bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of a novel amphiphilic nanocarrier based on enzymatic polymerization-derived α-1,3-glucan for efficient quercetin encapsulation
Authors: Su Zhengyu , Takeda Yoichi , Matsui Daisuke , Toyotake Yosuke , Wakayama Mamoru 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBiodegradable nanocarriers based on polysaccharide-derived amphiphilic copolymers are promising candidates to enhance drug solubility and stability. This study aimed to design a novel amphiphilic carrier based on enzymatic polymerization-derived exopolysaccharides, α-1,3-glucan. Glycosyltransferase I from Streptococcus mutans was used to synthesize α-1,3-glucan, and the amphiphilic α-1,3-glucan-graft-poly(ε-caprolactone) (Glucan-g-PCL) copolymer was synthesized via a homogeneous ring-opening polymerization (ROP) in ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. The chemical structures and physical properties of Glucan-g-PCL copolymer were characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, XRD, and TGA. The self-assembly behavior of the amphiphilic α-1,3-glucan derivative was investigated by fluorescence probe. The results showed that Glucan-g-PCL exhibited a low critical aggregation concentration (CAC) and formed core-shell structured nanostructure via self-assembly. Quercetin (Qu), a hydrophobic active component, was successfully encapsulated within the Glucan-g-PCL micelle-like nanostructure, showing efficient encapsulation and dispersion in water. Qu/Glucan-g-PCL micelle-like nanostructure (Qu/M) was characterized by DLS, TEM, FT-IR, and XRD. FT-IR and XRD analyses showed that Qu was present in an amorphous state in the formulation and without any chemical reactions during the sample preparation procedures. In addition, the antioxidant properties of the Qu/M were investigated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, and significantly improved antioxidant activity was observed for Qu/M compared to Qu/water. The utilization of Glucan-g-PCL nanostructure encapsulation opens up new possibilities for enhancing and expanding the practical applications of quercetin and α-1,3-glucan.
Graphic Abstract
Geochemistry and volatile contents of olivine-hosted melt inclusions from Mt. Etna tholeiitic and alkaline magmatism
Authors: Giacomoni P. P. , Masotta M. , Delpech G. , Lanzafame G. , Ferlito C. , Villeneuve J. , Coltorti M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe analysis of olivine-hosted melt inclusions (MIs) from the whole sub-alkaline and alkaline magmatic suites of Mt. Etna provides fundamental information about the composition of undifferentiated magmas and their pristine volatile content. Olivine crystals (Fo88-66) were selected for Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) analysis of volatile species (H2O, CO2, F, Cl and S) contained in their host MIs, after preliminary high-pressure/high-temperature re-homogenization, which allowed to reduce the developing of cracks in the host olivine and diffusion-driven outgassing of volatiles from the melt inclusions. This permitted to explore the compositional variability of volatiles of undifferentiated melts and the degassing behavior through the feeding system. The studied MIs show significant major elements compositional heterogeneities (44.57–52.37 wt% SiO2; 3.60–7.51 wt% Na2O + K2O). Fractionation modelling was performed with Rhyolite-MELTs under variable fO2 regimes (∆FMQ + 1.5 to + 3), starting from the less evolved MIs compositions and ultimately reproducing most of the observed compositional trends. Mantle melting modelling was used to replicate the observed MIs composition, starting from a spinel-lherzolitic source, accounting for the alkalinity and Fe content of reproduced melts by varying the eutectic contribution of Amph/Phlog and Opx/Cpx respectively. Although most of the studied MIs were degassed in an open-conduit regime, the observed range of volatile concentration in MIs (2.42–6.14 wt% H2O; 308–8474 ppm CO2; 132–697 ppm F; 221–1766 ppm Cl and 16–1992 ppm S) is correlated with a slight decrease in the molar H2O/(H2O + CO2) ratio from early tholeiites to the recent 2015 alkaline products. This observation allows to estimate a minimum 12,250 ppm CO2 and a maximum of 6.14 wt% H2O in primary melts of the current activity.
ENSEMBLE PLUS: final results of shorter ocrelizumab infusion from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hartung Hans-Peter , Berger Thomas , Bermel Robert A. , Brochet Bruno , Carroll William M. , Holmøy Trygve , Karabudak Rana , Killestein Joep , Nos Carlos , Patti Francesco , Perrin Ross Amy , Vanopdenbosch Ludo , Vollmer Timothy , Buffels Regine , Garas Monika , Kadner Karen , Manfrini Marianna , Wang Qing , Freedman Mark S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Ocrelizumab is an approved intravenously administered anti-CD20 antibody for multiple sclerosis (MS). The safety profile and patient preference for conventional versus shorter ocrelizumab infusions were investigated in the ENSEMBLE PLUS study.

Methods
ENSEMBLE PLUS was a randomized, double-blind substudy to the single-arm ENSEMBLE study (NCT03085810), comparing outcomes in patients with early-stage relapsing–remitting MS receiving ocrelizumab 600 mg over the approved 3.5-h (conventional) versus 2-h (shorter) infusion. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with infusion-related reactions (IRRs) following the first randomized dose (RD); the secondary endpoint included IRR frequency at subsequent RDs.

Results
At first RD, the number of patients with an IRR in the conventional (101/373; 27.1%) versus shorter (107/372; 28.8%) infusion group was similar (difference, stratified estimates [95% CI]: 1.9% [− 4.4, 8.2]). Most IRRs (conventional: 99.4%; shorter: 97.7%) were mild/moderate. IRR frequency decreased over the course of RDs; three patients discontinued from the shorter infusion arm but continued with conventional infusion. Overall, > 98% of IRRs resolved without sequelae in both groups. Pre-randomization throat irritation was predictive of future throat irritation as an IRR symptom. Adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs were consistent with the known ocrelizumab safety profile. On completion of ENSEMBLE PLUS, most patients chose to remain on (95%) or switch to (80%) shorter infusion.

Conclusion
ENSEMBLE PLUS demonstrates the safety and tolerability of shorter ocrelizumab infusions. Most patients remained on/switched to shorter infusion after unblinding; IRRs did not strongly influence patient decisions.
Clinical Trials Registration: Substudy of ENSEMBLE (NCT03085810). Registration: March 21, 2017.
Promising anticancer activity of cromolyn in colon cancer: in vitro and in vivo analysis
Authors: Aliabadi Amin , Haghshenas Mohammad Reza , Kiani Razie , Panjehshahin Mohammad Reza , Erfani Nasrollah 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Colon cancer is a prevalent cancer globally, representing approximately 10% of all cancer cases and accounting for 10% of all cancer-related deaths. Therefore, finding new therapeutic methods with high efficiency will be very valuable. Cromolyn (C), a common anti-allergic and mast cell membrane stabilizing drug, has recently shown valuable anti-cancer effects in several studies. This study was designed to investigate the anti-cancer activity of cromolyn on colon cancer in vitro and in vivo and to determine values such as selectivity index and survival effect.

Methods
HT-29 (colon cancer) and MCF-10 (normal epithelial) cell lines were treated with C and Doxorubicin (DOX; Positive control). IC50 values and the effects of C and DOX on apoptosis were explored using methyl thiazole diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Annexin V/PI Apoptosis Assay Kit. To investigate in an animal study, colon cancer was subcutaneously induced by CT26 cells (mouse colon cancer) in bulb/c mice. Mice were treated with 0.05 LD50 intraperitoneal every other day for 35 days. After the death of mice, tumor volume, tumor weight, and survival rate were evaluated.

Results
C selectively and significantly suppressed the proliferation of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 values for the MCF-10 and HT29 cell lines were 7.33 ± 0.78 μM and 2.33 ± 0.6 μM, respectively. Notably, the selective index (SI) highlighted that C displayed greater selectivity in inhibiting cancer cell growth compared to DOX, with SI values of 3.15 and 2.60, respectively. C exhibited higher effectiveness and selectivity in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells compared to DOX, with a significant p-value (61% vs. 52%, P-value ≤ 0.0001). Also, in mice bearing colon cancer, C reduced the tumor volume (6317 ± 1685mm3) and tumor weight (9.8 ± 1.6 g) compared to the negative control group (weight 12.45 ± 0.9 g; volume 7346 ± 1077) but these values were not statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion
Our study showed that cromolyn is a selective and strong drug in inhibiting the proliferation of colon cancer cells. Based on our results, the efficacy of C in vitro analysis (MTT assays and apoptosis), as well as animal studies is competitive with the FDA-approved drug doxorubicin. C is very promising as a low-complication and good-efficacy drug for cancer drug repositioning. This requires clinical research study designs to comprehensively evaluate its anti-cancer effects.
Microfilaruria of Dirofilaria immitis in a dog from Italy
Authors: Perles Livia , Gernone Floriana , Menga Giuseppe , Taurino Riccardo , Fornelli Stefania , Covino Marianna , Russo Umberto , Ionascu Iuliana , Otranto Domenico 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDirofilaria immitis is a mosquito-borne nematode-causing canine heartworm disease, with adult worms localized in the pulmonary arteries and right heart. In rare cases, ectopic migration might occur, and adults and blood circulating microfilariae can be found in unusual organs or fluids (e.g., eyes, abdominal cavity, bone marrow, and urine). A 17-year-old mixed-breed female dog was presented in a private veterinary clinic in Italy for hematuria and dysuria. Physical examination showed cardiac mitral murmur with marked respiratory distress and cyanotic mucous membranes after handling. Abdominal ultrasounds revealed a non-specific chronic cystopathy, while the echocardiography showed enlargement of the right heart associated with tricuspid insufficiency and mitral regurgitation, with the presence of an adult filariae in the right ventricular chamber. Circulating microfilariae were observed in the blood smear and molecularly identified as D. immitis. Unusual microfilaruria was detected in the urine sediment. Data presented raise awareness about the occurrence of microfilariae in unusual locations, such as the bladder, suggesting the need of a thorough clinical and laboratory assessment where D. immitis is endemic.
A qualitative evaluation of the oncologists’, neurologists’, and pain specialists’ views on the management and care of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in The Netherlands
Authors: van Haren F. G. A. M. , Steegers M. A. H. , Vissers K. C. P. , van den Heuvel S. A. S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
In treating cancer, different chemotherapy regimens cause chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Despite recent international guidelines, a gold standard for diagnosis, treatment, and care is lacking. To identify the current clinical practice and the physicians’ point of view and ideas for improvement, we evaluated CIPN care by interviewing different specialists involved.

Methods
We performed semi-structured, audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded interviews with a purposive sample of oncologists, pain specialists, and neurologists involved in CIPN patients’ care. Data is analyzed by a constant comparative method for content analysis, using ATLAS.ti software. Codes, categories, and themes are extracted, generating common denominators and conclusions.

Results
With oncologists, pain specialists, and neurologists, nine, nine, and eight interviews were taken respectively (including three, two, and two interviews after thematic saturation occurred). While useful preventive measures and predictors are lacking, patient education (e.g., on symptoms and timely reporting) is deemed pivotal, as is low-threshold screening (e.g., anamnesis and questionnaires). Diagnosis focusses on a temporal relationship to chemotherapy, with adjuvant testing (e.g., EMG) used in severe or atypical cases. Symptomatic antineuropathic and topical medication are often prescribed, but personalized and multidimensional care based on individual symptoms and preferences is highly valued. The limited efficacy of existing treatments, and the lack of standardized protocols, interdisciplinary coordination, and awareness among healthcare providers pose significant challenges.

Conclusion
Besides the obvious need for better therapeutic options, and multidisciplinary exploration of patients’ perspectives, a structured and collaborative approach towards diagnosis, treatment, referral, and follow-up, nurtured by improving knowledge and use of existing CIPN guidelines, could enhance care.
E-waste circular economy decision-making: a comprehensive approach for sustainable operation management in the UK
Authors: Yazdi Mohammad , Moradi Rosita , Nedjati Arman , Ghasemi Pirbalouti Reza , Li He 
Published: April 2024

AbstractE-waste generation has broadly increased worldwide and is called intense pressure on sustainable practice implementation firms by recycling and redesigning the products. Thus, e-waste operation management in developed countries like the UK has become the top priority and is subjected to multiple sustainable circular economies (CE) contributing factors, including social, technical, environmental, and governmental policies. The authorized decision-makers can benefit from a well-established systematic decision-making tool to assess and evaluate the e-waste operation management considering the potential CE contributing factors. An extensive literature overview is expanded to identify the most relevant and influential contributing factors to e-waste CE. The city of London Metropolitan has been selected as the case location. In this regard, it is necessary to utilize an advanced multi-criteria decision-making tool to explore the interdependency and causality of CE-relevant factors. The present study proposed an innovative decision-making approach to address the multiple contributing factors of causality, interdependency, data, and model uncertainty in practice. It uses the step-wise weighted influence nonlinear gauge system method integrated with Fermatean fuzzy linguistic sets. This study conducted a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed decision-making approach in e-waste operation management. The results are promising, clearly demonstrating the framework’s competence. The CE index, crucial in designing e-waste operation management strategies, was calculated to be 2.8036. Among the various factors analyzed, “Environmental Management Systems” emerged as the most significant driving factor. This underscores the critical need to improve environmental management systems within e-waste operations.
A hybrid connectionist/LCS for hidden-state problems
Authors: Mitchell Matthew 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper describes and evaluates the performance of a learning classifier system (lcs) inspired algorithm called Temporal Reinforcement And Classification Architecture (traca) on maze navigation tasks which contain hidden state. The evaluation of traca includes comparisons with other learning algorithms on selected difficult maze navigation tasks. Not all lcss are capable of learning all types of hidden-state mazes so traca is specifically compared against selected other lcs-based approaches that are most capable on these tasks, including xcsmh, AgentP (G), and AgentP (SA). Each algorithm is evaluated using a maze navigation task that has been identified as among the most difficult due to recurring aliased regions. The comparisons between algorithms include training time, test performance, and the size of the learned rule sets. The results indicate that each algorithm has its own advantages and drawbacks. For example, on the most difficult maze traca’s average steps to the goal are 10.1 while AgentP (G) are 7.87; however, traca requires an average of only 354 training trials compared with 537 for AgentP (G). Following the maze tasks, traca is also tested on two variations in a truck driving task where it must learn to navigate four lanes of slower vehicles while avoiding collisions. The results show that traca can achieve a low number of collisions with relatively few trials (as low as 24 collisions over 5000 time steps after 10,000 training time steps) but may require multiple network construction attempts to achieve high performance.
Effective Elastic Properties and Micro-mechanical Damage Evolution of Composite Granular Rocks: Insights from Particulate Discrete Element Modelling
Authors: Pothana Prasad , Garcia Fernando E. , Ling Kegang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe mechanical behavior of composite granular rocks is a multifaceted phenomenon with broad relevance in various geomechanical applications. Traditional homogenization models and continuum mechanics-based numerical methods often fall short of accurately capturing the intricacies of granular materials. Granular materials exhibit heterogeneity and arching mechanisms governing the force networks that ensure system stability. Unlike continuum-based approaches, discrete element methods (DEM) have an advantage in assessing effective material properties by considering material heterogeneity and grain-level physical interactions. This study evaluates effective elastic properties using DEM with flat-joint contact law for composite binary mixtures with a stiff inclusion embedded within a matrix material. We examine variations in the elastic properties across different structural and laminated geometrical distributions of inclusion materials. Our findings closely adhere to the Voigt-Reuss and Hashin–Strikman bounds within their specific conditions, demonstrating the promising application of DEM in the analysis of composite materials. In addition, our research provides an in-depth analysis of the distinctive stress-evolution and damage-evolution characteristics exhibited by various geometrical configurations of inclusions under unconfined compressive loading. These results offer invaluable insights into the mechanical behavior of composite granular rocks and underscore the potential applications of DEM in addressing rock physics modeling problems encountered in petroleum engineering.
Trends in incidence and treatments of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage- a 10 year hospital based study
Authors: Ronne-Engström Elisabeth , Borota Ljubisa , Lenell Samuel , Lewén Anders , Mahmoud Ehab , Nyberg Christoffer , Velle Fartein , Enblad Per 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Improved endovascular methods make it possible to treat complex ruptured aneurysms, but surgery is still needed in certain cases. We evaluated the effects on the clinical results of the changes in aneurysm treatment.

Methods
The study cohort was 837 patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and one or multiple aneurysms, admitted to Dept of Neurosurgery, Uppsala University Hospital from 2012 to 2021. Demography, location and treatment of aneurysms, neurologic condition at admission and discharge, mortality and last tier treatment of high intracranial pressure (ICP) was evaluated. Functional outcome was measured using the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) Data concerning national incidences of stroke diseases was collected from open Swedish databases.

Results
Endovascular methods were used in 666 cases (79.6%). In 111 (13.3%) with stents. Surgery was performed in 115 cases (13.7%) and 56 patients (6.7%) had no aneurysm treatment. The indications for surgery were a hematoma (51 cases, 44.3%), endovascular treatment not considered safe (47 cases, 40.9%), or had been attempted without success (13 cases, 11.3%). Treatment with stent devices increased, and with surgery decreased over time. There was a trend in decrease in hemicraniectomias over time. Both the patient group admitted awake (n = 681) and unconscious (n = 156) improved significantly in consciousness between admission and discharge. Favorable outcome (GOSE 5–8) was seen in 69% for patients admitted in Hunt & Hess I-II and 25% for Hunt & Hess III-V. Mortality at one year was 10.9% and 42.7% for those admitted awake and unconscious, respectively.The number of cases decreased during the study period, which was in line with Swedish national data.

Conclusions
The incidence of patients with SAH gradually decreased in our material, in line with national data. The treatment policy in our unit has been shifting to more use of endovascular methods. During the study period the use of hemicraniectomies decreased.
Rising incidence of severe maxillofacial space infections in Germany
Authors: Meisgeier Axel , Pienkohs Simon , Dürrschnabel Florian , Neff Andreas , Halling Frank 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Severe maxillofacial space infection (MSI) as an end stage of dentoalveolar diseases or complication of sialadenitis is a potentially life-threatening disease accompanied by complications including airway obstruction, jugular vein thrombosis, descending mediastinitis, sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and time trends of severe MSI and potentially influencing factors in the German healthcare system over time.

Materials and methods
Nationwide data regarding the national diagnosis-related-group (DRG) inpatient billing system was received from the German Federal Statistical Office. A retrospective analysis of incidence and time trends of MSI-associated procedures classified with the Operation and Procedure Classification System (OPS), were statistically evaluated using Poisson regression analysis between 2005 and 2022 and were associated with different epidemiological factors.

Results
The total standardized incidence rate of MSI-associated procedures in the observational period 2005—2022 was 9.8 (♀8.2; ♂11.4) per 100,000 person years. For all age groups a significant increase of 46.1% in severe MSI – related surgical interventions was registered within the observational period. The largest increase (120.5%) was found in elderly patients over 80 years. There were significant differences of the incidences of MSI-associated surgeries between the different federal states in Germany.

Conclusions
Severe MSI are a growing challenge in German health care especially among elderly patients over 80 years.

Clinical relevance
Severe MSI is a promising target for prevention. There should be more focus in primary dental and medical care especially in groups depending on social support.