Procter & Gamble (Germany)

While studying biofilm formation in industrial settings with a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), it was found that the shift in half bandwidth, ΔΓ, often was much larger than the shift in frequency, Δ f . Also, ΔΓ was almost independent of overtone order. The microbial biofilms were mostly composed of prokaryotic cells, which contact the resonator surface across soft filament like structures at their cell wall called pili. A simple model is proposed, which explains the peculiar QCM response induced by these biofilms. The key element of the model is a coupled dashpot, representing small, dissipative contacts between the sample and the resonator. The dashpot replaces the coupled mass known from gravimetric sensing. The coupled-dashpot model predicts the shift in frequency to be close to zero (Δ f ≈ 0) and the shift in half bandwidth to be about the same on the different overtones (ΔΓ ≈ const ). The value of ΔΓ is proportional to the product of the number density of the contacts and their stiffness. The model – if found to agree with experiment – yields structural information on the sample and can guide data aggregation. The model was substantiated and illustrated with numerical simulations. A side aspect is a simple and economical instrument design, which brings QCM-based biofilm monitoring closer to routine practice. • New inexpensive setup for QCM measurements. • Biofilm formation mainly affects the bandwidth. • Modeling of behavior with a mechanical dashpot.

الأهداف: هدفت الدراسة إلى رصد التأثيرات المحتملة لصانعي المحتوى عبر الشبكات الاجتماعية على الشباب الجامعي فيما يتعلق بالمفاهيم المجتمعية لديهم، باعتبار المؤثرين من أبرز الظواهر الأخذة في النمو عبر الشبكات الاجتماعية. المنهجية: اعتمدت الدراسة على منهج المسح بتطبيق استمارة الاستبانة على عينة عمدية بلغت (400) مفردة من طلاب جامعتي القاهرة و6 أكتوبر بجمهورية مصر العربية. النتائج: أكدت النتائج أن للمؤثرين عبر الشبكات الاجتماعية تأثيرات متعاظمة على الشباب الجامعي ومفاهيمهم المجتمعية، وفقا لوجهات نظرهم حول الموضوعات التي يقدمونها، وتشير النتائج إلى أن صناعة المحتوى تحولت لمهنة لدى المؤثرين تدر عليهم أرباحاً طائلة، وفي ظل غياب الأطر التنظيمية لتلك الظاهرة، تتزايد تأثيراتها السلبية على متابعيهم من الشباب والمجتمع بشكل عام. خلاصة الدراسة: يتحدث غالبية المؤثرين في موضوعات متخصصة دون امتلاك الخبرة العملية والأكاديمية، وينظر إليهم المتابعين على أنهم قادة رأي من الممكن تبني آرائهم في الموضوعات التي يقومون بطرحها وتناولها، مما يزيد من تأثيرهم السلبي على دراية الشباب بالمفاهيم المجتمعية والمجتمع بكامله، لذا توصي الدراسة بضرورة وضع أطر تنظيمية تشريعية وإعلامية لظاهرة المؤثرين عبر الشبكات الاجتماعية، كما توصي بضرورة تأهيل طلاب كليات ومعاهد الإعلام بآليات استخدام المنصات الرقمية وأدواتها - في نشر الرسائل الإعلامية والتسويقية، مع ضرورة قيام مؤسسات الدولة بدعم مجموعة من المؤثرين يتم اختيارهم بعناية لنشر المعلومات والأخبار الموثوقة لمواجهة الشائعات والأخبار المغلوطة.

This work investigates the effect of the dispersion of lab-synthesized magnesium sulfide (MgS) nanoparticles on the ion transport behavior within a magnesium-ion-conducting gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) system. Each electrolyte specimen contains poly(methyl methacrylate), i.e., PMMA polymer; magnesium perchlorate, i.e., Mg(ClO4)2 salt; and ethylene carbonate/propylene carbonate, i.e., EC/PC as the binary solvent. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed a significant enhancement in the ionic conductivity for the optimized GPE composition. The optimized electrolyte membrane, loaded with 3.75 wt % MgS nanoparticles, accomplishes a significantly higher ionic conductivity of 1.5 × 10–3 S cm–1 at 35 °C. The X-ray diffraction investigation reveals decreases in the degree of crystallinity, signifying the improved amorphous nature of the electrolyte, which is favorable for ionic transport. Adding the MgS nanoparticles in an optimized quantity elevates the entropy of the GPE, further promoting the amorphous nature for the fabricated electrolyte. The potential conformational and structural changes on adding MgS nanoparticles in the PMMA/EC-PC/Mg(ClO4)2 matrix have been established using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The reported electrolyte system designed using MgS nanoparticles has the potential to provide good ionic conductivity, an electrochemical stability window, and superior structural properties.

Kardiovaskuläres Risiko --Lipoprotein(a)/ Lp(a) ist ein genetischer Risikofaktor für Atherosklerose und Aortenklappenkalzifizierung. Der Wert bleibt ein Leben lang relativ stabil. Zuletzt waren Daten zu Substanzen veröffentlicht worden, die die Apolipoprotein(a)-Synthese inhibieren. Dazu zählen die kleinen interferierenden Ribonukleinsäuren Lepodisiran, Olpasiran und Zerlasiran sowie Antisense-Nukleotide wie Pelacarsen. Alle sind parenteral zu applizieren. Hinzu kommt nun die doppelblinde Phase-II-Studie KRAKEN, in der Muvalaplin (10, 60 und 240 mg/d) mit Placebo verglichen wurde. Das oral einzunehmende Medikament unterbindet den Zusammenbau des Lp(a)-Partikels. Die 233 Teilnehmenden wiesen zu Beginn Lp(a)-Spiegel > 175 nmol/l sowie atherosklerotische Erkrankungen, Diabetes und/oder eine familiäre Hypercholesterinämie auf.

Objective Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is one of the most common diseases of the peripheral nervous system. Symptoms range from mild sensory signs to severe neuropathic pain. Untreated PN is progressive and can lead to complications and impair quality of life (QoL). However, PN prevalence is underestimated in the general population and affected individuals often remain undiagnosed. This study aimed to contribute to the global generation of prevalence data and determine sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics of PN sufferers. Methods This cross-sectional study collected information on PN prevalence and associated factors in the adult population (40–65 years) of the Mexico City area. Participants were recruited in public places and screened for PN using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). Subjects with PN answered the Neuropathy Total Symptom Score-6 (NTSS-6), the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), and the QoL Pharmacoeconomic Questionnaire. Statistical analysis included descriptive methods and calculation of PN prevalence with 95% confidence intervals. Results Of 3066 participants, 448 had PN based on the MNSI physical examination. The overall PN prevalence was 14.6%, with the highest (18.9%) seen in subjects aged 61–65 years. PN was undiagnosed in 82.6%, and 62.9% had never heard of PN. Although half of all subjects had only mild PN symptoms, QoL was impacted in 91.8%. Conclusions The results confirm that PN prevalence in the general population is high. Despite the disease burden, most affected persons are undiagnosed and unaware of the disease. Almost all felt their QoL was impacted. The data highlight the need to raise awareness and identify undiagnosed individuals to prevent complications.

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous leaf extract of Commiphora caudata has gained significant attention in recent years due to its eco-friendly and cost-effective approach. This study explores the green synthesis of AgNPs utilizing Commiphora caudata leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Characterization techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were employed to confirm the formation and structural properties of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited distinct absorption peaks in the UV-visible spectrum, indicating their nanoscale dimensions. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds in the leaf extract responsible for the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of AgNPs. TEM images displayed spherical and polydispersed AgNPs with an average size of approximately 20-30 nm. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of these AgNPs was assessed against a panel of human pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. AgNPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones observed in agar diffusion assays. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined to quantify their effectiveness against the tested pathogens.In conclusion, the biosynthesis of AgNPs using Commiphora caudata leaf extract offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for the production of nanomaterials with potential applications in medicine and biotechnology. The demonstrated antibacterial activity suggests the utility of these AgNPs in combating human pathogens, paving the way for further research in the development of novel antimicrobial agents.

Abstract A range of sensory cues contribute to human wetness perception, yet we know little of how visual modalities are involved, specifically if in‐situ physical observations differ from ex‐situ online observations. We aimed to assess the effect of stain volume, chroma, size, and hue on the wetness perception of static images, with a comparison to previously collected in‐situ data. A total of 440 participants completed the online study, including 18 from an analogous in‐situ study. Stimuli varied in physical wetness (0, 2.16 × 10−4 or 3.45 × 10−4 mL mm−2), stain chroma (clear saline, light synthetic urine, dark synthetic urine) and stain size (1150 or 5000 mm2). Further stimuli of a fixed wetness (3.45 × 10−4 mL mm−2) varied in stain hue (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet) and stain size (1150 or 5000 mm2). Participants rated wetness perception using a visual analogue scale (very dry to very wet) and modified yes/no task (dry/wet, gloss/matte, dilute/concentrate). Participants successfully discriminated between all physical wetness levels. Wetness perception shared a positive relationship with stain chroma and size, and varied with hue such that higher wavelengths resulted in greater wetness perception. Finally, online and in‐situ wetness perception did not significantly differ.Practical ApplicationsThe findings fundamentally contribute to our scientific understanding of wetness perception, giving evidence toward different multisensory integration theories. Further applications lie in industry, such as improving the structure, function, and perception of absorbent hygiene products or informing the design of sportswear with moisture management properties. Additionally, findings may aid the improvement of digital software which uses visual wetness components, for example in augmented and virtual realities.