bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of toxic waste released by incorrectly discarded batteries in Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Karen Ouverney , Guimarães Aniceto Silva Nathália , Henrique Gonçalves Reis Olavo , de Paula Almeida João Vitor , Galindo de Oliveira Giovanna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The main difference between a dry cell battery and an alkaline one is the composition of the electrolyte. In zinc–carbon batteries, dry cell, the electrolyte is a paste formed by mixing ammonium chloride and zinc chloride, whereas in alkaline batteries, the electrolyte is a concentrated aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide containing a certain amount of zinc oxide, hence the name alkaline for this battery. Therefore, the improper disposal of these materials has numerous consequences for the environment, since the potentially toxic metals present in them can be leached, infiltrating, and contaminating the soil layers, the groundwater, as well as the fauna and flora of the regions nearby. Thus, the objective is to perform studies that aim to simulate and analyze the release of potentially toxic metals present in batteries found in normal environmental conditions, through leaching tests from regular batteries (Zn–C) on fertilized soil, simulating a landfill, in addition to tests on sandy soil in order to aid the identification of possible waste release.
Segregation and mixing of binary mixtures of spherical particles in a bubbling fluidized bed
Authors: Ren Shan , Zheng Zhong , Chen Hongsheng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This work reports a CFD-DEM study on the segregation and mixing of binary mixtures of particles in a bubbling fluidized bed. A simplified mixing index was applied to determine the instantaneous mixing state in the bed, with which the effects of superficial gas velocity and initial packing state on the fluidization behavior were further discussed. For the well-mixed initial conditions, the mixing index decreases with fluidization time until a dynamic equilibrium between segregation and mixing is achieved. In contrast, the mixing index first increases and then decreases with fluidization time for completely-segregated initial conditions. However, the final equilibrium between segregation and mixing will not be affected by initial packing states for a given superficial gas velocity. Moreover, the bubbling behavior shows a marked impact on segregation and mixing, i.e., mixing is enhanced during the formation and grow-up of bubbles, while segregation is strengthened during the eruption of bubbles. This makes it possible to improve the fluidization of binary mixtures of particles based on the bubbling behaviors in the fluidized bed.
Factors of poor prognosis in newborns with a prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis in Bogota, Colombia
Authors: Dávila Romero Viviana , Aragón Mendoza Rafael L. , Molina-Giraldo Saulo , Herrera Emiliano M. , Leal Elman H. , Gallo Roa Roberto , Rodríguez Ortiz Jorge A. , Toro Angelica M. , Peña Rafael R. , Gómez Hoyos Diana , Nudelman Tammy , Vargas Fiallo Cristian L. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To identify factors associated with poor prognoses in newborns with a prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis in eight hospitals in Bogota, Colombia, from 2011 to 2022.

Methods
A multi-center retrospective case-control study was conducted on newborns with gastroschisis in eight hospitals in Bogota, Colombia. Poor prognosis was defined as the presence of sepsis, intestinal complications, or death.

Results
The study included 101 patients. Preterm newborns under 32 weeks had a poor neonatal prognosis (OR 6.78 95 % CI 0.75–319). Oligohydramnios (OR 4.95 95 % CI 1.15–21.32) and staged closure with silo (OR 3.48; 95 % CI 1.10–10.96) were risk factors for neonatal death, and intra-abdominal bowel dilation of 20–25 mm was a factor for the development of intestinal complications (OR 3.22 95 % CI 1.26–8.23).

Conclusions
Intra-abdominal bowel dilation between 20 and 25 mm was associated with intestinal complications, while oligohydramnios was associated with the risk of perinatal death, requiring increased antenatal surveillance of fetal wellbeing. Management with primary reduction when technically feasible is recommended in these infants, considering that the use of silos was associated with higher mortality.
Does COVID-19 infection alter serum biochemical and hematological biomarkers in deceased dementia patients?
Authors: Aydemir Duygu , Yucel Muammer , Koseoglu Mehmet , Ulusu Nuriye Nuray 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The elderly population is categorized as a risk group for COVID-19 infection, and dementia is the primary cause of disability in elderly individuals and affects 70 % of the elderly population. In this study, we evaluated the blood and serum biomarkers of deceased dementia patients infected by COVID-19 compared to the survived dementia and non-dementia patients.

Methods
Laboratory biomarkers of 11 dementia patients infected by COVID-19 have been used for this study. The five patients’ serum biochemistry and blood data were compared with the six patients who died because of COVID-19. Additionally, data from nine patients aged 85–96 infected with COVID-19 without dementia have been used to compare the difference between dementia and non-dementia individuals.

Results
D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), troponin, procalcitonin, red cell distribution width (RDW), white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NEU) and %NEU levels significantly increased in the deceased dementia patients compared to the survived and non-dementia individuals. Calcium (Ca), hematocrit (HCT), red blood cells (RBC), lymphocyte (%LYM), monocyte %MONO, and basophil (%BASO) levels significantly decreased in the deceased dementia patients compared to the survived and non-dementia individuals infected by COVID-19.

Conclusions
Serum biochemistry and hematological biomarkers, including D-dimer, CRP, glucose, ALT, AST, BUN, troponin, procalcitonin, RDW, RBC, WBC, NEU, %NEU, Ca, HCT, %LYM, %MONO, and %BASO were significantly altered in deceased dementia patients infected by COVID-19 compared to the survived individuals.
Aikido
Authors: Alves Franco Marcel , Brandão de Souza Mendes Maria Isabel , Nunes da Silva Luiz Arthur , Kono Tetsuya , De Oliveira Caminha Iraquitan 
Published: May 2024

Our study aims at research what the meaning of practicing budō is and how it defines a way of living and educating the body in movement. Our research group was 11 Brazilians instructors of aikido. Created by Morihei Ueshiba around the year 1940, aikido is defined by Nippon Budokan Foundation as one of the budō martial arts, a physical culture that brings together Japanese tradition and spirituality. The concept of spirituality discussed in our study is based on Michel Foucault’s understanding of the aesthetics of existence. For our research we conducted semi-structured interviews and made a literature review about the meaning of budō in different academic databases. All the material was studied in accordance with Michel Foucault’s analysis of discourse approach. In total, 44 academic documents were analyzed, including research articles, doctoral and master’s dissertations. As a result, we highlight the polysemic character of budō as a way of life, self-knowledge, self-improvement, body culture, spirituality, and education.
Another fortis-lenis language: A reanalysis of Old English obstruents
Authors: Starčević Attila 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe theoretical framework adopted in the analysis of Old English obstruents is laryngeal realism, a framework using privative features in modelling laryngeal oppositions. Equipollent oppositions, although real in the phonetic sense, must clearly be delineated from phonology. Old English obstruents are either unmarked (lenis/neutral) or marked: 〈b〉 /b/, 〈d〉 /d/, 〈cg〉 /dʒ/ or /ɟ/, 〈g〉 /ɡ/ are not marked for [voice] (although they are passively voiced between sonorants) and as such cannot regressively voice obstruents, singleton 〈p〉 /p/, 〈t〉 /t/, 〈ć〉 /tʃ/ or /c/, 〈c〉 /k/ are marked for [spread] (aspiration, or GW ‘glottal width’), singleton 〈f〉, 〈þ/ð〉, 〈s〉, 〈g〉, 〈h〉 are unmarked, but are passively voiced in the FricV/Son environment. Fricatives in unstressed syllables (even when couched between sonorants) are not voiced. If there is a sonorant separating the fricative from the stressed vowel there is no voicing (SonFricV/Son). The only voiced fricatives after a stressed vowel+sonorant consonant are /f/ [v] and /x/ [ɣ] (but this is a historical coincidence). (Phonetically voiceless) Geminates, s+stop and f/h+stop clusters are special in that they constitute a sequence of a fortis followed by a lenis obstruent impervious to passive voicing.
Use of gabapentin for neuropathic pain therapy: A view from perspective of evidence-based medicine
Authors: Butranova O. I. , Zyryanov S. K. 
Published: May 2024

The aim of the study was to analyze the literature sources for pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic features of gabapentin, providing its use in patients with neuropathic pain, as well as a comparative evaluation of its efficacy and safety when used in different doses.Materials and methods. PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, ResearchGate scientific information network and elibrary.ru databases were used as search resources. The keywords used for the search were “gabapentin”, “mechanism of action”, “gabapentin targets”, “gabapentin pharmacodynamics”, “pharmacokinetics”, “pharmacokinetic parameters”, “neuropathic pain”, and “randomized clinical trials”. The depth of the search was 26 years (from 1998 to 2024). This review resulted in 87 literature sources.Results. Neuropathic pain (NeP) is one of the most common types of chronic pain, characterized by a high prevalence among people of the working age. Effective pharmacotherapy aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome is a key tool for improving the quality of life and preserving the work capacity of patients. Heterogeneity of etiologic factors involved in the genesis of NeP indicates the need to use drugs the analgesic effect of which is based on weakening the transmission of pain impulses in the CNS. In clinical trials, gabapentin has demonstrated efficacy in reducing the severity of pain in patients with postherpetic NeP, painful diabetic neuropathy and many other conditions accompanied by NeP. The dose of gabapentin 300 mg/day is the initial dose in the therapy of NeP and requires a further slow titration depending on the patient’s response to therapy and tolerability of the drug, especially in elderly and senile patients, as well as in patients with an impaired renal function. According to the published data, the most pronounced analgesic effect is achieved in the patients against the background of the gabapentin administration at a dose of 3600 mg/day.Conclusion. Gabapentin is the drug of choice in the management of patients with NeP of different etiology and intensity. A satisfactory safety profile and pharmacodynamic effects make gabapentin possible, despite the long history of its use, to remain a relevant drug used by a wide range of physicians, specialties, for pharmacotherapy of NeP patients.
Effect of low quality of electric power on the operation of electric power supply
Authors: Bederak Yaroslav , Gryb Oleg , Karpaliuk Igor , Demianenko Roman , Karpaliuk Hanna 
Published: May 2024

One of the parameters of the quality of electrical energy is considered - voltage dips. The article describes the influence of voltage dips in the networks of industrial enterprises and their influence on the equipment of industrial enterprises. It is the technological processes that are very dependent on the impact of voltage dips. For which short-term stops, breaks and changes in the speed of technological cycles lead to irreversible losses and a long time for repeated starts. The reasons for voltage dips are given, usually due to faults in public networks or electrical installations of consumers. Voltage dips are the most common power quality indicators that affect the performance of industrial equipment. Power semiconductors equipped with microprocessors, such as inverters, battery chargers and power supplies, which are also vulnerable to voltage sags, cannot tolerate short-term (50-200 ms) sags and power failure followed by voltage reconnection. To make it possible to study the impact, the equipment was grouped according to its sensitivity to voltage dips. The types of equipment are shown according to the maximum allowable duration of the dip. Based on the results of the research, measures were proposed to minimize the consequences of voltage dips in the networks of industrial enterprises. Separately, it was determined that voltage dips lead to inrush current surges, which also negatively affects the supply network, leading to even larger voltage dips, which affects the stability of the operation of other consumers. And as a recommendation for mechanisms of electric motors with light starting conditions, it is recommended to use a pulse-phase control system that allows you to adjust the current limiting settings, and for actuators of drives with severe starting conditions, it is recommended to use a frequency start of synchronous electric motors that can automatically maintain the required torque on the motor shaft and current consumption.
Population cost analysis of direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists for managing nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Rojas Zojaina Hernández , Llorca Maria Rosa Dalmau , Martín Carina Aguilar , Blanco Elisabet Castro , Sáez José Fernández , Gonçalves Alessandra Queiroga , Querol Noelia Carrasco , Cumplido Dolores Rodriguez , Goñi Manuel García , Closas Marc Casajuana , Alegret Josep Maria 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Oral anticoagulants are the treatment of choice for the prevention of cardioembolic events in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and make up a significant proportion of pharmaceutical expenditure. The direct health care cost of anticoagulant treatment for NVAF was analysed at the population level using real-life data from Catalonia to compare vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs).
Methods: Cost analysis using a population database comparing VKAs and DOACs over a period of 1 year from the perspective of the health system. The costs of treatment, follow-up, and hospitalization were analysed. Propensity score matching was performed to analyse the cost difference between the two groups. Costs were capitalized up to the year 2023 using discount rates of 5.6% and 8.9%.
Results: In 2017 in Catalonia, there were 82,034 patients with NVAF on anticoagulant therapy, 64,732 (79%) with VKAs and 17,302 (21%) with DOACs. From the perspective of the national health care system, the cost/patient/year was €2,447.89 with VKAs vs. €2,809.53 with DOACs. After matching, the cost/patient/year was €2,767.65 with VKAs vs. €2,827.12 with DOACs (a difference of €59.47/patient/year).
Conclusions: There is little cost difference between VKAs and DOACs. VKAs had higher costs of follow-up and hospitalization, while DOACs had a higher pharmacy cost.
JEL CLASSIFICATION
I. Health, Education, and Welfare: I19.
Engineering a membrane protein chaperone to ameliorate the proteotoxicity of mutant huntingtin
Authors: Cho Hyunju , Oh Jeonghyun , Catherine Christy , Kim Eun Seon , Min Kwang Wook , Kim Mijin , Kim Hyojin , Jeong Hae Chan , Ahn Seung Hae , Lukianenko Nataliia , Bak Hyeon Seok , Lim Sungsu , Kim Yun Kyung , Kim Ho Min , Lee Sung Bae 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Toxic protein aggregates are associated with various neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington’s disease (HD). Since no current treatment delays the progression of HD, we developed a mechanistic approach to preventing mutant huntingtin (mHttex1) aggregation. Here, we engineered the ATP-independent cytosolic chaperone PEX19, which targets peroxisomal membrane proteins to peroxisomes, to remove mHttex1 aggregates. Using yeast toxicity-based screening with a random mutant library, we identified two yeast PEX19 (scPEX19) variants and engineered equivalent mutations into human PEX19 (hsPEX19). These variants prevented mHttex1 aggregation in vitro and in cellular HD models. The mutated hydrophobic residue in the α4 helix of hsPEX19 variants binds to the N17 domain of mHttex1, thereby inhibiting the initial aggregation process. Overexpression of the hsPEX19-FV variant rescues HD-associated phenotypes in primary striatal neurons and in Drosophila. Overall, our data reveal that engineering ATP-independent membrane protein chaperones is a promising therapeutic approach for rational targeting of mHttex1 aggregation in HD.
Harmful Algal Blooms Contribute to the Dynamics of Salt Marsh Ponds
Authors: Ren Ling , Enache Mihaela , Hood Douglas , Grothues Thomas M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Salt marsh ponds (SMPs) form a vital component of coastal wetlands. We investigated microalgal assemblages in SMPs located on Sheepshead Meadows peninsula in New Jersey, in three types of marshes: open marsh water managed, ditched, and unaltered. Monthly samples were collected from six SMPs between May 2022 and June 2023. Microalgae composition showed high dynamic temporal changes within each pond and was spatially heterogeneous among different ponds. The study revealed, for the first time in this area, highly diverse and abundant harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the SMPs. The detected HAB species cover several taxonomic classes, including dinoflagellates Akashiwo sanguinea, Amphidinium carterae, Gymnodinium aureolum, Prorocentrum lima and Alexandrium, raphidophytes Chattonella subsalsa and Heterosigma akashiwo, haptophyte Prymnesium parvum, and cyanobacteria Planktothrix agardhii, Lyngbya aestuarii. In many cases, the HABs accounted for > 60% of total algal abundance and reached as high as 98% with cell density of 103 to 104 cell/mL for dinoflagellates, and 100% with 105 cells/mL for P. parvum. Environmental parameters, temperature, salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen, accounted for about 6.9% of the algal community variance, suggesting other factors could have affected the temporal and spatial variability of HABs in the SMPs. It is possible that the enclosed and semi-enclosed shallow, small water bodies of the SMPs provide unique microhabitat conditions favoring these HAB species. The SMPs are subject to frequent tides and flooding during which the HAB species can be transported, thus potentially function as HAB reservoirs and sources for NJ wetlands and coastal waters.
High diffuse bone marrow uptake in 18 F-FDG PET/CT may reflect the diverse mutational characteristics of multiple myeloma
Authors: Cho Hee Jeong , Lee Donghyeon , Hong Chae Moon , Le Tan Minh , Nguyen Hong Duc Thi , Choi Hyukjin , Baek Dong Won , Kim Ha-Jeong , Han Hyung Soo , Sohn Sang Kyun , Kim Juhyung , Moon Joon Ho 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

To explore the biological implications of PET/CT findings in multiple myeloma (MM), we investigated the mutational characteristics relevant to PET/CT findings using targeted DNA sequencing. Fourteen newly diagnosed patients with MM who underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT at their initial diagnosis were included. For sequencing, a customized panel that covered 80 mutations relevant to MM biology was used. Serial PET/CT and sequencing following first-line treatment were performed in seven patients. The most frequently identified mutant gene was ATM, followed by HUWE1, PABPC1, and TP53. Patients with high diffuse FDG uptake (high DU) in their bone marrow showed a higher tumor burden than those with low diffuse uptake (low DU), and they were likely to have an inferior overall survival. Mutations detected in high DU were associated with various oncogenic pathways relevant to the disease progression of MM. Notably, pathways involving epigenetic regulators were predominantly enriched in patients with high DU. In serial follow-ups, a patient with residual PET/CT findings showed the emergence of new mutations; however, those with complete resolution of PET/CT abnormalities demonstrated improved mutational characteristics. In conclusion, patients with high DU showed diverse mutational characteristics, which may reflect the heterogeneous nature of MM and contribute to inferior survival outcomes.
Application of Computed Tomographic Angiography and a Three-Dimensional Reconstruction Technique for Repairing Facial Skin Defects
Authors: Yang Xiaomin , He Yongjing , Zhu Likun , Teng Zhaowei , Lv Lechun , Luo Haotian , Lu Sheng , Zhu Yun , Wang Jihua 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

To explore the clinical value of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and three-dimensional reconstruction techniques in the repair of facial skin defects. We observed 40 patients with facial trauma or scars repaired by free flap transplantation. To observe the blood vessel diameter, location, direction, variation, branches, the relationships of the vessels with the skin flap, and the surrounding tissue were measured through preoperative CTA and a three-dimensional reconstruction technique of the 23 patients. Superficial temporoparietal, facial, chest, back, and rotary arteriovenous vessels were measured. The time of harvesting the flap, the operation time, and the incidences of the flap blood supply disorder or the flap reoperation were recorded in 40 patients.We found the same vascular anatomy structure characteristics during the actual surgery as in the pre-operative imaging, with no statistically significant differences observed about the 23 patients. And the time of harvesting the flap, the operation time was reduced.No flap reoperation, flap blood supply disorder, or flap necrosis occurred.CTA and three-dimensional reconstruction techniques can accurately reflect origin, termination, diameter, location, direction, variation, branching, and flap anatomy structure characteristics with regard to the superficial temporal, facial, thoracic dorsal, and circumflex scapular arteries and veins. These findings provide a direct digital anatomical basis and guide for surgery.