Real-road NOx and CO2 emissions of city and highway China-6 heavy-duty diesel vehicles.

The emission of heavy-duty vehicles has raised great concerns worldwide. The complex working and loading conditions, which may differ a lot from PEMS tests, raised new challenges to the supervision and control of emissions, especially during real-world applications. On-board diagnostics (OBD) technology with data exchange enabled and strengthened the monitoring of emissions from a large number of heavy-duty diesel vehicles. This paper presents an analysis of the OBD data collected from more than 800 city and highway heavy-duty vehicles in China using remote OBD data terminals. Real-world NOx and CO2 emissions of China-6 heavy-duty vehicles have been examined. The results showed that city heavy-duty vehicles had higher NOx emission levels, which was mostly due to longer time of low SCR temperatures below 180°C. The application of novel methods based on 3B-MAW also found that heavy-duty diesel vehicles tended to have high NOx emissions at idle. Also, little difference had been found in work-based CO2 emissions, and this may be due to no major difference were found in occupancies of hot running.

Smoke and NOx emission characteristics of in-use construction machinery base on substantial field measurement: A case study in Beijing, China.

To understand the smoke level and NOx emission characteristics of in-use construction machinery in Beijing, we selected 905 construction machines in Beijing from August 2022 to April 2023 to monitor the emission level of smoke and NOx. The exhaust smoke level and excessive emission situation of different machinery types were identified, and their NOx emission levels were monitored according to the free acceleration method. We investigated the correlation of NOx and smoke emission, and proposed suggestions for controlling pollution discharge from construction machinery in the future. The results show that the exhaust smoke level was 0-2.62 m-1, followed a log-normal distribution (µ = -1.73, δ = 1.09, R2 = 0.99), with a 5.64% exceedance rate. Differences were observed among machinery types, with low-power engine forklifts showing higher smoke levels. The NOx emission range was 71-1516 ppm, followed a normal distribution (µ = 565.54, δ = 309.51, R2 = 0.83). Differences among machinery types were relatively small. Engine rated net power had the most significant impact on NOx emissions. Thus, NOx emissions from construction machinery need further attention. Furthermore, we found a weak negative correlation (p < 0.05) between the emission level of smoke and NOx, that is the synergic emission reduction effect is poor, emphasizing the need for NOx emission limits. In the future, the oversight in Beijing should prioritize phasing out China Ⅰ and China Ⅱ machinery, and monitor emissions from high-power engine China Ⅲ machinery.

Novel insights on the Pd speciation in Pd/SSZ-13 and on the role of H2O in the Pd reduction by CO.

Pd speciation induced by the combined effect of CO and water on Pd/SSZ-13 samples prepared by both impregnation and ion exchange was examined by FT-IR spectroscopy of CO adsorbed at room temperature and at liquid nitrogen temperature on anhydrous and hydrated samples. Starting from the literature findings related to the CO reducing effect on Pd cations, the present work gives precise spectroscopic evidences on how water is necessary in this process not only for compensating with H+ the zeolite exchange sites set free by Pd reduction, but also for mobilizing isolated Pd2+/Pd+ cations and making possible the reduction reactions. The aggregation of some Pd+ sites, just formed by the reduction and mobilized by the hydration, gives rise to the formation of Pd2O particles. Also, Pd0(100) sites are observed with CO on hydrated sample, formed by the aggregation and reduction of isolated Pd cations. Moreover, Pd0(111) sites are formed on the surface of PdOx particles during CO outgassing. The observation of the combined effect of water and CO allowed to define assignments of IR bands related to carbonyls of Pd in different oxidation states and coordination degrees.

Optimization of nitrogen-doped sludge char preparation and mechanism study for catalytic oxidation of NO at room temperature.

Catalytic oxidation of NO at room temperature was carried out over nitrogen (N)-doped sludge char (SC) prepared from pyrolysis of municipal sewage sludge, and urea was adopted as nitrogen source. The effects of different N-doping methods (one-step and two-step method), dried sludge (DS)/urea mass ratios (5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, and 1:1), SC preparation procedures (pyrolysis only, pyrolysis with acid washing, and pyrolysis with KOH activation and acid washing), and different pyrolysis temperatures (500, 600, 700, and 800°C) on the catalytic oxidation of NO were compared to optimize the procedure for SC preparation. The results indicated that N-doping could obviously promote the catalytic performance of SC. The one-step method with simultaneous sludge pyrolysis (at 700°C), KOH activation, and N-doping (DS/urea of 3:1) was the optimal procedure for preparing the N-doped SC with the NO conversion rate of 54.7%, whereas the optimal NO conversion rate of SC without N-doping was only 47.3%. Urea worked both as carbon and nitrogen source, which could increase about 2.9%-16.5% of carbon and 24.8%-42.7% of nitrogen content in SC pyrolyzed at 700°C. N-doping significantly promoted microporosity of SC. The optimal N-doped SC showed specific surface areas of 571.38 m2/g, much higher than 374.34 m2/g of the optimal SC without N-doping. In addition, N-doping also increased amorphousness and surface basicity of SC through the formation of N-containing groups. Finally, three reaction paths, i.e. microporous reactor, active sites, and basic site control path, were proposed to explain the mechanism of N-doping on promoting the catalytic performance of NO.

Estudiar y trabajar como factores de riesgo en estudiantes de enfermería, Universidad Nacional Formosa, 2022 / Study and work as risk factors in nursing students, National University of Formosa,2022

Objetivo: Correlacionar la variable principal sostén del hogar con las variables género, edad, horas de trabajo, horas de sueño y factores de riesgo cardiovascular (índice de masa corporal, hipertensión arterial, dislipemia y diabetes mellitus), en estudiantes de 3º, 4 y 5º año de la Licenciatura en Enfermería, Universidad Nacional de Formosa. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, correlacional, transversal realizado en 214 estudiantes, durante el año 2022, utilizándose un cuestionario on-line autoadministrado, estructurado y medición de peso y talla. Resultados: el 76% fueron mujeres; 64%, principal fueron principal sostén del hogar, 57% refirió dormir menos de 6 horas al día, 15 % trabaja más de 41 horas semanales; 67% tuvo respuestas no saludables a la variable estrés, para la variable actividad física este valor ascendió a 71% y el 53,8% presentó exceso de peso. Se encontró asociación significativa entre ser el principal sostén del hogar con exceso de peso, trabajar 41 horas o más semanalmente, dormir menos de 6 horas al día y con la presencia de 3 o más factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Conclusiones: Las condiciones de vida que afrontan los estudiantes que de manera simultánea estudian, trabajan y son principal sostén del hogar pueden generar estrés, el cual es un factor de riesgo para las enfermedades cardiovasculares[AU]

Objetive: to correlate the main variable of primary income earner or primary breadwinner with gender, age, working hours, sleep hours, and cardiovascular disease risk factors (body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus) in 3rd, 4th, and 5th-year nursing students at the Nursing Program at the National University of Formosa. Methodology: The study was a descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional, conducted with 214 students during 2022 using a self-administered structured online questionnaire and measurement of weight and height. Results: 76% were women, 64% were the main breadwinner, 57% reported sleeping less than 6 hours a day, 15% working more than 41 hours per week; 67% had unhealthy responses to the stress variable, this value rose to 71% for the physical activity variable, and 53.8% were overweight. A significant association was found between the main variable of primary breadwinner and being overweight, working 41 or more hours weekly, and the presence of 3 or more cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusions: The living conditions faced by students who simultaneously study and work, and being the main breadwinner in the household can generate stress, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases[AU]

Objetivo:: correlacionar a variável principal de sustento econômico do lar com as variáveis gênero, idade, horas de trabalho, horas de sono e fatores de risco cardiovascular (índice de massa corporal,hipertensão arterial, dislipidemia e diabetes mellitus) em estudantes do 3º, 4º e 5º ano do curso de graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Nacional de Formosa. Metodologia: O estudo foi descritivo, correlacional e transversal, realizado em 214 estudantes durante o ano de 2022. Foi utilizado um questionário online autoadministrado e estruturado, e a medição de peso e altura dos estudantes foi realizada. Resultados: 76% dos estudantes eram mulheres; 64% eram o principal sustento econômico do lar; 57% relataram dormir menos de 6 horas por dia, 15% responderam que trabalham mais de 41 horas por semana; em relação aos fatores de risco cardiovascular, 67% tiveram respostas não saudáveis para a variável estresse, para a variável atividade física esse valor aumentou para 71% e 53,8% apresentaram excesso de peso. Foi encontrada uma associação significativa entre a variável principal de sustento econômico do lar com as variáveis excesso de peso, trabalhar 41 horas ou mais por semana, dormir menos de 6 horas al día e a presença de 3 ou mais fatores de risco cardiovascular. Conclusões: As condições de vida enfrentadas pelos estudantes que simultaneamente estudam, trabalham e são o principal sustento do lar podem gerar estresse, que é um fator de risco para doenças cardiovasculares[AU]

Invisibilização e preconceitos velados: barreiras para o acesso aos serviços de atenção básica pela população trans / Invisibilization and veiled prejudices: barriers to access to primary care services for the transgender population / Invisibilización y prejuicios velados: barreras para el acceso de la población trans a los servicios de atención primaria

Introdução: No processo de edificação da Política Nacional de Saúde Integral LGBT+, a Atenção Básica ganha importante destaque, pois deveria funcionar como o contato preferencial dos usuários transgênero (trans). Objetivo: Investigar quais as percepções dos profissionais da Atenção Básica quanto às situações de vulnerabilidade enfrentadas pelas pessoas trans, bem como pesquisar os impedimentos que eles consideram existir na busca dessa população por acesso a esses serviços. Métodos: Utilizou-se uma abordagem qualitativa por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com 38 profissionais de saúde atuantes das Estratégias Saúde da Família de dois municípios do interior do estado de São Paulo. O material obtido foi submetido à análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: Os resultados apontaram para o desconhecimento quanto aos reais empecilhos que dificultam o acesso e seguimento de pessoas trans nos serviços de saúde. Observou-se ainda a manutenção de preconceitos e ideias que reforçam estereótipos ligados ao tema e que se estendem ao exercício da profissão. Isso se relaciona diretamente com a falta da abordagem de assuntos relacionados à sexualidade humana na graduação desses profissionais, além da falta de atualização quanto ao tema, o que impacta a qualidade do serviço que é ofertado à população em estudo. Conclusões: As normativas e portarias já existentes precisam ser efetivamente postas em prática, fazendo-se imperativas a ampliação e difusão do conhecimento a respeito da temática trans no contexto dos serviços públicos de saúde, o que pode servir como base para subsidiar a formação dos profissionais que atuam nesse setor, bem como políticas públicas efetivas.

Introduction: In the process of creating the National LGBT+ Comprehensive Health Policy, primary care has important prominence as it must work as the preferential contact of transgender (trans) users. Objective: To investigate the perceptions of primary care professionals about the vulnerability situations faced by trans persons and also hindrances they consider existing in this population's search for access to these services. Methods: A qualitative approach was used through semi-structured interviews with 38 health care professionals working in the Family Health Strategy of two cities in the countryside of the state of São Paulo. The material obtained was submitted to analysis of Bardin content. Results: The results pointed to a lack of knowledge about real hindrances that obstruct the access to and follow-up by health services for trans persons. It was also observed the maintenance of prejudices and ideas that reinforce stereotypes connected to the matter and extend to the practice of professionals. It is directly related to the lack of approach of issues related to human sexuality in the education of those professionals, in addition to lack of update about it, which impacts the quality of service offered to the population under study. Conclusions: The standards and ordinances already existing need to be effectively practiced, being crucial the extension and spread of knowledge about trans matters in the context of public health services. It can be the basis for subsidizing the education of professionals who work in this field, as well as effective public policies.

Introducción: En el proceso de edificación de la Política Nacional de Salud Integral LGBT+, la Atención Básica tiene importante destaque, pues debería funcionar como contacto preferente de los usuarios transgénero (trans). Objetivo: Investigar las percepciones de los profesionales de Atención Básica sobre las situaciones de vulnerabilidad que enfrentan las personas trans, así como investigar los impedimentos que consideran que existe en la búsqueda de esta población por el acceso a estos servicios. Métodos: Se utilizó un abordaje cualitativo por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas con 38 profesionales de salud actuantes de las Estrategias de Salud de la Familia de dos municipios del interior del estado de São Paulo. El material obtenido fue sometido a análisis de contenido de Bardin. Resultados: Los resultados apuntaron al desconocimiento sobre los reales obstáculos que dificultan el acceso de personas trans a los servicios, además del segmento de los cuidados en las unidades. Se observó además que se mantienen los prejuicios e ideas que refuerzan estereotipos vinculados al tema y que se extienden al ejercicio de la profesión. Esto se relaciona directamente a la falta da abordaje de asuntos relacionados a la sexualidad humana en la graduación de estos profesionales, además de la falta de actualización sobre el tema, lo que impacta en la calidad del servicio que se ofrece a la población en estudio. Conclusiones: Las normas y ordenanzas ya existentes deben ser efectivamente puestas en práctica, por lo que es imperativo ampliar y difundir el conocimiento sobre la temática trans en el contexto de los servicios públicos de salud, que pueda servir de base para apoyar la formación de profesionales que actúan en este sector, así como políticas públicas efectivas.

Empatia (parte I): contribuições para a abordagem centrada na pessoa / Empathy (part I): contributions to a person-centered approach / Empatía (parte I): contribuciones a un enfoque centrado en la persona

Introdução: Este artigo explora o tema da empatia na relação médico-paciente. Objetivo: Contribuir para o aperfeiçoamento das habilidades de comunicação clínica ao revisar o entendimento e a aplicação da empatia na prática clínica. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão não sistemática dos principais livros utilizados na comunicação clínica sobre o tema da empatia. O recorte metodológico compreendeu as seguintes etapas: (1) amostra intencional da literatura; (2) coleta e leitura de dados ­ i.e., extração de fragmentos dos textos; (3) análise do conteúdo, com o foco na definição, importância e instrumentalização para a aplicação prática; (4) seleção e síntese, para facilitar a compreensão e a contextualização sobre o tema; e (5) comparação e ponderação do conteúdo selecionado. Resultados: A abrangência com que a empatia foi trabalhada na literatura selecionada resultou em três níveis de densidade empática: baixa, moderada e alta. Assim, a baixa densidade empática limitou-se mais à definição e importância do tema; a densidade moderada incorporou algum exemplo de como aplicar a empatia, porém de forma fragmentada; e a alta densidade empática abordou o tema de modo mais completo, facilitando a instrumentalização na prática clínica. Há concordância na literatura analisada de que a prática da empatia reflete-se na melhoria do cuidado médico, entretanto seu exercício permanece no campo racional. Ao exemplificar a aplicação prática da empatia, os autores sugerem que o médico adote uma postura isenta de julgamentos, ao mesmo tempo que propõem um exercício imaginativo, de adivinhação dos sentimentos/emoções do paciente. Apesar de os autores de alta densidade empática compreenderem a importância das emoções e nomeá-las no processo, percebe-se a necessidade de um desdobramento e aprofundamento a partir desse ponto. Conclusões: Por se tratar de um assunto complexo, com vários matizes, a empatia é abordada de diferentes formas na literatura selecionada. Isso evidencia sua riqueza e originalidade, ao mesmo tempo que apresenta lacunas para sua aplicação na prática clínica.

Introduction: This article explores the theme of empathy in the doctor-patient relationship. Objective: To contribute to the improvement of clinical communication skills by reviewing the understanding and application of empathy in clinical practice. Methods: A non-systematic review of the main books used in clinical communication on the topic of empathy. The methodological approach consisted in the following steps: (1) An intentional sample of the literature; (2) Data collection and reading, i.e., extracting fragments from texts; (3) Content analysis, focusing on definition, importance and instrumentalization for practical application; (4) Selection and synthesis to facilitate understanding and contextualization on the topic; and (5) Comparison and ponderance of the selected content. Results: The scope within which empathy was worked on in the selected literature resulted in three levels of empathic density: low, moderate, and high. Thus, low empathic density was limited to definition and importance; moderate density incorporated some examples of how to apply empathy in a fragmented way; high empathic density addressed the topic more fully, facilitating instrumentation in clinical practice. There is agreement in the literature analyzed that the practice of empathy reflects on the improvement of medical care. However, its exercise remains in the rational field. By exemplifying the practical application of empathy, the authors suggest that the physician adopt a non-judgmental posture, while proposing an imaginative exercise of guessing the patient's feelings/emotions. Although high-density empathy authors understand the importance of emotions and name them in the process, there is a need for an unfolding and deepening from this point on. Conclusions: Empathy is a complex subject with several nuances and is approached in different ways in the selected literature. This evidences its richness and originality, at the same time that it presents gaps for the application of empathy in clinical practice.

Introducción: Este artículo explora el tema de la empatía en la relación médico-paciente. Objetivo: contribuir a la mejora de las habilidades de comunicación clínica mediante la revisión de la comprensión y aplicación de la empatía en la práctica clínica. Método: se trata de una revisión no sistemática de los principales libros utilizados en comunicación clínica sobre el tema de la empatía. El enfoque metodológico comprendió los siguientes pasos: (1) Una muestra intencional de la literatura; (2) Recopilación y lectura de datos, es decir, extracción de fragmentos de textos; (3) Análisis de contenido, centrándose en definición, importancia e instrumentalización para la aplicación práctica; (4) Selección y síntesis para facilitar la comprensión y contextualización sobre el tema; y (5) Comparación y ponderación del contenido seleccionado. Resultados: el alcance con el que se trabajó la empatía en la literatura seleccionada tuvo como resultado tres niveles de densidad empática: baja, moderada y alta. Así, la baja densidad empática se limitaba más a la definición y la importancia; densidad moderada, incorporó algún ejemplo de cómo aplicar la empatía, pero de manera fragmentada; alta densidad empática se acercó del tema de manera más completa, facilitando la instrumentación en la práctica clínica. Existe acuerdo en la literatura analizada en que la práctica de la empatía se refleja en la mejora de la atención médica. Sin embargo, su ejercicio queda en el campo racional. Al ejemplificar la aplicación práctica de la empatía, los autores sugieren que el médico adopte una postura no crítica, al tiempo que propone un ejercicio imaginativo de adivinar los sentimientos/emociones del paciente. Si bien los autores de alta densidad empática entienden la importancia de las emociones y las nombran en el proceso, existe la necesidad de un desdoblamiento y profundización a partir de este punto. Conclusiones: Por tratarse de un tema complejo y con varios matices, la empatía es abordada de diferentes maneras en la literatura seleccionada. Esto evidencia su riqueza y originalidad, al mismo tiempo que presenta vacíos para la aplicación de la empatía en la práctica clínica.

A simple and rapid spectrophotometric method for the determination of trans-chalcone in raw-materialand topical formulation / Método espectrofotométrico simples e rápido paradeterminação de trans-chalcona em matéria-primae em formulação tópica

Trans-chalcone (TC) is a flavonoid precursor characterized by a wide spectrum of action, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, no validated methods are available in official compendia for the analysis of this substance. Thus, the aim of this work was to develop and validate a simple, fast, and reproducible spectrophotometric method for the analysis of TC in raw material, and in topical pharmaceutical formulation containing TC. The established conditions were: methanol as extracting solvent, and detection wavelength of 309 nm by UV spectrophotometer. All tests followed the rules of Resolution RDC 166, 2017. The proposed method was selective. Linearity was demonstrated in the concentration range of 1 to 8 µg/mL (r = 0.999). Repeatability and intermediate precision were confirmed by low relative standard deviation values of 1.53% and 2.70% for TC, and of 1.73% and 2.91% for formulation containing TC. Accuracy, evaluated through recovery test, was adequate, with minimum of 98.24% and maximum of 100.23% of recovery. It was observed that the small deliberate modifications done did not interfere with the results, demonstrating the method is robust. The results showed that the method was considered suitable for the intended purpose, inexpensive, easy to apply, selective, linear, precise, accurate, and robust for the determination TC, and pharmaceutical formulation containing TC. Thus, the method developed satisfies the need for an analytical method for the determination of TC, and topical formulation containing TC, being effective, innovative and able to aid in the development of the pharmaceutical field.

Trans-chalcona (TC) é um precursor de flavonoides caracterizado por um amplo espectro de ação, como efeitos anti-inflamatórios e antioxidantes. No entanto, não há método validado disponível em compêndio oficial para análise deste composto. Então, o objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver e validar um método espectrofotométrico, simples, rápido e reprodutível para análise de TC em matéria-prima, e em formulação farmacêutica tópica contendo TC. As condições estabelecidas foram: metanol como o solvente de extração, e detecção no comprimento de onda de 309 nm por espectrofotometria no UV. Todos os testes seguiram as normas da RDC 166, 2017. O método proposto foi seletivo. A linearidade foi demonstrada na faixa de concentração de 1 a 8 µg/mL (r = 0.999). A repetibilidade e a precisão intermediária foram confirmadas pelos valores baixos de desvio padrão relativo de 1,53% e 2,70% para a TC, e de 1,73% e 2,91% para a formulação contendo TC. A exatidão, avaliada por meio de testes de recuperação, foi adequada, com mínimo de 98,24% e máximo de 100,04% de recuperação. Observou-se que pequenas modificações no método não interferiram nos resultados, demonstrando que o método é robusto. Os resultados demonstraram que o método foi adequado para a finalidade pretendida, barato, de fácil aplicação, seletivo, linear, preciso, exato e robusto para determinação de TC, e de formulação contendo TC. Então o método desenvolvido satisfaz as necessidades de um método analítico para determinação de TC, e de formulação tópica contendo TC, e é eficaz, inovador e pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento da área farmacêutica.

Estudio de la citoqueratina- 18 como marcador no invasivo en pacientes con enfermedad de hígado graso no alcohólico

Introducción: La enfermedad por hígado graso no alcohólico es una de las principales causas de afección hepática. La citoqueratina 18 surge como marcador no invasivo para la valoración de fibrosis hepática. El objetivo del trabajo fue validar el uso de la citoqueratina 18 en sangre periférica en el diagnóstico y evolución de los pacientes con enfermedad por hígado graso no alcohólico. Metodología: Para validar la citoqueratina 18 en el diagnóstico se realizó un estudio de tipo caso-control. El grupo caso fueron los pacientes mayores de 18 años, de ambos sexos, con diagnóstico de enfermedad por hígado graso no alcohólico vinculado al síndrome metabólico, captados entre 2/2/2019 al 2/2/2020. El grupo control fueron personas donantes de sangre. Se parearon 1-1 por edad y sexo. Se cuantificó la citoqueratina 18 en sangre periférica de ambos grupos. Para validar la citoqueratina 18 en la evolución de los pacientes con enfermedad de hígado graso no alcohólico se realizó un trabajo prospectivo, longitudinal. El grupo de pacientes captados fueron seguidos durante un año bajo tratamiento estándar, finalizando el mismo se realizó la cuantificación de citoqueratina 18 en sangre periférica. Las variables continuas se expresan con la media y desvío estándar. Se analizó con test de t Student, error α < 5% Resultados: 13 pacientes integran el grupo caso (12 mujeres), de 53 ± 11 años, con IMC 35.01 ± 8.9 kg/m2. El valor de citoqueratina 18 pre-tratamiento fue de 1410 ± 120 UI, y el valor post-tratamiento fue de 117 ± 56, p < 0,005.El grupo control fueron 13 personas (12 mujeres), de 43,4 ± 8,1 años e IMC 28,10 ± 5,4 kg/m2 El valor de citoqueratina 18 fue de 193 ± 7.2 UI, p < 0.005 vs grupo caso pretratamiento. Conclusiones: La citoqueratina 18 es más elevada en los pacientes con enfermedad hígado graso no alcohólico, siendo estadísticamente significativa y disminuye con el tratamiento con significación estadística, pudiendo constituirse en un marcador útil en este grupo de pacientes.

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the main causes of liver disease. Cytokeratin 18 emerges as a non-invasive marker for the assessment of liver fibrosis. The objective of the work was to validate the use of cytokeratin 18 in peripheral blood in the diagnosis and evolution of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methodology: To validate cytokeratin 18 in the diagnosis, a case-control study was carried out. The case group was patients over 18 years of age, of both sexes, with a diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease linked to metabolic syndrome, recruited between 2/2/2019 to 2/2/2020. The control group were blood donors. They were matched 1-1 for age and sex. Cytokeratin 18 was quantified in peripheral blood of both groups. To validate cytokeratin 18 in the evolution of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a prospective, longitudinal study was carried out. The group of patients recruited were followed for one year under standard treatment, at the end of which cytokeratin 18 was quantified in peripheral blood. Continuous variables are expressed with the mean and standard deviation. It was analyzed with Student's t test, α error < 5%. Results: 13 patients make up the case group (12 women), 53 ± 11 years old, with BMI 35.01 ± 8.9 kg/m2. The pre-treatment cytokeratin 18 value was 1410 ± 120 IU, and the post-treatment value was 117 ± 56, p < 0.005. The control group was 13 people (12 women), 43.4 ± 8.1 years and BMI 28.10 ± 5.4 kg/m2 The cytokeratin 18 value was 193 ± 7.2 IU, p < 0.005 vs. pretreatment case group. Conclusions: Cytokeratin 18 is higher in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, being statistically significant, and decreases with treatment with statistical significance, and may become a useful marker in this group of patients.

Introdução: A doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica é uma das principais causas de doença hepática. A citoqueratina 18 surge como um marcador não invasivo para avaliação de fibrose hepática. O objetivo do trabalho foi validar o uso da citoqueratina 18 no sangue periférico no diagnóstico e evolução de pacientes com doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica. Metodologia: Para validar a citoqueratina 18 no diagnóstico, foi realizado um estudo caso-controle. O grupo caso foi composto por pacientes maiores de 18 anos, de ambos os sexos, com diagnóstico de doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica ligada à síndrome metabólica, recrutados entre 02/02/2019 a 02/02/2020. O grupo controle eram doadores de sangue. Eles foram comparados em 1 a 1 por idade e sexo. A citoqueratina 18 foi quantificada no sangue periférico de ambos os grupos. Para validar a citoqueratina 18 na evolução de pacientes com doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica, foi realizado um estudo prospectivo e longitudinal. O grupo de pacientes recrutados foi acompanhado durante um ano sob tratamento padrão, ao final do qual a citoqueratina 18 foi quantificada no sangue periférico. As variáveis ​​contínuas são expressas com média e desvio padrão. Foi analisado com teste t de Student, erro α < 5%. Resultados: Compõem o grupo caso 13 pacientes (12 mulheres), 53 ± 11 anos, com IMC 35,01 ± 8,9 kg/m2. O valor de citoqueratina 18 pré-tratamento foi de 1410 ± 120 UI e o valor pós-tratamento foi de 117 ± 56, p < 0,005. O grupo controle foi de 13 pessoas (12 mulheres), 43,4 ± 8,1 anos e IMC 28,10 ± 5,4 kg/m2 O valor da citoqueratina 18 foi de 193 ± 7,2 UI, p < 0,005 vs. grupo de casos pré-tratamento. Conclusões: A citoqueratina 18 é maior em pacientes com doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica, sendo estatisticamente significativa, e diminui com o tratamento com significância estatística, podendo se tornar um marcador útil neste grupo de pacientes.

Representações sociais sobre o planejamento reprodutivo entre mulheres em gravidez não planejada / Social representations of reproductive planning among women with unplanned pregnancies / Representaciones sociales sobre la planificación reproductiva de las mujeres con embarazo no planificado

Objetivo: conhecer as representações sociais sobre o planejamento reprodutivo entre mulheres em gravidez não planejada na Estratégia Saúde da Família. Método: estudo qualitativo, orientado pela Teoria das Representações Sociais, realizado com 15 gestantes, entre abril e maio de 2019. Utilizou-se a entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados foram organizados por meio do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo, com auxílio do software DSCsoft©. Protocolo de pesquisa aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: as representações sociais das mulheres em gravidez não planejada evidenciadas pelo Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo foram representadas por oito ideias centrais, a saber: "eu não me preveni, nem ele", "nós nos prevenimos", "eu comprava", "pegava no posto", "construir uma família", "ter esse acesso", "estou por fora" e "eu sei que é disponível". Conclusão: as representações sociais nos discursos das mulheres em gravidez não planejada estavam pautadas no desconhecimento acerca do planejamento reprodutivo, dos anticoncepcionais disponíveis e seu uso correto.

Objective: to understand the social representations of reproductive planning among women with unplanned pregnancies in the Family Health Strategy. Method: qualitative study, guided by the Theory of Social Representations, carried out with 15 pregnant women between April and May 2019. Semi-structured interviews were used. The data was organized using the Discourse of the Collective Subject, with the aid of DSCsoft© software. Research protocol approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: the social representations of women with unplanned pregnancies as evidenced by the Collective Subject Discourse were represented by eight central ideas, namely: "I didn't prevent myself, nor did he", "we prevented ourselves", "I would buy it", "I would get it at the health center", "build a family", "have this access", "I am not aware" and "I know it is available". Conclusion: the social representations in the women's speeches about unplanned pregnancies were based on a lack of knowledge about reproductive planning, the contraceptives available and their correct use.

Objetivo: conocer las representaciones sociales sobre la planificación reproductiva de las mujeres con embarazo no planificado en la Estrategia Salud de la Familia. Método: estudio cualitativo, basado en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales, realizado con 15 mujeres embarazadas, entre abril y mayo de 2019. Se utilizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas. Los datos fueron organizados mediante el Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo, con ayuda del software DSCsoft©. El protocolo de investigación fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación. Resultados: las representaciones sociales de las mujeres con embarazo no planificado reveladas por el Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo fueron representadas por ocho ideas centrales, a saber: "yo no me cuidé y él tampoco", "nos cuidamos", "yo los compraba", "los buscaba en el centro de salud", "construir una familia", "tener acceso", "no participo" y "sé que está disponible". Conclusión: las representaciones sociales en los discursos de las mujeres con embarazo no planificado se basaron en la falta de conocimiento sobre la planificación reproductiva, en los anticonceptivos disponibles y su uso correcto.

Formononetin alleviates no reflow after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion via modulation of gut microbiota to inhibit inflammation.

Gut microflora plays an important role in relieving myocardial no-reflow (NR), formononetin (FMN) has potential effects on NR, however, the relationship between this effect and gut microflora remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the role of FMN in alleviating NR effects by regulating gut microflora. We used a myocardial NR rat model to confirm the effect and mechanism of action of FMN in alleviating NR. The rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (Sham), NR group, FMN group and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) group. Thioflavin S staining, Hematoxylin Eosin (HE), myocardial enzyme activity, ultrasonic cardiogram and RT-PCR detection showed that FMN could effectively reduce inflammatory cell infiltration, NR and ischemic area, improve cardiac structure and function and reduce TNF-α and NF-κB gene expression in NR rats. The results of 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing showed that FMN could increase the abundance of anti-inflammatory bacteria such as Ligilaculum, Coprococcus, Blautia and Muribaculaceae and decrease the abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria such as Treponema in Spirochaetota and Campylobacterota. The correlation between the differential bacteria in the gut microflora(anti-inflammatory bacteria and pro-inflammatory bacteria) and TNF-α and NF-κB, show that they had a strong correlation. Therefore, the anti-NR mechanism of FMN may be related to increasing the abundance of anti-inflammatory bacteria and reducing the abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria to inhibit inflammation. This study provides innovative mechanistic insights into the relationship between gut microbiota and myocardial protection, suggesting potential strategy for future treatment of NR.

Acute and sub-chronic oral GLP toxicity of Withania somnifera root extract in Sprague Dawley rats.

OBJECTIVES: Withania somnifera (WS) is a valuable medicinal plant that has been used against several ailments. The medicinal properties of WS are ascribed to existence of secondary metabolites which are in great demand in herbal nutraceutical industry. Despite well-known therapeutic effects of WS, it is necessary to assess preclinical toxicity of WS plant on rats and further explore its potential application against treatment of various disorders in humans. The existing study assessed oral acute and sub-chronic toxicities of WS root extract in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (male and female) for 14 and 90 days, respectively under OECD-423 and -408 guidelines as well as GLP compliance. METHODS: In acute toxicity, rats of either sex were orally fed a dose of 2,000 mg/kg. In sub-chronic toxicity, animals were orally administered repeated doses of WS root extract at 250, 500, 1,000 mg/kg for 90 days with an additional 14-day recovery period. Two more groups (n=5 animals each) receiving vehicle and 1,000 mg/kg of WS root extract for 90 days were also observed. RESULTS: In acute toxicity, the results revealed that LD50 of WS root extract in SD rats was higher than 2,000 mg/kg. In sub-chronic toxicity, oral administration of extract for 90 days showed no significant toxicological changes in rats. Haematological and serum chemistry markers were found within normal range. Terminal necropsy showed no gross or histopathological outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of WS root extract was 1,000 mg/kg body weight, and safe to use at this dose in rats.

Three New Spirostan Glycosides from Dracaena cochinchinensis with NO Production Inhibitory and Antimicrobial Activity.

Three new spirostan glycosides, dracochinosides A-C (1-3), and four known steroidal glycosides (4-7) were isolated from the aerial parts of Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S.C.Chen. Their chemical structures were determined by the IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D-, and 2D-NMR spectra. Compounds 1-3, 6 and 7 inhibited nitric oxide production in LPS activated RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values ranging from 57.5 to 92.8 µM. In addition, all the isolated compounds exhibited at least one of seven tested microbial strains with the MIC values ranging from 0.016 to 0.128 mg/mL. This is the first report of compounds 5-7 from the genus Dracaena.

Relationship between septic acute kidney injury and adiponectin: A retrospective study in patients undergoing continuous plasma exchange with dialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Adiponectin (APN) is a multimeric protein with anti-inflammatory properties that is specifically secreted by adipocytes. Continuous plasma exchange with dialysis (cPED) is a blood purification therapy in which plasma exchange is performed using a selective membrane plasma separator while the dialysate flows outside the hollow fibers. METHODS: Patients with sepsis were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of acute kidney injury (AKI) complications: AKI and non-AKI group. RESULTS: Plasma APN levels significantly increased after cPED in both groups. The creatinine levels in the AKI group before cPED were significantly higher than those in the non- AKI group. The plasma APN levels in the AKI group before cPED were significantly higher than those in the non-AKI group. CONCLUSION: cPED increased APN levels in both patients with and without AKI. Therefore, cPED therapy may be a promising intervention for increasing APN levels in patients with sepsis.

Factors Determining the Selectivity of NO Reduction Catalyzed by Copper-Vanadium Oxide Cluster Anions Cu2VO3‒5.

Catalytic NO reduction by CO is imperative to satisfy the increasingly rigorous emission regulations. Identifying the structural characteristic of crucial intermediate that governs the selectivity of NO reduction is pivotal to having a fundamental understanding on real-life catalysis. Herein, benefiting from the state-of-the-art mass spectrometry, we demonstrated experimentally that the Cu2VO3-5- clusters can mediate the catalysis of NO reduction by CO, and two competitive channels to generate N2O and N2 can co-exist. Quantum-chemical calculations were performed to rationalize this selectivity. The formation of the ONNO unit on the Cu2 dimer was demonstrated to be a precursor from which two pathways of NO reduction start to emerge. In the pathway of N2O generation, only the Cu2 dimer was oxidized and the VO3 moiety  functions as a "support", while both moieties have to contribute to anchor oxygen atoms from the ONNO unit and then N2 can be generated. This finding displays a clear picture to elucidate how and why the involvement of VO3 "support" can regulate the selectivity of NO reduction.

Efficacy of Outside-In Hip Arthroscopy without Traction in the Treatment of Hip Synovial Osteochondromatosis.

Arthroscopic treatments of hip synovial osteochondromatosis are mostly performed under traction, resulting in neurovascular injury or iatrogenic damage to the labrum or cartilage. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of outside-in hip arthroscopy without traction in treating hip synovial osteochondromatosis. This retrospective study was conducted on a series of patients with hip synovial osteochondromatosis treated using outside-in hip arthroscopy without traction in our hospital between 2018 and 2020. Plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained. The Harris hip score (HHS), hip range of motion (ROM), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were analyzed. The preoperative scores and last follow-up scores were compared with a paired-sample t test. The complications and recurrence postsurgery were recorded. This study included five patients (three male and two female) with an average age of 41 years (range 28-54 years). The mean follow-up time was 25.2 months (range 18-36 months). All patients experienced groin pain relief and improved ROM. The mean VAS score was significantly lower postoperatively (0.4 ± 0.5) than preoperatively (3.2 ± 0.8) (p < 0.001). The mean HHS improved from 58.6 ± 12.7 (range 43-73) to 89.8 ± 5.26 (range 81-95) (p < 0.001). No major complications, including infection, perineal numbness and swelling, neurotrosis, thromboembolism, or severe persistent pain, were reported. Synovial osteochondromatosis recurred in one patient after 2 years of follow-up without any obvious symptoms such as hip pain or joint locking. Therefore, no further treatment was necessary. This study showed that outside-in hip arthroscopy without traction might be a viable option for treating hip synovial osteochondromatosis, effectively and safely relieving symptoms with minimal complications, especially in patients without lesions in the central compartment.

Moderate hypothermia circulatory arrest as a brain-protective strategy for type a aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: Brain protective strategies for acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) remain controversial. Moderate hypothermia circulatory arrest (MHCA) without cerebral perfusion is not commonly used. However, we aimed to assess its safety and efficacy in 358 patients who underwent hemiarch replacement with MHCA for acute type A aortic dissection at our institution from August 2012 to August 2022. METHODS: Clinical outcomes were compared according to circulatory arrest time (≤15 min [S group, n = 52] vs ≥ 16 min [L group, n = 306]). The primary outcome was postoperative stroke. RESULTS: The S group had more older patients (72.5 vs 68.8 years; p = 0.04), a greater incidence of carotid artery malperfusion (21% vs 11%; p = 0.043), and a lower body mass index (21.7 vs 23.6 kg/m2; p < 0.01) and haemodynamic instability (3.8% vs 16%; p = 0.02) than the L group. The incidence of postoperative stroke (7.7% vs 12%; p = 0.33) and the rate of 30-day mortality (5.8% vs 6.5%; p = 0.83) did not significantly differ between groups. After adjusting for all potential confounding factors pre- and intraoperatively, there was no significant difference in postoperative outcomes between groups. CONCLUSIONS: MHCA alone for TAAD had comparable postoperative outcomes with circulatory arrest times under and over 15 min. However, longer arrest times were associated with a higher risk of stroke.

Vasa vasorum of the no-touch saphenous vein graft observed using frequency-domain optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVES: One possible reason for the long-term patency of no-touch saphenous vein grafts is the preservation of the vasa vasorum in the adventitia/perivascular adipose tissue. In this study, we investigated the vasa vasorum of the no-touch saphenous vein graft in vivo using frequency-domain optical coherence tomography, performed qualitative and quantitative analyses, and compared them with the conventional saphenous vein graft. METHODS: A frequency-domain optical coherence tomography study was performed on 14 saphenous vein grafts at the postoperative coronary angiography 1-2 weeks after surgery (no-touch group, n = 9; conventional group, n = 5). RESULTS: Many signal-poor tubular lumen structures that can be recognised in the cross-sectional and longitudinal profiles, which indicates the vasa vasorum, were observed in the adventitial/perivascular adipose tissue layer in the no-touch saphenous vein grafts. In contrast, the vasa vasorum was less abundant in the conventional saphenous vein grafts. The vasa vasorum volume per millimetre of graft in the no- touch group was significantly higher than in the conventional group (0.0020 [0.0017, 0.0043] mm3 and 0.0003 [0.0000, 0.0006] mm3, P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Frequency-domain optical coherence tomography showed abundant vasa vasorum in the thick adventitia/perivascular adipose tissue layer of no-touch saphenous veins in vivo. In contrast, few vasa vasorum was observed in the conventional saphenous vein grafts.

Formic Acid-Intensified Photoreduction of NOx on Iron Minerals Triggers Daytime HONO Formation through Active Hydrogen.

Nitrous acid (HONO) is crucial in atmospheric chemistry as a precursor to morning peak hydroxyl radicals and significantly affects urban air quality by forming secondary pollutants, yet the mechanisms of its daytime formation is not fully understood. This study investigates the role of formic acid (HCOOH), a prevalent electron and proton donor, in the transformation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the formation of HONO on photoactive mineral dust. Exploiting hematite (Fe2O3) as an environmental indicator, we demonstrate that HCOOH significantly promotes the photoreduction of NO2 to HONO, while suppressing nitrate accumulation. This occurs through the formation of a surface ≡Fe-OOCH complex, where sunlight activates the C-H bond to generate and transfer active hydrogen, directly converting NO2 to HONO. Additionally, HCOOH can trigger the photolysis of nitrates as predeposited on Fe2O3, further increasing HONO production. These findings show that HCOOH-mediated photochemical reactions on iron minerals may contribute to elevated atmospheric HONO levels, highlighting a crucial pathway with broad effects on atmospheric chemistry and public health.

Cerebral blood flow from arterial spin labeling as an imaging biomarker of outcome after endovascular therapy for ischemic stroke.

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a contrast agent-free magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF). We sought to investigate effects of CBF within the infarct on outcome and risk of hemorrhagic transformation (HT). In 111 patients (median age: 74 years, 50 men) who had undergone mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for ischemic stroke of the anterior circulation (median interval: 4 days between MT and MRI), post-stroke %CBF difference from pseudo-continuous ASL was calculated within the diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-positive infarct territory following lesion segmentation in relationship to the unaffected contralateral side. Functional independence was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 0-2 at 90 days post-stroke. %CBF difference, pre-stroke mRS, and infarct volume were independently associated with functional independence in a multivariate regression model. %CBF difference was comparable between patients with and without HT. A subcohort of 10 patients with decreased infarct-CBF despite expanded Treatment in Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) 2c or 3 recanalization was identified (likely related to the no-reflow phenomenon). Outcome was significantly worse in this group compared to the remaining cohort. In conclusion, ASL-derived %CBF difference from the DWI-positive infarct territory independently predicted functional independence, but %CBF difference was not significantly associated with an increased risk of HT.