Search Results (74)

Background/Objectives: Oral anticoagulant (OA) therapy (OAT) may be prescribed to patients for a variety of reasons, with several agent classes currently available as well as emerging. The classical oral anticoagulants are represented by vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), including warfarin, and the more modern alternatives comprise the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). We aimed to assess usage of OAs over time in Australia, especially focusing on the period of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its transition to an endemic phase, to assess for any trends. Methods: Using data from the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS), Medicare and other online sites, we specifically assessed for changes in OA prescription and cost patterns over the period 1992–2024, but focusing especially on the period 2020–2024 inclusive. Results: Apixaban is now the most prescribed OA in Australia. Costs of OAT prescriptions have steadily increased over the data capture period, reaching half a billion dollars in 2023. Interestingly, costs have started to fall, seemingly driven by the release of DOAC generics and PBS pricing adjustments. We could identify no clear signals related to COVID-19-related changes in prescription trends, contrary to previous reports in other locations. Conclusions: We provide Australian data on both OA usage as well as costs. Despite an ongoing trend to increasing use of DOACs over VKAs, we could not identify any specific COVID-19-related changes. Full article

Conventional seismic design regulations, even when rigorously adapted to local conditions, often fail to ensure the resilience of reinforced concrete buildings. Code-based prescriptive methods rely on simplified assumptions that do not fully capture the complex nonlinear behavior of structures during strong earthquakes, potentially underestimating seismic demands and structural vulnerabilities. This study evaluates the seismic performance of a 44-story reinforced concrete building designed per the EN-2015 code, currently adopted in Ethiopia. The building was analyzed using Response Spectrum Analysis (RSA), Linear Dynamic Time History Analysis (LDTHA), and Classical Modal Analysis in ETABS v19, with 11 ground motions from the PEER database. Ground motion scaling was performed using SeismoMatch and ETABS. Results indicate that LDTHA predicts 25.68% higher maximum story displacement, 26.49% greater inter-story drift ratios, 15.35% higher story shear, and 27.5% greater overturning moments compared to RSA. The fundamental time period for the first mode was found to be 3.956 s in Classical Modal Analysis, 3.806 s in RSA, and 3.883 s in LDTHA. These discrepancies highlight the limitations of code-based design and underscore the necessity of performance-based seismic design for achieving safer, more resilient structures in high-seismic regions. Full article

Influential studies in the history of cartography have argued that map-like representations of space were (virtually) unknown in the Classical Mediterranean world and that the cause of this was an absence of underlying cognitive maps. That is, persons in that time/place purportedly had only route/egocentric-type mental representations, not survey/allocentric ones. The present study challenges that cognitive claim by examining the verbal descriptions of plots of land produced by ancient Roman land-measurers. Despite the prescription of a route-based form, actual representations persistently show a variety of features which suggest the existence of underlying survey-type mental models and the integration of those with the route-type ones. This fits better with current views on interaction between types of spatial representation and of cultural difference in this area. The evidence also suggests a linkage between the two kinds of representations. Full article

An effective method for purifying the total alkaloid components from Piperis longi fructus extract was developed in this study. The adsorption/desorption processes of the total alkaloid components from Piperis longi fructus were established by resin model screening, adsorption kinetics, and adsorption thermodynamics tests. Moreover, the purified powders were analyzed with UPLC-Q-ZENO-TOF-MS/MS and then their antioxidant activity was tested. The Langmuir equation provided a good fit with the experimental results. The thermodynamic study provides a satisfactory fit for the isotherm data, indicating that the adsorption process is characterized by spontaneity (ΔG° < 0), exothermicity (ΔH° < 0), and an increase in entropy (ΔS° < 0). Furthermore, the kinetic adsorption behavior on D101 resin was effectively modeled by pseudo-second-order kinetics. According to this mechanism, we selected the best adsorption parameters and optimized the on-column elution process to effectively enrich the total alkaloid components. The optimal process was as follows: D101 macroporous resin was added to an alcohol solution (crude drug concentration of 2 g/mL) and then concentrated under a vacuum at 45~55 °C (<−0.08~−0.10 MPa) until alcohol-free. Subsequently, the resin was loaded into the column and eluted with 70% ethanol at a flow rate of 2 BV/h for 10 BV to achieve desorption. The present study provides a more efficient method for the enrichment of the total alkaloidal components of Piperis longi fructus, which will lay the foundation for applications in food additives or functional foods in the future. Full article

Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. is a medicinal herb that can be added to food to provide therapeutic effects and reduce the burden of medications. Herein, the immunomodulatory effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides (GPs) were verified and illustrated by intervening immunocompromised rats treated with different doses of GPs, which were reflected for adjusting the composition and structure of the intestinal microbiota and altering the metabolic profile. The immunomodulatory effects of GPs were exerted by regulating the intestinal microenvironment. In particular, GPs could promote the growth of probiotic bacteria Allobaculum, norank__o_Clostridia_UCG-014, Dubosiella, and g__norank_o___RF39 and curb the growth of harmful bacteria Enterococcus. The results showed that GPs had a prebiotic effect, which contributed to improving the intestinal environment and maintaining intestinal health. In addition, the content of beneficial differential metabolites was up-regulated, especially short-chain fatty acids, with alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; arginine biosynthesis; glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism being the most enriched pathways. These metabolic pathways imply the metabolic process of GPs, and the metabolic pathways and differential effector metabolites of it are focused. Overall, the purpose of this article lies in providing support for the application of GPs for regulating immune function. Full article

This study explores the escape dynamics of bistable systems influenced by multiplicative noise, extending the classical Kramers rate formula to scenarios involving state-dependent diffusion in asymmetric potentials. Using a generalized stochastic calculus framework, we derive an analytical expression for the escape rate and corroborate it with numerical simulations. The results highlight the critical role of the equilibrium potential $U_{\mathrm{eq}}\left(x\right)$, which incorporates noise intensity, stochastic prescription, and diffusion properties. We show how asymmetries and stochastic calculus prescriptions influence transition rates and equilibrium configurations. Using path integral techniques and weak noise approximations, we analyze the interplay between noise and potential asymmetry, uncovering phenomena such as barrier suppression and metastable state decay. The agreement between numerical and analytical results underscores the robustness of the proposed framework. This work provides a comprehensive foundation for studying noise-induced transitions in stochastic systems, offering insights into a broad range of applications in physics, chemistry, and biology. Full article

Hemp seed protein isolates (HPI) were used to produce a gel through probiotic fermentation. This study assessed how fermentation time (ranging from 0 to 16 h) affected the physicochemical properties of the HPI gel. The results indicated that gel formation began after 8 h of fermentation, as demonstrated by a pH decrease, an increase in particle size, and the development of aggregation observed through fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. The gel produced after 16 h of fermentation showed the highest viscosity, storage modulus, and gel strength, attributed to stronger molecular interactions, including non-covalent and covalent crosslinking. However, the gel produced after 12 h of fermentation showed the highest water-holding capacity, and extending the fermentation beyond 12 h caused a decrease in water-holding capacity. Additionally, the subunits tended to form polymers after fermentation, suggesting that gel formation was influenced by both acidification and specific covalent crosslinking. These findings propose that HPI could serve as a viable alternative for developing plant-based gel products. Full article

Silene viscidula Franch is mainly produced in southwest China. The region has a vast area and rich climate, which has an impact on the quality of the plants due to the differences in distribution between the origins. There is a lack of systematic research on its chemical compounds in the existing literature, and fewer studies have been reported for the active compounds of this plant. Therefore, high-resolution liquid mass spectrometry was used in this study. Sixty batches of Silene viscidula Franch samples from twenty origins in three provinces were analyzed for compounds. A database of chemical compounds of Silene viscidula Franch was established through node-to-node information in the GNPS molecular network, as well as literature records. The ion fragmentation information obtained was compared with the literature data and analyzed and identified by importing the mass spectrometry software PeakView 1.2. Then, the MarkerView t-test was applied to analyze and identify the compounds of Silene viscidula Franch from different origins. Afterwards, the antioxidant activity of Silene viscidula Franch from different origins was preliminarily evaluated using DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays. The results showed a total of 78 compounds, including 34 steroids, 14 triterpenoid saponins, 30 flavonoid glycosides, and other classes of compounds, such as alkaloids. The cleavage patterns of steroids, triterpenoid saponins, and flavonoids in positive-ion mode were also summarized. Based on the p-value of the t-test (p < 0.05), 29 differential compounds were screened out. The relative contents of saponins and steroidal compounds in these samples were found to be associated with antioxidant activity. This study provided a preliminary reference for the establishment of a comprehensive evaluation system for the quality of Silene viscidula Franch. Full article

In phenylketonuria (PKU), natural protein intake is thought to increase with age, particularly during childhood and adolescence. Longitudinal dietary intake data are scarce and lifelong phenylalanine tolerance remains unknown. Nine centres managing PKU in Europe and Turkey participated in a retrospective study. Data were collected from dietetic records between 2012 and 2018 on phenylalanine (Phe), natural protein, and protein substitute intake. A total of 1323 patients (age range: 1–57 y; 51% male) participated. Dietary intake data were available on 1163 (88%) patients. Patient numbers ranged from 59 to 320 in each centre. A total of 625 (47%) had classical PKU (cPKU), n = 357 (27%) had mild PKU (mPKU), n = 325 (25%) had hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA), and n = 16 (1%) were unknown. The mean percentage of blood Phe levels within target ranged from 65 ± 54% to 88 ± 49%. When intake was expressed as g/day, the mean Phe/natural protein and protein equivalent from protein substitute gradually increased during childhood, reaching a peak in adolescence, and then remained consistent during adulthood. When intake was expressed per kg body weight (g/kg/day), there was a decline in Phe/natural protein, protein equivalent from protein substitute, and total protein with increasing age. Overall, the mean daily intake (kg/day) was as follows: Phe, 904 mg ± 761 (22 ± 23 mg/kg/day), natural protein 19 g ± 16 (0.5 g/kg/day ± 0.5), protein equivalent from protein substitute 39 g ± 22 (1.1 g/kg/day ± 0.6), and total protein 59 g ± 21 (1.7 g/kg/day ± 0.6). Natural protein tolerance was similar between males and females. Patients with mPKU tolerated around 50% less Phe/natural protein than HPA, but 50% more than cPKU. Higher intakes of natural protein were observed in Southern Europe, with a higher prevalence of HPA and mPKU compared with patients from Northern European centres. Natural protein intake doubled with sapropterin usage. In sapropterin-responsive patients, 31% no longer used protein substitutes. Close monitoring and optimisation of protein intake prescriptions are needed, along with future guidelines specifically for different age groups and severities. Full article

The antenna field of view, the angle range that can be accessed by scanning the main beam of a phased array, is one of the key performance prescriptions especially for space-borne aerials. The classical example of the full Earth, continental and subcontinental field of view of the geosynchronous satellite is indicative, and it extends to the medium and lower orbit multibeam telecommunication systems. There, a high-gain, very small beamwidth pencil beam should scan a given service area. At the same time, it should exhibit extremely low sidelobes in order not to present interference to adjacent geographical areas, served by neighboring beams, and keep its grating lobes out of the Earth’s surface. High-throughput telecommunication satellites should comply with those prescriptions to be given permission for placement in orbit. Thus, the motivation for delivering solid methods for the design of limited-field-of-view array antennas is high. A proposal in this direction is presented in the work at hand. Indeed, in the present study a scaling transformation is used to map a wide-angle scanning array to a limited-field-of-view one. We start the design from a Full-Field-of-View array with the appropriate half-power beamwidth, sidelobe level, and directivity index, and then we enlarge it to attain the desired one with the limited-field-of-view pattern characteristics. The potential of the method is solid since it augments the limited-field-of-view design methods using the excellent performance of the respective full-field-of-view ones. As a result, the synthesis of a limited-field-of-view array can use any of the well-known array synthesis methods in conjunction with the right scaling. Additionally, one can employ design methods that rely on sampling of planar aperture distributions. Various design examples, employing both sampling of continuous apertures and utilizing classical full-field-of-view array synthesis methods, are included and presented in detail, verifying the merit of our approach. Full article

Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. (EL) is a traditional Chinese herb known for its phlegm-reducing, cough-relieving and asthma-calming properties. It is widely used for treating cough and bronchitis. However, preliminary experiments have revealed wide variations in the composition of its different medicinal parts (flowers, leaves and stems), and the composition and efficacy of its different medicinal parts remain largely underexplored at present. In this study, non-targeted rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with a quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry (RRLC-Q-TOF-MS)-based metabolomics approach was developed to investigate the differences in the chemical composition of different medicinal parts of EL. We identified or tentatively identified 9 alkaloids, 11 flavonoids, 14 sesquiterpene lactones, 3 diterpenoids and 24 phenolic acids. In addition, heatmap visualization, quantitative analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-PDA) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) showed particularly high levels of sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids and phenolic acids in the flowers, such as eupalinolide A and B and chlorogenic acid, among others. The leaves also contained some flavonoid sesquiterpene lactones and phenolic acids, while the stems were almost absent. The findings of in vitro activity studies indicated that the flowers exhibited a notable inhibitory effect on the release of the inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6, surpassing the anti-inflammatory efficacy observed in the leaves. Conversely, the stems demonstrated negligible anti-inflammatory activity. The variations in anti-inflammatory activity among the flowers, leaves and stems of EL can primarily be attributed to the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids and sesquiterpene lactones in both the flowers and leaves. Additionally, the flowers contain a higher concentration of these active components compared to the leaves. These compounds mediate their anti-inflammatory effects through distinct biochemical pathways. The results of this study are anticipated to provide a scientific basis for the rational and effective utilization of EL resources. Full article

The multi-particle Arnol’d cat is a generalization of the Hamiltonian system, both classical and quantum, whose period evolution operator is the renowned map that bears its name. It is obtained following the Joos–Zeh prescription for decoherence by adding a number of scattering particles in the configuration space of the cat. Quantization follows swiftly if the Hamiltonian approach, rather than the semiclassical approach, is adopted. The author has studied this system in a series of previous works, focusing on the problem of quantum–classical correspondence. In this paper, the dynamics of this system are tested by two related yet different indicators: the time autocorrelation function of the canonical position and the out-of-time correlator of position and momentum. Full article

Tongmai Sini decoction (TSD), the classical prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine, consisting of three commonly used herbal medicines, has been widely applied for the treatment of myocardial infarction and heart failure. However, the absorbed components and their metabolism in vivo of TSD still remain unknown. In this study, a reliable and effective method using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS) was employed to identify prototype components and metabolites in vivo (rat plasma and urine). Combined with mass defect filtering (MDF), dynamic background subtraction (DBS), and neutral loss filtering (NLF) data-mining tools, a total of thirty-two major compounds were selected and investigated for their metabolism in vivo. As a result, a total of 82 prototype compounds were identified or tentatively characterized in vivo, including 41 alkaloids, 35 phenolic compounds, 6 saponins. Meanwhile, A total of 65 metabolites (40 alkaloids and 25 phenolic compounds) were tentatively identified. The metabolic reactions were mainly hydrogenation, demethylation, hydroxylation, hydration, methylation, deoxylation, and sulfation. These findings will be beneficial for an in-depth understanding of the pharmacological mechanism and pharmacodynamic substance basis of TSD. Full article

Astragali radix is a traditional medicinal herb with a long history and wide application. It is frequently used in prescriptions with other medicinal materials to replenish Qi. According to the classics of traditional Chinese medicine, Astragali radix is attributed with properties such as Qi replenishing and surface solidifying, sore healing and muscle generating, and inducing diuresis to reduce edema. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that some extracts and active ingredients in Astragali radix function as antioxidants. The polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids in Astragali radix offer beneficial effects in preventing and controlling diseases caused by oxidative stress. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive research on the effective components and molecular mechanisms through which Astragali radix exerts antioxidant activity. In this paper, we review the active components with antioxidant effects in Astragali radix; summarize the content, bioavailability, and antioxidant mechanisms; and offer a reference for the clinical application of Astragalus and the future development of novel antioxidants. Full article

There is a serious mixing of Piperis Herba and Piperis Kadsurae Caulis in various parts of China due to the similar traits of lianas, and there is a lack of systematic research on the compound and activity evaluation of the two. Likewise, the differences in compounds brought about by the distribution of origin also need to be investigated. In this study, high-resolution liquid–mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Zeno-TOF-MS/MS) was used to analyze samples of Piperis Herba from five origins and Piperis Kadsurae Caulis from five origins, with three batches collected from each origin. The compounds were identified based on precise molecular weights, secondary fragments, and an online database combined with node-to-node associations of the molecular network. The t-test was used to screen and analyze the differential compounds between the two. Finally, the preliminary evaluation of antioxidant activity of the two herbs was carried out using DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays. The results showed that a total of 72 compounds were identified and deduced in the two Chinese medicines. These compounds included 54 amide alkaloids and 18 other compounds, such as flavonoid glycosides. The amide alkaloids among them were then classified, and the cleavage pathways in positive ion mode were summarized. Based on the p-value of the t-test, 32 differential compounds were screened out, and it was found that the compounds of Piperis Herba were richer and possessed a broader spectrum of antioxidant activity, thus realizing a multilevel distinction between Piperis Herba and Piperis Kadsurae Caulis. This study provides a preliminary reference for promoting standardization and comprehensive quality research of the resources of Piperis Herba using Piperis Kadsurae Caulis as a reference. Full article