star and CRL618 nebula, the formation mechanism of longer carbon-chain polyacetylenes remains under investigation. The development of an ultra-high-temperature pyrolysis photoionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UT-Py-PI-TOFMS) in laboratory astrophysics simulation experiments provides insights into the formation process of interstellar molecules. Detection of a range of long-chain polyacetylene molecules (up to 16 carbon atoms) in this instrument indicates that rapid radical reactions of •C2nH with unsaturated hydrocarbons govern the growth process of long-chain polyacetylenes. These findings offer compelling evidence for the formation of carbon-chain molecules in space. Furthermore, this experiment successfully reproduces other interstellar molecules such as fullerenes.
Salinity tolerance in Cucumis sativus seedling: the role of pistachio wood vinegar on the improvement of the vigor seedling
Authors: Afsharipour Sediqeh , Seyedi Azam , Dastjerdi Abdolmajid Mirzaalian
Published: December 2024

Background
Soil salinity is a major environmental concern that affects the production of salt-sensitive crops such as cucumbers by limiting their growth and development. Due to its beneficial effects on plants, wood vinegar is now used as a biostimulant in agriculture to enhance crop productivity and improve the plants defense system against pathogens, while studies show that it can also protect against oxidative stresses. A pot experiment was carried out to mitigate the negative effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) on cucumber seedlings through pistachio wood vinegar (PWV) foliar spraying. Were assessed for their growth after exposure to intense salinity stress (150 mM NaCl) in compared to control (0 mM NaCl) and three levels of PWV (0, 1500, and 3000 PPM) as the foliar spraying. The experiment was arranged as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates.
Results
The intense salinity stress reduced the fresh and dry mass of root and shoot by 25, 5, 34, and 13%, and decreased chlorophyll a, b, total, and carotenoids by 14, 45, 28, and 44%, respectively compared to the control. Also, in the treated plants with PWV decreased levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants i.e. total protein (14%), and anthocyanin (17%). While PWV treatment decreased the negative effects of the intense salinity stress and enhanced the fresh mass root (41%), dry mass shoot (33%), shoot length (23%), leaf area (34%), number of leaves (63%), Chl a (14%), Chl b (11%) and carotenoids (56%). Under the intense salinity stress, the foliar spraying of PWV, 3000 ppm, decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) by 7 and 10%, respectively compared to the control.
Conclusions
This study shows that the use of PWV (1500 ppm) is effective in improving the negative effects of extreme salinity in cucumber seedlings.
A versatile gold leaf immunosensor with a novel functionalization strategy based on Protein L and Trastuzumab-modified surface for efficient HER2 detection
Authors: Kundacina Ivana , Schobesberger Silvia , Kittler Stefan , Thumfart Helena , Spadiut Oliver , Ertl Peter , Knezevic Nikola , Radonic Vasa
Published: December 2024

Although various sensors specifically developed for target analytes are available, affordable biosensing solutions with broad applicability are limited. In this study, a cost-effective biosensor for detecting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) was developed using custom-made gold leaf electrodes (GLEs). A novel strategy for antibody immobilization on a gold surface, for the first time mediated by protein L and HER2-specific antibody trastuzumab, was examined using commercial screen-printed gold electrodes and GLEs. A self-assembled monolayer of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) was formed on the gold surface, which was used to covalently immobilize protein L. Further binding of trastuzumab to the protein L was employed and HER2 detection was achieved through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The HER2 detection was examined in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and supplemented cell culture medium. The modified GLEs showed good specificity and high sensitivity of HER2 detection without any enrichment steps, achieving a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.02 ng mL− 1 in PBS and 0.03 ng mL− 1 in cell culture medium, making the proposed immunosensor a cost-effective and sensitive solution for detection in complex biological matrices.
Structural Design, Analysis and Testing of 3D Water Phantom for Proton Therapy
Authors: Liu Xinzhi , Wang Kaisong , Wei Jianghua , Hong Liang , Lan Bin , Guo Zhoushun
Published: December 2024

Proton therapy is an advanced radiation therapy technique that allows for precise treatment of the tumor site. 3D water phantom system is the important testing equipment for proton therapy,which can guarantee the dose before treatment, realize dose distribution scanning detection. It includes a lifting platform, a high-precision three-dimensional servo, ionization chambers, a control system and a water tank. The lifting platform and high-precision three-dimensional servo are the key factors which can affect the accuracy of proton beam measurement. The 3D water phantom structure design is carried out to realize proton beam dose detection. Finite element analysis model is established to carry out mechanical mechanics analysis of the 3D water phantom structure. During scanning detection, the vibration generated by the servo motor operation may cause the 3D water phantom structure resonance, carry out modal analysis and harmonic response analysis, calculate the 3D water phantom intrinsic frequency and motor operation vibration frequency within the possible resonance intervals. In addition, the 3D water phantom model was utilized to carry out Bragg peak detection experiments at different energies for proton therapy.
Efficacy of Intraoperative Radio frequency Ablation in Patients Undergoing Mitral Valve Replacement for Rheumatic Heart Disease Complicated by Chronic Atrial Fibrillation.
Authors: Ahrar Naiem , Kangoo Abid , Bashir Shahbaz , Khurshid Sheikh mudassir , Ganie Farooq A , Hakeem Zubair Ashraf , Majeed Souliyh
Published: December 2024

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia, especially prevalent among patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). The presence of AF in these patients significantly exacerbates the risk of thromboembolic events and heart failure. This study evaluates the efficacy of intraoperative Radio frequency ablation (RFA) performed concomitantly with mitral valve replacement (MVR) in patients with RHD complicated by chronic AF.Results Twenty patients with permanent AF and mitral valve disease underwent MVR with concomitant RF ablation. Outcomes measured included conversion to sinus rhythm, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrial (LA) size, antiarrhythmic burden, and quality of life. At one year post-operation, 95% of patients had converted to sinus rhythm. Mean LVEF improved from 46.00% preoperatively to 52.25% postoperatively. LA size decreased significantly from a mean of 55.25 mm to 45.75 mm. Antiarrhythmic burden decreased by 50% in 85% of patients. No mortality was observed.Conclusion Intraoperative RF ablation concomitant with MVR is a safe and effective procedure for patients with RHD and chronic AF, resulting in high rates of sinus rhythm conversion, improved cardiac function, and reduced antiarrhythmic burden.
The Gly482Ser PPARGC1A polymorphism regulates PGC-1α stability and human brown adipocyte mitochondrial function under cold exposure
Authors: Kalamajski Sebastian , Huang Mi , Baira Shandilya , Coral Daniel , Spégel Peter , Claussnitzer Melina , Mulder Hindrik , Franks Paul
Published: December 2024

Adaptive thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue is regulated by PPARGC1A (PGC-1α), which could be affected by common polymorphism (rs8192678, Gly482Ser) that associates with metabolic disorders. We used CRISPR-Cas9 in immortalized human brown adipocyte cell line to edit the rs8192678 locus to evaluate the allele-dependent effects on cold response of brown adipocytes. In both 482Ser- and 482Gly-edited brown adipocytes, UCP1 expression increased after 6-hour cold exposure, but the increase was less pronounced in 482Gly cells, which also had lower mitochondrial activity. Furthermore, 482Gly PGC-1α had an almost two-fold longer half-life at 37°C, and four-fold longer half-life at 32°C, compared with the 482Ser variant. Despite the longer half-life, the 482Gly PGC-1α had lower activity, and was more prone to be retained in the cytoplasm after cold exposure. Our experimental data support gene x environment interactions between Gly482Ser and cold exposure in human brown adipocytes. These data support a novel molecular basis for the epidemiological observations that link the Gly482Ser polymorphism with obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Digital Skills and Recreational Behaviour Across Generations: Implications for Visitor Management in Forest Destinations – Case Study of Vienna Metropolitan Area, Austria
Authors: Stefán Fruzsina , Ciesielski Mariusz , Weber Andy , Choromański Kamil , Gotlib Dariusz , Taczanowska Karolina
Published: December 2024

Digitalization significantly impacts human-environment systems by altering how people interact with natural spaces. This extends to outdoor recreation, where digital tools increasingly serve as interfaces between visitors and site management authorities. However, to date, little attention has been given to the digital divide across generations within this application domain. Therefore, this study investigates the generational differences in digital skills and recreational behaviour and highlights its implications for visitor management in urban and suburban forest destinations. Using data from an online panel of 3,121 respondents in Vienna, we examined how digital competence influences outdoor recreation across age groups. The results highlight significant differences in technology use when planning and navigating during leisure trips between generations. Four major visitor profiles have been identified, each reflecting distinct patterns of digital tool usage and recreational preferences and corresponding with the respondents’ age. We emphasize the need for inclusive and adaptive management strategies to accommodate diverse digital behaviours and enhance urban forest experiences for all generations. Recognizing that effective management is contingent on understanding the nuances of technology utilization, our case study-based approach seeks to understand the public's demand for nature and the contribution of forest areas to recreation, through the lens of different generations.
Efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Authors: Zhang Feng , Gao Hao-Ran , Fu Hao , Li Duo-Hua , Zhao Si-Cong , Zhou Cheng-Qiang , Gao Xiao , Wu Dong-Ying , Feng Hu , Yuan Feng , Sun Wei
Published: December 2024

Background: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) are two minimally invasive surgical procedures and have achieved satisfactory outcomes in the treatment of mild to moderate osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) .However, severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (sOVCF),used to been regarded as relative or even absolute contraindication for PVP and PKP.To date, there is still no consensus on the optimal treatment strategy for sOVCF.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 37 patients (7 males and 30 females) with single-level sOVCF who underwent PVP surgery at the Affiliated Hospital from May 2019 to May 2022. The age of the patients ranged from 61 to 88 years (average, 74.16 ± 7.76 years). The height and height ratio of the injured vertebra and the local kyphotic angle (LKA) were compared before and after surgery. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the surgery and the improvement in patients' quality of life. Operative time, bone cement volume, complications, and adjacent vertebral fractures were also analyzed.
Results: All patients successfully underwent surgery and were followed up for an average of 24.2 months. The height of the fractured vertebrae recovered from 5.79 ± 1.94 mm preoperatively to 14.21 ±3.72 mm at the final follow-up (P<0.05). The height ratio of the fractured vertebrae recovered from 22.79 ± 7.40% preoperatively to 56.10 ± 14.69%at the final follow-up (P<0.05). The LKA improved from 25.63° ± 12.96° preoperatively to 22.48° ± 12.06° at the final follow-up (P<0.05). The VAS and ODI scores decreased from 6.46 ± 1.30％ and 77.51 ± 4.38％preoperatively to 2.57 ± 1.24％ and 25.57 ± 3.24％ at the final follow-up, respectively(P<0.05). Cement leakage occurred in seven patients. Adjacent OVCF occurred in four patients.
Conclusions: PVP proves to be a safe, cost-effective and minimally invasive alternative therapy for elderly patients with sOVCF that can restore the vertebral height and correct local kyphosis in properly selected patients.
Human need satisfaction enables decoupling of well-being from income
Authors: Tamberg Lea , Steinberger Julia , Cologna Viktoria , Fisch-Romito Vivien , Millward-Hopkins Joel , Calvo Flavio , Oreskes Naomi
Published: December 2024

Understanding the link between well-being and income is crucial for assessing the viability of sustainability strategies that limit affluence. Here, we examine the extent to which the satisfaction of basic human needs can explain the correlation between income and life evaluation, an indicator of subjective well-being. Using more than 1.3 million responses from the Gallup World Poll, we estimate the effect of absolute and relative income, GDP per capita, and GDP growth on life evaluation, while controlling for individual and country-level need satisfaction, and governance quality. We find that a hypothetical country achieving population-wide need satisfaction would, even at a GDP per capita of $10,000, match today’s happiest countries in terms of life evaluation. Beyond this income level, the remaining effects of absolute income are marginal. Our results suggest that basic human needs play a central role in decoupling subjective well-being from economic growth.