bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the population health impact of nicotine misperceptions
Authors: Hannel Thad , Wei Lai , Muhammad-Kah Raheema , Largo Edward , Sarkar Mohamadi
Published: November 2023

Background: Scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that inhaling the smoke from the combustion of cigarettes is responsible for most of the harm caused by smoking, and not the nicotine. However, a majority of U.S. adults who smoke (AS) inaccurately believe that nicotine causes cancer which may be a significant barrier, preventing AS from switching to potentially reduced-harm, smoke-free products (SFP) like electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), smokeless tobacco, and snus. We quantify the population health impact associated with nicotine misperceptions.
Methods: Using a previously validated agent-based model to the U.S. population, we analyzed nationally representative data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study to estimate base case rates of sustained (maintained over four waves) cessation and switching to SFP use, by sex. Nicotine perception scenarios used data from Wave 4 of PATH as the baseline wave to analyze levels of nicotine misperceptions. The overall switch rate from smoking in Wave 4 to SFP use in Wave 5 (3.94%) was stratified based on responses to the nicotine perception question “Do you believe nicotine is the chemical that causes most of the cancer caused by smoking cigarettes?”, (Four-item scale from “Definitely not” to “Definitely yes”). The relative percent change between the overall and stratified rates, corresponding to each item, was used to adjust the base case rates of switching to reflect the impact if all AS exhibited switching behaviors based on responses to the nicotine perceptions question. The public health impact of nicotine perceptions was estimated as the difference in all-cause mortality between the base case and the four nicotine perception scenarios.
Results: Switch rates associated with those who responded, “Definitely not” (8.39%) resulted in a net benefit of preventing nearly 800,000 premature deaths over an 85-year period. Conversely switch rates reflective of those who responded, “Definitely yes” (2.59%) resulted in a net harm of nearly 300,000 additional premature deaths over the same period.
Conclusions: Accurate knowledge regarding the role of nicotine is associated with higher switch rates and prevention of premature deaths. Our findings suggest that promoting public education to correct nicotine misperceptions has potential to benefit public health.
GAG-Net: Global Attention-Guided CNN Architecture for Accurate Ship Detection
Authors: Feng Bin , Huang Yuan , Cao Minghua , Lv Zhisheng , Zhang Lingyun , Zhang Yue
Published: November 2023

The YOLOv5 algorithm has gained widespread adoption in maritime target detection due to its impressive speed and accuracy. However, challenges persist in the form of small target leakage and suboptimal multi-target classification performance in complex sea areas during maritime navigation. To address these issues, this paper presents an enhanced convolutional neural network (CNN) named GAG-Net. Specifically, we incorporate a Global Attention Mechanism (GAM) to capture global context information, enabling the model to better discern differences between targets and backgrounds, and thereby significantly improving detection accuracy. Additionally, we introduce the Focal and Efficient IOU (Focal-EIOU) loss for accurate bounding box regression, which focuses more on high-quality samples to improve detection accuracy while accelerating algorithm con-vergence. Finally, we optimize anchor box parameters to better match the shape of vessels and further enhance detection performance. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposal out-performs YOLO series algorithms on the SeaShips dataset in terms of detection accuracy, robustness, and efficiency.
Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use in trauma: a retrospective analysis of the Japanese nationwide trauma registry
Authors: Akutsu Tomohiro , Endo Akira , Yamamoto Ryo , Yamakawa Kazuma , Suzuki Keisuke , Hoshi Hiromasa , Otomo Yasuhiro , Morishita Koji
Published: November 2023

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can provide temporary circulatory support and vital organ oxygenation and is potentially useful as a bridge therapy in some trauma cases. We aimed to demonstrate the characteristics and outcomes of patients with trauma treated with veno-arterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) using data from a Japanese nationwide trauma registry.
Methods: This retrospective descriptive study analyzed data from the Japan Trauma Data Bank between January 2019 and December 2021. Patients with severe trauma (injury severity score [ISS] ≥ 9) and treated using VA-ECMO were assessed.
Results: Among the 72,439 patients with severe trauma, 51 received VA-ECMO. Sixteen patients (31.3%) survived until hospital discharge. On hospital arrival, six (37.5%) survivors and 15 (42.9%) non-survivors experienced cardiac arrest. The median ISS for the survivor and non-survivor group was 25 (range, 25–39) and 25 (range, 17–33), respectively. Thoracic trauma was the most common type of trauma in both groups. In the non-survivor group, open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation, aortic cross-clamping, and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta were performed in 10 (28.6%), 5 (14.3%), and 4 (11.4 %) patients, respectively. However, these procedures were not performed in the survivor group. Percutaneous oxygen saturation tended to be lower in the survivor group both before and upon arrival at the hospital.
Conclusions: The results of this study suggest the potential benefit of VA-ECMO in some challenging trauma cases. Further studies are warranted to assess the indications for VA-ECMO in patients with trauma.
The effects of re-irradiation on the chemical and morphological properties of permanent teeth.
Authors: Santos Thais Tedeschi , Mattos Vicente Silva , Molena Kelly Fernanda , Silva Francisco Wanderley Garcia de Paula e , de Oliveira Harley Francisco , Faraoni Juliana Jendiroba , Filho Paulo Nelson , Neto Jarbas Caiado de Castro , Palma-Dibb Regina Guenka , de Queiroz Alexandra Mussolino
Published: November 2023

Objectives
Evaluate in vitro, simulating a radiotherapy retreatment of HNC, the effects of re-radiation on the properties of enamel and dentin.
Materials and Methods
Forty five human permanent molars were divided in five groups: non-irradiated; irradiated up to a dose of 60 Gy and re-irradiated up to doses of 30, 40 and 50 Gy, through the analysis of Raman spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Raman spectroscopy was analyzed comparatively, according to the intensity, general area of the spectra and peaks of interest. Kolmogorov – Smirnov test, followed by the One-Way ANOVA test and Tukey's post-test, with the significance level were adopted for all analyzes being 5%.
Results
There were significant changes in the peaks of irradiated, non-irradiated and re-irradiated enamels, with the presence of phosphate (438nm), hydroxyapatite (582nm), phosphate (960nm) and carbonate (1070nm) (p < 0.05). Re-irradiation reached the tooth as a whole (p > 0.05), with degradation of the interprismatic region, destruction of enamel prisms and hydroxyapatite crystals. In dentin, it caused obliteration of the tubules, formation of cracks and progressive fragmentation of collagen fibers. EDX indicated an increase in the percentage of oxygen and a decrease in phosphorus and calcium after re-irradiation.
Conclusion
The chemical and morphological changes in the permanent irradiated teeth are progressive and directly proportional to the escalation of the radiation dose.
Clinical relevance
Re-irradiation causing even more damage to enamel and dentin of permanent teeth.
Revealing the Tribological Mechanism of Synergistic Effect between MoDTC and P-containing Additives in Aluminum-based Grease
Authors: Zhao Hui , Ren Shunzhen , Zhong Zhengbo , Li Zhipeng , Ren Tianhui
Published: November 2023

Organic molybdenum is of great importance in the application of both liquid and solid lubrication due to its outstanding comprehensive tribological properties. In this work, we prepared a molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate (MoDTC) with excellent friction-reducing and antiwear properties in aluminum-based grease by decreasing COF and WSD up to ~ 40.6% and ~ 34.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the tribological properties are further enhanced by combining with traditional zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP), indicating excellent synergistic effects on both friction-reducing and antiwear, in which the COF and WSD of aluminum-base grease are reduced by ~ 58.1% and ~ 49.3%, respectively, due to the generation of composite tribofilm composed of MoS2, MoO3, molybdate and sulfide during the friction process. Moreover, we demonstrated that the P element plays a facilitating role in the tribochemical reaction to transform molybdenum into MoS2, which is the critical component of the tribofilm for excellent friction-reducing and antiwear properties.
Effect of Different Processing Methods on Nutritional Composition and Microbial Quality of Pearl Millet
Authors: Choudhary Charu , S Vignesh , DV Chidanand , N Baskaran
Published: November 2023

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), a member of poaceae family categorized as major millet, has emerged as a nutritional powerhouse with the potential to tackle food security challenges and has garnered recognition for its unique nutritional composition and resilience in diverse agro-climatic conditions. Therefore, this study focused on the effect of Fermentation (FP), Steaming (SP), Blanching (BP), and Ultrasound (UP) on the proximate composition, vitamin content, physiochemical property, anti-nutrient factor, bioactive compounds, microbial count, and antioxidant activity of pearl millet was analyzed. Raw pearl millet, fermented (spontaneous, 72 hrs), steamed (30 min), blanched (98o C, 30 sec), and ultrasound treated (66%amplitude, 26 min) were characterized. The results showed a significant increase in protein content of FP (14.803 ± 0.04). All the treated samples led to a reduction of phytic acid and tannin but the highest reduction was found in FP is 84% reduction in phytic acid and 57% reduction in tannin. UP showed a positive effect on color and antioxidant activity. Fermentation led to an increase in total phenolic and flavonoid content. Ultrasound and fermentation led to an increase in the volatile bioactive compounds. Also, these treatments exerted a profound influence on microbial activity (Total plate count), underscoring their ability to enhance food safety and quality. This study found that these treatments showed major effects on the physicochemical properties and nutritional composition of millet, suggesting that it can be used in food processing for food fortification and eliminate anti-nutritional components.
Unifying Duplication Episode Clustering andGene-Species Mapping Inference
Authors: Górecki Paweł , Rutecka Natalia , Mykowiecka Agnieszka , Paszek Jarosław
Published: November 2023

We present a novel problem, called MetaEC, which aims to infer gene-species assignments in a collection of gene trees with missing labels by minimizing the size of duplication episode clustering (EC). This problem is particularly relevant in metagenomics, where incomplete data often poses a challenge in the accurate reconstruction of gene histories. To solve MetaEC, we propose a polynomial time dynamic programming (DP) formulation that verifies the existence of a set of duplication episodes from a predefined set of episode candidates. In addition, we design a method to infer distributions of gene-species mappings. We then demonstrate how to use DP to design an algorithm that solves MetaEC. Although the algorithm is exponential in the worst case, we introduce a heuristic modification of the algorithm that provides a solution with the knowledge that it is exact. To evaluate our method, we perform two computational experiments on simulated and empirical data containing whole genome duplication events, showing that our algorithm is able to accurately infer the corresponding events.
An analysis and visualization of global wetlands based on scientmetric from 2002 to 2022
Authors: Chi Jingzhe , Afandi Syamsul Herma Mohammad , Matthew Nitanan Koshy
Published: November 2023

Recent studies have focused on wetlands as they can benefit humans in terms of spiritual satisfaction and mental health. This paper evaluated the scientometric analysis of 2,388 studies published on the Web of Science between 2002 and 2022. It identified hotspots and trends in wetland research using VOS viewer, Origin, and Citespace software. Analyzing global wetland research publications shows a clear upward trend. Moreover, researchers in the United States, the People's Republic of China, Australia, Canada, and India devote considerable attention to wetland research. Network keyword co-occurrence analysis showed that wetland research covers constructed wetlands, climate change, wastewater treatment, phytoremediation, restoration, and hydrology. Furthermore, the United States is the world's main hotspot for wetland research; China, Canada, Australia, and others are behind. Due to the growing appreciation of wetlands' importance, wetland research will receive more attention from researchers around the globe. Additionally, wetland tourism articles should have improved quality since most publications are rarely cited. This paper presents an overview of the scientometric methodology for global wetlands research. Additionally, scholars working on wetlands can use scientometric analysis meaningfully and effectively for their future research.
Fast Multi-Wavelength Pyrometer for Dynamic Temperature Measurements
Authors: Belikov Roman , Merges David , Varentsov Dmitry , Major Zsuzsanna , Neumayer Paul , Hesselbach Philipp , Schanz Martin , Winkler Bjoern
Published: November 2023

Multi-wavelength pyrometry is an efficient tool for measuring high temperatures in dynamic experiments. A fast 5-channel pyrometer was built and successfully employed in ion-beam heating experiments at GSI. Temperatures of metallic samples heated by an intense focused heavy ion beam up to their melting points and beyond were measured with nanosecond time resolution and a spatial resolution of about 200 μm. The modular instrument has demonstrated its high versatility also for temperature measurements of exothermic reactions with millisecond temporal resolution.
A flexible ally: Trends and gaps in the application of bioacoustics tools in conservation science
Authors: Melo Larissa Vidal , Tardin Rodrigo , Alves Maria Alice Santos , Maciel Israel S.
Published: November 2023

The rapid and ongoing decline in global biodiversity highlights the need for ever-effective conservation measures, which has transformed the monitoring of biodiversity into an essential diagnostic tool. Over the past few decades, studies in biodiversity monitoring have invested increasingly in the use of bioacoustics tools as a mean of obtaining data. Most bioacoustics approaches are non-invasive, broad-range, long-term, and do not necessarily require personnel in the field, which can optimize time, resources, and field efforts. Bioacoustics studies also produce reliable data that can be used to resolve multiple ecological questions. However, there is a certain bias in the application of these methods, and in the taxonomic groups studied, which complicates the evaluation of the value of bioacoustics for the development of conservation measures. The present study reviews the use of bioacoustics for conservation purposes, analyzing trends in the scientific papers published in this field over the past two decades, while also identifying potential knowledge gaps. The three most frequent types of published studies focus either on humans or marine mammals, or have no specific focal species, while research on the impact of noise pollution is more common than studies using bioacoustics for other application considered. Our findings show that bioacoustics can be a valuable tool in conservation science, although there is a need for the standardization of procedures, especially for the applications developed most recently, as well as the expansion of studies on taxonomic groups that have been neglected to now, such as reptiles and invertebrates.
Study on the mechanical properties of micropore organic polymer membranes
Authors: Liu Jianxin , Kang Tingshuo , Zhang Xiaolei , Yu Hualong , Chai Xuedi
Published: November 2023

Micropore Organic polymer membranes are indispensable for membrane filtration with well-established selectivity and permeability. Pressure-driven conditions in harsh acidic or alkaline environments can influence the mechanical properties of these materials. Diminished mechanical properties may include a shortened membrane lifespan, reduced filtration effectiveness, and increased filtration cost. Understanding of the intricate mechanisms influencing the mechanical properties of organic polymer membranes remains incomplete. In this study, a comprehensive investigation was carried out to characterize the mechanical properties of different membrane materials with similar and varying pore size parameters. The influence of different methods of membrane preparation on the mechanical properties of these materials was also explored. The Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break values were compared for two organic polymer membranes: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Results showed that the PTFE membranes demonstrated excellent Young’s modulus and tensile strength, while PVDF membranes excelled in elongation at break. Notably, the PTFE membrane with a pore size of 0.45 µm demonstrated a 9.2% higher tensile strength and an impressive 153.5% greater elongation at break compared to the PTFE membrane with a pore size of 3.0 µm. Organic filter membranes prepared by the phase transition method exhibited a more structured fiber filament arrangement, a smoother surface, reduced crack formation and extension, and a uniform pore size and distribution when compared to materials prepared using the tensile method. The results of this study expanded our understanding of the factors that can influence the mechanical properties of organic filtration membranes. These results provide the theoretical basis to explore novel strategies to improve the dependability and effectiveness of membrane separation technology and reduce associated expenses.
A comprehensive high-accuracy numerical calculation system for the 2D Poisson equation by the interpolation finite difference method
Authors: Fukuchi Tsugio
Published: November 2023

To conduct numerical calculation in the finite difference method (FDM), a calculation system should ideally be constructed to have three features: (i) the possibility of correspondence to an arbitrary boundary shape, (ii) high accuracy and (iii) high-speed calculation. In this study, the author has proposed and reported the interpolation FDM (IFDM) as a numerical calculation system with the above three characteristics. In this paper, we especially focus on (ii) high accuracy calculation. Regarding the 1D Poisson equation, the author has already reported on the overall picture of numerical calculations and proposed three schemes for high-accuracy numerical calculations: (i) the SAPI(m) scheme, (ii) SOBI(m) scheme, and (iii) CIFD(m) scheme. (m) denotes the accuracy order, which is usually an even number. Conventionally, high-order accuracy schemes up to the sixth order have been researched and reported, but theoretically, there is no upper accuracy order limit for (m) in these three schemes. However, under double-precision calculations, approximately the 10th-order accuracy (m=10) is the practical upper limit for ensuring high-accuracy calculations, and the calculation resulting in 15 significant digits is defined as the virtual-error zero (VE0) calculation. In the case of the 1D Poisson equation, VE0 calculation is possible in almost any scheme if the forcing term is an analytic function. In this paper, the author extends the above conclusion to the case of the 2D Poisson equation. To go from one-dimensional space to two-dimensional space, we generate a naturally deduced component and an algorithm that must be newly added that solves a problem unique to two-dimensional space, and together these become the IFDM calculation system of the 2D Poisson equation. The numerical calculations confirm that VE0 calculation may be possible even in high-accuracy numerical calculation of the two-dimensional Poisson equation. The above is a conclusion in the regular domain, but it is confirmed that calculations with approximately10 significant digits are also possible in the irregular domain.
Aptamers for the diagnosis and treatment of human glial tumors
Authors: Zamay T. N. , Dymova M. A. , Narodov A. A. , Koshmanova A. A. , Grek D. S. , Voronkovskii I. I. , Gorbushin A. K. , Kichkailo A. S. , Kuligina E. V. , Richter V. A. , Zukov R. А.
Published: November 2023

Purpose of the study: to evaluate the feasibility of using functional analogues of protein antibodies – dNa/ RNa aptamers in diagnostics, treatment and prognosis of human brain glial tumors.

Material and Methods. The relevant literature sources were searched in scopus, Web of science, pubmed, elibrary with inclusion of publications from 2000 to 2023. sixty articles are presented in the review.

Results. The analysis of the literature devoted to classification, diagnostics and therapy of brain glioblastomas was carried out and the feasibility of using for in vivo diagnostics and therapy of this disease aptamers, which are molecular recognition elements based on DNA/RNA oligonucleotides, capable of binding to the given molecular targets and distinguishing even separate functional groups in them, was studied. A list of aptamers to human glial brain tumors and their molecular targets that can be used for diagnostics and therapy of glioblastoma, including tumor imaging by pet/ct, mRi, plasmon resonance, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, etc., is presented. literature data suggest that DNA/RNA aptamers can be used to search for circulating tumor cells in the blood of glioblastoma patients, to target therapeutic drugs to the tumor and to inhibit tumor growth.

Conclusion. Brain glioblastoma is a heterogeneous tumor consisting of cells at different stages of malignancy and, accordingly, with a different set of oncogenes. For this reason, a multitarget strategy that includes combined suppression of angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, proliferation and survival of tumor cells should be proposed for the therapy of this disease. DNA/RNA aptamers tailored to key proteins involved in oncogenic transformation may be suitable candidates for the implementation of multitarget therapy for brain glioblastoma.
Results of combined and chemoradiation treatment of patients with thoracic esophageal cancer according to the data of the regional cancer center
Authors: Toneev E. A. , Pikin О. V. , Dengina N. V. , Ryabov A. B. , Мartynov A. A. , Galchin А. V. , Isaev D. N. , Firstov A. A. , Prohorov D. D.
Published: November 2023

Background. esophageal cancer (ec) is one of the most aggressive malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract. chemoradiation therapy is the standard of care for locally advanced ec.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of chemoradiation therapy given alone and in combination with surgery in patients with thoracic esophageal cancer.

Material and Methods. From January 1, 2012 to december 31, 2021, a total of 940 patients with thoracic esophageal cancer were registered in the regional cancer registry, of which 178 patients were selected for concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) at clinical stages I–III. thirty seven thoracic esophageal cancer patients who received CRT and required treatment interruption due to complications were not included in our analysis. The final analysis included 141 patients.

Results. 37 (20.7 %) patients were unable to complete treatment due to intolerance and the development of severe complications of CRT. Hematological toxicity of grade 3-4 was noted in 21 patients (14.8 %). Non-hematological complications of grade 2-4 were noted in 109 patients (77.3 %). The 5-year relapse-free survival rates in patients undergoing and non-undergoing to surgery were 23.0 and 25.0 %, respectively (p=0.018). Overall 5-year survival rates were 24 and 27 %, respectively (p=0.020). The rate of pathological complete response (pcR) was 43.5 % (in 20 of 46 patients who underwent surgery after CRT). The median survival time in patients with clinical complete response (ccR) was 24.0 months and the median survival time in patients with pcR was 29.0 months. The 3-year survival rates were 21 and 45 %, respectively (p=0.050).

Conclusion. The combination of chemoradiotherapy and surgery in patients with thoracic esophageal cancer demonstrated an increase in overall survival in our study. if there is a complete clinical response to CRT and contraindications for surgery or the patient’s refusal to undergo surgery, it is advisable to use the “wait & watch” tactic.
Clinical and pathogenetic features of diarrheal syndrome in COVID-19 in children
Authors: Khaliullina S. V. , Pozdniak V. A. , Anokhin V. A. , Khaertynov Kh. S. , Kurbanova G. M. , Zakirova A. M.
Published: November 2023

SARS-CoV-2 is known to be able to infect the gastrointestinal tract, causing a variety of symptoms. Practice shows that the clinical presentation of diarrheal syndrome with COVID-19 does not fit into the classic manifestations of osmotic diarrhea. Cases of lesions of the lower intestine are often reported. Purpose. The study aims at evaluation of the features of clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters of diarrheal syndrome to determine the possible mechanism of gastrointestinal damage in children with COVID-19. Material and methods. 80 subjects were examined on the basis of the Kazan Regional Clinical Hospital. 40 patients were selected for the main group with diarrhea and a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, 40 for the control group with rota- or norovirus infection. The examination included a daily examination, laboratory tests to assess the clinical features of the course, etiological decoding, study of the pathogenetic mechanisms of diarrhea in COVID-19. Results. COVID-19 differs from classical viral diarrhea in more pronounced catarrhal respiratory syndrome (p<0.001), pyretic fever (p=0.001). Vomiting is more typical for rota- and norovirus infections (p<0.001). SARS-CoV-2 is statistically significantly more likely to cause clinical scenario of distal colitis (p=0.034). Patients with increased levels of carbohydrates in the feces were observed more often in the viral diarrhea group, and calprotectin — in the COVID-19 group (p<0.05). A significant qualitative and quantitative imbalance of the intestinal microflora is more typical for patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion. The conducted study suggests a complex genesis of gastrointestinal lesions in children with COVID-19, which includes signs of both osmotic and exudative (invasive) mechanisms of diarrhea formation. Clearly, GI lesion in COVID-19 is a multifactorial process.
Exploring Whole Cells of Rhizopus oryzae for Efficient Synthesis of Emollient Esters: Bioesters for Cosmetics
Authors: Preto Arthur , Reis Willian , de Carvalho Ana , Pereira Ernandes
Published: November 2023

Production of esters, organic compounds with emollient, emulsifying, and aromatic properties is growing due to high demand and their applications in the cosmetics industry. The synthesis of these compounds involves the reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, which can be catalyzed by lipases. In this context, the objective of this study was to produce mycelium-bound lipases of the fungus Rhizopus oryzae through submerged cultivation, with the aim of applying them in the synthesis of ethylene glycol oleate, ethylene glycol stearate, and isoamyl palmitate esters, which are relevant to the cosmetic industry. The influence of solvent usage (heptane), biocatalyst mass, and acid/alcohol molar ratio was evaluated in the esterification reactions. In the synthesis of the three tested esters, and in the presence of heptane solvent, an equimolar ratio (1:1) of each acid and alcohol with a concentration of 0.01 mol L-1 was utilized. The reactions were performed in agitated Erlenmeyer flasks at 40 °C with an agitation speed of 200 rpm. The lipolytic biomass of Rhizopus oryzae showed better performance in the synthesis of isoamyl palmitate, achieving a maximum conversion of 83% in 24 h of reaction using 0.30 g of lipolytic biomass and the solvent heptane. In addition, it was observed that higher concentrations of catalyst biomass (0.45 g) and lower molar ratios (1:1.5) of acid to alcohol resulted in a higher conversion of isoamyl palmitate ester, reaching conversions of 48.59 and 83.11%, respectively.
Effect of drying agents on quality parameters of lyophilized persimmon purée powder
Authors: Saeed Andaleeb R. , Kheir Tahle Mohamad A. , Tlay Rawaa H.
Published: November 2023

Persimmon juice has good nutritional composition and high antioxidant properties, however it requires more packing space because of large volume and has limited shelf-life. The research objective was to produce persimmon purée powder with prolonged shelf-life by using various concentrations of drying agents (maltodextrin and Arabic gum).

The control sample was persimmon purée powder without drying agents. Experimental samples included powders with maltodextrin (40, 45, and 50%), Arabic gum (25, 30, and 35%), and the mix of maltodextrin (40%) and Arabic gum (10%). All the experimental samples contained 1% of tri-calcium phosphate as an anti-caking agent. Tests were carried out according to the standard techniques.

The samples with 45 and 50% of maltodextrin had lower moisture, ash, redness (a*), and hygroscopicity values. These powders demonstrated good yield, solubility, density, and color indices (L*, b*, C, H). The persimmon purée powders with 30 and 35% of Arabic gum showed an increase in ash content and total acidity. The samples with 30% Arabic gum obtained the highest sensory evaluation scores.

The optimal results belonged to the samples of lyophilized persimmon purée powder with 45% of maltodextrin, which will have a longer shelf-life due to its low moisture content.
Cardiorenal protective effects of extracts of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) in animal model of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Uchendu Ikenna K. , Ikebunwa Obinna A. , Okpagu Chidimma
Published: November 2023

Every year, metabolic syndrome and cardiorenal diseases cause many deaths worldwide. African bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) is known for its numerous therapeutic effects. Potentially, it can lower plasma lipid and glucose levels, which, in turn, may improve the condition of patients with the abovementioned diseases. This research featured the antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic effects of methanol extract of V. amygdalina in an animal model of metabolic syndrome.

Twenty albino rats were divided into four groups. Groups A to C were orally administered with ghee (3 mL/kg) + high-cholesterol diet (500 mg/kg) + high-sugar diet (10 mL/kg) to induce metabolic syndrome. Group A served as negative control and received no treatment with bitter leaf methanol extract. Groups B and C received 200 and 400 mg/kg of V. amygdalina methanol extract, respectively. Group D received no administration. The cardiorenal injuries and alterations in blood lipids and sugar levels wereassessed via various biochemical analyses.

The combination of ghee + high-cholesterol diet + high-sugar diet triggered a significant elevation of creatine kinase myocardial band, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, glucose, urea, creatinine, and potassium levels. The histopathological results agreed with the biochemical findings. However, the treatment with 200 and 400 mg/kg of V. amygdalina methanol extract was able to inhibit the adverse alterations causing a dosedependent significant antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic effect (p < 0.05).

Bitter leaf (V. amygdalina) demonstrated cardiorenal protective effects and may be used to manage metabolic syndrome.
Performance indicators to characterize the water supply to meet the demands of the Lurin River Basin
Authors: Olortegui Artica Christiand , Paredes Arquiola Javier , Ramos Fernández Lia , Cruz Grimaldo Camila Leandra , Salazar Coronel Wilian , Flores del Pino Lisveth
Published: November 2023

Water scarcity and the planning of socioeconomic activities are challenges in the management of water resources. Therefore, the objective of this study was to use reliability indicators (RI) to simulate management scenarios in the Lurin River Basin. First, flow rates for the period 1969–2019 were calculated using the EvalHid HBV hydrological model and SIMGES, both from the AQUATOOL decision support system, to simulate demands. The estimation of agricultural demand IRs was made under three conditions: that the deficits for one, two, and 10 years should not exceed 20–40, 40–60, and 80–100% of the annual demand. The goodness-of-fit indices obtained for flow calibration were 0.716, 0.89, and 0.901 for Nash index (NSE), Nash natural logarithm (Ln NSE), and Pearson's correlation coefficient (R), representing the values of satisfactory, very good, and good, respectively. Agricultural demands present annual deficits of 59–96, 92–138, and 333–688% for one, two, and 10 years, so a 50 m3 reservoir is proposed to meet the IR. Thus, the information generated could be used to improve water resource management in the Lurin Basin.
Impact of targeted subsidies on access to resilient sanitation for climate-vulnerable households in rural Cambodia
Authors: Kozole Tyler , Ross Marlaina , Nicoletti Chris , Rogla Jennifer , Ives Nate , Ali Amjad , Prom Ratsamnang
Published: November 2023

Access to safe sanitation is a basic requirement for human well-being and is critical for protecting public health and preventing environmental contamination at the community level. The increasing global risk of climate-related disasters exacerbates the likelihood of traditional sanitation solutions failing and exposing communities to harmful pathogens. This risk is ubiquitous in Cambodia's flood-prone Tonle Sap Lake region, which has some of the lowest rates of sanitation coverage in the country. This study sought to design and test a targeted mechanism in the region to deliver sanitation subsidies to households in a vulnerable position due to climate and socioeconomic characteristics. Subsidy eligibility was evaluated using the poverty probability index for Cambodia, with thresholds set according to households' individual and community-level climate vulnerability. In a randomized controlled trial, offering subsidies increased the likelihood of successful sales conversions for climate-resilient latrine products among targeted households by 32 percentage points, indicating effectiveness for increasing market-based sanitation uptake. The research did not find evidence of widespread or sustained market distortion due to the subsidy program.
Application of oak charcoal-based activated carbon for the removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions: kinetics, equilibrium, and reusability studies
Authors: Kouhi Kosar , Amouei Abdoliman , Asgharnia Hosseinali , Vosoughi Mehdi , Fallah Seyede Houriye , Shirmardi Mohammad
Published: November 2023

The present study investigated the use of oak charcoal-based activated carbon (OC-AC) as an adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions. The study examined the effects of key operational variables, including pH, equilibrium time, adsorbent dosage, and initial dye concentration. The results showed that pH had no significant effect on MB adsorption for the initial MB concentration below 50 mg L−1 and an adsorbent dosage of 1 g L−1, but increasing the contact time and adsorbent dosage improved the removal efficiency. For instance, at an initial MB concentration of 50 mg L−1, the removal percentage increased from 76 to 99.9%, with increasing adsorbent dosage from 0.5 to 3 g L−1. In addition, with increasing contact time from 5 to 300 min, the removal percentage increased from 45.43 to 87.42%. The study also analyzed the kinetics and isotherm behavior of MB adsorption and found that the Avrami fractional order kinetic model and the Freundlich isotherm model provided the best fit for the experimental data. MB removal from real water samples showed that OC-AC could be used as an efficient and environmentally friendly adsorbent for removing MB dye from contaminated effluents with the removal percentage ranging from 83 to 97%.
Ferroptosis Inducers as Promising Radiosensitizer Agents in Cancer
Radiotherapy
Authors: Zefrei Fatemeh-Jalali , Shormij Mohammd , Dastranj Leila , Alvandi Maryam , Shaghaghi Zahra , Farzipour Soghra , Zarei-Polgardani Nasim
Published: November 2023

Radiotherapy (RT) failure has historically been mostly attributed to radioresistance.
Ferroptosis is a type of controlled cell death that depends on iron and is caused by polyunsaturated
fatty acid peroxidative damage. Utilizing a ferroptosis inducer may be a successful tactic
for preventing tumor growth and radiotherapy-induced cell death. A regulated form of cell death
known as ferroptosis is caused by the peroxidation of phospholipids containing polyunsaturated
fatty acids in an iron-dependent manner (PUFA-PLs). The ferroptosis pathway has a number of
important regulators. By regulating the formation of PUFA-PLs, the important lipid metabolism
enzyme ACSL4 promotes ferroptosis, whereas SLC7A11 and (glutathione peroxidase 4) GPX4
prevent ferroptosis. In addition to introducing the ferroptosis inducer chemicals that have recently
been demonstrated to have a radiosensitizer effect, this review highlights the function and
methods by which ferroptosis contributes to RT-induced cell death and tumor suppression in
vitro and in vivo.
Zingiber Officinale-assisted Graphene Oxide Green Reduction for
Excellent Photocatalysis
Authors: Saini Krati , Chamoli Pankaj , Shukla Ravi K. , Kar Kamal K. , Raina K. K.
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

A facile approach for producing graphene nanosheets (GNs) has been established
by reducing graphene oxide (GO) with ginger extract (GEx) at low temperature. The elimination
of oxygen characteristics from GO has been validated by a Raman study.

Method:

FTIR analysis also supports the Raman signatures of the removal of oxygen species from
the carbon core. Surface analysis confirms the remarkable deoxidation of GO and settles the production
of GNs. After that, synthesized GNs were tested for their capability to photodegrade Methylene
blue (MB) dye under visible and UV (both 125 W) light.

Result:

At low concentrations (0.5 mg), GNs are an effective photocatalyst for the degradation of
MB, with a maximum degradation efficiency of 91.84% in 45 minutes when exposed to UV light
irradiation.

Conclusion:

Results favor that the GEx provides a potential substitute for toxic or harmful reducing
agents for the ecologically sustainable production of GNs on a mass scale and synthesized GNs act
as an excellent photocatalyst against MB.
A Review: Bilosomes as Nanocarriers
Authors: Sharma Bhawna , Chauhan Iti
Published: November 2023

:

Liposomes and niosomes, two vesicular carriers that are prospective candidates for
drug delivery, have been used in numerous formulations. New research in this area has led to the
development of a ‘niosome-like’ colloidal carrier termed bilosomes. Bilosomes have been
designed as prospective vesicular carriers to deliver targeted drugs via parenteral, transdermal,
and oral routes.

:

These innovative vesicular systems, based on bile salts, have been discussed in detail in the
current review. The review addresses the composition of bilosomes, their creation and
characterization processes. Previous research on bilosomes has been compiled, along with their
applications and advantages over more traditional nanocarriers such as liposomes and niosomes.
It also emphasizes the utilization of bilosomes and their stability.
Development of Niosomal Vesicles Loaded Mometasone Furoate Gel for Transdermal Delivery and its Evaluation
Authors: Rane Bhushan R. , Chavan Pushkar Y. , Kate Nidhi S. , Jain Ashish S.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Mometasone Furoate (MF) is a corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) used to treat eczema, psoriasis, allergies, and rash on the skin; also used to reduce itching, redness, and swelling (inflammation). It has been reported that the bioavailability of MF is less than 11% when given via the nasal route. Encapsulating the drug in niosomes can improve the active pharmaceutical ingredient's bioavailability by enhancing both physical and biological stability.

Objective:

The goal of the study is to develop, a non-ionic surfactant-based vesicular system, by loading mometasone furoate, and introducing it into a gel-based formulation by utilizing an appropriate gelling agent, and performing its evaluation.

Methods:

The niosome vesicle was prepared by vacuum rotary evaporation method (Thin film hydration method). Gel was prepared using the dispersion method and in-vitro drug diffusion studies using Franz-diffusion cells.

Result:

According to the results of the experiments conducted for the study, Mometasone Furoate niosomal gel was prepared utilizing Mometasone Furoate niosomes that were made using the thin film hydration process, Cholesterol, and Span 60, and loaded in various amounts of Carbopol as a geling agent. The niosomes' zeta potential was found to be -24 mV, showing that the formulation is stable. The polydispersity index (PDI) was found to be 0.409 and the average size of niosomes to be 252.7 nm. The performance of the gel of the optimized formulations containing 2% Carbopol showed in vitro diffusion for 7 hours and an increased flux rate as compared to the plain MF.

Conclusion:

The experiments carried out during the study led to the conclusion that the thin-film hydration method was suitable for the formation of the MF-niosomes by using Span 60 and Cholesterol (2:1). The gel formulation containing 2% Carbopol indicated better in vitro diffusion following the Higuchi model across all niosomal gel formulations. Niosomal gel can be regarded as the best vesicular carrier for the efficient distribution of mometasone furoate via the transdermal route.
Produção científica e académica da Universidade do Minho 1976-2022: Contributos para o seu estudo
Authors: Rodrigues Eloy , Saraiva Ricardo , Cardoso Edward , Correia Antónia , Luís Ana Rita
Published: November 2023

O presente trabalho, enquadrado nas comemorações do 50º aniversário da Universidade do Minho (UMinho), pretende contribuir para um conhecimento mais completo e detalhado do conjunto da produção científica e académica da Universidade desde a sua criação, sendo constituído por duas partes.  Na primeira apresentam-se a analisam-se brevemente os dados coligidos no Inventário das publicações e académicas da autoria de membros da Universidade do Minho entre 1976 e 2022, incluindo também uma análise das publicações disponíveis no RepositóriUM. A segunda parte é uma análise mais detalhada da produção científica da Universidade do Minho, igualmente entre 1976 e 2022, indexada na Web of Science, posicionando-a também no contexto da produção científica de Portugal ao longo deste período.
Digital Medical Information Services Delivered by Pharmaceutical Companies via WeChat: Qualitative Analytical Study
Authors: Ge Ying , Yao Dongning , Ung Carolina Oi Lam , Xue Yan , Li Meng , Lin Jiabao , Hu Hao , Lai Yunfeng
Published: November 2023

Background

Social media has become one of the primary information sources for medical professionals and patients. Pharmaceutical companies are committed to using various social media platforms to provide stakeholders with digital medical information services (DMISs), which remain experimental and immature. In China, WeChat tops the list of popular social media platforms. To date, little is known about the service model of DMISs delivered by pharmaceutical companies via WeChat.

Objective

This study aims to explore the emerging service model of DMISs delivered by pharmaceutical companies via WeChat in China.

Methods

This study applied a qualitative research design combining case study and documentary analysis to explore the DMISs of 6 leading pharmaceutical companies in China. Materials were collected from their official WeChat platforms. Thematic analysis was conducted on the data.

Results

The DMISs of 6 pharmaceutical companies were investigated. Themes emerged regarding 2 essential information services delivered by pharmaceutical companies via WeChat: business operation services and DMISs (ie, public information services, professional services, science and education services, and e-commerce services). Business operation services mainly function to assist or facilitate the company’s operations and development trends for general visitors. Public-oriented information services are realized through health science popularization, academic frontiers, product information, and road maps to hospitals and pharmacies. Internet hospital and pharmacy services are the main patient-oriented professional services. Medical staff–oriented science and education services commonly include continuing education, clinical assistance, academic research, and journal searching. Public-oriented e-commerce services include health products and health insurance.

Conclusions

Pharmaceutical companies in China use WeChat to provide stakeholders with diversified DMISs, which remain in the exploratory stage. The service model of DMISs requires more distinct innovations to provide personalized digital health and patient-centric services. Moreover, specific regulations on the DMISs of pharmaceutical companies need to be established to guard public health interests.