bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ameliorative Efficacy of Phytochemical Content of Corchorus olitorius Leaves against Acute Ethanol-induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats
Authors: Airaodion Augustine I. , Ogbuagu Emmanuel O. , Ewa Ogbonnaya , Ogbuagu Uloaku , Awosanya Olaide O. , Adekale Olukule A. 
Published: November 2019

Aim: This study is aimed at investigating the ameliorative efficacy of methanolic extract of Corchorus olitorius leaves against acute ethanol-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats.
Methods: Fresh plants of C. olitorius were harvested from the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan. The leaves were dried and extracted using soxhlet apparatus and methanol as the solvent. The methanol was evaporated in a rotary evaporator at 35°C with a yield of 2.17 g which represents a percentage yield of 8.68%. Twenty adult male Wistar rats with body weight between 120 and 150 g were used for this study. They were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each. Animals in groups 1 and 2 were administered saline solution while those in groups 3 and 4 were administered C. olitorius extract for twenty-one days. The animals were administered the extract and saline solution at a dose of 4 mL per 100 g body weight 12 hourly via oral route of administration. At the end of the treatment, they were fasted overnight and animals in groups 2 and 4 were exposed to a single dose of 70% ethanol at 12 ml/kg body weight to induce oxidative stress. After 12 hours of ethanol administration, the animals were anaesthetized using diethyl ether and were sacrificed. Liver was excised, weighed and homogenized in 50 mmol/L Tris–HCl buffer (pH 7.4) and then centrifuged at 5000 × g for 15 minutes for biochemical analysis. Supernatants were immediately kept frozen for further analysis.
Results: Ethanol-induced oxidative stress significantly increased the activities of AST, ALT, LDH, LPO, CAT, SOD and GPX but decrease GSH. These effects were regulated by C. olitorius administration.
Conclusion: C. olitorius was able to remedy the effect of ethanol by regulating the oxidative stress biomarkers, thus possesses ameliorative efficacy against ethanol-induced oxidative stress and can protect the body against free radicals arising from oxidative stress.
Evaluation of Antimalarial Properties of Ficus platyphylla Del Leaf Extract in Mice
Authors: Omame J. , Amobonye A. E. , Kabiru A. Y. 
Published: November 2019

Aim: This study was aim at investigating the effect of crude petroleum ether leaf extract of Ficus platyphylla Del on Plasmodium berghei infected mice.
Place and Duration of Study: This research was carried out at the department of biochemistry, Federal university of technology minna, Niger state Nigeria in 2014.
Methodology: The crude plant extract of F. platyphylla was administered 72 hours at different doses post and pre infection for both the curative and prophylactic study respectively against residual infection. Mice were divided into 5 groups of 5 mice each, 3 of the groups where administered crude plants extract of F. platyphaylla at different doses (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight) while the other two serve as negative and positive control group and were administered 0.5 ml and 50 mg/kg body weight respectively.
Results: The extract at all doses produced significant (P<0.05) dose dependent chemo-suppressive activity with % inhibition of 38%, 61%, 74% and 81.8% for curative studies and 36.0%, 38.5%, 49.5% and 63.4% for prophylactic studies against the parasites at doses of 200 mg/kgbw, 400 mg/kgbw, 600 mg/kgbw of the extract and 50 mg/kgbw of Artesunate. All doses of the extract increased the survival time of the infected mice compared to the negative control group that was administered 0.5 ml normal saline. The variation in the values of Packed Cell Volume (PCV) for treated group before and after extract administration was not significant at (P<0.05). The phytochemical screening of the plant extract showed the presence of tannin, saponin, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, anthroquinone and phenol.
Conclusion: The result of this study shows that F. Platyphylla leaf extract exhibited some antiplasmodial activity that could be exploited for safe, effective and affordable antimalaria regimen.
Dielectric Resonators
Authors: Esselle Karu P. , Nasimuddin  , Thalakotuna Dushmantha N. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Dielectric resonators (DRs) are versatile components that have applications in microwave filters, oscillators, sensors, antennas, and measurement techniques. They have the advantages of high
Q
factor, low cost, compact, and excellent temperature stability and enable significant miniaturization of microwave circuits. This article provides the background information on the evolution and theoretical analysis of DRs while highlighting the current developments in the field. Mode classifications and field distributions are discussed for lower‐order modes of cylindrical DRs, and mode charts are presented to illustrate the effect of DR aspect ratio and cavity enclosure on the mode spectrum. A simplified analysis method for calculating the resonant frequency of the TE

01
δ

mode, the one most commonly used in practice, is described in detail. Information on calculating the
Q
factor, the temperature coefficient, and details of typical material parameters available from manufacturers are also presented. The article concludes with information on external and inter‐resonator coupling for DRs and methods to compute coupling factors.
π‐Expansion on a Polycyclic Stable Neutral Radical: Synthesis and Physical Properties of a Benz‐Annulated Trioxotriangulene
Authors: Murata Tsuyoshi , Doi Satsuki , Ishikawa Rina , Furukawa Ko , Morita Yasushi 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWe report the synthesis of a benz‐annulated derivative of trioxotriangulene (TOT), a fused polycyclic organic neutral radical, and also the investigation on the electronic effects of π‐expansion. The neutral radical species was highly stable under air in both solution and solid states. Quantum chemical calculation suggested that the molecule has a completely planar molecular structure, and the electronic spin is widely delocalized throughout the π‐skeleton while maintaining three‐fold symmetry, which was experimentally supported by electronic spin resonance spectrum. The neutral radical also showed a strong π‐association ability comparable to that of TOT neutral radical derivatives.
Stream Sentinels: Mayfly Diversity, Land Use, and Conservation in Algeria's Djurdjura Mountains
Authors: Labdaoui Sarah , Samraoui Farrah , Vuataz Laurent , Gattolliat Jean‐Luc , Sartori Michel , Samraoui Boudjéma 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTDespite its biogeographical importance and high endemism, the freshwater biodiversity in Algeria and the wider arid region of North Africa has been significantly under‐researched and underestimated. Mayflies (Ephemeroptera) are crucial for the maintenance of ecological integrity of hydrosystems and could serve as indicators of changes of North African freshwater biodiversity. This study focuses on mayflies in Algeria, particularly in the Djurdjura Mountains, including the Djurdjura National Park in central‐northern Algeria. The aim is to establish an updated checklist, map the distribution of mayfly species and determine the ecological requirements of their assemblages. Twenty‐four mayfly taxa were identified during the study, including five new, undescribed species. Through multivariate analysis, the study revealed that land‐use practices, altitude and slope orientation significantly influenced mayfly assemblages in the studied streams. This study emphasises the urgent need for conservation action and lays the foundation for future research and conservation efforts that are essential to protecting the integrity of the critical freshwater habitats of the Djurdjura Mountains, which are hotspots for North African endemic species.
Exploring the Potential of Nasal Drug Delivery for Brain Targeted Therapy: A Detailed Analysis
Authors: Ghosh Maitrayee , Roy Debajyoti , Thakur Shubham , Singh Amrinder 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe brain is a sensitive organ with numerous essential functions and complex mechanisms. It is secluded and safeguarded from the external environment as part of the central nervous system (CNS), serving as a sanctuary. By regulating their selective and specific absorption, efflux, and metabolism in the brain, the CNS controls brain homeostasis and the transit of endogenous and foreign substances. The mechanism which protects the brain from environmental chemicals, also prevent the entry of therapeutic chemicals to it. The delivery of molecules to the brain is hindered by several major barriers, such as the blood–brain barrier (BBB), blood‐cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB), and blood‐tumor barrier. BBB is formed by the combination of cerebral endothelial cells, astrocytes, neurons, pericytes and microglia. It is a tight junction of capillary endothelial cells, preventing the diffusion of solute into the brain. BCSFB is the second barrier, located at the choroid plexus, separating the blood from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is comparatively more permeable than BBB. An uneven distribution of microvasculature across the tumor interstitial compromises drug delivery to neoplastic cells of a solid tumor, resulting in spatially inconsistent drug administration. Nasal drug delivery to the brain is a method of drug delivery that tries to deliver therapeutic substances directly from the nasal cavity to the central nervous system including the brain. In this review, besides the role of barriers we have discussed in detail about approaches adapted to deliver drugs to the brain along with mechanisms through nasal route. Further, different commercial formulations, clinical trials and patents have been thoroughly elaborated to date. The findings suggest that the nose‐to‐brain drug delivery method holds promise as an evolving approach, potentially contributing to the specific and targeted delivery of drugs into the brain.
Sirenomelia—Challenges and Treatment Approach in a Rare Case
Authors: Sosińska Daria , Gołębiewski Andrzej , Czauderna Piotr 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionSirenomelia is a very rare congenital structural anomaly characterized by abnormal development of the caudal region of the body with varying degrees of fusion of lower limbs. Mostly, the condition is lethal for the baby. Most babies do not survive even after surgery. Fifty percent of cases are seen as stillbirths, and it is much more common in identical twins.Case ReportWe present a case of a boy born in 38th week of gestation (hebdomas graviditatis—HBD) with diagnosed sirenomelia, microcephaly, bilateral renal agenesis, duodenal atresia, imperforate anus, and agenesis of external genitalia. We provide a brief review of the literature and discussion concerning similar cases, determinants, pathogenesis and suspected genetic factors.ConclusionsDue to accompanying malformations, there is often no treatment for sirenomelia. Avoidance of risk factors, early diagnosis, multidisciplinary approach and psychological preparation of parents to help them cope emotionally and mentally with the challenges, seem to be the key factors of management. It is very important to diagnose this condition by ultrasonography prenatally so that termination of pregnancy can be carried out.
Direct Initiation of Levodopa–Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Infusion After a Positive Levodopa Challenge Test in Advanced Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Viljaharju Vili , Mertsalmi Tuomas , Pauls K. Amande M. , Koivu Maija , Eerola‐Rautio Johanna , Udd Marianne , Pekkonen Eero 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionLevodopa–carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is an established treatment option in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). LCIG treatment is usually initiated with a nasojejunal tube (NJT) test phase before percutaneous endoscopic transgastric jejunostomy (PEG‐J) tube installation. However, some centers have used direct initiation with PEG‐J. Data comparing these approaches are scarce. The objective of this study was to analyze the risks and benefits of direct PEG‐J initiation after a positive levodopa challenge test (LCT) for selected patients compared to initiation with a temporary NJT test phase.MethodsThirty‐three consecutive advanced PD patients commenced LCIG‐treatment between February 2016 and December 2019 at Helsinki University Hospital. Of them, 11 (33%) selected patients had direct initiation without an NJT test phase. Treatment discontinuations and adverse events during the first 6 months of treatment were evaluated retrospectively. The duration of hospital stay related to the initiation of the treatment was compared between the groups.ResultsBetween the direct initiation and NJT test phase groups, there were no significant differences in treatment discontinuations (0 vs. 1, respectively); the number of inner tube or PEG‐J tube replacements (1 vs. 3); or infection complications (1 vs. 3) during the first 6 months of treatment. Direct initiation significantly reduced the hospital stay related to treatment initiation (mean 7 vs. 9 days, p = 0.001).ConclusionFor selected patients, the direct initiation of LCIG after a positive LCT, without a temporary NJT test phase, appears safe and does not lead to additional treatment discontinuations or complications.
Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of Polygonum cuspidatum powders: Experiments and modelling
Authors: Guo Min , Ruan Ningjie , Yao Bingxu , Sheng Shijie , Li Xiaoping , Zhu Yafeng , Liu Yukun , Jiao Zhen 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn recent years, the natural anticancer components resveratrol and emodin have attracted significant attention. This study employs supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) extraction, using ethanol as a cosolvent, to extract resveratrol and emodin from Polygonum cuspidatum powders. Experiments were conducted at temperatures ranging from 308 to 328 K, pressures from 15 to 30 MPa, ethanol contents of 60 to 160 mL/L, and extraction times between 1800 and 7200 s. The maximum extraction yields of resveratrol and emodin were 2.516 and 2.765 mg/g, respectively, under optimal conditions (temperature: 323 K, pressure: 25 MPa, ethanol content: 100 mL/L, extraction time: 3600 s), determined through one‐way experiments. Additionally, a mathematical model of the ScCO2 extraction process was developed. The mass transfer coefficient (Kf) was used as a fitting parameter and the kinetic model, based on mass conservation, was validated with experimental data. The model demonstrated good accuracy, with a low average absolute relative deviation (AARD) of 4.05%. This model provides theoretical support for industrial scaling and process optimization, achieving maximum extraction efficiency while minimizing CO₂ and ethanol consumption, thereby reducing costs and enhancing environmental benefits. Its establishment framework and methodology offer valuable references for optimizing similar ScCO2 extraction processes.
AMMI and GGE biplot analysis of seed protein concentration, yield, and 100‐seed weight for chickpea cultivars and breeding lines in the US Pacific Northwest
Authors: Joshi Priyanka , Vandemark George 
Published: December 2024

AbstractGreater global demand for plant‐based protein has made increasing protein concentration in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) an important breeding objective. In this study, 17 kabuli chickpea genotypes were evaluated for seed protein concentration (SPC), yield, and 100‐seed weight (HSW). All entries were planted in 2020 and 2021 at four locations in Washington. The mean of all entries for SPC was 20.3%. Genotype (G), location (L), G × year (Y), and L × Y (E) effects were significant for each trait. Year (Y) effects were significant for SPC and yield and accounted for the greatest percentage of total variance for both traits. Additive main effects and multiplicative interactions and genotype (G) main effects and genotype (G) × environment (E) interaction (GGE) biplot analyses were used to identify stable genotypes and to dissect GEI in chickpea. GGE biplot analysis indicated G + G × E effects accounted for 78.69%, 64.01%, and 95.99% of the total variation for SPC, yield, and HSW, respectively. Environments tended to be positively correlated for all three traits and biplot analysis suggests three mega‐environments. Three genotypes, CA0790B0429C, CA13900147C, and Sierra, consistently had high SPC but low yield. Billy Beans was superior for yield. Nash and CA15940057C consistently had high HSW. No genotype had high SPC, yield, and HSW. Significant positive correlations (r > 0.6) were observed between SPC, days to mature, and plant height. It will be challenging to make substantial gains in SPC using only the genotypes evaluated in this study.
Sex differences in the acute effect of caffeine on repeated sprint performance: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pérez‐López Alberto , Garriga‐Alonso Laura , Montalvo‐Alonso Juan Jesús , Val‐Manzano Marta del , Valades David , Vila Helena , Ferragut Carmen 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to examine sex differences in acute caffeine intake on repeated sprint performance. Fifty‐two resistance‐trained individuals (age: 24.6 ± 4.5 years and sex (female/male): 26/26) participated in a randomized, triple‐blind, cross‐over, and placebo‐controlled study. Participants ingested 3 mg/kg caffeine or placebo and, after 60 min, performed 4 Wingate tests (Wt), consisting of a 30 s all‐out lower‐body sprint against an individualized resisted load, with 90 s rest periods between sprints. Mean (Wmean) and peak (Wpeak) power showed an interaction between sprint and supplement (P = 0.038, ηp2 = 0.095 and P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.157, respectively), but only Wpeak reported a supplement and sex interaction (P = 0.049 and ηp2 = 0.166). Caffeine increased Wmean in Wt3 (3.5%, P = 0.004, and g = 1.059) and Wt4 (3.9%, P = 0.012, and g = 1.091) compared to placebo. Whereas, for Wpeak, caffeine increased Wpeak in the Wt1 (2.9%, P = 0.050 and g = 1.01) and Wt2 (3.2%, P = 0.050, and g = 1.01) in males and in Wt3 (5.2%, P = 0.008, and g = 1.79) and Wt4 (8.1%, P = 0.004, and g = 2.27) in female participants compared to placebo. No statistically significant sex differences were found in time to reach Wpeak, fatigue index. Acute caffeine intake stimulated a similar ergogenic effect on repeated sprint performance in men and women, except in peak power output, where caffeine increased performance during the first sprints in males and the last sprints in female participants.
Common Mutual Information Selection Algorithm and Its Application on Combination Forecasting
Authors: Shen Chenqing , Chen Huayou 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe subset selection of individual prediction methods is gradually becoming a hot topic. Among numerous forecasts, identifying the optimal subset approach has become a major focal point of research. To address this issue, the paper introduces a novel method based on information theory, which is called common mutual information (CMI) selection algorithm. This optimal subset selection method not only simultaneously considers the relationships of three factors, which include the candidate feature set, the selected feature set, and the actual time series, but also provides a more precise treatment of these relationships. Therefore, CMI algorithm employs the mutual information (MI) shared among the three factors as the criterion for selection and improves the accuracy of the redundancy or correlation measure for existing algorithms. Furthermore, it overcomes the deficiency of calculating MI between the candidate subset and the actual time series. Existing algorithms use the average MI values between individual elements within the subset and the actual sequence; this paper takes the selected subset as a multidimensional input for MI computation, thus reducing computational errors. Finally, the proposed algorithm is compared with two other approaches of the MI algorithm, the Max‐Relevance and Min‐Redundancy (mRMR) algorithm in both theoretical and empirical aspects. The experiments are illustrated to show the effectiveness and superiority of CMI algorithm.
Geological and Geochemical Characterisation of Shale as an Unconventional Gas Source and Reservoir Within the Lesser Himalaya, Nepal
Authors: Khadka Kumar , Sang Shuxun , Han Sijie , He Junjie , Baral Upendra , Bhandari Saunak 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe Gondwana and the Foreland shales in the Tansen and Surkhet areas within the Lesser Himalayas, Nepal, have been studied in detail, focusing on unconventional gas potentiality. The geochemical analysis indicates that the Eocene shales have a total organic carbon (TOC) content of up to 1.56%, and the Gondwana shales exhibit ≤ 0.75%. Pyrolysis results show Tmax values above 480°C, and the modified van Krevelen diagram and Hydrogen Index (HI) versus Tmax cross‐plot confirm the presence of type III (gas‐prone) kerogen. Vitrinite reflectance (Ro) values ranging from 1.06% to 2.96% indicate high thermal maturity. Mineralogical analysis reveals a distinct contrast between the shales, with the Gondwana shales showing higher silica content within a brittle‐ductile zone and the Eocene Foreland shales are more richer in clay minerals (56%) and quartz (31%), with superior porosity (2.1% to 8.3%) and organopores, enhancing their reservoir potential. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and petrographic observations further highlight the dominance of vitrinite macerals and organic pores in the Eocene shales. The Eocene Foreland shales of the Bhainskati Formation have favourable carbon content and pyrolytic properties and present a promising target for unconventional gas exploration compared to the Gondwana Sisne Formation. The over‐maturity of the shale resulted from the thrusting over the Lesser Himalaya in the early Miocene. The Main Boundary Thrust, activated from 11 Ma, is active and other tectonic activity impacts gas preservation. Regionally, the Bhainskati Formation is more thermally mature than the Patala Formation in Pakistan and shares similarities with the Subathu Formation in India. Despite having lower TOC content than globally established shales, the Eocene shales warrant further exploration for detailed exploration of their potential as unconventional gas reservoirs.