Potential Values Research Articles

Identification of a novel m6A-related lncRNAs signature and immunotherapeutic drug sensitivity in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BackgroundPancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) ranks as the fourth leading cause for cancer-related deaths worldwide. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely related with poor prognosis and immunotherapeutic effect in PDAC. The aim of this study is to construct and validate a m6A-related lncRNAs signature and assess immunotherapeutic drug sensitivity in PDAC.MethodsRNA-seq data for 178 cases of PDAC patients and 167 cases of normal pancreatic tissue were obtained from TCGA and GTEx databases, respectively. A set of 21 m6A-related genes were downloaded based on the previous report. Co-expression network was conducted to identify m6A-related lncRNAs in PDAC. Cox analyses and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression model were used to construct a risk prognosis model. The relationship between signature genes and immune function was explored by single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA). The tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) score and tumor mutation burden (TMB) were utilized to evaluate the response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, the expression levels of 4 m6A-related lncRNAs on PDAC cell lines were measured by the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The drug sensitivity between the high- and low-risk groups was validated using PDAC cell lines by Cell-Counting Kit 8 (CCK8).ResultsThe risk prognosis model was successfully constructed based on 4 m6A-related lncRNAs, and PDAC patients were divided into the high- and low-risk groups. The overall survival (OS) of the high-risk groups was more unfavorable compared with the low-risk groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that the risk prognosis model reasonably predicted the 2-, 3- and 5-year OS of PDAC patients. qPCR analysis confirmed the decreased expression levels of 4 m6A-related lncRNAs in PDAC cells compared to the normal pancreatic cells. Furthermore, CCK8 assay revealed that Phenformin exhibited higher sensitivity in the high-risk groups, while Pyrimethamine exhibited higher sensitivity in the low-risk groups.ConclusionThe prognosis of patients with PDAC were well predicted in the risk prognosis model based on m6A-related lncRNAs, and selected immunotherapy drugs have potential values for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Effects of hyperon potentials and symmetry energy in quark deconfinement

In this letter we discuss how the results of recent nuclear experiments that correspond to measurements at low densities can affect the equation of state at large densities 4: and temperatures, changing the particle composition and ultimately influencing deconfinement to quark matter. In particular, saturation values of the hyperon potentials affect the hyperon content, while the symmetry energy at saturation directly regulates how the stiffness of the equation of state changes with isospin. We make use of a chiral model that describes nucleons, hyperons, and quarks to show how astrophysical conditions, such as the ones in neutron stars, present the ideal ground to study the effects of these two quantities in dense matter. In this case, for small charge fraction/large isospin asymmetry, the couplings that reproduce different symmetry energy slopes can significantly modify deconfinement, with quantitative changes in the critical chemical potential depending on the deconfining potential. On the other hand, different values of the parameter that controls the hyperon potentials 7: (kept within a range close to experimental data) do not affect deconfinement significantly.

Influence of Pasteurisation (Conventional vs. Radiofrequency) and Chill Storage on Retention of Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol and Carotenoids in Salmorejo.

Salmorejo, a Mediterranean tomato-oil puree, is considered a dietary source of antioxidant vitamins C and E and carotenoids lycopene and β-carotene, the latter endowed with provitamin A activity. However, these antioxidants can be degraded in oxidation reactions catalysed or not by enzymes during pasteurisation and storage treatments used to stabilise the salmorejo before consumption. Due to its better penetration, the use of dielectric heating by radiofrequency (RF) may improve results of pasteurisation in this product. The objective was to assess the effects of pasteurisation temperature (70-100 °C, at 5 °C intervals) and storage time (0-5 months, at one-month intervals) on levels of ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and carotenoids and antioxidant capacity (AC) in salmorejo pasteurised (over 10 s) by conventional (CH) or RF continuous heating. Two successive experiments were conducted to select an adequate pasteurisation temperature for use in the shelf-life study. Pasteurisation upon tested conditions allows a good retention of salmorejo antioxidants. Either CH or RF pasteurisers can be used with similar results. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic + dehydroascorbic acids) was more abundant (15-19 mg 100 g-1) than carotenoids (0.9-2.6 mg 100 g-1) (all-trans + cis lycopene and β-carotene) and α-tocopherol (0.8-1.2 mg 100 g-1) in the pasteurised product. Using excessively low temperatures (70 °C) resulted in partial losses of the three antioxidants, possibly due to oxidase residual activities. Intensifying thermal treatment improved this issue with minor losses of the thermolabile vitamin C and increased carotenoid content. Using a suitable temperature (80 °C) did not prevent most vitamin C from being degraded by the first month, while α-tocopherol, and, to a lesser extent, carotenoids, showed good retention levels during shelf life under refrigeration. Vitamins C and E and carotenoids, either by degradation, regeneration or releasing, likely contribute to the AC in salmorejo. Phenolic antioxidant response, radical-scavenging activities and redox potential values confirmed this finding. The pasteurised-chilled salmorejo shows good antioxidant properties with potential health implications, a positive nutritional aspect for consumers of this tomato-oil homogenate. The losses of antioxidants and AC due to pasteurization would be of little relevance compared to the losses accumulated during shelf life.

Spontaneous nanoemulsification of cinnamon essential oil: Formulation, characterization, and antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against fish spoilage caused by Serratia rubidaea BFMO8.

The contemporary food industry's uses of nanoemulsions (NEs) include food processing, effective nutraceutical delivery, the development of functional chemicals, and the synthesis of natural preservatives, such as phytocompounds. Although cinnamon essential oil (CEO) is widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries, it is difficult to add to aqueous-based food formulations due to its weak stability and poor water solubility. This study describes the formulation of a CEO nanoemulsion (CEONE) by spontaneous emulsification and evaluates its antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against biofilm-forming Serratia rubidaea BFMO8 isolated from spoiled emperor fish (Lethrinus miniatus). Bacteria causing spoilage in emperor fish were isolated and identified as S. rubidaea using common morphological, cultural, and 16S RNA sequencing methods, and their ability to form biofilms and their susceptibility to CEONE were assessed using biofilm-specific methods. The spontaneous emulsification formulation of CEONE was accomplished using water and Tween 20 surfactant by manipulating organic and aqueous phase interface properties and controlling particle growth by capping surfactant increases. The best emulsification, with highly stable nano-size droplets, was accomplished at 750rpm and a 1:3 ratio concentration. The stable CEONE droplet size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential values were 204.8nm, 0.115, and -6.05mV, respectively. FTIR and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HR-LCMS) analyses have revealed carboxyl, carbonyl, and phenol-like primary phytochemical functional groups in CEO and CEONE, which contribute to their antibacterial and antibiofilm properties.

Advancing Therapeutic Efficacy of Star Anise Oil with (Illicium verum) Nano-Emulsion Formulation

Background. The volatile oil present in star anise (Illicium verum) exhibits efficacy against various health issues such as bronchitis, colds, flu, indigestion, facial paralysis, and intestinal cramps. This study aimed to formulate and assess the nano-emulsion of star anise volatile oil. Method. Star anise volatile oil was extracted from its fruits using the Clevenger apparatus and subsequently purified. The extraction process involved dissolving the extracted oil in dichloromethane, and solvent recycling was performed using a rotavapor. Nano-emulsions were developed through homogenization (8 batches) and ultra-sonication methods (8 batches) with varying surfactant (Tween-80) and co-surfactant (PEG-200, PEG-300) ratios. Characterization involved refractive index, pH, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, particle size distribution, zeta potential, drug content, drug release, release kinetics, and stability studies (25°C/60% RH at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks). Results. The smallest droplet sizes were observed in batches NE-HH (646.1±71.54 nm) and NE-HS (694±195.48 nm), with the least zeta potential values of -10.4 mV (NE-FH batch) and -5.2 mV (NE-HS batches). The highest drug release percentages were recorded in NE-EH (31.411±1.26%) and NE-ES (34.004±1.74%) batches. Both NE-EH and NE-ES followed the Peppas Korsmeyer model, and the release mechanism was identified as Fickian Diffusion (Higuchi Matrix). Conclusion. The study concludes that nano-emulsions of star anise volatile oil can be successfully prepared using homogenization and ultrasonication methods, demonstrating good stability and prolonged drug release.

Levels of Dry Deposition Submicron Black Carbon on Plant Leaves and the Associated Oxidative Potential

There is a need for monitoring air pollution associated with black carbon (BC) using a passive monitor is required in remote areas where the measurements are absent. In this pilot study, we developed a quantitative method to determine dry deposition submicron BC using dual-wavelength ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. Furthermore, we measured the levels of dry deposition BC on plant leaves from 30 plant species located in urban Nanjing using the established method. The oxidative potential of BC on plant leaves as passive bio-monitoring samplers was assessed. The concentrations of black carbon (BC) on tree leaves varied from 0.01 to 1.6 mg m−2. Significant differences in levels of BC across leaves from different tree types were observed. The values of oxidative potential in deposited particles of leaf samples were observed to be in the range of 33–46 nmol min−1 mg−1 using the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay and 18–32 nmol min−1 mg−1 using the ascorbic acid (AA) assay, respectively. In comparison, the oxidative potential of BC-dominated mass in water extracts of leaf samples was in the range of 5–35 nmol min−1 mg−1 measured using the DTT assay and 2 to 12 nmol min−1 mg−1 using the AA assay, respectively. We found variations in the levels of OP across the leaves of different tree types were not large, while the levels of OP in terms of BC-dominated mass varied greatly. These results indicate that the established method with dual-wavelength ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy could provide a simple tool to determine submicron BC in plant leaves of the passive monitor.

Therapeutic potential of Lonicerae japonicae flos against emerging respiratory viral infections

BackgroundRespiratory infections continue to rank among the leading global causes of death, and the emergence of new infectious respiratory diseases remains a persistent concern. Throughout Chinese history, particularly in the context of combating the plague, Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJF), a vital component of traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been extensively utilized for its therapeutic potential due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This review concentrated on summarizing the roles and mechanism of LJF on the treatment of respiratory infections, and analyzing the potential therapeutic values of emerging respiratory infectious disease. MethodsThe literature with desired information about LJF was gained from electronic databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The literature search was conducted using the keywords “Lonicerae japonicae flos”, “Honeysuckle”, “Jin Yin Hua” and “LJF”, from 1985 to 2023. ResultsThrough summarizing and analyzing extensive fundamental and clinical studies on LJF, we have discovered that the bioactive molecules derived from LJF and prescriptions containing LJF could play a crucial role in combating viral infections. The antiviral mechanism involves interacting with viral genes and proteins, enhancing innate and acquired immune responses, influencing the processes of apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and etc. ConclusionIn light of preparing for future outbreaks of emerging respiratory infectious disease, pharmacological research and drug development based on LJF hold great significance and offer a promising trajectory.

Effect of structurally different pectin combined with polyphenol on water distribution, protein oxidation and heterocyclic amines formation in meat-based snacks

This research studied the effect of structurally different pectin combined with polyphenol (PP) on the physicochemical properties, inhibition of protein oxidation and heterocyclic amines (HAs) formation in fish meat snacks. The findings demonstrated that pectin with a high degree of esterification (DE) and average chain length (ACL) significantly reduced cooking loss, improved zeta potential values, and reduced particle size when combined with polyphenols, indicating an inhibition of protein aggregation and crosslinking. The addition of PP decreased the carbonyl formation as compared to individual polyphenol and control. Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LF-NMR) analysis publicized that PP combination increased the water binding capacity, which resulted in less free water (T22 and T23) in those samples. Furthermore, LC/MS analysis revealed that PP combination, retained the water inside the macromolecules and prevented the relocation of water to the surface, which resulted in the less HAs formation as compared to control. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that combination of PP samples formed a compact structure evidenced by less wide holes while control sample revealed loose structure. The findings suggest that 201 and 601 pectin combined with catechin have potential to improve the physicochemical properties and inhibition of hazardous compound formation.

Combinational antimicrobial activity of biogenic TiO2 NP/ZnO NPs nanoantibiotics and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid against MDR-pathogens

The development of effective strategies against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens is an urgent need in modern medicine. Nanoantibiotics (nABs) offer a new hope in countering the surge of MDR-pathogens. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of two attractive nABs, TiO2 NPs and ZnO NPs, and their performance in improving the antimicrobial activity of defined antibiotics (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, amox-clav) against MDR-pathogens. The nABs were synthesized using a green method. The physicochemical characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were determined using standard methods. The results showed the formation of pure anatase TiO2 NPs and hexagonal ZnO NPs with an average particle size of 38.65 nm and 57.87 nm, respectively. The values of zeta potential indicated the high stability of the samples. At 8 mg/mL, both nABs exhibited 100 % antioxidant activity, while ZnO showed significantly higher activity at lower concentrations. The antibiofilm assay showed that both nABs could inhibit the formation of biofilms of Acinetobacter baumannii 80 and Escherichia coli 27G (MDR-isolates). However, ZnO NPs showed superior antibiofilm activity (100 %) against E. coli 27G. The MIC values were determined to be 8 (1), 2 (2), and 4 (4) mg/mL for amox-clav, TiO2 NPs, and ZnO NPs against A. baumannii 80 (E. coli 27G), respectively. The results showed that both nABs had synergistically enhanced antibacterial performance in combination with amox-clav. Specifically, an 8-fold reduction in MIC values of antibiotics was observed when they were combined with nABs. These findings highlight the potential of TiO2 NPs and ZnO NPs as effective nanoantibiotics against MDR-pathogens. The synergistic effect observed when combining nABs with antibiotics suggests a promising approach for combating antibiotic resistance. Further research and development in this area could lead to the development of more effective treatment strategies against MDR infections.

Excited state absorption induced optical limiting behavior of pure, single, and co-doped copper oxide nanoparticles

Underneath nano pulsed green laser (Nd: YAG), nonlinear absorption and optical limiting behavior were analyzed using Z-scan technique for pure CuO, Ag, and Mn-doped CuO (single dopant), and Ag/Mn-doped CuO (co-dopant) nanoparticles intermediated from M. Oleifera leaf extract. X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed that the synthesized nanoparticles were in good crystalline nature with a monoclinic phase and the average crystallite size was estimated in the range of nanometer. FE-SEM analysis displayed that the pure CuO, Ag-doped CuO, and Ag/Mn-doped CuO appear as nanospheres whereas Mn-doped CuO forms themselves as nanorods. The existence of Cu, O, Ag, and Mn elements in synthesized nanoparticles was affirmed by an EDAX spectrum. FT-IR analysis confirms the presence of functional groups. In zeta potential analysis the negative (-ve) potential values −34.23 mV to −34.80 mV indicate the stability of the nanoparticles. The optical study revealed that the nanoparticles possess absorbance maxima in the UV region between 260 nm to 294 nm. The occurrence of a single ionized oxygen vacancy defect was affirmed by the photoluminescence studies. Z-scan studies with nano pulsed Nd: YAG lasers show all the samples exhibit two-photon absorption (2 PA) and optical limiting behavior. In contrast with pure and co-dopant materials (Ag/Mn-doped CuO), the dominant nonlinear absorption coefficients (0.90 × 10−10 m/W, & 0.98 × 10−10 m/W) and submissive values of optical limiting threshold (1.69 × 1012 W/m2 & 1.31 × 1012 W/m2) were found for single dopant materials (Ag & Mn-doped CuO). Thus single metal doped CuO finds potential application in the creation of laser safety devices against massive power nano pulsed green laser beams.

Effects of Anions and Surface Structure on Pt Single Crystal Dissolution in Acidic Electrolytes

AbstractUnderstanding the mechanisms of Pt dissolution with well‐defined surfaces is vital for developing stable catalysts for electrochemical energy conversion devices such as fuel cells. This work investigates Pt dissolution from low‐index single crystals in perchlorate, sulfate, and methanesulfonate acid solutions by on‐line inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), and the results are correlated with surface X‐ray diffraction (SXRD) studies. The previously reported stability trend Pt(111)>Pt(100)>Pt(110) in HClO4 was confirmed for the other acids. The application of electrochemical protocols up to high potential values demonstrated that dissolution for Pt(100) increases to a lower extent than for the other planes. Dissolution is affected by the nature of the anion, especially for Pt(111), with the dissolution rate increasing in the order H2SO4>MSA>HClO4. This influence could be due to the interaction strength of the anion with Pt and its complexing ability or different ratios of the surface coverage of different oxide species. For Pt(111), SXRD measurements show different onset potentials for extraction in HClO4 and H2SO4, which can influence the dissolution processes. These results demonstrate that fundamental studies are necessary to improve the current knowledge about Pt dissolution and how to hinder it to a practical extent.

Differentiation between Anterior and Posterior Roots Using Compound Muscle Action Potential in Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Tumor Surgery.

This study aims to determine the cutoff values for the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) stimulus in anatomically identified anterior (motor nerve) and posterior roots (sensory nerve) during cervical intradural extramedullary tumor surgery. The connection between CMAP data from nerve roots and postoperative neurological symptoms in thoracolumbar tumors was compared with data from cervical lesions. The participants of the study included 22 patients with intradural extramedullary spinal tumors (116 nerve roots). The lowest stimulation intensity to the nerve root at which muscle contraction occurs was defined as the minimal activation intensity (MAI) in the CMAP. In cervical tumors, the MAI was measured after differentiating between the anterior and posterior roots based on the anatomical placement of the dentate ligament and nerve roots. The MAIs for 20 anterior roots in eight cervical tumors were between 0.1 and 0.3 mA, whereas those for 19 posterior roots were between 0.4 and 2.0 mA. The cutoff was <0.4 mA for both the anterior and posterior roots, and sensitivity and specificity were both 100%. In thoracolumbar tumors, the nerve root was severed in 12 of 14 cases. All MAIs were determined to be at the dorsal roots as their scores were higher than the cutoff and did not indicate motor deficits. The MAIs of the anatomically identified anterior and posterior root CMAPs were found to have a cutoff value of <0.4 mA in the cervical lesions. Similar MAI cutoffs were also applicable to thoracolumbar lesions. Thus, CMAP may be useful in detecting anterior and posterior roots in spinal tumor surgery.

Influence of Silane Coupling Agent and Anionic Dispersant on the Dispersion Effect of Silicon Carbide Particles.

Silicon carbide (SiC), as a widely used material, has great properties. To improve the flowability of ultrafine silicon carbide slurry, this study used sodium humate, tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), and N-(β-monoaminoethyl)-γ-aminopropyltrimethyl(ethoxysilane) (KH792) to modify the ultrafine silicon carbide powder produced by Qingzhou Micro Powder Company. The effects of different modifiers on improving the flowability of ultrafine silicon carbide slurry were investigated by means of viscosity tests, sedimentation experiments, and SEM observations. Their modification mechanisms were investigated by means of zeta potential tests, XPS tests, and so on. In this paper, the initial modification of SiC was carried out with KH792, followed by the secondary modification with anionic and cationic modifiers (tetramethylammonium hydroxide and sodium humate), and the optimal modification conditions were investigated by means of a viscosity test, which showed that the lowest viscosity of the modified SiC reached 0.076 Pa·s and that the absolute maximum value of the zeta potential increased from 47.5 at the time of no modification to 63.7 (maximum values) at the time of modification. This means it has an improved surface charge, which improves dispersion. The adsorption results of the modifier on the silicon carbide surface were also demonstrated by the XPS test results.

Synthesis of thermal and physical properties of biodegradable hybrid nano fluid using two step method

In the presence of green technology or biodegradable options, vegetable oils emerged as replacements for mineral oil as base oils due to their properties of high viscosity index, high flash point, low toxicity, low volatility, and high biodegradability. Nano fluids were a relatively new class of fluids that consisted of a base fluid with nano-sized particles (1–100 nm) suspended within them. The synthesis and characterization of biodegradable hybrid nano fluids and their combination with base materials were carried out in this paper, playing a vital role in machining operations. SiC and TiO2 were used as nano particles, with the base fluid being palm oil, and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) was employed as a surfactant to maintain fluid stability. All samples were prepared in individual and hybrid modes, including palm oil as the base fluid without any emulsifier/surfactant, palm oil + SiC with nano particle concentrations of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% by volume, palm oil + TiO2 with nano particle concentrations of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% by volume, and palm oil + SiC + TiO2 with nano particle concentrations of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% by volume. The FTIR results showed that the SiC + palm oil and SiC + TiO2 + palm oil samples had better chemical composition and surface characterization as biodegradable hybrid nano fluids. The zeta potential values were observed to increase at volume concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3%. Particularly, the biodegradable hybrid nano fluid samples (palm oil + 1% Vol. SiC + TiO2) and (palm oil + 2% Vol. SiC) demonstrated increased stability as well as enhanced physical, thermal, and rheological properties in machining applications.

Development and In Vivo Evaluation of Sustained Release Microparticles Loaded with Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism Treatment

Hypothyroidism is a chronic condition combated by a daily oral supplementation of levothyroxine. In addition to the need for frequent dosing, oral administration may result in variable absorption of the drug leading to a failure in achieving normal thyroid function. Therefore, the development of a long-acting injectable system capable of delivering the drug is necessary. This work was aimed at developing sustained release microparticles loaded with levothyroxine. The microparticles were produced through the emulsification-solvent evaporation method using 2 grades of biocompatible and biodegradable polyesters: poly(ᴅ,ʟ-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(ᴅ,ʟ-lactide) (PLA). Both polymers produced microparticles with very similar sizes (1.9 µm) and zeta potential values (around -22.0 mV). However, PLA microparticles had a significantly higher drug loading (6.1% vs. 4.4%, respectively) and encapsulation efficiency (36.8%, vs. 26.1%, respectively) when compared to PLGA counterparts. While both types of microparticles displayed a biphasic release pattern in vitro, a slower rate of release was observed with PLA microparticles. Moreover, a similar biphasic release pattern was found in vivo, with an initial phase of rapid release followed by a slower phase in the subsequent 10 days. These results indicate the possibility of developing levothyroxine loaded polyester microparticles as a potential long-acting thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Stabilization of Al2O3 dispersed slurry by controlling pH

This study delves into the critical role of pH in modulating the dispersion and stabilization characteristics of Al2O3 slurries, emphasizing the interaction between the dispersant and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) binder in terms of the system's adsorption behaviors and stability parameters. Zeta-potential measurements elucidate the substantial impact of slurry pH on stability, correlating low zeta potential values with accelerated sedimentation rates. Thermogravimetric and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses are conducted to elucidate the co-adsorption dynamics of the dispersant and binder on the Al2O3 surface. Our findings highlight pronounced adsorption of the polymer below the isoelectric point (IEP) of slurry and demonstrate the preferential adsorption of the ionic dispersant over the binder, indicative of chemical bond formation with the former and hydrogen bonding with the latter. These results not only shed light on the interaction mechanisms between the particles and reagents in the system but also pave the way for optimizing slurry formulations for enhanced stability and performance in industrial applications.

Quantifying the Quality of Parent-Child Interaction Through Machine-Learning Based Audio and Video Analysis: Towards a Vision of AI-assisted Coaching Support for Social Workers

Attachment is the emotional bonding between a child and a caregiver. Whether or not there is a secure attachment in early childhood has a profound life-long impact on the child. In recent years, attachment-based interventions have been developed and implemented, especially with families from low socioeconomic backgrounds. One important aspect of the program is to assess the quality of parent-child interactions through audio/video recorded at home while parent-child dyads were engaged in semi-structured interaction tasks, such as “three-bag-assessment.” The current practice relies on human coders to rate the videos, which is a time-consuming process. Using a dataset of 220 video recordings of parent-child dyads collected at home as part of an attachment-based intervention program, we prototype a machine learning approach based on human body keypoints extracted from the posture analysis tool OpenPose and voice activity features derived from audio recordings. The results show that there are potential values in using machine learning to improve the coding efficiency of parent-child interactions. When further developed and improved, this kind of model may contribute to a new vision of AI-assisted parenting coaching support to make evidence-based interventions accessible and affordable at a large scale to children and families.

Temporal change of potential toxic element contamination, ecological and toxicological risk in holocene in Southern Black Sea coasts (Türkiye)

This study was carried out to evaluate the temporal variation of the potential toxic element concentration and ecological risk level during the Holocene along the Southern Black Sea coasts. Ecological and ecotoxicological indices such as enrichment factor (EF), modified ecological risk index (mRI), modified potential ecological risk index (mPER) and toxic risk index (TRI) were used in the study. Anthropogenic effects were determined to be more dominant in the western and middle parts of the Southern Black Sea Region. As, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Hg, Ni enrichments were observed in the last 200 – 300 years and the potential risk index values related to them increased. Source of enrichment detected in the cores was found to be related to the volcanic activities that occurred in different geological periods. It was determined that the increases in PTE concentration observed specifically in the middle parts of the cores coincided with the dates of the volcanic activities observed in Anatolia.

Digital automation of transdermal drug delivery with high spatiotemporal resolution

Transdermal drug delivery is of vital importance for medical treatments. However, user adherence to long-term repetitive drug delivery poses a grand challenge. Furthermore, the dynamic and unpredictable disease progression demands a pharmaceutical treatment that can be actively controlled in real-time to ensure medical precision and personalization. Here, we report a spatiotemporal on-demand patch (SOP) that integrates drug-loaded microneedles with biocompatible metallic membranes to enable electrically triggered active control of drug release. Precise control of drug release to targeted locations (<1 mm2), rapid drug release response to electrical triggers (<30 s), and multi-modal operation involving both drug release and electrical stimulation highlight the novelty. Solution-based fabrication ensures high customizability and scalability to tailor the SOP for various pharmaceutical needs. The wireless-powered and digital-controlled SOP demonstrates great promise in achieving full automation of drug delivery, improving user adherence while ensuring medical precision. Based on these characteristics, we utilized SOPs in sleep studies. We revealed that programmed release of exogenous melatonin from SOPs improve sleep of mice, indicating potential values for basic research and clinical treatments.

Operation of a low resistivity glass MRPC at high rate using ecological gas

The Multigap Resistive Plate Chamber (MRPC) is a gaseous detector that has low building costs and excellent timing performances. It is usually operated using a mixture of C2F4H2 and SF6, which have very high Global Warming Potential (GWP) values (1430 and 23,900 respectively). The ecological HFO-1234ze (C3F4H2), GWP <7, was investigated if it could be a viable alternative to the standard gas mixture. In this work, we present the performances of an MRPC with 10 gaps of 235μm width, built using 0.5 mm thick plates of low resistive glass. This detector was also operated using the standard gas mixture for comparison. At low particle rate, this detector reaches an efficiency of 98% and a time resolution of around 70 ps for the two mixtures of gases. We observed no degradation of its performances when a limited size of its active area is exposed to particle rates up to 63 kHz/cm2.