bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protecting Mothers against Domestic Violence in the Context of International Child Abduction: Between Golan v Saada and Brussels II-ter EU Regulation
Authors: Honorati Costanza
Published: September 2023

The need to protect victims of domestic violence is becoming increasingly more important in many States. The 1980 Hague Convention on international child abduction, which in principle requires the child’s return and apparently leaves little scope for protecting the child’s mother, is at times perceived as being at odds with this need. The 2022 US Supreme Court’s judgment in Golan v Saada is set to become a leading case with regard to abductions occurring against the backdrop of domestic violence. Although the USSC, out of necessity, considers the issue from the viewpoint of the US legal system, the impact of the decision will be felt well beyond the country’s borders. This paper will start by analysing the legal arguments developed by the USSC in finding that ameliorative measures are not required by the 1980 Hague Convention, but lie at the discretion of the courts, as well as the general principles laid down by the USSC to guide the exercise of that judicial discretion. Furthermore, the rationale for—discretionary, but still relevant—protective measures will be measured against the Brussels II-ter EU Regulation, which has established a different legal framework for EU Member States. In contrast to the position under pure Hague cases, the EU Regulation now clearly calls on the courts of the State of refuge to guarantee the child’s physical and psychological safety by directly adopting provisional measures, which will apply to the child upon return to the State of habitual residence and which are recognizable and directly enforceable in that Member State. It will be argued in this paper that ameliorative/protective measures offer a means for filling a gap that is increasingly being felt within public opinion, but that could undermine the efficacy of the 1980 Hague Convention. The best way of ensuring that domestic violence cases are not neglected, while at the same time remaining within the confines of the 1980 Hague Convention, would be to adopt expeditious, substantively well-defined, and effective protective measures.
A Convergence of Violence: Structural Violence Experiences of K–12, Black, Disabled Males across Multiple Systems
Authors: Indar Gayitri Kavita , Barrow Christine Sharon , Whitaker Warren E.
Published: September 2023

In American schools, conversations about violence prioritize direct violence, while indirect violence is virtually ignored. This current emphasis overlooks the structural violence deeply embedded in America’s social, political, and economic institutions, which were intentionally designed to exclude, and position some groups to experience disproportionate levels of poverty, exploitation, and persecution. To understand the mechanisms of structural violence, the concepts of structural violence and total institutions, the tenets of Disability Critical Race Theory can be used as an analytical lens. This retrospective comparative case study does so by exploring similarities in the lived experiences of Black, Emotionally Disturbed males across metropolitan special education, juvenile justice, and medical systems. The findings demonstrate a “convergence of violence” in America’s juvenile justice, medical, and special education systems, collectively pushing K–12-aged participants into carceral sites, denying them voice and choice, and providing them with performative healthcare. Our study recommends that institutions designed to serve K–12-aged learners use cross-sector collaborations to meet holistic learner needs and mitigate pressures to engage in direct violence. Specifically, we offer the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model as a national approach to increase access to healthcare providers, social services, and mental health services, as well as engaging community stakeholders critical to understanding the cultural context of learners’ lived experiences.
The Last Entrustment: Funeral Concepts and Arrangements of for the Afterlife in the Tang Dynasty
Authors: Meng Guodong
Published: September 2023

Arrangements for the afterlife were important matters to the Tang 唐 (618–907) people. The newly unearthed epitaphs of the Tang Dynasty contain a large number of dialogues and words of the deceased before their death, as well as their instructions concerning the arrangements for funerals and the inheritance of family traditions. These instructions not only reflect Tang funeral concepts and the importance of arrangements for the afterlife, but they also allow us to perceive the characters and personalities of the deceased, which are valuable new materials for the study of ancient Chinese biographical literature.
Rice Husk Cellulose-Based Adsorbent to Extract Rare Metals: Preparing and Properties
Authors: Kablanbekov Askhat , Yefremova Svetlana , Berdikulova Feruza , Satbaev Serik , Yermishin Sergey , Shalabaev Nurgali , Satbaev Baimakhan , Terlikbayeva Alma , Zharmenov Abdurassul
Published: September 2023

Adsorption is one of the common stages in the hydrometallurgy of rare metals. Its efficiency is largely determined by the quality of the sorbent used. The purpose of this work was to create an activated sorbent based on rice husk cellulose for the extraction of rhenium from aqueous solutions. Two types of cellulose were obtained by treating rice husk with a 1.5% NaOH solution (alkaline cellulose) and a nitric acid solution in ethyl alcohol (Kürschner and Hoffer cellulose). They were tested by IR, SEM, TA, TPD-MS, and XRD methods. It was found that Kürschner and Hoffer cellulose does not contain lignin and retains structural order to a greater extent. By means of this cellulose carbonization at 600 °C and activation by physical, chemical, and combined methods, a series of sorbents were prepared and studied by different methods. It was determined that the sorbent KHC4-600VA obtained by combined activation of cellulose carbonizate by water vapor at 850 °C, followed by an alkaline treatment, has the best textural characteristics: S—~1200 m2·g−1, V—1.22 cm3·g−1, and R—2.05 nm. KHC4-600VA provides 90% recovery of Re (VII) ions from aqueous solutions. According to the Freundlich model, sorption proceeds favorably on the sorbent’s heterogeneous surface.
Influence of Extruded Tubing and Foam-Filler Material Pairing on the Energy Absorption of Composite AA6061/PVC Structures
Authors: Magliaro John , Mohammadkhani Pouya , Rahimidehgolan Foad , Altenhof William , Alpas Ahmet T.
Published: September 2023

There is accelerating demand for energy-absorbing structures fabricated from lightweight materials with idealized, near-constant force responses to simultaneously resolve the engineering challenges of vehicle mass reduction and improved occupant safety. A novel compounded energy dissipation system composed of AA6061-T6 and AA6061-T4 tubing subjected to hybrid cutting/clamping and H130, H200 and H250 PVC foam compression was investigated utilizing quasi-static experiments, finite element simulations and theoretical modeling. Identical structures were also subjected to axial crushing to compare with the current state of the art. The novel cutting/foam crushing system exhibited highly stable collapse mechanisms that were uniquely insensitive to the tube/foam material configuration, despite the disparate material properties, and exceeded the energy-absorbing capacity and compressive force efficiency of the axial crushing mode by 14% and 44%, respectively. The simulated deformation profiles and force responses were consistent with the experiments and were predicted with an average error of 12.4%. The validated analytical models identified numerous geometric/material configurations with superior performance for the compounded AA6061/PVC foam cutting/foam crushing system compared to axial crushing. An Ashby plot comparing the newly obtained results to several findings from the open literature highlighted the potential for the compounded cutting/foam crushing system to significantly outperform several alternative lightweight safety systems.
Impact of Inclination of Girders and Columns on the Effort and Stability of Flat Bar Frames
Authors: Abramczyk Jacek , Chrzanowska Katarzyna , Bielak Wiesław
Published: September 2023

The article describes a specific method of using innovative transverse systems of flat bar frames as structures forcing elastic shape transformations of nominally flat folded sheets into the forms of ruled shell roof coverings. An innovative method for parametric shaping these forms and arrangement of frames constituting structural systems of sheds with folded thin-walled roof coverings, taking account of the specificity of designing elastically transformed roof sheeting, was proposed. The proposed method for defining the loads of the considered frames supporting lower shelves of the folds of transformed roof sheeting, as loads distributed uniformly along the length of the upper chord of a roof frame girder, is also an innovative approach. The above unconventional premises result in the innovative topic of the research presented in terms of checking the impact of changing the shape of subsequent flat frames (intended for the construction of sheds roofed with the transformed sheeting) on the geometric and mechanical properties of the members of these frames. For the defined loads and the proposed parameterization of the frame forms, an innovative set of conditions was developed to optimize their performance, and then a theoretical analysis of the observed dependencies was carried out. This analysis was performed in an unconventional, novel way using section modules of the cross-sections of all members. The performed computer simulations confirmed the significance of changes in the inclination of girders and columns on the geometric and mechanical properties of the members. The obtained results are the basis and justification for simulations and tests in the scope of further modification of the form, loads, work, and methods of using various configurations of flat frames in constructions.
Microstructure Evolution at Ni/Fe Interface in Dissimilar Metal Weld between Ferritic Steel and Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Li Xiaogang , Nie Junfeng , Wang Xin , Li Kejian , Zhang Haiquan
Published: September 2023

The formation and evolution of microstructures at the Ni/Fe interface in dissimilar metal weld (DMW) between ferritic steel and austenitic stainless steel were investigated. Layered martensitic structures were noted at the nickel-based weld metal/12Cr2MoWVTiB steel interface after welding and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT). The formation of the interfacial martensite layer during welding was clarified and its evolution during PWHT was discussed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), focused ion beam (FIB), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission kikuchi diffraction (TKD), phase diagrams, and theoretical analysis. In as-welded DMW, the Ni/Fe interface structures consisted of the BCC quenched martensite layer and the FCC partially mixed zone (PMZ), which was the result of inhomogeneous solid phase transformation due to the chemical composition gradient. During the PWHT process, the BCC interfacial microstructure further evolved to a double-layered structure of tempered martensite and quenched martensite newly formed by local re-austenitization and austenite–martensite transformation. These types of martensitic structures induced inhomogeneous hardness distribution near the Ni/Fe interface, aggravating the mismatch of interfacial mechanical properties, which was a potential factor contributing to the degradation and failure of DMW.
Stabilization of Chromium Waste by Solidification into Cement Composites
Authors: Belebchouche Cherif , Bensebti Salah-Eddine , Ould-Said Chaima , Moussaceb Karim , Czarnecki Slawomir , Sadowski Lukasz
Published: September 2023

This article deals with the study of hazardous chromium leaching, stabilized/solidified by cement CEM II after 28 days of curing, in an acidic environment. The mortars subjected to this study were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization to evaluate the influence of chromium waste on their mineralogical structure. In the study range (0.6–1.2%), increasing the mass percentage of Cr2O3 in the mortars indicates that chromium accelerates the hydration process and setting of the mortar and increases the mechanical strength of the mortars compared to the control sample. It was observed that the release of chromium during the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test and the efficiency of the stabilization/solidification process depended on the initial Cr concentration and the leaching time. The use of XRD allowed the identification of new crystallized phases in the cement matrices, namely, CaCrO4·2H2O and chromium–ettringite Ca6Cr2(SO4)3(OH)12·26H2O, which confirms the immobilization of chromium and the efficiency of the stabilization/solidification process. In this research, the release mechanism was found to be primarily a surface phenomenon by modeling the experimental data (dissolution or precipitation).
Slash-Weighted Lindley Distribution: Properties, Inference, and Applications
Authors: Castillo Jaime S. , Barranco-Chamorro Inmaculada , Venegas Osvaldo , Gómez Héctor W.
Published: September 2023

The slash-weighted Lindley model is introduced due to the need to obtain a model with more kurtosis than the weighted Lindley distribution. Several expressions for the pdf of this model are given. Its cumulative distribution function is expressed in terms of a generalized hypergeometric function and the incomplete gamma function. Moments and maximum likelihood estimation were studied. A simulation study was carried out to illustrate the good performance of the estimates. Finally, two real applications are included.
Modeling and Control of Wide-Area Networks
Authors: Wang Qiuzhen , Hu Jiangping
Published: September 2023

This paper provides a survey of recent research progress in mathematical modeling and distributed control of wide-area networks. Firstly, the modeling is introduced for two types of wide-area networks, i.e., coopetitive networks and cooperative networks, with the help of algebraic graph theory. Particularly, bipartite network topologies and cluster network topologies are introduced for coopetitive networks. With respect to cooperative networks, an intermittent clustered network modeling is presented. Then, some classical distributed control strategies are reviewed for wide-area networks to ensure some desired collective behaviors, such as consensus (or synchronization), bipartite consensus (or polarization), and cluster consensus (or fragmentation). Finally, some conclusions and future directions are summarized.
A Chemo-Ecological Investigation of Dendrilla antarctica Topsent, 1905: Identification of Deceptionin and the Effects of Heat Stress and Predation Pressure on Its Terpene Profiles
Authors: De Castro-Fernández Paula , Angulo-Preckler Carlos , García-Aljaro Cristina , Avila Conxita , Cutignano Adele
Published: September 2023

Marine sponges usually host a wide array of secondary metabolites that play crucial roles in their biological interactions. The factors that influence the intraspecific variability in the metabolic profile of organisms, their production or ecological function remain generally unknown. Understanding this may help predict changes in biological relationships due to environmental variations as a consequence of climate change. The sponge Dendrilla antarctica is common in shallow rocky bottoms of the Antarctic Peninsula and is known to produce diterpenes that are supposed to have defensive roles. Here we used GC-MS to determine the major diterpenes in two populations of D. antarctica from two islands, Livingston and Deception Island (South Shetland Islands). To assess the potential effect of heat stress, we exposed the sponge in aquaria to a control temperature (similar to local), heat stress (five degrees higher) and extreme heat stress (ten degrees higher). To test for defence induction by predation pressure, we exposed the sponges to the sea star Odontaster validus and the amphipod Cheirimedon femoratus. Seven major diterpenes were isolated and identified from the samples. While six of them were already reported in the literature, we identified one new aplysulphurane derivative that was more abundant in the samples from Deception Island, so we named it deceptionin (7). The samples were separated in the PCA space according to the island of collection, with 9,11-dihydrogracilin A (1) being more abundant in the samples from Livingston, and deceptionin (7) in the samples from Deception. We found a slight effect of heat stress on the diterpene profiles of D. antarctica, with tetrahydroaplysulphurin-1 (6) and the gracilane norditerpene 2 being more abundant in the group exposed to heat stress. Predation pressure did not seem to influence the metabolite production. Further research on the bioactivity of D. antarctica secondary metabolites, and their responses to environmental changes will help better understand the functioning and fate of the Antarctic benthos.
Integrating Microbial Fuel Cell and Hydroponic Technologies Using a Ceramic Membrane Separator to Develop an Energy–Water–Food Supply System
Authors: Sato Chikashi , Apollon Wilgince , Luna-Maldonado Alejandro Isabel , Paucar Noris Evelin , Hibbert Monte , Dudgeon John
Published: September 2023

In this study, a microbial fuel cell was integrated into a hydroponic system (MFC-Hyp) using a ceramic membrane as a separator. The MFC-Hyp is a passive system that allows the transport of nutrients from wastewater in the microbial fuel cell (MFC) to water in the hydroponic vessel (Hyp) through a ceramic membrane separator, with no external energy input. The performance of this system was examined using potato-process wastewater as a source of energy and nutrients (K, P, N) and garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) as a hydroponic plant. The results showed that based on dry weight, the leaves of Allium tuberosum grew 142% more in the MFC-Hyp than those of the plant in the Hyp without the MFC, in a 49-day run. The mass fluxes of K, P, and NO3−-N from the MFC to the Hyp through the ceramic membrane were 4.18 ± 0.70, 3.78 ± 1.90, and 2.04 ± 0.98 µg s−1m−2, respectively. It was apparent that the diffusion of nutrients from wastewater in the MFC enhanced the plant growth in the Hyp. The MFC-Hyp in the presence of A. tuberosum produced the maximum power density of 130.2 ± 45.4 mW m−2. The findings of this study suggest that the MFC-Hyp system has great potential to be a “carbon-neutral” technology that could be transformed into an important part of a diversified worldwide energy–water–food supply system.
Advancements in Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Carbon Nanotubes-Reinforced AlSi10Mg Alloy: A Comprehensive Analysis of Microstructure Evolution, Properties, and Future Prospects
Authors: Abedi Mohammad , Moskovskikh Dmitry , Nepapushev Andrey , Suvorova Veronika , Wang Haitao , Romanovski Valentin
Published: September 2023

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) stands out as a promising approach within the realm of additive manufacturing, particularly for the synthesis of CNT-AlSi10Mg nanocomposites. This review delves into a thorough exploration of the transformation in microstructure, the impact of processing variables, and the physico-mechanical characteristics of CNT-AlSi10Mg nanocomposites crafted via the L-PBF technique. Moreover, it consolidates a substantial corpus of recent research, proffering invaluable insights into optimizing L-PBF parameters to attain the desired microstructures and enhanced properties. The review centers its attention on pivotal facets, including the dispersion and distribution of CNTs, the formation of porosity, and their subsequent influence on wear resistance, electrical and thermal conductivity, tensile strength, thermal expansion, and hardness. In line with a logical progression, this review paper endeavors to illuminate the chemical composition, traits, and phase configuration of AlSi10Mg-based parts fabricated via L-PBF, juxtaposing them with their conventionally manufactured counterparts. Emphasis has been placed on elucidating the connection between the microstructural evolution of these nanocomposites and the resultant physico-mechanical properties. Quantitative data culled from the literature indicate that L-PBF-produced parts exhibit a microhardness of 151 HV, a relative density of 99.7%, an ultimate tensile strength of 70×103 mm3N.m, and a tensile strength of 756 MPa.
Cinnamate-Intercalated Layered Yttrium Hydroxide: UV Light-Responsive Switchable Material
Authors: Teplonogova Maria A. , Yapryntsev Alexey D. , Baranchikov Alexander E. , Ivanov Vladimir K.
Published: September 2023

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in stimuli-responsive host–guest materials due to the high potential for their application in switchable devices. Light is the most convenient stimulus for operating these materials; a light-responsive guest affects the host structure and the functional characteristics of the entire material. UV-transparent layered rare earth hydroxides intercalated with UV-switchable anions are promising candidates as stimuli-responsive host–guest materials. The interlayer distance in the layered rare earth hydroxides depends on the size of the intercalated anions, which could be changed in situ, e.g., via anion isomerisation. Nevertheless, for layered rare earth hydroxides, the possibility of such changes has not been reported yet. A good candidate anion that is capable of intercalating into the interlayer space is the cinnamate anion, which undergoes UV-assisted irreversible trans–cis isomerisation. In this work, both trans- and cis-cinnamate anions were intercalated in layered yttrium hydroxide (LYH). Upon UV-irradiation, the interlayer distance of trans-cinnamate-intercalated layered yttrium hydroxide suspended in isopropanol changed from 21.9 to 20.6 Å. For the first time, the results obtained demonstrate the possibility of using layered rare earth hydroxides as stimuli-responsive materials.
Characterisation and Environmental Significance of Glauconite from Mining Waste of the Egorievsk Phosphorite Deposit
Authors: Kalinina Natalia , Maximov Prokopiy , Makarov Boris , Dasi Evan , Rudmin Maxim
Published: September 2023

This article presents the results of a study of glauconite obtained from phosphate rock waste. The aim is to study the morphological, structural and chemical characteristics of glauconite and to determine the potential for secondary use of mining waste in the agricultural sector. The electromagnetic separation method was used to obtain glauconite concentrate. The optimum parameters for obtaining the maximum mineral content in the concentrate were determined. Studies have shown that glauconite is characterised by globular, granular grains of the highly mature variety. Glauconite almost invariably contains inclusions of pyrite and apatite, which significantly improve the characteristics of the fertiliser. Laboratory experiments have shown that glauconite waste and glauconite concentrate have a positive effect on plant growth and development. The high potassium content, the favourable globular shape of the grains, and the presence of apatite and pyrite inclusions indicate the potential use of glauconite from mining waste as a potash fertiliser. Application of glauconite fertiliser to the soil will provide an opportunity to improve its texture, providing better moisture and aeration. The use of glauconite fertiliser is particularly valuable on acidic soils where apatite can be dissolved, making phosphorus available to plants. This nutrient additionally favours plant growth, as well as reducing the risk of heavy metal accumulation in the soil. Thus, glauconite from the waste of the Egorievsk deposit represents a promising fertiliser for improving soil quality and increasing crop yields.
Erythritol Can Inhibit the Expression of Senescence Molecules in Mouse Gingival Tissues and Human Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Yokoi Haruna , Furukawa Masae , Wang Jingshu , Aoki Yu , Raju Resmi , Ikuyo Yoriko , Yamada Mitsuyoshi , Shikama Yosuke , Matsushita Kenji
Published: September 2023

Oral aging causes conditions including periodontal disease. We investigated how the sugar alcohol erythritol, which has anti-caries effects, impacts aging periodontal tissues and gingival fibroblasts in mice and humans in vivo and in vitro. Mice were classified into three groups: control groups of six-week-old (YC) and eighteen-month-old mice (AC) and a group receiving 5% w/w erythritol water for 6 months (AE). After rearing, RNA was extracted from the gingiva, and the levels of aging-related molecules were measured using PCR. Immunostaining was performed for the aging markers p21, γH2AX, and NF-κB p65. p16, p21, γH2AX, IL-1β, and TNFα mRNA expression levels were higher in the gingiva of the AC group than in the YC group, while this enhanced expression was significantly suppressed in AE gingiva. NF-κB p65 expression was high in the AC group but was strongly suppressed in the AE group. We induced senescence in cultured human gingival fibroblasts using H2O2 and lipopolysaccharide before erythritol treatment, which reduced elevated senescence-related marker (p16, p21, SA-β-gal, IL-1β, and TNFα) expression levels. Knockdown of PFK or PGAM promoted p16 and p21 mRNA expression, but erythritol subsequently rescued pyruvate production. Overall, intraoral erythritol administration may prevent age-related oral mucosal diseases.
Biomarkers and Functional Assays of Epithelial Barrier Disruption and Gastrointestinal Dysmotility in Critical Illness—A Narrative Review
Authors: Martinez Julianna , Rodriguez Hovnanian K. Marco , Martinez Enid E.
Published: September 2023

Enteral nutrition in critically ill children has been associated with improved clinical outcomes. Gastrointestinal dysfunction often impedes the timely initiation and advancement of enteral nutrition and can contribute to immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation. Therefore, assessing gastrointestinal function, at a cellular and functional level, is important to provide optimal enteral nutrition therapy and reduce the gastrointestinal tract’s contribution to the inflammatory cascade of critical illness. In this narrative review, we present an overview of biomarker and functional assays for gastrointestinal dysfunction, including epithelial barrier disruption and gastrointestinal dysmotility, that have been considered for critically ill patients.
Association between Dietary Patterns and Cognitive Function among Qatari Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Qatar Biobank Study
Authors: Fituri Sundus , Shi Zumin
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to assess the association between dietary patterns and cognitive function among Qatari adults. In a cross-sectional analysis, data on 1000 Qatari adults attending the Qatar Biobank Study (QBB) aged ≥18 years were obtained. Using factor analysis, dietary patterns were constructed based on habitual dietary intake assessed by food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). The mean reaction time (MRT) derived from self-administered touch screen tests was used as an indicator of cognitive function. The association between dietary patterns and MRT was investigated using linear regression. The mean age of the participants was 35.8 (SD 10.3) years, and the mean MRT was 715.3 (SD 204.1) milliseconds. Three dietary patterns were identified. The “traditional” dietary pattern, characterized by high intakes of white rice, mixed dishes and soups/starters possibly high in saturated fat and sodium, was positively associated with MRT. In the multivariable model, comparing the highest to lowest quartiles of the traditional pattern, the regression coefficient for MRT was 50.0 (95% CI 16.9, 83.1; p for trend 0.001). There was an effect modification of diabetes and age on the association between the “modern” dietary pattern and MRT. The “convenient” dietary pattern was not associated with cognition. In conclusion, the traditional rice-based dietary pattern may be associated with poor cognitive function.
The Mother–Child Dyad Adipokine Pattern: A Review of Current Knowledge
Authors: Lis-Kuberka Jolanta , Pupek Małgorzata , Orczyk-Pawiłowicz Magdalena
Published: September 2023

An important role in the network of interconnections between the mother and child is played by adipokines, which are adipose tissue hormones engaged in the regulation of metabolism. Alternations of maternal adipokines translate to the worsening of maternal insulin resistance as well as metabolic stress, altered placenta functions, and fetal development, which finally contribute to long-term metabolic unfavorable conditions. This paper is the first to summarize the current state of knowledge concerning the concentrations of individual adipokines in different biological fluids of maternal and cord plasma, newborn/infant plasma, milk, and the placenta, where it highlights the impact of adverse perinatal risk factors, including gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm delivery, and maternal obesity on the adipokine patterns in maternal–infant dyads. The importance of adipokine measurement and relationships in biological fluids during pregnancy and lactation is crucial for public health in the area of prevention of most diet-related metabolic diseases. The review highlights the huge knowledge gap in the field of hormones participating in the energy homeostasis and metabolic pathways during perinatal and postnatal periods in the mother–child dyad. An in-depth characterization is needed to confirm if the adverse outcomes of early developmental programming might be modulated via maternal lifestyle intervention.
Evaluation of Tibial Hemodynamic Response to Glucose Tolerance Test in Young Healthy Males and Females
Authors: Chen Si , Wang Shubo , Ding Shuqiao , Zhang Chuan
Published: September 2023

The relationship between glucose metabolism and bone health remains underexplored despite its clinical relevance. This study utilized the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to probe gender-specific disparities in tibial hemodynamic responses among young healthy adults. Twenty-eight healthy participants (14 males) aged 18–28 years old were recruited for this study. After ingesting a 75 g glucose solution, tibial hemodynamic responses were captured using NIRS in combination with a 5 min ischemic reperfusion technique, both before and at 30 min intervals for two hours post-glucose ingestion. Parameters measured included oxidative metabolic rate (via tissue saturation index [TSI]), immediate recovery slope after occlusion release (TSI10), and total recovery magnitude (ΔTSI). Post-glucose ingestion, both genders demonstrated a surge in blood glucose concentrations at every time point compared to baseline (p < 0.001, 0.002, 0.009, and 0.039 for males; p < 0.001, < 0.001, = 0.002, and 0.017 for females). Baseline tibial metabolic rate, TSI10, and ΔTSI did not significantly differ between males and females (p = 0.734, 0.839, and 0.164, respectively), with no discernible temporal effects in any hemodynamic parameters within each gender (p = 0.864, 0.308, and 0.399, respectively, for males; p = 0.973, 0.453, and 0.137, respectively, for females). We found comparable tibial hemodynamic responses to OGTT between genders. This study demonstrated the utility of NIRS in evaluating tibial hemodynamic responses to glucose ingestion through OGTT, enriching our understanding of the body’s metabolic responses to glucose intake.
Diagnosis and Management Controversies Illustrated by an Uncommon Case of Postpartum Pubic Symphysis Diastasis
Authors: Bickley Ryan J. , Blasini Ronald G. , Johnson John D. , Ryan Paul M.
Published: September 2023

Pubic symphysis diastasis is a complication of pregnancy that can lead to prolonged recovery, persistent pain, and functional disability if managed inappropriately. There is a lack of universally accepted clinical guidelines with regards to the timeframe and defect criteria for surgical management, which contributes to delayed care resulting in increased surgical complexity and subsequent impairments in functionality and quality of life. The current standard of care utilizes non-operative measures exclusively for separations measuring less than 2.5 cm correlating to symphyseal ligament sparing. Surgical interventions are typically reserved for severe cases or those resistant to initial non-operative treatment. Non-surgical methods have been attempted for 4–6 weeks, even in severe cases, with patients still requiring eventual surgery. We herein report an uncommon case of pubic symphysis diastasis measuring 5.5 cm and the successful implementation of non-surgical management to demonstrate the need for updated standardized treatment guidelines. The defect in this case was treated with early application of a pelvic binder resulting in anatomic alignment and full resolution of pain within 3 months, and full return to activity within 6 months. In conclusion, the establishment of management guidelines for pubic symphysis is recommended, including the use of non-surgical management early in the patient recovery process and in cases with diastasis greater than 2.5 cm. This treatment strategy may decrease morbidity, recovery time, and complications in affected patients.
Alien Crabs as Potential Hosts of Pathogens Impacting Marine Megafauna’s Health and Conservation
Authors: Di Guardo Giovanni
Published: September 2023

Climate change, with a special emphasis on global warming, is believed to be a key driver of the accelerated rate of alien species expansion into the Mediterranean Sea basin and, more generally, into all marine and oceanic ecosystems [...]
Development of a Bilayer Tablet by Fused Deposition Modeling as a Sustained-Release Drug Delivery System
Authors: Crișan Andrea Gabriela , Porfire Alina , Iurian Sonia , Rus Lucia Maria , Lucăcel Ciceo Raluca , Turza Alexandru , Tomuță Ioan
Published: September 2023

Three-dimensional printing by fused deposition modeling (FDM) coupled with hot-melt extrusion (HME) is a point of convergence of research efforts directed toward the development of personalized dosage forms. In addition to the customization in terms of shapes, sizes, or delivered drug doses, the modulation of drug release profiles is crucial to ensure the superior efficacy and safety of modern 3D-printed medications compared to those of conventional ones. Our work aims to solidify the groundwork for the preparation of 3D-printed tablets that ensure the sustained release of diclofenac sodium. Specifically, we achieved the fast release of a diclofenac sodium dose to allow for the prompt onset of its pharmacological effect, further sustaining by the slow release of another dose to maintain the effect over a prolonged timeframe. In this regard, proper formulation and design strategies (a honeycomb structure for the immediate-release layer and a completely filled structure for the sustained-release layer) were applied. Secondarily, the potential of polyvinyl alcohol to function as a multifaceted polymeric matrix for both the immediate and slow-release layers was explored, with the objective of promoting the real-life applicability of the technique by downsizing the number of materials required to obtain versatile pharmaceutical products. The present study is a step forward in the translation of HME-FDM-3DP into a pharmaceutical manufacturing methodology.
Follicle-Targeted Delivery of Betamethasone and Minoxidil Co-Entrapped in Polymeric and Lipid Nanoparticles for Topical Alopecia Areata Treatment
Authors: Matos Breno N. , Lima Ana Luiza , Cardoso Camila O. , Cunha-Filho Marcilio , Gratieri Tais , Gelfuso Guilherme M.
Published: September 2023

Alopecia areata is managed with oral corticosteroids, which has known side effects for patients. Given that a topical application of formulations containing a corticoid and a substance controlling hair loss progression could reduce or eliminate such adverse effects and increase the patient’s adherence to the treatment, this study prepares polymeric and lipidic nanoparticles (PNPs and NLCs) to co-entrap minoxidil and betamethasone and compares the follicular drug delivery provided by topical application of these nanoparticles. The prepared PNPs loaded 99.1 ± 13.0% minoxidil and 70.2 ± 12.8% betamethasone, while the NLCs entrapped 99.4 ± 0.1 minoxidil and 80.7 ± 0.1% betamethasone. PNPs and NLCs presented diameters in the same range, varying from 414 ± 10 nm to 567 ± 30 nm. The thermal analysis revealed that the production conditions favor the solubilization of the drugs in the nanoparticles, preserving their stability. In in vitro permeation studies with porcine skin, PNPs provided a 2.6-fold increase in minoxidil penetration into the follicular casts compared to the control and no remarkable difference in terms of betamethasone; in contrast, NLCs provided a significant (specifically, a tenfold) increase in minoxidil penetration into the hair follicles compared to the control, and they delivered higher concentrations of betamethasone in hair follicles than both PNPs and the control. Neither PNPs nor NLCs promoted transdermal permeation of the drugs to the receptor solution, which should favor a topical therapy. Furthermore, both nanoparticles targeted approximately 50% of minoxidil delivery to the follicular casts and NLCs targeted 74% of betamethasone delivery to the hair follicles. In conclusion, PNPs and NLCs are promising drug delivery systems for enhancing follicular targeting of drugs, but NLCs showed superior performance for lipophilic drugs.
Captopril Polyvinyl Alcohol/Sodium Alginate/Gelatin-Based Oral Dispersible Films (ODFs) with Modified Release and Advanced Oral Bioavailability for the Treatment of Pediatric Hypertension
Authors: Abdelkader Hamdy , Abdel-Aleem Jelan A. , Mousa Heba Salah , Elgendy Marwa O. , Al Fatease Adel , Abou-Taleb Heba A.
Published: September 2023

Hypertension can begin in childhood; elevated blood pressure in children is known as pediatric hypertension. Contrary to adult hypertension, there is a scarcity of commercial medications suitable for the treatment of pediatric hypertension. The aim of this study was to develop orally dispersible films (ODFs) loaded with captopril for the treatment of hypertension in children. Captopril-loaded ODFs were composed of different blends of synthetic polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and natural polymers, such as sodium alginate (SA) and gelatin. The ODFs were characterized based on their mechanical and thermal properties, drug content, surface morphology, in vitro disintegration, in vitro release, and bioavailability. A novel HPLC method with precolumn derivatization was developed to precisely and selectively determine captopril levels in plasma. A low concentration of PVA and a high concentration of SA generated ODFs with faster hydration and disintegration rates. SA-based films exhibited fast disintegration properties (1–2 min). The optimized modified-release film (F2) showed significant (p < 0.05) enhancement in bioavailability (AUC = 1000 ng min/mL), with a value 1.43 times that of Capoten® tablets (701 ng min/mL). While the plasma concentration peaking was in favor of the immediate-release tablet, Tmax was significantly prolonged by 5.4 times for the optimized ODF (3.59 h) compared with that of the tablets (0.66 h). These findings indicate uniform and sustained plasma concentrations, as opposed to the pulsatile and rapid plasma peaking of captopril from the immediate-release tablets. These findings suggest that the modified release of oral films could offer more favorable plasma profiles and better control of hypertension than the conventional release tablets.
Discovery of New Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine Derivatives as Potential Multi-Targeted Kinase Inhibitors and Apoptosis Inducers
Authors: Alotaibi AbdulAziz A. , Alanazi Mohammed M. , Rahman A. F. M. Motiur
Published: September 2023

In the pursuit of developing more potent and effective targeted kinase inhibitors (TKIs), a series of new compounds, specifically halogenated ‘(E)-4-((7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)amino)-N’-benzylidenebenzohydrazides’, were successfully synthesized in three steps with high yields. Among these novel compounds, namely 5e, 5h, 5k, and 5l, promising cytotoxic effects were observed against four different cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 29 to 59 µM. Notably, compound 5k emerged as the most potent inhibitor, exhibiting significant activity against EGFR, Her2, VEGFR2, and CDK2 enzymes, with IC50 values ranging from 40 to 204 nM, comparable to the well-known TKI sunitinib (IC50 = 261 nM). Mechanistic investigations of compound 5k revealed its ability to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HepG2 cells, accompanied by a notable increase in proapoptotic proteins caspase-3 and Bax, as well as the downregulation of Bcl-2 activity. Furthermore, molecular docking studies indicated similar binding interactions between compound 5k and the four enzymes, as observed with sunitinib. These findings highlight the potential of compound 5k as a promising candidate for further development as a multi-targeted kinase inhibitor with enhanced potency.
Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Tubercular Activity of 4-Methyl-7-Substituted Coumarin Hybrids and Their Structure Activity Relationships
Authors: Nibin Joy Muthipeedika , Guda Mallikarjuna R. , Zyryanov Grigory V.
Published: September 2023

Four sets of previously synthesized 4-methyl-7-substituted coumarin derivatives were screened for their in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-tubercular activities. The anti-inflammatory potential of 3a–t, 5a–o, 6a–n, and 7a–f synthesized compounds was evaluated by an anti-denaturation assay using diclofenac sodium as the reference standard. Evaluation of the anti-tuberculous activity of the mentioned compounds was performed by the Resazurin test method against four different TB strains using rifampicin and isoniazid as reference drugs. Based on the anti-inflammatory results, compounds 3o, 5f, 6c, and 7d proved to be the most active compounds in their respective series. Additionally, compounds 3k–n, 5b–d, 6d–f, 6k, 7a, and 7f were found to be the most potent anti-tuberculous agents. In fact, most of the screened compounds exhibited promising activity profiles compared to the respective standard drugs. The structure–activity connections revealed a few intriguing aspects, indicating that the presence of electron-donating and nitrogen-rich fragments boost the anti-inflammatory effects of the examined compounds. However, the presence of electron-withdrawing substituents was required to boost the anti-tubercular activity of the evaluated compounds.
Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes for Improved Drug Bioavailability and Activity: Synthetic and Analytical Aspects
Authors: Sarabia-Vallejo Álvaro , Caja María del Mar , Olives Ana I. , Martín M. Antonia , Menéndez J. Carlos
Published: September 2023

Many active pharmaceutical ingredients show low oral bioavailability due to factors such as poor solubility and physical and chemical instability. The formation of inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins, as well as cyclodextrin-based polymers, nanosponges, and nanofibers, is a valuable tool to improve the oral bioavailability of many drugs. The microencapsulation process modifies key properties of the included drugs including volatility, dissolution rate, bioavailability, and bioactivity. In this context, we present relevant examples of the stabilization of labile drugs through the encapsulation in cyclodextrins. The formation of inclusion complexes with drugs belonging to class IV in the biopharmaceutical classification system as an effective solution to increase their bioavailability is also discussed. The stabilization and improvement in nutraceuticals used as food supplements, which often have low intestinal absorption due to their poor solubility, is also considered. Cyclodextrin-based nanofibers, which are polymer-free and can be generated using environmentally friendly technologies, lead to dramatic bioavailability enhancements. The synthesis of chemically modified cyclodextrins, polymers, and nanosponges based on cyclodextrins is discussed. Analytical techniques that allow the characterization and verification of the formation of true inclusion complexes are also considered, taking into account the differences in the procedures for the formation of inclusion complexes in solution and in the solid state.
Fresnel Lens Array-Based Phase Mask Location Method for Adjustable Multi-Pass Cavity
Authors: Wang Ximing , Yu Xichang , Yang Tianyu , Ruan Cheng , Gao Shijie , Ma Lie
Published: September 2023

The modulation accuracy of Multi-Plane Light Conversion (MPLC) mainly depends on the positioning accuracy of the phase mask on the Spatial Light Modulator (SLM). To improve positioning accuracy, the impact of phase mask shift on modulation accuracy is investigated, and a position method is proposed. In order to investigate the influence of phase mask offset on the input light conversion effect, a convolution transmission model for the adjustable multi-pass cavity is established. Then, the positioning process for the phase masks is analyzed and simulated, and a method of positioning the phase masks is presented. This method reduces the positioning time and increases the positioning accuracy to 8 μm. Finally, experiments are performed to verify the feasibility of the method. Experimental results show that the similarity of the adjustable multi-pass cavity positioned by this method can reach 93.44%.
The Role of the Hercynian Mountains of Central Europe in Shaping Plant Migration Patterns in the Pleistocene—A Review
Authors: Urbaniak Jacek , Kwiatkowski Paweł
Published: September 2023

The climatic changes that took place in Europe during the Quaternary period influenced plant habitats as well as their species and vegetation composition. In this article, biogeographical studies on Hercynian mountain plants that include data for the Alps, Carpathians, and European lowlands are reviewed in order to discuss the phylogeographical structure and divergence of the Hercynian populations from those in other European mountain ranges, Scandinavia, and lowlands. The analyzed studies show specific phylogeographical relations between the Hercynian mountains, Alps, Scandinavia, Carpathians, and European lowlands. The results also indicate that the genetic patterns of plant populations in the Hercynian Mountains may differ significantly in terms of origin. The main migration routes of species to the Hercynian ranges began in the Alps or Carpathians. Some species, such as Rubus chamaemorus L., Salix lapponum L., and Salix herbacea L., are glacial relics that may have arrived and settled in the Hercynian Mountains during the Ice Age and that survived in isolated habitats. The Hercynian Mountains are composed of various smaller mountain ranges and are a crossroads of migration routes from different parts of Europe; thus, intensive hybridization has occurred between the plant populations therein, which is indicated by the presence of several divergent genetic lines.