Synthesis and characterization of ZrFe2O4@SiO2@Ade-Pd as a novel, recyclable, green, and versatile catalyst for Buchwald-Hartwig and Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions.

This work presents the simple synthesis of a green and novel Palladium based magnetic nanocatalyst with effective catalytic properties and reusability. These heterogeneous catalysts were prepared by the anchoring of Pd(0) on the surface of ZrFe2O4 MNPs coated with a di-substituted adenine (Ade) compound as a green linker. The as-synthesized ZrFe2O4@SiO2@Ade-Pd MNPs were methodically characterized over different physicochemical measures like VSM, EDX, Map, SEM, TEM, ICP, and FT-IR analysis. The catalytic activity of ZrFe2O4@SiO2@Ade-Pd was carefully examined for the room-temperature Carbon-Carbon coupling reaction in acetonitrile as a solvent. It is worth noting that the synthesized solid catalyst can be easily recovered with a bar magnet and reused for five cycles without decrease of catalytic activity.

A predictive model of perceived stress during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in university students Ecuadorians.

Background and objectives: The situation caused by the confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the mobility restriction implemented by governments worldwide had a significant impact on people's routines. Stressors are known to increase emotional imbalance, uncertainty, and frustration in the general population. This study explores the factors that predispose to the risk of perceived stress from COVID-19 and determines the underlying mediating mechanisms in the Ecuadorian population. Method: The cross-sectional study an incidental non-probabilistic sample of n = 977 participating student volunteers from the four regions of the Republic of Ecuador (68.6% women and 31.4% men). Data on emotional regulation (ERQ), perceived stress (PSS), active procrastination (APS), diagnosis and symptoms related to COVID-19, social isolation, coexistence, and a sociodemographic questionnaire (biological sex, marital status, and age) were recruited. Statistical analysis was based on a structural equation model. Results: The risk of suffering perceived stress in the COVID-19 pandemic was higher for single women who have lived longer in social isolation, have lived with more people, have poor emotional regulation and high rates of procrastination. This structural model is similar in all Ecuadorian regions χ2 = 21.54 (p = 0.760), RMSEA = 0.001 (95%CI, 0.00-0.02), CFI = 0.998; TLI = 0.999; SRMR = 0.020. Discussion: Although our findings are consistent and revealing for the scientific community, the lack of discrimination of the data due to strict isolation measures, taken at different periods by the Ecuadorian government against positive cases of COVID-19, is discussed. The research was applied to the university population, it would be representative to extend the study to schools and colleges. Conclusion: We consider this work as a starting point for the creation of preventive models against perceived stress in the university environment in the event of health emergencies.

The developing role of extracellular vesicles in autoimmune diseases: special attention to mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles.

Autoimmune diseases are complex, chronic inflammatory conditions initiated by the loss of immunological tolerance to self-antigens. Nowadays, there is no effective and useful therapy for autoimmune diseases, and the existing medications have some limitations due to their nonspecific targets and side effects. During the last few decades, it has been established that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory functions. It is proposed that MSCs can exert an important therapeutic effect on autoimmune disorders. In parallel with these findings, several investigations have shown that MSCs alleviate autoimmune diseases. Intriguingly, the results of studies have demonstrated that the effective roles of MSCs in autoimmune diseases do not depend on direct intercellular communication but on their ability to release a wide spectrum of paracrine mediators such as growth factors, cytokines and extracellular vehicles (EVs). EVs that range from 50 to 5,000 nm were produced by almost any cell type, and these nanoparticles participate in homeostasis and intercellular communication via the transfer of a broad range of biomolecules such as modulatory proteins, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), lipids, cytokines, and metabolites. EVs derived from MSCs display the exact properties of MSCs and can be safer and more beneficial than their parent cells. In this review, we will discuss the features of MSCs and their EVs, EVs biogenesis, and their cargos, and then we will highlight the existing discoveries on the impacts of EVs from MSCs on autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis rheumatic, inflammatory bowel disease, Type 1 diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune liver diseases, Sjögren syndrome, and osteoarthritis, suggesting a potential alternative for autoimmune conditions therapy.

Identification of novel candidate targets for suppressing ovarian cancer progression through IL-33/ST2 axis components using the system biology approach.

Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) of ovarian cancer (OvC) are the most prevalent element of the tumor microenvironment (TM). By promoting angiogenesis, immunological suppression, and invasion, CAFs speed up the growth of tumors by changing the extracellular matrix's structure and composition and/or initiating the epithelial cells (EPT). IL-33/ST2 signaling has drawn a lot of attention since it acts as a pro-tumor alarmin and encourages spread by altering TM. Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of the OvC tumor microenvironment were found in the GEO database, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, and their presence and changes in healthy and tumor tissue content were examined. Primary cultures of healthy fibroblasts and CAFs obtained from healthy and tumor tissues retrieved from OvC samples were used for in vitro and in vivo investigations. Cultured primary human CAFs were utilized to investigate the regulation and the IL-33/ST2 axis role in the inflammation reactions. Results: Although ST2 and IL-33 expression was detected in both epithelial (EPT) and fibroblast cells of ovarian cancer, they are more abundant in CAFs. Lipopolysaccharides, serum amyloid A1, and IL-1ß, the inflammatory mediators, could all induce IL-33 expression through NF-κB activation in human CAFs. In turn, via the ST2 receptor, IL-33 affected the production of IL-6, IL-1ß, and PTGS2 in human CAFs via the MAPKs-NF-κB pathway. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that IL-33/ST2 is affected by the interaction of CAFs and epithelial cells inside the tumor microenvironment. Activation of this axis leads to increased expression of inflammatory factors in tumor CAFs and EPT cells. Therefore, targeting the IL-33/ST2 axis could have potential value in the prevention of OvC progression.

Role of geopolitical risk, currency fluctuation, and economic policy on tourist arrivals: temporal analysis of BRICS economies.

The tourism industry is vulnerable to a range of economic and political factors, which can have both short-term and long-term impacts on tourist arrivals. The study aims to investigate the temporal dynamics of these factors and their impact on tourist arrivals. The method employed is a panel data regression analysis, using data from BRICS economies over a period of 1980-2020. The dependent variable is the number of tourist arrivals, while the independent variables are geopolitical risk, currency fluctuation, and economic policy. Control variables such as GDP, exchange rate, and distance to major tourist destinations are also included. The results show that geopolitical risk and currency fluctuation have a significant negative impact on tourist arrivals, while economic policy has a positive impact. The study also finds that the impact of geopolitical risk is stronger in the short term, while the impact of economic policy is stronger in the long term. Additionally, the study shows that the effects of these factors on tourist arrivals vary across BRICS countries. The policy implications of this study suggest that BRICS economies need to develop proactive economic policies that promote stability and encourage investment in the tourism industry.

Ecuadorian electrical system: Current status, renewable energy and projections.

In this research, an analysis of the electricity market in Ecuador is carried out, a portfolio of projects by source is presented, which are structured in maps with a view to an energy transition according to the official data provided. State policies are analyzed, as well as the opportunities for development in renewable energies offered by the reform of the Organic Law of the Electric Power Public Service. Additionally, the roadmap is presented, which includes an increase in the levels of renewable energies and a decrease in fossil fuels in consideration of the growing demand for electrical energy with a view to 2050 in accordance with the state approaches defined in recent years. It is considered that the total 100% renewable installed capacity by 2050 is 26,551.18 MW compared to 11,306.26 MW in 2020 between renewable and non-renewable. It is expected that the current legal framework will continue to articulate strategies for a greater penetration of renewable energies, that national purposes be achieved and international agreements celebrated both regionally and globally be fulfilled, so it is important that sufficient resources are allocated to achieve this long-awaited energy transition in Ecuador.

Environmental impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and heavy metals in biological samples of petrochemical industry workers with perspective management.

Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) or heavy metals are synthetic compounds that can lead to negative effect on health, including immune and endocrine system disruption, respiratory problems, metabolic issues, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular problems, growth impairment, neurological and learning disabilities, and cancer. Petrochemical industry drilling wastes, which contain varying levels of EDCs, are known to pose a significant risk to human health. This study aimed to investigate the levels of toxic elements in biological samples of individuals working in the petrochemical drilling sites. Biological samples, including scalp hair and whole blood, were collected from petrochemical drilling workers, individuals residing in the same residential area, and control age-matched persons from nonindustrial areas. The samples were oxidized by an acid mixture before analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The accuracy and validity of the methodology were verified through certified reference materials from scalp hair and whole blood. The results showed that the concentrations of toxic elements, such as cadmium and lead, were higher in biological samples of petrochemical drilling employees, while lower essential element levels (iron and zinc) were detected in their samples. This study highlights the significance of adopting better practices to reduce exposure to harmful substances and protect the health of petrochemical drilling workers and the environment. It also suggests that perspective management including policymakers and industry leaders should take measures to minimize exposure to EDCs and heavy metals to promote worker safety and public health. These measures could include the implementation of strict regulations and better occupational health practices to reduce toxic exposure and promote a safer work environment.

A state-of-the-art review on the MicroRNAs roles in hematopoietic stem cell aging and longevity.

Aging is a biological process determined through time-related cellular and functional impairments, leading to a decreased standard of living for the organism. Recently, there has been an unprecedented advance in the aging investigation, especially the detection that the rate of senescence is at least somewhat regulated via evolutionarily preserved genetic pathways and biological processes. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) maintain blood generation over the whole lifetime of an organism. The senescence process influences many of the natural features of HSC, leading to a decline in their capabilities, independently of their microenvironment. New studies show that HSCs are sensitive to age-dependent stress and gradually lose their self-renewal and regeneration potential with senescence. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally inhibit translation or stimulate target mRNA cleavage of target transcripts via the sequence-particular connection. MiRNAs control various biological pathways and processes, such as senescence. Several miRNAs are differentially expressed in senescence, producing concern about their use as moderators of the senescence process. MiRNAs play an important role in the control of HSCs and can also modulate processes associated with tissue senescence in specific cell types. In this review, we display the contribution of age-dependent alterations, including DNA damage, epigenetic landscape, metabolism, and extrinsic factors, which affect HSCs function during aging. In addition, we investigate the particular miRNAs regulating HSCs senescence and age-associated diseases. Video Abstract.

Exploring tourism business model importance with the emergence of blockchain system: directions for tourism industry of China.

The study aims to explore the importance of the tourism business model with the emergence of the blockchain platform in China. The study focused on the importance of the tourism business model of china, studied the need to improve the tourism business infrastructure, and traced the value of the blockchain system in the tourism industry of china. For this, the researchers used a semi-structured interview approach to conduct a qualitative research design. About nine Chinese tourism and travel industry experts were interwar after initial screening using purposive sampling techniques. The respondents' responses were analyzed by applying a thematic analysis approach, and by this, the researchers extracted the main themes on study topicality to fill the gap in the literature. The study's novelty is in its topicality and context, for which it also provides viable, practical directions for stakeholders.

Factors increasing the risk for food addiction in Ecuadorian students.

Background: Food addiction (FA) is a construct that has gained interest in recent years, but its relevance in the Ecuadorian population has not yet been explored. The aims of this study were to explore the differences in the psychological profile (including FA) between university students from Ecuador and to identify the underlying structure of the relationships of the FA severity level through a mediational model. Methods: The sample consisted of 972 university students, women and men (mean age: 20.1 years old, SD = 2.6), recruited from four Ecuadorian regions. The assessment tools included a unidimensional scale of FA, eating-related measures, emotion regulation state, impulsivity, and psychopathology state. Path analysis modeled the direct and indirect effects explaining the FA severity level. Results: The results indicated that higher psychopathological levels were associated with FA. Similarly, no differences in FA were observed between the Ecuadorian regions. The path analysis suggested that older age, female sex, and higher difficulties in emotional regulation, impulsivity, negative mood, and anxiety trigger disordered eating; subsequently, more impaired eating behavior impacted the FA level. Conclusion: FA is a complex clinical entity that includes multiple components related to eating disorders (EDs) and other mental health problems. The results of this study provide empirical knowledge for designing evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies.

Assessing the management student's entrepreneurial intentions: Role of entrepreneurship education and technology transfer.

Entrepreneurship education is considered as an important way to influence the competitiveness of any country or industry. Therefore, entrepreneurship education provides opportunities to progress to a more competitive educational environment. This paper examines the impact of students' entrepreneurship education in China on their entrepreneurial intentions. Perceived entrepreneurial capacity, education in entrepreneurship, and attitudes toward entrepreneurship are all factors in the model developed to predict entrepreneurial intention. Structured equation modeling (SEM) is being used to test 98 management students from various universities in China. The findings show that there is statistically significant and positive relationship among entrepreneurship learning, entrepreneurial attitude, entrepreneurship education, and management students' entrepreneurial intention. Perceived behavioral control and perceive social rule significantly improve management students' entrepreneurial intention. Moreover, technology transfer correlates statistically with students' entrepreneurial intentions. Thus, universities are being encouraged to offer entrepreneurial training modules to increase their students' entrepreneurial intent.

Innovative application of new media in visual communication design and resistance to innovation.

It has become essential to create and apply new media in visual communication design due to social media existence. This study aims to investigate the role of innovative applications of new media in visual communication design in educational institutions. Traditional media design in visual communication lacks to disseminate information more effectively, which requires innovative change. Therefore, this study attempts to highlight the role of innovative application of new media in visual communication by considering visual expression design with information technology (IT), flexible layout, diversified modes of transmission, and interactivity of integration. For this purpose, this study adopted a quantitative research approach in which a cross-sectional research design is followed. A questionnaire survey is carried out to collect data from educational institutions in China. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) is used for data analysis. Results of the study indicated that innovative applications of new media have central importance in visual communication. However, resistance to innovative change has a negative role in the relationship between innovative applications of new media and visual communication design. Results of the study highlighted that visual expression design with IT, flexible layout, diversified modes of transmission, and interactivity of integration have a positive effect on visual communication design. Therefore, among the educational intuitions of China, implementing innovative applications related to the new media can lead to visual communication design. The results of this study provided several insights for the practitioners to promote communication methods among educational institutions.

Mediating Mechanisms of Perfectionism: Clinical Comorbidity of OCD and ED.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders (ED) share common causal factors and often represent similar entities. Studies on obsessive-compulsive disorders and eating disorders reveal a significant correlation between maladaptive perfectionism. The objective of this study is to evaluate the predictive variables of perfectionism in patients diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and OCD using a structural equation model (SEM). The sample consisted of 187 participants (60.9% women, 39.1% men) with a mean age of 26.68 (SD = 10.97). The findings reveal that the model is the same in all the disorders evaluated, achieving an adequate fit: χ2 = 7.95 (p = 0.000), RMSEA = 0.087 (95% confidence interval: 0.00 to 0.02), CFI = 0.991, TLI = 0.951 and with an overall predictive capacity of around 30% (CD = 0.318). It is recommended that future studies address the subtypes of disorders evaluated using longitudinal designs.

Ecuadorian adaptation and validation of the Scale ofRisk Factors Associated with Eating Disorders (EFRATA)

El objetivo de este estudio fue adaptar y conocer la estructura factorial y la confiabilidad en la población ecuatoriana de la Escala EFRATA de Factores de Riesgo Asociados a los Trastornos de la Conducta Alimentaria. Se utilizó una muestra no probabilística de 1172 participantes (edad: M = 21.99; DT = 2.49; 58.6% mujeres y 41.4% hombres). El primer estudio de análisis paralelo identificó siete factores interpretables que explican el 50% de la varianza. El segundo estudio de análisis factorial confirmatorio indica un ajuste aceptable (GFI = 0.96; AGFI = 0.95; NFI = 0,94; RMR = 0.08). Los coeficientes de confiabilidad para el alfa de Cronbach y el omega de McDonald's fueron 0.89 y 0.90 respectivamente. La versión ecuatoriana de la EFRATA muestra buenas propiedades psicométricas y se adapta al contexto cultural de este país.(AU)

The objective of this study was to adapt and know the factorial structure and reliability in the Ecuadorian population of the EFRATA Scale of Risk Factors Associated with Eating Disorders. A non-probabilistic sample of 1172 participants were used (age: M= 21.99; SD= 2.49; 58.6% women and 41.4% men). The first parallel analysis study iden-tified seven interpretable factors that explain 50% of the variance. The second confirmatory factor analysis study indicates an acceptable fit (GFI = 0.96; AGFI = 0.95; NFI = 0.94; RMR = 0.08). The reliability coeffi-cients for Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega were 0.89 and 0.90 re-spectively. The Ecuadorian version of the EFRATA shows good psycho-metric properties and adapts to the cultural context of this country

Efectividad de la terapia manual en trastornos temporomandibulares. Revisión de literatura / Effectiveness of manual therapy in temporomandibular disorders. Literature review

Los trastornos temporomandibulares (TTM) tienen consecuencias funcionales importantes, que no distinguen edad ni sexo, los esquemas de tratamiento están enfocados al mejoramiento de la función y alivio de los síntomas, basándose principalmente en terapias conservadoras, evitando el sobretratamiento y atendiendo de forma oportuna a los casos que lo requieran, con la finalidad de evitar tratamientos invasivos. Los estudios controlados sobre la eficacia de la terapia manual para el tratamiento de los TTM son escasos, y la evidencia existente tiene claras limitaciones en su metodología, a pesar de ello, es la terapia más segura, aunque sus resultados son controversiales. Por tanto, el objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar una revisión de literatura sobre la eficacia de la terapia manual en el tratamiento de algunos de los trastornos temporomandibulares. En la mayoría de los estudios se observó la influencia que tiene el asesoramiento profesional y las charlas para el control de hábitos en el tratamiento con terapia manual. Así también, la constancia de los pacientes en sus citas, y la realización de los ejercicios en casa. La terapia demostró ser efectiva en algunos de los TTM, debido a que en casos crónicos no se evidenció mejora significativa.

TMDs have important functional consequences, which do not distinguish age or gender. Treatment schemes are focused on improving function and relieving symptoms, they are mainly based on conservative therapies, avoiding over-treatment and at the same time, opportunely treating cases that require it, hence, avoiding more invasive treatments. Controlled studies on the efficacy of manual therapy for the treatment of TMDs are scarce, and the existing evidence has clear limitations in its methodology, despite this, it is the safest therapy although its results are controversial. Therefore, the aim of this work was to perform a literature review on the efficacy of manual therapy in the treatment of some temporomandibular disorders. In most of the studies it was noticed, the influence of professional advice and habit control talks in the treatment with manual therapy, as well as the consistency of the patients with their appointments, and the practice of at home exercises. The therapy proved to be effective in some of the TMDs, since in chronic cases, no significant improvement was evidenced.

The Role of Iron and Zinc in the Treatment of ADHD among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder common from childhood to adulthood, affecting 5% to 12% among the general population in developed countries. Potential etiological factors have been identified, including genetic causes, environmental elements and epigenetic components. Nutrition is currently considered an influencing factor, and several studies have explored the contribution of restriction and dietary supplements in ADHD treatments. Iron is an essential cofactor required for a number of functions, such as transport of oxygen, immune function, cellular respiration, neurotransmitter metabolism (dopamine production), and DNA synthesis. Zinc is also an essential trace element, required for cellular functions related to the metabolism of neurotransmitters, melatonin, and prostaglandins. Epidemiological studies have found that iron and zinc deficiencies are common nutritional deficits worldwide, with important roles on neurologic functions (poor memory, inattentiveness, and impulsiveness), finicky appetite, and mood changes (sadness and irritability). Altered levels of iron and zinc have been related with the aggravation and progression of ADHD. OBJECTIVE: This is a systematic review focused on the contribution of iron and zinc in the progression of ADHD among children and adolescents, and how therapies including these elements are tolerated along with its effectiveness (according to PRISMA guidelines). METHOD: The scientific literature was screened for randomized controlled trials published between January 2000 to July 2021. The databases consulted were Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality and risk of bias (CONSORT, NICE, and Cochrane checklists used). CONCLUSION: Nine studies met the eligibility criteria and were selected. Evidence was obtained regarding the contribution of iron-zinc supplementation in the treatment of ADHD among young individuals. The discussion was focused on how the deficits of these elements contribute to affectation on multiple ADHD correlates, and potential mechanisms explaining the mediational pathways. Evidence also suggested that treating ADHD with diet interventions might be particularly useful for specific subgroups of children and adolescents, but further investigations of the effects of these diet interventions are needed.

A Brief Version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS): Validity Evidence in Ecuadorian Population.

Due to the scarcity of evaluation instruments on the construct of difficulties in emotional regulation in the Ecuadorian university context, the objective of the present study was to adapt linguistically and to study the psychometric properties of the Difficulty Scale in Emotional Regulation (DERS) in a sample of Ecuadorian university students. A non-probability sample of 1172 participants between 17 and 32 years of age (M = 21.99; DT = 2.49), which consisted of 58.6% women and 41.4% men, was used. The research was carried out in three stages. The first study evaluated the Ecuadorian linguistic adaptation of the scale. The second study referred to the factorization by main axes identifying five factors (Lack of emotional understanding; Limited access to regulation strategies; Difficulties in impulse control; Interferences in goal-directed behaviors; Lack of emotional clarity) theoretically interpretable, which explain 49.22% of the variance. The third study developed a confirmatory factor analysis that specified an acceptable fit of the model (GFI = .95; AGFI = .95; NFI = .94; RMR = .11). The reliability coefficients are acceptable as .90 Cronbach's alpha and .91 McDonald's omega. In conclusion, it is mentioned that the Ecuadorian version of the DERS in a university sample exhibits good psychometric characteristics of internal structure and responses.

Debido a la escasez de instrumentos de evaluación sobre el constructo de dificultades en la regulación emocional en el contexto universitario ecuatoriano, el objetivo del presente estudio fue adaptar lingüísticamente y estudiar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de dificultades en la regulación emocional (DERS) en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios ecuatorianos. Se empleó una muestra no probabilística de 1172 participantes de 17 a 32 años de edad (M = 21.99; DT = 2.49), de los cuales 58.6% eran mujeres y 41.4% hombres. La investigación se desplegó en tres etapas: el primer estudio desarrolló la adaptación lingüística ecuatoriana de la escala. El segundo estudio se refirió a la factorización por ejes principales identificando cinco factores (Falta de compresión emocional; Acceso limitado a estrategias de regulación; Dificultades en el control de impulsos; Interferencias en conductas dirigidas a metas; Falta de claridad emocional) interpretables teóricamente, que explican el 49.22% de la varianza. El tercer estudio desarrolló un análisis factorial confirmatorio, el cual indicó un ajuste aceptable del modelo (GFI = .95; AGFI = .95; NFI = .94; RMR = .11). Los coeficientes de fiabilidad se revelaron aceptables de .90 alfa de Cronbach y .91 omega de McDonald. Como conclusión se menciona que la versión ecuatoriana de la DERS en una muestra universitaria exhibe buenas características psicométricas de estructura interna y fiabilidad.