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Objective: The aim of the study was to assess prognostic value and diagnostic accuracy of the universal and adapted GerontoNet ADR risk score in prediction of risk of adverse drugs reactions (ADRs) among hospitalized older adult (≥65 years old) patients with cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Methods: The study design - retrospective observational study on diagnostic accuracy. Medical records of 113 patients over 65 years old with CV diseases were analyzed. Demographic, history, comorbidities, diaries, clinical, laboratory, and instrumental data, prescription sheets were retrieved. To evaluate the risk of ADRs, prescription sheets from the medical histories were analyzed using the "GerontoNet ADR Risk" scale, specialized and validated risk stratification scale "GerontoNet ADR Risk." We used ROC analysis for assessment of diagnostic accuracy of GERONTONET ADR score and calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. Results: History of adverse drug reactions ADRs was noted in 2 (1.76%) patients. During hospitalization, ADRs were identified in 26 patients (23%). An increase in transaminase levels above 2 upper limits during treatment was observed in 7 patients (6.19%), confusion, speech slowness, coordination problems, and drowsiness were noted in 9 patients (7.96%), bradycardia occurred in 5 (4.42%), and electrolyte disturbances in 5 (4.42%), and renal dysfunction was noted in 3 (2.6%). GerontoNet ADR score had a significant prognostic value in identification of adverse reactions development (OR- 10.41, 95% CI 3.53-30.75, p < 0.001) and strong diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0 0.88, 95% CI, 0.83-0.89) based on the ROC curve. Sensitivity and specificity analyses of the GerontoNet scale for predicting the risk of ADRs in our study showed that the sensitivity of the scale was 80.77% and the specificity was 71.26%, positive predictive value (PV) of this - 45.65% and negative PV - 92.5% of cases. The accuracy of the scale was 73.45%. Conclusion: The study concluded that the GerontoNet scale demonstrates good sensitivity and specificity and can be used as a tool for identifying patients at high risk of ADRs, allowing timely therapy adjustments to optimize pharmacotherapy and reduce the severity of these reactions. Therefore, broader application of the GerontoNet ADR Risk scale is advisable for older adult patients with CV diseases.

This paper presents the results of a study on the morphology, structure, and luminescent properties of ceramics synthesized in the radiation field of MeWO4 compositions (where Me is Mg, Ca, and Zn). The synthesis of ceramics was carried out by the direct action of the electron flux on an initial mixture of powders of the given stoichiometric composition. WO3, ZnO, MgO, and CaO powders with particle sizes in the range of 1–50 microns were used for the synthesis of the samples. It was found that the yield of the radiation synthesis reaction (the ratio of the mass of the sample and the charge used), when treated with an electron flux with an energy of 1.4 MeV and a flux power density of 15–18 kW/cm2, was in the range of 75–99%. The synthesis of all compositions was carried out under the same radiation treatment modes, although the melting temperatures of the starting materials varied significantly and ranged from 1473 °C (WO3) to 2825 °C (MgO). The study of the ceramic structure showed that under the radiation effect of powerful radiation fluxes on the charge, a crystalline phase of the appropriate composition formed, regardless of the synthesis modes. The results of XRD studies show that during the radiation treatment of the charge, ceramics are formed mainly with the crystalline phases ZnWO4, MgWO4, and CaWO4. These resulting MeWO4 ceramics can be used for the same purposes as crystals. Photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL) were studied under excitation using stationary ultraviolet radiation and nanosecond pulses of electron flux. In general, the PL and CL of synthesized ceramic samples ZnWO4, MgWO4, and CaWO4 showed that their luminescent properties are similar to those of luminescence in corresponding crystalline materials. This indicates the formation of a crystalline phase in synthesized ceramic samples.

Background: Sustainable and healthy food choices have usually been studied by investigating either consumer choices concerning one product or product group. To investigate dietary patterns are more complex but may be more useful to promote dietary changes among consumers. Objectives: To identify existing dietary patterns, and to investigate the importance of personality traits, food choice motives, and sociodemographic variables in adopting these patterns. Methods: A food frequency questionnaire and principal component analysis were used to identify dietary patterns. The importance of food choice motives, sociodemographics, and personality traits were investigated by using ordinary least squares. The personality traits were measured by the Big Five model, and food choice motives were measured by a set of twelve food values. Results: Three patterns were found and labelled as sustainable, traditional, and unsustainable. The sustainable pattern was positively associated with respondents who were younger, married, females, and having higher income and education. It was also positively associated with openness to experience, conscientiousness, and perceived environmental impact, and it was negatively associated with convenience and price. Value: The results may be used to target consumer groups for information and marketing activities.

The quality of synthesized materials is affected by various factors such as the prehistory of substances used and the synthesis technology. Most methods for synthesizing luminescent ceramics based on metal oxides rely on high-temperature heating to facilitate the necessary exchange of elements between precursor particles. However, a promising alternative method involves the direct application of a powerful high-energy radiation flux, which stimulates different processes. The formation of ceramics through this method occurs in a highly ionized medium, which may produce different results from those achieved through thermal exposure. This paper reports the findings of a study that explores the relationship between the morphology and luminescent properties of YAG:Ce ceramics and the characteristics of Y2O3 and Al2O3 oxides used in the synthesis, such as dispersity and activator concentration. The results indicate that the morphology of the synthesized ceramic samples is significantly affected by the dispersity of the powder mixture used.

Carbon nanohorns (CNHs) are attractive for various applications, where a high specific surface area and long dispersion stability in water are important. In the present work, we study these parameters of CNHs prepared by arc evaporation of graphite depending on the conditions of the synthesis and subsequent oxidation in air. It is shown that the addition of toluene in the reactor during the arcing allows obtaining CNHs functionalized with −CHx groups. Heating of CNHs in air at 400 °C leads to substitution of −CHx groups for oxygen-containing groups. Moreover, the CNH endcaps are opened at 500 °C, and as a result, the specific surface area of CNHs increases 4 times. Aqueous suspensions with a concentration of oxidized CNHs of 100 µg/mL are stable for 8 months.

El presente trabajo se desarrolló en el laboratorio de Fitopatología Vegetal de La Unidad Científico Tecnológica de Base Los Palacios. Con el objetivo de estudiar la actividad antifúngica de cuatro formulados de quitosana Q (100, 500, 1000 mg.L-1) y quitosana + cobre (QCu-100 mg.L-1), en el crecimiento micelial y esporulación in vitro del hongo Pyricularia grisea Sacc. Los resultados mostraron que solo la quitosana a la concentración de 1000 mg.L-1 y QCu-100 mg.L-1 indujeron mayor efecto inhibitorio a los cuatro días de la aplicación, que resultó ser de 27-30 %; no ocurrió lo mismo en el caso de la esporulación, que fue inhibida al 100 % por el QCu, mientras que la quitosana a la concentración de 100 y 500 mg.L-1 desarrolló porcentajes de inhibición comprendidos entre 80 y 96 % el centro y la periferia de la colonia, respectivamente. Adicionalmente, la quitosana, con una concentración mayor (1000 mg.L-1), no produjo un efecto inhibitorio notable en la esporulación.

La estimulación de mecanismos de defensa en plantas, mediante la utilización de productos bioactivos, es una de las vías más ecológicas y dinámicas que les permiten defenderse del ataque de patógenos. Entre los elicitores capaces de provocar esta inducción se encuentra el hidrolizado de quitosana, el cual se obtuvo en el Departamento de Fisiología y Bioquímica Vegetal del Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agrícolas (INCA). En este trabajo se determinó el efecto de un hidrolizado de quitosana aplicado a la semilla, en la estimulación de algunas enzimas relacionadas con la patogénesis, tales como PAL, glucanasa, quitinasa y quitosanasa en plantas de arroz (var. J-104). Se observó que con la aplicación de este compuesto hubo una inducción de la actividad de las diferentes enzimas. Los valores mayores de actividad de las enzimas PAL y ¿¿1,3 glucanasa se registraron a la concentración de 500 mg.L- 1 y en las enzimas quitinasa y quitosanasa a la concentración de 100 mg.L-1. Se demostró que con concentraciones menores de 1 000 mg.L-1, se logra mayor estimulación de la actividad de las enzimas evaluadas.

La aplicación de elicitores es uno de los métodos más ecológicos y económicos para el control de plagas y enfermedades. La quitosana es un elicitor que tiene la capacidad de estimular mecanismos defensivos en las plantas, las cuales van a conferir resistencia a enfermedades. En el trabajo se presentan los primeros resultados logrados en Cuba en el empleo de elicitores quitinosos en el cultivo del arroz, en particular de la quitosana obtenida en el Departamento de Fisiología y Bioquímica Vegetal del Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agrícolas (INCA). Durante la investigación se determinó in vivo el efecto de este compuesto aplicado a la semilla, en la estimulación de algunas enzimas defensivas como la PAL, glucanasa, quitinasa y quitosanasa en plantas de arroz (variedad J-104). Se observó el mayor incremento de la actividad de estas enzimas en las plantas tratadas con respecto al control. La mejor dosis utilizada fue 1000 mg.L-1.

En la Estación Experimental del Arroz "Los Palacios", perteneciente al Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agrícolas (INCA), se realizó el presente trabajo, donde se estudió el efecto de algunos derivados de quitina (quitosana y su hidrolizado) y su combinación con cobre al 0.01 %, en el crecimiento y la esporulación in vitro del hongo Pyricularia grisea Sacc., agente causal de la Piriculariosis, enfermedad limitante en la producción arrocera a escala mundial, en la cual el inóculo inicial lo constituyen los conidios. Se sumergió durante 15 minutos un disco de micelio de 8 mm de diámetro en cada tratamiento y posteriormente se midió el diámetro de la colonia a los tres, cinco y siete días, al cabo de los cuales se contó elnúmero de conidios con ayuda de una cámara de conteo; se observó, además, la distribución espacial de la esporulación en la colonia. Los resultados mostraron que tanto la quitosana como el hidrolizado de quitosana a una concentración de 100 mg.L-1 y sus combinaciones con el cobre no ejercieron un efecto significativo sobre el crecimiento micelial de P. grisea, mientras que sí inhibieron la esporulación del patógeno entre 70 y 85 %; la escasa esporulación obtenida en los tratamientos correspondientes a las quitosanas se dispersaba hacia la periferia de la colonia, mientras que en el control se agrupaba hacia el centro. Estos resultados permiten inferir la posibilidad del empleo de las quitosanas a bajas concentraciones en la reducción del inóculo inicial de la enfermedad en el campo.

Algunos derivados de la soya se han utilizado como medio de cultivo para Bradyrhizobium, demostrándose su efecto positivo sobre la dinámica de crecimiento de estos microorganismos, así como su poder inductor sobre la expresión de los genes de nodulación. El presente trabajo se llevó a cabo en el Departamento de Fisiología y Bioquímica Vegetal, perteneciente al Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agrícolas (INCA), donde se realizó la caracterización química del grano molido y la torta desgrasada de soya, a los cuales se les realizaron tres extracciones sucesivas con solventes de polaridad creciente. Se realizó el correspondiente tamizaje fitoquímico y posteriormente se cuantificaron las proteínas y los carbohidratos reductores. Se observó en ambos materiales la presencia de triterpenos, esteroides, quinonas, agrupamientos lactónicos, aminoácidos, aminas, lípidos, aceites, carbohidratos reductores, mucílagos, flavonoides y proteínas. La cuantificación de proteínas y carbohidratos reductores evidenció que el grano molido exhibe mayor concentración de ambos compuestos que la torta desgrasada.

La quitosana y sus derivados reducen marcadamente el crecimiento micelial de algunos hongos con un mayor efecto inhibitorio a elevadas concentraciones. El efecto fungistático y fungicida in vitro de la quitosana y el hidrolizado de quitosana fue investigado sobre el hongo Pyricularia grisea. El experimento se realizó en el laboratorio de Microbiología del Departamento de Fisiología y Bioquímica Vegetal del Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agrícolas (INCA). Se encontró que ambos principios activos reducen el crecimiento radial del micelio del hongo con diferencias significativas entre los tratamientos. Las mejores concentraciones utilizadas fueron 1000 mg.L-1 para la quitosana, 500 y 1000 mg.L-1 para el hidrolizado de quitosana, pues en todas las evaluaciones realizadas se observó total inhibición. Además, se demostró el efecto biocida de estas concentraciones.

The phytopathogenic fungus Drechslera tritici-repentis causes tan spot, an important disease of wheat in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. Twelve D. tritici-repentis isolates were obtained from wheat seeds from different locations in the state. Their colony morphology on potato dextrose agar and polymorphisms in genomic DNA by the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method were investigated. For the RAPD method, 23 primers were tested of which nine were selected for use in the study of D. tritici-repentis polymorphisms. The degree of similarity between isolates was calculated using a simple matching coefficient and dendrograms constructed by the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetical averages (UPGMA). The morphological and RAPD analyses showed intraspecific polymorphisms within the isolates, but it was not possible to establish a relationship between these polymorphisms and the geographical regions from where the host seeds were collected.

Muchas especies botánicas muestran una acción reguladora sobre un gran número de plagas y enfermedades. Este efecto se ha atribuido a la presencia de un grupo de metabolitos secundarios en las diferentes partes de las plantas que les confieren una protección natural; por ello se estudia la posibilidad que sean utilizados en el manejo integrado de plagas y enfermedades. En este trabajo se obtuvieron extractos hidroalcohólicos de las especies vegetales: aroma amarilla (Acacia farnesiana), escoba amarga (Parthenium hysterophorus) y salvia cimarrona (Pluchea carlinensis). Se les realizó el correspondiente análisis químico cualitativo mediante un tamizaje fitoquímico y se determinó el efecto antifúngico de cada extracto sobre cuatro hongos fitopatógenos mediante el porcentaje de inhibición del crecimiento micelial en el tiempo. Se encontró que los tres extractos tienen elevada actividad antifúngica sobre el hongo Pyricularia grisea y Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae y la actividad para el resto de los hongos depende del tipo de extracto y el tiempo de evaluación. Adicionalmente, se comprobó que todos los extractos tenían en su composición química metabolitos de reconocida actividad antimicrobiana

En la granja de semilla Cubanacán perteneciente al CAI Arrocero "Los Palacios", durante tres épocas poco lluviosas y tres lluviosas, desde 2000 hasta 2002, se desarrolló un estudio del manejo de agua en un sistema de riego ingeniero con cascada, para conocer su efecto en la conductividad eléctrica del extracto de saturación del suelo y el rendimiento del cultivo. Los resultados mostraron una disminución significativa en el rendimiento agrícola y un incremento en la conductividad eléctrica del suelo, cuando el riego se manejó en terrazas con cascada (pendiente), encontrándose diferencias significativas entre las dos primeras y la última terraza.

En la Estación Experimental del Arroz "Los Palacios", se desarrolló un experimento en el período comprendido de 1996 al 2001, para conocer el efecto de la soca en el rendimiento agrícola con una variedad de arroz de ciclo medio. Los resultados arrojaron que en la medida que los cortes en el retoño fueron más bajos, comparados con el control, se alcanzó un rendimiento inferior respecto al cultivo principal (primera cosecha); similar comportamiento presentó el índice de área foliar (IAF). Se redujo el ciclo de retoño respecto al cultivo de la primera cosecha en un rango de tiempo entre 45 y 60 días.

Population migration has played an important role in human evolutionary history and in the patterning of human genetic variation. A deeper and empirically-based understanding of human migration dynamics is needed in order to interpret genetic and archaeological evidence and to accurately reconstruct the prehistoric processes that comprise human evolutionary history. Current empirical estimates of migration include either short time frames (i.e. within one generation) or partial knowledge about migration, such as proportion of migrants or distance of migration. An analysis of migration that includes both proportion of migrants and distance, and direction over multiple generations would better inform prehistoric reconstructions. To evaluate human migration, we use GPS coordinates from the place of residence of the Yemeni individuals sampled in our study, their birthplaces and their parents' and grandparents' birthplaces to calculate the proportion of migrants, as well as the distance and direction of migration events between each generation. We test for differences in these values between the generations and identify factors that influence the probability of migration. Our results show that the proportion and distance of migration between females and males is similar within generations. In contrast, the proportion and distance of migration is significantly lower in the grandparents' generation, most likely reflecting the decreasing effect of technology. Based on our results, we calculate the proportion of migration events (0.102) and mean and median distances of migration (96 km and 26 km) for the grandparent's generation to represent early times in human evolution. These estimates can serve to set parameter values of demographic models in model-based methods of prehistoric reconstruction, such as approximate Bayesian computation. Our study provides the first empirically-based estimates of human migration over multiple generations in a developing country and these estimates are intended to enable more precise reconstruction of the demographic processes that characterized human evolution.

The research object is the activity-based learning theory. The purpose of the study is to prove the assumption that the subject-object approach as a direction of the learning theory is the most effective one in the context of development of modern paradigms of linguistic education. The authors believe that the main content of the learning activity should be the learning of generalized modes of action in the field of scientific concepts and the qualitative changes in the intellectual and psychological development of the student that occur on this basis. The design of the academic subject as an object of learning activity should put the student into an active position based on the principle of combination of theory and practice. The study investigates the essential difference of the learning problem from other problems, which lies in the fact that its goal and result is to change the acting subject, rather than the objects with which the learning subject interacts. The authors present a theoretical and conceptual model of developing linguistic competence, which is based on the subject-object approach as a direction of the activity-based learning theory.

This paper presents the results of a study on the morphology, structure, and luminescent properties of ceramics synthesized in the radiation field of MeWO4 compositions (where Me is Mg, Ca, and Zn). The synthesis of ceramics was carried out by the direct action of the electron flux on an initial mixture of powders of the given stoichiometric composition. WO3, ZnO, MgO, and CaO powders with particle sizes in the range of 1–50 microns were used for the synthesis of the samples. It was found that the yield of the radiation synthesis reaction (the ratio of the mass of the sample and the charge used), when treated with an electron flux with an energy of 1.4 MeV and a flux power density of 15–18 kW/cm2, was in the range of 75–99%. The synthesis of all compositions was carried out under the same radiation treatment modes, although the melting temperatures of the starting materials varied significantly and ranged from 1473 °C (WO3) to 2825 °C (MgO). The study of the ceramic structure showed that under the radiation effect of powerful radiation fluxes on the charge, a crystalline phase of the appropriate composition formed, regardless of the synthesis modes. The results of XRD studies show that during the radiation treatment of the charge, ceramics are formed mainly with the crystalline phases ZnWO4, MgWO4, and CaWO4. These resulting MeWO4 ceramics can be used for the same purposes as crystals. Photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL) were studied under excitation using stationary ultraviolet radiation and nanosecond pulses of electron flux. In general, the PL and CL of synthesized ceramic samples ZnWO4, MgWO4, and CaWO4 showed that their luminescent properties are similar to those of luminescence in corresponding crystalline materials. This indicates the formation of a crystalline phase in synthesized ceramic samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel–cobalt sulfide is a promising material for supercapacitor positive electrodes due to its high theoretical capacitance. Herein, the electrochemical properties of nickel–cobalt sulfide nanostructures synthesized via a two‐stage hydrothermal method are investigated and the synthesis conditions to achieve high mass loading while maintaining high specific capacitance are determined. The nanostructural morphology and effective mass loading of the electrodes (≈10 mg cm−2) enable the achievement of a high specific capacitance value of 8.1 F cm−2 at a current density of 5 mA cm−2. A hybrid capacitor is made using optimized nickel–cobalt sulfide electrodes as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode. The device exhibits a maximum operation potential window of 1.75 V and an energy density of 51.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 262.5 W kg−1. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the device maintains a capacitance retention rate of 95% after 10 000 charge–discharge cycles within a working voltage of 1.8 V. High electrochemical performances compared with others devices‐based water electrolytes make it promising for the energy storage device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, heterostructured photocatalysts have gained significant attention in the field of photocatalysis due to their superior properties compared to single photocatalysts. One of the key advantages of heterostructured photocatalysts is their ability to enhance charge separation and broaden the absorption spectrum, thereby improving photocatalytic efficiency. Zinc oxide is a widely used n-type semiconductor with a proper photoelectrochemical activity. In this study, zinc oxide nanorod arrays were synthesized, and then the surfaces of ZnO nanorods were modified with the p-type semiconductor Co3O4 to create a p–n junction heterostructure. A significant increase in the photocurrent for the ZnO/Co3O4 composite, of 4.3 times, was found compared to pure ZnO. The dependence of the photocurrent on the morphology of the ZnO/Co3O4 composite allows for optimization of the morphology of the ZnO nanorod array to achieve improved photoelectrochemical performance. The results showed that the ZnO/Co3O4 heterostructure exhibited a photocurrent density of 3.46 mA/cm2, while bare ZnO demonstrated a photocurrent density of 0.8 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the mechanism of charge separation and transfer in the heterostructural ZnO/Co3O4 photocatalytic system. Furthermore, the results will be useful for the design and optimization of photocatalytic systems for water splitting and other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Special attention should be given to the seepage in dams since it may cause failure. Seepage is not considered in the total risk factor calculated using the International Commission of Large Dams (ICOLD), the United States Bureau Reclamation (USBR) while the description of the dam seepage condition is given a weightage in the Brazilian method. Methods: Haditha Dam, Iraq, was constructed on varying degrees of limestone beds of the Euphrates and Ana formations. Therefore, seepage from the dam should be continuously monitored and accurately measured. In the present study, a methodology was proposed to overcome the problem of inconsistent seepage data. The inconsistent seepage rates can be replaced by the predicted seepage rates obtained from SEEP/W model. Results: The predicted seepage rates for different water levels in the reservoir of Haditha Dam were found in association (R2 = 0.96). In addition, the value of mean absolute error (MAE) for the model accuracy was found to be 0.0106. According to the Brazilian index, the weightage for the seepage condition of Haditha dam was in the second category and equal to 3. Conclusion: For Haditha Dam, the seepage data cannot be used in the dam risk assessment since it was inconsistent with gaps, and it can be replaced by the consistent predicted seepage rates predicted by SEEP/W model. Generally, the aging and other dam problems result in increasing seepage rate. This highlights the importance of efficient management that follows resilient monitoring and surveillance programs that ensure dam safety.

Background Helping people recover from aphasia is among the top 10 research priorities relating to life after stroke. Objective We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of dubbing techniques (using newly developed software) for post-stroke aphasia therapy and explore its potential efficacy. Methods Randomised, crossover, interventional, feasibility trial that included patients with chronic post-stroke non-fluent aphasia. The intervention consisted of an individualised programme (16 sessions; 8 weeks) based on dubbing words and sentences progressively adapted to the severity of the aphasia. Patients were allocated to groups that underwent therapy within the first 3 months, or between 3 and 6 months from inclusion, each group serving as the control during the non-therapy periods. Outcomes were the pre-post differences in the Communicative Activity Log, the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination, the General Health Questionnaire-12, the Stroke Aphasia Quality of Life Scale, and the Western Aphasia Battery Revised, administered by psychologists blinded to the patients’ allocation. Results Recruitment was limited due to COVID-19 and prematurely stopped because of funding coming to an end. A total of 23 patients were randomised, 20 of whom completed the study (1 withdrew consent, and 2 dropped out). The adherence rate to the allocated group was 95.3%. No statistically significant differences were found in any of the outcomes; however, 17 (85%) patients reported subjective improvements in communication skills. Conclusions This trial shows the feasibility of dubbing therapy (using dedicated software) for patients with post-stroke non-fluent aphasia. Although it lacks statistical power, certain effects on language and communication cannot be ignored.