bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mangiferin: A natural bioactive immunomodulating glucosylxanthone with potential against cancer and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Akkewar Ashish Sunil , Mishra KM Abha , Sethi Kalyan K. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMangiferin is a naturally occurring glucosylxanthone that has shown promising immunomodulatory effects. It is generally isolated from the leaves, peels, bark, and kernels of Mangifera indica Linn. Mangiferin is like a miraculous natural bioactive molecule that has an immunomodulatory function that makes it a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and cancer. The anticancer activity of mangiferin acts by blocking NF‐κB, as well as regulating the β‐catenin, EMT, MMP9, MMP2, LDH, ROS, and NO, and also by the activation of macrophages. It has no cytotoxic effect on grown chondrocytes and lowers matrix metalloproteinase levels. Additionally, it has a potent proapoptotic impact on synoviocytes. The precise molecular mechanism of action of mangiferin on RA and malignancies is still unknown. This comprehensive review elaborates on the immunomodulatory effect of mangiferin and its anticancer and anti‐RA activity. This also explained the total synthesis of mangiferin and its in vitro and in vivo screening models.
Attenuated replication and damaging effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variants in an intestinal epithelial barrier model
Authors: Volcic Meta , Nchioua Rayhane , Pastorio Chiara , Zech Fabian , Haußmann Isabell , Sauter Daniel , Read Clarissa , Walther Paul , Kirchhoff Frank 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMany COVID‐19 patients suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms and impaired intestinal barrier function is thought to play a key role in Long COVID. Despite its importance, the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) on intestinal epithelia is poorly understood. To address this, we established an intestinal barrier model integrating epithelial Caco‐2 cells, mucus‐secreting HT29 cells and Raji cells. This gut epithelial model allows efficient differentiation of Caco‐2 cells into microfold‐like cells, faithfully mimics intestinal barrier function, and is highly permissive to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Early strains of SARS‐CoV‐2 and the Delta variant replicated with high efficiency, severely disrupted barrier function, and depleted tight junction proteins, such as claudin‐1, occludin, and ZO‐1. In comparison, Omicron subvariants also depleted ZO‐1 from tight junctions but had fewer damaging effects on mucosal integrity and barrier function. Remdesivir, the fusion inhibitor EK1 and the transmembrane serine protease 2 inhibitor Camostat inhibited SARS‐CoV‐2 replication and thus epithelial barrier damage, while the Cathepsin inhibitor E64d was ineffective. Our results support that SARS‐CoV‐2 disrupts intestinal barrier function but further suggest that circulating Omicron variants are less damaging than earlier viral strains.
Intravenous amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid: prescribing practices in Australian hospitals
Authors: Chronas Alexandros , Thursky Karin , Mo Simone , Hall Lisa , James Rodney , Ierano Courtney 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundOral amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid, a broad‐spectrum antimicrobial and one of the most commonly prescribed antimicrobials in Australia, has demonstrated poor prescribing guideline compliance and appropriateness. This may have inadvertent impacts on patient care and safety, from adverse drug reactions to antimicrobial resistance. Intravenous (IV) amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid was first registered in Australia in 2017, reflecting a subsequent and immediate increase in use. There is a need to assess the quality of such prescribing.AimTo describe the quality of IV amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid prescriptions through assessing guideline compliance and appropriateness of use in Australian hospitals.MethodA retrospective data analysis of IV amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid prescriptions from the Hospital National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey database between 2013 and 2021. The main outcomes measured were guideline compliance and appropriateness. Ethical approval was granted by the Melbourne Health Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/74195/MH‐2022).ResultsThe proportion of prescriptions for IV amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid, compared to all other antimicrobials, increased from 0.02% (2013) to 2.3% (2021). Guideline compliance and appropriateness have overall decreased (by 18.9% and 16.7%, respectively). Over time, national guidelines predominantly replaced local guidelines as the primary guideline source for prescribing. The most common reason for inappropriateness was unnecessarily broad spectrum of activity (39.5%).ConclusionIntravenous amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid prescribing continues to increase throughout Australian hospitals, with notable reductions in guideline compliance and appropriateness. Since 2019, the increase in these outcomes coincided with updated national prescribing guidelines, evident by prescribers utilising national over local guidelines. These findings reinforce the concept that antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, including auditing, robust national guidelines and education, are crucial to optimise IV amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid prescribing.
Investigations of Laser‐Assisted Renal Denervation for Treatment of Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Hwang Junghyun , Shin Hwarang , Jung Minwoo , Kang Hyun Wook 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectivesRenal denervation (RDN) is an emerging surgical treatment for resistant hypertension. However, the current RDN using radiofrequency can cause undesirable thermal damage to the medial and luminal layers due to direct contact between the arterial lumen and energy source. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of the new laser‐assisted RDN by exploring the potential treatment conditions.MethodsFor ex vivo testing, six different treatment conditions (10 and 20 W applied for delivery of 300, 450, and 600 J) were tested on the porcine liver and renal artery (RA) by using a continuous wave 1064 nm laser wavelength. The ablated area in the liver tissue was measured to estimate the extent of the coagulated area. Histological evaluation was performed on the treated RA tissues to confirm the extent of thermal nerve damage.ResultsThe ablated depth, length, and area in the liver tissue increased with laser power and total energy. According to the histological results, 20 W groups yielded more significant damage to the RA nerves than 10 W groups at the total energy of 300 J (0.0 ± 0.0 mm for 10 W vs. 2.9 ± 1.0 mm for 20 W), 450 J (1.9 ± 0.6 mm for 10 W vs. 6.8 ± 1.5 mm for 20 W), and 600 J (2.9 ± 0.4 mm for 10 W vs. 7.3 ± 0.8 mm for 20 W). The treated RA exhibited insignificant medial injury in depth (medial thinning ≤ 25%), and no difference in the medial thinning was found among the six groups (p = 0.4).ConclusionThe current study demonstrated that the 1064 nm laser at 20 W with delivery of 450 J could effectively damage the RA nerves with no or minimal injury to the surrounding tissue. The proposed laser‐assisted RDN may enhance physiological effects with insignificant complications in in vivo situations. Further in vivo studies will be conducted to validate the current findings by evaluating the extent of blood pressure reduction and norepinephrine changes after the laser‐assisted RDN on a large animal model.
Fabricating Biodegradable Tissue Scaffolds Through a New Aggregation Triggered Physical Cross‐Linking Strategy of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Polymers
Authors: Kaga Elif , Kaga Sadik 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn the study, a new strategy is presented to make PLGA (poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) and POEGMEMA (poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)) based biodegradable and biocompatible tissue scaffold via a new physical cross‐linking method. The advantage of brushed structure of POEGMEMA polymer and the hydrophobic character of PLGA polymer is taken to make physically entangled network in aqueous media. The hydrophobic nature of PLGA allows to get scaffolds even at low ratio of PLGA (25%, w/w) when using POEGMEMA (yield: 86%). This strategy gives robust polymeric networks in aqueous media without using chemical reactions through high hydrophilic polymer content. Scaffolds with high POEGMEMA ratio (75%, w/w) show two times higher water uptake ratio (≈300%) and two times lower compression strength (19 kPa) compared to the ones with lower POEGMEMA content (50%, w/w). They also show desired degradation profiles in various aqueous solutions. While the scaffolds prepared with 25% and 50% PLGA are almost stable in first 20 days, they completely degrade in 40–50 days. Both scaffold formulations (25% PLGA‐75% POEGMEMA and 50% PLGA‐50% POEGMEMA) have similar proliferative properties for fibroblast cells. The scaffolds also do not show toxicity compared to control group according to live‐dead assay.
Coexistence of Hardening and Softening Phenomena in Elastomeric Polymers under Nano‐Impact Loading
Authors: Kumar Amritesh , Youssef George 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis article reports the coexistence of hardening and softening phenomena when polyurea is submitted to repeated nano‐impacts with various impact forces while controlling the strain rate. The manifestation of these phenomena is further elucidated by interrogating ultraviolet irradiated samples under ambient and nitrogen atmospheres, wherein artificial weathering accelerates hardening by reducing the nano‐impact depths as a function of exposure duration while increasing the impact load, nano‐impact repetitions and strain rate sensitivity favored softening. A 21% and 48% increase in indentation depth are recorded after 100 repetitions at a relatively higher force (10 mN) at a low strain rate and low force (2.5 mN) at a relatively higher rate for pristine and weathered polyurea, respectively. Electron microscopy evidences the induced, progressive damage at the nanoscale based on the agglomeration of hard segments, reduced free volume, and weathering‐induced surface embrittlement.
Gold Nanoparticles‐Modified 2D Self‐Assembled Amphiphilic Peptide Nanosheets with High Biocompatibility and Photothermal Therapy Efficiency
Authors: Xu Youyin , He Peng , Gu Guanghui , Zhu Danzhu , Luan Xin , Mu Rongqiu , Wei Gang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAmphiphilic peptides have garnered significant attention due to their highly designable and self‐assembling behaviors. Self‐assembled peptides hold excellent potential in various fields such as biosensing, environmental monitoring, and drug delivery, owing to their remarkable biological, physical, and chemical properties. While nanomaterials formed by peptide self‐assembly have found widespread use in biomedical applications, the development of 2D peptide nanosheets based on the self‐assembly of amphiphilic peptides remains challenging in terms of rational design and morphology modulation. In this study, rationally designed amphiphilic peptide molecules are self‐assembled into peptide nanosheets (PNS) under specific conditions to encapsulate gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), resulting in the formation of AuNPs/PNS hybrid materials with high photothermal conversion efficiency. The findings demonstrate that 2D PNS enhances the overall photothermal therapy effect of the nanohybrid materials due to their larger hosting area for AuNPs and higher biocompatibility. The well‐designed amphiphilic peptides in this study offer insights into the structural design and functional modulation of self‐assembled molecules. In addition, the constructed biomimetic‐functional 2D inorganic/organic nanohybrid materials hold potential applications in biomedical engineering.
Characterizing T1 in the fetal brain and placenta over gestational age at 0.55T
Authors: Aviles Verdera Jordina , Tomi‐Tricot Raphael , Story Lisa , Rutherford Mary A. , Ourselin Sebastien , Hajnal Joseph V. , Malik Shaihan J. , Hutter Jana 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeT1 mapping and T1‐weighted contrasts have a complimentary but currently under utilized role in fetal MRI. Emerging clinical low field scanners are ideally suited for fetal T1 mapping. The advantages are lower T1 values which results in higher efficiency and reduced field inhomogeneities resulting in a decreased requirement for specialist tools. In addition the increased bore size associated with low field scanners provides improved patient comfort and accessibility. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of fetal brain T1 mapping at 0.55T.MethodsAn efficient slice‐shuffling inversion‐recovery echo‐planar imaging (EPI)‐based T1‐mapping and postprocessing was demonstrated for the fetal brain at 0.55T in a cohort of 38 fetal MRI scans. Robustness analysis was performed and placental measurements were taken for validation.ResultsHigh‐quality T1 maps allowing the investigation of subregions in the brain were obtained and significant correlation with gestational age was demonstrated for fetal brain T1 maps () as well as regions‐of‐interest in the deep gray matter and white matter.ConclusionsEfficient, quantitative T1 mapping in the fetal brain was demonstrated on a clinical 0.55T MRI scanner, providing foundations for both future research and clinical applications including low‐field specific T1‐weighted acquisitions.
Reduction of ringing artifacts induced by diaphragm drifting in free‐breathing dynamic pulmonary MRI using 3D koosh‐ball acquisition
Authors: Ding Zekang , She Huajun , Chen Qun , Du Yiping P. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeTo reduce the ringing artifacts of the motion‐resolved images in free‐breathing dynamic pulmonary MRI.MethodsA golden‐step based interleaving (GSI) technique was proposed to reduce ringing artifacts induced by diaphragm drifting. The pulmonary MRI data were acquired using a superior–inferior navigated 3D radial UTE sequence in an interleaved manner during free breathing. Successive interleaves were acquired in an incoherent fashion along the polar direction. Four‐dimensional images were reconstructed from the motion‐resolved k‐space data obtained by retrospectively binning. The reconstruction algorithms included standard nonuniform fast Fourier transform (NUFFT), Voronoi‐density‐compensated NUFFT, extra‐dimensional UTE, and motion‐state weighted motion‐compensation reconstruction. The proposed interleaving technique was compared with a conventional sequential interleaving (SeqI) technique on a phantom and eight subjects.ResultsThe quantified ringing artifacts level in the motion‐resolved image is positively correlated with the quantified nonuniformity level of the corresponding k‐space. The nonuniformity levels of the end‐expiratory and end‐inspiratory k‐space binned from GSI data (0.34 ± 0.07, 0.33 ± 0.05) are significantly lower with statistical significance (p < 0.05) than that binned from SeqI data (0.44 ± 0.11, 0.42 ± 0.12). Ringing artifacts are substantially reduced in the dynamic images of eight subjects acquired using the proposed technique in comparison with that acquired using the conventional SeqI technique.ConclusionRinging artifacts in the motion‐resolved images induced by diaphragm drifting can be reduced using the proposed GSI technique for free‐breathing dynamic pulmonary MRI. This technique has the potential to reduce ringing artifacts in free‐breathing liver and kidney MRI based on full‐echo interleaved 3D radial acquisition.
Nonnegative low multi‐rank third‐order tensor approximation via transformation
Authors: Song Guang‐Jing , Hu Yexun , Xu Cobi , Ng Michael K. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe main aim of this paper is to develop a new algorithm for computing a nonnegative low multi‐rank tensor approximation for a nonnegative tensor. In the literature, there are several nonnegative tensor factorizations or decompositions, and their approaches are to enforce the nonnegativity constraints in the factors of tensor factorizations or decompositions. In this paper, we study nonnegativity constraints in tensor entries directly, and a low rank approximation for the transformed tensor by using discrete Fourier transformation matrix, discrete cosine transformation matrix, or unitary transformation matrix. This strategy is particularly useful in imaging science as nonnegative pixels appear in tensor entries and a low rank structure can be obtained in the transformation domain. We propose an alternating projections algorithm for computing such a nonnegative low multi‐rank tensor approximation. The convergence of the proposed projection method is established. Numerical examples for multidimensional images are presented to demonstrate that the performance of the proposed method is better than that of nonnegative low Tucker rank tensor approximation and the other nonnegative tensor factorizations and decompositions.
Features of Importance in Nasal Endoscopy: Deriving a Meaningful Framework
Authors: Babahaji Layla M. , Ganeshan Vinayak , Nguyen Thinh S. , Ahmed Omar , Barton Blair M. , Chandra Rakesh , Chen Philip G. , Gudis David A. , Halawi Akaber , Higgins Thomas S. , Joe Stephanie A. , Kuan Edward C. , Marino Michael J. , Patel Zara M. , Ramakrishnan Vijay R. , Rangarajan Sanjeet V. , Riley Charles A. , Roxbury Christopher R. , Tabaee Abtin , Tang Dennis M. , Wu Arthur W. , Yim Michael T. , Bidwell Jonathan , McCoul Edward D. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveCritical components of the nasal endoscopic examination have not been definitively established for either the normal examination or for clinical disorders. This study aimed to identify concordance among rhinologists regarding the importance of examination findings for various nasal pathologies.Study DesignA consortium of 19 expert rhinologists across the United States was asked to rank the importance of findings on nasal endoscopy for 5 different sinonasal symptom presentations.SettingAn online questionnaire was distributed in July 2023.MethodsThe questionnaire utilized JotForm® software and featured 5 cases with a set of 4 identical questions per case, each covering a common indication for nasal endoscopy. Rankings were synthesized into Normalized Attention Scores (NASs) and Weighted Normalized Attention Scores (W‐NASs) to represent the perceived importance of each feature, scaled from 0 to 1.ResultsGeneral concordance was found for examination findings on nasal endoscopy within each case. The perceived features of importance differed between cases based on clinical presentation. For instance, in evaluating postnasal drip, the middle meatus was selected as the most important structure to examine (NAS, 0.73), with mucus selected as the most important abnormal finding (W‐NAS, 0.66). The primary feature of interest for mucus was whether it was purulent or not (W‐NAS, 0.67). Similar analyses were performed for features in each case.ConclusionThe implicit framework existing among rhinologists may help standardize examinations and improve diagnostic accuracy, augment the instruction of trainees, and inform the development of artificially intelligent algorithms to enhance clinical decision‐making during nasal endoscopy.
Determination of optimum production and 3D printer application temperatures for hemp fiber reinforced polycarbonate composites
Authors: Ceylan Engin Irem , Cakici Alp Nese , Aytac Ayse 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study delves into optimizing production parameters and 3D printing (3Dp) conditions for alkaline‐treated 10% hemp fiber‐reinforced polycarbonate (PC) composites. Initially, composite filaments were extruded at 250°C (PCH250) and 230°C (PCH230) to assess the impact of varying melt mixing temperatures on thermal behavior. Thermal characterization was conducted using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC analysis indicated consistent glass transition temperatures (Tg) across pure PC and the composites, while TGA revealed minimal thermal degradation in PCH230 compared to pure PC. Subsequently, to ascertain the optimal 3D printing temperature, specimens were printed at temperatures elevated by 10°C relative to their melt mixing temperatures (PCH250/260 and PCH230/240), followed by mechanical evaluation via tensile testing. PCH230/240 exhibited superior mechanical properties, demonstrating a 12% increase in tensile strength and a 29% increase in Young's modulus compared to pure PC. Additional testing at 230°C printing temperature (PCH230/230) demonstrated enhanced mechanical strength over PCH250/260 but inferior performance relative to PCH230/240, attributed to incomplete interlayer adhesion observed through SEM analysis. Consequently, the optimal composite melt mixing temperature was determined to be 230°C, with an accompanying 3D printing temperature of 240°C for optimal mechanical performance.Highlights
3D printable, 5% NaOH treated hemp fiber reinforced polycarbonate composite.
Printing composite with 3D printing device at different temperatures
230°C process temperature gives the best thermal properties.
240°C 3Dp temperature provides the best mechanical and morphological properties.
A fast and effective stiffness prediction method for short fiber reinforced composites with skin‐core structure
Authors: Zhao Runtian , Wang Zhihui , Li Xiaodong , Gao Haifeng , Wu Ting , Li Yinhui , Liu Jianglin , Chen Zhanchun , Feng Jun , Liang Jianguo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe extrusion procedure used to manufacture Short Fiber Reinforced Composites (SFRCs) results in significant anisotropy in the components due to the skin‐core structure. While there are existing accurate stiffness prediction methods available, there is still a need in engineering for an efficient and cost‐effective prediction method. This work proposes an efficient, low‐cost and effective stiffness prediction method for skin‐core structure using the orientation averaging method and series–parallel model. Initially, the sample is analyzed using industrial CT and metallographic microscopy to ascertain the fiber characteristics and skin‐core dimensions. Furthermore, it is presumed that the skin and core are distinct materials and their stiffness is determined using the orientation averaging method. Finally, the stiffness of the sample is determined by employing a series–parallel model for analyzing stress–strain transmission, which involved merging the skin and core components. Experimental and finite element results confirm the method's accuracy, boasting a calculation time of 31.36 s and a maximum stiffness error below 10%. This method is expected to be applied to automotive, construction and other engineering fields to meet the demand for fast, cost‐efficient and effective stiffness prediction of SFRCs.Highlights
A stiffness prediction method is proposed, which is no modeling required.
Combined with Hashin‐Tsai, orientation average method and series–parallel model.
The stiffness of skin‐core structure is predicted by this method within 31.36 s.
This method can be extended to more complex fiber orientation examples.