bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uv Spectrophotometric Methods for Determination of Sofosbuvir in Pure Form and Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms in Presence of Its Alkaline Degradate
Authors: Nasr Zeinab Adel , Said Noha S. , Abdel-Razeq Sawsan A. 
Published: April 2020

Aims: Two spectrophotometric methods were developed and validated for the determination of sofosbuvir in presence of its alkaline degradate.
Study Design: Ratio difference and ratio derivative methods were assisted for determination of sofosbuvir in presence of its alkaline degradate, laboratory-prepared mixtures and in tablet dosage forms.
Place and Duration of Study: Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al - Azhar University, between December 2019 and January 2020.
Methodology: Two analytical methods were achieved and validated for the quantitative determination of Sofosbuvir in presence of its alkaline degradate. The first method was ratio difference (RD) method, where the UV absorption spectra of different concentrations of sofosbuvir were divided by the spectrum of a certain concentration (15 µg mL-1) as a devisor of its alkaline degradate to get the ratio difference spectra. Afterwards, the peak amplitudes difference between 253.7 and 243.5 nm were measured. The second method was the ratio derivative (1DR) method, where the first derivative of the ratio spectra (1DR) was obtained and its amplitude was measured at 247 and 268 nm. Good linearity was obtained over the concentration range of 3-15 µg mL-1 for the proposed methods. The proposed procedures were adopted for the selective determination of intact Sofosbuvir in presence of up to 80% of its degradation product. Sofosbuvir was exposed to different conditions as alkaline, acidic and oxidative degradation.
Results: The proposed methods were developed and validated with good linearity range of 3-15 µg mL-1 for both methods, and also with good accuracy and precision. And the obtained results were statistically compared to those obtained by the reported method.
Conclusion: Sofosbuvir was successfully determined by the proposed ratio difference and ratio derivative methods in bulk powder, laboratory prepared mixtures and tablet dosage form with good accuracy and precision. The methods were validated according to ICH guidelines. The results obtained were compared with those of the reported method and were found to be in good agreement.
Antibacterial and Biofilm Inhibition Activities of Nicotiana tabacum Extracts against Streptococcus mutans Isolated from the Oral Cavity
Authors: Nwanekwu K. E. N. 
Published: April 2020

Aim: To determine the antibacterial activity and biofilm inhibitory activity of Nicotiana tabacum leaf extract against Streptococcus mutans isolated from oral cavity.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria, between April and November 2019.
Methodology: The study was carried out using the agar diffusion method for antibacterial activity and microtiter assay method for the biofilm inhibition effect.
Results: All four extracts of hot water, ethanol, acetone and methanol tested against S. mutans had no antibacterial activity as no zone of inhibition was recorded. Likewise, all the extracts did not inhibit the formation of biofilm by the organism on glass. This is seen in the increase of the optical density (OD) values from 0.572 to 0.804 for water, 0.260 to 1.420 for ethanol, 0.216 to 0.626 for acetone and 0.236 to 0.725 for methanol extracts respectively.
Conclusion: This study therefore indicates that N. tabacum does not have antibacterial and biofilm inhibitory against S. mutans. This also explains why a lot of tobacco users still suffer from dental caries and other oral infections caused by S. mutans.
The Effectiveness of Radiowave Surgery in the Treatment of Patients with Melanoma of Iris, Ciliary Body and Choroid
Authors: Maletsky A. , Khomyakova O. 
Published: April 2020

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of radiowave surgery in the treatment of uveal melanoma.
Materials and Methods: The study was performed on the basis of the oncoophthalmology department of the State Institution «Institute of Eye Diseases and Tissue Therapy named by academician V.P. Filatov of the NAMS of Ukraine» during 2009-2019.
Treatment with radio wave knife "Surgitron" manufactured by "Ellman International", was performed in 71 patients with melanoma of the iridociliary and chorioid (mean age 55.7 ± 1.6 years, minimum age 20 years, maximum age 77 years, Me (25%, 75%) = 59.0 (46.0; 65.0). These patients were split into two groups: 45 (61.6%) patients with melanoma localization in the iris and ciliary body (I group) and 28 (38.4%) patients with melanoma mostly affecting the ciliary body and choroidea (II group). In patients with melanoma of the ciliary choroidal region, a 40-day course of external β-therapy (Sr90+ Y90) was performed (25-30‘, RD = 40 Gy, LAD = 400 Gy). The follow-up period after the intervention was 10 years. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance using Statistica 13.0 software (Dell StatSoft Inc, USA).
Results and Discussion: The use of a radio wave knife in resection of the UM allowed to maintain the ascending visual acuity in 100% operated for 12 months. The frequency of eye subatrophy in the subsequent stages of observation did not exceed 5%. The frequency of tumor recurrence when using a radio wave knife within 24 months of observation does not exceed 15%. The incidence of postoperative complications with the use of a radio wave knife does not exceed 5%. Low incidence of complications and recurrences, better five-year survival rate using radiowave surgical method allows to recommend it for wide use in combined treatment of uveal melanoma.
Conclusion: Radiowave knife is safe and clinically effective method of surgical treatment of uveal melanoma.
Association of Quadriceps Adiposity With an Increase in Knee Cartilage, Meniscus, or Bone Marrow Lesions Over Three Years
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Link Thomas M. , Jafarzadeh S. Reza , LaValley Michael P. , Majumdar Sharmila , Souza Richard B. 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association of fatty infiltration of the quadriceps and vastus medialis (VM) with an increase in knee cartilage, meniscus, or bone marrow lesions, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in knee osteoarthritis (OA) over 3 years.MethodsParticipants (n = 69) with and without radiographic knee OA underwent MRI at baseline and 3 years later. Chemical shift–based water/fat MRI was used to quantify the intramuscular fat fraction and the lean anatomical cross‐sectional area (ACSA) for the VM and entire quadriceps muscles. MRI images of the knee were analyzed using the semiquantitative modified whole‐organ MRI score (mWORMS) grading to assess change in lesions in the articular cartilage, meniscus, and bone marrow. Logistic regression was used to assess whether baseline quadriceps and VM fat fraction and lean ACSA were associated with an increase in mWORMS scores. Odds ratios (ORs) were adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index.ResultsOverall, of the 69 subjects, 43 (62%) had an increase in cartilage lesions (26 of 43), meniscus lesions (19 of 43), or bone marrow lesions (22 of 43) scores. The quadriceps (OR 2.13 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.09–4.15]) and VM (OR 2.05 [95% CI 1.25–3.36]) fat fraction were both associated with an increase in cartilage, meniscus, or bone marrow lesion scores over 3 years. The association of quadriceps or VM lean ACSA with the outcomes was not significant.ConclusionThese longitudinal findings using quantitative MRI methods for assessment of muscle adiposity highlight the role of quadriceps adiposity, specifically in the VM, in knee OA progression. However, studies in larger cohorts are needed to confirm these findings.
Shared Decision‐Making Applied to Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials
Authors: Riddle Daniel L. , Sando Trisha , Tarver Talicia , Slover James , Sierra Rafael J. , Brito Juan P. , Montori Victor M. 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveShared decision‐making (SDM) is a strongly endorsed approach by which patients and clinicians work together to formulate a sensible care plan. The present study was undertaken to conduct a systematic review of SDM trials in patients considering knee arthroplasty (KA) to characterize how SDM was supported and the impact on care received.MethodsWe searched multiple bibliographic databases from inception to December 31, 2019. A pair of reviewers working independently selected studies for inclusion, extracted data, and evaluated each trial’s risk of bias.ResultsWe found 6 eligible randomized trials (4 included KA and hip arthroplasty), all of which tested the same proprietary decision aid (DA) (Treatment Choices for Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis), with some adding other materials to support SDM. These trials, all of which had moderate‐to‐high risk of bias, focused on assessing the effect of the DA on patient knowledge about the options while not explicitly supporting other aspects of SDM, such as choice awareness, deliberation, or decision‐making. One trial found an increase in the number of African American patients undergoing KA in the 12 months following the intervention. No other trials found that SDM impacts clinical outcomes.ConclusionEvidence for SDM in patients considering KA is mostly limited to a single DA. While use of this DA improves patient knowledge about their treatment options, this tool has not been shown to promote SDM, impact treatment decisions, or satisfaction with care. Future work should seek to support SDM directly and assess effects on treatment decisions, functional outcomes, and satisfaction.
Ultrasmall Semiconducting Polymer Dots with Rapid Clearance for Second Near‐Infrared Photoacoustic Imaging and Photothermal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Men Xiaoju , Wang Fei , Chen Haobin , Liu Yubin , Men Xiaoxiao , Yuan Ye , Zhang Zhe , Gao Duyang , Wu Changfeng , Yuan Zhen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPhototheranostic agents in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) window (1000–1700 nm) are emerging as a promising theranostic platform for precision medicine due to enhanced penetration depth and minimized tissue exposure. The development of metabolizable NIR‐II nanoagents for imaging‐guided therapy are essential for noninvasive disease diagnosis and precise ablation of tumors. Herein, metabolizable highly absorbing NIR‐II conjugated polymer dots (Pdots) are reported for the first time for photoacoustic imaging guided photothermal therapy (PTT). The unique design of low‐bandgap D‐A π‐conjugated polymer (DPP‐BTzTD) together with modified nanoreprecipitation conditions allows to fabricate NIR‐II absorbing Pdots with ultrasmall (4 nm) particle size. Extensive experimental tests demonstrate that the constructed Pdots exhibit good biocompatibility, excellent photostability, bright photoacoustic signals, and high photothermal conversion efficiency (53%). In addition, upon tail‐vein intravenous injection of tumor‐bearing mice, Pdots also show high‐efficient tumor ablation capability with rapid excretion from the body. In particular, both in vitro and in vivo assays indicate that the Pdots possess remarkable PTT performance under irradiation with a 1064 nm laser with 0.5 W cm−2, which is much lower than its maximum permissible exposure limit of 1 W cm−2. This pilot study thus paves a novel avenue for the development of organic semiconducting nanoagents for future clinical translation.
Engineering Facets and Oxygen Vacancies over Hematite Single Crystal for Intensified Electrocatalytic H2O2 Production
Authors: Gao Ruijie , Pan Lun , Li Zhengwen , Shi Chengxiang , Yao Yunduo , Zhang Xiangwen , Zou Ji‐Jun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHydrogen peroxide is a highly valuable chemical, and electrocatalytic oxygen reduction towards H2O2 offers an alternative method for safe on‐site applications. Generally, low‐cost hematite (α‐Fe2O3) is not recognized as an efficient electrocatalyst because of its inert nature, but it is herein reported that α‐Fe2O3 can be endowed with high catalytic activity and selectivity via the engineering of facets and oxygen vacancies. Density‐functional theory (DFT)calculations predict that the {001} facet is intrinsically selective for H2O2 production, and that oxygen vacancies can trigger the high activity, providing sites for O2 adsorption and protonation, stabilizing the *OOH intermediate, and preventing cleavage of the OO bond. The synthesized oxygen‐defective α‐Fe2O3 single crystals with exposed {001} facets achieve high selectivities for H2O2 of >90%, >88%, and >95% in weakly acidic, neutral, and alkaline electrolytes, respectively, and the H2O2 production rate reaches 454 mmol g−1cat h−1 at 0.1 V versus RHE under alkaline conditions. In an anion exchange membrane fuel cell, a maximum H2O2 production of 546.8 mmol L−1 with a high Faradaic efficiency of 80.5% is achieved. Thus, this work details a low‐cost catalyst feasible for H2O2 synthesis, and highlights the feasibility of theoretical catalyst design for practical applications.
Recent Advances in Non‐Noble Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts toward Large‐Scale Production
Authors: Zeng Kai , Zheng Xiangjun , Li Cong , Yan Jin , Tian Jing‐Hua , Jin Chao , Strasser Peter , Yang Ruizhi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are crucial reactions in energy conversion and storage systems including fuel cells, metal–air batteries, and electrolyzers. Developing low‐cost, high‐efficiency, and durable non‐noble bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts is the key to the commercialization of these devices. Here, based on an in‐depth understanding of ORR/OER reaction mechanisms, recent advances in the development of non‐noble electrocatalysts for ORR/OER are reviewed. In particular, rational design for enhancing the activity and stability and scalable synthesis toward the large‐scale production of bifunctional electrocatalysts are highlighted. Prospects and future challenges in the field of oxygen electrocatalysis are presented.
Self‐Powered Flexible TiO2 Fibrous Photodetectors: Heterojunction with P3HT and Boosted Responsivity and Selectivity by Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Zheng Lingxia , Deng Xiaolei , Wang Yongzhi , Chen Jiaxin , Fang Xiaosheng , Wang Liang , Shi Xiaowei , Zheng Huajun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA novel inorganic–organic heterojunction (TiO2/P3HT (poly(3‐hexylthiophene)) is easily prepared by a combination of anodization and vacuumed dip‐coating methods, and the constructed flexible fibrous photodetector (FPD) exhibits high‐performance self‐powered UV–visible broadband photoresponse with fast speed, high responsivity, and good stability, as well as highly stable performance at bending states, showing great potential for wearable electronic devices. Moreover, Au nanoparticles are deposited to further boost the responsivity and selectivity by regulating the sputtering intervals. The optimal Au/TiO2/P3HT FPD yields an ≈700% responsivity enhancement at 0 V under 350 nm illumination. The sharp cut‐off edge and high UV–visible rejection ratio (≈17 times higher) indicate a self‐powered flexible UV photodetector. This work provides an effective and versatile route to modulate the photoelectric performance of flexible electronic devices.
A One‐Pot Route to Faceted FePt‐Fe3O4 Dumbbells: Probing Morphology–Catalytic Activity Effects in O2 Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Jenkinson Kellie J. , Wagner Andreas , Kornienko Nikolay , Reisner Erwin , Wheatley Andrew E. H. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe design and synthesis of faceted nanoparticles with a controlled composition is of enormous importance to modern catalyst engineering. Faceted FePt‐Fe3O4 dumbbell nanoparticles are prepared by a simple, one‐pot technique that avoids the need for expensive additives or preformed seeds. The faceted product consists of an FePt octopod and a cubic Fe3O4 lobe, of mean diameter 13.6 and 14.9 nm, respectively. The mass normalized activity for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction shows that this new structure types outperforms related catalysts in alkaline media. This work illustrates the power of morphology control and tailoring crystal facet abundance at the nanoparticle surface for enhancing catalytic performance.
Durable Antibacterial Cotton Fabrics Based on Natural Borneol‐Derived Anti‐MRSA Agents
Authors: Yang Liu , Zhan Chengdong , Huang Xiangyue , Hong Liangzhi , Fang Liming , Wang Wen , Su Jianyu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBorneol, a natural extract with unique bicyclic monoterpene structure, has attracted increasing attention due to its broad‐spectrum antibacterial properties via membrane disruption mechanism. However, the negligible water solubility of borneol limits its antibacterial efficiency. Herein, borneol‐based water‐soluble antibacterial agents are designed and synthesized to combat multi‐drug resistant bacteria. The integration of borneol with hydrophilic poly(N,N‐dimethylethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) polymer chains boosts the antibacterial capability of borneol against Gram‐negative, Gram‐positive, and even multi‐drug resistant bacteria. Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are completely killed upon treatment with 50 µg mL−1 of borneol‐based polymers and Escherichia coli are annihilated at 39 µg mL−1. It is further demonstrated that the borneol‐based antibacterial agents can be grafted onto cotton fabrics as a nonleaching antibacterial agent, which have higher sustained antibacterial activity than cotton fabrics coated with the commercial quaternary ammonium finishing agents (AEM 5700). The functionalized fabrics with excellent bactericidal activity, especially against MRSA, may have great potential applications in managing hospital‐acquired infections.
3D Printing of Bioinspired Biomaterials for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Li Tian , Chang Jiang , Zhu Yufang , Wu Chengtie 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBiological systems, which possess remarkable functions and excellent properties, are gradually becoming a source of inspiration for the fabrication of advanced tissue regeneration biomaterials due to their hierarchical structures and novel compositions. It would be meaningful to learn and transfer the characteristics of creatures to biomaterials design. However, traditional strategies cannot satisfy the design requirements of the complicated bioinspired materials for tissue regeneration. 3D printing, as a rapidly developing new technology that can accurately achieve multimaterial and multiscale fabrication, is capable of optimizing the fabrication of bioinspired materials with complex composition and structure. This review summarizes the recent developments in 3D‐printed bioinspired biomaterials for multiple tissue regeneration, and especially highlights the progresses on i) traditional bioinspired designs for biomaterials fabrication, ii) biological composition inspired designs for the 3D‐printed biomaterials, and iii) biological structure inspired designs for the 3D‐printed biomaterials. Finally, the challenges and prospects for the development of 3D‐printed bioinspired biomaterials are discussed.
Shadow Epitaxy for In Situ Growth of Generic Semiconductor/Superconductor Hybrids
Authors: Carrad Damon J. , Bjergfelt Martin , Kanne Thomas , Aagesen Martin , Krizek Filip , Fiordaliso Elisabetta M. , Johnson Erik , Nygård Jesper , Jespersen Thomas Sand 
Published: April 2020

AbstractUniform, defect‐free crystal interfaces and surfaces are crucial ingredients for realizing high‐performance nanoscale devices. A pertinent example is that advances in gate‐tunable and topological superconductivity using semiconductor/superconductor electronic devices are currently built on the hard proximity‐induced superconducting gap obtained from epitaxial indium arsenide/aluminum heterostructures. Fabrication of devices requires selective etch processes; these exist only for InAs/Al hybrids, precluding the use of other, potentially superior material combinations. This work introduces a crystal growth platform—based on 3D structuring of growth substrates—which enables synthesis of semiconductor nanowire hybrids with in situ patterned superconductor shells. The platform eliminates the need for etching, thereby enabling full freedom in the choice of hybrid constituents. All of the most frequently used superconducting hybrid device architectures are realized and characterized. These devices exhibit increased yield and electrostatic stability compared to etched devices, and evidence of ballistic superconductivity is observed. In addition to aluminum, hybrid structures based on tantalum, niobium, and vanadium are presented.
Graphdiyne‐Based Flexible Photodetectors with High Responsivity and Detectivity
Authors: Zhang Ye , Huang Pu , Guo Jia , Shi Rongchao , Huang Weichun , Shi Zhe , Wu Leiming , Zhang Feng , Gao Lingfeng , Li Chao , Zhang Xiuwen , Xu Jialiang , Zhang Han 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGraphdiyne (GDY), a newly emerging 2D carbon allotrope, has been widely explored in various fields owing to its outstanding electronic properties such as the intrinsic bandgap and high carrier mobility. Herein, GDY‐based photoelectrochemical‐type photodetection is realized by spin‐coating ultrathin GDY nanosheets onto flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrates. The GDY‐based photodetectors (PDs) demonstrate excellent photo‐responsive behaviors with high photocurrent (Pph, 5.98 µA cm‐2), photoresponsivity (Rph, 1086.96 µA W‐1), detectivity (7.31 × 1010 Jones), and excellent long‐term stability (more than 1 month). More importantly, the PDs maintain an excellent Pph after 1000 cycles of bending (4.45 µA cm‐2) and twisting (3.85 µA cm‐2), thanks to the great flexibility of the GDY structure that is compatible with the flexible PET substrate. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are adopted to explore the electronic characteristics of GDY, which provides evidence for the performance enhancement of GDY in alkaline electrolyte. In this way, the GDY‐based flexible PDs can enrich the fundamental study of GDY and pave the way for the exploration of GDY heterojunction‐based photodetection.
Sprayable, Superhydrophobic, Electrically, and Thermally Conductive Coating
Authors: Baldelli Alberto , Ou Junfei , Barona David , Li Wen , Amirfazli A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA simple to make, multifunctional, heatable, and sprayable superhydrophobic and electrically conductive coating is developed by dispersing carbon nanofibers (CNFs) into a water repelling polymer matrix. The developed coating exhibits an average static and hysteresis contact angles of 160° and 5°, respectively. An electrical conductivity of 1100 S m−1 and a thermal conductivity of 0.001 W m−1 K−1 are obtained with a sample of dimensions: 3 cm × 1 cm × 20 µm. A 12 µm thick coating under an average electric current of 75 mA reaches to a surface temperature of more than 140 °C for a dry coating. The coating when in contact with ice or water (water at 25 °C for 300 h, and at 85 °C for less than an hour) does not show a deterioration of wetting performance. Furthermore, it is shown how this coating can be used to mitigate the ice formation on cold surfaces. The ability of application of the developed coating to various substrates is also shown.