bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are You with Us or Against Us?
Authors: Drążkiewicz Elżbieta 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, two contrasting images quickly became representative of the crisis. On the one hand, there were heroic doctors working day and night with the novel virus, risking their lives and making sacrifices to save others. On the other, there were ‘anti-maskers’ and ‘anti-vaxxers’: people doubting if the virus is real, questioning the effectiveness of protective measures, suspicious that the crisis is nothing more than an elaborate plot, a scam aimed to redesign their world and to destroy the values they hold dear. Reflecting on research conducted in Ireland with people separated by the conspiratorial divide, this paper examines some methodological and analytical challenges of doing simultaneous research with opposing stakeholders. Analysing my own entanglements in the conflicts over vaccines and conspiracy theories in this paper I argue that the pandemic was not just a battle to secure the acceptability of specific medical technology (the COVID-19 vaccine) but was also about safeguarding respectability of science and maintaining the rule of experts. It was about preventing ontological turn, the end of the era of reason, a dawn of modernity.
Germany United?
Authors: Campbell Ross 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In the aftermath of unification, studies consistently uncovered differences in trust between citizens of the east and west of Germany. This article examines if this remains the case. It evaluates the trends and individual-level drivers of trust from 1984 to 2018 using data from the German General Social Survey (allbus) showing, first, that Germans are cautiously trusting of institutions, trust is more extensive than at any point since unification, and the differences between the east and west have narrowed; and, second, that trust is shaped by factors that are broadly similar between the two parts of the country. Multivariate models and post-estimation analyses show that trust is steeped in a variety of phenomena, some of which provide it with resilience and durability. The study rejects suggestions that Germany is suffering from a legitimacy crisis and concludes that the project of national integration is more complete than has previously been thought.
Wear resistance of structural steels nitrided in a cyclically switched discharge with dry friction
Authors: Stechyshyn M.S. , Skyba M. Ye. , Martynyuk A.V. , Zdorenko D.V. 
Published: March 2023

The paper examines the method of conducting tribological studies in the dry mode of friction of nitrided and unhardened structural steels 20 and 45 in order to achieve comparable results of laboratory tests with operational characteristics. Preliminary studies of anodized steels of the same steels indicate that under conditions of extreme friction it is extremely difficult, and in some cases impossible, to use such values of specific pressure on the friction surface, at which it would be realistic to compare the results obtained for different samples made of different brands materials and processed using various technological processes. Since during the tests, constant lubrication of the friction zone was ensured, a layer of lubricant was present on the friction surface up to a certain pressure value, which led to extremely small indicators of linear wear. However, depending on the characteristics of the modified surface, there was a critical value of pressure at which the layer of lubricant was squeezed out of the friction zone, which led to instant adhesion of the surfaces. Thus, the study of wear resistance in the dry mode of friction ensures a significantly higher productivity of experiments.
Unlike experiments with limit friction, dry friction can be used for different steels at the same pressure value, which eliminates the problem of comparability of results and contributes to the objectivity of conclusions regarding the effectiveness of various modification processes.
According to the results of previous experiments, such a compromise pressure value can be 16 MPa.
Another important phenomenon for the analysis of the influence of the modification results on the wear resistance characteristics of the surface is established - the effect of relaxation processes in the near-surface layers, which have already acquired structural transformations under the influence of pressure in the friction zone.
For all steels, there is some slowing down of the intensity of wear after a break with a gradual return to the intensity characteristic of a certain brand of steel. The reason for such a phenomenon can only be the relaxation of stresses and the equalization of the characteristics of the structure in the near-surface layers. At the same time, the result is the strengthening of the surface, which explains the decrease in the intensity of the wear process. over time, as the strengthened layer breaks down, the indicators of the surface condition become equal to those before the break and the intensity of wear is restored.
Tolerance study of ExpressTabs for dogs
Authors: YEngashyev Syergyey , Engasheva Ekaterina , Novikov Denis , Nikanorova Anna , Mironenko Aleksey 
Published: March 2023

Parasitic diseases of dogs remain quite common throughout the Russian Federation, which creates the need for constant monitoring, prevention and treatment.
The drug ExpressTabs developed by NVC Agrovetzashchita LLC is complex and multicomponent. Available in four modifications containing as active ingredients: spinosad, praziquantel, moxidectin and excipients.
The aim of the study was to study the tolerability of ExpressTabs with its repeated daily use for 5 days in dogs at therapeutic and double therapeutic doses.
Materials and methods. To study the tolerance of ExpressTabs, 3 groups of dogs were formed, 10 animals each (2 experimental and 1 control), (outbred individuals, average weight 23 kg.)
Results and conclusions. The conducted studies allow us to conclude that daily multiple oral administration of the drug for 5 days to dogs in a therapeutic dose does not adversely affect the general condition of the animals, does not change the body temperature, morphological composition and biochemical parameters of the blood of animals.
Repeated administration of the drug to dogs at a twice increased therapeutic dose daily for 5 days in 30% of cases has a toxic effect, expressed by signs of poisoning, which completely disappear without medical intervention within 24…48 hours.
Based on the results of the conducted studies, it can be concluded that the drug ExpressTabs for dogs is safe when administered in therapeutic doses.
Civil law contract as a document
Authors: Chalyi Yu. I. 
Published: March 2023

Based on the analysis of current Ukrainian legislation, practice of its application, provisions of civil law doctrine and documentary studies, it has been identified the general features of civil law contracts as documents. The need to develop theoretical provisions on a contract as a document is caused by insufficient research of these issues in the science of civil law.
The definition of the features of a contract-document is based on the principle of “from the general to the special”: first, the constitutive features of documents as such are established, and then these features are extrapolated to contracts when the latter are considered as documents. An agreement, as well as any other document, is characterized by attributability, stability of material (tangible) form, structural integrity, semantic content, completeness of the message and functionality. The specific distinction of a contract as a document is most evident when considering the substantive information that this document records. Such information includes data on subjects of civil law who acquire legal roles of "parties to the contract" in the contractual process and are recognized in it by means of special identification techniques, as well as data on the type of bilateral or multilateral transaction performed by these parties. Establishing such information makes it possible to qualify the legal relationship that has arisen between the parties properly and determine an adequate legal regime for its regulation. Based on the features (properties) of a contract as a document discussed in the article, it has been formulated its definitional description: a contract-document is a written act whose main purpose is to record, preserve and transmit in time and space information about the agreement reached by two or more parties aimed at establishing, changing or terminating civil rights and obligations. The conclusions that have been drawn in this article can be used in the educational process and legal practice.
Development of Dry Walnut Shell Edible Film Plasticized with Glycerol and/or Sorbitol and Incorporated with Aloe Vera Gel and Lemon Essential Oil
Authors: Girgin Berika , Tugrul Nurcan 
Published: March 2023

Edible packaging films produced from biomaterials are environmentally friendly, promising alternatives against synthetic plastics films. The aim of this study was to produce a low-cost edible film from waste dry walnut shell by casting method. Effects of the plasticizer type and concentration, lemon essential oil (LEO) and aloe vera gel (AVG) addition on edible films properties were investigated. Produced edible films characterization analysis were realized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Moisture content, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), water solubility, swelling index, thicknesses and color parameters of the produced edible films were investigated. Moisture content of the films was decreased between 23.3–50.6% after LEO and AVG addition, except the moisture content of the film plasticized with 20% sorbitol was increased by 518%. WVTR of the films were increased between 8.7–72.3% after LEO and AVG addition due to the hydrophobic character of LEO. Glycerol plasticized edible films water solubility were decreased between 27.3–75.9%, sorbitol plasticized edible films water solubility were increased between 237.5–100.8% with LEO and AVG incorporation. The swelling index of C1 was reduced by 51.5%, C2 was reduced by 62.4%, C4 was reduced by 36.1%. The swelling index of the C3 was increased by 10.5%, C5 was increased by 21.5%. LEO and AVG addition increased to the film thickness maximum 79.2%. Total color changes (ΔE) of glycerol plasticized films were higher than sorbitol plasticized film. The edible film produced can be used in food packaging due to the appropriate physical and barrier properties.
Evaluation of the Incidental Prevalence of Soft Tissue Calcifications in the Neck Region with Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: İSPİR Nebiha Gözde , PEKER İlkay , TORAMAN ALKURT Meryem 
Published: March 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the incidental prevalence of heterotopic soft tissue calcifications in the neck region, on Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images, and their relationship with age and sex.
Methods: A total of 6620 CBCT images were examined. CBCT images of 503 patients aged between 20 and 86 years were included in the study. Patients were grouped into five age groups: 20-30 (N = 132), 31-40 (N = 68), 41-50 (N = 92), 51-60 (N = 104), and 61 and above (N = 107). The images were assessed according to the presence of lymph node calcification, carotid artery calcification, thyroid cartilage, and triticeous cartilage calcification in the neck region. Descriptive statistics, crosstabs, and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. The significance level was set to 0.05
Results: At least one calcification was detected in 372 (73.9%) patients. The difference between the prevalence of each calcification according to age groups was statistically significant. A significant relationship was found between the presence of carotid artery calcification and the sex variable (p< .05). The presence of other calcifications did not show statistically significant differences associated with sex (p> .05).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed a significant amount of soft tissue calcification in the neck region. The most common calcifications were thyroid cartilage calcifications, and the least common calcification was lymph node calcification.
Identifying molecular and functional similarities and differences between human primary cardiac valve interstitial cells and ventricular fibroblasts
Authors: Floy Martha E. , Shabnam Fathima , Givens Sophie E. , Patil Vaidehi A. , Ding Yunfeng , Li Grace , Roy Sushmita , Raval Amish N. , Schmuck Eric G. , Masters Kristyn S. , Ogle Brenda M. , Palecek Sean P. 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells that predominantly produce and maintain the extracellular matrix (ECM) and are critical mediators of injury response. In the heart, valve interstitial cells (VICs) are a population of fibroblasts responsible for maintaining the structure and function of heart valves. These cells are regionally distinct from myocardial fibroblasts, including left ventricular cardiac fibroblasts (LVCFBs), which are located in the myocardium in close vicinity to cardiomyocytes. Here, we hypothesize these subpopulations of fibroblasts are transcriptionally and functionally distinct.Methods: To compare these fibroblast subtypes, we collected patient-matched samples of human primary VICs and LVCFBs and performed bulk RNA sequencing, extracellular matrix profiling, and functional contraction and calcification assays.Results: Here, we identified combined expression of SUSD2 on a protein-level, and MEOX2, EBF2 and RHOU at a transcript-level to be differentially expressed in VICs compared to LVCFBs and demonstrated that expression of these genes can be used to distinguish between the two subpopulations. We found both VICs and LVCFBs expressed similar activation and contraction potential in vitro, but VICs showed an increase in ALP activity when activated and higher expression in matricellular proteins, including cartilage oligomeric protein and alpha 2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein, both of which are reported to be linked to calcification, compared to LVCFBs.Conclusion: These comparative transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional studies shed novel insight into the similarities and differences between valve interstitial cells and left ventricular cardiac fibroblasts and will aid in understanding region-specific cardiac pathologies, distinguishing between primary subpopulations of fibroblasts, and generating region-specific stem-cell derived cardiac fibroblasts.
Nose-to-brain delivery of self-assembled curcumin-lactoferrin nanoparticles: Characterization, neuroprotective effect and in vivo pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Li Linghui , Tan Liwei , Zhang Qian , Cheng Yushan , Liu Yayuan , Li Rui , Hou Shuguang 
Published: March 2023

Curcumin (CUR) is a natural polyphenol extract with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which indicates its great potential for neuroprotection. Lactoferrin (LF), a commonly used oral carrier and targeting ligand, has not been reported as a multifunctional nanocarrier for nose-to-brain delivery. This study aims to develop a nose-to-brain delivery system of curcumin-lactoferrin nanoparticles (CUR-LF NPs) and to further evaluate the neuroprotective effects in vitro and brain accumulation in vivo. Herein, CUR-LF NPs were prepared by the desolvation method with a particle size of 84.8 ± 6.5 nm and a zeta potential of +22.8 ± 4.3 mV. The permeability coefficient of CUR-LF NPs (4.36 ± 0.79 × 10−6 cm/s) was 50 times higher than that of CUR suspension (0.09 ± 0.04 × 10−6 cm/s) on MDCK monolayer, indicating that the nanoparticles could improve the absorption efficiency of CUR in the nasal cavity. Moreover, CUR-LF NPs showed excellent protection against Aβ25-35-induced nerve damage in PC12 cells. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed that the brain-targeting efficiency of CUR-LF NPs via IN administration was 248.1%, and the nose-to-brain direct transport percentage was 59.7%. Collectively, nose-to-brain delivery of CUR-LF NPs is capable of achieving superior brain enrichment and potential neuroprotective effects.
Changes in bone quality after switching from a TDF to a TAF based ART: A pilot randomized study
Authors: Soldado-Folgado Jade , Rins-Lozano Oriol , Arrieta-Aldea Itziar , Gonzále-Mena Alicia , Cañas-Ruano Esperanza , Knobel Hernando , Garcia-Giralt Natalia , Güerri-Fernández Robert 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundThe impact of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) antiretroviral (ART) regimens on bone health has been characterized mostly by bone mineral density (BMD), but recently also by bone quality (BQ). The aim of this pilot study is to assess the changes in BMD and BQ after switch from TDF to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) ART.MethodsHIV individuals receiving TDF-based ART were randomized to switch to Bictegravir-TAF-Emtricitabine or to remain in the same regimen. At baseline and 24-weeks after randomization, participants underwent bone mineral density (BMD) by DXA and BQ assessment using bone microindentation, a validated technique that measures bone tissue quality expressed as bone material strength index (BMSi). A panel of plasma bone turnover biomarkers were measured by ELISA at the same time-points. Values are expressed as median [interquartile range] and non-parametric tests were used where appropriate.ResultsA total of 24 HIV individuals were included in the study, 19 of which were men (80%). Median age at baseline was 43 years (IQR 38-54). Half of individuals were allocated in the TDF group while the other half changed to TAF treatment. No differences at baseline between both groups were detected in any parameter. Non-significant changes nor in lumbar or femoral BMD at week 24 was found in any regimen. In contrast, there was an increase in BMSi in the TAF arm at 24 weeks, and thus an improvement in BQ[81.6 (79-83) to 86 (80-88) (+5.1%);p=0.041], whereas the TDF arm remained stable from 82 (76-85) at baseline to 82 (73-83);p=0.812. Hence, at week 24 there were significant differences in BQ between arms (p=0.049). A reduction in bone formation markers was found at week 24 in both regimens: N-terminal propeptide of type-1 collagen decreased a 20% (-35 - -0.6); p=0.031 with TAF and -16% (-25 - -5); p=0.032 with TDF. Also a decrease in bone resorption marker C-telopeptide with TAF was detected [-10% (-19 - -5);p=0.028] but not with TDF (p=0.232), suggesting a less metabolically active bone after switching to TAF.ConclusionA bone quality improvement was found after switching from a TDF to a TAF based ART independently of BMD, suggesting that the bone health benefits of TAF may extend beyond BMD. Future research should be directed to confirm these findings and to identify the underlying mechanisms of ART related bone toxicity.
Relationship between serum iPTH and peritonitis episodes in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Zhao Zihao , Yan Qianqian , Li Duopin , Li Guangpu , Cai Jingjing , Pan Shaokang , Duan Jiayu , Liu Dongwei , Liu Zhangsuo 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundPeritonitis is considered as one of the most serious complications that cause hospitalization in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). There is limited evidence on the impact of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) on the first peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis episode. We aimed to investigate the influence of serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) on peritonitis in patients undergoing PD.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study. Patients undergoing initial CAPD from a single center in China were enrolled. The baseline characteristics and clinical information were recorded. The primary outcome of interest was the occurrence of the first PD-associated peritonitis episode. Five Cox proportional hazard models were constructed in each group set. In group set 1, all participants were divided into three subgroups by tertiles of the serum concentration of iPTH; in group set 2, all participants were divided into three subgroups based on the serum concentration of iPTH with 150 pg/ml interval (&lt;150, 150–300, and &gt;300 pg/ml). Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each model. The multivariate linear regression analysis elimination procedure assessed the association between the clinical characteristics at baseline and the iPTH levels. Restricted cubic spline models were constructed, and stratified analyses were also conducted.ResultsA total of 582 patients undergoing initial PD (40% women; mean age, 45.1 ± 11.5 years) from a single center in China were recruited. The median follow-up duration was 25.3 months. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that, in the fully adjusted model, a higher serum iPTH level (tertile 3, iPTH &gt;300 pg/ml) was significantly associated with a higher risk of PD-associated peritonitis at 3 years [tertile 3: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.53, 95%CI = 1.03–2.55, p = 0.03; iPTH &gt; 300 pg/ml: HR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.08–2.27, p = 0.02]. The hazard ratio for every 100 pg/ml increase in serum iPTH level was 1.12 (95%CI = 1.05–1.20, p &lt; 0.01) in the total cohort when treating iPTH as a continuous variable.ConclusionsAn elevated iPTH level was significantly associated with an increased risk of peritonitis in patients undergoing CAPD.
Prediction of multiglandular parathyroid disease in primary hyperparathyroidism using ultrasound and clinical features
Authors: Luo Yanwen , Jin Siqi , He Yudi , Fang Song , Wang Ou , Liao Quan , Li Jianchu , Jiang Yuxin , Zhu Qingli , Liu He 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundIdentification of multigland disease (MGD) in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients is essential for minimally invasive surgical decision-making.ObjectiveTo develop a nomogram based on US findings and clinical factors to predict MGD in PHPT patients.Materials and MethodsPatients with PHPT who underwent surgery between March 2021 and January 2022 were consecutively enrolled. Biochemical and clinicopathologic data were recorded. US images were analyzed to extract US features. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors for MGD. The nomogram was constructed based on the factors. Nomogram performance was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, the Hosmer–Lemeshow test, and decision curve analysis.ResultsA total of 102 PHPT patients were included. 82 (80.4%) had the single-gland disease (SGD) and 20 (19.6%) had MGD. Using multivariate analysis, the MGD was positively correlated with age (OR = 1.033, 96%CI = 0.985-1.092), PTH level (OR = 1.001, 95% CI = 1.000–1.002), MEN-1 (OR = 29.730, 95% CI = 3.089-836.785), US size (OR = 1.198, 95% CI = 0.647–2.088) and US texture (cystic-solid) (OR = 5.357, 95% CI = 0.499–62.912). And negatively correlated with gender (OR = 0.985, 95% CI = 0.190–4.047), calcium level (OR = 0.453, 95% CI = 0.070–2.448), and symptoms(yes) (OR = 0.935, 95%CI = 0.257–3.365). The nomogram showed good discrimination with an AUC of 0.77 (0.68-0.85) and good agreement for predicting MGD in PHPT patients. And 65 points was recommended as a cut-off value with a specificity of 0.94 and a sensitivity of 0.50.ConclusionUS provided useful features for evaluating MGD. Combining the US and clinical features in a nomogram showed good diagnostic performance for predicting MGD.