bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of adding dexmedetomidine to various lidocaine concentrations in the interscalene brachial plexus block for upper limb surgery
Authors: Kolomachenko V.I. , Odynets I.Yu. , Havrykov O.Ye. , Kupin V.I. 
Published: January 2025

Background. The interscalene brachial plexus block is widely used in orthopedic surgery for procedures on the proximal upper limb. However, the main concern remains the systemic toxicity of local anesthetics due to the use of their high concentrations. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to lidocaine solutions of different concentrations in the interscalene brachial plexus block by examining the onset time and duration of motor block and analgesia. Materials and methods. The study included 75 patients who underwent elective upper limb surgery under interscalene brachial plexus block. They were divided into three groups (n = 25 each): control group I (L1%), group II (Dex L1%), and group III (Dex L0.5%). In group I, the brachial plexus block was performed using a 1% lidocaine solution with the addition of 50 mcg of epinephrine (1 : 400,000). In group II, 50 mcg of dexmedetomidine was added to the same solution, while group III (Dex L0.5%) used a 0.5% lidocaine solution combined with 50 mcg of dexmedetomidine. The duration of analgesia, motor function of the upper limb, hemodynamic changes, and side effects were assessed. Results. Preoperatively, the time of complete motor block onset (Me [25 %; 75 %]) in groups L1% and Dex L1% was 12.5 [10.0; 15.0] minutes, which was slightly shorter than in group Dex L0.5% (15.0 [15.0; 20.0] minutes; p = 0.06). The duration of complete motor block was longest in the Dex L1% group (330 [270; 440] minutes) compared to the Dex L0.5% group (305 [235; 348] minutes; p = 0.25) and the L1% group (185 [180; 255] minutes; p < 0.002). The duration of analgesia in the Dex L1% group (460 [330; 480] minutes) was significantly longer than in the Dex L0.5% group (305 [248; 425] minutes; p = 0.35) and the L1% group (270 [210; 333] minutes; p = 0.018), with no statistically significant difference between Dex L0.5% and L1% groups (p = 0.29). The heart rate was significantly reduced at the start and the end of surgery compared to baseline in the Dex L1% and Dex L0.5% groups. Systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced in all groups at all stages compared to baseline. Conclusions. The addition of dexmedetomidine prolongs both motor block and analgesia after interscalene brachial plexus block and allows the lidocaine concentration to be reduced to 0.5 % without compromising efficacy.
Enhanced breathing effort in pulmonary function tests by CO2/O2 gas mixture and barometric whole-body plethysmography in healthy and feline lower airway disease cats
Authors: Chang Wei-Tao , Lo Pei-Ying , Wu Huey-Dong , Chen Hui-Wen , Lin Chung-Hui 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
Enhancing ventilatory effort during pulmonary function testing can help reveal flow limitations not evident in normal tidal breathing. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of using a CO2/O2 gas mixture to enhance tidal breathing with a barometric whole-body plethysmography system in both healthy cats and those with feline lower airway disease (FLAD).

Methods
This prospective study included healthy cats and those with FLAD, which underwent pulmonary function testing and were exposed to a 10% CO2/90% O2 gas mixture in a barometric whole-body plethysmography chamber, with CO2 concentrations maintained within the target range of 5% to 10%.

Results
A total of 10 healthy cats and 15 FLAD cats were included. In healthy cats, tidal volume, minute volume, peak inspiratory flow, and peak expiratory flow per kilogram body weight increased significantly by medians of 4.3-, 3.5-, 3.1-, and 4.0-fold, respectively (P = .005). Cats with FLAD showed similar results, with 4.1-, 3.2-, 2.8-, and 3.7-fold increases (P < .001). Respiratory rate decreased in both healthy (52 to 40 breaths/min; P = .005) and FLAD cats (57 to 45 breaths/min; P = .04) after CO2 enhancement. All cats tolerated the CO2/O2 gas mixture well, with recovery within 60 to 120 seconds after returning to room air.

Conclusions
A CO2/O2 gas mixture successfully enhanced ventilatory variables in tidal breathing analysis and showed good tolerability in both healthy and FLAD cats.

Clinical Relevance
This approach provides a practical option for short-term breathing effort enhancement in cats for clinical settings.
Green Technology Innovation, Green Financing, and Economic Growth in G7 Countries: Implications for Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Elhassan Tomader 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study examines the relationships among green technology innovation, green financing, economic growth, and environmental sustainability in G7 countries using annual data from 1990 to 2022. It uses the cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag model to estimate environmental sustainability through two indicators: ecological footprint and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The CO2 emissions model indicates that green financing negatively affects emissions, highlighting the need to reduce them and promote sustainable practices. Conversely, energy consumption and real GDP per capita (RGDP) positively impact CO2 emissions. Green technology innovation also reduces CO2 emissions, but its short-term effects may be limited owing to initial energy consumption and regulatory challenges. The ecological footprint model demonstrates that, in the long term, green technology innovation helps lower the ecological footprints of G7 countries by promoting infrastructure development and reducing resource consumption. However, short-term constraints and high initial costs hinder this progress. Green financing is essential for achieving long-term sustainability. Energy consumption positively influences the ecological footprint, while short-term RGDP growth increases it. However, long-term RGDP may decline owing to sustainability policies, technological advancements, and effective environmental legislation. These findings underscore the importance of balanced policies that prioritise green finance in the short-term to mitigate environmental impacts while fostering long-term investments in green technology innovation. Additionally, enhancing international cooperation and aligning investments with green objectives are crucial for achieving sustainable prosperity and minimising environmental harm.
New properties of the Intermediate Point from Bonnet Theorem
Authors: Pop Emilia-Loredana , Duca Dorel I. , Raţiu Augusta 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In this paper, the following result is presented: if f, g : [a, b] → ℝ are two continuous functions and f is monotone, then there exists a function ̄c : [a, b] → [a, b] continuous in a with the property:

∫
a
x

f

(
t
)

g

(
t
)

d
t
=
f

(
a
)

∫
a

c
¯

(
x
)

g

(
t
)

d
t
+
f

(
x
)

∫

c
¯

(
x
)

x

g

(
t
)

d
t
,

\int_a^x {f\left( t \right)g\left( t \right){\rm{d}}t = f\left( a \right)\int_a^{\bar c\left( x \right)} {g\left( t \right){\rm{d}}t + f\left( x \right)\int_{\bar c\left( x \right)}^x {g\left( t \right){\rm{d}}t,} } }

for all x ∈ [a, b]. Then, under specified conditions, the function ̄c that is differentiable at point a is presented, and

c
¯

′

(
a
)

\bar c'\left( a \right)

is also calculated.
Ozone decomposition – state of the art and new approaches
Authors: Batakliev Todor , Georgiev Vladimir , Rakovsky Slavcho , Zaikov Gennadi E. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The effective ozone decomposition is still a scientific challenge because of its rising industrial use in global scale. Wide application of high ozone concentrations forces researchers to work on new catalytic systems for ozone removal concerning mostly the surrounding human environment (airplane cabins, copiers, laser printers, sterilizers, etc.). It is not an easy task considering the fact that above concentration of 0.1 mg/m3 the ozone could seriously harm human health. Current studies estimate a huge number of untimely deceased people per year on a global scale as a direct consequence of air pollution. It is imposing to reinforce the efforts in workable ozone decomposition on ground atmospheric layer as an important part of air purification process. This review comprises general look on basic physico-chemical properties of ozone completed by recently reported literature about catalytic ozone destruction. Discussion over kinetics and mechanisms of ozone decomposition reaction will be represented in order to do an attempt to clarify these most outstanding parts of the topic.
Health risks associated with benzene formation in health supplements – An appraisal
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Maithani Mukesh , Gupta Vikas , Yadav Mayank , Bansal Parveen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Benzene, classified as class-1 human carcinogen by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is a well-studied chemical over the century and is directly associated with acute and chronic health effects. Evidences reflect that benzene exposure leads to Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Acute Non-Lymphocytic Leukemia. Benzene may enter food and formulations through various environmental factors and due to inferior manufacturing techniques. Moreover, the formulations containing sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid/citric acid as preservative/constituent of herbal ingredient are at greater risks of benzene contamination by oxidative decarboxylation reaction. Although FDA has set a limit for benzene content in products yet cases with high level have been reported. At the same time the long-term use of formulations, even with permissible limits of benzene, may increase risk of carcinogenicity. Harmful health effects due to environmental and occupational exposures to benzene have been sufficiently reported, however, no such reports for generation of benzene in food and pharmaceutical products exist. There is a need to make the scientific fraternity involved in food products, formulations, and food supplements and to be aware of the undesirable effects of multiple and indiscriminate use of preservatives leading to benzene generation. So, the present manuscript highlights the mechanism of benzene formation in food products/formulations, factors affecting benzene formation, metabolism, toxicity and other health effects.
Hepatoprotective effects of quercetin against natural and chemical toxicities: A review
Authors: Bagheri Sara , Tabeshpour Jamshid , Hosseinzadeh Hossein , Hashemzaei Mahmoud , Karimi Gholamreza 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Liver metabolizes and detoxifies xenobiotics and toxicity in this organ can lead to dysfunctionality. Flavonoids such as quercetin (QRC) have been shown to possess protective effects against different liver disorders. This flavonol exerts its hepatoprotective effects via different mechanisms including increase of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 protein expression, sirtuin 1, thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase and decrease in nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MYD88). The aim of the current review was to examine the possible protective effects of QRC against different natural and chemical toxic agents-induced hepatotoxicity, so that it could be considered as a hepatoprotective agent in clinical trials. Based on a variety of keywords, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Google scholar were searched for all related published literature. Because of insufficient clinical trials on this topic, this review contains only in vivo and in vitro investigations. In this regard, more clinical trials are required to be performed to confirm QRC beneficial properties in human hepatotoxicity. Collectively, QRC could be a promising natural compound in reversing the toxic effects of different toxic agents in the liver.
Cytotoxic profile of different extracts of M. calabura fruits and antiadipogenic activity of ethanol extract in 3T3-L1 cells
Authors: Renjith Mahasenan , Nevin Kottayath Govindan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Lipid accumulation is the root cause of obesity, which is a global epidemic metabolic syndrome affecting all populations worldwide. Due to the deleterious hepatotoxic and cardiotoxic effects of various antiobesity drugs, the attention now turns on to various natural products for low toxic therapeutic molecules against lipid accumulation. Muntingia calabura is a shrub or tree, whose fruits are edible. This study evaluated the possibility of the ethanol extract from fruits of M. calabura as functional food towards reduction of obesity. Anti obesity and cytotoxic activity of this extract was tested in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The in vitro antioxidant activity was also tested colorimetrically. Results showed that the ethanol extract of M. calabura fruits has significant oxygen, hydrogen and DPPH radical scavenging activity in vitro. The extract dose-dependently suppressed adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cell line as indicated by changes in cellular lipid levels evaluated by Oil red O staining. Taken together, these results suggest that the ethanol extract of M. calabura fruits may have antiobesity and antioxidant effects with the potential for use in obesity management in humans.
Toxicity and mutagenic activity of benzophenone isolated from Garcinia brasiliensis fruit in healthy and Schistosoma mansoni infected mice
Authors: Castro Aline Pereira , Giannini Laila Santos Vieira , De Paula Maia Tatieska , Costa Lellis Henrique , Viana André Luiz Machado , Dos Santos Marcelo Henrique , Rodrigues Maria Rita , Couto Flávia Fernanda Bubula , De Oliveira Carine Ervolino , Souza Raquel Lopes Martins , Azevedo Luciana , Marques Marcos José 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
7-epiclusianone (7-epi), a benzophenone isolated from fruits of Garcinia brasiliensis, presents remarkable biological activities as the schistosomicidal. However, there is a need to evaluate the toxic effects of 7-epi by analyzing liver function markers (aspartate-aminotransferase, alanine-aminotransferase, albumin, total proteins, and glucose) and a renal marker (creatinine), and beside that also comet (COM), micronucleus (MN), apoptosis (APOP), and histopathological in vivo analyzes. Although 7-epi at doses of 100.0 and 300.0 mg/kg (for five consecutive days) did not cause biochemical alterations to the male swiss mice (8 weeks old), it was not able to mitigate the damage caused by S. mansoni eggs. In the COM, MN, and APOP assays with marrow and the colon, 7-epi at doses of 10.0, 50.0, and 100.0 mg/kg (for fourteen consecutive days) caused no damage to the DNA and was able to protect the cell from damage caused by doxorubicin (16.0 mg/kg) and N, N’-dimethylhydrazine (30.0 mg/kg) both by peritoneal route for fourteen days. In the histopathological exams, the liver showed no changes in the dose of 100.0 mg/kg of 7-epi, however, some changes were observed in the 300.0 mg/kg dose. The results obtained in these experiments reveal that 7-epi can be used safely for the treatment of murine experimental schistosomiasis.
Effectiveness of zinc supplementation in containing arsenic induced acute toxicity in rat erythrocytes by modulating antioxidant defense system and hematological parameters
Authors: Bhardwaj Payal , Dhawan Devinder Kumar 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Arsenic is a toxic metalloid that can cause adverse effects on physiological systems of animals and human beings. It is one of the major health concerns owing to its exposure through contaminated drinking water. A growing body of evidence also suggests that trace elements, in particular zinc, do exert many positive effects on a number of physiological functions. So, the current study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of zinc supplementation on rat erythrocytes during arsenic induced acute toxicity. Male Wistar rats, weighing 200–250 g were randomly segregated into four groups: Control, Arsenic treated (400 ppm), Zinc treated (227 mg/l ZnSO4.7H2O) and Arsenic+Zinc treated. Various investigations were undertaken to evaluate the role of zinc in conditions of arsenic induced toxicity using parameters, which included antioxidant enzymes and hematological indices. Antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation were altered in the lysates of rat erythrocytes following acute arsenic toxicity. The results clearly showed significant improvement in the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes upon zinc supplementation. Further, hematological parameters showed significant reduction in the levels of total leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes following arsenic treatment, which were normalized upon zinc supplementation. The study highlights the potential role of zinc supplementation in augmenting the key indices of antioxidant defense system of erythrocytes in conditions of arsenic induced toxicity.
Assessing Energy Poverty in the European Union: Indicators, Challenges, and Policy Solutions
Authors: Slutins O. , Zemite L. , Bogdanova O. , Kronkalns D. , Jasevics A. , Palkova K. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A sharp increase in energy prices since 2021 has had a significant impact on the European Union (EU) energy market turning the energy poverty issue into an important concern. Around 42 million EU citizens or 9.3 % of the total population in the Union faced an inability to adequately heat their homes in 2022. It is a clear call for policymakers to seriously address the energy poverty aspects eliminating the negative socio-economic impact. The research aims to analyse the energy poverty concept, its main indicators and affecting factors, identifying the possible solutions for reducing energy poverty, and paying particular attention to vulnerable users. The qualitative methods were used, i.e., the authors conducted a literature review and scrutinized scientific publications, reports and legal acts. As a result of the research, the authors have characterised the energy poverty situation in different countries, identified the main areas for solving the energy poverty challenge, as well as shared experiences of different countries on the solutions taken. The authors conclude that energy poverty has a particular impact on low-income households, children, disabled people, seniors and single mothers, who may have relatively higher energy consumption and limited resources available. In this regard, countries can benefit from such measures as setting a clear definition of energy poverty and its measurable indicators, identification of supported households, on-the-spot consultations and audits, attracting local governments, and non-governmental organisations, as well as improvement of support instruments of renewable energy sources.
Regulation and Organisation of Housing Management Activities in Germany, Poland and Latvia
Authors: Amolina I. , Kundzina A. , Geipele I. , Höller K. , Rajkiewicz A. , Auders M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Multi-dwelling buildings are one of the essential infrastructural elements of a residential area. Therefore, qualitative and professional management of such real estate is of importance. The insufficient investment into maintenance and improvement of housing is stated in Latvian policy planning documents as one of the most significant problems, causing risks for achieving the goal of compliance of the housing fund with energy efficiency, construction, safety and amenity standards.
The article examines the main aspects of management of residential buildings, identifies the related risks and offers solutions for their prevention. The article aims at emphasising the significance of building maintenance and exploring management processes of residential buildings in Latvia, Poland and Germany, making a comparison that helps to understand the housing management regulation and organisational approach in each country and identify their common and differing features.
In the course of the research, the authors of the article review the sources on management activities of residential buildings, identify and assess the management process risks and make a comparative analysis of housing management processes in Latvia, Poland and Germany.
Information regarding the housing management field of the countries examined in the article has been obtained by summarising and analysing the policy documents and regulatory enactments, as well as by interviewing Latvian, Polish and German experts.
When analysing the obtained results, conclusions have been made with regards to political responsibility, legal regulation and professional competence requirements in the field of housing management.
Comparison of Radiation Levels in the Soil and Rocks in the Areas Surrounding Old Phosphate Mine, Russaifa, Jordan
Authors: Alhagaish I. , Afaneh F. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The activity concentrations of the terrestrial naturally occurring radionuclides 214Pb, 214Bi (from 238U series), and 228Ac (from 232Th series) and 40K were measured in soil and rock samples obtained from three sites of the Russaifa mine and its surrounding in the Russaifa region using an HPGe-detector of 20 % relative efficiency. While the soil activity (in Bq/kg) was found to be: 408.63 ± 26, 383.9 ± 4.7, and 383.0 ± 4.0 for 238U, 214Bi, and 214Pb, respectively. The rock activity was found to be 225.4 ± 19, 180.36 ± 3.9, and 179.47 ± 3.1 for 238U, 214Bi, and 214Pb, respectively. Our results reveal that the average activity concentrations in the mine (site 1) are higher than worldwide average values [6] for 238U, 214Pb, and 214Bi. In contrast, the results show that the average absorbed dose rates in the other sites 2 and site 3 are lower than the world average for all radionuclides measured in this study. Also, the average activity concentrations in soil samples 238U, 214Pb, and 214Bi are higher than the average activity concentrations in rock samples in all sites. Furthermore, the average absorbed dose rate (in nGy h-1) was found to be 265.3 for 238U, 233.3 for 214Bi, and 13.3 for 214Pb, respectively, and the average absorbed dose rates for both 228Ac and 40K were below the minimum detectable activity (MDA). Moreover, the average annual effective dose rates in soil and rock samples were estimated. While it is found to be 366.90 µSv for 238U, 306.84 µSv for 214Bi, and 37.58 µSv for lead in soil samples, for the rock samples it is found to be 163.75 µSv for 238U, 105.83 µSv for 214Bi, 13.05 µSv for lead. However, the average annual effective dose rates for 214Bi and 40K in soil and rock samples are below the minimum detectable activity (MDA). The results display that the average outdoor annual effective doses for both 238U and 214Bi are higher than the world average and the average outdoor annual effective dose equivalents for the other radionuclides are lower than the world average. They also show that the average outdoor annual effective doses in soil samples for 238U, 214Pb, and 214Bi are higher than the average outdoor annual effective doses in rock samples.
Optimisation of Solar Trigeneration System
Authors: Snegirjovs A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The development of a solar trigeneration system for households is a complex and difficult task. The development of a rational system requires a multifaceted and balanced solution. Energy technology should be capable of independently and fully satisfying consumer demand and compatible with today’s widely used engineering systems. To ensure broad application and use of the system, it must be sufficiently compact, cost-effective, and easy to install and repair.