bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of thermal degradation of carotenoids related to potential of mixture of wheat, cassava and sweet potato flours in baking products
Authors: Ospina Maria A , Moreno Jhon Larry , Tran Thierry , Jaramillo Angélica M. , Gallego‐Castillo Sonia , Ospina Bernardo , Dufour Dominique
Published: July 2023

Background

The consumption of foods such as sweet potato and cassava with high levels of carotenoids is a possible solution to reduce vitamin A deficiency. In this study, we evaluated the kinetics of thermal degradation of carotenoids. The content of carotenoids was quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography, first in fresh material, then in flour and finally in bakery products using mixtures of wheat, sweet potato and cassava. The degree of acceptance of the bakery products by children was also assessed through a sensory acceptance test.

Results

The study found that the degradation of carotenoid compounds in sweet potato followed first‐order kinetics and fitted the Arrhenius equation with correlations of R2 > 0.9. The retention rates of all‐trans‐β‐carotene were 77%, 56% and 48% at cooking temperatures of 75, 85 and 95 °C respectively, during a cooking time of 20 min. The concentrations of all‐trans‐β‐carotene, after baking, for bread, cookies and cake were 15, 19 and 14 μg g−1 db, respectively. In a sensory acceptance test carried out in a school, 47.6% of the boys and 79.2% of the girls rated the cookies made from a mixture of cassava, sweet potato and wheat flour with the indicator I like it a lot.

Conclusion

The content of carotenoid compounds was reduced by exposure to high temperatures and long cooking times. The combinations of cooking time and temperature which minimized degradation of all‐trans‐β‐carotene occurred at 75 °C–20 min and 95 °C–10 min. All‐trans‐β‐carotene retentions for bread, cookies and cake were 25%, 15% and 11% respectively. The mixture of wheat, sweet potato and cassava flour can be considered in the development of cookies with positive contributions of all‐trans‐β‐carotenes and with a good acceptance by children between 9 and 13 years old. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Use of metaverse in socializing: Application of the big five personality traits framework
Authors: G Sowmya , Chakraborty Debarun , Polisetty Aruna , Khorana Sangeeta , Buhalis Dimitrios
Published: July 2023

Social media sites, such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, are increasingly interconnected with the metaverse, which has forged a new digital connection between the users and community‐building platforms. The increased accessibility of social media via smartphones provides opportunities for greater social interaction and facilitates users’ interaction online. As the metaverse and social media sites become increasingly connected it presents opportunities for the users to make new digital connections and socialize virtually. This study employs the Big Five personality theory to empirically test how the personality traits of Generation‐Z impact on their intentions to socialize using innovative technology (metaverse). With Personal Innovation and Hedonic Motivation as moderators, we use a mixed‐methods approach that employs a qualitative (n = 24) and quantitative study (n = 436) to understand why Generation‐Z is inclined to use the metaverse for socializing. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling analyse the data statistically. Results show that Openness has the highest impact on users’ intention to adopt the metaverse, followed by Extraversion and Agreeableness. Personal Innovation and Hedonic Motivation variables present evidence of positive moderation with the personality traits. Further, generation differences between cohorts and users’ personalities affects their willingness to adopt the metaverse.
MGF‐net: Multi‐channel group fusion enhancing boundary attention for polyp segmentation
Authors: Huang Zhiyong , Xie Fang , Qing Wencheng , Wang Mengyao , Liu Man , Sun Daming
Published: July 2023

Background

Colonic polyps are the most prevalent neoplastic lesions detected during colorectal cancer screening, and timely detection and excision of these precursor lesions is crucial for preventing multiple malignancies and reducing mortality rates.

Purpose

The pressing need for intelligent polyp detection has led to the development of a high‐precision intelligent polyp segmentation network designed to improve polyp screening rates during colonoscopies.

Methods

In this study, we employed ResNet50 as the backbone network and embedded a multi‐channel grouping fusion encoding module in the third to fifth stages to extract high‐level semantic features of polyps. Receptive field modules were utilized to capture multi‐scale features, and grouping fusion modules were employed to capture salient features in different group channels, guiding the decoder to generate an initial global mapping with improved accuracy. To refine the segmentation of the initial global mapping, we introduced an enhanced boundary weight attention module that adaptively thresholds the initial global mapping using learnable parameters. A self‐attention mechanism was then utilized to calculate the long‐distance dependency relationship of the polyp boundary area, resulting in an output feature map with enhanced boundaries that effectively refines the boundary of the target area.

Results

We carried out contrast experiments of MGF‐Net with mainstream polyp segmentation networks on five public datasets of ColonDB, CVC‐ColonDB, CVC‐612, Kvasir, and ETIS. The results demonstrate that the segmentation accuracy of MGF‐Net is significantly improved on the datasets. Furthermore, a hypothesis test was conducted to assess the statistical significance of the computed results.

Conclusions

Our proposed MGF‐Net outperforms existing mainstream baseline networks and presents a promising solution to the pressing need for intelligent polyp detection. The proposed model is available at https://github.com/xiefanghhh/MGF‐NET.
Comprehensive evaluation and new recommendations in the use of Gafchromic EBT3 film
Authors: Liu Kevin , Jorge Patrik Gonçalves , Tailor Ramesh , Moeckli Raphaël , Schüler Emil
Published: July 2023

Background

Gafchromic film's unique properties of tissue‐equivalence, dose‐rate independence, and high spatial resolution make it an attractive choice for many dosimetric applications. However, complicated calibration processes and film handling limits its routine use.

Purpose

We evaluated the performance of Gafchromic EBT3 film after irradiation under a variety of measurement conditions to identify aspects of film handling and analysis for simplified but robust film dosimetry.

Methods

The short‐ (from 5 min to 100 h) and long‐term (months) film response was evaluated for clinically relevant doses of up to 50 Gy for accuracy in dose determination and relative dose distributions. The dependence of film response on film‐read delay, film batch, scanner type, and beam energy was determined.

Results

Scanning the film within a 4‐h window and using a standard 24‐h calibration curve introduced a maximum error of 2% over a dose range of 1–40 Gy, with lower doses showing higher uncertainty in dose determination. Relative dose measurements demonstrated <1 mm difference in electron beam parameters such as depth of 50% of the maximum dose value (R50), independent of when the film was scanned after irradiation or the type of calibration curve used (batch‐specific or time‐specific calibration curve) if the same default scanner was used. Analysis of films exposed over a 5‐year period showed that using the red channel led to the lowest variation in the measured net optical density values for different film batches, with doses >10 Gy having the lowest coefficient of variation (<1.7%). Using scanners of similar design produced netOD values within 3% after exposure to doses of 1–40 Gy.

Conclusions

This is the first comprehensive evaluation of the temporal and batch dependence of Gafchromic EBT3 film evaluated on consolidated data over 8 years. The relative dosimetric measurements were insensitive to the type of calibration applied (batch‐ or time‐specific) and in‐depth time‐dependent dosimetric signal behaviors can be established for film scanned outside of the recommended 16–24 h post‐irradiation window. We generated guidelines based on our findings to simplify film handling and analysis and provide tabulated dose‐ and time‐dependent correction factors to achieve this without reducing the accuracy of dose determination.
Oral surgery under general anesthesia in a patient with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia: A case report
Authors: Yamasaki Sachiko , Yoshioka Yukio , Oue Kana , Koizumi Koichi , Yanamoto Souichi
Published: July 2023

Background

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a fatal arrhythmic disease. Herein, we report a case of third molar extraction performed under general anesthesia to avoid ventricular tachycardia.

Case Presentation

A 28‐year‐old woman presented with constant pain and bilateral mandibular gingival swelling. The patient had a history of CPVT diagnosis at 5 years of age, which had been managed with beta‐blockers and sodium channel blockers. Due to the contraindication of using epinephrine and the risk of CPVT induction due to pain, the extraction was conducted under general anesthesia.

Conclusion

Oral surgery in CPVT patients requires appropriate anesthetic agent selection.
Low‐velocity impact and self‐healing behavior of CFRP laminates with poly(ethylene‐co‐methacrylic acid) filament reinforcement
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Tie Ying , Li Cheng
Published: July 2023

An experimental study is performed to explore the low‐velocity impact (LVI) and self‐healing behavior of carbon‐fiber‐reinforced‐polymer (CFRP) laminates reinforced by thermoplastic poly(ethylene‐co‐methacrylic acid) (EMAA) filaments. Firstly, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermos‐gravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) are used to determine the process parameters. Thereafter, the unreinforced laminates and EMAA reinforced laminates are prepared via phased hot‐processing curing process. The LVI tests with four energy levels (5, 15, 25 and 35 J) are then carried out on the two types of specimens. In these energy cases, the peak‐force values of the reinforced specimens are 2.2%, 1.9%, 2.3% and 7.5% higher than those of the unreinforced ones, while the energy‐absorption‐rate values of the reinforced ones are 6.02%, 3.53%, 4.24% and 2.32% lower. The comparisons demonstrate the impact‐resistance enhancement of EMAA. Moreover, multiple LVI tests are performed on the unhealed and healed specimens. In 15 and 25 J cases, around 6.92% higher peak load and 4.58% lower absorbed energy are observed within the healed specimens, which is attributed to the healing effect. The healing mechanism is investigated by utilizing attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscope (OM) technologies. It reveals that EMAA flows into the delaminations and cracks during the healing process, and thus accomplishing self‐healing behavior effectively.
Enhanced interfacial and mechanical properties of glass fabric/epoxy composites via grafting silanized carbon nanotubes onto the fibers
Authors: Wang Yuting , Chen Tianyu , Han Wanshu , Yang Aoyun , Zeng Shaohua , Chen Pengpeng , Xu Ying , Nie Wangyan , Zhou Yifeng
Published: July 2023

For enhancing the interfacial adhesion of glass fabric (GF)/epoxy composites, silanized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used to treat GF surface, where carboxyl MWCNTs were functionalized by silane coupling agents based on the covalent or non‐covalent bonding, followed by the vacuum infusion process of laminated composites. A detailed study was employed to confirm the effects of silanized MWCNTs uniform dispersion and interfacial properties of resultant composites. Making full use of suitable silane coupling agents (γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane) treatment, the uniform MWCNTs dispersion and strong fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion could be achieved. Compared with the control sample, flexural and interlaminar shear strengths of resultant composites were enhanced by about 24% and 22%, respectively, indicating superior mechanical strength for composites; flexural modulus and storage modulus in the glassy state were improved by about 36% and 68%, respectively, suggesting higher stiffness for composites; the work of fracture (Wf) under interlaminar shear tests was raised by about 188%, revealing better interlaminar fracture toughness of composites. In addition, glass transition temperature of resultant composites also increased. This work provides a guiding strategy for manufacturing fiber‐reinforced composites requiring adjustable strength, stiffness, and toughness.

Highlights

Silane coupling agent was grafted on MWCNTs by covalent/non‐covalent bonding.

Active groups of silanized MWCNTs induced crosslinking reactions with matrix.

Silanized MWCNTs dispersion and glass fiber/matrix adhesion were improved.

Strengthening/toughening mechanisms of laminated composites were analyzed.
Untargeted‐based metabolomics analysis and in vitro/in silico antiviral activity of extracts from Phyllanthus brasiliensis (Aubl.) Poir
Authors: Carvalho Alice Rhelly V. , Reis José Diogo E. , Gomes Paulo Wender P. , Ferraz Ariane Coelho , Mardegan Horrana A. , Menegatto Marília Bueno da Silva , Souza Lima Rafaela Lameira , de Sarges Maria Rosilda V. , Pamplona Sônia das G. S. R. , Jeunon Gontijo Karen Sartori , de Magalhães José Carlos , da Silva Milton N. , Magalhães Cintia Lopes de Brito , Silva Consuelo Yumiko Yoshioka e
Published: July 2023

Introduction

This study describes the molecular profile and the potential antiviral activity of extracts from Phyllanthus brasiliensis, a plant widely found in the Brazilian Amazon. The research aims to shed light on the potential use of this species as a natural antiviral agent.

Methods

The extracts were analysed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) system, a potent analytical technique to discover drug candidates. In the meantime, in vitro antiviral assays were performed against Mayaro, Oropouche, Chikungunya, and Zika viruses. In addition, the antiviral activity of annotated compounds was predicted by in silico methods.

Results

Overall, 44 compounds were annotated in this study. The results revealed that P. brasiliensis has a high content of fatty acids, flavones, flavan‐3‐ols, and lignans. Furthermore, in vitro assays revealed potent antiviral activity against different arboviruses, especially lignan‐rich extracts against Zika virus (ZIKV), as follows: methanolic extract from bark (MEB) [effective concentration for 50% of the cells (EC50) = 0.80 μg/mL, selectivity index (SI) = 377.59], methanolic extract from the leaf (MEL) (EC50 = 0.84 μg/mL, SI = 297.62), and hydroalcoholic extract from the leaf (HEL) (EC50 = 1.36 μg/mL, SI = 735.29). These results were supported by interesting in silico prediction, where tuberculatin (a lignan) showed a high antiviral activity score.

Conclusions

Phyllanthus brasiliensis extracts contain metabolites that could be a new kick‐off point for the discovery of candidates for antiviral drug development, with lignans becoming a promising trend for further virology research.
Should schools “return to normal”? Mixed outcomes resulting from COVID‐19 in schools
Authors: Tomkunas Alexandria J. , Welliver Megan , Wink Mackenzie N. , LaRusso Maria D.
Published: July 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic dramatically altered practices in the K‐12 education system. Though several studies have documented impacts on students and staff, limited research has explored educators' experiences with these changes. This study addresses this gap using interview data to examine elementary school educators' perspectives. Results suggest that the pandemic facilitated a variety of adaptations in schools that led to outcomes that were primarily negative (student social development and educator stress), mixed (student well‐being and academic achievement; educator support, time demands, and well‐being), or positive (student resilience and flexibility; educator resilience, sense of community, autonomy, and flexibility). This study describes ways in which pandemic‐related changes in schools produced a mix of unfavorable and favorable conditions. An important implication is that rather than aiming for a complete “return to normal,” schools should identify what may have worked better during the pandemic, such as increased social‐emotional learning and individualized instruction, and explore ways in which such changes could be maintained going forward.
Psychological symptoms in high achieving students: The multiple mediating effects of parental achievement pressure, perfectionism, and academic expectation stress
Authors: Haspolat Namık Kemal , Yalçın İlhan
Published: July 2023

The study aimed to investigate the correlations between psychological symptoms in high‐achieving students with performance‐oriented assessment, parental psychological control, parental achievement pressure, perfectionism, and academic expectation stress. The study group consisted of 1134 science high school students (658 females [57.1%], 486 males [42.9%]) aged between 14 and 19 years (mean = 16.26, SD = 0.871). In the research, the Classroom Assessment Environment Scale, Leuven Adolescent Perceived Parenting Scale, Parental Achievement Pressure Scale, Academic Expectation Stress Inventory, Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‐21 were used as data collection tools. The research, using the correlational survey model, analyzed the data with structural equation modeling. In the structural model, performance‐oriented assessment and parental psychological control significantly predicted parental achievement pressure, while parental achievement pressure significantly predicted perfectionism, academic expectation stress, and psychological symptoms. Parental achievement pressure had a mediating role in the relationship between performance‐oriented assessment and parental psychological control with psychological symptoms. Performance‐oriented assessment and parental psychological control indirectly predicted psychological symptoms mediated by parental achievement pressure, perfectionism, and academic expectation stress. Based on the multigroup structural equation model, it was also seen that the structural model did not differ by gender.
Special structures and thermal stabilities of polyurethanes derived from diol and triol having oxazolidone moieties
Authors: Yoshida Yoshiaki , Yoshinaga Yuki , Endo Takeshi
Published: July 2023

We synthesized regular polyurethanes from the diol having oxazolidone structure (Diol‐1) and the aliphatic diisocyanate by typical polyaddition. The results of the structural analysis suggested that the polyurethane having a cyclic urethane structure such as oxazolidone formed a rod‐like structure, although the control polyurethane having a chain urethane structure formed a linear structure. The polyaddition of Diol‐1 and aliphatic diisocyanate with triol having oxazolidone structure (Triol‐1) as a crosslinker also proceeded successfully to achieve corresponding polyurethanes. However, the polyurethanes containing a molar ratio of Triol‐1 less than or equal 50% were soluble in high polar organic solvents nevertheless those polyurethanes contained some trifunctional units in the polymer chain. On the other hand, the polyurethanes containing a molar ratio of Triol‐1 more than 50% were insoluble in any organic solvents. We hypothesized that the soluble polyurethanes containing Triol‐1 formed multi‐branched structure and the insoluble polyurethanes formed cross‐linking structure. Such structures of polymer chain affected significantly to the thermal properties of the obtained polyurethanes.
Efficient CH3OH formation on H2/Ar plasma‐treated CoO sites for CO2 + H2 + H2O DBD system
Authors: Pan Jie , Li Bin , Dou Liguang , Gao Yuan , He Pengchen , Shao Tao
Published: July 2023

Packing heterogeneous catalysts to achieve a better plasma–catalyst synergy is critical to promoting CO2 conversion into high‐value chemicals. Herein, a series of CoO‐based catalysts were synthesized, and the treated H2/Ar–CoO possessed the highest CH3OH selectivity (39.6%) in the CO2 + H2 + H2O system, about four times higher than the initial CoO (10.0%). Systemic characterizations showed that H2/Ar plasma treatment significantly increased the oxygen vacancy (Ov) concentration of H2/Ar–CoO by Ar+ bombardment and synchronous H reduction. Considering the key role of CH3O on CH3OH generation upon kinetic simulations, we proposed that the Ov in H2/Ar–CoO could accelerate the CH3O/OH adsorption and further recombine with H/CH3, in which the H2O provided abundant OH/H radicals via electron‐impact process. This study highlighted the importance of using H2O with Ov‐rich catalysts for plasma‐enabled CH3OH synthesis.
A multi user‐centred design approach framework to develop aesthetically pleasing and sustainable OTCP packaging
Authors: Camilleri Tamasine , Farrugia Philip , Refalo Paul
Published: July 2023

With the healthcare industry moving towards self‐medication, the number of self‐service pharmacies stocking over‐the‐counter pharmaceuticals (OTCP) is rising. The aesthetic attributes of OTCP packaging are critical to attract consumers' attention against competing products. Moreover, sustainable design aims at minimising the negative environmental impacts of packaging. Studies show that stakeholders' interests should be represented more in pharmaceutical packaging, specifically in the early stages of the design process. For this reason, OTCP packaging design is challenging, as sustainable packaging is typically seen as unappealing. Within this context, this paper presents a novel and comprehensive framework aimed at supporting designers to develop aesthetically pleasing and sustainable OTCP packaging, placing multiple users at its core. Studies with OTCP packaging stakeholders were first conducted to identify the framework requirements together with the necessary OTCP packaging attributes. A framework architecture was developed and subsequently implemented in a proof‐of‐concept computer‐based tool. The framework and its implementation were evaluated with the OTCP packaging development stakeholders. Results provide a degree of evidence that the framework contributes significantly to guide OTCP packaging designers in taking the right decisions and can also provide the first steps towards considering aesthetics and sustainability in the packaging design in other sectors, namely, food and beverage.
Balloon pulmonary angioplasty outcomes in patients previously treated by pulmonary endarterectomy surgery are inferior to those of inoperable patients
Authors: Kirkby Louise C. , Rodgers Matthew S. , Amaral‐Almeida Liliana , Sheares Karen , Toshner Mark , Bunclark Katherine , Bartnik Aleksandra , Taboada Dolores , Ng Choo , Taghavi Fouad J. , Tsui Steven , Cannon John E. , Weir‐McCall Jonathan R. , Coghlan John G. , Jenkins David P. , Pepke‐Zaba Joanna , Hoole Stephen P.
Published: July 2023

Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) may not achieve full clearance of vascular obstructions in patients with more distal chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) may be indicated to treat these residual vascular lesions. We compared whether patients post‐PEA (PP) treated by BPA derived similar benefit to those who had inoperable CTEPH (IC), and assessed predictors of BPA response after surgery. We treated 109 patients with BPA—89 with IC and 20 PP. Serial right heart catheterization performed at baseline (immediately before BPA) and 3 months after completing BPA, compared pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) as well as change in WHO functional class and 6‐minute walk distance. We also assessed the impact of total thrombus tail length (TTTL) from photographed PEA surgical specimens and PP computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA)‐quantified residual disease burden on BPA response. PP and IC groups did not differ significantly in terms of demographics, baseline hemodynamics or procedural characteristics. However, IC derived greater hemodynamic benefit from BPA: ΔPVR (−27.9 ± 20.2% vs. −13.9 ± 23.9%, p < 0.05) and ΔmPAP (−17.1 ± 14.4% vs. −8.5 ± 18.0%, p < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between pre‐BPA PVR and TTTL (r = −0.47, p < 0.05) which persisted post‐BPA. PVR, mPAP, WHO FC and 6MWD were not improved significantly post‐BPA in PP patients. BPA response was not related to TTTL terciles or CTPA‐quantified residual disease burden. Patients PP experienced inferior response to BPA, despite similar baseline and procedural characteristics to IC. BPA does not abolish the relationship between TTTL and postsurgical PVR in PP patients, suggesting that BPA is less effective in treating residual PH after surgery in an experienced surgical center.
Thermodynamic stability of cytosine tetramers mediated by partially reduced silver trimers: QM/MM free energy analysis
Authors: Ramasanoff Ruslan R.
Published: July 2023

Partially reduced silver clusters growing in a polycytosine matrix could simultaneously possess stabilizing ability and remarkable optical features. The mechanisms of this phenomenon are not fully understood so far. We examined the thermodynamic stability of a cytosine–silver associate comprising four cytosines and three silver atoms that can be considered the smallest known luminescent silver marker stabilized on DNA. Quantum and molecular mechanical representations thermodynamic integration toward the dissociation pathway of the cytosine tetramer, time‐dependent density functional theory calculations of the lowest energy excited states and quantum theory of atoms in molecules analysis of bonding showed that the reduction of two ions within the silver trimer mediating cytosine tetramer leads to the appearance of the green‐emitting silver cluster with low stabilization ability of cytosines relative to a tetramer stabilized by two silver ions.
Teacher professional development programs integrating science and language with multilingual learners: A conceptual framework
Authors: Lee Okhee , Grapin Scott , Haas Alison
Published: July 2023

As the vision inA Framework for K‐12 Science Educationand the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) takes hold in schools and classrooms, there is an urgent need for teacher professional development (PD) programs that align with NGSS‐designed curriculum materials and address the unique strengths and needs of diverse student groups, including multilingual learners (MLs). The purpose of this article is to propose our conceptual framework for PD programs that aligns with current reform efforts and is grounded in the mutually supportive nature of contemporary science and language instructional shifts. Specifically, we examine our previous NGSS‐designed curriculum development project with MLs and review the literature in science education and language education with MLs. Our conceptual framework for PD programs is grounded in the perspective ofsymmetrythat teacher professional learning experiences should be symmetrical to the learning experiences we organize for students. Grounded in this perspective, our conceptual framework consists of three design principles that describe how PD programs can guide teachers to (a) develop an asset‐oriented view of MLs and instructional practices for recognizing and leveraging their assets, (b) integrate science and language in mutually supportive ways with MLs, and (c) develop more sophisticated instructional practices for integrating science and language with MLs over time. We describe contributions of our conceptual framework, which could generate a new research agenda and inform PD programs aimed at facilitating uptake of NGSS‐designed curriculum materials in linguistically diverse science classrooms.
Synthesis of Luotonin and Rutaecarpine Analogues by One‐Pot Intramolecular Dehydrogenative Cross‐Coupling and Benzylic C−H Oxidation, and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assay
Authors: Mondal Sudipta , Sultana Farhin , Dutta Sankhadeep , Mondal Mohabul A.
Published: July 2023

Herein, we reported an effective one‐pot protocol to synthesize quinazolinone fused N‐heterocyclic scaffold, structurally similar to the natural product Luotonin and Rutaecarpine by Pd(OAc)2/Ag(OAc)‐promoted intramolecular dehydrogenative cross‐coupling (DCC). The structure of all the compounds has been confirmed unambiguously by NMR, mass, and XRD. The electronic effect of the substituents attached to the backbone of the starting material was thoroughly investigated. The outcome of the reaction is highly dependent on the substrate structure and pH of the medium. Based on the experimental observation, a probable mechanism has been proposed. To see the anti‐cancer properties, we have studied concentration‐dependent cell viability assay of one compound on SiHa cell, a human cervical cancer cell line. The observed IC50 value was 23 μM.
Metal‐Enhanced Fluorescence due to Salicylaldehyde‐Silver Nanoparticle Interactions for Fe3+ Sensing
Authors: Sahu Mamta , Ganguly Mainak , Doi Ankita
Published: July 2023

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using alkaline salicylaldehyde (SL) in the presence of silver nitrate. SL was oxidized to quinone form, while silver(I) was converted to silver (0). The solution was highly fluorescent, (quantum yield 7 %, λex 290 nm, λmax 424 nm), where silver (0) exhibited metal‐enhanced fluorescence and quinone acted as the fluorophore. The fluorescence was selectively quenched with the addition of Fe3+. No other metal shows such drastic fluorescence quenching. Thus, silver‐enhanced fluorescence is used to detect iron selectively and sensitively (limit of detection 2×10−9 M, linear detection ranges from 10−4 M to 8×10−9 M). The detection of iron was also done at various water of natural sources (drinking water tap water, rainwater, and Ganga River water). The iron concentration was quite similar to atomic absorption spectroscopy. The enhancement of fluorescence of the sliver atom is attributed to enhanced photonic mode density, related to the lightning rod effect. The quenching of silver‐enhanced fluorescence was attributed to the destruction of the capping agent due to SL‐iron complexation. The variation of distance between the fluorophore and metalized surface was anticipated for the alteration of fluorescence with and without the Fe3+ion.
Organo‐Catalytic Approach for Biscoumarin Synthesis via a Biomass‐Derived Sustainable Strategy
Authors: Garg Pooja , Rajasekhara Reddy Sabbasani
Published: July 2023

Biscouamrins are dimers of 4‐hydroxycoumarin formed by reaction of aldehydes and 4‐hydroxycoumarin. These were synthesized via one‐pot pseudo three component cascade reaction using sugar ionic liquid as an organo catalyst under green reaction conditions. Sugar derived from natural carbohydrates were used in the formulation of D‐ribose sugar ionic liquid (RSIL). In the formation of biscouamrins two reactions occurs i. e., Knoevenagel condensation and Michael addition reaction. Substituted aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic aldehydes were used for the synthesis of a variety of target biscouamrins products and developed protocol is scalable. Substitutions in the aryl ring of benzaldehyde showed very less or no effect on the reaction rate. The developed catalyst was shown to be recyclable five times without losing much of its efficiency.
Synthesis of Pyrimidine Modified Seleno‐DNA as a Novel Approach to Antisense Candidate
Authors: Fang Ziyuan , Dantsu Yuliya , Chen Cen , Zhang Wen , Huang Zhen
Published: July 2023

Chemically modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) currently in pre‐clinical and clinical experiments mainly focus on the 2′‐position derivatizations to enhance stability and targeting affinity. Considering the possible incompatibility of 2′‐modifications with RNase H stimulation and activity, we have hypothesized that the atom specific modifications on nucleobases can retain the complex structure and RNase H activity, while enhancing ASO's binding affinity, specificity, and stability against nucleases. Herein we report a novel strategy to explore our hypothesis by synthesizing the deoxynucleoside phosphoramidite building block with the seleno‐modification at 5‐position of thymidine, as well as its Se‐oligonucleotides. Via X‐ray crystal structural study, we found that the Se‐modification was located in the major groove of nucleic acid duplex and didn't cause the thermal and structural perturbations. Surprisingly, our nucleobase‐modified Se‐DNAs were exceptionally resistant to nuclease digestion, while compatible with RNase H activity. This affords a novel avenue for potential anti‐sense modification in the form of Se‐antisense oligonucleotides (Se‐ASO).
Plasticized polyvinyl chloride/melamine‐cyanurate modified Mg(OH)2@bentonite nanocomposites; mechanical, thermal, and flame retardant properties
Authors: Hajibeygi Mohsen , Soltani Faezeh , Shabanian Meisam , Maleki Mahdiye , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Kruppke Benjamin
Published: July 2023

In this work, a strategy was used to combine Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles (MDH), the bentonite nano‐sheets, and melamine cyanurate (MC) to prepare dioctyl phthalate (DOP) plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanocomposites with increased thermal stability, Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI), and tensile strength as well as reduced total heat release. To prepare MC‐modified Mg(OH)2@bentonite nanohybrid (MMHB), MDH was installed on the calcined bentonite and consequently modified with MC. The nanocomposite thin films were prepared from plasticized‐PVC and MMHB using the solvent casting method. It was found that the combination of MDH and the bentonite nano‐sheets in the presence of MC could improve the PVC properties. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in both N2 and air atmospheres, indicated that the thermal stability of PVC was enhanced via adding MMHB, which was evident by the increased thermal decomposition temperature. The microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) results of the PVC nanocomposites with 5% and 8% by mass of MMHB revealed that an optimal isolating layer is formed, which increased flame retardant properties. The PVC matrix nanocomposite containing 8% by mass of MMHB with LOI value of 33.4% exhibited high flame retardancy. Moreover, the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the sample containing 5% by mass of MMHB increased by 65.5% and 55.2% compared to those of pristine PVC, respectively.

Highlights

A nanohybrid was prepared from Mg(OH)2 (MDH) and calcined bentonite.

Preparation of melamine cyanurate (MC).

Preparation of MC‐modified MDH@bentonite nanohybrid (MMHB).

Effects of MMHB on thermal stability and flame retardancy of plasticized PVC.

The efficient flame retardancy effect of the additive on plasticized PVC.
AdS2 holography and ModMax
Authors: Rathi Hemant , Roychowdhury Dibakar
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We present a JT gravity set up in the presence of projected ModMax corrections in two dimensions. Our starting point is the Einstein’s gravity in four dimensions accompanied by the ModMax Lagrangian. The 2D gravity action is obtained following a suitable dimensional reduction which contains a 2D image of the 4D ModMax Lagrangian. We carry out a perturbative analysis to find out the vacuum structure of the theory which asymptotes to AdS2 in the absence of U(1) gauge fields. We estimate the holographic central charge and obtain corrections perturbatively upto quadratic order in the ModMax and the U(1) coupling. We also find out ModMax corrected 2D black hole solutions and discuss their extremal limits.
Non-factorizable virtual corrections to Higgs boson production in weak boson fusion beyond the eikonal approximation
Authors: Long Ming-Ming , Melnikov Kirill , Quarroz Jérémie
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Non-factorizable virtual corrections to Higgs boson production in weak boson fusion at next-to-next-to-leading order in QCD were estimated in the eikonal approximation [1]. This approximation corresponds to the expansion of relevant amplitudes around the forward limit. In this paper we compute the leading power correction to the eikonal limit and show that it is proportional to first power of the Higgs boson transverse momentum or the Higgs boson mass over partonic center-of-mass energy. Moreover, this correction can be significantly enhanced by the rapidity of the Higgs boson. For realistic weak boson fusion cuts, the next-to-eikonal correction reduces the estimate of non-factorizable contributions to fiducial cross section by (20) percent.
Epigenetic silencing of OR and TAS2R genes expression in human orbitofrontal cortex at early stages of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Alves Victoria Cunha , Figueiro-Silva Joana , Ferrer Isidre , Carro Eva
Published: July 2023

Modulation of brain olfactory (OR) and taste receptor (TASR) expression was recently reported in neurological diseases. However, there is still limited evidence of these genes’ expression in the human brain and the transcriptional regulation mechanisms involved remain elusive. We explored the possible expression and regulation of selected OR and TASR in the human orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and non-demented control specimens using quantitative real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. Global H3K9me3 amounts were measured on OFC total histone extracts, and H3K9me3 binding at each chemoreceptor locus was examined through native chromatin immunoprecipitation. To investigate the potential interactome of the repressive histone mark H3K9me3 in OFC specimens, native nuclear complex co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was combined with reverse phase-liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis. Interaction between H3K9me3 and MeCP2 was validated by reciprocal Co-IP, and global MeCP2 levels were quantitated. We found that OR and TAS2R genes are expressed and markedly downregulated in OFC at early stages of sporadic AD, preceding the progressive reduction in their protein levels and the appearance of AD-associated neuropathology. The expression pattern did not follow disease progression suggesting transcriptional regulation through epigenetic mechanisms. We discovered an increase of OFC global H3K9me3 levels and a substantial enrichment of this repressive signature at ORs and TAS2Rs proximal promoter at early stages of AD, ultimately lost at advanced stages. We revealed the interaction between H3K9me3 and MeCP2 at early stages and found that MeCP2 protein is increased in sporadic AD. Findings suggest MeCP2 might be implicated in OR and TAS2R transcriptional regulation through interaction with H3K9me3, and as an early event, it may uncover a novel etiopathogenetic mechanism of sporadic AD.

Graphical abstract
New Lower Bounds for the Integration of Periodic Functions
Authors: Krieg David , Vybíral Jan
Published: July 2023

We study the integration problem on Hilbert spaces of (multivariate) periodic functions.The standard technique to prove lower bounds for the error of quadrature rules uses bump functions and the pigeon hole principle. Recently, several new lower bounds have been obtained using a different technique which exploits the Hilbert space structure and a variant of the Schur product theorem. The purpose of this paper is to (a) survey the new proof technique, (b) show that it is indeed superior to the bump-function technique, and (c) sharpen and extend the results from the previous papers.
Blastische plasmazytoide dendritische Zellneoplasie (BPDCN)
Authors: Nguyen Katrin , Korsing Sören , Mansour Yasmine , Meier Katharina
Published: July 2023

Die blastische plasmazytoide dendritische Zellneoplasie ist eine seltene hämatologische Neoplasie, die aus Vorläuferzellen der plasmazytoiden dendritischen Zellen entsteht und durch disseminierte, erythematöse bis bläulich-livide Plaques oder Nodi gekennzeichnet ist. Aufgrund der Seltenheit der Erkrankung stellen die Diagnose und Therapie eine Herausforderung dar. Wir berichten über einen Patienten mit BPDCN und stellen klinische und diagnostische Merkmale sowie Therapieoptionen vor.
OCT, Triple H oder doch etwas anderes?
Authors: Heinen Anna , Erlebach Rolf , Schrimpf Claudia , Bonani Marco , Ganter Christoph C. , David Sascha , Andermatt Rea
Published: July 2023

Die Hyperammonämie ist ein lebensbedrohliches Krankheitsbild, dessen Prognose von einer raschen Senkung des Ammoniaks abhängt. Ist eine hepatische Ursache ausgeschlossen, ist die Differenzialdiagnose breit und umfasst auch im Erwachsenenalter hereditäre Stoffwechselerkrankungen. Hier beschreiben wir den Fall einer 25-jährigen Patientin mit einer schweren, therapierefraktären Hyperammonämie und betonen die Relevanz der extrakorporalen Elimination des Ammoniaks.
Gibt es eine „europäische Pädiatrie“?
Authors: Dornbusch Hans Jürgen , Trobisch Andreas , Sauseng Werner , Kurz Ronald
Published: July 2023

Im Jahr 1961 wurde die Confederation of European Specialists in Paediatrics (CESP) als Berufsverband für Kinderärztinnen und -ärzte und andere Fachleute im Bereich der Kinderheilkunde in Europa gegründet.

Im Jahr 2001 wurde die CESP in European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP; www.eapaediatrics.eu) umbenannt, entsprechend ihrer Vision und ihrem Auftrag, als „Gesellschaft“ engagierter Pädiater durch Bildung und Forschung optimale Standards für die Gesundheit und das Wohlergehen von Kindern und Jugendlichen in ganz Europa zu fördern und aufrechtzuerhalten sowie v. a. für die Gesundheit und die Rechte der Kinder in der gesamten europäischen Region einzutreten, so wie es durch die American Academy of Pediatrics für die Kinder in den 50 Vereinigten Staaten geschieht.

Die EAP bietet Pädiater/innen und anderen Fachleuten aus dem Bereich der Kindergesundheit ein Forum für den Wissens- und Ideenaustausch sowie für die Zusammenarbeit bei Forschungs- und klinischen Projekten an, des Weiteren Ausbildungsrichtlinien und Fortbildungsmöglichkeiten, darunter Online-Kurse, Workshops und jährliche internationale Konferenzen (EAP Congress and Mastercourse, alternierend mit dem Meeting der European Academy of Paediatric Societies, EAPS).

Außerdem ist die EAP maßgeblich an einer Reihe von gesundheitsfördernden Initiativen beteiligt, wie Information über den Wert des Impfens, die Prüfung von Medizinprodukten mit hohem Risiko, die Unterstützung des Stillens und das Eintreten für eine Politik, die eine gesunde Lebensweise für Kinder und Familien fördert.

Die EAP, mit Hauptsitz in Brüssel, repräsentiert die pädiatrische Sektion der European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS PS), ist in der International Pediatric Association (IPA, www.ipa-world.org) vertreten und arbeitet eng mit der European Confederation of Primary Care Paediatricians (ECPCP) zusammen sowie mit anderen europäischen und internationalen Organisationen, die sich für die Gesundheit und Entwicklung von Kindern einsetzen, wie European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), WHO und UNICEF.

In der Einigkeit liegt die Kraft. Daher ist ein wichtiges Ziel der EAP, verschiedene pädiatrische Gesellschaften zusammenzubringen, um eine einheitliche und starke Stimme zu bilden, die sich für die Gesundheit und die Bedürfnisse von Kindern in ganz Europa einsetzt.
Animals evoking fear in the Cradle of Humankind: snakes, scorpions, and large carnivores
Authors: Frynta Daniel , Elmi Hassan Sh Abdirahman , Rexová Kateřina , Janovcová Markéta , Rudolfová Veronika , Štolhoferová Iveta , Král David , Sommer David , Berti Daniel Alex , Frýdlová Petra
Published: July 2023

Theories explain the presence of fears and specific phobias elicited by animals in contemporary WEIRD (Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic) populations by their evolutionary past in Africa. Nevertheless, empirical data about fears of animals in the Cradle of Humankind are still fragmentary. To fill this gap, we examined which local animals are perceived as the most frightening by Somali people, who inhabit a markedly similar environment and the region where humans have evolved. We asked 236 raters to rank 42 stimuli according to their elicited fear. The stimuli were standardized pictures of species representing the local fauna. The results showed that the most frightening animals were snakes, scorpions, the centipede, and large carnivores (cheetahs and hyenas). These were followed up by lizards and spiders. Unlike in Europe, spiders represent less salient stimuli than scorpions for Somali respondents in this study. This conforms to the hypothesis suggesting that fear of spiders was extended or redirected from other chelicerates.
Social isolation in the oldest-old: determinants and the differential role of family and friends
Authors: Moormann Katharina Isabelle , Pabst Alexander , Bleck Franziska , Löbner Margrit , Kaduszkiewicz Hanna , van der Leeden Carolin , Hajek André , Brettschneider Christian , Heser Kathrin , Kleineidam Luca , Werle Jochen , Fuchs Angela , Weeg Dagmar , Bickel Horst , Pentzek Michael , Weyerer Siegfried , Wiese Birgitt , Wagner Michael , Maier Wolfgang , Scherer Martin , König Hans-Helmut , Riedel-Heller Steffi G.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To examine the association of sociodemographic and health-related determinants with social isolation in relation to family and friends in the oldest-old.

Methods

Database was the multi-center prospective AgeCoDe/AgeQualiDe cohort study assessed at follow-up wave 5 (N = 1148; mean age 86.6 years (SD 3.0); 67% female). Social isolation was assessed using the short form of the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6). The LSNS-6 contains two sets of items establishing psychometrically separable subscales for isolation from family and friends (ranges 0–15 points), with lower scores indicating higher isolation. Cross-sectional linear (OLS) regression analyses were used to examine multivariate associations of sociodemographic and health-related determinants with social isolation from family and friends.

Results

Overall, n = 395 participants (34.6%) were considered socially isolated. On average, isolation was higher from friends (mean 6.0, SD 3.8) than from family (mean 8.0, SD 3.5). Regression results revealed that in relation to family, males were more socially isolated than females (β = − 0.68, 95% CI − 1.08, − 0.28). Concerning friends, increased age led to more isolation (β = − 0.12, 95% CI − 0.19, − 0.05) and functional activities of daily living to less isolation (β = 0.36, 95% CI 0.09, 0.64). Independent of the social context, depression severity was associated with more social isolation, whereas cognitive functioning was associated with less social isolation.

Conclusions

Different determinants unequally affect social isolation in relation to family and friends. The context of the social network should be incorporated more strongly regarding the detection and prevention of social isolation to sustain mental and physical health.