Preferential Formation Research Articles

Effects of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) Extract on the Acquisition and Expression of Morphine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Swiss Albino Mice: an In vivo, In Silico Approach

Empirical findings have demonstrated that the application of an N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist effectively prevents the formation of morphine-induced location preference. Eugenol, the primary constituent found in the extract of S. aromaticum (SA), exhibits notable efficacy in traversing the blood-brain barrier and possesses inhibitory properties against the metabotropic NMDA receptor. This study aimed to evaluate the actions of the hydro-alcoholic extract of S. aromaticum on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice, followed by in silico studies. The conditioned place preference (CPP) test was used for investigating addictive-seeking behavior. Morphine (5 mg/kg) was used to produce CPP, and saline was used as a control. Morphine significantly increased the preference scores on the drug-paired side (p<0.001), whereas both doses of S. aromaticum extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) did not reveal any liking compared to the control group. Higher doses of S. aromaticum extract (400 mg/kg) reduced the acquisition of MOR-induced CPP (p<0.001) but had no significant effect on the expression of morphine CPP. Molecular docking analysis showed that the binding affinities of eugenol to NMDA receptor are -5.1 kcal/mol, comparable to the reference NMDA antagonist memantine which has -5.6 kcal/mol binding affinity to NMDA receptor. Eugenol formed hydrophobic bonds with NMDA receptors at VAL644, PHE554, TRP563 and TYR647 residues, comparable to the binding affinity of NMDA antagonist memantine. ADMET analysis showed that eugenol has high intestinal absorption and good bioavailability (>90%) and can cross the BBB easily (logBB> 0.3). On the basis of our in vivo trials and in silico report, we settled that the acquisition effect of S. aromaticum might be due to the antioxidant and antagonistic properties of eugenol to NMDA receptor. It would be reasonable to conduct mechanistic research in the forthcoming days to elucidate the underlying mechanisms utilizing various methodologies. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 23(1): 77-92, 2024 (June)

Mass Attitudes about International Trade Agreements: Positive Messages and the Trans-Pacific Partnership

Abstract From the understanding that the mass public knows little about the benefits of international trade agreements but nonetheless opposes them with opposition representing a problem for domestic ratification, this research note explores if and what messages about the Trans-Pacific Partnership might increase popular support. The experimental results show that providing more background information alone does not increase support, but adding an economic message about how this agreement could lower prices or a security message about how it would help the United States counter China increases support. The economic message also encourages respondents to write a statement to their Senators urging them to vote for ratification. These positive effects appear even within groups that are more opposed, namely less educated citizens and Republicans. Our results address important questions about the formation of trade policy preferences, showing they can be shifted in directions contrary to one's egocentric interests and partisan predispositions.

Human Autonomy at Risk? An Analysis of the Challenges from AI

Autonomy is a core value that is deeply entrenched in the moral, legal, and political practices of many societies. The development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) have raised new questions about AI’s impacts on human autonomy. However, systematic assessments of these impacts are still rare and often held on a case-by-case basis. In this article, I provide a conceptual framework that both ties together seemingly disjoint issues about human autonomy, as well as highlights differences between them. In the first part, I distinguish between distinct concerns that are currently addressed under the umbrella term ‘human autonomy’. In particular, I show how differentiating between autonomy-as-authenticity and autonomy-as-agency helps us to pinpoint separate challenges from AI deployment. Some of these challenges are already well-known (e.g. online manipulation or limitation of freedom), whereas others have received much less attention (e.g. adaptive preference formation). In the second part, I address the different roles AI systems can assume in the context of autonomy. In particular, I differentiate between AI systems taking on agential roles and AI systems being used as tools. I conclude that while there is no ‘silver bullet’ to address concerns about human autonomy, considering its various dimensions can help us to systematically address the associated risks.

Pyrrhotites in asteroid 162173 Ryugu: Records of the initial changes on their surfaces with aqueous alteration

The surface chemistry of pyrrhotites from intact particles directly collected from asteroid (162173) Ryugu was investigated by micro-Raman spectroscopy. The Raman peak characteristic to pyrrhotite was observed at around 115 cm−1 in Ryugu pyrrhotites, similar to freshly cleaved surfaces of terrestrial pyrrhotites. Additional Raman bands centered at around 220, 275, and 313 cm−1 with broadened features were also detected from the Ryugu pyrrhotites. The set of Raman bands at 220 and 275 cm−1 was assigned to typical Fe-S stretching vibrations of ν2 (225 cm−1) and ν1 (275 cm−1). These bands are not clearly observed in bulk crystals of pyrrhotite but appear in its nanoparticulate phase. These bands are ordinarily seen in amorphous monosulfides that formed under low oxygen fugacity (fO2) conditions in nature, indicating that the structural alteration of pyrrhotite surfaces occurred heterogeneously on the nanoscale under low fO2 conditions. Further, the Raman band at 313 cm−1 was attributed to a characteristic tetrahedral bonding of Fe(III) in the lattice of FeII1-3xFeIII1-2xS, followed by the local breakdown of the crystal lattice structures from planar bonding with Fe(II). In addition, some areas of the Ryugu pyrrhotite grains showed corroded structures with iridescence. Furthermore, assemblages of magnetite particles were also preferentially observed on small areas of the likely-dissolved pyrrhotite crystals in phyllosilicate matrices. These characteristic features in the Raman spectra and in corroded structures of Ryugu pyrrhotites record changes in the local environmental conditions via aqueous alteration. The corrosion of pyrrhotite crystals followed by the preferential formation of magnetite particles by asteroidal water is the likely product of dissolution of Fe(II) from the pyrrhotite surface and its oxidative precipitation in microchemical environments on the Ryugu parent body.

Mixed‐Dimensional All‐Organic Polymer Heterostructures with Enhanced Piezoelectricity

AbstractEnhancing the piezoelectricity of polymers while maintaining all components organic is still challenging but significantly important for developing flexible wearable energy harvesters and self‐powered devices. Here, a novel and versatile strategy is introduced to construct mixed‐dimensional all‐organic polymer heterostructures (MPHs) for enhanced piezoelectricity. By combining all‐polymer 1D nanofibers (NFs) with 2D crystals through epitaxial crystallization‐driven assembly (ECA), MPHs are engineered to capitalize on the synergistic effects of both dimensional nanostructures. The intrinsic piezoelectric activity of 1D NFs is amplified by the growth of 2D crystals, enhancing force‐sensitivity and overall piezoelectricity. The mixed‐dimensional assembly not only enables controlled in‐situ growth of MPHs, but also simultaneously induces preferential formation of electroactive phases through solvent‐induced phase transition. By modulating the epitaxial growth of 2D crystals on 1D NFs, effective tuning of MPH growth amount and morphology is achieved, resulting in significant improvements in deformability, dipole polarization, and durability. MPHs exhibit remarkable piezoelectric improvements, achieving higher output under lower‐level forces with a record‐high sensitivity of ≈670 mV kPa−1. Their superior responsivity enables the development of self‐powered wireless wearable motion‐monitoring systems for real‐time physiological movement detection and analysis. This work inspires the development of all‐organic piezoelectric devices for innovative flexible energy‐harvesting and sensing applications.

Speciation and Reactivity of Mono- and Binuclear Ni Intermediates in Aminoquinoline-Directed C-H Arylation and Benzylation.

This paper describes detailed organometallic studies of the aminoquinoline-directed Ni-catalyzed C-H functionalization of 2,3,4,5-tetrafluoro-N-(quinolin-8-yl)benzamide with diaryliodonium reagents. A combination of 19F NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography is used to track and characterize diamagnetic and paramagnetic intermediates throughout this transformation. These provide key insights into both the cyclometalation and oxidative functionalization steps of the catalytic cycle. The reaction conditions (solvent, ligands, base, and stoichiometry) play a central role in the observation of a NiII precyclometalation intermediate as well as in the speciation of the NiII products of C-H activation. Both mono- and binuclear cyclometalated NiII species are observed and interconvert, depending on the reaction conditions. Cyclic voltammetry reveals that the NiII/III redox potentials for the cyclometalated intermediates vary by more than 700 mV depending on their coordination environments, and these differences are reflected in their relative reactivity with diaryliodonium oxidants. The oxidative functionalization reaction affords a mixture of arylated and solvent functionalization organic products, depending on the conditions and solvent. For example, conducting oxidation in toluene leads to the preferential formation of the benzylated product. A series of experiments implicate a NiII/III/IV pathway for this transformation.

An exploration of having social media influencers deliver a first-line digital intervention to improve body image among adolescent girls: A qualitative study

Social media influencers are popular among adolescents and could offer a unique way to reach young people at scale with body image interventions. This study explored girls’ and influencers’ views on having influencers deliver body image interventions through vlogs (video blogs) and to gain insight into their preferred format, content, and views on factors that encourage engagement with vlogs. Twenty-one UK based participants were recruited. Three online focus groups were conducted with adolescent girls (n = 16) aged 14–18 years and one with influencers (n = 5) aged 24–33 years, who had a collective following of over 1.5 million subscribers across social media platforms. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and four themes were generated: Choosing an influencer whose messages and core values are aligned with the topic of body image; the importance of influencer authenticity and personal experience; collaborating on content creation with mental health professionals; and the need for long-form (i.e., 10–20 min) content to address serious topics. Findings suggest having influencers deliver body image interventions to young people could be a useful approach. Results highlight the need to engage with end users from the outset of intervention development to increase the likelihood of intervention effectiveness and engagement.

4‐Methyltetrahydropyran: A Versatile Alternative Solvent for the Preparation of Chiral BINOL Catalysts and the Asymmetric Alkylation of Aldehydes

AbstractWe herein report that the highly hydrophobic ether 4‐MeTHP constitutes a promising resource for the development of sustainable synthetic methodologies grounded on the use of organometallic reagents. The beneficial effects of 4‐MeTHP as reaction medium are illustrated in the organolithium‐promoted anionic ortho‐Fries rearrangement of 1,1’‐bi‐2‐naphthol (BINOL)‐based carbamates under bench‐type conditions. The use of 4‐MeTHP induces a remarkable and unexpected stability of the organolithiums species, enabling the efficient preparation of chiral (bis)carboxamide catalysts. Furthermore, superior performances of 4‐MeTHP than other environmentally responsible solvents are observed using the synthesized BINOL catalysts in the asymmetric addition of organozinc reagents to aldehydes. Spectroscopic studies in solution suggest that 4‐MeTHP plays a key role in these reactions by inducing the preferential formation of a reactive monomeric dinuclear complex. This methodology allows for the asymmetric assembly of enantioenriched secondary alcohols in good yields and high stereoselectivity, working at 0 °C and under air.

Investigating Students’ Food Packaging-Related Challenges and Preferences in Europe and Asia

There is increasing pressure for everyone to adopt sustainable behaviours and typically this starts at-home via appropriate food-based disposal practices; however, this is associated with various barriers impacting compliance. Targeted education in college and/or the university environment could provide a viable approach to overcome such difficulties; yet, limited readily available resources exist to bring this forth. This paper explores students’ food packaging expectations and attitudes as well as information preferences in four countries (UK, France, India, and China). Students (n = 533) completed an online survey capturing food packaging purchase-based decisions, disposal-related challenges, and communication preferences. Students noted that food packaging had a dominant role in product choice. Fresh produce was considered an area for improvement, especially in the UK, India, and France, whereas snacks/baked goods were a priority in China. Disposal-related challenges were mostly associated with mixed materials. Students cited no clear information, limited choices, excessive packaging, and no nearby bins as common food packaging issues. This suggests that improving infrastructure (more bins, clearer signing) could be fundamental to encourage students to implement more sustainable food packaging behaviour. Furthermore, colleges and/or universities should consider students’ preferred information formats (infographics, videos) and develop targeted education (recyclability) which can be easily disseminated to promote engagement and sustainable food packaging knowledge and awareness.

Characterization and decontamination evaluation of carbon composites synthesized via Co(II)-Assisted pyrolysis of phenanthroline, phenylenediamine, and melamine

The application of carbon composite materials (CCMs) spans across various fields, and their preparation primarily involves the non-oxygen pyrolysis of non-volatile macromolecular precursors, which poses challenges in tailoring their composition and microstructure. Here, we propose a binary co-pyrolysis approach for the synthesis of CCMs, utilizing small organic molecules such as Phenanthroline (Phen), o-Phenylenediamine (oPD), and Melamine (Mel) as precursors, along with Co(II) salt as a catalyst. We conducted a thermogravimetric analysis of these three binary systems, aiming to synthesize CCMs at moderate temperatures (330 − 460 °C). Subsequently, we characterized the CCMs in terms of their bulk structure, composition, and surface properties. Finally, we assessed their decontamination performance through catalytic H2O2 degradation of methylene blue and adsorption of Pb(II)/phosphate. The results revealed that Co(II) can promote the preferential formation of thermally stable intermediate polymeric structures and inhibit the direct evaporation of the precursors. The prepared CCM-Phen-Co, CCM-oPD-Co, and CCM-Mel-Co exhibit a lamellar and (N, O, Co)–co-doped amorphous structure. Furthermore, both CCM-Phen-Co and CCM-oPD-Co demonstrate complete removal efficiency for methylene blue at a concentration of 10 mg/L, while the maximum adsorption capacity of CCM-oPD-Co for Pb(II) and CCM-Phen-Co for phosphate are 58.0 mg/g and 13.6 mg/g respectively. The CCMs demonstrate promising efficacy in environmental catalysis and adsorption for decontamination purposes.

Empowering SMEs for the digital future: unveiling training needs and nurturing ecosystem support

ABSTRACT Previous studies show that digital transition brings several benefits and challenges for companies. Among those challenges, particularly for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the main one is increased capacitation, from technical roles to management. Considering this, the main objective of this study is to identify the training needs and the ecosystem support in the face of the digital transition for Portuguese manufacturing SMEs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with industry experts and company professionals in the automotive and textile sectors. It was concluded that all workers, from technical roles to middle and top management, need more digital capabilities and would benefit from training programmes. The most desired areas for training are data science, virtualisation skills, quality assurance, technical training, and soft skills. The preferred format is physical (or hybrid at most) during working hours and with theoretical training before on-the-job learning. Both industrial companies and experts believe in the value of involving external entities in the training of employees, with the three most referred entities being technology and interface centres, universities, and business associations.

Full potential of microwave-assisted processes: From synthesis of high-quality MIL-101(Fe) catalyst to furfural valorization

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising catalysts in biomass valorization processes, due to mainly their high structural and chemical flexibility when compared to other catalytic materials. However, it is still challenging to achieve perfect control in the synthetic method to obtain high-quality MOF particles containing uniform active sites, which will strongly influence their further catalytic performance. Herein, we have demonstrated that microwaves (MWs) can play a key role not only in the preparation of the MOF catalyst, specifically MIL-101(Fe), but also in performing the MOF-catalyzed oxidative esterification of furfural to methyl-2-furoate under mild conditions and in the absence of a base. MIL-101(Fe) exhibited a high conversion of furfural (>90 %) and excellent selectivity to methyl-2-furoate (>95 %) in just 1 h of reaction and at a moderate temperature (60 °C). A series of control experiments and DFT-mechanistic studies revealed the pivotal role played by the MIL-101(Fe) particles to drive the preferential formation of the target compound methyl-2-furoate, and evidenced that the MOF behaves as a truly heterogeneous catalyst. Overall, this work demonstrates that the potential of MW energy is underexploited, and highlights that there is still a long way to go in the development of new MOF-based catalytic approaches for biomass transformations.

Unraveling the impact of acrylonitrile on naphthyl radical during the growth process of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The introduction of ammonia effectively inhibits soot formation through its chemical interactions, partly attributable to the effects exerted by CN species. This study aims to investigate the influence of larger CN species, specifically acrylonitrile (C3H3N), identified in NH3-doped flames, on the growth process of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The potential energy surfaces (PESs) governing the reaction between C3H3N and the naphthyl radical were explored utilizing G3(MP2, CC)//B3LYP/6-311G++(d,p) level theory. The formed C3H3N adducts exhibit the potential to generate PAHs featuring CH=CHCN side chain or nitrogen-containing PAHs (N-PAHs). The Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) theory was employed to calculate temperature- and pressure-dependent rate coefficients, enabling the assessment of yield distribution across the temperature range of 300–2500 K. In the 1-naphthyl + C3H3N reaction at 1 atm, the preferential formation of acenaphthylene-1-carbonitrile occurs at 300–1600 K, shifting towards PAHs with CH=CHCN side chains at temperatures exceeding 1600 K. The predominant production of PAHs with CH=CHCN side chains occurs in the 2-naphthyl + C3H3N reaction across all temperature ranges. These findings enhance our understanding of the mechanisms involving CN species and PAHs, significantly advancing the study of how intricate mechanisms influence PAH growth in NH3-doped flames.

User-informed tailoring of electronic and in-person peer navigation strategies to improve retention in HIV care for adolescents and young adults: a qualitative inquiry

ABSTRACT Poor adherence and retention in HIV care remain a major challenge among adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Strategies are urgently required to support AYA to remain in care for better health outcomes. We explored AYA preferences regarding the format and delivery of electronic and in-person peer navigation to improve HIV care outcomes. This formative qualitative study was conducted among AYA enrolled in HIV care at three clinics in western Kenya. We conducted two focus group discussions (FGDs) each with 8–9 participants (n = 17) purposively selected based on age, gender and clinic where they received care. The characteristics desired of a navigator are a person of the same age group and HIV status who has a good memory and is friendly and able to maintain confidentiality. AYA want the content of their interaction with the navigator to center on sharing motivational messages and also educating them on matters of HIV care, sexual and reproductive health and mental health. The preferred navigation formats for electronic communication are platforms considered confidential. AYA preferred interventions delivered through secure communication platforms by navigators with whom they have commonalities. The navigation interventions that prioritize confidentiality and holistic content will likely be most highly valued by AYA. Furthermore, electronic mechanisms can help support the relationship building that is at the core of our navigation approach and a fundamental aspect of social work in general.

Current status and ongoing needs for the teaching and assessment of clinical reasoning – an international mixed-methods study from the students` and teachers` perspective

BackgroundClinical reasoning (CR) is a crucial ability that can prevent errors in patient care. Despite its important role, CR is often not taught explicitly and, even when it is taught, typically not all aspects of this ability are addressed in health professions education. Recent research has shown the need for explicit teaching of CR for both students and teachers. To further develop the teaching and learning of CR we need to improve the understanding of students' and teachers' needs regarding content as well as teaching and assessment methods for a student and trainer CR curriculum.MethodsParallel mixed-methods design that used web-surveys and semi-structured interviews to gather data from both students (nsurvey = 100; ninterviews = 13) and teachers (nsurvey = 112; ninterviews = 28). The interviews and surveys contained similar questions to allow for triangulation of the results. This study was conducted as part of the EU-funded project DID-ACT (https://did-act.eu).ResultsBoth the surveys and interview data emphasized the need for content in a clinical reasoning (CR) curriculum such as “gathering, interpreting and synthesizing patient information”, “generating differential diagnoses”, “developing a diagnostic and a treatment plan” and “collaborative and interprofessional aspects of CR”. There was high agreement that case-based learning and simulations are most useful for teaching CR. Clinical and oral examinations were favored for the assessment of CR. The preferred format for a train-the-trainer (TTT)-course was blended learning. There was also some agreement between the survey and interview participants regarding contents of a TTT-course (e.g. teaching and assessment methods for CR). The interviewees placed special importance on interprofessional aspects also for the TTT-course.ConclusionsWe found some consensus on needed content, teaching and assessment methods for a student and TTT-course in CR. Future research could investigate the effects of CR curricula on desired outcomes, such as patient care.

Identifying consumer-based digital content marketing consumption motives: a qualitative study

PurposeThis study attempts to enrich the digital content marketing (DCM) literature by identifying consumer-based DCM consumption motives and the preferable content dissemination platforms and formats to fulfil these motives exclusively in the context of beauty brands.Design/methodology/approachThematic analysis has been used as the qualitative technique for the study. In-depth interviews in a semi-structured format were conducted with 30 consumers who were mandated to be active followers of at least one beauty content creator on digital/social media platforms. Utilising NVivo 11.0, transcripts were analysed.FindingsThe findings reveal seven consumer-based DCM consumption motives: authenticity, economic, exploration, functional, hedonic, suitability and purchase decision. Further, the findings also demonstrate the most preferred content dissemination platforms and formats, namely digital channels of content creators, customers' reviews and social media (Instagram and YouTube) to fulfil these motives.Research limitations/implicationsThe study advances the existing literature by exploring novel consumer-based DCM consumption motives postulated as “antecedents to digital content marketing”. Moreover, it also enriches practical knowledge as the efficient and effective application of the research findings can prove fruitful to beauty brands employing DCM as the primary marketing tool.Originality/valueThis study makes a distinctive contribution by promoting work on unexplored areas of digital content marketing. It proposes content strategies for beauty brands and digital content creators to augment the digital content creation, dissemination and evaluation process. Furthermore, it also outlines the research topics that future scholars can focus on to advance the DCM literature.

Social experiences shape song preference learning independently of developmental exposure to song.

Communication governs the formation and maintenance of social relationships. The interpretation of communication signals depends not only on the signal's content but also on a receiver's individual experience. Experiences throughout life may interact to affect behavioural plasticity, such that a lack of developmental sensory exposure could constrain adult learning, while salient adult social experiences could remedy developmental deficits. We investigated how experiences impact the formation and direction of female auditory preferences in the zebra finch. Zebra finches form long-lasting pair bonds and females learn preferences for their mate's vocalizations. We found that after 2 weeks of cohabitation with a male, females formed pair bonds and learned to prefer their partner's song regardless of whether they were reared with ('normally reared') or without ('song-naive') developmental exposure to song. In contrast, females that heard but did not physically interact with a male did not prefer his song. In addition, previous work has found that song-naive females do not show species-typical preferences for courtship song. We found that cohabitation with a male ameliorated this difference in preference. Thus, courtship and pair bonding, but not acoustic-only interactions, strongly influence preference learning regardless of rearing experience, and may dynamically drive auditory plasticity for recognition and preference.

Superior anti-oxidation layer induced by PVA-boehmite sol-gel film on AISI304 steel

The superior anti-oxidation layer induced by the PVA-boehmite sol-gel film on the AISI304 steel during the cyclic oxidation is investigated in this work. The moderate PVA addition in the boehmite sol conduces to increase the film thickness and is beneficial to the adhesion between the film and the substrate. The presence of the PVA-boehmite film leads to a significant reduction in mass gain during the high-temperature cyclic oxidation at 800 °C, demonstrating the enhanced oxidation resistance. The generated oxide layer induced by the PVA-boehmite film presents as a thin, compact, and continuous layer without spalling, offering sustainable protection against oxidation etching. The PVA-boehmite film promotes the preferential formation of the corundum (Al, Cr)2O3 phase rather than the detrimental hematite Fe2O3 phase during the oxidation procedure, which facilitates the development of the above compact oxide layer. Finally, the superior anti-oxidation oxide layer is characterized as a novel dual-layer structure: the outer spinel MnCr2O4 layer and the inner corundum (Al, Cr)2O3 layer, effectively delaying the oxidation process.

Optimizing thiopurine therapy in autoimmune hepatitis: A multicenter study on monitoring metabolite profiles and co-therapy with allopurinol.

In autoimmune hepatitis, achieving complete biochemical remission (CBR) with current weight-based thiopurine dosing is challenging. We investigated whether patients could be stratified regarding CBR according to a target range of thiopurine metabolites. Moreover, we explored the effects of azathioprine dosage increases and co-therapy of allopurinol with low-dose thiopurines on metabolite profiles and treatment response. The relation between metabolites and treatment response was assessed in 337 individuals from 4 European centers. In a global, cross-sectional analysis, active metabolites 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6TGN) were similar in those with and without CBR. However, analyzing patients with sequential measurements over 4 years (N = 146) revealed higher average 6TGN levels in those with stable CBR (260pmol/0.2mL) compared to those failing to maintain CBR (181pmol/0.2mL; p = 0.0014) or never achieving CBR (153pmol/0.2mL; p < 0.0001), with an optimal 6TGN cutoff of ≥223pmol/0.2mL (sensitivity: 76% and specificity: 78%). Only 42% exhibited 6TGN ≥223pmol/0.2mL following weight-based dosing, as doses weakly correlated with 6TGN but with 6-methylmercaptopurine (6MMP), a metabolite associated with toxicity. Azathioprine dose increases led to preferential 6MMP formation (+127% vs. 6TGN +34%; p < 0.0001). Conversely, adding allopurinol to thiopurines in difficult-to-treat patients (N = 36) raised 6TGN (168→321pmol/0.2mL; p < 0.0001) and lowered 6MMP (2125→184pmol/0.2mL; p < 0.0001), resulting in improved transaminases in all patients and long-term CBR in 75%. Maintaining CBR in autoimmune hepatitis was associated with 6TGN ≥223pmol/0.2mL. For patients who fail to achieve CBR and therapeutic 6TGN levels despite thiopurine dose increase due to preferential 6MMP formation, comedication of allopurinol alongside low-dose thiopurines represents an efficient alternative.

Организация обучения студентов инженерной графике в современных условиях

In the era of higher education digitization, the integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) into teaching processes raises pertinent questions about what and how to teach students, thereby underscoring the relevance of this article’s topic. This research aims to propose a viable approach to organizing seminars on graphic disciplines within technical universities. Key objectives include theoretical analysis of instructional material presentation, student surveys to determine preferred learning formats, and subsequent analysis of findings. Research methods encompass theoretical analysis of pedagogical literature, synthesis, observation, surveys, and result analysis. The article examines modern instructional methods, highlighting the “flipped classroom” approach. The theoretical significance lies in synthesizing existing practices and offering recommendations for leveraging ICTs in educational practices. Practical significance is demonstrated through case studies applying the flipped classroom model at seminars on descriptive geometry at Bauman Moscow State Technical University and integrating ICTs into teaching engineering graphics at D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia. In conclusion, this study contributes to understanding effective strategies for teaching engineering graphics amidst digital transformations in higher education. The implementation of ICT-enhanced methodologies like the flipped classroom proves beneficial for fostering interactive and engaging learning environments, thereby enhancing educational outcomes in technical disciplines.