bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Green Potentiometric Method for the Determination of Lidocaine Hydrochloride and its Metabolite 2, 6‐Dimethylaniline; Application to Pharmaceutical Dosage Form and Milk
Authors: Saad Ahmed Sayed , Alamein Amal Mahmoud Abou Al , Galal Maha Mohammed , Zaazaa Hala Elsayed 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSustainable chemistry has attracted the attention of scientists during the last decades owing to the great advantages encountered by its application. These include: waste reduction, energy conservation and substitution of hazardous substances with more eco‐friendly ones. Following this approach, a new sensitive and selective membrane sensor was developed and investigated for the determination of lidocaine hydrochloride (LD) and its carcinogenic metabolite 2,6‐dimethylaniline (DMA). Several polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based sensors were tried using different plasticizers as well as different cation exchangers. The best response was achieved upon using dioctylphthalate (DOP) as solvent mediator and phosphotungstate (PT) as cation exchanger. LD was selectively determined at pH 6 without interference from its carcinogenic metabolite, while DMA that had been reported to be the toxic inactive metabolite of LD secreted in the milk was determined in the milk at pH 2. Fast, stable Nernstian responses were achieved by the proposed sensors over a concentration range of 2.66×10−5 M to 1×10−2 M for both LD and DMA. The method was validated according to the IUPAC recommendations and was successfully applied for the determination of LD in pure form and pharmaceutical dosage form, whereas DMA was successfully determined in pure form and spiked milk samples.
Improving the Performance of a Perovskite Solar Cell by Adjusting the Dispersant for Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Jia Jinbiao , Wu Jihuai , Dong Jia , Bao Quanlin , Ge Jihua , Lan Zhang , Lin Jianming , Fan Leqing , Huang Miaoliang 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe electron‐transport layer (ETL) plays an important role in the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this work, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are synthetized by a hydrothermal method. The as‐synthesized TiO2 is dispersed into different alcoholic solvents with different lengths of the carbon chain. The TiO2 ETL is fabricated by spin‐coating TiO2 paste onto a TiO2 blocking layer/FTO. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, steady‐state photoluminescence, time‐resolved photoluminescence, and the photovoltaic performance of the samples and devices are investigated. The results show that the n‐pentanol dispersant can effectively reduce the pinholes and trap states of the TiO2 ETL layer, which enhances the charge carrier transport efficiency and reduces charge recombination. The device achieves an optimal power conversion efficiency of 18.16 %, which is an increase by 23.28 % compared to the common method of using ethanol as the dispersant.
Thermochemical Energy Storage using LiNO3‐Doped Mg(OH)2: A Dehydration Study
Authors: Shkatulov Alexandr I. , Aristov Yuri 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe development of advanced materials with high energy density for thermochemical energy storage (TCES) may contribute to the utilization of waste heat from industries. Here, magnesium hydroxide doped with lithium nitrate is investigated as a candidate material for TCES. The doping with LiNO3 depresses the dehydration start temperature by 76 °C while the dehydration heat is reduced only slightly. Kinetics of the dehydration of the doped material are studied for various salt contents and temperatures. The effect of the salt on dehydration is investigated using a series of complementary physicochemical methods (powder X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption) and a thermodynamic model of the effect is discussed.
Exchange rate forecasting and the performance of currency portfolios
Authors: Crespo Cuaresma Jesus , Fortin Ines , Hlouskova Jaroslava 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe examine the potential gains of using exchange rate forecast models and forecast combination methods in the management of currency portfolios for three exchange rates: the euro versus the US dollar, the British pound, and the Japanese yen. We use a battery of econometric specifications to evaluate whether optimal currency portfolios implied by trading strategies based on exchange rate forecasts outperform single currencies and the equally weighted portfolio. We assess the differences in profitability of optimal currency portfolios for different types of investor preferences, two trading strategies, mean squared error‐based composite forecasts, and different forecast horizons. Our results indicate that there are clear benefits of integrating exchange rate forecasts from state‐of‐the‐art econometric models in currency portfolios. These benefits vary across investor preferences and prediction horizons but are rather similar across trading strategies.
Leea macrophylla Roxb. leaf extract potentially helps normalize islet of β‐cells damaged in STZ‐induced albino rats
Authors: Rahman Md. Atiar , Chowdhury J. M. Kamirul Hasan , Aklima Jannatul , Azadi Mohammad Ali 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis research aims to investigate the protective effects Leea macrophylla Roxb polyphenols on streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Polyphenolic assays were undertaken through established methods. To conduct animal intervention study, forty Wistar albino male rats (average body weight 188.42 ± 7.13 g) of different groups were diabetized by streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) only in the animals of diabetic control (DC) and L. macrophylla extract (LM) groups. At the end of 4 weeks of intervention, serum was analyzed for insulin, liver and cardiac enzymes, lipid profiles, uric acid, and creatinine using ELISA method. In vitro α‐amylase inhibition of LM was evaluated and compared with reference drug acarbose. Pancreatic tissues were undertaken for histopathological screening. Food and fluid intake, weekly blood glucose level, liver glycogen, aspartate transaminase (AST), creatinine kinase (CK‐MB), cholesterol, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly decreased, whereas oral glucose tolerance (OGTT) ability, serum insulin concentration, and pancreatic islets morphology were significantly improved in the LM300 treatment group compared to the DC group. Alpha‐amylase inhibition was not found to be very promising for guiding the α‐amylase inhibition pathway. Results suggest that L. macrophylla can exert a potential effort to restore pancreatic β‐cell damaged by streptozotocin induction.
Comparison Between the Constant Dummy Load and Step Load Shut‐Down Strategy for PEMFCs
Authors: Lin R. , Xia S. , Zhang Q. , Dutruel B. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCarbon corrosion of catalyst layer (CL) caused by start‐up/shut‐down (SU/SD) conditions in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) decreases the durability of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). It is reported that the dummy load shut‐down strategy helps alleviating the carbon corrosion. In this paper, constant load strategy and step load strategy are applied during 900 SU/SD cycles each, to investigate the effects of different dummy load forms on the durability of PEMFC. Reversal current is observed during the last phase of 5 A constant loading process, while there is no reversal current during the step load strategy. The results obtained through polarization curves, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) technologies, prove the step load strategy more efficient to alleviate the performance decay. Therefore, the step load strategy can improve the durability of PEMFC.
Transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery via the tri‐vestibular approach with a hybrid space‐maintaining method: A preliminary report
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Ziyi , Zhao Qunzi , Xie Qiuping , Yan Haichao , Yu Xing , Xiang Cheng , Zhang Maolin , Wang Ping 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundTransoral endoscopic thyroid surgery has been introduced in a few institutions. The purpose of this study was to present an innovative hybrid space‐maintaining method for the tri‐vestibular approach.MethodsEighteen consecutive patients underwent transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy. Three incisions were made in the vestibule. The surgical space was maintained with CO2 insufflation along with a suspension device. Thyroidectomy and central neck dissection (CND) were performed safely and effectively.ResultsThe mean operation time was 124 minutes for a simple lobectomy, subtotal thyroidectomy, and isthmectomy in 8 patients, 172 minutes for hemithyroidectomy with ipsilateral CND in 8 patients, and 205 minutes for total thyroidectomy with ipsilateral CND in 7 patients. Transient superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) injury occurred in 3 patients and transient mental nerve injury was found in 1 patient. No evidence of recurrence or metastasis was found at follow‐up.ConclusionThis approach brings satisfactory cosmetic effect along with minimal invasion. Further study is needed to verify its validity.
Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha inhibitors and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in a cohort of adults with rheumatologic conditions
Authors: Calip Gregory S. , Patel Pritesh R. , Adimadhyam Sruthi , Xing Shan , Wu Zhaoju , Sweiss Karen , Schumock Glen T. , Lee Todd A. , Chiu Brian C.‐H. 
Published: March 2018

Based on limited evidence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning for the use of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha inhibitors (TNFIs) and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Our objective was to determine the risk of NHL associated with TNFI use by duration and type of anti‐TNF agent. We performed a nested case‐control study within a retrospective cohort of adults with rheumatologic conditions from a U.S. commercial health insurance database between 2009 and 2015. Use of TNFIs (infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, golimumab and certolizumab pegol) and conventional‐synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) was identified, and conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for risk of NHL. From a retrospective cohort of 55,446 adult patients, 101 NHL cases and 984 controls matched on age, gender and rheumatologic indication were included. Compared to controls, NHL cases had greater TNFI use (33%vs. 20%) but were similar in csDMARD use (70%vs. 71%). TNFI ever‐use was associated with nearly two‐fold increased risk of NHL (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.16–3.20) with suggestion of increasing risk with duration (P‐trend = 0.05). TNF fusion protein (etanercept) was associated with increased NHL risk (OR = 2.73; 95% CI: 1.40–5.33), whereas risk with anti‐TNF monoclonal antibodies was not statistically significant (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 0.87–3.58). In sensitivity analyses evaluating confounding by rheumatologic disease severity, channeling bias was not likely to account for our results. Our findings support the FDA black box warning for NHL. Continued surveillance and awareness of this rare but serious adverse outcome are warranted with new TNFIs and biosimilar products forthcoming.
A Comparative Analysis of Yield Gaps and Water Productivity on Smallholder Farms in Ethiopia, South Africa and Tunisia
Authors: Jovanovic Nebo , Musvoto Constansia , De Clercq Willem , Pienaar Cou , Petja Brilliant , Zairi Abdelaziz , Hanafi Salia , Ajmi Tarek , Mailhol Jean Claude , Cheviron Bruno , Albasha Rami , Habtu Solomon , Yazew Eyasu , Kifle Muluberhan , Fissahaye Degol , Aregay Gebremeskel , Habtegebreal Kiros , Gebrekiros Abreha , Woldu Yirga , Froebrich Jochen 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAgriculture in developing countries will have to transform and increase production by an estimated 70% in order to meet demands by 2050. Although well‐managed commercial farms offer little manoeuvring space for increasing agricultural water productivity, smallholder farms usually operate at low input costs and therefore provide ample opportunities to reduce the potential yield gap through agricultural intensification. The aim of this paper is to analyse and compare yields and water productivities obtained in field and modelling experiments in Ethiopia (maize, garlic, onion), South Africa (tomato) and Tunisia (tomato, potato, wheat). Innovative agricultural practices were introduced on smallholder farms: irrigation scheduling and NPS Zn fertilization in Ethiopia; high‐yielding cultivar, drip irrigation, mulching and organic amendments in South Africa; and crop water modelling in Tunisia. In general, crop yields increased up to eight times with innovative practices compared to current conventional farming practices. Crop water productivities were fairly stable within the same experiments, but increased with innovations, indicating that intensive farming can be more environmentally sustainable than conventional farming. Intensive farming systems in a resource‐rich environment (high radiation levels, relatively fertile, deep and well‐drained soils), combined with technology transfer and capacity building could be seen as viable strategies to secure food for smallholders and communities in African rural areas, as well as to improve water utilization in water‐scarce catchments. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The protective effects of sciadopitysin against methylglyoxal‐induced cytotoxicity in cultured pancreatic β‐cells
Authors: Suh Kwang Sik , Chon Suk , Choi Eun Mi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIncreased glycation of macromolecules via the reactive dicarbonyl and α‐oxoaldehyde methylglyoxal (MG) has shown an association with diabetes and its complications. In the present study, the protective effects of sciadopitysin against MG‐induced oxidative cell damage were investigated in the insulin‐producing pancreatic β‐cell line, RIN‐m5F cells. When exposed to MG for 48 hours, RIN‐m5F cells experienced significant loss of viability and impaired insulin secretion; however, treatment with sciadopitysin protected RIN‐m5F cells against MG‐induced cell death and decreased insulin secretion. Treatment of RIN‐m5F cells with sciadopitysin prevented MG‐induced production of interleukin‐1β, intracellular reactive oxygen species and cardiolipin peroxidation. Furthermore, sciadopitysin increased adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase phosphorylation of RIN‐m5F cells. Treatment of cells with sciadopitysin increased the activity of glyoxalase I and decreased the levels of MG‐protein adducts, indicating that sciadopitysin protects against MG‐induced protein glycation by increasing MG detoxification. Taken together, the results indicated the potential utility of sciadopitysin as an intervention against MG‐induced cell damage in pancreatic β‐cells.
Approaches based on passive and active antibacterial coating on titanium to achieve antibacterial activity
Authors: Qin Sheng , Xu Kaihang , Nie Binen , Ji Fang , Zhang Hao 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTitanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely applied as orthopedic implants for hip and knee prosthesis, fixation, and dental implants. However, Ti and its alloys are bioinert and susceptible to bacteria and biofilm formation. Strategies for improving the antibacterial properties of Ti can be divided into two approaches, namely, passive coating and active coating on the Ti surface. Passive coating on Ti mainly kills the bacteria in contact but does not kill plankton or bacteria dwell in the bone tissue around the Ti implant. Active coating mainly involves the release of antibacterial agents to kill the bacteria, but this may result in the development of bacterial resistance. Both strategies include advantages and disadvantages. This article reviews the current and potential future approaches for improving antibacterial activity on Ti. We mainly focus on current approaches for fabricating antibacterial Ti and its limitations and countermeasures, and provide direction for further studies of biofunctionalization of Ti with antibacterial properties. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A:2531–2539, 2018.
Bone Health After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Gagnon Claudia , Schafer Anne L 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTBariatric surgery results in long‐term weight loss and improvement or resolution in obesity‐related comorbidities. However, mounting evidence indicates that it adversely affects bone health. This review summarizes clinical research findings about the impact of bariatric surgery on skeletal outcomes. The literature is the largest and strongest for the Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure, as RYGB was the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide until it was very recently overtaken by the sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Because SG is a newer procedure, its skeletal effects have not yet been well defined. Epidemiologic studies have now demonstrated an increased risk of fracture after RYGB and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, both of which include a malabsorptive component. As these epidemiologic data have emerged, patient‐oriented studies have elucidated the bone tissue‐level changes that may account for the heightened skeletal fragility. Bariatric surgery induces early and dramatic increases in biochemical markers of bone turnover. A notable feature of recent patient‐oriented clinical studies is the application of advanced skeletal imaging modalities; studies address the limitations of dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) by using quantitative computed tomography (QCT)‐based modalities to examine volumetric bone mineral density and compartment‐specific density and microstructure. RYGB results in pronounced declines in bone mass at the axial skeleton demonstrated by DXA and QCT, as well as at the appendicular skeleton demonstrated by high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR‐pQCT). RYGB has detrimental effects on trabecular and cortical microarchitecture and estimated bone strength. Skeletal changes after RYGB appear early and continue even after weight loss plateaus and weight stabilizes. The skeletal effects of bariatric surgery are presumably multifactorial, and mechanisms may involve nutritional factors, mechanical unloading, hormonal factors, and changes in body composition and bone marrow fat. Clinical guidelines address bone health and may mitigate the negative skeletal effects of surgery, although more research is needed to direct and support such guidelines. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
CYP2E1 and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms, environmental factors, and the susceptibility to lung cancer
Authors: He Qingfang , Wang Lixin , Zhang Jie , Lu Feng , Gong Weiwei , Pan Jin , Zhong Jieming , Hu Ruying , Yu Min 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationships between the CYP2E1 RsaI polymorphism, GSTM1 polymorphism, and the susceptibility to lung cancer, along with the interactions between environmental factors and these genes.MethodsA case‐control study was carried out to explore the independent effect of gene polymorphisms on risk of lung cancer, and the combined effects of gene loci. The stratification analysis of age, sex, smoking, and drinking combined with positive loci was also analyzed, and any interaction was identified.ResultsThe logistic regression analysis showed that there were statistical relationships between the CYP2E1 RsaI TT genotype and lung cancer, GSTM1 (−) and lung cancer. The combined effect's analysis of these 2 loci showed that, with an increase in the number of risk alleles, the risk of lung cancer also increased (supposing 0 risk allele as the reference group). Subjects carrying 3 risk alleles had the highest risk of developing lung cancer with an adjusted OR = 10.38 (95% CI 2.10‐51.35). Stratified analysis showed that, in women, nonsmoking subjects, or nondrinking subjects, the combined effects could increase the risk of lung cancer; no heterogeneity was found between these layers except sex. The interaction analysis showed that, supposing the male, GSTM1 (+) genotype as the reference, the female, GSTM1 (−) genotype had a significantly increased risk of lung cancer (OR = 2.17 [1.01‐4.70]); when the non‐smoking, GSTM1 (+) genotype subjects was the reference group, smoking, GSTM1 (+) genotype subjects and smoking, GSTM1 (‐) genotype subjects had significantly higher risk of lung cancer (OR = 2.00 [1.01‐3.96], OR = 2.89 [1.28‐6.54]).ConclusionCYP2E1 RsaI TT genotype was a protective factor against the development of lung cancer, while GSTM1 (−) genotype was a risk factor for lung cancer. Increases in the number of the risk alleles also increased lung cancer risk. GSTM1 (−) genotype, sex, and smoking status might interact in the incidence of lung cancer.
Age‐specific pediatric reference ranges for immunoglobulins and complement proteins on the Optilite™ automated turbidimetric analyzer
Authors: Garcia‐Prat Marina , Vila‐Pijoan Gemma , Martos Gutierrez Susana , Gala Yerga Guadalupe , García Guantes Esther , Martínez‐Gallo Mónica , Martín‐Nalda Andrea , Soler‐Palacín Pere , Hernández‐González Manuel 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundMeasurement of immunoglobulins and complement proteins are frontline tests used in the assessment of immune system integrity, and reference values can vary with age. Their measurement provides an insight into the function of the innate and adaptive immune systems.MethodsWe generated pediatric reference ranges for IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, the IgG and IgA subclasses, and C3 and C4 using the Optilite™ turbidimetric analyzer.ResultsThe concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgD showed an increase with age, as expected, while IgM remained stable between the age groups. For the IgG subclasses, no significant differences were observed in IgG1 or IgG3, while IgG2 and IgG4 concentrations increased steadily with age. The concentration of IgG2 plateaued at 15‐18 years, while IgG4 plateaued at 10‐14 years. The trend of concentrations across all groups was IgG1 > IgG2 > IgG3 > IgG4. For both IgA1 and IgA2, concentrations increased significantly with age, plateauing at 15‐18 years. The median IgA1 concentration was greater than IgA2 across all groups. There was a good correlation between the total IgG or IgA concentration and summation of their subclasses (R2 = 0.89, P < .0001, slope y = 0.98x + 14.51 mg/dL and R2 = 0.91, P < .0001, slope y = 1.35x‐3.28 mg/dL, respectively). The concentration of C3 and C4 remained stable across the groups, with no significant differences observed.ConclusionWe have generated age‐specific reference ranges in healthy children for C3, C4, IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD and the IgG and IgA subclasses using the Optilite™ turbidimetric analyzer. These ranges will help identify individuals with abnormal concentrations, thus will aid in the diagnosis of both primary and secondary immunological disorders.