bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novelty of glycoside surfactant derivatives for sustainable development: A new perspective
Authors: Balamurugan Sumithra , Lakshmanan Pandian , Piramuthu Lakshminarayanan , Geetha Das
Published: March 2024

Sustainable growth for better survival on our mother earth has given an impetus to researchers to develop eco‐friendly, green, high‐performance, cost‐effective materials. In this regard, APG and its derivatives are considered to be very promising chemical moieties in the area of surfactants and detergents. It is all because of their special properties viz, their synergism with other co‐surfactant molecules, low irritation, high foaming, and excellent biodegradation aspects. It makes many researchers do some quality work and study to explore their further goodness for better ecology. A broad range of alkyl polyglucoside derivatives can be obtained by nucleophilic substitution. Among the various derivatives of alkyl polyglucoside, the anionic alkyl polyglycoside esters (AGEs) and AGE‐nonionic surfactant mixtures can able to increase wettability, and it may increase mineral content in soils. The phosphate alkyl polyglucosides show good performance in detergency and better wetting properties with good biodegradability. The sulfonated alkyl polyglucosides are a good alternative to nonylphenol ethoxylate and exhibit superior cleaning of edible oil.
The extent of reaction traced by determination ofN2content for synthesised cationic biodegradable polymer flocculant
Authors: Shah Nimish , Saiyad Mamta
Published: March 2024

Biodegradable “green” and safe substitutes to minimize environmental and health risks are drawing extensive attention for research interest. This research aims to create a water‐soluble cationic starch‐grafted biodegradable polymer that can be used as a flocculant. As polymers are strong molecules that carry charges, they are effective flocculants. Saturated polymer chains do not change the pH value on adding to wastewater. The reactive groups of the starch, i.e., hydroxyls, form a complex with cations present in the reagent. According to the proposed strategy outlined in the research, the mechanism of free radical graft copolymerization of ethyl monomers onto starch should proceed as expected. In presence of molecular nitrogen, H+may be replaced by reactive group R, i.e., CH2CH2N (Et3) (triethylamine) in a highly alkaline medium. During the work, it was observed that starch‐based flocculant exhibits a high degree of cationic charge. Developed cationic flocculant performs well in a liquid dispersion form, is fast‐acting and effective, and is suitable for treating industrial wastewater. It combines low sludge formation with cost‐effectiveness. The paper will discuss important practical considerations to increase the %N2by changing the reaction parameters of the polymer produced and its effect on flocculation efficiency.
In silico and ADMET study of Morinda longissima phytochemicals against TNF‐α for treatment of inflammation‐mediated diseases
Authors: Ha Nguyen Xuan , Anh Hoang Thi Ngoc , Khanh Pham Ngoc , Ha Vu Thi , Ha Nguyen Viet , Huong Tran Thu , Cuong Nguyen Manh
Published: March 2024

Morinda longissima Y. Z. Ruan (“Nhó đông") belongs to the Rubiaceae family. In Vietnam, the stems and roots of this plant are commonly used to treat liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis and acute and chronic cirrhosis. A phytochemical study of this hepatoprotective plant revealed the presence of 21 natural compounds of different classes, including iridoids, naphthalene glycosides, and especially anthraquinones and anthraquinone glycosides. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory potential of bioactive molecules from M. longissima targeted against TNF‐α using a molecular docking approach. The results revealed that two anthraquinone glycosides, morindone‐6‐O‐β‐gentiobioside (1) and lucidin‐3‐O‐β‐primeveroside (2), had good binding affinities (∆G values of ‐9.21 and ‐8.75 kcal/mol, respectively), better than that of the TNF‐α inhibitor, SPD‐304 (‐8.71 kcal/mol). The in silico ADME parameters of (1) and (2) and other compounds showed good bioavailability based on their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion parameters. In addition, the oral toxicity of these compounds was determined to be low and safe. All this evidence showed it is worth further study and the development of potential anthraquinone glycosides from M. longissima roots as TNF‐α natural inhibitors for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, sclerosis, and hepatitis.
Synthesis, spectral features, electronic structure studies, and molecular docking analysis of a Schiffbase (E)‐1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐N‐(nitrophenyl)methanimine from 4‐chloroaniline and 2‐nitrobenzaldehyde
Authors: Diya E.P. , Unni Manjima , Rajimon K.J , Elangovan N. , Murthy K. R. Shadakshara , Thomas Renjith
Published: March 2024

The compound (E)‐1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐N‐(nitrophenyl)methanimine was synthesised and characterised using techniques FTIR, UV‐Vis, NMR and it was compared with the experimental and simulated methods. The compound prepared was optimized using the DFT method employing the basis set B3LYP / cc‐pVDZ. The simulated spectra appeared to be in accordance with the experimental one. The HOMO‐LUMO orbitals and MEP are calculated with the same basis set; the study is chiefly forcasted to the biological activity of the synthesized compound. The wave function regards like localized orbital locator, electron localized function, average localized ionization energy and non‐covalent interaction are also examined as a means of theoretical evidence of the titled compound. The NBO calculations probe the intermolecular and intramolecular movement of charges, and additionally the molecule's stability. The ADMET properties are also considered for the compound with the assistance of Swiss ADMET online tool. The molecular docking analysis was accomplished against the protein (3RW9) of Spermidine dehydrogenase inhibitor employing the software Auto‐dock.
Solvent casting‐particulate leaching synthesis of a nano‐SiO2/chitosan composite scaffold for potential use in bone tissue engineering
Authors: Nga Nguyen Kim , Huyen Tran Thi Thu , Dung Ta Ngoc
Published: March 2024

In this work, a three‐dimensional (3D) scaffold comprised of chitosan and SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) (CS/SiO2) was synthesized for bone tissue engineering. The scaffold was synthesized using a combination of solvent casting and salt leaching methods. The nanoparticle sizes were controlled by hydrothermal treatment with the aid of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), which was then used as a bio‐inorganic component of the composite scaffold. Various methods, such as SEM, FTIR, XRD, and liquid substitution, were conducted to determine the morphology, structure, pore sizes, and porosity of the synthesized scaffolds and the interaction between the SiO2 and CS phases. The mechanical properties of the composite scaffolds were evaluated by testing their tensile strength. The results showed that the synthesized 3D CS/SiO2 scaffolds exhibited porous structures with suitable average pore sizes ranging from 198 to 269 μm and porosities from 70.99 to 73.23%, respectively. The tensile strengths of the CS/SiO2 scaffolds were around 1.57‐1.83 MPa, matching well with those of cancellous bone. These appropriate values in terms of pore size, porosity, and tensile strength suggest that CS/SiO2 scaffolds could support cell migration, growth, and distribution. The synthesized CS/SiO2 scaffolds would be potential biomaterials for bone tissue engineering applications.
Nanocoating toward anti‐corrosion: A review
Authors: Nhiem Ly Tan , Oanh Doan Thi Yen , Hieu Nguyen Huu
Published: March 2024

Coating is widely known as an effective conventional method in anti‐corrosion. In combination with nanomaterials, the coating has been controlled at nanoscale, which is coined as nanocoating and exhibits superior protection functionality. In this review, we extensively discuss different coating approaches that have utilized advanced materials such as nonconductive and/or conductive polymers, nanoparticles, and their nanocomposites. Finally, some suggestions and future perspectives regarding utilization of nanocoating in anti‐corrosion are also put forward.
Applications of ion exchange resins in environmental remediation
Authors: Barman Milan K , Bhattarai Ajaya , Saha Bidyut
Published: March 2024

The presence of various types of contaminants such as heavy metals, emerging organic contaminants, pesticides, organic waste, organic dyes, radionuclide's, fluorides, etc. cause water pollution. These pollutants are of concern to engineers, environmentalists and scientists. Due to the lack of freshwater, it is very important to recycle the wastewater after treatment to remove organic contaminates and heavy metal pollutants. Chemical precipitation, ion exchange, adsorption, filtration via membranes, flocculation, coagulation, flotation, and electrochemical techniques are just a few of the methods used to eliminate contaminants from wastewater. The most popular and effective among these is the ion exchange process. New generation hybrid materials, inorganic three‐dimensional matrices and synthetic organic resins are some examples of the different types of ion exchange resins. Most investigations have found that pseudo‐first and second order kinetic studies are important in the contaminant removal process. The isotherm model, which also incorporates the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin Radushkevich, and Temkin equations, proved appropriate for most of the research. For an example, orgnic polymeric materials can maximum uptake capacity of 4.28 mmolg‐1Cr(VI) and 1.97 mmolg‐1As(V) respectively. The effectiveness of ion exchanger and its current trends in various environmental applications have been the main topics of this review article.
Simulated and experimental thermodynamic investigations for the selection of suitable hydrate formers for water treatment
Authors: Truong‐Lam Hai Son , Van Le Duy , Nguyen Thinh Phuc , Nguyen Mai Thanh Thi
Published: March 2024

Hydrate‐former selection is important for achieving high water recovery and impurity removal efficiencies in hydrate‐based water treatment. This study presents thermodynamic approaches for selecting a hydrate former suitable for water treatment. Here, carbon dioxide (CO2) and 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (HFC‐134a) were investigated as hydrate formers. Simulated studies of the hydrate formation by four formers were conducted at different NaCl concentrations (0.00, 1.75, and 3.50 wt%) to predict the phase‐equilibrium conditions. A commercial software (CSMGem) was used for the calculation of the hydrate‐phase equilibrium of CO2. The Hu–Lee–Sum (HLS) correlation predicted the three‐phase equilibrium of CO2 and HFC‐134a. The results indicated that HFC‐134a is a good candidate for water treatment using gas hydrates. The phase equilibrium results calculated based on the HLS correlation and the CSMGem software confirmed the experimental results obtained using an isochoric method. The predicted thermodynamic properties provide essential information for the process design in water treatment applications.
Surface properties of nano‐TiO2 synthesized from two different TiO2 precursor sources by an alkaline hydrothermal process followed with a H2O2 treatment: Experiments combined with statistical analysis
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Thanh Doan , Le Nhung Cam Thi , Nguyen De , Huynh Vu Tan , Nguyen Linh Thuy Ba , Nguyen Phuong Tuyet
Published: March 2024

Our research aimed to improve the surface properties of TiO2 for application in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSC) by an alkaline hydrothermal process combined with H2O2 treatment. The effect of the TiO2 sources on the product quality was evaluated further by statistical analysis of the experimental data. The two commercial TiO2 precursors from Supelco (Merck – Germany) and BA‐100 (China) were used to produce nano TiO2 by the hydrothermal process in NaOH solution with two different concentrations of 5 M and 8 M at 150oC. The final products were characterized by XRD, FT‐IR, FE‐SEM, and chemical bonds on the TiO2 surface were particularly identified by XPS. The XPS data were then analyzed statistically by the K‐Means Clustering algorithm based on R software. The results showed that NaOH concentrations were directly involved with the formation of Ti─O; Ti─OH bonds and TiO2 morphology. The H2O2 treatment showed similar effects on TiO2 surface bonding but with less significant impacts than those of NaOH. In particular, the TiO2 reactant sources did not influence the structures, morphologies, and especially the surface properties of the products. Hence, a low‐cost TiO2 reactant should be selected in terms of economically effective products. The final TiO2 products were suitable for applications in DSC.
Structure and cytotoxic activity of a sulfated polysaccharide from green seaweed Caulerpa racemose collected on Nha Trang bay, Viet Nam
Authors: Thu Quach Thi Minh , Luong Dang Vu , Tam Nguyen Quang , Nu Nguyen Thi , Nhung Le Thi Hong , Thuy Thanh Thi Thu
Published: March 2024

In this work, a new sulfated polysaccharide was isolated from green seaweed Caulerpa racemosa harvested at Nha Trang sea. The structure of obtained polysaccharide was determined and its cytotoxic activity was evaluated. The results showed that structure of the polysaccharide has a main chain of (1→4)‐β‐D‐galactopyranose residues and branches are (1→3)‐α‐L‐glucopyranose‐2,4‐disulfate residues linked to the main chain at C‐6 position. The sulfated polysaccharide showed cytotoxic activity against three cancer cell lines Hela (cervical cancer) HT29 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma), and 8505c (human undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas) with IC50 values of 57.52±2.08, 51.16±1.33 and 45.68±1.78 μg/mL, respectively
Study on microstructure, mechanical and wear resistance properties of arc sprayed Al‐Mg alloy coating
Authors: Le Duc Thanh , Thi Ha Pham , Van Tuan Nguyen , Le Thu Quy , Thi Ly Pham , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Quoc Cuong Ly , Bich Thuy Dao
Published: March 2024

In this investigation, Al‐Mg alloy coating samples were deposited by the electric arc spray technique on SS400 steel substrate at various spraying parameters, namely, the spray current (150, 200 and 300 A), the air pressure (4, 4.5 and 5.5 bar) and the stand‐off distance (100, 162.8 and 200 mm). The structure morphology, phase composition, porosity, microhardness, adhesion and wear resistance of the coating were studied. The obtained results showed that the coating at the spray current of 300 A, the air pressure of 5.5 bar and the stand‐off distance of 162.8 mm has the lowest porosity and highest microhardness. In addition, this coating also has better adhesion to the steel substrate and wear resistance than other coatings. Moreover, X–ray phase analysis showed that the following phases are created on the surface of the Al‐Mg coatings: Al, Al2MgO4 and Al3Mg2.
Analysis of silver nanoparticles by flame atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Phuc Le Duy , Thien Vo Hoang , Van Dong Nguyen
Published: March 2024

Intending to rate the quality of manufactured silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) products in the context that most of the publications in this field have focused on the residual AgNPs at trace levels, the primary goal of this report is to develop a fast and facile method for the speciation analysis of synthesized AgNPs – Ag(0) and Ag(I), using liquid‐liquid extraction (LLE) combined with flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). Ag(I) in a pH 5 buffer solution was selectively extracted into an organic phase by dithizone, re‐extracted into an aqueous phase by HNO3, and then quantified by FAAS. In contrast, AgNPs in the initial aqueous phase were digested with HNO3 and H2O2 and determined by FAAS. The synthesized AgNPs samples were analyzed, with a silver content of 25 – 5000 mgL−1 and 50 ‐ 96% of AgNPs. The mass balance for silver confirmed that the speciation analysis of AgNPs agreed with the total analysis for silver in these samples. The average recovery of the spiked samples reached 98.9 ± 1.5% (P = 0.95). The method's precision was determined via the repeatability and reproducibility of 0.027 and 0.036 mgL−1 (P = 0.95). Both AgNPs and ionic silver were diluted to the same extent and quantified in atomized silver form, leading to a similar limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 0.058 mgL−1 and 0.19 mgL−1 (P = 0.95), respectively. The proposed procedure was reliable and low‐cost that barely requires too advanced instruments to analyze AgNPs products at high concentration levels.
In‐situ synthesis of reduced graphene oxide templated MIL‐53(Fe) nanorods for photo‐catalytic degradation of organic dyes under sunlight
Authors: Jakhar Sonu , Singh Nirankar , Siwal Samarjeet Singh
Published: March 2024

Due to outstanding chemical and physical characteristics, metal‐organic‐frameworks (MOFs) are frequently apprenticed for environmental clean‐up. Within this article, we present a thorough and straightforward hydrothermal method towards the production of reduced graphene oxide templated MIL‐53(Fe) hybrids RGO@MIL‐53(Fe). The structural characteristics of created hybrids were identified by using BET, FESEM, powder X‐ray diffraction, and FTIR techniques. Methylene blue (MB) dye (a model water pollutant) was used to evaluate H2O2‐assisted photo‐catalytic efficiency of RGO@MIL‐53(Fe). In contrast to pristine MIL‐53(Fe)‐H2O2, the RGO@MIL‐53(Fe)‐H2O2 system demonstrated improved photodegradation efficiency (>99%) for the elimination of MB over 60 minutes of solar irradiation. Furthermore, another dye rhodamine B (RhB) was almost 100% degraded in similar conditions within 80 minutes of sunlight. The RGO@MIL‐53(Fe) hetero‐structure, which promotes quick electron transport and reduces the rate at which photo‐induced charge carriers recombine, is credited as the main cause of the improvement in photo‐catalytic efficiency.
Managerial Culture and Labour Relations at Pinewood
Authors: Street Sarah
Published: March 2024

This chapter examines the role of management and labour during a pivotal period of the studios’ post-war development. Drawing on documentation by Frank L. Gilbert, an executive who worked for the Rank Organisation in 1944-47, the chapter considers how management strategies evolved and assesses their effectiveness. It also discusses the role of film industry trade unions, particularly the Association of Cine Technicians, in responding to economic constraints and pressures for cutbacks, while including several key, inter-related themes including the contribution of women to the studio workforce. It concludes that technicians who worked at Pinewood exercised degrees of creative agency in coming to terms with the constraints associated with budgetary control. The immediate post-war years were key in influencing Pinewood’s survival despite the fluctuations and uncertainties associated with different managerial regimes, and the impact of economic and material constraints.
Exact non-Abelian supertubes
Authors: Nemoto Ryo , Shigemori Masaki
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Supertubes are supersymmetric configurations in string theory in which branes are extending along a closed curve. For a supertube of codimension two, its dipole charge is characterized by the duality monodromy around the closed curve. When multiple codimension-2 supertubes are present, the monodromies around different supertubes can be non-commuting, namely non-Abelian. Non-Abelian configurations of supertubes are expected to play an important role in non-perturbative physics of string theory, especially black holes. In this paper, in the framework of five-dimensional supergravity, we construct exact solutions describing codimension-2 supertubes in three-dimensional space. We use an extension formula to construct a three-dimensional solution from a two-dimensional seed solution. The two-dimensional seed is an F-theory like configuration in which a torus is nontrivially fibered over a complex plane. In the first example, there is a stack of circular supertubes around which there is a non-trivial monodromy. In some cases this can be thought of as a microstate of a black hole in AdS2 × S2. The second example is an axi-symmetric solution with two stacks of circular supertubes with non-Abelian monodromies. In addition, there is a continuous distribution of charges on the symmetry axis.
Der virtuelle Supermarkt als innovative Forschungsinfrastruktur: Experiment zur Erhöhung der Salienz für Fleischprodukte mit höherem Haltungsstandard
Authors: Bach Leonie , Weingarten Nina , Meyer Kathrin Barbara , Yeh Ching-Hua , Dolgopolova Irina , Wang Wen-Xiu , Roosen Jutta , Hartmann Monika
Published: March 2024

Im Jahr 2019 wurde in Deutschland eine einheitliche, freiwillige Kennzeichnung von Haltungsbedingungen für tierische Produkte eingeführt, um diesbezüglich mehr Transparenz zu schaffen. Allerdings werden diese Labels auf Verpackungen oft übersehen. In diesem Zusammenhang untersuchte die vorliegende experimentelle Studie in einem virtuellen Supermarkt, ob eine stärkere Betonung der Haltungsform-Kennzeichnung zu einem Anstieg des Verkaufs von Fleischprodukten mit höheren Tierhaltungsstandards führt. Es wurden verschiedene Interventionen zur Steigerung der Aufmerksamkeit getestet. Die Teilnehmenden wurden zufällig einer von drei Gruppen zugeteilt, die sich in der Gestaltung des virtuellen Supermarkts wie folgt unterschieden: (Gruppe 1) Die Platzierung zusätzlicher Banner über den Regalen mit Hinweisen zur Haltungsform-Kennzeichnung; (Gruppe 2) Die Platzierung der Banner wie in Gruppe 1 plus zusätzliche Anbringung der Haltungsform-Labels neben dem Preisschild; (Gruppe 3) Keine speziellen Maßnahmen. Der eigens dafür entwickelte virtuelle Supermarkt ermöglicht eine realitätsnahe Forschungsinfrastruktur zur Datenerhebung, um die Wirksamkeit der Maßnahmen zu testen, ohne diese direkt in den laufenden Betrieb eines realen Supermarktes integrieren zu müssen. Die Teilnehmenden zeigten eine sehr hohe Akzeptanz für beide Interventionen, jedoch führten sie nur zu einem leichten, aber nicht signifikanten Anstieg des Kaufs von Fleischprodukten mit höheren Haltungsstandards. Die meisten Teilnehmenden fanden den virtuellen Supermarkt äußerst realistisch und benutzerfreundlich. Zukünftige Studien können auf diesen Ergebnissen aufbauen und die Benutzerfreundlichkeit der virtuellen Supermarkt-Infrastruktur weiter verbessern sowie die Art der durchgeführten Interventionen in virtuellen Supermärkten weiterentwickeln.
Three-Dimensional Simulations of Subaerial Landslide-Generated Waves: Comparing OpenFOAM and FLOW-3D HYDRO Models
Authors: Sabeti Ramtin , Heidarzadeh Mohammad , Romano Alessandro , Barajas Ojeda Gabriel , Lara Javier L.
Published: March 2024

The recent destructive landslide tsunamis, such as the 2018 Anak Krakatau event, were fresh reminders for developing validated three-dimensional numerical tools to accurately model landslide tsunamis and to predict their hazards. In this study, we perform Three-dimensional physical modelling of waves generated by subaerial solid-block landslides, and use the data to validate two numerical models: the commercial software FLOW-3D HYDRO and the open-source OpenFOAM package. These models are key representatives of the primary types of modelling tools—commercial and open-source—utilized by scientists and engineers in the field. This research is among a few studies on 3D physical and numerical models for landslide-generated waves, and it is the first time that the aforementioned two models are systematically compared. We show that the two models accurately reproduce the physical experiments and give similar performances in modelling landslide-generated waves. However, they apply different approaches, mechanisms and calibrations to deliver the tasks. It is found that the results of the two models are deviated by approximately 10% from one another. This guide helps engineers and scientists implement, calibrate, and validate these models for landslide-generated waves. The validity of this research is confined to solid-block subaerial landslides and their impact in the near-field zone.
Identification of two mutant JASON-RELATED genes associated with unreduced pollen production in potato
Authors: Clot Corentin R. , Vexler Lea , de La O Leyva-Perez Maria , Bourke Peter M. , Engelen Christel J. M. , Hutten Ronald C. B. , van de Belt José , Wijnker Erik , Milbourne Dan , Visser Richard G. F. , Juranić Martina , van Eck Herman J.
Published: March 2024

Key message

Multiple QTLs control unreduced pollen production in potato. Two major-effect QTLs co-locate with mutant alleles of genes with homology to AtJAS, a known regulator of meiotic spindle orientation.

In diploid potato the production of unreduced gametes with a diploid (2n) rather than a haploid (n) number of chromosomes has been widely reported. Besides their evolutionary important role in sexual polyploidisation, unreduced gametes also have a practical value for potato breeding as a bridge between diploid and tetraploid germplasm. Although early articles argued for a monogenic recessive inheritance, the genetic basis of unreduced pollen production in potato has remained elusive. Here, three diploid full-sib populations were genotyped with an amplicon sequencing approach and phenotyped for unreduced pollen production across two growing seasons. We identified two minor-effect and three major-effect QTLs regulating this trait. The two QTLs with the largest effect displayed a recessive inheritance and an additive interaction. Both QTLs co-localised with genes encoding for putative AtJAS homologs, a key regulator of meiosis II spindle orientation in Arabidopsis thaliana. The function of these candidate genes is consistent with the cytological phenotype of mis-oriented metaphase II plates observed in the parental clones. The alleles associated with elevated levels of unreduced pollen showed deleterious mutation events: an exonic transposon insert causing a premature stop, and an amino acid change within a highly conserved domain. Taken together, our findings shed light on the natural variation underlying unreduced pollen production in potato and will facilitate interploidy breeding by enabling marker-assisted selection for this trait.
Computational aptamer design for spike glycoprotein (S) (SARS CoV-2) detection with an electrochemical aptasensor
Authors: Cossettini Alessia , Pasquardini Laura , Romani Antonello , Feriani Aldo , Pinamonti Debora , Manzano Marisa
Published: March 2024

A new bioinformatic platform (APTERION) was used to design in a short time and with high specificity an aptamer for the detection of the spike protein, a structural protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. The aptamer concentration on the carbon electrode surface was optimized using static contact angle and fluorescence method, while specificity was tested using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) associated to carbon screen-printed electrodes. The data obtained demonstrated the good features of the aptamer which could be used to create a rapid method for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus. In fact, it is specific for spike also when tested against bovine serum albumin and lysozyme, competitor proteins if saliva is used as sample to test for the virus presence. Spectrofluorometric characterization allowed to measure the amount of aptamer present on the carbon electrode surface, while DPV measurements proved the affinity of the aptamer towards the spike protein and gave quantitative results. The acquired data allowed to conclude that the APTERION bioinformatic platform is a good method for aptamer design for rapidity and specificity.

Key points

• Spike protein detection using an electrochemical biosensor

• Aptamer characterization by contact angle and fluorescent measurements on electrode surface

• Computational design of specific aptamers to speed up the aptameric sequence time
Künstliche Intelligenz in der Pathologie – wie, wo und warum?
Authors: Schüffler Peter , Steiger Katja , Mogler Carolin
Published: March 2024

Künstliche Intelligenz verspricht viele Erneuerungen und Erleichterungen in der Pathologie, wirft jedoch ebenso viele Fragen und Ungewissheiten auf. In diesem Artikel geben wir eine kurze Übersicht über den aktuellen Stand, die bereits erreichten Ziele vorhandener Algorithmen und immer noch ausstehende Herausforderungen.
Alteration of LARGE1 abundance in patients and a mouse model of 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Roos Andreas , Schmitt Linda-Isabell , Hansmann Christina , Hezel Stefanie , Salmanian Schahin , Hentschel Andreas , Meyer Nancy , Marina Adela Della , Kölbel Heike , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Schara-Schmidt Ulrike , Leo Markus , Hagenacker Tim
Published: March 2024

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disorder caused by recessive pathogenic variants affecting the survival of motor neuron (SMN1) gene (localized on 5q). In consequence, cells lack expression of the corresponding protein. This pathophysiological condition is clinically associated with motor neuron (MN) degeneration leading to severe muscular atrophy. Additionally, vulnerability of other cellular populations and tissues including skeletal muscle has been demonstrated. Although the therapeutic options for SMA have considerably changed, treatment responses may differ thus underlining the persistent need for validated biomarkers. To address this need and to identify novel marker proteins for SMA, we performed unbiased proteomic profiling on cerebrospinal fluid derived (CSF) from genetically proven SMA type 1–3 cases and afterwards performed ELISA studies on CSF and serum samples to validate the potential of a novel biomarker candidates in both body fluids. To further decipher the pathophysiological impact of this biomarker, immunofluorescence studies were carried out on spinal cord and skeletal muscle derived from a 5q-SMA mouse model. Proteomics revealed increase of LARGE1 in CSF derived from adult patients showing a clinical response upon treatment with nusinersen. Moreover, LARGE1 levels were validated in CSF samples of further SMA patients (type 1–3) by ELISA. These studies also unveiled a distinguishment between groups in improvement of motor skills: adult patients do present with lowered level per se at baseline visit while no elevation upon treatment in the pediatric cohort can be observed. ELISA-based studies of serum samples showed no changes in the pediatric cohort but unraveled elevated level in adult patients responding to future intervention with nusinersen, while non-responders did not show a significant increase. Additional immunofluorescence studies of LARGE1 in MN and skeletal muscle of a SMA type 3 mouse model revealed an increase of LARGE1 during disease progression. Our combined data unraveled LARGE1 as a protein dysregulated in serum and CSF of SMA-patients (and in MN and skeletal muscle of SMA mice) holding the potential to serve as a disease marker for SMA and enabling to differentiate between patients responding and non-responding to therapy with nusinersen.
What patients with advanced cancer experience as helpful in navigating their life with a long-term response: a qualitative study
Authors: Zwanenburg Laura C. , van der Lee Marije L. , Koldenhof José J. , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P. M. , Schellekens Melanie P. J.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Despite improved survival for people with advanced cancer due to new medical treatments, a growing group of long-term responders (LTRs) has to learn to live with uncertainties that affect several life domains. At the core of their experience, they neither feel like a patient nor feel healthy. Despite growing awareness of LTRs’ experiences, learning more about how they cope with their long-term response can provide insight into how to best support them. Our study aimed to gain a deeper understanding what LTRs experience as helpful in navigating life with a long-term response.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory qualitative study using thematic data analysis. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 participants with advanced melanoma or lung cancer with confirmed response or long-term stable disease while on immuno- or targeted therapy.

Results

LTRs reported several strategies to navigate life with a long-term response, for example, by involving the social environment, seeing uncertainty as an opportunity, and being present in the moment. This helped them to reclaim a sense of control, alter their perspective, and reshape their lives according to their values.

Conclusion

Using different coping strategies enables LTRs to acknowledge both their sick and healthy side. Striking a healthy balance between being oriented on feeling sick or feeling healthy can help LTRs and their close others to navigate life with a long-term response. Healthcare professionals can provide support by recognizing whether LTRs are oriented at feeling sick or healthy, and by actively involving close others during medical appointments.
Understanding the limitations of self-supervised learning for tabular anomaly detection
Authors: Mai Kimberly T. , Davies Toby , Griffin Lewis D.
Published: March 2024

While self-supervised learning has improved anomaly detection in computer vision and natural language processing, it is unclear whether tabular data can benefit from it. This paper explores the limitations of self-supervision for tabular anomaly detection. We conduct several experiments spanning various pretext tasks on 26 benchmark datasets to understand why this is the case. Our results confirm representations derived from self-supervision do not improve tabular anomaly detection performance compared to using the raw representations of the data. We show this is due to neural networks introducing irrelevant features, which reduces the effectiveness of anomaly detectors. However, we demonstrate that using a subspace of the neural network’s representation can recover performance.
Implementation of a non-destructive method to assess weathering deterioration of sandstones in cultural heritage
Authors: Mammoliti Elisa , Cupido Marta , Teloni Riccardo , Tittarelli Francesca , Giuli Gabriele , Paris Eleonora , Farabollini Piero , Santini Stefano
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes a non-destructive approach based on the Equotip hardness tester to assess weathering deterioration in a protected sandstone monument located in the historic centre of Camerino (Italy). The approach is tested on one sandstone column, where various forms of weathering, such as discolouration, scaling and loss of stone volume, are observed. The mechanical characterisation with Equotip was performed on 24 measuring points, systematically distributed in the column. Innovatively, the two probes available from Proceq (Proceq© 2010) were used to assess differences among surface and in-depth hardness values of the column. In addition, an un-weathered rock core from the original extraction site was also analysed and compared with the rock matrix of the column. The obtained results show a 15% hardness reduction from depth to the surface of the column and a 25% overall hardness reduction with respect to the fresh sandstone core samples. Equotip results were coupled with grain size analyses, mercury intrusion porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry results, and a correlation between hardness and grain size was evaluated. By combining these approaches, it was possible to identify the processes that occurred during weathering: (a) freeze-thaw cycles that caused a decrease in micropore volume and an increase in macropores connected with low Equotip values; (b) iron oxide and sulphuric acid released from pyrite oxidation contribute to the dissolution and precipitation of calcium carbonate, which can be rearranged in the outer and surface macroporosity. The quantitative approach proposed in this study may be a valid low-cost and quick tool to assess weathering heterogeneities on building stone materials and to provide insights for effective preservation strategies of historical monuments.
Persistence on subcutaneous tocilizumab as monotherapy or in combination with synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis patients in Greece (EMBRACE study): a multicenter, post-marketing, non-interventional, observational trial
Authors: Athanassiou Panagiotis , Katsimbri Pelagia , Bounas Andreas , Gazi Sοusana , Sarikoudis Theodosios , Syrigou Victoria , Boumpas Dimitrios ,   EMBRACE Study Group, Georgiadis Athanasios , Kallitsakis Ioannis , Kampakis Georgios , Kandyli Anna , Kotrotsios Anastasios , Koukli Eftychia-Maria , Ksirogiannis Georgios , Lagoudakis Aristeidis , Mavragani Clio , Mavridou Dimitra , Merantzis Pavlos , Natskos Theodoros , Papadimitriou Georgios E. , Petrou Dimitrios , Psaltis Dimitrios , Tsiakou Eleni , Zakalka Marina , Ziogas Athanasios
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, inflammatory disease affecting multiple organs and causing physical disability over time.

Objective

The primary objective was to evaluate treatment persistence to subcutaneous tocilizumab (TCZ-SC). Additionally, treatment effects on persistence and their associations with clinical and patient-reported outcomes were assessed.

Method

We performed a multicenter, non-interventional, 52-week observational study on 222 patients with moderate or severe RA. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by using disease activity score for 28 joints (DAS28) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response, and patients’ perceptions were evaluated by using Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and patient global assessment (PtGA) of disease activity. Safety was assessed throughout the study.

Results

The mean age of the overall cohort was 62.2 ± 12.3 years, and 83.8% were females. Persistence to TCZ-SC was 89.6% at week 24 and 85.1% at week 52 in the overall cohort with slightly increased persistence in the combination group. At week 52, changes from the baseline were − 2.68 in DAS28, − 0.76 in HAQ, − 43.21 in VAS pain, and − 41.66 in PtGA (p < 0.0001 for all). Moderate and good EULAR response was achieved in 83.2% of patients. Non-serious and serious adverse events occurred in 18.5% and 3.2% of the participants, respectively.

Conclusions

The current study confirms the favorable safety and effectiveness of TCZ-SC as well as its acceptability by RA patients in Greece, with sustained high persistence rates up to 52 weeks. TCZ-SC offers a sustainable treatment response in RA.

Key Points• Based upon clinical and patient-reported outcomes, TCZ-SC is a highly effective and safe treatment modality in patients with moderate-to-severe RA.• Persistence to TCZ-SC was high throughout the study, both as monotherapy and in combination with csDMARDs.• TCZ-SC is effective both as monotherapy and when used in combination with other csDMARDs regardless of the line of treatment.
What remains after the money ends? Evidence on whether admission reductions continued following the largest health and social care integration programme in England
Authors: Wattal Vasudha , Checkland Katherine , Sutton Matt , Morciano Marcello
Published: March 2024

We study the long-term effects on hospital activity of a three-year national integration programme. We use administrative data spanning from 24 months before to 22 months after the programme, to estimate the effect of programme discontinuation using difference-in-differences method. Our results show that after programme discontinuation, emergency admissions were slower to increase in Vanguard compared to non-Vanguard sites. These effects were heterogeneous across sites, with greater reductions in care home Vanguard sites and concentrated among the older population. Care home Vanguards showed significant reductions beginning early in the programme but falling away more rapidly after programme discontinuation. Moreover, there were greater reductions for sites performing poorly before the programme. Overall, this suggests the effects of the integration programme might have been lagged but transitory, and more reliant on continued programme support.
Adult Perceptions of Child Adjustment in Institutional versus Family Care in Ghana
Authors: Wright Anna W. , Salifu Yendork Joana , Richard Simron , Washington-Nortey Princess-Melissa , Kliewer Wendy
Published: March 2024

Research on institutional child care consistently has documented detrimental developmental outcomes. However, recent work in Ghana revealed a range in patterns of adjustment among children living in institutional care. The developmental patterns of children living in institutional care often were not significantly different from patterns seen among children living in families. A grounded-theory approach was used to understand Ghanaian adults’ perceptions of adjustment of children living in both institutional care and with families, and their beliefs about contributions to positive functioning. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 caregivers, social workers, and teachers recruited from the Accra region in Ghana. Thematic analysis of responses was used to identify common themes described in the interviews. Interviews with participants revealed beliefs that children may struggle in one or more areas while still having strengths. Having basic needs met, a stable home, and a high level of adult support were the most common factors believed to contribute to positive functioning in both groups of children. Future studies or interventions targeting these areas will likely gain buy-in from stakeholders.
Effect of counterions on the water sorption and glass transition properties of maltobionate salts
Authors: Mochizuki Takumi , Anantawittayanon Sukritta , Fukami Ken , Kawai Kiyoshi
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of counterions on the water sorption and glass transition properties of maltobionate salts. Sodium maltobionate (NaMb), potassium maltobionate (KMb), and magnesium maltobionate (MgMb2) were employed, and the values for calcium maltobionate (CaMb2) and maltose were taken from the literature. The water sorption isotherm of the samples was characterized using the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer model. The glass transition temperature (Tg) and freeze-concentrated glass transition temperature (Tg’) were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry. The effect of water content on the Tg was analyzed using the Gordon-Taylor model. The order of the anhydrous Tg values of maltobionate salts was: KMb < NaMb < maltose < MgMb2 < CaMb2. The anhydrous Tg of the divalent cation forms (MgMb2 and CaMb2) was much higher than that of the monovalent cation forms (NaMb and KMb). The anhydrous Tg will be affected by the plasticizing effect and electrostatic effect of cations. The Tg depression induced by water plasticizing was greater for KMb than for the other maltobionate salts. The order of Tg’ values of freeze-concentrated maltobionate salts was: KMb < maltose < NaMb < MgMb2 < CaMb2. This trend was almost the same as that seen for anhydrous Tg, but the range of the Tg’ values (242.2–257.8 K) was much lower than that of the anhydrous Tg (346.9–421.3 K). The Tg’ appears to be affected by the strength of ionic interactions and amount of unfrozen water.
Evaluation and implementation of Lie group integration methods for rigid multibody systems
Authors: Holzinger Stefan , Arnold Martin , Gerstmayr Johannes
Published: March 2024

As commonly known, standard time integration of the kinematic equations of rigid bodies modeled with three rotation parameters is infeasible due to singular points. Common workarounds are reparameterization strategies or Euler parameters. Both approaches typically vary in accuracy depending on the choice of rotation parameters. To efficiently compute different kinds of multibody systems, one aims at simulation results and performance that are independent of the type of rotation parameters. As a clear advantage, Lie group integration methods are rotation parameter independent. However, few studies have addressed whether Lie group integration methods are more accurate and efficient compared to conventional formulations based on Euler parameters or Euler angles. In this paper, we close this gap using the $\mathbb{R}^{3}\times SO(3)$

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Lie group formulation and several typical rigid multibody systems. It is shown that explicit Lie group integration methods outperform the conventional formulations in terms of accuracy. However, it turns out that the conventional Euler parameter-based formulation is the most accurate one in the case of implicit integration, while the Lie group integration method is computationally the more efficient one. It also turns out that Lie group integration methods can be implemented at almost no extra cost in an existing multibody simulation code if the Lie group method used to describe the configuration of a body is chosen accordingly.
Remembering and forgetting in Sara Collins’ The confessions of Frannie Langton
Authors: Saber Yomna
Published: March 2024

Set in Jamaica and London in the 1820s, Sara Collins’ debut novel The confessions of Frannie Langton (2019) is a neo-slave historical novel par excellence. In it, Collins shapes and reshapes several subgenres of historical fiction, such as gothic fiction, historical romance, and historical mystery. Facing a trial based on the accusation of killing her master and mistress, Frannie Langton narrates her life story in the form of confessions to her lawyer as she endeavors to remember what happened on the night of the murder. This paper attempts to answer the following questions: Is Frannie trying to remember or to forget what happened? Why does Collins add strong gothic shades to her historical novel? How does she manipulate the historical whodunits of the crime in relation to Frannie’s memory? Why does Collins choose a lesbian relationship to feature the historical romance in the novel? The paper examines how a post-2000 historical novel manipulates its conventional subgenres by adhering to some and changing others, starting with the gothic, then the murder story and, lastly, the lesbian romance in telling a neo-slave story.
Artificial intelligence in academic writing and clinical pharmacy education: consequences and opportunities
Authors: Weidmann Anita Elaine
Published: March 2024

The current academic debate on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research and teaching has been ongoing since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022. It mainly focuses on ethical considerations, academic integrity, authorship and the need for new legal frameworks. Time efficiencies may allow for more critical thinking, while ease of pattern recognition across large amounts of data may promote drug discovery, better clinical decision making and guideline development with resultant consequences for patient safety. AI is also prompting a re-evaluation of the nature of learning and the purpose of education worldwide. It challenges traditional pedagogies, forcing a shift from rote learning to more critical, analytical, and creative thinking skills. Despite this opportunity to re-think education concepts for pharmacy curricula several universities around the world have banned its use. This commentary summarizes the existing debate and identifies the consequences and opportunities for clinical pharmacy research and education.
Probabilistic Characterization of Weakly Harmonic Maps with Respect to Non-Local Dirichlet Forms
Authors: Okazaki Fumiya
Published: March 2024

We characterize weakly harmonic maps with respect to non-local Dirichlet forms by Markov processes and martingales. In particular, we can obtain discontinuous martingales on Riemannian manifolds from the image of symmetric stable processes under fractional harmonic maps in a weak sense. Based on this characterization, we also consider the continuity of weakly harmonic maps along the paths of Markov processes and describe the condition for the continuity of harmonic maps by quadratic variations of martingales in some situations containing cases of energy minimizing maps.