bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization, DFT studies, and molecular modeling of hydrazinelidene‐3‐oxo‐3‐(p‐olyl) propanal derivatives as potential candidate for Hepatitis B and C treatment
Authors: Louis Hitler , Egemonye Thank God C. , Edet Henry O. , Agwamba Ernest C. , Unimuke Tomsmith O. , Adeyinka Adedapo S.
Published: March 2024

Serious liver conditions including cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure can be brought on by hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV) infection. In our study, compound H_B and H_E were synthesized, spectroscopically, theoretically characterized, and investigated as potential drug for HBV and HCV. The stability of the investigated compounds as well as their Inter‐ and intramolecular interactions were investigated using the density functional theory with the B3LYP/6‐311+G (d, p) basis set. Lower energy gaps for studied compounds indicate compound ds to be reactive. The maximal absorption wavelengths of the substances under investigation were ascertained using the UV absorption spectrum. The optical property of the compounds under investigation was also calculated. Various vibrational modes displayed by functional groups present in the examined compounds were considered. Thereafter, docking was performed to determine the compatibility of compounds in study with selected hepatitis B and C proteins in comparison to recommended drugs Sofosbuvir and lamivudine. The results of molecular docking were based on binding affinity. Compound H_E, with a binding affinity of ‐7.6 kcal/mol has more potential in treating hepatitis than H_B, which has a binding affinity of ‐7.1 kcal/mol and is also a better anti‐hepatic agent than standard drugs sofosbuvir and lamivudine with lower binding affinities. Hence, H_E has the potential to treat HBV and HCV.
The effect of binder molecular weight and talc mineral filler on expansion ratio and hardness in intumescent material
Authors: Tu Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Van Duan Le , Trang Tran Thu , Lien Nguyen Thi , Ninh Vu The , Ly Giang Thi Phuong , Dung Nguyen Viet
Published: March 2024

Intumescent flame retardant coatings were prepared including binder (acrylic resin), solvent, TiO2, talc and flame retardant system (ammonium polyphosphate‐APP, pentaerythritol‐PEN, and melamine‐MEL). To evaluate the effect of molecular weight on the swelling process as well as the hardness of the charred layer, the acrylic resins with different molecular weights were applied. In particular, by incorporating of talc mineral, the performance of the APP‐PEN‐MEL system is significantly improved. The results showed that the highest molecular weight acrylic resin has the best expansion ratio (53.72 times) and the highest hardness of charred layer (15.5 N at the compression of 30 %). The coating with 2.5 % talc powder can be considered as an optimized content of the char layer.
Hamburger‐liked selenium doped‐zinc oxide decorated in graphene for assessing enhanced phenolic compound removal
Authors: Trinh Dinh Ngoc , Huong Le Minh , Hai Nguyen Duy , Thinh Doan Ba , Dat Nguyen Minh , Ky Nham Minh , Phuc Bui Ngoc , Phuc Nguyen Thien , Khoa Ta Dang , Oanh Doan Thi Yen , Phong Mai Thanh , Hieu Nguyen Huu
Published: March 2024

Herein, selenium doped‐zinc oxide decorated in graphene (Se@ZnO/Gr ‐ SZG) was facilely synthesized via the hydrothermal method with orange peel extract as a reducing agent. The composite was well characterized by various modern analytical methods. In terms of the characterization analysis, the synthesized Se@ZnO with high crystallinity has a hamburger‐like structure uniformly distributed on the graphene sheets. The effects of catalyst dosage, H2O2 volume, and pH on the photodegradation of para‐nitrophenol are studied. Besides, the investigation of the photodegradation performance revealed a 99.22 % elimination under treatment of 15 mg of SZG catalyst in the presence of 1.25 mL H2O2 at pH 9 for 100 min UV irradiation. Accordingly, the results express the potentiality of the material in organic matter treatment.
Copper promoted, directed sulfenylation and phenoxylation of benzamide C−H bonds
Authors: Ha Nguyen Van Vinh , Ha Nguyen Thi Thu , Khanh Ong Ngoc , Phuong Dinh Truc , Nhat Ho Thanh , Tung Nguyen Thanh
Published: March 2024

Herein we reported a method for copper pivalate mediated, directed functionalization of ortho C−H bonds in (2‐methylthio)aniline benzamides. Diaryl disulfides were used for thiolation, while successful phenoxylation was obtained with phenol as the coupling agent. Our report marks a rare example for flexible transformation of benzamide C(sp2)−H bonds into the corresponding unsymmetrical diaryl ethers and thioethers.
In silico screening of alkaloids as potential inhibitors of HER2 protein for breast cancer treatment
Authors: Tung Bui Thanh , Son Nguyen Nhu , Kim Nguyen Bao , Khanh Do Thi Hong , Minh Phan Hong
Published: March 2024

In breast cancers, the expression of the human epidermal growth factor‐2 (HER2) receptor protein target is overexpressed, which plays a critical role in the development of breast cancer. The HER2 inhibitor neratinib, which is currently on the market, specifically targets the ATP‐binding site of the receptors in the EGFR family to inhibits phosphorylation and several HER downstream signaling pathways but it has adverse effects. Phytochemicals provide a useful substitute because they have less adverse effects and are reasonably priced. Hence, this study focused on finding alkaloid compounds collected from Chemfaces database that inhibit HER2 enzyme employing computational methods such as molecular docking and ADMET prediction. Out of 118 phytochemicals docked to the ATP binding site of the HER2 kinase domain, 10 alkaloid compounds (coptisine, sanguinarine, sorafenib, abiraterone acetate, nocamycin I, tirandamycin B, mahanine, tomatidine, cyclopamine and irinotecan hydrochloride) exhibited higher binding affinity than the reference inhibitor and satisfied the Lipinski's rule of five. All compounds have good pharmacokinetic properties. Therefore, these ten compounds could be potential bioactive molecules to act as inhibitor of HER2 protein. To fully assess the potentials of these phytochemicals, experimental investigations will be required. Our study may accelerate the development of HER2 inhibitor drug.
Solvent‐free, microwave‐assisted, solid‐catalyzed synthesis and α‐Glucosidase inhibition of chalcones
Authors: Van Pham Thi Bich , Huy Le Thanh , Thuy Nguyen Thi Bich , Nga Vo Thi , Tam Le Minh , Phuong Ho , Hao Hoang Minh
Published: March 2024

A series of chalcone analogues were synthesized using Claisen‐Schmidt condensation and assayed for in vitro inhibitory activity against α‐glucosidase. The synthesis involved in solvent‐free reaction conditions including NaOH‐catalyzed grinding or microwave irradiation in the presence of a clay‐based catalyst. Hydroxychalcones and 2′‐hydroxychalcones were not isolated when using grinding method, while the microwave‐assisted, clay‐catalyzed synthesis gave these desired products. In addition, flavanones, cyclization products from 2′‐hydroxychalcones were formed in both methods. Flavanones 3g and 3s were the most active toward α‐glucosidase. Compound 3g exhibited an effect (IC50 = 10.4±0.2 μM) close to genistein (IC50 = 7.8±0.3 μM), a known α‐glucosidase inhibitor. Structure‐activity relationship analysis indicated that the 4‐hydroxy substituted motif in ring B of chalcones seems to be an important factor on the α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity. Furthermore, the 3,4‐difluorinated chalcones also exhibited activities as compared to mono‐fluorinated derivatives, suggesting that the more fluorination in ring B may be crucial for the inhibitory activity.
Slab models of rutile TiO2 (110) surface: DFT and DFT+U calculations
Authors: Thoa Tran Thi , Nguyen Trang Thuy , Van Hung Hoang , Hue Nguyen Thi Minh
Published: March 2024

The dependence of rutile TiO2 (1 1 0) surface's structural and electronic properties on the number of layers has been carefully investigated with DFT and DFT+Ud,p approaches using three slab models. We have found that oscillations of surface energy, electronic properties from DFT calculations on the three models are stronger than those from corresponding DFT+Ud,p calculations. The even‐odd fluctuations were demonstrated to relate to over delocalization of electrons, especially electrons in Ti 3d orbitals. The Ud,p corrections in DFT+Ud,p enabled to restrict the oscillations. The F2B slab model weakens the oscillations and calculations on F2B model quickly converge. However, the F2B model leads to artificial narrowness of band gap. Besides, when the number of layers increases, surface energy obtained from all three slab models approaches similar values. In particular, values of surface energy from DFT calculations converge to the experimental range for all three slab models.
Design, virtual screening and in silico QSPR modeling for the development of new thiosemicarbazone‐based complexes
Authors: Quang Nguyen Minh , Chau Huynh Ngoc , Hoa Tran Thai , Ngoc Vu Thi Bao , Van Tat Pham
Published: March 2024

Eighteen new thiosemicarbazone ligands and 30 new ligand‐based complexes were developed from quantitative structure‐property relationships (QSPR) methods. Stability constants (logβ12) of complexes were calculated on QSPR models that were built by methods of multivariate linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN). Six descriptors, including dipole, 5C, 4N, fw, xc3, and ka1 were discovered in the best QSPRMLR model with the good statistical criteria: R2train = 0.892, Q2CV = 0.845, and SE = 0.900. Besides, the ANN model with architecture I(6)‐HL(3)‐O(1) was built from the descriptors of the MLR model with excellent results as R2train = 0.958, Q2CV = 0.966, and Q2test = 0.980. Also, the models were externally validated on the other experimental dataset. Consequently, the resulting QSPR models could be applied to develop new complexes for chemically related fields.
Deposition behavior of electroless Ni‐W‐P coating on Zr‐4 surface
Authors: Yu Hongyan , Wang Tianyi , Jiang Mingyan , Wang Bin , Shen Wenzhu , Zeng Feihong
Published: March 2024

Electroless Ni‐W‐P coating was successfully deposited on Zr‐4 alloy by an electroless plating technique. In order to obtain the deposition behavior of Ni‐W‐P coating on the Zr‐4 surface, scanning electron microscopy (SEM, ZEISS EV0MA15), energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometer (EDS), X‐ray diffractogram (XRD, DX‐2700) and electrochemical workstation were used to observe the changes of microstructure, elemental composition, phase composition and corrosion resistance of the coating at different times (3, 5, 10, 30, 60, and 120 min). Based on the analysis of test results, the growth process of Ni‐W‐P coating on a pre‐coated Zr‐4 surface can be summarized as follows: Na3ZrF7→Na3ZrF7 partially transformed into NiZrP→NiZrP was covered by the amorphous materials composing of Ni, W and P elements. Moreover, incomplete Ni‐W‐P coating did not have the ability to improve the corrosion resistance of the Zr‐4 substrate, and the nickel unit cell grew for at least 30 min before initially forming a barrier to the corrosive medium.
Study on chemical composition and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity from the leaves of Muntingia calabura
Authors: Le Tho Huu , Nguyen Hai Xuan , Van Do Truong Nhat , Nguyen Mai Thanh Thi
Published: March 2024

“Trứng cá” (Muntingia calabura) is a special species of the genus Muntingia. Phytochemical studies on the leaves of M. calabura showed that seven compounds were isolated, including R‐(+)‐5‐(δ‐tocopherol‐5'‐yl)‐δ‐tocopherol (1), trans‐phytol (2), ergosta‐4,6,8(14),22‐tetraen‐3‐one (3), ergosterol peroxide (4), stigmasta‐4‐ene‐3,6‐dione (5), 6β‐hydroxystigmast‐4‐en‐3‐one (6), and β‐sitosterol (7). The structures of the compounds were elucidated by mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and compared to the literature. The biological test result for all isolated compounds showed that compounds 1‐3, and 5‐7 have the ability to inhibit moderately α‐glucosidase with IC50 values ranging from 57.9 to 249.5 μM. Compound 3 processed a significant inhibitory activity effect with an IC50 value of 57.9 μM, more potent than the positive control, acarbose (IC50, 214.5 μM). This is the first time compounds 1‐5 have been reported for the Muntingia genus.
Perovskite MAPbI3 preparation by using deep eutectic solvents (DES) based on acetamide
Authors: Huynh Vu Tan , Ngo Tung Thanh , Tran Thien Sy , Huynh Khanh Quoc , Phan Thuan Thi , Nguyen Phuong Tuyet
Published: March 2024

In this work, we replaced the conventional solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or dimethylformamide (DMF) by deep eutectic solvents (DES) in the synthesis of methylammonium lead iodide perovskite (MAPbI3). The first DES system was based on the combination of acetamide and urea (A–U–P system), the homogenous solution was formed at relative low temperature (~40°C). For the second system which was based on acetamide and choline chloride (A–C–P system), lead nitrate only dissolved at higher temperature (~100°C). Interestingly, lead nitrate did not precipitate when cooling down the solutions to room temperature for both systems, instead they existed as homogenous gel–like mixtures. From these lead precursors, the MAPbI3 have been formed successfully on the glass substrates by two‐step synthesis method. X‐rays diffraction showed that MAPbI3 existed in three different phases such as Tetragonal, Cubic and Orthorhombic. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results indicated that the perovskite films formed from both systems possessed high quality with large grain size, few grain boundaries and few pin–holes. The results expressed the possibility in using DES for preparing perovskite MAPbI3 thin films which are ready for applications such as solar cells, resistive random‐access memory.
Triterpenoids from the leaves of Camellia chrysantha growing in Quang Ninh (Vietnam) and their activities on main protease (Mpro) and ACE2
Authors: Van Nguyen Thi Hong , Nghi Do Huu , Bach Pham Cao , Tuyen Tran Thi , Bich Hoang Thi , Toan Tran Quoc , Lam Do Tien , Hoang Le Viet , Quan Pham Minh , Minh Pham Thi Hong
Published: March 2024

Camellia chrysantha (Hu) Tuyama (Theaceae) is used as a high‐class herbal tea called “yellow camellia”, “golden camellia”, “camellia queen”. Phytochemical investigation of the leaves of C. chrysantha led to the isolation of four triterpenoids β‐amyrin hexanoate (1), friedelin (2), friedelanol (3), β‐amyrin (4) together with one steroid chondrillasterol (5). Their chemical structures were established based on analysis of their spectroscopic data including 1D, 2D‐NMR, MS data and comparing with literatures. It is the first time β‐amyrin hexanoate and chondrillasterol were isolated from the genus Camellia, and similarly for friedelin, friedelanol and β‐amyrin from C. chrysatha. Beta‐amyrin hexanoate which presents a high amount in the leave of C. chrysantha, exhibited the enzyme inhibitory activity against 3CLpro/Mpro but non‐toxicity toward normal Vero cells.
Combination of magnetic activated carbon and activated sludge for methylene blue and nickel(II) ions removal in aerobic biological treatment
Authors: Dao My Uyen , Ha Thi Dung , Sirotkin Alexander , Le Van Thuan , Nguyen Lan Anh , Do Thi Hanh , Mac The Vinh , Hoang Hien Y
Published: March 2024

The treatment of dyes and heavy metals in aqueous solutions is a major environmental concern, and many methods have been developed to address this problem. However, most of these methods focus on treating either dyes or heavy metals and have their own limitations. Therefore, treatment process that can simultaneously remove both dyes and heavy metals on large scale is essentially required. In this study, we synthesized magnetic activated carbon (MAC) derived from Litsea glutinosa seeds, which was applied to eliminate methylene blue and nickel ions in the aeration tank of the biological treatment system. Structural characteristics and adsorption properties of MAC were studied. The obtained results revealed that the removal efficiency of these pollutants significantly improved as a combination of MAC and activated sludge, especially in the case of nickel ions removal. Furthermore, using MAC in the biological treatment system markedly enhanced the COD removal in compared with that treated without MAC or activated sludge. The advantage of treatment process with MAC addition was also clearly observed by accelerating the settling of activated sludge. Moreover, the obtained results confirmed that wastewater after being treated was assessed as non‐toxic to living organisms by using bioassay.
Preparation and characterization of ZnO composite nanomaterials in chitosan oligosaccharide iodine solution
Authors: Du Bui Duy , Tuan Le Nghiem Anh , Tho Tran Phuoc , Ngoc Doan Thi Bich , Phong Nguyen Trong Hoanh
Published: March 2024

Composite nanomaterials of ZnO/chitosan oligosaccharide (ZnO/COS) and ZnO/chitosan oligosaccharide iodine (ZnO/CTS‐I2) were expected to have effective antimicrobial effects due to the synergistic effects of the components. In this work, we present a method to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles with size of 12.3‐15.0 nm stabled in COS with low molecular weight (Mw) 3,321 g/mol and COS‐I2 complex by precipitation of Zn2+ with NaOH at pH 9, and then ultrasonic treatment to form ZnO nanoparticles. The UV‐Vis spectra of ZnO/COS and ZnO/COS‐I2 composite nanomaterials both appeared absorption peaks typical for surface plasmon resonances of ZnO nanoparticles in solution at 372 and 370 nm, respectively. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the formation of ZnO/COS‐I2 with wurtzite crystal structure characterized in both materials. The FT‐IR spectra of COS, COS‐I2, nano ZnO/COS, and nano ZnO/COS‐I2 were measured. The characteristic peaks for the bonding vibrations of –OH and –NH2 groups of ZnO/COS and ZnO/COS‐I2 shifted to a larger wavenumber than that of COS. The prepared ZnO/COS and ZnO/COS‐I2 nanocomposite materials may have potential for application as antibacterial agents used in medicine, food, and agricultural product preservation, control of harmful microorganisms on plants, and plant growth promotion.
Evaluating the enantioselective capability of a cellulose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenyl carbamate)‐based stationary phase towards 5,7,2'‐trihydroxyflavanone
Authors: Hung Nguyen Khanh , Thanh Nguyen Tuan , Luyen Nguyen Thi Thuy , Du Nguyen Huy
Published: March 2024

In this study, an evaluation of the enantioselective of a chiral flavanone with 2'‐OH substitution (5,7,2'‐trihydroxyflavanone) on ring C was studied by high performance liquid chromatography using the cellulose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenyl carbamate)‐based stationary phase with n‐hexane and iso‐propanol doped with 0.1% (v/v) trifluoroacetic acid as a mobile phase. Column temperature and mobile phase composition were investigated in the assessment of the chiral separation by considering the enantiomeric resolution factor (Rs). Also, the absolute configurations of single enantiomers were determined by measuring CD spectra based on the exciton‐coupling method. The results pointed out that the 2'‐hydroxy group was capable of advancing the enantioselective of flavanones on the cellulose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenyl carbamate)‐based stationary phase when the column temperature was higher than 30 oC and the mobile phase was of 10% iso‐propanol doped with 0.1% (v/v) TFA in n‐hexane. The absolute configuration determination showed that the enantiomer with the 2S configuration was the first eluted and, consequently, the elution order of the enantiomers of 5,7,2'‐trihydroxyflavanone at optimal conditions was in contrast to 5,7,4'‐trihydroxyflavanone and 5,7‐dihydroxyflavanone. The 2'‐OH substitution on the phenyl moiety appears to be capable of inducing or altering the strength of inter‐and intramolecular interactions when the chiral selectors are immobilized on the silica stationary phase.
Hypercalcaemia as a suspected paraneoplastic syndrome to feline intestinal leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Peneva Emiliya , Gonzàlez‐Gasch Esteban , Sumping Jessica Caline , Rigas Konstantinos
Published: March 2024

A 13‐year‐old, female, neutered, domestic, shorthair cat presented with a history of weight loss and vomiting. An intra‐abdominal mass was palpated during clinical examination, and total hypercalcaemia was noted on biochemistry. Imaging findings were consistent with a jejunal mass, which was surgically resected, and an end‐to‐end anastomosis was performed. No other obvious signs of metastatic disease were observed. The hypercalcaemia resolved after 14 days, and histopathology results identified a leiomyosarcoma, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry staining. After 200 days, the patient returned with signs of hyporexia, weight loss and vomiting. Abdominal imaging evidenced a gastric wall mass and based on the previous clinical history, metastatic spread of the initial leiomyosarcoma was suspected, and the patient was euthanased. This is the first report of intestinal leiomyosarcoma associated with hypercalcaemia.
A bilateral corneal descemetocele as a consequence of corneal dystrophy in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
Authors: Cattaneo Alexia , Bersanetti Giulia , Guandalini Adolfo
Published: March 2024

The purpose was to describe the clinical findings, surgery and outcome of a bilateral descemetocele in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo), resulting from corneal dystrophy. A female ferret was diagnosed with a descemetocele in the left eye, as a result of corneal dystrophy with crystalline deposits, which spontaneously detached. Surgery was performed with a corneal graft and a conjunctival flap. No systemic disease was correlated with the corneal dystrophy. After 3 months, the ferret was presented with a descemetocele of the right eye, still due to corneal dystrophy. The same surgery as previously described was performed. The ferret recovered uneventfully from both surgeries and maintained vision from both eyes. This is the first report of corneal dystrophy in a ferret, and the first report of successful surgery on a descemetocele in this species. Surgery is the treatment of choice, and if performed quickly and adequately, has a good outcome.
Comparative analysis of perioperative and long‐term outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease versus viral hepatitis
Authors: Matsumoto Takatsugu , Shiraki Takayuki , Tanaka Genki , Yamaguchi Takamune , Park Kyung‐Hwa , Mori Shozo , Iso Yukihiro , Ishizuka Mitsuru , Kubota Keiichi , Aoki Taku
Published: March 2024

Background

Despite the accumulating evidence regarding the oncological differences between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and viral infection‐related HCC, the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of surgical resection of NAFLD‐related HCC remain unclear. While some reports indicate improved postoperative survival in NAFLD‐related HCC, other studies suggest higher postoperative complications in these patients.

Methods

Patients with NAFLD and those with hepatitis viral infection who underwent hepatectomy for HCC at our department were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical, surgical, pathological, and survival outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

Among the 1047 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC, 57 had NAFLD‐related HCC (NAFLD group), and 727 had virus‐related HCC (VH group). The body mass index and serum glycated hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in the NAFLD group than in the VH group. There were no significant differences in operative time and bleeding amount. Moreover, the morbidity and the length of postoperative hospital stays were similar across both groups. The pathological results showed that the tumor size was significantly larger in the NAFLD group than in the VH group. No significant differences between the groups in overall or recurrence‐free survival were found. In a subgroup analysis with matched tumor diameters, patients in the NAFLD group had a better prognosis after hepatectomy than those in the VH group.

Conclusion

Surgical outcomes after hepatectomy were comparable between the groups. Subgroup analysis reveals early detection and surgical intervention in NAFLD‐HCC may improve prognosis.
Electrical discharge drilling of blind holes with injection flushing dielectric and stepped electrodes
Authors: Mao Xuanyu , Wu Ge , Tran Minh , Yi Shuang , Ding Songlin
Published: March 2024

Electrical discharge drilling of blind holes has been a challenging task due to the inherent difficulties in removing debris from the discharging gap. This paper investigates the working mechanism and effects of new stepped electrodes which are used in conjunction with injection flushing in drilling deep blind holes. A series of theoretical simulations and comparative experiments were conducted using cylindrical electrodes and two types of stepped electrodes. Pulse waveforms were captured to analyse the discharge status. Surface topography and machining quality were analysed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The machining performance was evaluated by studying the material removal rate (MRR) and tool wear ratio (TWR). Experiment results show that internal flushing caused the debris to circulate in the machining zone and led to abnormal discharges, disrupting the formation of the plasma channel. The MRR was increased by 75% and 82% when using cylindrical electrodes with pressures of 120 psi and 40 psi, respectively. In contrast, the MRR with injection flushing was about 80% of that without injection flushing when using stepped electrodes. Regardless of the type of electrode, the application of injection flushing resulted in the increase in the maximum effective machining depth.
Morroniside improves AngII-induced cardiac fibroblast proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix deposition by blocking p38/JNK signaling pathway through the downregulation of KLF5
Authors: Zheng Haotian , Yang Linxin , Huang Huashang , Lin Yazhou , Chen Lin
Published: March 2024

Myocardial fibrosis (MF), which is an inevitable pathological manifestation of many cardiovascular diseases in the terminal stage, often contributes to severe cardiac dysfunction and sudden death. Morroniside (MOR) is the main active component of Cornus officinalis with a variety of biological activities. This study was designed to explore the efficacy of MOR in MF and to investigate its pharmacological mechanism. The viability of MOR-treated human cardiac fibroblast (HCF) cells with or without Angiotensin II (AngII) induction was assessed with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). The migration of AngII-induced HCF cells was appraised with a transwell assay. Gelatin zymography analysis was adopted to evaluate the activities of MMP2 and MMP9, while immunofluorescence assay was applied for the estimation of Collagen I and Collagen III. By means of western blot, the expressions of migration-, fibrosis-, and p38/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signal pathway-related proteins were resolved. The transfection efficacy of oe-Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) was examined with reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot. In this study, it was found that MOR treatment inhibited AngII-induced hyperproliferation, migration, and fibrosis of HCF cells, accompanied with decreased activities of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), Fibronectin, and α-SMA, which were all reversed by KLF5 overexpression. Collectively, MOR exerted protective effects on MF by blocking p38/JNK signal pathway through the downregulation of KLF5.
Real-world characteristics and use patterns of patients treated with vericiguat: A nationwide longitudinal cohort study in Germany
Authors: Kerwagen Fabian , Ohlmeier Christoph , Evers Thomas , Herrmann Stefan , Bayh Inga , Michel Alexander , Kruppert Silvia , Wilfer Joanna , Wachter Rolf , Böhm Michael , Störk Stefan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Vericiguat reduced clinical endpoints in patients experiencing worsening heart failure in clinical trials, but its implementation outside trials is unclear.

Methods

This retrospective analysis of longitudinally collected data was based on the IQVIA™ LRx database, which includes ~ 80% of the prescriptions of the 73 million people covered by the German statutory health insurance.

Results

Between September 2021 and December 2022, vericiguat was initiated in 2916 adult patients. Their mean age was 73 ± 13 years and 28% were women. While approximately 70% were uptitrated beyond 2.5 mg, only 36% reached 10 mg. Median time to up-titration from 2.5 mg to 5 mg was 17 (quartiles: 11–33) days, and from 2.5 to 10 mg 37 (25–64) days, respectively. In 87% of the patients, adherence to vericiguat was high as indicated by a medication possession ratio of  ≥ 80%, and 67% of the patients persistently used vericiguat during the first year. Women and older patients reached the maximal dose of 10 mg vericiguat less often and received other substance classes of guideline-recommended therapy (GDMT) less frequently. The proportion of patients receiving four pillars of GDMT increased from 29% before vericiguat initiation to 44% afterwards.

Conclusion

In a real-world setting, despite higher age than in clinical trials, adherence and persistence of vericiguat appeared satisfactory across age categories. Initiation of vericiguat was associated with intensification of concomitant GDMT. Nevertheless, barriers to vericiguat up-titration and implementation of other GDMT, applying in particular to women and elderly patients, need to be investigated further.
Measurement properties of the EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-5L, and SF-6Dv2 in patients with late-onset Pompe disease
Authors: Xu Richard Huan , Luo Nan , Dong Dong
Published: March 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the EQ-5D (3L and 5L) and SF-6Dv2 in a group of Chinese patients with late-on Pompe disease (PD), and compare their performance in this patient group.

Methods

The data used in this study were obtained from a web-based and cross-sectional survey conducted in China. All participants completed the 3L, 5L, and SF-6Dv2. Information about their sociodemographic status and health conditions was also collected. The measurement properties were assessed by examining ceiling and floor effects, evaluating convergent validity, known-group validity, and test–retest reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] and Gwet’s AC).

Results

A total of 117 PD patients completed the questionnaire. All dimensions of the 3L showed strong ceiling effects, ranging between 17.1 and 42.7%. All three measures showed good test–retest reliability, with ICC values ranging from 0.85 to 0.87. The Gwet’s AC values showed that four out of five dimensions of the 3L showed very good agreement. All hypothesized correlations between the 3L, 5L, SF-6Dv2, and items of WHODAS were supported, indicating satisfactory convergent validity. The 5L showed stronger correlations (|r|= 0.53–0.84) with WHODAS than the other two measures. The outcomes of ANOVA indicated that the 5L had higher F-statistics than the 3L and SF-6Dv2, indicating a stronger discriminant ability to differentiate most condition groups.

Conclusion

The 5L demonstrates lower ceiling and floor effects, higher discriminant ability, and better convergent validity than the SF-6Dv2 and 3L in patients with PD. In addition, the 5L may generate a larger utility gain compared to the other two instruments when conducting cost-effectiveness analysis.
On the Edge of Psychopathology: Strong Relations Between Reversed Self-compassion and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Young People
Authors: Muris Peter , Fernández-Martínez Iván , Otgaar Henry
Published: March 2024

Self-compassion is assumed to have a protective role in the etiology of emotional problems in adolescents. This assumption is primarily based on correlational data revealing negative correlations between the total score on the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and symptom measures of anxiety and depression. Recently, however, the SCS has been criticized because this scale not only consists of items measuring compassionate self-responding (i.e., self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness), but also includes ‘reversed’ items measuring uncompassionate self-responding (i.e., self-criticism, isolation, and overidentification), which would undermine the validity of the scale as an index of a protective construct. The present article used two methods to demonstrate that compassionate (positive) and uncompassionate (negative) self-responding have differential effects on emotional problems in youths. In the first part, a meta-analysis based on 16 relevant studies demonstrated a modest protective effect of positive self-compassion on anxiety/depression and a large (and significantly stronger) vulnerability effect of negative self-compassion on such emotional symptoms. In the second part, network analyses were conducted on three previously collected data sets and these analyses again showed that negative self-compassion is more closely connected to young people’s symptoms of anxiety and depression than positive self-compassion. It is argued that the observed differential effects should not be discarded as a subversive fallacy, but rather offer an opportunity for studying the role of self-compassion in adolescents’ emotional psychopathology in a more sophisticated way, taking into account both protection and vulnerability.
Absolute gradable adjectives and loose talk
Authors: Dinges Alexander
Published: March 2024

Kennedy (Linguist Philos 30:1–45, 2007) forcefully proposes what is now a widely assumed semantics for absolute gradable adjectives. On this semantics, maximum standard adjectives like “straight” and “dry” ascribe a maximal degree of the underlying quantity. Meanwhile, minimum standard adjectives like “bent” and “wet” merely ascribe a non-zero, non-minimal degree of the underlying quantity. This theory clashes with the ordinary intuition that sentences like “The stick is straight” are frequently true while sentences like “The stick is bent” are frequently informative, and fans of the indicated theory of absolute gradable adjectives appeal to loose talk in response. One goal of this paper is to show that all extant theories of loose talk are inconsistent with this response strategy. Another goal is to offer a revised version of Hoek’s (Philos Rev 127:151–196, 2018, in: Proceedings of the 22nd Amsterdam Colloquium, 2019) recent theory of loose talk that accommodates absolute gradable adjectives after all, while being defensible against a range of important concerns.
Unravelling the fate of foliar-applied nickel in soybean: a comprehensive investigation
Authors: de Oliveira Jessica Bezerra , Lavres Jose , Kopittke Peter M. , Chaney Rufus L. , Harris Hugh H. , Erskine Peter D. , Howard Daryl L. , dos Reis André Rodrigues , van der Ent Antony
Published: March 2024

Background and aims

Nickel (Ni) deficiency has been reported to occur in soybean (Glycine max) grown on leached tropical soils in Brazil. We aimed to determine whether an internal or external Ni supply can compensate for low Ni within the seed by assessing whether the amount of Ni in the seed whether the foliar-application of aqueous NiSO4 influenced the uptake of Ni by the leaf, the nutritional status of the plant, urease activity and growth.

Methods

We used Ni-depleted seeds (<0.35 μg Ni per g) and Ni-sufficient seeds (11.1 μg Ni g−1) for hydroponic experiments. Seedlings were grown either with or without an external Ni supply (0 or 0.85 μM Ni in nutrient solution) and either with or without an internal Ni supply (with or cotyledons removed). In addition, we used synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence analysis to examine the distribution of foliar-applied Ni (50 and 100 mg L-1).

Key results

Leaf Ni concentration and urease activity were both enhanced by increasing either the internal (cotyledon seed store) or external (solution) Ni supply. In addition, plants derived from Ni-depleted seed that received external Ni supply had 9.2% higher biomass relative to plants derived from Ni-sufficient seeds which received Ni. When foliar-applied, Ni accumulated in the pedicles of the trichomes within 15 minutes of application, and then moved to the vascular bundles before dispersing further into tissues within 3 hours.

Conclusions

Trichomes are an important pathway for foliar Ni absorption in soybean, but there are still major knowledge gaps our understanding of the physiological function of trichomes in the uptake of metal ions from foliar micro-nutrient treatments.
Opportunities and Challenges Associated with the Uptake of Residential Clean Fuel Usage
Authors: Das Darpan , Ahmad Sohail , Kirshner Joshua
Published: March 2024

Purpose of Review

Almost 3 billion people worldwide use solid fuel for cooking and heating. This review examines (i) household energy practices and infrastructures and their influence on fuel usage in different contexts; (ii) barriers in adoption of household clean energy technologies and uses in diverse settings and population groups and (iii) potential air pollution exposure reduction in homes through using processed fuel.

Recent Findings

Population health burden from solid fuel combustion-derived particulate air pollution has been estimated in several low- and middle-income countries. However, such studies have not been carried out in high income countries (e.g., UK). Irrespective of the region, fuel prices are the most dominant factor influencing the choice of fuel. Laboratory studies suggest processed fuel — pellets and briquettes — reduce particulate matter emissions by 70–80% and can be a promising alternative.

Adoption of clean fuels for domestic energy needs facilitates progress towards five of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There is evidence that a variety of factors, including cost savings, encourage and hinder such uptake. These factors include price fluctuations, expenses, and the usage of clean fuels. Due to their distinct development scenarios, more expansive policy frameworks, and political economies of energy, these determinants are localized in character and differ significantly amongst economies. Therefore, in order to create innovative plans for the adoption of clean fuel use, strategies centred on local settings must be developed while keeping broad socio-technical and socio-economic issues in mind. Solid fuel processing — pelletization and briquetting — have the potential to reach Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)–like emissions, and could be a potential strategy to mitigate exposure to household air pollution
Assessment of the relevance of features associated with corn crop yield prediction in Colombia, a country in the Neotropical zone
Authors: Sierra-Forero Brayan-Leonardo , Baron-Velandia Julio , Vanegas-Ayala Sebastian-Camilo
Published: March 2024

Obtaining highly accurate predictive models to precisely estimate corn crop yields is essential for making informed decisions in a sustainable agriculture environment. There are various approaches to achieve this goal, including models based on Fuzzy Logic, Association Rules, and Machine Learning. However, some of these models have limitations in terms of the accuracy of their predictions, attributable to the high complexity and non-linearity in the interactions between factors. While Machine Learning techniques alone can achieve high precision, the inclusion of multiple attributes can reduce it. This study focuses on identifying the most influential factors at the regional level through a comprehensive analysis of the relevance of features associated with corn crop yields in Colombia, a country in the Neotropical zone. To accomplish this, climatological time series and historical yield records are used through a methodology based on CRISP- DM, widely used in the field of data mining, involving a review of related work, data cleaning and transformation, relevance evaluation using the RReliefF algorithm, and verification of the performance of the most influential factors through prediction algorithms. The results obtained demonstrate that solar radiation, precipitation, vapor pressure, and maximum and minimum temperatures exert the greatest influence on corn crop yield prediction, with a relevance factor of 0.033, 0.032, 0.026, 0.022, and 0.021, respectively. In the validation of the performance of the selected factors, two predictive models were implemented. The first, based on Artificial Neural Networks, yielded a RMSE of 0.1216 with the subset of variables and 0.1403 with all available variables. In the second, Linear Regression was applied, resulting in an RMSE of 0.1417 with the subset of variables and 0.1424 with all available variables. These results highlight the importance of the selected features as the most influential climatic factors in defining highly accurate predictive models in the Neotropical zone.
Effectiveness of natural dye adsorption on ILSS and optical properties of bio synthesised TiO2 nano particles and reinforced with flax seed fiber/epoxy based hybrid composites
Authors: Natrayan L. , Surakasi Raviteja , Kaliappan S. , Muthu G. , Paramasivam Prabhu , Shanmugam Kirubanandan
Published: March 2024

The study explores how dyes can improve the strength and optical properties of composites made from flax seed fiber and epoxy, which are incorporated with biosynthesised TiO2 nanoparticles derived from the Curcuma longa plant. The TiO2 nanoparticles were produced using a synthesis method that involved curcumin from Curcuma longa as a reducing and stabilizing agent. By introducing dyes to these composites, it enhances the bonding between layers. Optimizes their ability to absorb UV light. The research findings analyze how the ILSS (interlaminar shear strength) improves by adding natural dye additives and measurable enhancements in their optical characteristics. The results indicate that composite materials containing 5 wt% of nanoTiO2 exhibit the ILSS value (52.31 MPa). This is because the TiO2 particles are evenly distributed throughout the substance at this concentration. The crystal orientation and size (71.02 nm) of biosynthesized TiO2 nanoparticles were determined using X-ray diffraction techniques. Regarding optical properties, observations were made across a wavelength range of 450–2300 nm. Compared to a surface, it was observed that incorporating dyes into adsorbents led to increased absorption and reduced transparency across light wavelengths. This study offers insights into the uses of composites infused with natural dyes in sustainable engineering and materials that protect against sunlight.
Assessment of radionuclide concentration and associated risks in soils from Iperindo mining sites, Nigeria
Authors: Amodu F. R. , Ben F. , Agbele A. T. , Ben-Festus B. N. , Oyebanjo O. A.
Published: March 2024

The assessment of natural radionuclides in soil samples from artisanal gold mine sites in Iperindo, Nigeria was conducted using different analysis methods. Soil samples collected across three locations and within a control area were analyzed using well-calibrated gamma spectroscopy fitted with a sodium iodide detector. The average activity concentrations (ranges) of 238U, 232Th, and 40 K were found to be 61.55 ± 13.97 (33.40–87.00) Bqkg−1, 72.65 ± 16.83 (41.90–105.10) Bqkg−1, and 1134.99 ± 142.24 (720.50–1722.10) Bqkg−1, respectively for the mining areas and 15.26 ± 6.96 (10.90–20.10) Bqkg−1, 21.46 ± 9.35 (17.40–25.30) Bqkg−1, and 381.04 ± 51.27 (280.30–511.70) Bqkg−1, respectively for the control locations. The average activity concentrations of the radionuclides assessed were above the worldwide permissible limits for the Iperindo mining areas and below the worldwide average for the control areas. The investigation also assessed various radiological parameters, encompassing the radium equivalent, dose rate, annual effective dose rate, internal and external hazard indices, alpha and gamma indices, annual gonadal equivalent, and excess lifetime cancer risk. The recorded values for mine locations were 252.83 Bqkg−1, 119.98 nGyh−1, 0.15 mSvy−1, 0.85 Bqkg−1, 0.68 Bqkg−1, 0.31 Bqkg−1, 1.89 Bqkg−1, 850.23 μSvy−1, and 0.52 $$\times$$
×
10−3, respectively. Except for the radium equivalent, external and internal hazard risks, and the alpha index, which were notably below the recommended threshold, all the other radiological parameters exceeded the globally advised limits. All the radiological parameters from the control areas were below the worldwide average values.
Stationary dimpled drops under linear flow
Authors: Malik Sumit , Lavrenteva Olga M. , Idan Moshe , Nir Avinoam
Published: March 2024

The axially symmetric deformation of a drop in a viscous fluid, under the influence of an externally imposed flow having simultaneous rotating and compressional or extensional components, is addressed. In the previous studies, two families of stationary drop shapes were constructed by simulating the dynamics of drop deformation: stable singly connected shapes with respect to axisymmetric disturbances, and unstable toroidal shapes. These two branches coexist at the same flow conditions, but were not connected. In this study, we obtain a new family of branches of unstable highly deformed stationary drops connecting with the stable flattened shapes and the toroidal ones. We use a method based on classical control theory. The controller is designed for a two-state dynamic model of the system and is employed on a high-order nonlinear dynamic model of the drop deformation. Through this feedback-control-centred approach, an extended collection of unstable stationary solutions is constructed, which spans the range from the loss of stability to the dimpled shapes almost collapsed at the centre. In the latter region, which was never obtained in previous studies, a multiplicity of solutions is identified.
Haiti: architecture to save the soil
Authors: Wynne Jane , Naylor John
Published: March 2024

The use of bio-based construction materials in Haiti could help the construction sector to transition, from non-seismic unreinforced masonry structures towards materials that can reverse catastrophic deforestation, promote ecological regeneration, and help save the soil. Architecture has a role to play in this vision, by creating new designs and incentivising clients to invest in new materials.
Hematite Frictional Behavior and He Loss From Comminution During Deformation Experiments at Slow Slip Rates
Authors: DiMonte A. A. , Ault A. K. , Hirth G. , Meyers C. D.
Published: March 2024

Deformation experiments on hematite characterize its slip‐rate dependent frictional properties and deformation mechanisms. These data inform interpretations of slip behavior from exhumed hematite‐coated faults and present‐day deformation at depth. We used a rotary‐shear apparatus to conduct single‐velocity and velocity‐step experiments on polycrystalline specular hematite rock (∼17 μm average plate thickness) at slip rates of 0.85 μm/s to 320 mm/s, displacements of primarily 1–3 cm and up to 45 cm, and normal stresses of 5 and 8.5 MPa. The average coefficient of friction is 0.70; velocity‐step experiments indicate velocity‐strengthening to velocity‐neutral behavior at rates <1 mm/s. Scanning electron microscopy showed experimentally generated faults develop in a semi‐continuous, thin layer of red hematite gouge. Angular gouge particles have an average diameter of ∼0.7 μm, and grain size reduction during slip yields a factor of 10–100 increase in surface area. Hematite is amenable to (U‐Th)/He thermochronometry, which can quantify fault‐related thermal and mechanical processes. Comparison of hematite (U‐Th)/He dates from the undeformed material and experimentally produced gouge indicates He loss occurs during comminution at slow deformation rates without an associated temperature rise required for diffusive loss. Our results imply that, in natural fault rocks, deformation localizes within coarse‐grained hematite by stable sliding, and that hematite (U‐Th)/He dates acquired from ultracataclasite or highly comminuted gouge reflect minor He loss unrelated to thermal processes. Consequently, the magnitude of temperature rise and associated thermal resetting in hematite‐bearing fault rocks based on (U‐Th)/He thermochronometry may be overestimated if only diffusive loss of He is considered.