bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex Differences in Epidemiology, Morphology, Mechanisms, and Treatment of Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Authors: Tersalvi Gregorio , Gaiero Lorenzo , Capriolo Michele , Cristoforetti Yvonne , Salizzoni Stefano , Senatore Gaetano , Pedrazzini Giovanni , Biasco Luigi
Published: May 2023

Sex-related disparities have been recognized in incidence, pathological findings, pathophysiological mechanisms, and diagnostic pathways of non-rheumatic mitral regurgitation. Furthermore, access to treatments and outcomes for surgical and interventional therapies among women and men appears to be different. Despite this, current European and US guidelines have identified common diagnostic and therapeutic pathways that do not consider patient sex in decision-making. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence on sex-related differences in non-rheumatic mitral regurgitation, particularly regarding incidence, imaging modalities, surgical-derived evidence, and outcomes of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair, with the goal of informing clinicians about sex-specific challenges to consider when making treatment decisions for patients with mitral regurgitation.
Unraveling the Efficacy of Therapeutic Interventions for Short Cervix: Insights from a Retrospective Study for Improved Clinical Management
Authors: Luca Alina-Madalina , Bernad Elena , Nemescu Dragos , Vaduva Cristian , Harabor Anamaria , Adam Ana-Maria , Harabor Valeriu , Nechita Aurel , Strobescu Cristina , Mogos Raluca , Carauleanu Alexandru , Vasilache Ingrid-Andrada , Socolov Demetra
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: Preterm birth (PTB) is associated with important neonatal mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the average treatment effects on the treated and the efficacity of various therapeutic interventions for PTB in a cohort of patients with singleton pregnancies and short cervical lengths. Materials and Methods: This observational retrospective study included 1146 singleton pregnancies at risk of PTB that were segregated into the following groups: intravaginal progesterone (group 1), Arabin pessary (group 2), McDonald cerclage (group 3), intravaginal progesterone and Arabin pessary (group 4), and intravaginal progesterone and cerclage (group 5). Their treatment effects were evaluated and compared. Results: All evaluated therapeutic interventions significantly reduced the occurrence of late and early preterm births. The risk of late and early PTB was lowered for those pregnant patients who received progesterone and pessaries or progesterone and cerclage in comparison with those who received only progesterone. The extremely PTB risk of occurrence was significantly lowered only by the administration of progesterone in association with cervical cerclage in comparison with progesterone monotherapy. Conclusions: The combined therapeutic interventions had the highest efficacy in preventing preterm birth. An individualized evaluation is needed to establish the best therapeutic approach in particular cases.
Training in Diagnostic Hysteroscopy: The “Arbor Vitae” Method
Authors: Mazzon Ivan , Etrusco Andrea , Laganà Antonio Simone , Chiantera Vito , Di Angelo Antonio Silvia , Tosto Valentina , Gerli Sandro , Favilli Alessandro
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: Diagnostic hysteroscopy is the gold standard in the diagnosis of intrauterine pathology and is becoming an essential tool in the daily practice of gynecology. Training programs for physicians are necessary to ensure adequate preparation and learning curve before approaching patients. The aim of this study was to describe the “Arbor Vitae” method for training in diagnostic hysteroscopy and to test its impact on the knowledge and skills of trainees using a customized questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A three-day hysteroscopy workshop combining theory and practical “hands on “sessions with dry and wet labs has been described. The aim of the course is to teach indications, instruments, the basic principles of the technique by which the procedure should be performed, and how to recognize and manage the pathologies that can be identified by diagnostic hysteroscopy. To test this training method and its impact on the knowledge and skills of the trainees, a customized 10-question questionnaire was administered before and after the course. Results: The questionnaire was administered to 34 participants. All trainees completed the questionnaire, and no missing responses were recorded. Regarding the characteristics of the participants, 76.5% had less than 1 year of experience in performing diagnostic hysteroscopy and 55.9% reported performing fewer than 15 procedures in their career. For 9 of the 10 questions embedded in the questionnaire, there was a significant improvement in the scores between pre- and post-course, demonstrating a perceived significant improvement in theoretical/practical skills by the trainees. Conclusions: The Arbor Vitae training model is a realistic and effective way to improve the theoretical and practical skills required to perform correct diagnostic hysteroscopy. This training model has great potential for novice practitioners to achieve an adequate level of proficiency before performing diagnostic hysteroscopy on live patients.
Complex Refractory Esophageal Stricture Due to Chronic Gasoline Ingestion: A Case Report
Authors: Sutanto Henry , Vidyani Amie
Published: May 2023

Esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophageal lumen which is often characterized by impaired swallowing or dysphagia. It can be induced by inflammation, fibrosis or neoplasia which damages the mucosa and/or submucosa of the esophagus. Corrosive substance ingestion is one of the major causes of esophageal stricture, particularly in children and young adults. For instance, accidental ingestion or attempted suicide with corrosive household products is not uncommon. Gasoline is a liquid mixture of aliphatic hydrocarbons derived from the fractional distillation of petroleum, which is then combined with additives such as isooctane and aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., toluene and benzene). Gasoline also contains several other additives including ethanol, methanol and formaldehyde, which make it a corrosive agent. Interestingly, to the best of our knowledge, the incidence of esophageal stricture caused by chronic gasoline ingestion has not been reported. In this paper, we report the case of a patient with dysphagia due to complex esophageal stricture due to chronic gasoline ingestion who underwent a series of esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD) procedures and repeated esophageal dilation.
Design of a Reverse Electrodialysis Plant for Salinity Gradient Energy Extraction in a Coastal Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Sampedro Tamara , Tristán Carolina , Gómez-Coma Lucía , Fallanza Marcos , Ortiz Inmaculada , Ibañez Raquel
Published: May 2023

The chemical potential difference at the discharge points of coastal Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) uncovers the opportunity to harness renewable salinity gradient energy (SGE). This work performs an upscaling assessment of reverse electrodialysis (RED) for SGE harvesting of two selected WWTPs located in Europe, quantified in terms of net present value (NPV). For that purpose, a design tool based on an optimization model formulated as a Generalized Disjunctive Program previously developed by the research group has been applied. The industrial scale-up of SGE-RED has already proven to be technically and economically feasible in the Ierapetra medium-sized plant (Greece), mainly due to a greater volumetric flow and a warmer temperature. At the current price of electricity in Greece and the up-to-date market cost of membranes of 10 EUR/m2, the NPV of an optimized RED plant in Ierapetra would amount to EUR117 thousand operating with 30 RUs in winter and EUR 157 thousand for 32 RUs in summer, harnessing 10.43 kW and 11.96 kW of SGE for the winter and summer seasons, respectively. However, in the Comillas facility (Spain), this could be cost-competitive with conventional alternatives, namely coal or nuclear power, under certain conditions such as lower capital expenses due to affordable membrane commercialization (4 EUR/m2). Bringing the membrane price down to 4 EUR/m2 would place the SGE-RED’s Levelized Cost of Energy in the range of 83 EUR/MWh to 106 EUR/MWh, similar to renewable sources such as solar PV residential rooftops.
New Network Polymer Electrolytes Based on Ionic Liquid and SiO2 Nanoparticles for Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Khatmullina Kyunsylu G. , Slesarenko Nikita A. , Chernyak Alexander V. , Baymuratova Guzaliya R. , Yudina Alena V. , Berezin Mikhail P. , Tulibaeva Galiya Z. , Slesarenko Anna A. , Shestakov Alexander F. , Yarmolenko Olga V.
Published: May 2023

Elementary processes of electro mass transfer in the nanocomposite polymer electrolyte system by pulse field gradient, spin echo NMR spectroscopy and the high-resolution NMR method together with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are examined. The new nanocomposite polymer gel electrolytes consisted of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), salt LiBF4 and 1—ethyl—3—methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIBF4) and SiO2 nanoparticles. Kinetics of the PEGDA matrix formation was studied by isothermal calorimetry. The flexible polymer–ionic liquid films were studied by IRFT spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and temperature gravimetric analysis. The total conductivity in these systems was about 10−4 S cm−1 (−40 °C), 10−3 S cm−1 (25 °C) and 10−2 S cm−1 (100 °C). The method of quantum-chemical modeling of the interaction of SiO2 nanoparticles with ions showed the advantage of the mixed adsorption process, in which a negatively charged surface layer is formed from Li+ BF4— ions on silicon dioxide particles and then from ions of the ionic liquid EMI+ BF4−. These electrolytes are promising for use both in lithium power sources and in supercapacitors. The paper shows preliminary tests of a lithium cell with an organic electrode based on a pentaazapentacene derivative for 110 charge–discharge cycles.
Lyotropic Liquid Crystal (LLC)-Templated Nanofiltration Membranes by Precisely Administering LLC/Substrate Interfacial Structure
Authors: Gu Senlin , Zhang Liangliang , de Campo Liliana , O’Dell Luke A. , Wang Dong , Wang Guang , Kong Lingxue
Published: May 2023

Mesoporous materials based on lyotropic liquid crystal templates with precisely defined and flexible nanostructures offer an alluring solution to the age-old challenge of water scarcity. In contrast, polyamide (PA)-based thin-film composite (TFC) membranes have long been hailed as the state of the art in desalination. They grapple with a common trade-off between permeability and selectivity. However, the tides are turning as these novel materials, with pore sizes ranging from 0.2 to 5 nm, take center stage as highly coveted active layers in TFC membranes. With the ability to regulate water transport and influence the formation of the active layer, the middle porous substrate of TFC membranes becomes an essential player in unlocking their true potential. This review delves deep into the recent advancements in fabricating active layers using lyotropic liquid crystal templates on porous substrates. It meticulously analyzes the retention of the liquid crystal phase structure, explores the membrane fabrication processes, and evaluates the water filtration performance. Additionally, it presents an exhaustive comparison between the effects of substrates on both polyamide and lyotropic liquid crystal template top layer-based TFC membranes, covering crucial aspects such as surface pore structures, hydrophilicity, and heterogeneity. To push the boundaries even further, the review explores a diverse array of promising strategies for surface modification and interlayer introduction, all aimed at achieving an ideal substrate surface design. Moreover, it delves into the realm of cutting-edge techniques for detecting and unraveling the intricate interfacial structures between the lyotropic liquid crystal and the substrate. This review is a passport to unravel the enigmatic world of lyotropic liquid crystal-templated TFC membranes and their transformative role in global water challenges.
Effect of Batch-Annealing Temperature on Oxidation of 22MnB5 Steel during Austenitizing
Authors: Li Bibo , Liu Yanning , Chen Ying , Li Nan , Zhao Xiaolong , Li Jikang , Wang Maoqiu
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the effect of batch-annealing temperature on the oxidation of 22MnB5 steel during austenitizing was studied. When the batch-annealing temperature was decreased from 690 to 680 °C, the surface roughness of cold-rolled 22MnB5 steel decreased, which reduced the oxide layer thickness during the subsequent austenitizing process and had little effect on the mechanical properties in the cold-rolled and quenched state. This indicated that oxidation during austenitizing could be reduced by properly reducing the batch-annealing temperature without affecting the mechanical properties.
Aluminum Bronze Crystallization on Deformed Base during Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Nikonov Anton Y. , Lychagin Dmitry V. , Bibko Artem A. , Novitskaya Olga S.
Published: May 2023

To obtain products by using additive manufacturing (AM) methods, it is necessary to take into account the features of the formed internal structure of the material. The internal structure depends on the 3D printing parameters. To predict it, it is effective to use computer modeling methods. For this purpose, using the example of aluminum bronze, the influence of the base structure and heat input during surfacing on the grain structure of the deposited layers was studied. To create numerical models, we used data obtained from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis of samples. The heterogeneity of the formation of the structure in each selected zone is established, which indicates the heterogeneity of heat input in local areas of the material in one mode of surfacing. For typical cases of crystallization, modeling using the molecular dynamics (MD) method of crystallization processes with different heat inputs to the base with characteristics specified based on experimental data was carried out. It was established that the amount of heat input determines the degree of melting and the inherited defectiveness of growing crystals. The formation of misorientation boundaries and crystallization centers of new grains is determined by the conditions of joint growth of grains with given crystallographic parameters of the computational model. The grain structure obtained as a result of simulation is consistent with the experimentally observed structure of the samples.
Single-Pass Process of Square Butt Joints without Edge Preparation Using Hot-Wire Gas Metal Arc Welding
Authors: Suwannatee Nattasak , Yamamoto Motomichi
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a novel approach to welding thick steel plates that offers time and energy savings compared with conventional techniques. The combination of gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and hot-wire technology simplifies the joint configuration and enhances the process tolerance. In this study, a square butt joint was prepared with as-cut edges and a thickness of 15 mm. The relationship between the welding current and the deposition rate of solo GMAW showed limitations and low process tolerance. Increasing the welding current led to a larger deposited volume with unnecessary weld penetration. An independent deposition volume due to hot-wire insertion was used to improve process tolerance. This approach provided an additional volume without increasing the welding current and reduced unnecessary penetration. With optimized parameters, full-penetration single-pass welding was achieved. Compared with the formation of a typical single-v butt joint at a similar welding speed of 30 cm/min, the proposed process reduced the minimum arc time and power consumption by approximately 83% and 62%, respectively. Moreover, a single pass at a travel speed of 60 cm/min was achieved with approximately 91% and 81% less arc time and power consumption, respectively. In summary, the combined process simplifies the joint configuration, enables full-penetration single-pass welding, and reduces time and energy requirements.
Deformation, Fracture and Microstructure of Metallic Materials
Authors: Li Xiaowu , Chen Peng
Published: May 2023

Metallic materials are mostly a combination of metallic elements, such as iron, aluminum, magnesium, titanium and manganese, which may also include small amounts of non-metallic elements, such as carbon, nitrogen and oxygen [...]
Correction: Hoshi et al. High Correlation among Brain-Derived Major Protein Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid: Implication for Amyloid-Beta and Tau Protein Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease. Metabolites 2022, 12, 355
Authors: Hoshi Kyoka , Kanno Mayumi , Abe Mitsunari , Murakami Takenobu , Ugawa Yoshikazu , Goto Aya , Honda Takashi , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C. , Yamaguchi Yoshiki , Miyajima Masakazu , Furukawa Katsutoshi , Arai Hiroyuki , Hashimoto Yasuhiro
Published: May 2023

In the original publication [...]
Laser-Formed Sensors with Electrically Conductive MWCNT Networks for Gesture Recognition Applications
Authors: Nikitina Natalia A. , Ryabkin Dmitry I. , Suchkova Victoria V. , Kuksin Artem V. , Pyankov Evgeny S. , Ichkitidze Levan P. , Maksimkin Aleksey V. , Kitsyuk Evgeny P. , Gerasimenko Ekaterina A. , Telyshev Dmitry V. , Bobrinetskiy Ivan , Selishchev Sergey V. , Gerasimenko Alexander Yu.
Published: May 2023

Currently, an urgent need in the field of wearable electronics is the development of flexible sensors that can be attached to the human body to monitor various physiological indicators and movements. In this work, we propose a method for forming an electrically conductive network of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in a matrix of silicone elastomer to make stretchable sensors sensitive to mechanical strain. The electrical conductivity and sensitivity characteristics of the sensor were improved by using laser exposure, through the effect of forming strong carbon nanotube (CNT) networks. The initial electrical resistance of the sensors obtained using laser technology was ~3 kOhm (in the absence of deformation) at a low concentration of nanotubes of 3 wt% in composition. For comparison, in a similar manufacturing process, but without laser exposure, the active material had significantly higher values of electrical resistance, which was ~19 kOhm in this case. The laser-fabricated sensors have a high tensile sensitivity (gauge factor ~10), linearity of >0.97, a low hysteresis of 2.4%, tensile strength of 963 kPa, and a fast strain response of 1 ms. The low Young’s modulus values of ~47 kPa and the high electrical and sensitivity characteristics of the sensors made it possible to fabricate a smart gesture recognition sensor system based on them, with a recognition accuracy of ~94%. Data reading and visualization were performed using the developed electronic unit based on the ATXMEGA8E5-AU microcontroller and software. The obtained results open great prospects for the application of flexible CNT sensors in intelligent wearable devices (IWDs) for medical and industrial applications.
Factors Associated with Viral Load Suppression and Indicators of Stigma among People Living with HIV in Dar es Salaam Tertiary Hospitals, Tanzania
Authors: Kilapilo Mary Spicar , Mosha Idda Hubert , Bwire George Msema , Sambayi Godfrey Leonard , Sangeda Raphael Zozimus , Killewo Japhet
Published: May 2023

The perception of stigma can contribute to virological failure among people living with HIV (PLHIV). This study was conducted to find out how stigmatization and self-stigma affect the ability of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to keep their viral load down. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted in Temeke Regional Referral Hospital (RRH) and Amana RRH at the Care and Treatment Clinic (CTC) between July and August 2020 using a structured questionnaire with open- and close-ended questions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors of viral load suppression. The Chi-square test was used to compare the factors of stigmatization and viral load suppression. Altogether, 406 PLHIV participated, with the most being female respondents, 298 (73.2%). The majority (50%) were aged between 25 and 44 years, whereas 171 (42.5%) respondents were married. Most of the participants, 382 (94.6%), were on a dolutegravir-based regimen, with the majority, 215 (52.8%), having a refill interval of three months. Most respondents, 379 (93.1%), disclosed their status. Most participants, 355 (87.4%), preferred having a separate HIV clinic, while 130 (32.1%) participants were not ready to be attended by the health care workers (HCWs) familiar to them. Male patients were 60% less likely to suppress their viral load as compared to female patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.4, 95% confidence interval [95%]: 0.19–0.77, p-value = 0.007). The refill interval was significantly associated with viral load suppression. For example, patients with a one-month refill interval had odds of 0.01 (95% CI: 0.003–0.42, p-value = 0.0001) compared to six-month refill intervals. Stigmatization elements appeared to influence viral load suppression among PLHIV in the Dar es Salaam area, significantly predicting viral load outcomes when gender and time between refills were considered.
Antigen-Induced IL-1RA Production Discriminates Active and Latent Tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Sanchez Cesar , Jaramillo-Valverde Luis , Capristano Silvia , Solis Gilmer , Soto Alonso , Valdivia-Silva Julio , Poterico Julio A. , Guio Heinner
Published: May 2023

The IGRA (Interferon Gamma Release Assays) test is currently the standard specific test for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection status. However, a positive test cannot distinguish between active tuberculosis disease (ATBD) and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Developing a test with this characteristic is needed. We conducted longitudinal studies to identify a combination of antigen peptides and cytokines to discriminate between ATBD and LTBI. We studied 54 patients with ATBD disease and 51 with LTBI infection. Cell culture supernatant from cells stimulated with overlapping Mycobacterium tuberculosis novel peptides and 40 cytokines/chemokines were analyzed using the Luminex technology. To summarize longitudinal measurements of analyte levels, we calculated the area under the curve (AUC). Our results indicate that in vitro cell stimulation with a novel combination of peptides (Rv0849-12, Rv2031c-14, Rv2031c-5, and Rv2693-06) and IL-1RA detection in culture supernatants can discriminate between LTBI and ATBD.
Enhancing Flotation Performance of Low-Rank Coal Using Environment-Friendly Vegetable Oil
Authors: Xu Mengdi , Zhou Ying , Hao Yesheng , Cao Yijun , Xing Yaowen , Gui Xiahui
Published: May 2023

Flotation is widely used for low-rank coal upgrading, although it is always inefficient due to its rough surface morphology and rich oxygen-containing functional groups. In this study, the environment-friendly vegetable oil 1030# was used to enhance the flotation performance of low-rank coal. The mechanism of 1030# enhancing the flotation of low-rank coal was revealed through surface property analysis of coal particles and bubble–particle adhesion tests. The flotation results showed that the flotation yield of low-rank coal increased with the increase in the collector dosage, and the flotation yield of 1030# as a collector is obviously higher than that of diesel. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to analyze the surface morphology of coal particles and components of the reagent. The SEM results showed that the surface of low-rank coal is loose and contains a large number of pores and cracks, which is not conducive to the spreading of chemicals on the coal surface and the mineralization of bubbles and particles. GC-MS results showed that 1030# mainly contained methyl oleate with more unsaturated double bonds than diesel. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to analyze the surface functional groups of the low-rank coal before and after reagent treatment. The results of FTIR and XPS showed that the coal surface of low-rank coal before reagent treatment contained a large number of oxygen-containing functional groups with poor surface hydrophobicity, while the surface of low-rank coal after reagent treatment had reduced oxygen-containing functional groups and increased hydrophobicity. The contact angle of the low-rank coal surface also showed the same variation trend as the FTIR and XPS results. The adhesion force between the bubble and coal surface in different collector solutions was measured. The maximum adhesion between the bubble and coal surface increased with the increase in the collector, and the maximum adhesion force with 1030# treatment was higher than that of diesel. This indicated that 1030# with a large number of polar components is more easily spread on the surface of low-rank coal, thus improving the hydrophobicity of low-rank coal.
Geochemical Distribution of Platinum Metals, Gold and Silver in Intrusive Rocks of the Norilsk Region
Authors: Canhimbue Ludmila , Talovina Irina
Published: May 2023

The Norilsk ore district is one of the world leaders in the production of platinum metals. Long-term research focused on the detection of sulfide platinum-copper-nickel ores contributed to the accumulation of a large volume of scientific material on the geology and mineralization of the Norilsk area. Despite this, the issue of the composition of the initial melt for ore-bearing intrusive complexes and its degree of enrichment with noble metals remains open. Intrusive rocks of the Norilsk region are rarely analyzed for their ratio of noble metals. However, the analysis and comparison of geochemical parameters of different types of intrusions allows us to draw important conclusions not only about the composition of the initial magmas of ore-bearing complexes, but also about the formation conditions of the intrusions. This study demonstrates the distribution of platinum metals, gold and silver in the main petrographic differentiates of the Kharaelakh, Talnakh, Vologochan intrusions and Kruglogorsk-type intrusion. The regularities and variations of the distribution of metals depend on the host rocks. There are two series of rocks in the inner structure of the ore-bearing intrusions: 1. Picritic and taxitic gabbro-dolerites enriched in PGE-Au-Ag mineralization which forms disseminated ores at intrusion bottoms (ore-bearing rocks). 2. Olivine-, olivine-bearing, olivine-free gabbro-dolerites and leucogabbro with poor sulfide mineralization at the upper part of the intrusions (ore-free rocks). There is a distinct correlation between PGE, Cu, S and to a lesser extent correlation with Ni in the first rock group, which is a characteristic of sulfide PGE-Cu-Ni deposits. In the second group, correlations are also revealed, but the correlation coefficients are lower. The main element controlling the distribution of platinum metals is copper. The taxitic gabbro-dolerites of the Talnakh intrusion are the most enriched by noble metals. According to noble metal patterns the rocks of the Kharaelakh intrusion show the highest degree of melting of the initial mantle material during the formation of parental magmas chambers. Despite some differences, the geochemical features of the studied rocks indicate the similar characteristics of the accumulation of gold, silver and platinum metals in the intrusions of the Talnakh, Kruglogorsk and Zubovsk types, which allow suggesting the close conditions for the formation of ore mineralization of these intrusions.
Ultrastable and Responsive Foams Based on 10-Hydroxystearic Acid Soap for Spore Decontamination
Authors: Dari Carolina , Cousin Fabrice , Le Coeur Clemence , Dubois Thomas , Benezech Thierry , Saint-Jalmes Arnaud , Fameau Anne-Laure
Published: May 2023

Currently, there is renewed interest in using fatty acid soaps as surfactants. Hydroxylated fatty acids are specific fatty acids with a hydroxyl group in the alkyl chain, giving rise to chirality and specific surfactant properties. The most famous hydroxylated fatty acid is 12-hydroxystearic acid (12-HSA), which is widely used in industry and comes from castor oil. A very similar and new hydroxylated fatty acid, 10-hydroxystearic acid (10-HSA), can be easily obtained from oleic acid by using microorganisms. Here, we studied for the first time the self-assembly and foaming properties of R-10-HSA soap in an aqueous solution. A multiscale approach was used by combining microscopy techniques, small-angle neutron scattering, wide-angle X-ray scattering, rheology experiments, and surface tension measurements as a function of temperature. The behavior of R-10-HSA was systematically compared with that of 12-HSA soap. Although multilamellar micron-sized tubes were observed for both R-10-HSA and 12-HSA, the structure of the self-assemblies at the nanoscale was different, which is probably due to the fact that the 12-HSA solutions were racemic mixtures, while the 10-HSA solutions were obtained from a pure R enantiomer. We also demonstrated that stable foams based on R-10-HSA soap can be used for cleaning applications, by studying spore removal on model surfaces in static conditions via foam imbibition.
New Optically Active tert-Butylarylthiophosphinic Acids and Their Selenium Analogues as the Potential Synthons of Supramolecular Organometallic Complexes: Syntheses and Crystallographic Structure Determination
Authors: Błaszczyk Jarosław , Bujnicki Bogdan , Pokora-Sobczak Patrycja , Mielniczak Grażyna , Sieroń Lesław , Kiełbasiński Piotr , Drabowicz Józef
Published: May 2023

The aim of the research described in this publication is two-fold. The first is a detailed description of the synthesis of a series of compounds containing a stereogenic heteroatom, namely the optically active P-stereogenic derivatives of tert-butylarylphoshinic acids bearing sulfur or selenium. The second is a detailed discussion dedicated to the determination of their structures by an X-ray analysis. Such a determination is needed when considering optically active hetero-oxophosphoric acids as new chiral solvating agents, precursors of new chiral ionic liquids, or ligands in complexes serving as novel organometallic catalysts.
All-Solid-State Carbon Black Paste Electrodes Modified by Poly(3-octylthiophene-2,5-diyl) and Transition Metal Oxides for Determination of Nitrate Ions
Authors: Niemiec Barbara , Piech Robert , Paczosa-Bator Beata
Published: May 2023

This paper presents new paste ion-selective electrodes for the determination of nitrate ions in soil. The pastes used in the construction of the electrodes are based on carbon black doped with transition metal oxides: ruthenium, iridium, and polymer-poly(3-octylthiophene-2,5-diyl). The proposed pastes were electrically characterized by chronopotentiometry and broadly characterized potentiometrically. The tests showed that the metal admixtures used increased the electric capacitance of the pastes to 470 μF for the ruthenium-doped paste. The polymer additive used positively affects the stability of the electrode response. All tested electrodes were characterized by a sensitivity close to that of the Nernst equation. In addition, the proposed electrodes have a measurement range of 10−5 to 10−1 M NO3− ions. They are impervious to light conditions and pH changes in the range of 2–10. The utility of the electrodes presented in this work was demonstrated during measurements directly in soil samples. The electrodes presented in this paper show satisfactory metrological parameters and can be successfully used for determinations in real samples.
Triethylamine-Promoted Oxidative Cyclodimerization of 2H-Azirine-2-carboxylates to Pyrimidine-4,6-dicarboxylates: Experimental and DFT Study
Authors: Zakharov Timofei N. , Sakharov Pavel A. , Novikov Mikhail S. , Khlebnikov Alexander F. , Rostovskii Nikolai V.
Published: May 2023

An unprecedented oxidative cyclodimerization reaction of 2H-azirine-2-carboxylates to pyrimidine-4,6-dicarboxylates under heating with triethylamine in air is described. In this reaction, one azirine molecule undergoes formal cleavage across the C-C bond and another across the C=N bond. According to the experimental study and DFT calculations, the key steps of the reaction mechanism include nucleophilic addition of N,N-diethylhydroxylamine to an azirine to form an (aminooxy)aziridine, generation of an azomethine ylide, and its 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition to the second azirine molecule. The crucial condition for the synthesis of pyrimidines is generation of N,N-diethylhydroxylamine in the reaction mixture in a very low concentration, which is ensured by the slow oxidation of triethylamine with air oxygen. Addition of a radical initiator accelerated the reaction and resulted in higher yields of the pyrimidines. Under these conditions, the scope of the pyrimidine formation was elucidated, and a series of pyrimidines was synthesized.
Can Rare Earth Elements Be Considered as Markers of the Varietal and Geographical Origin of Wines?
Authors: Temerdashev Zaual , Bolshov Mikhail , Abakumov Aleksey , Khalafyan Alexan , Kaunova Anastasia , Vasilyev Alexander , Sheludko Olga , Ramazanov Arsen
Published: May 2023

The possibility of establishing the varietal and territorial affiliation of wines by the content of rare earth elements (REE) in them was studied. ICP–OES and ICP–MS with subsequent chemometric processing of the results were applied to determine the elemental image of soils containing negligible REE amounts, grapes grown on these soils, and wine materials of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Moldova varieties produced from these grapes. To stabilize and clarify wine materials, the traditional processing of wine materials with various types of bentonite clays (BT) was used, which turned out to be a source of REE in the wine material. Discriminant analysis revealed that the processed wine materials were homogeneous within one denomination and that those of different denominations were heterogeneous with respect to the content of REE. It was found that REE in wine materials were transferred from BT during the processing, and thus they can poorly characterize the geographical origin and varietal affiliation of wines. Analysis of these wine materials according to the intrinsic concentrations of macro- and microelements showed that they formed clusters according to their varietal affiliation. In terms of their influence on the varietal image of wine materials, REE are significantly inferior to macro- and microelements, but they enhance their influence to a certain extent when used together.
The Effects of 1-O-Acetylbritannilactone Isolated from Inula britannica Flowers on Human Neutrophil Elastase and Inflammation of RAW 264.7 Cells and Zebrafish Larvae
Authors: Lee Ik Soo , Lee Yu-Ri , Sim Jea Heon , Kim Ki Mo , Kim Young Sook
Published: May 2023

During a search for natural inflammatory inhibitors, 1-O-acetylbritannilactone (ABL), a sesquiterpene lactone, was isolated from the flowers of Inula britannica. ABL significantly inhibited human neutrophil elastase (HNE) with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3.2 ± 0.3 µM, thus did so more effectively than the positive control material (epigallocatechin gallate) (IC50 7.2 ± 0.5 µM). An enzyme kinetic study was performed. ABL noncompetitively inhibited HNE with an inhibition constant Ki of 2.4 µM. ABL inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production by RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner, as well as the protein-level expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. The anti-inflammatory effect of ABL was confirmed using a transgenic Tg(mpx:EGFP) zebrafish larval model. The exposure of the larvae to ABL inhibited neutrophil recruitment to the site of injury after tail fin amputation.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of the Borylated d-Galactose Monosaccharide 3-Boronic-3-Deoxy-d-Galactose and Biological Evaluation in Glycosidase Inhibition and in Cancer for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT)
Authors: Simone Michela I.
Published: May 2023

Drug leads with a high Fsp3 index are more likely to possess desirable properties for progression in the drug development pipeline. This paper describes the development of an efficient two-step protocol to completely diastereoselectively access a diethanolamine (DEA) boronate ester derivative of monosaccharide d-galactose from the starting material 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-glucofuranose. This intermediate, in turn, is used to access 3-boronic-3deoxy-d-galactose for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) applications. The hydroboration/borane trapping protocol was robustly optimized with BH3.THF in 1,4-dioxane, followed by in-situ conversion of the inorganic borane intermediate to the organic boron product by the addition of DEA. This second step occurs instantaneously, with the immediate formation of a white precipitate. This protocol allows expedited and greener access to a new class of BNCT agents with an Fsp3 index = 1 and a desirable toxicity profile. Furthermore, presented is the first detailed NMR analysis of the borylated free monosaccharide target compound during the processes of mutarotation and borarotation.
Discovery of New 2-Phenylamino-3-acyl-1,4-naphthoquinones as Inhibitors of Cancer Cells Proliferation: Searching for Intra-Cellular Targets Playing a Role in Cancer Cells Survival
Authors: Benites Julio , Valderrama Jaime A. , Contreras Álvaro , Enríquez Cinthya , Pino-Rios Ricardo , Yáñez Osvaldo , Buc Calderon Pedro
Published: May 2023

A series of 2-phenylamino-3-acyl-1,4-naphtoquinones were evaluated regarding their in vitro antiproliferative activities using DU-145, MCF-7 and T24 cancer cells. Such activities were discussed in terms of molecular descriptors such as half-wave potentials, hydrophobicity and molar refractivity. Compounds 4 and 11 displayed the highest antiproliferative activity against the three cancer cells and were therefore further investigated. The in silico prediction of drug likeness, using pkCSM and SwissADME explorer online, shows that compound 11 is a suitable lead molecule to be developed. Moreover, the expressions of key genes were studied in DU-145 cancer cells. They include genes involved in apoptosis (Bcl-2), tumor metabolism regulation (mTOR), redox homeostasis (GSR), cell cycle regulation (CDC25A), cell cycle progression (TP53), epigenetic (HDAC4), cell-cell communication (CCN2) and inflammatory pathways (TNF). Compound 11 displays an interesting profile because among these genes, mTOR was significantly less expressed as compared to control conditions. Molecular docking shows that compound 11 has good affinity with mTOR, unraveling a potential inhibitory effect on this protein. Due to the key role of mTOR on tumor metabolism, we suggest that impaired DU-145 cells proliferation by compound 11 is caused by a reduced mTOR expression (less mTOR protein) and inhibitory activity on mTOR protein.
Non-Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Recurrent UTIs in Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (NAPRUN): Study Protocol for a Prospective, Longitudinal Multi-Arm Observational Study
Authors: Stangl Fabian P. , Schneidewind Laila , Kiss Bernhard , Kranz Jennifer , Wagenlehner Florian M. , Johansen Truls E. Bjerklund , Köves Béla , Medina-Polo Jose , Tapia Ana Maria , Tandogdu Zafer
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) reliant on intermittent self-catheterization for bladder emptying are at an increased risk of recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI). So far, the most common practice in the prevention of rUTIs is long-term low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis, phytotherapy, and immunomodulation, whereby antibiotic prophylaxis inevitably leads to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens and difficulty in treating infections. Therefore, non-antibiotic alternatives in the prevention of rUTIs are urgently required. We aim to identify the comparative clinical effectiveness of a non-antibiotic prophylaxis regimen in the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction who practice intermittent self-catheterization. Methods and analysis: In this multi-centre, prospective longitudinal multi-arm observational study, a total of 785 patients practising intermittent self-catheterisation due to NLUTD will be included. After inclusion, non-antibiotic prophylaxis regimens will be instilled with either UroVaxom® (OM-89) standard regimen, StroVac® (bacterial lysate vaccine) standard regimen, Angocin®, D-mannose (oral dose 2 g), bladder irrigation with saline (once per day). The management protocols will be pre-defined, but the selection of the protocol will be at the clinicians’ discretion. Patients will be followed for 12 months from the onset of the prophylaxis protocol. The primary outcome is to identify the incidence of breakthrough infections. The secondary outcomes are adverse events associated with the prophylaxis regimens and the severity of breakthrough infections. Other outcomes include the exploration of change in susceptibility pattern via the optional rectal and perineal swab, as well as health-related quality of life over time (HRQoL), which will be measured in a random subgroup of 30 patients. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval for this study has been granted by the ethical review board of the University Medical Centre Rostock (A 2021-0238 from 28 October 2021). The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant meetings. Study registration number: German Clinical Trials Register: Number DRKS00029142.
High-Dose Exposure to Polymer-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Elicits Autophagy-Dependent Ferroptosis in Susceptible Cancer Cells
Authors: Lomphithak Thanpisit , Helvacioglu Selin , Armenia Ilaria , Keshavan Sandeep , Ovejero Jesús G. , Baldi Giovanni , Ravagli Costanza , Grazú Valeria , Fadeel Bengt
Published: May 2023

Ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent, lipid peroxidation-driven cell death, has been extensively investigated in recent years, and several studies have suggested that the ferroptosis-inducing properties of iron-containing nanomaterials could be harnessed for cancer treatment. Here we evaluated the potential cytotoxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles, with and without cobalt functionalization (Fe2O3 and Fe2O3@Co-PEG), using an established, ferroptosis-sensitive fibrosarcoma cell line (HT1080) and a normal fibroblast cell line (BJ). In addition, we evaluated poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4-PEG-PLGA). Our results showed that all the nanoparticles tested were essentially non-cytotoxic at concentrations up to 100 μg/mL. However, when the cells were exposed to higher concentrations (200–400 μg/mL), cell death with features of ferroptosis was observed, and this was more pronounced for the Co-functionalized nanoparticles. Furthermore, evidence was provided that the cell death triggered by the nanoparticles was autophagy-dependent. Taken together, the exposure to high concentrations of polymer-coated iron oxide nanoparticles triggers ferroptosis in susceptible human cancer cells.
Natural Cellulose-Based Multifunctional Nanofibers for the Effective Removal of Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Ji Sang Hyun , Yun Ji Sun
Published: May 2023

Multifunctional nanofibers for particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) removal from the indoor atmospheric environment were manufactured from eco-friendly natural cellulose materials via electrospinning using an optimized solvent system containing 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EmimAC) and dimethylformide (DMF) in a 3:7 volume ratio. EmimAC improved the cellulose stability, whereas DMF improved the electrospinnability of the material. Various cellulose nanofibers were manufactured using this mixed solvent system and characterized according to the cellulose type, such as hardwood pulp, softwood pulp, and cellulose powder, and cellulose content ranging from 6.0–6.5 wt%. The correlation between the precursor solution alignment and electrospinning properties indicated an optimal cellulose content of 6.3 wt% for all cellulose types. The hardwood pulp-based nanofibers possessed the highest specific surface area and exhibited high efficiency for eliminating both PM and VOCs, with a PM2.5 adsorption efficiency of 97.38%, PM2.5 quality factor of 0.28, and toluene adsorption of 18.4 mg/g. This study will contribute to the development of next-generation eco-friendly multifunctional air filters for indoor clean-air environments.
Improvement in Switching Characteristics and Bias Stability of Solution-Processed Zinc–Tin Oxide Thin Film Transistors via Simple Low-Pressure Thermal Annealing Treatment
Authors: Feng Junhao , Jeon Sang-Hwa , Park Jaehoon , Lee Sin-Hyung , Jang Jaewon , Kang In Man , Kim Do-Kyung , Bae Jin-Hyuk
Published: May 2023

In this study, we used a low-pressure thermal annealing (LPTA) treatment to improve the switching characteristics and bias stability of zinc–tin oxide (ZTO) thin film transistors (TFTs). For this, we first fabricated the TFT and then applied the LPTA treatment at temperatures of 80 °C and 140 °C. The LPTA treatment reduced the number of defects in the bulk and interface of the ZTO TFTs. In addition, the changes in the water contact angle on the ZTO TFT surface indicated that the LPTA treatment reduced the surface defects. Hydrophobicity suppressed the off-current and instability under negative bias stress because of the limited absorption of moisture on the oxide surface. Moreover, the ratio of metal–oxygen bonds increased, while the ratio of oxygen–hydrogen bonds decreased. The reduced action of hydrogen as a shallow donor induced improvements in the on/off ratio (from 5.5 × 103 to 1.1 × 107) and subthreshold swing (8.63 to V·dec−1 and 0.73 V·dec−1), producing ZTO TFTs with excellent switching characteristics. In addition, device-to-device uniformity was significantly improved because of the reduced defects in the LPTA-treated ZTO TFTs.
Insights into Structural, Electronic, and Transport Properties of Pentagonal PdSe2 Nanotubes Using First-Principles Calculations
Authors: Tien Nguyen Thanh , Thao Pham Thi Bich , Dang Nguyen Hai , Khanh Nguyen Duy , Dien Vo Khuong
Published: May 2023

One-dimensional (1D) novel pentagonal materials have gained significant attention as a new class of materials with unique properties that could influence future technologies. In this report, we studied the structural, electronic, and transport properties of 1D pentagonal PdSe2 nanotubes (p-PdSe2 NTs). The stability and electronic properties of p-PdSe2 NTs with different tube sizes and under uniaxial strain were investigated using density functional theory (DFT). The studied structures showed an indirect-to-direct bandgap transition with slight variation in the bandgap as the tube diameter increased. Specifically, (5 × 5) p-PdSe2 NT, (6 × 6) p-PdSe2 NT, (7 × 7) p-PdSe2 NT, and (8 × 8) p-PdSe2 NT are indirect bandgap semiconductors, while (9 × 9) p-PdSe2 NT exhibits a direct bandgap. In addition, under low uniaxial strain, the surveyed structures were stable and maintained the pentagonal ring structure. The structures were fragmented under tensile strain of 24%, and compression of −18% for sample (5 × 5) and −20% for sample (9 × 9). The electronic band structure and bandgap were strongly affected by uniaxial strain. The evolution of the bandgap vs. the strain was linear. The bandgap of p-PdSe2 NT experienced an indirect–direct–indirect or a direct–indirect–direct transition when axial strain was applied. A deformability effect in the current modulation was observed when the bias voltage ranged from about 1.4 to 2.0 V or from −1.2 to −2.0 V. Calculation of the field effect I–V characteristic showed that the on/off ratio was large with bias potentials from 1.5 to 2.0 V. This ratio increased when the inside of the nanotube contained a dielectric. The results of this investigation provide a better understanding of p-PdSe2 NTs, and open up potential applications in next-generation electronic devices and electromechanical sensors.