The Impact of the Timing of the Intergenerational Farm Transfer Initiation on the Terminal Wealth in the Business: Simulation Model

This study presents a conceptual framework and empirical farm-level model of wealth creation and accumulation of the farm business and incorporates the changes in life-cycle patterns in farmer productivity and consumption of the older and younger generation. This method provides a vehicle to analyze the timing of farm transfer initiation and its impact on the terminal wealth in the business and the likelihood of the firm’s future continuity. The results of a representative large grain farm (more than $250,000 in gross sales, and$4 million in real estate) in Iowa confirm that the timing of a transfer is determined by two major trade-offs: 1) between the younger generation’s productivity and consumption withdrawals and 2) between the firm’s growth and transfer taxes. Given the age difference of the two generations (older and younger) used to populate the model and their respective consumption levels, the firm has experienced a growth reduction during the planning horizon. Therefore, the gain in productivity is much lower compared to the loss of equity associated with additional consumption withdrawals. Transfers made sooner in the life cycle are not encouraged when no off-farm income is available and/or tax savings do not offset the firm’s reduced growth resulted from an increase in consumption withdrawals. The preferred timing strategy is responsive to the following factors: 1) availability of off-farm income (or level of equity withdrawals for younger generation’s consumption), 2) the type of transition strategy (proactive or regular), and 3) expected future farmland prices. Adviser: Matthew Stockto

Human Capital Challenges Faced by Foreign Agribusinesses Comparison of Ghana and South Africa

Given Nebraska’s strong interest in agricultural exports and opportunities for foreign direct investments, understanding the human capital challenges which U.S. agribusinesses face while operating in foreign markets is one of the determinants of success. The growing demand for food and biofuel motivates foreign investors to explore agricultural investment opportunities on the African continent. According to the 2014 World Bank report on the ease of doing business, South Africa and Ghana were ranked as the 3rd and the 5th most attractive countries for doing business in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sensibilitatea la insulină la pacienţii cu diferite forme clinice de tiroidită autoimună

Our study was designed to assess the hypothesis that insulin resistance might be present in thyroid dysfunction. Seventy women with different clinical manifestation of autoimmune thyroiditis were compared to twenty-seven female controls matched for age. In all participants we evaluated fasting glucose and insulin levels, and HOMA (homeostasis model assessment). In patients with autoimmune thyroiditis the fasting insulin and the insulin sensitivity assessment parameter HOMA positively correlated with TSH and negatively with triiodthyronine and thyroxine levels. In conclusions, thyroid dysfunction is associated with higher fasting insulin levels and relative insulin resistance that might contribute to the atherosclerotic dyslipidemia and the blood hypertension found in patients with hypothyroidism

Studii privind stabilirea particularităţilor anatomomorfofuncţionale ale picioarelor la femei, în vederea conceperii şi proiectării încălţămintei raţionale

Fişierul ataşat conţine: Cuprins, Rezumat, Summary.Prezentarea şi înţelegerea principalelor anomalii întâlnite în rândul populaţiei, caracterul acestora şi influenţa lor asupra funcţiilor piciorului, cauzele ce generează anomalia şi metodele profilactice sunt utile în recunoaşterea nevoilor consumatorului şi în conceperea raţională a produsului de încălţăminte obişnuit, precum şi a celui total sau parţial personalizat.The presentation and understanding of the main anomalies identified in population, their character and influence on the foot functions, causes that generate anomalies and prophylaxis methods are useful in identifying the customer needs and the raţion

Investigarea sensibilității la insulină și a lipidelor plasmatice la pacienţii cu hipotiroidie subclinică şi clinică

Scopul studiului a fost de a investiga ipoteza referitor la prezenţa insulinorezistenţei și a modificărilor lipidice în disfuncţiile tiroidiene. 20 de paciente cu hipotiroidie subclinică şi 19 – cu hipotiroidie clinică au fost comparate cu 27 de femei sănătoase. La toate persoanele au fost evaluate insulina şi glucoza bazală, indicele HOMA (homeostasis model assessment), valorile plasmatice ale colesterolului total, LDL-colesterolului, HDL-colesterolului, trigliceridelor, raportul trigliceride/HDL-colesterol, lipoproteina (a), apoproteinele A şi B, raportul apoA/apoB. La pacienţii cu hipotiroidie, insulina bazală şi HOMA au corelat pozitiv cu TSH-ul şi negativ cu triiodtironina şi tiroxina. În plus, insulina şi HOMA au fost asociate pozitiv cu valorile trigliceridelor plasmatice şi raportul trigliceride/HDL-colesterol. În concluzii se poate de afi rmat că disfuncţiile tiroidiene sunt însoțite de micșorarea sensibilității la insulină care contribuie la dislipidemia aterogenă, caracteristică pentru pacienții cu hipotiroidie

Neural stem cell transplantation for neurodegenerative diseases

Background. Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, are severely disabling and ultimately fatal conditions that affect millions of individuals worldwide. Stem cell transplantation is emerging as a promising therapeutic approach due to its potential to facilitate multiple reparative processes within the central nervous system, such as cell replacement and paracrine effects. Objective of the study. To evaluate the potential of neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation as a therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases and identify the key mechanisms through which NSCs exert their effects. Material and Methods. This study represents a literature synthesis based on articles published in the period 2020-2025, selected from the databases PubMed, NCBI, MPDI, Springer Ling, UpTodate. Results. Studies have shown that neural stem cell transplantation can have a positive impact on neurodegeneration through various mechanisms, including neurotrophic factor production, reduced neuroinflammation, enhanced neuroplasticity, and cell replacement. To fully harness the potential of NSCs, it is crucial to investigate their biological characteristics, such as subpopulation markers, secretome, which is responsible for the regulation of intercellular communication, neuroprotection, and immunomodulation, and ability to migrate and integrate into NSС neuronal networks. Recent advances in gene editing and cellular engineering offer opportunities to enhance their therapeutic effects. Conclusion. Neural stem cell transplantation offers significant potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases. It is necessary to standardize protocols, ensure control of secondary effects such as tumor formation and immune rejection. Further research is needed to optimize cell sourcing, improve longterm outcomes, and minimize risks

The role of the microbiome in autoimmune and allergic diseases

Summary. Methods and materials: Analysis of numerous articles from PubMed, NCBI, HINARI, Google Scholar databases over the last ten years. Background: The number of people affected by allergic and autoimmune diseases has increased exponentially, prompting scientists to investigate the potential causes of this serious health issue. Initially, it was believed that genetics played a primary role in the pathogenesis of these conditions, however, genetics alone cannot explain the rapid increase observed in the last century. Therefore, advancements in medical research have allowed a deeper study of the gut microbiome (GM) and its profound impact on the immune response. Dysbiosis, which develops as early as the first years of life, can later lead to the disruption of internal homeostasis. Conclusion: Gut microbiome profoundly impact the immune system, with dysbiosis playing a significant role in the development of chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases and allergies.Rezumat Metode și materiale: Analiza unui număr mare de articole din bazele de date PubMed, NCBI, HINARI, Google Scholar din ultimii zece ani. Rezultate: Numărul persoanelor afectate de boli alergice și autoimune a crescut exponențial, ceea ce a determinat știința să investigheze cauzele potențiale ale acestei probleme grave de sănătate. Inițial, s-a crezut că genetica joacă un rol principal în patogeneza acestor afecțiuni, totuși, genetica singură nu poate explica creșterea rapidă observată în ultimul secol. Prin urmare, progresele în cercetarea medicală au permis un studiu mai aprofundat al microbiomului intestinal (GM) și al impactului său profund asupra răspunsului imun. Disbioza care se instalează încă din primii ani de viață poate duce ulterior la perturbarea homeostaziei interne. Concluzie: Microbiomul intestinal influențează profund sistemul imunitar, disbioza având un rol semnificativ în dezvoltarea afecțiunilor cronice, precum bolile autoimune și alergiile

Модуляторное воздействие Taraxacum officinale на глутатионовую систему.

The evaluation of the antioxidant activity of plants has been an important issue taking into account its importance on human health. Natural antioxidants protec t cells against oxidative stress, which can damage the cellular components. Taraxacum officinale (TO) leaves (TOL) and roots (TOR) has been commonly used in traditional medicine due to biologically active ingredients. This plant is rich in substances with high antioxidant activity (flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, vitamins etc.). Glutathione represents the most abundant thiol of cells with important functions in the antioxidant system. Until now, there are no comprehensive data about TO extracts action on glutathione content.The objective of the study was to report the influence of TOL and TOR ethanolic extracts on the glutathione content of erythrocytes. TOL and TOR were harvested from a natural habitat of Republic of Moldova. The dry plants were extracted using ethanol as solvent (10, 20, 25, 40, 50 and 80% (v/v)). As source of glutathione were red blood cells (RBC) of healthy persons. As a result we determined that TO exhibits a modulatory action on glutathione content. The highest (28.03±1.14 µM/g. Hb) content of GSH was determined due to action of roots extracts made on ethanol of 20%, the lowest (10.88±0.83 µM/g. Hb) in case of leaves extracted on alcohol of 20%. Opposite, the lowest (5.92±0.72 µM/g. Hb) amount of GSSG was determined as a result of action of radicular extracts made on ethanol of 20%. The highest (11.46±3.27 µM/g. Hb) concentration of GSSG was determined by influence of roots extracts on ethanol of 50%.In conclusion, Taraxacum officinale exhibits a strong antioxidant activity. This plant has ability to prevent and treat the damage of cells caused by oxidative stress process, by actioning on glutathione system. This activity depends of ethanol concentrations and plant’s part.Evaluarea activității antioxidante a plantelor a fost mereu de o importanță majoră pentru știință. Antioxidanții naturali protejează celulele contra stress-ului oxidativ, care poate afecta componentele celulare. Frunzele și rădăcinile de Taraxacum officinale (TO) sunt utilizate în medicina tradițională datorită ingredientelor sale biologic active. Această plantă este bogată în substanțe cu activitatea antioxidantă înaltă (flavonoizi, acizi fenolici, cumarine, vitamine etc.). Glutationul reprezintă unul din cei mai abundenți tioli ai celulelor exercitând funcții importante în cadrul sistemului antioxidant. Până în prezent însă, nu există date exhaustive referitor la acțiunea extractelor din TO asupra conținutului de glutation.Scopul acestui studiu a fost de a determina influența extractelor etanolice din frunze și rădăcini de TO asupra conținutului de glutation eritrocitar. TO au fost recoltate dintr-un mediu natural al Republicii Moldova. Plantele uscate au fost supuse extracției pe etanol de diverse concentrații (10, 20, 25, 40, 50 și 80% (v/v)). În calitate de sursă de glutation au servit eritrocitele persoanelor sănătoase. În rezultatul acestui studiu am determinat că, TO posedă acțiune modulatorie asupra conținutului de glutation. Conținutul cel mai înalt de GSH (28.03±1.14 µM/g. Hb) a fost determinat ca urmare a acțiunii extractului radicular pe etanol de 20%, iar cel mai mic (10.88±0.83 µM/g. Hb) în cazul extractului foliar pe alcool de 20%. Opus, cea mai mică concentrație de GSSG (5.92±0.72 µM/g. Hb) a fost determinată ca urmare a acțiunii extractului radicular pe etanol de 20%, iar cel mai înalt conținut de GSSG (11.46±3.27 µM/g. Hb) a fost raportat după acțiunea extractului din rădăcini pe etanol de 50%.În concluzie, Taraxacum officinale posedă activitate antioxidantă promițătoare. Această plantă are abilitatea de a preveni și trata lezarea celulelor produsă în cazul stressului oxidativ, prin acțiunea asupra sistemului glutationic. Activitatea antioxidantă a TO depinde de concentrația etanolului și partea componentă a plantei.Оценка антиоксидантной активности растений всегда имела большое значение для науки. Природные антиоксиданты защищают клетки от окислительного стресса, который может повредить клеточные компоненты. Листья и корни Taraxacum officinale (TO) используются в народной медицине благодаря своим биологически активным компонентам. Это растение богато веществами с высокой антиоксидантной активностью (флавоноиды, фенольные кислоты, кумарины, витамины и др.). Глутатион — один из самых распространенных тиолов в клетках, выполняющий важные функции в антиоксидантной системе. Однако до настоящего времени отсутствуют исчерпывающие данные о действии экстрактов ТО на содержание глутатиона.Целью настоящего исследования явилось определение влияния спиртовых экстрактов листьев и корней ТО на содержание глутатиона в эритроцитах. ТО были собраны из природной среды Республики Молдова. Высушенные растения подвергали экстракции этанолом различной концентрации (10, 20, 25, 40, 50 и 80% (об./об.)). Источником глутатиона служили эритроциты здоровых людей. В результате этого исследования мы определили, что ТО оказывает модулирующее действие на содержание глутатиона. Наибольшее содержание GSH (28.03±1.14 мкМ/г Hb) было определено в результате действия экстракта корней на 20% этаноле, а наименьшее (10.88±0.83 мкМ/г Hb) - в случае листового экстракта на 20% спирте. Наоборот, наименьшая концентрация GSSG (5.92±0.72 мкМ/г Hb) определялась в результате действия экстракта корней на 20% этаноле, а наибольшая концентрация GSSG (11,46±3,27 мкМ/г Hb) была определена после воздействия экстракта корней на 50% этаноле.В заключение, Taraxacum officinale обладает многообещающей антиоксидантной активностью. Это растение обладает способностью предотвращать и лечить повреждения клеток, вызванные окислительным стрессом, воздействуя на систему глутатиона. Антиоксидантная активность ТО зависит от концентрации этанола и составной части растения

The influence of vitamin D on metabolic syndrome

Introduction. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a major public health concern, characterized by a combination of central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. In recent years, increasing evidence has highlighted the crucial role of vitamin D in metabolic homeostasis and its association with MS development. Beyond its well-known role in bone metabolism, vitamin D is involved in insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, and lipid metabolism. Aim of study. The purpose of the study is to elucidate and describe the impact of vitamin D deficiency on the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and the effects of vitamin D supplementation in preventing and managing MS. Methods and materials. Medscape, PubMed, Hinari, Google Scholar. Published between 2013- 2025. Keywords: metabolic syndrome, vitamin D, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular risk, obesity. Results. Vitamin D deficiency is frequently observed in obese individuals, primarily due to its sequestration in adipose tissue, which acts as a reservoir, leading to decreased bioavailability and lower circulating levels. Hypovitaminosis D contributes to insulin resistance by decreasing intracellular calcium levels and reducing GLUT-1 and GLUT-4 glucose transporter expression in peripheral tissues. Moreover, low vitamin D levels are associated with increased total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, promoting atherosclerosis. Vitamin D supplementation in MS patients has shown beneficial effects, including improved insulin sensitivity, reduced dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk. Conclusion. Vitamin D deficiency plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, affecting both glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism. Supplementing vitamin D in MS patients may help alleviate symptoms and prevent metabolic complications. Further studies are required to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize vitamin D-based therapeutic strategies

Modificări ale lipoproteinelor pro- şi antiaterogene la pacienţii cu tiroidită autoimună

Hormonii tiroidieni îndeplinesc un rol important în reglarea metabolismului, biosintezei şi mobilizării lipidelor. Scopul studiului a fost de a investiga asocierea posibilă dintre disfuncţiile tiroidiene şi modifi cările lipoproteinelor plasmatice. La pacienţii cu hipotiroidie subclinică şi clinică au fost înregistrate valori mai înalte ale colesterolului total, LDL-colesterolului şi VLDL-colesterolului comparativ cu lotul de control. Aceste modifi cări au fost mai pronunţate la pacienţii cu hipotirpodie clinică. Comparativ cu subiecţii sănătoşi, nivelul HDL-colesterolului a fost mai jos la pacienţii cu eutiroidie şi hipotiroidie subclinică, dar mai înalt la cei cu hipotiroidie clinică. Non-HDL-colesterolul a fost înalt în toate loturile. Mai mult decât atât, colesterolul total, LDL-colesterolul, HDL-colesterolul şi non-HDL-colesterol au corelat pozitiv cu valorile TSH-lui şi negativ cu valorile tiroxinei şi triiodtironinei. Rezultatele studiului arată că stările de hipotiroidie subclinică şi clinică sunt însoţite de multiple modifi cări ale profi lului lipidic plasmatic, ceea ce explică riscul cardiovascular înalt caracteristic acestor pacienţi