bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of snow-retarding ability of protective forest belts along the railway line Yekaterinburg – Kamensk-Uralsky
Authors: Уразова А. Ф. , Нагимов З. Я. , Уразов П. Н.
Published: July 2024

В статье приведены материалы конструктивных характеристик и снегозадерживающей способности защитных лесных полос (ЗЛП), функционирующих вдоль железнодорожной линии Екатеринбург – Каменск-Уральский. Полосы создавались в 1936 и 1956 годах непродуваемой конструкции. В настоящее время перестойные березовые и тополевые ЗЛП вдоль указанной линии имеют ажурную конструкцию. Их снегозадерживающая способность выражена крайне слабо. Снег накапливается не в полосе и ее опушках с наветренной и подветренной сторон, как предполагалась при создании полос непродуваемой конструкции, а распределяется достаточно равномерно между ЗЛП и железной дорогой. В этой части полосы отвода железной дороги высота снежного покрова характеризуется стабильно высокими значениями, в большинстве случаев превышающими показатели на открытом поле. На исследуемых участках плотность снега варьирует в достаточно узком диапазоне от 0,13 до 0,17 г/см3. Строгих закономерностей в изменении величины данного показателя в зависимости от расположения точек замера относительно железной дороги не обнаруживается. В целом для повышения снегозадерживающих свойств, а также устойчивости и долговечности ЗЛП необходимо в них проводить соответствующие уходы, направленные на сохранение и усиление снегозадерживающей функции.

The article presents the materials of structural characteristics and snow-retarding capacity of protective forest strips (FSRs) functioning along the Yekaterinburg – Kamensk-Uralsky railway line. The strips were created in 1936 and 1956 of an impervious design. Currently, the overmatured birch and poplar ZLPs along this line have an openwork design. Their snow retention capacity is extremely poor. Snow accumulates not in the strip and its edges on the windward and leeward sides, as it was supposed in the creation of the strips of windproof construction, but is distributed quite evenly between the ROW and the railroad. In this part of the railroad right-of-way, the snow cover height is characterized by consistently high values, in most cases exceeding the values in the open field. In the investigated areas, snow density varies in a fairly narrow range from 0.13 to 0.17 g/cm3. No strict regularities in changing the value of this indicator depending on the location of measuring points relative to the railroad are detected. In general, in order to increase snow-retarding properties as well as stability and durability of ZLP, it is necessary to carry out appropriate maintenance, aimed at preserving and strengthening the snow-retarding function in them.
Ternary cesium(rubidium) tungstates: production and impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Dorzhieva S. G. , Bazarova J. G.
Published: July 2024

The work is aimed at the directed synthesis of new phases of tungstates containing mono-, tri-, and tetravalent metals, as well as the determination of their crystallographic, thermal, and electrophysical properties.

   The study used the method of solid-phase synthesis to obtain tungstate phases with composition MRA0.5(WO4)3 (M – singly, R – triply-, and A – tetra-charged elements) within the temperature range of 400–750 °С. Their crystallographic and thermal characteristics were determined. The synthesized ternary tungstates crystallizing in a hexagonal system were studied using differential scanning calorimetry. The technique revealed an increase in the melting temperatures of compounds with increasing ionic radius of the trivalent cation in the series CsRTi0.5(WO4)3 (R = Al, Cr, Ga, Fe, In). The same correlation is observed when switching from rubidium to cesium derivatives. The thermal stability of ternary titanium and hafnium tungstates was compared. The melting temperatures of RbRTi0.5(WO4)3 are about 20 °С higher than those of their hafnium counterparts. The dielectric characteristics of CsRTi0.5(WO4)3 (R = Fe, Cr) belonging to the ternary tungstate family were analyzed via impedance spectroscopy. The temperature and frequency dependences of the conductivity of ternary tungstates at different frequencies (1 Hz – 1 mHz), measured in heating and cooling modes, are characterized by a slight temperature hysteresis, reaching 10-2–10-3 S/cm in the high-temperature region at activation energy values of 0.4–0.5 eV. The impedance frequency spectra measured within the range of 1 Hz – 1 mHz at different temperatures confirm the ion-conducting properties of the sample, which allows the obtained phases to be considered promising solid electrolytes.
Poly-ε-caprolactone-based granules with allylisothiocyanate for controlling of golden cyst potato nematode
Authors: Sukhanova A. A. , Prokopchuk Yu. A. , Ertiletskaya N. L. , Boyandin A. N. , Churakov A. A. , Syrtsov S. N.
Published: July 2024

In this study, the characteristics of extruded granules based on biodegradable poly-ε-caprolactone and montmorillonite deposited with allylisothiocyanate and their effect on Globodera rostochiensis RoI were investigated.

   The prepared granules were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. It was shown that encapsulation efficiency of allylisothiocyanate in montmorillonite depends on the conditions of complex preparation and ranges from 0.76 to 29.83%, and in poly-ε-caprolactone/montmorillonite/allylisothiocyanate granules after thermal processing it decreases down to 1.06 %. According to the results of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy it was found that allylisothiocyanate inclusion did not result in formation of new chemical bonds, but significantly affected the temperature of poly-ε-caprolactone degradation that decreased from 537 to 472 °С. In comparison with the thermogram of montmorillonite, the weight loss corresponding to dehydration at 100 °С decreased by 2.9 %, which probably means that part of the intramolecular water was replaced by allylisothiocyanate molecules encapsulated in montmorillonite. In the experiment with two potato varieties infested with nematode cysts it was shown that soil treatment with allylisothiocyanate solutions allows to decrease number of cysts of Globodera rostochiensis RoI compared to positive control (non-treated infested potato) in 1.5–3.0 times depending on the variety. Moreover, in contrast to allylisothiocyanate solutions, poly-ε-caprolactone/montmorillonite/allylisothiocyanate granules are more effective that makes them promising for applications in Globodera rostochiensis RoI control.
Issues in the design of tissue-engineered collagen constructs and some approaches to their solution: A review
Authors: Farion I. A. , Burdukovskii V. F.
Published: July 2024

This review article analyzes modern literature sources on the design of bioinks and tissue-engineered constructs on the basis of soluble forms of collagen, including gelatin.

   The choice of soluble forms of collagen as a biopolymer basis for bioinks and this type of constructs is determined by their unique biocompatibility, bioresorbability, as well as the presence of adhesive sites (motifs) for binding cells with their subsequent proliferation and organ or tissue maturation. However, the poor mechanical properties of products derived from soluble collagens, rapid biodegradation, tendency to lose the solubility of highly viscous solutions when stored or with pH increase limit their application in tissue engineering. The use of more stable low-viscosity collagen solutions does not enable the creation of dimensionally stable tissue-engineered constructs. It is shown that the introduction of various water-soluble biocompatible polymeric additives into hydrogels on the basis of soluble collagens allows the above-mentioned problems to be solved, as well as providing a means to customize the required characteristics of bioinks and tissue-engineered constructs. The additives that improve their characteristics include biopolymers: silk sericin and fibroin, as well as alginates and fibrinogen, which can form cross-links in the presence of Ca2+. This type of crosslinking is shown to further improve the performance of these constructs. All of these biopolymers are commercially available. The article comparatively analyzes approaches to stabilizing the shape, improving the mechanical properties, and adjusting the bioresorption time of 3D printed tissue-engineered constructs during organ or tissue maturation.
Perfil dos premiados nas olimpíadas de química na região nordeste: análise das últimas edições com ênfase em escola, sexo e localidade dos alunos
Authors: Ventura Rafael Augusto , Silva Othon Daniel Oliveira da , Silva José Wanderley
Published: July 2024

As olimpíadas científicas desempenham um papel significativo na identificação de jovens talentos e no estímulo à sua inserção nas áreas científicas e tecnológicas, ao mesmo tempo em que proporcionam uma avaliação abrangente do estado do ensino de disciplinas em várias regiões do país. Este artigo tem como propósito analisar a participação e o perfil socioeducacional dos laureados nas edições mais recentes das olimpíadas de química nos estados da região Nordeste, com especial ênfase na classificação das instituições de ensino (públicas ou privadas), localização geográfica e distribuição de sexo entre os estudantes laureados. A metodologia empregada neste estudo consistiu em uma pesquisa quantitativa descritiva, por meio da coleta de dados nos portais de cada organização estadual das olimpíadas de química, complementada por contatos diretos com os coordenadores estaduais. A análise dos dados foi conduzida utilizando uma ferramenta de criação de painéis (dashboard) no Microsoft Excel. Os resultados obtidos revelaram um padrão consistente entre os estudantes premiados, que tendem a estar localizados nas áreas urbanas metropolitanas e frequentar instituições de ensino privadas. Com base nesses achados, são propostas algumas soluções visando à melhoria da equidade na distribuição de prêmios e à padronização da coleta de dados das olimpíadas, com o objetivo de maximizar a utilidade e a integridade das informações coletadas.
Principles of landscape-bionomic zoning of the Barents Sea
Authors: Petrov K. M.
Published: July 2024

Landscape-bionomic zoning reveals the effect of hydrological and geomorphological links of the physical-geographical process on the bionomic differentiation of the Barents Sea floor. The polar front separates the Arctic water masses and communities from the subarctic ones; under the influence of warm Atlantic Current branches, extrazonal boreal biomes are formed. The geomorphological structure represents the lithogenic basis that determines the formation of bionomic types of the Barents Sea floor. It was established that each geomorphological region corresponds to one macrozoobenthos group.
Prospects for the application of cross-laminated timber under Arctic conditions
Authors: Agafonov S. A. , Mikheev P. Yu. , Uglov A. K.
Published: July 2024

Prospects for applying cross-laminated timber (CLT) in the construction of buildings for various functional purposes in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation are investigated. A CLT manufacturing technology is considered. Examples of CLT use in the construction of buildings for various functional purposes in the Russian and international practice are provided. The technical characteristics of CLT and its advantages when used for construction in the Russian Arctic are analyzed
Prethermalization in coupled one-dimensional quantum gases
Authors: Łebek Maciej , Panfil Miłosz , Konik Robert M.
Published: July 2024

We consider the problem of the development of steady states in one-dimensional Bose gas tubes that are weakly coupled to one another through a density-density interaction. We analyze this development through a Boltzmann collision integral approach. We argue that when the leading order of the collision integral, where single particle-hole excitations are created in individual gases, is dominant, the state of the gas evolves first to a non-thermal fixed point, i.e. a prethermalization plateau. This order is dominant when a pair of tubes are inequivalent with, say, different temperatures or different effective interaction parameters, \gammaγ. When both tubes are in the strongly interacting regime we additionally characterize this non-thermal prethermalization plateau by constructing the quasi-conserved quantities that control the existence of this plateau as well as the associated generalized Gibbs ensemble.
A new look at the distributive incidence of Chile’s means-tested water subsidy scheme
Authors: Errázuriz Clemente , Gómez-Lobo Andrés
Published: July 2024

Chile employs subsidies to reduce the bill paid by lower-income households for piped water and sanitation. Previous research has concluded that this system has a lower Gini coefficient (0.29) than expected, meaning it is not appropriately targeted to low-income households. This paper takes a new approach to assessing the subsidy system, taking advantage of Chile’s 2016 adoption of a new means-test instrument in the welfare system. We refine the analysis by (1) discarding data arising from rural unconnected households, on the theory that they cannot feasibly be connected to piped water systems and thus cannot use the subsidy; (2) recognizing Chile’s use of an equivalence scale to adjust household incomes for household size and relative disadvantage, and (3) adjusting the analysis to reflect the different tariff levels across the country. With these adjustments, the Gini coefficient of benefits increases to 0.47, meaning that the Chilean subsidy program is in fact meeting its goal of targeting assistance to those who need it. In other words, previous research has underestimated the targeting progressivity of the Chilean subsidy scheme. We also use the Shapley value to apportion the improvement from 2015 to 2022 among the various changes introduced in the analysis.
Patrimônio cultural imaterial, identidade nacional e direitos humanos fundamentais: o papel da Convenção da UNESCO de 2003 em uma perspectiva comparada
Authors: Petrillo Pier Luigi
Published: July 2024

O artigo analisa a evolução da noção de patrimônio cultural a partir de uma perspectiva comparada e verifica o impacto produzido pela Convenção da UNESCO para a Salvaguarda do Patrimônio Cultural Imaterial em 9 países (México, Brasil, Itália, Jordânia, Chipre, Espanha, Burkina Faso, Coreia do Sul, Japão).
Effect of Ozone Therapy on Diabetes-related Foot Ulcer Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Izadi Morteza , Jafari-Oori Mehdi , Eftekhari Zohre , Jafari Nematollah Jonaidi , Maybodi Mohamad Kazem-Emami , Heydari Soleyman , Vahedian-Azimi Amir , Atkin Stephen L. , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of ozone therapy in treating Diabetes-related
Foot Ulcer (DFU) and its outcomes.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest
databases for published studies evaluating the use of ozone as an adjunct treatment for DFU, from inception to
December 21, 2022. The primary outcome measure was the change in wound size after the intervention compared
to pretreatment. Secondary outcomes included time to complete ulcer healing, number of healed patients,
adverse events, amputation rates, and hospital length of stay. Quantitative data synthesis for the meta-analysis
was performed using a random-effects model and generic inverse variance method, while overall heterogeneity
analysis was conducted using a fixed-effects model. Interstudy heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 index
(>50%) and the Cochrane Q statistic test. Sensitivity analysis was performed using the leave-one-out method.

Results:

The meta-analysis included 11 studies The meta-analysis included 11 studies comprising 960 patients with DFU. The results demonstrated a
significant positive effect of ozone therapy on reducing foot ulcer size (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD):
-25.84, 95% CI: -51.65 to -0.04, p = 0.05), shortening mean healing time (SMD: -38.59, 95% CI: -51.81 to -25.37,
p < 0.001), decreasing hospital length of stay (SMD: -8.75, 95% CI: -14.81 to -2.69, p < 0.001), and reducing amputation
rates (Relative Risk (RR): 0.46, 95% CI: 0.30-0.71, p < 0.001), compared to standard treatment.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis indicates that ozone therapy has additional benefits in expediting complete
DFU healing, reducing the amputation rates, and decreasing hospital length of stay, though its effects do not
differ from standard treatments for complete ulcer resolution. Further research is needed to address the heterogeneity
among studies and to better understand the potential beneficial effects of ozone therapy.

Registration Number::

CRD42023386828.
Effects of Sex Differences and Combined Use of Clozapine on Initial Dosage Optimization of Valproic Acid in Patients with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Shen Wei , Hu Ke , Shi Hao-Zhe , Jiang Lei , Zhang Yi-Jia , He Su-Mei , Zhang Cun , Chen Xiao , Wang Dong-Dong
Published: July 2024

Background:

Due to the narrow therapeutic window and large pharmacokinetic variation of valproic
acid (VPA), it is difficult to make an optimal dosage regimen. The present study aims to optimize the initial
dosage of VPA in patients with bipolar disorder.

Methods:

A total of 126 patients with bipolar disorder treated by VPA were included to construct the VPA
population pharmacokinetic model retrospectively. Sex differences and combined use of clozapine were found
to significantly affect VPA clearance in patients with bipolar disorder. The initial dosage of VPA was further
optimized in male patients without the combined use of clozapine, female patients without the combined use
of clozapine, male patients with the combined use of clozapine, and female patients with the combined use of
clozapine, respectively.

Results:

The CL/F and V/F of VPA in patients with bipolar disorder were 11.3 L/h and 36.4 L, respectively. It
was found that sex differences and combined use of clozapine significantly affected VPA clearance in patients
with bipolar disorder. At the same weight, the VPA clearance rates were 1.134, 1, 1.276884, and 1.126 in male
patients without the combined use of clozapine, female patients without the combined use of clozapine, male
patients with the combined use of clozapine, and female patients with the combined use of clozapine, respectively.
This study further optimized the initial dosage of VPA in male patients without the combined use of
clozapine, female patients without the combined use of clozapine, male patients with the combined use of
clozapine, and female patients with the combined use of clozapine, respectively.

Conclusion:

This study is the first to investigate the initial dosage optimization of VPA in patients with bipolar
disorder based on sex differences and the combined use of clozapine. Male patients had higher clearance,
and the recommended initial dose decreased with increasing weight, providing a reference for the precision
drug use of VPA in clinical patients with bipolar disorder.
Modified Microwave-assisted Solid-liquid Halex Reaction using Phosphonium Salt as Efficient and Robust Phase Transfer Catalyst
Authors: Mohite Dhanaji M. , Chavhan Pandurang M. , Basu Arghya
Published: July 2024

:

A modified solid-liquid halex reaction was developed in the presence of a robust
phase transfer catalyst under microwave conditions. A fast, mild, and practical microwave-
assisted synthesis of 2,3-difluoro-5-chloropyridine 3 starting from 2,3,5-
trichlorpyridine 1 and spray-dried KF in polar aprotic solvent was developed. The addition
of Tetrakis (piperidino) phosphonium chloride as phase transfer catalyst A was studied under
microwave irritation (450W) and increased the yield and significantly reduced the reaction
time in contrast to the conventional heating procedure. The highest reaction rate was
observed at 5 wt% phase transfer phosphonium salt catalyst to 2,3,5-trichloropyridine 1.
Preparation and Evaluation of Nanoemulsion Formulation Containing Kojic Acid and Kojyl 3-aminopropylphosphonic Acid
Authors: Chang Nai-Fang , Wu Pey-Shiuan , Yang Hsiang-Ju , Zheng Ya-Min , Lin Chih-Chien
Published: July 2024

Background:

The kojyl 3-aminopropylphosphonic acid (KAP) was synthesized by
kojic acid (KA) with a 3-aminopropylphosphonic acid. Which is more stable than KA and
showed better skin penetration and anti-pigmentation efficacy in melanocytes. However, up till
now, there have been no studies aimed at incorporating KAP into an emulsion system and evaluating
its effectiveness.

Objective:

We develop a novel skin-lightening agent using KAP as the active ingredient and a
low-cytotoxic nanoemulsion as the delivery system in this study.

Method:

The sorbitan monooleate and polysorbate surfactants with polyethylene glycol (PEG)
co-surfactant were used to generate a nanoemulsion system.

Result:

The transparency and particle size stability over various storage times indicate that the
formulated nanoemulsions are suitable for long-term storage. Besides, results demonstrate that
the anti-pigmentation function of KA and KAP-containing nanoemulsions (NE-KA and NEKAP)
evidently outperformed that of the non-packed KA and KAP group. Despite having the
lowest concentration among other treatments, NE-KAP was able to reduce melanin content to
approximately 80% of the blank.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that this newly developed nanoemulsion containing KAP
could potentially serve as a sustainable alternative to hydroquinone for treating dermal hyperpigmentation
disorders in future applications.
Microbial Metabolites-induced Epigenetic Modifications for Inhibition of Colorectal Cancer: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Singh Vaibhav , Shirbhate Ekta , Kore Rakesh , Vishwakarma Subham , Parveen Shadiya , Veerasamy Ravichandran , Tiwari Amit K , Rajak Harish
Published: July 2024

Globally, one of the most prevalent cancers is colorectal cancer (CRC). Chemotherapy
and surgery are two common conventional CRC therapies that are frequently ineffective and have
serious adverse effects. Thus, there is a need for complementary and different therapeutic approaches.
The use of microbial metabolites to trigger epigenetic alterations as a way of preventing CRC is
one newly emerging field of inquiry. Small chemicals called microbial metabolites, which are made
by microbes and capable of altering host cell behaviour, are created. Recent research has demonstrated
that these metabolites can lead to epigenetic modifications such as histone modifications,
DNA methylation, and non-coding RNA regulation, which can control gene expression and affect
cellular behaviour. This review highlights the current knowledge on the epigenetic modification for
cancer treatment, immunomodulatory and anti-carcinogenic attributes of microbial metabolites, gut
epigenetic targeting system, and the role of dietary fibre and gut microbiota in cancer treatment. It
also focuses on short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrates (which are generated by microbes), and
their cancer treatment perspective, challenges, and limitations, as well as state-of-the-art research on
microbial metabolites-induced epigenetic changes for CRC inhibition. In conclusion, the present
work highlights the potential of microbial metabolites-induced epigenetic modifications as a novel
therapeutic strategy for CRC suppression and guides future research directions in this dynamic field.
The Pattern of Anemia in Pediatric Solid Tumors Prior to and after Chemotherapy- A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Aron Tomal Barman , Roy Sagor Kumar , Mao Shuting , Li Bai , Richard Seidu A. , Liu Yufeng
Published: July 2024

Background:

Solid pediatric tumors refer to cancers that affect children and adoles-cents, and they present unique challenges due to their distinct biological characteristics and their vulnerability to young patients. This study aims to shed light on addressing anemia and the causes of anemia in patients with solid pediatric tumors.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective cohort comprised 200 healthy children as controls and 235 patients with solid tumors. The study was conducted at first Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2020 and June 2023. We evaluated different parameters of blood components in controls and patients with solid tumors such as medulloblastoma, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, germ cell tumors, hepatoblastoma and nephroblastoma before and patients with only these tumors 3 weeks after the first cycle of chemotherapy. Further, we evaluated the relationship between serum ferritin and the weight of patients and assessed the relationship between anemia and metastasis to the bone marrow in patients with neuroblastoma and hepatoblastoma.

Results:

We observed various combinations of derangements in blood parameters such as hemoglobin, red blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, red cell distribution width, white blood cells, and plate-let in medulloblastoma, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, germ cell tumors, hepatoblastoma and nephroblastoma before and 3 weeks after first cycle of chemotherapy. We found a significant correlation between serum ferritin levels and weight in neuroblastoma patients who are ≤ 2 years (p = 0.022). Involvement of tumor cells in bone marrow correlates with decreased Hb level in both neuroblastoma (CI = 93.21-106.68, p = 0.001) and hepatoblastoma (CI = 113.36-121.00, p = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Anemia may manifest as an early symptom in neuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, and nephroblastoma. Also, anemia may be worse in patients with neuroblastoma and hepatoblastoma after chemotherapy and might warrant anemia therapy.
Biological Cargo: Exosomes and their Role in Cancer Progression and Metastasis
Authors: Tripathi Siddhant , Sharma Yashika , Kumar Dileep
Published: July 2024

Cancer cells are among the many types of cells that release exosomes, which are nanovesicles.
Because of their many potential applications, exosomes have recently garnered much attention
from cancer researchers. The bioactive substances that exosomes release as cargo have
been the subject of several investigations. The substances in question may operate as biomarkers
for diagnosis or affect apoptosis, the immune system, the development and spread of cancer, and
other processes. Others have begun to look at exosomes in experimental therapeutic trials because
they believe they may be useful in the treatment of cancer. This review started with a short description
of exosome biogenesis and key features. Next, the potential of tumor-derived exosomes and
oncosomes to influence the immune system throughout the development of cancer, as well as alter
tumor microenvironments (TMEs) and pre-metastatic niche creation, was investigated. Finally,
there was talk of exosomes' possible use in cancer treatment. Furthermore, there is emerging
consensus about the potential application of exosomes to be biological reprogrammers of cancer
cells, either as carriers of naturally occurring chemicals, including anticancer medications, or as
carriers of anticancer vaccines for immunotherapy as well as boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT).
We briefly review the key ideas and logic behind this intriguing therapy recommendation.
Rings in “Lead-like Drugs”
Authors: Mendes Lampert Luca , Ruszczyk Machado Bruno , Rocha Joaquim Angelica , Fumagalli Fernando
Published: July 2024

Background:

Lead-like drugs, which present molecular weight (MW) < 300 Da, occupy
an important space in the pharmaceutical area. Most of these small molecules have ring systems,
which are important for their physicochemical properties and biological activity. Previous studies
have evaluated ring systems in historic drugs or drug candidates in clinical trials.

Objective:

The purpose of this work was to analyze ring systems, focusing on this group of drugs
with MW < 300 Da, to obtain specific insights.

Methods:

The lead-like drugs (n = 219) were obtained from previous publications and the new FDA
drug approvals were obtained after that and analyzed using the DataWarrior software.

Results:

Most of the lead-like drugs (> 92%) present one or two rings, with the benzene ring and
heterocycle ring systems being predominant. Pyridine, imidazole, piperidine, 4,5-dihydro-1Himidazole,
and indole are the most frequent heterocycles in this set. The higher frequency of the 4,5-
dihydro-1H-imidazole ring in the lead-like drugs is worth noting, as it is not observed in other drugs.
The introduction of new rings has been similar in the lead-like drugs and the historic drugs, over the
years; an example would be the 1,2,4-thiadiazinane 1,1-dioxide, which is present in the antimicrobial
Taurolidine, a lead-like drug, and engages in the metabolic activation of the drug.

Conclusion:

In general, the ring systems in the lead-like drugs appear to follow similar patterns to
the historic drugs. Additionally, few new ring systems are being introduced, which suggests that this
is an emergent field to be explored in drug discovery.
Robust U-HPLC Method Development of Desonide and its Application to In Vitro Release Testing (IVRT) of Topical Cream Products
Authors: Jayadev Seelam , Yusuff Ismail
Published: July 2024

Background:

The study focuses on establishing In Vitro Release Testing (IVRT) parameters
for Desonide cream, following the guidelines of the Topical Classification System (TCS),
to assess the bioequivalence between the Reference Listed Drug (RLD) and test.

Aim:

This study aimed to develop a reliable IVRT method using Franz diffusion cells. An environmentally
friendly U-HPLC method was created to analyze Desonide in the samples.

Objectives:

To evaluate the drug release in Desonide products in accordance with SUPAC guidance,
quantify the drug concentration using an analytical method, as per bioanalytical method validation
guidelines, and ensure that the results meet the acceptance criteria. Linearity was established from
0.50 μg/mL to 40 μg/mL with acceptable regression values. Precision was confirmed three times,
with an average % RSD of below 15% for 3 sets of 6QC level sample preparations. Stability tests
demonstrated Desonide stability in receptor fluid (LLOQ and ULOQ) for 72 hours at 2-8°C and 25°C.
Autosampler stability at LQC and HQC levels was proven at 25°C for 72 hours. Additionally, the
stock solution remained stable at both 25°C and 2-8°C for 72 hours.

Methods:

The study involved evaluating the dosing regimen, release medium, and membrane
while optimizing the U-HPLC method based on three variables including column temperature, mobile
phase composition, and flow rate. After experimentation, it was determined that Nylon membrane
and 0.9% NaCl: Methanol release media (70:30 v/v) with 1000 mg dose were used to maximize
the release profile of desonide.

Results:

The created explanatory strategy is precise, delicate, and exact for measuring Desonide,
with satisfactory Limits of Location LOD and Lower Limits of Measurement LLOQ measured at
0.15 and 0.50 ng /mL, respectively. The Regression coefficient r2 was identified to be 0.9996. The
degree of Desonide measurement lessening was considered palatable, basically since the recuperation
was underneath 30.00, additionally due to the favourable linear relationship watched within
the Desonide discharge rates amid the IVRT study.

Conclusion:

All three generic products analyzed were found to be equivalent to the RLD, meeting
for "sameness" outlined in the FDA's SUPAC-SS guidance. A novel U-HPLC method was developed
for Desonide, covering the range from 0.5 to 40 μg/ml, with intra and inter-day variability below
2% RSD. Additional characterizations were established, and the stability of Desonide was successfully
determined.
GenRepAI: Utilizing Artificial Intelligence to Identify Repeats in Genomic
Suffix Trees
Authors: Kaniwa Freeson
Published: July 2024

Background:

The human genome is densely populated with repetitive DNA sequences
that play crucial roles in genomic functions and structures but are also implicated in over 40 human
diseases. The computational challenge of identifying and characterizing these repeats is significant
due to the complexity and size of the genome, which are overwhelming traditional algorithms.

Methods:

To address these challenges, we propose GenRepAI, a deep learning framework to navigate
and analyze genomic suffix trees. GenRepAI employs supervised machine learning classifiers
trained on labeled datasets of repeat annotations and unsupervised anomaly detection to identify
novel repeat sequences. The models are trained using convolutional neural networks (CNNs), long
short-term memory networks (LSTMs), and vision transformers to classify and annotate repeats
within the human genome.

Results:

GenRepAI is designed to comprehensively profile repeats that underlie various neurological
diseases, allowing researchers to identify pathogenic expansions. The framework will integrate
into existing genomic analysis pipelines, with the capability to screen patient genomes and highlight
potential causal variants for further validation.

Conclusion:

GenRepAI is set to become a foundational tool in genomics, leveraging artificial intelligence
to enhance the characterization of repetitive sequences. It promises significant advancements
in the molecular diagnosis of repeat expansion disorders and contributes to a deeper understanding
of genomic structure and function, with broad applications in personalized medicine.
Reliability and Factor Structure of the Well-Being and Respect for Human Rights Questionnaire in Measuring Caregivers' Perception
Authors: Atzeni Michela , Carta Mauro G. , Primavera Diego , Aviles Gonzales Cesar Ivan , Galletta Maura , Marchegiani Sonia , Carboni Giorgio , Sancassiani Federica , Nonnis Marcello , Urban Antonio , Cantone Elisa , Nardi Antonio E. , Preti Antonio , Atzeni Michela , Carta Mauro G. , Primavera Diego , Aviles Gonzales Cesar Ivan , Galletta Maura , Marchegiani Sonia , Carboni Giorgio , Sancassiani Federica , Nonnis Marcello , Urban Antonio , Cantone Elisa , Nardi Antonio E. , Preti Antonio
Published: July 2024

Background

This study has investigated perceptions of respect for users' rights among informal caregivers in mental healthcare settings, aligning with the guidelines outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the World Health Organization QualityRights initiative. The study has employed the questionnaire on Well-being at Work and Respect for Rights (WWRR) among informal caregivers and tested whether the questionnaire's factor structure among informal caregivers aligns with that of users and health workers. We have hypothesized that informal caregivers prioritize users' needs and rights over the care context's climate.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. The “Well-being at Work and Respect for Human Rights” questionnaire was distributed to 100 caregivers in 4 territorial mental health facilities in Sardinia, Italy. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was utilized to assess the participants' responses.

Results

Participants reported high satisfaction with their relatives' treatment, perceiving a high level of respect for human rights among users and healthcare professionals. However, they highlighted insufficient resources for services, particularly the need for additional staff. CFA revealed that a scale with the first five items demonstrated good reliability, convergent validity, and discrimination. Mean scores indicated high satisfaction and perception of respect for human rights across the sample, with no significant differences by age or gender.

Conclusion

Satisfaction with users' rights is closely correlated with other factors comprising the notion of organizational well-being within a healthcare service.
A Patent Analysis on Nano Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Li Dengyu , Luo Wen , Yin Shengwei , Wang Ying , Zhao Yanqing , Zhu Shiwei , Yu Junfeng , Yang Ping , Zhang Lina , Xi Zhuyan
Published: July 2024

Background:

A nano drug delivery system is an effective tool for drug delivery and controlled
release, which is used for a variety of medical applications. In recent decades, nano drug delivery
systems have been significantly developed with the emergence of new nanomaterials and
nanotechnologies.

Objective:

This article aimed to provide insight into the technological development of nano drug
delivery systems through patent analysis.

Methods:

3708 patent documents were used for patent analysis after retrieval from the Incopat patent
database.

Results:

The number of patents on nano drug delivery systems has shown a rapid growth trend in
the past two decades. At present, China and the United States have obvious contributions to the
number of patents. According to the patent data, the nanomaterials used in nano drug delivery system
are mainly inorganic nanomaterials, lipid-based nanomaterials, and macromolecules. In recent
years, the highly cited patents (≥14) for nano drug delivery systems mainly involve lipid-based nanomaterials,
indicating that their technology is mature and widely used. The inorganic nanomaterials
in drug delivery have received increasing attention, and the number of related patents has increased
significantly after 2016. The number of highly cited patents in the United States is 250,
which is much higher than in other countries.

Conclusion:

Even after decades of development, nano drug delivery systems remain a hot topic for
researchers. The significant increase in patents since 2016 can be attributed to the large number of
new patents from China. However, according to the proportion of highly cited patents in total, China's
patented technologies in nano drug delivery systems are not advanced enough compared to developed
countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany, and France. In the future, research
on emerging nanomaterials for nano drug delivery systems, such as inorganic nanomaterials,
may focus on developing new materials and optimising their properties. The lipid-based and polymer-
based nanomaterials can be continuously improved for the development of new nanomedicines.
Polythiophene/Copper Vanadate Nanoribbons and their Electrochemical Sensing Properties for Detecting Benzoic Acid
Authors: Zhu Xingxing , Zhang Yong , Cong Qianmin , Cai Zhengyu , Pei Lizhai
Published: July 2024

Background:

Excessive intake of benzoic acid may cause serious diseases, including
disordered metabolism, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Hence, it is important to explore a reliable
method to determine the quantity of benzoic acid for protecting human health. In this regard, polythiophene/
copper vanadate nanoribbon composites act as electrode materials for the detection of
benzoic acid.

Objective:

The objective of this research was to synthesize polythiophene/copper vanadate nanoribbons
via an in-situ polymerization approach and evaluate their electrochemical performance for the
detection of benzoic acid.

Methods:

Polythiophene/copper vanadate nanoribbons were obtained via an in-situ polymerization
approach. The obtained composite nanoribbons were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy,
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and electrochemical method.

Results:

Amorphous polythiophene nanoparticles with a size of less than 100 nm were homogeneously
attached to the copper vanadate nanoribbons. Electrochemical sensing properties of the polythiophene/
copper vanadate nanoribbons modified electrode for detecting benzoic acid were analyzed
using the Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) method. An irreversible CV peak was observed at +0.36
V in 0.1 M KCl solution with 2 mM benzoic acid. The polythiophene/copper vanadate nanoribbons
modified electrode indicated a linear range of 0.001-2 mM with the limit of detection (LOD) of
0.29 μM.

Conclusion:

Polythiophene greatly enhanced the electrochemical sensing properties of copper vanadate
nanoribbons. Polythiophene/copper vanadate nanoribbons modified electrode was found to be
stable and repeatable owing to the synergistic effect of various components.
Herbal Antibiotics: A Review of Traditional Medicinal Plants with Antibacterial Properties and Their Potential for Future Treatment
Authors: Ramesh Shirode Prashant , Karajgi Santosh , Singh Riya , Naik Pravin , Sahoo Ujjwal , Sharma Mukesh Chandra , Nainwal Pankaj , Wal Ankita
Published: July 2024

Background:

The active ingredient in medicinal herbs has a considerable therapeutic
impact. Historically, medicinal plants have been critical in helping people recover from unfavorable microbial infection-related illnesses. Therefore, we can use these plants as raw materials
to make antibiotics.

Objectives:

To summarize, several traditional herbs have antibacterial properties, and their use
as a therapy option offers a successful treatment approach.

Methodology:

A detailed study of literature was started by looking through many data sets from
the Herbalist Library and well-known scientific databases like the Cochrane Library, PubMed,
ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Literature focusing on herbs having antibiotic potential, specifically in the English language, from the years 1980 to 2023 was considered
to be included in this review.

Result:

In this review article, all the natural herbal antibiotics are summarised with their pharmacological effects as well as the active components responsible for their biological role. The
current analysis provides thorough information on many medicinal plants examined over the last
few decades in order to investigate possible herbal antibiotics for future treatment.
Hoe groot is de belangenvermenging bij lokale besturen in het omgevingsbeleid? Een bevraging bij Vlaamse omgevingsambtenaren.
Authors: Willemstein Yannick , Coppens Tom
Published: July 2024

Deze studie onderzoekt belangenconflicten van lokale politici in het omgevingsbeleid in Vlaanderen, een onderwerp dat ondanks veel media-aandacht beperkte wetenschappelijke dekking heeft. Door middel van een anonieme enquête, verstuurd naar alle gemeentelijke omgevingsdiensten in Vlaanderen, peilen we naar de percepties van gemeentelijke omgevingsambtenaren over mogelijke belangenconflicten van lokale beleidsmakers. Met een responspercentage van 40% geeft bijna de helft van de respondenten aan een vermoeden van belangenconflict te hebben, waarbij belangenconflict ruim gedefinieerd wordt en zowel moreel particularisme, cliëntelisme en nepotisme omvat. Hoewel de resultaten niet kunnen vaststellen of er al dan niet een belangenconflict heeft plaatsgevonden, toont deze studie dat er op lokaal niveau een zeer groot wantrouwen bestaat tussen ambtenarij en politiek.
Beta Test of a Christian Faith-Based Facebook Intervention for Smoking Cessation in Rural Communities (FaithCore): Development and Usability Study
Authors: Sharma Pravesh , Tranby Brianna , Kamath Celia , Brockman Tabetha A , Lenhart Ned , Quade Brian , Abuan Nate , Halom Martin , Staples Jamie , Young Colleen , Brewer LaPrincess , Patten Christi
Published: July 2024

Background

Individuals living in rural communities experience substantial geographic and infrastructure barriers to attaining health equity in accessing tobacco use cessation treatment. Social media and other digital platforms offer promising avenues to improve access and overcome engagement challenges in tobacco cessation efforts. Research has also shown a positive correlation between faith-based involvement and a lower likelihood of smoking, which can be used to engage rural communities in these interventions.

Objective

This study aimed to develop and beta test a social intervention prototype using a Facebook (Meta Platforms, Inc) group specifically designed for rural smokers seeking evidence-based smoking cessation resources.

Methods

We designed a culturally aligned and faith-aligned Facebook group intervention, FaithCore, tailored to engage rural people who smoke in smoking cessation resources. Both intervention content and engagement strategies were guided by community-based participatory research principles. Given the intervention’s focus on end users, that is, rural people who smoked, we conducted a beta test to assess any technical or usability issues of this intervention before any future trials for large-scale implementation.

Results

No critical beta test technical and usability issues were noted. Besides, the FaithCore intervention was helpful, easy to understand, and achieved its intended goals. Notably, 90% (9/10) of the participants reported that they tried quitting smoking, while 90% (9/10) reported using or seeking cessation resources discussed within the group.

Conclusions

This study shows that social media platform with culturally aligned and faith-aligned content and engagement strategies delivered by trained moderators are promising for smoking cessation interventions in rural communities. Our future step is to conduct a large pilot trial to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness on smoking cessation outcomes.
Use of Generative AI for Improving Health Literacy in Reproductive Health: Case Study
Authors: Burns Christina , Bakaj Angela , Berishaj Amonda , Hristidis Vagelis , Deak Pamela , Equils Ozlem
Published: July 2024

Background

Patients find technology tools to be more approachable for seeking sensitive health-related information, such as reproductive health information. The inventive conversational ability of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT (OpenAI Inc), offers a potential means for patients to effectively locate answers to their health-related questions digitally.

Objective

A pilot study was conducted to compare the novel ChatGPT with the existing Google Search technology for their ability to offer accurate, effective, and current information regarding proceeding action after missing a dose of oral contraceptive pill.

Methods

A sequence of 11 questions, mimicking a patient inquiring about the action to take after missing a dose of an oral contraceptive pill, were input into ChatGPT as a cascade, given the conversational ability of ChatGPT. The questions were input into 4 different ChatGPT accounts, with the account holders being of various demographics, to evaluate potential differences and biases in the responses given to different account holders. The leading question, “what should I do if I missed a day of my oral contraception birth control?” alone was then input into Google Search, given its nonconversational nature. The results from the ChatGPT questions and the Google Search results for the leading question were evaluated on their readability, accuracy, and effective delivery of information.

Results

The ChatGPT results were determined to be at an overall higher-grade reading level, with a longer reading duration, less accurate, less current, and with a less effective delivery of information. In contrast, the Google Search resulting answer box and snippets were at a lower-grade reading level, shorter reading duration, more current, able to reference the origin of the information (transparent), and provided the information in various formats in addition to text.

Conclusions

ChatGPT has room for improvement in accuracy, transparency, recency, and reliability before it can equitably be implemented into health care information delivery and provide the potential benefits it poses. However, AI may be used as a tool for providers to educate their patients in preferred, creative, and efficient ways, such as using AI to generate accessible short educational videos from health care provider-vetted information. Larger studies representing a diverse group of users are needed.