bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled synthesis of gold nanorods and integrated with titanium dioxide for enhancing visible light‐driven antioxidant activity
Authors: Nguyen Thu Anh , Nguyen Ngan Thi Kim , Van Vu Sy , To Linh Ngoc , Lam Vinh Hoang , Lo Tien Nu Hoang , Park In , Ho Tien Huu , Vo Khuong Quoc
Published: March 2024

In this work, gold nanorods (AuNRs) with well‐controlled aspect ratios were prepared using a modified seed‐growth method and covered by TiO2 layers through the hydrothermal reaction to improve stability. Integrating TiO2 with plasmonic rod‐like gold nanoparticles could enhance their photo activity by the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. AuNRs aspect ratios were controlled by varying the amount of seed solution, reducing agents, surfactant (CTAB), and titanium (IV) but oxide. The optical properties of formed AuNRs can be tuned in the spectral range from 400 to 900 nm by adjusting the ratio between seed solution and reducing agent concentration. Besides, the absorption of the UV‐light function of TiO2 and the antioxidant properties of gold nanoparticles were also integrated to prepare a kind of multifunctional material. The obtained AuNRs/TiO2 were then determined by ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV‐Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Microscopic images (TEM, SEM) revealed that the average particle size of the AuNRs decorated in the titanium dioxide ranged from 20 to 60 nm, depending on the experimental parameters. Furthermore, HRTEM, EDS, and SAED results provided more precise information insight into the formed gold nanocrystals. The AuNRs/TiO2 exhibited superior antioxidant activity by reducing free 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals at different concentrations. The results indicated that AuNRs/TiO2 improves antioxidant and optical absorption activities. The antioxidation effect was proved more excellent than solely used of spherical, rod‐liked gold nanoparticles or TiO2 nanoparticles. This novel design of AuNRs/TiO2 may open a new avenue for facilitating multifunctional nanoparticles in cosmetic applications.
Investigation on chemical constituents from Sigesbeckia orientalis L.
Authors: Trang Bui Thi Thu , Trang Do Thi
Published: March 2024

Two germacranolide sesquiterpenes, 9β‐acetoxy‐3‐epi‐nobilium (1), zoapatanolide B (2) and four benzoate ester derivatives, benzyl 2‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐6‐methoxybenzoate (3), benzyl 2‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐6‐hydroxybenzoate (4), methyl 2‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosylbenzoate (5), ficuside G (6) were isolated from aerial part of Sigesbeckia orientalis. Structural elucidation of the isolated compounds was done using a combination of HR‐ESI‐MS, one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional NMR spectral methods, and comparison their spectral data with the previous literature. This is the first description of the structural identification of these compounds from S. orientalis.
Nanogel systems based on heparin and pluronics for redox‐responsive delivery of poorly water‐soluble drugs in cancer treatment
Authors: Thi Huong Nguyen , The Huu Nguyen , Quoc Toan Tran , Ngoc Son Nguyen , Thanh Dong Vu , Hoang Phuong Vo , Minh Thanh Vu
Published: March 2024

Many existing drugs, which are effective in anticancer such as paclitaxel (PTX), docetaxel (DTX), and campothecin (CPC), are limited in clinical applications due to their poor water solubility. This study aimed to design a nanocarrier system for the efficient delivery of poorly soluble drugs in cancer treatment. Nanogel systems were prepared from copolymers of Heparin and different Pluronics, in which the Hep‐Plu conjugates were formed via disulfide bridges of cystamine molecules. The obtained Hep‐Plu systems were proved and characterized using specific techniques including H‐NMR, zeta potential, DLS and FT‐IR. Pluronics with different numbers of polypropylene oxide (PPO) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) units such as L64, F68 and F108 were investigated to improve the poorly soluble drug loading capacity of the Hep‐Plu system. Besides, the drug release profile in response to redox potential thanks to the disulfide bridges presented in Hep‐Plu system was also evaluated. This Hep‐Plu nanogel system is expected to be a promising carrier for redox‐responsive delivery of poorly water‐soluble drugs in cancer treatment.
Chemical properties and inhibitory activities of tyrosinase, α‐glucosidase, and urease from chloroform extract of Curcuma aromatica Salisb. rhizomes
Authors: Le Tho Huu , Bui Thinh Quang , Dang Phu Hoang , Nguyen Hai Xuan , Van Do Truong Nhat , Nguyen Mai Thanh Thi , Nguyen Nhan Trung
Published: March 2024

"Nghệ trắng" has the scientific name of Curcuma aromatica Salisb., belongs to the Ginger family (Zingiberaceae), and its rhizomes are used to prevent aging, anti‐inflammatory, and improve skin. From the chloroform extract of C. aromatica, six known compounds, including (‐)‐hannokinol (1), (3R,5R)‐3,5‐diacetoxy‐1,7‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)heptane (2), naringenin (3), 2‐(4‐(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)propan‐2‐ol (4), 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5), and bisacurone (6), were isolated. Structures of all compounds were elucidated by analyzing NMR data together with comparing them to references. All isolated compounds were found for the first time in the C. aromatia rhizomes grown in Vietnam. The results of bioactivity evaluation showed that naringenin (3) has an effect against tyrosinase and α‐glucosidase with the IC50 values of 96.4 and 248.2 μM, respectively. (‐)‐Hannokinol (1) is a moderate bioactivity ingredient capable to inhibiting α‐glucosidase and urease with the IC50 value of 216.4 and 244.4 μM, respectively. Consequently, these results suggest that chloroform extract of C. aromatica may be a practical therapeutic approach for diabetes, melanogenesis, and stomach ulcer treatment.
Effect of alkaline‐treated spent coffee grounds and compatibilizer on the mechanical properties of bio‐composite based on polypropylene matrix
Authors: Thanh Nguyen Ngoc , Tan Vu Minh , Trung Dang Huu , Huong Pham Thi Mai , Nhung Le Thi Hong , Ha Nguyen Manh , Van Ngo Thuy , Tung Nguyen Thanh , Thuy Nguyen Thi Thu
Published: March 2024

In this study, the effect of alkaline‐treated spent coffee grounds and compatibilizer on the mechanical properties of bio‐composite based on polypropylene (PP) matrix was investigated. After alkaline treatment, the surface of spent coffee grounds became rougher; hence the PP matrix could better adsorb and encapsulate the treated coffee grounds compared with that of untreated ones. The TGA analysis shows that the alkaline treated spent coffee grounds had better thermal properties than the untreated ones. When increasing the weight percentage of spent coffee grounds from 10 to 20, the tensile strength and flexural strength of PP‐based composite decreased. These mechanical properties of PP‐based composite containing treated coffee grounds were enhanced compared with that containing untreated coffee grounds due to the better dispersion of treated coffee grounds into the PP matrix. The presence of polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) compatibilizer at the content of 1, 3, and 5 wt% led to a significant increase the mechanical properties of PP‐based bio‐composites, reaching the highest tensile strength of 22.7 MPa and flexural strength of 17.3 MPa. Therefore, the alkaline‐treated spent coffee ground is a potential additive for producing bio‐composite with the advantages of being light and easy to naturally decompose.
A novel, eco‐friendly film preparation process for improving the stability of organometal halide perovskite in solar cells
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Thanh Thi , Nguyen Minh‐Hang , Nguyen Phi‐Hong , Nguyen Thuy Thanh Doan , Nguyen Tien Huu , Nguyen Phuong Tuyet
Published: March 2024

A major challenge for outdoor uses of methylammonium lead halide (MAPbX3) solar cells is the poor durability of the perovskite film under humidity. This instability is due to limitations of the dipping or spin coating process in producing MAPbX3 films through a direct reaction between PbI2 and methylammonium iodide (MAI) in an organic solvent. In this study, we devised an eco‐friendly and cost‐effective method to fabricate MAPbX3 films using an aqueous solution of Pb(NO3)2 and MAI vapour. In both instances of using Pb(NO3)2 and PbI2, a perovskite layer with a tetrahedral structure was seen with a band gap of roughly 1.52‐1.54 eV. We discovered that the perovskite film grew at a slower rate with aqueous Pb(NO3)2 compared to that in PbI2 and disintegrated gradually at ambient temperature and 40% humidity. Compared to PbI2 films‐based solar cells under the same reaction time, those based on aqueous Pb(NO3)2 films showed remarkably higher durability (maintain 83% for Pb(NO3)2 films‐based, 78% for PbI2 films‐based after 720 hours) and greater photovoltaic efficiency with the photocurrent density of 10.1 mA.cm‐2, the voltage of 0.89 V, the fill factor of 0.82 and PCE of 7.4% which is higher than PbI2 cells 30%.
Method development for analysis 13 per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl acids in tap water by HPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Tran Nhi Thi Yen , Tran Vui Thi Kim , Nguyen Mai Anh , Nguyen The Thai , Tran Phuong Hoang , Nguyen Phuong Nam , Quyen Do Thi Thuy , Hien To Thi
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study was to develop a sensitive, accurate and simple method for analysis of 13 perfluoroalkyl acids (8 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids and 5 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids) in tap water by LC‐MS/MS. This paper focuses on optimizing the chromatographic instrumental operating parameters and the solid phase extraction conditions using HLB cartridges. Results from the method validation showed that the method has sub ng/L LOQs (0.10‐0.60 ng/L), quantitative recoveries at the concentrations near the LOQs (74.4‐122.8%) and high repeatability with acceptable %RSD (15.6‐38.3%). The analytical procedure was then applied to assess how significant the contamination of PFAAs in tap water of Ho Chi Minh City. Besides that, a new self‐made solid phase extraction material prepared by grafting an ionic liquid on silica was used to enrich the target analytes. Preliminary results show that the material based on 1‐octyl‐3‐(3‐(triethoxysilyl) propyl)‐1H‐imidazolium bromide has promising retention ability for these compounds, the recoveries on ionic liquid‐based materials ranged from 36.3‐69.0%.
Synthesis and antibacterial activities of some novel hybrid compounds based on 2‐mercapto‐3‐arylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one scaffold bearing specific coumarin
Authors: Thuy Linh Bui Thi , Le Thien Phuoc , Chi Hien Dang , Thi Hai Ha Pham , Tien Cong Nguyen
Published: March 2024

Two series of novel hybrid compounds, in which a variety of 2‐mercapto‐3‐arylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones (3a‐d)/6‐bromo‐2‐mercapto‐3‐phenylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one (9) act as fundamental moieties are incorporated in particular 3‐(2‐bromoacetyl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one (4) or 2‐chloro‐N‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)acetamide (5) via alkylation of the thiol group in quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one ring, were synthesized. The key intermediates (3a‐d) and (9) were prepared by the reaction of anthranilic acid (1)/2‐amino‐5‐bromobenzoic acid (8) with carbon disulfide and appropriate aromatic amines in an alkaline medium. These compounds’ structures were confirmed by comparing their physical characteristics and spectral data to the earlier ones. Ten novel products (6a‐d, 7a‐d, 10, 11) were synthesized and the structures were determined by their IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR and HR‐MS spectral data. Subsequently, their antimicrobial activities were estimated in vitro test against four bacterial strains including P. aeruginosa NRRL B‐14781 and E. coli NRRL B‐409 (Gram‐negative), B. cereus ATCC 10876 and L. monocytogenes ATCC 13932 (Gram‐positive), by agar well diffusion assay. The outcome showed that all hybrid compounds have potential inhibition of tested Gram‐negative bacteria. Compound (6d) revealed remarkable antibacterial effects on P. aeruginosa and E. coli growth. Besides, compounds (6a), (7a), (7d) and (10) have also inhibitory effects on B. cereus strain at tested concentrations. The compounds mentioned above contain the 3‐chlorophenyl/phenyl substituent at position 3 in the quinazoline ring.
A TD‐DFT/DFT study on the ESIPT and photophysical properties of symmetrical 2‐hydroxybenzilidene1,3‐diamines derivatives
Authors: Elroby Shaaban A. , Osman Osman I. , Jedidi Abdesslem , Hassan Walid I. , Aziz Saadullah G. , Hilal Rifaat
Published: March 2024

Density functional theory (DFT) and Time dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) methods are used to simulate the photoexcitation and emission of the symmetrical 2‐hydroxybenzilidene1,3‐diamine (HBDA) Schiff base and some of its derivatives in the gas phase and solution. Our aim here is to explore the details of Excited‐State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT) which underlies the activity of HBDA molecules as fluorescent probes. The structures of HBDA in S0 and the S1 states are optimized utilizing the DFT and TD‐DFT methods, respectively. Geometric configurations, electronic spectra, frontier molecular orbitals, and potential energy surfaces have all been computed and analyzed for the purpose of interpreting the mechanism of ESIPT. The geometries and relative stabilities of 15 tautomeric forms and the corresponding isomers of the studied molecules have been identified and their relative stabilities are investigated. The potential energy profiles and intrinsic reaction coordinates (IRC) calculations along the proton transfer coordinates both in the ground and in the excited state are monitored as well. The impact of the donating (OMe) and withdrawing (NO2) groups on the single and double proton transfers are investigated both in the gas phase and solution.
Polycyclic aromatic‐based fluorescent probes: Color properties and fluorimetric detection of nitroaromatic explosives
Authors: Bal Mustafa , Köse Ayşegül
Published: March 2024

Detection of nitroaromatic explosives (NAEs) is very important in terms of national security as well as the damage they cause to living things and the environment. The precision detection of these is a very important issue to reduce their harmful effects and take the necessary precautions. Electron‐rich polyaromatic fluorescent materials are highly sensitive and selective in the detection of NAEs in terms of their fluorometric quenching abilities. Three imine compounds (A‐C) containing pyrene, anthracene or naphthalene moieties were prepared and used as fluorescent probes for fluorescence detection of NAEs. The sensing abilities of materials characterized by traditional methods were investigated. The quenching‐increasing constant Ksv was calculated by using the Stern‐Volmer plot obtained from the interaction of materials with nitroaromatic. Limits of detection (LOD) values were calculated for the compounds using these data. While the quenching effect of nitro aromatic compounds was expected on fluorescent materials, increased emission was observed due to aggregation. Compound A was sensitive to Picric acid thanks to lowest LOD (38.59 μM), while compounds B and C nitrobenzene thanks to lowest LOD value (22.32 and 36.93 μM, respectively). In addition, color measurements (CIE standards) and color temperature (CCT) of the compounds were calculated.
Chemical constituents of the leaves of Fissistigma balansae
Authors: Tham Pham Thi , Thao Tran Thi Phuong , Tai Bui Huu , Trang Do Thi , Thanh Nguyen Ha , Thuy Ngo Thi Thanh , Chinh Pham The , Van Kiem Phan
Published: March 2024

Phytochemical study on the leaves of Fissistigma balansae led to the isolation of one new sesquiterpene glycoside, (3S,6E)‐3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐8‐hydroxy‐3,7,11‐trimethyldodeca‐1,6,10‐triene (1), and six known compounds, aromandendrane‐4β,10α‐diol (2), phloridzosid (3), astragalin (4), isoquercitrin (5), and rutin (6), acanthoside B (7). Their chemical structures were identified by HR‐ESI‐MS and NMR (1D and 2D) spectra. This is the first report of these compounds from F. balansae.
The Glauber reaction to manufacture potassium permanganate: An optimal balance between commercial efficiency and sustainability
Authors: Mousavi Aliyar
Published: March 2024

The spontaneous oxidation of aqueous potassium manganate to aqueous potassium permanganate, first carried out by the German alchemist of the 17th century Johann Rudolf Glauber, was used for the manufacture of potassium permanganate until it was replaced with the electrolytic oxidation of potassium manganate, which is the current state of the art. The reason for the replacement was that the method that is based on the Glauber reaction is commercially less efficient. In this minireview, the efficiency of the Glauber reaction was evaluated by equilibrium determinations and comparatively viewed in light of today's principle of sustainability. The manufacture of potassium permanganate through the method based on the Glauber reaction is taking a step in the direction of building a more sustainable world.
Identification of potential oligo‐1,6‐glucosidase inhibitors in Distichochlamys citrea M.F. Newman essential oil
Authors: Bui Thanh Q. , Hai Nguyen Thi Thanh , My Tran Thi Ai , Phu Nguyen Vinh , Quy Phan Tu , Triet Nguyen Thanh , Van Chen Tran , Pham Duy Toan , De Tran Van , Dat Ton That Huu , Nhung Nguyen Thi Ai
Published: March 2024

Distichochlamys citrea M.F. Newman, a genus endemic to Vietnam, has been known by folk experiences for its biological potential, including antidiabetics. The essential oil was extracted and characterized by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry for compositional specificity. The data was used as input for computational predictions. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of 23 natural components in the essential oil (C1‐C23); major constituents: α‐citral (C16; 21.19%), cineole (C7; 16.11%), β‐citral (C14; 16.03%), geranyl acetate (C20; 15.97%), geraniol (C15; 10.74%). Density functional theory calculation suggests C14 and C15 highly promising for intermolecular interactions by on their electronic configurations. Molecular docking simulation predicts the most effective inhibitors against PDB‐3AJ7 (oligo‐1,6‐glucosidase) into the order of ligand‐protein complexes: C15‐3AJ7 (DS ‐11.9 kcal.mol‐1) ≈ C14‐3AJ7 (DS ‐11.8 kcal.mol‐1) > C12‐3AJ7 (DS ‐11.5 kcal.mol‐1) > C11‐3AJ7 (DS ‐11.2 kcal.mol‐1) > C9‐3AJ7 (DS ‐11.0 kcal.mol‐1). All the components are expected to be biocompatible (by QSARIS physical properties) and safe for medicinal use (by ADMET pharmacokinetics and pharmacology). Altogether, the results encourage further consideration of D. citrea M.F. Newman essential oil for further wet antidiabetic tests, especially the specification on C14 (aka. β‐Citral) and C15 (aka. Geraniol).
Expeditions and Fieldwork in Earth Sciences
Authors: Klemun Marianne
Published: March 2024

What do journeys, expeditions, and fieldwork mean in the context of earth sciences? What status do they have, and what is their specific contribution to the training and development of geology? These are the main questions that this chapter seeks to answer. In the first section of the contribution, we will explore the phenomenon of travel and expeditions from a general point of view. Then we will analyze it on three levels. First, the practice of field research will be examined on the basis of introductory books as a manifestation of the methodological development of geologists’ targeted travel (questions and instructions), which reached its peak between 1750 and 1840. It was during this period that geology emerged as a discipline in its own right. Introductory books detailing the aims and procedures of a fieldwork reflect the fact that field research was considered essential by contemporary scholars. Similarly, the geologist’s hammer was invented in the eighteenth century and became the everyday tool of geologists in the field and ultimately the emblem of the profession.

The contribution identifies three thematic clusters that illustrate the heterogeneity of expeditions and fieldwork in the development of geology. First, both are essentially connected to practices. Second, we have to explore the question of space and place in relation to expeditions and fieldwork, and third, the interplay between practices and scientific discourse, or theory and fieldwork (observation), needs to be analyzed. All three perspectives help us understand what was specific to the science of geology in terms of fieldwork and expeditions that also involved other sciences.
Medienberichterstattung über Nutztierhaltung: Wahrnehmungen und Bewertung in der deutschen Bevölkerung
Authors: Bardusch Bea , Schulze Walgern Anna , Christoph-Schulz Inken , Mergenthaler Marcus
Published: March 2024

Die Berichterstattung der Medien über die landwirtschaftliche Nutztierhaltung erfüllt eine doppelte Funktion: Einerseits fungiert sie als wichtige Verbindung zwischen der landwirtschaftlichen Nutztierhaltung und der Öffentlichkeit. Andererseits wird die Medienberichterstattung als potenzielle Ursache für wachsende Unterschiede und als Einflussfaktor für kritische Haltungen in der Bevölkerung angesehen. Im Jahr 2022 wurde daher eine repräsentative Umfrage unter Bürgerinnen und Bürgern in Deutschland durchgeführt, um zu untersuchen, wie verschiedene demografische Gruppen die Medienberichterstattung über die landwirtschaftliche Nutztierhaltung wahrnehmen und bewerten. Die Ergebnisse zeigten signifikante Zusammenhänge zwischen soziodemografischen Merkmalen und der Bewertung der Medienberichte. Insbesondere Frauen und jüngere Personen tendieren dazu, die Medienberichterstattung und die landwirtschaftliche Nutztierhaltung kritischer zu bewerten. Im Gegensatz dazu nehmen Männer und ältere Personen die landwirtschaftliche Nutztierhaltung tendenziell positiver wahr, als sie in den Medien dargestellt wird.
Preoperative docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil for resectable locally advanced esophageal and esophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hirose Toshiharu , Yamamoto Shun , Honma Yoshitaka , Yokoyama Kazuki , Hirano Hidekazu , Okita Natsuko , Shoji Hirokazu , Iwasa Satoru , Takashima Atsuo , Ishiyama Koshiro , Oguma Junya , Daiko Hiroyuki , Maeda Shin , Kato Ken
Published: March 2024

Background

Chemotherapy consisting of 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel is the standard perioperative treatment for resectable esophageal adenocarcinoma and esophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma (EGJ-AC) in Western countries. Meanwhile, preoperative chemotherapy consisting of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) has been developed for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Japan. However, there are few reports on the safety and efficacy of preoperative DCF for resectable EGJ-AC in the Japanese population.

Methods

Patients with histologically confirmed resectable EGJ-AC who received preoperative DCF (docetaxel 70 mg/m2 and cisplatin 70 mg/m2 on day 1 and continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil 750 mg/m2/day on days 1–5 every 3 weeks with a maximum of three cycles) between January 2015 and April 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. We assessed the rates of completion of ≥ 2 courses of DCF and R0 resection, histopathological response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events.

Results

Thirty-two patients were included. Median follow-up was 28.7 (range, 5.2–70.8) months and median age was 63 (range, 42–80) years. Twenty-one patients (66%) had a performance status of 0. The proportions of clinical stage IIA/IIB/III/IVA/IVB disease were 3%/0%/44%/44%/9%, respectively. The treatment completion rate was 84%. A histopathological response of grade 1a/1b/2/3 was obtained in 58%/26%/13%/3% of cases. Median PFS was 40.7 months (95% confidence interval 11.8-NA). Median OS was not reached (80.8% at 3 years). Grade ≥ 3 adverse events were observed in 63% of cases (neutropenia, 44%; febrile neutropenia, 13%). No treatment-related deaths occurred.

Conclusions

Preoperative DCF for resectable EGJ-AC was well tolerated and has promising efficacy.
Multilateral indices in official price statistics and a new additive splicing method
Authors: Knížat Peter , Glaser-Opitzová Helena , Furková Andrea , Vojtková Mária
Published: March 2024

A substitution of the traditional data sources allows National Statistical Institutes to collect large samples of product items with corresponding prices recorded over more frequent time periods. For some product categories, a frequent replacement of product items requires a dynamic approach to define a product sample that can be achieved by a monthly update of the sample. In a month-on-month comparison of price changes, bilateral indices must be chained that can lead to a chain drift bias. Multilateral methods are designed to reduce the chain drift, albeit not completely eliminate it. A disadvantage of multilateral methods is its ambiguous interpretability and a revision problem. The main objective of this paper is to show an implementation of multilateral methods for official price statistics in practice. The multilateral GEKS method is decomposed into elementary components that identifies the effect of successive price relatives used in its compilation. An importance of the decomposition is shown when interpreting the GEKS index in the context of official price statistics. We demonstrate that it can lead to an inaccurate public dissemination of the consumer price index. Moreover, we propose a new method for the splice extension that is required to avoid the revision of previously published indices. The method uses a Stein-type shrinkage estimator for the splice extension that is applied additively to the last published index. In the empirical study, we use web scraped data, which are obtained from the Slovak market, for comparison of bilateral and multilateral indices.
The Impact of Preoperative Dexamethasone Administration on Quality of Recovery Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Taflan Mehmet Gokhan , Ustun Yasemin Burcu , Turunc Esra , Kaya Cengiz , Dost Burhan , Bilgin Sezgin , Ozdemir Emine , Ozbalci Gokhan Selcuk
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Recovery from anesthesia is complex and affected by multiple factors. In patient with obesity, the increased prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders poses a challenge in achieving optimal patient satisfaction. Therefore, strategies to enhance the quality of recovery are crucial for this population. This study aimed to investigate whether administration of dexamethasone to patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) could improve recovery outcomes.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary university hospital in Samsun, Turkey. Thirty patients who received dexamethasone prior to LSG (group D) and 30 patients who did not (group C) were included with convenience sampling method. The quality of recovery was assessed using the Quality of Recovery 40 questionnaire (QoR-40). The primary outcome measure was the QoR-40 score at 24 h postoperatively.

Results

The dexamethasone group showed a significant improvement in QoR-40 scores (185.4 ± 6.0 vs. 172.0 ± 8.4, p < 0.001), exhibited reduced morphine consumption (11.8 ± 7.8 vs. 21.8 ± 10.9 mg, p < 0.001), opioid demand count (21.50 [9.50–49.00], p = 0.001), the number of patient used antiemetic drug (1 vs. 22, p < 0.001), and achieved earlier mobilization (3 [3–4] vs. 3 [3–4] h, p < 0.0001). However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups concerning intraoperative complications, postoperative wound infections, or time to discharge.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, preoperative dexamethasone administration was associated with improved the recovery quality after discharge and reduced early postoperative need for antiemetic medications.

Graphical Abstract
Renal effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists and tirzepatide in individuals with type 2 diabetes: seeds of a promising future
Authors: Caruso Irene , Giorgino Francesco
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and CKD-related disability and mortality are increasing despite the recent advances in diabetes management. The dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide is among the furthest developed multi-agonists for diabetes care and has so far displayed promising nephroprotective effects. This review aims to summarize the evidence regarding the nephroprotective effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and tirzepatide and the putative mechanisms underlying the favorable renal profile of tirzepatide.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed from inception to July 31st 2023 to select research papers addressing the renal effects of GLP-1RA and tirzepatide.

Results

The pathogenesis of CKD in patients with T2D likely involves many contributors besides hyperglycemia, such as hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance and glomerular atherosclerosis, exerting kidney damage through metabolic, fibrotic, inflammatory, and hemodynamic mechanisms. Tirzepatide displayed an unprecedented glucose and body weight lowering potential, presenting also with the ability to increase insulin sensitivity, reduce systolic blood pressure and inflammation and ameliorate dyslipidemia, particularly by reducing triglycerides levels.

Conclusion

Tirzepatide is likely to counteract most of the pathogenetic factors contributing to CKD in T2D, potentially representing a step forward in incretin-based therapy towards nephroprotection. Further evidence is needed to understand its role in renal hemodynamics, fibrosis, cell damage and atherosclerosis, as well as to conclusively show reduction of hard renal outcomes.
Molecular Classification of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Are We Ready for That?
Authors: Uccella Silvia
Published: March 2024

In the last two decades, the increasing availability of technologies for molecular analyses has allowed an insight in the genomic alterations of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. This knowledge has confirmed, supported, and informed the pathological classification of NEN, clarifying the differences between neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) and neuroendocrine tumors (NET) and helping to define the G3 NET category. At the same time, the identification genomic alterations, in terms of gene mutation, structural abnormalities, and epigenetic changes differentially involved in the pathogenesis of NEC and NET has identified potential molecular targets for precision therapy. This review critically recapitulates the available molecular features of digestive NEC and NET, highlighting their correlates with pathological aspects and clinical characteristics of these neoplasms and revising their role as predictive biomarkers for targeted therapy. In this context, the feasibility and applicability of a molecular classification of gastrointestinal and pancreatic NEN will be explored.
In Vitro Studies of Salt Tolerance at the Physiological and Molecular Levels in Two Cultivars of Emmer Wheat (Triticum dicoccum Schrank ex Schübl)
Authors: Ilhan Dogan , Yazicilar Busra , Geyik Merve Simsek , Atici Okkes , Bezirganoglu Ismail
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to investigate salt stress response mechanisms of Turkish emmer (Triticum dicoccum Schrank) under in vitro conditions in terms of certain reference genes such as SOS1 and SERK1 and physiological parameters associated with salt stress. We determined the expression level of SOS1 and SERK1 genes in response to salinity stress and we investigated the changes in the contents of osmolytes such as proline and soluble sugar, and certain oxidative parameters such as H2O2, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the callus tissues under different salt concentrations (50, 150, and 200 mM NaCl). The results indicated that the calli of both cultivars decreased SOS1 gene expression in response to the low salt doses. Both cultivars increased SERK1 gene expression in response to the salt doses; with only one difference, Carcioglu has succeeded this in low salt and Durakli in high salt such as 250 mM. The Carcioglu cultivar responded to salt stress better than the Durakli cultivar in terms of increasing proline content. The salt applications generally decreased soluble sugar content in the callus cultures of both cultivars and the decreases were more prominent in the Durakli cultivar. Carcioglu decreased H2O2 and MDA contents at especially 150 mM salt while the Durakli cultivar failed to reduce their contents in any of the salt doses studied. The findings obtained from gene expressions and physiological parameters support each other, it can be suggested that the Carcioglu cultivar has a higher response to salt stress than the Durakli cultivar.
Synergism of sonication and microwave on phytochemical and physicochemical capacity of sugarcane-mint blend juice
Authors: Hussain Ashiq , Batool Syeda Ayesha , Sidrah  , Kabir Khurram , Siddique Tahira , Yaqub Shazia , Shahzad Anjum , Kauser Samina , Ali Atif , Arif Muhammad Rehan , Mahdi Amer Ali , Korma Sameh A.
Published: March 2024

The sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) juice, a beverage with fascinating track record of health promoting potential, loaded with phenolics, flavonoids, the bioactives, is capable of high antioxidant activities. The mint is a reliable herbal plant, with loads of phytochemicals and hundreds of food applications. However, sugarcane juice added with mint is normally consumed without any processing and preservation. Therefore, it is important to employ green processing technologies on sugarcane-mint juice blend, in order to process and preserve this nutritional juice with optimum retention of bioactives. In the current study sugarcane-mint blend juice was developed to study the synergistic effect of sonication (20 kHz, 70% amplitude, 5, 10 and 15 min) and microwave (90 °C, 400 W, 120 s) on pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), total phenolics (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC) and antioxidant activity of developed beverage, at 7 days interval, during 21 days of storage period. Increment in sonication time and advancement in storage days, both resulted in an increase in pH, and decrease in titratable acidity and TSS of blend juice. Sonication for 15 min along with microwave exhibited significant (p ≤ 0.05) results in terms of rise in TPC, TFC and antioxidant ability of blend juice, as compared to 10 and 5 min, sonication. Whereas, untreated juice samples exhibited significantly (p ≤ 0.05) less contents of TPC, TFC and antioxidant capacity, which were further significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased during 21 days of storage. Our results highlighted the significance of synergism of sonication and microwave in improvement of physicochemical and phytochemical quality of sugarcane-mint blend juice.
Leveraging mass media for disseminating information on health awareness days
Authors: Kasturia Shivani , Girdhar Divya
Published: March 2024

Health awareness days are dedicated to raising awareness regarding health issues and encouraging individuals to take preventative measures to improve their health. Mass media, including television, radio, print, and internet platforms, may significantly spread information and promote health awareness days to a large audience. It can contribute to increasing public knowledge, facilitating behaviour change, and encouraging individuals to take action towards better health. For this study, an interview schedule was conducted in four sub-divisions of the Gurgaon District of Haryana, and 400 respondents were administered the questionnaire. 76% of the respondents are keen on knowing all health days listed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GOI. Further, 38.2% of the respondents would prefer online news as a mass media medium to know about health awareness days. Health awareness days can play a critical role in increasing the respondents’ knowledge about disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Grinding as a slaughter method for farmed black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae: Empirical recommendations to achieve instantaneous killing
Authors: Barrett Meghan , Miranda Chelsea , Veloso I Theresse , Flint Casey , Perl Craig D , Martinez Austin , Fischer Bob , Tomberlin Jeffery K
Published: March 2024

At least 200 billion black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) are reared each year as food and feed, and the insect farming industry is projected to grow rapidly. Despite interest by consumers, producers, and legislators, no empirical evidence exists to guide producers in practicing humane – or instantaneous – slaughter for these novel mini-livestock. BSFL may be slaughtered via freezing, boiling, grinding, or other methods; however standard operating procedures (SOPs) and equipment design may affect the likelihood of instantaneous death using these methods. We tested how larval body size and particle size plate hole diameter affect the likelihood of instantaneous death for black soldier fly larvae that are slaughtered using a standard meat grinder. Larval body size did not affect the likelihood of instantaneous death for larvae that are 106–175 mg in mass. However, particle size plate hole diameter had a significant effect on the likelihood of instantaneous death, with only 54% of larvae experiencing an instant death when using the largest particle size plate (12-mm hole diameter) compared to 84% using the smallest particle size plate (2.55 mm). However, a higher percentage of instantaneous death (up to 99%) could be achieved by reducing the proportion of larvae that become stuck in the machine. We conclude by outlining specific recommendations to support producers in achieving a 99% instantaneous death rate through specific SOPs to be used with similarly designed machines. We also develop a protocol for producers that wish to test their own grinding SOPs.
Mobile data for studying public space, and trips in Mexico City: a study case of six suburban zones
Authors: Saniger Alejandro , López David , Delón Constanza , Ruiz Oscar
Published: March 2024

This study uses anonymized GPS traces to explore travel patterns within six suburban zones and a central area in Mexico City. The descriptive analysis presented in this paper profiles trips by distance and investigates their distribution within each zone. It examines the prevalence of local trips, walkability, and the availability and spread of entertainment sites within 15-min isochrones accessible by foot, bicycle, transit, and private vehicle. Notably, the central zone boasts diverse entertainment offerings, commendable walkability, and a substantial proportion of short and long trips. It is found that GPS traces are within their home. However, the share of long trips for the inhabitants of central zones is considerably more significant than that for the suburbs. The study highlights suburban zones that could benefit from governmental intervention to enhance transportation and pedestrian conditions. Additionally, it identifies other suburban zones that resemble the central areas in terms of walkability, trip distribution by distances, and the accessibility of entertainment places.
Beyond optimal disturbances: a statistical framework for transient growth
Authors: Frame Peter , Towne Aaron
Published: March 2024

The theory of transient growth describes how linear mechanisms can cause temporary amplification of disturbances even when the linearized system is asymptotically stable as defined by its eigenvalues. This growth is traditionally quantified by finding the initial disturbance that generates the maximum response at the peak time of its evolution. However, this can vastly overstate the growth of a real disturbance. In this paper, we introduce a statistical perspective on transient growth that models statistics of the energy amplification of the disturbances. We derive a formula for the mean energy amplification and spatial correlation of the growing disturbance in terms of the spatial correlation of the initial disturbance. The eigendecomposition of the correlation provides the most prevalent structures, which are the statistical analogue of the standard left singular vectors of the evolution operator. We also derive accurate confidence bounds on the growth by approximating the probability density function of the energy. Applying our analysis to Poiseuille flow yields a number of observations. First, the mean energy amplification is often drastically smaller than the maximum. In these cases, it is exceedingly unlikely to achieve near-optimal growth due to the exponential behaviour observed in the probability density function. Second, the characteristic length scale of the initial disturbances has a significant impact on the expected growth, with large-scale initial disturbances growing orders of magnitude more than small-scale ones. Finally, while the optimal growth scales quadratically with Reynolds number, the mean energy amplification scales only linearly for certain reasonable choices of the initial correlation.
The Reasonable Content of Conscience in Public Bioethics
Authors: Brummett Abram , Eberl Jason
Published: March 2024

Bioethicists aim to provide moral guidance in policy, research, and clinical contexts using methods of moral analysis (e.g., principlism, casuistry, and narrative ethics) that aim to satisfy the constraints of public reason. Among other objections, some critics have argued that public reason lacks the moral content needed to resolve bioethical controversies because discursive reason simply cannot justify any substantive moral claims in a pluralistic society. In this paper, the authors defend public reason from this criticism by showing that it contains sufficient content to address one of the perennial controversies in bioethics—the permissibility and limits of clinician conscientious objection. They develop a “reasonability view” grounded in public reason and apply it to some recent examples of conscientious objection.
Spatial agency practice in Tai O Village: colonial legacies and spatial-architectural approaches to collaborative urban futures
Authors: Elkin Daniel Keith , Louw Michael , Leung Chi-Yuen , Xiaolu Norah Wang , Wernli Markus
Published: March 2024

This paper discusses spatial agency practice within a living lab in Hong Kong. Lab members work in Tai O Village, a historic fishing settlement receiving increased attention due to remnant vernacular housing there. The article presents historical and policy context for ongoing casework conducted with stakeholders in Tai O. It presents Tai O’s history in brief, recent policy developments, and inherent conflicts arising from the interaction of the two. The third section of the article describes informal settlement land tenure conflicts as historical phenomena in Hong Kong. The paper follows this case-specific discussion with global literature review of selected regularisation and settlement upgrading efforts from around the world. These reviews present the article’s thesis that third sector and design-led efforts are critically applicable methods to address informal settlement conflicts that remain due to colonial legacy policies and political inertia. The final section of the article presents ongoing living lab research and initiatives, including collaborative monitoring projects and strategic development proposals. Each living lab initiative presented elaborates the article’s thesis on the interaction between architecture, research, and governance to negotiate complex development transitions. The article contributes to architectural scholarship by summarising unique interactions between history, policy, economics, and demography that engendered the development situation in Tai O. Further, it reflects upon response development methods through architectural science and spatial agency practice, including the role of architectural representation products and discursive distinctions at boundaries between architectural practice and spatial agency practice.
Hybrid physics-machine learning models for predicting rate of penetration in the Halahatang oil field, Tarim Basin
Authors: Jiao Shengjie , Li Wei , Li Zhuolun , Gai Jingming , Zou Linhao , Su Yinao
Published: March 2024

Rate of penetration (ROP) is a key factor in drilling optimization, cost reduction and drilling cycle shortening. Due to the systematicity, complexity and uncertainty of drilling operations, however, it has always been a problem to establish a highly accurate and interpretable ROP prediction model to guide and optimize drilling operations. To solve this problem in the Tarim Basin, this study proposes four categories of hybrid physics-machine learning (ML) methods for modeling. One of which is residual modeling, in which an ML model learns to predict errors or residuals, via a physical model; the second is integrated coupling, in which the output of the physical model is used as an input to the ML model; the third is simple average, in which predictions from both the physical model and the ML model are combined; and the last is bootstrap aggregating (bagging), which follows the idea of ensemble learning to combine different physical models’ advantages. A total of 5655 real data points from the Halahatang oil field were used to test the performance of the various models. The results showed that the residual modeling model, with an R2 of 0.9936, had the best performance, followed by the simple average model and bagging with R2 values of 0.9394 and 0.5998, respectively. From the view of prediction accuracy, and model interpretability, the hybrid physics-ML model with residual modeling is the optimal method for ROP prediction.
Fabrication of yeast β-glucan/sodium alginate/γ-polyglutamic acid composite particles for hemostasis and wound healing
Authors: Zou Qinglin , Duan Hongdong , Fang Shimin , Sheng Wenlong , Li Xiaobin , Stoika Rostyslav , Finiuk Nataliya , Panchuk Rostyslav , Liu Kechun , Wang Lizhen
Published: March 2024

Particles with a porous structure can lead to quick hemostasis and provide a good matrix for cell proliferation during wound healing.
Hetastarch-stabilized polypyrrole with hyperthermia-enhanced release and catalytic activity for synergistic antitumor therapy
Authors: Huang Xiaoyun , Liu Zhiming , Zeng Weijian , Ma Xiaoyu , Zhang Yu , Li Muye , Sun Jiutong , Mao Sheng , Bian Li
Published: March 2024

Biodegradable HES@CuP-D with good dispersibility has been elaborately fabricated by one-step synthesis using safety-approved hetastarch as a novel stabilizer and CuCl2 as an oxidant for hyperthermia-accelerated DOX release and -enhanced Fenton catalysis against malignant tumors.
Yolk–shell smart polymer microgels and their hybrids: fundamentals and applications
Authors: Sajid Iqra , Hassan Ahmad , Begum Robina , Zhou Shuiqin , Irfan Ahmad , Chaudhry Aijaz Rasool , Farooqi Zahoor H.
Published: March 2024

The classification, synthesis, characterization, properties, and applications of yolk–shell smart microgels and their hybrids have been critically reviewed for further advancement in the area.
In vitro biological studies and computational prediction-based analyses of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Almehizia Abdulrahman A. , Aboulthana Wael M. , Naglah Ahmed M. , Hassan Ashraf S.
Published: March 2024

Recently, new pharmaceutical discoveries have become very important for addressing diverse health problems and protecting humanity.
A fluorescence probe based on blue luminescent carbon dots for sensing Fe3+ in plants
Authors: Lin Junjie , Huang Wanyi , Zhang Haoran , Zhang Xuejie , Liu Yingliang , Li Wei , Lei Bingfu
Published: March 2024

Blue fluorescent carbon dots were synthesized via a hydrothermal method using glutathione and sodium citrate, and a carbon dot-based sensing platform was constructed to realize in vivo sensing of Fe3+ distribution in plant species.